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HANK1 asked on 02/21/09 - HEAVEN Do they have sex in Heaven? revdauphinee answered on 03/02/09: 25. When the dead rise, they will neither marry nor be given in marriage; they will be like the angels in heaven. so your answer is no!too bad for the muslims with all those virgins waiting for them! CeeBee2 rated this answer HANK1 rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 02/10/09 - Left without protection Contraversial Pastor Danny Niallah has blamed the Victoria, Australia, bushfire disaster on withdrawal of God's protection http://www.smh.com.au/national/pastors-abortion-dream-inflames-bushfire-tragedy-20090210-832f.html This is very contraversial stuff and Victoria has been at the forefront of liberalising laws but has the decriminalisation of abortion gone too far? I too had a prophesy in 1993 that God would burn up the southland and it certainly has burned since that time. What do you think? revdauphinee answered on 02/16/09: as was said here after 9/11 if you take your trust away from God he takes his hand of protection off of you! Mathatmacoat rated this answer paraclete rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 02/04/09 - Lies told about Jesus I never fail to wonder at the depths the Muslim mind will plumb to muddy the waters and enlist the unsuspecting to their cause. Yasser Arafat called Jesus the first Palistinian revolutionary who had come to fight Roman oppression. Jesus is seen as a role model for fighting today's oppressors, the Israelis. What absolute rubbish to suggest that Jesus, a jew, would side with the Palistinians against his own people. What a failure to understand Jesus role when he had distictly said at his trial, my kingdom is not of this Earth and when he specifically denied he was leading a rebellion when arrested.. Arafat also said that Peter was the first palistinian Pope, a very twisted view of the facts since the position of Pope did not exist until centuries later and Peter was Jewish not Palistinian. This was an attempt to embroil the Catholic Church into taking sides in teh conflict Some arab Christians have portrayed the Palistininas as the body of Christ which is still being crucified by the Jews. Even though the Jews of the day said that the guilt of Jesus death should be on their shoulders, it was the Romans who crucified Jesus. Why then are they not comparing the Israeli with the Roman. many palistinians are said to be proud Jesus was born in their country, Very misguided when they are in conflict with the descendents of the jews who were also born in "their" country. Have you heard other lies perpetrated by Christians and Muslims for political purposes which twist the facts and attempt to draw Christians into their conflict by using Jesus. I feel that Jesus would tell both sides to exercise love and forgive. What do you think? revdauphinee answered on 02/14/09: yes it is true that the muslims are mis led in thier information but so also are many many of our organised Christian churches!as you said study the word and you will know the truth and the truth will set you free! paraclete rated this answer

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Hwood asked on 09/26/08 - those already dead? I have a question about the ones who died before Jesus came to earth. What saved them, or how did they get saved? Are they saved today,or are they still in hell? revdauphinee answered on 09/27/08: they like the rest of the dead sleep when they arise God will judge them also (Jb.14:12 so man lies down and does not rise; till the heavens are no more, men will not awake or be roused from their sleep. ) (Dn.12:2 Multitudes who sleep in the dust of the earth will awake: some to everlasting life, others to shame and everlasting contempt. ) Hwood rated this answer

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Ch.Petrus.82 asked on 08/08/08 - The old question....again Do any of you really believe that the world began 6,000 years ago on a "divine drawing board"? revdauphinee answered on 08/09/08: I dont pretend to know !!I believe God is the creator however as recorded in 2nd Peter 3: 8. But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day. so i do not even try to put God under man made time he works in his own not ours Ch.Petrus.82 rated this answer MaggieB rated this answer

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Ch.Petrus.82 asked on 07/22/08 - Message from ATON/DOMINO My old buddy is doing just fine and he asked me to pass on this message "Let my friends know I miss them, and my enemies can kiss my butt." IMO, he is needed on this board, what do you think? Pete revdauphinee answered on 07/23/08: Im so glad to hear he is getting better unfortunatly without him this board isnt! Ch.Petrus.82 rated this answer server rated this answer timelessone rated this answer

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curious98 asked on 07/22/08 - Red telephone with God? John McCain or Barak Obama! Does anyone believe that whoever of these two persons wins the White House will claim -as G.W.Bush did- that he is in direct touch with GOD Almighty who told him to fight the Axis of Evil? BTW hoe come that God seems to have change his mind and told GWB to remove Northern Korea and Iran from that Axis? Curious98 revdauphinee answered on 07/23/08: with regard to Geo Bush or anyone else who uses the Lords name as they do !God Himself has something to say ! Matthew7- 20. Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them. 21. Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. 22. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? 23. And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity. curious98 rated this answer tomder55 rated this answer

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curious98 asked on 07/08/08 - Arcura Arcura, who for some reason has been suspended from this Board, has just suffered a serious Diabetes Stroke which he is trying to recover from. For several hours he was a prisoner in a body that would not respond to anything his mind wanted it to. He was on the floor, could not speak, just made noise, and his body would not function as he wanted. He could not get up. If he wanted his hands and arms to work his legs would squirm and visa versa. He claims it was a nightmare while still awake, and I fully believe it. The ambulance took him to the hospital where they juiced me up with sugar and other things. After several hours they let his wife take him home if he would eat breakfast right away. He was told that If he had not been treated as quickly as he was he could have gone into a coma or died. He begs me to tell his friends at Answerway and others to pray for him. Thank you all Curious98 revdauphinee answered on 07/19/08: he is certainly in my prayer cause as a Diabetic myself I know just how dangerous it can be i dont come here nearly as often as I used to but on many occasions i have comunicated with Arcura, and founf him most intersting please anyone who is able to give him my love and regards Dorothy curious98 rated this answer

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Bobbye asked on 06/13/08 - GOSPEL MUSIC: Dottie Rambo Other and Maggie and me, did any of you follow the illustrious career of songwriter/poet/musician Dottie Rambo, who was killed in a tour-bus accident several weeks ago? Dottie wrote over 2500 Gospel songs,the most famous of which was "We Shall Behold Him," sung by Sandi Patti. Unexcelled in Gospel music! If you enjoyed her talent, what was your favorite of her "classics?" Thanks. Bobbye revdauphinee answered on 06/14/08: i loved her had seen her on tv many times i did not hear of her death I am so sory heaven has gained a great talent ! Bobbye rated this answer MaggieB rated this answer

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Bobbye asked on 06/13/08 - GOSPEL MUSIC: Dottie Rambo Other and Maggie and me, did any of you follow the illustrious career of songwriter/poet/musician Dottie Rambo, who was killed in a tour-bus accident several weeks ago? Dottie wrote over 2500 Gospel songs,the most famous of which was "We Shall Behold Him," sung by Sandi Patti. Unexcelled in Gospel music! If you enjoyed her talent, what was your favorite of her "classics?" Thanks. Bobbye revdauphinee answered on 06/14/08: i loved her had seen her on tv many times i did not hear of her death I am so sory heaven has gained a great talent ! Bobbye rated this answer

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STONY asked on 05/27/08 - can it really be possible? it is no secret, i am 59, my lady is 29, i popped the big question today and she said "yes." now, when the dust settles we'll see where we are at. i shall keep you posted. but for the moment, "i am ecstatic!!" join me in my joy...tony revdauphinee answered on 05/28/08: tony aGE IS JUST MIND OVER MATTER IF SHE DONT MIND THEN IT DONT MATTER!congrats to you both arcura rated this answer STONY rated this answer

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arcura asked on 05/24/08 - Will you please?.................................... remember those who gave their lives for your country on this memorial day? revdauphinee answered on 05/24/08: It bears repeating: “Freedom is not free.” To all the veterans who will read this email, I humbly thank you. Words tremble on my lips and emotions swell in my heart in my attempt to humbly thank each and every one of you. Words cannot express my depth of gratitude for your service and your sacrifice. To all the families of veterans who have endured days, weeks, months, and even years, without their loved ones, I thank you. You, too, have paid a dear price for the freedom that is not free. To all of you who are currently on active duty or have family members on active duty, I thank you. Let my grateful tears thank you for the nights you have slept freezing in a tent or sweating in the desert, for the days you have spent lonely missing your loved ones. Thank you all for the sacrifices you have made and are making on our behalf. And may we never forget the ultimate sacrifice that so many have made so that we might be free. May their legacy be honored for generations to come. May their blood not have been shed in vain. May we prove worthy of the sacrifice they have made for us. All of you are my heroes. You are our national treasure. I salute you one and all. For you and the country we love, THANK YOU!! arcura rated this answer

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STONY asked on 05/13/08 - O.J.SIMPSON HIGH ON POT.... CONFESSES TO KILLING NICOLE HIS WIFE. DIDN'T GOD SAY ALL THINGS WILL BE REVEALED AND NOTHING WILL BE HIDDEN. ITS ABOUT TIME THE TRUTH COMES OUT... revdauphinee answered on 05/13/08: I ALWAYS FELT IT WOULD HAPPEN ONE DAY HOWEVER DUE TO THE LAW OF DOUBLE jepardy he cannot be prosecuted so he as we all felt got away with murder!(sory for the caps) Hwood rated this answer Liz22 rated this answer server rated this answer STONY rated this answer

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MaggieB asked on 04/14/08 - Genealogy Genealogy A little girl asked her mother, 'How did the human race appear?' The mother answered, 'God made Adam and Eve and they had children and so was all mankind made.' Two days later the girl asked her father the same question. The father answered, 'Many years ago there were monkeys from which the Human race evolved.' The confused girl returned to her mother and said, 'Mom, how is it possible that you told me the human race was created by God, and Dad said they developed from monkeys?' The mother answered, 'Well, dear, it is very simple. I told you about my side of the family and your father told you about his.' revdauphinee answered on 05/04/08: this is great can i have your permission to pass it on?

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PrinceHassim asked on 04/14/08 - What does the Bible say about .................. Those who distort the truth and manufacture untruths, then pass them off as truth? Does the Bible offer any excuse for them? Does it applaud prevaricators? Does it consider being truthful in all things as and essential or as a non-obligatory suggestion? What happens to twisters, distorters, liars, and bigots at Final Judgement? Scriptural citations to support your findings, please. Ronnie revdauphinee answered on 05/04/08: God himself said you are not to bear false witness does this not apply to this?

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bal317 asked on 04/07/08 - Women in the Bible? In the Bible do we see any men listening with honest intent to what the women in the Bible did or said? Or any woman being spoke of in the same equality as any of the men? Or, does the Bible seem to show,women more or less just being around with little voice and not recognized for what they wittnessed? Lastly,who would you say was the most trusted and recognized women from the Bible other than Mary, Jesus's Mother? And why? revdauphinee answered on 04/07/08: was it not to the women jesus first appeared after the crucifiction?? Mark 16:When Jesus rose early on the first day of the week, he appeared first to Mary Magdalene, out of whom he had driven seven demons. 10. She went and told those who had been with him and who were mourning and weeping. Im sure they listened to her then! bal317 rated this answer ladybugca rated this answer Toms777 rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 02/08/08 - What's next - beheadings in Whitehall? Sometimes I wonder where some "Christians" have gone ? Sharia law in UK 'unavoidable': archbishop February 8, 2008 - 11:12AM The archbishop of Canterbury has called for a limited application of Islamic law in Britain - winning immediate praise from British Muslims. The unusual proposal from Britain's highest ranking Christian leader would, if adopted, allow British Muslims to choose to resolve marital and financial disputes under Sharia, or Islamic law, rather than through British courts. Archbishop Rowan Williams said in a radio interview with BBC radio that incorporating Islamic law could help improve Britain's flagging social cohesion. Williams said making such a move seemed "unavoidable". "Certain provisions of Sharia are already recognised in our society and under our law, so it's not as if we're bringing in an alien and rival system," said Williams, who gave a speech on the topic tonight. Prime Minister Gordon Brown's spokesman immediately rejected Williams' proposal. "The prime minister believes British law should apply in this country, based on British values," spokesman Michael Ellam said. The idea was also rejected by Sayeed Warsi, the shadow minister for Community Cohesion and Social Action. She said all British citizens had to be subject to the same laws developed by Parliament. Williams said he was not advocating that Britain allow some of the more extreme aspects of Sharia, which has been associated with harsh punishments meted out by Islamic courts in Saudi Arabia and some other countries and also has been used to undermine the rights of women. "Nobody in their right mind" would want to see that, he said, calling for "a clear eye" when discussing Islamic law. Mohammed Shafiq, director of the Ramadhan Foundation, said the use of Sharia would help lower tensions in British society. "It would make Muslims more proud of being British," he said. "It would give Muslims the sense that the British respect revdauphinee answered on 02/11/08: may i quote" "It would make Muslims more proud of being British," he said. "It would give Muslims the sense that the British respect what about the British pe0ple should this take effect I for one would be ashamed to be known as british!we have always respected our women why should we take a backward step??? paraclete rated this answer

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HANK1 asked on 02/09/08 - Our New Leaders President John McCain Vice-President Connie Rice Vote Republican! Leslie revdauphinee answered on 02/10/08: i am sick and tired of Bush why should i vote for mcClain my motto is vote for Mc Clain for more of the same! HANK1 rated this answer ladybugca rated this answer Mary_Susan rated this answer Tempus-Omnia-Revelat rated this answer Toms777 rated this answer TTFNUAS rated this answer

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Mary_Susan asked on 11/13/07 - Joy Behar on "The View" This morning, Bill O'Reilly was a guest on the talk show "The View", and the funniest thing happened!! I'm still laughing. Bill came out to greet the four ladies as all the guests do; he walked up to Joy who was first in the 'receiving line' and Joy kinda bowed so as not to have to shake hands and her face, her face!! looked like she had just taken a big bite of an aspirin sandwich!! Priceless!!!! Bill O'Reilly is/was an Irish Catholic; a tie in to this Board. revdauphinee answered on 11/15/07: i watch the view every day i did not get this oppinion this morning Mary_Susan rated this answer

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peddler2 asked on 10/18/07 - Domino's Wisdom I am Domino and I am a Bible expert. The Bible never said that Eve was Adams wife and Peddler is just a lying creationist. He went so far as to rewrite every Bible on the planet to prove me wrong. I still don't know he did it? Aliens probably helped him. Aliens hate me because they all know I am smarter than they are. Gen 2:24 Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh. Gen 2:25 And they were both naked, the man and his wife, and were not ashamed. Gen 3:8 And they heard the voice of the LORD God walking in the garden in the cool of the day: and Adam and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the LORD God amongst the trees of the garden. Gen 3:17 And unto Adam he said, Because thou hast hearkened unto the voice of thy wife, and hast eaten of the tree, of which I commanded thee, saying, Thou shalt not eat of it: cursed is the ground for thy sake; in sorrow shalt thou eat of it all the days of thy life; Gen 3:20 And Adam called his wife's name Eve; because she was the mother of all living. Gen 3:21 Unto Adam also and to his wife did the LORD God make coats of skins, and clothed them. Gen 4:1 And Adam knew Eve his wife; and she conceived, and bore Cain, and said, I have gotten a man from the LORD. Gen 4:25 And Adam knew his wife again; and she bore a son, and called his name Seth: For God, said she, hath appointed me another seed instead of Abel, whom Cain slew. All of you should be very afraid of peddler. After all I am the world's foremost expert on the Bible {as well as all other subjects} and I know the Bible never refered to Eve as Adams wife before I met peddler. He is a very dangerous man. What next? He might rewrite Darwin and say Darwin thought our forefathers were smelly feces throwing monkeys!! You have been warned!! revdauphinee answered on 10/18/07: for about a year now i have thought Aliens have completly taken over this site !is there but one sane person left here ? Ch.Pétrus.82 rated this answer domino rated this answer Mary_Susan rated this answer peddler2 rated this answer Tempus-Omnia-Revelat rated this answer Toms777 rated this answer

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Toms777 asked on 09/09/07 - Interesting Video on Islam http://switch3.castup.net/cunet/gm.asp?ai=214&ar=1050wmv&ak=null revdauphinee answered on 09/09/07: re Osama he must have run to wallmart for some just for men!or maybee Bush sent it in a care package? arcura rated this answer Pericles rated this answer Toms777 rated this answer

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tomder55 asked on 07/26/07 - Rev try Askme help desk None of the garbage you see here goes on there. revdauphinee answered on 07/26/07: give it time if this bunch find out it will change this is why i dont tell of my new site MaggieB rated this answer tomder55 rated this answer Toms777 rated this answer

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PrinceHassim asked on 06/30/07 - Glenn Beck: The Real Story Although I am not a fan of Glenn Beck - I find him too right wing, harsh, and at times thoughtless - I thought that some here would appreciate this article: ....... Glenn Beck: The Real Story by Jamie Lawson - LDSLiving Magazine, May/June Issue At forty-three, Glenn Beck is arguably one of the most influential Mormons in the media today. Broadcast on more than 230 stations, his nationally syndicated radio talk show is the third most popular in America, and his nightly show on CNN is the fastest-growing television show in cable news. Millions of people tune in to hear to his insightful, amusing, and sometimes controversial comments on politics, current events, and pop culture. But before Glenn joined the Church in 1999, his career and his personal life were in ruins. Fighting his way back from despair and self-destruction, he has found a new love, a new career path, and the lasting peace of the gospel. A self-proclaimed conservative, Glenn Beck refuses to label himself as a Republican or a Democrat. On his radio and television shows, he ruffles feathers on a regular basis with his quick wit, sarcasm, and passionate opinions on issues ranging from illegal immigration to global warming to the war in Iraq. But when it comes to talking about the gospel and sharing his conversion story, Glenn is humble, soft-spoken, and emotional. His life has had more ups and downs than a rollercoaster ride, but Glenn is now firmly on the right path. Here’s how he got there. Radio Dreams Glenn’s dream of working in radio began at the tender age of eight. His mother had given him the album The Golden Years of Radio, and he became mesmerized by shows like “The Shadow” and “War of the Worlds.” He grew up in Washington State and got his first job at a Seattle radio station when he was just thirteen years old. What was his position at that time? Soon he was working for three radio stations at the same time. His unique accomplishments, however, were overshadowed by his mother’s suicide later that year. Eventually, Glenn was fired from all three jobs—on the same day—but he quickly found himself back on the airwaves. By the time he graduated from high school, Glenn was programming and doing the morning show at a local radio station. The Mormon Factor When Glenn was eighteen, he moved to Salt Lake City. Why? He shared an apartment with a returned missionary in nearby Provo, but he was not open to hearing the gospel, and his powerful personality had a negative influence on his roommate. “I was turning him to the dark side,” Glenn said. revdauphinee answered on 06/30/07: he is now a mormon !I watch him daily i like his humor PrinceHassim rated this answer

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hOPE12 asked on 06/21/07 - Does anyone here know of any new sites? Hello Everyone, I am finding nothing here to talk about. This board is a bunch of hate posts and I really find no joy in being here anymore. It depresses me to see what used to be a fine place to come and just meet good people, now it is the opposite. Do you guys know of any good websites where a conversation can take place without all the garbage found here? If so, please email me at respondinghelp@yahoo.com. Thank you, Hope12 revdauphinee answered on 06/21/07: hope send me your e mail adress and i will put you in touch with a realy great one i have found Dorothy(revdauphinee@yahoo.com) hOPE12 rated this answer

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Toms777 asked on 06/16/07 - Response to hOPE hOPE, Thank you for that message. That reflects what I have been saying on here since the early days of Askme.com. We should all be able to disagree, even strongly disagree with each others faiths and religions without negative personal comments flowing either way. We need to be able separate the person from their religion and beliefs, and recognize that though we disagree, we can still enjoy the person as an individual. For those who do profess a beliefe in Christ, we need to realize that God came to earth in the flesh to die on the cross for the sins of each person and as a result each person is of value in the eyes of God. God says in John 3:16 that he desires that all be saved and that no one should have to spend time in hell. Therefore the message should not be compromised, but the person should remain whole. Let's bring an end to the name-calling, to the spamming, to the abusive comments by ALL persons, whether you profess to be Christian, Atheist, Desist, JW, Mormon, or follow the flying spghetti monster. Thanks hOPE. I stand in full agreement with you on that message. Tom revdauphinee answered on 06/16/07: to bad that if one dissagrees with another faits theology you afe labeled a bigot as was I ,a bigot ( to my understanding hates !) I hate no person however i do hate false theology and evil doctrines should i be labeled such because of this??? domino rated this answer hOPE12 rated this answer Toms777 rated this answer

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Bobbye asked on 06/12/07 - MATTHEW 18:19 " Again I say unto you, That if two of you shall agree on earth as touching any thing that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven." THERE ARE MORE THAN TWO OF US ON THIS BOARD WHO WOULD LIKE TO SEE THE SPAMMING STOP. IF WE WILL AGREE IN PRAYER, IN ONE MIND AND ONE ACCORD, GOD WILL ANSWER. WILL YOU JOIN WITH ME IN PRAYER CONCERNING THIS BOARD? Thank you, Bobbye revdauphinee answered on 06/12/07: MAKE THAT 3 Bobbye rated this answer

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domino asked on 06/12/07 - Is this why the rest of us have to pay taxes???? A freakish evangelical preacher, in Tampa, Florida, Bill Keller, has advised his listeners that, Republican/Mormon Presidential Candidate, Mitt Romney is "part of a satanic Mormon cult" and "If you vote for Mitt Romney, you are voting for Satan"!!!!! Americans United for Separation of Church and State has asked the IRS to investigate Keller. They would like to take away his 'tax-exempt' status with his non-profit ministry. Do you think hate merchants like Keller should enjoy TAX EXEMPTION for preaching anti-Mormon hate rhetoric, and trying to bastardize the U.S. election process?????? Full story can be read at: http://www.baynews9.com/content/36/2007/6/10/259173.html. p.s. On a personal note: Mitt Romney is the ONLY Republican candiate for whom I would ever consider voting!!!! He is a man of honor and compassion; a humanitarian and a man of true Presidential timbre. No other Republican canidate can match his ethical and moral reputation. revdauphinee answered on 06/12/07: what puzzles me is a so called christian can reject another christian (after all mormons do acept Jesus as son of God and recognise his sacrifice on the cross do they not?)but cna accept the murderous (yes daniel Paul was murdered )Islamic fAITH AS PEACEFULL ! Bobbye rated this answer domino rated this answer PrinceHassim rated this answer Toms777 rated this answer

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PrinceHassim asked on 05/26/07 - For those of you who are confused ......... By way of clarification I feel moved to post the following information. It should clear up the confusion caused by Droll Tom. This information is copied directly from "Droll Tom's Book of Rules" that sits by his computer. Rule 1. Regarding Questionable versus NOT Questionable Sources. 1. a. My [Droll Tom's] Sources are ALWAYS NON-Questionable, whether I provide a primary reference or simply pick it out of a questionable book, pamphlet, broadhseet, CD, DVD, audio-cassette, or any mens of hard copy, electronic, or magnetic storage, etc. The mere fact that I believe it to be true establishes it as a philosophical, scientific, historical, natural indisputable FACT whatever any evidence from any other source to the contrary seems to suggest. 2. b. All other Sources are ALWAYS Questionable, even when they are supported by primary documentation and reliable witnesses whose credentials are first class and whose integrities are impeccable. So let it be writ - So mote it be. Merry Meet. DT revdauphinee answered on 05/26/07: when did you become wiccan???just curious PrinceHassim rated this answer Toms777 rated this answer

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PrinceHassim asked on 05/25/07 - The Bible teaches forgiveness. FOXNEWS.COM HOME > U.S. Crash Victim Who Lost Wife, Two Children on Christmas Eve Seeks Mercy for Drunken Driver Friday, May 25, 2007 SALT LAKE CITY — A man who portrayed Bob Cratchit in "A Christmas Carol" and then lost his wife and two children hours later in a Christmas Eve car crash asked for mercy Thursday for the drunken driver responsible. Carlos Prieto was sentenced to up to 10 years in prison, less than the 15-year maximum. But Gary Ceran told the judge he would be satisfied with no prison time. "I want Carlos to know that I forgive him," said Ceran, fighting back tears along with Prieto, shackled a few feet behind him. "If Carlos were to look me in the eye, shake my hand and say that he'll do all in his power to see that this will never happen again — that would be enough for us," Ceran said. Prosecutors said Prieto, 25, had a blood-alcohol level of 0.19, more than twice the legal limit, when his pickup truck broadsided the Ceran family's car in Murray after midnight Dec. 24. After Ceran performed as Cratchit during a play at Hale Center Theatre, he and his family attended a cast party and did some holiday shopping before the crash. Cheryl Ceran, 47, Ian Ceran, 15, and Julianna Ceran, 7, were killed in the front seat. Gary Ceran and two other children survived in the back seat. Almost immediately after the crash, Ceran said he had forgiven Prieto, who pleaded guilty to three counts of automobile homicide in April. Alcohol-related charges were dropped as part of the agreement. At the court hearing Thursday, Ceran of Cedar Hills said he has been called naive by people who have vilified Prieto for being in the country illegally and driving while drunk. "I and my children, who have been most injured by his actions both physically and emotionally, harbor no such feelings," said Ceran, a devout Mormon who quoted Bible passages about forgiveness. Prosecutor Langdon Fisher said he couldn't recall ever arguing for a harsher sentence than the one sought by a victim. The prosecutor wanted three consecutive sentences of five years in prison. "In this situation the state must look beyond the feelings only of the individuals who are most directly impacted by this event," Fisher told the judge. "Society has an interest in what is done beyond the feelings of the victims." When it was his turn, Prieto spoke in broken English. "First, I just want to thank this wonderful man who has forgiven me," he said. "I wish I could do something to heal the pain. To heal the heart. Not a time I don't think about it." Prieto said he takes full responsibility for the crash and promised he would never drive drunk again. He said he hopes one day to take Ceran's hand, look in his eyes and apologize. A written apology from Prieto was given to Ceran at the end of the hearing. The crash wasn't the first time Ceran's family had experienced loss. Three other children, ranging from 3 weeks old to 14 months, died from tumors on their brain stem. Twins born prematurely also died within a day of their birth. ---- Respectable non-bigoted comments are welcomed? revdauphinee answered on 05/25/07: this man has practiced his faith not just preached it unfortuatly not all of us are that strong! PrinceHassim rated this answer

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Chickadee asked on 05/07/07 - Sick board. You christians here are sick. I am leaving and am glad that I have learned to love others. Chickadee says goodbye. revdauphinee answered on 05/07/07: not all here are chritian remember this why not stay and make it better we need all the help we can get ! HANK1 rated this answer holly_ rated this answer Pete. rated this answer Toms777 rated this answer

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holly_ asked on 05/07/07 - Can everyone try to lighten up? Can we become more welcoming to new visiters? Can we? That is the sixty four thousand question? We are loosing to many new comers that come to this Site we do not own this place, can't we just be nice to the new ones? revdauphinee answered on 05/07/07: many here are not even nice to the old ones so why do you ask such a question on an outwardly hostile site ?? archstanton rated this answer holly_ rated this answer MaggieB rated this answer Toms777 rated this answer

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madddawg asked on 04/20/07 - The birthplace of Jesus The Mormon religion declares that Jesus was born in Bethlehem Alma 7: 10 "And behold, he shall be born of Mary, at Jerusalem, which is the land of our forefathers, she being a virgin..." But the word of God states that Jesus was born in Bethlehem. Micah 5:2 But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting. Which is the false prophet, Joseph Smith or Micah? revdauphinee answered on 04/20/07: if I thought it was smith I would be a mormon this is just another falsehood perpetrated on its believers just as is the belief they will alll become gods ! PrinceHassim rated this answer Toms777 rated this answer Pete. rated this answer madddawg rated this answer

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Pete. asked on 04/17/07 - Herod the Great What can you tell me about Herod the great, & his son. revdauphinee answered on 04/17/07: wich son he murdered 2 of them? JesseJamesDupree rated this answer Pete. rated this answer

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PrinceHassim asked on 04/14/07 - Where is this found in the scriptures? Your leader, Jack Chick - makes the following statement in his grimy book "Sabotage." Chick declares that the gates of Heaven are located in the nebula of Orion: "Its a heavenly cavern so gigantic and brilliantly beautiful that words cannot describe it. It was found by gigantic lenses plus long exposures of photographic plates. Astronomers agree its huge opening is more than 16 trillion miles in diameter... Its exquisite beauty and luminous colours are unlike anything on this earth. "Professor Learkin at Mt Lowe observatory gives us the following description: 'for the depths of the Orion Nebula appear like torn and twisted objects and river masses of shining glass, irregular pillars, columns of stalactites in glittering splendor and stalagmites from the clear walls of ivory and pearl, studded with millions of diamonds and shining stars ... ' This could well be the entrance into the glory of Heaven, that we'll pass through at the Rapture". Where is this found in the scripture? revdauphinee answered on 04/14/07: nowhere whatsoever ! arcura rated this answer domino rated this answer PrinceHassim rated this answer Toms777 rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 04/11/07 - So we are accused of hating Muslims? I wonder why? Time to stop all the anti-Western hatred By Andrew Bolt April 11, 2007 01:00am Article from: Herald-Sun MAYBE this time, I thought. Maybe this first Australian Islamic Conference would at last show us the moderate Muslim leaders we've searched for. God, we need them. Look at the latest doings of the hate-preachers we have now. Take the Mufti of Australia, Sheik Taj al-Din al-Hilali, who has just given interviews in Iran demanding Muslims stand "in the trenches" with its hostage-taking regime, and is now being investigated for allegedly giving $12,000 to a Lebanese propagandist linked to terrorists. Meanwhile, the head of the Lebanese Muslim Association, which pays him to preach at Australia's biggest mosque, has had to seek police protection for suggesting this fool had best shut up. Yet, even now, the Federation of Islamic Councils, which made Hilali mufti, refuses to sack him, though he's vilified Jews, praised suicide bombers as "heroes", called the September 11 terrorist attacks "God's work against oppressors", excused convicted pack rapist Bilal Skaf and said raped women should be "jailed for life". The greatest pity is that Hilali isn't the only hate-preacher in our mosques. Other radical sheiks have been accused of telling followers not to pay taxes to this infidel Government. Worse, the Howard Government sidelined its Muslim Community Reference Group after finding a third of the 14 "moderates" it handpicked actually backed the Iranian-backed Hezbollah extremist group, notorious for its terrorist wing. So, after all this and more, we desperately need to hear from those moderate Muslim leaders we keep telling each other must surely exist. Must. Was it so dumb to think Mercy Mission would at last provide them - Muslim leaders who would demonstrate (in the mission's own words) that they "benefit the communities in which they live"? You may have dared to hope, given this new group's leaders include the highly educated Tawfique Chowdhury, a Bangladeshi-born and Australian-raised IT project manager, and Adel Salman, who so impressed his employers at Cadbury Schweppes that he was selected for the prestigious Asialink leaders program. It was Salman, so polished, who organised for Mercy Mission its first annual Australian Islamic Conference at Melbourne University over the Easter weekend. The odd timing was surely just an innocent coincidence, because the conference had a noble aim: to "present a true picture of 'Islam in action' to the wider community" and convince Australians that "Islamic values are universal values". So who, among all the Muslims in the world, did Mercy Mission choose to fly in to give us this "true picture" of a moderate Islam? Of the six international speakers it advertised, let me introduce you to two. The first is Bilal Philips, a Jamaican-born Canadian who was a communist and worker for the Black Panther terrorist group before converting to Islam and becoming a preacher. His message is uncompromising: "Western culture led by the United States is an enemy of Islam." Which makes him an odd choice as speaker at a conference to reassure us that "Islamic values are universal values". But the choice of Philips is even odder given the United States named him as an "unindicted co-conspirator" over the 1993 bombing of New York's World Trade Centre, and our own security agencies judged him such a threat he was banned from coming here. Philips insists he rejects terrorism and considers al-Qaeda a "deviate" group. But from his own website and interviews you'd see why some might not take him at his word. He freely admits he was hired by the Saudi air force during the first Gulf War to preach to American soldiers stationed in Saudi Arabia and convert them to Islam. He says he succeeded, and "registered the names and addresses of over 3000 male and female US soldiers". Philips didn't just take down their names; he also visited them back in America. "My role was confined to encouraging them to train Muslim-American volunteers and go to Bosnia to help the mujahidin and take part in the war (against Serbia)," he boasted. That worked, too. Philips says his name was dragged into the investigation of the first World Trade Centre bombing, in which six people were killed, because some African-American soldiers he'd converted were offered by someone else to Sheik Abdel Rahmen, spiritual head of the terrorists behind the attack. These ex-soldiers would be great for domestic sabotage, the sheik was told. But Clement Rodney Hampton-El, an al-Qaeda-trained American bombmaker now serving a 35-year sentence for the World Trade Centre bombings, claimed Philips also gave him the names of soldiers who were about to leave the military and who might help the Bosnian jihadists. To repeat: Philips denies any links to al-Qaeda, and swears he is opposed to terrorism, although he does say Muslims are entitled to defend their faith by force. But given his support for jihadists, his past contacts with jailed terrorists and the allegations against him, why on earth did Mercy Mission choose him to preach here? To invite one such extremist speaker might seem like bad luck, but to invite two might make you think Mercy Mission wouldn't know a moderate Muslim if he blew up in their face. I say that because also high on Mercy Mission's guest list was another convert, British journalist Yvonne Ridley, with a much nastier line in preaching. Ridley didn't just marry a colonel in one terror group - Yasser Arafat's Palestinian Liberation Organisation - but has been busy since defending others like it. Some highlights: Soon after the September 11 terrorist attacks Ridley actually accused Islamic sheiks of going soft. "Muslims have lost confidence since September 11," she complained. "Something as simple as suicide bombers being martyrs is being denied by prominent sheiks." That's one of her mantras. At a Belfast meeting of Islamic students, she insisted there were no innocent Israeli victims in suicide bombings. Not even children. "There are no innocents in this war," she reportedly raged, because Israeli children could grow up to become Israeli soldiers. She even hailed as a "martyr" the Chechen terrorist Shamil Basayev, who planned the attack on the Beslan school in which 333 hostages - many of them children - were killed. An "admirable struggle", she called his life's work. Ridley has never called on Muslims to boycott such terrorists, but instead demanded British Muslims "boycott the police and refuse to co-operate with them in any way, shape or form". And when relatives of al-Qaeda's then leader in Iraq, the head-hacker Abu Musab al-Zarqawi, denounced his bomb attacks on three hotels in Jordan, she was livid. "While the killing of innocent people is to be condemned without question, there is something rather repugnant about some of those who rush to renounce acts of terrorism," she sneered. True, among the 61 dead were many members of a wedding party, she conceded, but some of them "were part of Jordan's upper echelons of society", and "others had flown in from America". What's more, the "bars (were) serving alcohol", and the evil Jordanian regime "provides backing, support and intelligence to the American military". Having proved to her satisfaction the guilt of the dead civilians, she asked: "I wonder if you see that attack on the Jordanian hotels in a different light now?" And she concluded: "I'd rather put up with a brother like Abu Musab al-Zarqawi any day than have a traitor or a sell-out for a father, son or grandfather." What, in Ridley's foul incantations of hatred and her defence of child-killers and wedding bombers, makes her the kind of Muslim who would "benefit the communities in which they live"? What does it say about Mercy Mission that Ridley - and Philips - were hired as speakers to tell us "Islamic values are universal values" and we have nothing to fear? Oh, and about that fear. It was this same Ridley - happy to "put up with a brother" like Zarqawi, once filmed cutting off the head of American hostage Nick Berg - who last week accused Australians of being among the worst haters of Muslims. How like her to condemn the fear her own words rightly provoke. And how disturbing that Mercy Mission holds her up as the kind of Muslim who does us good. Or - I hesitate to ask - is this really the best our Muslim leaders can offer? Is this really their "true picture" of Islam? I beg of them. Prove it isn't. Until you do, I'm afraid I shall take you at your grim word. revdauphinee answered on 04/11/07: after reading this i advise you to get ready for the venom that will surley follow when one speaks truth!8 wish you would get and read "whats wrong with Islam today bu Irshad Manji it is quite informational and especialy since writte by a muslim woman! paraclete rated this answer

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tropicalstorm asked on 04/09/07 - Benny Hinn more off his rocker while looking for sites on necromancy for Hank I ran across an article on Benny Hinn getting into spiritism Hinn relates another vision he had "I saw myself walk into a room and there stood Kathryn Kuhlman. And I've not seen Kathryn in a dream or a vision [in] years. I knew she had died and it was on the news that same morning. … And there she was standing in this room… And she said, 'Follow me.' … And I followed her to a second room. In that second room stood the lord. When the lord, uh-when-when I saw the lord, Kathryn disappeared. She was just gone ... And now the lord looked at me and said, 'Follow me.' And I followed him to a third room."(Ibid.) Hinn is so infatuated with this woman of who he models his preaching and mannerisms after that he is seeing her along with Jesus. He conducts his meetings almost exactly like hers. Why change such an effective model if it works. Hinn is practicing and promoting spiritism at best and at worst necromancy, secret knowledge communicated by someone who has died. Direction is sought from the other side. However, the Bible reveals that the real source of the information can be demonic entities or evil spirits who impersonate the dead, not the dead themselves. Why? Because the dead are not allowed nor able to communicate with us. It doesn't matter whether we are believers or not their is no advantage. Benny Hinn's obsessions ) revdauphinee answered on 04/09/07: didnt i read somewhere why seek ye the dead ?or deuteronomy 18: 11 or casts spells, or who is a medium or spiritist or who (((consults the dead. ))) 12 Anyone who does these things is detestable to the LORD, and because of these detestable practices the LORD your God will drive out those nations before you. enough said about benny ! Toms777 rated this answer tropicalstorm rated this answer

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Toms777 asked on 04/09/07 - Is there a Trinity? We all (except for Athesists of course) agree that God the father is God. Ronnie has now conceded that Jesus is God but argues that there is no trinity. We also know that there is only one God: Isa 44:8 You are My witnesses. Is there a God besides Me? Indeed there is no other Rock; I know not one.'" NKJV If the Father is God and the Son is God, and there is one God, and both co-exist (Matt 3:16-17), then how could one deny the trinity? revdauphinee answered on 04/09/07: if there is no triity then why did jesus say Matthew 28:18. Then Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, belle33 rated this answer hOPE12 rated this answer madddawg rated this answer Toms777 rated this answer

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Pericles asked on 04/05/07 - What is the intention of this Christianity Board? ....... I note that the tone set by some so-called "christians" here is becoming harsher and harsher. Personal attacks are now the norm, and people are attacked on their religious (Christian) views and/or their secular worldview. What is the intention of this board? Is it to be part of the Christian mission by spreading the "word" and debating the Christian issues? Or is it forcing those who do not agree with a couple of zealous fundi-creo's off the board and away from the "word"? Just wondering ... Any Comments? revdauphinee answered on 04/05/07: it is called the chritianity board and it used to be very interesting but i have to say that for the last year i find it not very almost anything Is discussed here but Christ B .I used to come here daily and I enjoyed it imensly TODAY HOWEVER I RARELY COME SINCE I FIND IT BORING TO THE EXTEEM WHAT WITH ALL THE CHILDISH INFIGHTING AND NAME CALLIN IT HAS NOTHING WHATSOEVER TO DO WITH CHRIST !(please excuse the caps i cant type well domino rated this answer jjgoss rated this answer Pericles rated this answer Toms777 rated this answer

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jjgoss asked on 03/29/07 - ..German couple upset about Incest Law.... ..(BBC)A German couple living together for six years is trying to overturn Germany's law against incest - because they're brother and sister. They met after their mother died and now have four children. Two of their kids have developmental problems. Authorities have stepped in and taken three of the children away. The couple wants to be recognized as a normal family and say Germany shouldn't base its law on outdated moral principles. Their court case could last for several months. .. ..What are your views on this situation???.... revdauphinee answered on 03/29/07: i am in agreement with the german government on this one! jjgoss rated this answer MaggieB rated this answer

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tropicalstorm asked on 03/27/07 - we are missing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Hank's wedding revdauphinee answered on 03/27/07: oh my and i wonder why everyone was not invited? jjgoss rated this answer tropicalstorm rated this answer

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arcura asked on 03/27/07 - If you were give the opportunity to see...... persons from this board go to hell, who would it be? revdauphinee answered on 03/27/07: No one i cant believe anyone would hate someone that much i do wish however they would grow up and quit all the fighting and name calling! arcura rated this answer MaggieB rated this answer Pericles rated this answer Toms777 rated this answer

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domino asked on 02/19/07 - AmI? Toms777 keeps posting about civility, and denying that he has ever told any of us that we are going to Hell...so I ask you TOMS777: "Since I don't believe in Christ, and do NOT belive that Jesus is the only way to God, am I going to Hell (wherever that is)????? revdauphinee answered on 02/19/07: it is not our place to tell anyone they are going to hell only God knows that ! blittle rated this answer domino rated this answer Toms777 rated this answer

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Pete. asked on 02/18/07 - Apocrypha Why were the following books removed from the "Bible"? Tobias I Macabees II Macabees Wisdom Judith Ecclesiasticus Baruch Did God change his mind during the sixteenth century reformation? Curious minds need to know!! revdauphinee answered on 02/18/07: because the powers that were at that ime didnt want them in! domino rated this answer Pericles rated this answer Pete. rated this answer

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Pericles asked on 02/18/07 - Mummified body found in front of blaring TV Another case of recent news : Mummified body found in front of blaring TV Police called to a Long Island man's house discovered the mummified remains of the resident, dead for more than a year, sitting in front of a blaring television set. The 70-year-old Hampton Bays, New York, resident, identified as Vincenzo Ricardo, appeared to have died of natural causes. Police said on Saturday his body was discovered on Thursday when they went to the house to investigate a report of a burst water pipe. "You could see his face. He still had hair on his head," Newsday quoted morgue assistant Jeff Bacchus as saying. The home's low humidity had preserved the body. Officials could not explain why the electricity had not been turned off, considering Ricardo had not been heard from since December 2005. Neighbors said when they had not seen Ricardo, who was diabetic and had been blind for years, they assumed he was in the hospital or a long-term care facility. --- "Mummified body found in front of blaring TV" A short article in the news as an "in memoriam" for Vincenzo Ricardo of Long Island - NY. Neighbours who clearly cared little about their neighbour. No family member, friend, vicar, physician, or acquaintance who called on him to see what happened over a year+ period of missing contact. A leaking water pipe was the reason for this find. What does this tell you of the community in which Vincenzo Ricardo lived, and what can you tell of the community in which you live? Please only comments on this topic. revdauphinee answered on 02/18/07: sometimes i feel this could happen to me Pericles rated this answer

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Rosekeeper asked on 02/17/07 - Are there any Christians still here? I have not seen Tom, nor Peddler, and Hank, the top Christians of all. What has happen, is this now just for Atheists? revdauphinee answered on 02/17/07: Im still here although find little to interest me here any more im always lurking ! archstanton rated this answer domino rated this answer Rosekeeper rated this answer Toms777 rated this answer tropicalstorm rated this answer

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MaggieB asked on 02/07/07 - Should Israel be banished from the Middle East? Should Israel be banished from the Middle East? According to an article in World Net Daily, “With heads bowed reverently, Democrats were led in prayer by a Muslim imam who essentially asked Allah to assist in converting the party members to Islam, according to a scholar and author… Robert Spencer, director of Jihad Watch and author of "The Truth about Muhammad…" Spencer “took note of the prayer given at the Democratic National Committee winter meeting by Husham Al-Husainy, imam of the Karbalaa Islamic Education Center, a Shiite mosque in Dearborn, Mich.” The imam also asked Allah to “stop the oppression and occupation” in a veiled reference to Israel. Your comments please, no hateful comments, I am not a bigot or racist. Thanks, MaggieB revdauphinee answered on 02/07/07: I have been a democrat ever since I got my citizenship papers however if anything could change my party preference a thing like this might do it!! arcura rated this answer domino rated this answer MaggieB rated this answer Pericles rated this answer

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arcura asked on 02/07/07 - It appears to me that AW is having more trouble today... Has anyone else had trouble getting on board???? I keep getting the "Connection has timed out" message and need to try several rimes to get on. Peace and kindness, Fred revdauphinee answered on 02/07/07: in spite of everyone saying nothing is wrong I also have trouble with it However as days go bye it botheres me less since Answerway has gotten so boring to me I dont feel the need to come here that I once did I used to love this site and came here daily but it sure aint what it used to be ! arcura rated this answer

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HANK1 asked on 01/26/07 - ARE YOU LUCKY? How Does Your City Rate? Complete 2007 showdown for the title of top metropolis, according to "Men's Health" @ (menshealth.com): 1. San Jose, CA 2. Honolulu, HI 3. Madison, WI 4. San Diego, CA 5. Fremont, CA 6. San Francisco, CA 7. Anchorage, AK 8. Raleigh, NC 9. Manchester, NH 10. Lincoln, NE 11. Anaheim, CA 12. Oakland, CA 13. Minneapolis, MN 14. Salt Lake City, UT 15. St. Paul, MN 16. Seattle, WA 17. Burlington, VT 18. Boise City, ID 19. Colorado Springs, CO 20. Yonkers, NY 21. Austin, TX 22. Aurora, CO 23. Washington, DC 24. Denver, CO 25. Sacramento, CA 26. Los Angeles, CA 27. Hartford, CT 28. Fargo, ND 29. Boston, MA 30. Des Moines, IA 31. Phoenix, AZ 32. Columbus, OH 33. Las Vegas, NV 34. Omaha, NE 35. Portland, OR 36. Rochester, NY 37. Grand Rapids, MI 38. Atlanta, GA 39. Albuquerque, NM 40. Durham, NC 41. Charlotte, NC 42. Arlington, TX 43. Lexington, KY 44. Billings, MT 45. Lubbock, TX 46. Wilmington, DE 47. Fort Worth, TX 48. Sioux Falls, SD 49. Bangor, ME 50. El Paso, TX 51. Cheyenne, WY 52. Indianapolis, IN 53. Norfolk, VA 54. Chicago, IL 55. Jersey City, NJ 56. Orlando, FL 57. Houston, TX 58. New York, NY 59. Fresno, CA 60. Tucson, AZ 61. Miami, FL 62. Newark, NJ 63. Spokane, WA 64. Modesto, CA 65. Riverside, CA 66. Dallas, TX 67. Jacksonville, FL 68. San Antonio, TX 69. Fort Wayne, IN 70. Milwaukee, WI 71. Providence, RI 72. Columbia, SC 73. Greensboro, NC 74. Cincinnati, OH 75. Wichita, KS 76. Bakersfield, CA 77. Kansas City, MO 78. Richmond, VA 79. Baltimore, MD 80. Montgomery, AL 81. St. Petersburg, FL 82. Philadelphia, PA 83. Jackson, MS 84. Tampa, FL 85. Baton Rouge, LA 86. Cleveland, OH 87. Nashville, TN 88. Buffalo, NY 89. Birmingham, AL 90. Pittsburgh, PA 91. Little Rock, AR 92. Oklahoma City, OK 93. Detroit, MI 94. St. Louis, MO 95. Corpus Christi, TX 96. Tulsa, OK 97. Louisville, KY 98. Toledo, OH 99. Charleston, WV 100. Memphis, TN Do you want to say where you live ... or want to say you live near one of the above? I live 300 miles from Chicago. HANK revdauphinee answered on 01/30/07: I noticed the only city in west virginia rated 99 after living here for only 6 months I understand why? Missing new orleans | Dot HANK1 rated this answer

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MaggieB asked on 01/21/07 - This article was in our Daily Newspaper. Can a mormon win the U.S. presidency? Mitt Romney AGE: 59EDUCATION: B.A. at Brigham Young University, 1971; MBA from Harvard Business School and JD from Harvard Law School, both in 1975. FAMILY: Married for 36 years to wife Ann, who's diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. They have five sons and eight grandchildren. Romney's father, George Romney, was CEO of American Motors, three-term governor of Michigan, and 1968 GOP candidate for president. RELIGION: Mormon. Was missionary in France for two years. Later served as lay bishop in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. OCCUPATION: Businessman. Was CEO and organizer of 2002 Olympics in Salt Lake City. POLITICS: Lost 1994 U.S. Senate race to Sen. Ted Kennedy, D-Mass. During that campaign, took liberal positions on abortion and gay rights -- stands he's since repudiated. Was elected governor of Massachusetts in 2002. Left office in 2007 to run for president. Raised $6.5 million in one day last week. -- Tim Funk Did You Know? In 2005 -- the latest totals available -- 68,398 Mormons were living in North Carolina; 33,293 in South Carolina. In the Charlotte area, there are three "stakes" -- each stake representing between 3,000 and 6,000 Mormons. • With 12.6 million members -- half living outside the United States -- the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is one of the fastest growing religions in the world. Bike-riding missionaries -- young men -- spend two years away from home. • Founder Joseph Smith said that in 1827 an angel gave him golden plates inscribed in an unknown language. The plates told the story of ancient ancestors of American Indians, who migrated from Israel and were visited by Jesus. Smith said God miraculously helped understand the language and dictate the Book of Mormon. • Mormons believe the original church Christ established on earth vanished 100 years after his death and resurrection. Smith, they believe, restored the authentic church in 1830. • Smith and early followers were hounded as heretics and chased out of New York, Ohio and Missouri. Smith was killed by a mob in Illinois. Under Brigham Young, the Mormons settled in Utah. • Mormons are asked to tithe 10 percent of their income every year. That -- plus money saved from skipping two meals a month -- goes into a welfare fund to help the needy. • Males, starting at 12, make up the Mormons' lay priesthood. Church President Gordon Hinckley, 96, is considered a prophet. • Smith and Brigham Young practiced polygamy, but the church halted the practice in 1890. • Mormons follow Smith's 1833 health code that bars the use of tobacco, alcohol, coffee and tea. • Families are central to the Mormon faith. They believe such relationships of the faithful can last for eternity. Some critics of Mormonism say the faith teaches that such couples can become gods of their own planets. Brad Hobbs, president of the Mormons' N.C./Charlotte Mission says: "We believe, as Paul taught in the New Testament, that we can become joint heirs with our Father in heaven, and continue our progress there." • Other controversial Mormon teachings past and present: That God, Jesus and the Holy Ghost are three distinct persons, not a trinity; that God was once a man; and that, until 30 years ago, African Americans could not be members of the church. • Mormons tend to be Republicans, though the church does not endorse candidates. Romney is expected to tap into Mormon donors to help fund his campaign. Comments welcome. MaggieB revdauphinee answered on 01/21/07: can only speak for myself but I wouldnt vote for him!as for the land of the free whats free!the powers that be here want control of everything even our religious rights! MaggieB rated this answer

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madddawg asked on 01/21/07 - Follow up question for Saint Thomas. Saint Thomas posted: Jesus told her the truth. The Roman Catholic church cannot be the source of salvation - they did not exist until 325AD when it was created by Constantine, even according to one of their best known Cardinals. Who founded the Roman religion, was it Peter or Constantine? revdauphinee answered on 01/21/07: Constine who after fighting the christian believers decided if you cant lick em join em! madddawg rated this answer Misha. rated this answer Toms777 rated this answer

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Rosekeeper asked on 01/18/07 - A great loss I need to to say' I am sorry to all that answered the post below, the real reason I had posted that, was because it was my Husband that lost his fingers, his Boss, actually bragged to me about the money he gives to the Church, for the past two weeks, I couldn't believe people anymore, when I got the call about the accident, the Employer sent me to a different hospital al together, I had finally found my poor husband, although, when his Boss, had told me how he gives donations instead of paying the taxes, I was at a lost. You had just shown me, that people are still good, and I'm not going crazy. I'm sorry for saying what the Employer told me. This has been very hard, and I wanted to go on here and find some kind of solution, but you have shown me, there is justice, there is love, there are people that care, and I am so sorry, but I am at wits end, it was my Husband that told me to go back on here, and tell the truth. Every morning that I wake up, is just another nightmare, but everything the Employer told me is Truth. I'm sorry. I only wanted truth, I'm happy to know there are still good people as you all are. revdauphinee answered on 01/18/07: It maters not how much his boss donates he is ressponsible for workmans comp turn him in! Pericles rated this answer Rosekeeper rated this answer

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Choux... asked on 01/15/07 - Fred commenting to Choux... "Choux, Get it through your little brainless head that I hate no one. I just will not put up with the crap you and Pericles smell up this board with. Go ahead and be a stupid atheist all you want but do not try to tell Christian that there is no God or belittle our Holy Book. If you do I will not be a sniveling milk sop you two atheist think we Christians should be and take your abuse without comment. No way, fat little spoil honey, you will get back much worse than you give out." ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Threats to my life and well-being. Just like he learned from his *Holy Scriptures* and the dogma of the Catholic Church. Believe **or burn in hell**. My brother still had nightmares about hellfire as an adult. That is the Roman Catholic(and Lutheran?) way. I know, I was indoctrinated into Catholicism as a child until I rejected it when I went to college at age 18. I heard lots of threats of hellfire and damnation as a ***CHILD***. THIS IS A BOARD FOR ***EXPERTS*** IN CHRISTIANITY. SOME OF THE TIME I'M EDUCATING HALF THE TIME I'M MAKING JOKES FOR LAUGHTER!!!!!LAUGHTER IS THE BEST MEDICINE. DON'T READ MY COMMENTS IF YOU ARE FRAGILE, FRED. revdauphinee answered on 01/15/07: came to the computer to get away from tv and the rossie vs Donnald fiasco and what do I find ?????please folks enough is enough ,In the words of the infamous rodney king "why cant we all just try to get allong?? Choux... rated this answer Closer_To_The_Heart rated this answer domino rated this answer hOPE12 rated this answer

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JesseJamesDupree asked on 01/14/07 - Why does the fire burn out????? It seems every time someone is Saved, (Including me) that after a period of time, they are on fire for God, going about witnessing to people and generally being very productive for God's work, but invariably every single one of them (including me) goes back to being invisible. What I mean by that, is they cease to witness and pretty much revert back to the ways of the world. Not drinking and carousing and such, but they become silent about their Faith and what God has done for them. Oh we still go to church every Sunday and I'm not doubting the salvation God has given them, but if "The salt loses it's flavor" is it fair to cast it out, when invariably God knows we're going to wane in our Faith???? Why doesn't God take us home when we are first Saved? Why let us come down to the valley and fail when he could take us home victorious right then and there?????????? Inquiring minds want to know. :) revdauphinee answered on 01/14/07: " Not drinking and carousing and such, but they become silent about their Faith "" Mybee that is your answer for people will pay much more attention to anything we do (or dont do) than to anything we might say!We could call it witnessing by example! JesseJamesDupree rated this answer MaggieB rated this answer

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Jesushelper76 asked on 01/12/07 - Tattoos? Okay, I asked this before. I will ask it again. What do you think about tattoos? Is a tattoo a sin in Gods eyes. There are many people who believe it is a sin and that your defiling Gods temples. Our bodies are not really our bodies, they are Gods temples that we should love and respect. So what is your opinion on this? Biblical based or not. Personal opinions anybody? Thanks Joe revdauphinee answered on 01/12/07: -forbidden, (Lev.19:28. "`Do not cut your bodies for the dead or put tattoo marks on yourselves. I am the LORD. ) Jesushelper76 rated this answer

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tomder55 asked on 01/11/07 - Is the Embryonic Stem Cell debate obsolete ? Science Obviates Politics By JAY LEFKOWITZ January 11, 2007 The new Democratic leadership in Congress thinks it has a winning issue and possibly the votes to defy President Bush on stem cell funding. But an announcement this week by scientists at Harvard and Wake Forest universities appears to vindicate his policy and may relegate the national debate over stem cell research to a political side show. Researchers have found that amniotic fluid is a fertile source for the kind of stem cells, called pluripotent, that can turn into several types of human cell tissue and potentially cure diseases. They already have succeeded in converting these stem cells into brain, liver, and bone cells, and even into heart cells that could grow to be replacement heart valves. For five years, Democrats have sharply criticized the president's policy, with Democratic candidates making the issue a mainstay of their advertisements. The president has been all but blamed for the fact that millions of Americans with diseases and disabilities have not been cured. Most famously, in a speech at the last Democratic National Convention Ronald Reagan Jr. said that stem cell research "may be the greatest medical breakthrough in our or in any lifetime" and that these cells could "cure a wide range of fatal and debilitating illnesses: Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, diabetes, lymphoma, spinal-cord injuries, and much more." In order to understand the criticism of the president's stem cell policy, it is important to recall what he actually decided on August 9, 2001. At the time, federal funds had never been used to support research on embryonic stem cells. Although the president wanted to open the door to government funding for seemingly promising medical research, he objected to the fact that taxpayer dollars might be used to support or encourage the destruction of human embryos, which were believed to be the only source of embryonic stem cells. So the president struck a compromise. He allowed federal funding, but only on stem cell lines that were already in existence — as he put it, "where the life and death decision had already been made." In early 2001, the president met with prominent scientists who told him that even a few stem cell lines would be sufficient to determine whether embryonic stem cell therapies were viable. In an interview a few weeks before the president's decision, Stanford University researcher Irving Weissman said that "a finite number would be sufficient. If we had 10-15 lines, no one would complain." Yet almost from the day the president announced his policy, the most often heard criticism has been that it does not permit sufficient stem cell research. Initially, there may have been some credence to this argument. Throughout the latter half of 2001, only one stem cell line was available to researchers, in large part due to intellectual property issues and the reluctance of foreign institutions to make their lines accessible. But by 2003, 12 lines were available for federal funding, and today there are 22. These 22 lines have resulted in more than 700 shipments of stem cells to federally funded researchers, and the National Institutes of Health is poised to make thousands more available upon request. Moreover, given the absence of any restrictions on privately funded stem cell research, one imagines that if pharmaceutical companies believed that such therapies were indeed viable, there would be no shortage of private capital investment in the field. At any rate, thanks to the development of new technologies and methods, many of which were developed with federal funds made available by the president's policy, there appear to be multiple sources of embryonic stem cells whose derivation does not require embryo destruction. The president's Council on Bioethics in May 2005 laid out several potential ways for harvesting embryonic stem cells without destroying embryos, and all of them have since been attempted and detailed in scientific journals. The possibility of cell re-programming also is promising. Scientists from Japan's Institute for Frontier Medical Science have shown that altering just four genetic factors was sufficient to change adult cells into pluripotent stem cells. If this technique proves successful, it will allow an ample supply of these stem cells without the ethical complications of embryo destruction. And now the news from Harvard and Wake Forest researchers is the most promising of all. If their work stands the test of time, there will be little argument that taxpayers should be forced to underwrite what many believe is the destruction of human life. As Congress prepares to override the president's stem cell policy, and as the president prepares to use his veto pen for only the second time — the first time was also to block stem cell legislation — we should keep in mind that science sometimes can get in the way of a good political fight. Mr. Lefkowitz served as a domestic policy adviser to President Bush between 2001 and 2003. revdauphinee answered on 01/12/07: ia gree with the statement "The DEBATE about any type of stem cell research should never be closed/obsolete' suffer from both diabetes and lupus and pray daily for a cure ! tomder55 rated this answer

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jjgoss asked on 01/07/07 - ...prayer cures illness.... ...Scientists seem to have shown what Christians have always known — that praying to God to heal someone may get that person cured. Dr. Peter Fenwick, a neuropsychiatrist from the British Institute of Psychiatry, told 400 top scientists at the University of Salford in England about studies that showed that patients who were prayed for had much better recovery rates, even though they didn't know they were being prayed for. One study looked at the effects of prayer on almost 400 cardiac patients. Patients were not told whether they were being prayed for. Half were prayed for by strangers who had only the patients' names. Those prayed for had fewer complications, fewer cases of pneumonia, needed less drug treatment, and left hospital earlier. A study at Columbia University in New York asked people in Australia, Canada, and the United States to pray for IVF patients in Korea. Among the half who were prayed for, the success rate doubled. Dr. Fenwick said, “These are very good studies, properly done. Subjects who are unaware they are being prayed for can be significantly helped.” ~Sunday Mail ..Have you ever experienced it????........ revdauphinee answered on 01/07/07: yes I have and this should be an eye oppener to nonebelievers! domino rated this answer jjgoss rated this answer Misha. rated this answer Pericles rated this answer

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jjgoss asked on 01/07/07 - ...To all on this board... ...SMILE..... Author Unknown A Smile costs nothing, but gives much. It enriches those who receive, without making poorer those who give. It takes but a moment, but the memory of it sometimes lasts forever. None is so rich or mighty that he can get along without it, and none is so poor, but that he can be made rich by it. A Smile creates happiness in the home, fosters good will in business, and is the countersign of friendship. It brings rest to the weary, cheer to the discouraged, sunshine to the sad, and it is nature's best antidote for trouble. Yet it cannot be bought, begged, borrowed, or stolen, for it is something that is of no value to anyone, until it is given away. Some people are too tired to give you a smile; Give them one of yours, as none needs a smile so much as he who has no more to give........ revdauphinee answered on 01/07/07: Oh that every one on here would learn and practice this! Hwood rated this answer jjgoss rated this answer MaggieB rated this answer

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arcura asked on 01/06/07 - I have a few questions about this article...... Do you find any of the statistics interesting? Do you agree with any points the author made? If so what are they? Do you disagree with any point the author made? If so what are they? Please be specific. Since I am asking for your personal opinion, all answers will get 5 stars. http://newswithviews.com/Daubenmire/dave54.htm revdauphinee answered on 01/06/07: I wonder if the person who wrote that remembers that whilst God may hate sin he still loves the sinner if that were not so we would all be damned !would he rather live under shiria law were folks must go along with the yeligions agenda or die ?personaly Ill leave the judging to God he is able ! Hwood rated this answer Pericles rated this answer arcura rated this answer MaggieB rated this answer

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Hwood asked on 01/06/07 - Can we compare ourselves to the Coffee Cups A group of alumni, highly established in their careers, got together to visit their old university professor. Conversation soon turned into complaints about stress in work and life. Offering his guests coffee, the professor went to the kitchen and returned with a large pot of coffee and an assortment of cups - porcelain, plastic, glass, crystal, some plain looking, some expensive, some exquisite - telling them to help themselves to the coffee. When all the students had a cup of coffee in hand, the professor said: "If you noticed, all the nice looking expensive cups were taken up, leaving behind the plain and cheap ones. While it is normal for you to want only the best for yourselves, that is the source of your problems and stress. Be assured that the cup itself adds no quality to the coffee. In most cases it is just more expensive and in some cases even hides what we drink. What all of you really wanted was coffee, not the cup, but you consciously went for the best cups... And then you began eyeing each other's cups. Now consider this: Life is the coffee; the jobs, money and position in society are the cups They are just tools to hold and contain Life, and the type of cup we have does not define, nor change the quality of life we live. Sometimes, by concentrating only on the cup, we fail to enjoy the coffee God has provided us. God brews the coffee, not the cups.......... Enjoy your coffee! "The happiest people don't have the best of everything. They just make the best of everything they have." Live simply. Love generously. Care deeply. Speak kindly. Leave the rest to God revdauphinee answered on 01/06/07: great posting and true! Hwood rated this answer

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arcura asked on 01/03/07 - Answer to "How many believe in some form of evolution?" (From CBS poll) VIEWS ON EVOLUTION/CREATIONISM God created humans in present form 51% Humans evolved, God guided the process 30% Humans evolved, God did not guide process 15% <><><> Do You believe in some form of evolution? I do. revdauphinee answered on 01/04/07: since to God a day is as a thousand years I have no real problem with either!seven litteral days or seven thousand years ?? arcura rated this answer

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arcura asked on 01/02/07 - WELCOME BACK EVERYONE TO AW 2007................ Do you hope, as I do, that with the new server that AW will be faster? This last year as time went on it seemed to get slower and slower. A Happy, Blessed, and Prosperous New Year all year long to all. Fred revdauphinee answered on 01/03/07: happy new year to you also arcura rated this answer

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MaggieB asked on 12/27/06 - Parents of Slain GIs Travel to Iraq Parents of Slain GIs Travel to Iraq December 26, 2006 We're allowed to do stupid things. After her son Justin was killed serving in Iraq, a grieving Jan Johnson resolved to see the place where he died and to better understand why it happened. Johnson and her husband, Joe, who also served in Iraq, were among a group of seven parents who lost children in the war who were picked to travel to northern Iraq in November as a scout team for a bigger trip next year. 'I wanted to go see where my son died,' she said. 'You hear in the news how bad Iraq is, that it isn't worth saving. ... I wanted to go find out for myself.' Family members of U.S. casualties of war have made pilgrimages in the past to Vietnam and other war zones where their sons and daughters died. But the fighting in Iraq was far from over, so a similar journey seemed unlikely until a nonprofit organization called America Moving Forward decided to organize a trip. By the time plans had been made, Joe had returned from an eight-month tour in Iraq and was willing to return for his wife's sake. The trip cost between $5,000 and $7,000 per person, but donations came pouring in from across the country, including checks from soldiers. The seven were told to keep their travel plans hidden from the Department of Defense and even their own children. Robert Dixon, the organization's director, said that because the Kurdistan Regional Government was hosting the group, there was no reason to clue the Defense Department in on their travels. He told them to keep tightlipped because 'we didn't want to endanger anybody by telling people.' The department did not respond to repeated requests for comment. The Johnsons abided by Dixon's requirement, telling their two children and other family members they were going to Canada. The group left in early November for Amman, Jordan, where they spent a day before arriving in Iraq. A few shell-shocked security guards staying at a hotel begged Joe Johnson to rethink their trip into a war zone. But Jan was determined to press on: 'We've gone this far,' she said. 'We're going to go all the way.' The next morning, a plane flew the families into Arbil, the capital of the Kurdistan region in northern Iraq. It's one of the safest areas of the country, where suicide bombers rarely strike and the insurgency has little support among the Kurds, a minority long oppressed under Saddam Hussein's rule. The Johnsons were never able to go to Sadr City, the rough-and-tumble Baghdad neighborhood where Justin Johnson was killed by a roadside bomb in April 2004. Far from the strife of Baghdad and other violent regions, the group's members said they nevertheless found a cause worth fighting for in Arbil. There, they said, their sons were treated as liberators and the parents welcomed as heroes. As guests of the Kurdistan Regional Government, the parents visited a parade of politicians and government ministers who thanked them for their visit _ and their sacrifice. Many told the families their sons were martyrs, a term that at first seemed offensive to some. 'Until I understood the meaning of what a martyr was, it was kind of a slap in the face,' Jan said. 'But they weren't comparing them to suicide bombers. I realized they were comparing them to heroes.' They traveled to outlying villages and were invited to sip tea with Kurdish dignitaries. One told them of his painstaking efforts to find mass graves and evidence of Iraqi abuse. Another took them on a tour of a prison camp that was transformed into a rose garden after Hussein's grip on the region waned. Wherever they traveled, fellow mother Debra Argel Bastian of Lompoc, Calif., handed out wallet-sized photos of her son, Derek Argel, who was killed in a May 2005 plane crash near the Iranian border. One mother tucked the photo into a framed picture of her two sons and husband, who had also been killed during Saddam's rule. 'Now your son is my son,' the woman told Bastian. She broke down crying. 'I needed to make that trip,' said Bastian, who traveled with her husband, Todd. 'All of us were very, very disappointed in the media coverage over the war. I had so many avenues that were telling me different, that there were good things happening in Iraq, that they were just reporting the bomb of the day.' Jan Johnson said she was touched by an unexpected meeting with a soldier who was part of the team that tried to rescue her son. 'It brought Justin closer to me,' she said. The group returned home 10 days later, in time for some to attend Veterans Day parades. Jan says she hopes to help lead another trip, possibly to Baghdad, with a larger contingent of families. _____________________________________________________ I am not happy about the war in Iraq and it hurts to read about our service members getting hurt and killed. But I have to agree with these parents that the media tends to only show the "bad" side of any news they give. May the New Year bring peace, love and kindness into a world so filled with hate. MaggieB revdauphinee answered on 12/27/06: re"We're allowed to do stupid things" remember what may seem stupid to some may bring closier to others I can fully understsn the parents wanting to know where however were it my child id be more interested in the why??? MaggieB rated this answer

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Jesushelper76 asked on 12/27/06 - Wishing Wishing a Happy New Year for everybody. See you all in the new year. Joe revdauphinee answered on 12/27/06: same back at ya ! Jesushelper76 rated this answer

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Choux... asked on 12/26/06 - AW GOING DOWN TO ABOUT THE FIRST I noticed on the home page that AW is going down to change servers tomorrow through about New Year's Day. HAVE A WONDERFUL AND PEACEFUL NEW YEAR AND SEE YOU ALL NEXT YEAR!!!! revdauphinee answered on 12/26/06: thanks for the info! Choux... rated this answer

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hOPE12 asked on 12/26/06 - What does it mean to love God?? Hello Everyone, There are many today who say they love God but when we love God it is more then just a feeling or saying we love God. Notice why I say this: 1 John 5:3 (New King James Version) New King James Version (NKJV) Copyright � 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. � For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments. And His commandments are not burdensome." Matthew 7:16-20 (New King James Version) New King James Version (NKJV) Copyright � 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Think about this, if you have an apple seed and you are hungry, would you be satisfied with just the seed, or would you prefer the Apple? Of course, the apple is better, so to is the love of God better if shown by how we act and treat others. Notice why I say this: Matthew 7:16-20 (New King James Version) New King James Version (NKJV) Copyright � 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. 16 You will know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes from thornbushes or figs from thistles? 17 Even so, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. 18 A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a bad tree bear good fruit. 19 Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. 20 Therefore by their fruits you will know them." In order for us to have a genuine love for God we must bear "fine fruit", another words, actions that express or show others that we have love for God. When we think of all the things God has given to us, it makes his commandments easier to obey. They are not burdensome. Remember that those who claim to love God and does not love others then notice what the Bible says about this. 1 John 4:20 (New King James Version) New King James Version (NKJV) Copyright � 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. ൜ If someone says, �I love God,� and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen, how can[a] he love God whom he has not seen?" The love of God then is shown in our obedience to God's laws and how we love others. What is your thoughts on this? "Do you personally feel that one can love God and be a "Genuine Christian" without the love of others? Do you feel God approves of treating others in a negative and unloving way? I personally feel that if I say I love God then it will show by how I speak and act and how I treat others. I can of course hate what they do, but I feel I could never hate anyone or treat them badly and be approved by God. If I say I love God and treat others badly, they I would be a hypocrite, saying one thing with my mouth and doing acts that were not in agreement with the words I speak. Just my personal opinion, what is yours? Take care, Hope12 revdauphinee answered on 12/26/06: dont you feel if we love someone and see them in error and at risk for salvation the loving thing is to point out that error (for instance if the bridge was out down the road and you saw someone driving fast toward it would you not warn them ??or is the loving thing to smile nicely at them and let them go on to thier death?I believe in warning myself even if they resent it! Closer_To_The_Heart rated this answer hOPE12 rated this answer MaggieB rated this answer

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HANK1 asked on 12/25/06 - The Church of Reality: "Welcome to the Church of Reality. Welcome to the Real World. That's our church greeting. Thank you for visiting our web site. If you are frustrated with the current state of the religious world and you are looking for some sanity, you came to the right place. The Church of Reality is a positive force for change and you can be part of it. You can help make it happen. There is a lot of material here. We hope you will invest the time to read it. The Church of Reality is a religion based on the practice of Realism, believing in everything that is real. Our motto is, "If it's real, we believe in it." Since no one knows all of reality, the Church of Reality is really a religious commitment to the pursuit of reality the way it really is. We think about thinking. We wonder about wondering. We try to understand the understanding of understanding. We are Explorers not followers. The phrase "What is Real?" is our Sacred Question and the word "Reality" is our Sacred Message. We talk about reality, think about reality, and make reality more important in society. The Church of Reality is not a religion of science, it is a religion of people. We explore reality from the human perspective. In order to explore reality we need a strong, healthy society where people can live freely and peacefully, and the human race can evolve forward toward a better future. The pursuit of reality is something that is a shared process. It's something we do together as a church, as a community, and as the human race." Source: The Church of Reality Can a Christian in good conscience join this Church? (Just remember I'm asking a question and NOT giving an opinion) HANK revdauphinee answered on 12/25/06: since I see no mention of Christ in your piece I dont see how a follower of His ( a Christian) could be a member HANK1 rated this answer

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madddawg asked on 12/25/06 - Biochemical machines: How did the biochemical machines originate, by a series of random accidents, or are they a result of an intelligence designer? "Scientists have found that within the cell, there are thousands of what can be called "biochemical machines." For example, one could cite the cell's ability to sense light and turn it into electrical impluses. But what scientists once thought was a simple process within a cell, such as being able to sense light and turn it into electrical impulses, is in fact a highly complicated event. For just this one example alone to work, there have to be numerous compounds all at the right place and the right time in the right concentration - or it just can't happen. In other words just as all the parts of a 747 need to be assembled before it can fly, so all the part of these biochemical machines in cells to be be in place or thay can't function. And there are literally thousands of such machines in a single cell that are vital for it to operate. What does it mean? Quite simply, evolution from chemicals to a living system is impossible." Is there really a God, Ken Ham, Answers in Genesis, 1998, Page 19-20 revdauphinee answered on 12/25/06: everything!!! is the result of intelegent design! madddawg rated this answer

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Bobbye asked on 12/25/06 - LUKE 2:11 KJV, "FOR UNTO YOU IS BORN THIS DAY IN THE CITY OF DAVID A SAVI0UR, WHICH IS C Is Jesus your Saviour? Have you made Him Lord of your life? HAVE A BLESSED CHRISTMAS TODAY! Bobbye revdauphinee answered on 12/25/06: yes yes and yes and to those who dont believe YOU dont know what your missing! Bobbye rated this answer MaggieB rated this answer

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Pericles asked on 12/25/06 - Merry Christmas, all! � Whatever you believe, doubt, or reject : have a wonderful and merry Christmas to all of you. � � revdauphinee answered on 12/25/06: amen to that for at least one day lets forget our differences and dwell only on our oneness,we are all human! Misha. rated this answer Pericles rated this answer

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HANK1 asked on 12/24/06 - SYMBOLISM: I don't think much of symbolism. I would rather have GOD and Jesus in my heart 24/7 than being reminded almost daily to OBEY when I see their pictures hangin' on a wall. "Why not have both?," you ask! Who needs both? This goes for statues et al. HANK revdauphinee answered on 12/24/06: God tells us 4 "You shall not make for yourself an idol in the form of anything in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the waters below. so that answers the question for me! HANK1 rated this answer MaggieB rated this answer

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madddawg asked on 12/23/06 - sorry about that My stupid computer or else my stupid fingers posted the same question 3 times. revdauphinee answered on 12/23/06: I suffer from the same problem often!LOL madddawg rated this answer

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arcura asked on 12/22/06 - Are you going to be doing anything special for .... this Christmas? Shortly we'll be leaving to go north to very near the Canadian border to spend Christmas with our daughter and her family plus with other family members in the USA and some Canadians. Merry and a happy Christmas to all. Fred revdauphinee answered on 12/23/06: will be sitting on my butt letting the kids cook for as change LOL arcura rated this answer

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Rosekeeper asked on 12/22/06 - The Definition Of Prayer? Dear Christian, and Un-Christian Experts What is the definition of Prayer? And is God a jealous God? revdauphinee answered on 12/23/06: my defination of prayer is it is a conversation with our creator! MaggieB rated this answer Rosekeeper rated this answer

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Hwood asked on 12/22/06 - I have a question. If a person does not believe in Jesus, why do they come here and spend their time making snide remarks about Him. What do they want to prove? Are they trying to cause someone to fall away, or are they trying to learn that there is really a God? And have someone prove it to them. revdauphinee answered on 12/22/06: as a christian we always must remember that where there is good(Christ) then there will be evil found for where the word is spread satan will also be present to discredit it!we as Christians need to stregnthen our resolve ,concider the sources against us the go on and fight the good fight! and have a holy Christmas arcura rated this answer Hwood rated this answer

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domino asked on 12/21/06 - Any Christians here???? In the past two weeks, the self proclaimed Christian 'freak' Jesse James Dupree (a drunk and purveyor of filth) has perverted the rating system by multiple rating Toms777s answers with multiple five star ratings, twice...and now rates Istbs response EIGHTEEN TIMES. Toms777 has YET to 'admonish' his "brother in Christ", being too intent on denigrating Catholics. Are there any Christians on this board willing to take this idiot to task????? Or is it only the non-Christians who put any stock in the words of Jesus????? revdauphinee answered on 12/21/06: one can take these folks to task all one want to no avail !where there is no sence there is no concience domino rated this answer JesseJamesDupree rated this answer Toms777 rated this answer

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HANK1 asked on 12/21/06 - SAUL: Where did King Saul go to seek the help of a medium? HANK revdauphinee answered on 12/21/06: the witch of Endor! (1Sam.28:7-25. 7 Saul then said to his attendants, "Find me a woman who is a medium, so I may go and inquire of her." "There is one in Endor," they said. 8 So Saul disguised himself, putting on other clothes, and at night he and two men went to the woman. "Consult a spirit for me," he said, "and bring up for me the one I name." arcura rated this answer HANK1 rated this answer

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jjgoss asked on 12/21/06 - ...soul searching... ...All religious people believe that humans have souls..whereas some atheists believe that they have a soul, and some atheists don't believe that.....In your opinion, when someone dies, where would his/her soul go, before the Judgement Day???........ revdauphinee answered on 12/21/06: back from whence it came to God! I believe the soul is the breath of life so (Gen.2:7 the LORD God formed the man from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living being. jjgoss rated this answer

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arcura asked on 12/21/06 - Follow the three wise men............................ To the greatest gift ever given, Jesus Christ. Give Him the greatest gift you can give.....Yourself. Have a Merry Holy Christmas. <><><><> For those who do not believe... Have a pleasant and happy holiday. And I wish and hope for peace and kindness for everyone in the world. revdauphinee answered on 12/21/06: for those who do not believe it isnt a holyday! arcura rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 12/21/06 - Christmas Greetings. To all you traditionalists who like to recieved and give Christmas greetings Happy Christmas http://www.jacquielawson.com/viewcard.asp?code=1049028812907 revdauphinee answered on 12/21/06: thank you so very much! paraclete rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 12/21/06 - Christmas Greetings. To all you traditionalists who like to recieved and give Christmas greetings Happy Christmas http://www.jacquielawson.com/viewcard.asp?code=1049028812907 revdauphinee answered on 12/21/06: thank you so very much! paraclete rated this answer

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Misha. asked on 12/20/06 - "The only christian holiday is Thanksgiving." From Peddler......... just to prove she is a idiot! revdauphinee answered on 12/21/06: i agree every day is a holyday for Christians we are forgiven!!!!! MaggieB rated this answer Misha. rated this answer paraclete rated this answer

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MaggieB asked on 12/20/06 - Day of Remembrance Just a few more days until December 25th - just a few more days until...until what? What exactly is December 25th? What is this day we call Christmas? The early church didn't give much thought to the birth of Jesus. Of the four Gospels only Matthew and Luke even mention His birth, and these accounts are relatively brief. Certainly, the emphasis of the Gospels was on Jesus' ministry, death, and resurrection. And after Jesus ascended to Heaven, the focus of the church was on living for Him, sending out His message, and waiting for His return. No one is really sure when Jesus was born. The first recorded celebration didn't occur until 200 years after His birth, and it wasn't until 330 A.D. that the birth of Christ was assigned to December 25th. Some say Jesus was actually born in September or October and others are sure He was born in March or April (in fact, a case has been made for His birth in each of the twelve months). But it's generally agreed that, due to the relatively colder weather, December was an unlikely time for the birth of our Savior. So what really is this day we call Christmas? John 1:1,14 "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us." These verses refer to Jesus Christ as "the Word," who was with God in the beginning and at the same time was God Himself; and who left His Heavenly dwelling to begin life with us as a little baby. Christmas is a day to remember the most profound event in the history of the world. On that first Christmas night (whenever it was), God came to earth as a baby! He was born into the most humble circumstances, grew and taught us His truths, died on a cross for our sin, and was raised to be with The Father - all so we might live with Him for eternity. December 25th is a day to celebrate with quiet reflection, as Mary "treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart" (Luke 2:19). It is also a day to celebrate with great rejoicing, as the shepherds "returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen" (Luke 2:20). The world has tried to remove Christ and insert many activities into this season which do not glorify God. But this need not hinder our worship. We have the ability to turn away the evil and embrace that which is honoring and good. We can (and should) glorify God and celebrate the gift of our Savior every day throughout the year, but let's take the opportunity to make this season and this day special. Let's celebrate with a focused and thankful heart, and make December 25th a blessed day of remembrance. Have a Great Day! Steve Troxel c/p MaggieB revdauphinee answered on 12/20/06: it matters not to me when Jesus was realy born what I celebrate is the fact that he was! he was born to die for me and all who accept him as Lord!we need to celebrate his comming every day ! MaggieB rated this answer

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Choux... asked on 12/19/06 - Garden of Eden in Genesis CeeBee responded to one of my answers on another Board that the part of Genesis about Eve being tempted by the serpent and convincing Adam to eat from the tree of knowledge of good and evil thereby causing "The Fall" was not original "Jewish" creation tribal scripture, but was added in the Middle Ages. I never ran across that in my reading. What are the verifications of this, if any???? Thanks in advance. revdauphinee answered on 12/19/06: I believe in scripture however in all my 60+ years on this earth I have never yet been able to convince a male to eat anything he didnt want to !Makes one wonder how she did it? maybee God changed them after the fact !all I want is for my grandson to eat a litlle cheese If he tried it he might like it LOL! Choux... rated this answer

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arcura asked on 12/19/06 - Will you fast and pray for peace??????????????????????? BAGHDAD, Iraq, DEC. 18, 2006 (Zenit.org).- Patriarch Emmanuel III Delly of Babylon of the Chaldeans is appealing to Christians everywhere to observe the "Nineveh fast" for peace today and Tuesday. The pastor of the country's largest Christian community gave this intention for prayers and sacrifices: "That the Lord may grant the gift of peace, security and stability to our beloved Iraq, and that a climate of fraternity and charity may reign among the children of Iraq." The initiative is called "Nineveh fast" in remembrance of the fast that the prophet Jonah asked of the inhabitants of that city (near present-day Mosul, Iraq), which moved God. The fast, as practiced by the Chaldeans, can be total for two days, or from dawn to dusk, or involve just abstinence from fish, meat and milk products. The "Nineveh fast" is practiced every year by the Chaldeans. The novelty this year is that the patriarch has called Christians worldwide to join in. revdauphinee answered on 12/19/06: are we sure we truly want to do that ,if god is preparing for the second comming as spoken of in scriptures?would we be praying contrary to his plan?just questions going through my mind! Matthew 24: 4. Jesus answered: "Watch out that no one deceives you. 5. For many will come in my name, claiming, `I am the Christ, ' and will deceive many. 6. You will hear of wars and rumors of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come. 7. Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in various places. 8. All these are the beginning of birth pains. 9. "Then you will be handed over to be persecuted and put to death, and you will be hated by all nations because of me. 10. At that time many will turn away from the faith and will betray and hate each other, 11. and many false prophets will appear and deceive many people. 12. Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold, 13. but he who stands firm to the end will be saved. arcura rated this answer

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arcura asked on 12/19/06 - Have you been thinking about who you might vote for... in the bext presidential election? Some folks have, but in my case it has been who I will not vote for like Kerry and Giuliani. Gingrich Says 2008 Bid Depends on Rivals Associated Press Monday, December 18, 2006; A06 Newt Gingrich suggested yesterday that he might not run for president in 2008 if a rival has all but locked up the Republican nomination by next fall. The former House speaker from Georgia said it would not be too late for him to enter the race after Labor Day 2007, if he thinks that no candidate has a clear advantage. He cited Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney, Sen. John McCain of Arizona and former New York City mayor Rudolph W. Giuliani as the contenders to watch. "If one of them seals it off by Labor Day, my announcing now wouldn't make any difference anyway," he said. "If none of the three, having from now till Labor Day, can seal it off, the first real vote is in 2008. And there's plenty of time in the age of television and e-mail between Labor Day and 2008." The nominee will be picked at the party convention in Minneapolis-St. Paul in early September 2008. Gingrich noted that John F. Kennedy and Ronald Reagan each announced his candidacy less than a year before an election. Kennedy confirmed he was running Jan. 2, 1960. Reagan did so for the first time Nov. 20, 1975, when he did not win the nomination, and again Nov. 13, 1979, and Jan. 29, 1984 -- both times capturing the White House. "Of course I'm thinking about it," Gingrich said on NBC's "Meet the Press." "I hope between now and September to help create with every candidate in both parties a wave of new ideas, a wave of new solutions." Gingrich said that in early January he will write to the heads of the state Democratic and Republican parties in Iowa, New Hampshire and South Carolina, where there are early nominating contests, to recommend they hold bipartisan debates and other forums. On the Democratic side, Sen. Edward M. Kennedy reaffirmed yesterday that he will support John F. Kerry, a fellow senator from Massachusetts and the 2004 presidential nominee, if Kerry were to run in 2008. revdauphinee answered on 12/19/06: hard to answer this yet is appears the republicans have got us in such a mess it will take a true leader to straighten it our and right now the is such a lack of convincing folks around makes one wonder where have all the leaders gone??? we need a genuine statesman(or woman?) this go around ,NOT just somone seeking personl gain or power! arcura rated this answer

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arcura asked on 12/19/06 - Another Christian chursh splintering.............. 7 Va. Episcopal Parishes Vote to Sever Ties Same-Sex Unions, Choice of Gay Bishop Spark Conservatives' Break From Church By Bill Turque and Michelle Boorstein Washington Post Staff Writers Monday, December 18, 2006; A01 At least seven Virginia Episcopal parishes, opposed to the consecration of a gay bishop and the blessing of same-sex unions, have voted overwhelmingly to break from the U.S. church in a dramatic demonstration of widening rifts within the denomination. Two of the congregations are among the state's largest and most historic: Truro Church in Fairfax City and The Falls Church in Falls Church, which have roots in the 1700s. Their leaders have been in the vanguard of a national effort to establish a conservative alternative to the Episcopal Church, the U.S. wing of the 77 million-member worldwide Anglican Communion. The result of the week-long vote, announced yesterday, sets up the possibility of a lengthy ecclesiastical and legal battle for property worth tens of millions of dollars. Buildings and land at Truro and The Falls Church are valued at about $25 million, according to Fairfax County records. The votes are fresh evidence of an increasingly bitter split within the U.S. Episcopal Church. Seven of its 111 dioceses have rejected the authority of Presiding U.S. Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori, installed in November as the first woman to head an Anglican church. Schori supports V. Gene Robinson, an openly gay man elected bishop of New Hampshire in 2003. "I grew up in the Episcopal Church. I hope I don't cry when I talk about this," said a shaken Katrina Wagner, 37, an accountant and member of Truro's vestry, after the congregation's vote was announced. "But the issue is: Are we going to follow Scripture?" Bishop Peter James Lee of the Diocese of Virginia said yesterday in a statement that he was "saddened" by the churches' decision but that he would not yield in seeking to retain ownership of the parishes' land and buildings. The two congregations voted not only to sever ties with the U.S. church but also for a resolution saying that they should keep the property. "As stewards of this historic trust, we fully intend to assert the Church's canonical and legal rights over these properties," said Lee, who is scheduled to meet today with the executive board and standing committee of the diocese to discuss the situation. Truro and The Falls Church, with a combined membership of more than 3,000, will form the core of what is envisioned as a new Fairfax-based mission of the conservative Episcopal Church of Nigeria. The head of the Nigerian church, Archbishop Peter Akinola, has voiced support for a pending law in that country that includes prison sentences for gay sexual activity. The Rev. Martyn Minns of Truro Church, who is missionary bishop of the splinter group known as CANA (Convocation of Anglicans in North America), said that although the dissident Virginia churches believe that homosexuality is banned by Scripture, they do not support criminalization of gay sex. Akinola's spokesman and his advocates have said he does not advocate aggressively pursuing the jailing of homosexuals. His advocates say he is trying to navigate an explosive cultural situation in Nigeria and appease Muslim leaders. The other Virginia congregations that announced votes to leave the U.S. church are Church of the Apostles in Fairfax, St. Stephen's in Heathsville, St. Margaret's Church in Woodbridge, Potomac Falls Episcopal Church in Sterling and Church of the Word in Gainesville. Another church participating in the vote, St. Paul's in Haymarket, is expected to release results today. Last week, members of All Saints' Church in Dale City announced a vote to separate. In all, the eight parishes that finished voting yesterday represent about 5 percent of the 90,000-member Virginia diocese. The defections are likely to continue. Two other small Northern Virginia churches, Our Saviour Episcopal in Oatlands and Church of the Epiphany in Herndon, are expected to vote on separation early next year. Minns said he expects about 20 parishes nationwide to join CANA by year's end. Nearly 1,000 Truro congregants sat in rapt silence at the end of the 11:15 a.m. service yesterday as Jim Oakes, the senior warden, announced that more than 90 percent of eligible voters resolved to sever ties with the U.S. church and retain control of church property. "A new day has begun," Oakes said. The congregation then sang a hymn, No. 525, specially selected by Minns. It began, "The church's one foundation is Jesus Christ her Lord. . . ." Outside after the service, members were somber but resolute about a decision they say culminated a long period of disenchantment with the Episcopal Church, dating back to the ordination of women in the 1970s. Their alienation grew with Robinson's election. "I want to do what's right in the Lord's eyes," said Vicki Robb, 53, an Alexandria public relations executive, who said the church's leftward drift was becoming intolerable. "It's kind of embarrassing when you tell people that you're Episcopal." Minns said the process of separation had been emotionally wrenching. "This is a family struggle, no question about that," he said. "And it is a very painful one, but we have managed to conduct the struggle in a way that has sought to honor those with whom we disagree." Truro and The Falls Church were formed before the U.S. denomination existed. George Washington was a member of the vestry at The Falls Church. Other Episcopal leaders said yesterday's vote was not surprising, given the increasingly conservative tilt of the parishes involved. "Frankly, anyone who didn't agree has long since left those parishes. They've been headed that way for years," said Joan Gundersen, president of Progressive Episcopalians of Pittsburgh. The departure is regrettable, she said, adding: "Every time one of these churches leaves, their voice becomes an even smaller minority. And I'm sorry to see that. One of the beliefs of the Episcopal Church has been how we can live together and worship together under widely varying interpretations of belief." Conservative congregations have left the church in the past, including in the 1970s, when ordinations of women began, and a number have done so since Robinson's election. In some cases, dissident churches have fought their diocese for the church property. Many court rulings have been in favor of the dioceses, although some recent cases in California have gone the other way. Representatives of CANA, the Fairfax-based splinter group, said yesterday that they remain confident they can reach a settlement with the diocese that will allow them to retain the churches. "We expect to be able to settle the questions of property in a peaceful way," said the Rev. John Yates, rector of The Falls Church. revdauphinee answered on 12/19/06: One of the beliefs of the Episcopal Church has been how we can live together and worship together under widely varying interpretations of belief." this is good as long as those interpretations do not conflict with scriptural teachings.I am of thew belief that since god loves the sinner whilst hating the sin we should welcome the gay comunity with open hearts whilst still teaching they are not living the life with Gods approval.We should never allow anyone openly living in such sin to have a position of authority however! arcura rated this answer

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arcura asked on 12/19/06 - Mr. Clear Eyes, Ben Stein, a Jew, tells us what he thinks about people saying Merry Christmas and Christmas Trees and manger scenes. <><><> Ben Stein, a lawyer by training, has also served as a speechwriter for President Richard M. Nixon, has to date authored sixteen books (both novels and non-fiction efforts), and continues to write editorials and columns for a number of prominent publications. He is perhaps best known to the world at large, however, for his in-front-of-the-camera work as the dreadfully dull economics teacher in the film Ferris Bueller's Day Off (and his similar role as the monotonic science teacher Mr. Cantwell on the TV series The Wonder Years) and as the keenly competitive host of the Comedy Central game show Win Ben Stein's Money. Mr. Stein currently offers occasional commentaries for the CBS Sunday Morning news program, and the item quoted above is based on one such commentary, entitled "Confessions for the Holidays" and delivered by Mr. Stein on that program on 18 December 2005, one week before Christmas. However, the version widely circulated via e-mail includes some transcription errors and modifications that were not part of the piece as originally aired. Here is the full version as broadcast, taken from a CBS News transcript of the program: CHARLES OSGOOD, host: We all have our own thoughts about the holidays. Here's Ben Stein with his. BEN STEIN: Here at this happy time of year, a few confessions from my beating heart. I have no freaking clue who Nick and Jessica are. I see them on the cover of People and Us constantly when I'm buying my dog biscuits. I still don't know. I often ask the checkers at the grocery stores who they are. They don't know who Nick and Jessica are, either. Who are they? Will it change my life if I know who they are and why they've broken up? Why are they so darned important? I don't know who Lindsay Lohan is either, and I don't care at all about Tom Cruise's baby. Am I going to be called before a Senate committee and asked if I'm a subversive? Maybe. But I just have no clue who Nick and Jessica are. Is this what it means to be no longer young? Hm, not so bad. Next confession: I am a Jew and every single one of my ancestors was Jewish, and it does not bother me even a little bit when people call those beautifully lit-up, bejeweled trees Christmas trees. I don't feel threatened. I don't feel discriminated against. That's what they are � Christmas trees. It doesn't bother me a bit when people say 'Merry Christmas' to me. I don't think they're slighting me or getting ready to put me in a ghetto. In fact, I kind of like it. I shows that we're all brothers and sisters celebrating this happy time of year. It doesn't bother me one bit that there's a manger scene on display at a key intersection at my beach house in Malibu. If people want a creche, fine. The menorah a few hundred yards away is fine, too. I do not like getting pushed around for being a Jew, and I don't think Christians like getting pushed around for being Christians. I think people who believe in God are sick and tired of getting pushed around, period. I have no idea where the concept came from that America is an explicitly atheist country. I can't find it in the Constitution and I don't like it being shoved down my throat. Or maybe I can put it another way. Where did the idea come from that we should worship Nick and Jessica and aren't allowed to worship God as we understand him? I guess that's a sign that I'm getting old, too. But there are a lot of us who are wondering where Nick and Jessica came from and where the America we used to know went to. revdauphinee answered on 12/19/06: I never cared much for Mr Stein however he just went up in my estemations after I read this>Thank you for posting it! arcura rated this answer

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arcura asked on 12/18/06 - Do you think I should do as Toms keeps demanding? In regard to some clarifications postings Toms keeps saying that I did not post Scripture passages that indicate the fact that Purgatory exists. I keep telling him that I did. He keeps asking that I provide them as though I never did. I keep telling him I�ll not play his game that they are on this board. I told him, �Search and you will find.� Again, instead of searching he demanded again. Toms has polled that little game on several of us saying we never said something or posted something. Do you think we should be a monkey in a chain and do what he demands jerking us around? What would you do? Do you think that I should repost them here or tell him where to find them when they were posted? revdauphinee answered on 12/18/06: to attemt to settle this,The word Pugatory just as the word Trinity, does not appear in the Bible, nor is the concept spelled out in detail. Scripture verses cited in support of a period of purgation after death and/or the efficacy of prayers for the dead include Dan 12:10;[5] Zech 13:9;[6] Mal 3:2-3;[7] 2 Mac 12:42-45;[8] Matthew 5:26;[9] Lk 12:47-48;[10] Lk 12:58-59;[11] 1 Cor 3:13-15;[12]; 2 Timothy 1:16-18[13] Rev 21:27[14] and others. The extent to which these passages refer to a state of purgation remains subject to interpretation. arcura rated this answer domino rated this answer Toms777 rated this answer

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arcura asked on 12/18/06 - Do you believe that The Holy Spirit and lead you? The reason I ask this is................... I said to Toms, The Holy Spirit is a best friend of mine. He keeps encouraging me to point out to you how very wrong you are about so many things. Where He leads me I will follow. Toms replied, (I quote him exactly not correcting his spelling) That is the Roman religion that you keep quoting, which teaxches doctrine contrary to teh Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is a friend - but you need to listen to what he has to say, rather than following an institution of men. Of course Toms ignored the fact that I said the Holy Spirit leads me. He twisted that by claiming I follow an institution of men OR he thinks the Holy Spirit is an institution of men. Regardless of Toms twisting I believe the Holy Spirit CAN lead us. Do you believe the Holy Spirit can lead you? revdauphinee answered on 12/18/06: definatly I dont think a person who does not feel this to be true is truly a follower of Jesus !Also whilst i personaly could not follow the catholic doctrine there are many fine Christian folk wh do! (Num.11:17. I will come down and speak with you there, and I will take of the Spirit that is on you and put the Spirit on them. They will help you carry the burden of the people so that you will not have to carry it alone. ) arcura rated this answer Toms777 rated this answer

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madddawg asked on 12/17/06 - class of gods class of gods Kenneth Copland said: Adam was created in God's class, to rule as God, by speaking words." The Power, pages5-6 Satan said: Genesis 3 4And the serpent said unto the woman, Ye shall not surely die: 5For God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil. But God said: Isaiah 44:8 ye are even my witnesses. Is there a God beside me? yea, there is no God; I know not any. Who is correct? revdauphinee answered on 12/18/06: For Christians there must only be One God !One who we acnowledge and worship! !However were there not others why would Yaweh feel the need to tell us we should have no other Gods????Exo 20: 3 "You shall have no other gods before me. madddawg rated this answer Toms777 rated this answer

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arcura asked on 12/17/06 - Will this prophesy come true????????????????????????? I recieved this some time ago and not it pops up again. Apparently it came from a Gnostic book or magazine. What do you think of it? +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ At last count there are 6 BILLION people on this planet, of which a little over 1 Billion are Catholic and just under 1 billion members of over 26,000 different Protestant denominations. That totals out to 2 Billion Christians out of 6. That's 1/3rd (33.333333 percent) The second largest religion is Islam with about 1.8 billion or 30 percent of the population. +++++++++ Here's the prophesy............... "Make thyself aware. The great religions shall war and break the world asunder. This shall be a great tribulation. Satan shall appear the victor for the number dead but Christ shall be the victor for souls saved. The gates of hell will not prevail." Gnostic prophesy, unknown author, 12th or 13th century. >>>>>>>>>>>>> Do you think it will happen? revdauphinee answered on 12/18/06: Will this prophesy come true????????????????????????? "The great religions shall war and break the world asunder. This shall be a great tribulation. Satan shall appear the victor for the number dead but Christ shall be the victor for souls saved. The gates of hell will not prevail." Gnostic prophesy, unknown author, 12th or 13th century. DONT YOU REALISE IT ALREADY HAS!!!!! arcura rated this answer

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STONY asked on 12/18/06 - A WORD OF ADVICE... Don't argue with an idiot; people watching may not be able to tell the difference. LOL...LOL...MERRY CHRISTMAS!! revdauphinee answered on 12/18/06: oh how true!! merry christmas back at you! STONY rated this answer Toms777 rated this answer wakan rated this answer

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Misha. asked on 12/17/06 - All Things Dull And Ugly....Why? from Monty Python's Contractual Obligations Album All things dull and ugly, All creatures, short and squat, All things rude and nasty, The Lord God made the lot. Each little snake that poisons, Each little wasp that stings, He made their brutish venom, He made their horrid wings. All things sick and cancerous, All evil great and small, All things foul and dangerous, The Lord God made them all. Each nasty little hornet, Each beastly little squid, Who made the spiky urchin? Who made the sharks? He did! All things scabbed and ulcerous, All pox both great and small, Putrid, foul and gangrenous, The Lord God made them all. Amen. revdauphinee answered on 12/18/06: at least by admitting the Lord made WASPS AND STUFF you are admiting he exists! domino rated this answer Misha. rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 12/17/06 - Christianity's right to be heard upheld? In a landmark decision, the Judge in the Danny Nalliah discrimination trial has been accused of bias and his decision overturned. The Muslims hate this decision because their religion has been shown for what it is, intolerant of any other view. Some may say why worry about some little case in a backwoods place like Victoria, but this case has world wide implications as this is the first successful challenge to legislation which is becoming all too prevalant in the western world, legislation designed to silence Christians. DANIEL SCOT, DANNY NALLIAH DECISION IN THE VICTORIAN CIVIL AND ADMINISTRATIVE TRIBUNAL. Jim Ball Editorial Saturday December 18th The decision by Judge Michael Higgins in the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal on December 17th is on the one hand ignorant and disgraceful and on the other hand probably a good thing. Why? Well, it further highlights, reinforces and underscores what many decent Australians think about how mainstream Australians and their institutions, traditions and mores are under attack. Forget the Clover Moore sideshow over Christmas decorations and New Year celebrations, as important as they may be. This is far more serious and far more dangerous and goes to the very heart of our freedoms of speech and expression, and our ability to comment, query, question and compare. This was the first case to be brought under the draconian Victorian religious tolerance laws by the Equal Opportunity Commission in the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal, and goes back to the commentary by Pastor Daniel Scot at a Christian seminar held in March 2002, on Jihad, comparisons of the teaching of the Bible and the Qur�an, Islamic culture and how to share the love of Jesus for their salvation. Keep in mind that these are the same laws that a Federal Labor Government wanted to introduce if they were elected back in October. It is worth taking note of Daniel Scot�s biography: �Daniel Scot is a Pakistani who came to Australia in the late 1980's. He was forced to leave Pakistan after being charged under the blasphemy laws for which the penalty is death. He was one of only two Christian lecturers in Mathematics in Pakistan at university level. He was not only on top of the merit list when he competed for the position, but obtained 100 % in Islamic knowledge which were part of his examination for the position of lecturer in Mathematics. He lectured at Queensland University in Mathematics. He reads and writes classical Arabic and speaks a total of 4 languages. He is a Christian but is regarded as a world non-Islamic Authority on Islam and lectures in various parliament houses in Australia on Islamic matters and travels the world lecturing on Islam.� Muslims seem to be laboring under the misguided idea that some how their belief system is immune from comment, criticism, query or question. That maybe ok in an Islamic theocracy in the Middle East or Pakistan but this is Australia, and it�s not ok. We comment and criticise on all manner of belief systems, political, religious, lifestyle choices, it doesn�t matter. All our institutions, people and personalities are up for comment. Prime Ministers, Premiers, and Popes�The Constitution, the Catholic Church�And yes, even the Judiciary and people like Judge Michael Higgins now and again deserve a spray. With Islam there is a great deal to question and to be concerned about. Forget the ignorance of Judge Michael Higgins, read the books and the commentary for yourself. Read the newspapers, log on, observe. Google away. It is all out there and it�s not hard to find. Just a few key strokes will do it. Observe what�s happening in places like Holland, France, Germany, Denmark and Britain�and of course the Middle East. Muslims living under this legislation in Victoria will bridle when they realise that this kind of legislative sledge hammer is in fact a sword that cuts both ways. How long will it be before a Christian or Jewish group launch a case on the basis that they are offended by passages in the Koran and Haddith? Passages that speak of killing the infidel, the Jews, the polytheists and sundry other unbelievers� Then of course there are the Qur�anic references to Jews being converted to pigs and monkeys, Sura 2:65, 5:60 (different Korans may have slightly different verse numbers) and in Al-Bukhari Hadith Vol 4, 524 Muhammad taught that Jews were converted to rats. Perhaps they had better purge their texts of such grotesque commentary, or they may very well find themselves before the VCAT and forced to apologise. Remember the sword cuts both ways. This action in the VCAT simply demonstrates the intolerance of Islam and the intolerance of those that brought the case. The Koran and the various Hadiths are the one and only original texts, supposedly the final and literal hand of God�as Muslims would have you believe. What you see and read is what you get. �Taken out of context, misinterpreted, and misunderstood.� We�ve heard it all before and it simply doesn�t wash. In Australia, the lingua franca is English. That is the language that binds us. If the Koran doesn�t translate from Arabic then Islam has a problem. Perhaps it belongs in Arabia? The ancient holy texts from other religions seem to make the journey ok. There is no �Koran upgrade 2004�, no King James version, no New Testament, no modification, no reformation, no renaissance no enlightenment. It�s straight out of the 7th century. No negotiation and no compromise. Understand this: If this vexatious type of litigation driven by Islamic intolerance and zealotry is not reigned in, there is trouble on the road up ahead� The motives of the judge in the case have to be queried. Why release such an explosive judgment on a Friday ahead of the weekend before Christmas, where it gets buried? Everyone�s on holidays or near enough to it: Caught up with the cricket, Down at the beach, concerned with Christmas, the HSC results were out on the same day�and oh yes�opinionated media (read, talk radio hosts are out of town)� Then there are the motives of the 3 Islamic converts. They should also be placed under the microscope. What were they doing at a seminar for Infidels??? Then of course there were the motives of the EOC. And this is where it gets interesting. They were touting for business to test the new laws, plain and simple. They wanted to flex their muscle and actually asked two of the converts, Jan Jackson and Malcolm Thomas, to attend the seminar� In short the whole exercise was an ambush. A set up, a fix, a stitch up. Or if you like a conspiracy. Diane Sisely, the head of the Equal Opportunity Commission hired May Helou head of the Islamic Council of Victoria�s support group for women and Muslim converts. She was hired to drum up business for the EOC. Helou in her capacity with the ICV advised the converts about the forthcoming seminar. The concern was that there would be a Christian seminar full of Christians (Wow! How about that? Who would ever have thought it?) without any Muslims present. As Andrew Bolt from the Herald Sun observed in his piece �Let us Pray� you could be forgiven for thinking that the EOC ��Doesn�t just resolve complaints but incites them�. Remember May Helou was working both sides of the street. A foot in each camp as it were. For the ICV on the one hand and the EOC on the other. Is that not a conflict of interest? A conspiracy? Does it not reinforce the perceptions of sly trickery, duplicity and deception? From the very beginning, before any of this got to court, Daniel Scot offered to apologise if the Islamic Council of Victoria could show him where he was wrong. He was never told nor was it ever indicated to him where he was wrong. Because he wasn�t. He couldn�t have been otherwise the ICV would have told him. Wouldn�t they? Or is that more deceit? More duplicity? More trickery? It is pregnant with irony that one of the penalties that may be handed down in January could be for Scot and Nalliah to apologise. This is what Scot offered from day one. If that turns out to be the case then we are entitled to ask exactly what the case was all about? That answer is simple: The ICV and the EOC simply wanted a court case�so as to shut Scot and others up. They just don�t want people talking about the nasty bits of the Koran that abrogate the nice bits. Incidentally no one has ever been able to explain the logic as to how the perfect word of God, could possibly require abrogation, clarification or correction. If it is the perfect word of God, then God, surely would have got it right the first time. Regardless of the tortured logic of the Judge�s findings and decisions, many, if not all, of the things that Daniel Scott spoke of are in fact in the Koran and Hadiths. The history of Islam since the beginning has been violent, barbaric, bloody, belligerent, arrogant uncompromising and intolerant. Read the books yourself. Ask a Christian Copt from Egypt. Ask a Christian Lebanese. Better still, listen to and ask Daniel Scot. He�s lived through it as a Christian in Pakistan and came close to death under the blasphemy laws of that country. Unlike Judge Higgins, Daniel Scot does know what he�s talking about. In a Paul Sheehan piece in the Sydney Morning Herald, �Danny Nalliah was happy to summarise the views that led to this imbroglio: "I have lived in Saudi Arabia and learned the real nature of Islam. It is to dominate other religions and other cultures. The Koran speaks of world domination. I have spoken to a lot of Muslim leaders who say it is easy to exploit the Western system. The say the key is to be patient, to learn the language, and to build up numbers. Then build up political power.�� If Muslims have a problem with the reading and recitation of this stuff, purge it from your texts. Have a reformation, whatever it takes. If it is not for reading, highlighting, comparison, comment or discussion than it shouldn�t be there in the first place. At least have the guts to defend and argue for your religion against people like Daniel Scot and Danny Nalliah and don�t just try and shut down debate and comment via the courts. That will never substitute for argument and debate, will not win you any friends and will simply go to reinforce existing prejudices and perceptions with respect to conceit, arrogance and belligerence. In short the judge�s decision changes nothing. Only the Muslims can do that. The ball is in their court. As Charles Moore wrote today in an opinion piece in the UK Telegraph ���They cannot find the courage and the words to get to grips with the huge problem that confronts Islam in the modern world. This is: how does a belief system founded, in part, on conquest, and preaching a virtual identity between religious and political power, live at ease in plural, free, secular societies? Instead of answering this question, they tend to attack the people who ask it, and ask for special laws to silence them.� I think that just about says it all, Jim Ball�s Homepage revdauphinee answered on 12/17/06: at least it seems Australia has the gumption to stand up and say we wont put up with this I wish to God America AND OUR CITIZENS WOULD WAKE UP AND SMELL THE COFEE!!! paraclete rated this answer Pericles rated this answer domino rated this answer arcura rated this answer

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arcura asked on 12/16/06 - What makes the two Great Commandants �alike�????????? Matthew 22: 37. Jesus said to him, " `You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.' 38. "This is the first and great commandment. 39. "And the second is like it: `You shall love your neighbor as yourself.' Jesus said that the second great commandment was �like� the first. From your point of view, how is it like the first? revdauphinee answered on 12/16/06: the key word here is love! arcura rated this answer

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Pericles asked on 12/16/06 - Question for creationists! How old is the earth? See the continents move over the earth. See continental drift. See the cause for geological movement. Have a look HERE !!! (Sorry for the previous post) revdauphinee answered on 12/16/06: surprising as it may be I truly dont care!!! domino rated this answer jjgoss rated this answer Pericles rated this answer

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madddawg asked on 12/16/06 - gods with a small g The infallible word of God states: Isaiah 44:8 Fear ye not, neither be afraid: have not I told thee from that time, and have declared it? ye are even my witnesses. Is there a God beside me? yea, there is no God; I know not any. But Charles Capps says, "We were created to be gods over the earth, but remember to spell it with a little 'g'." Has Charles Capps been deceived by Satan's lie? Genesis 3:4-5 4And the serpent said unto the woman, Ye shall not surely die: 5For God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil. revdauphinee answered on 12/16/06: maybee its stretching it more than a bit saying we were Gods over the world however did not our God himself tell us (Gen.1:26,28 26 Then God said, "Let us make man in our image, in our likeness, and (((let them rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air, over the livestock, over all the earth, and over all the creatures that move along the ground."))))) Dont think we have done much of a job have we??? arcura rated this answer madddawg rated this answer

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madddawg asked on 12/16/06 - The glory of the queen of heaven Does the queen of heaven share God's glory? The infallible word of God states: Isaiah 48:11 and I (God) will not give my glory unto another. But the traditions of the roman religion states: �the whole earth is full of her glory.� True Devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary. page 7 Because her life was so completely given to God, Mary now shares in the glory of heaven. The belief of Catholics, page 74. You (Mary) are the brightness of eternal light, the unspotted mirror of God�s majesty, and the image of his goodness. Mary My Hope. page 14 revdauphinee answered on 12/16/06: once again the answer is no!however how many times must we answer this question??lets see we have bashed the catholics ,the mormons who is next the baptists maybee!why dont we just try to understand those who follow christ do so the best way they know how even if its not our way im sure Jesus will understand so lets just let him be the judge arcura rated this answer domino rated this answer madddawg rated this answer

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STONY asked on 12/16/06 - JUST IN.... GOV. BUSH HAS SUSPENDED ALL FUTURE EXECUTIONS IN FLA. DUE TO A BOTCHED EXECUTION. THE NEEDLE THAT WAS TO DELIVER THE POISON WENT THRU THE VEIN AND THE POISON WAS PUMPED INTO THE ARM MUSCLE. IT TOOK OVER 30 MINUTES FOR THE VICTIM TO DIE. TORTURED TO DEATH...AND THESE ARE THE SAME OFFICIALS WHO WATCH OUT OVER OUR SAFETY. MAKES ME FEEL ALL WARM AND COZY INSIDE. DEAR GOD, THE INMATES HAVE ESCAPED AND ARE RUNNING THE ASSYLUM!! revdauphinee answered on 12/16/06: Ill add a big AMEN to that one! domino rated this answer MaggieB rated this answer STONY rated this answer

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arcura asked on 12/15/06 - Lord of the Ring, The Return if the King............ I�m planning on watching that in TNT TV tonight. It�s over 4 hours long. If you have watched it or read the book, please tell me you impression or thought on it. Thanks. Fred revdauphinee answered on 12/15/06: a little on the childish side for my tastes arcura rated this answer

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Itsdb asked on 12/15/06 - PC police at it again Carolers told to stop singing at event RIVERSIDE: After Sasha Cohen ice skates, a city staff member has a choir halted midsong. 12:17 AM PST on Thursday, December 14, 2006 By ROBERT P. MAYER and MARLENE TOSCANO The Press-Enterprise While an Olympic-medal-winning ice skater smiled and listened to Christmas carols, a Riverside city staff member silenced the singing group because she was afraid the skater would be offended because she is Jewish. Sasha Cohen, the 2006 Olympic silver medalist and 2006 U.S. National Champion, had just finished her performance at the Riverside Outdoor Ice Skating Rink on the downtown pedestrian mall and had begun to sign autographs when the Rubidoux High School Madrigals began to sing a Christmas carol. The choir had barely launched into "God Rest Ye Merry Gentleman" when a police officer and Michelle Baldwin, a city special-events employee, approached choir director Staci Della-Rocco and told her to stop the choir's performance. Baldwin had contracted with the choir for the event. Della-Rocco said she complied with the request "because a policeman told me to stop. I didn't want to have a big old huge scene in front of my kids," she said. "I figured I would deal with it later. I would give it some thought and deal with it later." Amber Eyerly, with the New York-based PR firm that helped promote the event, said that Cohen didn't make the request. Baldwin could not be reached for comment. City officials referred questions to Development Director Belinda J. Graham, who confirmed the incident. "This request was simply made by a staff member who was attempting to be sensitive to the celebrity guest, without considering the wider implications...or consulting with her supervisor for guidance," Graham said in an e-mail. Mayor Ron Loveridge said he was troubled by the incident. "You kind of wish people do a little checking first. You certainly have my apology," he said, referring to the choir members. "It is unfortunate." Steve Frasher, spokesman with the Riverside Police Department, said no report of the incident had been filed and that he could neither confirm nor deny that any officer was involved. "I felt so bad for my kids and that whole situation," Della-Rocco said. "I mean, what kind of a lesson was that? A police officer and a city official telling my kids they can't sing Christmas music?" Della-Rocco said the students were devastated. "I just thought it was really rude," said Samantha Moore, a student in the choir. "Everyone basically thought it was really stupid." Eyerly said she accompanied Cohen through most of the night and that the skater appeared to enjoy the carolers. "The comical thing is that Sasha wished everyone a Merry Christmas," Eyerly said. Reach Robert Mayer at 951-368-9455 or rmayer@PE.com ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ We now have city officials - and by some reports police - crashing Christmas programs to prevent someone from being offended by those nasty Christians. Now isn't that special? I thought we were supposed to celebrating the different cultures in this society - all but the Christian culture? Is that how it works? revdauphinee answered on 12/15/06: more silly political correctness !when someone wishes me happy holydays i always ask them what holyday is it??? Itsdb rated this answer tomder55 rated this answer

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Misha. asked on 12/15/06 - What do I call my dad! This is not meant as a silly question. I need to know what Christians call the "being" that "sired" them/ (prompted by a question from daft Tom) "Matt 23:8-10 9 Do not call anyone on earth your father; for One is your Father, He who is in heaven. NKJV" revdauphinee answered on 12/15/06: Whats wrong with :DAD!" arcura rated this answer domino rated this answer MaggieB rated this answer Misha. rated this answer Toms777 rated this answer

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CeeBee2 asked on 12/15/06 - Why did God create? He didn't have to. revdauphinee answered on 12/15/06: But he wanted to! CeeBee2 rated this answer domino rated this answer

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CeeBee2 asked on 12/15/06 - How would the world be different if Adam and Eve had instead eaten from the Tree of Life? (This question was posed on another site.) revdauphinee answered on 12/15/06: humans would have lived for ever! CeeBee2 rated this answer domino rated this answer

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Madd-Puppy asked on 12/15/06 - Dinosaurs Are there any passages in the bible that talk about dinosaurs? revdauphinee answered on 12/15/06: closest i could find! Ps.104:26. There the ships go to and fro, and the leviathan, which you formed to frolic there. ) (Isa.27:1. In that day, the LORD will punish with his sword, his fierce, great and powerful sword, Leviathan the gliding serpent, Leviathan the coiling serpent; he will slay the monster of the sea. ) FIGURATIVE: -(Ps.74:14. It was you who crushed the heads of Leviathan and gave him as food to the creatures of the desert. ) domino rated this answer Madd-Puppy rated this answer Toms777 rated this answer

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Choux... asked on 12/15/06 - Pity Parties I noticed that a couple of Board Members are having pity parties today. I hereby decline to attend and offer constructive advice instead. :) If you can't fit in on this Board, IT IS YOUR FAULT, not ours. Jump in and contribute; don't try to change anything but yourself. You are the only thing you can control in the **whole wide world**!! Choux revdauphinee answered on 12/15/06: SORY folks but I am owned by a beautifull cat (WE DONT OWN THEM)and i admit I dont controll him ,on occasion he tollerates me ! Choux... rated this answer Toms777 rated this answer TTFNUAS rated this answer

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HANK1 asked on 12/15/06 - A DECISION: It's quite evident that this Board is being exploited and manipulated by atheists and agnostics. I'm a libertarian, a damn good Christian and a realist. I just do not fit into this mix! These 'Experts' are nothing but self-styled religious scoundrels. Convergent thinking is useful but to be creative in solving the fuzzy problems of life, you also need divergent thinking. Should I or shouldn't I stay on this Board as a participant? Most of the good people have gone elsewhere. Where's Keenu, Purplewings and at least fifty more? Those atheists and agnostics in mention have run them off. Why have they been allowed to do this? Good people don't go to the Atheism Board and degrade the Experts. I'm not going to make my decision to stay or not to stay by using your comments to this post. I'm my own person and I'm sure as hell not a joiner, an atheist or an agnostic! If you have a comment, out with it! *I DO BELIEVE THERE IS A HELL! You're a victim of entrapment, Peddler. HANK revdauphinee answered on 12/15/06: Should I or shouldn't I stay on this Board as a participant? please stay evil thrives in the absence of Good !If we as believers abandon those here then who else can they trust the wrong minded ones??? arcura rated this answer HANK1 rated this answer Rosekeeper rated this answer

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madddawg asked on 12/15/06 - Happy Chanukah This evening God's chosen people will celebrate Chanukah remembering how God rescued them from the dictator Antiochus Epiphanes. The gospel of John records the words of Jesus spoken on this Jewish holiday: John 10:22 And it was at Jerusalem the feast of the dedication (Chanukah), and it was winter. Jesus made the following statement about eternal life. John 10:27-29 27My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: 28And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. 29My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father�s hand. Why do so many false religions, that claim to be Christians, argue that eternal life is earned by good works, and that we can loose it? revdauphinee answered on 12/15/06: INSUFFICIENCY OF GOOD WORKS FOR SALVATION: Text: (Ps.49:7-8 7 No man can redeem the life of another or give to God a ransom for him-- 8 the ransom for a life is costly, no payment is ever enough-- ) (Ps.127:1-2 1 Unless the LORD builds the house, its builders labor in vain. Unless the LORD watches over the city, the watchmen stand guard in vain. 2 In vain you rise early and stay up late, toiling for food to eat-- for he grants sleep to those he loves. ) (Ecc.1:14 I have seen all the things that are done under the sun; all of them are meaningless, a chasing after the wind. ) (Isa.43:26 Review the past for me, let us argue the matter together; state the case for your innocence. ) (Isa.57:12 I will expose your righteousness and your works, and they will not benefit you domino rated this answer madddawg rated this answer

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madddawg asked on 12/14/06 - Faith Is it a force? The following quotes sparked this question: Kenneth Copeland � �Faith is a force just like electricity or gravity.� Interview TBN February 5th, 1985 Charles Capp � �Faith is the substance out of which God creates whatever is� The Tongue � a Creative Force, Harrison House 1976, page 12 Charles Capp � �God uses faith and so may we in exactly the same way in order to produce the same results through obedience to the same laws of faith.� The Tongue � a Creative Force, Harrison House 1976, pages 131-132 Charles Capp � �You have the same ability as God has dwelling or residing on the inside of you� The Tongue � a Creative Force, Harrison House 1976, page 17 Kenneth Copeland �We have all the capacity of God. We have His faith.� Believer�s Voice. revdauphinee answered on 12/15/06: faith can move mountains! rev 2:10 Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you the crown of life. ) madddawg rated this answer

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madddawg asked on 12/14/06 - The tree of life: Is Mary really the tree of life? These quotes written by those who have been deceived by the roman religion sparked this question: "Mary, who is the tree of life." Preparation for Total Consecration according to Saint Louis Marie de Montfort. Page 54. "You are, O matchless Virgin, she whom God has laden with all the riches of the universe, the true tree of life, planted in the very midst of Paradise, from whose branches we do not receive the fruit of sin, but the food of immortality." Queen of Heaven, page 46 revdauphinee answered on 12/15/06: whilst not apptoving of mary as an object of worship I truly feel we protestants should show her a profound respect as the mother of our saviour in our attempts to distance ourselves from the Catholics on this we seem to have thrown the baby out with the bathwater would not Jesus demand respect for his mother??? madddawg rated this answer MaggieB rated this answer Toms777 rated this answer

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MaggieB asked on 12/14/06 - I know this will not set well with some of you here on the board. However, the Christians here should show their love to a very ill lady with prayer for her recovery and peace in her life. Tammy Faye Bakker Messner is very ill with cancer and as Christians we should extend our love to her at this time in her life. Thanking you in advance! MaggieB (~) revdauphinee answered on 12/15/06: tammy deeply needs our prayer thank you for posting this! MaggieB rated this answer

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arcura asked on 12/14/06 - Are there any schools in which this song is still sung? When I was a boy this is one of the songs we sung in school. Did you sing it? Does any do so still? <><><><><> America (My Country, �Tis of Thee) Text: Samuel F. Smith, 1808-1895 Music: Thesaurus Musicus Tune: AMERICA, Meter: 664.6664 1. My country,' tis of thee, sweet land of liberty, of thee I sing; land where my fathers died, land of the pilgrims' pride, from every mountainside let freedom ring! 2. My native country, thee, land of the noble free, thy name I love; I love thy rocks and rills, thy woods and templed hills; my heart with rapture thrills, like that above. 3. Let music swell the breeze, and ring from all the trees sweet freedom's song; let mortal tongues awake; let all that breathe partake; let rocks their silence break, the sound prolong. 4. Our fathers' God, to thee, author of liberty, to thee we sing; long may our land be bright with freedom's holy light; protect us by thy might, great God, our King. revdauphinee answered on 12/14/06: I for one wish it were unlike your previous answer!!but because of verse 4 I guess the mention of God would be deemed politicaly incorrect! arcura rated this answer domino rated this answer MaggieB rated this answer

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hOPE12 asked on 12/14/06 - HERE IS A BIT OF CHEER! Grandma's Visit "Oh, I sure am glad to see you," the little boy said to his grandmother (on his mother's side). "Now Daddy will do the trick he's been promising us." The grandmother was curious. "What trick is that?" she asked. "He told Mommy that he'd climb the walls if you came to visit," answered the boy. *********************************************************** Two elderly ladies had been friends for many decades. Over the years they had shared all kinds of activities and adventures. Lately, their activities had been limited to playing cards a few times a week. One day when playing cards, one looked at the other and said, "Now don't get mad at me. I know we've been friends a long time, but I just can't think of your name. I've thought and thought, but I can't remember it. Please tell me what your name is." Her friend glared at her. For at least three minutes she just stared and glared. Finally she said, "How soon do you need to know?" ***************************************************** Hard of Hearing Morris, an 82-year-old man, went to the doctor to get a physical. A few days later the doctor saw Morris walking down the street with a gorgeous young lady on his arm. A couple of days later, the doctor spoke to Morris and said, "You're really doing great, aren't you?" Morris replied, "Just doing what you said, Doctor, 'Get a hot Moma and be cheerful.'" The doctor said, "I didn't say that. I said you got a heart mummer and be careful." ***************************************************** Quotes from Actual Insurance Claims � Coming home, I drove into the wrong house and collided with a tree I didn't have. � In an attempt to kill a fly, I drove into a telephone pole. � I had been driving for 40 years when I fell asleep at the wheel and had an accident. � I collided with a stationary truck coming the other way. � I told the police I was not injured, but on removing my hat I found that I had a fractured skull. � The pedestrian had no idea which direction to run. So I ran over him. � I pulled away from the side of the road, glanced at my mother-in-law, and headed over the embankment. ************************************************** Pet Parrot A man buys a pet parrot and brings him home. But the parrot starts insulting him and gets really nasty, so the man picks up the parrot and tosses him into the freezer to teach him a lesson. He hears the bird squawking for a few minutes, but all of a sudden the parrot is quiet. The man opens the freezer door, the parrot walks out, looks up at him and says, "I apologize for offending you, and I humbly ask your forgiveness." The man says, "Well, thank you. I forgive you." The parrot then says, "If you don't mind my asking, what did the chicken do?" ********************************************************* Romance? Karl and Milly were lying in bed one night. Carl was falling asleep but Milly was in a romantic mood and wanted to talk. She said, "You used to hold my hand when we were courting." Wearily Karl reached across, held her hand for a second, and rolled over to try to fall asleep. A few moments later she said, "Then you used to kiss me." Mildly irritated, he leaned across, gave her a peck on the cheek and settled back down to sleep. Thirty seconds later she said, "Then you used to bite my neck." Angrily, he threw back the bed clothes and got out of bed. "Where are you going?" she asked. "To get my teeth," he replied. **************************************************** The Long-Lived Golfer An 80-year-old man went to the doctor for a checkup and the doctor was amazed at what good shape the guy was in. The doctor asked, "To what do you attribute your good health?" The old-timer said, "I'm a golfer and that's why I'm in such good shape. I'm up well before daylight and out golfing up and down the fairways." The doctor said, "Well, I'm sure that helps, but there's got to be more to it. How old was your dad when he died?" The old-timer said, "Who said my dad's dead?" The doctor said, "You mean you're 80 years old and your dad's still alive? How old is he?" The old timer said, "He's 100 years old and, in fact, he golfed with me this morning, and that's why he's still alive ... he's a golfer." The doctor said, "Well, that's great, but I'm sure there's more to it. How about your dad's dad? How old was he when he died?" The old timer said, "Who said my grandpa's dead?" The doctor said, "You mean you're 80 years old and your grandfather's still living! How old is he?" The old timer said, "He's 118 years old." The doctor was getting frustrated at this point and said, "I guess he went golfing with you this morning too?" The old-timer said, "No...Grandpa couldn't go this morning because he got married." The Doctor said in amazement, "Got married!! Why would a 118-year-old guy want to get married?" The old-timer said, "Who said he wanted to?" ***************************************************** Hope you like them: Take care, Hope12 revdauphinee answered on 12/14/06: thanks hope a laugh always brightrnd my dsy! hOPE12 rated this answer

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madddawg asked on 12/12/06 - Article 460 Have the members of the roman religion been seduced by the lie of Satan? Satan�s lie: Genesis 3:1-5 1Now the serpent was more subtil than any beast of the field which the LORD God had made. And he said unto the woman, Yea, hath God said, Ye shall not eat of every tree of the garden? 2And the woman said unto the serpent, We may eat of the fruit of the trees of the garden: 3But of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden, God hath said, Ye shall not eat of it, neither shall ye touch it, lest ye die. 4And the serpent said unto the woman, Ye shall not surely die: 5For God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil. The following quote from the Vatican website sparked my curiosity: 460 The Word became flesh to make us "partakers of the divine nature":78 "For this is why the Word became man, and the Son of God became the Son of man: so that man, by entering into communion with the Word and thus receiving divine sonship, might become a son of God.඗ "For the Son of God became man so that we might become God.඘ "The only-begotten Son of God, wanting to make us sharers in his divinity, assumed our nature, so that he, made man, might make men gods.඙ revdauphinee answered on 12/13/06: Jesus said do this in rememberance of me he did not say drink this and become me! madddawg rated this answer Toms777 rated this answer

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RTPatten asked on 12/12/06 - Why Anubis? I had a visit by Anubis. I need to understand the experience. Anubis walked into the room I was standing in by myself. He entered through the wall on my left. He then walked over to me turned and faced me. He was silent as the entire field of vision behind him became a streaming wall of rows and columes of hyroglyphs. They continued to stream by for about 2 or 3 minutes(I did not time it). Then Anubis turned and walked out through the wall on my right. Why Anubis? and what was I to learn, or respond too? Can you help? revdauphinee answered on 12/12/06: yeah stop smoking weed! Choux... rated this answer TTFNUAS rated this answer

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Choux... asked on 12/12/06 - Ted Haggard Confesses Ted Haggard the disgraced leader of a mega-church in Denver with a membership of 14,000, and an evangelical group of 30 million confessed that he has known he is a homosexual since the age of 5 years. Since he was **five years old**. Haggard was given up by a male prostitute who sold him meth and engaged in frequent homosexual trysts. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ revdauphinee answered on 12/12/06: remember God loves the sinner whilst hating the sin we should do likewise! arcura rated this answer Choux... rated this answer

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madddawg asked on 12/12/06 - Article 460 Have the members of the roman religion been seduced by the lie of Satan? Satan�s lie: Genesis 3:1-5 1Now the serpent was more subtil than any beast of the field which the LORD God had made. And he said unto the woman, Yea, hath God said, Ye shall not eat of every tree of the garden? 2And the woman said unto the serpent, We may eat of the fruit of the trees of the garden: 3But of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden, God hath said, Ye shall not eat of it, neither shall ye touch it, lest ye die. 4And the serpent said unto the woman, Ye shall not surely die: 5For God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil. The following quote from the Vatican website sparked my curiosity: 460 The Word became flesh to make us "partakers of the divine nature":78 "For this is why the Word became man, and the Son of God became the Son of man: so that man, by entering into communion with the Word and thus receiving divine sonship, might become a son of God.඗ "For the Son of God became man so that we might become God.඘ "The only-begotten Son of God, wanting to make us sharers in his divinity, assumed our nature, so that he, made man, might make men gods.඙ revdauphinee answered on 12/12/06: catholics are often refered to as such partialy because of it prominence throughout history in Rome !I personaly believe much of its teachings go back to the time of Constantine an add much of Romes pagan past so to me personaly it is unaceptable however there are many great folks who are catholics,mormons and yes even muslims so I leave the final judging to my creator!I may despise some or even much of thier doctrine but all are Gods creation! arcura rated this answer madddawg rated this answer tomder55 rated this answer

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Pericles asked on 12/12/06 - On Negative proof/Burden of proof With thanks to Wikipedia This post is refering to the habit by people - like peddler and co - who can not prove their own prefered version of for instance "creation" by attacking evolution instead, thereby trying to suggest that their own unproven suggestion is correct. This post is about logical fallacy. The term "negative proof" can also refer to a proof of impossibility. The fallacy of appealing to lack of proof of the negative is a logical fallacy of the following form: "X is true because there is no proof that X is false". This is a fallacy whereby the normal burden of proof is reversed. It is asserted that a hypothesis must be true, solely on the grounds that it has not been proven false. For example, in argument, it could occur: * "How come you think that creationism is not correct?" � * "Well, how come you think it is not correct?" -------------------------------------------------------------------- Another form of this kind of fallacious argument is : "Absence of evidence is not evidence of absence!" This is fallacious reasoning because formally, the burden of proof should be on the proposed idea, not the challenger of the idea. This is a crucial point of the Scientific method, that before a claim is thought to be true, it must be proven. All claims must be confirmed by observation. If the claim can not be confirmed this way, the belief must not be asserted. Not-knowing is default. Non-fallacious ways to prove something include the use of logical syllogisms and/or the incorporation of empirical observations. This fallacy often occurs in the debate of the existence of God in the following form: "A supernatural force must exist because there is no proof that it does not exist". -------------------------------------------------------------------------- That is than also the reason for the following question : When are the creationists going to support THEIR creation hypothesis, instead of attacking the opposing view of EVOLUTION ? Any comments? � revdauphinee answered on 12/12/06: this has never been a problem with me since I"choose "to believe God and never even consider the problem so it has no revelence to me!If you choose to believe otherwise you have this right !((free will)) arcura rated this answer domino rated this answer Pericles rated this answer

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madddawg asked on 12/12/06 - Mormonism � paganism? Is Mormonism a pagan religion? The following quote by a Mormon theologian sparked my curiosity: �Mormon Prophets have continuously taught the sublime truth that God the Eternal Father was once a mortal man, who passed through a school of earth life similar to that through which we are now passing. He became God � an exalted being � through obedience to the same eternal gospel truths that we are given opportunity today to obey. The mystery religions, pagan rivals of Christianity taught emphatically the doctrine that �men may become gods.� Hermes declared, �We must not shrink from saying that a man on earth is a mortal god, and that God in heaven is an immortal man.� This thought process very closely resembles the teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith and of President Lorenzo Snow� Milton H. Hunter, The gospel through the ages, Salt Lake City, 1958, page 110. revdauphinee answered on 12/12/06: Q)Is Mormonism a pagan religion? a) I wouldnt go so far as to call them Pagan however I do feel they are led to believe in false teaching and are more like a cult than any "christian denomination" however since I dont put much faith in any man made denomination Im open to enlightenment! madddawg rated this answer paraclete rated this answer Toms777 rated this answer

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arcura asked on 12/12/06 - Merry Christmas to one and all..................... And rememered that Christ is the reason for the season. revdauphinee answered on 12/12/06: TO ALL OF US WHO BELIEVE MERRY cHRISMAS!! And to those who dont I wish you well in spite of yourself and may God open your eyes as he did mine (I was once one of you!) arcura rated this answer MaggieB rated this answer

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ladybugca asked on 12/11/06 - how much does a miracle? A little girl went to her bedroom and pulled a glass jelly jar from its hiding place in the closet. She poured the change out on the floor and counted it carefully. Three times, even. The total had to be exactly perfect. No chance here for mistakes. Carefully placing the coins back in the jar and twisting on the cap, she slipped out the back door and made her way 6 blocks to Rexall's Drug Store with the big red Indian Chief sign above the door. She waited patiently for the pharmacist to give her some attention but he was too busy at this moment. Tess twisted her feet to make a scuffing noise. Nothing. She cleared her throat with the most disgusting sound she could muster. No good. Finally she took a quarter from her jar and banged it on the glass counter. That did it! "And what do you want?" the pharmacist asked in an annoyed tone of voice. I'm talking to my brother from Chicago whom I haven't seen in ages," he said without waiting for a reply to his question. "Well, I want to talk to you about my brother," Tess answered back in the same annoyed tone. "He's really, really sick... and I want to buy a miracle." "I beg your pardon?" said the pharmacist. "His name is Andrew and he has something bad growing inside his head and my Daddy says only a miracle can save him now. So how much does a miracle cost?" "We don't sell miracles here, little girl. I'm sorry but I can't help you," the pharmacist said, softening a little. "Listen, I have the money to pay for it. If it isn't enough, I will get the rest. Just tell me how much it costs." The pharmacist's brother was a well dressed man. He stooped down and asked the little girl, "What kind of a miracle does your brother need?" "I don't know," Tess replied with her eyes welling up. I just know he's really sick and Mommy says he needs an operation. But my Daddy can't pay for it, so I want to use my money." "How much do you have?" asked the man from Chicago. "One dollar and eleven cents," Tess answered barely audibly. "And it's all the money I have, but I can get some more if I need to." "Well, what a coincidence," smiled the man. "A dollar and eleven cents---the exact price of a miracle for little brothers. " He took her money in one hand and with the other hand he grasped her mitten and said "Take me to where you live. I want to see your brother and meet your parents. Let's see if I have the miracle you need." That well dressed man was Dr. Carlton Armstrong, a surgeon, specializing in neuro-surgery. The operation was completed free of charge and it wasn't long until Andrew was home again and doing well. Mom and Dad were happily talking about the chain of events that had led them to this place. That surgery," her Mom whispered. "was a real miracle. I wonder how much it would have cost?" Tess smiled. She knew exactly how much a miracle cost...one dollar and eleven cents .... plus the faith of a little child.. In our lives, we never know how many miracles we will need.. A miracle is not the suspension of natural law, but the operation of a higher law.. I know you'll keep the ball moving! Here it goes. Throw it back to someone who means something to you! A ball is a circle, no beginning, no end. It keeps us together like our Circle of Friends. But the treasure inside for you to see is the treasure of friendship you've granted to me. Today I pass the friendship ball to you. Pass it on to someone who is a friend to you. MY OATH TO YOU... When you are sad.....I will dry your tears. When you are scared.....I will comfort your fears. When you are worried.....I will give you hope. When you are confused.....I will help you cope. And when you are lost....And can't see the light, I shall be your beacon.....Shining ever so bright. This is my oath.....I pledge till the end. Why you may ask?.....Because you're my friend. Signed: GOD revdauphinee answered on 12/12/06: thank you so very much I love it! ladybugca rated this answer

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domino asked on 12/11/06 - Who did bad?? Surfing the web, last week, I came across a rather curious question that I am sure our resident anti-evolutions would be happy to answer: There are numerous communicable diseases for which the only known 'reservoir' is man. The germs or viruses which cause these diseases can only survive in living, human bodies, or well-equipped laboratories. Some of these well known diseases are measles, pneumococcal pneumonia, leprosy, typhus, typhoid fever, small pox, poliomyeltis, syphillis and gonorrhea. Was it Adam or Eve who was created with gonorrhea? How about syphilis? The 'scientific creationists' insist on a COMPLETED creation, where the creator worked hard for six days and has been resting ever since. So, between them, Adam and Eve had to have been created with every one of those diseases. And someone must have, later, carried them on to Noah's ark. Creationists cannot pin the blame for the germs of these diseases on Satan. For if they do, the question immediately arises: If Satan could create these germs, how do we know he DIDN'T create the rest of the Universe? For if Satan can create ONE thing, he can certainly create another. Furthermore, if you creationists try to claim germs are a mutation of otherwise benign organisms (degenerate forms, of course), you will actually be arguing for evolution, for such hypothetical mutations could only be considered favorable, since only the mutated forms survived. Comments any one? p.s. I owe the impetus for this question to Bob Schadewald and his "Six Arguments Creationists Can't Answer"...... revdauphinee answered on 12/12/06: "creationists' insist on a COMPLETED creation" Not true! I am a creationist and believe me Gods not through with me yet im definatly a work in progress! domino rated this answer

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jjgoss asked on 12/12/06 - ...Merry Christmas!!!!....... ...To all the Christians, Merry Christmas!!!!!..To the others, Enjoy your holidays!!!.....You all have played your role well...and contributed to the success of this board......This is a fun place...and there isn't an alternative yet!!!!.....Give yourself a pat on the back!!!!......... revdauphinee answered on 12/12/06: Pericles FYI one does not have to be Christian to be intolerant. capable of hatred. despitefull infighting. rudeness. fundamental terrorist unloving unrespecting etc. etc. etc. as you just displayed with your chritisism of us! domino rated this answer jjgoss rated this answer Pericles rated this answer

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arcura asked on 12/11/06 - I just got this via E-mail. What is your reaction to it? A holy man was having a conversation with the Lord one day and said, "Lord, I would like to know what Heaven and Hell are like." The Lord led the holy man to two doors. He opened one of the doors and the holy man looked in. In the middle of the room was a large round table. In the middle of the table was a large pot of stew which smelled delicious and made the holy man's mouth water. The people sitting around the table were thin and sickly. They appeared to be famished. They were holding spoons with very long handles that were strapped to their arms and each found it possible to reach into the pot of stew and take a spoonful, but because the handle was longer than their arms, they could not get the spoons back into their mouths. The holy man shuddered at the sight of their misery and suffering. The Lord said, "You have seen Hell." They went to the next room and opened the door. It was exactly the same as the first one. There was the large round table with the large pot of stew which made the holy man's mouth water. The people were equipped with the same long-handled spoons, but here the people were well nourished and plump, laughing and talking. The holy man said, "I don't understand. It is simple said the Lord, it requires but one skill. You see, they have learned to feed each other, while the greedy think only of themselves." When Jesus died on the cross he was thinking of you! If you are one of the 7% who will stand up for him forward this w/the title 7%. [to the 93% of people won't forward this!] revdauphinee answered on 12/11/06: I have seen this before but it bears repeating! arcura rated this answer Mathatmacoat rated this answer

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Misha. asked on 12/11/06 - Drink row bishop facing calls to quit This made me smile, any comments? David Smith Sunday December 10, 2006 The Observer A Bishop is facing calls for his resignation after he allegedly spent a drunken night out and then claimed to parishioners that a head injury he suffered as a result was caused by a mugger. The Right Reverend Tom Butler, Bishop of Southwark, reportedly staggered home from an embassy function and climbed into the back of a stranger's Mercedes, where he started throwing an infant's toys. He was pulled out but toppled over and suffered several head wounds. Asked to explain himself, he is claimed to have said: 'I'm the Bishop of Southwark. It's what I do.' He then disappeared into the night but left in the car personal belongings including a cross, personal organiser and correspondence with the Home Office Butler, 66, tried to make light of the incident the following day when he began a ceremony at All Saints Church in south London by apologising to the 300-strong congregation for not wearing his mitre, explaining that it no longer fitted his bruised head because he had 'apparently been mugged'. It is not known whether he repeated the mugging claim when he reported the loss of his possessions to the police. His spokeswoman said the bishop could not remember what happened and had no recollection of being as 'drunk as a skunk'. Butler, a regular broadcaster on Radio 4, is now fighting to save his job amid accusations of inappropriate behaviour. 'If it's true he was drunk then he ought to resign immediately,' said Alan Craig, leader of the Christian Peoples Alliance group on Newham council in east London. 'He can be forgiven, but he can't carry on as bishop. He's supposed to be a role model and being drunk in a gutter he can't be a good example. It's not comical; it's sad for him ... and for the church.' The bishop, who often speaks on the 'Thought for the Day' slot on the Today programme, was enthroned at Southwark Cathedral in September 1998 and is said to be a popular figure. There was concern among parishioners at the cathedral yesterday. 'I guess it's the end for him,' said one, who did not wish to be named. 'If you make a mistake like that you pay the price for it, and if you're in his shoes then you pay a very heavy price. It's a shame because he's not one to spare himself from hard work.' The incident took place on Tuesday night as Butler made his way from an embassy in central London to Streatham. The Mercedes� alarm went off outside the Suchard bar near Southwark Cathedral. Nicola Sumpter, who owns the car, told the Daily Mirror yesterday: 'My boyfriend and his pal raced outside and were stunned to see a grey-haired man in the back seat. He was throwing my one-year-old son's toys everywhere. 'He wouldn't get out so they could pull him away. He couldn't stand up straight and fell over, banging his head.' Sumpter said she found a bag containing Butler's possessions in the back of the car. Scotland Yard said that it had received a report about Butler's missing possessions and inquiries were continuing. Its data did not suggest Butler had alleged a mugging, and there was no question of him having wasted police time. revdauphinee answered on 12/11/06: once again I can use the quote I made in the previous posting Romans 3:23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; arcura rated this answer Misha. rated this answer TTFNUAS rated this answer

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HANK1 asked on 12/11/06 - IMMACULATE CONCEPTION - WHO'S RIGHT? "It�s important to understand what the doctrine of the Immaculate Conception is and what it is not. Some people think the term refers to Christ�s conception in Mary�s womb without the intervention of a human father; but that is the Virgin Birth. Others think the Immaculate Conception means Mary was conceived "by the power of the Holy Spirit," in the way Jesus was, but that, too, is incorrect. The Immaculate Conception means that Mary, whose conception was brought about the normal way, was conceived without original sin or its stain�that�s what "immaculate" means: without stain. The essence of original sin consists in the deprivation of sanctifying grace, and its stain is a corrupt nature. Mary was preserved from these defects by God�s grace; from the first instant of her existence she was in the state of sanctifying grace and was free from the corrupt nature original sin brings." Source: www.catholic.com/library/Immaculate_Conception_and_Assum.asp I'm confused! Are you? HANK revdauphinee answered on 12/11/06: I dont acept the interpretation of the roman church on this since we are clearly told Romans 3:23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; arcura rated this answer HANK1 rated this answer Toms777 rated this answer

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madddawg asked on 12/11/06 - Black skin: Is black skin the mark of Cain? The following quote from Brigham Young sparked my curiosity: �Shall I tell you the law of God in regard to the African race? If the white man who belongs to the chosen seed mixes his blood with the seed of Cain, the penalty, under the law of God is death on the spot. This will always be so.� Journal of Discourses, Volume 10, page 110. �Cain slew his brother and the Lord put a mark upon him, which is the flat nose and black skin. That curse will remain upon them, and they never can hold the priesthood, or share in it until all the other descendents of Adam have received the promises and enjoyed the blessings of the priesthood and the keys thereof. Journal of Discourses, Volume 7, pages 290-291 revdauphinee answered on 12/11/06: "".� Journal of Discourses, Volume 10, page 110. �Cain slew his brother and the Lord put a mark upon him, which is the flat nose and black skin. That curse will remain upon them, and they never can hold the priesthood"" show me this in real scripture!we are all human we were all created by God and he loves us all we all bleed red do we not to qoute this is propogating bigotry pure and simple madddawg rated this answer

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madddawg asked on 12/11/06 - Rome Can the prayers offered to the queen of heaven, (See Jeremiah 44:15ff) change God�s promise to destroy the city of seven hills. Here is God�s promise given to the city of seven hills: Revelation 17:9 And here is the mind which hath wisdom. The seven heads are seven mountains, on which the woman sitteth. Revelation 17:18 And the woman which thou sawest is that great city, which reigneth over the kings of the earth. Revelation 17:16-17 16 And the ten horns which thou sawest upon the beast, these shall hate the whore, and shall make her desolate and naked, and shall eat her flesh, and burn her with fire. 17For God hath put in their hearts to fulfil his will, and to agree, and give their kingdom unto the beast, until the words of God shall be fulfilled. Here is the article that sparked my inquiry: ROME, DEC. 8, 2006 (Zenit.org).- On the solemnity of the Immaculate Conception, Benedict XVI figuratively placed in Mary's hands the marginalized and defenseless members of society. During his visit today to the image of the Immaculate Conception in Rome's Piazza de Spagna, the Pope prayed: "Show yourself a mother especially to the neediest: the defenseless, the marginalized, and the excluded, the victims of a society that often sacrifices man for other ends and interests." The Pontiff also prayed that humanity would have "the courage to say 'no' to the deceptions of power, money, pleasure: to dishonest earnings, to corruption and hypocrisy, to egoism and violence." The Holy Father continued: "'No' to the evil one, deceitful prince of the world. 'Yes' to Christ, who destroys the power of evil with the omnipotence of love. We know that only hearts converted to love, which is God, can build a better future for all." Benedict XVI prayed to the Virgin Mary to watch over the citizens of Rome, to be a "vigilant guardian of Italy and Europe, so that from the ancient Christian roots people will be able to draw the sap to build their present and future." "Show yourself a provident and merciful mother to the whole world so that, respecting human dignity and rejecting every form of violence and exploitation, firm foundations will be laid for the civilization of love," the Pope prayed. The Holy Father arrived to the Piazza di Spagna in a convertible automobile. He was standing as he greeted thousands who had lined the streets on this public holiday. This image of the virgin was blessed by Pope Pius IX on Dec. 8, 1857, three years after the dogmatic definition of Mary's Immaculate Conception. Since then, a floral homage has been held in the Piazza di Spagna, though it was interrupted during the years the Popes were obliged to stay inside the Vatican, from 1870 to 1929. In the morning, Rome's firemen placed a wreath of white roses on the right arm of the image. Benedict XVI also visited, as is customary on this day, the Basilica of St. Mary Major. Pope Places Society in Mary's Hands During Homage to the Immaculate Conception, Date: 2006-12-08 http://www.zenit.org/english/ revdauphinee answered on 12/11/06: No prayers to anyone other than Jesus is futile 1 Timothy 2:5 For there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, arcura rated this answer domino rated this answer madddawg rated this answer MaggieB rated this answer

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HANK1 asked on 12/10/06 - SEASON OF PREPARATION: ADVENT is a season of preparation. God helped prepare the World for the coming of His Son by sending a messenger ahead of Him. That messenger was John the Baptist. John's ministry was like that of one who ran before the King as he was being carried by his servants. The servant in the lead filled any potholes and removed any stones that could cause someone to trip. God prepares us for His coming through His prophets and through His Word. He raises the valleys, lowers the mountains and makes the crooked straight. Yes, my friend, we are continually under construction so that we might open to Christ and the life, light and forgiveness He brings. Let's don't forget this 'the day after today.' MERRY CHRISTMAS! HANK revdauphinee answered on 12/10/06: great posting thank you! HANK1 rated this answer

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madddawg asked on 12/10/06 - Paul�s bones or his epistles: What is more important, worshipping the bones of Paul, or obeying what he wrote? Question arose after reading the following newspaper clip: The Associated Press � ROME � Vatican archeologists have unearthed a sarcophagus believed to contain the remains of the Apostle Paul that had been buried beneath Rome�s second largest basilica. The sarcophagus, which dates back to at least AD 390, has been the subject of an extended excavation that began in 2002 and was completed last month, the project�s head said this week. �Our objective was to bring the remains of the tomb back to light for devotional reasons, so that it could be venerated and be visible,� said Giorgio Filippi, the Vatican archeologist who headed the project at St. Paul Outside the Walls basilica. The interior of the sarcophagus has not yet been explored, but Filippi didn�t rule out the possibility of doing so later. Two ancient churches that once stood at the site of the current basilica were successively built over the spot where tradition said the saint had been buried. The second church, built by the Roman emperor Theodosius in the fourth century, left the tomb visible, first above ground and later in a crypt. When a fire destroyed the church in 1823, the current basilica was build and the ancient crypt was filled with earth and covered with a new altar. �We were always certain that the tomb had to be there beneath the papal altar,� said Filippi. Filippi said that the decision to make the sarcophagus visible again was made after many pilgrims who came to Rome during the Catholic Church�s 2000 Jubilee year expressed disappointment at finding that the saint�s tomb could not be visited or touched. St. Paul�s tomb unearthed by Vatican archeologists, Calgary Herald, December 7, 2006, page A16 revdauphinee answered on 12/10/06: neither paul is not to be worshiped in any form he is not our saviour Jesus is madddawg rated this answer Misha. rated this answer Toms777 rated this answer

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Jesushelper76 asked on 12/10/06 - Bible There has been lots of discussion on the bible and what it means to everybody. The word that is within it. The bible is a good blue print to life. At the same time each of us needs to discover it, and read it, meditate on it on our own. Did God write a book for us to read. Did he want us to rely on a book. The answer is NO. God communicates with us with his spirit. He wrote his word, his life giving spirit in each of our hearts. It is up to us to listen to it, open it and discovering this truth. I have been reading the bible on my own since I was at a very young age. It is very helpful, very good. At the same time there is lots of culture, lots of tradition, lots of differences because of changing societies, authors, translations. Interpretation. Each and everyone of us will intrepret things found in the bible differently. It speaks to us in different ways. Also many people rely on churches to teach them and listen to every word from them which many have their own agenda. Learn the truth, what does God say the truth is. What does your spirit say, Gods spirit say to you about any part of the bible. Joe revdauphinee answered on 12/10/06: Amen to Jesushelper76 to many of us are becoming like the scribes and the Pharicees who sit on Moses' seat; so practice and observe whatever they tell you but not what they do; for they preach, but do not practice. Jesushelper76 rated this answer

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STONY asked on 12/10/06 - THE MONTH BEFORE CHRISTMAS Twas The Month Before Christmas Twas the month before Christmas When all through our land, Not a Christian was praying Nor taking a stand. See the PC Police had taken away, The reason for Christmas - no one could say. The children were told by their schools not to sing, About Shepherds and Wise Men and Angels and things. It might hurt people's feelings, the teachers would say December 25th is just a "Holiday". Yet the shoppers were ready with cash, checks and credit Pushing folks down to the floor just to get it! CDs from Madonna, an X BOX, an I-pod Something was changing, something quite odd! Retailers promoted Ramadan and Kwanzaa In hopes to sell books by Franken & Fonda. As Targets were hanging their trees upside down At Lowe's the word Christmas - was no where to be found. At K-Mart and Staples and Penny's and Sears You won't hear the word Christmas; it won't touch your ears. Inclusive, sensitive, Di-ver-si-ty Are words that were used to intimidate me. Now Daschle, Now Darden, Now Sharpton, Wolf Blitzen On Boxer, on Rather, on Kerry, on Clinton! At the top of the Senate, there arose such a clatter To eliminate Jesus, in all public matter. And we spoke not a word, as they took away our faith Forbidden to speak of salvation and grace The true Gift of Christmas was exchanged and discarded The reason for the season, stopped before it started. So as you celebrate "Winter Break" under your "Dream Tree" Sipping your Starbucks, listen to me. Choose your words carefully, choose what you say Shout MERRY CHRISTMAS, not Happy Holiday! revdauphinee answered on 12/10/06: seems friend you are watching the wrong newscasters (Now Daschle, Now Darden, Now Sharpton, Wolf Blitzen On Boxer, on Rather, on Kerry, on Clinton!) why not give Bill O Reily a try! STONY rated this answer

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Pericles asked on 12/10/06 - Different views on Jesus   Although I am a Secular Humanist - and in spite of the false claims by peddler - nothing withholds me from reading articles on religion (in this case on Christianity, centering on the different views on Jesus). I saw this and like to pass this on to you all : have an interesting read : Nontrinitarian views Some Christians profess various nontrinitarian views. Arianism, denounced as a heresy by the early Church, taught that Jesus is subordinate to God the Father. Binitarians believe that Jesus is God, although a separate being from God the Father, and that the Holy Spirit is an impersonal force. Unitarian Christians believe that Jesus was a prophet of God, and merely human. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormons) theology maintains that God the Father (Heavenly Father), Jesus Christ, and the Holy Ghost are three separate and distinct beings who together constitute the Godhead. LDS sometimes, although rarely, use the word Trinity to describe this belief, it is slightly different from the traditional doctrine of the Trinity, which maintains that the three are one being. LDS maintains that all three members of the Godhead are eternal and equally divine, but play somewhat different roles. While the Holy Ghost is a spirit without a physical body, the Father and Son do possess distinct, perfected, physical bodies of flesh and bone. Although Mormon theology sees the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost as separate beings, they are considered to be "one God" in purpose. Jehovah's Witnesses view the term "Son of God" as an indication of Jesus' importance to the creator and his status as God's "only-begotten (unique, one and only) Son" the "firstborn of all creation", the one "of whom, and through whom, and to whom, are all things". Most Jehovah's Witnesses believe Jesus to be Michael the Archangel, who became a human to come down to earth. --- Islamic views In Islam Jesus is considered one of God's most-beloved and important prophets and the Messiah. Like Christian writings, the Qur'an holds that Jesus was born without a biological father to the virgin Mary, by the will of God (in Arabic, Allah) and for this reason is referred to as Isa ibn Maryam (English: Jesus son of Mary), a matronymic (since he had no biological father). --- Judaism's views Judaism considers the idea of Jesus being God, or part of a Trinity, or a mediator to God, as heresy. Judaism also does not consider Jesus to be the Messiah primarily because he did not fulfill the Messianic prophecies of the Tanakh, nor embodied the personal qualifications of the Messiah. Rabbi Yeshu Ben Yusuf never denied that Jesus was a jew. According to Jewish tradition, there were no more prophets after 420 BC, Malachi being the last prophet, who lived centuries before Jesus. Judaism states that Jesus did not fulfill the requirements set by the Torah to prove that he was a prophet. --- Buddhist views Many Buddhists regard Jesus as a great bodhisattva who dedicated his life to the welfare of human beings. Buddhists and scholars have often noted the striking parallels between the teachings of Jesus and Gautama Buddha not simply because they both preached a doctrine of love and compassion but also because they occupied a similar position with respect to the existing religious orthodoxy of their day of which they were both critical. --- Hinduism's views Hindu beliefs in Jesus vary. Some believe that Jesus was a normal man, or even purely a fable. Many Hindus see Jesus as a wise guru or yogi who was not God and claim that he was a devotee of Krishna, whom they consider as "The Father", an incarnation of Vishnu, the second person of the Hindu Trinity. Some suggest that Jesus spent his "lost years" learning Hinduism in India, and that he returned to India after surviving crucifixion. --- Other views of Jesus The Bahia Faith considers Jesus to be one of many "Manifestations" (or prophets) of God, with both human and divine stations. Mandaeanism regards Jesus as a deceiving prophet (msiha kdaba) of the false Jewish god Adunay, and an opponent of the good prophet John the Baptist, although they do believe that John baptized Jesus. The New Age movement entertains a wide variety of views on Jesus, Many recognize him as a "great teacher" similar to Buddha, and teach that Christhood is something that all may attain. At the same time, many New Age teachings, such as reincarnation, appear to reflect a certain discomfort with traditional Christianity. Any comments?   revdauphinee answered on 12/10/06: what a slip up however if we humans paid as much attention to Jesus as we do to a superstar what a more wonderfull place earch could be!Have to say i prefer the first image to your favourite wich to me attempts to ridicule him! Pericles rated this answer Toms777 rated this answer

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peddler7118 asked on 12/09/06 - To the departing ones. Christianity requires submission to the will of God. It is God's will you believe His Word. Being tolerant will not save you. Good Luck and come back if you decide the god you created is not what you want after all. Bye now. revdauphinee answered on 12/09/06: to pedler FYI you said "Read the Bible sometime." a) I do and do so daily not to demean others but to understand my loving caring God and never to beat anyone over the head with! Rom 12:1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. a) good advice but not a demand! Eph 5:22 Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord. like most chavinist you forget the part that tells hubands to love thir wives as Christ loves the church,how many would give thier lives for thier spouses???? Jam 4:7 Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. a) i do however i first made an informed choice to follow Jesus! domino rated this answer peddler7118 rated this answer TTFNUAS rated this answer

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Rosekeeper asked on 12/09/06 - Goodbye for now My Husband was looking at this Site, and he said' It looked very un-Christian. Listen, I believe in God so much, but when I see someone call others Soulless, and Pagans, than I have to come to realize, that this is very UN-Christian, so far I have seen a Holocaust Survivor cut down to the end, someone who is valuable and much needed, I believe I now have peddler figured out, he is eather a Satanist or he is the "Owner" of this Site, for my Husband says this person is insane, and a true and meek Christian will not come here until he is gone. Remember this. Jesus said' The meek will inherit the earth" To the ones that are Christians, as Hank, and Fred I say, goodbye, I'll be at wetellyou, and my Prayers are always with you. Now Peddler we know who you are, the cat is out of the bag, your Father is the Devil, my Father is Jehovah, and there is nothing you can do about that. I refuse to take part of such evilness and monstrous people, that make and poke fun at good people.... revdauphinee answered on 12/09/06: """:this person is insane, and a true and meek Christian will not come here until he is gone. Remember this. Jesus said' The meek will inherit the earth""" it is also writen we should also put on the whole armour of God and to "fight the good fight!one cannot fight in retreat !I do not wish to inherit the earth I wish to reside in heaven with my master! Rosekeeper rated this answer

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madddawg asked on 12/09/06 - Pope John Paul The spiritual leader of the roman religion made the following claim. "Today many people seem to rebel against the claim that salvation can be found only in the church. Many Christians - even some Catholics - ask themselves: Why among all the Christian Churches, should the Catholic Church alone possess and teach the fullness of the gospel?" Crossing the Threshold, pages 135-136. Was Pope John Paul comments correct? revdauphinee answered on 12/09/06: NO! going to and being in church no more makes one a Christian than living in the garrage will make one a car!!it is only by a personal relationship with him that we become his! madddawg rated this answer Misha. rated this answer Toms777 rated this answer

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Pericles asked on 12/09/06 - Openminded volunteers wanted ..... Are there any openminded volunteers available to co-post on another Christianity Board? With the neurotic and extreme fundamentalist three trying to control this board, and poisening it with their intolerant bullsh*t, it's time to find an alternative board for more open and tolerant discussions. For instance WTY. Or - in view of the blocking of that board by another intolerant nutcase - does anyone here has an alternative Christianity board in mind ? ----- No, I'm not leaving this board. I just want the option to post on some fresh, positive, and much more friendly Christianity board. And as that seems impossible here, an alternative is needed. Anyone ? � revdauphinee answered on 12/09/06: being a christian is and always should be a choice no one can be won by intimidation nor force,Jesus said whosoever will may come he did not say we must win souls by coersion or force.did he not give us humans the gift of free will? he also created intelegence in order for us to think for ourselves no to follow others oppinions like sheep just because they feel they are right lets leave the thought police to othere we christians have a loving God not a demanding one ! JesseJamesDupree rated this answer Pericles rated this answer

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peddler7118 asked on 12/09/06 - To the departing ones. Christianity requires submission to the will of God. It is God's will you believe His Word. Being tolerant will not save you. Good Luck and come back if you decide the god you created is not what you want after all. Bye now. revdauphinee answered on 12/09/06: christianity does not mean submission christians have been given free will to choose!you must be thinking of allah not yaweh God! peddler7118 rated this answer

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HANK1 asked on 12/09/06 - THE CHRISTIAN WAY TO END THE IRAQ WAR: This is a Christian posting because our troops won't be killing anyone unless the insurgents shoot back while on the run. Catch this: WIRED NEWS - Article by David Hambling. Also by another reporter. (2:00 AM Dec, 05, 2006): "The crowd is getting ugly. Soldiers roll up in a Hummer. Suddenly, the whole right half of your body is screaming in agony. You feel like you've been dipped in molten lava. You almost faint from shock and pain, but instead you stumble backwards -- and then start running. To your surprise, everyone else is running too. In a few seconds, the street is completely empty. You've just been hit with a new nonlethal weapon that has been certified for use in Iraq -- even though critics argue there may be unforeseen effects. According to documents obtained for Wired News under federal sunshine laws, the Air Force's Active Denial System, or ADS, has been certified safe after lengthy tests by military scientists in the lab and in war games. The ADS shoots a beam of millimeters waves, which are longer in wavelength than x-rays but shorter than microwaves -- 94 GHz (= 3 mm wavelength) compared to 2.45 GHz (= 12 cm wavelength) in a standard microwave oven. The longer waves are thought to limit the effects of the radiation. If used properly, ADS will produce no lasting adverse affects, the military argues. Documents acquired for Wired News using the Freedom of Information Act claim that most of the radiation (83 percent) is instantly absorbed by the top layer of the skin, heating it rapidly. The beam produces what experimenters call the "Goodbye effect," or "prompt and highly motivated escape behavior." In human tests, most subjects reached their pain threshold within 3 seconds, and none of the subjects could endure more than 5 seconds. "It will repel you," one test subject said. "If hit by the beam, you will move out of it -- reflexively and quickly. You for sure will not be eager to experience it again." But while subjects may feel like they have sustained serious burns, the documents claim effects are not long-lasting. At most, "some volunteers who tolerate the heat may experience prolonged redness or even small blisters," the Air Force experiments concluded. The reports describe an elaborate series of investigations involving human subjects. The volunteers were military personnel: active, reserve or retired, who volunteered for the tests. They were unpaid, but the subjects would "benefit from direct knowledge that an effective nonlethal weapon system could soon be in the inventory," said one report. The tests ranged from simple exposure in the laboratory to elaborate war games involving hundreds of participants. The military simulated crowd control situations, rescuing helicopter crews in a Black Hawk Down setting and urban assaults. More unusual tests involved alcohol, attack dogs and maze-like obstacle courses. In more than 10,000 exposures, there were six cases of blistering and one instance of second-degree burns in a laboratory accident, the documents claim. The ADS was developed in complete secrecy for 10 years at a cost of $40 million. Its existence was revealed in 2001 by news reports, but most details of ADS human testing remain classified. There has been no independent checking of the military's claims. The ADS technology is ready to deploy, and the Army requested ADS-armed Strykers for Iraq last year. But the military is well aware that any adverse publicity could finish the program, and it does not want to risk distressed victims wailing about evil new weapons on CNN. This may mean yet more rounds of testing for the ADS." Any comment? revdauphinee answered on 12/09/06: if we can detract without killing ,does this mean our enemies wont?I dont think so! arcura rated this answer HANK1 rated this answer

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madddawg asked on 12/04/06 - tradition Do traditions have the same authority as God's word? The Bible says: Matthew 15:1-9 Then came to Jesus scribes and Pharisees, which were of Jerusalem, saying, Why do thy disciples transgress the tradition of the elders? for they wash not their hands when they eat bread. But he answered and said unto them, Why do ye also transgress the commandment of God by your tradition? For God commanded, saying, Honour thy father and mother: and, He that curseth father or mother, let him die the death. But ye say, Whosoever shall say to his father or his mother, It is a gift, by whatsoever thou mightest be profited by me; And honour not his father or his mother, he shall be free. Thus have ye made the commandment of God of none effect by your tradition. Ye hypocrites, well did Esaias prophesy of you, saying, This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me. But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men. Mark 7:1-9 Then came together unto him the Pharisees, and certain of the scribes, which came from Jerusalem. And when they saw some of his disciples eat bread with defiled, that is to say, with unwashen, hands, they found fault. For the Pharisees, and all the Jews, except they wash their hands oft, eat not, holding the tradition of the elders. And when they come from the market, except they wash, they eat not. And many other things there be, which they have received to hold, as the washing of cups, and pots, brasen vessels, and of tables. Then the Pharisees and scribes asked him, Why walk not thy disciples according to the tradition of the elders, but eat bread with unwashen hands? He answered and said unto them, Well hath Esaias prophesied of you hypocrites, as it is written, This people honoureth me with their lips, but their heart is far from me. Howbeit in vain do they worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men. For laying aside the commandment of God, ye hold the tradition of men, as the washing of pots and cups: and many other such like things ye do. And he said unto them, Full well ye reject the commandment of God, that ye may keep your own tradition. But the Roman church says: "Sacred tradition and sacred scripture are to be accepted and venerated with the same sense of devotion and reverence." 1994 Catholic Almanac, page 184 "Divine tradition has the same force as the Bible since it contains God�s revelation to men." The New Saint Joseph Baltimore Catechism, page 20 "We believe the doctrines contained in the Bible and Divine tradition by an act of divine faith, which means that we accept them on the authority of God who can neither deceive or be deceived." The New Saint Joseph Baltimore Catechism. page 20. "Catholics believe that the Bible needs to be guarded by the teaching authority of the Church. Thus in her creed she provides us with a sort of dictionary of the Bible. We believe that the bible is the heart of the tradition of the Church, and without the Church�s hand on it, the Bible would lose most of its power." The Belief of Catholics, page 30. "Are all truths revealed for us by God found in the Bible? Not all the truths revealed for us by God are found in the Bible; Some are found only in Divine Tradition." The New Saint Joseph Baltimore Catechism #1, page 178. "Why must Divine tradition be believed as firmly as the Bible? Divine tradition must be believed as firmly as the Bible because it also contains the word of God." ibid. page 178. revdauphinee answered on 12/04/06: read mark 7:6 arcura rated this answer madddawg rated this answer

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madddawg asked on 12/04/06 - Calling religious leaders Father Was Pope John Paul II encouraging his sheep to sin when he told them to disregard the command of Jesus? Jesus gave this commandment: Matthew 23:9 And call no man your father upon the earth: for one is your Father, which is in heaven But Pope John Paul said this: "This man who is called the Pope (from Father in Greek)" Crossing the Threshold, page 3 "Catholics believe this and therefore they call him Holy Father or Your Holiness." Crossing the Threshold. page 4 "Have no fear when people call me the Vicar or Christ, when they say to me Holy Father, or Your Holiness, or use titles similar to these, which seem inimical to the gospel. Christ himself declared, call no one on earth your father; You have but one father in heaven. Do not be called Master; You have one master, the Messiah. Matthew 23:9-10. These expressions nevertheless, have evolved out of a long tradition, becoming part of common usage. Crossing the Threshold. page 6 revdauphinee answered on 12/04/06: I dont feel it is commiting a sin but I personaly wont do it (why take the chance 0my oppinion is when in doubt dont! arcura rated this answer domino rated this answer madddawg rated this answer Toms777 rated this answer

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peddler7118 asked on 10/24/06 - Can Dinosaurs really stink after 65MA ? Despite the "inconvenient truth� that dinosaurs have been found that still smell of death, have red blood cells , DNA ,high levels of radiocarbon, and stretchy tissue still intact no Icon of Evolution is held tighter to than the age the dinosaurs ruled the earth. Ask any 2nd grade class when dinosaurs ruled the earth and they will say millions and millions of years ago. Our Soviet Style indoctrination camps get that across early and often. This presents a problem for Christians who decide it is possible for dinosaurs to stink for 65 million years. First of all man is the one given dominion over the Earth. Gen 1:28 And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth. Right there you have relegated the Bible to the fiction section. If we can't trust the Bible when it says God said then why trusts what He did not say? What good is it? Of course lots of Christians come up with nonsense like Satan�s Flood to explain the fossils but then where is the evidence for Noah's? Not to mention dinosaurs were made the same day as Adam and he named them. Gen 2:19 And out of the ground the LORD God formed every beast of the field, and every fowl of the air; and brought them unto Adam to see what he would call them: and whatsoever Adam called every living creature, that was the name thereof. If Adam was created 65ma ago then you a have bit of a problem stretching the genealogies that far. Again, relegating the entire Bible to fiction. Of course their are fossils supposedly 600 ma . Which makes Adam 600 ma. Taking the present day population growth rate of 1/2% per year and extrapolating backwards there was one man and one woman 6ka just like the Bible says. If you go back just one million years you end up with more people than necessary to replace the entire mass of the Earth, a serious problem . There are only 2 possibilities. The earth is really 65 million years old and the Bible is a pack of lies or the materialistic assumptions are absolutely wrong. Many Christians ignore the warnings about changing God's word in order to agree with an idea of men whose stated goal was to wrestle the science from Moses. Few people ever study Dinosaurs farther than Jurassic Park. Few people know Jurassic is a county in England and the rocks there were named that by a creationist long before this long age story got popular with the church. For instance ask 100 people what kind of an animal T-Rex was, a herbivore or a carnivore, and unless one of then is a scientist or a creationist they will tell you carnivore. The people who actually study dinosaurs believe they were primarily herbivores, possibly carrion eaters, but in no way the T-Rex of the movies that chases down prey and kills it. A fully grown T-rex weighs 24k lbs. or 10k kilos. It has little bitty arms incapable of catching itself in a fall and was top heavy. If it fell it meant certain death. It was easy prey for man if they chose to hunt them, all you needed was a rope to trip it. The teeth of T-Rex are impressive but they only go an inch into the jaw and were useless for tearing flesh. Chlorophyll is commonly found on them indicating they ate plants not animals. A very good, in my opinion, irrefutable argument can be made that dinosaurs lived thousands not millions of years ago. First of all the Bible says they were created the same day as man. They still stink. they contain red blood cells. Dna High levels of radiocarbon. Soft and stretchy tissue. The word dinosaur was coined by the creationist Sir Richard Owens , the man Darwin hated so much it made him physically ill in 1841. Darwin hated him because Sir Richard talked about the "inconvenient truth" that Darwin plagiarized his grandfather, Jean Baptiste Lamark, 2500 year old Greek mythology, and the creationist Edwin Blyth who first published scientific papers on natural selection. The Bible does mention dinosaurs but the word did not exist in the 17th century, they were called dragons. All over the world we find artwork clearly depicting dinosaurs. For instance the Chinese Zodiac has 12 animals on it. They are all identifiable today except the dragon. It is referred to as mythical. Same with rock carvings in the American Southwest. You see birds, cats, camels and then a creature that is obviously a dinosaur and it is considered a mythical creature. Not because the evidence suggest it but that materialism is an absolute. One chooses to believe the never changing word of God or the ever changing word of man. The evidence supports the Bible. revdauphinee answered on 10/24/06: Q)Can Dinosaurs really stink after 65MA ? a) to be perfectly honest I dont know !Nor do I care!I prefere to opperate in the present not concern myself with useless facts of the past! peddler7118 rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 10/24/06 - prompted by various debates is there a "true" Church? My reading of Scripture tells me that the true church are those who worship God in the Spirit and in truth. What does your "Church" say? revdauphinee answered on 10/24/06: I do not accept that any denomination is the "true"church the true church is made up of believers of all denominations who have a ral and honest relationship with Christ and accept his teachings as he taught not as men teach!the true church is neither a building nor a sect but is people! MaggieB rated this answer paraclete rated this answer Toms777 rated this answer

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peddler7118 asked on 10/24/06 - What does the Bible say about love? For all those people here who think I hate them because I oppose what they stand for. The words of my Lord Jesus Christ Joh 13:34 A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. Since I believe in sola scriptura I have no choice but to love each and every one of you. I do not like all of you but I am sure you will cope. revdauphinee answered on 10/24/06: why cant these folks understand we can love someone without agreeing with all they say or what they believe in???I LOVE THE MUSLIM PEOPLE AS THEY ARE GODS CHILDREN HOWEVER IT IS WHAT THEY BELIEVE AND PRACTICE THAT i ABHORE! MaggieB rated this answer peddler7118 rated this answer

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arcura asked on 10/23/06 - Another way of looking at the detractors............ Hot off the www email I just recieved this... What do you think? <><><><> Tokyo Rose: During World War II, the Japanese developed a way to demoralize the American forces. Psychological warfare experts developed a message they felt would work. They gave the script to their famous broadcaster "Tokyo Rose" and every day she would broadcast this same message packaged in different ways, hoping it would have a negative impact on American GI's morale. What was that demoralizing message? It had three main points: 1. Your President is lying to you. 2. This war is illegal. 3. You cannot win the war. Does this sound familiar? Is it because Tokyo Hillary, Tokyo Harry, Tokyo John, Tokyo Teddy, Tokyo Nancy, etc. have picked up the same message and are broadcasting it on Tokyo CNN, Tokyo ABC, Tokyo CBS, Tokyo NBC etc., to our troops? The only difference is that they claim to support our troops before they demoralize them. Come to think of it, Tokyo Rose told the troops she was on their side, too! revdauphinee answered on 10/23/06: guess you can add tokio dot to that list cause I agree with it! arcura rated this answer praecipio rated this answer

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arcura asked on 10/23/06 - Would you read this book if you had it?............. Quantum Mechanics: Scientific Perspectives on Divine Action............. This collection of fifteen research papers explores the implications of chaos and complexity in physical, chemical, and biological systems for philosophical and theological issues regarding God's action in the world. It resulted from the second of five international research conferences being co-sponsored by the Vatican Observatory, Rome, and the Center for Theology and the Natural Sciences, Berkeley. The overarching goal is to contribute to constructive theology as it engages current research in the natural sciences and to investigate the philosophical and theological elements in ongoing theoretical research in the natural sciences. It is interesting to note that a physicist who wants to work with quantum mechanics need to think with the type of contemplation often called theological thinking. Quantum Mechanics moves modern day science closer to the existence of a supreme being. revdauphinee answered on 10/23/06: i will not lie No I would not! arcura rated this answer

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praecipio asked on 10/23/06 - To all peacefull Muslims : ENJOY !!! I wish all peacefull Muslims a nice time and happy celebrations at the end of the Ramadan period : Enjoy !!! What do our "experts" know of the Ramadan and the traditionally following celebrations? (No need to let me know that this is the Christianity Board. Nothing wrong with improving your general religious knowledge by either reading incoming comments here, or searching these yourself!) � revdauphinee answered on 10/23/06: where are all these peaceloving muslims hiding and why arent they speaking out aginst the ones who are not so peacefull??For a few (LOL) peacefull writings from the quoran the holy book of these peaceloving folks go to http://www.skepticsannotatedbible.com/quran/cruelty/long.html peddler7118 rated this answer praecipio rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 10/22/06 - Is it racist to speak English? Sign of the times: plan to require English on shops Justin Norrie and Bellinda Kontominas October 23, 2006 DOZENS of businesses in Sydney's inner west may have to translate foreign-language signs into English under a council proposal that some have called racist and divisive. But the plan at Marrickville Council, which is split over the issue, has received support from other ethnically diverse councils in its area, including neighbouring Rockdale Council. Auburn and Hurstville councils have already ordered businesses to use English signs. Marrickville Council, which includes Enmore, Tempe, Dulwich Hill and Petersham, is home to many Greeks, Vietnamese and Chinese. One councillor, Victor Macri, said people who did not want to use "the English language, which is common to all Australians, should relocate to other countries. "I haven't got a problem with people speaking different languages, but you have to respect Australian law and culture. My background is Italian and I have no problem with this." He is supported by the Mayor, Morris Hanna, who said: "You can't say you're being inclusive if you're using signs that most people don't understand." Cr Macri singled out one video shop on Illawarra Road, Marrickville, "which I can't even name, because it only has Chinese characters - this is what I'm talking about". The sole employee at the shop yesterday did not speak English. He has told council staff he strongly opposes putting up English translations. The proposal, which would also limit the amount of advertising shops could display to half of their window space, will go before council on November 7. It specifies that all English translations should "appear in characters at least as large as those used for the remainder of the signage". But one councillor, Saeed Khan, called it "outright racist", adding "I don't mind if every business has an English name, but to force shops to translate every single word on their shopfront into English is a stupid, divisive idea. "It borders on paranoia and it could be illegal because it's anti-competitive. It should be up to the shopkeeper how they promote their business." The plan has the approval of the Mayor of Rockdale, Bill Saravinovski, who said businesses in Rockdale were encouraged to advertise in English and to make other languages less prominent because "at the end of the day, we live in Australia". revdauphinee answered on 10/23/06: no it is not racist 'when in Rome one should do as the Romans!" paraclete rated this answer

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Sarunam asked on 10/22/06 - Wisdom is making decisions that Jesus approves of. Would you want the author of that line (Oct 2006) in your family? revdauphinee answered on 10/22/06: maybee maybee not id have to know quite a bit more about him/her first,even an idiot occasionaly says something wise! peddler7118 rated this answer Sarunam rated this answer

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arcura asked on 10/22/06 - What is you best guess about the new congess of 2007? Will the pro-abortion Democrats win both houses, only one, or none? I'm sure there will be some changes, but I think I'll agree with Barron's assesment. http://online.barrons.com/public/article/SB116138396438799484-uMRQ4ejl3lonVnJ_TXy6k9fPXls_20061121.html?mod=9_0002_b_free_features revdauphinee answered on 10/22/06: not all democrats are pro abortion I am a democrat and I am not ,however I am anti war! arcura rated this answer

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HANK1 asked on 10/22/06 - IS THIS A FIRST? Click and find out my age. This is a CHRISTIAN post because of HONESTY and my belief in God. My age will be 74 come November 4th. Learn about life/survival from me, folks. Does God exist? You betcha! THIS IS MY TRUE AGE. AM I THE FIRST EXPERT TO POST HIS/HER TRUE AGE? HANK revdauphinee answered on 10/22/06: fyi I am 66 however my mom told me that a woman who will tell her age will tell you anything! HANK1 rated this answer Toms777 rated this answer

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hOPE12 asked on 10/22/06 - The Tongue: Hello Everyone, The scripture states at James 3:8, the tongue is unruly, injurious and full of death dealing poison. The scripture at Proverbs 12:18 states that the tongue can also be healing. 1) Can our words that we use on this Christian board reflect on our relationship with others and our God? We are all imperfect and say things many times that can offend and hurt others, and yet we can all control the tongue if we want too. It can hurt other's or heal other's. 1 Peter 2:1 Peter tells us to put away all sorts of backbiting. 2) What is the definition of backbiting to you? 3) How can we use our tongue when commenting or posting on this board to heal others? 4) Do you personally feel that the way we use our tongue indicates just how much respect and love we have for others? 5) What can help us on this board to put away malicious bitter and hateful language and comments that are hurtful and replace those words with ones that heal other's? 6) In your personal opinion can one disagree with others and still do so with respect and without words that will hurt or make the other person feel hurt? Take care, Hope12 Take care, Hope12 revdauphinee answered on 10/22/06: 6) In your personal opinion can one disagree with others and still do so with respect and without words that will hurt or make the other person feel hurt? one can but try! its is the reciever that has to learn that dissagreeing with them does not mean one has any malice toward them its just a dissagreement! hOPE12 rated this answer Toms777 rated this answer

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arcura asked on 10/21/06 - Ready for another sex story????????................ How to save the airlines......... Dump the male flight attendants. No one wanted them in the first place. Replace all the female flight attendants with good-looking strippers! What the hell - the attendants have gotten old and haggard-looking. They don't even serve food anymore, so what's the loss? The strippers would at least triple the alcohol sales and get a "party atmosphere" going in the cabin. And, of course, every businessman in this country would start flying again, hoping to see naked women. Because of the tips, female flight attendants wouldn't need a salary, thus saving even more money. Hell, I suspect tips would be so good that we could charge the women for working and have them kick back 20% of the tips. Muslims would be afraid to get on the planes for fear of seeing naked women. Hijackings would come to a screeching halt, and the airline industry would see record revenues. This is definitely a win-win situation if we handle it right - a golden opportunity to turn a liability into an asset. Why the didn't Bush think of this? Why do I still have to do everything myself? Sincerely, Bill Clinton revdauphinee answered on 10/21/06: one never knows given todays morals Bill may have a point here!LOL arcura rated this answer

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praecipio asked on 10/21/06 - A good and happy Divali to all of you !!! To all peacefull Hindu friends here and all over the world : A good and happy Divali to all of you !!! revdauphinee answered on 10/21/06: nothing against the hindus however this is not the religion board it is the christianity one last I heard! praecipio rated this answer

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jjgoss asked on 10/21/06 - ...sexual desire.... ..In your opinion, should priests be allowed to get married in order to satisfy their sexual desires and prevent sexual sins such as the following:....... ...WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (AP) - The Archdiocese of Miami has asked priests at eight Florida churches to speak with parishioners about whether a retired Catholic priest accused of molesting former Rep. Mark Foley may have molested anyone else. The archdiocese on Friday also barred the Rev. Anthony Mercieca from all church work while it investigates the allegations. "Such behavior is morally reprehensible, canonically criminal and inexcusable," the archdiocese said in a statement. Archdiocese spokeswoman Mary Ross Agosta said pastors at each of the churches where Mercieca worked between 1965 and 2002 will talk to parishioners to uncover any other accusations against him. Mercieca, 69, now lives in Malta in the Mediterranean, where church officials opened an investigation after he admitted fondling Foley and being naked in saunas with him when Foley was a boy in the 1960s. Foley, 52, resigned from Congress last month after the release of sexually explicit computer messages he sent to teenage male pages. His lawyers later acknowledged he was gay and said Foley had been molested as a boy by a clergyman. Agosta said Foley should speak to church officials to help the investigation. She said if the allegations are true, Mercieca could be forced from the priesthood. "An apology is due to Mr. Foley for the hurt he has experienced," the archdiocese's statement said. revdauphinee answered on 10/21/06: 9. But if they have not continency, let them marry: for it is better to marry than to burn. jjgoss rated this answer Toms777 rated this answer

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HANK1 asked on 10/21/06 - POSTS! Can't we make them SHORT and 'SWEET?' Who has time to read and then comprehend 20 paragraphs? It also takes time to scroll down and click the ANSWER button. The same goes for clarifications. How about it, guys and gals? These long c/p posts are the pits. HANK revdauphinee answered on 10/21/06: again we are in total agreement on this ! Bobbye rated this answer HANK1 rated this answer Toms777 rated this answer

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arcura asked on 10/21/06 - Where' a who's who question........................ Who all here have kept the monikers they had since Askme.Com? revdauphinee answered on 10/21/06: I have and always will use my true name I was once kicked off here still truly dont know what I did wrong but thanks to God they gave me another chance and i still use my true name ! arcura rated this answer Bobbye rated this answer Toms777 rated this answer

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HANK1 asked on 10/21/06 - THEY'VE DISAPPEARED! Matthew IamDyan LTgolf islandangel madima awatech sunkissed02 MELO_GIBSON tarot10 johnh1234 MrBlack ladybugca Liz22 HANK revdauphinee answered on 10/21/06: same folk different handles thats all HANK1 rated this answer praecipio rated this answer

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hOPE12 asked on 10/20/06 - Which one is the right one to use. Hello Everyone, Which versioin of the Bible do you use in your religion? Jehovah's witnesses use mostlty the KJV, NKJV and the NWT is the one they use in theie studies, yet we have no objection in using other versions. Why because it leaves out the thou and thus, an old english and are more modern in the words used so these copies are easier to understand. Does it matter which Bible we use? Do all Bibles say the same thing? In the many different versions, does the message change? If yes, how? If not, why do you feel that way? How do we know which Bible version is the right one to use? I am looking forward to all answers that are done in a respectful way of all religion. Take care, Hope12 revdauphinee answered on 10/21/06: I use a modern translation since i feel we are more able to correctly translate these days than they were in King James's day I mostly use the NIV version arcura rated this answer hOPE12 rated this answer

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peddler7118 asked on 10/20/06 - Is it possible for God to be outside of eternity and infinity? This idea was given to me by a local "expert" by using the argument that all things are possible with God. The definition of eternity is an endless period of time. Can even God be outside of endless? What is greater than infinity? Is this concept logically possible? revdauphinee answered on 10/20/06: have to admit it will take a better braib than mine to answer this one!LOL peddler7118 rated this answer

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CeeBee2 asked on 10/19/06 - Instrumental music in church Which composers (and which of their compositions) from any musical period have written music that especially fills your heart and touches your soul? revdauphinee answered on 10/20/06: handel for his Messiah CeeBee2 rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 10/19/06 - This is priceless? You mean to say they don't already know and he is still there damaging others? Foley will give archdiocese name of alleged abuser POSTED: 1517 GMT (2317 HKT), October 18, 2006 WASHINGTON (CNN) -- Former Florida Rep. Mark Foley will tell the Archdiocese of Miami the name of the priest he says abused him as a young man, his attorney said Tuesday. "Mark Foley is intending to work with the Archdiocese of Miami and Greater West Palm Beach for the purpose of revealing the name of the particular priest who is involved so the archdiocese can then deal appropriately with the issue," said Gerald Richman, one of Foley's attorneys. Richman said, however, he will not press criminal charges against the still-unnamed clergyman because of the difficulties the case would face. "We've basically concluded that there's no basis to file criminal charges because of a number of legal obstacles, one of which is the statute of limitations," Richman said. "We're talking about issues that happened 36 to 38 years ago." Richman said Foley decided to be open about his alleged abuse and struggle with alcoholism as a form of therapy. "This is all part of the healing process for Mark Foley," said Richman. "He thinks it's important to go ahead and bring this information out and hope and encourage other people who have been similarly abused to go ahead and come forward." Richman said Foley would accept an offer of counseling from the Archdiocese of Miami. Ethics committee hears more testimony House Majority Leader John Boehner, R-Ohio, is scheduled to appear Thursday before the House ethics panel. Congressional sources said Boehner will testify about Foley's contact with teenage congressional pages and how House Republican leaders handled the concerns raised about the six-term Republican. However, Boehner told Fox News Tuesday that between investigations by the ethics committee and the FBI, he thinks there is little he can add. "Everything that can be said at this point in time has been said," Boehner said. "The real issues in this election are the issues that people care about -- keeping the economy prosperous, making sure we have a sensible immigration policy that begins with enforcing our border, and then, thirdly, supporting the president, giving him the tools he needs to take on terrorists and to defeat them," he added. Paula Nowakowski, Boehner's chief of staff, spent nearly three hours in the ethics committee's hearing room Tuesday morning. She was followed in the afternoon by House Sergeant-at-Arms Wilson Livingood, a member of the House Page Board, which oversees the program that lets teenagers serve as messengers on Capitol Hill. Neither stopped for questions from reporters upon leaving. The three House members who sit on the Page Board have all testified. Two of the three have said that the board's chairman, Illinois Republican John Shimkus, did not tell them about a 2005 e-mail exchange between Foley and a teenage Louisiana boy. The teen reported what House leaders have called "overly friendly" e-mail from Foley in late 2005, according to an account released by House Speaker Dennis Hastert's office after the scandal broke. The e-mails, which the boy called "sick," included Foley's request for a picture and a question about what he wanted for his birthday. The boy turned the e-mail over to Rep. Rodney Alexander's office, leading to a private rebuke from Shimkus and then-House Clerk Jeff Trandahl. Alexander, who sponsored the boy as a page, is scheduled to appear before the ethics committee Wednesday, his office said. Poll: Other issues more important Foley resigned September 29 after details of sexually explicit instant messages to teenage boys who had served as Capitol Hill messengers became public. The scandal has added to the concerns facing Republicans as they battle to keep their majorities in both houses of Congress in November's elections. However, only about a quarter of Americans say the Foley issue will be "extremely important" in how they vote in November's congressional elections, according to a CNN poll released Tuesday. (Full story) The scandal triggered a round of finger-pointing among Republican leaders in Congress and calls for Hastert to step down over his office's handling of the matter. Boehner, who told a Cincinnati radio station earlier this month that Hastert had been responsible for dealing with the concerns raised about Foley, told Fox that he supports the speaker. "He has done a marvelous job leading House Republicans under frankly very difficult circumstances and a narrow majority. If he had had any clue of these instant messages or the behavior Foley was engaged in, I have no doubt he would have drug him out by his tie the instant he knew about it," Boehner said. CNN national correspondent Susan Candiotti, congressional correspondent Dana Bash and CNN's Deirdre Walsh and Patrick Oppmann contributed to this report. revdauphinee answered on 10/19/06: I second arcuraon this one Isn't it interesting that once Foley's nasty activities were exposed he right away found someone else to blame who cannot defend himself? paraclete rated this answer

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Ccl471 asked on 10/19/06 - Ouija Boards My dad says that if a born-again Christian were to try to use a ouija board, it won't work. Is he right? I'm not about to try using one just to find out--I don't dare touch a ouija board. Many thanks, C.L. revdauphinee answered on 10/19/06: i agree with most folks who answered leave them alone they are a dangerous thing opening a path to evil spirits! Ccl471 rated this answer peddler7118 rated this answer Toms777 rated this answer

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CeeBee2 asked on 10/18/06 - What is your all-time all-timer favorite Christian hymn or song? (or mention more than one, if you can't get it down to one) revdauphinee answered on 10/18/06: 'love lifted me!" CeeBee2 rated this answer Judgment_Day rated this answer peddler7118 rated this answer Toms777 rated this answer

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arcura asked on 10/17/06 - Your driver's license is on the www............... This makes me so MAD!!!!! This is upsetting but I thought I should pass it Along. Check your drivers license. Now you can see anyone's Driver's License on the Internet, including your own! I just searched for mine and there it was... picture and all!! Thanks Homeland Security! Where are our rights? I definitely removed mine. I suggest you do the Same. Go to the web site and check it out. Just enter your name, city and state to see if yours is on file. After your license comes on the screen, click the box marked, "Please Remove." This will remove it from public viewing, but not from law enforcement. http://www.license.shorturl.com/ revdauphinee answered on 10/17/06: good one thanks for the laugh arcura rated this answer

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hOPE12 asked on 10/17/06 - Just to say goodbye. Hello Everyone, Now because there is peace and quiet on the board, I wish everyone here well and just to say I am leaving answerway for good. Those who appreciated my comment, I will miss you so very much. For all those who have been on my back about my relgion and felt it was there duty to try and change me, I have no bad feelings and wish you the best in life. I feel that I have wasted enough time here on this board and feel that many never really appreciate the ones who come here in all seriousness to upbuild and help others. There are always those who not only disagree but do so in a rude and disrespectful manner and I have decided not to allow these ones to treat me any longer in that manner. I wish you all well and hope you can enjoy your life in whatever you all decide to do. I will now use my life and energy in helping others who appreciate my time and energies and will treat me more with respect and allow me to have dignity. Take care, Hope12 revdauphinee answered on 10/17/06: Hope i wish you would reconsider but take this with you i for one will miss you please keep in touch and remenber you are loved! arcura rated this answer hOPE12 rated this answer Toms777 rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 10/17/06 - Things Christians need to be told? Don't listen to politicians particularly George Bush Why a Christian in the White House Felt Betrayed By DAVID KUO Posted Monday, Oct. 16, 2006 For Republicans who fear that the Foley scandal might keep Evangelicals away from the polls in November, here comes another challenge--in hardcover format. A new memoir by David Kuo, former second-in-command of President Bush's Office of Faith-Based Initiatives, has the White House on the defensive with its account of an Administration that mocked Evangelicals in private while using them at election time to bolster its support. In this exclusive adaptation from the book, Kuo writes about how his White House experiences left him disillusioned about the role religion can play in politics. I stepped into the Oval Office to find President George W. Bush prowling behind his desk looking for something. "Kuo!" he said without looking up. "Tell me about this meeting." It was June 2003, and I was deputy director of the White House Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives. The office had opened in the West Wing in 2001 to support the President's campaign promise of $8 billion a year in new funding for both religious and secular charities that helped the poor. That money never materialized, however, and I was increasingly stuck with the task of explaining to religious groups why the White House was so bad at helping them do good. This meeting, with a group of prominent African-American pastors who had supported Bush's plan, promised to be no different. I began to brief the President on the pastors, recommending that he talk about the administrative reforms we had implemented, and the tax credits we were still fighting for ... He interrupted. "Forget about all that. Money. All these guys care about is money. They want money. How much money have we given them?" I never doubted the President's own faith or desire to help those who, like him, had once been lost in a world of alcohol or, unlike him, had struggled with poverty or drugs. Because I shared his faith and his vision of compassionate conservatism, I had been a very good soldier. When members of his senior staff mocked the plan as the "f___ing faith-based initiative," I didn't say a word. When his legislative-affairs team summarily dismissed our attempts to shoehorn our funding into the budget, I smiled and continued trying to work neatly within the system. When I heard staff privately deriding evangelical Christians because they were so easily seduced by White House power, I raised an eyebrow but not a ruckus. Like everyone else in the small faith-based office, I didn't speak too loudly or thunder too much. We were the nice guys. Today, however, I decided to choose honesty over niceness. Two months earlier, I had been diagnosed with a brain tumor that required intensive surgery and rehabilitation. This was my first meeting with the President and Karl Rove since my return. Something about undergoing brain surgery had made me reflect about whether I had really been doing a public service by pretending that our office had been living up to its commitments. I glanced over at Karl and turned to look the President in the eye. "Sir, we've given them virtually nothing," I said, "because we have had virtually nothing new to give." The President had been looking down at some papers about the event, but his head jerked up. "Nothing? What do you mean we've given them nothing?" He glared. "Don't we have new money in programs like the Compassion Fund thing?" I looked again at Karl. He seemed stunned at what I was saying. "No, sir," I told the President. "In the past two years we've gotten less than $80 million in new grant dollars." The number fell shockingly short of the $8 billion he had vowed to deliver in the first year alone. The President's staff didn't just bad-mouth the faith-based office behind closed doors. Their political indifference also kept us from getting the funding we needed so badly. No episode captured that more clearly than the 2001 negotiations over the President's $1.7 trillion tax cut. In those final negotiations with the Senate and House, the White House voluntarily dropped a centerpiece of the President's compassion promise: a provision to allow 80% of Americans to get credit for their charitable contributions. Now the President seemed shocked at the news that the Compassion Fund was a pittance. "What?! What do you mean?" he asked. Karl, still caught off guard, protested. "But what about the other money? You know, the money we've opened up to new charities." I hated any clash with Karl. Especially now. The morning after my tumor diagnosis, Karl was among the first people to call. "I know what you are going through," he said. "I've spent more days and nights of my life than I can count in a cancer ward." He explained that his wife was a double breast-cancer survivor, encouraged me for the fight ahead, and offered any assistance I needed. Now, less than two months later, I was standing in front of the President exposing an ugly truth that Karl would rather not have discussed: after two years in office, we had actually spent less than 1% of what Bush had promised. I was also contradicting our office's own spin. In an effort to divert attention from all the money that wasn't being given to faith-based groups, we had come up with the idea of highlighting the amount of money now "available" to faith-based organizations because of particular administrative reforms announced six months earlier. It was one of those wonderful Washington assertions that is simultaneously accurate and deceptive and just confusing enough to defy opposition. On the one hand, we had eliminated some ancient and patently absurd regulations, many of them promulgated under seemingly faith-phobic Democratic Administrations, that discriminated against faith-based groups simply because they might have a religious-sounding name. The Metropolitan Council on Jewish Poverty, for instance, was once denied the chance to apply for a federal grant even though it was an entirely secular organization. On the other hand, faith-based groups had actually been getting chunks of that money for decades, and the regulations we put in place really didn't tackle the biggest problem facing secular and religious nonprofits. That problem was the general bureaucratic unfriendliness of the Federal Government to small, local organizations--precisely the kind that compassionate conservatives like Bush (and I) thought could do the best job tackling ingrained poverty and hopelessness on the community level. We were supposed to give these small groups their first shot, but without any money, our office was resigned to making mostly symbolic changes. None of that had stopped the White House from trumpeting the changes as hugely significant and leading religious conservatives to believe they were highly consequential. Christian conservatives trusted President Bush. After two years in the White House, I had come to realize that regardless of where the President's heart lay on the matter, the back-office Republican political machine was able to take Evangelicals for granted--indeed, often viewed them with undisguised contempt--and still get their votes. G.O.P. operatives trusted that Christian conservatives would see the President more as their Pastor in Chief than anything else. Bush had long used the podium as a pulpit, telling voters that above all he was an evangelical Christian who had been saved from his drinking by Jesus and rebuilt his life around his faith. That inspirational story was carried throughout the country by a network of prominent evangelical pastors who had been quietly working since 1998 to recruit thousands of other pastors to join the Bush team. After the election, however, those same pastors became accomplices in their own deception by not demanding that the President's actions in office match their electoral fervor. This White House is certainly not the first Administration to milk religious groups for votes and then boot them unceremoniously back out to pasture. In his days as a notorious "hatchet man" for President Richard M. Nixon, before he had allowed Jesus to transform his life, Chuck Colson used to oversee outreach to the religious community. "I arranged special briefings in the Roosevelt Room for religious leaders, ushered wide-eyed denominational leaders into the Oval Office for private sessions with the President," Colson later wrote. "Of all the groups I dealt with, I found religious leaders the most naive about politics. Maybe that is because so many come from sheltered backgrounds, or perhaps it is the result of a mistaken perception of the demands of Christian charity ... Or, most worrisome of all, they may simply like to be around power." I finished the briefing. Yes, I told the President, because of new regulations there was technically about $8 billion in existing funding that was now more accessible to faith-based groups. But, I assured him, those organizations had been getting money from those programs for years and it wasn't that big a deal. "Eight billion in new dollars?" he asked. "No, sir. Eight billion in existing dollars where groups will find it technically easier to apply for grants. But faith-based groups have been getting that money for years." "Eight billion," he said. "That's what we'll tell them. Eight billion in new funds for faith-based groups. O.K., let's go." We headed out of the Oval Office, down a flight of stairs and over to the Old Executive Office Building, where the pastors awaited us. The President walked into the room, traded a few jokes and told the group that because of the faith-based initiative, billions of dollars in new funds were now available to faith-based groups like theirs. The pastors listened respectfully. Before the President left, they prayed for him. Karl stayed behind to share some thoughts and answer questions. "Before I get started, I want to say something. This initiative isn't political," he told them. "If I walked into the Oval Office and said it was going to be political, the President would bash my head in." Then the questions began. "Since the President brought up money, where, exactly is that money?" asked one pastor. "We've talked to the Cabinet Secretaries, and they say there isn't any new money." They peppered him with questions for several minutes. Finally he smiled at them and said, "Tell you what, I'm going to get those guys in a room and bash some heads together and get to the bottom of this. I'll be back in touch with you." He left confidently. At the meeting's end, several of the pastors said they wanted to pray for my healing. They placed their hands on my shoulder and called on God to hear their prayers on my behalf. I listened and loved it and said a prayer of my own: that I would have the courage to tell them what was really going on at the White House. That was more than three years ago. Their prayers have worked on my body. I am still here and very much alive. Now I am finding the courage to speak out about God and politics and their dangerous dance. George W. Bush, the man, is a person of profound faith and deep compassion for those who suffer. But President George W. Bush is a politician and is ultimately no different from any other politician, content to use religion for electoral gain more than for good works. Millions of Evangelicals may share Bush's faith, but they would protect themselves--and their interests--better if they looked at him through the same coldly political lens with which he views them. revdauphinee answered on 10/17/06: nothing could keep me away from the polls (to vote against GW and his ilk!) excon rated this answer paraclete rated this answer praecipio rated this answer

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HANK1 asked on 10/16/06 - CONGRATULATIONS EXPERTS: We have a great bunch of Experts participating on this Board presently. I'm learning alot. Users who 'take a peek' at our activity seem to be increasing. I'm sure they're learning alot as well. Keep it up, guys. I sure like peace and quiet. Don't you? This is one of OUR little corners in the WORLD. Great! Let's protect it! HANK revdauphinee answered on 10/17/06: hank what world are you living in???( I sure like peace and quiet)surly you jest! HANK1 rated this answer paraclete rated this answer praecipio rated this answer Toms777 rated this answer

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peddler7118 asked on 10/16/06 - Were Adam and Eve created millions of years ago? Gen 1:27 So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them. Gen 2:23 And Adam said, This is now bone of my bones, and flesh of my flesh: she shall be called Woman, because she was taken out of Man. Gen 2:24 Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh. The words of Jesus Christ: Mat 19:4 And he answered and said unto them, Have ye not read, that he which made them at the beginning made them male and female, Mat 19:5 And said, For this cause shall a man leave father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife: and they twain shall be one flesh Obviously Jesus was quoting Genesis as He and all the prophets and all the apostles did over 200 times outside of Genesis , as literal history. Therefore if there is any truth to the Bible at all Adam and Eve were created at the beginning on day 6. Most Christians believe the days were millions of years. Your thoughts? revdauphinee answered on 10/16/06: you stated " You on the other hand choose to believe the Bible cannot be read plainly and are not at all interested in the opinions of Bible believing scientist. Go on telling people they can reinterpret scripture to fit whatever the science of the day says if you wish: "when did I ever say the scripture can not be read plainly??I hAVE NEVER SAID ANY SUCH THING !what I may have said is we should be mindfull of the time and the social status of when it was written peddler7118 rated this answer Sarunam rated this answer

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peddler7118 asked on 10/16/06 - Were Adam and Eve created millions of years ago? Gen 1:27 So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them. Gen 2:23 And Adam said, This is now bone of my bones, and flesh of my flesh: she shall be called Woman, because she was taken out of Man. Gen 2:24 Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh. The words of Jesus Christ: Mat 19:4 And he answered and said unto them, Have ye not read, that he which made them at the beginning made them male and female, Mat 19:5 And said, For this cause shall a man leave father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife: and they twain shall be one flesh Obviously Jesus was quoting Genesis as He and all the prophets and all the apostles did over 200 times outside of Genesis , as literal history. Therefore if there is any truth to the Bible at all Adam and Eve were created at the beginning on day 6. Most Christians believe the days were millions of years. Your thoughts? revdauphinee answered on 10/16/06: why spend all out time discussing the events of the past when there are poor lost and needy today we as followers of christ need to turn our attention to what can we do now in his name instead of arguing about things gone by!this bourd has gone through so many metamorphasis and now it seems its argument central So we hold differing views ok now lets get on with life! peddler7118 rated this answer praecipio rated this answer

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peddler7118 asked on 10/16/06 - Do Atheists Hate Christians ? Clarification/Follow-up by praecipio on 10/16/06 4:15 am: I prefer the old roman Rome and Christians. During that era that combination gave the games that something extra! Today's Rome is mainly the center of Roman Catholic Christianity and soccer. Funny how they love the JW's and Mormons. Why is that? revdauphinee answered on 10/16/06: why would they??/I am a christian I dont hate atheists I donet "Hate "anyone !the word hate is used entirely too much on this site ,difering of oppinion with someone does not mean you have to hate them! peddler7118 rated this answer praecipio rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 10/15/06 - When Church growth is a problem you just love to have? 3000-seat Hillsong bid fires chorus of discord Alex Mitchell October 15, 2006 PLANS by the Hillsong Church to build a 3000-seat auditorium and a 900-space car park have run into community opposition. Green Square Active, a community action group representing more than 4500 residents in Beaconsfield, Zetland and Rosebery, in Sydney's inner-south, is seeking an urgent meeting with Sydney Lord Mayor Clover Moore to discuss traffic and overdevelopment concerns. Originally, the old Roads and Traffic Authority site had development consent for 66 townhouses, but Hillsong is trying to change its status after purchasing it in June for $28 million. Green Square Active has started a petition campaign to fight the project and collected more than 300 signatures in the first few days. "The stadium and massive car park proposed by Hillsong are definitely not in keeping with the unique community in the Rosebery area," spokeswoman Belinda Clark said. "We are going to see thousands of cars in our area coming to Hillsong and we want Clover Moore to take a clear stand on this massive overdevelopment as our quality of life is under threat. "We were led to believe that we were going to get a few townhouses on the site. Instead we're getting an auditorium that could stage a performance on the scale of the chariot race from Ben-Hur." The Rothschild Avenue development in Rosebery is only slightly smaller than the church's stadium in Baulkham Hills, in the city's north-west, which was opened in 2002. It is intended to replace premises at Waterloo, where seven services are held every Sunday.] ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Isn't if funny that when a Church gets large, it's buildings are no longer called Churches, they are called stadiums? I used to think large churches are called cathedrals, but appearently not today, now I could understand this if the development was like the Superdome where the Hillsong annual conferences are held, (30,000 seats), but when we are really talking about an annex to the main Church it becomes Bizzaire If anyone knows anything about this area they know that hundreds of thousands of cars funnel through it every day so what is the problem with a few thousand on Sunday, geezzz, some people? revdauphinee answered on 10/15/06: if the church needs the room its because the people need parking places so if the people want it why not allow it! paraclete rated this answer

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peddler7118 asked on 10/14/06 - Is Shunning Christian? The shunning or harassment of former Jehovah's Witnesses (JWs) by active members of the sect is behaviour that is mandated by the governing body of the Jehovah's Witnesses' church (officially titled the Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society). Shunning has been known to cause sever emotional distress to estranged Witnesses, occasionally even leading to their suicides. Church-decreed ostracism of ex-JWs will be the subject of this paper. In particular disfellowship and shunning practices will be outlined and remedial actions which might be taken to deal with them will be discussed. The discussion will conclude that legal approaches to salving this problem, unfortunately, so far have been quite ineffectual. Support groups which offer peer and professional counselling to ex-Witnesses and provide public education on the dangers of Christian fundamentalist sects would seem to constitute more immediate and effective relief for this social ill. http://users.uniserve.com/~renford/parlimen.htm revdauphinee answered on 10/14/06: if god dosent shun us then no one else should and there is room at the cross for all ! Toms777 rated this answer peddler7118 rated this answer

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HANK1 asked on 10/14/06 - UNIVERSALISM: In comparative religion, UNIVERSALISM is the belief that true and valuable insights are available in many of the religious traditions which have grown up in various human cultures. To what degree are you a UNIVERSALIST? (Don't try to fool yourself! Tell the truth!) HANK revdauphinee answered on 10/14/06: To what degree are you a UNIVERSALIST? no degree whatsoever! HANK1 rated this answer Toms777 rated this answer

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arcura asked on 10/13/06 - I'll be leaving shortly for a few days. We're going back up into the mountains away from civilization and working to fight the black evil of the Pine tree Bark Beetle. When I get back Sunday night or Monday I'll enjoy reading you answers to my questions. Good bye for now. Enjoy some peace and kindness, Fred revdauphinee answered on 10/14/06: have a good trip and be safe arcura rated this answer

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Toms777 asked on 10/13/06 - How many gods? I see on the board one expert says that Jesus is "a god". Along with God the Father, that makes 2 gods. JWs also believe that the 144,000 are all gods, and that Satan is "a god", for a total of 144,003 gods. Mormons believe in a virtual unlimited number of gods, as do other religions such as Hinduism. I read in the Old Testament: Isa 44:8 You are My witnesses. Is there a God besides Me? Indeed there is no other Rock; I know not one.'" NKJV How many gods are there? - please validate you answer from the Bible (Afterall, this is the Christinaity board). revdauphinee answered on 10/13/06: whilst there may be many we as created beings are commanded to worship but one the one who made us if there were no others why the need for the warning (Exo.20:3-17 3 "You shall have no other gods before me. to some humans allah is there God or buddah or Krishna but for a follower of yaweh the one true God there can be no others! hOPE12 rated this answer jackreade rated this answer peddler7118 rated this answer Toms777 rated this answer

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jjgoss asked on 10/13/06 - ...Do you know your own church/denomination?.... ...If you do, can you share with us the most conspicuous 5 strengths and 5 weaknesses of your own church/denomination............ revdauphinee answered on 10/13/06: i neither believe nor support any denomination as I feel them all to be more man oriented than God oriented! Matthew 15: 3 Jesus replied, "And why do you break the command of God for the sake of your tradition? Mark7: 6 He replied, "Isaiah was right when he prophesied about you hypocrites; as it is written: "`These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. 7 They worship me in vain; their teachings are but rules taught by men.' 8 You have let go of the commands of God and are holding on to the traditions of men." 9 And he said to them: "You have a fine way of setting aside the commands of God in order to observe your own traditions! jjgoss rated this answer

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madddawg asked on 10/13/06 - Do you think Jesus would overturn the tables at church bingos? Mark 11:15-17 And they come to Jerusalem: and Jesus went into the temple, and began to cast out them that sold and bought in the temple, and overthrew the tables of the moneychangers, and the seats of them that sold doves; And would not suffer that any man should carry any vessel through the temple. And he taught, saying unto them, Is it not written, My house shall be called of alla nations the house of prayer? but ye have made it a den of thieves. revdauphinee answered on 10/13/06: sure he would todays churches do more to worship the Almighty dollar then to worship the Almighty GOD! hOPE12 rated this answer madddawg rated this answer tomder55 rated this answer

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madddawg asked on 10/13/06 - Do you think Jesus would overturn the tables at church bingos? Mark 11:15-17 And they come to Jerusalem: and Jesus went into the temple, and began to cast out them that sold and bought in the temple, and overthrew the tables of the moneychangers, and the seats of them that sold doves; And would not suffer that any man should carry any vessel through the temple. And he taught, saying unto them, Is it not written, My house shall be called of alla nations the house of prayer? but ye have made it a den of thieves. revdauphinee answered on 10/13/06: not only bingos but maNY OTHER CHURCH EVENTS TODAYS CHURCH DOES MORE WORSHIPING OF THE aLMIGHTY DOLLAR THAN THAT OF ALMIGHTY GOD! madddawg rated this answer

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madddawg asked on 10/13/06 - Should churches ordain homosexuals? Should homosexuality be accepted as normal behavior since the Bible states: 1 Corinthians 6:9-10 Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God. Leviticus 18:22 Thou shalt not lie with mankind, as with womankind: it is abomination. revdauphinee answered on 10/13/06: No !I do believe god still loves the person even whilst hating the sin,however a person who is openly in sin should not teach or hold authority! madddawg rated this answer peddler7118 rated this answer Toms777 rated this answer

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peddler7118 asked on 10/13/06 - Is the Bible Symbolic or Absolute Truth? The opinion of some "experts" here is that the Bible is only symbolic. My question is symbolic of what? If that is true then everyone decides what the Bible means to them .In other words the Bible is meaningless and you decide who and what God is and what He wants. Like the AA motto-God as you understand Him. This is the same thing as saying the god you yourself create. And since you created thatgod that makes you the overgod of that god. And since everyone else creates their own god overgods are a dime a dozen. If that seems insane it is only because it is insane. This is functional atheism. If someone professing themselves to be a Christian tells another that they need not accept Christ as their savior how is that functionally any different from telling them there is no God? These are harsh words but they are true. If you tell people that they don't need Jesus you are not Christian and you are not saved. revdauphinee answered on 10/13/06: after reading a few comments made by praecipio it is clear this person is only here to find fault and will do so no matter what we say ! peddler7118 rated this answer

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madddawg asked on 10/13/06 - Is it really possible to know for sure that you have eternal life? The Bible seems to indicate that it is possible to know for certain that one has eternal life. Is it really possible to know for sure? 1 John 5:13 These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, revdauphinee answered on 10/13/06: It most definatly is, for if not then we make God a liar 1 madddawg rated this answer Toms777 rated this answer

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madddawg asked on 10/13/06 - Should churches ordain women? The Bible seems to state that should not happen. Why do you think so many churches disobey this verse. 1 Timothy 2:12 But I suffer not a woman to teach, nor to usurp authority over the man, but to be in silence. 1 revdauphinee answered on 10/13/06: you quote Paul whilst I look to the words of Christ who himself asked women to tell the others the good news! Matt 28:8. So the women hurried away from the tomb, afraid yet filled with joy, and ran to tell his disciples. 9. Suddenly Jesus met them. "Greetings," he said. They came to him, clasped his feet and worshiped him. 10. Then Jesus said to them, "Do not be afraid. Go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee; there they will see me." and further more the scripture clearly states in Galatians 3:28. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus. so who is man to say otherwise! arcura rated this answer CeeBee2 rated this answer madddawg rated this answer paraclete rated this answer peddler7118 rated this answer Toms777 rated this answer

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peddler7118 asked on 10/12/06 - Will the social gospel get you to heaven? Will agreeing that their are many ways to God get you saved? Are Muslims going to heaven as Muslims, JW's as JW's , Mormons as Mormon's. Are the words of Jesus Christ's relevant in the New Age? revdauphinee answered on 10/12/06: Will agreeing that their are many ways to God get you saved? there are not many ways to god ! at least not fot the true believer there is but one way! (Jn.14:6 Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. ) therefor if one does not accept JESUS there definatly not saved!! peddler7118 rated this answer

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holly23 asked on 10/12/06 - Is a Christian God a loving God? Do you really think that an all knowing loving God would damn everyone to eternal hell for not hitting the mark on the "only one true religion" part of eternity spent living here on earth? What about people who get it wrong for whatever reason but still try to be as close to "Christ-like" during their living as they possibly can- taking into consideration their peculiar understanding of God? Afterall isn't it pretty much given that you can raise up a child to believe anything?If everyone must get to heaven through Jesus or else spend an eternity suffering damnation in hellfire and brimstone, why would a *loving all knowing God* make it such a puzzle to finding "the" one and only true way to worship and believe while failing to take notice of the Godly intent that all the wrong people have? Honestly it is arguements like I see here that make me want to stay away from people who say they are Christians. I believe that if God is a "loving" God, it matters not to which church dogma you follow, what matters is what is in your heart! Talk is cheap and if God is all knowing, surely actions speak louder than words. Of course I also realize that if God exists at all it is rather beyond my ability to fully understand and comprehend..... unless of course it was so important for me to know about, we would all have the same clear understanding and experience. Which experts here think I'm going to hell for not believing in the only one right way? revdauphinee answered on 10/12/06: I believe that if God is a "loving" God, it matters not to which church dogma you follow to a point I agree however as we look on god as a loving father dont our loving earthly fathers care about who we hang out with??/no different with god if we are still in his will then no it dosent mater where we worship however if we are being led on a wrong path then I do think he cares! holly23 rated this answer peddler7118 rated this answer

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madddawg asked on 10/12/06 - Does this mean former Catholics are endanger of an inquisition? Hence there are but three classes of persons excluded from the church�s pale: Infidels are outside the Church because they never belonged to, and never knew the church, and were never made partakers of any of her sacraments. Heretics and schismatics are excluded from the church, because they have separated from her and belong to her only deserted. It is not, however to be denied that they are still subject to the jurisdiction of the Church, inasmuch as they may be called before her tribunals, punished and anathematized. Finally, excommunicated persons are not members of the Church, because they have been cut off by her sentence from the number of her children and belong not to her communion until they repent. The Catholic Tradition, The Church 1, page 279 revdauphinee answered on 10/12/06: yet Jesus said whomsoever will may come! hOPE12 rated this answer madddawg rated this answer Toms777 rated this answer

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madddawg asked on 10/12/06 - Filled with Spirit or demon possessed? In the past few decades there has been many strange manifestations occuring in churches that would identify themselves as evangelical such as speaking in tongues, slain in the spirit, barking like dogs, roaring like lions, uncontroled laughter war dancing, holy vomiting, removal of clothes, headbanging, inability to speak normally, jumping, and pogo jumping, drunkenness and staggering, dancing romantically with Jesus, screaming, clucking like chickens, sexual organisms, swimming, waving arms like bird. How can we tell whether these "manifestations" are from the Holy Spirit or demonic revdauphinee answered on 10/12/06: 1Cor.14:2-19 2 For anyone who speaks in a tongue does not speak to men but to God. Indeed, no one understands him; he utters mysteries with his spirit. 3 But everyone who prophesies speaks to men for their strengthening, encouragement and comfort. 4 He who speaks in a tongue edifies himself, but he who prophesies edifies the church. madddawg rated this answer peddler7118 rated this answer Toms777 rated this answer

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madddawg asked on 10/12/06 - Is it necessary for Christians to go through Mary to obtain salvation? Let us boldly say with St. Bernard that we have need of a mediator with the mediator Himself, and that is the Divine Mary who is the most capable of filling that charitable office.� True Devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary. Page 61 revdauphinee answered on 10/12/06: (Jn.14:6 Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. ) Toms777 rated this answer madddawg rated this answer arcura rated this answer

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peddler7118 asked on 10/11/06 - Did Mary die for our sins? http://www.voxpopuli.org/ revdauphinee answered on 10/12/06: no! peddler7118 rated this answer Toms777 rated this answer

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arcura asked on 10/11/06 - Did it really happed?.......................... revdauphinee answered on 10/12/06: THE TIME AND PLACE NO ONE KNOWS SO YOU SHOULD HAVE KNOWN IT WAS WRONG! arcura rated this answer

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HANK1 asked on 10/11/06 - ILLEGALS: When gas was three bucks a gallon, I hired four illegals to push my car. It was cheaper. Was that a Christian thing to do? HANK revdauphinee answered on 10/12/06: probably did a citizen out of a job who was here legaly so no it wasnt! peddler7118 rated this answer HANK1 rated this answer

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arcura asked on 10/11/06 - Did Islam try to conquer the known world?............. Take a look at this.... http://wsu.edu/~dee/ISLAM/CALIPH.HTM revdauphinee answered on 10/11/06: havent read this yet but i will however not concerning myself with what they have done it is certainly what they want to and will do due to the fact so many folks refuse to see! arcura rated this answer peddler7118 rated this answer

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madddawg asked on 10/11/06 - Does Mary reign over God? Was Saint Louis Marie de Montfort in error when he wrote: When we read then in the writings of St. Bernard, Bernadine, Bonadventure and others, that in heaven and on earth, everything, even God Himself, is subject to the blessed Virgin, they mean that the authority which God has been well pleased to give her is so great that it seems as if she had the same power as God; And her prayers and petitions are so powerful with God that they always pass for commandments with His Majesty, Who never resists the prayer of His dear Mother. True Devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary, pages 17 and 18. Note: The May 1996 issue of Inside the Vatican, a conservative Roman Catholic Publication, is dedicated to Pope John Paul II�s relationship with the Catholic Mary. The cover shows the pope meditating or praying, and in the background is a full cover sized image of Mary accompanied by the Words, �The Most Marion Pope in history has entrusted his pontificate - and his life - to the Virgin Mother of God� At the bottom of the cover are the words Totus Tuus, which means totally yours. These are the words the pope has used to describe his devotion to Mary. Totus Tuus. This phrase is not only an expression of piety or simply an expression of devotion. It is more. During the Second World War, while I was employed as a factory worker, I came to be attracted to Marion devotion. At first it had seemed to me that I should distance myself a bit from the Marion devotion of my childhood to focus more on Christ. Thanks to Saint Louis of Montfort I came to understand that true devotion to the Mother of God is actually Christocentric, indeed, it is very profoundly rooted in the mystery of the blessed trinity, and the mysteries of the incarnation and redemption.� O Timothy, Volume 14, Issue 9, 1997, page 6. revdauphinee answered on 10/11/06: ""and in the background is a full cover sized image of Mary "" (Exo.20:3-17 3 "You shall have no other gods before me. 4 "You shall not make for yourself an idol in the form of anything in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the waters below. 5 You shall not bow down to them or worship them; for I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God, punishing the children for the sin of the fathers to the third and fourth generation madddawg rated this answer

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arcura asked on 10/11/06 - Do you run in the rain?............................... RAIN She had been shopping with her Mom in Wal-Mart. She must have been 6 years old, this beautiful red haired, freckle faced image of innocence. It was pouring outside. The kind of rain that gushes over the top of rain gutters, so much in a hurry to hit the earth it has no time to flow down the spout. We all stood there under the awning and just inside the door of the Wal-Mart. We waited, some patiently, others irritated because nature messed up their hurried day. I am always mesmerized by rainfall. I got lost in the sound and sight of the heavens washing away the dirt and dust of the world. Memories of running, splashing so carefree as a child come pouring in as a welcome reprieve from the worries of my day. Her voice was so sweet as it broke the hypnotic trance we were all caught in. "Mom, let's run through the rain," she said. "What?" Mom asked. "Let's run through the rain!" She repeated. "No, honey. We'll wait until it slows down a bit," Mom replied. This young child waited about another minute and repeated: "Mom, let's run through the rain." "We'll get soaked if we do," Mom said. "No, we won't, Mom. That's not what you said this morning," the young girl said as she tugged at her Mom's arm. "This morning? When did I say we could run through the rain and not get wet?" "Don't you remember? When you were talking to Daddy about his cancer, you said, 'If God can get us through this, he can get us through anything!" The entire crowd stopped dead silent. I swear you couldn't hear anything but the rain. We all stood silently. No one came or left in the next few minutes. Mom paused and thought for a moment about what she would say. Now some would laugh it off and scold her for being silly. Some might even ignore what was said. But this was a moment of affirmation in a young child's life. A time when innocent trust can be nurtured so that it will bloom into faith. "Honey, you are absolutely right. Let's run through the rain. If GOD let's us get wet, well maybe we just needed washing," Mom said. Then off they ran. We all stood watching, smiling and laughing as they darted past the cars and yes, through the puddles. They held their shopping bags over their heads just in case. They got soaked. But they were followed by a few who screamed and laughed like children all the way to their cars. And yes, I did. I ran. I got wet. I needed washing. Circumstances or people can take away your material possessions, they can take away your money, and they can take away your health. But no one can ever take away your precious memories...So, don't forget to make time and take the opportunities to make memories everyday. To everything there is a season and a time to every purpose under heaven. A friend sent this to me to remind me of life. Hope you enjoy it. I HOPE YOU STILL TAKE THE TIME TO RUN THROUGH THE RAIN. Author Unknown revdauphinee answered on 10/11/06: Rain never did bother me I call it liquid sunshine! arcura rated this answer

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madddawg asked on 10/11/06 - Two Jehovahs? Who are the two Jehovahs that are mentioned in Genesis 19:24. Then the LORD (Jehovah) rained upon Sodom and upon Gomorrah brimstone and fire from the LORD (Jehovah) out of heaven revdauphinee answered on 10/11/06: same person or God Judgment_Day rated this answer madddawg rated this answer

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madddawg asked on 10/11/06 - The queen of heaven God's wrath was poured out against God's chosen people, for worshipping the queen of heaven. Who was she? Are there any pagan religions that still venerate her? Here is the Biblical passage speaking about the queen of heaven. Jeremiah 44:15-23 Then all the men which knew that their wives had burned incense unto other gods, and all the women that stood by, a great multitude, even all the people that dwelt in the land of Egypt, in Pathros, answered Jeremiah, saying, As for the word that thou hast spoken unto us in the name of the LORD, we will not hearken unto thee. But we will certainly do whatsoever thing goeth forth out of our own mouth, to burn incense unto the queene of heaven, and to pour out drink offerings unto her, as we have done, we, and our fathers, our kings, and our princes, in the cities of Judah, and in the streets of Jerusalem: for then had we plenty of victuals, and were well, and saw no evil. But since we left off to burn incense to the queen of heaven, and to pour out drink offerings unto her, we have wanted all things, and have been consumed by the sword and by the famine. And when we burned incense to the queen of heaven, and poured out drink offerings unto her, did we make her cakes to worship her, and pour out drink offerings unto her, without our menf?  Then Jeremiah said unto all the people, to the men, and to the women, and to all the people which had given him that answer, saying, The incense that ye burned in the cities of Judah, and in the streets of Jerusalem, ye, and your fathers, your kings, and your princes, and the people of the land, did not the LORD remember them, and came it not into his mind? So that the LORD could no longer bear, because of the evil of your doings, and because of the abominations which ye have committed; therefore is your land a desolation, and an astonishment, and a curse, without an inhabitant, as at this day. Because ye have burned incense, and because ye have sinned against the LORD, and have not obeyed the voice of the LORD, nor walked in his law, nor in his statutes, nor in his testimonies; therefore this evil is happened unto you, as at this day. revdauphinee answered on 10/11/06: Isis madddawg rated this answer

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arcura asked on 10/11/06 - Information about the rapture trap................... I have been studying in depth about the so called rapture highlighted by the left behind series and the "shock jock religious preachers" who are trying to frighten everyone into believing that their way to heaven is the only way and that the rapture and tribulations are coming very soon. Interesting is the fact that the rapture as they preach it got it start in the 18th century and it's coming was eminent then. They have compiled quite a list of Scriptural passages and put them in an order which appears to show that what they teach is Biblical. First of all their interpretations are all wet. Next, picky - choosy scripture is a device used by many to demonstrate just about anything they want to "prove?" Sola Scriptora (the Bible only) and Sola Fide (Faith only) are examples of that. Next, rapturists claim that the Christians will be raptured before the great tribulations predicted in the Book of Revelations, when the Bible itself says otherwise. Jesus in Holy Scripture says that The Church will suffer by the saved will endure to the end. The best book out which explains what the rapture teachers preach and what is the real Scriptural truth is "The Rapture Trap" by Dr. Paul Thigpen, Ph.D., a former Protestant minister who once believed in the rapture. After diligent Bible Study he not only dumped the rapture belief but also gave up his Protestant Ministry and livelihood to become a Catholic. The information in the book is thorough and in depth. Very well written and with an excellent forward by Marcus Grodi who is another former Protestant minister who once believed in the rapture heresy. �The Rapture Trap� is available from Ascension Press at www.ascensionpress.com I highly recommend it to anyone who wants to know the truth about that spiritual inanity. Peace and kindness, arcura revdauphinee answered on 10/11/06: fyi Im caught up in the "rapture trap" and I intend to stay here ! -- King James Matthew 24:40 Then shall two be in the field; the one shall be taken, and the other left. -- American Standard Matthew 24:40 Then shall two man be in the field; one is taken, and one is left: -- New International Matthew 24:40 Two men will be in the field; one will be taken and the other left. -- Romanized Matthew 24:40 T te d o sontai en to agro - he s paralamb netai ka he s af etai. -- Romanized, unaccented Matthew 24:40 Tote duo esontai en too agroo - heis paralambanetai kai heis afietai. arcura rated this answer madddawg rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 10/11/06 - North Korea leads the world in nuclear physics? or is it nuclear bullshit? North Korea appears to have created the world's first 100% clean bomb it was an explosion, but it didn't emit any radiation Richard Macey October 11, 2006 NORTH KOREA shook the world's political leaders with some sort of blast on Monday, but no one could say for sure yesterday that it really was a nuclear explosion. "It was explosion-like � That's all we are saying," said an Australian Government source, who asked not to be named. "It could have been a small nuclear explosion, it could have been a chemical explosion." The blast was simply "too small to classify what caused it. Whether it was nuclear or not, we don't know." Seismic waves recorded at several nuclear-test monitoring stations in Australia suggested the blast was probably equal to somewhere between 300 and 500 tonnes of TNT. However, he warned, even that was uncertain "given that this was a very small explosion � It could be double or half that". Australia operates a network of stations that monitor the land, sea, and air for nuclear tests, and seven posts that sniff for radioactive fallout from nuclear blasts. Operated by Geoscience Australia, the network is part of an international array of 337 stations linked to the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty, which Australia signed in 1996. Half the global system of 15 radiation observation sites can even spot fallout from underground nuclear tests by detecting noble gases - gases with a distinct chemical make-up. The Government source said although he would not have expected wind to carry fallout from such a tiny underground nuclear test as far as Australia, he was not aware of any monitoring station anywhere that had detected radiation from North Korea. He even raised the possibility that the blast had been at least a partial failure. "If it was meant to be a nuclear explosion, but went very badly wrong, you might not get any detection. "We are certainly, at this stage, not saying it was from a failed test," he said. "[But] if it had been a nuclear explosion, and we are not saying it was, the amount of [nuclear] material would have been small indeed." revdauphinee answered on 10/11/06: the north Korean leprachauns did it! paraclete rated this answer peddler7118 rated this answer

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madddawg asked on 10/10/06 - Freemasons Considering the words of Albert Pike, is it possible for a Bible believing Christian to be a Mason? The theological dogma of Freemasonry was explained in the �instructions� issued by Albert Pike on 14 July 1889 to the twenty three Supreme Councils of the world. His words were recorded by A.C. De La Rive in La Femme et L�Enfant dans la Franc-Naconnerie Universelle (page 588) �If Lucifer were not god, would Adonay (the God of the Christians) whose deeds prove his cruelty, perfidy, and hatred of man, barbarism and repulsion for science, would Adonai and his priests calumniate Him? Yes, Lucifer is god, and unfortunately Adonai is also God. For the eternal law is that there is no light without shade, no beauty without ugliness, no white without black, for the absolute can only exist as two gods: darkness being necessary to light to serve as its foil as the pedestal is necessary to the statute, and the brake to the locomotive. In analogical and universal dynamics one can only lean on that which will resist, Thus the universe is balanced by two forces which maintain its equilibrium: The force of attraction and that of repulsion. These two forces exist in physics, philosophy and religion. And the scientific reality of the divine dualism is demonstrated by the phenomena of polarity and by the universal law of sympathies and antipathies. That is why the intelligent disciples of Zoraster, as well as, after them the Gnostics, the Manicheans, and the Templars have admitted, as the only logical metaphysical conception, the system of the two divine principles fighting eternally, and one cannot believe the one inferior in power to the other. Thus the doctrine of Satanism is a heresy; and the true and pure philosophic religion is the belief in Lucifer, the equal to Adonai; but Lucifer, god of light and god of good, is struggling for humanity against Adonaim the God of darkness and evil.� En route to global occupation, Gary Kah, Huntington House Publishers, 1992, Page 124 revdauphinee answered on 10/10/06: No it is a form of a cult! madddawg rated this answer Toms777 rated this answer

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peddler7118 asked on 10/10/06 - Is Limbo in Limbo? Pope decision on 'limbo' delayed for a year From Richard Owen in Rome The medieval Roman Catholic concept of �limbo� will remain in place for at least a year after Pope Benedict XVI failed to mention it in his homily at Mass today. A draft document drawn up for the Pope�s approval declaring that limbo was �no longer essential or even necessary� and could be �abandoned without causing problems of faith� has not been finalised. It will not be presented to the pontiff until 2007. The Pope was expected to embrace the findings when marking the end of a Vatican conference of international theologians on the subject, but he let the occasion pass. Catholics regard limbo as the home in the afterlife of the souls of unbaptised children. The Pope has himself long argued that limbo was only a �theological hypothesis� and should be dropped. There was no explanation of the need for further discussion. Monsignor Forte said the Vatican wanted to �eliminate the use of images and metaphors which fail to take account of the richness of the message of hope brought by Jesus Christ�. He said the doctrine that baptism was required to remove the stain of original sin remained valid. But limbo was an outdated concept which had never been part of Catholic dogma, and the Church now believed that in the case of unbaptised children �the salvific power of Christ prevails over the power of sin�. Vatican theologians denied suggestions that the proposed change was intended to prevent people in areas with high infant mortality turning to Islam, which holds that the souls of all babies who die - including those stillborn - go to Paradise. http://www.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,13509-2392192.html revdauphinee answered on 10/10/06: who needs limbo anyway either on this board or in reality peddler7118 rated this answer Toms777 rated this answer

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Toms777 asked on 10/10/06 - Halloween Is it acceptable for a Christian to celebrate Halloween? revdauphinee answered on 10/10/06: NO! madddawg rated this answer Toms777 rated this answer peddler7118 rated this answer whitefawn_ rated this answer

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peddler7118 asked on 10/10/06 - Is this crazy or what? Hinduism no barrier to job as priest in Church of England By Ruth Gledhill, Religion Correspondent David Hart offers prayers to Ganesh in his new Indian �parish�. He now calls himself Ananda (C.Ratheesh Kumar/The Hindu) A PRIEST with the Church of England who converted to Hinduism has been allowed to continue to officiate as a cleric. The Rev David Hart�s diocese renewed his licence this summer even though he had moved to India, changed his name to Ananda and daily blesses a congregation of Hindus with fire previously offered up to Nagar, the snake god. He also �recites Gayatri Mantram with the same devotion with which he celebrates the Eucharist�, according to The Hindu, India�s national newspaper. The Hindu this week pictures him offering prayers to an idol of the elephant god Ganesh in front of his house. However, he still believes he is fit to celebrate as an Anglican priest and plans to do so when he returns to Britain. Mr Hart, a former chairman of Christian Aid in Loughborough and chaplain at Loughborough University, now serves in the Hindu temple in Thiruvananthapuram, a village in Kerala, southern India. He was initiated as an Anglican priest in 1984 and, before leaving for India, was serving the Diocese of Ely, which covers most of Cambridgeshire and part of Norfolk, and living in Stretham. Anthony Russell, the Bishop of Ely, sent Mr Hart his licence, along with a personal letter, just three months after Mr Hart published a book, Trading Faith: Global Religion in an Age of Rapid Change, in which he writes about his conversion to Hinduism. Mr Hart is the international secretary for the World Congress of Faiths, the world�s oldest interfaith organisation, and is a strong advocate of pluralism. He says in his book that Hinduism accepts the divinity of Jesus and is an especially tolerant and open faith. He adds that he changed his name to Ananda because of its Sanskrit meaning, happiness. In an interview with today�s edition of Church Times, Mr Hart admits that he had not told Dr Russell that he had converted, but said that he would be amazed if his conversion were treated with any suspicion. �I have neither explicitly nor implicitly renounced my Christian faith or priesthood,� he said. The renewal of his licence was sponsored by the Rural Dean of Colombo in Sri Lanka. Mr Hart believes that his change to Hinduism would be �read in the spirit of open exploration and dialogue, which is an essential feature of our shared modern spirituality�. He also said that he would continue to celebrate as an Anglican priest when he visited England, but he would also visit a Hindu temple while there. �My philosophical position is that all religions are cultural constructs,� he said. �I am acting out God�s story in local terms.� In an earlier interview in India, the former University of Cambridge chaplain said that he was planning to immerse his idol of the four-armed Ganesh in the ocean. �In England, the idol of Ganesha is more popular than Krishna or any other Indian god and many households have Ganesha in the living room,� Mr Hart said. �The modern world is no longer dominated by any single form of belief. It is a world of religious pluralism. The Anglican Church firmly believes in engaging itself fully in inter-faith dialogues. God is the same irrespective of whether you pray to him in a temple, church or mosque.� However, not everyone in the Church of England is impressed by Mr Hart�s passion for Hinduism. Pauline Scott, the team vicar of St James, in Stretham, said that she would oppose any attempts by Mr Hart to celebrate in the Ely Diocese. �We do tend to use Christian priests, surprisingly enough,� she said. The Bishop of Ely�s office said that it had not known of Mr Hart�s conversion to Hinduism until this week. http://www.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,2-2348095.html revdauphinee answered on 10/10/06: this is ridiculous if one is not a christian one should hold no office in a christian church! madddawg rated this answer peddler7118 rated this answer

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arcura asked on 10/10/06 - Becoming Illegal (From an Maryland resident to his senator) The Honorable Paul S. Sarbanes 309 Hart Senate Office Building Washington DC , 20510 Dear Senator Sarbanes, As a native Marylander and excellent customer of the Internal Revenue Service, I am writing to ask for your assistance. I have contacted the Department of Homeland Security in an effort to determine the process for becoming an illegal alien and they referred me to you. My primary reason for wishing to change my status from U.S. Citizen to illegal alien stem from the bill which was recently passed by the Senate and for which you voted. If my understanding of this bill's provisions is accurate, as an illegal alien who has been in the United States for five years, all I need to do to become a citizen is to pay a $2,000 fine and income taxes for three of the last five years. I know a good deal when I see one and I am anxious to get the process started before everyone figures it out. Simply put, those of us who have been here legally have had to pay taxes every year so I'm excited about the prospect of avoiding two years of taxes in return for paying a $2,000 fine. Is there any way that I can apply to be illegal retroactively? This would yield an excellent result for me and my family because we paid heavy taxes in 2004 and 2005. Additionally, as an illegal alien I could begin using the local emergency room as my primary health care provider. Once I have stopped paying premiums for medical insurance, my accountant figures I could save almost $10,000 a year. Another benefit in gaining illegal status would be that my daughter would receive preferential treatment relative to her law school applications, as well as "in- state" tuition rates for many colleges throughout the United States for my son. Lastly, I understand that illegal status would relieve me of the burden of renewing my driver's license and making those burdensome car insurance premiums. This is very important to me given that I still have college age children driving my car. If you would provide me with an outline of the process to become illegal (retroactively if possible) and copies of the necessary forms, I would be most appreciative. Thank you for your assistance. Respectfully yours, [Maryland resident signature] revdauphinee answered on 10/10/06: good point! arcura rated this answer

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peddler7118 asked on 10/10/06 - Is Sola Scriptura nonsense? Sola Sciptura-Only Scipture is the belief that Bible is the word of God and scripture should always be interpreted with scripture. At one point in history it was certain death to express that view. It seems very unpopular anymore . Most of the churches put the ideas of man over the truth of scripture. Some churches actually print a list to tell it's members what they are and are not allowed to believe abut the Bible. Your Thoughts? revdauphinee answered on 10/10/06: sounds like once more we are in agreement arcura rated this answer peddler7118 rated this answer Saruman rated this answer

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madddawg asked on 10/10/06 - Jesus was a religous bigot But without sin - For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Hebrews 4:15 The sinless Jesus was not afraid to forcefully proclaim a hellfire and brimstone message!!! Matthew 23:15 Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye compass sea and land to make one proselyte, and when he is made, ye make him twofold more the child of hell than yourselves. Matthew 23:33Ye serpents, ye generation of vipers, how can ye escape the damnation of hell? When Jesus publicly and so forcefully rebuked the religious teachers of his time, would you have stood shoulder to shoulder with him, or would you have joined his opponents publicly rebuking Jesus for his intolerant bigotry? revdauphinee answered on 10/10/06: since I have often been called a bigot myself I can empathise It is not bigotry to see wrong and point it out!intolerance of wrong is not a sin! madddawg rated this answer Toms777 rated this answer

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madddawg asked on 10/09/06 - What is the true gospel? The apostle Paul was concerned that the church would toletate those who would preach another gospel. 2 Corinthians 11:4 For if he that cometh preacheth another...gospel which ye have not accepted, ye might well bear with him. What is the true gospel, can any of you give examples of those who would preach another gospel? revdauphinee answered on 10/09/06: we need to remember paul was a deciple he was not Christ to many of us (I feel )who call themselves Christian should call them selves Paulites! madddawg rated this answer peddler7118 rated this answer

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peddler7118 asked on 10/09/06 - Was there really a Worldwide Flood? I believe there was for 3 reasons. 1. Gen 7:19 And the waters prevailed exceedingly upon the earth; and all the high hills, that were under the whole heaven, were covered. Gen 7:20 Fifteen cubits upward did the waters prevail; and the mountains were covered. Gen 7:21 And all flesh died that moved upon the earth, both of fowl, and of cattle, and of beast, and of every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth, and every man: 2.Mat 24:37 But as the days of Noah were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be. Mat 24:38 For as in the days that were before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noah entered into the ark, Mat 24:39 And knew not until the flood came, and took them all away; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be. 3. If there really was a worldwide flood what would the evidence be? Billions of dead things in rock layers laid down by water all over the earth. What do we find ? Billions of dead things in rock layers laid down by water all over the earth. If the Bible is true and Jesus is God there was a worldwide flood. revdauphinee answered on 10/09/06: remenber when this was written and what consisted of there known world at the time then it is easier to understand (for me it is ) arcura rated this answer peddler7118 rated this answer

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arcura asked on 10/09/06 - Now that fanatic North Korea has det off an A-Bomb 1. Do you think the world is a less safe place? 2. Is that news frightening to you? revdauphinee answered on 10/09/06: We should immediately surrender our forces in Iraq, impeach Bush, put Nancy and Hilary in as co-dictators , have every one in America convert to Islam and pray for world peace. could go along with all but the conversion bit I for one would rather have the nukes than convert to islam (but then all here know this) arcura rated this answer Dimbo rated this answer paraclete rated this answer peddler7118 rated this answer Toms777 rated this answer

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peddler7118 asked on 10/09/06 - Is Jesus God? When Jesus made statements in the New Testament about hell , creation, historical events like the flood and the judgement to come could He have been wrong? If He was wrong could He still be God? revdauphinee answered on 10/09/06: (1Cor.2:8 None of the rulers of this age understood it, for if they had, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory. (Jn.3:31; "The one who comes from above is above all; the one who is from the earth belongs to the earth, and speaks as one from the earth. The one who comes from heaven is above all. ) (Rev.1:17 When I saw him, I fell at his feet as though dead. Then he placed his right hand on me and said: "Do not be afraid. I am the First and the Last. Isa.48:12-16, "Listen to me, O Jacob, Israel, whom I have called: I am he; I am the first and I am the last. ) with (Rev.22:13; I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End. ) peddler7118 rated this answer

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arcura asked on 10/08/06 - Just for your health information...................... Heart Attack Info from an RN This is a very good article. Not only about the warm water after your meal, but about ladies and their heart attacks. This makes sense.... the Chinese and Japanese drink hot tea with their meals...not cold water... maybe it is time we adopt their drinking habit while eating!!! Nothing to lose, everything to gain... For those who like to drink cold water, this article is applicable to you. It is nice to have a cup of cold drink after a meal. However, the cold water will solidify the oily stuff that you have just consumed. It will slow down the digestion. Once this "sludge" reacts with the acid, it will break down and be absorbed by the intestine faster than the solid food. It will line the intestine. Very soon, this will turn into fats and lead to cancer. It is best to drink hot soup or warm water or milk after a meal. A serious note about heart attacks: Women should know that not every heart attack symptom is going to be the left arm hurting. Be aware of intense pain in the jaw line. You may never have the first chest pain during the course of a heart attack. Nausea and intense sweating are also common symptoms. 60% of people who have a heart attack while they are asleep do not wake up. Pain in the jaw can wake you from a sound sleep. Let's be careful and be aware. The more we know the better chance we could survive. Take one whole 325 or 500 mg aspirin. Take some deep breaths, relax and see your doctor or a cardiologist quickly. revdauphinee answered on 10/08/06: 60% of people who have a heart attack while they are asleep do not wake up when i go I cant think of a better way! arcura rated this answer Toms777 rated this answer

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arcura asked on 10/08/06 - How many here live, have lived, or would like to live.. like the words of this song suggest? Rollin� With The Flow By Charlie Rich Once was a thought inside my head, �Fore I�d reach thirty I�d be dead. Now somehow on and on I go-o-o. I keep on rollin� with the flow. Folks said that I would change my mind. I�d straighten up and do just fine. Ahh, but I still love rock and ro-o-oll. I keep on rollin� with the flow. I don�t guide my age on raisin� kicks. I�m raisin� hell just like I did. I�ve got a lot of crazy friends, And they forgive me of my sins. Some might be callin� me a bum. But I�m still out there havin� fun. And Jesus loves me, yes, I kno-o-ow. So, I keep on rollin� with the flow. I don�t guide my age on raisin� kicks. But I�m raisin� hell just like I did. I�ve got a lot of crazy friends, And they forgive me of my sins. Can�t take it with you when you�re gone. But I want enough to get there on. And I ain�t ever growin� o-o-old. So, I keep on rollin� with the flow. I ain�t ever growin� o-o-old, If I keep on rollin� with the flow! Can�t take with you when you�re gone, I want enough to get there on. revdauphinee answered on 10/08/06: wish I could but my get up and go got up and went! arcura rated this answer

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arcura asked on 10/08/06 - For me and my house we will clebrate as the Bible says. How about you? Psalms 98 1. O Sing to the Lord a new song, For He has done wonderful things, His right hand and His holy arm have gained the victory for Him. 2. The Lord has made known His salvation; He has revealed His righteousness in the sight of the nations. 3. He has remembered His lovingkindness and His faithfulness to the house of Israel; All the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of our God. 4. Shout joyfully to the Lord, all the earth; Break forth and sing for joy and sing praises. 5. Sing praises to the Lord with the lyre; With the lyre and the sound of melody. 6. With trumpets and the sound of the horn Shout joyfully before the King, the Lord. 7. Let the sea roar and all it contains, The world and those who dwell in it. 8. Let the rivers clap their hands; Let the mountains sing together for joy 9. Before the Lord; for He is coming to judge the earth; He will judge the world with righteousness, And the peoples with equity. Do you celebrate the blessings of the Lord God such as His Birth, Death, Reserrection, Salvation, and all else he has given? revdauphinee answered on 10/08/06: i participate in all national hollidays however how can we pick a day to call his birthday when we dont even know when he was born ??I participate but bear in mind its all wrong and no matter what anyone says it does have pagan ovetones! arcura rated this answer peddler7118 rated this answer whitefawn_ rated this answer

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madddawg asked on 10/08/06 - Why did Jehovah Witnesses change their position on keeping Christmas Having seen the photographs of the Christmas celebrations at the Watchtower Headquarters provided by toms777, does anyone know why the Jehovah Witnesses changed their policy about keeping Christmas? revdauphinee answered on 10/08/06: God forgive me I agree with Gimbo! arcura rated this answer Gimbo rated this answer madddawg rated this answer whitefawn_ rated this answer

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excon asked on 10/08/06 - ANTI-Christian??? Hello Christians: I'm an atheist and a Jew. I have participated here, on the Christianity board for years. I've never held back. You know who I am. Peddledude reads what I write and says I'm ANTI-Christian. (He also calls me a liar, but he does that to everybody.) Frankly, I believe my views are more Christian than many Christians, including OR especially HIM. An exconvict, athiest, Jew thinks he's more Christian than Peddler. Is that arrogant, or what? excon revdauphinee answered on 10/08/06: I can quote from the quoran (does that make me a muslim?)I can quote from the communist manifesto (does that make me a communist?)I often quote from the New york times (but im not a new Yorker )quoting from anything does not mean your a believr! excon rated this answer Gimbo rated this answer peddler7118 rated this answer

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arcura asked on 10/08/06 - When was Jesus Born????????????...................... When was Jesus Born? Best Guess: September 29, 5 B.C. Want the details? Read more below. Biblical scholars readily tell us that it was most likely NOT on December 25th, A.D. 0. Why? When were shepherds in the fields? Israeli meteorologists tracked December weather patterns for many years and concluded that the climate in Israel has been essentially constant for at least the last 2,000 years. The Interpreter's Dictionary of the Bible states that, "broadly speaking, weather phenomena and climatic conditions as pictured in the Bible correspond with conditions as observed today" (R.B.Y. Scott, Vol. 3, Abingdon Press, Nashville, 1962, p. 625). The temperature in the area of Bethlehem in December averages around 44 degrees Fahrenheit (7 degrees Celsius) but can drop to well below freezing, especially at night. Describing the weather there, Sara Ruhin, chief of the Israeli weather service, noted in a 1990 press release that the area has three months of frost: December with 29 F. [minus 1.6 C.]; January with 30 F. [minus 1.1 C.] and February with 32 F. [0 C.]. Snow is common for two or three days in Jerusalem and nearby Bethlehem in December and January. These were the winter months of increased precipitation in Christ's time, when the roads became practically unusable and people stayed mostly indoors. This is important evidence to disprove a December date for Christ's birth. Note that, at the time of Christ's birth, the shepherds tended their flocks in the fields at night. "Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields," wrote one Gospel writer, "keeping watch over their flock by night" (Luke 2:8). A common practice of shepherds was keeping their flocks in the field from April to October, but in the cold and rainy winter months they took their flocks back home and sheltered them. One commentary admits that, "as these shepherds had not yet brought home their flocks, it is a presumptive argument that October had not yet commenced, and that, consequently, our Lord was not born on the 25th of December, when no flocks were out in the fields; nor could He have been born later than September, as the flocks were still in the fields by night. On this very ground the nativity in December should be given up. The feeding of the flocks by night in the fields is a chronological fact, which casts considerable light upon this disputed point" (Adam Clarke's Commentary, Abingdon Press, Nashville, note on Luke 2:8). Another study source agrees: "These humble pastoral folk are out in the field at night with their flock�a feature of the story which would argue against the birth [of Christ] occurring on Dec. 25 since the weather would not have permitted it" (The Interpreter's One-Volume Commentary, Abingdon Press, Nashville, 1971, note on Luke 2:4-7). The Companion Bible, Appendix 179 says: Shepherds and their flocks would not be found "abiding" (Gr. agrauleo) in the open fields at night in December (Tebeth), for the paramount reason that there would be no pasturage at that time. It was the custom then (as now) to withdraw the flocks during the month Marchesven (Oct.-Nov.) from the open districts and house them for the winter. The census described by Luke Other evidence arguing against a December birth of Jesus is the Roman census recorded by Luke. "And it came to pass in those days that a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered... So all went to be registered, everyone to his own city. Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem..., to be registered with Mary, his betrothed wife, who was with child. So it was, that while they were there, the days were completed for her to be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn Son..." (Luke 2:1-7). The Roman and Judean rulers knew that taking a census in winter would have been impractical and unpopular. Generally a census would take place after the harvest season, around September or October, when it would not seriously affect the economy, the weather was good and the roads were still dry enough to allow easy travel. According to the normal dates for the census, this would probably be the season of Christ's birth. One author states that this census "could hardly have been at that season [December 25], however, for such a time would surely not have been chosen by the authorities for a public enrollment, which necessitated the population's traveling from all parts to their natal districts, storms and rain making journeys both unsafe and unpleasant in winter, except in specially favorable years" ("Christmas at Bethlehem," Holy-Days and Holidays, Cunningham Geikie). Luke's account of the census argues strongly against a December date for Christ's birth. For such an agrarian society, an autumn post-harvest census was much more likely. The year of Christ's birth Jesus wasn't born in A.D. 0 either. In 525 Pope John I commissioned the scholar Dionysius Exiguus to establish a feast calendar for the Church.. Dionysius also estimated the year of Christ's birth based upon the founding of the city of Rome. Unfortunately because of insufficient historical data he arrived at a date at least a few years later than the actual event. The Gospels record Jesus' birth as occurring during the reign of Herod the Great. Herod's death is recorded by Jewish historian Flavius Josephus (Antiquities of the Jews, Josephus, Book 17, Chpt. 8) and occurred in the spring of 4 B.C. (New Testament History, F.F. Bruce, Anchor Books, p.23). Therefore, Christ's birth had to take place at least four years before the traditional date! Jesus was not born on December 25, A.D. 0. [Actually there is no such year as A.D. 0. Our calendar jumps from 1 B.C. to A.D. 1 with no intervening year of zero.] The celebration of Christ's birth in the the early church In the first 200 years of Christian history, no mention is made of the calendar date of Jesus' birth. Not until the year 336 do we find the first mention of a celebration of His birth. Why this omission? In the case of the Church fathers, the reason is that, during the three centuries after Christ's life on earth, the event considered most worthy of commemoration was the date of His death. In comparison, the date of His birth was considered insignificant. As the Encyclopedia Americana explains, "Christmas... was, according to many authorities, not celebrated in the first centuries of the Christian church, as the Christian usage in general was to celebrate the death of remarkable persons rather than their birth..." (1944 edition, "Christmas"). Speculation on the proper date began in the 3rd and 4th centuries, when the idea of fixing Christ's birthday started. Quite a controversy arose among Church leaders. Some were opposed to such a celebration. Origen (185-254) strongly recommended against such an innovation. "In the Scriptures, no one is recorded to have kept a feast or held a great banquet on his birthday. It is only sinners who make great rejoicings over the day in which they were born into this world" (Catholic Encyclopedia, 1908 edition, Vol. 3, p. 724, "Natal Day"). During this time eight specific dates during six different months were proposed by various groups. December 25, although one of the last dates to be proposed, was the one finally accepted by the leadership of the Western church. A summary of the debate on the dates of Christ's birth appears in The Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church: "Though speculation as to the time of year of Christ's birth dates from the early 3rd century, Clement of Alexandria suggesting the 20th of May, the celebration of the anniversary does not appear to have been general till the later 4th century. The earliest mention of the observance on Dec. 25th is in the Philocalian Calendar, representing Roman practice of the year 336. This date was probably chosen to oppose the feast of the Natalis Solis Invicti [nativity of the unconquerable sun] by the celebration of the birth of the 'Sun of Righteousness' and its observance in the West, seems to have spread from Rome" (1983 edition, Oxford University Press, New York, 1983, p. 280, "Christmas"). Around 200, when Clement of Alexandria mentioned the speculations about Christ's birthday, he said nothing about a celebration on that day. He casually reported the various ideas extant at that time: "And there are those who have determined not only the year of our Lord's birth, but also the day..., the 25th day of Pachon... Furthermore, others say that He was born on the 24th or 25th of Pharmuthi" ("The Stromata, or Miscellanies," The Ante-Nicene Fathers, Vol. 2, Eerdmans, Grand Rapids, 1986, p. 333). Later, in 243, the official feast calendar of the time, De Pascha Computus, places the date of Christ's birth as March 28. Other dates suggested were April 2 and November 18. Meanwhile, in the East, January 6 was chosen, a date the Greeks had celebrated as the birth of the god Dionysus and the Egyptians as the birth of the god Osiris. Although pagans commonly celebrated the birthdays of their gods, in the Bible a birthday is never celebrated to the true God (who, of course, had no birth or day of origin). December 25 popularized In Rome December 25 was made popular by Pope Liberius in 354 and became the rule in the West in 435 when the first "Christ mass" was officiated by Pope Sixtus III. This coincided with the date of a celebration by the Romans to their primary god, the Sun, and to Mithras, a popular Persian sun god supposedly born on the same day. The Roman Catholic writer Mario Righetti candidly admits that, "to facilitate the acceptance of the faith by the pagan masses, the Church of Rome found it convenient to institute the 25th of December as the feast of the birth of Christ to divert them from the pagan feast, celebrated on the same day in honor of the 'Invincible Sun' Mithras, the conqueror of darkness" (Manual of Liturgical History, 1955, Vol. 2, p. 67). Protestant historian Henry Chadwick sums up the controversy: "Moreover, early in the fourth century there begins in the West (where first and by whom is not known) the celebration of December 25th, the birthday of the Sun-god at the winter solstice, as the date for the nativity of Christ. How easy it was for Christianity and solar religion to become entangled at the popular level is strikingly illustrated by a mid-fifth century sermon of Pope Leo the Great, rebuking his over-cautious flock for paying reverence to the Sun on the steps of St. Peter's before turning their back on it to worship inside the westward-facing basilica" (The Early Church, Penguin Books, London, 1967, p. 126). The Encyclopedia Americana makes this clear: "In the fifth century, the Western Church ordered it [Christ's birth] to be observed forever on the day of the old Roman feast of the birth of Sol [the sun god], as no certain knowledge of the day of Christ's birth existed" (1944 edition, "Christmas"). Is there any evidence from the Bible that will help us fix the date and year of Christ's birth? Actually from the Bible, we can at least determine the probable season and year of His birth. The most convincing proof of when Jesus was born comes in understanding the evidence that is presented in the book of Luke concerning the birth of John the Baptist. Luke 1:5-17 says: In the days of King Herod of Judea, there was a priest named Zechariah, who belonged to the priestly order of Abijah. His wife was a descendant of Aaron, and her name was Elizabeth. Both of them were righteous before God, living blamelessly according to all the commandments and regulations of the Lord. But they had no children, because Elizabeth was barren, and both were getting on in years. Once when he was serving as priest before God and his section was on duty, he was chosen by lot, according to the custom of the priesthood, to enter the sanctuary of the Lord and offer incense. Now at the time of the incense offering, the whole assembly of the people was praying outside. Then there appeared to him an angel of the Lord, standing at the right side of the altar of incense. When Zechariah saw him, he was terrified; and fear overwhelmed him. But the angel said to him: "Do not be afraid, Zechariah, for your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you will name him John. You will have joy and gladness, and many will rejoice at his birth, for he will be great in the sight of the Lord. He must never drink wine or strong drink; even before his birth he will be filled with the Holy Spirit. He will turn many of the people of Israel to the Lord their God. With the spirit and power of Elijah he will go before him, to turn the hearts of parents to their children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the righteous, to make ready a people prepared for the Lord." Zechariah was of the division of Abijah (Luke 1:5,8). Back in King David's day, the priests had been separated into 24 turns or divisions. These turns began in the first month of the Jewish calendar (1 Chronicles 27:2), March or April of our modern calendar. According to Talmudic and Qumran sources, the turns rotated every week until they reached the end of the sixth month, when the cycle was repeated again until the end of the year. This would mean that Zechariah's division served at the temple twice a year. We find in 1 Chronicles 24:10 that Abijah was the eighth division of the priesthood. Thus, Zechariah�s service would be in the tenth week of the Jewish year. Why the tenth week? Because all divisions served during primary feast weeks of the Jewish year. So all of the divisions of the priesthood would serve during Passover and the Days of Unleavened Bread (the third week of the year). Likewise, all of the divisions of the priesthood would serve during the Feast of Weeks or Pentecost (the ninth week). Thus, the eighth course of the priesthood would end up serving on the tenth week of the year. Now we must make an assumption here. Remember we said that Zechariah's division served at the temple twice a year. The Bible does not specify which of the two shifts of service it was. Regardless, nine months after one of the two dates John the Baptist was born. This would place his birth in March or September. We will assume that Luke is recording Zechariah's first shift of service for the year. We will find that assumption tends to prove true as we discover the dates of John the Baptist's and Jesus' birth. Therefore, the date of Zechariah's service would be the Jewish date of Sivan 12-18 (See the Companion Bible, Appendix 179, Section III). Picking up the story in Luke 1:23-25: When his time of service was ended, he went to his home. After those days his wife Elizabeth conceived, and for five months she remained in seclusion. She said, "This is what the Lord has done for me when he looked favorably on me and took away the disgrace I have endured among my people." After his service in the temple, Zechariah went home to his wife. Due to the laws of separation (Leviticus 12:5; 15:19,25), two additional weeks have to be counted. Now I don't know about you, but if an angel had told me that I was going to have a special child, I would get to it just as soon as the law allowed. So we will make a second assumption, that Elizabeth conceived a child two weeks after Zechariah's return. Allowing for this and going forward a normal pregnancy places the birth of John the Baptist at the time of the Passover (Nisan 15)! The Jews always looked for Elijah to return on the day of Passover. Even in modern times there is an empty chair and a table setting for Elijah whenever Passover is celebrated. Little children also go to the door of the home and open it in anticipation of Elijah's coming. The Old Testament prophets had said that God would send Elijah before the coming of the Messiah (Malachi 3:1; 4:5-6). According to these calculations John the Baptist was born at Passover. Remember the angel's words to Zechariah? The angel said that John the Baptist was to come "in the spirit and power of Elijah" (Luke 1:17). Elijah came at Passover! Continuing in Luke 1:26-36: In the sixth month, the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a town in Galilee called Nazareth, to a virgin engaged to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. The virgin's name was Mary. And he came to her and said, "Greetings, favored one! The Lord is with you." But she was much perplexed by his words and pondered what sort of greeting this might be. The angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. And now, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you will name him Jesus. He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Most High, and the Lord God will give to him the throne of his ancestor David. He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end." Mary said to the angel, "How can this be, since I am a virgin?" The angel said to her, "The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be holy; he will be called Son of God. And now, your relative Elizabeth in her old age has also conceived a son; and this is the sixth month for her who was said to be barren. Luke tells us that Elizabeth was six months pregnant when the angel Gabriel visited Mary. The beginning of Elizabeth's sixth month would have been the celebration of the Jewish feast of Hanukkah, which occurs in December of our modern calendar. Hanukkah (Chanukkah) is known as the "Feast of the Dedication" (John 10:22) because it is connected with the dedication of the second Jewish temple and the rededication of the temple after the Maccabean revolt. Mary was being dedicated for a purpose of enormous magnitude: God's presence in an earthly temple, i.e. a human body (John 2:18-21). If Mary did conceive on Hanukkah, John the Baptist would have been born three months later at Passover. And assuming a normal pregnancy of 285 days, Jesus would have been born on the 15th day of the Jewish month of Tishri (September 29 by modern reckoning). This is significant because it is the first day of the Feast of Tabernacles (Sukkot). It is a high day, a special Sabbath, a time of great rejoicing. The Feast of Tabernacles and Jesus As you have seen, the birth of our Lord can be reasonably shown to have occurred in the autumn of the year on the first day of the Feast of Tabernacles. The Feast of Tabernacles is a joyful feast. Jewish believers would build a tabernacle or booth known as a "sukkah" out of green tree branches. They would eat their meals and sleep in this sukkah for eight days. There are some very interesting connections in Scripture with Jesus and aspects of the Feast of Tabernacles. John 1:14 says: And the Word became flesh and tabernacled among us. [literal translation of the Greek] Look at what Dr. Samuele Bacchiocchi has to say concerning this verse: To introduce the nature and mission of Christ, John in his Gospel employs the metaphor of the "booth" of the Feast of Tabernacles. He explains that Christ, the Word who was with God in the beginning (John 1:1), manifested Himself in this world in a most tangible way, by pitching His tent in our midst: "And the Word became flesh and tabernacled among us, full of grace and truth; we have beheld his glory, as of the only Son from the Father" (John 1:14). The Greek verb skenoo used by John means "to pitch tent, encamp, tabernacle, dwell in a tent." The allusion is clearly to the Feast of Tabernacles when the people dwelt in temporary booths. In his article "The Feast of Tents: Jesus� Self-Revelation," published in Worship (1960), David Stanley notes that this passage sets the stage for the later self-revelation of Jesus at the Feast of Tabernacles in John 7 and 8. Stanley writes: "The most basic clue to the mystery pervading this entire narrative [John 7 and 8] is provided by the symbolic action that gives this feast its name: the ceremonial erection of little bowers, made with branches of trees, in which every Jew was expected to live during the festival. These shelters were commemorative of the forty years� wandering in the desert when Israel had lived as a nomad in such intimate union with her God. For John this dwelling in tents is a primordial symbol of the Incarnation: �Thus the Word became a mortal man: he pitched his tent in the midst of us� (John 1:14). It is this insight which presides over the composition of John�s narrative which we are considering [John 7-8]. All that happened, all that Jesus said on this occasion has some reference to the Incarnation." In seeking to describe the Messiah�s first coming to His people, John chose the imagery of the Feast of Booths since the feast celebrates the dwelling of God among His people. This raises an interesting question on whether or not John intended to link the birth of Jesus with the Feast of Tabernacles. [from: God�s Festivals in Scripture and History Part II: The Fall Festivals, page 241.] According to the Companion Bible, Appendix 179: The word tabernacled here receives beautiful significance from the knowledge that "the Lord of Glory" was "found in fashion as a man", and thus tabernacling in human flesh. And in turn it shows in equally beautiful significance that our Lord was born on the first day of the great Jewish Feast of Tabernacles, viz. the 15th of Tisri, corresponding to September 29 (modern reckoning). The Circumcision of our Lord took place therefore on the eighth day, the last day of the Feast, the "Great Day of the Feast" of John 7.37 ("Tabernacles" had eight days. The Feast of Unleavened Bread had seven days, and Pentecost one. See Lev. 23). From The Seven Festivals of the Messiah by Eddie Chumney we read this: As we have stated earlier in this chapter, the Feast of Sukkot (Tabernacles) is called "the season of our joy" and "the feast of the nations." With this in mind, in Luke 2:10 it is written, "And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings [basar in Hebrew; otherwise known as the gospel] of great joy [Sukkot is called the 'season of our joy'], which shall be to all people [Sukkot is called 'the feast of the nations']." So, we can see from this that the terminology the angel used to announce the birth of Yeshua (Jesus) were themes and messages associated with the Feast of Sukkot (Tabernacles). Light was also a prominent feature of the Feast of Tabernacles. At the end of the first day of the Feast, the Temple was gloriously illuminated. According to the Mishnah (Succah 5:2), gigantic candelabras stood within the Court of the Women in the temple. Each of the four golden candelabras is said to have been about 75 feet tall. Each candelabra had four branches, and at the top of every branch there was a large bowl. Four young men bearing 10 gallon pitchers of oil would climb ladders to fill the four golden bowls on each candelabra. And then the oil in those bowls was ignited. Picture sixteen beautiful blazes leaping toward the sky from these golden lamps. There was not a courtyard in Jerusalem that was not illuminated by this light (Succah 5:3). According to Alfred Edersheim (Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah, chpt. 8): ...the Court of the Women was brilliantly illuminated.... In connection with this we mark, that the term 'light' was specially applied to the Messiah. In a very interesting passage of the Midrash we are told, that, while commonly windows were made wide within and narrow without, it was the opposite in the Temple of Solomon, because the light issuing from the Sanctuary was to lighten that which was without. This reminds us of the language of devout old Simeon in regard to the Messiah, as 'a light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of His people Israel.' John 1:6-9 says: There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. He came as a witness to testify to the light, so that all might believe through him. He himself was not the light, but he came to testify to the light. The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world. In these verses John refers to Jesus as "the light" and as we have also seen, verse 14 says that he "became flesh and tabernacled [literal meaning of the Greek] among us". Since John chapter one is a passage about Jesus' coming, these verses could be references to the Feast of Tabernacles at which time Jesus was born. Magi from the east The Scriptures tell us that there were wise men (scholars) who came from the east looking for the birth of the Messiah, saying "we have seen his star in the east". Who were these scholars from the east? Why were they looking for a Jewish Messiah? Matthew 2:1-6 says: In the time of King Herod, after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, asking, "Where is the child who has been born king of the Jews? For we observed his star at its rising, and have come to pay him homage. When King Herod heard this, he was frightened, and all Jerusalem with him; and calling together all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Messiah was to be born. They told him, "In Bethlehem of Judea; for so it has been written by the prophet: 'And you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for from you shall come a ruler who is to shepherd my people Israel.'" [cited from Micah 5:2] Babylon was known as "the land to the east." At the time of the birth of Jesus, the largest Jewish population was actually in Babylon, not in Palestine! Nearly five hundred years earlier, the entire nation of Judah had been carried away captive into Babylon by King Nebuchadnezzar. Only a small colony of Jews returned to Palestine after sixty-three years of captivity. The greater number of them remained where they had established homes in the land of Babylon. The Greek for "wise men" is magoi. Daniel was referred to by this same title (Daniel 4:9). The word is somewhat equivalent to the Jewish term "rabbi." It is possible that the wise men from the east were Jewish rabbis who had been anticipating the coming of the Messiah because of Daniel�s seventy weeks prophecy [Daniel 9:24]. They had spotted a new star in the sky and took it to be a sign of the coming of the Messiah. At the very least, even if the wise men were not Jewish, they would have been influenced by Daniel's writings. At an earlier time, Daniel had been the Master of the Magians of Babylon (Daniel 2:48; 4:9; 5:11), so anything Daniel wrote would have been important to even Gentile magoi. Parts of the book of Daniel are even written in Aramaic (the international language of the eastern Gentiles), so that it could be read by them. The star and the Feast of Tabernacles There is one time of the year when Jews would typically look at the stars. That time was during the Festival of Tabernacles. As we already said, Jewish believers would build a tabernacle or booth known as a "sukkah" out of green tree branches. They would eat their meals and sleep in this sukkah for eight days. It was customary to leave a hole in the roof of the sukkah so that one could look at the stars. If the magoi were Jewish, then Jewish "wise men" celebrating the Feast of Tabernacles would have noticed the appearance of a new star. Of course, if the magoi were Gentile, it is still likely that a new star would have been noticed by them rather quickly. The Babylonian magoi excelled at astrology. As a matter of fact, the Babylonians are generally credited with the birth of astrology. The year of Jesus' birth Jesus was born while Herod the Great was still living (Matthew 2:1). Wise men appeared in Jerusalem asking about "one who has been born king of the Jews?" Of course, this upset Herod, who had been given the title "King of the Jews" by the Roman Senate. Herod talked to the wise men secretly and found out from them the exact time the star had appeared (Matthew 2:7). The wise men then journeyed to Bethlehem and found Jesus, Mary, and Joseph in a house (Matthew 2:11) and they bowed down and worshiped Jesus. When the wise men did not return to give Herod a report, "Herod realized that he had been outwitted by the wise men. He was furious, and he gave orders to kill all the boys in Bethlehem and its vicinity who were two years old and under, in accordance with the time he had learned from the wise men" (Matthew 2:16). This tells us that Jesus may have been born two years before the appearance of the wise men and the death of Herod. Herod died the spring of 4 B.C. (according to the Jewish historian, Josephus). Let's assume that the star appeared at Jesus' birth. Let's also assume that Herod was already close to death when the wise men appeared. It was the custom in ancient Israel to count the years of one's age from the date of conception - in other words, when a child is born he is one year old until his first birthday (this is still a practice in some oriental cultures). Therefore, Herod actually killed the children one year old and under according to the way that age is calculated today. This would mean that Jesus had to have been born in 6 B.C. (if Jesus was one year old) or 5 B.C. (if Jesus was under one year and Herod was just being extra careful). This date for Jesus' birth fits with other Biblical data such as Jesus being "about thirty years old" when He began his ministry (Luke 3:23). From evidence given to us in John 2:20 about the construction of the temple, we know Jesus' ministry began in A.D. 26. Counting forward from 6 B.C. to A.D. 26 (one year has to be subtracted because there is no year zero) would make Jesus 31 years old when he began his ministry -- that is, about thirty years old. Counting forward from 5 B.C. to A.D. 26 would make Jesus 30 years old when he began his ministry. The birth years of 5 or 6 B.C. also fit with the best date for the crucifixion, that is A.D. 30. Personally I opt for the 5 B.C. date, because I assume the wise men would want to come at once and the time for a journey from Babylon to Jerusalem takes only four months. When was Jesus born? Nothing is absolutely certain, because we are dealing with implications and assumptions, but a good guess from the Scriptures and history is September 29, 5 B.C. Sources of Information for this Article: � The Biblical Festivals: God's Appointed Times from Hebraic Roots of Christianity by Eddie Chumney. � The Gospel of Luke by William Hendriksen, Baker Book House. � When was Jesus born? by Christian Renewal Ministries International. � New Testament History by F.F. Bruce, Anchor Books. � When Was Jesus Christ Born? by Mario Seiglie, The Good News, United Church of God, 1997. � Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah by Alfred Edersheim, 1890. � The Companion Bible, Published by Kregel Publications. � God�s Festivals in Scripture and History, Part 2 by Samuele Bacchiocchi, PhD. Available from: Biblical Perspectives 4990 Appian Way Berrien Springs, MI 49103 The purpose of this article is NOT to suggest that we change the day of Christmas or the year of our calendars! It is to give added meaning and insight to our Lord's birth, particularly from a Jewish perspective. But shouldn't we celebrate Jesus' birthday on the correct day? If it really mattered to Jesus when we celebrate His birth, then He would have made the exact day crystal clear with absolute certainty. What we celebrate is far more important than the day we celebrate it one. For example, in the United States we celebrate Presidents Day in February, but this doesn't mean that all the presidents were born in February. The essential fact is that God did enflesh Himself in time and space (1 John 4:2). He was born from a woman on a specific day in a specific year, walked among us, died for our sins, was raised from the dead, and ascended into heaven. This is what we celebrate at Christmas: God was (and is) with us! revdauphinee answered on 10/08/06: no where in scripture does it say he celebrated his birthday ,so i dont concern myself its his death that is the important day since he died for me!and you ! we should celebrate him everyday not argue about when he came just the fact that he came! arcura rated this answer peddler7118 rated this answer

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Judgment_Day asked on 10/08/06 - There's still room on the list..... I'm clearing my life of the self-righteous hypocrites that claim to be Christians here. I'd rather dine like Jesus did with the sinners of the world in the public eye than eat with "proclaimed Christians" that think their beyond reproach or are so Biblical inclined when they are desperately lacking! They're worse than my ancestors that were the forerunners to rabbinical Judaism, that is the Pharisees. I'm not going anywhere. My block list is not complete I have room for more. revdauphinee answered on 10/08/06: used to block folk but dont anymore Just read em for the ammusement value and concider the source then ignore it! Gimbo rated this answer Judgment_Day rated this answer

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jackreade asked on 10/08/06 - Lesson in Mature Forgiveness for All of Us Amish Mourn Gunman in School Rampage By MARK SCOLFORO GEORGETOWN, Pa. (AP) - Dozens of Amish neighbors came out Saturday to mourn the quiet milkman who killed five of their young girls and wounded five more in a brief, unfathomable rampage. Charles Carl Roberts IV, 32, was buried in his wife's family plot behind a small Methodist church, a few miles from the one-room schoolhouse he stormed Monday. His wife, Marie, and their three small children looked on as Roberts was buried beside the pink, heart-shaped grave of the infant daughter whose death nine years ago apparently haunted him. About half of perhaps 75 mourners on hand were Amish. ``It's the love, the forgiveness, the heartfelt forgiveness they have toward the family. I broke down and cried seeing it displayed,'' said Bruce Porter, a fire department chaplain from Morrison, Colo., who had come to Pennsylvania to offer what help he could and attended the burial. He said Marie Roberts was also touched. ``She was absolutely deeply moved, by just the love shown,'' Porter said. Leaders of the local Amish community were gathering Saturday afternoon at a firehouse to decide the future of the schoolhouse, and of the school year itself. The prevailing wisdom suggested a new school would be built...." ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Comments???? ` revdauphinee answered on 10/08/06: the question was about the amish folk (I thought)and not about what name who uses on here Who Cares??why dont ya;ll cease the childishness and answer the questions posted!This silliness is ruining this board. the Amish folk have demonstated a stregnth we all should aim for however on reflection Im afraid im not near there yet >I wonder how i would act had it been one of my grandchildren shot! jackreade rated this answer

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peddler7118 asked on 10/07/06 - Why is Tom so hated by "Christians" All I here is Tom this and Tom that. If anyone here thinks they are a better scholar than Tom I would like to see some evidence . I find it very telling that the atheist agree with the 'Christians" who bash Tom. Coincidence? He is not politically correct but neither was Jesus. Mat 12:34 O generation of vipers, how can ye, being evil, speak good things? for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh. revdauphinee answered on 10/08/06: i AS A PROPHESSING christian do not hate tom or anyone else for that matter >I may dissagree with what someone else says or belives but this is no hate it is just a disagreement!to often on here one is acused of hate just because we see things differently I state for the record I Hate no one! peddler7118 rated this answer Toms777 rated this answer

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arcura asked on 10/07/06 - The Wilkinson Anisotropy Probe satellite is telling us that the universe is not shaped like a balloon but is shaped like a platter on your dinner table and it is flat, not round. It also indicated that the universe did not expand at a constant rate, that some time after the beginning expansion from the big bang there was a sudden additional expansion called cosmic inflation. Why do you suppose God designed it to be that way? revdauphinee answered on 10/07/06: when i see a nise without a cause ill believ in the big bang(maybee) arcura rated this answer peddler7118 rated this answer

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Gimbo asked on 10/07/06 - The end of a liitle bit of fun Gimbo will be, no doubt, removed tonight..courtesy of Tom the snail. That is the end of the imbo's. revdauphinee answered on 10/07/06: like a bad penny well see you turn up again !LOL Gimbo rated this answer Toms777 rated this answer

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CeeBee2 asked on 10/07/06 - What are positive ways for Christians to evangelize, to bring others to the knowledge of Jesus Christ? Peddler had told me in a rating response that we should "warn" them and (I gather from all his postings so far) pound them with Bible verses about sin and damnation. revdauphinee answered on 10/07/06: BETTER TO LOVE AND SET EXAMPLES OF THE LOVE OF JESUS THAN TO PREACH HELL FIRE AND DAMNATION TO THEM CeeBee2 rated this answer Toms777 rated this answer

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madddawg asked on 10/07/06 - How can we recognize the true Jesus? Paul was concerned that some believers might be seduced into tolerating the false Jesus's worshiped by false believers. For if he that cometh preacheth another Jesus, whom we have not preached...ye might well bear with him. 2 Corinthians 11:4 How can protect ourselves from the false Jesus's of the cults. What is the real Jesus like revdauphinee answered on 10/07/06: A great question and a trap many calling themselves christians have fallen into!read the scripturs to find him (it can be done )dont take the word of others who may themselves be missled he you may find is very different from the meek and mild feminised man many believe him to be! arcura rated this answer HANK1 rated this answer madddawg rated this answer peddler7118 rated this answer Toms777 rated this answer

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whitefawn_ asked on 10/07/06 - Should a True Christian Celebrate Christmas? It is a Pagan Holiday I know that for sure. I am suriously thinking of not having it this year. I am not a "Jehovah's Wittness", but they did know this,"before Christianity", and now that a lot of Christians are even realizing it, as Pagan. How does one just stop it, and tell your Family, I am not celebrating it this year. Thank you experts. Joy, revdauphinee answered on 10/07/06: try replacing the celebration whith that of hannukah im sure Jesus(a jew )would approve of that ! arcura rated this answer madddawg rated this answer Toms777 rated this answer whitefawn_ rated this answer

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Judgment_Day asked on 10/07/06 - Not a question, but a statement of concern....... I've been meaning to address an issue and I keep forgetting. So I'll take time now. Awhile back when I asked P7118 to offer Joy (Whitefawn_) an apology, he did not. That's Peddler's choice. As a Christian I don't know what would had been so difficult about that, but that's neither here nor there. I just try to be fair. Anyway shortly afterwards he posted to the board something to the effect that he would give me his phone number or such. My statement is this: please nobody give out your personal info to another person on any forum, unless you really REALLY feel secure about an individual. We all have families and want our security and privacy so be careful. revdauphinee answered on 10/07/06: I agree however what caN be done about others who find out personal info and post it for all to see as happened to me lately? (((((Clarification/Follow-up by isizathu on 10/02/06 3:54 pm: A rather unaptly chosen handle is the following combination of a title plus name : "revdauphinee". This "rev" is an ordained christian minister from Moss Point, Mississippi, U.S.A.))))) the info is fortunatly no longer correct but I am sure if this person had the correct info he/she would have no problem posting it! Judgment_Day rated this answer

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excon asked on 10/06/06 - Wuss Christians Hello Christians: I was surprised at the responses to kindjs' problem yesterday. So, tell me. If a guy was coming after you and your family with a gun, ALL you would do is pray??? I didn't know you were such peaceniks. Don't you support Bush and all his wars? Or are you only brave Christians when you have an army to fight for you? excon revdauphinee answered on 10/06/06: " Don't you support Bush and all his wars?" NO! NO! A THOUSAND TIMES NO! excon rated this answer Toms777 rated this answer

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MarySusan asked on 10/06/06 - Republicans Bad Behavior Giving Dems Ammunition in 2006 "SCRANTON, Pa. (Oct. 5) - Rep. Don Sherwood, a Republican fighting for re-election in northeastern Pennsylvania, says in a TV ad that he is "truly sorry" for cheating on his wife but denies ever abusing the woman he had the affair with. Rep. Don Sherwood, R-Pa., who released a TV ad apologizing for an affair and disputing that he abused his mistress In the ad, he acknowledges that the affair nearly cost him the love of his wife and his daughters. He said his family has worked through it "because of my deep regret, our love and the fact that the allegation of abuse was never true." "While I'm truly sorry for disappointing you, I never wavered from my commitment to reduce taxes, create jobs and bring home our fair share," Sherwood said, addressing viewers. "Should you forgive me, you can count on me to keep on fighting hard for you and your family." Sherwood, a four-term congressman, has a seat that had been considered safe until it was revealed last year that police in 2004 investigated an incident between Sherwood and Cynthia Ore at his Washington apartment. Charges were never filed, but Ore sued Sherwood, claiming he had choked her. Sherwood apologized for the affair but denied abusing Ore. The suit was settled for an undisclosed sum. The ad began running Tuesday in the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre market and comes days after Chris Carney, his Democratic opponent, launched a hard-hitting commercial focusing on the affair. Carney's ad features a voter saying, "This incident with Don Sherwood just cuts right at the core values of our district." The phrases "repeatedly choking" and "attempting to strangle plaintiff," taken from the lawsuit, appear on the screen." ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ revdauphinee answered on 10/06/06: have to agree with excon on this one at least the dems are not using religion to simply gain votes MarySusan rated this answer peddler7118 rated this answer

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arcura asked on 10/06/06 - What Cable News do you watch??????????............ According to �Market Watch� Fox News is number one in popularity since 2002. I do not get Fox News.. I do get CNN which I think is far to negative and pro ACLU. If you go get FOX news, what do you think of it? If you get both FOX and CNN which one do you thinks is best and why? revdauphinee answered on 10/06/06: I watch fox however it does have a republican slant to it! arcura rated this answer

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madddawg asked on 10/06/06 - When will God restore the kingdom to Israel? Acts 1:6-7: When they therefore were come together, they asked of him saying, Lord, wilt thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel? And he said unto them, It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the father hath put in his own power. When will this prophesy be fulfilled? revdauphinee answered on 10/06/06: the State of Israel was re-established in 1948 madddawg rated this answer

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Limbo asked on 10/05/06 - Look out for my kin! I probably won't be here in the morning, I tend to expire during the night, you all look out for my family...there are many of us, easily recognizable:):) If in doubt just ask the sleuth Dotty:):):) revdauphinee answered on 10/05/06: my name is not as I have stated dotty!I have authoried no one to use that term on this board ! Gimbo rated this answer Toms777 rated this answer

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arcura asked on 10/05/06 - Just got this e-mail. I thought you might like it..... Subject: JESUS LOVES ME Many years ago, while watching a little TV on Sunday instead of going to church, I watched a Church in Atlanta honoring one of its senior pastors who had been retired many years... He was 92 at that time and I wondered why the Church even bothered to ask the old gentleman to preach at that age. After a warm welcome, introduction of this speaker, and as the applause quieted down he rose from his high back chair and walked slowly, with great effort and a sliding gait to the podium. Without a note or written paper of any kind, he placed both hands on the pulpit to steady himself and then quietly and slowly he began to speak.... "When I was asked to come here today and talk to you, your pastor asked me to tell you what was the greatest lesson ever learned in my 50 odd years of preaching. I thought about it for a few days and boiled it down to just one thing that made the most difference in my life and sustained me through all my trials. The one thing that I could always rely on when tears and heart break and pain and fear and sorrow paralyzed me...the only thing that would comfort was this verse.......... "Jesus loves me this I know. For the Bible tells me so. Little ones to him belong, we are weak but he is strong..... Yes, Jesus loves me... The Bible tells me so." When he finished, the church was quiet. You actually could hear his foot steps as he shuffled back to his chair. I don't believe I will ever forget it. A pastor once stated, "I always noticed that it was the adults who chose the children's hymn 'Jesus Loves Me' (for the children, of course) during a hymn sing, and it was the adults who sang the loudest because I could see they knew it the best." Here is a new version just for us who have white hair, or no hair at all. For us over middle age (or even those almost there) and all you others, check out this newest version of "Jesus Loves Me". It is quite cute, so read, sing and enjoy: JESUS LOVES ME Jesus loves me, this I know, Though my hair is white as snow. Though my sight is growing dim, Still He bids me trust in Him. (CHORUS) YES, JESUS LOVES ME... YES, JESUS LOVES ME... YES, JESUS LOVES ME FOR THE BIBLE TELLS ME SO. Though my steps are oh, so slow, With my hand in His I'll go On through life, let come what may, He'll be there to lead the way. (CHORUS) Though I am no longer young, I have much which He's begun. Let me serve Christ with a smile, Go with others the extra mile. (CHORUS) When the nights are dark and long, In my heart He puts a song. Telling me in words so clear, "Have no fear, for I am near." (CHORUS) When my work on earth is done, And life's victories have been won. He will take me home above, Then I'll understand His love (CHORUS) I love Jesus, does He know? Have I ever told Him so? Jesus loves to hear me say, That I love Him every day. (CHORUS) revdauphinee answered on 10/05/06: i love it thanks! arcura rated this answer Limbo rated this answer

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Bimbo. asked on 10/04/06 - Why would I want to be a Christian? After reading the nasty, cowardly weasel words of the truth giver Toms777. Should he slither back under his stone with te rest of his kind? Unfortunately, all cults have them! revdauphinee answered on 10/05/06: it matters not if you love christ he still loves you! Toms777 rated this answer

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Bimbo. asked on 10/04/06 - Bimbo has been chucked!! Comments?? revdauphinee answered on 10/04/06: then why are you still here ? Limbo rated this answer Toms777 rated this answer

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MarySusan asked on 10/03/06 - Foley's Folly Foley, the REpresentative caught trying to molest boys, stated that he was molested by a clergyman between the ages of 13-15. Was it a Catholic priest? revdauphinee answered on 10/03/06: no a polititan MarySusan rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 10/03/06 - WHAT A LOAD OF CRAP? Sorry but I have to refute this feminist crap. God is mascaline he is referred to as Father, not a wife beater but a loving individual, when will the anglicans get with the progarm and realise that only by preserving the message will they succeed? Calling God a 'He' helps wife-beaters? October 3, 2006 - 8:54PM Church of England leaders have warned that calling God "He" encourages men to beat their wives, a British newspaper reported on Tuesday. The Daily Mail said churchgoers had been told to think twice before referring to God as "He" or "Lord" because of dangers it could lead to domestic violence. New guidelines for bishops and priests reportedly warn the clergy to reconsider the language they use in sermons and ensure the hymns they sing don't foster the oppression of women. The guidelines, entitled Responding to Domestic Abuse, advise that Biblical violence "in combination with uncritical use of masculine imagery, can validate overbearing and ultimately violent patterns of behaviour", The Daily Mail said. Plymouth vicar Rod Thomas, a spokesman for the evangelical Reform movement, said according to The Bible, God has female and male characteristics, but it was not inhibited about referring to God as male. "There is a danger that this document has veered too much towards political correctness," he told the paper. � 2006 AAP revdauphinee answered on 10/03/06: In my humble oppinion god has no gender !the male denotation is one more example of humans placing there own limits on the deity Karlogun rated this answer paraclete rated this answer Toms777 rated this answer

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arcura asked on 10/03/06 - Why don't we Christians let Jesus be the judge of others? John 5:22 :"For not even the Father judges anyone, but He has given all judgment to the Son�. <><><><> Toms777 and peddler had a car accident; a bad one - both of them were killed. When the got to the pearly gates, Saint Peter welcomed them and introduced them to Jesus. Jesus then started to give them a tour of heaven. A short distance from the gates was a lovely garden. Seated on a long golden bench therein was Hope12 and twelfth_imam. Toms777 said, �Lord, what are those two doing here.� Jesus replied, �They are wondering what you two are doing here.� <><><><> Can anyone PROVE beyond a doubt how Jesus will Judge each person? revdauphinee answered on 10/03/06: No however we can trust his judgement! arcura rated this answer Toms777 rated this answer

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peddler7118 asked on 10/03/06 - Have we completely turned away from God? The world is mad. Boys are committing mass murder at school. A father of three lined up 9 innocent Amish babies and shot them in the back of the head. Wal-Mart , Sam's and Ford are willing to lose money or even go broke to promote deviant sexual behavior. Every trace of Christianity is being removed from the marketplace , government buildings, the media, and history is being rewritten. Humanist philosophy has replaced the authority of scriptures. The churches are teaching you can't trust the Bible but you can trust Jesus . But there are many ways to get to God. As long as you believe in someone or something named Jesus you are saved. Or at least if you are a good person most of the time. When an atheistic interpretation of history is accepted by a majority of scienctist "Christians" reinterpret the Bible to accomodate the materialistic world view . When something has to give it is always God's word instead of mans ideas. Today I wonder if it is beyond hope that America will repent and turn from the path of destruction it is on. I called the Amish fellow who mills wood for me in Water Street Penn. which is about 15 miles from the school and talked to him. The horror to these gentle people is beyond belief. All he could say is pray for the families of the girls and the family of the man who shot them. All I could do is cry. 2Ch 7:14 If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land. Today would be a good day to start. Gen 6:3 And the LORD said, My spirit shall not always strive with man, for that he also is flesh: yet his days shall be a hundred and twenty years. revdauphinee answered on 10/03/06: As a nation we are turning from God now maybee he is taking his hand of protection off of us???our children are our hope and now it seems they are all in danger if it can happen to the peacefull amish comunity it can happen anywhere! peddler7118 rated this answer

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whitefawn_ asked on 10/03/06 - Asking for Prayers The lowest of all. This world has really gone crazy. I cried when I heard this at the Hospital today, while visiting a friend. I live near Amish, and they are the kindest of all people, hardly ever even hearing of violence, they are the most loving of all people I have ever yet to meet. I know the Angels' have to be crying tohight. Please� Say a little Prayer� for the Parents, of these children What is happening to this world? Have you heard about this, and what do you think, to me, �this is the most terrible news I have ever heard in my life.� The truck driver who opened fire inside a tiny Amish schoolhouse in Pennsylvania today, killing four students, sent the boys outside before tying up the girls and shooting them at close range, police say. The gunman, who shot himself to death, had three guns, a stun gun, two knives and a bag with about 600 rounds of ammunition, police said. Seven other girls, most badly wounded, were transported to hospitals in the region. They had been shot execution-style at point-blank range after being lined up along a chalkboard, their feet bound with wire and plastic ties, authorities said. Police identified the shooter as Charles Carl Roberts, 32, a married father of three who drove a milk tanker truck in the southeastern Pennsylvania community where the shooting took place. He was not Amish, police say, but left notes indicating he was "acting in a way to achieve revenge for something that happened 20 years ago." You can find this rest of this on this Site. http://www.cbc.ca/world/story/2006/10/02/amish-school-shooting.html revdauphinee answered on 10/03/06: it makes me afraid for my grandchildren to even go to school if this can happen there none of us can feel safe! MaggieB rated this answer whitefawn_ rated this answer

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arcura asked on 10/02/06 - Misconceptions concerning the crusades............... I keep reading misconceptions concerning the crusades. The media and others are helping the Muslims with blaming the crusades on Christianity. Real authentic history proves otherwise. Christianity was around for hundreds of years before Mohammed came on the scene. <><><> �From the time of Mohammed, the means of Muslim expansion was always the sword. Muslim thought divides the world into two spheres, the Abode of Islam and the Abode of War. Christianity�and for that matter any other non-Muslim religion�has no abode. Christians and Jews can be tolerated within a Muslim state under Muslim rule. But, in traditional Islam, Christian and Jewish states must be destroyed and their lands conquered. When Mohammed was waging war against Mecca in the seventh century, Christianity was the dominant religion of power and wealth. As the faith of the Roman Empire, it spanned the entire Mediterranean, including the Middle East, where it was born. The Christian world, therefore, was a prime target for the earliest caliphs, and it would remain so for Muslim leaders for the next thousand years. With enormous energy, the warriors of Islam struck out against the Christians shortly after Mohammed�s death. They were extremely successful. Palestine, Syria, and Egypt�once the most heavily Christian areas in the world�quickly succumbed. By the eighth century, Muslim armies had conquered all of Christian North Africa and Spain. In the eleventh century, the Seljuk Turks conquered Asia Minor (modern Turkey), which had been Christian since the time of St. Paul. The old Roman Empire, known to modern historians as the Byzantine Empire, was reduced to little more than Greece. In desperation, the emperor in Constantinople sent word to the Christians of western Europe asking them to aid their brothers and sisters in the East. That is what gave birth to the Crusades. They were not the brainchild of an ambitious pope or rapacious knights but a response to more than four centuries of conquests in which Muslims had already captured two-thirds of the old Christian world. At some point, Christianity as a faith and a culture had to defend itself or be subsumed by Islam. The Crusades were that defense.� Please do not forget that and remind others that Islam started it all and continues with it to this day. Your comments are invited but I will not be happy with anyone who wants to change the real history of how Christianity became involved in and with the crusades. revdauphinee answered on 10/02/06: No fan of the crusades,however i was no fan of the Natzis either but I do not advocate beheading all present day Germans because of them modern day christians are not responsible for the crusades! arcura rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 10/01/06 - Mad Muslims at it again Just to remind all you nice Christians what you could expect if the muslim population were larger. Indonesian Christian 'stabbed by Muslim mob' October 1, 2006 - 8:12PM Muslims dragged a Christian man from a bus and stabbed him on Sunday, a witness and nurse said, amid rising religious tensions in central Indonesia following the executions of three Roman Catholic militants. The victim was hospitalised with wounds to his back, said Yeni, a nurse, who like many Indonesians uses only a single name. She described his condition as "serious". About 20 men wearing black masks blocked a road in Poso town on Sulawesi island that was the main battleground for fighting between Muslims and Christians from 1998 to 2002 that left about 1000 people from both faiths dead. They stopped a bus and forced five passengers to get out, intimidating them and stabbing one before police arrived, said a witness who gave his name as Arman. Communal tensions have risen on Sulawesi since the executions last week of three Roman Catholic men convicted of leading a militia that carried out attacks in 2000, including an assault on an Islamic school that left at least 70 dead. Human rights groups allege their trial was unfair and questioned whether religion played a role in the sentencing. Few Muslims were punished for the four years of unrest, and none to more than 15 years in prison. Overnight in Poso, unidentified people detonated two small bombs that caused no injuries or damage. Soon after, a Muslim mob set fire to a partially constructed church in the Muslim-dominated town, said police Captain Wayan. On Friday, more than 100 Christians youths, angered by the September 22 executions, torched a police station and hurled rocks at a helicopter carrying a police chief, state news agency Antara reported. Indonesia is a secular nation with the world's largest number of Muslims, about 190 million. In Sulawesi and several parts of the country's east, Christian and Muslim populations are roughly equal. AP revdauphinee answered on 10/01/06: bUT ISLAM IS SUCH A PEACEFULL RELIGION !! paraclete rated this answer

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excon asked on 10/01/06 - Yom Kippur Hello Christians, If Jesus were here, he would wish you a happy Yom Kippur. Since I'm a distant relative, I will instead. So, does that mean I'm gonna miss the Seahawks? excon revdauphinee answered on 10/01/06: and may your sins be forgiven! excon rated this answer Toms777 rated this answer

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Judgment_Day asked on 10/01/06 - Tribulation and Millennialism... Historically pre-millennialism was also the explicit position of the early Church. I was reading a book authored by a Baptist preacher that taught post-tribulation so I think many Baptists also accept the position of post-tribulation, though perhaps not all. Now concerning at least the post-millennial aspect, although I have not gone into to detail with the Catholic Priest over this subject I think this also is the present position of the Catholic Church (Brother Fred I think this covers us). My guess is that the Orthodox Church also teaches pre-millennialism since they are closely linked. In my own personal studies from a Jewish perspective I understand the Tanakh and New Testament Scripture to be most congruent with post-tribulation and pre-millennialism. How about yourself? I'd like to hear from anyone that accepts Jesus as your personal Saviour for forgiveness of your sins, no matter if you're a Methodist, Lutheran, Mormon, Presbyterian, Jehovah Witness, Episcopalian, Mennonite, Amish, Four Square Gospel, Inter-Denominational, Non-Denominational, etc.... revdauphinee answered on 10/01/06: just my oppinion but personaly I am a pre trib believer myself i believe in the rapture 40. Two men will be in the field; one will be taken and the other left. 41. Two women will be grinding with a hand mill; one will be taken and the other left. 42. "Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come. Judgment_Day rated this answer

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HANK1 asked on 09/30/06 - RIDICULUM! "To Tom777 in connection with Laura's poste... hOPE12 09/30/06 3 Prove what kind of person/persons you are: - ... hOPE12 09/30/06 7 In Defense of Laura - Wow! I thought I held t... peddler7118 09/30/06 0 In Defense of Laura - Wow! I thought I held t... peddler7118 09/30/06" ************ Let's get down to business and start posting some KNOWLEDGE about any religion ... or lack of ... instead of this crap, guys. Won't some of you people ever learn? If you have a gripe, go to the EXPERT FORUM. It doesn't belong here! My brother checked out this Board yesterday. I heard from him this a.m. He thought some of you were "NUTS." He asked me what we were accomplishing by acting the way you do. My answer, "NOTHING." HANK revdauphinee answered on 10/01/06: have to agree with your brother HANK1 rated this answer Judgment_Day rated this answer Toms777 rated this answer twelfth_imam rated this answer

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hOPE12 asked on 09/30/06 - Is lying a real problem? Hello Everyone, Common as it is, though, lying is bad for society and bad for the individual. Columnist Clifford Longley correctly notes: �Lies hurt the liar and the lied-to, at the profoundest level of their being, by severing that essential contact between mind and reality.�3 The American Journal of Psychiatry states: �The psychological impact on persons on the receiving end of lies can be devastating. Major life decisions may be based on false information believed to be correct. Lies may also have adverse effects on liars themselves.� How much better to tell the truth. It makes others feel better and you would be surprised at how great it is to tell the truth. In a more positive vein, the Bible tells us that we should be concerned for others, show love for them, and be helpful to them. Jesus� words are well known: �All things, therefore, that you want men to do to you, you also must likewise do to them.��Matthew 7:12. On a humanitarian level, how much better the world would be if everyone followed this rule! Moreover, according to a psychological study conducted in the United States, individuals would feel better. The 1,700 people studied reported that helping others gave them a sense of calmness and relief from stress-related disorders such as headaches and voice loss. The report concludes: �It appears, then, that caring about others is as much a part of human nature as caring about ourselves.� That being the case, how much better everyone would feel, if they would only tell the truth. What is your personal feeling on the matter of those who lie and liars? Do you believe in little white lies, or is a lie a lie. Remember a person who lies must tell another lie to cover the first lie and then another lie to cover the cover lie. What a vicious cycle. Does lying show that you really care about other? We can go to the moon, talk to people thousands of miles away and yet some humans have not found the cure for lying. Why do you think that is? Take care, Hope12 revdauphinee answered on 09/30/06: my reasons for not lying are a little different from most and may be the wrong reasons also !I dont lie cause im lazy to lazy to remember what I said ! If I lied Id have to remember in order to keep up the lie and for me its just too much trouble its much easier to tell the truth cause it speaks for itself ! hOPE12 rated this answer Toms777 rated this answer

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hOPE12 asked on 09/30/06 - Prove what kind of person/persons you are: Hello Everyone, I have three questions to ask everyone on this board. 1) What is the main way according to each of your own religious or non religious beliefs, can we all prove the kind of person we are, and what rules or principles do you live by in your home? 2) Do we prove who we are by actions or by words, or should we seek prominence and look down on those who are like us? 3) If you invited me to your home and my conduct was not approved by the rules in your home, what would you do? According to your answers, if given in all sincerity and carefully, we would have and answer in how to improve this board. We all need to take an active roll in cleaning up the board of those who wish to attack and belittle. Answer those three questions according to your principle�s and standards practiced in your home and then you will find the answer to the question on how to make this forum a more pleasant place to come, and it will separate those who are here for a positive experience and those who are here because they wish to show everyone how much more intelligent and better then they are compared to others. Can�t wait to see the replies on this one! :) Take care, Hope12 revdauphinee answered on 09/30/06: ) What is the main way according to each of your own religious or non religious beliefs, can we all prove the kind of person we are, and what rules or principles do you live by in your home follow the scriptures to the best of my ability be truthfull and attemt to show a good example to others. 2) Do we prove who we are by actions or by words, or should we seek prominence and look down on those who are like us? no and (surprise comming from me to many who missunderstand me) I look down on no one I may dissagree with there beliefs system but do not look down on them.we all humans are gods children I may hate what you believe but like God loves the sinner while hating the sin it is possible to love those who follow false teachings. 3) If you invited me to your home and my conduct was not approved by the rules in your home, what would you do? be honest and tell you! Bimbo rated this answer hOPE12 rated this answer

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HANK1 asked on 09/29/06 - WE'RE LUCKY! When's the last time you've realized how lucky you are to have a Q & A site like ANSWERWAY? This is a GREAT outlet for all of us to post KNOWLEDGE about RELIGIOUS subject matters. EXPERTS are NOT subject matter. Aren't people who have a strong emotional commitment to an issue more likely to work on its behalf? The issue here is protecting ANSWERWAY'S standing as a GREAT place for KNOWLEDGE and NOT a place to 'PLAY WAR' with one another! I do not see compatibility happening on a consistent basis at this site. I say this because attitudes and behavior should be brought into harmony by a human wish for consistency. Don't make those who post on this BOARD your SCAPEGOAT as an accepted target for someone's insecurity. Compatibility! Working with each other is what it's all about, guys! HANK revdauphinee answered on 09/29/06: i agree if we differ on some oppinions why not just agree to dissagree?we do not need to ridi cule or offend i see no reason for it.if all agreed on all things we would have nothing to discuss ,it is not the differences that matter its that differing is not degrading each other because of it! I have been called many things on here by those who do not share my views ,however insulting me will not change my oppinions honest discussion might! arcura rated this answer HANK1 rated this answer isizathu rated this answer JesseJamesDupree rated this answer Toms777 rated this answer whitefawn_ rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 09/29/06 - No comment, I mean what's the point? Priests' '$12m holy heists' September 29, 2006 - 1:11PM Two Roman Catholic priests stole millions in offerings and gifts made to their Florida parish over several years, authorities said. Monsignor John Skehan, who was pastor at St Vincent Ferrer Catholic Church for four decades, was arrested on Wednesday night. Prosecutors say he and the Reverend Francis Guinan stole $US8.6 million ($11.5 million) from the Delray Beach church, using the money to buy property, vacations and other assets, investigators said. The 79-year-old Skehan was arrested at Palm Beach International Airport as he returned from Ireland and was being held on $US400,000 ($535,000) bond on grand theft charges. Guinan, who succeeded Skehan three years ago, has disappeared and was being sought, authorities said. He is alleged to have stolen an unspecified amount of money to take gambling trips to Las Vegas and the Bahamas. Guinan had an "intimate relationship" with a former bookkeeper at St Patrick's Catholic Church, where he had previously worked, according to a police report. Denis Hamel, the chief financial officer for the Diocese of Palm Beach, told police Guinan had paid the woman's American Express bills and her child's school tuition with funds from St Vincent's that were not recorded on the church books. "Millions of dollars that should have gone to helping the homeless folks or the school itself" didn't, said Amos Rojas Jr, a special agent with the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. An anonymous tip in June 2005 led police and the church to launch the investigation. Investigators say Skehan created several "slush" accounts, and instructed church workers to funnelled there to hide it from the Palm Beach Diocese. The thefts began in 2001, police said. Skehan is charged with grand theft of $US100,000 ($A133,800) or more between September 2001 and January 2006, while Guinan faces the same charge for activity from September 2003 to April 2005. Skehan's lawyer, Ken Johnson, said he thought the multimillion dollar figure was "over sensationalised". Bishop Gerald Barbarito of the Diocese of Palm Beach said the two priests were placed on administrative leave and will not have permission "to exercise publicly their priestly ministry" until the criminal matter is resolved. Parishioners reacted with surprise to the news. Joan Kopins was among a small group leaving afternoon Mass at St Vincent Ferrer Church, which she has attended for more than 20 years. She wiped away tears as she got into her car. "You can't judge because you haven't walked in their shoes," Kopins said. AP revdauphinee answered on 09/29/06: bet you these are not the only ones doing this,and not only catholics! paraclete rated this answer

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Mathatmacoat asked on 09/29/06 - Is thsi american arrogance or What The Rules are the rules and there is good reason, if you want foriegn worker to work here there are rules, and you must comply and as far as I am concerned, thereats don't cut it. Take your japanese workers to China, they will be welcome there, or will they? In an age when Australians are annoyed by Australian call centre jobs going to Bangalore, India, why should we care if Japanese Jobs come here, frankly we don't want them, this outsourcing rubbish has gone far enough Ministers at odds over Amex labour plan Friday Sep 29 19:02 AEST Immigration Minister Amanda Vanstone says it's up to the NSW government to decide whether it wants to allow Amex to bring in 160 Japanese workers to a Sydney call centre, or risk losing Australian jobs (AAP) Federal ministers Amanda Vanstone and Kevin Andrews are at odds over plans by American Express to have Japanese workers take jobs at a Sydney call centre. The federal government is considering a proposal by credit card giant Amex to bring in 160 Japanese workers under the 457 visa scheme, which allows companies to sponsor foreign workers to fill skills shortages. Senator Vanstone, the immigration minister, said under Amex's plan, the Japanese workers could be employed at below the award wage. But Mr Andrews, the workplace relations minister, warned companies they cannot bring foreign workers to Australia on the visas and pay them less than the government-imposed minimum of $41,850. In a letter to NSW Premier Morris Iemma last month, Ms Vanstone said they would be paid $6,000 less than the minimum. Senator Vanstone said it was a choice between allowing the Japanese to work at the call centre which serves customers in Japan, or losing about 70 Australian jobs. "The salary on offer is lower than we would now allow for a metropolitan area, but I'm told it's commensurate with what other Australians are being paid in the centre," Senator Vanstone told reporters in Adelaide on Friday. However, Mr Andrews warned against paying less than the award. "Let me make this absolutely clear to Amex and to any other company in Australia - don't bother coming to the government with proposals like this because they will be rejected," Mr Andrews told reporters. The Finance Sector Union (FSU) said Senator Vanstone was bowing to Amex's threats to move the call centre to China if the Japanese weren't allowed in. "The government shouldn't be party to these threats," said FSU national secretary Paul Schroeder. "The increasing threat of taking jobs offshore is putting downward pressure on wages and the government should step up to stop that." The federal opposition and NSW Labor government also slammed the Amex proposal, saying it was a result of the federal government's Work Choices scheme cutting Australian jobs and wages. "What we're seeing now is the routine rorting of the 457 visa," said federal Opposition Leader Kim Beazley. "It's been turned from an instrument ... encouraging the ability of work to be done in Australia into an instrument to be joined with the industrial relations changes to undermine Australian wages and conditions." But Amex is adamant the Japanese will not be paid less than their Australian colleagues. "These people are being paid exactly the same as the Australian employee sitting right next to them," said Amex head of public affairs Luisa Megale. Amex said it simply cannot find enough Australians with the advanced Japanese business language skills required for its Japanese Platinum Card Service Centre. More than 250 Australians work at the call centre and Amex claims it has completely tapped the local bilingual market. While unions claim the plan would cost Australian jobs, the positions were taken from Japanese workers in the first place when Amex moved the centre from Tokyo to Sydney in 2002. By seeking to employ native speakers from Japan, Senator Vanstone said Amex was trying to avoid the similar frustrations many Australians encounter with offshore call centres. "Every Australian understands how annoying it is to ring a call number and get someone on the other end who doesn't clearly understand your cultural situation," she said. "That is what Amex is trying to fix." ==================================================== The place for native speakers in in teh country of origin. revdauphinee answered on 09/29/06: Im for outsourcing once everyone in your own country that wants a job has one! Mathatmacoat rated this answer paraclete rated this answer

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arcura asked on 09/29/06 - Do you agree with Senator Danforth???????????????????? Danforth Warns of Christian Right but Says Tide Will Turn By Peter Slevin Washington Post Staff Writer Thursday, September 28, 2006; A04 CHICAGO. Sept. 27 -- The potency of the Christian right in the Republican Party is limited, former senator John C. Danforth of Missouri is telling audiences this month. A lifelong Republican moderate disturbed by his party's direction, he contends that the political center has a future. Describing himself as a "a Republican for the old reasons," Danforth, 70, is promoting a new book that describes religion as a divisive force in the United States today and accuses the religious right and its political supporters of creating a sectarian party. The GOP leadership habitually strives to please its base at the expense of meaningful compromise, he maintains, proving to be neither humble Christians nor effective politicians. His reasoning holds that social conservatives cannot prevail because a majority of Americans do not share their views or appreciate their style. "I'm trying to shed light on it," Danforth told a gathering of more than 100 people at Chicago's Union League Club on Tuesday, ". . . but I'm really encouraging people to get mad, to speak out on this and express themselves. That's when politics will change." Danforth is an ordained Episcopal priest and onetime Bush administration ambassador to the United Nations. He is probably best known for ushering Clarence Thomas through the grueling nomination process to become a Supreme Court justice. Danforth served in the Senate when Republicans were outnumbered and outmaneuvered by Democrats, a point noted dismissively by opponents who dispute his argument. Richard Land, a prominent conservative at the Southern Baptist Convention, said in an interview earlier this year that Danforth is "what was wrong with the Republican Party and why they were a minority party." Danforth is getting some radio and television airtime since the Sept. 19 release of "Faith and Politics: How the 'Moral Values' Debate Divides America and How to Move Forward Together." He has spoken to audiences in Texas and New York and gave a lecture Wednesday night at the Washington National Cathedral, where he had presided over the funerals of former president Ronald Reagan in 2004 and longtime Washington Post publisher Katharine Graham three years earlier. His book emerged by design in a political season in which the organizing strength of conservative Christians is expected to be tested by motivated Democrats and moderates dismayed by the country's direction. This year, there have also been revealing speeches about personal faith and politics by Democratic politicians, notably Sen. John F. Kerry (Mass.), Sen. Barack Obama (Ill.) and Robert P. Casey Jr., who is seeking to unseat religious conservative Sen. Rick Santorum (R-Pa.). "The problem with many conservative Christians is that they claim that God's truth is knowable, that they know it, and that they are able to reduce it to legislative form," Danforth writes. "The popular question, 'What would Jesus do?' can be difficult enough to contemplate with respect to everyday interpersonal relations. It is mind boggling when applied to the complex world of politics." Although an opponent of abortion, Danforth has become an activist for a Missouri ballot initiative that would explicitly legalize embryonic stem cell research, an issue adopted increasingly by Democrats and some Republicans to show their differences with the Christian right. He also favors government recognition of "committed same-sex partnerships." He believes the proposed constitutional amendment to outlaw same-sex marriage amounts to gay-bashing. Criticizing Republicans and Democrats at extreme ends of the political spectrum, Danforth told his Chicago audience that "most people don't want it to be this way." In allowing it to happen, he said, "the rest of us have been too silent." Thomas has a place in Danforth's book. A questioner asked if he has changed his view of one of the court's staunchest conservatives. Danforth, who has said he never questioned Thomas about serious allegations of sexual harassment, replied: "I have exactly the same view of Clarence Thomas that I have had for 30-some years. . . . I know him, and I love him as a human being. I stood by him, and I am proud of that." revdauphinee answered on 09/29/06: the episcopals have a gay bishop why not an anti christian one?? arcura rated this answer

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Laura asked on 09/28/06 - I don't know, maybe it's just me but it seems that in the fifties and sixties and even most of the seventies television portrayed parents as wise and dependable, strong and reliable. Children were basically obedient and respectful and turned to their parents and teachers for advice and counsel. Also during these times spankings for dicipline was basically a given. Except for the likes of Dr Spock it was accepted as proper. Now my question is this. Now TV portrays parents as sexually promiscous druggies. Fathers are portrayed as dumbells and mothers as emotional criples. Our children's "heros" have changed from their parents or teachers to sports figures and rebel rock band figures. Spanking is a dirty word that one would be well not to condone in public... Why is our society morally bankrupt today?? Could these things have anything to do with it?? I think so. revdauphinee answered on 09/28/06: 6. Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it. frack rated this answer Laura rated this answer

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wakan asked on 09/27/06 - Some helpful sites for travelers�����.. During my travels for the USDA I found that these two sites were very helpful. Some folks here might be able to use them when they travel. The first on provides the price of gasoline anywhere in the USA. In some towns and cities the price can vary as much as 10 to 15 cents a gallon or more. The second site accurately gives the weather forecast even for many small towns throughout the USA. I hope you can find them as useful as I did. Wakan http://www.fuelcostcalculator.com/ http://www.wrh.noaa.gov/ revdauphinee answered on 09/27/06: thank you wakan rated this answer whitefawn_ rated this answer

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hOPE12 asked on 09/27/06 - To Do or Not to Do to Others? � Hello Everyone, I was sitting today thinking about this board and the good, kind people that come to this board. We all need to set up a number of ways that might make this board more enjoyable for those who are respectful and among those who truly bring insight and encouragement to this �so called Christian� board. Here is what I personally feel is the problem. We all want to be liked by others. It is a normal desire. However, what you do not want done to you, do not do to others.� This ethical maxim is attributed to the renowned Chinese teacher and philosopher Confucius. Today, some 2,500 years later, many still hold to the belief that a person has done his moral duty simply by refraining from doing any harm to others. For sure, this Confucian code of conduct has its merits. The Bible, on the other hand, reveals another dimension of human behavior and interaction. In addition to what might be called the sin of commission, that is, committing wrongs against one�s fellow humans, the Bible speaks of the sin of omission. The Christian disciple James wrote: �If one knows how to do what is right and yet does not do it, it is a sin for him.� James 4:17 Rather than simply instructing Christians not to do bad to others, Jesus Christ offered this counsel: �All things . . . that you want men to do to you, you also must likewise do to them.��Matthew 7:12. God originally purposed that all mankind treat one another as they would like to be treated. He set the finest example in expressing care for the welfare of others in the way he created humans: �God proceeded to create the man in his image, in God�s image he created him; male and female he created them.� Genesis 1:27 This means that God lovingly endowed humans with a conscience, which, when properly trained, would guide them to treat others the way they themselves would want to be treated. Many today suffer hopelessly and helplessly at the hands of thoughtless and self-centered people. Clearly, what is needed is more than simply not to do what is bad and harmful to others but, rather, to do what is good and helpful to them. Now that I have said the above, I wish every person on this board to remember this. For those claiming to be a Christian follower of Christ should remember that a Christian�s conduct reflects on his faith. When observers make that connection, that is, when they see that the Christian�s fine conduct is a direct result of his faith�it brings glory to God. For those who are none Christian then remember what Confucius said: �what you do not want done to you, do not do to others.� Normal people behave in a positive way. They do so in a spirit of love, doing to others what they would want done to themselves. For those who need to attack and treat others as if they are dirt or scum or the earth, I say to you guys, grow up because what and how you treat others, will soon blow up in your faces. Why? We all make our own life and either it is peaceful and full of love or it is hateful and full of violence and bad. You may get away with it now but it will catch up with you, and when it does, think back to how you treated others. You can then honestly say, you are being treated the way you have treated others. There will be no pity for you, because the evil and wickedness you gave to others has been returned back to you. Do you have any suggestions that might free to board of those who just come here to attack others? If so share it with us and maybe we could get a letter together to send to the owners of Answerway. Take care, Hope12 revdauphinee answered on 09/27/06: Do you have any suggestions that might free to board of those who just come here to attack others? oh how I wish i did arcura rated this answer Bimbo rated this answer hOPE12 rated this answer Karlogun rated this answer Toms777 rated this answer twelfth_imam rated this answer

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hOPE12 asked on 09/27/06 - To Do or Not to Do to Others? � Hello Everyone, I was sitting today thinking about this board and the good, kind people that come to this board. We all need to set up a number of ways that might make this board more enjoyable for those who are respectful and among those who truly bring insight and encouragement to this �so called Christian� board. Here is what I personally feel is the problem. We all want to be liked by others. It is a normal desire. However, what you do not want done to you, do not do to others.� This ethical maxim is attributed to the renowned Chinese teacher and philosopher Confucius. Today, some 2,500 years later, many still hold to the belief that a person has done his moral duty simply by refraining from doing any harm to others. For sure, this Confucian code of conduct has its merits. The Bible, on the other hand, reveals another dimension of human behavior and interaction. In addition to what might be called the sin of commission, that is, committing wrongs against one�s fellow humans, the Bible speaks of the sin of omission. The Christian disciple James wrote: �If one knows how to do what is right and yet does not do it, it is a sin for him.� James 4:17 Rather than simply instructing Christians not to do bad to others, Jesus Christ offered this counsel: �All things . . . that you want men to do to you, you also must likewise do to them.��Matthew 7:12. God originally purposed that all mankind treat one another as they would like to be treated. He set the finest example in expressing care for the welfare of others in the way he created humans: �God proceeded to create the man in his image, in God�s image he created him; male and female he created them.� Genesis 1:27 This means that God lovingly endowed humans with a conscience, which, when properly trained, would guide them to treat others the way they themselves would want to be treated. Many today suffer hopelessly and helplessly at the hands of thoughtless and self-centered people. Clearly, what is needed is more than simply not to do what is bad and harmful to others but, rather, to do what is good and helpful to them. Now that I have said the above, I wish every person on this board to remember this. For those claiming to be a Christian follower of Christ should remember that a Christian�s conduct reflects on his faith. When observers make that connection, that is, when they see that the Christian�s fine conduct is a direct result of his faith�it brings glory to God. For those who are none Christian then remember what Confucius said: �what you do not want done to you, do not do to others.� Normal people behave in a positive way. They do so in a spirit of love, doing to others what they would want done to themselves. For those who need to attack and treat others as if they are dirt or scum or the earth, I say to you guys, grow up because what and how you treat others, will soon blow up in your faces. Why? We all make our own life and either it is peaceful and full of love or it is hateful and full of violence and bad. You may get away with it now but it will catch up with you, and when it does, think back to how you treated others. You can then honestly say, you are being treated the way you have treated others. There will be no pity for you, because the evil and wickedness you gave to others has been returned back to you. Do you have any suggestions that might free to board of those who just come here to attack others? If so share it with us and maybe we could get a letter together to send to the owners of Answerway. Take care, Hope12 revdauphinee answered on 09/27/06: Do you have any suggestions that might free to board of those who just come here to attack others? oh how I wish i did arcura rated this answer Bimbo rated this answer hOPE12 rated this answer Toms777 rated this answer

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hOPE12 asked on 09/27/06 - To Do or Not to Do to Others? � Hello Everyone, I was sitting today thinking about this board and the good, kind people that come to this board. We all need to set up a number of ways that might make this board more enjoyable for those who are respectful and among those who truly bring insight and encouragement to this �so called Christian� board. Here is what I personally feel is the problem. We all want to be liked by others. It is a normal desire. However, what you do not want done to you, do not do to others.� This ethical maxim is attributed to the renowned Chinese teacher and philosopher Confucius. Today, some 2,500 years later, many still hold to the belief that a person has done his moral duty simply by refraining from doing any harm to others. For sure, this Confucian code of conduct has its merits. The Bible, on the other hand, reveals another dimension of human behavior and interaction. In addition to what might be called the sin of commission, that is, committing wrongs against one�s fellow humans, the Bible speaks of the sin of omission. The Christian disciple James wrote: �If one knows how to do what is right and yet does not do it, it is a sin for him.� James 4:17 Rather than simply instructing Christians not to do bad to others, Jesus Christ offered this counsel: �All things . . . that you want men to do to you, you also must likewise do to them.��Matthew 7:12. God originally purposed that all mankind treat one another as they would like to be treated. He set the finest example in expressing care for the welfare of others in the way he created humans: �God proceeded to create the man in his image, in God�s image he created him; male and female he created them.� Genesis 1:27 This means that God lovingly endowed humans with a conscience, which, when properly trained, would guide them to treat others the way they themselves would want to be treated. Many today suffer hopelessly and helplessly at the hands of thoughtless and self-centered people. Clearly, what is needed is more than simply not to do what is bad and harmful to others but, rather, to do what is good and helpful to them. Now that I have said the above, I wish every person on this board to remember this. For those claiming to be a Christian follower of Christ should remember that a Christian�s conduct reflects on his faith. When observers make that connection, that is, when they see that the Christian�s fine conduct is a direct result of his faith�it brings glory to God. For those who are none Christian then remember what Confucius said: �what you do not want done to you, do not do to others.� Normal people behave in a positive way. They do so in a spirit of love, doing to others what they would want done to themselves. For those who need to attack and treat others as if they are dirt or scum or the earth, I say to you guys, grow up because what and how you treat others, will soon blow up in your faces. Why? We all make our own life and either it is peaceful and full of love or it is hateful and full of violence and bad. You may get away with it now but it will catch up with you, and when it does, think back to how you treated others. You can then honestly say, you are being treated the way you have treated others. There will be no pity for you, because the evil and wickedness you gave to others has been returned back to you. Do you have any suggestions that might free to board of those who just come here to attack others? If so share it with us and maybe we could get a letter together to send to the owners of Answerway. Take care, Hope12 revdauphinee answered on 09/27/06: Do you have any suggestions that might free to board of those who just come here to attack others? oh how I wish i did Bimbo rated this answer hOPE12 rated this answer Toms777 rated this answer

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whitefawn_ asked on 09/27/06 - The Truth I gave this answer to a friend, but I don't think he would care if I share this, although I too am getting confused. I was talking to James my Son, a few months back, about this peddler person, and how he disturbed me, and Tom77 were making me a wreck, and he told me back than, that he was "Peddler" And he was doing this for fun, even on the phone, when I had said' I don't believe you, he said' he was typing out a post at that moment, on some crazy long subject. Lazlow has Cable, I have dial up, so I couldn't be on answeraway at the same time to know this for sure. I thought, he was just playing me, you see I believe now, that Lazlow' Blames me for his Fathers death, because after our divorce, his Father started drinking heavily. But now I am wondering, if he was just making that up? You see, I didn�t have a chance to raise James (Lazlow his former user name) until he had turned fifteen years of age, when his Father, my ex-husband had passed away with Hepatitis, leaving James a lot of money, although it was way to late to change bad habits than, and he had a few, but we had worked through them, and he started back to school, but I still see a lot of his Father in him. So the math on his Fathers death would be wrong, it would had been eight years ago and not in 95. To be truthful, his Father was very sarcasm and he loved putting people down, whom he thought was lower than him, he judged people, by the money they had, you see James Father owned his own Plumbing business. Even my younger Son with my previous marriage couldn't�t understand his rudeness, and dis- meaning behavior of being superior over others, when he came back to move in with us. I thought, I had it under control, but perhaps I was wrong. I love my Son, but he seems he follows me everywhere, even on here. Now one thing I do know, is he even gave me over 1,000 dollars. (That is not much money for James, and I didn't ask for it.) just to go down to Detroit for a visit, and to see his house. While I was in his home, I had ask him on purpose to go on the internet and visit answeraway, and he couldn't log in, and he was trying, his user name "Lazlow" He even wanted my password, and I wouldn't let him have it, that would be a disaster! You see my Son James is a very good looking young man, but me and his live in girl friend, just don't click together, so it is even hard to call James and I usually have to wait until he calls me, for his girl friend Jackie is "sixteen years older" than my Son, and uses all her control upon him. She won�t even give him my messages on the answering machine, so I can clear this up, because I could had made a mistake in believing him. Now, James is up-set because I am not that well, although I go through with, every regime, and treatments that my Doctor say's to do. James has been through a lot in his life, and he is only twenty two, in his second year of College for Editorial and Journalism. Perhaps though, he was playing with me, because I had told him about Peddler, but now it just doesn't sound like him, but I also have to remember, he also knows how to make up Characters, Remember- Angry Black man' David Bowie, and the rest, many Characters, but why Peddler? But do you think, I hope this is not wrong to say� That perhaps, peddler could be Toms Daughter? Because they stick together so much. I'll tell you what, I'll try again today to get a hold of him, and find this truth out for myself, and why would he want to hurt me, plus many others. I think us Parents all could use a hand book on raising our children. My Youngest Son, is a super kid, raised by me and my sencond husband of eighteen years. Alfred, is a up-coming Artist and plays every instrument there is, I Pray that James is not jealous over my younger Son, whom would not even think of such a thing as this. But please may I add to Peddler or Lazlow I love my Son to the bottom of my heart, and I wish to have that love back, I'm sorry for the lost of your Father. But can we let this go? Start caring about other people's feelings, and lets stop this. If you lie, you will get caught. These people are not stupid on here, and I come here because of their intelligence and support. They are my friends, and you know I can't leave the house. But most of all, what ever I did wrong. Please, talk to me, this is to sad and confusing. Peddler, I'm tired and I can't worry about this anymore. God Bless you all, and you have a good day, Truly Joy. revdauphinee answered on 09/27/06: joy as I said in my recent e mail to you we none of us can controll our adult chilren ans therefore we should not feel bad when they do something we dont approve of we can guide them but in the final analasis they make there own choices as i told you one of mine seems to go out of her way to hurt me all we can do as parents of adult childen is pray for them and show them a good examplein the actions of our own lives!i love you my sister and wish you well Dorothy Judgment_Day rated this answer Karlogun rated this answer Toms777 rated this answer whitefawn_ rated this answer

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MarySusan asked on 09/27/06 - Guess Who Believes in God Guess Who Doesn't Believe In God? Ten percent of Protestants, 21 percent of Roman Catholics, and 52 percent of Jews do NOT believe in God. That's the surprising word from a new survey by Harris Interactive of 2,306 adults that shows belief in God varies quite widely among different segments of the American public. How often do we go to a place of worship? Not much. Most people attend a religious service less than once a month. Still, Americans are far more likely to believe in God and to attend religious services than people in most other developed countries, particularly in Europe. Who believes in God? While 79 percent of Americans believe there is a God, only 66 percent are absolutely certain of it. Nine percent do not believe in God and 12 percent aren't sure. And weirdly, not everyone who calls himself or herself a Christian or a Jew actually believes in God. Who worships at a religious service? Just over half (55 percent) attend a religious service a few times a year or more. Thirty-six percent attend once a month or more often, and just 26 percent say they attend every week. Forty-one percent of women and 31 percent of men attend once a month or more. Protestants (47 percent) are more likely to go to church once a month or more often than are Roman Catholics (35 percent). Jews are least likely to go with 16 percent saying they go to synagogue once a month or more. Church attendance is highest in the Midwest and lowest in the West. Belief in God by geography and age Eighty-two percent of Midwesterners and Southerners believe in God, compared with 75 percent in the East and West. Our beliefs get stronger as we age. Of those 25 to 29 years old, 71 percent believe in God. That number jumps to 80 percent for people over 40, and hits 83 percent for those 65 and over. Other fascinating facts about who believes in God: * 84 percent of women believe in God, compared with 73 percent of men. * 91 percent of African Americans believe in God, compared with 81 percent of Hispanics and 78 percent of whites. * 87 percent of Republicans believe in God, compared with 78 percent of Democrats and 75 percent of Independents. * 82 percent of those with no college education believe in God, compared with 73 percent who went to college. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Did you find anything that surprised you in this study? revdauphinee answered on 09/27/06: Ten percent of Protestants, 21 percent of Roman Catholics, and 52 percent of Jews do NOT believe in God. truth is if this is thier belief then they are none of the above! MarySusan rated this answer Toms777 rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 09/27/06 - Well, at least they are married! Vatican excommunicates married archbishop September 27, 2006 Archbishop Emmanuel Milingo, the Zambian prelate who angered the Vatican by getting married in 2001, has been excommunicated for again defying the Holy See by installing four married men as bishops, the Vatican said yesterday. The Vatican said Milingo was "automatically excommunicated" under church law for the ordination of the men a few days earlier in Washington. The Archdiocese of Washington on Sunday said that the installations were not valid. Milingo is in "a condition of irregularity and of progressive, open break with communion with the Church," the Vatican said in a statement. The four men claim affiliation with the breakaway Synod of Old Catholic Churches. In its announcement of the excommunication, the Vatican accused Milingo of "sowing division and dismay among the faithful." The 76-year-old Milingo has long had a troubled relationship with the Vatican. In 2001, he was married to a South Korean acupuncturist chosen for him by the Reverend Sun Myung Moon, in a group wedding ceremony in New York. Upon appeal from Pope John Paul II a few months later, he renounced that union. He gained a strong following in a church where he had been stationed near Rome because of his reputation of being an exorcist. Before his marriage, Catholic officials accused him of promoting African indigenous beliefs by performing mass exorcisms and healing ceremonies. AP there is that we have to do it or it's not valid thing surfacing again, not to mention the celebracy thing and of course let's not forget the papal infallibility revdauphinee answered on 09/27/06: just my own oppinion but i do not feel the priests qualify ti instruct others in things pertINING TO MARRIge when they themslves are denyed the experience and also the recent events in the catholic priesthood brings to mind the following scripture from corrinthians 9 But if they cannot control themselves, they should marry, for it is better to marry than to burn with passion. .7:1-40 1 Now for the matters you wrote about: It is good for a man not to marry. 2 But since there is so much immorality, each man should have his own wife, and each woman her own husband. 3 The husband should fulfill his marital duty to his wife, and likewise the wife to her husband. (Prov.18:22 He who finds a wife finds what is good and receives favor from the LORD Judgment_Day rated this answer paraclete rated this answer peddler7118 rated this answer

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peddler7118 asked on 09/27/06 - Was Columbine just anoter Evolutionary Murder Spree? Columbine Victim's Dad Wants Darwinism's Weaknesses Revealed, Truth Taught in Schools By Jim Brown and Jenni Parker October 28, 2003 (AgapePress) - The father of a student who died in the tragic Columbine, Colorado, school shootings of April 20, 1999, is weighing in on the Texas debate over high school biology textbooks. He believes children who are taught that they are made in the image of God will have greater respect for life. When Eric Harris and Dylan Klebold killed Darrell Scott's daughter, Rachel Joy Scott, and 12 other students and teachers at Columbine High School, the two teens used Charles Darwin's "survival of the fittest" theory to justify their actions. Harris even wore a "natural selection" T-shirt on the day of the killings. With these facts in mind, Scott is calling on the Texas State Board of Education to reject textbooks that fail to acknowledge that evolution is nothing more than a theory. Scott believes public school biology textbooks need to explore both the strengths and weaknesses of Darwinism. He is joining his voice to those of other concerned citizens such as the group Texans for Better Science Education, which opposes the efforts of some to censor balanced and truthful teaching about evolution by keeping students from learning about scientific criticisms of Darwin's theory. Since the incident that took his daughter's life, Scott has become a well-known Christian speaker and the founder of Columbine Redemption (columbineredemption.com), a ministry that brings healing and hope as it promotes solutions to school violence and other problems through outreach and advocacy. In addition to equipping people to bring about positive change by partnering with or working from within schools, the ministry provides ongoing education about America's spiritual heritage and the importance of biblical values in society. "The teaching of evolution is a theory, and yet it's being taught as though it's absolute truth, which is irritating," Scott says, noting that emphasis on Darwin generally leaves "no room for the theory or the belief of creationism." The popular speaker feels such one-sided presentation is entirely unfair. "It's not only unfair, but it's wrong," Scott says, "and I think it violates what the Constitution stands for. I think it violates what our founding fathers would have wanted because even the Declaration of Independence mentioned the Creator four times." Scott believes public school textbooks need to address alternatives to the theory of evolution, alternate theories often ignored by educators. He is urging the Board of Education in Texas to comply with that state's law by requiring that school science textbooks discuss the weaknesses of the entrenched evolutionary suppositions of Darwin. The father of Rachel Scott feels there is a directly relationship between what children are taught and how they see the world and choose to live in it. "If children are taught that they came from slime, that they evolved from a lower form of life, and that there's no future after death, then their views of life are affected by that," he says. According to Scott, for children taught to believe in such chance and random origins, "life really doesn't have the meaning that it does to children who believe they are created in God's image and that they have not only this life but a future life as well." Scott says if Columbine High School's young killers had been taught the truth that they were made in the image of God rather than the "survival of the fittest" junk science they were taught in school classrooms, the two teens might not have murdered his daughter and the other victims. revdauphinee answered on 09/27/06: AT THE TIME OF COLLUMBINE` I was asked why God allowed it to happen ,and all I could say is God was not allowed in schools in this country so he could not be there to stop it! arcura rated this answer frack rated this answer peddler7118 rated this answer Toms777 rated this answer

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peddler7118 asked on 09/25/06 - Are non-Christian here religious persecutors? Are Mormons and atheists who are not here to ask about Christianity but to promote their paganism and create chaos persecuting Christians? Joseph Smith and Bringam Young hated Christians , outspoken atheist like Dawkins and Singer hate Christians, why not their followers? revdauphinee answered on 09/25/06: I dont feel persecuted here i do get anoyed that we dwell on the ssame thing day after day for no point whatsoever. peddler7118 rated this answer SABURAMO rated this answer twelfth_imam rated this answer whitefawn_ rated this answer

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hOPE12 asked on 09/25/06 - Please reply, there is a point behind the questions. Thanks What must one do to help others? Hello Everyone, I wish to put a question before all on the board. Many of us here are parents, grandparents, and some even teachers. If we are a religious person or even if we are not. 1- What do you feel is the best way to help other learn what is right? 2- How would you go about helping someone who wanted to know about your faith or religion that would persuade them to look further into it? 3- Even if a person chooses not to accept your beliefs, how could you leave them with a good feeling about yourselves? 4- In brief what is your religious preference or non religious preference, and why? Please answer in a sincere manner, I have a point to show everyone by your replies. Take care and looking forward to hearing from you guys. Hope12 revdauphinee answered on 09/25/06: I want folks to accept my beliefs because this is what the one I believe in told me to do! matthew 28:18. Then Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20. and teaching them to obey everything I (I not some denominational man made doctrine)have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." hOPE12 rated this answer peddler7118 rated this answer SABURAMO rated this answer

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MarySusan asked on 09/25/06 - SCHISM From timesonline dot co dot uk: "LEADERS of the Anglican Church�s conservative wing took the first steps yesterday in creating formally a new Church structure for anti-gay evangelicals in the United States. After meeting in Rwanda, archbishops from the 20 African and Asian provinces in the Anglican �Global South� grouping said that they understood the �serious implications� of their decision. But they added: �We believe that we would be failing in our apostolic witness if we do not make this provision for those who hold firmly to a commitment to historic Anglican faith.� The primates will now push for a two-Church solution in the US. This could serve as a model for Anglican provinces elsewhere with liberal majorities and strong conservative minorities, such as in England, Wales and Scotland. They are to develop an alternative Anglican structure in the US for the seven episcopal dioceses who appealed this year to the Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr Rowan Williams, for alternative primatial oversight. Their appeal came after the general convention of the Episcopal Church, when a female and pro-gay primate, Bishop Katharine Schori, was elected to succeed Frank Griswold as leader of the Episcopal Church. The conservatives are also angry that the Episcopal Church has stood by the election of the openly gay Gene Robinson as Bishop of New Hampshire." ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~` Schism, such a dramatic, antediluvian term! Any comments? revdauphinee answered on 09/25/06: one more reason I wont join any organised church denomination they are all the same if they dont like the staus of the one there in they break off and start thier own I often wonder if most know just how far we have traveled from what jesus himself intended??? (2Th.2:15 So then, brothers, stand firm and hold to the teachings we passed on to you, whether by word of mouth or by letter. we are not doing so instead as christ himself observed Matt.15:2-6 3 Jesus replied, "And why do you break the command of God for the sake of your tradition? Mark7:6 He replied, "Isaiah was right when he prophesied about you hypocrites; as it is written: "`These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. 7 They worship me in vain; their teachings are but rules taught by men.' 8 You have let go of the commands of God and are holding on to the traditions of men." 9 And he said to them: "You have a fine way of setting aside the commands of God in order to observe your own traditions! Col.2:8 See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the basic principles of this world rather than on Christ. MarySusan rated this answer peddler7118 rated this answer

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hOPE12 asked on 09/24/06 - When lost, some relgions get really lost! Hello Everyone, This article was found today in the outlook section of my local newspaper. You all be the one to judge as to who is really lost here. "Pastor O'Neal Dozier speaks in terms of fear. If the Islamic Center of South Florida move to his neighborhood, he worries, "Pompano Beach will become a Muslim city." He fears that converts will be taught jihad. Then Muslims will buy more stores and offices and take puplic office, then recruit converts from terrtorism: "I haven't been this afraid since I left the military," says pastor of the World wide Christian Center. "I even bought a 9 MM pistol." His muslim counterpart, Hasan Sabri, dismisses the talk but not the attitude. "He's trying to drag us into a fight of words." says the imam of the mosque that is planning to build in Dozier's neighborhood. "There is an anti-Islam atmosphere in America right now. Whenever Muslims are mentioned, they're usually bashed." ______________________________________________________The above is just part of the article I woke up with this morning while drinking my coffee. I read it and then thought about what it said. Here are my thoughts according to the scriptures as a Christian who is trying to follow Christ and what he taught. First of all, what right does another have to dominate or control another, where they should live and worship. According to the scripture none of us have that right. We have all come into this world with nothing and we will leave with nothing. So who is it who can tell another where to live and worship or even how to worship. Not one of us. Notice what all True Christians who follow Christ should be feeling and doing in their life. The human family could never be successful in regulating itself without God�s rulership. Trying to be independent from him, people would devise social, economic, political, and religious systems that would conflict with one another, and �man would dominate man to his injury.� Ecclesiastes 8:9. It would be folly for humans to think that they could successfully regulate society without God ruling them. It would be contrary to the way they were made. Independence from God�s rule would, without fail, result in selfishness, hate, cruelty, violence, wars, and death. We certainly see what has happened by man trying to dominate others has done to this world. Second, What has happened to those who claim to worship God? Do they really have a relationship with their Creator? I so, why would they need to purchase a MM pistol because other humans are moving into the neighborhood? Do these so called religious leader, truly love their neighbors as Jesus told them to? You all be the judge of that one. Time and again, �the word of our God� encourages us to think and act on the basis of principles. When Jesus was asked to summarize the Law, he made two succinct statements�one emphasizing love for God, the other stressing love for fellowman. (Matthew 22:37-40) (Matthew 22:37-40) He said to him: ��You must love Jehovah your God with your whole heart and with your whole soul and with your whole mind.� 38 This is the greatest and first commandment. (Notice now this part) 39 The second, like it, is this, �You must love your neighbor as yourself.� 40 On these two commandments the whole Law hangs, and the Prophets.� Jesus partially quoted from an earlier brief summary of basic tenets of the Mosaic Law, stated at Deuteronomy 6:4, 5: Evidently, Jesus also had in mind God�s directive found at (Leviticus 19:18) ��You must not take vengeance nor have a grudge against the sons of your people; and you must love your fellow as yourself.� Having a firm grasp of such basic principles can help us to understand and apply more specific directives. Furthermore, if we do not thoroughly comprehend and accept basic principles, we might not be able to make sound decisions and our faith may be easily shaken. It might even cause us to purchase MM pistols instead of relying and trusting in our maker for protection. Third: Fear of man is not a Christian quality! At Hebrews 12:28 Christians are instructed to have godly fear: �Let us continue to have undeserved kindness, through which we may acceptably render God sacred service with godly fear and awe.� Jesus contrasted the wholesome fear of God with fear of man, saying, as recorded at Matthew 10:28: �Do not become fearful of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul; but rather be in fear of him that can destroy both soul and body in Gehenna.� At Revelation 2:10 he also counsels Christians: �Do not be afraid of the things you are about to suffer.� Real love for God expels the cowardly fear of man that leads to compromise. Jesus predicted that at �the conclusion of the system of things� a climate of fear would cover the earth. He said that there would be �fearful sights� and that men would �become faint out of fear and expectation of the things coming upon the inhabited earth.� (Lu 21:11, 26) While people in general would be affected in this way, True servants of God should follow the principle expressed at Isaiah 8:12: �The object of their fear you men must not fear.� The apostle Paul explains: �For God gave us not a spirit of cowardice, but that of power and of love and of soundness of mind.��2Ti 1:7. Yes a true Christian will not try to dominate others to abide or live by their standards, but they leave all matters into God�s hands. As to the fear of man, why be afraid. As a true Christian, Faith in God makes us not afraid of man. And we should never compromise God�s laws when it comes to killing other�s because of fear. We need not live with pistols in our possession for those who live by the sword will die by the sword. The fact that God blesses those who maintain Christian neutrality and decline to �live by the sword.� True, at times God permits one of his servants to die, even as some Christian in our country have been murdered. Nevertheless, it is better to die showing full reliance on God than to allow fear of man to govern our course. (Matthew 10:28) These violent times should not cause us to �live by the sword� or rely in any way on dangerous weapons for deliverance. The Bible assures us: �Trembling at men is what lays a snare, but he that is trusting in Jehovah will be protected.��Proverbs 29:25. JUST SOME INSIGHT AS TO HOW I FEEL ABOUT WHAT IT GOING ON IN THIS WORLD IN THE NAME OF RELIGION AND GOD. I HAD TO STATE WHAT IS FAIR AND WHAT IS HAPPENING TO INNOCENT PERSONS ON ALL SIDES IS WRONG DUE TO THE HATRED AND HOSTILITY OF THOSE WHO WISH TO THINK THEY ARE SOMETHING AND WHO GOD WILL SOON BRING TO NOTHING. Why hate an innocent person because of what some do? Why judge other�s because of there culture, race or religion? Why say one loves God, yet hates their neighbor? Why do some feel they are better then others? Why can�t those who claim to be Christ follower, do what Christ taught? Why don�t they practice what they preach? Why don�t both sides of this issue stop speaking hatred and talk about positive things and how to love one another? Why hate others because they look or act differently then yourself? WHY CAN�T RELIGIOUS LEADER�S CLEAN UP THEIR OWN HEARTS BEFORE TRYING TO CLEAN THE HEARTS OF THEIR GONGREGATIONS? Take care, Hope12 revdauphinee answered on 09/24/06: first Hope jesus did not tell us we were to accept all faiths as brothers!what he told us to do was Matthew 28:18. Then Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19. Therefore (((go and make disciples of all nations,))) baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20. and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." second unlike the popular Jesus(the one man made up) he was never in favour of false teachings (of any kind) (Deut.13:13 that wicked men have arisen among you and have led the people of their town astray, saying, "Let us go and worship other gods"(ALLAH?) (gods you have not known), Matt.5:19 Anyone who breaks one of the least of these commandments and teaches others to do the same will be called least in the kingdom of heaven, but whoever practices and teaches these commands will be called great in the kingdom of heaven. Matt.7:15 "Watch out for false prophets. (MOHAMED?)They come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves. (Deut.13:1-5 1 If a prophet, or one who foretells by dreams, appears among you and announces to you a miraculous sign or wonder, 2 and if the sign or wonder of which he has spoken takes place, and he says, "Let us follow other gods" (gods you have not known) "and let us worship them," 3 you must not listen to the words of that prophet or dreamer. The LORD your God is testing you to find out whether you love him with all your heart and with all your soul. 4 It is the LORD your God you must follow, and him you must revere. Keep his commands and obey him; serve him and hold fast to him. hOPE12 rated this answer twelfth_imam rated this answer whitefawn_ rated this answer

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MarySusan asked on 09/23/06 - For science bashers... There is a rumor going around that bin Laden is ill or has died from a water transmitted disease, or typhoid fever, or something primitive. In American urban areas, we have benefitted from the results of scientific discoveries and scienific applications. We have water supplies that are constructed to be safe and are monitored constantly for purity. We have immediate disposal of human waste via massive sewer systems and treatment plants. We have garbage disposal plans that remove festering garbage from our living areas within one or two days. We have governmental regulation and inspection of food supplies.... meat, produce, canned goods etc. Few people die from contaminated food suppply. We have governmental regulation and inspection and testing of drugs, the most stringent in the world. We have refrigeration that enables us to keep our persihable food supply fresh or fresh frozen for long periods of time. And, so it goes, civilization and science and its many life saving benefits. I just posted a few of the most obvious benefits of scientific discovery and application for the benefit of society. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Do you think bin Laden is alive? Do you think this is political or relious propaganda, if so, for what reason? revdauphinee answered on 09/23/06: one can but hope ! Judgment_Day rated this answer MarySusan rated this answer Toms777 rated this answer

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peddler7118 asked on 09/23/06 - Do Mormons lie and deceive to spread their "Gospel"? Is this an honest argument? 12th "You say this page says : �. Book of Mormon 1. The book of Mormon is more correct than the Bible, (History of the Church, 4:461.)" {Could you point out exactly where it says "The book of Mormon is more correct than the Bible"? I can't seem to locate it."} Just above in the same post {words of Joseph Smith posted by 12th}: " I told the brethren that the Book of Mormon was the most correct of any book on earth, and the keystone of our religion, and a man would get nearer to God by abiding by its precepts, than by any other book." Does that not say the B.O.M. is more correct than the Bible? Does the word Bible not mean the Book? Is this argument rational? Words of 12th "There is no mention of coins in the Book of Mormon text proper. You were thrashed by Flashman on this very question on the Mormonism Board. Has it worn off? Do you need another thrashing? Please provide chapter and verse in the BOM where it says 'coin ' or 'coins.' An easy one for you." Later he says that the extensive reference to coins in the index of the B.O.M. that has been there for the better part of 100 years was an erroneous belief of the person who wrote the index and had nothing to do with the beliefs of the Mormons. Is that honest? Is that rational? Did no one notice this? Can there be more than one true religion? If one has to lie to get new converts is that the one? revdauphinee answered on 09/23/06: regarding the teachings of Joseph smith ! (2Tim.4:3-4 3 For the time will come when men will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. 4 They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths. ) (Isa.34:16; Look in the scroll of the LORD and read: None of these will be missing, not one will lack her mate. For it is his mouth that has given the order, and his Spirit will gather them together. ) (Rev.22:19 And if anyone takes words away from this book of prophecy, God will take away from him his share in the tree of life and in the holy city, which are described in this book. ) Isa.30:9; These are rebellious people, deceitful children, children unwilling to listen to the LORD's instruction. ) peddler7118 rated this answer Toms777 rated this answer

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isizathu asked on 09/23/06 - The anti-mormon week is hereby declared closed .... � They always told me that JC stated : "Go and spread the word ....." At this forum it's more : "Go and spread only your own interpretation of the word ....." And than they wonder why there are over 2.500 christian denominations, all claiming to be the only "true" believers in - and followers of - God. What a sad bunch of losers most of you are .... Comments by openminded people are welcome .... :) � revdauphinee answered on 09/23/06: one of many reasons I find mormonism anathamy weh ever i have visited one of thier churches all I heard "is we believe this is the one true church" instead of "we believe in Jesus Christ" it seemed to me an outsider they placed more value on thier opganisation than on the saviour! isizathu rated this answer Toms777 rated this answer

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peddler7118 asked on 09/22/06 - Did man evolve into God? According to Mormonism the father God, Elohim , was a human who did good works and was elevated to godhood through the process of eternal progression. They believe he had 2 spirit babies named Jesus and Satan. He picked Jesus to be the savior so Elohim had intercourse with Mary and the spirit baby Jesus became the half human baby of Mary . All the gods before Elohim were once men as well . This means man preexisted any god. Is this a Christian belief? Does it promise eternal life or the pit of hell? revdauphinee answered on 09/23/06: in my humble oppinion this is heresy placing man before God and is of the vilest of sin! peddler7118 rated this answer Toms777 rated this answer

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peddler7118 asked on 09/22/06 - Does you Minister preach from the Book of Mormon? Recently I learned from a Mormon "expert' there are many Bible Belt Churches that teach directly from the Book of Mormon. Somehow I have never seen or heard this and would like to know if any of you here have. revdauphinee answered on 09/22/06: I just moved from mississippi (and you dont go any further south than the gulf of mexico)where I lived for 22 yrs and any preacher even thinking of doin that would be fast replaced! MaggieB rated this answer peddler7118 rated this answer

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isizathu asked on 09/22/06 - Indonesia : execution of .............. of what ? � This morning on the island of Sulawesi - Indonesia three men have been executed by firing squad. They were sentenced to death by a legal Court of Law, but so far their execution had been postponed after several requests by the Pope and others. The three men had murdered 20+ muslims during religious hostilities. Without going into the political (co) reasons for these executions (there are several muslims to be executed soon too for similar murders of Christians) : These three men called themselves "christians". How can people be Christian and KILL 20+ other people out of religious hatred and intolerance? "Thou shall not kill" includes no exeptions. Including Muslims. Or do you disagree? If so : based on what? � revdauphinee answered on 09/22/06: I agree christians (real ones do not murder )I may disagree with a lot of other folks doctrines but murdering them is never an option!Like God one can hate the sin while loving the sinner! isizathu rated this answer JesseJamesDupree rated this answer

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belle33 asked on 09/22/06 - TO JD, Sorry I have to be gone for quite awhile. You just asked me if my mother ws an old maid. Now lets see, that would be you calling me a bastard wouldn't it? LOL revdauphinee answered on 09/22/06: im old and ive been called a lot of things but old maid was never one of them!LOL belle33 rated this answer

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twelfth_imam asked on 09/20/06 - The Book of Abraham - a welcome return to a fascinating subject. Where does Joseph Smith identify this fragment as the roll from which he translated the Book of Abraham? If thou knows't it telling! revdauphinee answered on 09/20/06: how could Joseph smith translate anything he was not schooled in languages(oh I forget the non existant golden plates!) paraclete rated this answer Toms777 rated this answer twelfth_imam rated this answer

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Judgment_Day asked on 09/20/06 - Anti-Christian remark of the day...... Clarification/Follow-up by isizathu on 09/20/06 1:34 pm: CHAPEAU for belle33 : Well done, Jill !!! :) revdauphinee answered on 09/20/06: this sort of nonesence is precicely why I am fast loosing interest in the board! belle33 rated this answer JesseJamesDupree rated this answer Judgment_Day rated this answer Toms777 rated this answer

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tomder55 asked on 09/20/06 - muslim outrage . POPE BENEDICT XVI has sort of apologized for offending Muslims, and some Muslim leaders have sort of accepted. The Shia cleric usually described as Hezbollah's one-time spiritual guide, Hussein Fadlallah, has invited the Pope "to carry out a scientific and fastidious reading of Islam." Otherwise, Fadlallah warned, Benedict might "succumb to the propaganda of the enemy led by Judaism and imperialism against Islam." Maybe that is why Muslims are still burning effigies of the Pope--to teach interfaith dialogue to a 79-year-old theologian who is apt to be misled by those lying, intolerant Jews. After all, it is almost a week since the Pope spoke about Islam before an audience in his native Germany: Show me just what Mohammed brought that was new, and there you will find things only evil and inhuman, such as his command to spread by the sword the faith he preached. As many have already pointed out, the words were taken out of context. As the Pope himself explained, they are not even his own words, but were rather excerpted from a dialogue between a 14th-century Byzantine emperor and a "learned Persian." The text cited discusses the role of reason in Christian thought and uses Islam as a point of comparison: In "Muslim teaching," the text asserts, God's "will is not bound up with any of our categories, even that of rationality." Let us posit that the Pope himself is a rational man, moreover that he is also aware of current events and, in particular, the general tenor of Islamic political activism around the world these last few years. So, in quoting a text arguing that the Muslim concept of God is not rational but is rather predicated on violence, what sort of response would a rational man expect from Muslim masses who, among other enthusiasms, torched European embassies this past winter to express displeasure over a series of cartoons depicting the prophet Muhammad as a source of irrational violence? Is it not unreasonable to assume that such a speech would provoke yet more irrational violence? Nonetheless, the Pope apologized--though as some Muslim officials correctly noted, the pontiff says he is sorry for "the reactions" to his speech, not the speech itself. But it taxes the rational intellect to believe he did not know what sort of furies he was tempting. After all, the Holy See is not the State Department, and the Vatican's interest in Islam did not begin with September 11, nor even with the discovery of oil on the Arabian Peninsula. The New York Times writes that "the Vatican does not have enough experts on Islam to gauge reaction to any papal statements," but the church has been contemplating its historical rival for about 1,300 years longer than the paper of record. Ratzinger himself is both an intellectual familiar with church history, and a skilful political operator. Unlike his predecessor Wojtyla, he did not come to Rome as an outsider, but rather learned how to acquire and exercise temporal power within the world's oldest and perhaps most unforgiving political institution. If Benedict had not known what sort of response his speech was likely to get, then the college of Cardinals elected the wrong man. There was some hope among clerics and Catholic laypeople that, after the death of John Paul II, the Church might tap a candidate with a more pastoral vocation, a Latin American cardinal, say, or an African one. However, the historical legacy of the Church, as well as its wealth and political power, resides mostly in Europe, and in Ratzinger the Vatican has a leader who took his regnal name from one of the co-patron saints of the continent. Maybe aspects of the Church's future are elsewhere as well, but Europe is the other rock the Church is built upon and Benedict means to protect that foundation. Sure the Pope is concerned about Islam, as are all Europeans. His sentiments about Muslim Turkey not belonging to Christian Europe are well-known. "Europe is a cultural and not a geographical continent," Ratzinger said back in 2004, a year before he became Pope. But he has stated repeatedly, and even in this recent address, that the major threat to Europe comes from secularism. Here he is like many European Muslim leaders and ideologues, Tariq Ramadan for instance, who believe that the continent has been overcome with a spiritual malaise, a lack of purpose and self-esteem. Unlike secularism, Islam is a worthy competitor for men's souls--it is just an inferior doctrine, self-evidently so because it did not produce Europe. Moreover, and this is the point of the text Benedict cites, Islam is incapable of producing a Europe because its conception of God does not assume a rational divinity. Now the Pope says this excerpted text does "not in any way express my personal thought." Really? So, the Vicar of Christ does not believe that Catholic doctrine is superior to Muslim teaching? Sure he does. The Pope does not want Christian Europe to regain its spirituality by becoming less rational, like Islam, but through an expanded concept of reason--one large enough to encompass a creator who is Himself rational. AS THE CHILDREN OF A rational God, all men can think rational thoughts, but few are capable of philosophy. Early Christian and Islamic thinkers, especially those influenced by Neo-Platonism, understood the problem: The majority of men can only comprehend one level of reality, and only then through the use of symbols. Hence, what is most interesting about the Pope's speech is that he is operating on two different levels: There is philosophy, reason, and logos for one type of understanding, and there are symbols for another. Here, the symbols are those of the Catholic Church--the papacy itself--which he himself barely even hints at. Benedict left it to his dialogue partners to fill in the rest, and now every burned effigy of the Pope is a prick in the conscience of Catholics the world over. Sure the European intellectual class believes the Pope is a moron for getting so many Muslims angry, but the elite is not his primary audience; rather, he was speaking over their heads to the masses of ordinary Catholics. What will they believe in? What will they live for and die for? Maybe the Church. It is hard to get people to live, never mind die, for principles based entirely on reason. Most people need something real to fight for, something tangible. And this is the dilemma of liberal democracies that bin Laden, Nasrallah, and Ahmadinejad, among others, have rightly identified. It is only rational that the citizens of such a state would prefer to enjoy the privileges of such a life than to die. However, the jihadi intelligentsia have also made a less than thorough study of the war that they have chosen. For instance, Israel is a liberal democracy, but as my colleague here in Jerusalem, Middle East analyst Jonathan Spyer, explains, "Israel's democratic structures are embedded in something older and deeper: The rooting of sovereignty in the shared history of the Jews, the Jewish connection to ancient Israel, and the story of its destruction and rebirth. This is a strong, resonant presence in the lives of many Jewish Israelis and it evokes a profound loyalty." Or take the Bush administration's Middle Eastern democracy project. There are many people in the region willing to die for their ideas, but almost none of them are reform-minded Arab liberals. On one side, there are Islamists and various other fighters who want the Americans to leave their land forever, and on the other side are American soldiers who do not want their nation to suffer the outrages of Muslim-world politics ever again. These are real things, tangible concerns, and the Pope is seeking to renew similar sentiments in Christian Europe. And in doing so he has reminded us how a 2000-year-old institution moves vast numbers of people and plays great power politics while the rest of us, even those on the right side in the GWOT, have been arguing over how many angels can fit on the head of a pin. How many troops do we need in Iraq? Is Islamofascism an apt phrase? If we revisit the Geneva conventions, won't that expose our troops to mistreatment by the jihadi forces arrayed against us? How can we get the left to see that Hamas and Hezbollah do not, in fact, share its progressive principles? What would Orwell say? Stalin famously asked of the Pope "how many divisions has he got?" Well, of course we know now that the USSR was a mayfly on the ass of the ages, but the more interesting fact is that many of Stalin's troops were ranged against their own countrymen to ensure they fought the Germans rather than retreat. It's hardly an efficient use of one's divisions, but Stalin apparently understood the limited appeal of the Soviet idea. For the church, though, men will go to great lengths, they will live and die, all in the name of a man who died some 2,000 years ago on a wooden cross. ................................................. Lee Smith, a Hudson Institute visiting fellow based in Beirut, is writing a book on Arab culture. ...................................................... From what I hear the Pope's speech was preemption from a possible rambling incoherent letter from the Mahdi-hatter ,Mahmoud Ahmadinejad like was sent to President Bush telling him that all could be well if only Bush converted to Islam; which was why he cited the debate involving a Persian. The Muslim phoney "spontanious outrage" is of course predictable as it has been in reoccuring examples in over a decade : 1989 in response to Salman Rushdie's novel, The Satanic Verses 1997 when the U.S. Supreme Court did not take down a representation of Muhammad 2002 when Jerry Falwell called Muhammad a terrorist 2005 the fraudulent Koran-flushing episode February 2006 the Danish cartoon incident The Muslim uproar has a goal; to prohibit criticism of Islam by Christians and thereby to impose Shar�i norms on the West. Should Westerners accept this central tenet of Islamic law, others will surely follow. Retaining free speech about Islam represents a critical defense against the imposition of an Islamic order. "Show me just what Muhammad brought that was new, and there you will find things only evil and inhuman, such as his command to spread by the sword the faith he preached." revdauphinee answered on 09/20/06: "Show me just what Muhammad brought that was new, and there you will find things only evil and inhuman, such as his command to spread by the sword the faith he preached." cant show what dosent exist ! arcura rated this answer paraclete rated this answer tomder55 rated this answer

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peddler7118 asked on 09/20/06 - How far will people go to disbelieve in God? Canada joins search for ET life by Emil Silvestru 20 September 2006 Canadian scientists recently announced their quest for extraterrestrial life in � Northern Canada (Ellesmere Island, near the North Pole), where they found sulfur-rich springs on the top of an ice field. This is an environment in which new types of bacteria were found that �may point to how life evolves on other planets� (emphasis added). No more do we read, �may have evolved�. The evolution of ET life is now treated as certain!1 Believing in the evolution of life on other planets is essential to buttressing the evolutionary�atheistic worldview. Evolutionists believe that if they could discover life that has evolved on other planets it would give us answers to life�s big questions here on Earth. Then they would have proof that life is not a gift from God, but an unavoidable consequence of time and chemistry. The unspoken goal is to make God irrelevant. The search for ET life has a long story. Substantial resources have been spent on this quest, funds which were denied to more important research. Sulfur springs are not new in this search. The ecosystem in the Movile Cave in Romania, where 32 new species and 2 new genera of creatures were discovered as part of a chemical (chemotrophic)2 food chain, has drawn Commander Jacques Cousteau�s team, and later NASA�s exobiology experts, to the cave. Bacteria feeding on the sulfur in the deep, lukewarm springs inside the cave are the base of the food chain, eliminating the need for photosynthesis. Their ability to do this has raised the theoretical possibility of similar conditions on other planets. Similar ecosystems exist around the hot vents on the bottom of the ocean, where sulfur-rich hot springs supply the chemical energy for large bacterial colonies. In recent years, many types of �extremophiles� (living organisms surviving in extreme conditions) have been found. The discovery in Canada adds a cold extreme to this type of environment. If bacteria can use chemical energy to thrive in cold, lukewarm and hot conditions, it is reasoned they can evolve on many other planets in this vast universe. Especially on Jupiter�s moon Europa, which became a sort of Holy Grail of ET life, ever since Arthur C. Clarke�s sequel 2010 (which when made into a movie included the byline �the Year We Make Contact�) singled it out. Yes, there is plenty of sulfur on Europa, but most of it appears to be concentrated sulfuric acid! If life exists somewhere else in the solar system it may well have come from Earth However, bacteria have to exist first, then adapt to such harsh conditions. And the simplest bacterium is so complex that 200 years of evolutionary science has been incapable of explaining how it could assemble itself out of just randomness, time and chemistry! After all, if life exists somewhere else in the solar system it may well have come from Earth. There is an abundance of various spores and germs in the earth�s outer atmosphere which are constantly pushed into space by the solar wind. They could have easily landed on various other celestial bodies in the solar system. As for microbial life on Mars, the first few space probes that landed there were not properly sterilized, so it�s possible that they could have transported germs from Earth.3,4 The Bible is crystal clear about this: life has never evolved anywhere. Life is God�s creation, whether genes or geniuses, fish or philosophers! Interestingly, one of the greatest science-fiction authors, Isaac Asimov, also believed that life is unique to the earth�even though he was an evolutionist. In some of his stories, millions of planets are inhabited, but their inhabitants originally came from the earth. And Asimov was not just a prolific writer; he was an accomplished scientist. References and notes Canada experts to study alien-like spring. Chemotrophic: living being that obtains its nourishment through chemical reactions without needing light. All animals and fungi are chemotrophic. The vast majority of food chains though are based on phototrophic (light-using) plants and algae. revdauphinee answered on 09/20/06: they may disbelieve in him but they will all face his judgement one day! peddler7118 rated this answer

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arcura asked on 09/19/06 - Who but God can do these things?????????????????? Luke 7:6. Now Jesus started on His way with them; and when He was already not far from the house, the centurion sent friends, saying to Him, "Lord, do not trouble Yourself further, for I am not worthy for You to come under my roof; 7. for this reason I did not even consider myself worthy to come to You, but just say the word, and my servant will be healed. 8. "For I, too, am a man under authority, with soldiers under me; and I say to this one, `Go!' and he goes; and to another, `Come!' and he comes; and to my slave, `Do this!' and he does it." 9. Now when Jesus heard this, He marveled at him, and turned and said to the multitude that was following Him, "I say to you, not even in Israel have I found such great faith." 10. And when those who had been sent returned to the house, they found the slave in good health. 11. And it came about soon afterwards, that He went to a city called Nain; and His disciples were going along with Him, accompanied by a large multitude. 12. Now as He approached the gate of the city, behold, a dead man was being carried out, the only son of his mother, and she was a widow; and a sizeable crowd from the city was with her. 13. And when the Lord saw her, He felt compassion for her, and said to her, "Do not weep." 14. And He came up and touched the coffin; and the bearers came to a halt. And He said, "Young man, I say to you, arise!" 15. And the dead man sat up, and began to speak. And Jesus gave him back to his mother. 16. And fear gripped them all, and they began glorifying God, saying, "A great prophet has arisen among us!" and, "God has visited His people!" 17. And this report concerning Him went out all over Judea, and in all the surrounding district. <+><+><+> John 11: 32. Therefore, when Mary came where Jesus was, she saw Him, and fell at His feet, saying to Him, "Lord, if You had been here, my brother would not have died." 33. When Jesus therefore saw her weeping, and the Jews who came with her, also weeping, He was deeply moved in spirit, and was troubled, 34. and said, "Where have you laid him?" They said to Him, "Lord, come and see." 35. Jesus wept. 36. And so the Jews were saying, "Behold how He loved him!" 37. But some of them said, "Could not this man, who opened the eyes of him who was blind, have kept this man also from dying?" 38. Jesus therefore again being deeply moved within, came to the tomb. Now it was a cave, and a stone was lying against it. 39. Jesus said, "Remove the stone." Martha, the sister of the deceased, said to Him, "Lord, by this time there will be a stench, for he has been dead four days." 40. Jesus said to her, "Did I not say to you, if you believe, you will see the glory of God?" 41. And so they removed the stone. And Jesus raised His eyes, and said, "Father, I thank Thee that Thou heardest Me. 42. "And I knew that Thou hearest Me always; but because of the people standing around I said it, that they may believe that Thou didst send Me." 43. And when He had said these things, He cried out with a loud voice, "Lazarus, come forth." 44. He who had died came forth, bound hand and foot with wrappings; and his face was wrapped around with a cloth. Jesus said to them, "Unbind him, and let him go." <+><+><+> Jesus Christ IS God the Son!!! Do you agree? revdauphinee answered on 09/19/06: who indeed yes I do agree ! arcura rated this answer

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arcura asked on 09/19/06 - Bimbo ..... Could this be Pete? Bimbo as sung by Jim Reeves Bimbo, Bimbo Where you going to go e o , Bimbo, Bimbo What you going to do e o. Bimbo, Bimbo Does your mommie know, that your going down the road to see a little girlly o Bimbo, is a little boy, who's got million friends and every time he passes by, they all invite him He'll clap his hands and sing and dance and talk his baby talk. With a hole in pants and his knees stick out, he's just big enough to walk. Bimbo, Bimbo Where you going to go e o , Bimbo, Bimbo What you going to do e o. Bimbo, Bimbo Does your mommie know, that your going down the road to see a little girlly o Instrumental Bimbo got two big blue eyes, that light up like a star and the way to light them is to him buy candy bars, cracker jack and bubble gum, will start his day off right all the Girllies follow him just to beg him for a bite Bimbo, Bimbo Candy on your face eo. Bimbo, Bimbo Chewing on your gummy e o Bimbo, Bimbo When you going to grow Everybody loves you little baby Bim b o Instrumental You never catch him sitting still He's just the roving kind All though he just a little boy, he's got a grown up mind He's always got a shaggy dog a pulling at his clothes Everybody calls to him as down the street he goes. Bimbo, Bimbo Where you going to go e o , Bimbo, Bimbo What you going to do e o. Bimbo, Bimbo Does your mommie know, that your going down the road to see a little girlly o Bimbo, Bimbo Bimbo, Bimbo Bimbo, Bimbo Bimbo, Bimbo revdauphinee answered on 09/19/06: im still sure from a remark made to me its Aton! arcura rated this answer Bimbo rated this answer MaggieB rated this answer

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arcura asked on 09/18/06 - I think thatI may have been wrong about Bimbo. Mary Sue, Choux, claims that she is not Bimbo. She thinks that Bimbo is Pete Haynes. That could be. If so, I apologies here publicly to Mary Sue. Fred revdauphinee answered on 09/19/06: try Aton! thats who im sure it is arcura rated this answer

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hOPE12 asked on 09/18/06 - Eccl. 9:10. Eccl. 9:5 Acts 2:31 1 Cor.15:3,4 Hello Everyone, There is no work nor devising nor knowledge nor wisdom in Sheol, the place to which you are going.�Eccl. 9:10. The Bible declares that the dead are �conscious of nothing at all.� Eccl. 9:5 At death there is no torment in hellfire, no agonizing wait in Limbo, but simply a return to the dust. �Sheol� is an unfamiliar term to many. It is a Hebrew word of uncertain derivation. Many religions teach that the dead are still alive, but as the inspired Word of God shows, those in Sheol are dead, without consciousness. Sheol is the common grave of mankind. In the Bible, we find the first occurrence of the word �Sheol� at Genesis 37:35. Following the apparent loss of his beloved son Joseph, the patriarch Jacob refused to take comfort, declaring: �I shall go down mourning to my son into Sheol!� Believing that his son was dead, Jacob desired to die and be in Sheol. What is Sheol? Are the dead there? If the dead are in heaven or hell, why was the scripture here at Eccl. 9:5 put into the Bible? If the Bible is inspired of God, the this scripture is saying the dead are conscious of nothing at all. Now think about the scripture in Eccl. 9:10, there it says that there is no work nor knowledge now wisdom in Sheol. That being the case is it possible that Sheol is the grave of mankind? How can one believe in hellfire, and still read these scriptures and make sense of the hellfire teaching? Jesus went to Sheol, Hades, Hell for 3 days. If it is a burning hellfire where bad people go, why did Jesus go there? He was without sin or badness. Since the dead have no conscious existence, hell cannot be a fiery place of torment where the wicked suffer after death. What, then, is hell? Examining what happened to Jesus after he died helps to answer that question. The Bible writer Luke recounts: �Neither was [Jesus] forsaken in Hades [hell, King James Version] nor did his flesh see corruption.� Acts 2:31 Where was the hell to which even Jesus went? The apostle Paul wrote: �I handed on to you . . . that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures; and that he was buried, yes, that he has been raised up the third day according to the Scriptures.� 1 Corinthians 15:3, 4 So Jesus was in hell, the grave, but he was not abandoned there, for he was raised up, or resurrected. Comments on these scriptures and questions are welcomed. If you believe hell is a fiery place of torment, then how do you explain these scriptures? Take care, Hope12 revdauphinee answered on 09/18/06: (Jb.14:12 so man lies down and does not rise; till the heavens are no more, men will not awake or be roused from their sleep. 1Th.4:14. We believe that Jesus died and rose again and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him. ) (Dn.12:2 Multitudes who sleep in the dust of the earth will awake: some to everlasting life, others to shame and everlasting contempt. ) hOPE12 rated this answer

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CeeBee2 asked on 09/18/06 - If you had one more day................ Have you ever lost someone you love and wanted one more day to make up for the time when you thought they would be here forever? How would you spend that day with a departed loved one? (from the new book by Mitch Albom - For one more day) revdauphinee answered on 09/18/06: we will one day have that one more day and many more at the resourection CeeBee2 rated this answer

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JesseJamesDupree asked on 09/17/06 - Free at last! After serving 30 days in the "AW Pokey" I is free agin!!! My apologies to those I offended. I's will try and behaves miself ;) revdauphinee answered on 09/17/06: why jesse no one else on here does! arcura rated this answer JesseJamesDupree rated this answer SABURAMO rated this answer

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MaggieB asked on 09/17/06 - Prayer needed for friend. Hi, Most of us know "Bobbye" who has been on the boards with us since 2000. Well, she has had an accident and has a broken wrist and broken elbow. Please lift her up in prayer that she may be healed and about her Father's business. God bless, MaggieB revdauphinee answered on 09/17/06: CONSIDER THIS DONE HOPE SHE IS IMPROVING BY THE TIME YOU READ THIS! MaggieB rated this answer

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Bimbo asked on 09/16/06 - For Fred Answer the question please. revdauphinee answered on 09/16/06: hon you sure picked the right name ! arcura rated this answer Bimbo rated this answer isizathu rated this answer SABURAMO rated this answer

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arcura asked on 09/16/06 - Where are the Muslims who admit the facts of history... And speak out against the violent ones in the religion? Instead the world sees only the violent ones. Isn�t it ironic that the Muslims are demonstrating in the streets, burning the Pope in effigy. And some calling for his death is proof that Mohammad taught them to be violent as the Pope inferred�� Thus: �Since Islam was so similar to Judaism, Mohammed assumed the Jews would immediately accept this new religion. When the Jews did not live up to his expectations, he turned violently against them and many Jews died by the sword. (We are still suffering from this today; may there be peace soon.)" Question: Do you believe that Islam is a peaceful religion wanting peace and kindness for all? revdauphinee answered on 09/16/06: the Muslims are demonstrating in the streets, burning the Pope in effigy. And some calling for his death is proof that Mohammad taught them to be violent as the Pope inferred�� true ! arcura rated this answer isizathu rated this answer SABURAMO rated this answer

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arcura asked on 09/16/06 - Does anyone know for sure about this???????????? Someone on a list I am on said that in Islam, they have 99 names for Allah but not one of them is Love. Is this true? Does anyone know? revdauphinee answered on 09/16/06: sounds true to me ! arcura rated this answer Bimbo rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 09/15/06 - Well at last, he got that right? Anger grows at Pope speech By Jonathan Wright in Cairo September 16, 2006 08:12am Article from: Reuters Muslims have reacted angrily to remarks made by Pope Benedict on Islam and many of them said the Catholic leader should apologise in person to dispel the impression he had joined a campaign against their religion. The furore prompted several thousand flag-waving Palestinians to march in the Gaza Strip in protest against the Pope's comments. "This is another Crusader war against the Arab and Muslim world," said Hamas official Ismail Radwan as he addressed some 5000 chanting demonstrators. Pakistan's National Assembly, parliament's lower house, unanimously passed a resolution condemning the Pope's comments. In a speech in Germany on Tuesday, the Pope appeared to endorse a Christian view, contested by most Muslims, that the early Muslims spread their religion by violence. The 57-nation Organisation of the Islamic Conference (OIC), the world's largest Muslim body, said quotations used by the Pope represented a "character assassination of the Prophet Mohammad" and a "smear campaign". "The OIC hopes that this campaign is not the prelude of a new Vatican policy towards Islam ... The OIC also hopes that the Vatican will issue statements that reflect its true position and views on Islam and Islamic teachings," it said. The Pope on Tuesday repeated criticism of the Prophet Mohammad by the 14th century Byzantine Emperor Manuel II Palaeologus, who said everything Mohammad brought was evil "such as his command to spread by the sword the faith he preached". The Pope, who used the terms "jihad" and "holy war" in his lecture, added "violence is incompatible with the nature of God and the nature of the soul". "The Pope of the Vatican joins in the Zionist-American alliance against Islam," said the leading Moroccan daily Attajdid, the main Islamist newspaper in the kingdom. "We demand that he apologises personally, and not through (Vatican) sources, to all Muslims for such a wrong interpretation," said Beirut-based Sayyed Mohammad Hussein Fadlallah, one of the world's top Shi'ite Muslim clerics. Vatican spokesman Federico Lombardi defended the Pope's lecture and said he did not mean to offend Muslims. "It was certainly not the intention of the Holy Father to undertake a comprehensive study of the jihad and of Muslim ideas on the subject, still less to offend the sensibilities of Muslim faithful," Mr Lombardi told Vatican Radio. A high-ranking Church source expressed fears for the Pope's safety, saying: "While I think the controversy will go away, it has done damage and if I were a security expert I'd be worried." The Muslim Brotherhood, the Arab world's largest group of political Islamists, demanded an apology from the Pope and called on the governments of Islamic countries to break relations with the Vatican if he does not make one. The Sheikh of al-Azhar, one of the Sunni Muslim world's most prestigious seats of religious studies, said: "The Azhar asserts that these statements indicate clear ignorance of Islam. "They attribute to Islam what it does not contain," the sheikh, Mohamed Sayed Tantawi, said in a statement on MENA. In Iraq, the Pope's comments were condemned overnight prayers by followers of radical Shi'ite cleric Moqtada al-Sadr. "This is the second time such an offence has been give before Ramadan," said Sheikh Salah al-Ubeidi, one of Sadr's aides, referring to last year's publication of cartoons in a Danish paper sparking violent Muslim protests around the world. German Chancellor Angela Merkel told Bild newspaper the aim of the Pope's speech had been misunderstood. "It was an invitation to dialogue between religions ... What Benedict XVI emphasised was a decisive and uncompromising renunciation of all forms of violence in the name of religion," she was quoted as saying in an article to appear on Saturday. The Koran endorses the concept of jihad, often translated as holy war, but Muslims differ on conditions for it, with some saying it applies only for self-defence against external attack. revdauphinee answered on 09/16/06: "We demand that he apologises personally, and not through (Vatican) sources, to all Muslims for such a wrong interpretation I fit looks like something and smells like something then it usualy is ,isnt it .First time I agreed with the pope!he hit this one on the head>truth hurts! paraclete rated this answer

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arcura asked on 09/15/06 - FAMILY RESEMBLANCE................................. A Seminary professor was vacationing with his wife in Gatlinburg,Tennessee. One morning, they were eating breakfast in a little restaurant, hoping to enjoy a quiet, family meal. While they were waiting for their food, they noticed a distinguished looking, white haired man moving from table to table, visiting with the guests. The professor leaned over and whispered to his wife, "I hope he doesn't come over here." But sure enough, the man did come over to their table. "Where are you folks from?" he asked in a friendly voice. "Oklahoma," they answered. "Great to have you here in Tennessee," the stranger said. "What do you do for a living?" "I teach at a seminary," he replied. "Oh, so you teach preachers how to preach, do you? Well, I've got a really good story for you." And with that, the gentleman pulled up a chair and sat down at the table with the couple. The professor groaned and thought to himself, "Great, just what I need --another preacher story!" The man started, "See that mountain over there?" (pointing out a restaurant window). "Not far from the base of that mountain, there was a boy born to an unwed mother. He had a hard time growing up, because every place he went, he was always asked the same question. 'Hey boy, who's your daddy?' Whether he was at school, in the grocery store or drug store, people would ask the same question. 'Who's your daddy?' "He would hide at recess and lunchtime from other students. He would avoid going into stores because that question hurt him so much. When he was about 12 years old, a new pastor to his church. He would always go in late and slip out early to avoid hearing the question, "Who's your daddy ?" But one day, the new pastor said the benediction so fast, he got caught and had to walk out with the crowd. Just about the time he got to the back door, the new pastor, not knowing anything about him put his hand on his shoulder and asked him, "Son, who's your daddy?" The whole church got deathly quiet. He could feel every eye in the church looking at him. Now everyone would finally know the answer to the, question, "Who's your daddy?" The new pastor, though, sensed the situation around him and using discernment that only the Holy Spirit could give, said the following to the scared little boy. "Wait a minute!" he said. "I know who you are. I see the family resemblance now. You are a child of God." With that, He patted the boy on his shoulder and said. "Boy, you've got a great inheritance. Go and claim it." With that, the boy smiled for the first time in a long time and walked out the door a changed person. He was never the same again. Whenever anybody asked him, "Who's your Daddy?" he'd just tell them, "I'm a child of God." The distinguished gentleman got up from the table and said, "Isn't that a great story?" The professor responded that it really was a great story! As the man turned to leave, he said, "You know, if that new preacher hadn't told me that I was one of God's children, I probably would never have amounted to anything!" And he walked away. The seminary professor and his wife were stunned. He called the waitress over and asked her, "Do you know that man who just left that was sitting at our table?" The waitress grinned and said, "Of course. Everybody here knows him. That's Ben Hooper. He's the former governor of Tennessee!" Someone in your life today needs a reminder that they are one of God's children. "The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the Word of God stands forever." Isaiah 40:8 YOU'RE ONE OF GOD'S CHILDREN. I SEE THE RESEMBLANCE. Fred revdauphinee answered on 09/16/06: great posting thanks sometimes we tend to forget who our true father is arcura rated this answer

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arcura asked on 09/15/06 - Just got this from a freind visitin in Roswell...... What do you suppose he was trying to tell me? Perhaps that there were angeks on the UFO, or devils, or secular ETs, or radical liberals, or what do you think? <><><> Many will recall that on July 8, 1947, witnesses claim an unidentified object with five aliens aboard crashed on a sheep and cattle ranch just outside Roswell , New Mexico. This is a well known incident that many say has long been covered up by the US Air Force and the federal government. However, you may NOT know that in the month of March 1948, nine months after that historic day, Albert Arnold Gore, Jr.; Hillary Rodham; John F. Kerry; William Jefferson Clinton; Howard Dean; Nancy Pelosi; Dianne Feinstein; Charles E. Schumer; and Barbara Boxer were born. That piece of information has now cleared up a lot of things. revdauphinee answered on 09/16/06: i think afew folks who post on here may have been born around the same time dont you think???LOL arcura rated this answer

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peddler7118 asked on 09/12/06 - Life on other planets? Life on other planets? People often ask, �If God created this enormous and awesome universe, isn�t it absurd to imagine that He placed life only on this tiny planet in an insignificant galaxy?� The large scale of the universe has nothing to do with its complexity. The immense complexity of the human body, in so far as this is understood, is much more awesome than the array of stars. But it all depends on the way each of us views things. Relative to our human yardsticks, the large scale of the cosmos is about the same as the small scale of the microcosmos of the atom�man�s �order of magnitude� seems to be somewhere in between. Evolutionary cosmologists love to stress the insignificance of the earth in the cosmic economy, and it is easy to get caught up in this kind of reasoning without realizing that the very use of words such as �insignificant� is charged with anti-biblical bias, using a totally arbitrary frame of reference for such value judgments. If we abandon the vain speculations of men and look instead to the Scriptures, we find that it is inconsistent for a Bible-believing Christian to believe in life in other parts of the universe (apart from spiritual beings such as angels). From God�s point of view, the earth, far from being insignificant, is the crucial focus of His creative, sustaining and redemptive activity. Consider the following: The earth was made first, and the other heavenly bodies made on the fourth day were for signs and seasons for the earth. There is no scientific reason for assuming life on other planets�or even for insisting on the existence of any planets outside our solar system, let alone a planet so uniquely suited to sustaining life as is earth. Only sun, moon and stars are mentioned on the fourth day�no other planets like earth are mentioned. The reason why many have come to believe so readily that life on other planets is reasonable is solely the result of evolutionary speculation. If the evolution of life can happen once, by chance, then it could have happened elsewhere with so many stars which could have planets�or so the story goes. The heavens, the earth, and everything therein were created in six days (Exodus 20:11). Man is the crowning glory of creation, and all creation is to be subservient to him. For man�s sake, because of Adams fall, all creation is cursed and subject to futility and �bondage to decay� (Romans 8). Other civilizations, presumably sinless, would then have to share in the effects of this cursed cosmos. Eve is described in the Scriptures as the �mother of all living�. The final catastrophic judgment is described as one in which the very elements will burn with fervent heat, and in which the heavens and earth will be rolled away, passing away with a great noise, and no place will be found for them. Such a cosmic, universal catastrophe would mean that any other civilizations also would be annihilated in the same cosmic fireball (perhaps the very antithesis of the evolutionist�s favoured �big bang�). It was on this earth that the Creator Himself became flesh, and bled and died for Adam�s hapless race�and because of His redeeming action, all creation will one day share in the effects of total redemption/restoration. For beings unrelated to Adam to share in the cosmic effects of both curse and restoration seems to ignore the whole thrust of Scriptural cosmology. Although the Scriptures do not directly say that no life was created elsewhere, the suggestion that it was is not only totally unnecessary, but loaded with logical and theological inconsistencies and contradictions. Available online at: http://www.answersingenesis.org/creation/v13/i3/planets.asp COPYRIGHT � 2006 Answers in Genesis revdauphinee answered on 09/14/06: i am a christian i resent you calling me athistic remember 1 corinthians4: 3. I care very little if I am judged by you or by any human court; indeed, I do not even judge myself. 4. My conscience is clear, but that does not make me innocent. It is the Lord who judges me. 5. Therefore judge nothing before the appointed time; wait till the Lord comes. He will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will expose the motives of men's hearts. At that time each will receive his praise from God. peddler7118 rated this answer

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whitefawn_ asked on 09/13/06 - Giving Up? Montel Williams Has MS and he admitted on his show, how he had lied to himself and his viewers. Now I feel it is time to come out of the closet, I also have been diagnosed with MS. I am sorry that sometimes I get over sensitive I find life so very valuable. MS is a terrible weakening disease, I am down to ninety-two pounds and people look at me weird when I have episodes. As like the other day, when I was grocery shopping, and could only make baby steps for my weakness was terrible, and when my husband and sixteen year old Son went out to the car, they left me behind, as I was leaning on a post, and getting a rest to make it back to the car. I wonder now if they were embarrassed of me? People say� I am very pretty and I look good, but they don�t see the inside of me. They don�t see the pain, or the short loss of memory. People will stare at me although, some are nice, and ask if I need help. I simply say� I�ll be okay in a little while. I guess, as a friend I just want you to know, I want no pity. But perhaps if you should see someone like me, you will understand him or her better. I am seriously thinking of continuing my writing, and have been writing although, I have had quite a few of criticism, because of less concentration, and my vacabulary is back wards, and not as good as most people. Do you think I could write? Or just forget it? Thank you Dear Experts and friends. revdauphinee answered on 09/13/06: if you feel led to write then it would be wrong not to!I also suffer from a few incurable diseases Lupus and diabetes are but two ,I often laugh and tell folks my pain is gods way of letting me know im still alive ,i will keep you in my prayers! Dot whitefawn_ rated this answer

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peddler7118 asked on 09/12/06 - Life on other planets? Life on other planets? People often ask, �If God created this enormous and awesome universe, isn�t it absurd to imagine that He placed life only on this tiny planet in an insignificant galaxy?� The large scale of the universe has nothing to do with its complexity. The immense complexity of the human body, in so far as this is understood, is much more awesome than the array of stars. But it all depends on the way each of us views things. Relative to our human yardsticks, the large scale of the cosmos is about the same as the small scale of the microcosmos of the atom�man�s �order of magnitude� seems to be somewhere in between. Evolutionary cosmologists love to stress the insignificance of the earth in the cosmic economy, and it is easy to get caught up in this kind of reasoning without realizing that the very use of words such as �insignificant� is charged with anti-biblical bias, using a totally arbitrary frame of reference for such value judgments. If we abandon the vain speculations of men and look instead to the Scriptures, we find that it is inconsistent for a Bible-believing Christian to believe in life in other parts of the universe (apart from spiritual beings such as angels). From God�s point of view, the earth, far from being insignificant, is the crucial focus of His creative, sustaining and redemptive activity. Consider the following: The earth was made first, and the other heavenly bodies made on the fourth day were for signs and seasons for the earth. There is no scientific reason for assuming life on other planets�or even for insisting on the existence of any planets outside our solar system, let alone a planet so uniquely suited to sustaining life as is earth. Only sun, moon and stars are mentioned on the fourth day�no other planets like earth are mentioned. The reason why many have come to believe so readily that life on other planets is reasonable is solely the result of evolutionary speculation. If the evolution of life can happen once, by chance, then it could have happened elsewhere with so many stars which could have planets�or so the story goes. The heavens, the earth, and everything therein were created in six days (Exodus 20:11). Man is the crowning glory of creation, and all creation is to be subservient to him. For man�s sake, because of Adams fall, all creation is cursed and subject to futility and �bondage to decay� (Romans 8). Other civilizations, presumably sinless, would then have to share in the effects of this cursed cosmos. Eve is described in the Scriptures as the �mother of all living�. The final catastrophic judgment is described as one in which the very elements will burn with fervent heat, and in which the heavens and earth will be rolled away, passing away with a great noise, and no place will be found for them. Such a cosmic, universal catastrophe would mean that any other civilizations also would be annihilated in the same cosmic fireball (perhaps the very antithesis of the evolutionist�s favoured �big bang�). It was on this earth that the Creator Himself became flesh, and bled and died for Adam�s hapless race�and because of His redeeming action, all creation will one day share in the effects of total redemption/restoration. For beings unrelated to Adam to share in the cosmic effects of both curse and restoration seems to ignore the whole thrust of Scriptural cosmology. Although the Scriptures do not directly say that no life was created elsewhere, the suggestion that it was is not only totally unnecessary, but loaded with logical and theological inconsistencies and contradictions. Available online at: http://www.answersingenesis.org/creation/v13/i3/planets.asp COPYRIGHT � 2006 Answers in Genesis revdauphinee answered on 09/13/06: where did I say they were men from mars what i was pointing out is it is possible he has others elsewhere i dont claim to know where! peddler7118 rated this answer

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peddler7118 asked on 09/12/06 - Here is some food for thought! The Global Islamic population is approximately 1,200,000,000, or 20% of the world population. They have received the following Nobel Prizes: Literature: 1988 - Najib Mahfooz Peace: 1978 - Mohamed Anwar El-Sadat 1994 - Yaser Arafat: 1990 - Elias James Corey 1999 - Ahmed Zewa Economics: (none) Medicine: 1960 - Peter Brian Medawar 1998 - Ferid Mourad ************************************************************************** The Global Jewish population is approximately 14,000,000, or about 0.02% of the world population. They have received the following Nobel Prizes: Literature: 1910 - Paul Heyse 1927 - Henri Bergson 1958 - Boris Pasternak 1966 - Shmuel Yosef Agnon 1966 - Nelly Sachs 1976 - Saul Bellow 1978 - Isaac Bashevis Singer 1981 - Elias Canetti 1987 - Joseph Brodsky 1991 - Nadine Gordimer World Peace: 1911 - Alfred Fried 1911 - Tobias Michael Carel Asser 1968 - Rene Cassin 1973 - Henry Kissinger 1978 - Menachem Begin 1986 - Elie Wiesel 1994 - Shimon Peres 1994 - Yitzhak Rabin Physics: 1905 - Adolph Von Baeyer 1906 - Henri Moissan 1907 - Albert Abraham Michelson 1908 - Gabriel Lippmann 1910 - Otto Wallach 1915 - Richard Willstaetter 1918 - Fritz Haber 1921 - Albert Einstein 1922 - Niels Bohr 1925 - James Franck 1925 - Gustav Hertz 1943 - Gustav Stern 1943 - George Charles de Hevesy 1944 - Isidor Issac Rabi 1952 - Felix Bloc h 1954 - Max Born 1958 - Igor Tamm 1959 - Emilio Segre 1960 - Donald A. Glaser 1961 - Robert Hofstadter 1961 - Melvin Calvin 1962 - Lev Davidovich Landau 1962 - Max Ferdinand Perutz 1965 - Richard Phillips Feynman 1965 - Julian Schwinger 1969 - Murray Gell-Mann 1971 - Dennis Gabor 1972 - William Howard Stein 1973 - Brian David Josephson 1975 - Benjamin Mottleson 1976 - Burton Richter 1977 - Ilya Prigogine 1978 - Arno Allan Penzias 1978 - Peter L Kapitza 1979 - Stephen Weinberg 1979 - Sheldon Glashow 1979 - Herbert Charle s Brown 1980 - Paul Berg 1980 - Walter Gilbert 1981 - Roald Hoffmann 1982 - Aaron Klug 1985 - Albert A. Hauptman 1985 - Jerome Karle 1986 - Dudley R. Herschbach 1988 - Robert Huber 1988 - Leon Lederman 1988 - Melvin Schwartz 1988 - Jack Steinberger 1989 - Sidney Altman 1990 - Jerome Friedman 1992 - Rudolph Marcus 1995 - Martin Perl 2000 - Alan J. Heeger Economics: 1970 - Paul Anthony Samuelson 1971 - Simon Kuznets 1972 - Kenneth Joseph Arrow 1975 - Leonid Kantorovich 1976 - Milton Friedman 1978 - Herbert A. Simon 1980 - Lawrence Robert Klein 1985 - Franco Modigliani 1987 - Robert M. Solow 1990 - Harry Markowitz 1990 - Merton Miller 1992 - Gary Becker 1993 - Robert Fogel Medicine: 1908 - Elie Metchnikoff 1908 - Paul Erlich 1914 - Robert Barany 1922 - Otto Meyerhof 1930 - Karl Landsteiner 1931 - Otto Warburg 1936 - Otto Loewi 1944 - Joseph Erlanger 1944 - Herbert Spencer Gasser 1945 - Ernst Boris Chain 1946 - Hermann Joseph Muller 1950 - Tadeus Reichstein 1952 - Selman Abra ham Waksman 1953 - Hans Krebs 1953 - Fritz Albert Lipmann 1958 - Joshua Lederberg 1959 - Arthur Kornberg 1964 - Konrad Bloch 1965 - Francois Jaco b 1965 - Andre Lwoff 1967 - George Wald 1968 - Marshall W. Nirenberg 1969 - Salvador Luria 1970 - Julius Axelrod 1970 - Sir Bernard Katz 1972 - Gerald Maurice Edelman 1975 - Howard Martin Temin 1976 - Baruch S. Blumberg 1977 - Roselyn Sussman Yalow 1978 - Daniel Nathans 1980 - Baruj Benacerraf 1984 - Cesar Milstein 1985 - Michael Stuart Brown 1985 - Joseph L. Goldstein 1986 - Stanley Cohen [& Rita Levi-Montalcini] 1988 - Gertrude Elion 1989 - Harold Varmus 1991 - Erwin Neher 1991 - Bert Sakmann 1993 - Richard J. Roberts 1993 - Phillip Sharp 1994 - Alfred Gilman 1995 - Edward B. Lewis The Jews are not brain washing the children in military training camps, teaching them how to blow themselves up and cause maximum deaths of Jews and other non-Muslims. The Jews don't hijack planes, nor kill athletes at the Olympics. The Jews don't traffic slaves, nor have leaders calling for Jihad and death to all the Infidels. Perhaps the world's Muslims should consider investing more in standard education and less in blaming the Jews for all their problems. Regardless of your feelings about the crisis between Israel and the Palestinians and Arab neighbors, even if you believe there is more culpability on Israel's part , the following two sentences really say it all: If the Arabs put down their weapons today, there would be no more violence. If the Jews put down their weapons today, there would be no more Israel. revdauphinee answered on 09/13/06: If the Arabs put down their weapons today, there would be no more violence. If the Jews put down their weapons today, there would be no more Israel. SAD BUT TRUE!! arcura rated this answer Bimbo rated this answer paraclete rated this answer peddler7118 rated this answer

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peddler7118 asked on 09/12/06 - Life on other planets? Life on other planets? People often ask, �If God created this enormous and awesome universe, isn�t it absurd to imagine that He placed life only on this tiny planet in an insignificant galaxy?� The large scale of the universe has nothing to do with its complexity. The immense complexity of the human body, in so far as this is understood, is much more awesome than the array of stars. But it all depends on the way each of us views things. Relative to our human yardsticks, the large scale of the cosmos is about the same as the small scale of the microcosmos of the atom�man�s �order of magnitude� seems to be somewhere in between. Evolutionary cosmologists love to stress the insignificance of the earth in the cosmic economy, and it is easy to get caught up in this kind of reasoning without realizing that the very use of words such as �insignificant� is charged with anti-biblical bias, using a totally arbitrary frame of reference for such value judgments. If we abandon the vain speculations of men and look instead to the Scriptures, we find that it is inconsistent for a Bible-believing Christian to believe in life in other parts of the universe (apart from spiritual beings such as angels). From God�s point of view, the earth, far from being insignificant, is the crucial focus of His creative, sustaining and redemptive activity. Consider the following: The earth was made first, and the other heavenly bodies made on the fourth day were for signs and seasons for the earth. There is no scientific reason for assuming life on other planets�or even for insisting on the existence of any planets outside our solar system, let alone a planet so uniquely suited to sustaining life as is earth. Only sun, moon and stars are mentioned on the fourth day�no other planets like earth are mentioned. The reason why many have come to believe so readily that life on other planets is reasonable is solely the result of evolutionary speculation. If the evolution of life can happen once, by chance, then it could have happened elsewhere with so many stars which could have planets�or so the story goes. The heavens, the earth, and everything therein were created in six days (Exodus 20:11). Man is the crowning glory of creation, and all creation is to be subservient to him. For man�s sake, because of Adams fall, all creation is cursed and subject to futility and �bondage to decay� (Romans 8). Other civilizations, presumably sinless, would then have to share in the effects of this cursed cosmos. Eve is described in the Scriptures as the �mother of all living�. The final catastrophic judgment is described as one in which the very elements will burn with fervent heat, and in which the heavens and earth will be rolled away, passing away with a great noise, and no place will be found for them. Such a cosmic, universal catastrophe would mean that any other civilizations also would be annihilated in the same cosmic fireball (perhaps the very antithesis of the evolutionist�s favoured �big bang�). It was on this earth that the Creator Himself became flesh, and bled and died for Adam�s hapless race�and because of His redeeming action, all creation will one day share in the effects of total redemption/restoration. For beings unrelated to Adam to share in the cosmic effects of both curse and restoration seems to ignore the whole thrust of Scriptural cosmology. Although the Scriptures do not directly say that no life was created elsewhere, the suggestion that it was is not only totally unnecessary, but loaded with logical and theological inconsistencies and contradictions. Available online at: http://www.answersingenesis.org/creation/v13/i3/planets.asp COPYRIGHT � 2006 Answers in Genesis revdauphinee answered on 09/13/06: the Scriptures do not directly say that no life was created elsewhere, the suggestion that it was is not only totally unnecessary, but loaded with logical and theological inconsistencies and contradictions. Not so for it is written John 10: 16. I have other sheep that are not of this sheep pen. I must bring them also. They too will listen to my voice, and there shall be one flock and one shepherd. peddler7118 rated this answer

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peddler7118 asked on 09/12/06 - Stirring quotes Sometimes the confession of faith in God is poetry in itself. "...as I became exposed to the law and order of the universe, I was literally humbled by its unerring perfection. I became convinced that there must be a divine intent behind it all... My experiences with science led me to God. They challenge science to prove the existence of God. But must we really light a candle to see the sun?" -Dr. Wernher von Braun. It is not difficult for me to have this faith, for it is incontrovertible that where there is a plan there is intelligence - an orderly, unfolding universe testifies to the truth of the most majestic statement ever uttered - 'In the beginning, God.' Arthur H. Compton Blaise Pascal Inventor of the calculating machine. At this time of recommitment to God, wrote: �Certainty! Joy! Peace! �I forget the world and everything but God! � �I submit myself absolutely to Jesus Christ my Redeemer George Washington Carver "Nature is an unlimited broadcasting station, through which God speaks to us every hour, if we only will tune in." In his speeches and interviews, he almost always referred to the Bible and divine guidance. His accomplishments, he was fond of saying, we�re not his doing but we�re the work of God. As he told a reporter for the Atlanta Journal who questioned him about the permanency of the clay paints he had developed: �Why should they not be permanent? God made the clay in the hills; they have been there for countless generations, changeless. All I do is prepare what God has made, for uses to which man can put it. It is God's work-not mine.� Carver had faith most cannot imagine. He went into the laboratory with a notebook and a pen and waited for God to tell him what to write. God blessed his faith abundantly above all he asked. He was one of the greatest scientists in history and one of its most humble and Godly men. He accepted Christ when he was ten years old. "God just came into my heart one afternoon while I was alone in the loft of our big barn." Kneeling beside a barrel of corn, he prayed for Christ to become his Savior. "That was my simple conversion, and I have tried to keep the faith," wrote Carver Seeking God through prayer, Carver asked: "Mr. Creator, why did You make the peanut?" God then led Carver to discover over 300 marketable products made from the peanut, including mayonnaise, cheese, shampoo, instant coffee, flour, soap, rubber, face powder, plastics, adhesives, axle grease, and pickles. From the sweet potato Carver discovered over 150 different uses including library paste, vinegar, starch, shoe blacking ink, and molasses. Despite Carver's fame and achievements, racism was a constant reminder of the social ills that plagued his society. Though forced to ride on freight elevators and barred from many of the establishments his peers frequented, Carver refused to become bitter. His love and trust in Christ helped him conquer the negative effects of poverty and racial prejudice. In the end, he earned the well-deserved respect and admiration of his peers and the grateful acknowledgment of future generations. It is men like Carver with such great faith in our creator that makes America the greatest nation on earth. revdauphinee answered on 09/12/06: how can one witness the order in the universe then deny intelegent design???? arcura rated this answer peddler7118 rated this answer

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Laura asked on 09/11/06 - Path to 911 Being in the midst at this moment watching this movie, (have to wait for our President to give his speach) I won't comment right this minute but after the movie is over I think I have a few things to say. Yeah I do have a couple things to say right now. For anyone who missed the first part last night you can see it at http://abc.go.com/movies/thepathto911/index.html You will probably be able to see the second part there as well. OH MY GOD!!! What were our officials THINKING!!! Good God they had plenty....plenty since the World Trade Center attack and the Cole!!! Long before 911 and you can't blame Bush for that!!! And if anyone thinks it's not important that some of our liberties have to be invaded in order to protect this nation then you have some serious problems and you are blind!!!.. Didn't like the term "racial profiling" much before this movie.. Now I have to wonder if it's not a matter of life and death. revdauphinee answered on 09/12/06: this is not the only influence I have for not trusting them read the qouran this is why I dont trust them!! Laura rated this answer

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arcura asked on 09/11/06 - I Just Got This From A Friend. What do you think about it? A GOOD READ FOR ALL STUDENTS. THE PURPOSE FOR TRUTH IS TO DESTROY THE LIARS, & EVERYONE DESERVES TO KNOW THE DIFFERENCE DO YOU KNOW THAT: 1. ISRAEL BECAME A STATE IN 1312 B.C. ....2,000 YEARS BEFORE ISLAM WAS FORMED; 2. ARAB REFUGEES FROM ISRAEL BEGAN CALLING THEMSELVES "PALESTINIANS" IN 1967, 2 DECADES AFTER (MODERN) ISRAELI STATEHOOD; 3. AFTER CONQUERING THE LAND IN 1272 B.C. JEWS RULED IT FOR A THOUSAND YEARS, AND MAINTAINED A CONTINUOUS PRESENCE THERE FOR 3,300 YEARS; 4. THE ONLY ARAB RULE FOLLOWING CONQUEST IN 633 B.C. LASTED JUST 22 YEARS; 5. FOR OVER 3,300 YEARS, JERUSALEM WAS THE JEWISH CAPITAL. IT WAS NEVER THE CAPITAL OF ANY ARAB OR MUSLIM ENTITY, EVEN UNDER JORDANIAN RULE, (EAST) JERUSALEM WAS NOT MADE THE CAPITAL, AND NO ARAB LEADER EVER CAME TO VISIT IT; 6. JERUSALEM IS MENTIONED OVER 700 TIMES IN THE BIBLE...BUT NOT ONCE IS IT MENTIONED IN THE ISLAMIC KORAN; 7. KING DAVID FOUNDED JERUSALEM; MOHAMMED (WHO STARTED ISLAM) NEVER SET FOOT IN JERUSALEM; 8. JEWS PRAY FACING JERUSALEM; MUSLIMS FACE MECCA. IF THEY ARE BETWEEN THE TWO CITIES, MUSLIMS PRAY FACING MECCA, WITH THEIR BACKS TO JERUSALEM; 9. IN 1948, ARAB LEADERS URGED THEIR PEOPLE TO LEAVE, PROMISING TO CLEANSE THE LAND OF JEWISH PRESENCE. 68% OF THEM FLED WITHOUT EVER SETTING EYES ON AN ISRAELI SOLDIER; 10. VIRTUALLY THE ENTIRE JEWISH POPULATION OF MUSLIM COUNTRIES HAD TO FLEE AS THE RESULT OF VIOLENCE, MURDER AND POGROMS; 11. SOME 630,000 ARABS LEFT ISRAEL IN 1948...WHILE CLOSE TO A MILLION JEWS WERE FORCED TO LEAVE ALL MUSLIM COUNTRIES; 12. IN SPITE OF THE VAST TERRITORIES AT THEIR DISPOSAL, ARAB REFUGESS WERE DELIBERATELY PREVENTED FROM ASSIMILATING INTO THEIR HOST COUNTRIES. OF 100 MILLION REFUGEES FOLLOWING WORLD WAR 2, THEY ARE THE ONLY GROUP TO HAVE NEVER INTEGRATED WITH THEIR OWN CO-RELIGIONISTS. MOST OF THE JEWISH REFUGEES FROM EUROPE AND ARAB LANDS WERE SETTLED IN ISRAEL, A COUNTRY NO LARGER THAN NEW JERSEY; 13. THERE ARE 22 MUSLIM COUNTRIES, NOT COUNTING THE AREA THEY DECIDED TO CALL PALESTINE. (THERE IS NO SUCH COUNTRY AS PALESTINE, NO SUCH THING AS PALESTINIANS; NEITHER CAN THEY TRACE THE ROOTS OF "PALESTINIAN" PEOPLE. ) THERE IS ONLY ONE JEWISH STATE. ARABS STARTED ALL 5 WARS, UNPROVOKED, AGAINST ISRAEL, AND LOST EVERY SINGLE ONE OF THEM; 14. FATAH AND HAMAS (TERRORISTS) CONSTITUTIONS STILL CALL FOR THE TOTAL DESTRUCTION OF ISRAEL. ISRAEL CEDED MOST OF THE WEST BANK AND ALL OF GAZA TO THE PALESTINIAN AUTHORITY, AND EVEN PROVIDED IT WITH ARMS; IT WAS NEVER ENOUGH; THE ARABS WANT MORE AND WILL KILL AND DESTROY UNTIL THEY (THINK) THEY WILL GET IT. 15. DURING THE JORDANIAN OCCUPATION, JEWISH HOLY SITES WERE VANDALIZED & WERE OFF LIMITS TO JEWS. UNDER ISRAELI RULE, ALL MUSLIM & CHRISTIAN HOLY SITES ARE ACCESSIBLE TO ALL FAITHS; 16. OUT OF 175 UNITED NATIONS SECURITY COUNCIL RESOLUTIONS UP TO 1990, 97 WERE AGAINST ISRAEL; OUT OF 690 GENERAL ASSEMBLY RESOLUTIONS, 429 WERE AGAINST ISRAEL; (97 OF THOSE COUNTRIES ARE RULED BY COMMUNIST, ISLAMIC & SOCIALIST DICTATORS WHO HATE AMERICA, ISRAEL AND ANY FORM OF DEMOCRACY) 18. THE U.N. WAS SILENT WHEN THE JORDANIANS DESTROYED 58 SYNAGOGUES IN THE OLD CITY OF JERUSALEM. IT REMAINED SILENT WHILE JORDAN SYSTEMATICALLY DESECRATED THE ANCIENT JEWISH CEMETERY ON THE MOUNT OF OLIVES, AND IT REMAINED SILENT WHEN JORDAN ENFORCED APARTHEID LAWS PREVENTING JEWS FROM ACCESSING THE TEMPLE MOUNT AND WESTERN WALL. THESE ARE TRYING TIMES. WE MUST ASK OURSELVES WHAT WE SHOULD BE DOING, AND WHAT WE WILL TELL OUR GRANDCHILDREN ABOUT OUR ACTIONS DURING THIS CRISIS, WHEN WE HAD THE CHANCE TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE, AND WHILE WE CURSED ISRAEL, KNOWING THAT GOD WOULD CURSE US IN RETURN. START NOW! SEND THIS MESSAGE TO 20 FRIENDS, AND ASK EACH OF THEM TO SEND IT TO 20 MORE. JEWISH OR NOT, IT DOESN'T MATTER. EVERYONE SHOULD KNOW THE FACTS...EVERYONE HAS THE RIGHT TO KNOW THE TRUTH. TRUTH AND PEACE ARE VALUES COMMON TO THE HUMAN RACE. EVEN THOUGH WE CAN FIND THE TRUTH, THERE IS A FACTION AMONG US THAT WILL GO TO GREAT LENGTHS TO PREVENT TRUTH FROM REACHING THE HUMAN RACE. PASS THIS ON; LET NO ONE YOU KNOW, OR WHOM YOU LOVE, FALL VICTIM TO DECEIT & IGNORANCE. __._,_.___ SOME FACTS ABOUT ISRAEL (((When Americans go to the polls in November, we have to ask ourselves if those we plan to elect curse Israel, or stand with Israel. The outcome is on our shoulders, for we know on which side our government SHOULD be standing in the future.)))) revdauphinee answered on 09/11/06: (Isa.2:1-5 1 This is what Isaiah son of Amoz saw concerning Judah and Jerusalem: 2 In the last days the mountain of the LORD's temple will be established as chief among the mountains; it will be raised above the hills, and all nations will stream to it. 3 Many peoples will come and say, "Come, let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, to the house of the God of Jacob. He will teach us his ways, so that we may walk in his paths." The law will go out from Zion, the word of the LORD from Jerusalem. 4 He will judge between the nations and will settle disputes for many peoples. They will beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks. Nation will not take up sword against nation, nor will they train for war anymore. arcura rated this answer

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HANK1 asked on 09/11/06 - LIVE A LITTLE: "Joy is in release, so thankfully received, Joy is in sorry, so sweetly mourned and grieved, Joy is to be found, you find it through yearning, Joy is in coming and going, waiting and watching, living and learning." -Norris Chumley I have been preaching this positive philosophy for your benefit for years. How about it? Is there room for JOY in your life 24/7? HANK revdauphinee answered on 09/11/06: (Ps.30:5,11,12 5 For his anger lasts only a moment, but his favor lasts a lifetime; weeping may remain for a night, but rejoicing comes in the morning. arcura rated this answer HANK1 rated this answer

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arcura asked on 09/11/06 - Is our plaent "Earth" really unique? Maybe not say scientists. More earth-like planets in space than earlier believed By ANI Friday September 8, 02:23 PM Washington, Sep 8 (ANI): US researchers have said the presence of Earth like planets in the solar system may be more common than previously believed. More than more than one third of the giant planet systems recently detected outside the Earth's solar system may harbour Earth like planets, covered in deep oceans with potential for life, says a new study by researchers from the University of Colorado at Boulder and Pennsylvania State University. CU-Boulder researcher Sean Raymond said the study focuses on a type of planetary system unlike our solar system that contains gas giants known as "Hot Jupiters" orbiting extremely close to their parent stars, even closer than Mercury to our sun. He said such gas giants were believed to have migrated inward toward their parent stars as the planetary systems were forming, disrupting the space environment and triggering the formation of ocean-covered, Earth-like planets in a "habitable zone" conducive to the evolution of life. In his study, "Exotic Earths: Forming Habitable Worlds with Giant Planet Migration", published in Science, Raymond said Hot Jupiters had the tendency to push and pull proto-planetary disk material during their journeys, flinging rocky debris outward where it was likely to coalesce into Earth-like planets. "At the same time, turbulent forces from the dense surrounding gas slow down the orbits of small, icy bodies in the outer reaches of the disk, causing them to spiral inward and deliver water to the fledgling planets. Such planets may eventually host oceans several miles deep," he said. "These gas giants cause quite a ruckus. We now think there is a new class of ocean-covered, and possibly habitable, planets in solar systems unlike our own," Raymond added. Previously scientists had assumed that as Hot Jupiters ploughed through proto-planetary material on their inward migrations toward parent stars, all the surrounding material got "vacuumed up" or ejected from the system. "The new models indicate these early ideas were probably wrong," Raymond further said. For their study, the team ran exhaustive simulations lasting more than eight months each on more than a dozen desktop computers, starting with proto-planetary disks containing more than 1,000 moon-sized, rocky and icy bodies. The initial conditions for each computer model were based on current theories of how planets form in our own solar system and simulated about 200 million years of planetary evolution. The team concluded that about one of every three known planetary systems could have evolved as-yet-undetected Earth-like planets in the so-called habitable zones like the one Earth is in. "A whopping 40 percent of the 200 or so known planets around other stars are Hot Jupiters, although the percentage probably will decrease as more distant planets are discovered. In addition to Earth-like planets that form in habitable zones outside Hot Jupiters, the simulations showed some rocky planets known as "Hot Earths" often form inside the orbits of Hot Jupiters," said Raymond. The study also revealed the existence of both Hot Earths and Earth-like planets in habitable zones formed with large amounts of water, up to 100 times the water present on Earth today. "The models indicate such water-rich planets would probably contain a lower percentage of iron - which may be important for the evolution and possible oxygenation of evolving atmospheres - than Earth," Raymond said. Incidentally, a Hot Earth, with a radius twice that of our own Earth, was discovered in 2005 in a nearby star system orbiting just two million miles from its parent star by a team led by University of California, Berkeley, planetary scientist Geoffrey Marcy. Hot Earths form astoundingly fast, in just 100,000 years or so. Earth-like planets in habitable zones form much more slowly, taking up to 200 million years. Geologists believe Earth took about 30 million years to 50 million years to fully form. "I think there are definitely habitable planets out there. But any life on these planets could be very different from ours. There are a lot of evolutionary steps in between the formation of such planets in other systems and the presence of life forms looking back at us," Raymond said. (ANI) revdauphinee answered on 09/11/06: whos to say god didnt also make other earths and other peoples???for did he not say John 10 : 16. I have other sheep that are not of this sheep pen. I must bring them also. They too will listen to my voice, and there shall be one flock and one shepherd. arcura rated this answer peddler7118 rated this answer

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peddler7118 asked on 09/11/06 - A real peace Plan? Leave it to Robin Williams to come up with the perfect plan... what we need now is for our UN Ambassador to stand up and repeat this message. Robin Williams' plan...(Hard to argue with this logic!) I see a lot of people yelling for peace but I have not heard of a plan for peace. So, here's one plan: 1) The US will apologize to the world for our "interference" in their affairs, past & present. We will promise never to "interfere" again. 2) We will withdraw our troops from all over the world, starting with Germany, South Korea and the Philippines. They don't want us there. We would station troops at our borders. No more sneaking through holes in the fence. 3) All illegal aliens have 90 days to get their affairs together and leave. We'll give them a free trip home. After 90 days the remainder will be gathered up and deported immediately, regardless of who or where they are. France would welcome them. 4) All future visitors will be thoroughly checked and limited to 90 day visits unless given a special permit. No one from a terrorist nation would be allowed in. If you don't like it there, change it yourself, don't hide here. Asylum would not ever be available to anyone. We don't need any more cab drivers. 5) No "students" over age 21. The older ones are the bombers. If they don't attend classes, they get a "D" and it's back home, baby. 6) The US will make a strong effort to become self sufficient energy wise. This will include developing non polluting sources of energy but will require a temporary drilling of oil in the Alaskan wilderness. The caribou will have to cope for a while. 7) Offer Saudi Arabia and other oil producing countries $10 a barrel for their oil. If they don't like it, we go someplace else. 8) If there is a famine or other natural catastrophe in the world, we will not "interfere". They can pray to Allah or whomever, for seeds, rain, cement or whatever they need. Besides, most of what we give them gets "lost" or is taken by their army. The people who need it most get very little, anyway. 9) Ship the UN Headquarters to an island some place. We don't need the spies and fair weather friends here. Besides, it would make a good homeless shelter or lockup for illegal aliens. 9b) Use the buildings as replacement for the twin towers. 10) All Americans must go to charm and beauty school. That way, no one can call us "Ugly Americans" any longer. Now, ain't that a winner of a plan. "The Statue of Liberty is no longer saying 'Give me your poor, your tired, your huddled masses.' She's got a baseball bat and she's yelling, 'You want a piece of me?" Robin Williams {before certain people call me a liar and a bigot I admit this is a joke} revdauphinee answered on 09/11/06: +sounds like it would work dosent it??? Mathatmacoat rated this answer peddler7118 rated this answer

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HANK1 asked on 09/10/06 - THE POPE: I'm not trying to be a wiseguy by asking this question. Here it is: Is the POPE suppose to be God's ONLY spokesman or representative on Earth? HANK revdauphinee answered on 09/10/06: for me personaly he is the head of the Roman church no more no less !I do not think he speaks for God in any way! HANK1 rated this answer ladybugca rated this answer Toms777 rated this answer

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arcura asked on 09/09/06 - Do we need the One True God of the Jews and Christians to defeat the forces of Osmah Ben Laudan? I have been watching the CNN special on him. In that he keeps saying that Allah is on his side because he and his forces believe in and are on Allah�s side. Now I believe that his terrorist ideas and intentions are inspired and instigated by Satan Will those who oppose Ben Laudan need to turn to God to defeat him and his bunch of blood thirsty terrorists? Or will being secularist do the job with no supernatural aid needed? revdauphinee answered on 09/10/06: Now I believe that his terrorist ideas and intentions are inspired and instigated by Satan i AGREE ! arcura rated this answer

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belle33 asked on 09/08/06 - what is the reason for multiple names here. I can understand if you get bumped out for some reason but other than that what is the advantage? revdauphinee answered on 09/09/06: i Can only speak for myself I am who I claim to be and it is my real name! belle33 rated this answer

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ROLCAM asked on 09/06/06 - PARENTS !! How are parents recognised as the primary catechists of their children? revdauphinee answered on 09/06/06: (Prov.22:6 Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it. ) ROLCAM rated this answer

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MaggieB asked on 09/06/06 - On Denominationalism On Denominationalism The story is told of five men sitting around a potbellied stove, arguing about which is the "right" religion-- which offers the great assurance of salvation. It was a fruitless discussion because no one could agree. Finally they turned to a wise old fellow who had been sitting in the corner, listening. "Gentlemen," he said, "when the cotton is picked, there are several ways to get it to the gin. We can take the northern route-- it's longer but the road is better. Or we can take the southern route, which is shorter but filled with chuckholes. Or we can go over the mountain, even though it's more perilous. When we reach the gin, though, the man doesn't ask which way we came." He simple asks, "Brother, how good is your cotton?" revdauphinee answered on 09/06/06: however unfotunatly all roads do NOT lead to Rome!So many wont get to the Gin! It's irrelevant if there is a god or which god is the "right" god. Not to a christian for (Exo.20:3-17 3 "You shall have no other gods before me. Judgment_Day rated this answer Laura rated this answer MaggieB rated this answer

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peddler7118 asked on 09/06/06 - Was Jesus Christ a Liberal Theologian? 6 April 2004 There is considerable debate these days concerning the inerrancy (infallibility) of Scripture. The authority of God�s Word is the main issue. But, if one yields to the authority of Jesus Christ (Yeshua HaMashiach), he must, in turn, yield to Christ�s view of the Scripture itself. Anyone and everyone who claims to be a Christian (a believer under the authority of Christ) must hold to the same view He did! What was it? I. Negative aspects (an argument from silence�but a loud silence!) Jesus never belittled Scripture (as some modern critics do), or set it aside (as the Jewish leaders of His day had done with their Oral Traditions), or criticized it (although He criticized those who misused it), or contradicted it (although He rejected many interpretations of it), or opposed it (although He sometimes was free or interpretive with it), nor spoke in any way as �higher� critics do of the Old Testament (Tanakh). II. Christ�s use of Scripture As Louis Gaussen has asserted, �We are not afraid to say it: when we hear the Son of God quote the Scriptures, every thing is said, in our view, on their divine inspiration�we need no further testimony. All the declarations of the Bible are, no doubt, equally divine; but this example of the Savior of the world has settled the question for us at once. This proof requires neither long nor learned researches; it is grasped by the hand of a child as powerfully as by that of a doctor. Should any doubt, then, assail your soul let it behold Him in the presence of the Scriptures!�1 He knew the Scriptures thoroughly, even to words and verb tenses. He obviously had either memorized vast portions or knew it instinctively: John 7:15.2 He believed every word of Scripture. All the prophecies concerning Himself were fulfilled,3 and He believed beforehand they would be.4 He believed the Old Testament was historical fact. This is very clear, even though from the Creation (cf. Genesis 2:24 and Matthew 19:4, 5) onward, much of what He believed has long been under fire by critics, as being mere fiction. Some examples of historical facts: Luke 11:51�Abel was a real individual Matthew 24:37�39�Noah and the flood (Luke 17:26, 27) John 8:56�58�Abraham Matthew 10:15; 11:23, 24 (Luke 10:12)�Sodom and Gomorrah Luke 17:28�32�Lot (and wife!) Matthew 8:11�Isaac and Jacob (Luke 13:28) John 6:31, 49, 58�Manna John 3:14�Serpent Matthew 12:39�41�Jonah (vs. 42�Sheba) Matthew 24:15�Daniel and Isaiah He believed the books were written by the men whose names they bear: Moses wrote the Pentateuch (Torah): Matthew 19:7, 8; Mark 7:10, 12:26 (�Book of Moses��the Torah); Luke 5:14; 16:29,31; 24:27, 44 (�Christ�s Canon�); John 1:17; 5:45, 46; 7:19; (�The Law [Torah] was given by Moses; Grace and Truth came by Jesus Christ.�)5 Isaiah wrote �both� Isaiah�s: Mark 7:6�13; John 12:37�41 [Ed. note: Liberals claim that Isaiah 40-66 was composed after the fall of Jerusalem by another writer they call �Deutero-Isaiah�. The only real �reason� for their claim is that a straightforward dating would mean that predictive prophecy was possible, and liberals have decreed a priori that knowledge of the future is impossible (like miracles in general). Thus these portions must have been written after the events. However, there is nothing in the text itself to hint of a different author. See The Unity of Isaiah. In fact, even the Dead Sea Isaiah Scroll was a seamless unity. But as Dr Livingston said, since Jesus affirmed the unity of Isaiah, the deutero-Isaiah theory is just not an option for anyone calling himself a follower of Christ.] Jonah wrote Jonah: Matthew 12:39�41 Daniel wrote Daniel: Matthew 24:15 He believed the Old Testament was spoken by God Himself, or written by the Holy Spirit�s inspiration, even though the pen was held by men: Matthew 19:4, 5; 22:31, 32, 43; Mark 12:26; Luke 20:37. He believed Scripture was more powerful than His miracles: Luke 16:29, 31. He actually quoted it in overthrowing Satan! The O.T. Scriptures were the arbiter in every dispute: Matthew 4; Luke 16:29, 31. He quoted Scripture as the basis for his own teaching. His ethics were the same as what we find already written in Scripture: Matthew 7:12; 19:18, 19; 22:40; Mark 7:9, 13; 10:19; 12:24, 29�31; Luke 18:20. He warned against replacing it with something else, or adding or subtracting from it. The Jewish leaders in His day had added to it with their Oral Traditions: Matthew 5:17; 15:1�9; 22:29; (cf. 5:43, 44); Mark. 7:1�12. (Destroying faith in the Bible as God�s Word will open the door today to a �new� Tradition.) He will judge all men in the last day, as Messiah and King, on the basis of His infallible Word committed to writing by fallible men, guided by the infallible Holy Spirit: Matthew 25:31; John 5:22, 27; 12:48; Romans 2:16. He made provision for the New Testament (B�rit Hadashah) by sending the Holy Spirit (the Ruach HaKodesh). We must note that He Himself never wrote one word of Scripture although He is the Word of God Himself (the living Torah in flesh and blood, see John, chapter 1). He committed the task of all writing of the Word of God to fallible men�guided by the infallible Holy Spirit. The apostles� words had the same authority as Christ�s: Matthew 10:14, 15; Luke 10:16; John 13:20; 14:22; 15:26, 27; 16:12�14. He not only was not jealous of the attention men paid to the Bible (denounced as �bibliolatry� by some), He reviled them for their ignorance of it: Matthew 22:29; Mark 12:24. Nor did Jesus worship Scripture. He honored it�even though written by men. The above leaves no room but to conclude that our Lord Jesus Christ considered the canon of Scripture as God�s Word, written by the hand of men. Although some religious leaders profess to accept Scripture as �God�s Word,� their low view of �inspiration� belies the fact. They believe and teach that Scripture is, to a very significant degree, man�s word. Many of their statements are in essential disagreement with those of Jesus Christ. From the evidence of their books, we conclude that some Christian leaders are opposite to Christ in His regard for the authority, the inspiration, and the inerrancy of Scripture. And now, the most important point. III. Jesus Christ was subject to Scripture Jesus obeyed the Word of God, not man. He was subject to it. If some leaders� view of inspiration were true, Jesus was subject to an errant, rather casually thrown-together �Word of Man.� Jesus would have been subject, then, to the will of man, not the will of God. However, in all the details of His acts of redemption, Jesus was subject to Scripture as God�s Word. He obeyed it. It was His authority, the rule by which He lived. He came to do God�s will, not His own, and not man�s. Note how all of His life He did things because they were written�as if God had directly commanded. He fulfilled Old Testament prophecies about Himself. The passages are found all over the Old Testament. We cite here only a very few quoted in the New Testament: Matthew 11:10; 26:24, 53�56; Mark 9:12, 13; Luke 4:17�21; 18:31�33; 22:37; 24:44�47. He Himself is the Word of God. All the words from His lips were the Word of God. (John 3:34). If He had desired, He could have written a new set of rules and they would have been the Word of God. But, He did not. He followed without question the Bible already penned by men. This is the sensible thing for every believer to do. May all who read this adopt Jesus� attitude and become subject both to Him as Living Word (living Torah) and to the Bible as the infallible, written Word of God. Additional recommended resources The Online Bible CD-ROM Many Infallible Proofs The Defender�s Study Bible The Bible Comes Alive Footnotes Gaussen, L., The Plenary Inspiration of the Holy Scriptures, (Chicago: The Bible Inst. Colportage Association, n.d.), p. 93. Jesus need not verify every passage in the Canon or else we would find the whole Old Testament requoted in the New Testament, which is unnecessary. He verifies enough of it to assure us of complete approval of it all, including passages from all but a few books. Yet those also were in His Canon. He did not refute any of them. A good summary of fulfilled prophecy, see: Wenham, J.W., Our Lord�s View of the Old Testament, London: Tyndale Press (1953), pp. 23, 24. See: Matthew 26:53�56; Luke 24:25�27; John 5:39�47. The Pentateuch (Torah) is but one book in five parts. Meredith Kline�s Treaty of the Great King has demonstrated convincingly that it was written by one person as a unity. Therefore, Christ�s reference to any part of it as written by Moses infers He believed it was all written by Moses. The holy Scriptures � make you wise to accept God�s salvation (Hebrew Yeshua) by trusting in Christ Jesus (Hebrew Yeshua HaMashiach). The whole Bible was given to us by inspiration from God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives; it straightens us out and helps us do what is right. It is God�s way of making us well prepared at every point, fully equipped to do good to everyone. � II Timothy, Chapter 3, Verses 15�17, Living Bible -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (This paper is an excerpt from Dr Livingston�s M.A. Thesis titled, �A Critique of Dewey Beegle�s book titled: Inspiration of Scripture�. Copyright 2003 David Livingston, reproduced with permission.) We encourage our readers and subscribers to check out Dr Livingston�s website at: www.ancientdays.net. Return to top. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Available online at: http://www.answersingenesis.org/docs2004/0406scripture.asp COPYRIGHT � 2006 Answers in Genesis revdauphinee answered on 09/06/06: Let Mormons believe what they believe. Let Muslims believe what they believe. even if it will lead them to hell???? peddler7118 rated this answer

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hOPE12 asked on 09/05/06 - Can you explain? Hello Everyone, Gen 3: 14 And God proceeded to say to the serpent: �Because you have done this thing, you are the cursed one out of all the domestic animals and out of all the wild beasts of the field. Upon your belly you will go and dust is what you will eat all the days of your life. 15 And I shall put enmity between you and the woman and between your seed and her seed. He will bruise you in the head and you will bruise him in the heel.� Who is the woman in this scripture? Who will get bruised in the heel? Who will get bruised in the head? What does it mean for the one being bruised in the head and the one bruised in the heel? Take care, Hope12 revdauphinee answered on 09/05/06: Who is the woman in this scripture? EVE Who will get bruised in the heel? humans Who will get bruised in the head? snakes hOPE12 rated this answer

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hOPE12 asked on 09/05/06 - Genesis 2:12 Hello Everyone, bdellium gum is mentioned in the scripture. What is it? What is it used for today? What was it used for in the Bible time? Take care, Hope12 revdauphinee answered on 09/05/06: Bdellium (Hebrew bedolach) was probably an aromatic gum like balsam that was ... Bdellium was an adulterant of the costly myrrh and remains a binder in perfumes. ... belle33 rated this answer hOPE12 rated this answer

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ROLCAM asked on 09/05/06 - JOHN 3:16. A little boy was selling newspapers on the corner, the people were in and out of the cold. The little boy was so cold that he wasn't trying to sell many papers. He walked up to a policeman and said, "Mister, you wouldn't happen to know where a poor boy could find a warm place to sleep tonight would you? You see, I sleep in a box up around the corner there and down the alley and it's awful cold in there for tonight. Sure would be nice to have a warm place to stay." The policeman looked down at the little boy and said, "you go down the street to that big white house and you knock on the door. When they come out the door you just say John 3:16, and they will let you in." So he did. He walked up the steps and knocked on the door, and a lady answered. He looked up and said, "John 3:16." The lady said, "Come on in, Son." She took him in and she sat him down in a split bottom rocker in front of a great big old fireplace, and she went off. The boy sat there for a while and thought to himself: John 3:16...I don't understand it, but it sure makes a cold boy warm. Later she came back and asked him "Are you hungry?" He said, "Well, just a little. I haven't eaten in a couple of days, and I guess I could stand a little bit of food," The lady took him in the kitchen and sat him down to a table full of wonderful food. He ate and ate until he couldn't eat any more. Then he thought to himself: John 3:16...Boy, I sure don't understand it but it sure makes a hungry boy full. She took him upstairs to a bathroom to a huge bathtub filled with warm water, and he sat there and soaked for a while. As he soaked, he thought to himself: John 3:16... I sure don't understand it, but it sure makes a dirty boy clean. You know, I've not had a bath, a real bath, in my whole life. The only bath I ever had was when I stood in front of that big old fire hydrant as they flushed it out.The lady came in and got him. She took him to a room, tucked him into a big old feather bed, pulled the covers up around his neck, kissed him goodnight and turned out the lights. As he lay in the darkness and looked out the window at the snow coming down on that cold night, he thought to himself: John 3:16...I don't understand it but it sure makes a tired boy rested. The next morning the lady came back up and took him down again to that same big table full of food. After he ate, she took him back to that same big old split bottom rocker in front of the fireplace and picked up a big old Bible. She sat down in front of him and looked into his young face. "Do you understand John 3:16?" she asked gently. He replied, "No, Ma'am, I don't. The first time I ever heard it was last night when the policeman told me to use it," She opened the Bible to John 3:16 and began to explain to him about Jesus. Right there, in front of that big old fireplace, he gave his heart and life to Jesus. He sat there and thought: John 3:16....don't understand it, but it sure makes a lost boy feel safe. You know, I have to confess I don't understand it either, how God was willing to send His Son to die for me, and how Jesus would agree to do such a thing. I don't understand the agony of the Father and every angel in heaven as they watched Jesus suffer and die. I don't understand the intense love for ME that kept Jesus on the cross till the end. I don't understand it, but it sure does make life worth living. John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. If you aren't ashamed to do this, please follow the directions. Jesus said, "If you are ashamed of me, I will be ashamed of you before my Father." Pass this on only if you mean it. I do Love God. He is my source of existence. He keeps me functioning each and every day. Phil 4:13 If you love God and are not ashamed of all the marvelous things he has done for you, send this on. revdauphinee answered on 09/05/06: If he accepted Christ then yes he either did or in the future he will! ROLCAM rated this answer

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MarySusan asked on 09/04/06 - Climate Crisis, Avian Flu, and, what, Obesity? Obesity 'engulfing the entire world' "The world is in the grip of an obesity pandemic that threatens to overwhelm every country's health system, experts at an international conference warned on Sunday. "Obesity is an international scourge," Professor Paul Zimmet, the chairman of the meeting of more than 2,500 experts and health officials, told delegates in a speech opening the International Congress on Obesity. "This insidious, creeping pandemic of obesity is now engulfing the entire world." "It's as big a threat as global warming and bird flu," said Zimmet, an Australian diabetes expert. Other experts at the conference said the cost of treating health problems related to being overweight was immeasurable on a global scale, but was estimated at billions of dollars a year in countries such as Australia, Britain and the United States. "We are not dealing with a scientific or medical problem, we're dealing with an enormous economic problem that, it is already accepted, is going to overwhelm every medical system in the world," said Professor Philip James, the chairman of a global task force set up by medical organizations that deal with weight-related problems. He said governments are being forced to confront rising obesity rates because of the expense of treating related health issues. Children suffer Among the most worrying problems is skyrocketing rates of obesity among children, which makes them much more prone to chronic diseases as they grow older and could shave years off their lives, experts said. The children in this generation may be the first in history to die before their parents because of health problems related to weight, Kate Steinbeck, an expert in children's health at Sydney's Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, said in a statement. The World Health Organization says more than 1 billion adults around the world are overweight and 300 million of them are obese, putting them at much higher risk of diabetes, heart problems, high blood pressure, stroke and some forms of cancer. Zimmet said there are now more overweight people in the world than people who are undernourished, who number about 600 million. People in wealthy countries are leading the world in overeating and not doing enough physical activity, but those in developing countries in Asia, Africa and Latin America are quickly learning the bad habits, delegates said." $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ Is the problem of *world obesity* a concern for Chrisitans? revdauphinee answered on 09/04/06: it shoukld be but i know a preacher that has to weigh 300 lbs and his wife 500 no kidding is this looking on your body as a temple why cant I take this man seriously with this condition???the admonition to do things in moderation applies to eating dosent it???? isizathu rated this answer MarySusan rated this answer

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peddler7118 asked on 09/03/06 - Will the RCC change it's dogma again? 1. TIME: The Pope and Darwin Pope Benedict XVI is hosting a summit of some scholars this weekend to discuss natural selection and evolution. This is interesting both because of the Roman Catholic Church�s previous tacit endorsement of evolution (which Pope John Paul II called �more than a hypothesis�), because of the current Pope�s historical emphasis on creation (though not necessary biblical creation), and because Cardinal Christopher Sch�nborn, who will deliver an important address at this weekend�s conference, has made comments such as �[Darwinism] is a myth that has become history.� The Guardian puts its own spin on the story, announcing boldly �Pope prepares to embrace theory of intelligent design� and stating that �the theory of �intelligent design� is taught in some US states (implying�incorrectly�that it is taught in public schools). Stephen Horn, who is organizing the conference, cautioned that the meeting �has nothing to do with creationism � Catholic theology does not endorse creationist views,� according to a Reuters article on the meeting. It sounds like minds within the Catholic hierarchy are in disagreement, since Cardinal Sch�nborn calls Darwinism�a myth� yet Mr. Horn states that Catholic theology does not endorse creationist views (presumably therefore concluding that God did not even create the universe). What�s clear (though not surprising) is the absence of any reference to Genesis. revdauphinee answered on 09/03/06: agree with paraclete on this one peddler7118 rated this answer

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isizathu asked on 09/02/06 - Heaven and Hell � Another (modified) post found on the internet : Food for thought! If after you die your soul goes "up" towards Final Judgement .... A soul exists outside space and time, so how can it be subjected to the physical pleasure or torment, as so many Christians seem to think? It is interesting to read Jewish Hassidic philosophy because their concept of heaven and hell is a lot more theologically sound. According to the Lubavitchers (don't hold me to this for other denominations) "hell" is merely a soul "seeing" God in His full glory, yet not being able to be in union with him. A bit like a kid on Christmas morning locked outside his house in the cold outside, while his parents and his siblings sit inside by the fire opening presents without noticing he is missing. You see everyone being so happy and you feel like you belong, yet they don't notice you are missing and are carrying on perfectly fine without you. On the other hand heaven is just the opposite, a soul's complete union with god and a feeling of spiritual bliss. I think this is a lot more realistic and theologically sound (if there is a heaven and hell). How do you "see" Heaven and Hell? � revdauphinee answered on 09/03/06: It is interesting to read Jewish Hassidic philosophy because their concept of heaven and hell is a lot more theologically sound. According to the Lubavitchers (don't hold me to this for other denominations) "hell" is merely a soul "seeing" God in His full glory, yet not being able to be in union with him. I also share this vision of hell arcura rated this answer isizathu rated this answer

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peddler7118 asked on 08/31/06 - Is Christianity Existentialist Philosophy? Lately I have wondered what the vas t majority of the experts here, non Bible believing Christians, would say to this non believing truth seeker: I t seems to me that most Christians get their arguments from atheist.com. They are all the same. Genesis is a myth , science has proven the earth is 6.90000056783 years old, stars are to far away, the ark was too small , there were too many animals, what about the poop?, why would a loving God send people to hell who never heard the Gospel, the Exodus is a myth ad infinitum. All you are telling l me is to ignore the parts of the Bible that deal with history, anthropology, geology, astronomy, and science and just trust Jesus. Why? Because of some Gnostic revelation you had?. The Mormons ask the Holy Spirit to tell them Mormonism is true, Muslims have religious experiences so do Hindu�s, Moonies, and Satanists. Why are your feelings superior to theirs? More than 60% of the Bible is history. If that is not true why believe the other 40% ? If science has proven the Bible a lie when it touches on geology and astronomy why do you believe in miracles like virgin births and resurrection of the dead? I believe I will stick to the rational, intellectual view that there is nothing but the cosmos. Why get laughed at over an out of date book of myths? revdauphinee answered on 08/31/06: because wwe believe in what you call Myths !believe is a choice ,we need no proof we take God at his word when he says in John 20: 29. Then Jesus told him, "Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed." peddler7118 rated this answer

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CeeBee2 asked on 08/31/06 - Why are there two versions of Creation, Genesis 1 and Genesis 2? Which one is correct? revdauphinee answered on 08/31/06: give two people a story to tell in there own words im sure you will find minute diffferences whilst still getting the point of the story! CeeBee2 rated this answer Toms777 rated this answer

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ROLCAM asked on 08/31/06 - Follow His Steps. Follow His Steps. For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps. 1 Peter 2:21 ESV What an invitation !! revdauphinee answered on 08/31/06: an invitation that must be accepted ROLCAM rated this answer

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ROLCAM asked on 08/31/06 - Work while it is day. I tell you, lift up your eyes, and see how the fields are already white for harvest. He who reaps receives wages, and gathers fruit for eternal life, so that sower and reaper may rejoice together. John 4:35b,36 RSV What a wonderful feeling of satisfaction!! revdauphinee answered on 08/31/06: true but they key words here are ""He who reaps "' ROLCAM rated this answer

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CeeBee2 asked on 08/31/06 - Is this true, that "without original sin, Christ died for nothing." I'm having trouble with that phrase in quotes. Every day, every second in fact, each of us has a choice to do good or to do evil, to be loving or to be unloving. Doesn't a Christian believe that Christ died for him, to pay the price for his sins, the sins that he himself commits, the unloving choices he makes? Are we actually blameless because, after all, we do unloving things because of original sin, so it's not really OUR fault, but is really Adam and Eve's fault--the result of original sin? Wouldn't each of us have been just as disobedient as Adam and Eve were, would have made the same choice they did? Do you understand what I'm trying to work out in my head? To me, the idea of original sin sounds like a cop out, a way to avoid personal responsibility (like, "the devil made me do it" or "I was unloving because of original sin - just couldn't help myself"). revdauphinee answered on 08/31/06: original sin is an ihereted trait!which all mankind shares CeeBee2 rated this answer

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peddler7118 asked on 08/30/06 - Is Genesis important to the law? Genesis and Justice LaymanLegal Consequences When Creation Is Forgotten by Jeffery J. Ventrella May 23, 2006 Keywords author-jeffery-ventrella When one thinks about people who are passionate about the book of Genesis, the following topics usually surface: evolution, dinosaurs, fossils, Noah�s Flood, carbon-dating and so on. What are usually not discussed, however, are the topics of justice and the courtroom. Yes, the Scopes trial is sometimes referenced in relation to Genesis, and litigation about intelligent design certainly makes news; but what about less-than-obvious creation-related matters? Specifically, are there legal matters that arise because the public square has turned a deaf ear toward Genesis? The answer is a definite �Yes!� Consider just the first few of the key doctrines taught in Genesis: A cosmic �two-ism� is established. There is a pre-existent God who creates, from nothing, everything.1 God shaped what He created into various inanimate objects but then created living things like plants2 and animals, which reproduced �according to their kind.�3 God created man in His own image; thus, man�and only man�bears this designation.4 Man was created in two distinct complementary, yet equally dignified genders, male and female.5 From this arrangement God, as a creational ordinance for those created in His image, established marriage to be the union of one man and one woman.6 Doctrines of Genesis Brought to Court Each of these areas is now the object of intense litigation across the USA and other western nations. Why? Ideas have consequences; and when true ideas are rejected, negative consequences will arise. The Apostle Paul, when commenting on Genesis in Romans 1, indicated that a great exchange occurred after the Fall: the Truth exchanged for, literally, the Lie.7 The context of Romans 1 makes plain that the manifestations of this exchange will center on two areas: (1) issues dealing with suppressing the Creator�s existence; and (2) issues reflecting a rejection of creational norms regulating sexual activity. Genesis is more than T. rexes & trilobites. Genesis establishes the basic parameters of living on God�s Earth Paul further notes that in conjunction with this suppression, there will be those who not only �practice� certain deeds but also those who �approve them� as well.8 Conduct in America is formally approved by its courts, classrooms and churches. Each is a battleground. And courtrooms across America now confirm Paul�s analysis. When the history of Genesis is rejected and its vital doctrines cast aside, the culture will litigate what has been abandoned. For example, note the vigor with which the �scientific community� opposes the proposed teaching of intelligent design in public schools as an alternative means of drawing inferences from biological data. Although intelligent design is not �creation science� nor even theistic, it is another means of interpreting data. Yet opposition to it is unrelenting and fierce because intelligent design permits the inference that a design and/or designer exists. Also, note today�s assault against marriage. God designed marriage with quantitative and qualitative components: one man and one woman. Today, litigation is directed at negating both components: demands for same-sex �marriage� clog many courts (�qualitative�) and some left-leaning advocacy groups and �scholarly academics� reveal a decided opposition to laws prohibiting polygamy (�quantitative�).9 Another recent phenomenon regards legal claims predicated upon �person theory.� Some animal rights activists are seeking fundamental rights for monkeys, dogs and even honeybees. At their root, these claims reflect a rejection of the image of God in man. Anything�except an unborn child, it seems�can be a �person� entitled to rights according to many of these advocates. Man is thus not unique. Litigation is also arising over cloning and its cousin (no pun intended) hybrid transpersonalism. In the UK, the �creator� of Dolly the sheep, Ian Wilmut, is seeking a legal license to merge rabbits and humans at the cellular level. This action negates the biblical notion that animals are only to reproduce �after their kind.� And, of course, this sort of Frankenstein-like experimentation denies man�s uniqueness as being created in God�s image. Much of litigation today is also designed to deny the creational notions of maleness and femaleness. This occurs in what are called �transgender� claims. Many businesses and local governments are now making discrimination based on �gender identity� unlawful. Again, the root of such claims derives from a rejection of creational norms. And these claims are particularly dangerous because they seek to extend the law beyond ethics�determining what is right and wrong�to metaphysics�determining something only God can do. Man is thus seeking with �translitigation� to become like God�just as Moses noted in (surprise) Genesis.10 Importance of Defending Genesis The book of Genesis, because it sets forth the Creator�s design and instruction for all that is, including humanity, should be foundational to every human society. If those truths are ignored, distorted or rejected, consequences will occur�they will be litigated and, if successful, imposed upon society. Genesis is about more than T. rexes and trilobites. Genesis establishes the basic parameters of living on God�s Earth according to His precepts in His Word. Ultimately, to reject Genesis is to reject life itself. That is why litigating the hot-button issues of our day is so crucial. Defending Genesis and the Creator God is foundational. Jeffery J. Ventrella is the senior vice president of strategic training for the Alliance Defense Fund (ADF). He has also lectured extensively on the relationships among civil law, tort liability and ecclesiastical jurisdiction with an eye toward equipping churches with more biblically based institutional bylaws. revdauphinee answered on 08/31/06: you state "A six 24-hour day Creation is a must-believe fact?" I ask back why???if as is stated in scripture (2Pet.3:8 But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day. the concept of a 24 hour day is a man made thing we must not place our own limits on God! peddler7118 rated this answer

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isizathu asked on 08/30/06 - Christianity Board - WeTellYou � We Tell You seems to have technical problems. Already several days I try to reach the Christianity Board there, but I keep getting the following message : Internal Server Error Anyone any advice, other than to contact the administrator at service@wetellyou.com ? revdauphinee answered on 08/31/06: my name is on we tell you however I rarely go there anymore I found it hard to get answers it may just be me but this site is easier for this old woman to navigate! isizathu rated this answer Toms777 rated this answer

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isizathu asked on 08/30/06 - The American Way ? � Just saw this report in the Daily Telegraph : American families get it financially harder and harder : The US combined pawnshop turnover has more than trippled over the last 5 years; it's now 35 Billion US Dollars per year and still growing. Rather serious, isn't it? Comments? � revdauphinee answered on 08/31/06: i agree on the medicare part D statement ! isizathu rated this answer

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MaggieB asked on 08/29/06 - Polygamist sect leader caught! Polygamist sect leader held By Steve Gorman LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - Warren Steed Jeffs, the fugitive leader of a polygamist sect and one of the FBI's 10 most wanted, was arrested in a routine traffic stop outside Las Vegas, authorities said on Tuesday. Jeffs, 50, considered a "prophet" by his estimated 10,000 followers, is wanted for alleged sexual misconduct with minors in Arizona and as an accomplice to rape in Utah, the FBI said on its Web site. He was stopped by the Nevada Highway Patrol on Monday night for expired license plates on his vehicle, and the patrolman recognized Jeffs, holding him at the scene until FBI agents could arrive to positively identify him, according David Nanz, an FBI special agent in Las Vegas. Jeffs was traveling with one of his wives and a brother at the time of the arrest, which occurred about 6 miles north of Las Vegas, Nanz said, adding that Jeffs was being held in a county jail in Las Vegas awaiting extradition to Utah or Arizona. Jeffs assumed control of the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, also known as the Fundamentalist Latter Day Saints, or FLDS, from his now-deceased father when the elder leader suffered a debilitating stroke in 1998. The sect, long based in an enclave on the twin border towns of Hildale, Utah, and Colorado City, Arizona, split from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints when the mainstream Mormon Church banned polygamy more than a century ago. Jeffs, who had been on the run for at least two years, is accused of arranging marriages between older men and underage girls in the FLDS settlement, which is generally closed to outsiders. At the enclave, young men and boys are often forced out to ensure a supply of young brides for male elders. His group is believed to be one of the largest polygamist sects that exist in the United States. A joint Utah-Arizona attorneys general report has estimated that 20,000 to 40,000 Americans still engage in the outlawed practice of plural marriage. Elaine Tyler, the head of the Utah-based group HOPE, which helps people leave polygamist homes, hailed Jeffs' arrest. "I cant believe they found him," she told Reuters. "He has broken up families. He has married off young girls against their will. It is time he started paying for what he did." QUESTION: What should be the punishment for Warren Jeffs? Who will get all the millions he has acquired over the years? Who will be the next leader of this so-called cult? MaggieB revdauphinee answered on 08/29/06: he is worse than any pedaphile since he does this in the name of religeon and encourages others to participat he should be tried and sentenced as what he is a pedophile Judgment_Day rated this answer MaggieB rated this answer Toms777 rated this answer

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isizathu asked on 08/29/06 - Another big stretch? � As per the logic of my previous post, this is my first question that has little relation with the concept of Christianity, other than that a Christian should not lie and/or be rude, and offering the opportunity to post your views from a Christian perspective. In "Is this another big stretch?" by arcura on 08/25/06 Fred stated : "If nothing can travel faster than light, and the universe is 13.7 billion years old, how can two galaxies lie 10 billion light-years from us in opposite directions? ..... The question (a Q&A question in the Astronomy Magazine) made no sense, and the official AM answer made no sense neither. So I posted the real cause of the observed phenomena to Fred : it simply is the result of galaxy movement within clusters and superclusters of galaxies around centralised gravity points. I even provided arcura with a near-by example of this phenomena : the upcoming collision between the Andromeda and MilkyWay galazies, both members of the Local Group, a member of the Virgo Supercluster. An extended dialogue developed in which Fred became more and more aggressive and rude, while I addressed the lack of any supporting information by our resident Q&A'er. Not even the names of both galaxies involved could be revealed by Fred. At the same time arcura shows an almost religious worship for AM's professional text writers, an apparently for him much better source of information than a by supported evidence carried explanation by me. In the meantime arcura started to adapt the wording of the question to "help" his defence against my allegation of unsupported nonsense posting : suddenly both galaxies were moved to the "edge of the universe" while approaching each other. Clarification/Follow-up by arcura on 08/27/06 7:16 pm: isiza... The two galaxies mentioned in the article are at opposite ends of the universe many billions of light years apart.... (In that situation for sure : about 14 + 14 lightyears). Arcura refuses to accept my explanation, and claims that he can provide back-up for his post, but he refuses to do so. He refers to his copy of the Astronomy Magazine, but that is of course nonsense. His topic is a direct copy of part of the Q&A page of the Astronomy Magazine September 2006. When I pressed for back-up (just the names of both galaxies involved) arcura started calling me a dim wit, a blockhead, big pig headed, and told me that I needed a shrink. This is the latest addition to arcura's neurosis : Clarification/Follow-up by arcura on 08/28/06 10:37 am: .... "From now on please refrain from answering or commenting on my questions. If you do not I will block you. I no longer will waste my time dealing with your twisted mentality. Of course nobody is forcing arcura to "waste time on replying", but that escaped our Q&A'er. Clarification/Follow-up by isizathu on 08/28/06 2:16 pm: arcura, Ok, if that is what you want, fine with me. On one condition : that BOTH OF US stop rating, replying, and clarifying / add-on'ing on each others posts. Please confirm that you agree on that first. Clarification/Follow-up by arcura on 08/28/06 6:02 pm: isiza, I agree ... Fred. So from now : if I disagree with arcura I have to post that as a new question to the board here. Please be prepared for many new upcoming topics from my hand .... � Any comments? (For Hank : comments to this topic only, please). :) � revdauphinee answered on 08/29/06: you get it, my point exactly arcura rated this answer isizathu rated this answer

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isizathu asked on 08/29/06 - Protect US ALL from guys like this ....... � Of the previous 4 posts by the same person only one contained the word Christian, though none of them - included the "dress code" topic - had any real Christian content in it at all. Yes I know that also children of Christians have to be protected. Yes I know that some Christians also drowned. Yes I know that some students are Christian. Yes I know that also Christians get bombed. But isn't the intention of the Christianity Board to post real Christian content? (i.e. questions and answers which have a real reference to Christianity) And if you have nothing appropriate to say, just do that! Say nothing here! It seems more to become a case of "Protect US ALL from guys like this ......." Or is it a trend? Should we all post whatever seems interesting to any of us? In that case maybe we should all start doing that too. Preferably by C&P, to keep the post value and reliability also as low as possible and unsupported .... Any comments? :) � revdauphinee answered on 08/29/06: yes I too wish we had more Christian content on the board however as Christians we live in the world and are all afected by the goings on in that world postings such as the one you named do not offend me it is the endless tirades on secular humanism ,athiesm,and such that bore me to a pont of not even wanting to read the postings> arcura rated this answer isizathu rated this answer Judgment_Day rated this answer MaggieB rated this answer SABURAMO rated this answer Toms777 rated this answer

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arcura asked on 08/29/06 - Protect you child from guys like this................... The worst predator The horrifying, true story of the man police believe is the worst sexual predator of our time � and how he kept getting away By John Larson Correspondent NBC News Updated: 6:18 p.m. CT Aug 12, 2006 This report aired Dateline Friday, Aug. 11 For generations parents have warned their children about �the stranger�: Don�t take candy, accept a ride, or even talk to somebody you don�t know. But what if that somebody is a family friend? Somebody parents know and trust? Dean Arthur Schwartzmiller, a suspected child molester, made a point of befriending parents to gain access to their children. When he was arrested last year in San Jose, Calif. last year, police found ledgers and diaries detailing thousands of sexual assaults against children. But if so many crimes had taken place, how did Schwartzmiller, through the years, avoid arrest and prosecution? John Larson has reconstructed the trail of the man who could be the worst child molester ever to be taken into custody. It reads like a script to a horror movie, and it begins in Alaska and switches to Idaho, California, Oregon, and Washington. But it is no movie. It is the horrifying, true story of a man police believe is the worst sexual predator of our time. The full story of Dean Arthur Schwartzmiller was mostly unknown for 30 years, fragmented as Schwartzmiller jumped from one jurisdiction to another. But Dateline pieced together legal files warehoused in a half dozen different states. We gathered thousands of pages of court documents, search warrants, and police reports�interviewing more than 60 victims, investigators and prosecutors. What we found was a disturbing story of a sexual predator who kept getting away with it, year after year by manipulating the legal system. The man used a brilliant intellect to befriend families, and then prey on their children. When discovered, he�d run, when caught, he�d jump bail. When taken to court, he would attack his victims. But along the way, no one knew he was keeping record of victims that could number into the thousands. Early ྂs: Juneau, Alaska His story began back in 1970, in Juneau, Alaska. Back then, this gold rush capitol city was booming. The Alaska Oil pipeline was being built, Nixon was in his first term as president, and a young Juneau detective was on duty one night, when a man walked into the station house. Det. Jess Bulkley: He said, �My son has been sexually molested by Dean Schwartzmiller.� And he says, �I�m gonna kill him unless you can get him off the street.� For the rest of this amazing story go here: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/14306094/ revdauphinee answered on 08/29/06: and the worst of it is he is not the only one ! arcura rated this answer

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arcura asked on 08/29/06 - $10 Billion to go Dutch or $25.7 Billion congresses way? It's Cheaper to Go Dutch The Netherlands is expert at keeping itself dry. So why aren't U.S. bureaucrats seeking more of its help rebuilding the levees? By Mark Hosenball Newsweek Sept. 4, 2006 issue - The Dutch know a thing or two about staying dry. Most people in the Netherlands live below sea level, and the country's major cities are in continual danger of being washed away. Or they would be, if Dutch engineers weren't so good at designing levees and floodgates to keep storms at bay. The Netherlands hasn't suffered a catastrophic storm-driven flood since the 1950s, when it began building the current system. Over the decades, North Sea storms have battered the country, and the dikes have held. The Dutch are, no argument, the world's experts. Which raises a question as U.S. politicians and bureaucrats dicker over whether and how to fortify New Orleans against future storms: why not hire the Dutch? They may yet do just that. U.S. engineers are impressed by the Dutch system, but so far, bureaucratic sluggishness has slowed reconstruction. Much of the contentious debate over rebuilding the city has centered on what to do about the lowest-lying areas, including the hard-hit Lower Ninth Ward. Early cost estimates made it seem that whole sections of the city would have to be abandoned. But Hans Vrijling, a renowned authority on flood control who designed part of the Dutch system, says it should be possible to protect New Orleans�even low-lying sections�from storm surges more than 10 times Katrina's. The price tag: less than $10 billion. Instead, Congress has so far allocated $5.7 billion to repair and rebuild the existing levees to pre-Katrina standards. Those levees, if they had worked, were supposed to have protected the city from a 100-year storm. In other words, the walls would guard against a storm surge so severe it is likely to happen only once every century. If that sounds impressive, consider this: critical flood barriers in the Netherlands are designed to withstand a 10,000-year surge. That may seem like overkill. But storm scientists estimate a Katrina-strength hurricane is likely to wallop the Gulf Coast again at least once in the next 70 years. Congress has given the Army Corps of Engineers $20 million to come up with a comprehensive design to protect the city permanently. American engineers have been in consultation with Dutch designers, and in the meantime the Corps has asked a Dutch firm to design a 100- to 200-year floodgate system for the western end of Lake Borgne. Dan Hitchings, the Army Corps official in charge of Gulf Coast protection, says it may ultimately bring in more Dutch help. But it likely won't know for sure for more than a year. The Corps has until the end of 2007 to complete its study, and it shows no signs of speeding things along. Hitchings says the Corps has to give Congress a range of options and price tags, to "make sure the nation wants to do what the Netherlands did." Vrijling, for one, can't understand what the Corps is going to study for so long. The technology already exists and has been tested over decades in the Netherlands. He says Dutch and American engineers, working together, would need only "a couple of months" to draw up a detailed plan. "If we had the will and one month's money from Iraq, we could do all the levees and restore the coast," says Ivor Van Heerden, a Louisiana State University hurricane scientist who warned for years about a Katrina-like disaster. "We can save Louisiana. It is very doable." revdauphinee answered on 08/29/06: Of cource it is doable but will big companies profit from it?????if not its not doable here! arcura rated this answer

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arcura asked on 08/29/06 - Are Christians in support of school dress codes? You think I�m kidding about the dress code? Indiana principal suspends 128 students for inappropriate attire on first day The Associated Press Updated: 12:02 a.m. CT Aug 28, 2006 HAMMOND, Ind. - Classrooms were a little less crowded at Morton High School on the first day of classes: 128 students were sent home for wearing the wrong clothes. Fed up with inappropriate outfits, the principal suspended the students for one day Wednesday, minutes after doors opened at the school. Those suspended represent more than 10 percent of the 1,200 total students. The offending attire � including baggy pants, low-cut shirts, tank tops and graphic T-shirts � are banned from classrooms. Students were also cited for cell phone use. "This was the worst year I've seen in a long time," said Principal Theresa Mayerik. "It's gotten out of control, and we needed to send a message that we're not messing around." The Hammond school usually has 20 dress code violations a day. Mayerik said the infraction would be removed from students' records in 12 weeks if they had no other in-school violations. School board members said they support Mayerik and the mass suspensions. "I'd be supportive if half the school was sent home, because 99 percent will get the message our schools are for education," board President Rebecca Ward said. revdauphinee answered on 08/29/06: I am strongly in favour of "dress codes" but am opposed to what many school districts in my former home the state of Mississippi are imposing and that is uniforms for all students>(reminds me of the Hitler youth movements) arcura rated this answer

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arcura asked on 08/29/06 - True story. How do you like it??????????????????? HOW TO CALL THE POLICE George Phillips of Meridian, Mississippi was going up to bed when his wife told him that he'd left the light on in the garden shed, which she could see from the bedroom window. George opened the back door to go turn off the light, but saw that there were people in the shed stealing things. He phoned the police, who asked "Is someone in your house?" and he said "no". Then they said that all patrols were busy, and that he should simply lock his door and an officer would be along when available. George said, "Okay," hung up, counted to 30, and phoned the police again.. "Hello, I just called you a few seconds ago because there were people in my shed. Well, you don't have to worry about them now cause I've just shot them all." Then he hung up. Within five minutes three police cars, an Armed Response unit, and an ambulance showed up at the Phillips residence and caught the burglars red-handed. One of the Policemen said to George: "I thought you said that you'd shot them!" George said, "I thought you said there was nobody available!" revdauphinee answered on 08/29/06: used to live in miss and I believe it! arcura rated this answer

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whitefawn_ asked on 08/28/06 - Hell Fire could this be a scare? Preachers will do anything to scare you into their belief system, and their Religion No wonder there are so many atheists in the world, why would one want to serve a God that goes against his own laws. Laws of love, and of non suffering The way Jesus won people over was his love of mankind. His healings, even his resurrection of those who had went to sleep in death. How do I Joy know these things 1co 4:5 Wherefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord come, who will both bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and make manifest the counsels of the hearts; and then shall each man have his praise from God. But also the lord hid more for he say�s to his Father. Mt 11:25 At that season Jesus answered and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that thou didst hide these things from the wise and understanding, and didst reveal them unto babes: Mt 11:26 yea, Father, for so it was well pleasing in thy sight. Babes. meaning those that are un-like scientist, or Preachers that, Actually went to school to learn of Christ, which was given to us free from his word. And call themselves Fathers, and Rabbi's to be seen in large garments, and on television and for the big bucks. What are the facts on hell fire? Ec 9:5 For the living know that they shall die: but the dead know not anything, neither have they any more a reward; for the memory of them is forgotten. As well their love, as their hatred and their envy, is perished long ago; neither have they any more a portion for ever in anything that is done under the sun. Go thy way, eat thy bread with joy, and drink thy wine with a merry heart; for God hath already accepted thy works. Here we don't hear the word Grace but works. Some believe that while Jesus's body was in the tomb, (His spirit was in hell.) We know that Jesus did go and "preach unto the spirits in prison" (1 Peter 3:19). Why would Jesus go into hell to preach to Spirits or the word Spirit = Souls. Joh 11:11 These things spake he: and after this he saith unto them, Our friend Lazarus is fallen asleep; but I go, that I may awake him out of sleep. Question here is; would you not be very angry if you were in heaven, than Jesus told you to come back to this miserable world, of pain and suffering? If I were Lazarus I would be very angry, but this shows that Hell is not that bad, just merely sleep. So than this scripture must show, that death is merely Sleep. Hell fire is an eternal sleep. Joh 11:13 Now Jesus had spoken of his death: but they thought that he spake of taking rest in sleep. Joh 11:14 Then Jesus therefore said unto them plainly, Lazarus is dead. So here shows Death is sleep= Hell than is a sleeping state forever. And that would be like hell fire. Jesus loves you, and wants you to know him, that he is loving and caring and that he died for you. Not to be afraid, or no longer takes the crumbs from the rich man, but the real food from Jesus Christ. Thank you. Joy, revdauphinee answered on 08/28/06: in my oppinion the hell will be in knowing finaly that heaven xdoes exist and youll never be there i dont think about a burning hell I dont feel a loving God wou;d do that but the punishment will be a burning desire for somthing unatainable to the unforgiven sinner> peddler7118 rated this answer whitefawn_ rated this answer

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MarySusan asked on 08/28/06 - Surprising About-Face From: telegraph dot co dot uk "The archbishop of Canterbury has told homosexuals that they need to change their behaviour if they are to be welcomed into the church, The Sunday Telegraph can reveal. Rowan Williams has distanced himself from his one-time liberal support of gay relationships and stressed that the tradition and teaching of the Church has in no way been altered by the Anglican Communion's consecration of its first openly homosexual bishop. The declaration by the archbishop - rebutting the idea that homosexuals should be included in the church unconditionally - marks a significant development in the church's crisis over homosexuals. According to liberal and homosexual campaigners, it confirmed their fears that the archbishop has become increasingly conservative - and sparked accusations that he has performed an "astonishing" U-turn over the homosexual issue. advertisement Liberals who had previously hailed his appointment said they are dismayed that he appears to have turned his back on an agenda that he previously championed. However, the archbishop's comments have received strong support from traditionalists. The Rev Rod Thomas, a spokesman for the evangelical pressure group Reform, said: "There is no doubt that he is distancing himself from the views that he has previously expressed. He's right to want to see people converted. The fact that he's saying this is a hugely welcome development." The revelations came in a newspaper interview last week in which the archbishop denied that it was time for the church to accept homosexual relationships, suggesting that it should be welcoming rather than inclusive. "I don't believe inclusion is a value in itself. Welcome is. We don't say 'Come in and we ask no questions'. I do believe conversion means conversion of habits, behaviours, ideas, emotions," he told a Dutch journalist. "Ethics is not a matter of a set of abstract rules, it is a matter of living the mind of Christ. That applies to sexual ethics." At the same time he tried to distance himself from a controversial essay he wrote 20 years ago, in which he defended same-sex love. "That was when I was a professor, to stimulate debate," he claimed. "It did not generate much support and a lot of criticism - quite fairly on a number of points." The archbishop said that he was determined to preserve the unity of the church from being destroyed by the warring factions in the gay crisis. He said he has backed a resolution which says that homosexual practice is incompatible with the Bible....." ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Will he be successful in preserving the unity of the Anglican church? Why or Why not? revdauphinee answered on 08/28/06: God (unlike what many choose to believe )loves homosexuals they are his creation !it is the sin in the actions they do that he hates we also should do likewise the act is an abomination however the person is still a creature created by God and should be loved .Sin is sin and does not come in degrees ,a teif is a sinner a liar is a sinner ,a homosexual is also a sinner but aall are also humans and worthy of love! MarySusan rated this answer peddler7118 rated this answer

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MarySusan asked on 08/28/06 - The Serenity Prayer God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change; courage to change the things I can; and wisdom to know the difference. Living one day at a time; Enjoying one moment at a time; Accepting hardships as the pathway to peace; Taking, as He did, this sinful world as it is, not as I would have it; Trusting that He will make all things right if I surrender to His Will; That I may be reasonably happy in this life and supremely happy with Him Forever in the next. Amen. --Reinhold Niebuhr ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ What do you think of this Christian prayer for peace? revdauphinee answered on 08/28/06: think its a great one and the first verse has helped me many times in my life! MarySusan rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 08/25/06 - A useful Lesson? School Sex Ed I was holding a notice from my 13-year-old son's school announcing a meeting to preview the new course in sexuality. Parents could examine the curriculum and take part in an actual lesson presented exactly as it would be given to the students. When I arrived at the school, I was surprised to discover only about a dozen parents there. As we waited for the presentation, I thumbed through page after page of instructions in the prevention of pregnancy or disease. I found abstinence mentioned only in passing. When the teacher arrived with the school nurse, she asked if there were any questions. I asked why abstinence did not play a noticeable part in the material. What happened next was shocking. There was a great deal of laughter, and someone suggested that if I thought abstinence had any merit, I should go back to burying my head in the sand. The teacher and the nurse said nothing as I drowned in a sea of embarrassment. My mind had gone blank, and I could think of nothing to say. The teacher explained to me that the job of the school was to teach "facts," and the home was responsible for moral training. I sat in silence for the next 20 minutes as the course was explained. The other parents seemed to give their unqualified support to the materials. "Donuts, at the back," announced the teacher during the break. "I'd like you to put on the name tags we have prepared-they're right by the donuts-and mingle with the other parents. Everyone moved to the back of the room. As I watched them affixing their name tags and shaking hands, I sat deep in thought. I was ashamed that I had not been able to convince them to include a serious discussion of abstinence in the materials. I uttered a silent prayer for guidance. My thoughts were interrupted by the teacher's hand on my shoulder. "Won't you join the others, Mrs. Layton?" The nurse smiled sweetly at me. "The donuts are good." "Thank you, no," I replied. "Well, then, how about a name tag? I'm sure the others would like to meet you." "Somehow I doubt that," I replied. "Won't you please join them?" she coaxed. "I'll just wait here," I said. When the class was called back to order, the teacher looked around the long table and thanked everyone for putting on name tags. She ignored me. Then she said, "Now we're going to give you the same lesson we'll be giving your children. Everyone please peel off your name tags." I watched in silence as the tags came off. "Now, then, on the back of one of the tags, I drew a tiny flower. Who has it, please?" The gentleman across from me held it up. "Here it is!" "All right," she said. "The flower represents disease. Do you recall with whom you shook hands?" He pointed to a couple of people. "Very good," she replied. "The handshake in this case represents intimacy. So the two people you had contact with now have the disease." There was laughter and joking among the parents. The teacher continued, "And whom did the two of you shake hands with?" The point was well taken, and she explained how this lesson would show students how quickly disease is spread. "Since we all shook hands, we all have the disease." "Speak now, I thought, "but be humble." I noted wryly the latter admonition, then rose from my chair. I apologized for any upset I might have caused earlier, congratulated the teacher on an excellent lesson that would impress the youth, and concluded by saying I had only one small point I wished to make. "Not all of us were infected," I said. "One of us ... abstained." revdauphinee answered on 08/28/06: guess im old fashioned but I feel sex should only be taught in the home! paraclete rated this answer

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Jimbo asked on 08/27/06 - One for Toms777 Do all animals talk.. or just donkeys & serpents ? Genesis 3:1-5 (KJV) Genesis 3 1 Now the serpent was more subtle than any beast of the field which the LORD God had made. And he said unto the woman, Yea, hath God said, Ye shall not eat of every tree of the garden? 2 And the woman said unto the serpent, We may eat of the fruit of the trees of the garden: 3 But of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden, God hath said, Ye shall not eat of it, neither shall ye touch it, lest ye die. 4 And the serpent said unto the woman, Ye shall not surely die: 5 For God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil. revdauphinee answered on 08/28/06: as i previously stated even if asses cant talk it seems on answerway many of them can type! Itsdb rated this answer

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CeeBee2 asked on 08/27/06 - Where do we go after we die?........ (This question is directed toward the Christian experts, but of course anyone can respond.) When a Christian dies, his body is buried or cremated (or whatever) and is still caught in time. It's in a casket or its ashes might be in an urn on someone's fireplace mantle. (We won't get into burials at sea or disappearances into large bodies of water where fish might nibble....) After death, the Christian believes his spirit or soul goes somewhere. Is it still caught in time? Does it go to be with God? Is it wandering around 3 feet above the floor here on earth, as per psychic Sylvia Browne? Is it wandering somewhere offstage but nearby, so psychic John Edward can converse with it? Does it sit on a shelf or comfortable bench somewhere to wait for Judgment Day (ummm, not the expert JD, but the Last Day JD)? Is it immediately judged after death (so JD is just the public announcement) and then gets busy doing whatever a soul does in the afterlife? Where is that soul? revdauphinee answered on 08/27/06: death is much as sleep we dont know where a spirit goes but it sleeps untill the judgement ,when as scripture tells us (Dn.12:2 Multitudes who sleep in the dust of the earth will awake: some to everlasting life, others to shame and everlasting contempt. ) CeeBee2 rated this answer isizathu rated this answer Judgment_Day rated this answer

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MarySusan asked on 08/27/06 - WWJB Who would Jesus bomb? WELL.....:):):) revdauphinee answered on 08/27/06: a big AMEN to peddler on this one!!! MarySusan rated this answer peddler7118 rated this answer Toms777 rated this answer

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arcura asked on 08/27/06 - Unless you know all four stanzas of the Star.... Spangled Banner you may find this most interesting. Perhaps most of you didn't realize what Francis Scott Key's profession was or what he was doing on a ship. This is a good brush-up on your history. (Editor's Note- Near the end of his life, the great science fiction author Isaac Asimov wrote a short story about the four stanzas of our national anthem. However brief, this well-circulated piece is an eye opener from the dearly departed doctor......) " I have a weakness -- I am crazy, absolutely nuts, about our national anthem. The words are difficult and the tune is almost impossible, but frequently when I'm taking a shower I sing it with as much power and emotion as I can. It shakes me up every time." NO REFUGE COULD SAVE: BY DR. ISAAC ASIMOV I was once asked to speak at a luncheon. Taking my life in my hands, I announced I was going to sing our national anthem -- all four stanzas. This was greeted with loud groans. One man closed the door to the kitchen, where the noise of dishes and cutlery was loud and distracting. "Thanks, Herb," I said. "That's all right," he said. "It was at the request of the kitchen staff" I explained the background of the anthem and then sang all four stanzas. Let me tell you, those people had never heard it before -- or had never really listened. I got a standing ovation but it was not me; it was the anthem. More recently, while conducting a seminar, I told my students the story of the anthem and sang all four stanzas. Again there was a wild ovation and prolonged applause. And again, it was the anthem and not me. So now let me tell you how it came to be written. In 1812, the United States went to war with Great Britain, primarily over freedom of the seas. We were in the right. For two years, we held off the British, even though we were still a rather weak country. Great Britain was in a life and death struggle with Napoleon. In fact, just as the United States declared war, Napoleon marched off to invade Russia. If he won, as everyone expected, he would control Europe, and Great Britain would be isolated. It was no time for her to be involved in an American war. At first, our seamen proved better than the British. After we won a battle on Lake Erie in 1813, the American commander, Oliver Hazard Perry, sent the message, "We have met the enemy and they are ours." However, the weight of the British navy beat down our ships eventually. New England, hard-hit by a tightening blockade, threatened secession. Meanwhile, Napoleon was beaten in Russia and in 1814 was forced to abdicate. Great Britain now turned its attention to the United States, launching a three-pronged attack. The northern prong was to come down Lake Champlain toward New York and seize parts of New England. The southern prong was to go up the Mississippi, take New Orleans and paralyze the west. The central prong was to head for the Mid-Atlantic States and then attack Baltimore, the greatest port south of New York. If Baltimore was taken, the nation, which still hugged the Atlantic coast, could be split in two. The fate of the United States, then, rested to a large extent on the success or failure of the central prong. The British reached the American coast, and on August 24, 1814, took Washington, D.C. Then they moved up the Chesapeake Bay toward Baltimore. On September 12, they arrived and found 1,000 men in Fort McHenry, whose guns controlled the harbor. If the British wished to take Baltimore, they would have to take the fort. On one of the British ships was an aged physician, William Beanes, who had been arrested in Maryland and brought along as a prisoner. Francis Scott Key, a lawyer and friend of the physician, had come to the ship to negotiate his release. The British captain was willing, but the two Americans would have to wait. It was now the night of September 13, and the bombardment of Fort McHenry was about to start. As twilight deepened, Key and Beanes saw the American flag flying over Fort McHenry. Through the night, they heard bombs bursting and saw the red glare of rockets. They knew the fort was resisting and the American flag was still flying. But toward morning the bombardment ceased, and a dread silence fell. Either Fort McHenry had surrendered and the British flag flew above it, or the bombardment had failed and the American flag still flew. As dawn began to brighten the eastern sky, Key and Beanes stared out at the fort, trying to see which flag flew over it. He and the physician must have asked each other over and over, "Can you see the flag?" After it was all finished, Key wrote a four stanza poem telling the events of the night. Called "The Defense of Fort McHenry," it was published in newspapers and swept the nation. Someone noted that the words fit an old English tune called, "To Anacreon in Heaven" -- a difficult melody with an uncomfortably large vocal range. For obvious reasons, Key's work became known as "The Star Spangled Banner," and in 1931 Congress declared it the official anthem of the United States. Now that you know the story, here are the words. Presumably, the old doctor is speaking. This is what he asks Key: Oh! Say, can you see, by the dawn's early light, What so proudly we hailed at the twilight's last gleaming? Whose broad stripes and bright stars, through the perilous fight, O'er the ramparts we watched were so gallantly streaming? And the rocket's red glare, the bombs bursting in air, Gave proof thro' the night that our flag was still there. Oh! Say, does that Star - Spangled Banner yet wave, O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave? ("Ramparts," in case you don't know, are the protective walls or other elevations that surround a fort.) The first stanza asks a question. The second gives an answer: On the shore, dimly seen thro' the mist of the deep Where the foe's haughty host in dread silence reposes, What is that which the breeze, o'er the towering steep. As it fitfully blows, half conceals, half discloses? Now it catches the gleam of the morning's first beam, In full glory reflected, now shines on the stream 'Tis the star-spangled banner. Oh! Long may it wave o�er the land of the free and the home of the brave! "The towering steep" is again, the ramparts. The bombardment has failed, and the British can do nothing more but sail away, their mission a failure. In the third stanza I feel Key allows himself to gloat over the American triumph. In the aftermath of the bombardment, Key probably was in no mood to act otherwise? During World War I when the British were our staunchest allies, this third stanza was not sung. However, I know it, so here it is: And where is that band who so vauntingly swore That the havoc of war and the battle's confusion A home and a country should leave us no more? Their blood has washed out their foul footstep's pollution. No refuge could save the hireling and slave From the terror of flight, or the gloom of the grave, And the Star - Spangled Banner in triumph doth wave O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave. (The fourth stanza, a pious hope for the future, should be sung more slowly than the other three and with even deeper feeling): Oh! Thus be it ever, when freemen shall stand Between their loved homes and the war's desolation, Blest with victory and peace, may the Heaven - rescued land Praise the Power that hath made and preserved us a nation. Then conquer we must, for our cause is just, And this be our motto --"In God is our trust." And the Star - Spangled Banner in triumph doth wave O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave. I hope you will look at the national anthem with new eyes. Listen to it, the next time you have a chance, with new ears. Pay attention to the words. And don't let them ever take it away ... not even one word of it. revdauphinee answered on 08/27/06: as an imigrant to this wonderfull land I take offence at Isizathu's comment whilke we may not be perfect (what land is ?) its still the only country in the world I choose to live in!!! arcura rated this answer peddler7118 rated this answer TTRalph rated this answer

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CeeBee2 asked on 08/27/06 - Would this be fair?............................... Joanne has been a Christian all her life. She attends church regularly, supports the church's mission efforts, bakes things for the ladies aid bake sale, makes casseroles for and serves at church suppers, teaches Sunday School, raises her children in a solid Christian home, and with her husband reads the Bible every evening to help solidify their marriage. She reads in the newspaper that one of the local drug dealers who is from a broken home, rarely attended church even as a child, stole to support his drug habit, got two women pregnant and didn't pay any support money for the children, and spent half in life in jail, recently was shot during a drug deal gone bad. One of the police officers had knelt next to him as he lay dying on the street and heard him whisper, "Dear God, I'm so sorry I've made such a mess of my life. Forgive me." Joanne asked me, why should God allow that drug dealer into heaven? She had been a faithful Christian all her life and richly deserved heaven, whereas the drug dealer lived a life of crime and (she believed) shouldn't be allowed into heaven just because, at the last minute of his life, he had asked for forgiveness. After all, fair is fair. What would you say to Joanne? revdauphinee answered on 08/27/06: first if the man asked forgivness then it was given second if Joanne did not understand this then her concept of Christianity is off target and last but not least going to and working in a church no more makes one a good Christian than living and working in a garrage makes one a car!! CeeBee2 rated this answer Toms777 rated this answer

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ROLCAM asked on 08/26/06 - TO SERVE : Do my words bring others to faith ? revdauphinee answered on 08/26/06: not realy you only question your own faith ROLCAM rated this answer SABURAMO rated this answer

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arcura asked on 08/25/06 - COMPUTER PROBLEMS???????????????????????????????????? Dear Tech Support: Last year I upgraded from Girlfriend 7.0 to Wife 1.0. I soon noticed that the new program began unexpected child processing that took up a lot of space and valuable resources. In addition, Wife 1.0 installed itself into all other programs and now monitors all other system activity. Applications such as Poker Night 10.3, Football 5.0 ,Hunting and Fishing 7.5 , and Racing 3.6. I can't seem to keep Wife 1.0 in the background while attempting to run my favorite applications. I'm thinking about going back to Girlfriend 7.0 , but the uninstall doesn't work on Wife 1.0 . Please help! Thanks, Troubled User..... _____________________________________ REPLY: Dear Troubled User: This is a very common problem that men complain about. Many people upgrade from Girlfriend 7.0 to Wife 1.0, thinking that it is just a Utilities and Entertainment program. Wife 1.0 is an OPERATING SYSTEM and is designed by its Creator to run EVERYTHING!!! It is also impossible to delete Wife 1.0 and to return to Girlfriend 7.0 .. It is impossible to uninstall, or purge the program files from the system once installed. You cannot go back to Girlfriend 7.0 because Wife 1.0 is designed to not allow this. Look in your Wife 1.0 manual under Warnings-Alimony/Child Support . I recommend that you keep Wife 1.0 and work on improving the situation. I suggest installing the background application "Yes Dear" to alleviate software augmentation. The best course of action is to enter the command C: APOLOGIZE! because ultimately you will have to give the APOLOGIZE command before the system will return to normal anyway. Wife 1.0 is a great program, but it tends to require very high maintenance . Wife 1.0 comes with several support programs, such as Clean and Sweep 3.0 ,Cook It 1.5 and Do Bills 4.2 . However, be very careful how you use these programs. Improper use will cause the system to launch the program Nag Nag 9.5 . Once this happens, the only way to improve the performance of Wife 1.0 is to purchase additional software. I recommend Flowers 2.1 and Diamonds 5.0 ! WARNING!!! DO NOT, under any circumstances, install Secretary With Short Skirt 3.3 . This application is not supported by Wife 1.0 and will cause irreversible damage to the operating system! Best of luck, Tech Support revdauphinee answered on 08/25/06: I love it thanks arcura rated this answer

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CeeBee2 asked on 08/25/06 - Rituals................................ Does your church or synagogue follow any religious rituals that you find especially helpful or interesting or comforting? If you don't belong to any religious group, do you or your friends or your family or even your workplace have any kind of important ritual that is regularly followed? revdauphinee answered on 08/25/06: personaly im not too enamoured of ritual worship since it reminds me of the following Matthew 15� Jesus replied, "And why do you break the command of God for the sake of your tradition? CeeBee2 rated this answer

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hOPE12 asked on 08/25/06 - The New Catholicism Hello Everyone, Just for fun. The elderly priest, speaking to the younger priest, said, "It was a good idea to replace the first four rows of pews with plush bucket theater seats. It worked like a charm. The front of the church always fills first now." The young priest nodded, and the old priest continued, "And you told me a little more beat to the music would bring young people back to the church, so I supported you when you brought in that rock 'n roll gospel choir. We are packed to the balcony!!" "Thank you, Father," answered the young priest. "I am pleased that you are open to the new ideas of youth." "However," said the elderly priest, "I'm afraid you've gone too far with the drive-thru confessional." "But, Father," protested the young priest, "my confessions and the donations have nearly doubled since I began that!" "I know, son, but that flashing neon sign, Toot 'n Tell or Go to Hell, just can't stay on the church roof." Take care, Hope12 revdauphinee answered on 08/25/06: thank you for lightening up thr board I love it hOPE12 rated this answer paraclete rated this answer

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arcura asked on 08/25/06 - Please let me share this with you..................... As many of you know in the year of 1980 on Valentines Day we lost our 12 year old son to Reyes Syndrome. Every one in awile spomething happens to remind us of how tender we still are. This evening a gentleman came to deliver and set up a product we had ordered. As he worked he was humming am old tune that I immediately recongnised The words of that song flooded my mind, and once again told me how tender I still am ofter 26 years. Here is that song. How many of you have heard it? <><><>. THAT LITTLE BOY OF MINE (Wayne King / Benny Maroff / Walter Hirsch) Bonnie Owens ************ A tiny turned up nose two cheek's just like a rose So sweet from head to toes that little boy of mine Two eyes that shine so bright two lips that kiss goodnight Two arms that hold me tight that little boy of mine No one will ever know just what his coming has meant Because I love him so he's something heaven has sent He's all the world to me he climbs upon my knee To me he'll always be that little boy of mine No one will ever know how much I loved him so. Now I�ll never see him grow, That little boy of mine. revdauphinee answered on 08/25/06: he will apear to you as you would wish him to be otherwise it wouldnt be heaven! arcura rated this answer

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arcura asked on 08/25/06 - Please let me share this with you..................... As many of you know in the year of 1980 on Valentines Day we lost our 12 year old son to Reyes Syndrome. Every one in awile spomething happens to remind us of how tender we still are. This evening a gentleman came to deliver and set up a product we had ordered. As he worked he was humming am old tune that I immediately recongnised The words of that song flooded my mind, and once again told me how tender I still am ofter 26 years. Here is that song. How many of you have heard it? <><><>. THAT LITTLE BOY OF MINE (Wayne King / Benny Maroff / Walter Hirsch) Bonnie Owens ************ A tiny turned up nose two cheek's just like a rose So sweet from head to toes that little boy of mine Two eyes that shine so bright two lips that kiss goodnight Two arms that hold me tight that little boy of mine No one will ever know just what his coming has meant Because I love him so he's something heaven has sent He's all the world to me he climbs upon my knee To me he'll always be that little boy of mine No one will ever know how much I loved him so. Now I�ll never see him grow, That little boy of mine. revdauphinee answered on 08/25/06: I�ll never see him grow, wrong you will see him in heaven! arcura rated this answer

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MaggieB asked on 08/25/06 - Are you a "pillar" of the church or an enemy of the cross?? Pillars of the church� is a phrase often used for members who distinguish themselves with good deeds of service to mankind and God. Money, and position in the world should never be a factor, but a pillar of the church should have a working knowledge of the word of God, and apt to teach, as well as a heart for the afflicted, the widows, and the fatherless. As pillars we separate from enemies of the cross, and rebuke with authority. We know that our citizenship is in heaven, and we wait for the promise of His return. (1Th 4:16, 17) Therefore, we members of the Pillar and ground of truth, are living symbols of the LORD Jesus Christ, who is IN us. When we enter a courthouse, a government building, an auditorium, a school, a movie theater, or any public area, we do so in the face of the enemies of Christ Jesus, and everything we do is to His glory and honor.. And the mystery of Godliness is that the Holy Spirit within us, is convicting the world of sin, of righteousness, and of judgments to come. (1Timothy 3:16) It is troubling to enemies of the cross and they don�t know why. What will they do, get a court order forbidding us from leaving home, or to appear in public? But in our confidence, we should not foget that God loves them also, and we need to pray for their salvation and leave it up to God. Their work is to tear down. Our work is to build up. �Him that overcometh will I make a pillar in the temple of my God . . . ,� (Revelation 3:12 MaggieB revdauphinee answered on 08/25/06: unfortunatly Pillars of the church� are often not true christians many attend for the prestige of the comunity not for the worship of God.and also its good business practice to be seen every sunday ! Fritzella rated this answer MaggieB rated this answer TTRalph rated this answer

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CeeBee2 asked on 08/25/06 - If peddler (or any of us, for that matter) had been born in India and were a Hindu, would his/her faith (or unfaith) be just as strong as whatever the belief system is now? If not, why not? revdauphinee answered on 08/25/06: cant answer this one belief is often rooted in life experiences wich under those conditions would be truly different CeeBee2 rated this answer

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curious98 asked on 08/25/06 - Hello folks Dear colleagues, After a rather long convalescence due to a retina detachment that had to be surgically operated, I�m gradually returning to my normal visual activity, which means that you will once again have to put up with my written �logorrhoea�, which so patiently you all have been accepting. Glad to be back Curious98 revdauphinee answered on 08/25/06: after what has beeen posted here lately (most of wich I have little interest in) it will be a treat to have you back friend curious98 rated this answer

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isizathu asked on 08/23/06 - Is the "creation myth" nothing but hot baked air?   In my post "Are Christians Willingly Ignorant?" (which was a reaction to "Are Evolutionists Willingly Ignorant?" by peddler7118)" I pointed at peddlers demand for scientific proof for evolution, while paddler can not even provide the slightest support for the "godly creation myth" other than faith. I did not receive any direct forward reply answering my question "Now why would that be?", on the lack of providing supporting proof for the "godly creation myth", while the demand for the scientific support for evolution still continues. (Note : there are hugh quantities of supportive scientific evidence for the Evolution Theory available in books, magazines, and on the internet). Note that faith may be a perfectly good personal format for support for any Christian, but to a non-Christian it's like hot baked air. I asked for support of the same scientific quality as that paddler demands from evolutionists for their preference. Why are so many here eager to reply still with a "faith" explanation, when I specifically asked not to do that? Must my conclusion be that there does not exist any support for the "godly creation myth", other than hot baked air? :)   revdauphinee answered on 08/24/06: one can "prove" anything there are hugh quantities of supportive scientific evidence for (any) Theory available in books, magazines, and on the internet).does that make then true???? isizathu rated this answer Judgment_Day rated this answer

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TTRalph asked on 08/23/06 - More blood sacrifice? If Christ's death on the cross was the ultimate and final blood sacrifice that would save the world from sin and damnation, why do evangelical Christians pray for the re-building of the Temple in Jerusalem and the return of animal sacrifices?????? Was there something lacking in Christ's sacrifice???? Does Yahweh STILL need to be appeased with the blood of slaughtered animals???? revdauphinee answered on 08/24/06: no When he had received the drink, Jesus said, "It is finished." With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit. Judgment_Day rated this answer TTRalph rated this answer

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TTRalph asked on 08/23/06 - Which gospel? In Mark 8:35 Jesus is made to say: "...whosoever loses his life for my sake AND THE SAKE OF THE GOSPEL will save it". Since none of the Gospels were written until after his death, what Gospel could he be referring to????? Or....does this indicate that Mark was introducing an anacronism...Putting into Jesus mouth an idea that was not prevelant until after his death....and which was NEVER actually spoken by Jesus????? revdauphinee answered on 08/24/06: gospel means good news so why not!

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Itsdb asked on 08/23/06 - Your opinions please... With no offense toward our Catholic brothers and sisters intended, what do you think about this? Hail Mary! Some see sign in chocolate blob By The Associated Press FOUNTAIN VALLEY, Calif. � Kitchen worker Cruz Jacinto was the first to see the 2-inch-tall column of chocolate that had dripped under a vat. She stopped when she saw it. The melted chocolate looked just like the Virgin Mary on the prayer card she always carries in her right pocket. "When I come in, the first thing I do is look at the clock, but this time I didn't look at the clock. My eyes went directly to the chocolate," said Jacinto, dressed in a hairnet and apron as she paused from her work. "I thought, 'Am I the only one who can see this?' I picked it up and I felt emotion just come over me. For me, it was a sign." The Virgin Mary chocolate was first noticed Monday at Bodega Chocolates, the premium chocolate company of Martucci Angiano. "I was raised to believe in the Virgin Mary, but this still gives me the chills," Angiano said. The chocolate was on display for most of the week in the front of the company gift shop, but it now rests in a plastic case in a back room and is brought out only for curious visitors. For the record, Tuesday marked the Roman Catholic Church's feast day for the Virgin Mary. Copyright � 2006 The Seattle Times Company ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Here is the blob: I say it could just as well be one of these: What do you think? revdauphinee answered on 08/23/06: Isa.44:9-12,17 9 All who make idols are nothing, and the things they treasure are worthless. Those who would speak up for them are blind; they are ignorant, to their own shame. Itsdb rated this answer TTRalph rated this answer

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hOPE12 asked on 08/23/06 - Please give your evidence of facts. Hello Experts: You know since I have been coming to this board many have tried to degrade those who believe in a Creator. For these one, think about this. For Many years now, scientific experts in various field of Science have perceived that there is many intelligent designs in the universe. Some have found it illogical to think that the intricate complexity of life on earth came about by chance. When we really think about it, consider this what a man named Paul said a long time ago. �His (the Creator) invisible qualities are clearly seen from the world�s creation onward, because they are perceived by the things made.� Romans 1:20. Now with those words in your mind, take a close look at the human body, the earth, the vast universe, the ocean depths. Examine the fascinating world of insect, of plant, of animals, whatever field interests you. Then using your power of reason, ask yourself what convinces me that there is a Creator? Here are my three answers: 1- We have a spiritual side which if we evolved would not be needed. 2- We have the need and desire to show emotions. Sadness, joy, happiness, ect. Our Creator has feelings. If we evolved, where did the ability to have emotions come from. The Bible explains, we are made in God�s image. 3- We also have a desire to learn, yet it is not needed for survival. Where does such desire come from, if we evolved? 4- How was it known that man would need plants to sustain life? If we evolved how Was it know how much oxygen we needed to survive. These are just four evidences that I have that make me believe in a Creator and not in evolution. What is your evidence that there is a Creator or if you believe you believe in evolution, how do you explain these well known facts and what caused them to come about? Take care, Hope12 revdauphinee answered on 08/23/06: or take in your hands a rose and study it !can you then tell me seriously it came about by accident???? hOPE12 rated this answer Judgment_Day rated this answer

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isizathu asked on 08/23/06 - Are Christians Willingly Ignorant? "Are Evolutionists Willingly Ignorant?" asked peddler7118 on 08/22/06 on this same Q&A board. I have requested peddler several times for supportive evidence for his/her prefered religious alternative to evolution, i.e. : support for the godly "creation" story of Genesis. And of course support of the same scientific quality of that he/she demands from the evolutionists for their preference. So far I have not seen any answers supported as requested by peddler and his/her mates here. Now why would that be? ? � revdauphinee answered on 08/23/06: Christians do not need proof! TTRalph rated this answer SABURAMO rated this answer Judgment_Day rated this answer isizathu rated this answer

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EdwardTeach asked on 08/23/06 - L:ie Clocks A man died and went to Heaven. As he stood in front of Saint Peter at the Pearly Gates, he saw a huge wall of clocks behind him. He asked, " What are all those clocks?" St. Peter answered, "Those clocks are Lie Clocks. Everyone on earth has a Lie-Clock. Every time you lie, the hands on the clock will move." "Oh," said the man, "whose clock is that?" "That's Nelson Mandela's. The hands have never moved, indicating that he never told lie." "Incredible, said the man. "And whose clock is that one?" St Peter responded, "That's Abraham Lincoln's clock. The hands have moved twice, telling us that Abe told only two lies in his entire life." "Where's Bush's clock?" asked the man. St. Peter responded, "Bush's clock is in Jesus' office. He's using it as a ceiling fan." Ed revdauphinee answered on 08/23/06: many true words are spoken in jest! EdwardTeach rated this answer

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Coup_de_Grace asked on 08/22/06 - Need Advice from a Christian Perspective The darndest thing happened! I'm so upset!!! Doris was getting ready to do my laundry a couple of days ago, so I went into the bathroom to get the rest of the load...two pair of jeans, three cobbie tops, and some underpants. I put them into one of those plastic bags one gets at the supermarket and came out into the kitchen where Doris grabbed(she moves fast) the bag. I was talking about the laundry and she said she went on assembling my stuff. Laundry, garbage, food goods(I don't keep all the goods I get from the Hunamitarians and Fish) to donate to her church or friends. To get to the point....she threw out my clothes by mistake and in haste, I haven't seen her since I discovered my stuff missing, and I'm trying to figure out how to handle it. I want to pound her senseless for not listening!! I decided last night that I would make light of it when I see her, like...you know when we were getting the laundry together, well, YOU THREW OUT MY EFFIN CLOTHES, NO, well, I think you might have accidently put my clothes in a garbage bag, ha ha, accidents happen. Then, see what she says. Give out a few haha's This is the SECOND TIME she has thrown out my clothes!!!...the first time, the garbage men hadn't come when I discovered it and the maintaince man went into the dumpster and retrieved them. I needed those jeans and undies. The cobbies, not as much as I have enough. How would a Christian handle a talk about this situation? revdauphinee answered on 08/22/06: i thought her a freind not an employee then dock her pay for the clothes she should have looked in the bag! Coup_de_Grace rated this answer

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Coup_de_Grace asked on 08/22/06 - Need Advice from a Christian Perspective The darndest thing happened! I'm so upset!!! Doris was getting ready to do my laundry a couple of days ago, so I went into the bathroom to get the rest of the load...two pair of jeans, three cobbie tops, and some underpants. I put them into one of those plastic bags one gets at the supermarket and came out into the kitchen where Doris grabbed(she moves fast) the bag. I was talking about the laundry and she said she went on assembling my stuff. Laundry, garbage, food goods(I don't keep all the goods I get from the Hunamitarians and Fish) to donate to her church or friends. To get to the point....she threw out my clothes by mistake and in haste, I haven't seen her since I discovered my stuff missing, and I'm trying to figure out how to handle it. I want to pound her senseless for not listening!! I decided last night that I would make light of it when I see her, like...you know when we were getting the laundry together, well, YOU THREW OUT MY EFFIN CLOTHES, NO, well, I think you might have accidently put my clothes in a garbage bag, ha ha, accidents happen. Then, see what she says. Give out a few haha's This is the SECOND TIME she has thrown out my clothes!!!...the first time, the garbage men hadn't come when I discovered it and the maintaince man went into the dumpster and retrieved them. I needed those jeans and undies. The cobbies, not as much as I have enough. How would a Christian handle a talk about this situation? revdauphinee answered on 08/22/06: firmly but with love just ask her to please look after her own stuff and you take care of yours! Coup_de_Grace rated this answer Itsdb rated this answer MaggieB rated this answer paraclete rated this answer TTRalph rated this answer

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Jimbo asked on 08/22/06 - Truth? Are Christians, according to their scriptures, allowed to tell lies if it will protect or promote their belief? revdauphinee answered on 08/22/06: NO!!! Itsdb rated this answer Jimbo rated this answer MaggieB rated this answer

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arcura asked on 08/22/06 - Here is a poll peddler7118 asked for������������� Peddler said �As far as I can tell everyone here except me and Dgrade hate Tom. They say I am his daughter who they hate as well. Maybe you can do a poll and see who they hate more, me or Tom.� <><><><> So here is the questions. 1. Do you HATE Toms777? 2. Do you Hate peddler? My answer is I hate neither one of them. I hate no one. But apparently peddler thinks �they� hate him and Toms (that is his use of the word �they� whoever they are) So please, let them know how many here hate them of do not hate them. Thanks a bunch, Fred revdauphinee answered on 08/22/06: true christians do not hate!!!! arcura rated this answer peddler7118 rated this answer Toms777 rated this answer

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Coup_de_Grace asked on 08/21/06 - Baptist Minister Fires Female Sunday School Teacher Church Fires Teacher for Being Female WATERTOWN, N.Y. (Aug. 21) - The minister of a church that dismissed a female Sunday School teacher after adopting what it called a literal interpretation of the Bible says a woman can perform any job - outside of the church. News Video Watch Video: 'My Heart Is Broken' The First Baptist Church dismissed Mary Lambert on Aug. 9 with a letter explaining that the church had adopted an interpretation that prohibits women from teaching men. She had taught there for 54 years. The letter quoted the first epistle to Timothy: "I do not permit a woman to teach or to have authority over a man; she must be silent." The Rev. Timothy LaBouf, who also serves on the Watertown City Council, issued a statement saying his stance against women teaching men in Sunday school would not affect his decisions as a city leader in Watertown, where all five members of the council are men but the city manager who runs the city's day-to-day operations is a woman. "I believe that a woman can perform any job and fulfill any responsibility that she desires to" outside of the church, LaBouf wrote Saturday. Mayor Jeffrey Graham, however, was bothered by the reasons given Lambert's dismissal. "If what's said in that letter reflects the councilman's views, those are disturbing remarks in this day and age," Graham said. "Maybe they wouldn't have been disturbing 500 years ago, but they are now." Lambert has publicly criticized the decision, but the church did not publicly address the matter until Saturday, a day after its board met. In a statement, the board said other issues were behind Lambert's dismissal, but it did not say what they were." ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Pathetic, just pathetic. Any comments? revdauphinee answered on 08/22/06: Jesus felt women good enought to take the word to others is he placing his belief above Jesus's? matthew 28; 5. And the angel answered and said unto the women, Fear not ye: for I know that ye seek Jesus, which was crucified. 6. He is not here: for he is risen, as he said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay. 7. And go quickly, and tell his disciples that he is risen from the dead; and, behold, he goeth before you into Galilee; there shall ye see him: lo, I have told you. 8. And they departed quickly from the sepulchre with fear and great joy; and did run to bring his disciples word. 9. And as they went to tell his disciples, behold, Jesus met them, saying, All hail. And they came and held him by the feet, and worshipped him. 10. Then said Jesus unto them, Be not afraid: go tell my brethren that they go into Galilee, and there shall they see me. Coup_de_Grace rated this answer

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EdwardTeach asked on 08/21/06 - Bigotry .. Does any other religion throw up as many bigots as Christianity? revdauphinee answered on 08/22/06: ISLAM which counts anyone disbelieving in it as an infedel and worthy only of death! EdwardTeach rated this answer Judgment_Day rated this answer Toms777 rated this answer

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EdwardTeach asked on 08/21/06 - OUTRAGEOUS DISGUSTING Madonna did it the Crucifixion in Germany and the Germans will not hang her. What kind of Christians are they over there? What does your Christianity tell you she should be happened to? revdauphinee answered on 08/22/06: we must turn the other cheek and forgive her for as Christ said she knows not what she is doing! EdwardTeach rated this answer

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peddler7118 asked on 08/21/06 - Seven reasons why we should not accept millions of years Seven reasons why we should not accept m by Dr. Terry Mortenson July 17, 2006 There is an intensifying controversy in the church all over the world regarding the age of the earth. For the first 18 centuries of church history the almost universal belief of Christians was that God created the world in six literal days roughly 4,000 years before Christ and destroyed the world with a global Flood at the time of Noah. But about 200 years ago some scientists developed new theories of earth history, which proposed that the earth and universe are millions of years old. Over the past 200 years Christian leaders have made various attempts to fit the millions of years into the Bible. These include the day-age view, gap theory, local flood view, framework hypothesis, theistic evolution, progressive creation, etc. A growing number of Christians (now called young-earth creationists), including many scientists, hold to the traditional view, believing it to be the only view that is truly faithful to Scripture and that fits the scientific evidence far better than the reigning old-earth evolutionary theory. This article is available in an attractive leaflet to share with Christian friends, your pastor�anyone who is compromised or unsure about the age of the earth and who is not willing (or sufficiently motivated to take the time) to read a book or watch an hour-long DVD that would change their thinking. This leaflet could be a stepping-stone to encourage them to study this matter further. Together, let�s keep calling Christians�and especially Christian leaders�back to the truth of Genesis. Available in our online store. Many Christians say that the age of the earth is an unimportant and divisive side-issue that hinders the proclamation of the gospel. But is that really the case? AiG and many other creationist organizations think not. In this short article (which can be purchased as a leaflet to share with others�see side panel), we want to introduce you to some of the reasons we think that Christians cannot accept the millions of years, without doing great damage to the church and her witness in the world. We hope that it will help you think more carefully about this subject and will motivate you to dig deeper into the excellent resources recommended at the end, which thoroughly defend the points made here. The Bible clearly teaches that God created in six literal, 24-hour days a few thousand years ago. The Hebrew word for day in Genesis 1 is yom. In the vast majority of its uses in the Old Testament (OT) it means a literal day and where it doesn�t the context makes this clear. Similarly, the context of Genesis 1 clearly shows that the days of creation were literal days. First, yom is defined the first time it is used in the Bible (Gen. 1:4�5) in its two literal senses: the light portion of the light/dark cycle and the whole light/dark cycle. Second, yom is used with �evening� and �morning.� Everywhere these two words are used in the OT, either together or separately and with or without yom in the context, they always mean a literal evening or morning of a literal day. Third, yom is modified with a number: one day, second day, third day, etc., which everywhere else in the Old Testament indicates literal days. Fourth, yom is defined literally in Gen. 1:14 in relation to the heavenly bodies. That these creation days happened only about 6,000 years ago is clear from the genealogies of Gen. 5 and 11 (which give very detailed chronological information, unlike the clearly abbreviated genealogy in Matt. 1) and other chronological information in the Bible. Exodus 20:11 blocks all attempts to fit millions of years into Genesis 1. This verse gives the reason for God�s command to Israel to work six days and then take a Sabbath rest. Yom is used in both parts of the commandment. If God meant that the Jews were to work six days because He created over six long periods of time, He could have said that using one of three indefinite Hebrew time words. He chose the only word that means a literal day and the Jews understood it literally (until the idea of million of years developed in the early 19th century). For this reason, the day-age view or framework hypothesis must be rejected. The gap theory or any other attempt to put millions of years before the six days are also false, because God says that in six days He made the heaven and the earth and the sea and all that is in them. So He made everything in those six literal days and nothing before the first day. Noah�s Flood washes away millions of years. The evidence in Gen. 6�9 for a global catastrophic flood is overwhelming. For example, the Flood was intended to destroy not only all sinful people but also all land animals and birds and the surface of the earth, which only a global flood could accomplish. The Ark�s purpose was to save two of every kind of land animal and bird to repopulate the earth after the flood. The Ark was totally unnecessary, if the Flood was local. People, animals and birds could have migrated out of the flood zone before it occurred or the zone could have been populated from creatures outside the area after the Flood. The catastrophic nature is seen in the nonstop rain for at least 40 days, which would have produced massive erosion, mud slides, hurricanes, etc. The Hebrew words translated �the fountains of the great deep burst open� (Gen. 7:11) clearly point to tectonic rupturing of the earth�s surface in many places for 150 days, resulting in volcanoes, earthquakes and tsunamis. Noah�s Flood would produce exactly the kind of complex geological record we see today worldwide: thousands of feet of sediments clearly deposited by water and later hardened into rock and containing billions of fossils. If the year-long Flood is responsible for most of the rock layers and fossils, then those rocks and fossils cannot represent the history of the earth over millions of years, as evolutionists claim. Jesus was a young-earth creationist. Jesus consistently treated the miracle accounts of the Old Testament as straightforward, truthful, historical accounts (e.g., creation of Adam, Noah and the Flood, Lot and his wife in Sodom, Moses and the manna, and Jonah in the fish). He continually affirmed the authority of Scripture over men�s ideas and traditions (Matt. 15:1�9). In Mark 10:6 we have the clearest (but not the only) statement showing that Jesus was a young-earth creationist. He states that Adam and Eve were at the beginning of creation, not billions of years after the beginning, as would be the case if the universe was really billions of years old. So, if Jesus was a young-earth creationist, then how can His faithful followers have any other view? Belief in millions of years undermines the Bible�s teaching on death and on the character of God. Genesis 1 says six times that God called the creation �good� and when He finished creation on Day 6 He called everything �very good.� Man and animals and birds were originally vegetarian (Gen. 1:29�30, plants are not �living creatures,� as people and animals are, according Scripture). But Adam and Eve sinned, resulting in the judgment of God on the whole creation. Instantly Adam and Eve died spiritually, and after God�s curse they began to die physically. The serpent and Eve were changed physically and the ground itself was cursed (Gen. 3:14�19). The whole creation now groans in bondage to corruption waiting for the final redemption of Christians (Rom. 8:19�25) when we will see the restoration of all things (Acts 3:21, Col. 1:20) to a state similar to the pre-Fall world, when there will be no more carnivore behavior (Isa. 11:6�9) and no disease, suffering or death (Rev. 21:3�5) because there will be no more Curse (Rev. 22:3). To accept millions of years of animal death before the creation and Fall of man contradicts and destroys the Bible�s teaching on death and the full redemptive work of Christ. It also makes God into a bumbling, cruel creator who uses (or can�t prevent) disease, natural disasters and extinctions to mar His creative work, without any moral cause, but calls it all �very good.� The idea of millions of years did not come from the scientific facts. It was developed by deistic and atheistic geologists in the late 18th and early 19th century. These men used anti-biblical philosophical and religious assumptions to interpret the geological observations in a way that plainly contradicted the biblical account of creation, the Flood and the age of the earth. Most church leaders and scholars quickly compromised using the gap theory, day-age view, local flood view, etc. to try to fit �deep time� into the Bible. But they did not understand the geological arguments nor did they defend their views by careful Bible study. The �deep time� idea flows out of naturalistic assumptions, not scientific observations. Radiometric dating methods do not prove millions of years. Radiometric dating was not developed until the early 20th century, by which time the whole world had already accepted the millions of years. For many years creation scientists have cited many examples in the published scientific literature of these dating methods clearly giving erroneous dates (e.g., a date of millions of years for lava flows that occurred in the past few hundred years or even decades). In recent years creationists in the �RATE project� have done experimental, theoretical and field research to uncover more such evidence (e.g., diamonds and coal, which the evolutionists say are millions of years old, were dated by carbon-14 to be only thousands of years old) and to show that decay rates were orders of magnitude faster in the past, which shrinks the millions of years dates to thousands of years, confirming the Bible. Prominent young-earth creation scientists There are thousands of Ph.D. and M.S. scientists around the world (and the number keeps growing) who believe the earth is only about 6,000 years old, as the Bible teaches. It is simply false to say that creation scientists do not have reputable degrees, do not do real scientific research and do not publish in the peer-reviewed scientific journals. Visit our creation scientist section to read about a few of them, past and present. Conclusion These are just some of the reasons why we believe that the Bible is giving us the true history of the creation. God�s Word must be the final authority on all matters about which it speaks: not just the moral and spiritual matters, but also its teachings that bear on history, archeology and science. What is at stake here is the authority of Scripture, the character of God, the doctrine of death and the very foundation of the gospel. If the early chapters of Genesis are not true literal history, then faith in the rest of the Bible is undermined, including its teaching about salvation and morality. I urge you to examine carefully the resources at the bottom of this article. The health of the church, the effectiveness of her mission to a lost world and the glory of God are at stake. Recommended resources -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Available online at: http://www.answersingenesis.org/docs2006/0717seven-reasons.asp COPYRIGHT � 2006 Answers in Genesis revdauphinee answered on 08/22/06: Over the past 200 years Christian leaders have made various attempts to fit the millions of years into the Bible. not Christian leaders but God himself (2Pet.3:8 But, beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. peddler7118 rated this answer

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TTRalph asked on 08/21/06 - Necessary for salvation???? How many experts, Christian and non-Christian, believe that one cannot (to use a Christian idiom) 'be saved' without believing that every single word, jot and tittle of Genesis is the inerrant, inspired word of God, which MUST be taken literally???? Be as succint or voluble as you choose! But please do not fall back on the old circular reasoning: "I believe the Bible because the Bible tells me to believe the Bible". You might just as well say " I believe the Quran because the Quran tells me to believe the Quran". revdauphinee answered on 08/21/06: one cannot (to use a Christian idiom) 'be saved' without believing that every single word, jot and tittle of Genesis is the inerrant, inspired word of God, which MUST be taken literally???? Not so! this is not what saves you it is the belief in jesus death on the cross in order to forgive sin that must be believed for salvation ! MaggieB rated this answer peddler7118 rated this answer TTRalph rated this answer

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peddler7118 asked on 08/21/06 - Jesus Christ and the infallibility of Scripture 6 April 2004 There is considerable debate these days concerning the inerrancy (infallibility) of Scripture. The authority of God�s Word is the main issue. But, if one yields to the authority of Jesus Christ (Yeshua HaMashiach), he must, in turn, yield to Christ�s view of the Scripture itself. Anyone and everyone who claims to be a Christian (a believer under the authority of Christ) must hold to the same view He did! What was it? I. Negative aspects (an argument from silence�but a loud silence!) Jesus never belittled Scripture (as some modern critics do), or set it aside (as the Jewish leaders of His day had done with their Oral Traditions), or criticized it (although He criticized those who misused it), or contradicted it (although He rejected many interpretations of it), or opposed it (although He sometimes was free or interpretive with it), nor spoke in any way as �higher� critics do of the Old Testament (Tanakh). II. Christ�s use of Scripture As Louis Gaussen has asserted, �We are not afraid to say it: when we hear the Son of God quote the Scriptures, every thing is said, in our view, on their divine inspiration�we need no further testimony. All the declarations of the Bible are, no doubt, equally divine; but this example of the Savior of the world has settled the question for us at once. This proof requires neither long nor learned researches; it is grasped by the hand of a child as powerfully as by that of a doctor. Should any doubt, then, assail your soul let it behold Him in the presence of the Scriptures!�1 He knew the Scriptures thoroughly, even to words and verb tenses. He obviously had either memorized vast portions or knew it instinctively: John 7:15.2 He believed every word of Scripture. All the prophecies concerning Himself were fulfilled,3 and He believed beforehand they would be.4 He believed the Old Testament was historical fact. This is very clear, even though from the Creation (cf. Genesis 2:24 and Matthew 19:4, 5) onward, much of what He believed has long been under fire by critics, as being mere fiction. Some examples of historical facts: Luke 11:51�Abel was a real individual Matthew 24:37�39�Noah and the flood (Luke 17:26, 27) John 8:56�58�Abraham Matthew 10:15; 11:23, 24 (Luke 10:12)�Sodom and Gomorrah Luke 17:28�32�Lot (and wife!) Matthew 8:11�Isaac and Jacob (Luke 13:28) John 6:31, 49, 58�Manna John 3:14�Serpent Matthew 12:39�41�Jonah (vs. 42�Sheba) Matthew 24:15�Daniel and Isaiah He believed the books were written by the men whose names they bear: Moses wrote the Pentateuch (Torah): Matthew 19:7, 8; Mark 7:10, 12:26 (�Book of Moses��the Torah); Luke 5:14; 16:29,31; 24:27, 44 (�Christ�s Canon�); John 1:17; 5:45, 46; 7:19; (�The Law [Torah] was given by Moses; Grace and Truth came by Jesus Christ.�)5 Isaiah wrote �both� Isaiah�s: Mark 7:6�13; John 12:37�41 [Ed. note: Liberals claim that Isaiah 40-66 was composed after the fall of Jerusalem by another writer they call �Deutero-Isaiah�. The only real �reason� for their claim is that a straightforward dating would mean that predictive prophecy was possible, and liberals have decreed a priori that knowledge of the future is impossible (like miracles in general). Thus these portions must have been written after the events. However, there is nothing in the text itself to hint of a different author. See The Unity of Isaiah. In fact, even the Dead Sea Isaiah Scroll was a seamless unity. But as Dr Livingston said, since Jesus affirmed the unity of Isaiah, the deutero-Isaiah theory is just not an option for anyone calling himself a follower of Christ.] Jonah wrote Jonah: Matthew 12:39�41 Daniel wrote Daniel: Matthew 24:15 He believed the Old Testament was spoken by God Himself, or written by the Holy Spirit�s inspiration, even though the pen was held by men: Matthew 19:4, 5; 22:31, 32, 43; Mark 12:26; Luke 20:37. He believed Scripture was more powerful than His miracles: Luke 16:29, 31. He actually quoted it in overthrowing Satan! The O.T. Scriptures were the arbiter in every dispute: Matthew 4; Luke 16:29, 31. He quoted Scripture as the basis for his own teaching. His ethics were the same as what we find already written in Scripture: Matthew 7:12; 19:18, 19; 22:40; Mark 7:9, 13; 10:19; 12:24, 29�31; Luke 18:20. He warned against replacing it with something else, or adding or subtracting from it. The Jewish leaders in His day had added to it with their Oral Traditions: Matthew 5:17; 15:1�9; 22:29; (cf. 5:43, 44); Mark. 7:1�12. (Destroying faith in the Bible as God�s Word will open the door today to a �new� Tradition.) He will judge all men in the last day, as Messiah and King, on the basis of His infallible Word committed to writing by fallible men, guided by the infallible Holy Spirit: Matthew 25:31; John 5:22, 27; 12:48; Romans 2:16. He made provision for the New Testament (B�rit Hadashah) by sending the Holy Spirit (the Ruach HaKodesh). We must note that He Himself never wrote one word of Scripture although He is the Word of God Himself (the living Torah in flesh and blood, see John, chapter 1). He committed the task of all writing of the Word of God to fallible men�guided by the infallible Holy Spirit. The apostles� words had the same authority as Christ�s: Matthew 10:14, 15; Luke 10:16; John 13:20; 14:22; 15:26, 27; 16:12�14. He not only was not jealous of the attention men paid to the Bible (denounced as �bibliolatry� by some), He reviled them for their ignorance of it: Matthew 22:29; Mark 12:24. Nor did Jesus worship Scripture. He honored it�even though written by men. The above leaves no room but to conclude that our Lord Jesus Christ considered the canon of Scripture as God�s Word, written by the hand of men. Although some religious leaders profess to accept Scripture as �God�s Word,� their low view of �inspiration� belies the fact. They believe and teach that Scripture is, to a very significant degree, man�s word. Many of their statements are in essential disagreement with those of Jesus Christ. From the evidence of their books, we conclude that some Christian leaders are opposite to Christ in His regard for the authority, the inspiration, and the inerrancy of Scripture. And now, the most important point. III. Jesus Christ was subject to Scripture Jesus obeyed the Word of God, not man. He was subject to it. If some leaders� view of inspiration were true, Jesus was subject to an errant, rather casually thrown-together �Word of Man.� Jesus would have been subject, then, to the will of man, not the will of God. However, in all the details of His acts of redemption, Jesus was subject to Scripture as God�s Word. He obeyed it. It was His authority, the rule by which He lived. He came to do God�s will, not His own, and not man�s. Note how all of His life He did things because they were written�as if God had directly commanded. He fulfilled Old Testament prophecies about Himself. The passages are found all over the Old Testament. We cite here only a very few quoted in the New Testament: Matthew 11:10; 26:24, 53�56; Mark 9:12, 13; Luke 4:17�21; 18:31�33; 22:37; 24:44�47. He Himself is the Word of God. All the words from His lips were the Word of God. (John 3:34). If He had desired, He could have written a new set of rules and they would have been the Word of God. But, He did not. He followed without question the Bible already penned by men. This is the sensible thing for every believer to do. May all who read this adopt Jesus� attitude and become subject both to Him as Living Word (living Torah) and to the Bible as the infallible, written Word of God. Additional recommended resources The Online Bible CD-ROM Many Infallible Proofs The Defender�s Study Bible The Bible Comes Alive Footnotes Gaussen, L., The Plenary Inspiration of the Holy Scriptures, (Chicago: The Bible Inst. Colportage Association, n.d.), p. 93. Jesus need not verify every passage in the Canon or else we would find the whole Old Testament requoted in the New Testament, which is unnecessary. He verifies enough of it to assure us of complete approval of it all, including passages from all but a few books. Yet those also were in His Canon. He did not refute any of them. A good summary of fulfilled prophecy, see: Wenham, J.W., Our Lord�s View of the Old Testament, London: Tyndale Press (1953), pp. 23, 24. See: Matthew 26:53�56; Luke 24:25�27; John 5:39�47. The Pentateuch (Torah) is but one book in five parts. Meredith Kline�s Treaty of the Great King has demonstrated convincingly that it was written by one person as a unity. Therefore, Christ�s reference to any part of it as written by Moses infers He believed it was all written by Moses. The holy Scriptures � make you wise to accept God�s salvation (Hebrew Yeshua) by trusting in Christ Jesus (Hebrew Yeshua HaMashiach). The whole Bible was given to us by inspiration from God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives; it straightens us out and helps us do what is right. It is God�s way of making us well prepared at every point, fully equipped to do good to everyone. � II Timothy, Chapter 3, Verses 15�17, Living Bible -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (This paper is an excerpt from Dr Livingston�s M.A. Thesis titled, �A Critique of Dewey Beegle�s book titled: Inspiration of Scripture�. Copyright 2003 David Livingston, reproduced with permission.) We encourage our readers and subscribers to check out Dr Livingston�s website at: www.ancientdays.net. Return to top. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Available online at: http://www.answersingenesis.org/docs2004/0406scripture.asp COPYRIGHT � 2006 Answers in Genesis revdauphinee answered on 08/21/06: He warned against replacing it with something else, or adding or subtracting from it. The Jewish leaders in His day had added to it with their Oral Traditions: so then should we throw out the whole new testament and go back to only the torah???? peddler7118 rated this answer

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CeeBee2 asked on 08/21/06 - I was asked: "What GOOD can come from a Mother losing her ONLY son in a senseless war?????" Are there any answers to this question? revdauphinee answered on 08/21/06: I feel for the loss any parent who looses a child suffers but some comfort may be gained from the idea that our loss could be the childs gain,he is now free and as someone once said our loss is heavens gain!we humans only see end and loss in death when it is mearly passing through a phase of life into a better one! CeeBee2 rated this answer SABURAMO rated this answer Toms777 rated this answer

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HANK1 asked on 08/20/06 - THE CROSS: In the cross of Jesus Christ, you are not dealing with just another event in history. It is more than simply a moving tragedy. It is a decisive act in the plan of GOD. Is the cross God's completed action? HANK revdauphinee answered on 08/20/06: No the best is yet to come! HANK1 rated this answer peddler7118 rated this answer

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HANK1 asked on 08/20/06 - WHY ME? Poignant and personal, suffering invades the sacred precincts of life, wrecking the little fences built so tidily and intelligently around our emotions. What happened to Jesus happened for GOOD. Does what happens to us happen for GOOD? One must remember that Christ was a REAL man who died a genuine human death. His experiences benefit all of us. Was suffering and death different then? HANK HANK revdauphinee answered on 08/20/06: throughout my life looking back some good came out of even the worst experiences ! HANK1 rated this answer

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HANK1 asked on 08/20/06 - PURPOSE: If life and history have a purpose, someone must have given them that purpose. Who made us and shaped the way we live? HANK revdauphinee answered on 08/20/06: Yaweh God HANK1 rated this answer Judgment_Day rated this answer

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ROLCAM asked on 08/20/06 - TO LOVE : Lord Jesus, feed me at your table of eternal life. revdauphinee answered on 08/20/06: this should be addressed to God not the board ROLCAM rated this answer SABURAMO rated this answer Toms777 rated this answer whitefawn_ rated this answer

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ROLCAM asked on 08/20/06 - TO SERVE : How can I give spiritual life to others ? revdauphinee answered on 08/20/06: you cant only God can do so! ROLCAM rated this answer Toms777 rated this answer whitefawn_ rated this answer

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CeeBee2 asked on 08/20/06 - Now I've seen it all!!!!!!!!!!!!!! (rated R) A married Christian couples' sex toy web site: Christian Marital Aids The "About Book22" page says, in part: "It is our company's policy that the products we sell be purchased for married couples only. As explained in the book of Genesis, God created woman from man's flesh and bone to be his companion. In so doing, he illustrated that in marriage man and woman symbolically become one flesh. A common theme throughout the Bible is sexual purity. One example of this can be found in 1 Thessalonians 4:3-4, 'For God wants you to be holy and pure and to keep clear of sexual sin so that each of you will marry in holiness and honor.' We want to encourage God's plan for people to remain sexually pure, that is why we offer our products to married couples only. Book22 is owned and operated by Kevin and Joy Wilson. We are a Christian couple who have been married for over 11 years now. We have prayed every step of the way for guidance on what products to offer on this site. The Special Order page and many of the products we sell came about by couples sharing their hearts and issues with us. We found that we were naive about different people's sexual hurdles and impairments. Elderly and disabled couples have been open with us on what they would like to see us offer and it has really changed our view of what is 'okay' in the marriage bed. We take a lot of pride in running this business and work as unto the Lord each day." revdauphinee answered on 08/20/06: wonder what they will tell Jesus they did on judgement day?????Christians are supposed to aim to be like Him ask yourself would he do this??? CeeBee2 rated this answer

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CeeBee2 asked on 08/19/06 - (a provocative question found floating in cyberspace) -- If science develops a prenatal test to determine sexual orientation, should fetuses that have been identified as homosexual be aborted? revdauphinee answered on 08/20/06: No because God has a purpose for every creation and while he may hate the sin of homosexuality he still loves the sinner!Also if god creates we have no right to chose who we allow birth to ! CeeBee2 rated this answer peddler7118 rated this answer

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CeeBee2 asked on 08/19/06 - Illness...................... Is faith lacking if, after much prayer, a Christian is not healed of an illness, and continues to have the condition or even dies from it? revdauphinee answered on 08/20/06: No it is not for we humans see only from our own perspective ,maybee god has plans of his own for this person and wishes to call them home.We humans see death as an ending when in truth it is just a phase of life and we go on to better things ! CeeBee2 rated this answer

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ROLCAM asked on 08/19/06 - Good Representation !! After living what I felt was a decent" life, my time on earth came to the end. The first thing I remember is sitting on a bench in the waiting room of what I thought to be a court house. The doors opened and I was instructed to come in and have a seat by the defense table. As I looked around I saw the "prosecutor." He was a villainous looking gent who snarled as he stared at me. He definitely was the most evil person I have ever seen. I sat down and looked to my left and there sat My Attorney, a kind and gentle looking man whose appearance seemed so familiar to me,I felt I knew Him. The corner door flew open and there appeared the Judge in full flowing robes. He commanded an awesome presence as He moved across the room I couldn't take my eyes off of Him. As He took His seat behind the bench, He said, "Let us begin." The prosecutor rose and said, "My name is Satan and I am here to show you why this man belongs in hell." He proceeded to tell of lies that I told, things that I stole, and In the past when I cheated others. Satan told of other horrible Perversions that were once in my life and the more he spoke, the further down in my seat I sank. I was so embarrassed that I couldn't look at anyone, even my own Attorney, as the Devil told of sins that even I had completely forgotten about. As upset as I was at Satan for telling all these things about me, I was equally upset at My Attorney who sat there silently not Offering any form of defense at all. I know I had been guilty of those things, but I had done some good in my life - couldn't that at least equal out part of the harm I'd done? Satan finished with a fury and said, "This man belongs in hell, he is guilty of all that I have charged and there is not a person who can prove otherwise." When it was His turn, My Attorney first asked if He might approach the bench. The Judge allowed this over the strong objection of Satan, and beckoned Him to come forward. As He got up and started walking, I was able to see Him in His full splendor and majesty. I realized why He seemed so familiar; this was Jesus representing me, my Lord and my Savior. He stopped at the bench and softly said to the Judge, "Hi, Dad," and then He turned to address the court. "Satan was correct in saying that this man had sinned, I won't deny any of these allegations. And, yes, the wage of sin is death, and this man deserves to be punished." Jesus took a deep breath and turned to His Father with outstretched arms and proclaimed, "However, I died on the cross so that this person might have eternal life and he has accepted Me as his Savior, so he is Mine." My Lord continued with, "His name is written in the book of life and no one can snatch him from Me. Satan still does not understand yet. This man is not to be given justice, but rather mercy." As Jesus sat down, He quietly paused, looked at His Father and said,"There is nothing else that needs to be done. I've done it all." The Judge lifted His mighty hand and slammed the gavel down. The following words bellowed from His lips.. "This man is free." The penalty for him has already been paid in full. Case dismissed." As my Lord led me away, I could hear Satan ranting and raving, "I won't give up, I will win the next one." I asked Jesus as He gave me my instructions where to go next, "Have you ever lost a case?" Christ lovingly smiled and said, "Everyone that has come to Me and asked Me to represent them has received the same verdict as you, ~Paid In Full~ Do you have this faith in Jesus ? revdauphinee answered on 08/19/06: remember when we accept his forgiveness they can never be brough up again,no not even by Satan! (Isa.43:25-26 25 "I, even I, am he who blots out your transgressions, for my own sake, and remembers your sins no more. transgressions from us. ) Isa.1:18 "Come now, let us reason together," says the LORD. "Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool. ) Isa.6:7your guilt is taken away and your sin atoned for." ) ROLCAM rated this answer

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peddler7118 asked on 08/19/06 - Is Peddler, I mean Paddler a Pagan? http://www.worldnetdaily.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=50088 Vatican astronomer Guy Consolmagno says believing God created the universe in six days is a form of "pagan superstition." Consolmagno told the Scotsman the idea that religion and science are competing principles is a "destructive myth." Consolmagno works in a Vatican observatory in Arizona and as curator of the Vatican meteorite collection in Italy. He is keenly aware of the renewed interest in creationism taking hold in America � particularly among evangelical Christians who take the Bible � including the Genesis account of creation -- literally. Consolmagno described creationism as a "kind of paganism" because it is similar to the idea of "nature gods" who pagans believed to be responsible for natural events. "Knowledge is dangerous, but so is ignorance," he said. "That's why science and religion need to talk to each other." {Peddler's note-notice that knowledge is dangerous-to whom? note one -science implies knowledge-religion -ignorance}{that note is to give Izzy a big thrill" Consolmagno stated that the Christian God is a supernatural god. In the past, the belief in God being supernatural led the clergy to become involved in science to find natural explanations for things like thunder and lightning. Pagans often attribute thunder and lightning to vengeful gods. {peddlers note-this is an outrageous lie-it was the belief in a logical creator that made man look for natural laws} "Religion needs science to keep it away from superstition and keep it close to reality, to protect it from creationism, which at the end of the day is a kind of paganism -- it's turning God into a nature god," he said. "And science needs religion in order to have a conscience, to know that, just because something is possible, it may not be a good thing to do." revdauphinee answered on 08/19/06: my god tells me not to judge so im keeping my big mouth closed on this one (wonders never cease do they) Jimbo rated this answer Laura rated this answer MaggieB rated this answer peddler7118 rated this answer SABURAMO rated this answer

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HANK1 asked on 08/18/06 - A STATEMENT: I live in America because I like my FREEDOM. That was God's plan for me umpteen years ago. Why do you live in America ... if you do? HANK revdauphinee answered on 08/18/06: i live in America because I love her I couldnt choose where I was born but I do choose where I now live! HANK1 rated this answer

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peddler7118 asked on 08/17/06 - Creationist Humor 3 scientist decide to experiment with the jumping ability of frogs. They put the frog on the floor and say jump frog jump. Frog jumps 10 feet. They cut off one leg and say jump frog jump. Frog jumps 8 feet. They cut off one more leg and say jump frog jump. Frog jumps 6 feet. They cut off one more leg and say jump frog jump. Frog jumps 4 feet They cut off one more leg and say jump frog jump. Frog just sits there. They decide to repeat the experiment with a new frog. They put the frog on the floor and say jump frog jump. Frog jumps 10 feet. They cut off one leg and say jump frog jump. Frog jumps 8 feet. They cut off one more leg and say jump frog jump. Frog jumps 6 feet. They cut off one more leg and say jump frog jump. Frog jumps 4 feet They cut off one more leg and say jump frog jump. Frog just sits there. They finish their report which states: Repeated experiments have shown conclusively that the loss of limbs one thru 3 result in a reduction of jumping distance of 20% per . Lost of fourth limb results in deafness. revdauphinee answered on 08/17/06: i worked in the field of science for 22 yrs still didnt think it funny peddler7118 rated this answer

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arcura asked on 08/17/06 - How many here remember the Death of JonBenet Ramsey???? Man Arrested in Death of JonBenet Ramsey WASHINGTON -- A man arrested in Thailand is being held in connection with the slaying of JonBenet Ramsey, U.S. officials said Wednesday. Federal officials familiar with the case, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the man was already being held in Bangkok on unrelated sex charges. The girl was found beaten and strangled in the basement of the family's home in Boulder, Colo., on Dec. 26, 1996. Law enforcement officials from Boulder were flying to Bangkok to present Thai authorities with documents in the slaying of the 6-year-old beauty pageant contestant, officials in Washington said. They asked to remain anonymous pending an announcement in Colorado. The girl's parents, Patsy and John Ramsey, had been under an "umbrella of suspicion" in JonBenet's death. The Ramseys said an intruder killed their daughter. A grand jury investigation in Boulder ended with no indictments, and no arrests had been made in the case. Patsy Ramsey died in July. In 2003, U.S. District Judge Julie Carnes in Atlanta concluded that the evidence she reviewed suggested an intruder killed JonBenet. That opinion came with the judge's decision to dismiss a libel and slander lawsuit against the Ramseys by a freelance journalist, who the Ramseys had named as a suspect in their daughter's murder. The Boulder district attorney at the time said she agreed with Carnes' declaration. revdauphinee answered on 08/17/06: this childs death was no accident it was murder! arcura rated this answer

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peddler7118 asked on 08/17/06 - Creationist Humor 3 scientist decide to experiment with the jumping ability of frogs. They put the frog on the floor and say jump frog jump. Frog jumps 10 feet. They cut off one leg and say jump frog jump. Frog jumps 8 feet. They cut off one more leg and say jump frog jump. Frog jumps 6 feet. They cut off one more leg and say jump frog jump. Frog jumps 4 feet They cut off one more leg and say jump frog jump. Frog just sits there. They decide to repeat the experiment with a new frog. They put the frog on the floor and say jump frog jump. Frog jumps 10 feet. They cut off one leg and say jump frog jump. Frog jumps 8 feet. They cut off one more leg and say jump frog jump. Frog jumps 6 feet. They cut off one more leg and say jump frog jump. Frog jumps 4 feet They cut off one more leg and say jump frog jump. Frog just sits there. They finish their report which states: Repeated experiments have shown conclusively that the loss of limbs one thru 3 result in a reduction of jumping distance of 20% per . Lost of fourth limb results in deafness. revdauphinee answered on 08/17/06: My oppinion of Creationist Humor NOT FUnny peddler7118 rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 08/17/06 - How to find a Pastor Report from the Pastor Search Committee: We do not have a happy report to give. We have not been able to find a suitable candidate for this church, though we have one promising prospect. Thank you for your suggestions. We have followed up on each one with interviews or by calling at least three references. The following is our confidential report. ABRAHAM: a strong message on faith, but we were unable to determine his relationship with his sister. ADAM: Good man but has problems with his wife. One reference told us how he and his wife enjoyed walking nude in the woods. AARON: Has good leadership qualities but easily swayed by public opinion. In his last church he converted to idol worship while the Senior Pastor was on a sabbatical. NOAH: Former pastorate of 120 years with no converts. Prone to unrealistic building projects. JOSEPH: A big thinker, but a braggart; believes in dream interpreting and has a prison record. Better suited to business administration. MOSES: A modest and meek man, but poor communicator; even stutters at times. Sometimes blows his stack and acts rashly in business meetings. Some say he left an earlier church over a murder charge. DEBORAH: One word --- Female. DAVID: The most promising leader of all until we discovered the affair he had with his neighbor's wife. SOLOMON: Great preacher, but serious woman problem. ELIJAH: Prone to depression; collapses under pressure. HOSEA: A tender and loving pastor, but our people could never handle his wife's occupation. JONAH: Told us he was swallowed up by a great fish. He said the fish later spit him out on the shore near here. We hung up. AMOS: Too much of a country hick. Backward and unpolished. With some seminary training, he might have promise; but he has a hang-up against wealthy people. JOHN: Says he is a Baptist, but doesn't dress like one. May be too Pentecostal. Tends to lift both hands in the air to worship when he gets excited. You know we limit to one hand. Sleeps in the outdoors, has a weird diet, and provokes denominational leaders. JOHN ZEBARDEE. Given to wild visions and dreams. PETER: Too blue collar. Has a bad temper, even said to have cursed. He's a loose cannon. PAUL: Powerful CEO type and fascinating preacher. However, he's short on tact, unforgiving with young ministers, harsh, and has been known to preach all night. TIMOTHY: Too young. JAMES: very program focused. JUDE: Tends to use obscure references in his preaching and attack church members' character from the pulpit. JESUS: Has had popular times, but once when his church grew to 5000, He managed to offend them all; and his church dwindled down to twelve people. Seldom stays in one place very long. And, of course, he is single. Great healing ministry. JUDAS: His references are solid. A steady plodder. Conservative. Good connections. Knows how to handle money. We're inviting him to preach this Sunday in view of a call. Which would you choose? revdauphinee answered on 08/17/06: you have to ask???? DEBORAH: One word --- Female. paraclete rated this answer

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Judgment_Day asked on 08/17/06 - CHRISTIAN CRASH COURSE CLASS: JOHN HAGEE 101 If you are not aware of John Hagee teachings yet, here's below is a portion from the following link... http://www.apologeticsindex.org/h31.html "Preaching Prosperity John Hagee believes that all Christians should be financially prosperous so long as they continue to walk in obedience to God's ordinances. Although he does not subscribe to every doctrine common to the so-called Faith movement, he does agree with the movement's view that �poverty is caused by sin and disobeying the Word of God.�1 Hagee, like most other prosperity preachers, believes that �poverty is a curse.� [...] Promoting Positive Confession Along with the prosperity message, Hagee accepts and promotes the doctrine of positive confession � a foundational teaching of the Faith movement which maintains that Christians can speak (i.e., positively confess) physical realities into existence as long as the believer exercises enough faith to accompany his or her verbal confession. [...] Salvation Without Conversion? Hagee is recognized as a fierce foe of anti-Semitism. An outspoken supporter of the Jewish people, Judaism, and the nation Israel, he has been given the �Humanitarian of the Year� award by the San Antonio B'nai B'rith Council. Hagee has also been bestowed the �ZOA Israel Service Award� by the Zionist Organization in Dallas and honored with the �Henrietta Szold Award� by the Texas Southern Region of Hadassah. While his bold stance against anti-Semitism is certainly praiseworthy, Hagee's zealousness for the Jewish people and their cause has led him to commit a most serious doctrinal error � salvation for the Jews without conversion to Christianity. Though many may claim Hagee's preaching is helping to spread the Word of God and building a bridge of unity between the Christian and Jewish communities, the fact remains that his message contains elements which lie in direct and serious opposition to biblical truth." revdauphinee answered on 08/17/06: Israel has always been favoured by god read the following 6 This mystery is that(( through the gospel the Gentiles are heirs together with Israel,)) members together of one body, and sharers together in the promise in Christ Jesus. we christians as gentiles share in Gods plan through belief it says nothing about jews believing so hagee amy be right! Judgment_Day rated this answer

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jackreade asked on 08/16/06 - Hagee hopes to bring on Extended Warfare Fox Gives Airtime to a Radical Christian Pastor Trying to Orchestrate Armageddon but Doesn't Reveal His Agenda to its Audience Reported by Melanie - August 15, 2006 - 65 comments This morning (August 15, 2006) DemocracyNow aired a segment titled, Christians United for Israel: New Christian Zionism Lobby Hopes to Rival AIPAC. Amy Goodman's guest, Max Blumenthal, spoke at length about the leader of Christians United for Israel, John Hagee, who Blumenthal said has, "an Armageddon-based agenda for supporting Israel." Blumenthal also said, So now you have Christians United for Israel, which was founded in February by John Hagee, who commands a mega-church in San Antonio with 18,000 members. He's a huge force in Texas politics, a close, personal friend of Tom DeLay. And what this organization has done is they've convened all of the major Christian Zionist mega-churches in the country under one umbrella group, and they've hired a lobbyist. Hagee has a lot of money through his congregation. And their lobbyist is a guy named David Brog, who�s the former chief of staff to Arlen Specter, and he's Jewish, so this makes him a huge asset to this organization, because he can beat back criticism from other Jewish leaders that Christian Zionists harbor ulterior motives for supporting Israel, that they have an Armageddon-based agenda for supporting Israel. Ironically (or not), Fox News gave John Hagee a platform this afternoon on Your World w/Cavuto to lay out his plan for beginning the Armageddon he so arrogantly hopes to have a hand in creating." ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ We got a rich FundiChristian minister trying to "keep war alive" by beginning "Armageddon"...having a lobbyist in Washington....and some Christians here who support this nonsense think they shouldn't be criticized and brought down for the evil political monsters they are???? revdauphinee answered on 08/17/06: hagee is just quoting prophecyas for Israel rember God said 2. "I will make you into a great nation and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing. 3. I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you." arcura rated this answer jackreade rated this answer Judgment_Day rated this answer MaggieB rated this answer

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MaggieB asked on 08/16/06 - Actually a survey: As it is apparent that there are many denominations on this Christian Board I was just pondering how long each of us have been Christians. I don't want to know your denomination, that is neither here nor there. We must have quite a few years on board here. Thanks, MaggieB revdauphinee answered on 08/17/06: 48 yrs EdwardTeach rated this answer Judgment_Day rated this answer MaggieB rated this answer

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peddler7118 asked on 08/16/06 - Christian Humor Two Monks are holding up sign to oncoming traffic. One says "Beware! The End is Near!" The other "Turn Around Now ;Before it's Too Late!" People drive by , shake there fist and yell get out of the road you religious nuts! In the distance all you here is screams,crashing metal ,and breaking glass. One Monk turns to the other and says: Maybe we should just change the signs to say: Bridge is Out! revdauphinee answered on 08/16/06: you know what for a lot of folks the bridge is truly out ? think about this for a while! arcura rated this answer peddler7118 rated this answer

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peddler7118 asked on 08/16/06 - Is it abuse to post 30 questions in one day? You thoughts? revdauphinee answered on 08/16/06: Not if they are genuine questions and the person is truly seeeking an answer however if it is just done with the intention of dominating the board then my answer would be yes! arcura rated this answer isizathu rated this answer

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hOPE12 asked on 08/16/06 - Here is a horse joke for you all. One day a man was looking to buy a horse. He went to a farm where he looked at the horses available for sale. One horse though was to the side of the barn, but seemed to be a fine horse, strong and really nice. The man buying the horse looked at the owner who was Italian and asked. "What about that one over by the barn?" The little old Italian man said, "Yeh he is a gooda horse, but he no looka to good." Then the little old man tried to sell the other man another horse, but the man insisted he wanted to buy the horse on the side of the barn. The owner finally gave in and let the man buy the horse and as he was walking out of the farm the old man yelled, remember what I tella you, "he no looka to good." The man was so pleased with his new horse, he took it home and brushed it and then took him for a ride. Well no sooner he got on the horse but the horse started to bump into everything. Finally, the man got off the horse and soon realized the horse was blind. So the man took the horse back to the little old man who sold it to him and told him that he cheated him and the horse was bling and he sold him a blind horse. The little old man looked at the buyer and said: "I tella you many times, he no looka to good!" Take care, Hope12 revdauphinee answered on 08/16/06: good one! hOPE12 rated this answer

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ROLCAM asked on 08/16/06 - HORSE BETTING WITH A PRIEST **** JOKE !! HORSE BETTING WITH A PRIEST One day while he was at the track betting on the ponies and nearly losing his shirt, Mitch noticed a priest who stepped out onto the track and blessed the forehead of one of the horses lining up for the 4th race. Lo and behold, that horse - a very long shot - won the race. Mitch was most interested to see what the priest did the next race. Sure enough, the priest stepped out on to the track as the 5th race horses lined up, and placed a blessing on the forehead of one of the horses. Mitch made a beeline for the window, and placed a small bet on the horse. Again, even though it was another long shot, the horse the priest had blessed won the race. Mitch collected his winnings, and anxiously waited to see which horse the priest would bless for the 6th race. The priest showed, blessed a horse, Mitch bet on it, and it won! Mitch was elated! As the day went on, the priest continued blessing horses, and they always came in first. Mitch began to pull in some serious money, and by the last race, he knew his wildest dreams were going to come true. He made a quick stop at the ATM, withdrew his savings, and awaited the priest's blessing that would tell him which horse to bet on. True to his pattern, the priest stepped out onto the track before the last race and blessed the forehead, eyes, ears, and hooves of one of the horses. Mitch bet every cent, and watched the horse come in dead last. Mitch was dumbfounded. He made his way to the track, and when he found the priest, he demanded, "What happened, Father? All day long you blessed horses and they won. The last race, you blessed a horse and he lost. Now, thanks to you, I've lost all my savings!!" The priest nodded wisely and said, "That's the problem with Protestants -- you can't tell the difference between a simple blessing and the Last Rites. revdauphinee answered on 08/16/06: great one thanks 1 ROLCAM rated this answer

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isizathu asked on 08/16/06 - Peddlers questions : Why do some planets have counter rotating moons? Peddlers questions : Why do some planets have counter rotating moons? There are several reasons for planets and moons to counter rotate. But is that relevant to the Christianity board? Any comments? revdauphinee answered on 08/16/06: its relevant that our God created them! isizathu rated this answer peddler7118 rated this answer

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isizathu asked on 08/16/06 - Peddlers questions : What happened just before the Big Bang? Peddlers questions : What happened just before the Big Bang? Nobody knows. There are various suggestions, but none of them can be proven to be correct. The universe started with the Big Bang. That is sure. Any comments? revdauphinee answered on 08/16/06: so who made the bang?????ever hear a noise without a cause??? isizathu rated this answer

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isizathu asked on 08/16/06 - Peddlers questions : Do atheists believe in miracles? Peddlers questions : Do atheists believe in miracles? With miracles having something unnatural in them, the answer has to be NO. Any other opinions? revdauphinee answered on 08/16/06: becoming a christian is NOT a miracle. howe ver the existance of the forgivness of our sins is! isizathu rated this answer

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arcura asked on 08/16/06 - If you had the power, would you???????? If you had the power (on the day of your perfect, loving, devoted mother was to die) would you assume her body and soul into heaven, or would you allowed her to die and her body to rot in a cold grave or tomb? Today the Catholics celebrate the Feast of The Assumption of Mary because they believe that is what Jesus, her loving devoted, perfect son did. So if YOU had that power, would you? Peace and kindness, Fred revdauphinee answered on 08/16/06: If one had the power of cource we would however mere humans do not have such power and scripture tells us (Jb.14:12 so man lies down and does not rise; till the heavens are no more, men will not awake or be roused from their sleep. (Dn.12:2 Multitudes who sleep in the dust of the earth will awake: some to everlasting life, others to shame and everlasting contempt. ) my dear mother is presently sleeping awaiting the Lord! arcura rated this answer MaggieB rated this answer

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Erewhon asked on 08/16/06 - America "cannot be a democracy." GW Bush President Bush said to day that any country that has an independant non-gfovernmental armed militia in it "cannot be a democracy." I point to "The Millitiamen of Montana," and, as they conform to Bush's description, America cannot a democracy. Would it be sensible for Fred to move out of Montana before the air force begins its bombing campaign? All in favour say, "Aye!" 17,000 bombed targets, more than 2,500 attacks from the sea (Could be difficult in Montana), and 30,000 armed sorties by aeroplanes. Was Mao Tse Tung right when he said "Political power grows out of the barrel of a gun?" What price democracy now? revdauphinee answered on 08/16/06: God help you if you believe G W Bush! Erewhon rated this answer Toms777 rated this answer WheninRome rated this answer

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Erewhon asked on 08/15/06 - Is this what God has decreed? Thumbing through my copy of "The Antidtoe." I came across a statement usually attributed to Augustine, but which is the work of Fulgentius. The direction of the piece is that the unbaptised are condemned to burn in Hell for eternity. In the case of an infant of a few hours who succumbs to the arms of Death due to a complicated delivery that it had not the resources to deal with, why is that babe damned forever to be roasted in Hell, sharing the same punishment as such as those responsible for the cruel deaths of millions, when all it can be said to be guilty of is struggling to be born and then struggling, unsuccessfully, to live? Is innocence an unforgivable offence against God? revdauphinee answered on 08/15/06: this is the idea of a man and never the will of God!Baptism in and of itself saves no one it is mearly an act of obediance to the will of God after one has acepted salvation.all that is required for salvation is belief in and acceptance of the sacrifice of Jesus for all our sins .If one does not or in the case of an infance can not then all baptism will do is get one wet! (Jn.14:6 Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. ) notice he does not say no one comes to the father unless he be baptised! Erewhon rated this answer Laura rated this answer MaggieB rated this answer

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Erewhon asked on 08/15/06 - "Blessed are the peacemakers ... " Jesus said: "Blessed [are] the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God." Can a person who attempts the role of honest broker in a war between parties be considered a peacemaker if, after a truce has been declared, he declares that one party has emerged victorious? With Jews (Israelis) on one side, and Muslims (Lebanese) on the other side of a war of depredation and almost a thousand killed, should a Christian stand on the graves of the dead and holler for one faction over the other, or is there a more measured Christian approach to what must be a welcome cessation of hostilities? Is it only a matter of style, or are we entitled to expect something more profound? revdauphinee answered on 08/15/06: in war where many lose lives when are there winners?all lose! Erewhon rated this answer

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CeeBee2 asked on 08/13/06 - What is faith? Is faith like a chain? In such a chain, each link is a particular belief. The first link might be that God created the world. The second link might be that he separated light from darkness. The third link might be that he made the sun to rule the day and the moon and stars to rule the night. Later, the forty-fourth link might be that God used up six days for Creation. The forty-fifth link might be that each day of Creation, just like our days now, was 24 hours. The forty-sixth link might be that God saw his Creation was good. My questions: If you don't believe in the 44th and 45th links, and remove them, does that destroy the chain? Does that make null and void the other links, since the chain has been broken? revdauphinee answered on 08/13/06: NO Because the rest remain as real as ever however I personaly prefere the whole to part! CeeBee2 rated this answer

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STONY asked on 08/13/06 - AN INTRESTING DELEMA... THIS CAME ACCROSS MY DESK THIS MORNING. Subject: The religious war is bigger than we know or understand. Can A Muslim Become A Good American Citizen Can a good Muslim be a good American? I sent that question to a friend who worked in Saudi Arabia for 20 years. The following is his reply: Theologically - no. Because his allegiance is to Allah, the moon god of Arabia. Religiously - no. Because no other religion is accepted by his Allah except Islam (Koran, 2:256) Scripturally - no. Because his allegiance is to the five pillars of Islam and the Quran (Koran). Geographically - no. Because his allegiance is to Mecca, to which he turns in prayer five times a day. Socially - no. Because his allegiance to Islam forbids him to make friends with Christians or Jews. Politically - no. Because he must submit to the mullah (spiritual leaders), who teach annihilation of Israel and Destruction of America, the great Satan. Domestically - no. Because he is instructed to marry four women and beat and scourge his wife when she disobeys him (Quran 4:34). Intellectually - no. Because he cannot accept the American Constitution since it is based on Biblical principles and he believes the Bible to be corrupt. Philosophically - no. Because Islam, Muhammad, and the Quran do not allow freedom of religion and _expression. Democracy and Islam cannot co-exist. Every Muslim government is either dictatorial or autocratic. Spiritually - no. Because when we declare "one nation under God," the Christian's God is loving and kind, while Allah is NEVER referred to as heavenly father, nor is he ever called love in The Quran's 99 excellent names. Therefore after much study and deliberation.... perhaps we should be very suspicious of ALL MUSLIMS in this country. They obviously cannot be both "good" Muslims and good Americans. Call it what you wish.... it's still the truth. If you find yourself intellectually in agreement with the above statements, perhaps you will share this with your friends. The more who understand this, the better it will be for our country and our future. Pass it on Fellow Americans. The religious war is bigger than we know or understand. revdauphinee answered on 08/13/06: this is all true and as long as folks continue to hide thier heads in the sand with the mistaken arguments that it is not true we will never be safe!also those who falsly claim we serve one God need to read in the quoran the part that states Allah has no son If allah is just another name for our God then where does that leave christians who claim to follow the son of God??? remember we were warned (Exo.20:3-17 3 "You shall have no other gods before me. If no other Gods existed then why were we warned to avoid them???? Allah is a false God ! blueboy. rated this answer MaggieB rated this answer STONY rated this answer Toms777 rated this answer

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HANK1 asked on 08/13/06 - CONVICTION: I have learned that peace at the individual, family, community and world levels are inter-related, and a natural progression. I have learned about the power of one person, with a conviction, to make a difference in our communities and world. Do these words apply to President Bush? HANK revdauphinee answered on 08/13/06: NO! HANK1 rated this answer Toms777 rated this answer

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Erewhon asked on 08/12/06 - The Freemasons by the Freemasons ........ Ferom the Californian Mason's website: How it all began In the Middle Ages, the terms "mason" and "freemason" were used interchangeably. They were stonemasons who built castles and cathedrals in England and Scotland. Because of the inherent danger of their work, many stonemasons formed local organizations, called lodges, to take care of sick and injured members as well as the widows and orphans of those who were killed on the job. The masons also used Lodges as places to meet, receive their pay, plan their work, train new apprentices, and socialize. In 1717, the first Grand Lodge was established in London. Within the next two decades, English Freemasonry spread throughout Europe and eventually made its way to the American colonies. The first lodge organized on American soil appeared in Philadelphia, Pennslyania around 1730. By 1733 a Provincial Grand Lodge was organized in Boston, Massachusetts. George Washington, Benjamin Franklin, John Hancock, and other founding fathers were among the first Masons in America. Of the 39 men who signed the U.S. Constitution, 13 were Masons. "Of the 39 men who signed the U.S. Constitution, 13 were Masons." so it appears that the Protestant Christian Founding fathers had no objection to Freemasonry, so why would a modern day Witchfinder General show interest in them and seek their destruction? revdauphinee answered on 08/12/06: because it is by no means as simple an organisation as you state !its traditions date much further back and are not as pristeen as they would have us to think either! Erewhon rated this answer Laura rated this answer MaggieB rated this answer Toms777 rated this answer

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Erewhon asked on 08/12/06 - Declining a question .... ........................... ............ Tom has 'declined to answer' one of my posts THREE TIMES! Can anyone explain what he is playing at? Can anyone explain why he will not provide the information I have requested? revdauphinee answered on 08/12/06: could be he dosent have it? Erewhon rated this answer Toms777 rated this answer

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MaggieB asked on 08/12/06 - Where is Rev Dauphine? Have missed her being on the CB. Pray she is enjoying family close by and not out due to illness. MaggieB revdauphinee answered on 08/12/06: Im still here but not enjoying the board as much these days to much psudo intelectualism and showing of of computer skills these days !used to come here for stimulating stuff all we get now are silly pictures and arguing! Erewhon rated this answer HANK1 rated this answer Karlogun rated this answer Laura rated this answer MaggieB rated this answer Toms777 rated this answer

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ROLCAM asked on 08/12/06 - TO SERVE : Religiously speaking, how can we be a source of life to others? revdauphinee answered on 08/12/06: I agree you are more anoying than funny but then maybee this is your intention! Karlogun rated this answer ROLCAM rated this answer

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ROLCAM asked on 08/12/06 - TO LOVE : Lord Jesus, feed us with your everlasting word of life. Would you like to be fed ? revdauphinee answered on 08/12/06: i AGREE !WE ALL KNOW YOU ARE ABLE TO PUT PICTURES ON LINE !Arent you talented? Karlogun rated this answer ROLCAM rated this answer

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Laura asked on 08/12/06 - Let's change lanes for a minute For all of you who know so much about questionable practices within certain faiths.....Freemasonry...Comments? revdauphinee answered on 08/12/06: AMEN!!!! Laura rated this answer Toms777 rated this answer

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peddler7118 asked on 08/12/06 - How to sell Papa In order to solidify power the Catholic Church wrote many false documents and claimed they were ancient and therefore precedents. Sadly Gregory the Great was a pious man and would be turning in his grave if he knew how his name was smeared. Pseudo-Isidore From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Pseudo-Isidore is the pseudonym given to the scholar or group of scholars responsible for the most extensive and influential set of forgeries found in medieval Canon law. The works, produced during the mid-ninth century in north-eastern France, have been universally recognized as a set of forgeries by both Roman Catholic and Protestant scholars for well over a century. With the Donation of Constantine and The Protocols of the Elders of Zion, the corpus of the "Pseudo-Isidore" is one of the three most persuasive forgeries in the history of the West. The Pseudo-Isidorian Decretals and certain fictitious letters ascribed to early popes, from Clement to Gregory the Great, were incorporated in a ninth-century collection of canons purporting to have been made by a certain, apparently fictitious, Isidore Mercator, not to be confused with the early medieval encyclopedist Isidore of Seville. The useful name "Pseudo-Isidorian Decretals" has been in common use since the awakening of textual criticism among humanists of the 16th century. Since the decretals and letters are included with spurious Hispanic canons and other forgeries, the critical editor Bernhard Eduard Simson in 1886 gave the fitting designation "Pseudo-Isidorian Forgeries" to the whole series. A measure of the widespread usefulness that the collections presented can be judged by the fact that seventy-five manuscripts of the Pseudo-Isidorian material have survived, and that they differ widely one from another. Collections of canons were commonly made by adding new matter to old. The forger of the Pseudo-Isidore collection took as the basis of his work a quite genuine collection Hispana Gallica Augustodunensis and interpolated his forgeries among the genuine material that supplied credibility by association. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pseudo-Isidore revdauphinee answered on 08/12/06: due to all the differing denominations bashing each other I thank God I am non denominational why dont we start anew and in the imortal words of Rodney King "lets all just try to get along" Im sure God wants that! peddler7118 rated this answer

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HANK1 asked on 08/11/06 - CEASE FIRE! It's very hard to look into the soul of a person but perhaps it's much easier to appraise the thinking of a barbarian. I just heard over the news that Israel has AGREED to the cease fire terms laid down by the United Nations. It's 5:40 p.m. 8/11/06 where I live. I'll predict that the Hezbollah will not agree to the cease fire and continue to kill, kill kill. Tomorrow just might be a very hard day for our Israeli friends. HANK revdauphinee answered on 08/12/06: carefull statements like that will get you branded and islam hater (welcome to the club) HANK1 rated this answer

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blueboy. asked on 08/11/06 - 666 0r 777? Perhaps someone can tell me why; Whenever Tom Smith (http://discern.ca/) appears on this, or any other religious discussion forum, the hatred & intolerence level rises. I don't expect a response from dear Tom as, I would suggest, he prefers to hide under stones....& clarifications:):) revdauphinee answered on 08/12/06: one problem that I deel has always been a problem on this board it that any time one dissagrees with someone it is labeled hatred & intolerence when if fact it is not!I often dissagee however I "hate" no one! blueboy. rated this answer Erewhon rated this answer Toms777 rated this answer

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Itsdb asked on 08/11/06 - The Christians are coming, the Christians are coming! This is for all of those fearing a Bush theocracy and/or that wish to equate evangelicals with Islamic radicals... WASHINGTON -- These are rich times for conspiracy theorists, and the mother lode these days may be found in the fevered minds of anti-Christianists. Among paranoiacs who see a Jerry Falwell or a John Hagee in every burning bush, U.S. support for Israel isn't about protecting the only healthy democracy in the Middle East, but about advancing Armageddon and, yes, the Second Coming. At last, we'll get to know what Jesus would drive. Most likely, he'd drive out the conspiracy theorists on both sides of this imagined apocalypse. For those who do not spend their days pulling imaginary bugs out of their eye sockets, "Christianist" is a relatively new term that roughly refers to a virulent strain of right-wing political Christianity that, supposedly, parallels Islamist lunacy. Although both groups may be "true believers," those who try to connect the dots of Christian belief, specifically evangelical Christianity, to Islamism seem willing to overlook the fact that Islamists praise Allah and fly airplanes into buildings while Christianists praise Jesus and pass the mustard. And though both groups of people may use scripture to shape their approach to the public square, Islamist interpretation of doctrine permits religious expression through suicide-murder, beheadings, public stonings (preferably of women) and Jew-hating, while Christianist doctrine deals in such wimpy notions as forgiveness, tolerance, redemption and cheek-turning. Weirdos. A slew of new books have emerged with titles like American Theocracy, and Kingdom Coming, that tackle the perceived emerging Christocracy, while op-ed-ists opine that right-wing evangelicals are directing foreign policy through the White House. Words like "theocrats" and "American Taliban" have become commonplace in describing those who fill televangelism's La-Z-Boys. Certainly, there's an element among some Christians who believe that Armageddon and the Second Coming are related to current events in the Middle East. For instance, John Hagee, televangelist and pastor of an 18,000-member mega-church in San Antonio specifically believes that Israel has to strike Iran's nuclear facilities in order to move things along toward Jesus' new millennial reign. And though life may get messy for a time, all's well that ends well. Once Jesus gets back on board, Russia and China will have been dealt with, the Garden of Eden will reopen for business, and the righteous will rule the nations of the Earth. ACLU, beware. Doubtless Hagee holds his audiences in thrall, but that audience does not happen to include George W. Bush or even (cue thunderclouds) Karl Rove. Nor millions of other Christians. Despite what the anti-Christianists seem to believe, the evangelical movement is not monolithic on such issues and Hagee doesn't have an office in the State Department. In fact, at one White House meeting with about 35 evangelical leaders, one participant told me Hagee said nary a word. Even if he had, no one in the Bush administration is listening. "You can be sure that Condi Rice is not reading Tim LaHaye books," says Michael Cromartie, vice president of the Ethics and Public Policy Center and director of its Evangelicals in Civic Life program. LaHaye is author of the best-selling apocalyptic "Left Behind" series. The Armageddonists, meanwhile, are suffering from what Cromartie calls "overheated eschatological expectations." "That means, they're always looking through world events for some signs of the End Times. . . . If they want to spend their time worrying about that, fine. I'm pretty content to sit here and wait it out." At least part of what's behind the anti-Christianist movement, of course, is dislike of Bush, who happens to be a born-again Christian, combined with angry opposition to the war in Iraq, as well as contempt for the anti-intellectualism of some on the Christian right -- a perfect storm of secular disgust. What's missing, however, is a basic understanding of reality: the fact that those who preach an End Times scenario also voted for Bush does not necessarily mean that they have Bush's ear. When someone like Hagee sends a smoke signal to the White House about Israel and Armageddon, the attitude at Pennsylvania Avenue is, "Oh yeah, John, we're aware of that, thank you." In other words, pro-Israel policy decisions are based on our long-standing support of America's democratic ally in the Middle East, not some theological imperative as divined through an eschatological grid. Or even an Ŝ" ball. Nevertheless, Republicans are happy to get votes where they can. Which is to say: If Hagee were urging his congregation to tithe money to fight global warming based on some apocalyptic interpretation of Scripture, does anyone really think that Al Gore would decline the check? -Kathleen Parker Comments? revdauphinee answered on 08/12/06: the statement you made " the fact that those who preach an End Times scenario also voted for Bush" Is incorrect I am one of the people who preach and believe in the end times scenerio however I have not voted for a republican since I became an American citisen and do not see myself likely to do so in the future! Itsdb rated this answer

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isizathu asked on 08/07/06 - Euthanasia : the reality � Our newly and suddenly arrived new board friend "peddler" (who seems with each and every post to this board to focus on stirring matters instead of real trying to debate or ask/answer questions) posted recently about euthanasia. That post was strongly biased, biased beyond any objectivity, towards rejecting euthanasia as a threat to humanity. In the post there were many nonsensical claims, trying to deviate the attention away from the real aspects of euthanasia, which are : Should Christian views on euthanasia be enforced on those of a different worldview? Of course Christians may live accordingly to the rules provided to them in the Bible and their religious views. But why should non-christians be enforced to these same christian rules? Or even Christians who elect for the euthanasia option? Has a person the right to decide him/her self when, where, and how to die? This within the frame of being finally ill and with a strong chance to die failing any dignity due to pain or suffocation? What about the Christian belief in the Final Judgement by God, instead of judgement by one or more self-proclaimed god representatives here on earth? Is it possible to devise and regulate strict rules/laws under which euthanasia is guaranteeed to be applied on request of the patient only? This in view of the possible danger of turning euthanasia into a killing-off of the sick and old. (The euthanasia system in the Netherlands shows that it functions there in that respect properly). Do you have any other consideration or question on euthanasia : please add to your list! Thank you for your reactions! :) � revdauphinee answered on 08/11/06: my right to pray to allow my children to read the scripture my right to celebrate my hily days or display symbols on such days isizathu rated this answer

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Erewhon asked on 08/09/06 - The Mormon Jesus ............................................................ As some are confused as to who and what Mormons believe Jesus Chriost to be, I have uindertaken to post a detailed exposition of the divine being who leads The Church of JESUS CHRIST of Latter-day Saints. Jesus Christ was and is the Lord God Omnipotent (see Mosiah 3:5). He was chosen before He was born. He was the all-powerful Creator of the heavens and the earth. He is the source of life and light to all things. His word is the law by which all things are governed in the universe. All things created and made by Him are subject to His infinite power. Jesus was a God in the premortal existence. Our Father in Heaven gave Him a name above all others�the Christ. We have a volume of scripture whose major mission is to convince the world that Jesus is the Christ. It is the Book of Mormon. It is another testament of Jesus Christ. In its pages we read "that there shall be no other name given nor any other way nor means whereby salvation can come unto the children of men, only in and through the name of Christ, the Lord Omnipotent" (Mosiah 3:17). As far as man is concerned, we must build "upon the rock of our Redeemer, who is Christ" (Helaman 5:12). The first and great commandment is to love Him and His Father. Jesus Christ is "the Father of heaven and earth, the Creator of all things from the beginning" (Mosiah 3:8). "Wherefore," declared Jacob in the Book of Mormon, "if God being able to speak and the world was, and to speak and man was created, O then, why not able to command the earth, or the workmanship of his hands upon the face of it, according to his will and pleasure?" (Jacob 4:9.) God, the Creator, commands His creations even at this very moment. A fundamental doctrine of true Christianity is the divine birth of the child Jesus. This doctrine is not generally comprehended by the world. The paternity of Jesus Christ is one of the "mysteries of godliness" comprehended only by the spiritually minded. (See 1 Timothy 3:16; D&C 19:10.) The Apostle Matthew recorded: "Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost" (Matthew 1:18). Luke rendered a plainer meaning to the divine conception. He quoted the angel Gabriel's words to Mary: "The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy [being] which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God" (Luke 1:35). Some six hundred years before Jesus was born, an ancient prophet had a vision. He saw Mary and described her as "a virgin, most beautiful and fair above all other virgins." He then saw her "carried away in the Spirit . . . for the space of a time." When she returned, she was "bearing a child in her arms . . . even the Son of the Eternal Father." (1 Nephi 11:15, 19-21.) Thus the testimonies of appointed witnesses leave no question as to the paternity of Jesus Christ. God was the Father of Jesus' mortal tabernacle, and Mary, a mortal woman, was His mother. He is therefore the only person born who rightfully deserved the title "the Only Begotten Son of God." The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints proclaims that Jesus Christ is the Son of God in the most literal sense. The body in which He performed His mission in the flesh was sired by that same Holy Being we worship as God, our Eternal Father. Jesus was not the son of Joseph, nor was He begotten by the Holy Ghost. He is the Son of the Eternal Father. He was the Only Begotten Son of our Heavenly Father in the flesh�the only child whose mortal body was begotten by our Heavenly Father. His mortal mother, Mary, was called a virgin, both before and after she gave birth. (See 1 Nephi 11:20.) Jesus Christ is the Son of God. He came to this earth at a foreappointed time through a royal birthright that preserved His godhood. Combined in His nature were the human attributes of His mortal mother and the divine attributes and power of His Eternal Father. As the Son of God, He inherited powers and intelligence that no human has ever had before or since. He was literally Immanuel, which means "God with us." Nearly two thousand years ago a perfect Man walked the earth�Jesus the Christ. He was the Son of a Heavenly Father and an earthly mother. He is the God of this world, under the Father. In His life, all the virtues were lived and kept in perfect balance; He taught men truth�that they might be free; His example and precepts provide the great standard�the only sure way�for all mankind. Among us He became the first and only one who had the power to reunite His body with His spirit after death. By His power all men who have died shall be resurrected. Before Him one day we all must stand to be judged by His laws. He lives today, and in the not too distant future shall return, in triumph, to subdue His enemies, to reward men according to their deeds, and to assume His rightful role to rule and reign in righteousness over the entire earth. To qualify as the Redeemer of all our Father's children, Jesus had to be perfectly obedient to all the laws of God. Because He subjected Himself to the will of the Father, He grew from "grace to grace, until He received a fulness" of the Father's power. Thus He had "all power, both in heaven and on earth." (D&C 93:13, 17.) Once this truth about the One we worship as the Son of God is understood, we can more readily comprehend how He had power to heal the sick, cure all manner of diseases, raise the dead, and command the elements. Even devils, whom He cast out, were subject to Him and acknowledged His divinity. (See Matthew 8:28-32.) Even though He was God's Son sent to earth, the divine plan of the Father required that Jesus be subjected to all the difficulties and tribulations of mortality. Thus He became subject to "temptations, . . . hunger, thirst, and fatigue" (Mosiah 3:7). Today some unbelievers among us spread seeds of heresy, claiming that Jesus could not cast out evil spirits and did not walk on water nor heal the sick nor miraculously feed five thousand nor calm storms nor raise the dead. These would have us believe that such claims are fantastic and that there is a natural explanation for each alleged miracle. Some have gone so far as to publish psychological explanations for His reported miracles. But Jesus' entire ministry was a mark of His divinity. He spoke as God, He acted as God, and He performed works that only God Himself can do. His works bear testimony to His divinity. Because His Father was God, Jesus Christ had power that no other human had before or since. He was God in the flesh�even the Son of God. He therefore, as scripture records, had power to do many miracles: raise the dead, cause the lame to walk and the blind to receive their sight, and cast out evil spirits (see Mosiah 3:5-6). He provided His gospel as a source of constant sustenance and nourishment to keep each individual's spirituality alive forever. His own testimony is: "Whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life" (John 4:14). As the great Lawgiver, He gave laws and commandments for the benefit of all our Heavenly Father's children. Indeed, His law fulfilled all previous covenants with the house of Israel. Said He: "Behold, I am the law, and the light. Look unto me, and endure to the end, and ye shall live; for unto him that endureth to the end will I give eternal life." (3 Nephi 15:9.) Several years ago, a number of prominent theologians were asked the question, What do you think of Jesus? Their replies startled many professed Christians. One asserted that a "true Christian" must reject the Resurrection. Another admitted that New Testament scholars were so divided on the question that one cannot say anything certain about the historical Jesus. Another scholar and teacher of Jesuit priests explained, "It is difficult to say in our age what the divinity of Jesus can mean. We are groping now for a way to express it�we just don't know." In a public opinion poll conducted by George Gallup, Jr., seven in ten adult American respondents said they believed in the divinity of Christ. But 90 percent of these said that Jesus is divine only in the sense that He embodies the best that is in all men. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints consents to no such ambiguity in relation to our position regarding the divinity of Jesus Christ. The question is sometimes asked, "Are Mormons Christians?" We declare the divinity of Jesus Christ. We look to Him as the only source of our salvation. We strive to live His teachings, and we look forward to the time that He shall come again on this earth to rule and reign as King of Kings and Lord of Lords. In the words of a Book of Mormon prophet, we say to men today, "There [is] no other name given nor any other way nor means whereby salvation can come unto the children of men, only in and through the name of Christ, the Lord Omnipotent" (Mosiah 3:17). As witnesses of the Lord Jesus Christ we proclaim that He truly is the Savior of all. He whose birth the Christian world celebrates is indeed the Son of God, the Redeemer, the Promised Messiah. No message is more significant than the one He brought. No event is of greater importance than His atoning sacrifice and subsequent resurrection. And no mortal tongue can express sufficient thanks for all that Jesus has done for us. We need to know that Christ invites us to come unto Him. "Behold, he sendeth an invitation unto all men, for the arms of mercy are extended towards them, . . . Yea he saith: Come unto me and ye shall partake of the fruit of the tree of life." (Alma 5:33-34.) Come, for he stands "with open arms to receive you" (Mormon 6:17). Come, for "he will console you in your afflictions, and he will plead your cause" (Jacob 3:1). "Come unto him, and offer your whole souls as an offering unto him" (Omni 1:26). As Moroni closed the record of the Jaredite civilization, he wrote, "I would commend you to seek this Jesus of whom the prophets and apostles have written" (Ether 12:41). In Moroni's closing words written toward the end of the Nephite civilization, he said, "Yea, come unto Christ, and be perfected in him, . . . and if ye shall deny yourselves of all ungodliness, and love God with all your might, mind and strength, then is his grace sufficient for you" (Moroni 10:32). Those who are committed to Christ "stand as witnesses of God at all times and in all things, and in all places" that they may be in "even until death" (Mosiah 18:9). They "retain the name" of Christ "written always" in their hearts (Mosiah 5:12). They take upon themselves "the name of Christ, having a determination to serve him to the end" (Moroni 6:3). When we live a Christ-centered life, "we talk of Christ, we rejoice in Christ, we preach of Christ" (2 Nephi 25:26). We "receive the pleasing word of God, and feast upon his love" (Jacob 3:2). Even when Nephi's soul was grieved because of his iniquities, he said, "I know in whom I have trusted. My God hath been my support." (2 Nephi 4:19-20.) We remember Alma's counsel: "Let all thy doings be unto the Lord, and whithersoever thou goest let it be in the Lord; yea, let all thy thoughts be directed unto the Lord; yea, let the affections of thy heart be placed upon the Lord forever. Counsel with the Lord in all thy doings." (Alma 37:36-37.) "Remember, remember," said Helaman, "that it is upon the rock of our Redeemer, who is Christ, . . . that ye must build your foundation; that when the devil shall send forth his mighty winds, . . . they shall have no power over you to drag you down to the gulf of misery" (Helaman 5:12). Nephi said, the Lord "hath filled me with his love, even unto the consuming of my flesh" (2 Nephi 4:21). Those who are consumed in Christ "are made alive in Christ" (2 Nephi 25:25). They "suffer no manner of affliction, save it were swallowed up in the joy of Christ" (Alma 31:38). They are "clasped in the arms of Jesus" (Mormon 5:11). Nephi said, "I glory in my Jesus, for he hath redeemed my soul" (2 Nephi 33:6). Lehi said, "I am encircled about eternally in the arms of his love" (2 Nephi 1:15). Read the Book of Mormon and be convinced that Jesus is the Christ. Let us continually reread the Book of Mormon so that we might more fully come to Christ, be committed to Him, centered in Him, and consumed in Him. I afirm that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is led by our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. We believe in Christ. We accept and affirm His teachings as revealed truths from God. We know Him to be the literal Son of God. We love Him as our resurrected Lord and Savior. We believe there is "none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved" (see Acts 4:12). We invite all men, as the Book of Mormon declares, to "come unto Christ, and be perfected in him, and deny yourselves of all ungodliness; . . . and love God with all your might, mind and strength" (Moroni 10:32). Without Christ there would be no Christmas, and without Christ there can be no fulness of joy. The babe of Bethlehem became the Nazarene, the Man of Galilee, the Life and Light of the world, the Savior and Redeemer of mankind, the miracle of all time. More books have been written about Him, more buildings have been erected to His honor, more men have died with His name on their lips than any other person who ever lived. Jesus is the Christ, the Saviour and Redeemer of the world�the very Son of God. He was born the babe of Bethlehem. He lived and ministered among men. He was crucified on Calvary. His friends deserted Him. His closest associates did not fully understand His mission, and they doubted. One of the most trusted denied knowing Him. A pagan governor, struggling with his conscience after consenting to Jesus' death, caused a sign to be erected over the cross proclaiming Him "JESUS OF NAZARETH THE KING OF THE JEWS" (John 19:19). He asked forgiveness for His tormentors and then willingly gave up His life. His body was laid in a borrowed tomb. An immense stone was placed over the opening. In the minds of His stunned followers over and over echoed some of His last words, "Be of good cheer; I have overcome the world" (John 16:33). On the third day there was a great earthquake. The stone was rolled back from the door of the tomb. Some of the women, among the most devoted of His followers, came to the place with spices "and found not the body of the Lord Jesus" (Luke 24:3). Angels appeared and said simply, "Why seek ye the living among the dead? He is not here, but is risen." (Luke 24:5-6.) There is nothing in history to equal that dramatic announcement: "He is not here, but is risen." No other single influence has had so great an impact on this earth as the life of Jesus the Christ. We cannot conceive of our lives without His teachings. Without Him we would be lost in a mirage of beliefs and worships, born in fear and darkness where the sensual and materialistic hold sway. We are far short of the goal He set for us, but we must never lose sight of it; nor must we forget that our great climb toward the light, toward perfection, would not be possible except for His teachings, His life, His death, and His resurrection. Jesus Christ is the light to all mankind. He has pointed, marked out, and lighted the way. Sadly, many individuals and nations have extinguished that light and have attempted to supplant His gospel with coercion and the sword. But even to those who reject Him, He is "the light which shineth in the darkness" (John 1:5). To be like the Saviour�what a challenge for any person! He is a member of the Godhead. He is the Savior and Redeemer. He was perfect in every aspect of His life. There was no flaw or failing in Him. Is it possible for us as priesthood holders to be even as He is? The answer is yes. Not only can we, but that is our charge. (3 Nephi 27:27.) He would not give us that commandment if He did not mean for us to do it. Jesus is the Christ: Mormons choose to follow Him, be changed for Him, captained by Him, consumed in Him, and be born again in him. The Lord testified, "I came into the world to do the will of my Father, because my Father sent me. And my Father sent me that I might be lifted up upon the cross." (3 Nephi 27: 13-14.) And so He was. In Gethsemane and on Calvary, He worked out the infinite and eternal atonement. It was the greatest single act of love in recorded history. Thus He became our Redeemer�redeeming all of us from physical death, and redeeming those of us from spiritual death who will obey the laws and ordinances of the gospel. On the night Jesus was betrayed, He took three of the Twelve and went into the place called Gethsemane. There He suffered the pains of all men. He suffered as only God could suffer, bearing our griefs, carrying our sorrows, being wounded for our transgressions, voluntarily submitting Himself to the iniquity of us all, just as Isaiah prophesied (see Isaiah 53:4-6). It was in Gethsemane that Jesus took on Himself the sins of the world, in Gethsemane that His pain was equivalent to the cumulative burden of all men, in Gethsemane that He descended below all things so that all could repent and come to Him. The mortal mind fails to fathom, the tongue cannot express, the pen of man cannot describe the breadth, the depth, the height of the suffering of our Lord�nor His infinite love for us. Because He was God�even the Son of God�He could carry the weight and burden of other men's sins on Himself. Isaiah prophesied our Savior's willingness to do this in these words: "Surely he has borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows. He was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed." (Isaiah 53:4-5.) That holy, unselfish act of voluntarily taking on Himself the sins of all other men is called the Atonement. How one could bear the sins for all is beyond the comprehension of mortal man. But this I know: He did take on Himself the sins of all and did so out of His infinite love for each of us. He has said: "For behold, I, God, have suffered these things for all, that they might not suffer if they would repent; . . . Which suffering caused myself, even God, the greatest of all, to tremble because of pain, and to bleed at every pore, and to suffer both body and spirit�and would that I might not drink the bitter cup, and shrink." (D&C 19:16, 18.) In spite of that excruciating ordeal, He took the cup and drank. He suffered the pains of all men so we would not have to suffer. He endured the humiliation and insults of His persecutors without complaint or retaliation. He bore the flogging and then the ignominy of the brutal execution�the cross. No mortal being had the power or capability to redeem all other mortals from their lost and fallen condition, nor could any other voluntarily forfeit His life and thereby bring to pass a universal resurrection for all other mortals. Only Jesus Christ was able and willing to accomplish such a redeeming act of love. As was so characteristic of His entire mortal experience, the Savior submitted to our Father's will and took the bitter cup and drank. He suffered the pains of all men in Gethsemane so they would not have to suffer if they would repent. Only then did He voluntarily submit to death. Again, He explained: "No man taketh [my life] from me, but I lay it down of myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This commandment have I received of my Father." (John 10:18.) We may never understand nor comprehend in mortality how He accomplished what He did, but we must not fail to understand why He did what He did. All that He did was prompted by His unselfish, infinite love for us. The greatest events of history are those which affect the greatest number for the longest periods. By this standard, no event could be more important to individuals or nations than the resurrection of the Master. The eventual resurrection of every soul who has lived and died on earth is a scriptural certainty. And surely there is no event for which one should make more careful preparation. Nothing is more absolutely universal than the Resurrection. Every living being will be resurrected. "As in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive" (1 Corinthians 15:22). Yes, the resurrection of Jesus Christ is a glorious reality. He became the first fruits of them that slept. He truly rose from the tomb the third day, as He and His prophets foretold, and became, in very deed, "the resurrection and the life" (John 11:25). He broke the bonds of death for all of us. We, too, will be resurrected�our spirits will be reunited with our bodies. If we live good lives on earth and keep the commandments of the Lord, life on the other side of the veil will be glorious. The Lord described it as paradise�a place where there is much joy and happiness instead of worries and heartaches. But as beautiful as the spirit world is for those who are righteous, life does not endlessly continue there. In time, our spirits must be joined again to our bodies to obtain complete joy. This is called the resurrection. Three days after Jesus' body was laid in a tomb, He took His body up again. By doing so He overcame death for every other individual so that we, too, will live after this life. This is what He meant when He said that "because I live, ye shall live also" (John 14:19). Christ's resurrection was abundantly verified. The witnesses are many. Throughout the forty days following His resurrection the Lord manifested Himself at intervals and gave instructions in the things pertaining to the kingdom of God. Much that He said and did is not written, but such things as are of record, John assures us, "are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name" (John 20:31). And when Christ and the disciples had gone "as far as to Bethany," where Mary, Martha, and Lazarus lived, the Lord lifted up His hands and blessed them. And while He yet spoke He rose from their midst until a cloud received Him out of their sight. As the Apostles stood gazing steadfastly upward, two personages, clothed in white apparel, appeared by them; these spoke unto the eleven, saying: "Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? This same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven." (Acts 1:9-11; also Luke 24:50-51.) Worshipfully and with great joy the Apostles returned to Jerusalem. The Lord's ascension was accomplished. It was as truly a literal departure of a material being as His resurrection had been an actual return of His spirit to His own physical body. Now the disciples began to comprehend more fully that He had truly "overcome the world"�not that He had displaced Caesar, or even Pilate who ruled over Judea (see John 16:33). The great majority of the world's peoples had still not even heard of Him. But there was victory over the grave. The Book of Mormon records the resurrected Lord's appearance on the American continent. To those people He said, "Behold, I am Jesus Christ, whom the prophets testified shall come into the world. Arise and come forth unto me, that ye may thrust your hands into my side, and also that ye may feel the prints of the nails in my hands and in my feet, that ye may know that I am the God of Israel, and the God of the whole earth, and have been slain for the sins of the world." One by one, about twenty-five hundred people "thrust their hands into his side, and did feel the prints of the nails in his hands and in his feet." And they did "cry out with one accord, saying: Hosanna! Blessed be the name of the Most High God! And they did fall down at the feet of Jesus, and did worship Him." (3 Nephi 11:10-17.) Since the day of resurrection when Jesus became the "firstfruits of them that slept" (1 Corinthians 15:20), there have been those who disbelieve and scoff. They maintain there is no life beyond mortal existence. Some have even written books that contain their fanciful heresies to suggest how Jesus' disciples perpetrated the hoax of His resurrection. I give you the Mormon testimony: The resurrection of Jesus Christ is the greatest historical event in the world to date. He lives! He lives with a resurrected body. There is no truth or fact of which I am more assured than the truth of the literal resurrection of our Lord." There has been considerable publicity and media coverage recently on the reporting of experiences that seemingly verify that "life after life" is a reality. The ancient prophet's question asked centuries ago has been revived: "If a man die, shall he live again" (Job 14:14)? In other words, what happens to a person once he dies? A definite answer to that question is provided by the Savior's ministry in the spirit world following His crucifixion, death, and burial (see D&C 138). This great thing that we refer to as the Resurrection has partly been accomplished. Part of those who have been in the graves arose at the time the Master broke the bonds of death. There are some who feel that the resurrection is going on continually and has been since that time. That is not scripturally true, but we do know that it is possible for our Father to call from the graves those whom He needs to perform special missions and special service. For example, we know of at least three who have been called up since the resurrection of the Master and since that first mass resurrection when the graves were opened and many of the Saints arose. Peter and James who came and laid their hands upon the Prophet Joseph and ordained him to the Melchizedek Priesthood were resurrected beings who lived and ministered after the time that the Master was upon the earth. Moroni, who lived and died many years after the time of the resurrection of the Master, was a resurrected being. So we know that there are some that have been resurrected, and we know that certain promises are made that if the Lord needs the help of certain special messengers they may be called up. We are trying to live so that we will be worthy to come forth in the morning of this resurrection that will come preceding the great millennial period. The righteous will be caught up to meet the Savior as He comes in glory and makes His second appearance to rule and reign here in the earth when the millennial period will begin. This power to revive His own life was possible because Jesus Christ was God�even the Son of God. Because He had the power to overcome death, all mankind will be resurrected. "Because I live, ye shall live also," He testified (John 14:19). This is the last and great dispensation in which the great consummation of God's purposes will be made, the only dispensation in which the Lord has promised that sin will not prevail. The Church will not be taken from the earth again. It is here to stay. The Lord has promised it and you are a part of that Church and kingdom�the nucleus around which will be builded the great kingdom of God on the earth. The kingdom of heaven and the kingdom of God on the earth will be combined together at Christ's coming�and that time is not far distant. I wish everyone could get the vision of this work, the genius of it, and realize the nearness of that great event. I am sure it would have a sobering effect upon us if we realized what is before us. The Lord has established His latter-day kingdom upon the earth in fulfillment of prophecies uttered by His ancient prophets and Apostles. Holy angels have again communed with men on the earth. God has again revealed Himself from heaven and restored to the earth His holy priesthood with power to administer in all the sacred ordinances necessary for the exaltation of His children. His Church has been reestablished among men with all the spiritual gifts enjoyed anciently. All this is done in preparation for Christ's second coming. The great and dreadful day of the Lord is near at hand. In preparation for this great event and as a means of escaping the impending judgments, inspired messengers have gone forth to the nations of the earth carrying this testimony and warning. There is every evidence that His second coming is near at hand. I do not say that wars are over. I wish I could tell you that permanent peace is with us. I wish you would read that revelation given to Joseph Smith on Christmas day in 1832 regarding wars to come and in which the Civil War of my own country was predicted�in which it is recorded that war will continue to be poured out until nations will be no more (see D&C 87). Then the great theocracy, with Christ at the head, will be established. Christ will come again. He will come in power and might as King of Kings and Lord of Lords. And ultimately "every knee shall bow and every tongue confess that Jesus is the Christ" (Romans 14:11; D&C 88:104; Mosiah 27:31). All nations will see Him "in the clouds of heaven, clothed with power and great glory; with all the holy angels�. And the Lord shall utter his voice, and all the ends of the earth shall hear it; and the nations of the earth shall mourn, and they that have laughed shall see their folly. And calamity shall cover the mocker, and the scorner shall be consumed; and they that have watched for iniquity shall be hewn down and cast into the fire." (D&C 45:44, 49-50.) When the Savior spoke of these signs and prophecies to His disciples in Jerusalem, they were apprehensive. He said to them, "Be not troubled, for, when all these things shall come to pass, ye may know that the promises which have been made unto you shall be fulfilled" (D&C 45:35). Do we realize we are living in the days of the fulfillment of these signs and wonders? We are among those who will see many of these prophecies fulfilled. Just as certain as was the destruction of the temple at Jerusalem and the scattering of the Jews, so shall these words of the Savior be certain to our generation. We know not the day nor the hour of His coming, but of this we may feel assured: We stand close to the great day of the Lord Jesus Christ - the Mormon Jesus! revdauphinee answered on 08/09/06: ""The "'Mormon"" Jesus""? Matthew &:21. "Not everyone who says to me, `Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. 22. Many will say to me on that day, `Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?' 23. Then I will tell them plainly, `I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!' I have once believed in your faith but upon further study realised my folly Please re examine your beliefs I care and pray for you daily Erewhon rated this answer Toms777 rated this answer

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Erewhon asked on 08/08/06 - Do you agree that the Christian Church today is Apostate? I quote: "We see so much false teaching in the church today, and so much which causes us to take our focus away from the truth of the pure simple gospel of Jesus. How did we get to this point? What are the roots of the apostasy that we see in the church today? Knowing the roots helps us a great deal in understanding the objectives of the movement and how to strengthen the churches to resist the influences of the movement, which often have already entered the church and grown roots before we know what is happening." Is your church apostate or in the throes of apostasy as is claimed on http://discern.ca/ ? If so, what forms does that apostasy take and do you have anyu notions as to how it can be restored? Curious minds want to know. All honest answers receive good treatment. revdauphinee answered on 08/08/06: as i have so often stated today it seem the organised church does more worshiping of the almighty dollar than Almighty God! Erewhon rated this answer

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isizathu asked on 08/07/06 - Euthanasia : the reality � Our newly and suddenly arrived new board friend "peddler" (who seems with each and every post to this board to focus on stirring matters instead of real trying to debate or ask/answer questions) posted recently about euthanasia. That post was strongly biased, biased beyond any objectivity, towards rejecting euthanasia as a threat to humanity. In the post there were many nonsensical claims, trying to deviate the attention away from the real aspects of euthanasia, which are : Should Christian views on euthanasia be enforced on those of a different worldview? Of course Christians may live accordingly to the rules provided to them in the Bible and their religious views. But why should non-christians be enforced to these same christian rules? Or even Christians who elect for the euthanasia option? Has a person the right to decide him/her self when, where, and how to die? This within the frame of being finally ill and with a strong chance to die failing any dignity due to pain or suffocation? What about the Christian belief in the Final Judgement by God, instead of judgement by one or more self-proclaimed god representatives here on earth? Is it possible to devise and regulate strict rules/laws under which euthanasia is guaranteeed to be applied on request of the patient only? This in view of the possible danger of turning euthanasia into a killing-off of the sick and old. (The euthanasia system in the Netherlands shows that it functions there in that respect properly). Do you have any other consideration or question on euthanasia : please add to your list! Thank you for your reactions! :) � revdauphinee answered on 08/08/06: I do not personaluy know of this happening however there are many of my rights as a Christian that are userped every day ! isizathu rated this answer

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Judgment_Day asked on 08/08/06 - CHRISTIANITY EXPERTS........ Whom do you say Jesus is? revdauphinee answered on 08/08/06: the son of the living God who died and forgave my sin ! Judgment_Day rated this answer Toms777 rated this answer

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Laura asked on 08/07/06 - Hmmmm In doing some studying today I found out a few things. Having been raised in the Catholic Church, I am still Catholic. I have never been ex-communicated. My marriage of 31 years isn't even recognized by the Catholic Church.. Hubby might be interested in that. LOL. So, I am an unmarried harlot, right? Now will SOMEONE show me in God's Word ANYWHERE that says this? Why does the Catholic Church practice tradition when it conflicts with the Laws of God? revdauphinee answered on 08/08/06: to the church Jesus says Matt.15:3 Jesus replied, "And why do you break the command of God for the sake of your tradition? Mark 7: 6 He replied, "Isaiah was right when he prophesied about you hypocrites; as it is written: "`These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. 7 They worship me in vain; their teachings are but rules taught by men.' 8 You have let go of the commands of God and are holding on to the traditions of men." Jesushelper76 rated this answer Laura rated this answer

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isizathu asked on 08/07/06 - Isn't it time for a new Q and A board? Can't we just add one new board for peddler7118 alone, where he can post his questions about his own recent Dating Disaster with a Mormon who was Stealing Ideas from Atheists about Euthanasia of Christians who accept Evolution, while booring the hell out of his date by commenting Consistently on Hitler, Eugenics, Darwinism, and Terrorist Attacks, while incapable of listening to and commenting on his date's various communications? An appropriate name? May I suggest "Peddler's list"? :) revdauphinee answered on 08/08/06: I used to read each and ever post on here I no longer do so I scip a lot of the long winded ones and most of the ones with people showing off the ability to post cartoons and pictures Just so they can show off the ability to do so!OH how I wish we could just go back to the old days when most of the questions and postings at least I could find interesting isizathu rated this answer Judgment_Day rated this answer

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Itsdb asked on 08/07/06 - Who'll be first? So Mel Gibson got drunk and said some stupid anti-Semitic things and the media and left-wing bloggers had a field day with it. Last week the Huffington Post had column after column blistering Mel. Madonna stages a mock crucifixion - in Rome - after the Vatican condemned warned her, "To crucify herself during the concert in the city of Popes and martyrs is an act of open hostility." Who'll be the first to take Madonna to task for her pre-meditated hostility? Any of you Mel critics here or out there in the liberal media and blogosphere willing to take a shot at Madonna as well? Steve revdauphinee answered on 08/08/06: who is there amongst us who has never done or said something stupid that they later regretted???yet for these celebreties thier mistakes are plastered all over the media ,how must they feel ?how would you feel Mel is a prophesed Christian and as I often have said Christians are none of us perfect we are just forgiven! Itsdb rated this answer

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Erewhon asked on 08/07/06 - Luther, advocate and permissioner of polygamy ... .... ..... ...... It is not widely known that Martin Luther thought plural marriage allowable. In September 1531 Luther wrote a letter to Robert Barnes - the envoy of the King Henry the Eighth - who had been seeking Luther's support for Henry's divorce from Catherine of Aragon. In it Luther argued that since divorce was forbidden by God and would be unjust to Catherine, Henry should simply marry a second wife. Eight years later one of Luther's supporters, Philip, the Landgrave of Hesse, desired to marry Margarete yon der Saale without divorcing his first wife - since divorce was prohibited in scripture. Neither Philip nor the prospective bride and her mother would go ahead with the plural marriage, however, without the written sanction of the Lutheran theologians. On 10 December 1539 Luther, Bucer, Melanchthon, and others signed a document stipulating that the proposed plural marriage was acceptable, "since the Gospel neither revokes nor forbids what was permitted in the Law of Moses with respect to marriage." After being strongly advised to keep the whole thing secret for understandable political and cultural reasons, Philip was further assured in writing that he had "the approval of us all" in his proposed plural marriage. Consequently the marriage was performed on 4 March 1540 by Dennis Melander, the Lutheran court chaplain, with Bucer and Melanchthon present. I do not mean to represent Luther as a champion of plural marriage: for him monogamy was clearly the rule - but polygamy was an allowable exception to Luther's rule, a viable option in special circumstances. It should be carefully noted that Luther much preferred polygamy to divorce, yet many modern Christians, while abhorring polygamy, practice divorce as though it were almost a Christian sacrament. The point is this: If Luther could seriously endorse plural marriage, in writing, on at least two occasions almost a decade apart; if he could certify in writing that the plural marriage of Philip of Hesse was acceptable in the context of the Christian gospel; and if he could then sanction the actual marriage itself; then it is safe to say that Martin Luther sanctioned polygamy under special circumstances. And if he is still to be counted a Christian, as he most assuredly is, then it is not true that believing in or endorsing plural marriage under any circumstances renders one a non-Christian. If Luther, Bucer, and Melanchthon could advise and sanction plural marriages and remain Christians, then so could Joseph Smith and Brigham Young. Comments? revdauphinee answered on 08/07/06: if thid is true then Luther also was in error God create one woman from adams rib not many ! Erewhon rated this answer

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Erewhon asked on 08/07/06 - How do you define the Atonement? ... .... ..... ...... ....... ........ There is in Judaism a teaching that the sacrifice of Isaac was a great atoning sacrifice for Israel. Isidore Levi has discussed "the offering of Isaac as an atonement for Israel" Isaac offered himself as a free-will sacrifice on the Day of Atonement with Abraham functioning as the High Priest at the altar. This was known among the Jews as the akedah, which means the binding, because Isaac submitted of his own free will to be bound and offered. It has been maintained by some that Isaac actually was put to death on the occasion and was then restored: "And Isaac received his spirit again, while the angels joined in a chorus of praise: 'Praised be the eternal, thou who hast given life to the dead.'" The chorus reminds us of Alma's "song of redeeming love." Though most of the Jewish doctors reject the instant resurrection of Isaac, according to Roy A. Rosenberg, still even for them "Isaac was 'the perfect sacrifice,' the atonement offering that brings forgiveness to the sins of Israel through the ages." The trouble is that Isaac was not sacrificed, but another, a ram, a substitute or proxy, even said to bear his name, was offered in his stead, serving as a type of the great sacrifice to come; fn for long after Isaac, the sacrifice was continued in the temple as a similitude of the great and last sacrifice until that actually took place, as Paul explains in his letter to the Hebrews (Hebrews 7:26-10:22). Without the temple and its appointments for blood sacrifice, the Atonement becomes for the Jews a theological, philosophical, and especially psychological exercise. What was it then for the Christians? "There is no single New Testament doctrine of the Atonement," writes William J. Wolf. "There is simply a collection of images and metaphors . . . from which subsequent tradition built its systematic doctrines and theories. . . . Tradition has tried to decide what parts of this picture should be taken literally and what parts metaphorically and has developed extended rationales." Wolf then lists the ransom metaphor, the buying free of a slave, and so on, in Mark 10:45; this is the commercial interpretation. There is the emphasis on the forgiveness of sins (Matthew 26:28). There is the image of the lamb developed by John 1:29, 36, and Revelation 13:8. The main issue is whether the Atonement is the completion of the Old Testament sacrifice or something independent and unique. There are three main Christian interpretations today. First, is the classical interpretation of the Greek Fathers, which integrates Incarnation, Atonement, and Resurrection, and uses the military context - the Christus Victor. Second, is Anselm's interpretation, in which "satisfaction" must be paid for offense to God's honour, because a son or subject, by the Medieval code of fealty and honour, must vindicate any offense to his lord. The Roman Catholic catechism defines sin as "any damage done to the glory of God." Also, Christ's death, being undeserved, has a superfluous virtue to cover all sins. Third, is the Reformation theory of Calvin that Christ was a substitute who endured God's punishment for man or for the elect. H. Grotius and Jonathan Edwards propounded the rectorial or governmental theory of Christ's death having a deterrent effect on sinners in the public interest. More recently, emphasis has been put on the "moral-influence theories," that we "respond to Jesus' message and example of love" in our minds and hearts. This is Abelard's "love answers love's appeal," which he intensifies by making the crucifixion an object of such pity as to stir all beholders to reform. Albrecht Ritschl argues that Christ's example inspires "ethical response in history." And so it goes. Vatican II and the Ecumenical Movement have turned back to the patristic writers and Anselm, restoring "sacrificial language," the "Christus Victor," and "moral-influence," with an inclination toward the theatrical, now moving toward "a reformation of sacrificial theory, which [is] fortified by the use of liturgy and . . . comparative history of religions." (1) What is the Atonement to you, (1) what does it effect, and (3) how is it to be understood? revdauphinee answered on 08/07/06: (1) What is the Atonement to you, Christs sacrifice for sin on the cross! (1) what does it effect, Everything In my life if I accept it (3) how is it to be understood? simply as it is stated in scripture Gal.4:4-5 4 But when the time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under law, 5 to redeem those under law, that we might receive the full rights of sons. Erewhon rated this answer MaggieB rated this answer

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peddler7118 asked on 08/07/06 - Proof of evolution, or fraud? Goodbye, peppered moths A classic evolutionary story comes unstuck by Carl Wieland The �textbook story� of England�s famous peppered moths (Biston betularia) goes like this. The moth comes in light and dark (melanic) forms. Pollution from the Industrial Revolution darkened the tree trunks, mostly by killing the light-coloured covering lichen (plus soot). The lighter forms, which had been well camouflaged against the light background, now �stood out,� and so birds more readily ate them. Therefore, the proportion of dark moths increased dramatically. Later, as pollution was cleaned up, the light moth became predominant again. The shift in moth numbers was carefully documented through catching them in traps. Release-recapture experiments confirmed that in polluted forests, more of the dark form survived for recapture, and vice versa. In addition, birds were filmed preferentially eating the less camouflaged moths off tree trunks. The story has generated boundless evolutionary enthusiasm. H.B. Kettlewell, who performed most of the classic experiments, said that if Darwin had seen this, �He would have witnessed the consummation and confirmation of his life�s work.�1 Actually, even as it stands, the textbook story demonstrates nothing more than gene frequencies shifting back and forth, by natural selection, within one created kind. It offers nothing which, even given millions of years, could add the sort of complex design information needed for ameba-to-man evolution. Even L. Harrison Matthews, a biologist so distinguished he was asked to write the foreword for the 1971 edition of Darwin�s Origin of Species, said therein that the peppered moth example showed natural selection, but not �evolution in action.� However, it turns out that this classic story is full of holes anyway. Peppered moths don�t even rest on tree trunks during the day. Kettlewell and others attracted the moths into traps in the forest either with light, or by releasing female pheromones�in each case, they only flew in at night. So where do they spend the day? British scientist Cyril Clarke, who investigated the peppered moth extensively, wrote: �But the problem is that we do not know the resting sites of the moth during the day time. � In 25 years we have found only two betularia on the tree trunks or walls adjacent to our traps (one on an appropriate background and one not), and none elsewhere.�2 The moths filmed being eaten by the birds were laboratory-bred ones placed onto tree trunks by Kettlewell; they were so languid that he once had to warm them up on his car bonnet (hood).3 And all those still photos of moths on tree trunks? One paper described how it was done�dead moths were glued to the tree.4 University of Massachusetts biologist Theodore Sargent helped glue moths onto trees for a NOVA documentary. He says textbooks and films have featured �a lot of fraudulent photographs.�5,6 Other studies have shown a very poor correlation between the lichen covering and the respective moth populations. And when one group of researchers glued dead moths onto trunks in an unpolluted forest, the birds took more of the dark (less camouflaged) ones, as expected. But their traps captured four times as many dark moths as light ones�the opposite of textbook predictions!7 University of Chicago evolutionary biologist Jerry Coyne agrees that the peppered moth story, which was �the prize horse in our stable,� has to be thrown out. He says the realization gave him the same feeling as when he found out that Santa Claus was not real.5 Regrettably, hundreds of millions of students have once more been indoctrinated with a �proof� of evolution which is riddled with error, fraud and half-truths.8 Related Magazine Articles The Moth Files Creation 25:1 (December 2002) References H. Kettlewell (1959), �Darwin�s missing evidence� in Evolution and the fossil record, readings from Scientific American, W.H. Freeman and Co., San Francisco, p. 23, 1978. Return to text. C.A. Clarke, G.S. Mani and G. Wynne, Evolution in reverse: clean air and the peppered moth, Biological Journal of the Linnean Society 26:189�199, 1985; quote on p. 197. Return to text. Calgary Herald, p. D3, 21 March 1999. Return to text. D.R. Lees & E.R. Creed, Industrial melanism in Biston betularia: the role of selective predation, Journal of Animal Ecology 44:67�83, 1975. Return to text. J.A. Coyne, Nature 396(6706):35�36. Return to text. The Washington Times, p. D8, 17 January 1999. Return to text. D.R. Lees & E.R. Creed, ref. 4. Return to text. Unfettered by evolutionary �just so� stories, researchers can now look for the real causes of these population shifts. Might the dark form actually have a function, like absorbing more warmth? Could it reflect conditions in the caterpillar stage? In a different nocturnal moth species, Sargent has found that the plants eaten by the larvae may induce or repress the expression of such �melanism� in adult moths (see Sargent T.R. et al. in M.K. Hecht et al, Evolutionary Biology 30:299�322, Plenum Press, New York, 1998). Return to text. Help keep these daily articles coming. Find out how to support AiG. revdauphinee answered on 08/07/06: Darwin may have evolved, I however was created! Judgment_Day rated this answer peddler7118 rated this answer

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peddler7118 asked on 08/07/06 - Euthanasia and eugenics,a product of anti-god evolution? Eugenics Darwinism has provided scientific support for eugenics Darwin warned against allowing "the weak members of civilised societies [to] propagate their kind" "With savages, the weak in body or mind are soon eliminated; and those that survive commonly exhibit a vigorous state of health. We civilised men, on the other hand, do our utmost to check the process of elimination; we build asylums for the imbecile, the maimed, and the sick; we institute poor-laws; and our medical men exert their utmost skill to save the life of every one to the last moment. There is reason to believe that vaccination has preserved thousands, who from a weak constitution would formerly have succumbed to small-pox. Thus the weak members of civilised societies propagate their kind. No one who has attended to the breeding of domestic animals will doubt that this must be highly injurious to the race of man. It is surprising how soon a want of care, or care wrongly directed, leads to the degeneration of a domestic race; but excepting in the case of man himself, hardly any one is so ignorant as to allow his worst animals to breed." (Darwin, Charles R. [English naturalist and founder of the modern theory of evolution], "The Descent of Man and Selection in Relation to Sex," [1871], John Murray: London, Second Edition, 1922, reprint, pp.205-206) [top] Eugenics in Vermont A soon-to-be released book, Vermont Eugenics Survey, documents the plans of Vermont authorities in the 1920s and �30s to eliminate �degenerate� bloodlines and �genetically inferior� people from the population. (Eugenics is the term coined by Charles Darwin�s cousin, Francis Galton, to denote the �science� of improving the genetic condition of the human race.) Illiterates, thieves, the insane, Abernaki Indians, paupers, alcoholics, epileptics, and anyone who seemed inferior due to their economic or physical conditions were targeted for forced sterilization to prevent �undesirables� breeding. These tragic practices were being instituted elsewhere in the USA as well (The lies of Lynchburg, Creation 19(4):22�23, 1997), with Vermont in 1931 becoming the 31st state to enact a sterilization law (not repealed until 1973) for the handicapped or �feeble-minded�. The Washington Post, p. A21, 8 August 1999. The lies of Lynchburg How U.S. evolutionists taught the Nazis. by Carl Wieland The chilling revelations of a recent television documentary1 expose the disturbing consequences of evolutionary ways of thinking. Beginning in the 1920s, many thousands of people in the United States were sterilised against their will and without their consent, to prevent �undesirable breeding�. Over 8,000 of these procedures took place at a major centre to which such �undesirables� were sent, in Lynchburg, Virginia. The courthouse in Lynchburg, Virginia. Nazi eugenics laws were modelled on those framed by U.S. evolutionists. The victims included some with various degrees of mental retardation; many were simply there because they had been abandoned as a result of broken homes or had suffered some other social misfortune. Some had been honours students at school. They were lied to routinely, being told that it was something �for their own good� or �for their health�. Those older ones who discovered the purpose behind the operations realised that they would not be able to leave the institution unless they underwent the procedure. The documentary stated that the entire effort was based upon the notion of eugenics. The eugenics movement was started by Sir Francis Galton (a cousin of Charles Darwin), who wanted to encourage �survival of the fittest� within human society. The �humane� way to do this was by compulsory sterilisation of those deemed �unfit�. The idea seduced �social reformers from the right and the left��among them George Bernard Shaw, and Winston Churchill. The Lynchburg doctor who was responsible for most of the sterilisations in his own town was convinced that what he was doing was for the �scientific good� of society. As a dedicated Darwinian, notions of absolute right and wrong were old-fashioned obstacles to the greater good of the �herd�. Needing a legal cover for his actions in the face of the human rights meant to be guaranteed in the (creation-based) U.S. Constitution, he became enamoured with model legislation prepared by a leading U.S. evolutionary biologist, Dr Harry Laughlin. Laughlin�s law called for compulsory sterilization of not only the �feeble-minded�, but also the blind, drug addicts, sufferers from TB and syphilis, epileptics,2 paupers, the deaf and the homeless. Since these people were, it was claimed, obviously the victims of �bad genes�, the law was overtly aimed at maintaining the �racial purity of the white race� by preventing the further �breeding� of those whose offspring would �drag down� this race. What was needed was a test case, a �patsy� to ensure that the law would not be declared unconstitutional. In a blatant set-up which made the ACLU�s manipulation3 of the famous Scopes trial look positively mild, a young lady was chosen who had been targeted for sterilization because there had allegedly been �three generations of feeble-mindedness� in her family. Her lawyer challenged the Laughlin law all the way to the Supreme Court. However, far from being her champion, he was in reality one of those heavily involved in the formulation of these eugenics policies! Unfortunately also for the young lady, the presiding judge of the Supreme Court hearing this case in 1924 was Oliver Wendell Holmes, an influential Darwinist4 who laid the legislative foundation for many of the advances of secular humanism in the United States. Not surprisingly, Holmes declared the law constitutional. It was acceptable for the state to compel the sterilization of those who were deemed �socially inadequate�. The forced sterilization of this innocent victim went ahead; subsequent investigation has revealed that the entire story of the �feeble-minded generations� in her family was a fabrication. After the Supreme Court decision, eugenics became a major plank of social policy in many American states. As soon as Hitler (who campaigned on a platform of naked evolutionism�the survival of the fittest race) came to power in 1933, eugenics laws became one of his first acts. Not only was the Nazi program of forced sterilisation for the �unfit� lauded in the U.S.�it was actually modelled after the law framed by Laughlin, who was awarded an honorary doctorate by Hitler�s government. As the Nazis moved on to the euthanasia-murder of entire wards full of mental patients, �scientific� admiration for their �racial hygiene� policies was unabated. One U.S. evolutionist actually stated, �The Germans are beating us at our own game�.1 Once it was seen as �moral� to take active steps to �purify the German race�, it was just a short, logical step from there to the even greater horrors of the Holocaust.5 After World War II, the horrified reactions of a stunned U.S. public to the unimaginable atrocities done in the name of evolutionary �racial hygiene� forced eugenics practices to go underground. The names of the practice changed, but it continued, right down past 1970. All in all, a grand total of some 70,000 people suffered involuntary sterilization. It was the efforts of a Jenny Crockett, then with the ACLU (which, ironically, has a track record of mostly siding with evolutionary thinking) which brought this scandal to light, in the face of government attempts to keep the lid on. Eventually, a mumbled apology and some offer of �mental health counselling� was all that was available for these many people whose lives had been destroyed by the assumptions of evolutionism. The church overall must bear its share of the responsibility for being so �bluffed� by the �scientific� claims of evolutionists (which have since changed, and will keep on changing) that it failed to take a strong stand on the true history of man and the world. Instead, as now, it by and large preferred to either ignore the issue or maintain an uneasy compromise�or worse.6 The Lord Jesus said to believers: �Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men. Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid� (Matthew 5:13 ff). We cannot just blame �society� for the evils which flow naturally from the false root of evolutionism if we are unprepared to be salt and light, and to take a stand for biblical reality. Oliver Wendell Holmes (1841�1935), a distinguished U.S. Supreme Court justice who approved compulsory sterilization. His evolution-based humanistic beliefs left an indelible stamp on America�s laws, contributing greatly to today�s relentless secularization. Return to text. References and notes The Lynchburg Story, produced by Bruce Eadie, made by Worldview Pictures in association with Discovery Networks and Channel Four, 1993. This story is based on information contained therein. Ironically, Laughlin in later life developed epilepsy himself, and was shunned by his evolutionary eugenicist colleagues as part of the very so-called �white trash� he was trying to stop from breeding. The ACLU = the American Civil Liberties Union, usually a champion of left-wing, pro-humanist causes. In the famous Scopes �monkey trial� of 1925, it deliberately sought to challenge a Tennessee law prohibiting the teaching of evolution by finding someone who would (falsely) confess to teaching it, relying on the ensuing publicity to win public sympathy for the evolutionary cause. See David Menton, Inherit the Wind: An Historical Analysis, Creation 19(1):35�38, December 1996. Law professor Phillip Johnson calls Holmes a �convinced Darwinist who profoundly understood the philosophical implications of Darwinism� and who therefore �found it difficult to take morality seriously.� Johnson documents how this influential jurist urged future lawyers to �put aside all notions of morality and approach law as � basically the science of state coercion.� Reason in the Balance, InterVarsity Press, pp. 139�143, 1995. It is now almost common knowledge among WWII historians that the machinery of mass extermination later used in concentration camps, including the notorious Zyklon-B gas, was actually developed by respected members of the German medical/psychiatric/biological establishment for such �eugenic� purposes. Even the renowned defender of inerrancy, the late B.B. Warfield, was at the same time a supporter of Darwinian evolution. Help keep these daily articles coming. Find out how to support AiG The case for Darwinism cannot be based on any edification that is supposed to come from its truths. Through eugenics, Darwinism was a bad influence on Nazism, one of the greatest killers in world history. Darwinism probably contributed to the upsurge of racism in the latter part of the nineteenth century, and thus it helped foment twentieth-century racism generally. Darwinism was also used to exacerbate the neglect of the poor in the nineteenth century. All things considered, Darwinism has had many regrettable, and sometimes actually vicious, effects on the social climate of the modern world. Modern Darwinism does not offer any guarantee of unending progress. It is understandable that so many hate Darwin and Darwinism. It is often a bitter burden to live with Darwinism and its implications. Unlike so many doctrines, religions, and ideologies, it certainly isn't intellectual opium. No one can make a case for Darwinism based on moral hygiene." (Rose M.R. [Professor of Evolutionary Biology, University of California, Irvine], "Darwin's Spectre: Evolutionary Biology in the Modern World," [1998], Princeton University Press: Princeton NJ, 2000, Third printing, p.210). [top] revdauphinee answered on 08/07/06: If this were carried to its final conclusion what happens to the Steven Hawkinses of the future?????what a waste of brains peddler7118 rated this answer

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isizathu asked on 08/07/06 - Euthanasia : the reality � Our newly and suddenly arrived new board friend "peddler" (who seems with each and every post to this board to focus on stirring matters instead of real trying to debate or ask/answer questions) posted recently about euthanasia. That post was strongly biased, biased beyond any objectivity, towards rejecting euthanasia as a threat to humanity. In the post there were many nonsensical claims, trying to deviate the attention away from the real aspects of euthanasia, which are : Should Christian views on euthanasia be enforced on those of a different worldview? Of course Christians may live accordingly to the rules provided to them in the Bible and their religious views. But why should non-christians be enforced to these same christian rules? Or even Christians who elect for the euthanasia option? Has a person the right to decide him/her self when, where, and how to die? This within the frame of being finally ill and with a strong chance to die failing any dignity due to pain or suffocation? What about the Christian belief in the Final Judgement by God, instead of judgement by one or more self-proclaimed god representatives here on earth? Is it possible to devise and regulate strict rules/laws under which euthanasia is guaranteeed to be applied on request of the patient only? This in view of the possible danger of turning euthanasia into a killing-off of the sick and old. (The euthanasia system in the Netherlands shows that it functions there in that respect properly). Do you have any other consideration or question on euthanasia : please add to your list! Thank you for your reactions! :) � revdauphinee answered on 08/07/06: Q)Should Christian views on euthanasia be enforced on those of a different worldview? Of course Christians may live accordingly to the rules provided to them in the Bible and their religious views. But why should non-christians be enforced to these same christian rules? Or even Christians who elect for the euthanasia option? A)No!and neither should non Christian views be forced on a believer, However no true Christian would ever elect for this view! Q)Has a person the right to decide him/her self when, where, and how to die? A)also No !do people decide when they are born??? ? Q)What about the Christian belief in the Final Judgement by God, instead of judgement by one or more self-proclaimed god representatives here on earth? A)God is the final authority the it stands to reason he be the final Judge Q)is it possible to devise and regulate strict rules/laws under which euthanasia is guaranteeed to be applied on request of the patient only? A)No since a sick person is often incompetant This in view of the possible danger of turning euthanasia into a killing-off of the sick and old. (The euthanasia system in the Netherlands shows that it functions there in that respect properly). isizathu rated this answer

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Erewhon asked on 08/06/06 - Is the Bible accurate in telling how Saul died? How can the Bible be inerrant when there are FOUR widely different versions of how King Saul actually met his death? 1) - Saul committed suicide. 1 Samuel 31:4-6: Therefore Saul took a sword, and fell upon it. So Saul died. 1 Chronicles 10:4: Then said Saul to his armourbearer, Draw thy sword, and thrust me through therewith; lest these uncircumcised come and abuse me. But his armourbearer would not; for he was sore afraid. So Saul took a sword, and fell upon it. ===== 2) - Saul was killed by an Amalekite. 2 Samuel 1:8-10: And he [Saul] said unto me, Who art thou? And I answered him, I am an Amalekite. He said unto me again, Stand, I pray thee, upon me, and slay me. So I stood upon him, and slew him. ===== 3) - Saul was killed by Philistines. 2 Samuel 21:12: The Philistines had slain Saul. ===== 4) - God killed him. 1 Chronicles 10:14: So Saul died for his transgression which he committed against the LORD, even against the word of the LORD, which he kept not, and also for asking counsel of one that had a familiar spirit, to enquire of it; And enquired not of the LORD: therefore [the LORD] slew him, and turned the kingdom unto David the son of Jesse. ===== Which version of the four is correct, and which three are errant? revdauphinee answered on 08/07/06: have you never had 4 or 5 different folks tell you of an event and had them all differ slightly???If the person who was present at the event believe that one ! Erewhon rated this answer

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peddler7118 asked on 08/06/06 - Are Atheists and Mormons, Soul mates? Atheists and Mormons, Soul mates? Let�s weigh the evidence. Act 17:18 Then certain philosophers of the Epicureans, and of the Stoics, encountered him. And some said, What will this babbler say? other some, He seemeth to be a setter forth of strange gods: because he preached unto them Jesus, and the resurrection. The Epicureans were atheist who believed that life started in a warm little pond and frogs went from fish to people over millions of years of struggle and death, and the universe could be explained by ongoing natural processes. Sound familiar? {Darwinian Atheism, Philosophical Naturalism} The Stoics believed in lots of gods. The gods evolved from man. Sound familiar. {As man is god once was, as god is man may become, Mormonism} Ecc 1:9 The thing that hath been, it is that which shall be; and that which is done is that which shall be done: and there is no new thing under the sun. The apostle Paul had to define the very word God to the Stoics before he could convert them, and the definition of the word create as well. Act 17:23 For as I passed by, and beheld your devotions, I found an altar with this inscription, TO THE UNKNOWN GOD. Whom therefore ye ignorantly worship, him declare I unto you. Act 17:24 God that made the world and all things therein, seeing that he is Lord of heaven and earth, dwelleth not in temples made with hands; Act 17:25 Neither is worshiped with men's hands, as though he needed any thing, seeing he giveth to all life, and breath, and all things; Act 17:26 And hath made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on all the face of the earth, and hath determined the times before appointed, and the bounds of their habitation; God (A.S. and Dutch God; Dan. Gud; Ger. Gott), the name of the Divine Being. It is the rendering (1) of the Hebrew _'El_, from a word meaning to be strong; (2) of _'Eloah_, plural _'Elohim_. The singular form, _Eloah_, is used only in poetry. The plural form is more commonly used in all parts of the Bible, The Hebrew word Jehovah (q.v.), the only other word generally employed to denote the Supreme Being, is uniformly rendered in the Authorized Version by "LORD," printed in small capitals. The existence of God is taken for granted in the Bible. There is nowhere any argument to prove it. He who disbelieves this truth is spoken of as one devoid of understanding (Ps. 14:1). The arguments generally adduced by theologians in proof of the being of God are: (1.) The a priori argument, which is the testimony afforded by reason. (2.) The a posteriori argument, by which we proceed logically from the facts of experience to causes. These arguments are, (a) The cosmological, by which it is proved that there must be a First Cause of all things, for every effect must have a cause. (b) cre�ate P Pronunciation Key (kr - t ) tr.v. cre�at�ed, cre�at�ing, cre�ates 1. To cause to exist; bring into being. See Synonyms at found1. 2. To give rise to; produce: That remark created a stir. 3. To invest with an office or title; appoint. 4. To produce through artistic or imaginative effort: create a poem; create a role. The Hebrew word for create is BaRa', it is something only God can do, bring forth from nothing, to cause to exist. The only thing man creates is ideas, music , poetry etc., only God can create matter. Here are some observations of the similarities of atheists and Mormons. 1. The belief in the eternity of matter. Atheist and all the other pagan religions have always and will always share this concept. Mormons believe the god of this world formed this worlds from pre-existent matter, atheists believe it magically formed it self. 2. The belief in the eternity of natural laws. Atheist believe the natural laws were somehow just there or evolved by some mystical; process. Most Mormons do not realize they must believe this or the first matter could not have existed. It is sad when you don�t know what you yourself believe. 3. Denial of first cause. All pagan belief systems deny first cause. This contradicts the basis of Western logic as well as science. What would a scientist do in the laboratory do if he did not believe in cause and effect? There would be no reason to experiment, none whatsoever. That is why modern science was birthed in Christian Western Europe and no where else. It would have been impossible anywhere else. 4. Deceitful use of language. Atheist will call genetic variations, natural selection, antibiotic resistance, mutations and speciation proof of atheistic evolution. {�Theistic� evolutionist do this also} Many are simply ignorant and are repeating the party line but many will argue this way rather than face the truth, All of these �proofs� result in a loss of genetic information and are opposite of changes needed to support their creation myth. Due to the fact there is no scientific support for their beliefs they try to convince people the bible teaches the earth is flat etc. Mormons try to convince people that the first person who ever understood the first verse in Genesis or the Judeo-Christian concept of God was Joseph Smith. http://www.answersingenesis.org/creation/v16/i4/image.asp 5. Selectively answering questions. Atheist will claim the origin of life has nothing to do with the atheist version of particles to people evolution. They just assume the first matter and spontaneous generation and protozoa becoming metazoan an invertebrates becoming vertebrate�s ad nauseum and refuse to talk about it. When challenged with information theory they refuse to answer and say it is not worth their time to argue. This is of course a lie, the reason they refuse is that science is on the side of creation, after all science is a Christian creationist concept in the first place, it is a gift from God. Mormons refuse to answer questions about first cause except by occasionally pasting the views of the most radical atheist. Many Mormons call themselves creationist. That is an oxymoron because they do not believe in first cause at all. In summary: atheist and Mormons are 2 sides of the same coin just as the Stoics and Epicureans, who by the way, still exist. revdauphinee answered on 08/06/06: whilst I personaly feel that mormons are being decived by false teaching in no respect are they atheistic! 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jackreade asked on 08/05/06 - Pharasees Who are modern day pharasees that clete referred to? Insisting Christians be perfect??? The Pope? Pat Robertson? Hank? Alberto Gonzales? Your wife? Who are they? revdauphinee answered on 08/06/06: the pharasees of JESUS day were those who put more emphasis on earthly rules and legalism than on the love and service to God Much as many of todays churches do ! Topic: PHARISEES Category: GROUP Text: -A legalistic sect of the Jews, (Matt.15:9; They worship me in vain; their teachings are but rules taught by men.' " ) (Matt.15:1-3 1 Then some Pharisees and teachers of the law came to Jesus from Jerusalem and asked, 2 "Why do your disciples break the tradition of the elders? They don't wash their hands before they eat!" 3 Jesus replied, "And why do you break the command of God for the sake of your tradition? Mark7:"`These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. 7 They worship me in vain; their teachings are but rules taught by men.' 8 You have let go of the commands of God and are holding on to the traditions of men." jackreade rated this answer

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Laura asked on 08/05/06 - Isn't it time for Forgiveness..I don't thing the media things so...But I do The Passion of the Christ was NOT anti semitic!!! Jesus was put to death by Jewish Leaders who were afraid of His message and Roman soldiers who were ordered to do it...!!!! THAT does not apply to ALL Jews nor does it apply to ALL Gentiles...It applies (spiritually) to ALL sinners....And that is ALL of us! Mel Gibson knows this! He was drunk and said some stupid things. Probably doesn't know exactly what he said except by reading the police reports. Give the guy a break.. And perhaps the forgiveness you might desire from God??!!!! After all, the God of the Jews and of the Gentiles is ONE in the same!! revdauphinee answered on 08/06/06: MATHEW 6: 14. For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. 15. But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins. arcura rated this answer Judgment_Day rated this answer Laura rated this answer

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CeeBee2 asked on 08/04/06 - If the Jews are God's chosen people, why and how did the Gentiles get into the mix? revdauphinee answered on 08/04/06: since God created the gentiles also why would he not want to give them his care??? Romans2: 9 There will be trouble and distress for every human being who does evil: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile; 10 but glory, honor and peace for everyone who does good: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile. 11 For God does not show favoritism. CeeBee2 rated this answer

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peddler7118 asked on 08/04/06 - What is a Soft Atheist? Soft Atheism is a new term for agnostic. Atheists do not like the word agnostic because it is the opposite of Gnostic. Gnostic-one who knows Agnostic-one who does not know [syn.}. ignoramus. On a personal basis I support the idea that so-called soft atheists are atheists who are tired of Christian Creationist invalidating the fairy story of evolution. Every day information theory, genetics, geology etc. are making it harder and harder to sell evolution. Although it is the second tenant of the state religion of America, Secular Humanism, less and less people buy it every day. Even some of the most outspoken atheist scientist have abandoned evolution and therefore atheism. They canot exist without each other. This was true in 600 B.C. and it is true today. There are many thousands of scientists who reject it outright. Among that number are many of the world's best scientist. Soft atheism is a bluff to silence arguments against the religious belief of atheism without having to defend it. revdauphinee answered on 08/04/06: determining what name to go by is a futile opperation in my oppinion either one believes or one dosent case closed! isizathu rated this answer peddler7118 rated this answer

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CeeBee asked on 08/04/06 - Why did Jesus say his followers must hate their families? (Luke 9:59-62) Jesus clearly called a man to the irresponsible, disrespectful action of leaving his father, implying that he was not even to attend his funeral. Jesus called another to leave his family without even saying farewell or letting them know he was deserting them. revdauphinee answered on 08/04/06: I feel this is a call to put God first in my oppinion when one does this all else falls into place including family relationships ! CeeBee rated this answer

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jackreade asked on 08/03/06 - OK to "Believe In" the Climate Crisis NEW YORK (Reuters) - "Conservative Christian broadcaster Pat Robertson said on Thursday the wave of scorching temperatures across the United States has converted him into a believer in global warming. "We really need to address the burning of fossil fuels," Robertson said on his 螌 Club" broadcast. "It is getting hotter, and the icecaps are melting and there is a buildup of carbon dioxide in the air."" ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Comments? revdauphinee answered on 08/04/06: this time robertson left out the fact that God himself told him this!whilst I personaly feel this to be true I would never take robertson as my source on anything! jackreade rated this answer

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peddler7118 asked on 08/03/06 - Is Mormon Geography an Oxymoron? http://www.mormonsites.org/ They must be joking. :} Mormon Sites - rising from the dust... Finding Physical Evidences of Nephites in the Americas. Book of Mormon Geography and Archaeology On this non-profit pro-LDS website you will read about exciting new findings that are beginning to pinpoint probable geographic locations for places and events recorded in the Book of Mormon. You will find out how to get involved with Book of Mormon explorations in Mexico, Central America, and the USA. You'll find out how to become a member of Mormon Sites and get a password to a private website that is vibrant with insider information and opportunities to rub shoulders with dedicated people and Book of Mormon experts. You'll find here a whole "Reading Room" filled with previously unpublished articles written by Dr. Jerry L. Ainsworth, author of the popular book "The Lives and Travels of Mormon and Moroni" Professor Ainsworth, known in Mexico as "El Jefe", is perhaps the world's foremost living expert on Book of Mormon geography - this website reports his current explorations and discoveries as they happen! Recent statement by BYU Anthropologist "Book of Mormon cities have been found, they are well known, and their artifacts grace the finest museums. They are merely masked by archaeological labels such as "Maya," "Olmec," and so on. The problem, then, is not that Book of Mormon artifacts have not been found, only that they have not been recognized for what they are. Again, if we stumbled onto Zarahemla, how would we know? The difficulty is not with evidence but with epistemology." John E. Clark, Professor of anthropology, BYU, Director of NWAF, Chiapas, Mexico. Journal of Book of Mormon Studies, Vol 14, No. 2, 2005 p.42 The entire article is titled "Archeology, Relics, and Book of Mormon Belief" published by FARMS 2005. They are merely masked by archaeological labels such as "Maya," "Olmec," and so on This is a riot! LOL!!!!!!!!!!!!!! revdauphinee answered on 08/04/06: '"We need persons who are highly and fully informed about southern and central Mesoamerica in the time prior to the most famous or Classic Cultures such as the Maya. We are talking about highly specific data which is controlled by only a handful of scholars." One presumes they would all be of the Mormon faith???? peddler7118 rated this answer

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isizathu asked on 08/03/06 - Peddler7118's answer In What an answer!! by ROLCAM dated 08/03/06 peddler7118 posted : Dear Isizathu: "Since you are challenging the faith of Christians here I would like to challenge yours." Problem is that I have no religious belief system. Strong atheists have one (depending how you see that), as they conclude that God does not exist. There is indeed no supporting proof for that conclusion. Just as theists have no supporting proof for God existance. Both are belief systems. But for a "weak/soft" atheist that situation is different. For them God's existence is irrelevant. You seem to couple atheism to natural processes as evolution and the origin of life. But that is wrong. Atheism is just the way a person moves over the path of life without being bothered by a belief in "God". Evolution, Origin of life, Origin of the Universe : they don't have anything to do with atheism. Of course individual atheists will have an opinion on these matters, each as he or she feels comfortably with, but none of these personal opnions are a "standard" for atheism. As I thought this to be an interesting item for all to see and comment on, I posted it to the board, instead of replying directly. Any comments? revdauphinee answered on 08/03/06: God has to exist for even for the athiest there has to first be the concept of his existance to be able to say you dont accept it! isizathu rated this answer jackreade rated this answer peddler7118 rated this answer

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excon asked on 08/03/06 - It's Jack Daniels fault Hello Christians, and especially you, Arcura: It's true. It's not Mel's fault. There's something in the booze. I think it's an Islamofacist plot. Terrorists taken over in Tennessee. As proof, I experiementd. I'm a Jew. In the normal course of events, I don't drink hardly at all. Haven't been drunk in 15 years. I also don't hate anybody except cops. After a couple of shots, I noticed a smarmy brown skinned person eyeballing me. After two more, I started to hate black people. Three more, and I even hated Jews. Yup. It's not Mel's fault. It's the water. excon PS> Smoke pot! Terrorists haven't infiltrated that market - yet. revdauphinee answered on 08/03/06: as i said previously mel is like any other Christian for no matter how great we may think we are we are none of us perfect or beyond sin what is the divinig thing is that as christians we are forgiven (Lk.23:34. Jesus said, "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing." if God can forgive us then no man should accuse! excon rated this answer

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arcura asked on 08/03/06 - Do you believ that the Kindom of heavern is like.... going fishing with a big net? <><><><> Today's Gospel (Mt 13:47-53): Jesus said to his disciples, "Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a big fishing net let down into the sea, in which every kind of fish has been caught. When the net is full, it is dragged ashore. Then they sit down and gather the good fish in buckets, but throw the worthless ones away. That is how it will be at the end of time; the angels will go out to separate the wicked from the just and throw them into the blazing furnace, where they will weep and gnash their teeth". Jesus asked, "Have you understood all these things?". "Yes", they answered. So He said to them, "You will see that every teacher of the Law who becomes a disciple of the Kingdom is like a householder who can produce from his store things both new and old". When Jesus had finished these parables, He left the place. revdauphinee answered on 08/03/06: since Jesu at the time was talking to folks who were fishermen and who could easily understand this form of speach I have no problem with this discription!we must take into account where and to whoom he was speaking ! arcura rated this answer

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Erewhon asked on 08/03/06 - The Noncanonical Sayings of Jesus .... ...... ........ .......... Of the hundreds of sayings attributed to Jesus but not found in the New Testament, a few that may be genuine offer fresh insight althoug.none can be authenticated with certainty. The Greek noun agraphon, or agrapha in the plural, means "something unwritten." In the field of biblical studies, this term denotes sayings or quotations attributed anciently to the mortal Jesus fn but not found in the four canonical Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John). In 1889 a German scholar named Alfred Resch caused a minor stir in the world of biblical scholarship with the publication of his book Agrapha: Aussercanonische Evangelienfragmente (Agrapha: Extracanonical gospel fragments). For his book, Resch had drawn together and classified, from patristic authors, variant readings of New Testament manuscripts, apocryphal books, and elsewhere literally hundreds of sayings or variations on those sayings attributed to Jesus but not found in the New Testament Gospels. Until that time, almost no one had been aware of the large number of such noncanonical sayings that had been preserved, and most had subscribed in one degree or another to the principle of non in thora, non in mundo, that is, "If it is not contained in the canonical Gospels, Jesus did not say it!" The theory behind modern study of the agrapha is that in the first century there were oral traditions about Jesus and his teachings out of which the New Testament Gospels were distilled but all of those traditions surely could not have been included in those Gospels. Could not the eyewitnesses who informed Luke of his facts fn also have remembered other incidents and teachings from their time with Jesus? As long as the original disciples of Jesus lived, their fresh reminiscences about him would have continued adding to the body of oral tradition circulating in the early Church, thereby increasing the possibility of genuine extracanonical sayings. Unfortunately, many persons felt that the idea of genuine agrapha implied that the New Testament Gospels were incomplete or defective and so resisted any suggestion that genuine sayings of Jesus could exist outside the New Testament. In fact, Resch himself was motivated in his study by the belief that there had indeed been an original gospel that was only imperfectly represented by Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. However, the work of Resch was flawed by other biases and by certain methodological errors that distorted his judgment. It remained for an American scholar, J. H. Ropes, to sift through the material presented by Resch with a more critical eye and to present the agrapha to scholars in a form they could work with. This he did in 1896, when he published Die Sprache Jesu, die in den kanonischen Evangelien nicht berliefert sind ("The sayings of Jesus that were not included in the canonical Gospels"). Of the scores of agrapha presented by Resch, Ropes retained only twenty-seven as valuable or possibly valuable, and subsequent scholars have felt that even fewer should be included. In the same year that Ropes published his work, two archaeologists named Bernard Grenfell and Arthur Hunt discovered a unique fragment of Greek papyrus while working in Egypt at Oxyrhynchus, about 120 miles south of Cairo. The fragment contained eight previously unknown dominical sayings�each beginning with the words "Jesus says." In 1904, Grenfell and Hunt published two more manuscript fragments, Oxyrhynchus Papyri 654 and 655, containing between them eight more sayings attributed to Jesus. Since the discovery of the Nag Hammadi codices in 1945, scholars have determined that all these sayings come from a Greek version of the Gospel of Thomas that was similar but not identical to the Coptic version in the Nag Hammadi library. Since the work of Grenfell and Hunt, other material has come to light that has added to the collection of sayings attributed to the mortal Jesus and that adds also to the likelihood that at least some of the agrapha might be genuine. The Coptic Gospel of Thomas alone contributes 114 sayings. If these are as genuone as scholars think they are, it means that the canonical text of the New Testament is neither entirely complete nor entirely correct, hence it is understandable that there should be some excited interest in these extracanonical sayings. It does seem entirely possible then that some genuine sayings of Jesus circulated anciently that were not preserved in the canonical Gospels. In fact, it seems not only possible, but from the evidence it is veritably certain, for the prime examples of such materials can be found in the New Testament itself, though not in the Gospels. In Acts 20:35, Luke records how the Apostle Paul encouraged the elders of Ephesus "to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive." Since this statement of Jesus is not found in the four Gospels and since we have no reason to doubt either Paul or Luke, the last line in Acts 20:35 must be accepted as a genuine agraphon. Further, Paul�s exhortation that the elders "remember" these words of Jesus indicates that they were known to the elders and, therefore, that they circulated in the primitive Church independently of the written text of the four Gospels. Thus Acts 20:35 contains an example of a genuine saying of Jesus that was widely known in the early Church but that would not have been preserved had Paul not quoted it nor Luke remembered that he had done so. A second example of a saying of Jesus preserved only by Paul can be found in 1 Thes. 4:15: "For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent [precede] them which are asleep." Here again, since Paul is certainly not quoting from the four Gospels, it must be conceded that the early Church knew and used more sayings of Jesus than those preserved in Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. ++++ Sensible comments welcomed? revdauphinee answered on 08/03/06: I am sure there is much that jesus said that the powers that existed during the nicene group wished included in our present day bible we must remember that these books may be the words of god however they were chosen to be included by men! 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peddler7118 asked on 08/03/06 - If Joe did it is okay for the Saints? If Joseph Smith is still seen as the prophet of God even though he told children as young as 14 they and their families who go to hell if they did not satisfy his lust could you blaim a Saint for doing the same thing today? revdauphinee answered on 08/03/06: yes for smith was wrong in more ways than that peddler7118 rated this answer

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Erewhon asked on 08/02/06 - Will you do your bit to keep costs down? Bodies too big for crematorium By Caroline Innes SIZE MATTERS: Pleasington Crematorium supervisor Mik Ince and foreman David Rigby outside the ovens at Pleasington # SIZE MATTERS: Pleasington Crematorium supervisor Mik Ince and foreman David Rigby outside the ovens at Pleasington Cemeteries are having to be equipped with new super-sized burners to cope with the growing number of obese corpses in East Lancashire. It's a startling example of how a poor diet and lack of exercise can even affect us after death. Already funeral directors in Burnley with coffins wider than 30inches are forced to take them for cremation at Pleasington cemetery in Blackburn which can take coffins up to 35ins. But Pleasington crematorium staff have revealed that even their biggest cremator is not wide enough to cope with the size of some coffins that funeral directors are now producing. continued... Plans have had to be put in place to install much bigger ovens over the next five years to cope with larger coffins, which currently have to be taken to either Manchester or Nottingham, where cremators can take coffins up to 44ins wide. To cope with a mounting obesity problem in the region, larger fridges have been installed in the mortuaries at the Royal Blackburn Hospital and Burnley General. And one East Lancashire nutritionist believes the problem is just an "obvious consequence" of the increase in obesity in the region. Mik Ince, cemeteries manager for Blackburn with Darwen Council, said: "Pleasington has got one of the biggest cremators in East Lancashire but even then we are looking to get a bigger cremator within the next five years. "We take funerals from all over the region where the coffin is too big for the cremator and know that the size of coffins will continue to increase as people get larger. "We want to be able to provide families with the facilities so they can hold the cremation where they want to and not have to travel to find a big enough cremator or opt for a burial. "People are getting larger and the cremator must be big enough to facilitate adequate combustion around the coffin. "Everything is getting larger and we have to be ready to meet demand." Harry Gibbs, Blackburn and Accrington secretary for the National Association of Funeral Directors, said: "This is a health and safety issue we don't want to get the coffin to the crematorium and find that it is too big. "Bodies are weighed in the mortuary before we get them and we also work to a weight limit of 25 stones. "Bodies are not normally that heavy but the size of bodies is increasingly becoming an issue." A spokesman for Burnley Funeral Directors Alderson and Horan said they had been forced to take a number of larger coffins for cremation at Pleasington because they were too big for Burnley. He said: "Burnley can only take 30-inch wide coffins and although we don't get many larger than that the number is definitely growing and can cause problems now and again. "We tend to ring up the hospital to get measurements before we collect a body and can then advise the family where the cremation can be held or advise them that a burial is another option. "We once had a body that was so big it needed a double grave." Jenny Slaughter, a nutritionist for Burnley, Pendle and Rossendale Primary Care Trust, said: "This is symptomatic of the growing problem of obesity in East Lancashire. "The cost of obesity is calculated at around �5billion a year and that is without taking into account indirect costs as having to install bigger fridges and weighing scales in hospital mortuaries. "The need for bigger coffins, bigger cremators and bigger grave plots is just the same as the increasing size of airline seats. "Something must be done to prevent this obesity problem worsening as the cost to the individual and society are escalating." === Will youi do your bit to keep costs down, and shed a few pounds? revdauphinee answered on 08/03/06: as a former injabitant of lancashire I take umbrige with the statement"a startling example of how a poor diet "as I remember from my childhood we had the best food in the world maybee it was not the heathiest but it sure tasted the best!wish i had som now ! Erewhon rated this answer

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Laura asked on 08/02/06 - Are we Jews by our adoption into the family of God? While Gentiles became Christians in the early days of the Church, the majority of people were Jews accepting Jesus as Messiah.. Yet that didn't change their heritage one bit. Nor did they stop calling themselves Jews. Being graphted into the bloodline of Christ supernaturally, have gentiles also become Jewish to the degree that Jesus was a Jew in his earthly body and we are adopted into this legacy and wonderous spiritual change? If I have offended any Jewish folks by asking this, I'm sorry.. But I would be proud to be called a Jew. JMHO revdauphinee answered on 08/03/06: yes if one looks as it as the family of jesus who was jewish! Laura rated this answer

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Erewhon asked on 08/02/06 - "Dispelling the myths of Mormons and Missourians" Dispelling the Myths of Mormons and Missourians By Matthew Franck JEFFERSON CITY, Missouri � When many of the nation�s top historians of Mormonism join Missouri elected officials at the state�s Capitol this September, they�ll participate in a conference born out of misunderstanding. Nearly 170 years after early Mormons and Missouri settlers first clashed, misconceptions about the 1830s era still linger. American and Missouri history books often give only scant mention of the �Mormon Wars.� In many cases, the conflicts are recounted in stereotypes. The result is continued confusion over what divided Mormons and the Missourians, and why such a document as the Extermination Order was issued. Its purpose, when announced in 1839 by Gov. Lilburn Boggs, was to drive all Mormons from the state. And yet despite the misunderstanding, more than 100,000 residents of the Missouri trace their religious heritage to these early Mormon pioneers, finding a state with friendly neighbors and Mid-Western values. For two years, members of the Columbia Missouri Stake of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints have been working on an event aimed at addressing misconceptions about the 1830s era. The result is the �Missouri Mormon Experience: A Conference of History and Commemoration,� an event that has snowballed to include the participation of a U.S. Senator, various other state officials and dozens of top scholars. The conference, which will be held in the House Chambers of the Missouri State Capitol in Jefferson City on September 8-9, also expects to draw of participants from both inside and outside the state. Settling the Rumors For Columbia Stake President Michael Reall, the goal from the beginning was to both encourage greater academic understanding and create an opportunity for healing. �The idea for a conference began as casual conversations discussing the Mormon experience in Missouri,� he said. �It was apparent that there were misunderstandings about the history of that period that carried into present feelings. For example, one person mentioned that an associate was concerned about his safety if traveling through Utah with Missouri license plates.� Another person, reporting her plans to move to Missouri from Utah in the mid 1960s was asked if she wasn't afraid to move there. "Why would I be afraid?" she asked. The response: "Because the Missourians don't like Mormons." She says that now, some 40 years later, she has never met anyone who cared that she is a Mormon or who seemed to know anything about the history of the Mormons in the state. Reall, who also serves as the Church�s Institute director at the University of Missouri at Columbia, had long bounced around the idea of a scholarly conference on early Mormon Missouri history. Widespread Enthusiasm From the early planning stages, the desire was for something more than a mere history conference � one that would draw not only scholars, but a wide range of Missourians, from state dignitaries, to school teachers and members of the general public. Today, those who organized the event marvel at the response. Proposals for papers have been submitted by numerous scholars. Presenters include BYU faculty, such as Susan Easton Black, and non-Mormons, like Jan Shipps of Indiana University. The conference has also been embraced by the Missouri State Archives, which is co-sponsoring the event. But when the idea was first hatched, it was an intimidating one to a small group of organizers who had no experience hosting a Mormon history conference � much less one with such broad scope. Finding a Venue Helen Penfield, who directs public affairs for the Columbia Stake, recalls her doubts as the conference was first proposed in an early planning meeting. �For a minute I blanked out thinking, �How would you even begin planning for something like that?� she said. And yet, many members of the Columbia Stake felt a certain calling to go forward with the event. The stake includes the Missouri capital of Jefferson City, with many members working in state government. Those connections inspired the idea of hosting the event within the Missouri Capitol building. Stephen Davis, a member of the stake who had served as Chief Clerk of the Missouri House, quickly helped secure the venue, a reservation that was finalized with the passage of a House Resolution. From there, organizers say everything began to fall into place. Senator Climbs Aboard The stake organized a small steering committee led by Dale Whitman, the former dean of the University of Missouri law school. The committee�s work followed two goals: organizing a high-caliber academic conference, while offering commemorative events that would attract the participation of state officials and the public. The effort gained a key ally when U.S. Sen. Christopher �Kit� Bond signed on to participate. Bond served as Missouri governor 30 years ago when the state rescinded the Extermination Order. The conference will commemorate that act, honoring Bond for his role. The conference will kick off with a ceremony and concert on the steps of the Missouri Capitol. LDS entertainers from the Branson area have agreed to perform and state dignitaries like current Gov. Matt Blunt have expressed an interest in participating. An Archival Event Meanwhile, interest in the academic conference itself is owed largely to the support of the Missouri State Archives, working under Missouri Secretary of State Robin Carnahan. The Archives have not only agreed to co-sponsor the event, but have printed publications such as brochures and fliers. Additionally, the Archives are supporting a related project to digitize and post on the Internet key documents related to the era. Promoting a New Understanding Driving the state�s support of the event is State Archivist Kenneth Winn. While not a member of the Church, Winn has published extensively about early Mormon history in the state. For Winn, the conference helps to satisfy a desire to bring historians of Missouri together with historians of Mormonism. As it is, he said, the two sides don�t often communicate. �Missouri history is not integrated with Mormon history� he said. �People who write Missouri history don�t know much about Mormon history. They know the Mormon Wars exist, but they really don�t know that much about it.� And Winn said the misunderstanding cuts both ways. �I think there�s a good deal of stereotyping that still goes on,� he said. In the eyes of some Mormon historical accounts, he said, Missourians are portrayed as barbaric people. �I think their motivations are more complex than simply religious persecution,� he said. �On the other hand the Church is pretty much an utter mystery to non-members of the Church.� The upcoming conference, Winn said, will offer just the kind of communication that is sorely needed to bring greater understanding to the Mormons� �troubled sojourn to the state.� That kind of talk is music to ears of conference organizers like Reall. �As we look back upon history it may become an aid to our future,� said Reall, who hopes the event will also �focus on the constructive events of that period, with the understanding that during troubled times the constructive, not the destructive, should be repeated.� Details regarding the events, including conference topics, can be found at www.momormonhistory.org. Matthew Franck is member of the LDS Columbia Missouri Stake. He works as a journalist who covers the Missouri state government. === revdauphinee answered on 08/02/06: with all the present day wories about seperation of church and state one wonders what would happen is some state decided to haver a conference about Christianity (probably cause the UCLA to have a coniption) Erewhon rated this answer

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peddler7118 asked on 08/01/06 - Do Mormons babtize dead people? Recently a Mormon "expert" told me they did not. This is from channel 2 in Salt Lake City. Save | E-mail | Print Apr 11, 2005 5:06 pm US/Mountain Jewish-LDS Disagreement Over Baptism for the Dead Resolved A Jewish-LDS disagreement seems resolved. Some Jews object to baptism for the dead, as practiced by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Jewish leaders came to Salt Lake City for serious talks about baptizing deceased Jews as LDS members. Rod Decker has more. Judging from the comments as people came out of the meetings, things could hardly have gone better. LDS church members try to baptize all their dead ancestors, believing that then they may choose whether they want LDS blessings in afterlife. Some Jews believe that is wrong for Jews, and until the meeting, they believed the LDS Church was violating an agreement not to baptize deceased Jews. �Sixty years ago this month, I was in a death march from the last camp I was in.� Holocaust survivor Ernest Michel believes it's wrong for the LDS Church to baptize deceased Jews. �The Mormon Church baptized my parents, so I feel very strongly about this issue,� Michel said. Ten years ago Michel and LDS leaders agreed the church would not baptize deceased Jews unless they are ancestors of church members and the church would delete holocaust victims from church genealogical records. The entries for holocaust victims, this one includes 262 Jews. Here in Salt Lake, former Mormon Helen Radkey got access to church internet records and found thousands of Jewish names. She told Ernest Michel, who said he was hurt and frustrated, and came to Salt Lake for a meeting. The Jewish leaders came to the meeting saying the Mormons had broken the agreement and abused the names of holocaust victims. They left saying the LDS Church acted in good faith, and with nothing but friendly feelings for the religion. �The spirit that existed between the Mormon leaders and ourselves was superb, and I am very pleased about it,� Michel said. The LDS Church admits some Jewish names got into its records against policy, and the two sides have agreed to a committee to keep improper Jewish names out of LDS records. Can you still become God if you are a dead Jew who gets babtised? How exactly do you do this? Is it necessary to dig them up first? This is bizarre! revdauphinee answered on 08/01/06: there is no rite for baptisment ""of"" the dead but I think you will find one for baptism ""for"" the dead> where a person is baptised in proxy for a dead relative who could or would not recieve it in thier own lifetime peddler7118 rated this answer Erewhon rated this answer

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Erewhon asked on 08/01/06 - Mormons and the US Constitution This is what the Prophet Joseph Smith wrote about the Constitution of the United States of America. It will go some way to help certain persons comprehend the affection Latter-day Saints have for the US even when it does not serve them well. Here is a principle also, which we are bound to be exercised with, that is, in common with all men, such as governments, and laws, and regulations in the civil concerns of life. This principle guarantees to all parties, sects, and denominations, and classes of religion, equal, coherent, and indefeasible rights; they are things that pertain to this life; therefore all are alike interested; they make our responsibilities one towards another in matters of corruptible things, while the former principles do not destroy the latter, but bind us stronger, and make our responsibilities not only one to another, but unto God also. Hence we say, that the Constitution of the United States is a glorious standard; it is founded in the wisdom of God. It is a heavenly banner; it is to all those who are privileged with the sweets of liberty, like the cooling shades and refreshing waters of a great rock in a thirsty and weary land. It is like a great tree under whose branches men from every clime can be shielded from the burning rays of the sun. We, brethren, are deprived of the protection of its glorious principles, by the cruelty of the cruel, by those who only look for the time being, for pasturage like the beasts of the field, only to fill themselves; and forget that the "Mormons," as well as the Presbyterians, and those of every other class and description, have equal rights to partake of the fruits of the great tree of our national liberty. But notwithstanding we see what we see, and feel what we feel, and know what we know, yet that fruit is no less precious and delicious to our taste; we cannot be weaned from the milk, neither can we be driven from the breast; neither will we deny our religion because of the hand of oppression; but we will hold on until death. We say that God is true; that the Constitution of the United States is true; that the Bible is true; that the Book of Mormon is true; that the Book of Covenants is true; that Christ is true; that the ministering angels sent forth from God are true, and that we know that we have an house not made with hands eternal in the heavens, whose builder and maker is God; a consolation which our oppressors cannot feel, when fortune, or fate, shall lay its iron hand on them as it has on us. Now, we ask, what is man? Remember, brethren, that time and chance happen to all men. === revdauphinee answered on 08/01/06: render unto ceasar???? Erewhon rated this answer

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arcura asked on 08/01/06 - What are you doing to prepare for the end of time? Liturgical day: For Tuesday Today's Gospel (Mt 13:36-43): Jesus sent the crowds away and went into the house. And his disciples came to him saying, �Explain to us the parable of the weeds in the field�. He answered them, �The one who sows the good seed is the Son of Man. The field is the world; the good seed are the people of the Kingdom; the weeds are those who follow the evil one. The enemy who sows them is the devil; the harvest is the end of time and the workers are the angels. �Just as the weeds are pulled up and burned in the fire, so will it be at the end of time. The Son of Man will send his angels, and they will weed out of his kingdom all that is scandalous and all who do evil. And these will be thrown in the blazing furnace, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. Then the just will shine like the sun in the kingdom of their Father. If you have ears, then hear�. revdauphinee answered on 08/01/06: live each day as if it were your last arcura rated this answer MaggieB rated this answer

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peddler7118 asked on 07/31/06 - "If a prophet... arises among you and gives you a sign or a wonder, and the sign or the wonder c The B.O.M says: 1] Now I, Moroni, write somewhat as seemeth me good; and I write unto my brethren, the Lamanites; and I would that they should know that more than four hundred and twenty years have passed away since the sign was given of the coming of Christ. [2] And I seal up these records, after I have spoken a few words by way of exhortation unto you. [3] Behold, I would exhort you that when ye shall read these things, if it be wisdom in God that ye should read them, that ye would remember how merciful the Lord hath been unto the children of men, from the creation of Adam even down unto the time that ye shall receive these things, and ponder it in your hearts. [4] And when ye shall receive these things, I would exhort you that ye would ask God, the Eternal Father, in the name of Christ, if these things are not true; and if ye shall ask with a sincere heart, with real intent, having faith in Christ, he will manifest the truth of it unto you, by the power of the Holy Ghost. Pro 14:12 There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death. "If a prophet... arises among you and gives you a sign or a wonder, and the sign or the wonder comes true, concerning which he spoke to you, saying, "Let us go after other gods (whom you have not known) and let us serve them [i.e. contradicting the ten commandments],' you shall not listen to the words of that prophet ...but that prophet ... shall be put to death" (Deut 13:1-5). "When a prophet speaks in the name of the LORD, if the thing does not come about or come true, that is the thing which the LORD has NOT spoken. The prophet has spoken it presumptuously" (Deut 18:22). "If anyone advocates a different doctrine and does not agree with sound words, those of our Lord Jesus Christ, and with the doctrine conforming to godliness, he is conceited and understands nothing" (1 Tim. 6:3-4). Paul commended the Bereans for objectively investigating the things he taught them: "Now these were more noble-minded...for they received the word with great eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily, to see whether these things were so" (Acts 17:11). Even Mormon leaders advocate investigation: "convince us of our errors of doctrine, if we have any, by reason, by logical arguments, or by the word of God, and we will be ever grateful for the information, and you will ever have the pleasing reflection that you have been instruments in the hands of God of redeeming your fellow beings from the darkness which you may see enveloping their minds." (Orson Pratt, The Seer, p. 15-16, 1853). Therefore, it is NOT BIBLICAL to pray about the Book of Mormon to determine its truthfulness; one must TEST what it has to say. If it contradicts what God has already revealed, it fails. If you have "gained a testimony of the Book of Mormon" by praying Moroni 10:4, then you must seriously question whether or not you have been deceived. Why should subjective feelings be suspected? Because we are sinful creatures and can be swayed by our emotions and sinful desires: "The heart of man is desperately wicked and cannot be trusted" (Jeremiah 17:9). "There is a way which seems right unto a man, but the end is death" (Proverbs 14:12). Should you pray whether to commit adultery or steal? Of course not, because the Bible already speaks out against such sins. God has already revealed His will regarding such matters, and no amount of prayer will change that fact. No matter how sincerely you may believe otherwise, to claim that God gave you permission to steal, or commit adultery proves that you did not hear from God (1 Tim 6:3-4; Deut. 13:1-2; Deut. 18:20-22; Jer. 23:16, 30-36; Zech. 13:2-3). To believe that something is true merely because you feel it to be so or because you are sincere in your belief does not make it true 11. Instead, the Bible warns that feelings can be deceptive and that the sincere truth-seeker must base decisions on more objective means. A standard Mormon response is to resort to the subjective. He insists that he knows the Book of Mormon is true because he has a 'burning in the bosom'. God, he claims, has proved it to him in his heart, so it can't be untrue. He may also claim that to challenge him in this way only makes him stronger in this faith. A "burning in the bosom," no matter how sincere, is no proof of historicity or authority. If evidence goes against the Book of Mormon to prove it false, then to ignore or avoid that evidence is not sincere faith but rather dishonesty and deceitfulness. The test of Moroni 10:4 is a trick. When you are challenged, you must accept Book of Mormon as true or your integrity is placed under suspicion. If you accept the challenge (even though unbiblical) but conclude that the Book of Mormon is not from God, Mormons will say that you either did not have a sincere heart, real intent, or genuine faith; otherwise the test would have revealed positive results. According to Mormon thinking, it is not possible for their book to be wrong, so you must be wrong. Mormons may also say that the Book of Mormon is latter-day revelation from God that supercedes the authority of the Bible. This cannot be true because written, inerrant, authoritative revelation ended with Jesus and his apostles: The apostles spoke on God's behalf: "Paul, according to the wisdom given him, wrote to you, as also in all his letters, in which are some things hard to understand, which the untaught and unstable distort, as they do also the rest of the scriptures..." (2 Peter 3:15-16). "You should remember the words spoken beforehand by the holy prophets and the commandment of the Lord by your apostles" (2 Peter 3:2). But the Apostle Paul warned the Galatian church: "if anyone should preach to you a gospel contrary to that which we preached, let him be accursed" (Gal. 1:8-9). "Do not add to His words Or He will reprove you, and you will be proved a liar" (Prov. 30:6). "You shall not add to the word which I am commanding you, nor take away from it" (Deut. 4:2). "I testify to everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: if anyone adds to them, God shall add to him the plagues which are written in this book; and if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part from the tree of life" (Rev. 22:18-19). This is the standard that must be used. If you investigate carefully the differences between Mormon doctrine and orthodox Christian doctrine, and compare Mormon 'scriptures' with the Bible, you will come to the conclusion that the Book of Mormon and Mormonism are not from God. revdauphinee answered on 07/31/06: Jer.23:25-27 25 "I have heard what the prophets say who prophesy lies in my name. They say, `I had a dream! I had a dream!' 26 How long will this continue in the hearts of these lying prophets, who prophesy the delusions of their own minds? Jer.23:30-32 30 "Therefore," declares the LORD, "I am against the prophets who steal from one another words supposedly from me. 31 Yes," declares the LORD, "I am against the prophets who wag their own tongues and yet declare, `The LORD declares.' 32 Indeed, I am against those who prophesy false dreams," declares the LORD. "They tell them and lead my people astray with their reckless lies, jackreade rated this answer peddler7118 rated this answer

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hOPE12 asked on 07/31/06 - It is Really getting to be old stuff, can't we find another way to deal with each other? Hello Experts, I have been coming to this board for some time now and it seems to never end. What am I speaking about? Why do some corner others as if they are better then the one they try to corner? Example: When one disagrees with another�s religious following why not look for the good in that person not what bad or what you disagree on? It is one thing to disagree with another, but to hound them as if you and your beliefs are the only way, is childish and wrong. Why not grow up and act as adults? I have been reading a lot on the board lately about Mormons and what fault some find with them. I know that Ronnie is a Mormon and I find him to be a very nice person and much more caring of others, then some on this board. What happened to the Mormons and other who persecuted them, was wrong, not one of us should be persecuted or degraded or put down because of our religious beliefs, or for any other reasons. What gives one person/persons the right to hound or degrade another? If you think and feel differently, that is your right, but it is not your right to harass another person. We all live in this earth and yet some feel they own it. Well, for those who think they do own the earth, let me be the first to tell you that you do not. God does! When Jesus knew something was wrong or he felt someone was thinking or acting wrong, he reasoned with them and showed love and compassion, he did not corner them or degrade them. What right does anyone have to treat another so badly? NOT ONE PERSON DOES! NOW ON A MORE POSITIVE NOTE: We need to show kindness to one another. How can we as imperfect humans show godlike kindness? Jesus provided an example and guidelines that can help us to exercise such kindness. 1 Peter 2:21; 21 In fact, to this [course] YOU were called, because even Christ suffered for YOU, leaving YOU a model for YOU to follow his steps closely Matthew 11:28-30 28 Come to me, all YOU who are toiling and loaded down, and I will refresh YOU. 29 Take my yoke upon YOU and learn from me, for I am mild-tempered and lowly in heart, and YOU will find refreshment for YOUR souls. 30 For my yoke is kindly and my load is light.� Yes Jesus is kindly and refreshing. Are we? For instance, he indicated that we should be kind even to our enemies. Jesus said: �Continue to love your enemies and to do good and to lend without interest, not hoping for anything back; and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, because he is kind toward the unthankful and wicked.� Luke 6:35 So if we would show the superior quality of godlike kindness, we will be kind not only to family members, friends, and those who believe as we do, but also to those who are not in agreement with us and may even be our enemies. Since our human inclination is to treat others as they treat us, we do well to remember God�s reminder: �In loving-kindness I have taken delight, and not in sacrifice.� Hosea 6:6 If we wish to have God�s favor, we must endeavor to display godlike kindness, or loving-kindness, in all our dealings with others. Micah 6:8. Remember how we treat others is how God will treat us! Sometimes we are calling another person what we ourselves are guilty of. We want to be treated fairly and yet some have not learned how to treat others fair. What are some ways that we can treat other fair and with respect on this board? How can we be sure of what we say on this board will be approved by God? Thank you for listening. Take care, Hope12 revdauphinee answered on 07/31/06: I also tknow ronnie to be a good person however decievd ,if you care for someone is it wrong to point out if you think they are wrong??? Erewhon rated this answer hOPE12 rated this answer

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CeeBee asked on 07/30/06 - Second Reformation....................... List some of your "theses" - how does Christianity need to change? what should change? (Thanks for a question to post, jackreade.) revdauphinee answered on 07/31/06: Christianity need not change organised religion calling its self Christian does CeeBee rated this answer

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jackreade asked on 07/30/06 - Fascinating! "Valentin Keller enlisted in an all-German unit of the Union Army in Hamilton, Ohio, in 1862. He was 26, a small, slender man, 5 feet 4 inches tall, who had just become a naturalized citizen. He listed his occupation as tailor. A year later, Keller was honorably discharged, sick and broken. He had a lung ailment and was so crippled from arthritis in his hips that he could barely walk. His pension record tells of his suffering. �His rheumatism is so that he is unable to walk without the aid of crutches and then only with great pain,� it says. His lungs and his joints never got better, and Keller never worked again. He died at age 41 of �dropsy,� which probably meant that he had congestive heart failure, a condition not associated with his time in the Army. His 39-year-old wife, Otilia, died a month before him of what her death certificate said was �exhaustion.� People of Valentin Keller�s era, like those before and after them, expected to develop chronic diseases by their 40�s or 50�s. Keller�s descendants had lung problems, they had heart problems, they had liver problems. They died in their 50�s or 60�s. Now, though, life has changed. The family�s baby boomers are reaching middle age and beyond and are doing fine. �I feel good,� says Keller�s great-great-great-grandson Craig Keller. At 45, Mr. Keller says he has no health problems, nor does his 45-year-old wife, Sandy. The Keller family illustrates what may prove to be one of the most striking shifts in human existence � a change from small, relatively weak and sickly people to humans who are so big and robust that their ancestors seem almost unrecognizable. New research from around the world has begun to reveal a picture of humans today that is so different from what it was in the past that scientists say they are startled. Over the past 100 years, says one researcher, Robert W. Fogel of the University of Chicago, humans in the industrialized world have undergone �"change" that is unique not only to humankind, but unique among the 7,000 or so generations of humans who have ever inhabited the earth.� The difference does not involve changes in genes, as far as is known, but changes in the human form. It shows up in several ways, from those that are well known and almost taken for granted, like greater heights and longer lives, to ones that are emerging only from comparisons of health records. The biggest surprise emerging from the new studies is that many chronic ailments like heart disease, lung disease and arthritis are occurring an average of 10 to 25 years later than they used to. There is also less disability among older people today, according to a federal study that directly measures it. And that is not just because medical treatments like cataract surgery keep people functioning. Human bodies are simply not breaking down the way they did before. Even the human mind seems improved. The average I.Q. has been increasing for decades, and at least one study found that a person�s chances of having dementia in old age appeared to have fallen in recent years.".......etc. Shortened ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ I was shocked by seeing the pictures of robust Americans of today shown beside pictures of relatives from 150 years ago. It was like they weren't the same species. I recalled a trip to The Tower of London, on display was a suit of armor of King Charles(the first?). It was very tiny..the size a healthy 9 year old would fit into. I think the reason for this is improvement in diet with vitamins, and a less depressing existence. Comments? revdauphinee answered on 07/30/06: dont forget the improvement of modern medicine and the fact that many ailments that once killed can now be treated .i myself would have been dead from diabetes and lupus had i lived back then however due to medicine i am looking forward to at least a few more years jackreade rated this answer Laura rated this answer

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jackreade asked on 07/30/06 - Catholic Woman faces Ex-Communication AP=="Joan Houk has ministered to the sick and needy, run two Roman Catholic parishes that were without priests and has presided over baptisms and funerals. Her calling now, she says, is to be a priest. Houk will be one of a dozen women participating in a ceremony Monday in which eight will proclaim themselves priests and four deacons. The ceremony won't be recognized by the Catholic church, which has a 2,000-year tradition of an all-male priesthood. Similar ceremonies conducted by the group Roman Catholic Womenpriests have been held before in other countries, and most of the participants have been excommunicated. It's the first time the group is holding a ceremony in the U.S. The Pittsburgh Diocese issued a statement saying the ordination would not be valid." ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ I read today that in Mexico a 100,000 people were marching against the results of the election last month. Is there anything that can stop people who want change in an institution, be it religious, governmental, if enough people show up. Is there any way to stop change that people want? Is is immoral to try to stop the people? revdauphinee answered on 07/30/06: sory but if you think a stand is wrong then I feel one should stand up against it .Jesus himself told women to spread the word of his resurection who is th church to say they shouldnt? matthew 28: 7. Then go quickly and tell his disciples: `He has risen from the dead and is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him.' Now I have told you." 8. So the women hurried away from the tomb, afraid yet filled with joy, and ran to tell his disciples. 9. Suddenly Jesus met them. "Greetings," he said. They came to him, clasped his feet and worshiped him. 10. Then Jesus said to them, "Do not be afraid. Go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee; there they will see me. CeeBee rated this answer jackreade rated this answer Laura rated this answer MaggieB rated this answer

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jackreade asked on 07/30/06 - Strange Bedfellows? (CBS) This article was written by CBSNews.com intern Brian Goodman. "On Friday, July 7, Army 1st Lieutenant Forrest P. Ewens was buried at a respectful ceremony in Arlington National Cemetery, which many consider to be the most hallowed ground in the United States. But the peace was disrupted by protests from members of the Westboro Baptist Church of Topeka, Kansas. In a cordoned-off area by the entrance to the cemetery, they carried signs with anti-gay and anti-American slogans and proclaimed that Ewens' death in Afghanistan on June 16 was another sign of God's impeding doom on the nation. Westboro has taken what it calls "love crusades" to military funerals across the country. The church was not protesting at the funeral because Ewens was gay, but because he died, in their view, serving a country that has incurred the wrath of God by accepting and tolerating homosexuality. Now the father of a slain serviceman whose funeral was disrupted is suing the church in an attempt to fight back against what he views as the abuse of military families with a message of hate. Westboro Baptist Church was founded by Fred Phelps in Topeka, Kan., in 1955. The church � unaffiliated with any mainstream Baptist organization � has always "preached against all forms of sin," as its Web site says. Church members began demonstrating against homosexuality 15 years ago. According to Phelps's daughter Shirley Phelps-Roper, Westboro believes that America is damned to eternal punishment because the country is accepting of homosexuality and other "sins of the flesh." "When you see a people who have risen up with one voice to say 'it's OK to be gay,' you are looking at a doomed people," she said. "They have crossed the line." The church of about 100 members is made up primarily of Phelps's supposed family. Westboro directs most of its preaching against homosexuality and America's acceptance of gays, whom Phelps-Roper calls "the bottom rung on the depravity chain." Westboro views the deaths of American servicemen in the Middle East to be one of the many ways God is enacting his vengeance and judgment on the nation. The church has therefore taken to protesting at military funerals to get that message out. "Our job," Phelps-Roper stated, "is to put this cup of his wrath and fury to the lips of this nation and make them drink it." For the first time since members of Westboro began protesting at military funerals, someone is using the courts to stop them. A distraught father has filed suit in Maryland against what he views as a gross violation of privacy and intentional emotional abuse." ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Now for the strange bed fellows....The ACLU agreed last week to take the Westboro Church as a client based on FreeSpeech first amendment rights. Interesting... Any comments? By Brian M. Goodman �MMVI, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. revdauphinee answered on 07/30/06: this group should be ashamed to call themselves a church if for no other reason than out of respect fot the family who has just lost a loved one> jackreade rated this answer

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jackreade asked on 07/29/06 - Mormon Richard Wilkins Pact with Demons Richard Wilkins and the Mormon-Evangelical-Islamo-Fascist Axis of Extreme Evil "...the Richard Wilkins we're concerned with is a law professor at Brigham Young University (BYU) in Utah who has literally made a pact with different demons. In recent years, while leaders of the Christian right have made a habit of attacking Islam with some of most lively and colorful vilification in the history of American religious bigotry (JERRY FALWELL: Muhammad was "a demon possessed-pedophile" and "a terrorist" , some, recognizing the affinities between Christian and Muslim fundamentalism(Mormons), have forged ties even with Islamic clerics and governments that endorse jihad against America--****all for the greater good of attacking homosexuality, women's rights, and the rest of the moral corruption for which Western societies must and will be destoyed by the hand of God****. Wilkins heads the World Family Policy Center (WFPC) at BYU, which is owned and operated by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, aka the Mormons. He also runs the Web site DefendMarriage.org. Both entities are devoted to "defending the family," meaning, of course, above all, fighting gay marriage. Also fighting against homosexuality itself, abortion rights, birth control, condom use, sex education, secularism, women having careers..... In November 2004, Wilkins and the WFPC helped organize a conference in Doha, Qatar that brought together the Mormons, Cardinal ALFONSO TRUJILLO, who campaigns against condoms on behalf of the Catholic church, and MAHATHIR MOHAMAD, the former Malaysian prime minister who jailed his deputy for alleged homosexuality. Mohamad has also suggested that those killed on 9/11 were, like civilians killed in Iraq and Afghanistan, just "collaterals whose deaths are necessary for operations to succeed," and that "the Jews rule the world by proxy" and "get others to fight and die for them." (But, he added, ŕ.3 billion people [Muslims] cannot be simply wiped out," as the Jews evidently intend.) Dominating the Doha conference was SHEIKH YUSUF AL-QARADAWI, dean of Qatar's College of Shariah and Islamic Studies. Regarded by some as the world's foremost Islamic scholar, Qaradawi approves of wife-beating and the death penalty for sodomy and believes that "resisting the invaders" of Iraq is a religious duty. He has been accused of supporting suicide bombers and has been banned from the U.S. since 1999 for advocating violence and for spelling his name with a Q rather than an identical-sounding K. Qaradawi is famous throughout the Arab world for his appearances on Qatar-based al-Jazeera television, and in 2001 visited the Vatican as a guest of the Pope. He also supervises IslamOnline.net, where, as Brian Whitaker reported in the Guardian, he describes homosexuality as an abominable, depraved, foul, and illicit practice that is punished by eternity in the fires and reality shows of hell, and oral sex as a disgusting western practice resulting from westerners' habit of "stripping naked during sexual intercourse." IslamOnline provides links to and "scientific" information from U.S. Christian groups like United Families International, which blames condoms and sex education for the spread of HIV, and the National Association for Research and Therapy of Homosexuality (NARTH), which promotes "sexual reorientation therapy" to "cure" gays. NARTH, whose views are rejected by all the main professional bodies in the U.S., Whitaker notes, "reciprocates by welcoming IslamOnline's 'very useful contribution to the on-going dialogue.'" The Qatar government--which sponsored the conference and assigned Wilkins and the WFPC to arrange preliminary meetings in other countries--"rejects basic family rights legislation such as the international Convention for the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women...using 'religious precepts' as an excuse," Whitaker noted. (Qatar also owns al-Jazeera, whose views are perhaps reflected by the Al Qaeda tapes it broadcasts.) The Doha conference was officially held to "celebrate the 10th anniversary of the UN's Year of the Family," but "in reality, it brought together some of the world's most socially conservative religious forces" to "'defend the family' and fight progressive social policies" at the UN. A week after the conference, (Mormon)Wilkins' lobbying efforts ***somehow got a Qatar-sponsored, "pro-family," anti-women's rights resolution approved by the UN General Assembly--without a vote***. "For the first time at the UN, we had the anti-family powers scrambling by surprising them," the Mormon magazine, Meridian, boasted." Will post author's name in a clarification. Article edited because of lenght. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Comments.... revdauphinee answered on 07/30/06: since mormons profess to be Christians how can he yolk himself to those who worship other Gods?Allah and Yaweh cannot be the same God since the quoran clearly states that Allah has no son whilst Christians worship yeshua the son of God!seems like this man has unequaly yolked himself to purveyors of a false God! jackreade rated this answer Mathatmacoat rated this answer

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jackreade asked on 07/29/06 - This Guy Made "Passion of the Christ" Mel Gibson was arrested for drunk driving; here is a printed copy of what happened between Gibson and the arresting officer::: "TMZ has learned that Deputy Mee audiotaped the entire exchange between himself and Gibson, from the time of the traffic stop to the time Gibson was put in the patrol car, and that the tape fully corroborates the written report. Once inside the car, a source directly connected with the case says Gibson began banging himself against the seat. The report says Gibson told the deputy, "You mother f****r. I'm going to f*** you." The report also says "Gibson almost continually [sic] threatened me saying he 'owns Malibu' and will spend all of his money to 'get even' with me." The report says Gibson then launched into a barrage of anti-Semitic statements: "F*****g Jews... The Jews are responsible for all the wars in the world." Gibson then asked the deputy, "Are you a Jew?" The deputy became alarmed as Gibson's tirade escalated, and called ahead for a sergeant to meet them when they arrived at the station. When they arrived, a sergeant began videotaping Gibson, who noticed the camera and then said, "What the f*** do you think you're doing?" A law enforcement source says Gibson then noticed another female sergeant and yelled, "What do you think you're looking at, sugar tits?" We're told Gibson took two blood alcohol tests, which were videotaped, and continued saying how "f****d" he was and how he was going to "f***" Deputy Mee. Gibson was put in a cell with handcuffs on. He said he needed to urinate, and after a few minutes tried manipulating his hands to unzip his pants. Sources say Deputy Mee thought Gibson was going to urinate on the floor of the booking cell and asked someone to take Gibson to the bathroom. After leaving the bathroom, Gibson then demanded to make a phone call. He was taken to a pay phone and, when he didn't get a dial tone, we're told Gibson threw the receiver against the phone. Deputy Mee then warned Gibson that if he damaged the phone he could be charged with felony vandalism. We're told Gibson was then asked, and refused, to sign the necessary paperwork and was thrown in a detox cell. Deputy Mee then wrote an eight-page report detailing Gibson's rampage and comments. Sources say the sergeant on duty felt it was too "inflammatory." A lieutenant and captain then got involved and calls were made to Sheriff's headquarters. Sources say Mee was told Gibson's comments would incite a lot of "Jewish hatred," that the situation in Israel was "way too inflammatory." It was mentioned several times that Gibson, who wrote, directed, and produced 2004's "The Passion of the Christ," had incited "anti-Jewish sentiment" and "For a drunk driving arrest, is this really worth all that?"....." ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~` He's just another anti-Semite after all. I remember watching the movie and fast forwarding through all the gore which was way over the top. Comments? revdauphinee answered on 07/29/06: this is probably fiction however we need to remember christians are none of us perfect we are just forgiven! blueboy. rated this answer jackreade rated this answer JesseJamesDupree rated this answer Laura rated this answer MaggieB rated this answer

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ROLCAM asked on 07/29/06 - Bible Studies ? Please nominate your personal choice for a very prominent personality in the New Testament. Give your full reasons. revdauphinee answered on 07/29/06: CAN only be Jesus Jesushelper76 rated this answer Judgment_Day rated this answer ROLCAM rated this answer

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Erewhon asked on 07/29/06 - This might go some way to answer CeeBee's question ... Families Challenging Religious Influence in Delaware Schools By NEELA BANERJEE Published: July 29, 2006 GEORGETOWN, Del. � After her family moved to this small town 30 years ago, Mona Dobrich grew up as the only Jew in school. Mrs. Dobrich, 39, married a local man, bought the house behind her parents� home and brought up her two children as Jews. For years, she and her daughter, Samantha, listened to Christian prayers at public school potlucks, award dinners and parent-teacher group meetings, she said. But at Samantha�s high school graduation in June 2004, a minister�s prayer proclaiming Jesus as the only way to the truth nudged Mrs. Dobrich to act. �It was as if no matter how much hard work, no matter how good a person you are, the only way you�ll ever be anything is through Jesus Christ,� Mrs. Dobrich said. �He said those words, and I saw Sam�s head snap and her start looking around, like, �Where�s my mom? Where�s my mom?� And all I wanted to do was run up and take her in my arms.� After the graduation, Mrs. Dobrich asked the Indian River district school board to consider prayers that were more generic and, she said, less exclusionary. As news of her request spread, many local Christians saw it as an effort to limit their free exercise of religion, residents said. Anger spilled on to talk radio, in letters to the editor and at school board meetings attended by hundreds of people carrying signs praising Jesus. �What people here are saying is, �Stop interfering with our traditions, stop interfering with our faith and leave our country the way we knew it to be,� � said Dan Gaffney, a host at WGMD, a talk radio station in Rehoboth, and a supporter of prayer in the school district. After receiving several threats, Mrs. Dobrich took her son, Alex, to Wilmington in the fall of 2004, planning to stay until the controversy blew over. It never has. The Dobriches eventually sued the Indian River School District, challenging what they asserted was the pervasiveness of religion in the schools and seeking financial damages. They have been joined by �the Does,� a family still in the school district who have remained anonymous because of the response against the Dobriches. Meanwhile, a Muslim family in another school district here in Sussex County has filed suit, alleging proselytizing in the schools and the harassment of their daughters. The move to Wilmington, the Dobriches said, wrecked them financially, leading them to sell their house and their daughter to drop out of Columbia University. The dispute here underscores the rising tensions over religion in public schools. �We don�t have data on the number of lawsuits, but anecdotally, people think it has never been so active � the degree to which these conflicts erupt in schools and the degree to which they are litigated,� said Tom Hutton, a staff lawyer at the National School Boards Association. More religion probably exists in schools now than in decades because of the role religious conservatives play in politics and the passage of certain education laws over the last 25 years, including the Equal Access Act in 1984, said Charles C. Haynes, senior scholar at the First Amendment Center, a research and education group. �There are communities largely of one faith, and despite all the court rulings and Supreme Court decisions, they continue to promote one faith,� Mr. Haynes said. �They don�t much care what the minority complains about. They�re just convinced that what they are doing is good for kids and what America is all about.� Dr. Donald G. Hattier, a member of the Indian River school board, said the district had changed many policies in response to Mrs. Dobrich�s initial complaints. But the board unanimously rejected a proposed settlement of the Dobriches� lawsuit. �There were a couple of provisions that were unacceptable to the board,� said Jason Gosselin, a lawyer for the board. �The parties are working in good faith to move closer to settlement.� "Until recently, it was safe to assume that everyone in the Indian River district was Christian," said the Rev. Mark Harris, an Episcopal priest at St. Peter�s Church in Lewes. "But much has changed in Sussex County over the last 30 years. The county, in southern Delaware, has resort enclaves like Rehoboth Beach, to which outsiders bring their cash and, often, liberal values. Inland, in the area of Georgetown, the county seat, the land is still a lush patchwork of corn and soybean fields, with a few poultry plants. But developers are turning more fields into tracts of rambling homes. The Hispanic population is booming. There are enough Reform Jews, Muslims and Quakers to set up their own centers and groups," Mr. Harris said. In interviews with a dozen people here and comments on the radio by a half-dozen others, the overwhelming majority insisted, usually politely, that prayer should stay in the schools. �We have a way of doing things here, and it�s not going to change to accommodate a very small minority,�� said Kenneth R. Stevens, 41, a businessman sitting in the Georgetown Diner. �If they feel singled out, they should find another school or excuse themselves from those functions. It�s our way of life.� The Dobrich and Doe legal complaint portrays a district in which children were given special privileges for being in Bible club, Bibles were distributed in 2003 at an elementary school, Christian prayer was routine at school functions and teachers evangelized. �Because Jesus Christ is my Lord and Savior, I will speak out for him,� said the Rev. Jerry Fike of Mount Olivet Brethren Church, who gave the prayer at Samantha�s graduation. �The Bible encourages that.� Mr. Fike continued: �Ultimately, he is the one I have to please. If doing that places me at odds with the law of the land, I still have to follow him.� Mrs. Dobrich, who is Orthodox, said that when she was a girl, Christians here had treated her faith with respectful interest. Now, she said, her son was ridiculed in school for wearing his yarmulke. She described a classmate of his drawing a picture of a pathway to heaven for everyone except �Alex the Jew.� Mrs. Dobrich�s decision to leave her hometown and seek legal help came after a school board meeting in August 2004 on the issue of prayer. Dr. Hattier had called WGMD to discuss the issue, and Mr. Gaffney and others encouraged people to go the meeting. Hundreds showed up. A homemaker active in her children�s schools, Mrs. Dobrich said she had asked the board to develop policies that would leave no one feeling excluded because of faith. People booed and rattled signs that read �Jesus Saves,� she recalled. Her son had written a short statement, but he felt so intimidated that his sister read it for him. In his statement, Alex, who was 11 then, said: �I feel bad when kids in my class call me �Jew boy.� I do not want to move away from the house I have lived in forever.� Later, another speaker turned to Mrs. Dobrich and said, according to several witnesses, �If you want people to stop calling him �Jew boy,� you tell him to give his heart to Jesus.� Immediately afterward, the Dobriches got threatening phone calls. Samantha had enrolled in Columbia, and Mrs. Dobrich decided to go to Wilmington temporarily. But the controversy simmered, keeping Mrs. Dobrich and Alex away. The cost of renting an apartment in Wilmington led the Dobriches to sell their home here. Mrs. Dobrich�s husband, Marco, a school bus driver and transportation coordinator, makes about $30,000 a year and has stayed in town to care for Mrs. Dobrich�s ailing parents. Mr. Dobrich declined to comment. Samantha left Columbia because of the financial strain. The only thing to flourish, Mrs. Dobrich said, was her faith. Her children, she said, �have so much pride in their religion now.� �Alex wears his yarmulke all the time. He never takes it off.� === Can you see any injustice in the way this Jewish family is being treated by their Christians neighbours and by the local establishment? revdauphinee answered on 07/29/06: in a word yes !those folks who treated them in this terrible way should be ashamed to call themselves Christians, we can never excuse the misstreatement of a child.when I was in school in england we also had kids in my school who were of other faiths ,they were recomended to get material from thier religious leaders to study during religion class (wich we had at the time)i never remember anyone being forced to participate in anything that was contrary to thier beliefs ! blueboy. rated this answer Erewhon rated this answer

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CeeBee asked on 07/29/06 - Honest questions about Mormonism. Ewewhon had responded earlier that the Mormons had moved to Utah because "their enemies were murdering them (on religious grounds!), and because no branch of government would redress their grievous wrongs". I have read a little bit about Mormonism and even grew up near Hill Cumorah (Rochester NY area), and am asking why "their enemies were murdering them (on religious grounds!)" and why wouldn't any "branch of government redress their grievous wrongs". Please answer as simply and as succinctly as possible. revdauphinee answered on 07/29/06: My answer is the same as hanks also I believe they would still practice poligamy if not for the goverments dissaproval CeeBee rated this answer Erewhon rated this answer

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HANK1 asked on 07/28/06 - RELAX! "Every evening I turn my worries over to God. He�s going to be up all night anyway." -Mary C. Crowley Pretty good idea, huh? HANK revdauphinee answered on 07/29/06: someone asked me the other day if i knew god my reply was well ive read his book and I speak to him every day! HANK1 rated this answer

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arcura asked on 07/28/06 - Did you go to a country school????????????????? <+><+><+> I�ll soon be going to the mountains for a couple of days to enjoy cooler weather then the mid nineties to 100 degrees here. I�ll return home for a day then will be off to Cut Bank for my wife�s all school reunion, so will be gone for the rest of that week. Her elementary school was up near (a mile from) the Canadian border. It was a country school where all classed first through sixth grade attended in one room with one teacher. I went to such a school for a few years. How many of you experience the wonderful years of going to school in a room full of kids of several ages? ><><><><>< It provides a wide rage of friendships and social diversity seldom offered to kids now days. Peace and kindness, Fred revdauphinee answered on 07/28/06: NOT ME I WENT TO AN INNER CITY SCHOOL NEAR lIVERPOOL ENG arcura rated this answer blueboy. rated this answer

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arcura asked on 07/28/06 - What do you like about this story?????????????? Anyone who has pets will really like this. Mary and her husband Jim had a dog named 'Lucky.' Lucky was a real character. Whenever Mary and Jim had company come for a weekend visit they would warn their friends to not leave their luggage open because Lucky would help himself to whatever struck his fancy. Inevitably, someone would forget and something would come up missing. Mary or Jim would go to Lucky's toy box in the basement and there the treasure would be, amid all of Lucky's other favorite toys. Lucky always stashed his finds in his toy box and he was very particular that his toys stay in the box. It happened that Mary found out she had breast cancer. Something told her she was going to die of this disease....in fact, she was just sure it was fatal. She scheduled the double mastectomy, fear riding her shoulders. The night before she was to go to the hospital she cuddled with Lucky. A thought struck her...what would happen to Lucky? Although the three-year-old dog liked Jim, he was Mary's dog through and through. If I die, Lucky will be abandoned, Mary thought. He won't understand that I didn't want to leave him. The thought made her sadder than thinking of her own death. The double mastectomy was harder on Mary than her doctors had anticipated and Mary was hospitalized for over two weeks. Jim took Lucky for his evening walk faithfully, but the little dog just drooped, whining and miserable. Finally the day came for Mary to leave the hospital. When she arrived home, Mary was so exhausted she couldn't even make it up the steps to her bedroom. Jim made his wife comfortable on the couch and left her to nap. Lucky stood watching Mary but he didn't come to her when she called. It made Mary sad but sleep soon overcame her and she dozed. When Mary woke for a second she couldn't understand what was wrong. She couldn't move her head and her body felt heavy and hot. But panic soon gave way to laughter when Mary realized the problem. She was covered, literally blanketed, with every treasure Lucky owned! While she had slept, the sorrowing dog had made trip after trip to the basement bringing his beloved mistress all his favorite things in life. He had covered her with his love. Mary forgot about dying. Instead she and Lucky began living again, walking further and further together every day. It's been 12 years now and Mary is still cancer-free. Lucky? He still steals treasures and stashes them in his toy box but Mary remains his greatest treasure. Remember....live every day to the fullest. Each minute is a blessing from God. And never forget....the people who make a difference in our lives are not the ones with the most credentials, the most money, or the most awards. They are the ones that care for us . revdauphinee answered on 07/28/06: AMEN for none of us are promiced tommorow arcura rated this answer

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MaggieB asked on 07/28/06 - Hi, thanks to all who reponded Thanks to all who responded to my post re being gone to have surgery. Well, I am home and doing well, still quite sore but on the mend. I very much appreciate the kind words. You folk are "super". God bless you all!!! MaggieB revdauphinee answered on 07/28/06: Love you maggie?glad you are home and all went well Dorothy MaggieB rated this answer

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cozyrozy asked on 07/28/06 - Lord's Prayer question Protestant Bibles add *** for thine is the power, ect. ** to the end of the Lord's Prayer. Cathoilic Bibles do not. How come? The original (Matthew and Luke)does not have this addition. Bible says nothing is to be added to the word of God - how do Protestants explain this? Thank you in advance. revdauphinee answered on 07/28/06: i have my own oppinion as to this prayer notice Jesus gave it as an example as to how to pray he never told us to use his words Matthew6:7. And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words. 8. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him. 9. "This, then, is "how"" you should pray: not what we should pray !prayer is a conversation with God and in my humble oppinion he would like us to do so in our own words not repeat something we lear as rote repetition fro years many can recite this prayer with out even thinking reducing it to nothingness a sincere prayer in ones own word means more than repetitions (sory just my oppinion and we all have them) arcura rated this answer paraclete rated this answer

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hOPE12 asked on 07/27/06 - This post is for those who do not believe in the Creator Christians call God. Hello Everyone, Who of us don't appreciate a wonderful sunset or a singing bird? Yet these same ones do not believe in a Creator. Why? If there is not Creator, then where does all the awesome things our eyes see in the wonders of the world? If there is no Creator, where did all the bueaty come from? Who made the glorious sunset, the flowers, and all in color? How do you who do not believe in a Creator explain such wonders? Take care, Hope12 revdauphinee answered on 07/27/06: true for even if you suscribe to the big bang theory one is left with the question "who made the bang??? arcura rated this answer blueboy. rated this answer hOPE12 rated this answer Judgment_Day rated this answer

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jackreade asked on 07/27/06 - Riddle "I don't know if you have heard this pro-choice and pro-stem-cell-research riddle: Suppose there is a fire at a fertility clinic. In one room is a freezer with 100 embryos. In another room is a baby. Now, suppose you have only enough time to enter ONE room. Do you save the baby, or the freezer? The Republican case is that you must save the freezer, not the baby, because there are 100 "babies" in the freezer and only one in the other room"... Dave Johnson, Blogger ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Which would you save? Comments.. revdauphinee answered on 07/27/06: for me it would be the baby cause the embrios are not viable unless in a human (in my oppinion) jackreade rated this answer

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CeeBee2 asked on 07/27/06 - The FedEx box A short time ago I was listening to the radio on my way to work. The program was New Life. A woman caller was weeping and afraid she was not saved. It turned out that her mother had died, her father had moved far away, and her husband had left her for another woman, so she figured, God must have abandoned her too. One of the hosts explained that once someone has given his heart to Christ, God seals that person, sort of like packing him up in a FedEx box and addressing the box "To: Heaven". Inside the box the person can doubt and worry and be anxious about salvation and even deny Christ, but the person can't get out of that box. The box is on its way to heaven no matter what. Is this your belief also? revdauphinee answered on 07/27/06: not realy i do believe if we are truly saved it will last however it is possible(I believe) to be decieved and sin can always seperate us from God CeeBee2 rated this answer

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STONY asked on 07/26/06 - HELLO PETE, WERE YOU AWARE OF THIS? I STUMBLED ACCROSS THIS WHILE SURFING THE NET. IT IS SEVERAL YEARS OLD BUT STILL SCARES THE PANTS OFF OF ME. HOME - ARCHIVES Daily Mirror (UK), December 08, 2003 We buy bag of Semtex from terrorists By Graham Johnson Investigations Editor A TERRIFYING threat to Britain's security can today be revealed by the Sunday Mirror. With the country on its highest-ever state of alert amid fears of a Christmas terror strike our investigators infiltrated a cell of Muslim extremists - and bought enough Semtex to blow up Oxford Street and the Houses of Parliament or down 40 Lockerbie jets. Last night one of the men we dealt with was under arrest. The other was believed to have been assassinated by his own terror masters for blowing their cover. Our 13.5kg haul of Semtex - in 108 sticks - is one of the biggest ever seized from terrorists and could have potentially armed 30 suicide bombers. And chillingly the explosive, which we bought for �10,000, was of a form that doesn't show up on metal detectors, making it much easier to smuggle into Britain. A small amount of the explosive was allegedly found here last week as police arrested more than 20 terror suspects. Posing as members of the Real IRA, we were also offered three shoulder-held missile launchers, an anti-aircraft gun, and enough machine guns, hand grenades and landmines to equip a small army. We made our deal in Kosovo, a breeding ground for fanatics with al-Qaeda links. Our contact was the deputy commander of the Kosovo Liberation Army (KLA) Niam Behljulji, known as Hulji. The group were trained by Bin Laden's men. Astonishingly, we met him under the noses of the British Army and UN forces - who remain as peacekeepers following Kosovo's bloody war with Serbia. Hulji, is said to supply terrorists across Europe and has been accused of massacring Serbian women and children during the war. He even posed grinning for a photograph, holding the severed head of one his victims. But we won him over by playing on one of his weaknesses...he is a huge fan of Irish rock band U2. He couldn't wait to deal with us when we promised him one of the band's CDs - which we had signed with a fake message from lead singer Bono. He told us: "I can give you enough Semtex for a small war. Do you need it for terrorism?" Our investigation, carried out with Channel 5 sleuth Donal MacIntyre for his series MacIntyre's Millions, began when we arrived in Kosovo posing as members of the Real IRA. Our first contact was with a Mafia arms dealer called Sinbad Sadkutz, who acts as a middleman for Hulji. Sadkutz arranged a meeting with Hulji in a KLA-run cafe which was surrounded by armed guards and had been swept for "bugs". Hulji said: "The plastics (Semtex) is the old type. No metal strips inside. It cannot be detected at airports. It is untraceable - no chemical markers." He then offered us an anti-aircraft gun similar to one used by Iraqi dissidents last week to hit a US DHL cargo plane as it landed in Baghdad. We next met Sadkutz in a Mafia-run brothel called The Massage Club, and agreed to buy 15kg of Semtex for �10,000. To make sure the deal went through smoothly, Hulji insisted that we hand over a "human deposit" hostage and �7,500 in euros. Our "deposit" was my fellow investigator Dominic Hipkins. He was to be held in a terrorist-owned bungalow - opposite the British ambassador's residence in Pristina - while the deal was sorted out. Four days later Sadkutz took our man to collect the Semtex from his nearby home and the pair returned to the bungalow, the explosives packed into a sports holdall. The grey-brown Semtex, wrapped in brown grease-proof paper marked "explosive", looked and felt like child's play dough. But when burnt with a lighter it produced an intense blue flame - proving it was Semtex. As a Sunday Mirror investigator tested the explosive, Sadkutz grinned as he said: ൗkgs can blow up all this neighbourhood." After Sadkutz had left, we found the KLA had hidden 1.5kg of lead in the lining of the bag so that the actual Semtex weighed 13.5kg, instead of the 15kg we had negotiated for. For safekeeping, our investigators buried the Semtex on a hill overlooking the British Army base in Kosovo and took a satellite reading of the exact position. We then told the British Police in Kosovo, part of the UN presence there, exactly were it was. It was later retrieved by a our investigators and a Finnish bomb disposal squad - who told us the hill had been mined during the war. Following our investigation, with the whole country on red alert, 12 local policemen were arrested on terrorist charges. The officers, said to be members of a secret cell aiding Kosovan extremists, are suspected of plotting to blow up a bridge and a power station. Sadkutz was arrested on Thursday by British police operating in Kosovo. And there were strong rumours last night that Hulji had been assassinated for compromising the KLA's terror operations. But the KLA were not the only group interested in selling terrorist weapons. While we were in the Balkans word had quickly spread that the Real IRA wanted to buy weapons. In neighbouring Croatia we bought a machine gun and a Walther PPK pistol. In Belgrade, the capital of nearby Serbia, the local Mafia emailed us to offer a cache of anti-tank missiles, Kalashnikovs, a mortar and illegal landmines for �50,000. And in neighbouring Montenegro, on the Adriatic coast's version of the Costa Del Crime, another war criminal was selling death on an industrial scale. The man, known as Vesko - a former bodyguard of Serbian warlord Arkan - offered to supply us with 20 rocket-propelled grenades, 20 shoulder-fired missiles and 20 Spider machine guns used by the SAS. To return to Britain, our investigators followed the route used by gun-runners out of the Balkans. We drove the short distance into Montenegro then sailed by car ferry from Bar to the Italian port of Ancona, blending in with holiday makers. Once there they flew home - but could have easily taken a coach through Italy and France to Calais or hidden among thousands of asylum seekers hitching rides on fruit lorries and train carriages. Last night a spokesman for Scotland Yard said: "Britain is on a high state of alert, only one below the highest level. "That means we know the terrorists are planning to attack targets in the UK." revdauphinee answered on 07/27/06: for those who read prophecy as I do 14. Multitudes, multitudes in the valley of decision! For the day of the LORD is near in the valley of decision. 15. The sun and moon will be darkened, and the stars no longer shine. 16. The LORD will roar from Zion and thunder from Jerusalem; the earth and the sky will tremble. But the LORD will be a refuge for his people, a stronghold for the people of Israel. 17. `Then you will know that I, the LORD your God, dwell in Zion, my holy hill. Jerusalem will be holy; never again will foreigners invade her. STONY rated this answer

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arcura asked on 07/26/06 - What does the term �Historical Jesus� mean to you? To me it is misleading because the history of Jesus is in the bible. To me the historical Jesus is the same person as is written about in the Holy Scriptures. Do you see it differently? If so why? Peace and kindness, Fred revdauphinee answered on 07/27/06: I agree I feel this is just another one of those ridiculous politicaly correct terms some folks use thinking it makes them sound knowledgeable for me there is and always will be just one Jesus ! arcura rated this answer Judgment_Day rated this answer

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hOPE12 asked on 07/26/06 - Just to say Hi! Hello Everyone, I have returned from a week long missionary trip. It was in the mountains of Pennsylvania. It was in the Alleghany Mountains and we traveled through the Blue Ridge Mountains. The sights were beautiful. It is awe inspiring to see such marvelous creations. People are very kind and friendly and love the Bible, so it was easy to converse with them. We were privileged to place much literature and Bibles. What fun we had. The only problem we encountered was the fact that the elevations were very high and where we went was where people don�t have paved roads and live way up there. It took some getting used to and many of the friends we were with were light headed and there ears were popping and stopped up, and some felt really sick. I seemed to be able to handle the heights yet on the way home while staying in a hotel my foot got caught on the rug in our room and I fell and hit my head and now have a concussion. I must stay quiet and rest and that is the hard part because I am bored. I thought I would write and ask you �guys and gals to put some good questions on the board and lots of them. Anyway I also heard that Maggie had surgery yesterday. How is she doing? Does anyone know or has anyone heard anything yet? I will keep her in my prayers. Thanks and take care, Hope12 revdauphinee answered on 07/27/06: hope you get better soon havent heard anything from maggie as yet but my prayers are with both of you I also have moved to the mountains from Miss to west virginia and i just love it here it is a lot cooler and I am living close to my Youngest daughter who I have missed for so long> hOPE12 rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 07/26/06 - Now that's what you call being bogged down in prayer? will this ancient work shed any light do you think? Very interesting that the firat piece translated should be applicable to todays problems? 1200-year-old prayer book discovered in bog The ancient book of psalms discovered at an undisclosed location in Ireland. Photo: National Museum of Ireland July 26, 2006 - 10:50AM An ancient prayer book found in an Irish bog is being hailed as one of Ireland's most significant archeological discoveries. The National Museum of Ireland said fragments of what appeared to be an ancient Psalter or Book of Psalms, written about AD800, were uncovered by a bulldozer in a bog in the south Midlands. "In discovery terms, this Irish equivalent to the Dead Sea Scrolls is being hailed by the museum's experts as the greatest find ever from a European bog," the museum said in a statement. The Dead Sea Scrolls, found in the mid 20th century, are considered to be of enormous religious and historical significance since they include some of the earliest known surviving biblical documents. The Irish discovery, recovered from bogland last Thursday, comprises extensive fragments of what is thought to be an Irish Early Christian Psalter, written on vellum, a fine animal skin parchment. "In my wildest hopes, I could only have dreamed of a discovery as fragile and rare as this," museum director Pat Wallace said, adding it was not so much the fragments themselves, but what they represented, that was of such "staggering" importance. "It testifies to the incredible richness of the Early Christian civilisation of this island and to the greatness of ancient Ireland," he said. The museum said it did not know how the manuscript ended up in the bog. "It may have been lost in transit or dumped after a raid, possibly more than 1000 to 1200 years ago." Part of Psalm 83, a lament to God over other nations' attempts to wipe out Israel, is legible but the museum said the extent to which other psalms or additional texts were preserved would be determined only by lengthy work by a team of experts. Bernard Meehan, Head of Manuscripts at Trinity College Dublin, who was invited to advise on the context and background of the manuscript, said he believed it was the first discovery of an Irish Early Medieval manuscript in two centuries. Initial impressions placed the composition date of the manuscript at about AD800, a time of Viking raids in Ireland. Reuters revdauphinee answered on 07/27/06: finds such as this are being found more often and I do think it behooves us to keep looking for with every one Christs work is proven ! paraclete rated this answer

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arcura asked on 07/26/06 - This book has been recommended to me. I'm thinking of buying it Here are three reviews. Would you buy it? <><><> Editorial Reviews From the Inside Flap Is the Democratic Party the "Party of Death"? If you look at their agenda they are. IT�S NOT JUST abortion-on-demand. It�s euthanasia, embryo destruction, even infanticide�and a potentially deadly concern with "the quality of life" of disabled people. If you think these issues don�t concern you�guess again. The Party of Death could be roaring into the White House, as National Review senior editor Ramesh Ponnuru shows, in the person of Hillary Rodham Clinton. In The Party of Death, Ponnuru details how left-wing radicals, using abortion as their lever, took over the Democratic Party�and how they have used their power to corrupt our law and politics, abolish our fundamental right to life, and push the envelope in ever more dangerous directions. In The Party of Death, Ponnuru reveals: * How Hillary Clinton could use the abortion issue (but not in the way you think) to become president * Why the conventional wisdom about Roe v.Wade is a lie * How the party of death�a coalition of special interests ranging from Planned Parenthood to Hollywood�came to own the Democratic Party * How the mainstream media promotes the party of death * Why Jesse Jackson, Al Gore, and other leading liberals gave up being pro-life * How liberals use animal rights to displace human rights * The Democratic presidential candidate who said that infanticide is a mother�s "choice" * How doctors�and other health care professionals�are being coerced, by law, into violating their consciences * The ultrasound revolution: why there�s hope to stop the party of death Ponnuru�s shocking expos� shows just how extreme the Party of Death has become as they seek to destroy every inconvenient life, demand fealty to their radical agenda, and punish anyone who defies them. But he also shows how the tide is turning, how the Party of Death can be defeated, and why its last victim might be the Democratic Party itself. About the Author Ramesh Ponnuru, senior editor at National Review, is a graduate of Princeton University and has covered politics as a reporter for more than a dozen years. His journalism has appeared in the Wall Street Journal, Newsday, the Washington Times, the Weekly Standard, and Financial Times. He is also a frequent guest on television and radio political programs. A native of St. Louis, Missouri, he now lives in northern Virginia with his family. The Party of Death: The Democrats, the Media, the Courts, and the Disregard for Human Life By Ramesh Ponnuru Reviewed by Dave Andrusko For those who don't follow the daily oscillations of the abortion debate, Ramesh Ponnuru may not be a familiar name. Those of us who do know him as the extaordinarily thoughtful pro-life senior editor of National Review. Wise to the way of abortion politics, it came as no surprise to his admirers that barely had the ink dried on The Party of Death than his book came under an ugly online attack for various and sundry alleged defects. For those who'd actually bothered to read the book (as oppose to cribbing talking points from pro-abortionist web sites), the irony was hard to miss. One of the book's primary strengths is its meticulous explication of how for over 33 years the public has responded not to the real Roe v. Wade decision, but to a fabrication stitched together by the Courts, much of the media and academia, and the upper echelons of the Democratic Party. Likewise, the attack on his book was less (if at all) the response of a careful reading of his thesis than it was a push-the-panic-button preemptive strike launched to bury Ponnuru's unassailable conclusion that the Democratic Party has become "the chief political vehicle for the idea that inviolability of human life is outdated." In 20 elegantly written chapters, Ponnuru covers a massive amount of territory. Because so much attention has and will be rightly paid to the political implications of his book, it's useful first to discuss the broader context in which he places his analysis of how one of our two major parties has become an almost wholly owned subsidiary of what Pope John Paul II called the "culture of death." (Parenthetically, Ponnuru correctly argues that the case against the Party of Death can be made independently of religion-based arguments. Pope John Paul's name does not appear, for example.) (And by making his case in these terms Ponnuru provides his readers with commonly accessible language for dialoguing with those who differ over abortion, infanticide, euthanasia, and destructive stem cell research. Ponnuru quotes George McKenna, who argues that what unites pro-lifers is not a religious doctrine but " a law written in their hearts telling them that we may not kill people just because their birth will be inconvenient or their death will be greeted with relief.") Ponnuru brilliantly outlines the trajectory of the culture of death that so logically follows from its initial lethal error. Think of it as if launching a rocket. If the engineers program the computer wrong and the missile starts off course by even the slightest degree, the amount of error gradually gets bigger and bigger during the flight. Eventually, the rocket will be wildly off course-- with possibly fatal results. Likewise, when we start from a faulty premise--it is permissible to withdraw protection from one category of human being. Then once we decide that category "A" can be excluded for reason "X," before you know it we're debating why category "B" shouldn't also be excluded from the community of common concern for reason "Y." Critics of this line of argument like to pretend the slippery slope is a mere debater's point. But, as Ponnuru writes, while "[i]t is easy, in advance, to imagine that our sensibilities will set limits on a moral innovation," in fact, "crossing these limits is not so difficult once we have breached the principle that forbade all such actions. All it takes is a simple question: What's the difference?" Thus, the momentum for eugenic abortions, the sympathy for not treating babies born with maladies, the impulse to widen and broaden the categories of people whom we can starve to death, and the lust to clone human embryos as sources of spare parts. "What's the difference?" So there is this connecting thread to the "party of death," which, while it has members in both major political parties "is much stronger today among Democrats than Republicans." For those of a certain age, who were raised as Democrats, the capture of the "party of the little guy" by "the party of death" is particularly devastating. As Ponnuru points out, the national Democratic Party crossed the Rubicon when it denied a pro-life Democratic governor the opportunity to speak at its 1992 coronation of Bill Clinton. Ponnuru keenly summarizes the corner into which the party has painted itself. Alluding to militantly pro-abortion California Senator Barbara Boxer, he summarizes the "positions of the Boxer Democrats" in this manner. Abortion should be legal throughout pregnancy. Teenage girls should not have to inform their parents about it, much less get their consent. Nobody who would let the voters deviate from these positions should be allowed on the court. The Senate shouldn't even be allowed to hold a vote on such people. The law should not treat the murders of pregnant women as double homicides because it might lead people to look more negatively at abortion. And taxpayers should pay for abortions, just in case there are some going undone. But federal funds should not be allotted to ensure the health of the unborn. "Each of these positions is extreme by the standards of public opinion," Ponnuru writes, "but not by the standards of what the Democratic Party has become." The Party of Death is so current that there is much about how the Democratic Party is desperate to reposition itself (but not change) on abortion. That has been made unavoidable even for Sen. Hillary Clinton for many reasons, but primarily because of the consciousness-raising impact of the long debate over partial-birth abortion. Ponnuru observes that the Democrats' "radicalism would begin to come into the public's view only in 1995, when the Republicans took control of Congress and raised the issue of partial-birth abortion." That debate "would make it clear that many Democrats didn't just support abortion at any point until birth: they supported it during birth, too." This illustration calls to mind one of Ponnuru's earliest and most insightful statements. Roe v. Wade is a corrupter--of the courts, of politicians, and even professional historians. In 1973 the Supreme Court shone a spotlight on "penumbras" and "emanations" which it imagined surrounded the Constitution and discovered a "right" to abortion. We were told then--as we have been countless times since--that Roe did not legalize abortion on demand. This was never true, but this reassurance rang particularly hollow 27 years later when the Court said it was impermissible to forbid an unimaginably brutal abortion technique--one that kills mature babies by jamming surgical scissors into the backs of their heads, vacuuming out their brains, and crushing their skulls when they are mere inches away from being fully delivered outside their mother's womb. But it's not just judges and politicians. With surgical precision, Ponnuru takes apart a 1989 brief that defended Roe filed by 281 historians. Forget for a moment that those whose specialty is light years away from abortion likely had nothing particularly useful to offer. The "historians' brief" was internally inconsistent, lacked virtually any sources for its assertions, and was filled with statements (to quote Ponnuru) that were either "false or misleading." Having said all that Ponnuru nonetheless ends on an optimistic note. Assuming pro-lifers continue the well planned, carefully implemented policy of incrementalism that has served them so well, when Roe does fall its demise will not be a disaster, as so many commentators insist, but a boon to the cause of life. For those who also worry about Roe's pernicious impact on our form of government, The Party of Death reminds us that Roe v. Wade is undemocratic twice over. It is undemocratic in a procedural sense--"It circumvented the normal process of democratic policy making"--but it is also "undemocratic in a deeper sense: It violates the principle of human equality that is the moral basis for democratic self-government, and specifically for American democracy." Naturally, not every pro-lifer will agree with every assessment made by Ponnuru. But to nitpick would be to miss the forest for the twigs. The book is an accessible, highly readable pro-life primer and would be a wonderful addition to your chapter's library or as a gift especially to people just coming into the Movement. Ponnuru concludes with a thoughtful assessment of where we are and where we are heading. "Most Americans already know that abortion is wrong," he writes. "If Roe falls--when it falls--pro-lifers will be able to demonstrate another truth about abortion: We can live without it." A carefully reasoned and logical NON-Theological argument against abortion., June 15, 2006 Reviewer: Steven Tooley "Wfsar@aol.com" (Washington, USA) A QUCIK NOTE: I read and review books that are on both sides of the political spectrum but a disturbing trend has shown up. If a book appears to be right of center it will be assailed with many 1 star reviews that the reviews obviously have not read the book, they will use ad hominem attacks and incivilities in their reviews. While there are some on the left-of-center books they in no way match the amount you will find on the opposite side. This book unfortunately is no different. So just to set the record straight here are some simple facts 1) The Party of Death does not refer to the Democratic Party it simply refers to any person right or left who favors abortion and the logical siblings of euthanasia and research on embryos. 2) The book uses ZERO, NADA, ZILCH, NONE, NOT-A ONE theological arguments. 3) The author painstakingly shows abortion from the women's point of view. 4) The author shows very clearly and concisely the difference between killing in war, capital punishment and abortion. He does not endorse wars or capital punishment but shows the arguments that try to link Abortion to those are absurdly fallacious. THE REVIEW When I was a left winger I too reflexively supported Abortion. That was my party's position and I had heard all of the talking points to replete blindly without thought. Than something happened I became aware of the fact that many of the cherished ideologies that I was holding didn't seem to fit the facts. I began to question certain ideas and was immediately told by the higher ups in these left-wing organizations to not think about the subjects. There were those with more intelligence and ability that have already thought for me. This condescension started me on a path of pondering and fact checking. The more I researched my leftist's dogmatic ideals the more trouble I had reconciling what I had been told to what was the truth. This is one of those books that if you are truly searching with an open mind you will be blown away with. The author has used logic and reason and NOT one theological argument against abortion. The argument is straightforward. If human beings have intrinsic dignity and worth, then they have this dignity and worth simply because they are human beings. It follows that all human beings have this dignity and worth. They are equal in the fundamental rights that attach to being human. The flip side is that if you believe in abortion than the notion that all human beings are created equal becomes a self-evident lie. The author goes on to show how Roe v. Wade is almost unanimously thought of as a legally incompetent decision. It circumvented the normal democratic policy making. But in the much deeper sense" It violates the principle of human equality that is the basis for democratic self-government, and specifically for American democracy. This book is very accessible for those who wish to view the arguments against abortion. The logic is clear, concise and thought-provoking. I highly suggest this to any person, but especially Americans who have a concern for our great country. revdauphinee answered on 07/27/06: didnt read the whoile thing but know I wouldnt read the book ,all democrats are not pro aboertion I am one who is not ! arcura rated this answer

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jackreade asked on 07/25/06 - Moving Day is Over! Today my great friend Doris moved very close by to me; she's going home to get some much needed sleep now! Over the last few weeks she has been spending some nights sleeping on my love seat...yeah, too short. There had been rumors that her apartment complex was going to be converted into a parking lot. :) The final straw was when two ladies were robbed in her building, purse snatching, and one came up with a broken arm. After Doris found out, she never went to her apartment after dark when she got off work at Wal*Mart at 11:00PM; she came and slept with Nick and me. This move offers Doris a great new opportunity to meet new people and live in a real safe neighborhood. Plus, we are great friends, she calls me her white grandmother, and I feel very maternal toward her and look out for her welfare! We are a great team, and we both love animals. There is a Christian Alliance Church I recommended to her as they do good works like her church out west does...food pantry, 12 Step Program meetings for people, genuine caring for real people. I'm sorry that I can't go with her due to my health problems; even though I'm an Atheist, I have no problem attending church services for churches that serve people. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ jack (Mary Sue) revdauphinee answered on 07/25/06: great news for doris ! jackreade rated this answer

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cheriskae asked on 07/25/06 - Religion In what ways do churches , sects, and cults differ? revdauphinee answered on 07/25/06: many dont differ that much since many put themselves first instead of Jesus first! Judgment_Day rated this answer Jazzdudy rated this answer cheriskae rated this answer

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purplewings asked on 07/25/06 - Was this a cleansing of my soul or something else? If anyone wants to read the story of my son's accident and the way I found God, it was published at Beliefnet.com http://www.beliefnet.com/story/193/story_19327.html I'd appreciate any opinions or comments. Thanks Loral revdauphinee answered on 07/25/06: we do have an awsome God dont we! purplewings rated this answer

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arcura asked on 07/25/06 - Hank�s question about God and Atheists reminded me of a favorite atheist joke. Forgive me if you�ve see it before, but I want to see it one more time. <><><><> During judgement Jesus happened to have salvation mercy on a particular atheist for reasons that he alone was aware of. When the atheist arrived in heaven he noticed a group of Christians that he had been highly critical of and asked Jesus what they were dong here. Jesus answered, �They are wondering what you are doing here.� <><><><> Keep in mind that Jesus is the final Judge. In Him all power in heaven and on earth has been granted. With being granted that, His infinite and perfect wisdom, understanding, justice, love, and mercy might surprise many of us. Peace and kindness, Fred revdauphinee answered on 07/25/06: as i stated in my previous answer 'it must be such a sad existance for one to have nothing to look forward to but death and the grave!I thank my God for giving me the blessed assurance that there is more ! arcura rated this answer

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HANK1 asked on 07/24/06 - GOD AND ATHEISTS: Do you think ATHEISTS become apprehensive at times about dying because they think there just might be a God afterall? HANK revdauphinee answered on 07/25/06: and speaking for myself I feel it must be such a sad existance for one to have nothing to look forward to but death and the grave!I thank my God for giving me the blessed assurance that there is more ! HANK1 rated this answer Judgment_Day rated this answer

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HANK1 asked on 07/24/06 - GOD AND ATHEISTS: Do you think ATHEISTS become apprehensive at times about dying because they think there just might be a God afterall? HANK revdauphinee answered on 07/24/06: remember the old saying "there are no atheists in foxholes"??? arcura rated this answer HANK1 rated this answer JesseJamesDupree rated this answer Judgment_Day rated this answer uhmlanga rated this answer

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MaggieB asked on 07/24/06 - I will be gone for several days so please do not be "exasperated" if you have answered one o I have to be at the hospital at 6:00 a.m. Tuesday morning for surgery so it is a great probability that I will not be on my computer for a short time. Thanks and God bless, MaggieB revdauphinee answered on 07/24/06: you will be remembered in my prayers! MaggieB rated this answer

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uhmlanga asked on 07/24/06 - Is this a Christian thought? As this seems to me to be a rather essential question on Christian thinking, morals/ethics, and values, I once more - in the lack of hardly any serious reaction on an earlier post - bring the following again up for discussion here on this Christianity Board : ================================ If one makes statements on the internet like : "REMEMBER SOME PEOPLE ARE ALIVE SIMPLY BECAUSE IT IS ILLEGAL TO SHOOT THEM." can a person making such posts still be considered to be a "True Christian" ??? ====================================================== Please support your views with some clear explanation as to why you think that way. Thank you ! revdauphinee answered on 07/24/06: Christians can still have wrong thoughts however christians do not act on them! uhmlanga rated this answer

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jackreade asked on 07/23/06 - Sinful Actions 2006 "THE Bishop of London has declared it sinful for people to contribute to climate change by flying on holiday, driving a �gas-guzzling� car or failing to use energy-saving measures in the home, writes Jonathan Leake. Richard Chartres will encourage vicars to preach more green sermons and warn congregations that it is now a moral obligation for Christians to lead eco-friendly lifestyles. Chartres, who chairs the bishops� panel on the environment, said: �There is now an overriding imperative to walk more lightly upon the earth and we need to make our lifestyle decisions in that light. �Making selfish choices such as flying on holiday or buying a large car are a symptom of sin. Sin is not just a restricted list of moral mistakes. It is living a life turned in on itself where people ignore the consequences of their actions.� ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Comments? revdauphinee answered on 07/23/06: WHILST NOT GOING QUITE AS FAR AS THE bISHOP ONE MUST AGREE WITH THE STATEMENT " Sin is not just a restricted list of moral mistakes. It is living a life turned in on itself where people ignore the consequences of their actions.� paraclete rated this answer Mathatmacoat rated this answer uhmlanga rated this answer jackreade rated this answer

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arcura asked on 07/23/06 - Interested in wonders in God's created heavens?????? 2 moons on 27 Aug 2006 Planet Mars will be the brightest in the night sky starting August. It will look almost as large as the full moon to the naked eye. This will cultivate on Aug. 27 when Mars comes within 34.65M miles of earth. Be sure to watch the sky on Aug. 27 12:30 am. It will look like the earth has 2 moons. The next time Mars may come this close is in 2287. Share this with your friends as NO ONE ALIVE TODAY will ever see it again. revdauphinee answered on 07/23/06: you dont know that for we may see it in the afterlife!who knows what wonders God has in store? arcura rated this answer

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arcura asked on 07/23/06 - Good news to share........................... Coffee May Be a Healthy Way to Start Your Day Fri Jul 21, 7:09 PM ET (HealthDay News) -- Your morning cup of java may be one of the healthiest beverages in your diet, as more studies show the health benefits of coffee. Two cups a day of coffee may promote heart health, decrease the risk of type 2 diabetes, and reduce leg pain related to exercise in many people, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). Researchers have also been investigating the possibility that coffee could protect against neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. The beverage is one of the richest sources of antioxidants in the American diet. The USDA says the levels and benefits of antioxidants seem to be equal in both caffeinated and non-caffeinated coffees. However, watch your intake of cream and sugar, as well as mixed coffee drinks that may be high in calories and sugar. revdauphinee answered on 07/23/06: that being the case I should live long i am addicted to coffee and I take mine black! arcura rated this answer

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uhmlanga asked on 07/23/06 - Can you think of anything Christian about this? A question posted by arcura on the WTY Christianity Board. Can you think of anything Christian about this? QUOTE More than 100 percent !!! . This is a strictly mathematical viewpoint...it goes like this: . What Makes 100%? What does it mean to give MORE than 100%? Ever wonder about those people who say they are giving more than 100%? We have all been to those meetings where someone wants you to give over 100%. How about achieving 103%? What makes up 100% in life? . Here's a little mathematical formula that might help you answer these questions: . If: A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z . is represented as: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26. . Then: . H-A-R-D-W-O-R-K 8+1+18+4+23+15+18+11 = 98% . and . K-N-O-W-L-E-D-G-E 11+14+15+23+12+5+4+7+5 = 96% . But, . A-T-T-I-T-U-D-E 1+20+20+9+20+21+4+5 = 100% . And, . B-U-L-L-S-H-I-T 2+21+12+12+19+8+9+20 = 103% . AND, look how far ass kissing will take you. . A-S-S-K-I-S-S-I-N-G 1+19+19+11+9+19+19+9+14+7 = 118% . So, one can conclude with mathematical certainty that While Hard work and Knowledge will get you close, and Attitude will get you there, it's the Bullshit and Ass kissing that will put you over the top. . "REMEMBER SOME PEOPLE ARE ALIVE SIMPLY BECAUSE IT IS ILLEGAL TO SHOOT THEM." UNQUOTE Thank you for these "christian thoughts", mr. Fred Brown! Let's hope that you may learn something in church today on the LOVE and FORGIVENESS on which TRUE CHRISTIANITY is based. What a clear display of your personal HATRED, DESPITE, and INTOLERANCE for anything that is not up to your petty and doubtful norms and values. You showed with that post - and SPECIALLY with these last lines - that behind your waferthin semi-christian skin there is nothing else than a HYPOCRITE, SPITEFUL, LUNATIC, and CONTEMPTIBLE person, the one you really are !!! :) revdauphinee answered on 07/23/06: without using red or large prin we should remember that we are all alive through the grace of GOD! arcura rated this answer imatease rated this answer Judgment_Day rated this answer uhmlanga rated this answer

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arcura asked on 07/23/06 - Can you think of anything Christian about this? LIFE IN SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA San Diego, California... A Highway Patrolman pulled a car over and told the driver that because he had been wearing his seat belt, he had just won $5,000 in the statewide safety competition. "What are you going to do with the money?" asked the policeman. "Well, I guess I'm going to get a driver's license," he answered. "Oh, don't listen to him," yelled a woman in the passenger seat. "He's a smart aleck when he's drunk." This woke up the guy in the back seat who took one look at the cop and moaned," I knew we wouldn't get far in a stolen car." At that moment, there was a knock from the trunk and a voice said, in Spanish, "Are we over the border yet?" revdauphinee answered on 07/23/06: No matter what kind of Christian we are labeled as being we need to also remember we as Christians are not any of us in any way perfect we are just forgiven! arcura rated this answer uhmlanga rated this answer

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Judgment_Day asked on 07/23/06 - For the record.... More or less I'm repeating this recent declaration that I used in a clarification to Uhm...but I think it serves well for all readers to understand I'd much rather prefer to dwell on God and Jesus. I personally have not signed up on the Christianity board as an expert...yet. I think we have many Christians here that represent Christianity, perhaps better than I can. I am, however, appalled at any anyone, atheist or non-Christian otherwise that does not respect our Faith and demonstrates such on this board. Whether it is Uhm or anybody else. Uhm you posted something alright...more hatefulness toward Christians. You didn't like seeing the pattern that we as Christians witness of you on a weekly basis...did you? It's true that's how we see you. And I sorry that your still stinging from my exposing of your lack of morals the other day because of your Mary Magdalene comment. I could see in your reaction it hit home. So why do you continue to do this to yourself? The fact is you don't have to be bound in chains of deceit and lies. I use only one handle and I'm no one else on this board. I have visited the WTY board, but it's been a long time ago and I was none of the handles you suggested. This board when not being interrupted by wayward atheists is much faster and has a better format to navigate. BTW I'm not sure what country your from, but in my country we don't call "mammy" we usually use mom or mother. In fact, in the way you used "mammy" that is considered derogatory and offensive to our African American populace. See you keep getting yourself in deeper. I am a studied Christian that investigated other religions and philosophies then made a commitment. My mothers second husband worked for NASA. In fact both my parents were teachers. You are an atheist that supposedly had close Catholic friends for some thirty-seven years. Whoop-tee-do! We all have friends from various walks of life. As Christians we are satisfied in Jesus. We are satisfied in God. We are happy to have Christianity board privileges. If anyone else wants to add some Christian wisdom, their Christian testimony, or just a general Christian comment...please feel free. revdauphinee answered on 07/23/06: Matthew 5:44 But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, Some folks require more prayer than others! arcura rated this answer Judgment_Day rated this answer

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TTRalph asked on 07/22/06 - RICICULOUS FORUM!!! RELIGIOUS PETTINESS You people, all of you, Christians and non Christians should all be ashamed of yourselves! The religious pettiness going on here is ridiculous and insulting to anyone who comes here in hopes of asking any questions. There are no experts here, you are a bunch of hysterical religious and non religious lunatics and fanatics out for each other�s blood and guts. There are other things going on in the world more important than your silly and bickering over who said what to whom or who did what where. Take a look how you all appear to me: This is what you are doing here on a smaller scale, but the same thing, religious intemperance which in the end leads to spilling blood. revdauphinee answered on 07/22/06: as i have stated before we went through this last year and it almost was the end of the board so why cant we alltry in the imortal words of Rodney King "just try to all get along??" CeeBee rated this answer Erewhon rated this answer HANK1 rated this answer JesseJamesDupree rated this answer Judgment_Day rated this answer powderpuff rated this answer TTRalph rated this answer

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JesseJamesDupree asked on 07/21/06 - John 3:16-17,18 "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. vs17 "For God did not send the Son into the world to judge the world, but that the world should be Saved through Him", vs18 "He who believes in Him is not judged; he who does not believe has been judged already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten SON of God". Do the expers here think verse 18 would refer to the "Unpardonable Sin" that so many discuss? revdauphinee answered on 07/21/06: (Mk.3:29 But whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit will never be forgiven; he is guilty of an eternal sin." ) JesseJamesDupree rated this answer

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Unknown asked on 07/21/06 - Conclusion There is nothing wrong with religion as long as it doesn't get in the way of God?? revdauphinee answered on 07/21/06: I on this posting have to agree with you as I have myself stated what you wrote ""Organised Religion is mainly a self-interested money spinning business that centers on it's own interests, and thereby indeed get's in the way to God."" and may I say the catholics are not alone in this uhmlanga rated this answer Unknown rated this answer

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uhmlanga asked on 07/20/06 - Why 2 Posted earlier under "Why", this actually deserves to be posted separately as a question ..... This was my comment post to powderpuff's reply to "Why can�t people leave religion alone ..." She stated : Who says they can't? Well, first we had Pascal with his "wager" who told us to choose : become Christian (or Jew, or Muslim, or Hindu, or Buddhist, or etc. etc. etc.) And eversince priests, viccars, rabbi's, and mullah's continued with impressing their own "wager" onto their flock. The reality is that religion is a power business, and today it's even more a multi million dollar business. It is such a big business that God is hardly in the "game" any more. If He was, most of us would be some kind of Deist and we would all believe in God the way EACH OF US would feel fine with him or herself. And God wouldn't mind. After all : aren't we all his children? But no : take Christianity : every trick in the christian book is done to tempt, to escort, to induce, sometimes even to morally blackmail us to choose and direct us into one of the 2.500+ christian denominations. That is the reality of religion, that is why people can't leave religion alone and hardly ever go looking for God outside religion instead. Because from a very young age people are brainwashed into religion, and for a lifetime that process will continue. And God? Don't worry about God. He went fishing, a long - very long - time ago ... That is of course : if God exists ... All comments are welcome. :) revdauphinee answered on 07/21/06: glad you stipulated and I quote"(Organised) religion is bad, and does more harm than good.the part in parenthasis I have to be inclined to agree with however Jesus himself would not condone much of todays organised religion it is a belief in his existance (he did) and a personal relationship with him and HIS teachings that make a true Christian not some church doctrine I used to be a disbeliever myself but after much study (in order to prove others wrong) I proved his love to myself instead I needed no organisation to do this for me > arcura rated this answer jackreade rated this answer uhmlanga rated this answer

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whitefawn_ asked on 07/21/06 - No Debates I signed on to answeraway to learn from the Christian Experts, and to answer questions that I know out of kindness, and respect to all other experts. I thought there were rules. For Disrupting and abusing this Site? And Harassing other experts, it would be so nice to see Answeraway the way it use to be. Has anyone notice that there are some top experts that have not been on here lately? revdauphinee answered on 07/21/06: sure wish it could be like it was when I first came here but i guess thats dreaming the imposible dream these days seems like every one just wants to stir up disent arcura rated this answer HANK1 rated this answer Judgment_Day rated this answer paraclete rated this answer whitefawn_ rated this answer

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jackreade asked on 07/20/06 - JUST FOR FUN A couple of days ago, I was watching a television show, and I thought, that role portrayed is the WORST POSSIBLE job I could have had. The worst! I was wondering, what are the three worst jobs some of the folks on AW could have ever had? What would have been the worst jobs for you in your prime......the very worst jobs...totally unsuitable for your personality, whatever, and why. Here are my three worst jobs. 1. police officer--ok ok, do better next time, now run along. 2. molecular biologist--crashing out of a window yelling, "Get this thing out of my eyeeeeeeeeee! 3. childcare provider--I think I'll just lock the door anc come back in 8 hours. Jobs I had: Stockbroker RealEstateSalesperson Cosmetic Sales Social Worker Receptionist Banker Clerk Waitress Census taker Postal Worker(sorting) Switchboard operator revdauphinee answered on 07/20/06: after just moving here to west virgina and taking a tour of one of the coal mines here i thank God i never had to work in one! jackreade rated this answer uhmlanga rated this answer

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HANK1 asked on 07/20/06 - OF INTEREST TO SOME: "Perhaps it would be a good idea, fantastic as it sounds, to muffle every telephone, stop every motor and halt all activity for an hour some day to give people a chance to ponder for a few minutes on what it is all about, why they are living, and what they really want." -James Truslow Adams Comments? HANK revdauphinee answered on 07/20/06: Hank get real !this may seem like a good idea in your reality but not in mine halt all activity what about hospitals pilotsa in planes ect why dont you come down to earth and live in the same world the rest of us live in!yes im a smart alek smart enough to see this is utter nonesence I pray God im not in surgery when your hour is here! Erewhon rated this answer HANK1 rated this answer

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Erewhon asked on 07/20/06 - More on Mary Magdalene and her unjustly tarnished reputation ..................... ................. From: bbc.co.uk Mary Magdalene's story is intimately linked with Jesus. She plays a starring role in one of the most powerful and important scenes in the Gospels. When Jesus is crucified by the Romans, Mary Magdalene was there supporting him in his final terrifying moments and mourning his death. She also discovers the empty tomb, and she's a witness to the resurrection. She was there at the beginning of a movement that was going to transform the West. But the Mary Magdalene that lives in our memories is quite different. In art, she's often semi-naked, or an isolated hermit repenting for her sins in the wilderness: an outcast. Her primary link with Jesus is as the woman washing and anointing his feet. But we know her best as a prostitute. The whole story of Mary as a prostitute, who is fallen and redeemed, is a very powerful image of redemption a signal that no matter how low one has fallen, one can be redeemed. Powerful as this image may be, it is not the story of Mary Magdalene. Mary Magdalene is mentioned in each of the four gospels in the New Testament, but not once does it mention that she was a prostitute or a sinner. At some point Mary Magdalene became confused with two other women in the Bible: Mary, the sister of Martha and the unnamed sinner from Luke's gospel (7:36-50) both of whom wash Jesus' feet with their hair. In the 6th Century, Pope Gregory the Great made this assumption official by declaring in a sermon that these three characters were actually the same person: Mary Magdalene, Repentant Saint. The Catholic Church did later declare that Mary Magdalene was not the penitent sinner, but this was not until 1969. After several centuries, the reputation still lingers. So who was Mary Magdalene? Although we know something about Jewish society in ancient Palestine, 2,000 years ago, we know very little about Mary herself. The Bible provides no personal details of her age, status or family. Her name, Mary Magdalene, gives us the first real clue about her. It suggests that she came from a town called Magdala. There is a place today called Magdala, 120 miles north of Jerusalem on the shores of the Sea of Galilee. We do know there was also an ancient place called Magdala from literature. The name occurs in the New Testament, and also in Jewish texts. Its full name is Magdala Tarichaea. Magdala seems to mean tower, and Tarichaea means salted fish. If the name of the town was 'Tower of Salted Fish', it's no surprise that its main business was fishing. As a woman living in Magdala, Mary may have worked in the fish markets. One Jewish text which mentions Magdala, called 'Lamentations Raba', says is that Magdala is judged by God and destroyed because of its fornication. It is possible that the description of Magdala as a place of fornication is the origin of the idea that arose in western Christianity that Mary Magdalene was a prostitute. A spiral of social pressures might have caused Magdala's moral decline. We know there were brothels elsewhere in the Mediterranean, and Galilee was probably no exception. It was part of the Roman Empire, which placed a heavy tax burden on families, and often women paid the heaviest price. The Roman conquest, and then the Roman Imperial Rule would have made quite a dramatic impact on Galilee economically it would have brought the people into greater and greater tax burdens, and that would have put pressure on families. When tax burdens were at their worst and a family could no longer pay off its debts, children were sometimes given up as slaves. Perhaps this was Mary Magdalene's fate. With such a tough background, it's not hard to imagine that Mary might have been a prostitute, but this evidence is purely circumstantial. However, her name, Mary 'of Magdala', could suggest something else altogether: she was unmarried. A married woman would have carried her husband's name and Mary didn't. There is nothing in the limited amount of material we have about Mary in the Gospel traditions that suggests she is married, she's never described as being a widow, and she also is not said to have any children. 2,000 years ago, an unmarried woman was viewed with suspicion. Perhaps this isolated Mary, but it wouldn't fully account for her negative image. Could anything else in Mary's life have made her an outcast? The Gospel of Luke tells us that Jesus cast seven demons out of Mary. (Luke.8.2) Jesus was known as an exorcist. In all of the gospels, one of the principle things he is doing in his campaign for a renewal of Israel is exorcism. The exorcisms and healings probably go together with the teaching and preaching that the kingdom of God is at hand. At that time, people believed that the demons possessed people who had done something wrong, and deserved to be possessed, whereas good, virtuous people were protected from demon possession. Whatever the cause of her possession, Mary's exorcism is the catalyst which makes her sign up with the Jesus movement. The message that Jesus is said to have preached seems to have particular appeal for people who are in the margins of society. Luke chapter 8, tells us that Mary was one of Jesus' followers and travelled with him. But the Bible isn't the only source. In 1945, at Nag Hammadi in southern Egypt, two men came across a sealed ceramic jar. Inside, they discovered a hoard of ancient papyrus books. Although they never received as much public attention as the Dead Sea Scrolls, these actually turn out to be much more important for writing the history of early Christianity. They are a cache of Christian texts. The Nag Hammadi texts tell us about early Christians. They were written in Coptic, the language of early Christian Egypt. As most ancient Christian texts have been lost, this discovery was exceptional. The discovery includes the Gospel of Thomas, the Gospel of Philip and the Acts of Peter. None of these texts were included in the Bible, because the content didn't conform to Christian doctrine, and they're referred to as apocryphal. They tend to concentrate on things that one doesn't read about in the Bible. For example, New Testament gospels says after the resurrection Jesus spent some time talking with the disciples, but you don't learn much about what he said. In the gospels of Nag Hammadi you can read what he said. Although they're not Biblical texts, experts still believe that they give us significant insights into Christian history. In these apocryphal texts we might have genuine traditions about Jesus that for one reason or another didn't make it into the New Testament. For the first time in hundreds of years there was a new source of information about Mary Magdalene. She appears very frequently as one of the prominent disciples of Jesus. In certain texts where Jesus is in discussion with his disciples, Mary Magdalene asks many informed questions. Whereas the other disciples at times seem confused, she is the one who understands. One of the documents discovered at Nag Hammadi is the Gospel of Philip, in which Mary Magdalene is a key figure. It has been the cause of one of the most controversial claims ever made about her. During their long burial in the desert, some of the books were attacked by ants. In this Gospel, the ants made a hole in a very crucial place. The text says: And the companion of the [...] Mary Magdalene. [...] loved her more than all the disciples, and used to kiss her often on her [...]. The rest of the disciples [...]. They said to him "Why do you love her more than all of us?" The Savior answered and said to them, "Why do I not love you like her? When a blind man and one who sees are both together in darkness, they are no different from one another. When the light comes, then he who sees will see the light, and he who is blind will remain in darkness." The 'lacuna', or gap, which hides where Jesus kissed Mary has tantalised scholars for decades. Were Jesus and Mary lovers? Some scholars have interpreted the kiss in a more spiritual sense and see kissing as a symbol for an intimate reception of teaching of the word of God, of learning. The image of Jesus and Mary as engaged in mouth to mouth closeness suggests not necessarily sexuality, but the transmission of divine knowledge. Mary Magdalene appears in this text also not only as the disciple he loved most but also as a symbolic figure of heavenly wisdom. These stories of Mary - as Jesus' closest companion and a symbol of heavenly wisdom - are in sharp contrast with the Mary Magdalene of popular imagination. 'Apocryphal' took on very negative connotations, especially in comparison to the Bible. It often means that it's not to be read, not to be taken seriously, not to be considered, not true. The contents of these books are regarded by many people as legends. So can we believe the Gospel of Philip? Was Mary really Jesus' closest companion? Well, there is other evidence for this, and some of it is even in the Bible itself. The Bible says that Mary Magdalene was present at the two most important moments in the story of Jesus: the crucifixion and the resurrection. Mary Magdalene was a prominent figure at both these events. Mary washing Jesus' feet We're told that Mary Magdalene was one of the women who kept vigil at Jesus' tomb. It was customary at this time for Jewish women to prepare bodies for burial. Corpses were considered unclean, and so it was always a woman's task to handle them. When Mary goes to the tomb, Jesus' body is no longer there. The fullest account of Mary's role after discovering the empty tomb is in the Gospel of John. She is in a state of shock and runs to where the disciples are gathered to tell them the news. When she reports to the disciples she is not believed. Peter and another disciple return with her to the tomb, to see for themselves. When they enter, Peter reacts to the sight of the discarded linen burial cloth with anger and dismay. But the other disciple understands what has happened and concludes that Jesus must have risen from the dead. The two of them leave without a backward glance at Mary. Then, something even more extraordinary happens. It is Mary Magdalene's biggest moment. Mary is alone when someone asks her why she's crying. She believes it's the gardener, and says, 'they have taken my lord's body and I do not know where it is'. The figure says her name. And then she sees Jesus. She is overwhelmed and says' 'Master!' and goes forward to reach out to him, but he stops her. He says 'don't touch me'. Instead, she must go to the others and tell them that he has risen from the dead. It's an awesome moment. Jesus stands before her, yet he's beyond her reach. We cannot say if Jesus really stood before her resurrected, or if Mary simply believed she had seen him. But either way, in this one moment, Mary's experience took the movement in an important new direction. A new concept developed, which had nothing to with what Jesus himself was preaching, and this is the concept that Jesus didn't die - or he did but he was raised from the dead. The movement is not a failure. It is in fact a great success. The person who declares this is Mary Magdalene. Jesus' resurrection was the turning point for Christianity. This was when it changed from a small movement to a whole new religion. And Mary Magdalene was a key figure in this event. You might think, then, that at the very least Mary would be recognised as an apostle - one of the early missionaries who founded the religion - as she seems to meet all the criteria set out in the Bible. The reason why she is not perhaps lies in another long lost apocryphal text. In a Cairo bazaar in 1896, a German scholar happened to come across a curious papyrus book. Bound in leather and written in Coptic, this was the Gospel of Mary. Like the books found at Nag Hammadi, the Gospel according to Mary Magdalene is also considered an apocryphal text. The story it contains begins some time after the resurrection. The disciples have just had a vision of Jesus. Jesus has encouraged his disciples to go out and preach his teachings to the world, but they are afraid to do so because he was killed for it, and they say if they killed him, they are going to kill us too. It's Mary who steps forward and says, don't be worried, he promised he would be with us to protect us. It says she turns their hearts toward the good and they begin to discuss the words of the Saviour. In texts like the Gospel of Philip, Mary was presented as a symbol of wisdom. However in the Gospel of Mary, she is the one in charge, telling the disciples about Jesus' teachings. At this point Peter asks Mary to tell them some things that she might have heard, but which the other disciples haven't. She says 'yes, I will tell you what has been hidden from you'. She talks about a vision she had of Jesus and a conversation that she had with him. As the Gospel tells it, Mary then relates the details of this conversation, which is to do with spiritual development and the soul's lifelong battle with evil. At this point controversy arises, and Andrew steps in and says 'well, I don't know what the rest of you think, but these things seem very strange to me, and it seems that she's telling us teachings that are different from the Saviour.' Peter then chimes in and he says, 'Are we supposed to now all turn around and listen to her? Would Jesus have spoken privately with a woman rather than openly to us? Did he prefer her to us?' Matthew defends Mary and quells Peter's attack on her. In the text, Peter's problem seems to be that Jesus selected Mary above the other disciples to interpret his teachings. Peter sees Mary as a rival for the leadership of the group itself. Peter need not have feared. Most people think of Peter as the rock upon which the church was established. He is the main or major disciple figure, and Mary Magdalene is a kind of side figure in the cast of characters. One of the absolutely fascinating things about the Gospel of Mary is it really asks us to rethink that story about Christian history: did all the disciples get it? Did they really understand and preach the truth? Perhaps the Gospel of Mary was just too radical. It presents Mary as a teacher and spiritual guide to the other disciples. She's not just a disciple; she's the apostle to the apostles. http://www.bbc.co.uk/print/religion/religions/features/biblemysteries/mary.shtml revdauphinee answered on 07/20/06: I repeat this name(that of prostitute) was as you said given to her by the male dominated catholic church I quote you " Pope Gregory the Great made this assumption official"nowhere in scripture do we read tis about this much malignesd woman! Erewhon rated this answer

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STONY asked on 07/20/06 - JOY, IF YOU WANT A REAL SIDE SPLITTER LAUGH "READ THAT PERSON'S PROFILE!!" IT IS NOT MERELY A CASE OF THE BLIND LEADING THE BLIND. THIS ONE IS DEAF, DUMB AND BLIND. revdauphinee answered on 07/20/06: uhmlanga If you can laugh at someones judgement that makes you no better than them! Erewhon rated this answer STONY rated this answer uhmlanga rated this answer whitefawn_ rated this answer

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Unknown asked on 07/20/06 - Why Why can�t people leave religion alone and go looking for God instead?? revdauphinee answered on 07/20/06: i agree with the question but to clarify one answer given the God of Islaam cannot be the God of the christian!since in the quoran it clearly states that there God has no son and we as christins worship the son of our God so in no way could they be one and the same! uhmlanga rated this answer Unknown rated this answer

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arcura asked on 07/20/06 - What quick prayer do you say in an emergency? When I was in the part of the Montana mountains where there are many old gold and silver mines the EPA Super Fund is in the process of cleaning up the worst of the stream polluting tailings piles. Huge machines scoop up the tailings and fill the boxes of huge trucks. The trucks go rolling up and down the mountain roads for several miles to a special dump then come back for more. The box on one of those truck will easily hold a full size pickup truck and more. Loaded with tailings they weigh many tons. The roads they travel on are two way traffic with a wide spot for passing every quarter mile or so. However, the trucks are so huge that in most cases the take up the full width of the road. One tire on one of those trucks is bigger that the 4-wheel ATV I was driving. The road twists and turns so much that often one cannot see but 25 to 35 feet ahead. Around one of those curves came a monster truck straight at me. There bearing down on me was a much higher power than me and the ATV. What prayer would you say as you slam on the breaks at a time like that? revdauphinee answered on 07/20/06: why not a simple "help me God!"we know he hears us! arcura rated this answer

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HANK1 asked on 07/19/06 - PREJUDICE: Prejudice and discrimination are negative manifestations of integrative power. Instead of bringing or holding people together, prejudice and discrimination push them apart. Can anyone give me a GOOD reason WHY this stupidity exists in a person's personality? I feel that people who are prejudice are dumb as rocks. HANK revdauphinee answered on 07/20/06: predudice occures when for whatever reason someone feels they are supperior! HANK1 rated this answer Judgment_Day rated this answer

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Erewhon asked on 07/19/06 - Mary Magdalen ......................... Why unjustly sully her good reputation? Why are some men so eager to paint Mary Magdalene as a woman of ill repute when there is absolutely no scriptural or historical evidence that indicates that she was anything other than an upright and good woman from whom evil spirits had been expelled by Jesus? Even an atheist who has no other purpose than to impose insults and rudeness to the Christianity Board has joined in the hue and cry to hound this woman and continue to sully her reputation, undeservedly, without putting forth one jot of evidence that she deserves his opprobrium. Her surname, Magdalene, means "a tower" and likely identifies her as hailing from Magdala, a town in Galilee (mentioned only in Matt. 15:39). In the parallel passage in Mark 8:10 this place is called Dalmanutha and is recognised as the birthplace of Mary called the Magdalen, or Mary Magdalene. It was on the west shore of the Lake of Tiberias, and is now probably the small obscure village called el-Mejdel, about 3 miles north-west of Tiberias. In the Talmud this city is called "the city of colour," and a particular district of it was called "the tower of dyers." The indigo plant was much cultivated here. When the Saviour had given his life, after he had fulfilled his mission, having organized his church and set in it divine authority, and after he had suffered crucifixion, Mary Magdalene was the first to be apprised of the new life that was the result of the resurrection of Jesus Christ. She is not to be confused with the unnamed though repentant sinner who anointed Jesus' feet in the home of Simon. (Luke 7:36-50.) It is one of the basest slanders of all history to suppose that Mary of Magdala was a fallen woman and therefore to use the term 'Magdalene' as an appellation descriptive of reformed prostitutes as uninformed mythmakers have done and still do. There is no period of her life that was marked by the sin of unchastity, so far as the scriptures aver. Alfred Edersheim says: "Mary Magdalene ... was as prominent among the pious women as Peter was among the Apostles." (Edersheim, "Life of Christ" 2:631.) Nothing in the scriptural record warrants the repellent imputation of unchastity to the devoted soul of Mary Magdalene. revdauphinee answered on 07/19/06: a big AMEN to you on this one! Erewhon rated this answer Judgment_Day rated this answer

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HANK1 asked on 07/18/06 - HERE'S YOUR CHANCE TO RELAX: "If you're constantly thinking about what you'd rather be doing�getting off work, driving a different car, or eating dessert, your mind is starving for mindfulness. So what? Well, if you're reading an instant message and talking on your cell phone while thinking about things you need to get at the store, you're not doing any of these things fully�and essentially, you're missing out on your own life. The antidote? Mindfulness. Mindfulness is a quality you can cultivate in any situation�whether you're walking down the street or washing the dishes. Although grounded in Buddhism, this practice is accessible to people of any faith. In mindfulness meditation you stop the restlessness of your mind by focusing your undivided attention on whatever you're experiencing in the here and now. The simplest version involves simply focusing on your breath. By enhancing your awareness in this way, you calm your mind, experience life more fully, and bring new clarity of thought to any situation that comes your way." Source: Beliefnet Is meditation a spiritual exercise? HANK revdauphinee answered on 07/18/06: so the mother who is at home with 4 children under school age should ignore all whilst doing the dishes ??? Get real!!! HANK1 rated this answer

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uhmlanga asked on 07/18/06 - Adam, Eve, and genetics As per Genesis all human beings descent from Adam and Eve. Which would mean that each further generation should show increasing effects of in-breeding. But as that doesn't seem to take place, does that not mean that Adam and Eve were NOT the ONLY ancestors of today's 6.5 billion humans? And if there were more ancestors who did not descend from Adam and Eve, doesn't that makes Genesis invalid? Evolution provides a perfect explanation why that in-breeding does not take place ...... Any comments? If you want to see the real Adam, Eve, and their "apple" : click here :) revdauphinee answered on 07/18/06: why do folks never take the scriptures in the light in wich they are written when the ancients talk about the world they are talking of the known world (known to them)I have no doubt that there was a great flood however the whole earth ?maybee not but the earth the writer of scripture was aware of would be quite plausable so with adam and eve it does say in scripture other sheep I have that are not of this pasture! John 10 : 16. I have other sheep that are not of this sheep pen. I must bring them also. They too will listen to my voice, and there shall be one flock and one shepherd. sissypants rated this answer uhmlanga rated this answer WheninRome rated this answer

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Laura asked on 07/18/06 - Ethical question and concience Question: You have been offered a promotion at your workplace. You are a single parent and you are upfront with your employer concerning your limitations IE you have two kids...you are a single parent..stuff happens like when one of the kids is sick you may have to take time off..can't work on weekends..can't work nights..etc etc.. things like that. Your boss says that he understands that and wants to promote you anyway..Even offers to give you the added income in another form of payment so that you don't have to claim as income. Is it ethical to accept such an offer? revdauphinee answered on 07/18/06: Why not accept if you have been upfront with the boss and he has no problems why pass it up! Laura rated this answer WheninRome rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 07/18/06 - DEBATE THIS? Religion is the opiate of the masses: Karl Marx There you are Ronnie, the first thesis for you to debate. revdauphinee answered on 07/18/06: do we realy need this??not the question but rather the childish reactions ? in answer to the question, religion can be an opiate but dont opiates also relieve pain?if so is it realy a bad thing?? paraclete rated this answer uhmlanga rated this answer

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uhmlanga asked on 07/16/06 - Have you already been at WTY? You stated to JesseJamesDupree : Jesse, Hon, he is not worth your health. You try and drink a lot of Orange juice today. If we ignore him/her perhap's heshe will quit. We love you, and so does the Lord Jesus. I just want you to know that. Joy, Of course I will quit. AFTER JJD Lazlow Thad Krewton stops stirring at this board (and preferably also after he stops at that other board. Do yourself a favour and GO TO WTY to see what Lazlow really is doing and posting there under the "Credendovirus" handle. Once you have seen that, just tell me than once more what you think of this all. :) revdauphinee answered on 07/17/06: all this bickering almost desroyed this board last year, and it needs to stop! we who have been here for a few years know the results of it., and I for one do not wish to stir it up again I tryed the other board and did not find it to my liking so I dont go there anymore I suggest those who are not happy here do likewise so we can do what this board does best ask and answer questions and stop all the infighting! uhmlanga rated this answer sissypants rated this answer powderpuff rated this answer JesseJamesDupree rated this answer Judgment_Day rated this answer MaggieB rated this answer

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HANK1 asked on 07/16/06 - FRIENDS! A friend does not judge. They accept. A friend does not criticize. They support. A friend does not ignore. They listen. A friend is someone you can trust. Is a friend someone like you? HANK revdauphinee answered on 07/16/06: A friend does not judge. They accept. do friends accept when they know we are wrong?? A friend does not criticize. They support. correction is not critisism even Jesus corrected ! A friend does not ignore. They listen. a friend also councels A friend is someone you can trust. only when they are on the right track themselves Is a friend someone like you? hope so but not on your stated terms a friend will always be truthfull with you! HANK1 rated this answer

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HANK1 asked on 07/16/06 - MEDITATION: As some of you remember, I meditate for one half hour once a week, usually on Sunday mornings after eight o'clock Church. At 9:30 I turn on the radio and listen to the Mormon Tabernacle Choir while contemplating. Half-hour program . Perfect fit! Why do I meditate? Because "the habit of meditation is the basis for all real knowledge." It also gives me a chance to think about self-improvement in my daily life. Anyway, this sure works for me. How about you? HANK revdauphinee answered on 07/16/06: this is great if it works for you different folks find contentment in differing ways HANK1 rated this answer

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whitefawn_ asked on 07/15/06 - Why Do You Want To Humiliate Me? Now everyone knows what I look like. This is really embarrassing. I don�t think it is right to post anyone�s photo on here as you did me uhmanga. Yes. I am the real Whitefawn_ and Lazlow does not have the time to come on here. He works, plus is going to school for Journalism. He does not live at home neither, My Son at twenty one owns his own home and he doing quite well off, and I am proud of him. Why are you trying to hurt me? Perhaps I should not post anymore questions on here. I thought you liked me, for I liked you. Why are you humilating me? that was for another Site. Not for your Society and politics. And why me, what have I done to you? revdauphinee answered on 07/15/06: dont let the detractors get to you !some people get there kicks knowing they can push your buttons friend! powderpuff rated this answer whitefawn_ rated this answer

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Fritzella asked on 07/15/06 - The Pope Chimes In VATICAN CITY, July 14 (Reuters) - "The Vatican on Friday strongly deplored Israel's strikes on Lebanon, saying they were "an attack" on a sovereign and free nation. Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Angelo Sodano said Pope Benedict and his aides were very worried that the developments in the Middle East risked degenerating into "a conflict with international repercussions." ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Comments on the situation in the Middle East. That is, for those left here on earth.....not from those whose shoes have been left in the middle of the carpet their bodies having been whisked away in "The Rapture". Still here? :):):) revdauphinee answered on 07/15/06: I have more respect for Israel taking action to return thier soldiers than I do for Bushes ""imaginary"" weapons of mass destruction being a reason for war ! Fritzella rated this answer tomder55 rated this answer

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HANK1 asked on 07/14/06 - PREDICTION: "Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold, but he who stands firm to the end will be saved. And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come." - Mat 24:12-14 NIV Looks as though Matthew hit the nail on the head. Did he? HANK revdauphinee answered on 07/14/06: The words of Jesus are true ! HANK1 rated this answer

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MaggieB asked on 07/13/06 - When the enemy comes in like a flood When the enemy comes in like a flood By Jan Willem van der Hoeven When the enemy comes in like a flood, The Spirit of the Lord will lift up a standard against him. (Isaiah 59:19) All over the planet a new reality is dawning. ISLAM has vowed to conquer the whole world. Here are some of the words of Hamas Leader Khaled Masha�al which he delivered in a Damascus mosque, spelling out what myriads of others daily are saying in their mosques and through their media channels: [ The following are excerpts from an address by Hamas leader Khaled Mash'al at the Al-Murabit Mosque in Damascus. The address was delivered following the Friday sermon at the mosque, and was aired on Al-Jazeera TV on February 3, 2006. "We say to this West, which does not act reasonably, and does not learn its lessons: By Allah, you will be defeated. You will be defeated in Palestine, and your defeat there has already begun. True, it is Israel that is being defeated there, but when Israel is defeated, its path is defeated, those who call to support it are defeated, and the cowards who hide behind it and support it are defeated. Israel will be defeated, and so will whoever supported or supports it. "America will be defeated in Iraq. Wherever the [Islamic] nation is targeted, its enemies will be defeated, Allah willing. The nation of Muhammad is gaining victory in Palestine. The nation of Muhammad is gaining victory in Iraq, and it will be victorious in all Arab and Muslim lands. 'Their multitudes will be defeated and turn their backs [and flee].' These fools will be defeated, the wheel of time will turn, and times of victory and glory will be upon our nation, and the West will be full of remorse, when it is too late. "They think that history has ended with them. They do not know that the law of Allah cannot be changed or replaced. 'You shall not find a substitute for the law of Allah. You shall not find any change to the law of Allah.' Today, the Arab and Islamic nation is rising and awakening, and it will reach its peak, Allah willing. It will be victorious. It will link the present to the past. It will open up the horizons of the future. It will regain the leadership of the world. Allah willing, the day is not far off. "Don't you see that they believe they are capable of using democracy to deceive the people, but then democracy is turned against them? Don't you see that they are spending their money in efforts to block the way of Allah, to thwart Hamas, to defeat it, and to help those whom they want, but that [this plot] is turned against them? They are not acting reasonably. "They do not understand the Arab or Muslim mentality. "Tomorrow, our nation will sit on the throne of the world. This is not a figment of the imagination, but a fact. Tomorrow we will lead the world, Allah willing. Apologize today, before remorse will do you no good. Our nation is moving forwards, and it is in your interest to respect a victorious nation. "Our nation will be victorious. When it reaches the leadership of the world, and controls its own decisions, then it will prevent this overt interference [in our affairs], and its pillaging of natural resources, and will prevent these recurring offenses against our land, against our nation, and against our holy places - then you will regret it. "Before Israel Dies, it Must Be Humiliated and Degraded" Mash'al: "Before Israel dies, it must be humiliated and degraded. Allah willing, before they die, they will experience humiliation and degradation every day. America will be of no avail to them. Their generals will be of no avail to them. The last of their generals has been forgotten. Allah has made him disappear. He's over. Gone is that Sharon behind whose back they would hide and find shelter, and with whom they would feel relatively secure. Today they have frail leaders, who don't even know where our Lord placed them. "Allah willing, we will make them lose their eyesight, we will make them lose their brains. "Israel has begun to sense that its superiority has come to an end. Its army, which has superior conventional weapons - the air force, the armored corps, and the missiles - there are no longer wars in which these are used. This is a frightening reality, and it draws nearer by the day, until it may indeed conquer the whole world. Tiny little Israel is one of the few reasons that ISLAM has not yet fully conquered the West. But once this nation has succumbed, swallowed up by the ferocious hate-filled forces of ISLAM, the way will be free for ISLAM to swallow up the rest of the Western world. Once they have beaten the U.S. in Iraq and Afghanistan and Israel, securing victory in the Middle East, there will be little to stop them on their path to bring the whole Western World into subjection, and then become the conquerors of the whole world, exactly as they all believe Allah has long intended that they will do. It is frightening because of all the violence, terror and cruelty that will accompany this conquest. We already see it happening all over the world. ISLAM can kill, murder, lynch, torture and make holy war, all in the name of Allah; ISLAM can burn and destroy churches and synagogues as they do � misusing Christian and Jewish sanctuaries their terrorist use as they have in Lebanon, Bethlehem and other places; ISLAM can desecrate, confiscate or shred bibles; ISLAM can publish monstrous caricatures about Jews and Christians; ISLAM�s followers can explode themselves as suicide bombers in unsuspecting crowds of people, blow up planes full of passengers in midair, or fly planes through trade towers and the Pentagon � this all in the name of Allah. All of this is permitted. But should MUSLIMS in turn be dealt even a minuscule percentage of such affronts or indignities themselves, literally all hell breaks loose: They burn the flags of the U.S., Denmark, Israel and others; they torch thousands of cars in Paris; they demonstrate with fury and hate and no one who gets in their way is safe. They will demonstrate with violence all across Muslim lands when their religion is dishonored, even as they simultaneously burn synagogues and trample upon everything that is holy and dear to other faiths. In the Old City of Jerusalem alone they destroyed 53 synagogues before the Six Day War. European pastors who still dare to speak up about Israel in the light of God�s Word have had to go into hiding. England has been served notice that it will be the first Muslim-dominated country in Europe, as British Muslim leaders proclaimed in their big mosque in Regency Park: �Our way to conquer Europe runs via London.� And so it goes on. They demand respect, freedom and their right to build mosques all over the world but Christians cannot build one church in Saudi Arabia and cannot bring even their own private bibles on the plane with them. Where is the tolerance so freely given by nearly every Western Country to ISLAM in ISLAM�s own motherland towards Christians or Jews? It is non-existent. �We shall fight on Saturday, and then on Sunday,� Muslims chant; first the Jews and then the Christians. It is already happening all over the world! Once they are the masters, there will be no escape from their cruelty. Innumerable poor Christians are already suffering their scourge: Egypt�s Copts, Christians in the Philippines, in Pakistan, in Indonesia, and even (as we have said) in Europe. There preachers have had to go into hiding � as author Salman Rushdie once did � because, in their love for Israel and the Bible, they have taken a stand for God�s people and now are threatened in their own countries, their own co-national Muslims promising them violence and death. Once these Muslims are in full control, there will be neither escape nor any chance to speak our minds. Yes, we will speak out once or twice. But then, as under the Nazis, we�ll be picked up and taken to God knows where. What, then, can we still do at this very, very late hour? Three things come to mind, and I believe God has inspired me to see them: One: We must do everything possible to shore up Israel, asking God daily to show us how we can support this courageous little land and her people in prayer, but also in deed. As long as Israel exists alive, she will be a barricade against ISLAM�s further and total conquest of other parts of this world. But once the Islamic forces now under the leadership of Hamas have succeeded in fully trampling Israel underfoot, their way will be free to further successful conquest of the West. As the Bible clearly warns: The nations and kingdoms which will not be willing to serve and support Israel will perish and come to ruin themselves (see Isaiah 60:12). Two: As Paul writes: For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ. (2 Corinthians 10:3-5). To explain what some of these weapons for believers are, Paul enumerates them in his epistle to the Ephesians, chapter six verses 10 to 18: Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints. Three: Finally when all else has failed we must, like Jesus, the Apostles, and the early Church, be prepared to suffer and even be willing to die. It may be that through suffering and martyrdom God, as through His Son, will accomplish the greatest victory over Satan and all his sinister forces. This is well expressed in the Revelation of John when it says: And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, and they did not love their lives to the death. Therefore rejoice, O heavens, and you who dwell in them! Woe to the inhabitants of the earth and the sea! For the devil has come down to you, having great wrath, because he knows that he has a short time. (Revelation 12:11, 12) Jan Willem van der Hoeven, Director International Christian Zionist Center Your comments are welcome!!! MaggieB revdauphinee answered on 07/14/06: my comment is Yaweh God is still in controll and no matter who or what he willl not be defeated!I also state that Allah and yaweh are not the same God in spite of what many will have us believe ,he plainly tells us his children Exodus 20: 2. "I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery. 3. "You shall have no other gods before me. MaggieB rated this answer

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ROLCAM asked on 07/13/06 - Primeval Question ?? Where did everything come from? revdauphinee answered on 07/14/06: I believe everything came from and was created by God! ROLCAM rated this answer

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whitefawn_ asked on 07/11/06 - Are the Ten Commandments done away with? Hello experts, Cannot understand Christianity in this day and age. Perhaps we truly are at an end of times. First, we have a President that uses Christians to get into office. Eighty percent vote. Because he wanted their Prayers. Secondly we do not observed the seventh day or Gods rest he had made for us. We even kill, that another commandment. Whenever the question of the Seventh day of the week is discussed, those who do not keep it holy will inevitably appeal to Colossians 2:16 as their authority for disobeying the fourth commandment of God. Or saying it was only for the Jewish commandment or the Resurrection of Christ whom also said� "I came not to destroy the Laws but to fulfill them." Did that not also mean the Ten Commandments What did Christ mean, when he had said in Matthew, "Pray that it will not occur on the Sabbath?" Could it be, because you may be at your jobs? Blessings and a Happy Tuesday, Joy. revdauphinee answered on 07/14/06: as for politicians using Christianity as a platform all I can say is to quote Jesus when he stated in Mathew 7: 20. Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them. 21. "Not everyone who says to me, `Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. 22. Many will say to me on that day, `Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?' 23. Then I will tell them plainly, `I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!' whitefawn_ rated this answer

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Erewhon asked on 07/11/06 - Rosicrucianism ~~~~ ~~~~ ~~~~ Is Rosicrucianism consonant with Christianity? Please give detailed reasons for your answer. Thank you. revdauphinee answered on 07/14/06: no Erewhon rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 07/10/06 - Why is it all falling apart or wy it is all falling apart? Failure to ban gay clergy may split church Linda Morris July 10, 2006 THE Uniting Church is facing rebellion after conservatives yesterday conceded they had lost their battle to exclude practising gays from the ministry. The development came as the Church of England voted on Saturday to accept women bishops, which has divided the Anglican Church in Australia. The Uniting Church's national assembly, meeting in Brisbane, has admitted the church is "not of one mind" and unable to resolve divisions that have dogged Australia's third largest church for three years. Its failure to decide affirms the status quo, adopted in 2003, which upholds the autonomy of local presbyteries to appoint clergy who are practising homosexuals. The divide between conservative and liberal factions over homosexuality has threatened to split the global Anglican Church, which is still to digest its historic decision in the English city of York to ordain women bishops. After a three-hour debate the general synod of the Church of England voted 288-110 to allow women to be bishops, a huge step for a church that ordained its first female priest 12 years ago. But officials said it would be years before the first woman bishop was ordained. Anglicans in Canada, New Zealand and the US accept women bishops. But in Australia the issue is before the church's highest legal authority. The spiritual leader of the worldwide church, the Archbishop of Canterbury, Rowan Williams, has suggested separating the church into two groups to prevent a schism between liberals and conservatives. The Uniting Church assembly statement, expected to be adopted today with further amendments, falls far short of conservatives' objectives and their leaders are to meet on Wednesday to consider options. These include walking out, or staying put but dissociating themselves from the leadership structure. One conservative leader, Stephen Estherby, said he failed to see how the statement would help the church move beyond existing confusion and distress. "I believe that the direction you are taking will only set us up for three more years of controversy, misunderstanding, despair and decline," he said. Addressing 40 evangelicals gathered for a prayer vigil outside the assembly, the chairman of the conservative Reforming Alliance, Dr Max Champion, said the effect of no decision was support for the ordination of homosexual clergy. Although indigenous members objected to homosexual clergy on biblical grounds, they remained "willing to live within the fellowship and diversity of the church". The Reverend Keith Garner, superintendent of Wesley Mission, said those in committed homosexual relationships were welcome in the church but were not "appropriate for church leadership". The minister of Pitt Street Uniting Church, the Reverend Ian Pearson, said the future of the church lay in the explicit acknowledgement of gays and lesbians called to church leadership. With agencies revdauphinee answered on 07/14/06: If organised religions would cease trying to legalise everything and go back to Jesus they would not have such problems !whoom did Jesus first apear to after his crucifiction? women and what did he tell them?to go tell the others this tells me he has no problem with women preaching !as for the gay issue God loves the sinner whilst hating the sin so he does not hate gays however since they are participating in an act of sin they should not be in possitions of authority ! paraclete rated this answer

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MaggieB asked on 07/08/06 - Trying to change from a belief !!! A local gentleman attended the Southern Baptist Convention and wrote an article in our local newspaper which was very interesting and the following is one of the major discussions. Southern Baptists denomination is trying to change from a belief that all who call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved, to a belief that God only saves those whom he chooses to save. The doctrine of "election" was mentioned. Your thoughts and comments? MaggieB revdauphinee answered on 07/13/06: since God is the same now and forever he does not change and he has already stated thaT IT IS BELIEF AND ACCEPTANCE OF JESUS THAT SAVES US SO MY QUESTION IS Do Southern baptists have veto power over God??? MaggieB rated this answer

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HANK1 asked on 07/07/06 - Religions: Why are there so many conflicting religions? HANK revdauphinee answered on 07/07/06: maybee because humans are arrogant enough to think they can do it better ! HANK1 rated this answer

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HANK1 asked on 07/07/06 - Heaven & Hell: Why does God have to resort to Heaven and Hell? Couldn't He have just made us perfect? HANK revdauphinee answered on 07/07/06: only if he had wanted robots for his companions! HANK1 rated this answer

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HANK1 asked on 07/07/06 - Adam & Eve: Why did God forbid Adam and Eve to learn by banning them from the tree of knowledge? HANK revdauphinee answered on 07/07/06: could it be a test to seehow far his children could be trusted??? HANK1 rated this answer

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arcura asked on 07/07/06 - Sioux tribe ousts president over abortion clinic plan. Friday, June 30, 2006; Posted: 1:29 p.m. EDT (17:29 GMT) PORCUPINE, South Dakota (AP) -- A Sioux tribe ousted its president for proposing an abortion clinic on the reservation, which would be beyond the reach of South Dakota's strict new abortion ban. By a 9-5 vote late Thursday, the Oglala Sioux Tribal Council determined Cecelia Fire Thunder had pursued the clinic for the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation without council approval, and she was immediately replaced. "The bottom line is the Lakota people were adamantly opposed to abortion on our homelands. The president was involved in unauthorized political actions," said Will Peters, the council member who filed the complaint. Fire Thunder said the council did not handle the action properly and promised to challenge it. "It's not about abortion. A lot of them have personal stuff toward me," said Fire Thunder, who had survived two earlier attempts to remove her from office since becoming the tribe's first female president in 2004. Fire Thunder began proposing a clinic in March, shortly after Gov. Mike Rounds signed one of the toughest abortion laws in the country. It bans abortion in almost all cases and does not include exceptions for rape or incest. The council suspended Fire Thunder in May and also voted to ban abortions on the reservation. She once worked part-time at a Planned Parenthood clinic in California that performed abortions and said her support for a clinic comes from concern for girls and women who are victims of rape and incest. "We have a lot of 14- and 15-year-olds getting pregnant, and it did not happen by strangers," she told the council. Peters said that under Lakota values, abortion is wrong and life is sacred. Fire Thunder was replaced by Alex White Plume. revdauphinee answered on 07/07/06: for uhmlanga I as a christian am as I said in a previous answer live in this world and am therefore interested in everything going on in it Just because we are followers of Christ does not mean we must be relegated to talk of nothing else !Jesus said we were to have abundant life and in its abundancy we need to "know" about all of life as well! arcura rated this answer

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arcura asked on 07/07/06 - Did you know that imbeded Ticks can cause paralysis? I spend a lot of time in the forest so a friend sent me this.....I Snopesed it and it is true. To everyone who helped me and my family through our emergency last week by picking up or switching shifts, we thank you so very much! Also thanks to all that kept Alyssa in your thoughts and prayers and called to check-up on how we were doing or see if there was anything that they could do to help, we appreciate it! Alyssa is 100% back to her old self and if you looked at her now you never would have known that she was ever sick. For those of you with small children or one on the way, here's a synopsis of what happened to that you can watch out for it with your own children. On Tuesday morning she woke up paralyzed from her waist down, she wasn't able to walk or stand on her own. I called the Eglin pediatrics nurses line and told them what was going on and they told me to wait 3 days and if her symptoms hadn't cleared to bring her in. We took her to the ER on Eglin and after 12 hours there all her tests, blood, urine and CAT scan returned as normal. They told us that she had Ataxia, with no explanation as to what that is, and set us up for an appointment for the following day with pediatrics. If you Google Ataxia, you'll understand why we were so devastated. The short version is that it is a disease with no cure, she would be wheel-chair bound the rest of her life and would never see her 20's. On Wednesday morning she woke up paralyzed from her neck down. She couldn't even sit without being propped up by pillows and blankets. Her eyes were also fully dilated and she would stare off into nothing for long periods of time. No amount of clapping or calling out her name would snap her back. We went back to Eglin's ER and we were ambulanced to the children's hospital in Pensacola. After 15 minutes in P-cola hospital a nurse who had seen these same symptoms in another little girl earlier that week found a tick on Lysa's head buried under all her hair. The toxins in the tick's saliva were too much for her liver to metabolize and started paralyzing her starting at her feet and moving up. (Tick paralysis, Google brings up good information on that too). Once the tick was removed she started getting better, 24 hours later she was running down the hospital hallways and we were released. The docs said that had we waited another 12-24 hours her chest would have been paralyzed to the point of her not being able to breathe on her own. The little girl that had been in earlier that week was already on a ventilator when they found the tick on her. So in this area, particularly during this season check you kids for ticks regularly. Use insect repellant if you're going out into wooded areas and all that good stuff. A good rule of thumb that one of the nurses in P-cola told me was, if your child is complaining of their feet hurting or going numb, and you can't find any sign of an injury, start looking for ticks. revdauphinee answered on 07/07/06: to thopse who ask! we as Christians live in this world! are affected by what goes on in both our lives, and the rest of humanity and therfore no subject is of no concern to a caring christian be it politics ,medical or whatever! arcura rated this answer

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STONY asked on 07/06/06 - SORRY I HAVE BEEN AWAY FOR SO LONG.... IN GOD'S GREAT MERCY HE GAVE ME A JOB AS A SECURITY GUARD AT AN EXPLOSIVES BUNKER OVER THE JULY FOURTH SEASON. THE JOB IS OVER NOW, I'M BACK AGAIN, AND THE $730 I MADE IN 11 DAYS WAS NOT SO BAD EITHER. PLUS, YESTERDAY I CAME HOME WITH A BIG BOX FULL OF LEFTOVER FIREWORKS. revdauphinee answered on 07/06/06: been gone myself for about 2 weeks ,moving to west Virginia isnt it nice to be back?? STONY rated this answer

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HANK1 asked on 07/06/06 - ABOUT LAY: I couldn't make another clarification. So, I have to do it this way: An anti-Christ goes against the word of God. In this case, "Do unto others ...," better known as the Golden Rule. Was he remorseful? Did he apologize to his stockholders who lost billions? Did some retired people commit suicide. What about the "end of times?" Doesn't apply. I didn't say I was celebrating. I said many of his stockholders would probably celebrate. Leave me out of it! I'm not a stockholder. Nor am I self-righteous. I just feel that he was a greedy, self-serving and destructive dude. * I have my own definition of an anti-Christ. It applies to anyone who commits a major crime. HANK revdauphinee answered on 07/06/06: scriptures word on the Antichrist 2Th.2:3-12 3 Don't let anyone deceive you in any way, for that day will not come until the rebellion occurs and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the man doomed to destruction. 4 He will oppose and will exalt himself over everything that is called God or is worshiped, so that he sets himself up in God's temple, proclaiming himself to be God. 5 Don't you remember that when I was with you I used to tell you these things? 6 And now you know what is holding him back, so that he may be revealed at the proper time. 7 For the secret power of lawlessness is already at work; but the one who now holds it back will continue to do so till he is taken out of the way. 8 And then the lawless one will be revealed, whom the Lord Jesus will overthrow with the breath of his mouth and destroy by the splendor of his coming. 9 The coming of the lawless one will be in accordance with the work of Satan displayed in all kinds of counterfeit miracles, signs and wonders, 10 and in every sort of evil that deceives those who are perishing. They perish because they refused to love the truth and so be saved. 11 For this reason God sends them a powerful delusion so that they will believe the lie 12 and so that all will be condemned who have not believed the truth but have delighted in wickedness. HANK1 rated this answer

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Erewhon asked on 07/06/06 - TEOTWAWKI Predictions of TEOTWAWKI (The end of the world as we know it): 2010+ In early 2005, Roderick C. Meredith, leader of the Living Church of God wrote in his church's magazine Tomorrow's World that the end of the world is near. He said that events prophesied in the Bible are "beginning to occur with increasing frequency....We are not talking about decades in the future. We are talking about Bible prophesies that will intensify within the next five to 15 years of your life." This prophecy, or a local sermon based on it, may have been partly responsible for triggering a mass murder in Brookfield WI on 2005-MAR-12. Church member Terry Ratzmann, who was experiencing serious depression and facing unemployment, shot 11 people, killing 7, and then killed himself at a church service. 8 2011-SEP-29: Harold Camping, president of Family Radio is reported as predicting that the end of the world will occur sometime during the eight day Feast of Trumpets in 2011. This is an eight day festival each fall in the 5th day of Ethanim, the seventh month. He has completed a book "Time Has an End: A biblical History of the World 11,013 BC � 2011 AD," Vantage Press, (2005). Read reviews or order this book safely from Amazon.com online book store. 2011-NOV-11: We received an Email from "A.H." who believes that the end of the world will happen on 11/11/11. His reasoning is that "...this is the only date until the next millennium that has the same number ŕ" in the date." Actually, it is the only date until 3011 which is made up of the repetition of pairs of the same digit. We are skeptical. Recall that the Gregorian Calendar is based on the year 1 CE having being arbitrarily chosen. It occurred four to seven years after Jesus birthday, when nothing much of world impact was happening. With an arbitrary beginning, it doesn't make a lot of sense to assume that the end of the world would happen at some magical combination of numbers in the Gregorian date, like the first day of the year 2000, or 11.11.11. 2012: This year seems to be a major focal point for many prophecies: Michael Drosnin, author of "The Bible Code," found a hidden message in the Pentateuch (the first five books in the Bible) that predicts that a comet will crash into the earth in 2012 and annihilate all life. As a minimum, I suspect that at least one species will survive: cockroaches. A prediction a decade or two in the future is an ideal one for an author to make. By then, almost all of the eventual book sales will probably have been made and the author would have already deposited all or almost all of the royalty checks in his bank account. Kev Peacock predicts that the Sun's magnetic field will reverse, and induce a reversal of the Earth's field. This will cause massive geothermal and tectonic catastrophes. Something will happen to the mythical island of Atlantis. 2012-DEC-21: The Mayan calendar expressed dates in the format: 6.19.18.1.5 This means: 6 Baktun, an interval of 144,000 days -- almost four centuries, 19 Katun (generations) of 7200 days, 18 Tun (years) of 360 days, 1 Uinal (month) of 20 days, 5 Kin (days) The example cited represents 1,007,305 days from the start of their calendar. J. Eric Thompson determined that the first day of their calendar (0.0.0.0.0) was on 3114-AUG-11 BCE according to the Gregorian calendar. 5 This was when they believed that Venus was born. Another source says that this happened on AUG-13 of the same year. Mayans also had a "Great Cycle of the Long Count" of 13 Baktuns or 5,125.36 years. Many interpreters believe that the Mayans expected that the universe would last exactly that length of time. That is, they anticipated the end of the world at the Winter Solstice. 2012-DEC-21 or 13.0.0.0.0 in their notation. 6 John Jenkins has determined that on this date, there will be "an extremely close conjunction of the winter solstice sun with the crossing point of Galactic Equator and the ecliptic." This is an event that will not be repeated for thousands of years. Author Carl Johan Calleman disagrees that the Mayan calendar predicts the end of the world. He writes that "the Mayan calendar is about the progress of evolution, not about the end of the world." 1,11 2012-DEC-21: Terence McKenna predicts that at "the moment of the solstice and the heliacal rising of the galactic center, levels of planetary novelty will exponentially increase." The results of this "ultranovel event" are difficult to predict, but may include "Hyperspatial Breakthrough, Planetesimal Impact, Alien Contact, Historical Metamorphosis, Metamorphosis of Natural Law, Solar Explosion, Quasar Ignition at the Galactic Core." Some of these don't sound too healthy for life on earth. 2 I am personally hoping for the latter, because it would take many years for any effects of that ignition to impact earth -- long past my life expectancy. 2012-DEC-24: A visitor predicts that on this day, one third of the Oort cloud will rain down on the earth. The Oort cloud is a incredibly large collection of comets that encircle the solar system. Devastation would be total. 2012-DEC-24: Another visitor suggests that a new cosmic cycle begins after midnight on this date. The sun will collide with another sun made of antimatter producing a "humungous nuclear explosion" which will turn every living entity -- from humans to microorganisms on Earth to ashes or dust. The 4th dimension will be "thrust upon Earth right after midnight." 2012: Vijay Kumar predicts that World War III is most likely to happen around 2012. This will be followed by a permanent state of spiritual elevation. "Beyond 2012 it shall only be harmony and peace all over." It will be called "the golden period." However the transition will result in the deaths of millions of people -- both innocent and those guilty of crimes. Bhagwan Kalki, a spiritual master of the highest order, will deliver humanity from today's ills. 10 2014: According to Sun magazine for 1999-DEC-21, Pope Leo IX (1513-1522) wrote on 1514: "I will not see the end of the world, nor will you my brethren, for its time is long in the future, 500 years hence." 2016: An article in Weekly World News describes a find by a Professor Lloyd Cunningdale of Salt Lake City who was excavating with his students at the site of the famous Donner party disaster of 1847. The latter were a group of settlers bound for California who became trapped by snow in the Sierra Nevada Mountains. Cunningdale and students have found a time capsule left by the settlers which contains many predictions for the future. They predict that nations will abandon traditional methods of conflict and resort to the use of biological warfare. In 2016, one such disease will spread and kill all of the humans on the planet. 3 2017: The "Sword of God Brotherhood" believes that Armageddon will occur in 2017. The Prophet Gabriel has told them this. Only their own members will survive to repopulate the world. All of the others (including you and me) will "perish in hellfire." Daniel's Timeline bases their calculation on the concept of Jubilee years which occur every 50 years. "" The most recent three Jubilees were: 1867 when the Jews were emancipated in Austria and Hungary. 1917 when the Ottomon rule ended and the Balfour Declaration was created. 1967 when the Six Day War occurred. They predict that the next and final Jubilee year will be 2017 "the time of the restitution of all things." Before 2018: The web site "A Nightmare for Everyone and the Countdown to 2000," predicts that an asteroid and comet will hit the earth, sometime between the re-creation of Israel in 1948 and 2018. See: http://www.geocities.com/ 2020s or 2030s: Bill Joy, co-founder and chief scientist of Sun Microsystems predicted the end of humanity in within 20 or 30 years, in an article in the 2000-APR issue of Wired Magazine. He wrote that leading-edge technologies such as robotics, genetic engineering and nano-tech may soon lead to the extinction of human society. Before 2024: A web site titled "Fire from the sky: Meteors and Biblical Prophecy," predicts that a meteor (actually a meteorite) "could" hit the earth sometime between 1998 and 2023. This would cause fireballs of debris, tidal waves, supher [sic] dioxide, a "red tide" in the oceans, and a dust cloud. 2028-OCT: Asteroid 񓟭 XF11" will approach close to earth. At first, scientists were concerned that there was a small probability that it might impact earth. However, data from 1990 has indicated that it will miss earth by about 600,000 miles. 6 Still, this is a near miss, as astronomical distances go. About 2028: A visitor from Norway has analyzed biblical chronologies and determined to his satisfaction that "Jesus became Messiah [about the year 28 CE] exactly 4000 years after Creation." He believes that God created the world to last 6,000 years. Thus, the end of the world will happen about 2028. Actually, various theological sources estimate the date of Jesus' execution between 28 and 33 CE. 30-APR-07 is a common date. So, the millennium of Jesus' resurrection would occur between 2028 and 2033, with the most likely date being 2030-APR-07. 2029: Mike Flipp believes that God has been communicating with him by sending him signs all based on the number 2. He wrote in an Email: "And then on April 26th, 2005 EXACTLY 2 years worth of getting signs of 2's, I got the Grandiose Sign of the Aceptable Year of the Lord - Luke 4:19." The sign is that Jesus will return in the year 2029. He does not kinow the month, day, or hour. See: http://www.two.cc Before 2038: The environmental group, Greenpeace, predicts massive starvation due to uncontrolled population growth. Global warning will melt the polar ice caps and cause massive coastal flooding. Thousands of plant and animal species become extinct. 2038: The book "The Bible and the Future" predicts that "large percentage of the world's population will die in a series of severe punishments from God" at this time. See: http://www.alltheearth.com/ 2047-SEP-14: According to The Church of !BLAIR!, the human race will probably be terminated at 3:28 AM (Soho, England time). The church teaches, with tongue firmly in cheek, that if the human race does not discard their plastic conformity, then the Gods will withdraw their protection. The Gods don't want us to worship them; they don't want sacrifices or even offerings. They just want us to rid itself of our excessive "Normalcy". At that point, Astro-Lemurs (extra-terrestrials similar in shape to lemurs, but with rainbow colored bodies) will attack the entire human race and beat them to death with gigantic burritos. You have been warned. ;-) 2060: Sir Isaac Newton, Britain's greatest scientist, analyzed the Bible, which he believed contained God's secret laws of the universe. He concluded that the end of the world will happen in the year 2060. According to Malcolm Neaum, the producer of a TV documentary on Newton: "He spent something like 50 years and wrote 4,500 pages trying to predict when the end of the world was coming. But until now it was not known that he ever wrote down a final figure. He was very reluctant to do so." 2076: Bede the Venerable, an 8th century Christian theologian computed Jesus birth as 3,942 years after the world's creation. The 6,000 year millennial week will thus end in this year. 2076: Some Sufi sects expect the end of the world in this year, which is the year 1,500 in the Muslim calendar. Can you offer any reasonable alternative for TEOTWAWKI? revdauphinee answered on 07/06/06: folks the world will not end it is to be renewed Revelation 21 1. Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea. 2. I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. 3. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, "Now the dwelling of God is with men, and he will live with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. 4. He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away." 5. He who was seated on the throne said, "I am making everything new!" Then he said, "Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true." Erewhon rated this answer WheninRome rated this answer

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arcura asked on 07/06/06 - How was your 4th of July, 2006? We celebrated ours way up in the National Forest at a cabin with prayer for several things, including a fast and safe return of out troops,Peace in the world, that we will find our lost dog (we did) that we will find a way to repair the plumbing that froze and broke over winter (we did not, yet) and that we would have a safe trip home. (we did). Here is how the 4th was for some others. Calvin Coolidge was born on the 4th (He became president of the USA) John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, and James Monroe died on the 4th of July. The Statue of Liberty was presented to the USA by France July 4, 1884. Katherine Lee Bates published her song �American the Beautiful� on July 4, 1895 On July 4, 1960 the 50 star American Flag was first flown and waved as Hawaii became the fiftieth state. And George Steinbrener, owner of the NY Yankees, was born on July 4th. So how was your 4th of July this year? revdauphinee answered on 07/06/06: I had a great time up at the lake with my daughter it is so great to be now living close enough to socialise! Ate too much barbeque! arcura rated this answer MaggieB rated this answer

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ROLCAM asked on 07/01/06 - TO SERVE : Do you encourage others to reach out for JESUS' healing power ? revdauphinee answered on 07/04/06: yes but did not God also give us doctors??we should also use that gift ROLCAM rated this answer

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jackreade asked on 07/01/06 - Just Wondering Why is there so much doctrine and interpretation associated with Chistianity? revdauphinee answered on 07/04/06: because unlike Christ himself organised religion wishes to controll folks not just save thier souls jackreade rated this answer

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HANK1 asked on 06/30/06 - FREEDOM! Are we in America free because of Christianity? HANK revdauphinee answered on 07/04/06: Erewhon I am now an American (thank God) and I have knowledge of many other countries yet I find this the only one in wich I wish to spend the rest of my days !I have traveled as have many of my fellow citisens thats how I know! arcura rated this answer HANK1 rated this answer

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hOPE12 asked on 06/30/06 - Cell Phones vs The Bible: Hello Everyone, Here is something I thought you all might like. Made me think about things, that is for sure! Makes you stop and think where our priorities are?????? Cell Phone vs. Bible I wonder what would happen if we treated our Bible like we treat our cell phones? What if we carried it around in our purses or pockets? What if we turned back to go get it if we forgot it? What if we flipped through it several times a day? What if we used it to receive messages from the text? What if we treated it like we couldn't live without it? What if we gave it to kids as gifts? What if we used it as we traveled? What if we used it in case of an emergency? What if we upgraded it to get the latest version? This is something to make you go...hmmm...where is my Bible? Oh, and one more thing. Unlike our cell phone, we don�t ever have to worry about our bible being disconnected because Jesus already paid the bill! Take care, Hope12 revdauphinee answered on 07/04/06: I often misplace my cell phone but i can always find my bible! hOPE12 rated this answer

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hOPE12 asked on 06/30/06 - Just really trying to undestand what other believe. Hello Everyone, In response to my previous post on Acts 7:59, I am confused at the many responses and need some questions answered. Can you answer them for me? For those who believe in the trinity, Please explain these things to me. I am confused on how this would make sense. I am being very serious and not trying to find fault with those who believe in the Trinity. I am truly trying to understand how this can be explained. Can anyone who believes in the Trinity explain this to me. Christianity is based on Jesus Christ, however here is what I personally understand the Bible says about Jesus and God. Is Jesus Christ actually God? John 17:3, RS: �[Jesus prayed to his Father:] This is eternal life, that they know thee the only true God [�who alone art truly God,� NE], and Jesus Christ whom thou hast sent.� (Notice that Jesus referred not to himself but to his Father in heaven as �the only true God.�) Why the mention of two persons and not one, if they are the same? John 20:17, RS: �Jesus said to her [Mary Magdalene], �Do not hold me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father; but go to my brethren and say to them, I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.�� (So to the resurrected Jesus, the Father was God, just as the Father was God to Mary Magdalene. Interestingly, not once in Scripture do we find the Father addressing the Son as �my God.� Does this mean that God needs a God? ) For instance, consider what John further writes in chapter 1, verse 18: �No man has seen [Almighty] God at any time.� However, humans have seen Jesus, the Son, for John says: �The Word [Jesus] was made flesh, and dwelt among us, and we beheld his glory.� John 1:14, KJ How, then, could the Son be part of Almighty God? John also states that the Word was �with God.� But how can an individual be with someone and at the same time be that person? Moreover, as recorded at John 17:3, Jesus makes a clear distinction between himself and his heavenly Father. He calls his Father �the only true God.� And toward the end of his Gospel, John sums up matters by saying: �These have been written down that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ the Son of God.� John 20:31 Notice that Jesus is called, not God, but the Son of God. This additional information provided in the Gospel of John shows how John 1:1 should be understood. Jesus, the Word, is �a god� in the sense that he has a high position but is not the same as Almighty God. Please read some of the prophecies regarding the Messiah, Jesus Christ and then try to explain to me how this is showing that God Almighty is Jesus and Jesus is God??? Born of the tribe of Judah Genesis 49:10 Luke 3:23-33 Born of a virgin Isaiah 7:14 Matthew 1:18-25 Bible says God is and always was. If the Bible is true then God and Jesus are not the same. �God is the �Creator� of all things. He had no beginning nor will he ever have an end. Jesus was born on earth. When Jesus was in the womb of Mary waiting to be born as a baby, who kept the Universe working and the moon and stars and planets functioning and in operation? Who kept the humans and animals alive here on earth while Jesus (if the same person as God)is in the womb of Mary? Descended from King David Isaiah 9:7 Matthew 1:1, 6-17 If Jesus is God, then that means God is a descendent of king David a human????? Declared by God to be his Son: Psalm 2:7 Matthew 3:17 Are we to believe that if Jesus is God, he at these scriptures is calling himself his own son??? Buried with the rich Isaiah 53:9 Matthew 27:57-60 If Jesus is �God, than are we to believe that God Almighty died and was buried??? Who took and made things here on earth and the universe work, if Jesus is God and he was dead and buried? Raised before corruption Psalm 16:10 Acts 2:24, 27 Did Jesus who some think is God, raise himself up? Exalted to God�s right hand Psalm 110:1 Acts 7:56 If Jesus is God, then this would mean that God exalted himself to himself at his own right hand?????? My deep appreciation for your time and efforts. Thanks. Hope 12 revdauphinee answered on 07/04/06: my answer has always been that to different folks we appear different but we are still just the one us! for instance to your husband you are a wife! To your children you are parent to your parents you are child yet you are still only one person you! same with God he has threee distinct personalities father. son holy spirit yet he is still but one GOd! hOPE12 rated this answer

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belle33 asked on 06/12/06 - Uhmalanga I tried to do a follow up in response to your follow up but I could not. Here is the information on thepublication about Germany. phone # 1-800-772-8577 Philadelphia Church OF god po box 3700 Edmond ok 73083 US date august 2005 issue title of article:THE GERMAN SHAPESHIFTER author: Ron Fraser It would be interesting to see where he got his facts. revdauphinee answered on 06/14/06: the church of God is a product of herbert w armstrong and a lot of his stuff is falacy arcura rated this answer belle33 rated this answer

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belle33 asked on 06/12/06 - Germany again I was given this publication, a small magazine published by the Philadelphia Church of GOD. It reads,in,part, "the German people are the only nation to have ever repented as an entire nation,and turned to GOd in response to a grave warning from one of His prophets (Jonah 3 5-10)."Study the history of Germanic peoples. they are descendents of Assur who built the ancient captial of the Assyrian Empire, Nineveh.The Germans are descendents of Assur,son of Noah. Ancient Austrian chronicles catalogue the fact of Noah appointing Shem ruler over the area occupied today by Austria and Germany following the population explosion within the first century and a half of the ark landing on Mount Ararat.Ancient documents give account of the visit of Abraham to the upper regions of the Danube river,particularly Austria." revdauphinee answered on 06/14/06: hon dont believe everything you read it sounds like balderdash to me and I am from europe belle33 rated this answer

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HANK1 asked on 06/11/06 - JUST WONDERING ... ... if GOD expects you to obey the Golden Rule on a 24/7 basis. Is it realistic to do so? revdauphinee answered on 06/11/06: he wants us to! but God is a realist he knows how vunerable we humans are yet he loves us in spite of it! HANK1 rated this answer Judgment_Day rated this answer

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HANK1 asked on 06/11/06 - JUST WONDERING ... ... how much you value your life. Grade your existence -- A B C D F. revdauphinee answered on 06/11/06: God gaves us life it must be of great value dont you think? HANK1 rated this answer

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HANK1 asked on 06/11/06 - JUST WONDERING ... ... if you think DEATH is an EVIL? revdauphinee answered on 06/11/06: why would it be evil??Jesus sufered death how can it be evil it is just one more step in Gods plan! belle33 rated this answer HANK1 rated this answer

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hOPE12 asked on 06/11/06 - Hello Everyone! I just wanted to take the time to thank everyone who gave their many suggestions as to what to do with the Bible Student who wanted to shoot himself in the head. You all will be happy to know I have followed you advice and suggestions and he is now getting professional help and is doing just fine. I just told him that there is just so much a minister can do to help those we truly love and that sometimes things are beyond what we can deal with. I told him that there are professional persons who would be of more help to him and that I would go with him if it would make him feel more comfortable. He is now seeing a doctor who is helping him and he goes a few days a week and seems to be doing well. He has stopped drinking completely, which automatically helps and he is back to work. The doctor seemed to think that the inpatient care would just make him more anxious so they allowed him to stay home and check on him constantly. I also visit with him a few times a week and give encouragement. The doc thought he was suffering from a sense of void since his wife and children left and that is what they are now working on. Anyway, thank you all so very much for you most helpful suggestions. Take care, Hope12 revdauphinee answered on 06/11/06: great in just wanting to help makes you a blessing to him! hOPE12 rated this answer

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ROLCAM asked on 06/11/06 - TO LOVE : Father, Son and Spirit, We reverence your Holy Names. revdauphinee answered on 06/11/06: rolcam why do you post such as this? where is the question in it?we can ask !if we profess to be Christian and many of us do we can as we were told in scripture (Matt.6:6. But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. ) we need not do so here on line! ROLCAM rated this answer WheninRome rated this answer

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HANK1 asked on 06/11/06 - ISOLATIONISM: People who don't have God in their hearts can't have peace in their lives. So, perhaps there's a solution to all of this apprehension and fear that the American people have endured for over four years. 1. Bring all of our troops home from Iraq within six months. 2. Take the bull by the horns and tell Israel to 'go it alone' because we're tired of seeing, reading and hearing their problems and suffering on TV and in the newspapers. That clip on NBC News this evening (6/10/06) about the little girl who went on a picnic with her parents and the parents were killed. That's what prompted this post. 3. Call in all of the loans we have made to other countries. 4 Call our troops home from Afghanistan and all other battlefields that are being forced upon us from shore to shore and from continent to continent. 6. Let ALL countries fight their own damn wars and solve their own problems. We do! This is ISOLATIONISM, folks. Why not? "Isolationism is a foreign policy which combines a non-interventionist military and political policy with a policy of economic nationalism (protectionism). In other words, it asserts the following: Political rulers should avoid entangling alliances with other nations and avoid all wars not related to direct territorial self-defense." (There's more to it than that, of course!) Source: Wikipedia It's time to relax, folks, with our kids and families. I'm just very tired of seeing carnage on TV and hearing stories about the 'displaced.' Let's take care of our own people FIRST! Many need help! Let's enjoy baseball and apple pie! HANK revdauphinee answered on 06/11/06: while it is good to help others with the following I am afraid I have to agree " Let's take care of our own people FIRST! Many need help! Let's enjoy baseball and apple pie!" we need to put our own house in order before we start minding others business,many of those whoom we are attempting to force our brand of democracy are neither ready for it interested in it nor do they even want it !So in effect we are attemptin g to force our will on people who dont want it and this will never work if and when we remove ourselves from the country I predict it will return to some form of sheria government wich is what they realy want and all our folks will have died in vain! HANK1 rated this answer

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purplewings asked on 06/10/06 - Christian opinions of Ann Coulter & her new book. By Townhall.com You'll get a kick out of some of the comments by "reviewers" of Ann's new book Godless: The Church of Liberalism. "Scumbags like ... Coulter are the reasons that political discourse in this country is so hostile." -Nick "Look at the mess that [Bush] and his supposed Christian cohorts have made of the world. Hell, look at the mess they've created in America. I'll take a Godless leader over another stupid a** Christian any day!" -G. Newby Now you see why Coulter writes in her new book Godless, "Liberals can believe what they want to believe, but let us not flinch from identifying liberalism as the opposition party to God." In Godless: The Church of Liberalism, Ann shows convincingly that liberal hostility to traditional religion stems from the fact that liberalism is itself a religion -- a godless one. And, she shows how, thanks to the liberals who dominate our courts, our government bureaucracies, our schools, and our media, liberalism is now the established religion of our country. And that is why Coulter says, "Being a Christian means that I am called upon to do battle against lies, injustice, cruelty, hypocrisy -- you know, all the virtues in the church of liberalism." To read more: http://www.townhall.com/opinion/books_entertainment/reviews/benshapiro/200642.html What do you think about it? revdauphinee answered on 06/10/06: coulter is just another idiot who assumes her oppinions mater! powderpuff rated this answer purplewings rated this answer

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Erewhon asked on 06/09/06 - "Getting the devil out" ... or "Murder in the name of Jesus"? ................ ..... A case before the court involves a 200 lb evangelist who laid and knelt on an eight-year old autistic boy's chest in an exorcism. The boy died. (Earlier attempts had included beating the boy with belts and bruising him.) The evangelist's brother, the bishop or pastor of the congregation said that they were only doing what had been done in the Bible. In this connection he referred to: 9 And there sat in a window a certain young man named Eutychus, being fallen into a deep sleep: and as Paul was long preaching, he sunk down with sleep, and fell down from the third loft, and was taken up dead. 10 And Paul went down, and fell on him, and embracing him said, Trouble not yourselves; for his life is in him. 11 When he therefore was come up again, and had broken bread, and eaten, and talked a long while, even till break of day, so he departed. 12 And they brought the young man alive, and were not a little comforted. The evangelist pressed so hard on this poor boy that he unrinated and defaecated before he died - he was struggling for his poor little life and he lost the unequal struggle after two hours! Is this kind of rite really sanctioned by the Bible as the Bishop cliams, or is it folly gone mad enough to murder? Should churches such as this that practice rituals resulting in injury and death be outlawed as dangerous cults, or can you find some reasonable justification for this kind of activity in the name of Jesus? My position is that I would lock the whole shebang of them up together and throw away the key. revdauphinee answered on 06/10/06: my position also but never fear for God will sort them out because if anyone harms one of the little ones it would be better for him to have a large millstone hung around his neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea. ) Erewhon rated this answer

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belle33 asked on 06/09/06 - Germany Since Germany was once the ancient city of Nineveh, is it the nation spoken of in IS ch 10, Assyria? What I would like to know is how Germany is viewed in prophecy? revdauphinee answered on 06/10/06: I doubt germany was the city of ninevah how can a country be just a city???? BeelzeBUSH rated this answer belle33 rated this answer

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arcura asked on 06/09/06 - I'm going to be gone for a few days................. Going camping up in the mountains with my cousin Fritz and his family. On Sunday we'll have a special back to nature religious service and I'll again be praying for you all to experience peace, kindness, good health, and much love. Have a great week end. Peace and kindness, Fred revdauphinee answered on 06/10/06: acura have a great trip! belle do we need to hear that??? arcura rated this answer belle33 rated this answer

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arcura asked on 06/09/06 - I'm going to be gone for a few days................. Going camping up in the mountains with my cousin Fritz and his family. On Sunday we'll have a special back to nature religious service and I'll again be praying for you all to experience peace, kindness, good health, and much love. Have a great week end. Peace and kindness, Fred revdauphinee answered on 06/10/06: acura have a great trip! belle do we need to hear that??? arcura rated this answer belle33 rated this answer

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arcura asked on 06/09/06 - Is anyone here going to Boston to celebrate......... Macy's supported "Gay Pride Week" I doubt many Christians will, but look here.... http://www.massresistance.com/docs/events06/pride06/events.html revdauphinee answered on 06/09/06: why not do as God does and learn to love the sinner whilst hating the sin ,we are all his children arcura rated this answer

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STONY asked on 06/08/06 - IT TOOK A 500 LB. BOMB.... BUT THE NUMBER 2 LEADER OF AL-QAEDA, AL-ZARQAWI IS DEAD. COMMENTS? revdauphinee answered on 06/09/06: As christians we live in this world and therefore what happens in it affects and concerns us! purplewings rated this answer STONY rated this answer uhmlanga rated this answer

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belle33 asked on 06/08/06 - If paraclete posts one more of those long boring pastes of his, someone should tell him to get with the program here. Is there a question here? NO, no doubt about it, he is boring with all that stuff. revdauphinee answered on 06/09/06: maybee i missed it or I am just to dumb to know but I cant remember ever being insulted by Paraclete belle33 rated this answer paraclete rated this answer

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belle33 asked on 06/06/06 - David in heaven I was just reading dgade's response to Hanks birthday thoughts. Phil:1-22-24, Paul believes he will be in heaven if he dies, but in another place the Bible says David is not in heaven. Moses must be in heaven, otherwise he would not hve appeared in the garden with Jesus. So why is david just dead and not there? revdauphinee answered on 06/06/06: could you tell me where in scripture it tells david is not??? belle33 rated this answer paraclete rated this answer tomder55 rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 06/06/06 - Have you ever wondered why you are told not to put God to the Test? Man who was 'testing God' killed by lion June 6, 2006 A lion killed a man who climbed into its enclosure in the Ukrainian capital's zoo, police said today. The lion attacked the 45-year-old Ukrainian late yesterday after he used a rope to climb down into an enclosure with four lions, said Kiev police spokesman Volodymyr Polishchuk. He said the man, who was not identified, was acting aggressively and the lion seized him by the throat. The man, an ethnic Azerbaijani, died at the scene. Ukrainian TV channel NTN broadcast interviews with witnesses who said the man told them that he wanted to test God, believing that God would not allow the lions to hurt him. Zoo officials could not immediately be reached for comment. AP revdauphinee answered on 06/06/06: because those you have to test you dont trust! belle33 rated this answer paraclete rated this answer

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HANK1 asked on 06/06/06 - BIRTHDAYS: To me, a birthday represents one year closer to death. This is why I don't celebrate. How about you? HANK revdauphinee answered on 06/06/06: but why deny those that love you the celebrations of having you present in there lives????? Erewhon rated this answer HANK1 rated this answer WheninRome rated this answer

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renegadebanjo asked on 06/06/06 - need answer today!!please!! hello..I have a question: I want to know what christianity and the bible says about plastic / cosmetic surgery??? i would love some information!! please answer today...i have an exam.. thank you. revdauphinee answered on 06/06/06: dont feel the bible has mutch to offer on this subject however if the need is for reconstructive surgery then we need to remember that all knowledge (even the surgeons knowledge) comes from GOD AND therfore the use of it is good.The scripture does speak out against vanity however so if its just for self agrandisement then I feel it would be wrong! belle33 rated this answer Erewhon rated this answer

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arcura asked on 06/05/06 - New data on global warming......................... This information comes from DISCOVER and other sources. <><><> Methane in our atmosphere is a significant contributor to global warming and air pollution. The results of testing on live growing plants have shown that they produce significant amounts of methane gas. Plants may be the biggest contributor of methane in the atmosphere. A second major source is from the animals that eat them. Think beans and other flatulence producing foods as an example. A third major source results from the decay of dead matter and feces. These are facts which modern science has discovered. <><><> Now the question is how much reduction of global warming gases would result if farmers quit growing crops and animals quit eating plants? Will you contribute to the effort by not planting and growing flowers or whatever and stop eating plants? I won�t Fred revdauphinee answered on 06/05/06: all true but bush dosent care you cant make money from conservation ! arcura rated this answer

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curious98 asked on 06/04/06 - God's silence? On Sunday (last one, not today's, of course) Pope Benedict XVI visited the Auschwitz concentration camp. According to USA Today, during the visit the Pope said: "In a place like this, words fail; in the end, there can be only a dread silence, a silence which itself is a heartfelt cry to God: Why, Lord, did you remain silent? How could you tolerate all this?" Most interesting, it seemed as though God anticipated the question, as well as sought to answer it. For when the Pope walked along the row of memorial plaques at the complex, stopping to pray, the drizzle of rain immediately ended and a magnificent rainbow appeared over the camp. The first time the rainbow is mentioned in Holy Scripture is after Noah has left the Ark. The former world, which was violent and wicked, had been utterly destroyed in judgment. After that dark event, emerging from the clouds was a glorious rainbow, which God directed to Noah's attention and said: "I do set my bow in the cloud, and it shall be for a token of a covenant between Me and the earth" (Gen. 9:13). The rainbow was given to reassure man that though sin abounds, grace does much more abound. God is indeed a God of wrath, but He is also full of mercy. Few events more accurately demonstrate the depravity of the human heart than what happened at Auschwitz. Nearly every kind of evil brought on by man's rejection of God and his inhumanity to man was represented there: racism, murder, slavery, beatings, forced experimentations on human life, genocide, starvation, rape, and illness. Clearly, mankind is in need of an experience of grace. Any comments Curious98 revdauphinee answered on 06/05/06: His silence may speak volumes !if he let us truly know his feelings we would probably be wiped out as a species ,we need to thank God for his own self controll with us his children curious98 rated this answer

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ROLCAM asked on 06/04/06 - GOD IS IN HIS HEAVEN !! Robert Browning (1812-1889) from Pippa Passes The year's at the spring And day's at the morn; Morning's at seven; The hillside's dew-pearled; The lark's on the wing; The snail's on the thorn: God's in His heaven� All's right with the world! Browning is optimistic. Is Everything All Right with the world ? roland. revdauphinee answered on 06/05/06: unfotunatly there is more wrong with todays worlds than right!so the blessing is that God is still in his heaven we need him today more than we ever did! ROLCAM rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 06/04/06 - A worse crime than 9/11 Warming worse than 9/11: Thompson June 4, 2006 - 2:37PM September 11 attacks 'probably the most awful and spectacular incident in my life' ... Jack Thompson. Famed Australian actor Jack Thompson says destruction of the environment is a worse atrocity than the September 11 terror attacks and the bombings of Nagasaki and Hiroshima combined. Thompson, who will today address a Melbourne rally on the eve of World Environment Day, said measurably more people were affected by global warming than by the three catastrophic events. "That is not to diminish what happened on 9/11. That is probably the most awful and spectacular incident in my life since Nagasaki and Hiroshima," he said. "But Hiroshima, Nagasaki and 9/11 all together, when you look at the meltdown of the Greenland ice-cap and the flow-on of that alone, the numbers of people affected, it is measurably more." A US government website said the death toll from Nagasaki and Hiroshima was probably more than 100,000, possibly exceeding 200,000 within five years of the World War II bombings. About 3000 people died as a result of the attacks on September 11, 2001. Thompson, who starred in films including Breaker Morant, The Chant of Jimmie Blacksmith, The Sum of Us and My Brother Jack, said he was passionate about encouraging sustainable development. Japanese Australians and the RSL today gave qualified support to Thompson's comments. Committee member of the Australia-Japan society, Hiroko Fischer, said while Thompson may be exaggerating, it was possible that over the next 100 years global warming will have a bigger impact than the bombings of Nagasaki and Hiroshima. "It is hard to compare the two. The bombings were quite devastating ... the environment is slowly getting affected," Ms Fischer said. RSL national president Major-General Bill Crews said global warming may eventually prove more catastrophic than the bombings, and the terror attacks. "Global warming is a global situation, as far as it has been proved, and is far more extensive than more isolated incidents such as the bombings in Japan or the attacks on September 11," Major-General Crews said. He said in terms of the total impact to humanity, global warming may ultimately have more impact. Thompson most recently co-starred with Sean Penn in The Assassination of Richard Nixon. =============================================== I doubt Americans would agree with him but Christians should reflect that Nagasaki, in fact, was the A-bomb used by "Christians" on Christians, certainly an atrocity of huge proportions, since it was avoidable. revdauphinee answered on 06/05/06: I am in total agreement with him! too bad we have leaders here in the USA who are more interested in allowing big business to make higher profits than in giving us a safe place to live! paraclete rated this answer

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belle33 asked on 06/04/06 - End of the World I've heard that at the end of the world, or when Jesus returns, the saved will be caught upin the air and taken to heaven. Then again, I've heard that Jesus will reign on earth a thousand years and all will have a chance to repent. Please help me understand this. ALso either way, I dont understand when the judgement of the living and the dead occurs. revdauphinee answered on 06/05/06: Jesus will appear in the clouds and believers will be taken up to heaven with him! at this time his feet will not stand upon the earth , he will appear in the sky. at a time seven yrs later he will come back to earth along with those he had previously taken up and then he along with them will rule the eath for 1000 of peace! like the bumper sticker on my car says "when the last trumpet sounds im out of here!" MaggieB rated this answer belle33 rated this answer

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CeeBee2 asked on 06/03/06 - How do you understand this Bible verse, especially the phrase in bold: Heb 2:9 But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels, now crowned with glory and honor because he suffered death, so that by the grace of God he might taste death for everyone. revdauphinee answered on 06/04/06: he was born fully man whilst remaining fully Gand died to save us humans from eternal death!! CeeBee2 rated this answer

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HANK1 asked on 06/03/06 - Jesus: Did Jesus escape death on the cross? revdauphinee answered on 06/04/06: NO! HANK1 rated this answer

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HANK1 asked on 06/03/06 - The Bible: Is it POSSIBLE that the Bible was a work of fiction? revdauphinee answered on 06/04/06: No archealogy is proving its truths daily HANK1 rated this answer WheninRome rated this answer

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MaggieB asked on 06/03/06 - Back to Free Masonry: To those who are masons or have masonic ties or someone in the family (uncle, father, brother, etc) let me ask a couple of simple questions. Why do you/they feel compelled to be part of an organization that makes you promise to keep things secret even from your spouse? Why all the secrecy? Do you not see something fundamentally wrong with that concept or am I just reading things into the answers I received to my previous question? Thanks, MaggieB revdauphinee answered on 06/04/06: Erewhon said ""and the secrets that seem to frighten you are of such an order that a boy's gang might concoct for themselves."" well friend some biys are in gangs it pays to be afraid of !!! If something is so secret it cannot be shared with ones own flesh (spouse)it had no part of a marriage! MaggieB rated this answer purplewings rated this answer

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ROLCAM asked on 06/03/06 - To Know : The term " TRINITY " has been used to denote the central Christian doctrine: - God is absolutely one in nature and essence, - and in three distinct persons, - Father,Son and Holy Spirit, - co-eternal - and deserving co-equal honour and glory. revdauphinee answered on 06/03/06: again SO??? ROLCAM rated this answer

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Erewhon asked on 06/03/06 - Religion survey in the Scottish Police Force to test for evidence of a 'Stained Glass Promotion Police officers face religion survey to test claims of bias MICHAEL HOWIE SCOTLAND'S 15,000 police officers will be asked to declare their religion as part of a national audit amid claims that Catholics are being denied promotion by a "stained glass ceiling". The survey also seeks information on sexuality and gender, after concern that minority groups are grossly under-represented in the upper echelons of the police service. Members of the Catholic Church have previously called for the move to tackle alleged sectarianism within the police's ranks. The audit has been launched to establish how accurately the police service is representing the communities they serve. The Executive has pledged to stamp out sectarianism, dubbed "Scotland's shame" by the justice minister, Cathy Jamieson. But despite this, little is known about the extent to which religious discrimination exists within public bodies. A spokesman for the Catholic Church last night welcomed the move. "At the moment we don't know whether there is a problem within the police service. This will bring some much-needed transparency," he said. A Church source added: "I'm aware of anecdotal evidence that a 'stained glass ceiling' exists in the police service. I know Catholics in the police who have not been able to get beyond the rank of sergeant because they were Catholic, and were not Masons." The officer leading the project yesterday said he hoped the project would address the police's "huge image problem". Chief Superintendent George Denholm, of Lothian and Borders Police, said: "This is about finding out how recruits from different backgrounds are getting on in the police service. We want to sell ourselves to the public and employ the best people. "There's a huge image problem. People's perception of who we are is totally different than they want the police service to be. "Questions have been raised by the Catholic Church who say people serving in the police service are hitting a 'stained glass ceiling', stopping Catholic members of the police force being promoted. That there is some sort of Masonic conspiracy." He denied such accusations but admitted representation in the police could be improved. "I think we are doing particularly well but maybe there is a risk that problems will be exposed. However, I think we have far more to be proud of than to keep secret." Inequality within the police service with regards to race and gender has already been clearly established. About 1 per cent the police service is from a black or ethnic minority background - compared with about 2 per cent of the population. A recent survey found women make up 20 per cent of Scotland's 10,000 police constables but only 9 per cent of higher ranks. Monsignor Joseph Creegan, of the Catholic Church's Dunkeld diocese, said he believed sectarianism was once rife in the police service. But he said this was no longer a major problem and claimed the audit was taking political correctness too far. He said: "With the best will in the world, it's impossible to get an exact replica of society in any organisation. They should be getting the best person for the job. I think asking everyone if they are Church of Scotland or Roman Catholic is going too far." But Mr Denholm insisted accusation that the voluntary survey was "political correctness gone mad" were wide of the mark. "If you don't measure things like gender, religion and sexual orientation, how do you know whether initiatives to promoted more representation in the police service are working?" he said. === QUESTION: Is this survey going: 1. Too far? 2. Not far enough? Or, 3. Just about right? Please explain why you answer as you do. Erewhon - "Will Work For Food" revdauphinee answered on 06/03/06: QUESTION: Is this survey going: 1. Too far? a) way too far !ones religion should have no place in hiring or should such questions after hiring be allowed! 2. Not far enough? same answer 3. Just about right? again same answer arcura rated this answer Erewhon rated this answer

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Erewhon asked on 06/03/06 - Religion survey in the Scottish Police Force to test for evidence of a 'Stained Glass Promotion Police officers face religion survey to test claims of bias MICHAEL HOWIE SCOTLAND'S 15,000 police officers will be asked to declare their religion as part of a national audit amid claims that Catholics are being denied promotion by a "stained glass ceiling". The survey also seeks information on sexuality and gender, after concern that minority groups are grossly under-represented in the upper echelons of the police service. Members of the Catholic Church have previously called for the move to tackle alleged sectarianism within the police's ranks. The audit has been launched to establish how accurately the police service is representing the communities they serve. The Executive has pledged to stamp out sectarianism, dubbed "Scotland's shame" by the justice minister, Cathy Jamieson. But despite this, little is known about the extent to which religious discrimination exists within public bodies. A spokesman for the Catholic Church last night welcomed the move. "At the moment we don't know whether there is a problem within the police service. This will bring some much-needed transparency," he said. A Church source added: "I'm aware of anecdotal evidence that a 'stained glass ceiling' exists in the police service. I know Catholics in the police who have not been able to get beyond the rank of sergeant because they were Catholic, and were not Masons." The officer leading the project yesterday said he hoped the project would address the police's "huge image problem". Chief Superintendent George Denholm, of Lothian and Borders Police, said: "This is about finding out how recruits from different backgrounds are getting on in the police service. We want to sell ourselves to the public and employ the best people. "There's a huge image problem. People's perception of who we are is totally different than they want the police service to be. "Questions have been raised by the Catholic Church who say people serving in the police service are hitting a 'stained glass ceiling', stopping Catholic members of the police force being promoted. That there is some sort of Masonic conspiracy." He denied such accusations but admitted representation in the police could be improved. "I think we are doing particularly well but maybe there is a risk that problems will be exposed. However, I think we have far more to be proud of than to keep secret." Inequality within the police service with regards to race and gender has already been clearly established. About 1 per cent the police service is from a black or ethnic minority background - compared with about 2 per cent of the population. A recent survey found women make up 20 per cent of Scotland's 10,000 police constables but only 9 per cent of higher ranks. Monsignor Joseph Creegan, of the Catholic Church's Dunkeld diocese, said he believed sectarianism was once rife in the police service. But he said this was no longer a major problem and claimed the audit was taking political correctness too far. He said: "With the best will in the world, it's impossible to get an exact replica of society in any organisation. They should be getting the best person for the job. I think asking everyone if they are Church of Scotland or Roman Catholic is going too far." But Mr Denholm insisted accusation that the voluntary survey was "political correctness gone mad" were wide of the mark. "If you don't measure things like gender, religion and sexual orientation, how do you know whether initiatives to promoted more representation in the police service are working?" he said. === QUESTION: Is this survey going: 1. Too far? 2. Not far enough? Or, 3. Just about right? Please explain why you answer as you do. Erewhon - "Will Work For Food" revdauphinee answered on 06/03/06: QUESTION: Is this survey going: 1. Too far? a) way too far !ones religion should have no place in hiring or should such questions after hiring be allowed! 2. Not far enough? same answer 3. Just about right? again same answer Erewhon rated this answer

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ROLCAM asked on 06/03/06 - TO SERVE : In what ways do we teach GOD's truth to others? revdauphinee answered on 06/03/06: By living it!not by preaching ROLCAM rated this answer

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ROLCAM asked on 06/03/06 - TO LOVE : Holy Spirit, illuminate our minds to the teachings of your Church. revdauphinee answered on 06/03/06: define "Your church "unfortunatly I have been able to find no organised one that follows his teachings completely ROLCAM rated this answer

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arcura asked on 06/03/06 - Is this how some politicians learn???????????????? Three American Congressmen and three Jamaicans are travelling by an AMTRAK train to a conference. At the station, the three American congressmen each buy a ticket and watch as the three Jamaicans buy only a single ticket. "How are three people going to travel on only one ticket?" asked an American. "Watch the ride my yute!!!" answers a Jamaican. They all board the train. The Americans take their respective seats but all three Jamaicans cram into a restroom and close the door behind them. Shortly after the train departed, the conductor comes around collecting tickets. He knocks on the restroom door and says, "Ticket, please." The door opens just a crack and a single arm emerges with a ticket in hand. The conductor takes it and moves on. The Americans saw this and agreed it was quite a clever idea. So after the conference, the Americans decide to copy the Jamaicans on the return trip and save some money. When they get to the station, they buy a single ticket for the return trip. To their astonishment, the Jamaicans don't buy a ticket at all. "How are you going to travel without a ticket?" asks one perplexed American. "Watch the ride my yute!!!" says a Jamaican. When they board the train the three Americans cram into a restroom and the three Jamaicans cram into another one nearby. The train departs. Shortly afterward, one of the Jamaicans leaves his restroom and walks over to the restroom where the Americans are hiding. He knocks on the door and says, "Ticket, please." revdauphinee answered on 06/03/06: good one thanks! arcura rated this answer

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arcura asked on 06/03/06 - Where in the world is this happening???????????????? Where in the world would you be if awoke each morning to be told by the news that once again there were six more murders, 27 rapes, 38 arsons, 180 robberies, and 360 other criminal instances - yesterday, and probably today and tomorrow. The announcer says, "Nearly 200 poor citizens butchered again this month!"???? There is a monthly media dose of 蜨 women raped in February alone!" Plus the news, "Over 600 violent robberies and assaults in March, with no end in sight!" Those do not even make up all of the area�s yearly 200,000 violent acts that law enforcement knows about. The judicial system seems a mess. There are 170,000 criminals - an inmate population larger than those of Germany, France, the Netherlands, and Singapore combined. Just to house such a shadow population costs nearly $7 billion a year - or about the same price of keeping 40,000 Army personnel per year on active war duty. What would you think the image of the area would be if you were reminded each morning, "Another $20 million spent today on housing our criminals?" Some of most recent prison scandals are sensational: "Guards watch as inmates are raped!" Or "Correction officer accused of having sex with underage detainee. Over 3 million foreigners who snuck in illegally now live in the area. Worse, there are about 15,000 convicted alien felons incarcerated in the penal system, costing about $500 million a year. Imagine the potential tabloid headlines: "Illegal aliens in area comprise population larger than our largest city!" or "Drugs, criminals, and smugglers given free pass into here!" Every year, over 4,000 citizens die in car crashes - nearly twice the number of Americans lost so far in three years of combat operations in Iraq. In some sense, then, the area�s badly maintained roads, and often poorly trained divers are even more lethal than Improvised Explosive Devices. Very likely tomorrow's headline could scream out at you: 藼 citizens to perish this month on our highways! Hundreds more will be maimed and crippled!" No you would not be in Iraq. But you would be in a state that has about the same population as Iraq. It is California!!! Sensible and reasonably thought out comments are welcome. revdauphinee answered on 06/03/06: Unfortunatly since good news dosent sell papers we hear little of it however it does happen! arcura rated this answer

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HANK1 asked on 06/02/06 - HEAVEN ON EARTH: If all people treated you the way you want to be treated all the time, could you be happy all the time when you're sick and when you're in good health? HANK revdauphinee answered on 06/03/06: NO! AND I WOUDNT WANT TO BE !IF FOLKS WERE WALKING AROUND HAPPY ALL THE TIME WHAT A TRULY DULL WORLD WE WOULD LIVE IN!GOD GAVE US EMOTIONS IN ORDER THAT WE WOULD GROW !Imagine a world where everyone was walkng around with no ambition smiling all the time like automatons how boring! HANK1 rated this answer

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MaggieB asked on 06/02/06 - I would like your thoughts and comments: There has been an on-going discussion in a group of local neighbors about Free Masonary, some say it is a religion others say no, others say it is demonic. What do you know about Free Masonary? Thanks, MaggieB revdauphinee answered on 06/02/06: ENOUGH TO KNOW I WOULD NOT WANT ANY OF MY FAMILY INVOLVED MaggieB rated this answer paraclete rated this answer

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ROLCAM asked on 06/02/06 - Is THE SECOND COMING at hand? A beautiful poem re-visited !! William Butler Yeats (1865-1939) THE SECOND COMING Turning and turning in the widening gyre The falcon cannot hear the falconer; Things fall apart; the centre cannot hold; Mere anarchy is loosed upon the world, The blood-dimmed tide is loosed, and everywhere The ceremony of innocence is drowned; The best lack all convictions, while the worst Are full of passionate intensity. Surely some revelation is at hand; Surely the Second Coming is at hand. The Second Coming! Hardly are those words out When a vast image out of Spiritus Mundi Troubles my sight: a waste of desert sand; A shape with lion body and the head of a man, A gaze blank and pitiless as the sun, Is moving its slow thighs, while all about it Wind shadows of the indignant desert birds. The darkness drops again but now I know That twenty centuries of stony sleep Were vexed to nightmare by a rocking cradle, And what rough beast, its hour come round at last, Slouches towards Bethlehem to be born? rolcam. revdauphinee answered on 06/02/06: I personaly believe we are standing on the threashold of the second coming! ROLCAM rated this answer

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Erewhon asked on 06/01/06 - Old versus New? Do Christians have to make a distinct choice between the Old and New testaments? Is there nothing in the Old Testament that is relevant to Christians? For example: The commandments, Not to murder? Not to steal? Not to commit adultery? Not to worship false gods? etc. What about the teachings of the Old Testament which, as a whole, is unexcelled in literature, rich in human interest and biography, and contains a great many wonderful and varied religious teachings, examples of devotion, law (besides the Mosaic Code), wisdom, moral, and religious teaching. The Christian religion encompasses the moral and religious teachings of the Old Testament as well as the New. Do we have to choose one or the other but not both? If so, why? Is it impossible to accept that Old Testament warnings about the greedy poor and the rich who "neglected the poor and needy" and the warnings to ancient Israel about the virus of cultural arrogance are still worth pondering? The Bible presents the revelations of God in several dispensations or eras, each headed by prophets. They also read and follow the Bible for the instructional and spiritual value of the events it describes. While some of the Old Testament describes the Law of Moses that was fulfilled with the Atonement of Christ, nevertheless Old Testament stories, commandments, ordinances, proverbs, and prophetic writings still express the basic patterns of God's will toward his children and how they should act toward him and toward each other. If, as some have suggested , Christians must jettison the Old Testament as outdated, outmoded, and presenting a false god with false values, what is left to them by in the light of Christian theologians such as Rudolph Bultmann who begins with the premise that the entire New Testament eschatology is pure mythology and nothing else. There is nothing revolutionary about that: it is what some Christian scholars have been saying for many years, only, unlike Bultmann, they have steadfastly refused to draw the logical conclusion from that conviction or face its inevitable consequences. "The picture of the world we find in the New Testament is a mythological one," we are now told; it served well enough in its time, but it is no good any more. "When the New Testament . . . describes the saving action of God in Jesus Christ . . . it describes this action in terms of the contemporary mythological conception of the world. . . . It was natural for the gospel to be stated in these terms, for that was the outlook of the age." But such terms are decidedly not natural for our age, Bultmann insists: "It is impossible for the man of today to accept the mythology of the New Testament. . . . As long as this is taken at its face value as literally true, Christianity remains meaningless to modern man." It is not therefore a matter of toning down or softening or adaption of the old eschatology, but of its complete rejection: "He contends that to ask the man of today to accept the picture of the world that is found in the New Testament would be at once pointless and to ask the impossible. . . . It is, for instance, impossible for the man of today to interpret a case of epilepsy or schizophrenia as demoniac possession," or, in Bultmann's own words, "It is impossible to make use of electric light and radio, and, in case of illness, to claim the help of modern medical and clinical methods and at the same time believe in the New Testament's spirits and miracles." Is this a shocking statement? There is nothing new or radical about it. Over a hundred years ago Charles Dickens denounced the Mormons as hopelessly deluded and mentally incompetent because they were actually guilty of "seeing visions in an age of railways!" So, cast off the Old T and dun down the New T, and what is left? The conclusions of those who started with the hypothesis that what we call the miraculous is impossible, is not difficult to forecast. From the outset, with them, the Old Testament was doomed. In the wonderful incidents related as the experience of the patriarchs, of Moses, Aaron, Joshua and the kings and prophets of Israel, this school of critics could discern a striking parallel to the legends of Rome, of Greece and Egypt, and as readily rejected the one as the other. They rejected the cosmogony of Genesis, insisting that it was not the history of the creation but poetry, and as such must be regarded, but not as fact. Once suspicion was cast upon the historical value of sacred writings, the critics grew bolder and declared that portions of the sacred narrative presented the appearance of being simply myths, and from this by degrees it soon became the fashion to attach a legendary character to the whole of the Old Testament. It was decided by the same class of critics that the whole narrative, in the main, rests upon oral tradition and that that tradition was not written until long after the supposed events occurred. Moreover, when the old traditions were written, the work was done by poets bent rather on glorifying their country than upon recording facts; and it is claimed that at times they did not hesitate to allow imagination to amplify the oral traditions or at need to invent new occurrences, to fill up blanks in their histories! The authorship of the sacred books was held to be a matter of great uncertainty, as well as the dates at which they were written, but certainly they were not written until long after the dates usually assigned for their production. This style of criticism not only got rid of the cosmogony of Genesis, but discredited as histories the whole collection of books comprising the Old Testament. "The Fall of Man," that fact which gives meaning to the Atonement of Christ, and without which the scheme of Christian salvation is but an idle fable, was regarded as merely a myth. So, too, were the revelations of God to the patriarchs, his communion with Enoch, his warning to Noah, together with the story of the flood, the building of Babel's tower, the visions of Abraham,.the calling of Moses, the splendid display of God's power in the deliverance of Israel from bondage, the law written upon the tables of stone by the finger of God, the ark of the covenant and the visible presence of God with Israel, the visitation of angels to the prophets, their communion with God and the messages of reproof, of warning or of comfort they brought to the people, all were declared as nothing more than myths, distorted legends, uncertain traditions told by ecstatic poets, falsely esteemed prophets! Such was the wreck which this new science of criticism made of the Old Testament. There was scarcely a halt between the wrecking of the Old Testament by this new school of critics and their assault upon the New. Their success gave them confidence, and they attacked the Christian documents with more vigor than they had the Old Testament. By research which did not need to be very extensive in order to conduct them to the facts, they discovered that the age which witnessed the rise of the Christian religion was one in which there existed a strong preconception in favor of miracles. That is, the miraculous was universally believed, and it was held by our new school of critics that this preconception in favor of miracles influenced the writers of the New Testament to insert them in their narratives. Ever present in their New Testament criticism, as in that of the Old, was the cardinal principle that miracles never take place--the miraculous is the impossible, hence whenever our anti-miracle critics found accounts of miracles interwoven in the biographies of Jesus, or in the epistles of the apostles, they inexorably relegated them to the sphere of myth or legend. Unhappily for orthodox believers who cling to the gospel narratives as reliable statements of fact, they themselves found it necessary to discard as apocryphal many of the books and writings which sprang into existence in the early Christian centuries; books which pretended to relate incidents in the life of Messiah, especially those which treated of his childhood and youth. The marvelous account of his moulding oxen, asses, birds and other figures out of clay, which at his command would walk or fly away; his power to turn his playmates into kids; his striking dead with a curse the boys who offended him; his stretching a short board to its requisite length; his silencing those who try to teach himw--all this, and much more, Christians had to discard as pure fable. But they stopped short with the pruning process at the books of the New Testament as we now have them. Our new school of critics, infatuated with the chief principle of their new science, went right on with the pruning, and made as sad work of the New Testament as they had with the Old. They rejected the miraculous in the New Testament writings as well as the account of miracles which the Christians themselves rejected in the apocryphal writings. By this step they got rid of the story of the miraculous conception and birth of Christ; of the journey of the vision-led magi; of the dream-led Joseph; of the testimony of the Holy Ghost, and of the Father at Christ's baptism; of converting water into wine; of Christ walking upon the water; of the miraculously fed multitude with a few loaves and fishes, of the healing of the sick by a word or with a touch; casting out devils; the raising of the dead; the earthquake; the rending of the vail of the temple; and the miraculous three hours' darkness at the crucifixion; Christ's resurrection from the dead; his appearance after the resurrection; his final ascension into heaven; and the declaration of the two angels that he would come again to the earth as he had left it: in the clouds of heaven and in great glory. The new criticism got rid of all this--all that makes Christ one of the persons of the Godhead, or that scribes to him powers above those that may be possessed by a man. Christ's divinity is destroyed by this method of criticism, and if one instinctively asks what there is left, he is told, "The manifestations of the God concealed in the depths of the human conscience." "God-man, eternally incarnate, not an individual, but an idea!" To this then it comes at last, a Christianity without a Christ, that is, without a divine Christ; and a Christ not divine, not the Son of God manifest in the flesh, is no Christ. We had trusted that Jesus of Nazareth had been he who would have redeemed not only all Israel, but all the nations of the earth. We and our fathers had believed that he had brought life and immortality to light through the gospel; but alas! it turns out according to our new school of critics, that his "revelations of blissful scenes of existence beyond death and the grave, are but one of the many impostures which time after time have been palmed off on credulous mankind!" Christ but a man, "the moralist and teacher of Capernaum and Gennesaret" nothing more! On a level with Socrates, or Hillel, or Philo! What a void this new school of criticism makes! A Christianity without the assurance of the resurrection! without the hope of the glorious return of the Messiah, to reward every man according to his works! Comments on the coices for Christians: Old versus New, or get rid of both to be fashionable? revdauphinee answered on 06/02/06: I do not say we need to throw out the old testament however we do need to concider the time and society in wich it was written and read what Jesus says in Matt.15: 2 "Why do your disciples break the tradition of the elders? They don't wash their hands before they eat!" 3 Jesus replied, "And why do you break the command of God for the sake of your tradition? Erewhon rated this answer

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jackreade asked on 06/01/06 - The Fundamentalist Hoax Philip Slater a blogger wrote the following essay. "Thoughtful Americans have long wondered how it is that fundamentalist Christians--followers of someone who preached pacifism and tolerance--became the poster boy for hate speech, touting "moral values" indistinguishable from those of the Taliban. They wonder why, for example, fundamentalist Christians so seldom quote from the New Testament--which is supposedly what Christianity is all about--but prefer citing the Torah and Old Testament prophets. One reason is that the Old Testament is full of murder, vindictiveness, and genocide--all supposedly ordered by God. So when fundamentalists want a Biblical excuse for hate speech and hate crimes--which they seem to need with considerable frequency--they turn to Old Testament sources. Christian homophobes, for example, carry signs saying 'God hates fags', which they justify by claiming that Leviticus 18:22 (condemning male homosexuality as "abomination") is the 'word of God'. Yet more than a third of the entire book of Leviticus is devoted to God's detailed instructions on the proper manner of making burnt offerings of animals to Him. (The rest deals with keeping Jewish dietary laws, avoiding pollution from inadvertent contact with menstruating women, forbidding haircuts and beard trimming, justifying slavery, and saying anyone who swears should be stoned to death). Why doesn't God hate those who fail to make offerings in the exact manner He so carefully spelled out in chapter after chapter? Since fundamentalists feel comfortable ignoring 95% of the 'word of God' in Leviticus, why have they latched onto this isolated phrase? If "God hates fags", then God must feel positively murderous toward people who don't make burnt offerings of animal carcasses in the precise manner so carefully indicated, and in such extreme detail. (God must also hate people who eat lobster, shrimp and pork, which are also "abominations" according to Leviticus). It's startling, in fact, how rarely fundamentalist Christians mention the sayings of Jesus. 'Morality' to them means the sexual inhibitions of ancient Middle Eastern patriarchies. They seem to be nostalgic for the pruderies of the 1950s, when the Hays office decreed that movies couldn't show pajama-clad married couples in bed together lest it incite teenage moviegoers to fornication. This obsession with sexuality is surprising, since Jesus seemed to have very little interest in the topic. In the four Gospels there are only four statements about sexuality, and these deal with adultery and divorce rather than sex per se. That is, with relationships--with causing injury to another. Compare this with the nineteen statements Jesus makes about the importance of giving, and the value of divesting oneself of money and possessions. Yet we seldom hear fundamentalist Christians saying it's easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter heaven. Or quoting the ten statements exhorting us to turn the other cheek--a Christian idea that seems to be anathema to hate-filled fundamentalists. The Bible becomes the 'Word of God' when a bigot wants to use it to bludgeon his neighbor, and a mere archaic relic when it would be inconvenient for him to take it seriously. Fundamentalists of all persuasions--Christian, Muslim, Jewish--often manage to find some sort of backing for their hatreds in their sacred texts; for these texts were written in societies that were misogynistic, militaristic, and rigidly authoritarian--written, furthermore, by men who believed the earth was flat. The reason why so many fundamentalist Christians are so notoriously "unChristian" is simple: for the majority of Christians (Quakers are among many notable exceptions) *Christianity isn't about the teachings of Jesus*, and *never was*. The early church fathers knew that Jesus' rather Buddhist message of nonviolence and voluntary poverty wouldn't fly in the Graeco-Roman world, let alone in the Middle East. The idea of a Redeemer on the other hand--someone who would voluntarily sacrifice Himself for humanity and their sins--was very popular. Instead of having to give up their worldly goods and espouse non-violence, all the Romans had to do was believe in the miraculous stories surrounding Jesus' birth and death, which was easy for them, since such stories had been told about pagan gods and heroes and were already familiar. Christianity as it exists among fundamentalists isn't about behaving like Jesus. It's all about faith--about believing the story. The underlying message seems to be: you can behave any way you want as long as you believe the story and say you're sorry before you die. Following the teachings of Jesus is much too demanding, whereas with the Christianity of fundamentalists all you have to do is shut your mind off. There ought to be a term that would designate those who actually follow the teachings of Jesus, since the word ***"Christian" has been largely divorced from those teachings***, and so polluted by fundamentalists that it has come to connote their polar opposite: intolerance, vindictive hatred, and bigotry." ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Is anyone here a real Christian? revdauphinee answered on 06/02/06: I agree with the following quote from this piece "There ought to be a term that would designate those who actually follow the teachings of Jesus, since the word ***"Christian" has been largely divorced from those teachings***, " jackreade rated this answer

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hOPE12 asked on 05/31/06 - Please can you give me some ideas? Hello Everyone, One thing I respect about many of you experts on this board is that you all seem to have various knowledge about many topics. I sure could use some serious suggestions about depression and suicide. I am in the process of helping a Bible student of mine to deal with many problems they have. Last Sunday He tried to take a gun to his head and end it all. I spent most of the week at the local hospital where the police placed him under the Baker act. They allowed him to come back home on Frinday. His mother is here until this weekend and she is leaving for New York. She has asked me to keep an eye on him and I don't mind but I really need some serious suggestion on what I might say or do to help him. Here are some facts. He is very depressed and will not take any medications. Would it be wrong for me to put it in his food without him knowing it? He is 32. He still is talking about killing himself and I know once his mother leaves he might try it again. Is there anything I can do to prevent him from hurting himself? If he gets Baker acted again they will committ him. His wife left him and took the children to New Jersey. Seeing he live in Florida, it is too far to visit all the time. His father is an alcholic and because this guy rents a trailer from him, he visits his son and puts him down and tells him he is no good, and will never amount to anything, and if he really wanted to kill himself,he would have done it already. His so called friends all sponge money off him and then never pay it back, now that he needs help, his so called friends are no where to be found. What can I do as a minister and one who is studying the Bible with him? When is it time for me to just let them committ him? Should I tell the family it is their responsibilty to care for their family member? What would you do? Thank you ahead of time for your suggestions and please if I do not reply right away it is because I am trying so hard to keep this guy from hurting himself. I really feel sorry for him, because he is the nicest guy when he is not so depressed. He cares for everyone around him and when the huricanes last year hit, he was going all around his neighborhood checking on people, cooking food and taking it to him. Now he needs help ad no one is there to really reach out to him. I want to help his so bad, but I have run out of ideas to help. My family needs me also. HELP??????? Take care, Hope12 revdauphinee answered on 06/01/06: if this man is truly focused on harming himself you will not be able to stop him what he needs is to be commited and to get competent medical help.Depresion is an illness just as much as is cancer,the best way he can be helped is with constant round the clock help and therapy PS prayer always helps! hOPE12 rated this answer

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hOPE12 asked on 05/31/06 - What causes such drastic actions? Hello Everyone, I was sitting in my bedroom yesterday with the tv on and the news was on and a story of a Husband and wife and their two sons who were visiting here in Florida, not far from where I live. This couple was here to celabrate their wedding aniversary, when the husband completely lost control and pushed both of his small sons from a 35th floor balcony and the jumped himself. His wife said her husband has been so worried about their sons being sexually molested and killed by a stranger that she felt this was her husbands way of protecting his sons. Does this make any sense to you? It did not to me, because how if his sons are dead was he protecting them? Do you think there was possibly more to this story? By the way the husband and father was a Doctor of medicine and a very religious man. How do you think God will see what this man did? Take care, Hope12 revdauphinee answered on 06/01/06: HE will answer for his actions however i belive we have a compasionate God and the man was clearly mentaly ill! hOPE12 rated this answer

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Laura asked on 05/31/06 - Should Christian folks have babies in their 60'S!!! Just in case any of you were contemplating having a baby. With all the new technology regarding fertility recently, a 65-year-old woman was able to give birth to a baby. When she was discharged from the hospital and went home, her relatives came to visit. ''May we see the new baby?" one asked. "Not yet," said the mother. "I'll make coffee and we can visit for awhile first." Thirty minutes had passed, and another relative asked, "May we see the new baby now?" "No, not yet," said the mother. After another few minutes had elapsed, they asked again, "May we see the baby now?" "No, not yet," replied the mother. Growing very impatient, they asked, "Well, when can we see the baby?" "WHEN HE CRIES!" she told them. "WHEN HE CRIES?" they demanded to know why. "Why do we have to wait until he CRIES?" "BECAUSE, I forgot where I put him." = revdauphinee answered on 05/31/06: would be funy if it wernt near to truth ,I get amnesia every time I walk in a walmart store as soon as I enter I forget what I went for ,and dont tell me to write a list I do then leave them sitting on my dining room table! Laura rated this answer

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Laura asked on 05/31/06 - Not a question...Just a hi!! I haven't been to the board in a bit. We've been busy planning for our move to Kansas City MO!! Sorry I haven't been here lately.. Hope everyone is doing well. Well we leave for a new adventure on the 3rd of June. Pray that all goes well. Hopefully GM will stay afloat for another year or two. LOL!! If they don't we'll still be okay cause God has BLESSED us! Of course once we get settled I will try and be on the board more often. Just haven't had the time or the energy. Here's one for the road and one for the best in life for all my friends.. God bless you all always. Laura revdauphinee answered on 05/31/06: my prayers are with you for A SAFE trip!God bless you! Laura rated this answer

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ROLCAM asked on 05/31/06 - INSPIRED : What a great verse !! "The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the Word of God stands forever... Isaiah 40:8 YOU'RE ONE OF GOD'S CHILDREN. HAVE A GREAT DAY!! rolcam. revdauphinee answered on 05/31/06: thank you so much ROLCAM rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 05/30/06 - The big question is solved, immigrants stay at home!~ In the face of the evidence, we need to develop a Christian attitude to immigration. No longer should give us your poor, etc, be the catch cry, rather feed the poor should be our catch cry. What this says quite simply, as if you didn't already know it, is consumerism is a bad thing and it is the reall danger becuase immigration is fueling climate change Migration 'harmful' to Earth From: Agence France-Presse By Deborah Haynes in London May 30, 2006 THE growing number of people who migrated from developing countries to over-populated Western states in search of a better life was damaging the planet and could be avoided, a think-tank said today. Governments and aid agencies should encourage families to stay put by tackling environmental degradation, such as the spread of deserts, that forces many to leave, rather than promote migration, the Optimum Population Trust (OPT), a British group that campaigns for a sustainable population, said. At the same time, Britain should continue to fulfil its humanitarian obligation to genuine refugees and asylum-seekers, the think-tank said in evidence to a parliamentary inquiry on population. Parts of the planet that have been damaged by climate change, soil erosion and water shortages merely deteriorated further once their inhabitants fled. In addition, migrants typically increased their ecological footprint � the damage each person inflicts on the environment � by moving from low to high-consuming countries. "The priority must surely be to prevent or cure environmental damage, and help people to remain in their homes and communities, not abandon damaged areas of the planet to their fate," the OPT said in a report. The ecological footprint of someone from Bangladesh increases sixteen-fold if he or she emigrated to the US, while that of a Somali citizen rises more than thirteen-times when he or she migrated to Britain. The push factors behind migration could only be solved by reducing the impact of consumption and population in richer countries and supporting environmentally sustainable development in poorer nations, the OPT said. "However, excess immigration into countries which are already densely populated can cause substantial environmental damage and economic costs, the effects of which may not be seen until the pressures on land and natural resources become intense," it warned. Britain, for example was more densely populated than China. England alone was the world's fourth most crowded country � behind Bangladesh, South Korea and the Netherlands � with migration accounting for more than 80 per cent of population growth. "With parts of the country already facing serious water supply problems, population growth on this scale will make the UK increasingly vulnerable to resource and energy shortages and will increase its contribution to climate change," the think-tank warned. OPT patron Professor Aubrey Manning said Britain was morally obliged to accept some migrants "but we need immigration like we need a hole in the head". On a global scale, he said: "People are in surplus and often those most needed at home are those who leave. A gradual reduction to our population is the only way to secure any quality of life for future human beings." The total number of migrants worldwide surged from 175 million to 185-to-192 million between 2000 and 2005, the group said. Of these, an estimated 30 million migrants were forced from their homes by environmental factors, including floods, famine and over-population. Environmental degradation was seen to be forcing a further 135 million people out of their homes in the future. Such migration coupled with population growth was undermining efforts to meet the United Nations' Millennium Development Goals, the think-tank said. It advised governments to work out what populations could be sustained, with the best quality of life and without causing environmental damage elsewhere. The OPT believes the planet may not be able to support more than half its present population of about 6.58 billion people in the next century. revdauphinee answered on 05/31/06: I am all for aid and assistance to the poor but I read once that charity should begin at home! and in a country that has many homeless ,children in need, and poverty in its own streets ,lets take care of our own first then we will be more able to help others elsewhere!It is apaling to see folks living on the streets or children sleeping in cars whilst living in the richest nation on eath!and while I do have sympathy for imigrants my favor lies with Americans in need and there are many paraclete rated this answer

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HANK1 asked on 05/29/06 - DEATH: Memorial Day is all about sacrifice and death. How WE approach death is going to depend upon our fear of life, how much WE participated in that life, and how willing WE are to let go of this known expression to venture into a new one. Fear and unfinished business are two big factors in determining how much resistance WE put into meeting death. I must ask YOU, "Do you procrastinate?" revdauphinee answered on 05/29/06: we all need to reflect on the fact that we are none of us promiced tomorrow CeeBee2 rated this answer HANK1 rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 05/29/06 - while we are on the subject of apologies I think this says it all http://network.news.com.au/image/0,10114,5160396,00.jpg for those who don't know the song My Way Lyrics (P. Anka, J. Revaux, G. Thibault, C. Frankois) [Recorded December 30, 1968, Hollywod] And now, the end is here And so I face the final curtain My friend, I'll say it clear I'll state my case, of which I'm certain I've lived a life that's full I traveled each and ev'ry highway And more, much more than this, I did it my way Regrets, I've had a few But then again, too few to mention I did what I had to do and saw it through without exemption I planned each charted course, each careful step along the byway And more, much more than this, I did it my way Yes, there were times, I'm sure you knew When I bit off more than I could chew But through it all, when there was doubt I ate it up and spit it out I faced it all and I stood tall and did it my way I've loved, I've laughed and cried I've had my fill, my share of losing And now, as tears subside, I find it all so amusing To think I did all that And may I say, not in a shy way, "Oh, no, oh, no, not me, I did it my way" For what is a man, what has he got? If not himself, then he has naught To say the things he truly feels and not the words of one who kneels The record shows I took the blows and did it my way! [instrumental] Yes, it was my way revdauphinee answered on 05/29/06: hank I agree paraclete rated this answer

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ROLCAM asked on 05/29/06 - THE POPE'S QUESTIONS ?? I ask you to reflect NOT answer !! Why, Lord, did you remain silent? How could you tolerate all this? Where was God in those days? Why was he silent? How could he permit this endless slaughter, this triumph of evil?" revdauphinee answered on 05/29/06: if the so called agent of God(Ido not believe he is) on earth asks this how can anyone know????? paraclete rated this answer ROLCAM rated this answer

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arcura asked on 05/29/06 - 60 Minutes did not run all that they interviewed. We were watching 60 minutes to see if a local boy was on the segment regarding injured and maimed soldiers. He was one that had lost a foot and half of his left arm to a roadside bomb. They filmed him but he gave them permission to broadcast it only if they would broadcast what he said. He said that He did not think all of the injured and dead coalition military was worth getting rid of Saddom Hussein and trying to establish a democracy in a country hell bent of killing each other. He said that with most Muslims the only way to settle an argument was to kill the other guy first. We were disappointed. 60 Minutes did not run that. Only the local weekly scandal sheet did. revdauphinee answered on 05/29/06: he was unfortinatly correct! we are attemting to force democracy on folks who dont want or even understand it and when we do leave as one day we will they will go back to there old ways and all our boys will have died for nothing! arcura rated this answer excon rated this answer

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arcura asked on 05/28/06 - Is this pure politics of no Christian concern? Barriers erected along the San Luis border give a peek of what immigration reform could bring By Paul Giblin, Tribune May 28, 2006 For Mexican national Arturo Carvagal, changes in U.S. immigration policy are easy to see. He works as a valet, parking cars at a pool hall 30 feet from the U.S. border. He frequently peers through a hole in the corrugated steel wall that splits the border towns of San Luis Rio Colorado on the south and the Arizona town of San Luis on the north. For weeks, he�s watched National Guard troops working under the armed protection of U.S. Border Patrol agents as they fortify the line on the U.S. side. The troops have been building a 6.9-mile section of tiered defense system designed to reduce the number of illegal immigrants scrambling into the United States. The scene previews the types of fortifications that would run hundreds of miles along the 2,000-mile U.S.-Mexico border, according to proposals pushed by President Bush, the U.S. Senate and the House of Representatives. Beyond the corrugated steel wall is a newly improved allweather road for Border Patrol vehicles, a fence lined with barbed wire, a row of stadium lights that remain lit all night, and high-tech cameras and surveillance equipment. Carvagal watched as Bush toured the area in a Border Patrol dune buggy on May 18. The presidential photo-op was intended to highlight the Border Patrol�s desire for more funding as members of the Senate debated proposed immigration legislation. From Carvagal�s viewpoint, the strongest deterrent to illegal immigration is the presence of National Guard troops just behind the wall. �I�ve heard they might actually shoot. Imagine if they actually start shooting Mexicans,� Carvagal said in Spanish. Separate plans offered by the president, the Senate and House envision the National Guard in a support role that stops well short of ordering troops to shoot illegal immigrants. The proposals, included in larger immigration reform measures, are intended to dissuade foreigners from crossing the border illegally and to give Border Patrol agents a better chance of catching those who try. The Senate plan calls for 370 miles of triple-layered fencing and 500 miles of vehicle barriers. It also would add 14,000 Border Patrol agents to the current force of 11,300 by 2011. The House plan would build 700 miles of doublelayered fencing. The plans take different approaches for people already in the United States illegally. The Senate and House must compromise on a single plan before presenting a bill for Bush to sign. �A lot of people ask, �Is it just a matter of putting up a fence all along the entire Southwestern border?� � said Richard Hays, a Border Patrol supervisory agent in the Yuma Sector. �There�s not just one answer. It�s the right combination of a couple of things.� MORE THAN A WALL Bush requested $1.9 billion to bolster the border, but estimates for the entire job range from $2.2 billion to $3.7 billion to potentially more, depending on which plan, if any, is approved. In the meantime, more than 1 million people a year are slipping over the border. The Border Patrol apprehended 1.17 million border crossers in 2005. The largest number was in the Tucson Sector in eastern Arizona with 438,997 arrests, followed by the Yuma Sector in western Arizona with 138,447. The Border Patrol uses several tiers of low-tech and high-tech deterrents along the fortified section through San Luis, including a wall, a fence, a road, cameras and agents on the ground and in the air. Immigration reform activist Elias Bermudez said the government has a responsibility to close the border to drug smugglers, human traffickers, gun runners and terrorists, but a wall is unnecessary. �Our country has the technology not to have to build walls that divide people,� said Bermudez, a former illegal immigrant who later gained U.S. citizenship and was elected mayor of San Luis. �Walls are not what�s going to stop illegal immigration. What�s going to stop illegal immigration is a mechanism where people can come here legally to work,� said Bermudez, president of the Phoenix-based immigration reform group Inmigrantes Sin Fronteras (Immigrants Without Borders). Former Immigration and Naturalization Service special agent Neville Cramer said a fence and surveillance equipment has limited value. �I was in the Border Patrol. It�s a totally ineffective agency. They�re playing this cat-and-mouse game down there of apprehending people, putting them back, apprehending them, putting them back. Eventually, these people get through,� he said. A better approach would be detaining illegal immigrants for as long as four months the first time they�re caught, said Cramer, a Scottsdale resident and author of the book �Fixing the INSanity: America�s Immigration Crisis.� If foreign nationals knew they risked significant jail time, that would prevent them from working and sending money back home, their economic incentive for jumping the fence would be eliminated, he said. The physical challenge of jumping the fence, at least in San Luis, is significant. The corrugated steel wall in the urban areas is made of U.S. Army surplus materials originally intended to help construct airplane runways in remote areas, Hays said. The wall varies in height, but it stands about 20 feet tall in San Luis. On the south side, locals sometimes use it as a backdrop for hand-painted billboards. On the north side, the land is scraped barren and dotted with Sky Watch towers, hydraulicpowered platforms that look like portable lifeguard stations. The towers can reach 25 feet, which gives agents panoramic views of the line. The towers are outfitted with bulletproof windows, air-conditioning and heating systems, daytime and nighttime cameras and communication equipment. TECHNOLOGY�S ROLE The towers have proved to be effective, Hays said. �In an area where in the past we might have had to deploy six or seven agents, now through this technology we may now have to deploy two or three agents,� he said. The National Guard also is working to build an all-weather road parallel to the border. Previously, Border Patrol agents drove their four-wheel-drive trucks along dirt roads. Or, at least, they drove along the dirt road when they could. Rain frequently washed out sections. The improved road is made with a plastic mesh topped with compacted gravel. The surface withstands rain and allows agents to drive quickly and more safely, Hays said. The Border Patrol and National Guard also have lined the border with underground seismic sensors and camouflaged infrared sensors. The devices detect movement and heat that could indicate vehicles or people passing. Plus, they have mounted remote-controlled video surveillance cameras on towers to spy from overhead. Border Patrol personnel monitor the devices for intrusions and suspicious activity from the Border Patrol�s Yuma Sector headquarters building 30 miles north. The use of high-tech equipment is perfectly appropriate for the border, said Rep. J.D. Hayworth, RAriz., an outspoken advocate for sealing the border. �It acts like a force multiplier. That�s what you need. You need to be able to multiply the force you have down there,� he said. Behind all that is a secondary fence, 10 feet of chain link topped with barbed wire. Just east of San Luis, where the corrugated steel fence ends, the border is marked for three miles with a series of concrete-filled steel columns that serve as vehicle barriers. The columns are 10 inches in diameter, 4 or 6 feet high and 4 feet apart. They�re rooted 7 feet into the ground and can withstand a vehicle impact of 40 mph. �They�ve been very effective in cutting those drive-throughs we�ve been experiencing here in the Yuma Sector,� Hays said. The poles have interfered with high-speed, off-road routes that had been used by drug smugglers and people smugglers alike, Hays said. �We wanted to take them away from these more heavily populated areas,� Hays said. �Take them out to an area that would increase our probability of interdicting them and reduce the likelihood of them injuring a member of the public.� About 2,700 vehicles illegally drove across the border last year, he said. About half as many vehicles have made the journey through the desert this year. Funding is in place for three additional miles of vehicle barriers east of San Luis. The only other spot along the border where they�re currently being used in near Deming, N.M. Beyond the vehicle barriers though, the border is far less cumbersome. There are no poles, no walls, no fences, no roads, no markings of any kind for miles and miles. Carvagal�s brother walked through the open desert near Nogales and found work in the construction industry in Phoenix 12 years ago, he said. Little has changed since then. The border is still open. At least for now. revdauphinee answered on 05/28/06: no mater what we (the USA) do the problem will not be solved untill mexicos government decides to work toward making its country a better place for its citizens to live ,I am an imigrant myself (from europe) and understand the desire these folks have for a better life ,but does not a thief have a desire for more money to give himself a beter life??when one is a Christian we are told to obey the law (render unto ceasar)so no mater what law one breaks the law breaker is still wrong! arcura rated this answer paraclete rated this answer

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ROLCAM asked on 05/28/06 - TO SERVE : How did we proclaim the good news today ? revdauphinee answered on 05/28/06: by the way we conduct our lives !people pay much more attention to what we do! than they ever will to what we say! ROLCAM rated this answer

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ROLCAM asked on 05/28/06 - TO LOVE : Lord Jesus, give us faith that we shall be with you in glory one day. revdauphinee answered on 05/28/06: for that we need to be one with him in spirit today ROLCAM rated this answer

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arcura asked on 05/28/06 - Please tell me if you THINK this site is telling the truth? Go here.... http://www.savetheinternet.com/=lie revdauphinee answered on 05/28/06: why not allow predatory companies like AT&T and Comcast rewrite our telecommunications law and place their chokehold on online content and services.We already let Walmart controll our purchasing choises when they come into town and put all the small businesses out so whats the difference /what i would love to know is what happened to the anti monopoly laws that broke up the phone cos yrs ago? arcura rated this answer

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jackreade asked on 05/28/06 - What Do Christians Think? "RENO, Nev. - Over the years, families have used religious symbols such as the Jewish Star of David, the Christian cross and the Islamic crescent and star to honor their loved ones on headstones and markers. For Sgt. Patrick Stewart's family, the symbol of choice was also from his religion: the Wiccan pentacle. But of all the symbols and faiths recognized by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Wicca and its emblem � a circle around a five-pointed star � are not among them. The department is reviewing a request to include the symbol, but when a decision will come is unclear. That has angered many. The state's top veterans official, Tim Tetz, said he was "diligently pursuing" the matter with Gov. Kenny Guinn, Sen. Harry Reid (news, bio, voting record), D-Nev., and Rep. Jim Gibbons, R-Nev. "Sergeant Stewart and his family deserve recognition for their contributions to our country," said Tetz, executive director of the Nevada Office of Veterans Services. "It's unfortunate the process is taking so long, but I am certain Sgt. Patrick will ultimately receive his marker with the Wiccan symbol," he said Thursday. Stewart, 34, had enlisted in the Army after he graduated from Reno's Wooster High School in 1989 and served in Desert Storm. After completing his active duty, Stewart enlisted in the Nevada Army National Guard in 2005 and went to Afghanistan. He was killed there last September when the helicopter he was in was shot down. Stewart, of Fernley, who was posthumously awarded the Bronze Star and Purple Heart, was a follower of Wicca. Wiccans consider themselves witches, pagans or neo-pagans, and say their religion is based on respect for the earth, nature and the cycle of the seasons. The Veterans Affairs' National Cemetery Administration allows only approved emblems of religious beliefs on government headstones. Over the years, it has approved more than 30, including symbols for the Tenrikyo Church, United Moravian Church and Sikhs. There is also one for atheists. Stewart's widow said she's hopeful she will receive permission for the Wiccan pentacle. While Memorial Day services are scheduled Monday at the Northern Nevada Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Fernley, Roberta Stewart plans an alternative service at Fernley's Out of Town Park. She's calling it the Sgt. Patrick Stewart Freedom for All Faiths Memorial Service. "This is discrimination against our religion," Roberta Stewart said. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Should he be allowed to have his religious symbol on his headstone? What is an atheist's symbol(referred to in this story)?? revdauphinee answered on 05/28/06: why not who does it harm????I may not agree with ones beliefs however my God gives us humans free choice to believe what we will even if they are as crazy as Tom Cruise! jackreade rated this answer

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jackreade asked on 05/27/06 - What Would Jesus Say? "Doctors said sexually transmitted diseases among senior citizens are running rampant at a popular Central Florida retirement community, according to a Local 6 News report. A gynecologist at The Villages community near Orlando, Fla., said she treats more cases of herpes and the human papilloma virus in the retirement community than she did in the city of Miami. "Yeah, they are very shocked (to hear the diagnosis)," gynecologist Dr. Colleen McQuade said. "I had a patient in her 80s." "More and more senior citizens are ending up in the gynecologist office, and their diagnosis is a sexually transmitted disease," Local 6 reporter Vanessa Medina said. Local 6 featured Louis Franklin, who used to date in the community at least three times a week. "I have had a better dating life since I have been here than I have ever had," Franklin said. "I know there are things going around." A doctor blamed Viagra, a lack of sex education and no risk for pregnancy for the spike in sexually transmitted diseases at The Villages. "All I can repeat are the things I have heard which are things like, 'Should I bring the little blue pills over tonight?'" community singles group president Richard Matwyshen said." ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ In your opinion, what would Jesus say to 70 and 80 year old people gettin' it on? revdauphinee answered on 05/28/06: he would probably tell those folks to act thier age instead of thier shoe sizes! excon rated this answer jackreade rated this answer Karlogun rated this answer

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WheninRome asked on 05/26/06 - CNN and many other news media during January of 2006 with an update a few days ago on CNN Was watching CNN day before yesterday and heard the following comment: ROME � An Italian atheist is suing a parish priest for saying Jesus Christ existed. The hearing in a court in Viterbo, a city located in a valley 25 miles northwest of Rome, opened Friday and could take weeks to decide. Luigi Cascioli, 72, a lifelong atheist, is suing the Rev. Enrico Righi, 75, a local parish priest. The Vatican has so far declined to comment. If he loses, Cascioli says, he will appeal to the European Court of Human Rights, where he feels he has a better chance. He says the church has less power on a European level. ---------- Evidetnly he lost because apparently the European Court of Human Rights accpeted the case and will follow thorugh. Now admittedly that I am not the biggest fan of the bible which is being used as proof of JC's existence, but this is ridiculous that in this day and age any court would accept such a case. Has anyone else heard of this? Does this make sense to you? revdauphinee answered on 05/27/06: the bible is far from the only place to find evidence of Jesus existance Josephus mentions Jesus in Antiquities, Book 18, chapter 3, paragraph 3 "Now there was about this time Jesus, a wise man, if it be lawful to call him a man; for he was a doer of wonderful works, a teacher of such men as receive the truth with pleasure. He drew over to him both many of the Jews and many of the Gentiles. He was [the] Christ. And when Pilate, at the suggestion of the principal men amongst us, had condemned him to the cross, those that loved him at the first did not forsake him; for he appeared to them alive again the third day; as the divine prophets had foretold these and ten thousand other wonderful things concerning him. And the tribe of Christians, so named from him, are not extinct at this day.� WheninRome rated this answer

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arcura asked on 05/27/06 - Do you believe it? Pat says he did it.............. Fri May 26, 6:35 PM ET VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. - Religious broadcaster Pat Robertson says he has leg-pressed 2,000 pounds, but some say he'd be in a pretty tough spot if he tried. ADVERTISEMENT The 螌 Club" host's feat of strength is recounted on the Web site of his Christian Broadcasting Network, in a posting headlined "How Pat Robertson Leg Pressed 2,000 Pounds." According to the CBN Web site, Robertson worked his way up to lifting a ton with the help of his physician, who is not named. The posting does not say when the lift occurred, but a CBN spokeswoman released photos to The Associated Press that she said showed Robertson lifting 2,000 pounds in 2003, when Robertson was 73. He is now 76. The Web posting said two men loaded the leg-press machine with 2,000 pounds "and then let it down on Mr. Robertson, who pushed it up one rep and let it go back down again." The Web site said several people witnessed the event, and shows video of Robertson leg-pressing what appears to be 1,000 pounds. Clay Travis of CBS SportsLine.com called the 2,000-pound assertion impossible in a column this week, writing that the leg-press record for football players at Florida State University is 665 pounds less. "Where in the world did Robertson even find a machine that could hold 2,000 pounds at one time?" Travis asked. Andy Zucker, a strength-training coach at Old Dominion University in Norfolk, said leg presses of more than 1,000 pounds represent "a Herculean effort, and 2,000 pounds is a whole other story." revdauphinee answered on 05/27/06: No I dont !!! arcura rated this answer

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arcura asked on 05/26/06 - Do you find this to be shocking???????????????? Many World Cup Prostitutes Coerced, Says Caritas VATICAN CITY, MAY 25, 2006 (Zenit.org).- Many of the 40,000 prostitutes arriving to Germany in the next 17 days to "service" World Cup fans will be there against their will, says Caritas Internationalis. "This may be the world's oldest profession, but that's because the vulnerability of women throughout the ages in many ways has not changed," said Duncan MacLaren, secretary-general of Caritas Internationalis. "Many women will say this is the life they chose, but economic desperation or the breakdown in social structures that constrain women into prostitution doesn't leave them many options," he continued. The Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe has announced it fears that between 30,000 and 60,000 women and girls will fall victim to forced prostitution and abuse during the World Cup. Prostitution was legalized in Germany in 2002. The sex industry has prepared for the expected influx of 3 million soccer fans by constructing mega-brothels and "sex shacks," with private parking, showers and the promise to maintain clients' privacy. "Football fans should not tarnish the name of the 'beautiful game' by exploiting fellow human beings," MacLaren said. "We encourage all people of good will to raise their voice against an evil trade that treats women as things." revdauphinee answered on 05/27/06: as a woman I can truly tell you that no matter what she may say ""NO"" woman ""chooses"" such a life!!! arcura rated this answer

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jackreade asked on 05/26/06 - "Celebrity" Non-Believers I ran across a website...celebrity atheists, agnostics, etc, and thought it was interesting. Do Christians fell inclined to change their attitude towards any of the people they know on the list?.... Not read their books, go to their performances, or whatever? Feel free to name names or surprises. I didn't know that many of these "celebrities". The only thing that surprised me, I guess, was that Bill Mayer was listed as ambiguous; I would have bet the rent he was an atheist. The Atheist and the Materialist those who have no need for gods and some who have no need for the supernatural Douglas Adams, Ayaan Hirsi Ali, Woody Allen, Lance Armstrong, Darren Aronofsky, Isaac Asimov, Peter William Atkins, David Attenborough, Iain M. Banks, Clive Barker, Dave Barry, Bill Bass, Ingmar Bergman, Bj�rk, Lewis Black, Bill Blass, Jim Bohanan, Marlon Brando, Richard Branson, Berkeley Breathed, Bill Bryson, Peter Buck, Warren Buffett, George Carlin, John Carmack, Adam Carolla, John Carpenter, Asia Carrera, Fidel Castro, Dick Cavett, Noam Chomsky, Chumbawamba, Alexander Cockburn, Billy Connolly, Francis Crick, David Cronenberg, David Cross, Alan Cumming, Rodney Dangerfield, Richard Dawkins, Daniel Dennett, David Deutsch, Ani DiFranco, Micky Dolenz, Phil Donahue, Roger Ebert, Dean Edell, Greg Egan, Paul Ehrlich, Albert Einstein, Harlan Ellison, Brian Eno, Harvey Fierstein, Larry Flynt, Dave Foley, Jodie Foster, Janeane Garofalo, Bill Gates, Bob Geldof, Ricky Gervais, David Gilmour, Ira Glass, James Gleick, Seth Green, Harry Harrison, Robert Heinlein, Nat Hentoff, Katharine Hepburn, Christopher Hitchens, Douglas Hofstadter, Penn Jillette, Billy Joel, Angelina Jolie, Wendy Kaminer, Jonathan Katz, Diane Keaton, Margot Kidder, Neil Kinnock, Michael Kinsley, Ron Kuby, Milan Kundera, Richard Leakey, Bruce Lee, Tom Lehrer, Stanislaw Lem, Tom Leykis, James Lipton, H.P. Lovecraft, John Malkovich, Barry Manilow, Karl Marx, Todd McFarlane, Sir Ian McKellen, Arthur Miller, Frank Miller, Mike Mills, Marvin Minsky, Julianne Moore, Desmond Morris, Randy Newman, Mike Nichols, Jack Nicholson, Gary Numan, Bob Odenkirk, Patton Oswalt, Camille Paglia, Andy Partridge, Mark Pauline, Steven Pinker, Paula Poundstone, Terry Pratchett, James Randi, Ron Reagan Jr., Keanu Reeves, Rick Reynolds, Gene Roddenberry, Joe Rogan, Henry Rollins, Andy Rooney, Salman Rushdie, Douglas Rushkoff, John Sayles, Captain Sensible, Robert Silverberg, Bob Simon, Steven Soderbergh, George Soros, Richard Stallman, Bruce Sterling, Howard Stern, J. Michael Straczynski, Julia Sweeney, Matthew Sweet, Annika S�renstam, Teller, Studs Terkel, Tom Tomorrow, Linus Torvalds, Eddie Vedder, Paul Verhoeven, Gore Vidal, Kurt Vonnegut Jr., Sarah Vowell, James Watson, Steven Weinberg, Joss Whedon, Harland Williams, Ted Williams, Steve Wozniak, MORE... [+/-] The Agnostic those who declare themselves agnostic Margaret Atwood, Susie Bright, Vincent Bugliosi, Robert X. Cringely, Clarence Darrow, Charles Darwin, Alan Dershowitz, Richard Dreyfuss, Umberto Eco, Timothy Ferris, Carrie Fisher, Stephen Jay Gould, Matt Groening, Bob Guccione, Robert (Bob) James Lee Hawke, David Horowitz, Bob Hoskins, Robert Jastrow, Matt Johnson, Jack Kevorkian, Larry King, Tony Kushner, Dave Matthews, Larry Niven, Neil Peart, Sean Penn, Roman Polanski, Bertrand Russell, Carl Sagan, Dan Savage, James Taylor, Charles Templeton, Uma Thurman, Ted Turner, Robert Anton Wilson, MORE... [+/-] The Ambiguous apparently skeptical of theism or religion -- need more info Trey Anastasio, Richard Dean Anderson, John Perry Barlow, Michael Caine, Arthur C. Clarke, George Clooney, Billy Corgan, Dalai Lama, David Duchovny, Patrick Duffy, Danny Elfman, Kinky Friedman, Liam Gallagher, Noel Gallagher, Mikhail Gorbachev, Spalding Gray, Stephen Hawking, Hugh Hefner, Sir Edmund Hillary, Molly Ivins, Mark Knopfler, Stan Lee, Monica Lewinsky, G. Gordon Liddy, Bill Maher, Marilyn Manson, Sarah McLachlan, Mojo Nixon, Krist Novoselic, Emo Philips, Natalie Portman, Christopher Reeve, Andy Richter, Oliver Sacks, William Shatner, Neil Simon, Mira Sorvino, Donald Sutherland, Mark Twain, Gene Wilder, Bruce Willis, Edward O. Wilson, Terry Wogan. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ revdauphinee answered on 05/26/06: dont know what bill mahr believes today but as a child he was baptised a catholic jackreade rated this answer JesseJamesDupree rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 05/26/06 - Gossip worthy of a Christian? Carl and Sam were at odds with each other. They could not even remember the initial cause of friction...but their hostility had festered through the years. Pastor Fred was deeply concerned, so he prayed that God would use him as a peacemaker. Pastor Fred called on Carl. "What do you think of Sam?" he asked. "He's the sorriest guy in town!" Carl growled "But," Pastor Fred replied, "you have to admit that he's a hard-working man." "No one can deny that," said Carl. "I've never known a person who worked harder." The next day Pastor Fred visited Sam. "Do you know what Carl said about you?" "No, but I can imagine his lies," Sam responded angrily. "This may surprise you," said Pastor Fred, "but he said he's never known a harder worker." "He said that?" Sam was stunned. "By the way, what do you think of Carl?" Pastor Fred asked Sam. "It is no secret that I have absolutely no use for him." Sam replied slowly. "But you must admit he's honest in business," said Pastor Fred. "There's no getting around that," said Sam grudgingly. "In business he's a man you can trust." The next day Pastor Fred met Carl again. "Do you know what Sam said about you? He claims you're absolutely trustworthy in business, that you are scrupulously honest." "Well, how 'bout that," reacted Carl with a smile. Soon the gossipy Pastor noticed Sam and Carl would cautiously nod to each other in a friendly sort of way. Before long they were shaking hands, talking, even visiting in each other's homes. Today they are best of friends. Many people, even church folk, seem to delight in promoting a fight by carrying news of ill-will. Learn a lesson from Pastor Fred's tactic of positive-gossip. Let your *gossip* be to spread words of praise and healing. THAT's the only gossip that's worthy of a Christian. revdauphinee answered on 05/26/06: true! paraclete rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 05/26/06 - You have to ask, how do they become involved in this? Priest was a killer: victim From: By Gary Hughes May 26, 2006 The Melbourne Archdiocese paid $33,000 to the man who made the allegations as compensation for the repeated sexual and physical abuse he suffered as a child at the hands of the priest. According to documents obtained by NEWS.com.au, the Archdiocese's independent sexual abuse investigator, barrister Peter O'Callaghan, QC, described the details of the ritualised murders and sexual abuse provided by the victim as "extraordinary". "...but I have no reason or justification for doubting his credibility," Mr O'Callaghan said in a letter to the victim's lawyers in October, 2000. Contrite: George Pell's apology to the victim Earlier, in a formal interview with the victim, Mr O'Callaghan said he was satisfied the man was telling the truth. "I see no reason why I shouldn't accept what you say," he said, according to the transcript of the meeting. "Amazing as it is, I accept it." The Melbourne Archdiocese's Vicar General, Monsignor Les Tomlinson, told NEWS.com.au that the independent investigator advised Victoria Police about the allegations when he first learned of them in 1999. He was told the victim had already notified police he had been sexually abused "and was a witness to murder". "The police advised that inquiries had been made with the homicide squad and their missing persons records and intelligence was unable to confirm the allegations and that there was no current investigation into the matter," Monsignor Tomlinson said. A Victoria Police spokesman said the force was checking its records for details on the notifications it received before deciding whether it could comment on the case. In a sworn statement given to the Archdiocese in November 1999, the victim said he was first abused as an 11-year-old by the priest in Melbourne in the early 1960s, while serving as an altar boy at the Sacred Heart Church in Sandringham and attending a Catholic school. The abuse continued for three years and included being repeatedly sexually and physically abused during what appeared to be satanic rituals by the priest and others. He said the priest, who has since died, owned at least one firearm. In his statement the 56-year-old victim, who wishes to remain anonymous, gave details of at least three deaths - a young woman, a young man and a young child - that occurred during the rituals over a number of years. Two victims had their throats cuts and a third was killed with an axe. The bodies were mutilated and partly dismembered after the killings. In his statement, the victim says the victims appeared to have been drugged before being killed. "I have some gruesome memories of killings," the victim said. "I still feel totally overwhelmed and blown away when I recall these incidents. All these memories are extremely traumatic." Animals, including cats, were also killed during the rituals. "I remember being told loudly and forcibly that God is evil and Satan is good and Satan is more powerful. On another occasion I was told that good is evil and evil is good and that Satan is all powerful and has control over the earth, and that I am evil and that is good," the victim said in his statement. Some of the rituals, the victim said, took place in an old house owned by the Catholic Church in Sandringham on the site where the new Sacred Heart Church now stands. Monsignor Tomlinson said he was not aware of any similar allegations having been made to the Melbourne Archdiocese. The independent compensation panel made a $33,000 ex gratia payment to the victim in March 2001 after his claims had been investigated by Mr O'Callaghan. The Archdiocese is still paying for psychological counselling for the man, who has been diagnosed by a psychiatrist as suffering from complex post traumatic stress disorder "as a result of experiencing multiple traumatic events" in childhood. In accepting the compensation payout, the victim had to agree not to take further legal action against the Archdiocese. The victim said he had decided to speak out following publicity surrounding the recent trial in the United States of Catholic priest Gerald Robinson, who was found guilty of the ritualised murder of a nun. revdauphinee answered on 05/26/06: mere money can never compensate for child abuse!! paraclete rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 05/26/06 - You have to ask, how do they become involved in this? Priest was a killer: victim From: By Gary Hughes May 26, 2006 The Melbourne Archdiocese paid $33,000 to the man who made the allegations as compensation for the repeated sexual and physical abuse he suffered as a child at the hands of the priest. According to documents obtained by NEWS.com.au, the Archdiocese's independent sexual abuse investigator, barrister Peter O'Callaghan, QC, described the details of the ritualised murders and sexual abuse provided by the victim as "extraordinary". "...but I have no reason or justification for doubting his credibility," Mr O'Callaghan said in a letter to the victim's lawyers in October, 2000. Contrite: George Pell's apology to the victim Earlier, in a formal interview with the victim, Mr O'Callaghan said he was satisfied the man was telling the truth. "I see no reason why I shouldn't accept what you say," he said, according to the transcript of the meeting. "Amazing as it is, I accept it." The Melbourne Archdiocese's Vicar General, Monsignor Les Tomlinson, told NEWS.com.au that the independent investigator advised Victoria Police about the allegations when he first learned of them in 1999. He was told the victim had already notified police he had been sexually abused "and was a witness to murder". "The police advised that inquiries had been made with the homicide squad and their missing persons records and intelligence was unable to confirm the allegations and that there was no current investigation into the matter," Monsignor Tomlinson said. A Victoria Police spokesman said the force was checking its records for details on the notifications it received before deciding whether it could comment on the case. In a sworn statement given to the Archdiocese in November 1999, the victim said he was first abused as an 11-year-old by the priest in Melbourne in the early 1960s, while serving as an altar boy at the Sacred Heart Church in Sandringham and attending a Catholic school. The abuse continued for three years and included being repeatedly sexually and physically abused during what appeared to be satanic rituals by the priest and others. He said the priest, who has since died, owned at least one firearm. In his statement the 56-year-old victim, who wishes to remain anonymous, gave details of at least three deaths - a young woman, a young man and a young child - that occurred during the rituals over a number of years. Two victims had their throats cuts and a third was killed with an axe. The bodies were mutilated and partly dismembered after the killings. In his statement, the victim says the victims appeared to have been drugged before being killed. "I have some gruesome memories of killings," the victim said. "I still feel totally overwhelmed and blown away when I recall these incidents. All these memories are extremely traumatic." Animals, including cats, were also killed during the rituals. "I remember being told loudly and forcibly that God is evil and Satan is good and Satan is more powerful. On another occasion I was told that good is evil and evil is good and that Satan is all powerful and has control over the earth, and that I am evil and that is good," the victim said in his statement. Some of the rituals, the victim said, took place in an old house owned by the Catholic Church in Sandringham on the site where the new Sacred Heart Church now stands. Monsignor Tomlinson said he was not aware of any similar allegations having been made to the Melbourne Archdiocese. The independent compensation panel made a $33,000 ex gratia payment to the victim in March 2001 after his claims had been investigated by Mr O'Callaghan. The Archdiocese is still paying for psychological counselling for the man, who has been diagnosed by a psychiatrist as suffering from complex post traumatic stress disorder "as a result of experiencing multiple traumatic events" in childhood. In accepting the compensation payout, the victim had to agree not to take further legal action against the Archdiocese. The victim said he had decided to speak out following publicity surrounding the recent trial in the United States of Catholic priest Gerald Robinson, who was found guilty of the ritualised murder of a nun. revdauphinee answered on 05/26/06: mere money can never compensate for child abuse!! paraclete rated this answer

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HANK1 asked on 05/25/06 - Just Wondering ... ... who climbed out of the boat to meet Jesus walking on the water? HANK revdauphinee answered on 05/26/06: read your bible! Matthew 14:25. During the fourth watch of the night Jesus went out to them, walking on the lake. 26. When the disciples saw him walking on the lake, they were terrified. "It's a ghost," they said, and cried out in fear. 27. But Jesus immediately said to them: "Take courage! It is I. Don't be afraid." 28. "Lord, if it's you," Peter replied, "tell me to come to you on the water." 29. "Come," he said. ((Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. )) HANK1 rated this answer

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Erewhon asked on 05/25/06 - Spiritual Growth ... Brent Top wrote; "We must remember that much spiritual growth does not occur suddenly but rather through time and experience. The encouraging message of the gospel is that God does not often require us to perform sensational or extraordinary deeds but rather to try to do better today than we did yesterday. He is mindful of our desires, our determination, and our direction as well as of our deeds." As a Christian, what has been your experience of spiritual growth? revdauphinee answered on 05/25/06: THAT WITH EACH DAY I CAN LEARN! Erewhon rated this answer

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arcura asked on 05/25/06 - Is this a joke or not? Good or Bad? Your thots please. Earthquake in Mexico A big earthquake with the strength of 8.1 on the Richter scale has hit Mexico. Two million Mexicans have died and over a million are injured. The country is totally ruined and the government doesn't know where to start with asking for help to rebuild. The rest of the world is in shock. Canada is sending troopers to help the Mexican army control the riots. Saudi Arabia is sending oil. Other Latin American countries are sending supplies. The European community is sending food and money. The United States, not to be outdone, is sending two million replacement Mexicans. revdauphinee answered on 05/25/06: ROFL!! arcura rated this answer MaggieB rated this answer

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excon asked on 05/24/06 - Jesus is Watching Hello Christians: A burglar broke into a house one night. He shined his flashlight around, looking for valuables and when he picked up a CD player to place in his sack, a strange, disembodied voice echoed from the dark saying, "Jesus is watching you." He nearly jumped out of his skin, clicked his flashlight out, and froze. When he heard nothing more after a bit, he shook his head, promised himself a vacation after the next big score, then clicked the light on and began searching for more valuables. Just as he pulled the stereo out so he could disconnect the wires, clear as a bell he heard, "Jesus is watching you." Freaked out, he shone his light around frantically looking for the source of the voice. Finally, in the corner of the room, his flashlight beam came to rest on a parrot. "Did you say that?" He hissed at the parrot. "Yep," the parrot confessed, then squawked, "I'm just trying to warn you." The burglar relaxed. "Warn me, huh? Who in the world are you?" "Moses," replied the bird. "Moses?" the burglar laughed. "What kind of people would name a bird Moses?" "The kind of people that would name a Rottweiler Jesus." excon revdauphinee answered on 05/24/06: thanks i loved it! excon rated this answer

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jjgoss asked on 05/24/06 - Madonna... ...Madonna wore a crown of thorns and sang while hanging from a cross during Sunday night's opener of her Confessions world tour at The Forum in Inglewood... "Knock off the Christ-bashing," Catholic League president Bill Donohue said in a statement Monday. "It's just pathetic."...From a Christian's point of view, does Madonna's act bother you?.... revdauphinee answered on 05/24/06: like mr Donohue said she is pathetic belle33 rated this answer jjgoss rated this answer

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belle33 asked on 05/24/06 - Is it a sin to believe that Jesus is not God but His son? If one does not believe the trinity theory is it a sin? revdauphinee answered on 05/24/06: never had trouble accepting the trinity when it was explained to me to my mother ======I an a child to my children-====i am a parent to my husband =====i am wife these are three aspects of one person me!same with God he is -===father he is ====son he is ====spirit he is still but one God with three personas belle33 rated this answer Bradd rated this answer CeeBee2 rated this answer MaggieB rated this answer

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arcura asked on 05/24/06 - The reason why they split...................... Why they Split up She told me we couldn't afford beer anymore and I'd have to quit. Then I caught her spending $65 on makeup. And I asked how come I had to give up stuff and she didn't. She said she needed the makeup to look pretty for me. I told her that was what the beer was for. I don't think she's coming back. revdauphinee answered on 05/24/06: do you realy want her back???LOL arcura rated this answer

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rfrancis asked on 05/24/06 - Heaven's People Hello, I was looking forward to name our Christian Team by the following name; "Heaveners' (somthing) ", but after some investigation i found out that there is no such word as "Heavener" to start with ... Now I please have two questions: 1- How do we call the people living in heaven ? if not "Heveners" what will they be called ?, is there a certian christian word for them ? 2- If not "Heveners'(somthing)" could we use the word heavens; and if there is an apostrophe ('s) to follow it; should it then become heavens' or heaven's (to replace heavens's). thank you best regards revdauphinee answered on 05/24/06: saints!

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arcura asked on 05/23/06 - Taking a hard look at one's self...................... It doesn't hurt to take a hard look at yourself from time to time and this should help get you started. During a visit to a mental asylum, a visitor asked the director what the criterion was that defined whether or not a patient should be institutionalized. "Well," said the director, "we fill up a bathtub, then we offer a teaspoon, a teacup and a bucket to the patient and ask him or her to empty the bathtub." "Oh, I understand," said the visitor. "A normal person would use the bucket because it's bigger than the spoon or the teacup. "No," said the director, "A normal person would pull the plug. Do you want a bed by the wall or near the window"? revdauphinee answered on 05/24/06: a great one thanks !!! arcura rated this answer belle33 rated this answer

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tomder55 asked on 05/23/06 - Students Make A Stand For Their Rights, Defy ACLU And Judge�s Order To Censor Hats off to Russell County High of �06! I applaud these young men and women for standing up for their 1st amendment rights, and setting the example for others. �Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof;� The ACLU filed suit on behalf of one student who felt offended that a prayer would be included in their graduation ceremony. U.S. District Judge Joseph McKinley granted a temporary restraining order sought by a student. Here is how the students responded to the attempts to censor them. The senior class at a southern Kentucky high school gave their response Friday night to a federal judge�s order banning prayer at commencement. About 200 seniors stood during the principal�s opening remarks and began reciting the Lord�s Prayer, prompting a standing ovation from a standing-room only crowd at the Russell County High School gymnasium. The thunderous applause drowned out the last part of the prayer. The revival like atmosphere continued when senior Megan Chapman said in her opening remarks that God had guided her since childhood. Chapman was interrupted repeatedly by the cheering crowd as she urged her classmates to trust in God as they go through life. The challenge made the graduation even better because it unified the senior class, Chapman said. �It made the whole senior class come together as one and I think that�s the best way to go out,� said Chapman, who plans to attend the University of the Cumberlands with her twin sister Megan. The graduation took place about 12 hours after a federal judge blocked the inclusion of prayer as part of Russell County High School�s graduation ceremonies. revdauphinee answered on 05/24/06: thank God our kids have more guts than the rest of us who ;lie down to the ACLUs abuse of "OUR"rights tomder55 rated this answer

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kindj asked on 05/23/06 - Christians and Illegal Immigration I've seen the questions here and elsewhere about how we, those of us that are Christians, are to handle this immigration issue. I just read the following article, and I think the gentleman sums it up pretty well. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Commentary: A Biblical Perspective on Illegal Immigration Mark Earley President, Prison Fellowship Throughout America recently, more than a million illegal immigrants poured into the streets. They took the day off from work, forcing many businesses to close for the day. They got everyone's attention. However, it appears they only inflamed an already overheated debate. And the early polls are not showing any change in public opinion. We need to pause and take a good look at the roles of the Church and the government here. They are different and, in some ways, conflicting. But this is not the first time such a conflict has arisen, and it is possible to formulate a thoughtful Christian perspective that takes both roles into account. Many Christians are giving it serious thought and coming up with good analyses. First of all, as Christians, we are to care about the poor, widows, orphans, strangers, and that means aliens in our land. That's explicitly commanded in God's Word. Leviticus 19:33-34 is a good example. It says, "When an alien lives with you in your land, do not mistreat him. The alien living with you must be treated as one of your native-born." That settles the question of how we personally, as Christians, and how the Church at-large treats illegal aliens in our midst. But what about the other question of their legal status in the country? Those are two different things. The Bible has something here to say as well. It states that government's job is to preserve order and do justice. St. Augustine famously said that peace flows from order. As a former attorney general, I can tell you that enforcing the rule of law is very important to order and peace. Congress needs to provide the resources for proper immigration control and establish a program that enables us to process those who have earned the legal right to stay as citizens. In the meantime, we must abide by the law. If thirty years of prison ministry have taught us anything, it's that we can't cave in to those who take the law into their own hands. Such disrespect for the law sets a terrible example to everyone. We have to look at what the law says and enforce it. The hard truth is, if people come here illegally, they cannot be granted amnesty. That simply encourages millions more to cross our borders. Of course, securing the borders is vital to national security. It's also important that immigrants come here, but through an orderly, established legal process And employers cannot be allowed to continue to ignore the law against hiring illegal aliens. If we do not enforce the law, we are teaching millions a terrible lesson. We are telling them the law does not matter. Failure to enforce the law has created this problem, and the ironic aspect is that the very blessing illegal aliens come here to secure for themselves is precisely a result of an economy and society made strong by the rule of law. It's true that an unjust law is no law at all, as Martin Luther King famously said. But this is not a case of an unjust law. To secure our borders and to provide for an orderly process of immigrants is a just law, and the Church needs to respect that law even while it administers aid, compassion, and love to those in our midst. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Agree? Disagree? Care? Don't care? DK revdauphinee answered on 05/24/06: I agree "If we do not enforce the law, we are teaching millions a terrible lesson. We are telling them the law does not matter." render unto ceasar!! kindj rated this answer

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hOPE12 asked on 05/23/06 - Armageddon WHAT DO YOU THINK ARMAGEDDON IS? � A nuclear holocaust � An environmental disaster � A collision of a celestial body with the earth � Divine destruction of the wicked When you hear about Armageddon what comes to your mind? What is Armageddon to you? Take care, Hope12 revdauphinee answered on 05/23/06: Q) When you hear about Armageddon what comes to your mind? What is Armageddon to you? A)world war hOPE12 rated this answer paraclete rated this answer

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arcura asked on 05/23/06 - What is your personal Christian exegesis on this? John 16:5. But now I am going to him who sent me; yet none of you asks me, 'Where are you going?' 6. But because I have said these things to you, sorrow has filled your hearts. 7. Nevertheless I tell you the truth: it is to your advantage that I go away, for if I do not go away, the Counselor will not come to you; but if I go, I will send him to you. 8. And when he comes, he will convince the world concerning sin and righteousness and judgment: 9. concerning sin, because they do not believe in me; 10. concerning righteousness, because I go to the Father, and you will see me no more; 11. concerning judgment, because the ruler of this world is judged. (From the RSV) revdauphinee answered on 05/23/06: My personal feeling is it is truth! arcura rated this answer

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Bobbye asked on 05/23/06 - I WONDER... (1) What was the affect upon Simon of Cyrene's life after carrying the Cross of Jesus? (2) About the "garments" for which the Roman soldiers cast lots? Were the recipients ever the same? (3) About all that "Mary pondered in her heart!" I'd like her version of "The Greatest Stroy Ever Told!" Even Fulton Owsler's masterpiece would be enriched to hear the cries of grief at The Cross; the joy at Bethlehem, though in a cave under the Inn; the loving and living of life in Nazareth with a Twelve-Year-Old who declared after the Temple visit, "I must be about my Father's business!" What is "Mary's Story?" (4) About Sheba's questions -- but more so of Solomon's answers. (5) About Joseph of Arimathaea's blessing after relinquishing his tomb to THE SON OF GOD? How did his peers on the Sanhedrin react to his placing Jesus' body in his tomb? Yes, "I wonder!" Have you ever wondered of those things left untold in Scripture? Thanks. Bobbye revdauphinee answered on 05/23/06: Much was writted of in scripture however those scriptures have either been lost or rejected by the council of Nicea.Not all of the writed records are included in our bible belle33 rated this answer Bobbye rated this answer

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arcura asked on 05/23/06 - Is there anything that could be of Chrisitan concern about this? LITTLE KNOWN NAVAL HISTORY The U.S.S. Constitution (Old Ironsides) as a combat vessel carried 48,600 gallons of fresh water for her crew of 475 officers and men. This was sufficient to last six months of sustained operations at sea. She carried no evaporators (fresh water distillers). However, let it be noted that according to her log, "On July 27, 1798, the U.S.S. Constitution sailed from Boston with a full complement of 475 officers and men, 48,600 gallons of fresh water, 7,400 cannon shot, 11,600 pounds of black powder and 79,400 gallons of rum." Her mission: "To destroy and harass English shipping." Making Jamaica on 6 October, she took on 826 pounds of flour and 68,300 gallons of rum. Then she headed for the Azores, arriving there 12 November. She provisioned with 550 pounds of beef and 64,300 gallons of Portuguese wine. On 18 November, she set sail for England. In the ensuing days she defeated five British men-of-war and captured and scuttled 12 English merchantmen, salvaging only the rum aboard each. By 26 January, her powder and shot were exhausted. Nevertheless, and though unarmed, she made a night raid up the Firth of Clyde in Scotland. Her landing party captured a whiskey distillery and transferred 40,000 gallons of single malt Scotch aboard by dawn. Then she headed home. The U.S.S. Constitution arrived in Boston on 20 February 1799, with no cannon shot, no food, no powder, NO rum, NO wine, NO whiskey and 38,600 gallons of stagnant water. Now these guys knew how to drink! <#> <#> <#> Now let�s take another look at these Navy statistical figures. According to the story, Old Ironsides was at sea for 208 days. Not including the rum they may have confiscated from scuttled ships, the crew drank an average of 1,212 gallons of rum, whiskey or wine each day. Each man�s daily ration would have been 2� gallons! That�s enough to keep each man fallen down drunk and a several days severe hangover for those that survived alcohol poisoning. revdauphinee answered on 05/23/06: do you know that a daily whiskey ration along with limes helped to avoid the disease of scurvey??also since most were forced into sevice it was lot harder to jump ship when tipsy LOL arcura rated this answer

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belle33 asked on 05/23/06 - BLoodline I've heard all the hoopla about the Da Vinci code. Could there still be a blood line from Jesus's brothers and sisters? Where is Aton? revdauphinee answered on 05/23/06: why not?? when did marrying and having children become sinfull???I just dont understand the outrage! unless the church is mad due to the difference between Jesus concideration of women and thier own poor performance! arcura rated this answer belle33 rated this answer

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Bobbye asked on 05/22/06 - RAHAB! Most are familiar with the story of Rahab, the harlot, as mentioned in Joshua. However, Josephus, first-century historian, identified Rahab as "an innkeeper" -- which explanation explains the "spies" presence at her dwelling. "And they went and came into an harlot's house, named Rahab, and LODGED there." Joshua 2:1 Could it be that the name "Rahab" was simply a type-reference given to her by those opposed to her lifestyle (if she were truly a harlot and not "an inkeeper") -- based upon the mythical idea of the primaeval monster called "Rahab" or the "crooked serpent" ("leviathan") of the Old Testament? "Thou didst crush Rahab like a carcass:" Psalm 89:10 "His hand pierced the fleeing serpent:" Job 26:13. "Was it not thou that didst cut Rahab in pieces, that didst pierce the dragon?" Isaiah 51:9 Some folks call others "snake" in reference to the Serpent (Satan)in the Garden of Eden when an evil deed is perceived. Could it be that the name "Rahab" was simply an identification with "the crooked serpent" of Psalm 89:10, based upon her lifestyle. No one on the planet earth today knows her positive occupation (except what is stated in Joshua 2); as no one on earth today can verify her name. However, in comparative Theology the question arises. Blessings, bobbye revdauphinee answered on 05/23/06: No matter what her proffesion we also must remember her geniology as an ancestor of Joseph of Nazareth, (Matt.1:5. Salmon the father of Boaz, whose mother was Rahab, Boaz the father of Obed, whose mother was Ruth, Obed the father of Jesse, ) Bobbye rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 05/21/06 - Let's hope he is successful? Pope casts abuse priest adrift May 21, 2006 POPE Benedict demonstrated his uncompromising approach to sex abuse in the Catholic Church yesterday when he ordered one of its most influential figures, who faces multiple allegations, to retire to a life of "prayer and repentance". A statement issued by the Vatican said 86-year-old Father Marcial Maciel, the founder of the ultra-orthodox Legion of Christ, had only escaped a full ecclesiastical trial because of his "advanced age [and] frail health". Maciel's case had been repeatedly shelved by church leaders for 30 years. The statement noted that the sanctions against the priest had been personally endorsed by the pontiff. Pope Benedict's ruling was a departure from John Paul II's policy and affirmed his vow to sweep "filth" from the church. ======================================================= sweep the filth from the Church, sort of like shutting the gate after the horse has bolted. If he were serious he would prosecute no matter what the age. revdauphinee answered on 05/21/06: sweep the filth from the Church, sort of like shutting the gate after the horse has bolted. If he were serious he would prosecute no matter what the age. with the above i can agree! arcura rated this answer paraclete rated this answer

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jjgoss asked on 05/20/06 - Pat Robertson Predictions... ...In another in a series of notable pronouncements, religious broadcaster Pat Robertson said God told him storms and possibly a tsunami would hit America's coastline this year...Do you believe him?...I mean, God would talk to some people...but Pat Robertson?.....Would God talk to a person who said that American agents should assassinate Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez and that Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon's stroke was divine retribution for Israel's pullout from the Gaza Strip?... revdauphinee answered on 05/20/06: since I live on the gulf coast I also predict we will have storms this year(we do every year)Pat did not need God to tell him this he should have called me !LOL jackreade rated this answer jjgoss rated this answer MaggieB rated this answer WheninRome rated this answer

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excon asked on 05/20/06 - Santa Clause Hello Christians: If they had a Santa board on AW, and the people there were fervent believers in Santa, would you participate? Would you deride them? Would you ask them how Santa feels? Would you ask them how Santa thinks? Would you feel silly talking about Santa with a real Santa believer? Would you want to tell those people that Santa doesn't exist? What would you say to someone who receives messages from Santa? excon revdauphinee answered on 05/20/06: ever heard of st Nicholas? St. Nicholas by Susan Seals Used by permission The true story of Santa Claus begins with Nicholas, who was born during the third century in the village of Patara. At the time the area was Greek and is now on the southern coast of Turkey. His wealthy parents, who raised him to be a devout Christian, died in an epidemic while Nicholas was still young. Obeying Jesus' words to "sell what you own and give the money to the poor," Nicholas used his whole inheritance to assist the needy, the sick, and the suffering. He dedicated his life to serving God and was made Bishop of Myra while still a young man. Bishop Nicholas became known throughout the land for his generosity to the those in need, his love for children, and his concern for sailors and ships Under the Roman Emperor Diocletian, who ruthlessly persecuted Christians, Bishop Nicholas suffered for his faith, was exiled and imprisoned. The prisons were so full of bishops, priests, and deacons, there was no room for the real criminals�murderers, thieves and robbers. After his release, Nicholas attended the Council of Nicaea in AD 325. He died December 6, AD 343 in Myra and was buried in his cathedral church, where a unique relic, called manna, formed in his grave. This liquid substance, said to have healing powers, fostered the growth of devotion to Nicholas. The anniversary of his death became a day of celebration, St. Nicholas Day. Through the centuries many stories and legends have been told of St. Nicholas' life and deeds. These accounts help us understand his extraordinary character and why he is so beloved and revered as protector and helper of those in need. One story tells of a poor man with three daughters. In those days a young woman's father had to offer prospective husbands something of value�a dowry. The larger the dowry, the better the chance that a young woman would find a good husband. Without a dowry, a woman was unlikely to marry. This poor man's daughters, without dowries, were therefore destined to be sold into slavery. Mysteriously, on three different occasions, a bag of gold appeared in their home-providing the needed dowries. The bags of gold, tossed through an open window, are said to have landed in stockings or shoes left before the fire to dry. This led to the custom of children hanging stockings or putting out shoes, eagerly awaiting gifts from Saint Nicholas. Sometimes the story is told with gold balls instead of bags of gold. That is why three gold balls, sometimes represented as oranges, are one of the symbols for St. Nicholas. And so St. Nicholas is a gift-giver. One of the oldest stories showing St. Nicholas as a protector of children takes place long after his death. The townspeople of Myra were celebrating the good saint on the eve of his feast day when a band of Arab pirates from Crete came into the district. They stole treasures from the Church of Saint Nicholas to take away as booty. As they were leaving town, they snatched a young boy, Basilios, to make into a slave. The emir, or ruler, selected Basilios to be his personal cupbearer, as not knowing the language, Basilios would not understand what the king said to those around him. So, for the next year Basilios waited on the king, bringing his wine in a beautiful golden cup. For Basilios' parents, devastated at the loss of their only child, the year passed slowly, filled with grief. As the next St. Nicholas' feast day approached, Basilios' mother would not join in the festivity, as it was now a day of tragedy. However, she was persuaded to have a simple observance at home�with quiet prayers for Basilios' safekeeping. Meanwhile, as Basilios was fulfilling his tasks serving the emir, he was suddenly whisked up and away. St. Nicholas appeared to the terrified boy, blessed him, and set him down at his home back in Myra. Imagine the joy and wonderment when Basilios amazingly appeared before his parents, still holding the king's golden cup. This is the first story told of St. Nicholas protecting children�which became his primary role in the West. excon rated this answer paraclete rated this answer

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jackreade asked on 05/20/06 - More Commentary on DaVinci Code Here is a fascinating article I ran across on the Internet, I think many of you will enjoy the points that the author makes:: "That word "overdetermined" is much too mild to describe the huge furore over Ron Howard's Da Vinci Code movie...... Silvio Berlusconi's culture minister, who said that the Da Vinci novel-cum-film shows contempt for "the primacy of truth." Primacy of truth? The phrase has a nice ring to it, but it cannot be applied in this case. To quote the master of London's Temple Church (Rev. Robin Griffith-Jones), which is one of the key sites featured in the film, "The novel's characters say that Jesus was a married man and father. We conservative Christians say that Jesus was born of a virgin, walked on water, raised people from the dead, and came out of his own grave. Which of these accounts, to a neutral observer, seems more fantastical?" More to the point -- and pace Griffith-Jones -- I believe there are all kinds of perfectly orthodox reasons to want to see a fleshier Jesus than the one esteemed by conservatives and Fundamentalists whose feet barely touch the ground. After all, John's Gospel begins with the memorable declaration that the eternal Word ***"became flesh, full of grace and truth."*** And, in fact, each of the of the four canonical gospels -- the ones that made the cut -- emphasizes the ***fleshiness*** of the Founder: that he wept at the death of a friend, that he doubted and suffered as we sometimes doubt and suffer, that he enjoyed raucous parties (less water, more wine) and physical indulgences (like having his feet bathed in expensive ointment), that he was tempted as we are, that he could get really angry, that he needed his solitude from time to time, that he knew how to make a good breakfast for his buds, and that he experienced a miserable and lonely death by state execution. It's the gospels that didn't make the final cut -- Gospel of Judas, Gospel of Thomas, Gospel of Mary, etc. -- that are eager to valorize the spiritual Jesus and trivialize his fleshiness. The "married with children" part is what sets off Dan Brown's attackers. But if they had their way Jesus wouldn't have siblings or a kvetching Jewish mother, either. The attackers can't avoid those realities, because they are clearly attested scripturally, as is the fact that Peter (that "rock upon which I will build my Church") was most definitely married -- unlike most (but by no means all) of the successors to Peter's bishopric in Rome. I could work up a neat little essay on how, despite their Jewish roots and despite their approved gospels' affirmation of bodiliness, the Christians became increasingly sex-phobic as the western Church grew more powerful, but others have already done the work. Suffice it to say that at least three factors played into this: ***first***, the late-Hellenic world's strong attachment to neo-Platonism and Stoicism, both of which emphasized the superiority of mind over body; ***second***, a perverse and persistent misreading of what the apostle Paul meant by the opposition of pneuma (spirit) to sarx (flesh -- by which Paul did not mean literal flesh); and ***third***, the baleful influence of misogyny among the "doctors" and "fathers" of the Church, most notably Augustine and Aquinas, who associated carnality with the legacy of Eve and who (quite notoriously in the case of Augustine) believed that Original Sin was transmitted from one generation to the next through the transmission of semen. You can look it up. Lest the Protestants be let off the hook, it should be added that the renegade German monk named Luther simply carried over, and in some ways intensified, Augustine's misogyny, while Geneva's cerebral Jean Calvin left behind a way of being Christian that soon became known as Puritanism -- a mindset later defined by H.L. Mencken as the suspicion that somewhere, people are enjoying themselves. Ideas have consequences, and nowhere is this truism better illustrated than in the trajectory of Christian thought and practice in which raging sex phobia was and is a repellent form of anti-humanism. Millions who are drawn to the resolute nonviolence and compassion and truth-telling of Jesus of Nazareth remain profoundly put off by the sex phobia of those who claim to speak for his church. If these seekers are now fascinated by the iconoclastic portrait drawn by Dan Brown and Ron Howard, it may well be because the church has foolishly and dangerously ***downplayed the full humanity of Jesus*** for millennia and not because the seekers are simply "ignorant" as today's Defenders of the Faith allege. There can be no primacy of truth respecting so protean a symbol as Christ. A very wise, and thus much despised, New Testament scholar named Burton Mack has written that despite continuing monumental efforts to pin down an actual historical Jesus, there is finally no way to penetrate the veil of church-created myth surrounding him. Accordingly, says Mack, Christians and others who can see all the damage being done by propagators of an un-human or anti-human or violence-embracing Christ (Mel Gibson's comes to mind) had better start making their own liberatory myths. If that is what the throngs who will see The Da Vinci Code this weekend are about, more power to them.">>Forgot the author, will add name in a minute. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ revdauphinee answered on 05/20/06: "The novel's characters say that Jesus was a married man Once more ""ITS A NOVEL"" jackreade rated this answer JesseJamesDupree rated this answer Mathatmacoat rated this answer

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Erewhon asked on 05/19/06 - Christians and Jews to be identified by Yellow and Red respectively in Iran if proposed law is appro New Iranian law to require Jews to wear yellow band By JPOST.COM STAFF A new dress-code law reportedly passed in Iran this past week mandates the government to make sure that religious minorities - Christians, Jews and Zoroastrians - will have to adopt distinct colour schemes to make them identifiable in public, the Canadian National Post reported on Friday. Under the new law, which still awaits final approval from Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Jews will have to wear a yellow band on their exterior in public, while Christians will be required to don red ones. Internal Security Minister Avi Dichter responded to the new law Friday night, saying, "Whoever makes Jews anywhere wear the yellow star again, will find themselves in a coffin draped in black." Furthermore, according to the law, the Iranian government has envisioned that all Iranians wear "standard Islamic garments" designed to remove ethnic and class distinctions. The purpose for the law was to prevent Muslims from becoming najis "unclean" by accidentally shaking the hands of non-Muslims in public. Ophir Paz-Pines, minister-without-portfolio responsible for culture, sports, science and technology, who is also a member of the Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee in the Knesset, called on the government's secretary to ensure the issue be immediately addressed during the next Cabinet meeting. "The State of Israel was created after the Holocaust in order to ensure it would not be repeated. The yellow star is a bright red warning sign that obligates us to muster the entire world in the face of events there [Iran]." Paz-Pines also called on Prime Minister Ehud Olmert to make the issue his top priority when he visits Washington D.C. next week to meet US President George W. Bush. Meretz Chairman Yossi Beilin said, "Israel could no longer be satisfied with warnings, and that the moment Jews are forced to wear the yellow band, Israel must act to evacuate all Jews from Iran." He added that, "Israel must stand at the forefront of efforts to separate Iran's crazy and Hitlerite regime from government control." "The new law resembles the Holocaust," said head of the Simon Wiesenthal Center in Los Angeles, Rabbi Marvin Heir, and warned that, "Iran was nearing Nazi Ideology." According to Army Radio, Wiesenthal Center officials sent a letter to United Nations Director General Kofi Annan urging him "not to ignore" the new law, and reminded him that, "The world ignored Hitler for many years." The new law was drafted during the presidency of Muhammad Khatami in 2004, but was blocked. That blockage, however, has been removed under pressure from current President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad. According to Ahmadinejad, reported the National Post, the new Islamic uniforms will establish "visual equality" for Iranians as they prepare for the return of the Hidden Imam. The final shape of the uniforms is yet to be established but there is consensus on a number of points. The Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations released a statement saying, "We have been seeking to clarify these reports but do not yet have confirmation. There are clear indications that various Iranian government agencies, including the Ministry of Commerce and Ministry of Culture and Islamic Guidance, are working on new uniforms to be introduced in the fall. "While such legislation would be reminiscent of dark periods in the past, like the Nazi era when Jews and others had to wear identifying badges, it is also consistent with the racist and extremist ideology propagated by President Ahmadinejad. We are monitoring the situation and seeking to ascertain the facts in order to determine the appropriate response." === Comments? revdauphinee answered on 05/20/06: the third reich raises its head once more 1and from such a peacefull religion as islaam??? (Matt.10: 21 "Brother will betray brother to death, and a father his child; children will rebel against their parents and have them put to death. 22 All men will hate you because of me, but he who stands firm to the end will be saved. (Matt.24:8-10 8 All these are the beginning of birth pains. 9 "Then you will be handed over to be persecuted and put to death, and you will be hated by all nations because of me. 10 At that time many will turn away from the faith and will betray and hate each other, ) (Lk.6:22-23,26 22 Blessed are you when men hate you, when they exclude you and insult you and reject your name as evil, because of the Son of Man. 23 "Rejoice in that day and leap for joy, because great is your reward in heaven. For that is how their fathers treated the prophets. Erewhon rated this answer

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Bobbye asked on 05/19/06 - ANTICHRIST! In one of William Barclay's* commentaries, "At The Last Trumpet," he discusses The Antichrist (I and II John). Barclay defines "'Antichrist' as a word that occcurs only in John's letters in I John 2:22; 4:3; II John 7, but it is the expression of an idea that is as old as religion itself." ========. Many through the years have believed that Antichrist is a particular person -- and have so preached and taught with nostrils flaring and tempers raging (most of us have heard one version or the other) that "Antichrist is in the world today." Even The Apostle stated that "Antichrist in in the world today." If so, what about today? This generates more fuel for the fire. ======. However, Barclay goes on to state: "'Antichrist' can have two meanings;i.e., (1) 'Anti' is a Greek preposition that can mean either 'against' or 'in place of.' (2) 'Strategos' is the Greek word for 'a commander.' 'Antistrategos' can mean either 'the opponent of Christ' or 'the one who seeks to put himself in the place of Christ.' Thus 'Antichrist' can act in either way." =====. Barclay then states his position: "The Apostle John had a special view of Antichrist. HE DID NOT THINK OF ANTICHRIST AS ONE SINGLE INDIVIDUAL FIGURE; RATHER, AS A POWER OF FALSEHOOD SPEAKING IN AND THROUGH THE FALSE TEACHERS. "Just at the Holy Spirit was inspiring the true teachers and prophets, so there was an evil spirit inspiring the false teachers and the false prophets. "The great interest and relevance of this is that for John 'the battleground was in the mind.' The spirit of antichrist was struggling with the Spirit of God for the possession of men's minds. "John no longer thought in terms of a single demonic figure, but in terms of a force of evil deliberately seeking to pervade men's minds; and there is nothing more potent for evil than the pervading of men's minds with false doctrine." =========. QUESTION: (1) DO YOU BELIEVE ANTICHRIST TO BE A SINGLE PERSON (e.g., Antiochus Epiphanes; Caligula; Nero, etc.)? OR (2) DO YOU BELIEVE THAT ANTICHRIST IS NOT SO MUCH A PERSON AS A PRINCIPLE THAT IS ACTIVELY OPPOSED TO GOD AND MAY BE THOUGHT OF AS INCARNATING ITSELF IN MEN IN EVERY GENERATION WHO OPPOSE GOD? Thanks. Bobbye * "Professor Wm. Barclay (1907-1978), popular Scottish interpreter of the New Testament. Was Professor of Divinity and Biblical Chriticism at Glasgow University. He was the author of the seventeen New Testament volumes in "The Daily Study Bible" series (scholarly commentary worth purchasing)published by Westminister John Knox Press, as well as more than fifty other books." revdauphinee answered on 05/20/06: it will be one person,who will instill ideolagies contrary to christian principles but will be so deceptive as to decieve even the elect !I also believe the stage is set for such a person! Bobbye rated this answer

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HANK1 asked on 05/19/06 - JESUS AND PARENTHOOD: Each person actively creates his or her own personality from the raw material of heredity and experience. Since Jesus is a perfect person, doesn't such a person have to father a child, keeping in mind that His genetics helped determine His Father's personality that surfaced when He gave us Adam and Eve for the express purpose of multiplying the masses. If Jesus didn't father a child, wouldn't He have gone against his Father's wishes since his Father was responsible for His presence on Earth? In short, what's good for the goose is good for the gander. Is Jesus a perfect person since God tells us to "Honor Thy Father and thy Mother?" HANK revdauphinee answered on 05/19/06: and if he did where is the sin in that ??i dont understand all the self rightious outrage HANK1 rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 05/19/06 - Do you know Him? In Matthew � He is the Messiah In Mark � He is the Wonder-Worker In Luke � He is the Son of Man In John � He is the Son of God In Acts � He is the Holy Spirit Moving and Working Among Men In Romans � He is the Justifier In I and II Corinthians � He is the Sanctifier In Galatians � He is the Redeemer from the Curse of the Law In Ephesians � He is the Christ of Unsearchable Riches In Philippians � He is the God who Supplieth All Our Need In Colossians � He is the Fullness of the Godhead Bodily In I and II Thessalonians � He is Our Soon Coming King In I and II Timothy � He is the Mediator Between God and Man In Titus � He is the Faithful Pastor In Philemon � He is the Friend of the Oppressed In Hebrews � He is the Blood of the Everlasting Covenant In James � He is the Lord Who Raiseth the Sick In I and II Peter � He is the Chief Shepherd Who Soon Shall Appear In I, II, and III John � He is Love In Jude � He is the Lord Coming With Ten Thousands of His Saints In Revelation � He is our King of Kings and Lord of Lord To me, He is My King, My Precious Savior, My Healer, My Deliverer, My Life, in Him will I trust. revdauphinee answered on 05/19/06: I do! does the organisers of the churches????? paraclete rated this answer whitefawn_ rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 05/18/06 - It doesn't seem "Christian" somehow? Churchgoers 'don't care about own backyard' * * Email * Print * Normal font * Large font May 19, 2006 - 7:08AM Related coverage * States reject request for summit on child abuse Australian Anglicans will support overseas issues, but don't care about their own backyard, a leading figure in the church says. Richard Hoy, a director of the Anglican Board of Mission Australia, said it was disgraceful they did not see the need to support Indigenous Australians. "The money we give is chickenfeed," he told the Age newspaper. "The church's approach has been anaemic." Mr Hoy had just returned from the "terribly embarrassing and humiliating experience" of telling Darwin's Nungalinya College that the church would not fulfill its promise of funding a $25,000 half scholarship. "As a churchgoer, I ask where the hell is the church? What is it doing to bring (Aboriginal poverty and abuse) to the attention of the public?" National director of the Anglican Board of Mission, Linda Kurti, said Mr Hoy spoke as a private citizen. AAP revdauphinee answered on 05/19/06: this is why I dont hitch my wagon to organised religion paraclete rated this answer Karlogun rated this answer

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Erewhon asked on 05/18/06 - "The Da Vinci Code" ............... ..................... ................ .......... "What Da Vibci Didn't Know" By Richard Neitzel Holzapfe Andrew C. Skinner,and Thomas A. Wayment Ediror's note: With all the hype about the novel The Da Vinci Code and the movie that opens tomorrow, some [...] are puzzled about how much of the book that purports to be fact really is fiction. Rest assured! As this book, written by LDS scholars, points out, members of the LDS Church know a lot more about the Savior than Leonardo Da Vinci ever did. Today�s Meridian features the book�s introduction, with chapter 1 to run tomorrow. Read it at www.ldsmag.com ===== Introduction �The Bible represents a fundamental guidepost for millions of people on the planet�Those who truly understand their faiths understand the stories are metaphorical.� (The Da Vinci Code, p. 342) Winston Churchill said, �In history lie all the secrets.� Though he was speaking of statecraft, his comment is equally applicable to matters of religion. That is, within the context of faith, history can provide answers to important religious questions. In fact, our scriptures are narratives that are grounded in history and that contain the secrets to life itself. And our spiritual enlightenment can often be increased when the scriptures are interpreted by inspired writers and prophets who go to the past to explain the mighty deeds of �God. One of the basic questions we address in this short book is, What truths can we find in historical novels that are sold in the fiction section of bookstores but that nevertheless claim to be rooted in history and based on original sources? Obviously, based on the sheer number of dollars spent, members of our society are often much more interested in getting their history lessons from novels, television shows, and Hollywood movies than through the traditional outlet in which competent historians provide scholarly explorations of the past. Scholars and academics who have forgotten the �story� in history are partly responsible for the lack of interest in and support of their historical craft because their works are often stilted, unimaginative, and basically �uninteresting. Exceptions abound, such as David McCullough�s John Adams (2001) and 1776 (2005). Both efforts prove that historical works can be meticulously researched, �well-�written, and also extremely �interesting. Neither historical novels nor popular films are inherently inadequate in presenting history to a wide audience. The outcome is not a case of good versus bad when these two media outlets choose to tell a story from the past. The questions all of us may raise, however, are about the authors� and screenwriters� fidelity to original sources and their careful and thoughtful interpretation of the historical record. Using those criteria, we have chosen to focus our attention on Dan Brown�s �best-�selling book, The Da Vinci Code (New York: Doubleday, 2003). The Da Vinci Code is a �fast-�paced, suspenseful thriller set amid the landscapes, museums, and cathedrals of Europe. The novel takes us initially into the Mus�e du Louvre in Paris, where we discover that one of the curators, Jacques Sauni�re, has been murdered. However, before he dies, Sauni�re is able to leave �clues � �not about his death but about a secret that will shake the very foundation of Christianity and the Catholic Church. We then are introduced to Sophie Neveu, the murdered curator�s granddaughter and a cryptologist, and Robert Langdon, a visiting Harvard professor, both of whom have been called to the murder scene for various reasons. The two, who will become romantically involved along the way, are swept through a long night of murders and intrigue that continues with a police chase out of Paris to a wet morning in London. As the mystery unfolds, they discover, with the help of Sir Leigh Teabing, British historian and noted Grail scholar, that the great secret associated with the murders and intrigue deals with Jesus of Nazareth. They also discover that Sophie�s grandfather was part of the group that has been custo�dians of the explosive secret for �generations � the Priory of Sion. In England, the identity of the evil �Teacher� who masterminded the murders committed by an albino monk from Opus Dei is revealed, and the story reaches its �climax. During the �fast-�paced race to the finish, Sophie learns that Jesus was mortal, not divine; that He was married to Mary Magdalene, who stood at the cross pregnant; that the earliest gospels, and therefore the most reliable, are not those found in the current New Testament; and that the Catholic Church has attempted through murder, lies, and deceit to hide these facts from the masses since the earliest �times of its existence. Sophie and Robert also discover that the guardians of this great secret (the true identity of Christ and the role of women in the early Church), the Priory of Sion, have included such prestigious members as Leonardo da Vinci, Botticelli, Sir Isaac Newton, and Victor Hugo, all of whom have possessed and passed down through the generations this secret knowledge, as well as the true identity of the Holy Grail. In particular, Leonardo da Vinci is said to have left clues in his artwork that if deciphered could lead someone to the ultimate truth. Sophie and Robert also learn that this super-secret and powerful group continued the practices of ancient rituals that celebrate the sacred �feminine � �something ruthlessly suppressed by the Vatican since the time of the pagan emperor �Constantine. The Da Vinci Code is the �rarest of birds,� both a critical and a commercial success, with tens of millions of copies sold and with translations in more than forty languages. The book is also a historic publication. As Harry Potter turned out to be the book to be read by today�s young people, The Da Vinci Code has become the �must-�read for adults. Its continued availability in hardcover is the result of its amazing endurance on the New York Times Best Seller �List. The book�s initial print run of a mere �eighty-�five thousand copies has been multiplied astronomically. Ongoing interest in The Da Vinci Code has spawned various television specials, popular museum tours to England and France, countless book reviews, numerous articles and books by various individuals responding to the claims put forth in the novel, and a major Hollywood movie based on the book�s �storyline. The reason for all the excitement is obviously more than the simple economic bottom line. The book has been read by tens of millions, exposing them to a revisionist view of Jesus of Nazareth that has caught the media�s attention as well as the attention of committed Christians and scholars. Surprising to some is the fact that some of the viewpoints put forth in The Da Vinci Code were originally outlined by scholars. The novel, in fact, incorporates many scholarly views, subtly adapted into its storyline. Ultimately, The Da Vinci Code demonstrates society�s current intense interest in religious history and its continuing fascination with a historical Jesus. We are not endorsing this immensely popular book. Neither are we encouraging nor discouraging anyone�s reading it or seeing the movie. However, the media attention surrounding the book�s publication and now its additional life as a major motion picture invites us to explore the book�s issues in the light of the New Testament texts, the history of Christianity as a religion, and the debate over the discoveries and rediscoveries of a plethora of old texts claiming to preserve stories related to Jesus, His Church, and the true gospel of �Christ. What we may forget in the heat and passion of the historical and theological debate about the contents of the book and film is the fact that the book is a work of fiction. In fact, following the title of the book on the dust jacket and title page is found the description, �A Novel.� A problem arises with those words, however, because The Da Vinci Code qualifies the subtitle, �A Novel,� and dogmatically and categorically states, �All descriptions of artwork, architecture, documents, and secret rituals in this novel are accurate� (The Da Vinci Code, p. 1). Because of The Da Vinci Code�s claims to accuracy, the book may be evaluated in the same rigorous and careful way any other scholarly endeavor might be �examined � �that is, scrutinized in light of the available historical sources and established �evidence. However, this examination of the claims made in the novel is not intended to be an exhaustive, scholarly endeavor. Indeed, in an effort to make our book more reader-friendly, a minimum of footnotes have been provided. Those who wish to explore the subject in more depth are referred to the bibliography that has been provided. Clearly, given the number and vigor of various discussions with individuals on airplanes, at social events, in university classrooms, and in the hallways at religious gatherings, we think The Da Vinci Code raises some important questions that are worth �examining. Although living in societies that are influenced by the �Judeo-�Christian tradition, Christians today are generally woefully uninformed about the radical academic forces that are determined to reinterpret the basic and �longstanding traditions about Jesus of Nazareth and the early Christian movement that declared Him to be the divine Son of �God. For a long while, the topics discussed and debated by New Testament scholars in academic conferences and in scholarly journals and books, which may have caused the blood of the faithful to �boil,� were reserved for the �academy � �behind the closed doors of white ivory towers. Recently, some of these radical scholars have been successful in presenting their ideas to an increasingly larger audience, without using the typical scholarly jargon that masked their findings and without the scholarly reviews that usually attend academic publishing. In this larger audience are lay consumers who are not typically inclined to ask thoughtful, penetrating questions about sources or the interpretation of those sources. And the academic press has been replaced by a new �outlet � �the popular media, whose interests are not always unbiased but rather are driven by ratings and �revenue. After spending several years responding to questions raised in popular outlets, the authors of this book began paying attention to what family, friends, and students were reading and watching. We were surprised at the number of programs found on the History and Discovery television channels and the frequency of reports in Newsweek, Time, and U.S. News & World Report about Jesus and the early Christian Church. Although often visually stimulating and cleverly presented, many of these programs and reports, we felt, were profoundly influenced by a fringe of radical scholars bent on rewriting the �past. In the face of numerous questions specifically related to The Da Vinci Code�s premises and assertions, we finally purchased and read our own copies of this runaway bestseller. Although we recognized the book�s literary merits and could appreciate the suspense generated by its intriguing plot, we also instantly knew that The Da Vinci Code was the latest and most successful attempt to provide an alternative interpretation of Jesus of Nazareth and early Christianity. We could also see that it drew heavily upon the provocative arguments and conclusions set forth by radical New Testament scholars, who have dedicated their lives to redefining who Jesus was and what He �did. From the countless questions from our friends and associates, we know The Da Vinci Code has generated a lot of interest among �Latter-�day Saints. Interestingly, we came to discover also that Christians in general (who are divided on some essential issues about church authority and the divine nature of Christ) are typically united in their praise of The Da Vinci Code. What seemed obvious to us is that helpful responses to the fundamental questions raised in the book needed to be �provided. For some readers, The Da Vinci Code freed them from conventional rules and values because the book provided an attack on the establishment and the traditional claims of �Christianity � �claims that constitute the �good news,� or the gospel of Christ. It also challenged attitudes about women and priesthood, Church authority, and divine miracles, especially the Atonement and the �Resurrection. In an effort to help clarify the issues involved, we, including our colleague Eric D. Huntsman, initially participated in a recorded discussion entitled �What Da Vinci Didn�t Know: LDS Perspectives on the Code,� released through Deseret Book (2004). None of us imagined at the time that we would follow up with a book about The Da Vinci Code. However, after a flood of interesting and passionate conversations, letters, �e-�mails, and telephone calls in response to our CD, each of us began to think about how we might respond more completely to some of the important issues raised by The Da Vinci �Code. Proposals for the publication of a book were independently submitted to Deseret Book, without any of the present authors being aware of what the others had done. Deseret Book�s Cory Maxwell contacted us to ask if we would be willing to work together on one project that would further the discussion. With a tight deadline, we agreed to do so, and we outlined a book that we thought would address the important issues raised by The Da Vinci �Code. In light of the continued commercial success of the hardback edition of The Da Vinci Code, the release of a �Special Illustrated Edition� (2004), a �two-�million-�copy paperback edition (2006), and a Hollywood movie based on the book (2006), our decision was most likely a fortuitous �one. Actually, our real interest is focused on neither Dan Brown�s novel nor Ron Howard�s film. Although they provide the basis of our discussion, they are simply a springboard to reconsider, once again, the life and ministry of Jesus Christ. The popularity of the book and movie also affords us an opportunity to discuss the events that followed Jesus� suffering, death, and �resurrection �� events that profoundly impacted Western culture and society when a written canon was finally �compiled that provides the basis for Christians� beliefs about Jesus of Nazareth. Based on our observations during the past several years, three themes or topics from The Da Vinci Code seem to have captured the attention of a number of �Latter-�day �Saints. First, the book is �anti-�Catholic and unfairly, in many instances, characterizes the history, beliefs, and practices of the Catholic Church, past and present. Some �Latter-�day Saints, like our Protestant neighbors, have been influenced negatively in their attitudes toward Rome, the papacy, and the Catholic Church because of the dominant Protestant culture. American prejudice against the largest Christian denomination in the world began during the colonial period of our �history � �transported from Europe where the conflict between Protestantism and Catholicism was particularly �intense. Second, the book describes secret texts and an elaborate conspiracy to hide the content of those texts from the masses. Some �Latter-�day Saints, because of the remarkable stories of the coming forth of the Book of Mormon and the Book of Abraham, have been eager to accept accounts that, in their minds and without careful investigation, seem to validate our Church�s claims of additional scripture. Like other Americans, some LDS readers have been willing to accept at face value the conspiracy theories about almost anything involving textual �cover-�ups � �again without careful and thoughtful �review. Finally, the book�s main secret revolves around �marriage � �in this case the presumed marriage of Jesus of Nazareth and Mary of Magdala (known as Mary Magdalene). Our interest in the subject derives from our Church�s focus on marriage as a most important and sacred practice. Additionally, even though not an official doctrine of the Church, some Latter-�day Saints have speculated that Jesus may have been married to fulfill all righteousness (see Genesis 2:24). Many �Latter-�day Saints who are intrigued by this novel seemingly forget that the Jesus who is finally revealed at the end of The Da Vinci Code is not the Jesus of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. He is not the Messiah; He is not the Son of God; and He is not the divine Redeemer of the world. At best, The Da Vinci Code�s Jesus was a wise man, maybe even a prophet, but He is not the suffering, dying Savior of the world who was miraculously raised from death by God on the first day of the �week. As noted above, the focus in this book, What Da Vinci Didn�t Know, is not on Dan Brown�s book itself as much as on some of the important questions raised in The Da Vinci Code. Therefore, we hope our book will be helpful to those who have read Dan Brown�s novel or seen Ron Howard�s film as well as to those who have neither read the book nor seen the �film. Ultimately, we see our efforts as part of a �much �larger dialogue with family members, friends, neighbors, and other people about Jesus and the scriptures. The resulting discussion, we strongly feel, will prove that faithful and thoughtful �Latter-�day Saints have something to contribute to a world searching for answers to important questions in these challenging times, as reflected in Timothy�s prophecy: This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come... [Men and women shall be] ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth (2 Timothy 3:1, 7). About the authors ... Richard Neitzel lHolzapfel is the managing director of the Religious Studies Center publication office and professor of church history and doctrine at Brigham Young University. He received his Ph.D. in Ancient History at the University of California Irvine, and his current research focuses on ancient and modern scripture and Church history. Richard and his wife, Jeni, are the parents of five children and reside in Provo, Utah. Andrew C. Skinner serves as the director of the Neal A. Maxwell Institute for Religious Scholarship and professor of ancient scripture at Britham Young University. He holds a master's degree in theology from Harvard University and a Ph.D in history from the University of Denver and is the author or coauthor of numerous books on the New Testament, including Verse by Verse, the Four Gospels (2006). He and his wife, Janet, have six children and reside in Lindon, Utah. Thomas A. Wayment is an assistant professor of ancient scripture at Brigham Young University. He received his Ph.D. in New Testament Studies from Claremont Graduate University, and continues his research on the life of Jesus and the formation of the early Christian Church. He is the co-editor of three books on the ministry of Christ and the editor of The Complete Joseph Smith Translation of the New Testament: A Side-by-Side Comparison with the King James Version (2005).Thomas and his wife, Brandi, have two children. === Sensible comments? revdauphinee answered on 05/19/06: all the tirades about this ""Novel ""are begining to be tiering its a novel folks please look up the word novel in the dictionary ,Its a story I read it its a great read but t is fiction I read a lot of fiction ,it so far has not deleted my faith ,and if by some streach Jesus was maried so what is mariage now a sin????did we not leatn he had been subjected to all mans temptations?so why not sex ???It has not for one moment changed me mind as to following him as messiah Erewhon rated this answer Chilloutinparis rated this answer

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excon asked on 05/18/06 - A line in the sand Hello Christians: Borders??? Let�s talk about borders. Here�s the scenario: You live in Louisiana. You�re poor. You�ve been wiped out by a hurricane. There�s no work in the entire state. You have a family to feed. Alabama has jobs, but they passed a law that said these jobs are only for Alabamians. You could get one of those jobs. Do you go? Is it the Christian thing to do, to respect the laws of Alabama, and let your children go hungry? Or is it the Christian thing to do, to provide for your family, even if you have to break an Alabama law? Now, I know that a lot of you won�t answer the question, even though I KNOW you understand the question I�m asking. You�ll poke holes in my supposition instead. OK. excon revdauphinee answered on 05/19/06: as a young person i wanted all that America had to offer me so I came to America however I obeyed the law and came here legaly I did not sneak in ! excon rated this answer

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Erewhon asked on 05/18/06 - Christians and fellow travellers - Senate Vote Today: Do Farm workers deserve at least minimum wage It is believed that--as early as today--Senator Chambliss (R-GA) will try to undermine the historic bi-partisan AgJobs compromise by introducing amendments that would eliminate minimum wage protections for farm workers and exclude them from earning a path to citizenship. Chambliss� amendments will affect all farm workers by turning back the clock to the pre-1966 days when migrant farm workers were excluded from minimum wage protections. The H-2A wage provision would abolish the Adverse Effect Wage Rate (AEWR) and would make the federal minimum wage of $5.15 per hour inapplicable to H-2A guestworkers. In Senator Chambliss' home state of Georgia, farm workers are excluded from minimum wage laws altogether. In Kansas, the minimum wage for farm workers is only $2.65 per hour. This is unacceptable in the U.S.A. The H-2A program allows employers to reject an applicant who demands a wage higher than the rate approved by the government which means a U.S. worker can be rejected or fired as "unavailable" for the job. The Chambliss amendments would also eliminate the opportunity for farm workers to earn permanent resident status. Under his proposal, the obstacles--including unrealistic work requirements and heavy fines--would make the path to legalization almost impossible. Please make a difference for farm workers on this vital bill. Contact your Senators and ask them to oppose the Chambliss amendments, and oppose any amendments not supported by AgJobs' primary sponsors (Senators Craig, Kennedy and Feinstein). === Will you extend your Christian charity in support of these poor workers? revdauphinee answered on 05/19/06: amendments will affect all farm workers by turning back the clock to the pre-1966 days when migrant farm workers were excluded from minimum wage protections. why should law breakers have rights ???? Erewhon rated this answer arcura rated this answer Chilloutinparis rated this answer

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HANK1 asked on 05/18/06 - PARACLETE: Every chance you get, you talk negatively about the United States. Your attitude has been festering for quite some time. I'd like to know why. I love my country and ALMOST everyone in it. Please explain ... and THANKS! HANK revdauphinee answered on 05/19/06: whilst this country (America ) is far from perfect its still the best we have! HANK1 rated this answer

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HANK1 asked on 05/18/06 - Count The Numbers: In re: the immigration issue. Why not use the quota system? (I know about the McCarren Act) HANK revdauphinee answered on 05/19/06: why dont we enforce the laws we already have??? HANK1 rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 05/18/06 - mixing of the species Hi just for purplewings. Now lets for get about cats and dogs and get down to the question of the evolution of the species. I don't know about you but this article sickens me. No wonder God was specific about beastiality and that includes "mixing" the species. Humans, chimps 'got it on' From: By Leigh Dayton May 18, 2006 BEFORE they went their separate evolutionary ways, the ancestors of chimpanzees and people got up to plenty of, well, monkey business. Moreover, this went on for about four million years. The most detailed analysis conducted of human and chimpanzee DNA reveals that after an initial separation from a common ancestor, between five and six million years ago, the species continued interbreeding. The implication is that speciation - the separation from a common ancestor - wasn't the simple process scientists previously believed. Instead, it happened over millions of years during which "episodes" of hybridisation took place before the final separation into two distinct species, US researchers claim in a paper published online by Nature. "For the first time, we're able to see the details written out in the DNA," said biologist Eric Lander, director of the Broad Institute at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in Cambridge. "What they tell us at the least is that the human-chimp speciation was very unusual." According to Dr Lander and colleagues at Harvard University, they didn't expect to find evidence of human-chimp hybrids. "Hybridisation is commonly observed to play a role in speciation in plants, but evolutionary biologists do not generally view it as an important way to produce a new species in animals," said team leader Nick Patterson, a biostatistician at the Broad Institute. Geneticist David Reich, of Harvard Medical School, added: "That such evolutionary events have not been seen more often in animal species may simply be due to the fact that we have not been looking for them." While some experts in human evolution remain sceptical of some of the details, they are impressed nevertheless. "It's a totally cool and extremely clever analysis," said Harvard biological anthropologist Daniel Lieberman, who was not involved in the research. "My problem is imagining what it would be like to have a bipedal hominid and a chimpanzee viewing each other as appropriate mates, not to put it too crudely," he said. Previous studies comparing human and chimp DNA could only offer an estimate of how long ago the two species split by averaging the amount of divergence in their genes. Generally, those studies come up with a figure of about 7 million years. But thanks to the completion of the chimpanzee genome project in September, the team had about 800 times more data. That meant they were able to look at how specific sections of the genetic code evolved. For one thing, the new data suggest the human-chimp split was much closer to the present than the seven-million-years date that fossils and previous studies indicated - certainly no earlier than 6.3 million years ago, and more likely around 5.4 million. The data also show that the human-chimp split probably took four million years. That's because in some parts of the DNA sequence, the genetic difference between humans and chimps is so large that those genes must have been isolated from each other nearly 10 million years ago. But in other places, the human and chimp lines are so close that they appear to have still been swapping genetic material at least until 6.3 million years ago. One of those areas is the x-chromosome. Female chimps and humans have two x-chromosomes, while males have an x and a y. "The genes that are a barrier to speciation tend to be on the x-chromosome," team member Assistant Professor Reich said. But as interbreeding is known to place strong selective pressures on sex chromosomes, that would explain the discovery that the x-chromosome is some 1.2 million years younger than the rest of human chromosomes, the team suggested. revdauphinee answered on 05/19/06: les see the more I know men the better chimps start to look! purplewings rated this answer paraclete rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 05/18/06 - do you know what day it is? Around the world it is Compassion Day, so will you sponsor a child with Compassion today. You never know, it may keep some of those illegal immigrants home. revdauphinee answered on 05/19/06: if the US were more generous with it's foriegn aid the us is most generous to foriegn aid its aid at home its forgotten there are homeless here in the mot afluent nation and many american children are going to bed hungry tonight! paraclete rated this answer

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lossiemouth asked on 05/17/06 - install a printer since i had my pc worked i cannt reinstall my printer even with a disc U was told to disable my spyware is this ok or not? revdauphinee answered on 05/17/06: do so whilst you do the install you then can reinstall the spy ware! blueboy. rated this answer lossiemouth rated this answer

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HANK1 asked on 05/16/06 - MORE ON IMMIGRATION - A CHRISTIAN CONSIDERATION: From a South African immigrant by the name of Kim du Toit, May 15, 2006 -- 7:58 a.m. "Here�s the �amnesty� I would offer illegal aliens: bus fare or train fare back to the Mexican border, with a small food allowance after fingerprinting and DNA sampling. Then, if they are ever caught in the country again without legal papers, it�s straight to jail, and involuntary deportation. In other words, illegals get one, and only /one/ chance to make things right." Do you have a better way? (I'm neutral) HANK revdauphinee answered on 05/16/06: from a british immigrant (legal) I am in total agreement with Kim! HANK1 rated this answer paraclete rated this answer

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purplewings asked on 05/16/06 - Mixing of the species Hi For the sake of pleasing my buddy Choux who's looking for a lively discussion that may be sexually related. What does everyone think about the intermingling of species? We've finally gotten to the heart of racism and see mixed race couples often. So, shall we go further in bringing together the pieces of the great ONE? I myself, am a Westie and look like this: but alas I am in love with someone who looks like this: Is there any law that says this is wrong? Either biblically or civilly? Shouldn't the deciding factor be LOVE? revdauphinee answered on 05/16/06: the law of genetics it may notbe wrong but it is imposible purplewings rated this answer

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MaggieB asked on 05/16/06 - What have you done this week What have you done this week to go the extra mile for Christ? Who this week can say they have been not only blessed, but touched by your servants heart? revdauphinee answered on 05/16/06: God knows (Matt.6:6. But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. ) same with works no one needs to know God knows MaggieB rated this answer

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jackreade asked on 05/15/06 - Six Billion, Four Hundred Million $$$$$$$ Yeah, $6,400,000,000.00 a year contributed to the federal government under fake social security numbers of working illegal immigrants. Free money for the government. I wonder what Bush does with it? Oh, yeah, tax breaks for the very rich. Sales taxes paid by everyone, EXCEPT RELIGIONS, according to the state they live in.....for food, clothing, everything else including GASOLINE. jack revdauphinee answered on 05/16/06: and Robin Hood gave to the poor but he was still a thief! jackreade rated this answer

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JesseJamesDupree asked on 05/15/06 - Psalms 37:23-24 "The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord:and he delighteth in his way. Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the Lord upholdeth him with His hand" Does this verse imply "Eternal Security of the believer" if so, why, if not, why not? revdauphinee answered on 05/16/06: the phrase to remember is "a good man " JesseJamesDupree rated this answer

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WheninRome asked on 05/15/06 - Thought provoking book Just finished reading a book by Sam Harris The End of Faith: Religion, Terror, and the Future of Reason Though Harris is an atheist some of the comments in the book makes a lot of sense like the following: "Moderates do not want to kill anyone in the name of God, but they want us to keep using the word "God" as though we knew what we were talking about. And they do not want anything too critical said about people who really believe in the God of their fathers, because tolerance, perhaps above all else, is sacred. To speak plainly and truthfully about the state of our world-to say, for instance, that the Bible and the Koran both contain mountains of life-destroying gibberish-is antithetical to tolerance as moderates currently conceive it. But we can no longer afford the luxury of such political correctness. We must finally recognize the price we are paying to maintain the iconography of our ignorance. " I don't agree with much of what he says but this last comment does make sense to me. Has anyone read this book? What do you think of this comment? revdauphinee answered on 05/16/06: political correctness is the ruination of our language WheninRome rated this answer

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HANK1 asked on 05/15/06 - LET'S GET SOMETHIN' STRAIGHT: When I post a quote, complete with quotation marks that should be quite obvious to the reader, and I do NOT offer an opinion, why do some of you think I agree or disagree with the content? It should be evident that I'm neutral. All I ask for are comments. Got that? HANK revdauphinee answered on 05/16/06: please lets not start the moderator nonesence again I hought we were over that!seems some folks just have to have some overseer we all have oppinions and most differ thats what keeps it interesting here HANK1 rated this answer WheninRome rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 05/15/06 - An anniversary to shout about. Yesterday was the four hundredth anniversary of the naming of Australia as God's country. Four Hundred years ago on 14th May 1606 Australia was named, but more than named it was also committed to God. Terra Australis de Spirito Sancto was named by Fernandes de Quieros, Portuguese navigator of the Pacific (c.1565-1615)who also made a prophecy regarding the Christian faith being preached throughout the continent revdauphinee answered on 05/16/06: truth be told the whole earth is Gods since he owns it all !so you pronouncement means little paraclete rated this answer

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WheninRome asked on 05/15/06 - Age of Aquarius A member mentioned the Age of Aquarius ... Jesus was the one to announce the Age of Aquarius: "a man will meet you carrying an earthen pitcher of water; follow him into the house where he goes in" Mark 14:13So he sent two of his disciples, telling them, "Go into the city, and a man carrying a jar of water will meet you. Follow him �. Luke 22:10; 13.) He replied, "As you enter the city, a man carrying a jar of water will meet you. Follow him to the house that he enters �. Age of Aquarius: An era predicted by astrologers, due to begin around the turn of the millennium, that is to be marked by peace, justice and unity. Are we there yet? revdauphinee answered on 05/16/06: I certainly dont feel Jesus believed in astrology!One can find writings to denote just about anything WheninRome rated this answer

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deardra asked on 05/14/06 - what about using religion to hide bad intentions I talked with my chirstian friends. you know the ones I babysit for. They told me just to tell their little boy that rligious things are something to ask mom and dad about. I assured them I have no problem with that and would never want to impose my views on anyones kids. They told me they trust me more then they would trust someone claiming to be a christan on the basis of religious claims alone. Then they told me that alot of times child molesters and all kinds of bad people with bad intentions will pretend to be nice good christians just to throw you off. That makes me think of my question Do you think lots of people with bad intentions hide behind a rligious facade? Is that part of the bad part abput religion? Is it common? Do a lot of human preditors and people with really bad ideas try to use religion to get what they want? revdauphinee answered on 05/14/06: I dont think they do this I Know they do this! deardra rated this answer whitefawn_ rated this answer

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HANK1 asked on 05/14/06 - CHEAP LABOR: "The phrase "cheap labor" is a myth, a farce, and a lie. There is no such thing as "cheap labor." Take, for example, an illegal Mexican who sneaks in here with his wife and five children. He takes a job for five or six dollars an hour. At that wage with six dependents he pays no income tax, yet at the end of the year gets an "earned income credit" of up to $3,200 free!!!. He qualifies for Section 8 housing and subsidized rent, food stamps, and free (no deductible, no co-pay) health care. His children get free breakfasts and lunches at school, and require bi-lingual teachers and books that taxpayers provide. He doesn't have to worry about car insurance, life insurance, or homeowners insurance. Taxpayers provide Spanish language signs, bulletins, and printed material. He cannot be fired, harassed, or sued He and his family receive the equivalent of $20 to 30 an hour in benefits, while working Americans are lucky to have $5 or 6 an hour left after paying their bil ls and his, and after paying for increased crime, graffiti and trash cleanup. Cheap labor,......my FOOT!" Source: None. I received the above from a friend in an e-mail. No source/citation denoted. Any comments? HANK revdauphinee answered on 05/14/06: its almost as good as"" Guest worker "" A guest is someone who I invite into my home it is not someone who sneaks in the back door!then demands everything I have earned be given to him!! quixotic_Choux rated this answer Erewhon rated this answer HANK1 rated this answer

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blueboy. asked on 05/14/06 - ATON Who would like him back on board? A simple yes or no will do. revdauphinee answered on 05/14/06: yes i would love you back!LOL Chilloutinparis rated this answer LTgolf rated this answer JesseJamesDupree rated this answer Erewhon rated this answer MaggieB rated this answer blueboy. rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 05/13/06 - The dangers of multiculturism? Bibles banned in hospitals From: Sunday Herald Sun Kelvin Healey and Ian Haberfield May 14, 2006 BIBLES have been banished from Victorian hospital bedsides and some schools because they may offend non-Christians. Almost all Melbourne's major hospitals have withdrawn the Holy Book from rooms and several schools have refused to allow their students to be given free Bibles. The Gideons International Australia, which distributes Bibles free to hospitals, schools and motels, blames political correctness. "The reason most often given is that 'We are a multicultural organisation and we don't want to offend anyone'," Gideons' executive director Trevor Monson said. "It is a terrible shame because we get lots of letters from people who say having a Bible by their hospital bed has been a great comfort to them during their darkened days." The Catholic Church condemned the ban and labelled arguments that Bibles could offend non-Christians as "silly". "To say that other faiths might be offended if a Bible is there is nonsense," Archdiocese of Melbourne auxiliary bishop Christopher Prowse said. Hospitals including the Royal Melbourne, Royal Children's, Austin, The Alfred, Monash Medical Centre, Box Hill, Maroondah, Dandenong and Casey have all removed Bibles. Royal Melbourne spokesman Rod Jackson-Smith denied a ban, but said: "We don't (have Bibles in each room) any more. "Because we have so many people from different religious backgrounds it is considered inappropriate. "It is also an infection control measure." The Gideons have offered to supply hospitals with hard cover Bibles that could be wiped to reduce infection fears. At most hospitals Bibles are only available in a chapel or "multi-faith" room. The Austin has a copy in each ward. Only St Vincent's, a Catholic hospital, confirmed it had New Testaments at every bedside. Gideons also revealed several schools had refused free New Testaments for secondary students. ===================================================== This has happen in a State which has quite pecular vilification laws, so is this the logical progression of such thinking? revdauphinee answered on 05/14/06: BIBLES have been banished from Victorian hospital bedsides and some schools because they may offend non-Christians. why? is there anyone standing over these folks with a gun to thier heads saying they have to open them and read????? paraclete rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 05/14/06 - It seems a better way has been found Rather than boycott the film or scratch up the truth, Sydney Anglicans have decided if you can't lick 'em join 'em Churches flock to be first to see Code film By Sarah Price May 14, 2006 Church parishes are booking out cinemas to host their own screenings of the controversial blockbuster film The Da Vinci Code, which opens around the world this week. Anglican parishes in Sydney and Wollongong are booking the screenings to capitalise on renewed interest in the story of Jesus. The film is expected to have the biggest cinema release of any movie in Australia, rivalling the 552-print release of Harry Potter And The Goblet Of Fire. St Augustine's Anglican Church at Neutral Bay, along with the Lighthouse Christian Church at Neutral Bay and the Anglican churches of Mosman, have booked out a 700-seat cinema screening at the Cremorne Orpheum on Thursday night, the day the film opens. The Reverend Craig Roberts said about 500 tickets had been sold. "It's a big movie; it puts two of the biggest questions on the agenda," he said. "Can we trust the Bible and did Jesus rise from the dead?" He said while there would not be a formal discussion on the film at the screening, the audience would be given a card advertising the website challengingdavinci.com and an invitation to attend a seminar at the church on Sunday. St Stephen's Anglican Church at Newtown has booked a 200-seat Saturday night session at Hoyts Cinemas at Broadway. The Reverend Peter Rodgers said there would be a critique of the film and a member of the church would speak at the screening. "We just thought it was a great opportunity ... to get people talking about God and Jesus," he said. Anglican churches in the Illawarra have also booked a 500-seat cinema screening on the opening night at Wollongong. The film opens in Australia on Thursday and in the US and Britain on Friday. Its official premiere will open the Cannes Film Festival on Wednesday. Greater Union group advertising and promotions manager Chris McGlinn said thousands of tickets had been presold and there would be 500 sessions of the film a day in Greater Union cinemas across the country in its first week. Hoyts would not comment. The imminent release of the film has sent the book sales soaring. Karen Reid, of Random House Australia, said a new edition of the book released on May 1 to tie in with the film's release had gone to No.1 on the BookScan's bestsellers list in its first week. And churches continue to release their own resources in response to the claims in the story. The Australian Catholic Students Association and Carnivale Christi have launched a website, thetruthdecoded.org.au. And enrolments are open for a university course on the book. The Macquarie Christian Studies Institute has developed the accredited subject, Decoding the Da Vinci Code and Dan Brown, for semester 2. Star Hanks slams calls for boycott of movie The star of the film The Da Vinci Code has criticised calls from church groups and religious leaders for a boycott of the movie, saying they are taking it too seriously. Tom Hanks, who plays symbologist Professor Robert Langdon in the film, told London's Evening Standard newspaper that the film was "loaded with all sorts of hooey and fun kind of scavenger-hunt-type nonsense". "It's a damn good story and a lot of fun," he said. A Vatican official has urged the public to shun the film, calling it perversely anti-Christian. The film's director Ron Howard last week rejected a call for a disclaimer labelling the film a work of fiction. revdauphinee answered on 05/14/06: folks its just a movie !just as the book is just a STORY !!1i HAVE SEEM MANY FILMS AND READ MANY BOOKS !I DONT BELIEVE MOST OF THEM! blueboy. rated this answer paraclete rated this answer

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arcura asked on 05/14/06 - Without question, today is Mother's Day...so.... Happy Mothers'Day to all you mothers and to those of you who have or have had mothers. My mother had passed rhis life to the next. Thank God for Mothers. Peace and kindness, Fred revdauphinee answered on 05/14/06: thank you so much and for the rest of you (my own kids especialy remember mom is not just here on mothers day she is here 365 and many people forget thay I live in a senior apt complex and believe me folks get lonely ! arcura rated this answer

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ROLCAM asked on 05/13/06 - TO LOVE : Risen Lord, nourish me with your Eucharistic " fruit of the vine." revdauphinee answered on 05/13/06: as to eucharist Jesus told us to do this in rememberance of him never did he say to make it a sacrament . arcura rated this answer ROLCAM rated this answer

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ROLCAM asked on 05/13/06 - Key Verse : John. " I am the vine, you are the branches." Are you living a fruitful life ? revdauphinee answered on 05/13/06: One can only hope! ROLCAM rated this answer

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HANK1 asked on 05/13/06 - GOD & THE BIBLE: Was the Bible encoded by God or by somebody else? revdauphinee answered on 05/13/06: i dont know if it is or is not I bought the book the Bible code and I must admit it is way over my head ! HANK1 rated this answer blueboy. rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 05/13/06 - Scratch up an answer I REALLY THINK cHRISTIANS SHOULD THINK THIS THROUGH AND FIND A BETTER WAY Da Vinci Code: the scratchie May 13, 2006 Scratch cards, usually associated with lottery games offering instant cash prizes, are to be put to a more elevated use: debunking The Da Vinci Code. The Christian Enquiry Centre planned yesterday to distribute 270,000 cards to cinemas in Britain screening the Hollywood version of Dan Brown's bestseller when it is released next week. The film is expected to be one of the year's biggest hits, despite being denounced as stridently anti-Christian by Vatican officials. The cards feature 10 of the book's claims. Cinemagoers are asked to judge whether the claims are fact or fiction by scratching the right box. The cards state, for example, that "the marriage of Jesus and Mary Magdalene is a matter of historical record". If the box marked "fact" is scratched off, it will reveal a cross. The cards, which will be placed in racks in cinema foyers, will also encourage filmgoers to apply for a free booklet Cracking the Da Vinci Code, by Mark Stibbe, which examines the claims in detail. The �20,000 ($48,270) "scratch-for-truth" scheme is part of a campaign by churches to capitalise on the interest in the book, which has sold more than 40 million copies since 2003. "In The Da Vinci Code story, several of the lead characters make highly contentious claims about secret gospels, the relationship between Jesus and Mary Magdalene, and whether the church has been engaged in a cover-up for the past 2000 years," said Jeff Bonsor, the director of the enquiry centre. "We want to set the record straight and introduce people to the real story � and the events surrounding the life of arguably the most influential figure in history." Following an attack on the book by the Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr Rowan Williams, the Church of England launched a website challenging people to make up their own minds. It quotes the Reverend Richard Burridge, the dean of King's College, London, which appears in the book, saying: " The Da Vinci Code is a cracking read � One of its appeals is that we all like secrets. But its claims about Jesus are cracked. In fact, sometimes the real truth is stranger than fiction. Get exploring!" The Vatican has taken a more confrontational approach, calling for a film boycott. Telegraph, London revdauphinee answered on 05/13/06: why dont these folks look up the defination of fiction ??im getting so tierd of people ranting about this stuff I read it its a good read i aldo read bram stokers drakula ,I dint believe it either !and what if it were by some streach of the imagination true there is no "'sin"" in being married so what would it realy change??? blueboy. rated this answer Chilloutinparis rated this answer paraclete rated this answer

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STONY asked on 05/12/06 - IN TRIBUTE TO A GREAT AMERICAN... Floyd Paterson, a boxer and gentleman! Floyd Patterson *Floyd Patterson was born on this date in 1935. He was an African-American boxer. From a poor family in Waco, N.C. he was raised in Bedford-Stuyvesant, Brooklyn. Patterson was one of eleven children and an insular and troubled child. Always skipping school and getting caught stealing he was sent to New York City�s Wiltwyck reform school at aged ten, which he credited with turning his life around. Four years later he started to box and trained under Cus D'Amato at the Grammercy Gym. Patterson won a gold medal at the 1952 Olympics while fighting as a middleweight. As an early pro, he fought as a light heavyweight. The first loss of his career was a controversial decision to former 175-pound champ Joey Maxim. When Rocky Marciano retired in 1956, Patterson seized his opportunity. With the heavyweight title vacant, Patterson beat Tommy Jackson in a title elimination bout and then knocked out 42-year-old light heavyweight champion Archie Moore in the fifth round to win the vacant crown. He was 21 years and 10 months old, the youngest man to ever capture the heavyweight title. At the time, Moore was the oldest man to ever challenge for that title. Patterson weighed only 182 1/4 pounds when he beat Moore for the heavyweight title in 1956. He was still only 188 1/2 pounds when he was stopped in the seventh round by Muhammad Ali in his last fight in 1972. Patterson made four successful title defenses but his reign came to an end in June of 1959 when Sweden's Ingemar Johansson knocked him out in the third round. Again Patterson would find himself in the record books when he stopped Johansson in a rematch to become the first man in history to regain the heavyweight title. Patterson's time as champ ended for good when Sonny Liston knocked him out in one round in 1962 and then again in a rematch 10 months later. He challenged for the crown again in 1965 but was stopped in 12 rounds by Ali. His final chance at the title came in 1968 when he lost a 15-round decision to Jimmy Ellis for the vacant WBA crown. Patterson retired after a 1972 loss to Ali. In 1995, he was named Boxing Commissioner for the State of New York a job he held until recently. He also was inducted into the International Boxing Hall Of Fame. He had a record of 55 win, 8 losses and 1 draw, with 40 wins by knockout. Although Patterson has often been called one of the least able men to ever hold a boxing title, he was a gentleman outside of the sport. He once said that a champion should conduct himself as one in real life as well as in the ring. Floyd Patterson died on May 11, 2006 at his home in New Paltz, N.Y., at the age of 71. He had Alzheimer's disease for about eight years and prostate cancer. Reference: Boxing Album: An Illustrated History by Peter Brooke Bell Smithmark Publisher, 1995 ISBN 0831748109 IN MY YOUTH I CAN REMEMBER LISTENING TO THE RADIO AFTER LIGHTS-OUT AT MILITARY SCHOOL TO HEAR THE PATERSON-LISTON FIGHT. HE WAS A REMARKABLE MAN. revdauphinee answered on 05/12/06: Not being a fan of boxing i know little about the man so I have to take your word on this ,no doubt he will be missed by many Erewhon rated this answer STONY rated this answer

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STONY asked on 05/12/06 - ADAM WAS A MAN JUST LIKE YOU OR ME... UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF A WOMAN. THE RESULT IS HE LISTENED TO EVE RATHER THAN GOD. NOW, ANYBODY ELSE HERE MADE THAT SAME MISTAKE? revdauphinee answered on 05/12/06: that works both ways many women have been led astray by men!I think we all need to listen to God more and each other less I know I do and freely admit it! MaggieB rated this answer STONY rated this answer

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Erewhon asked on 05/12/06 - Whose life is it anyway? MSP calls for forced birth control for addicts By HAMISH MACDONELL SCOTTISH POLITICAL EDITOR * Duncan McNeil, Labour, demands action to stop addicts having families * Demand follows death of 2-year-old who drank parents' heroin substitute * Civil liberties groups condemn idea; claim methadone increases fertility Key quote "Why are we in a situation where so many who are addicted to drugs are having children? As a first step, we should explore putting some form of oral contraception in methadone or using other methods. In that way we could reduce these problems and prevent some of these children coming into harm" - Duncan McNeil, Labour MSP [Member of the Scottish Parliament] for Greenock and Inverclyde CONTRACEPTIVES should be added to methadone to stop drug addicts from having children, an MSP said yesterday. Duncan McNeil, Labour MSP for Greenock and Inverclyde, said there was a real problem of drug addicts having children and the Executive should look at adding some sort of oral contraception to the heroin substitute which is prescribed to thousands of addicts. Mr McNeil did not say whether the contraceptive-laced methadone should be compulsory, but he argued that most addicts could probably be persuaded of the merits of the scheme. The Labour MSP was speaking in the Scottish Parliament on the Executive's plans to make it easier for children to be taken away from drug-addicted parents. One of the major factors influencing the debate was the case of Derek Doran, aged two, who died in his East Lothian home after drinking methadone, meant for his mother. Shortly afterwards, an 11-year-old girl whose parents used heroin collapsed in school after taking the drug. Mr McNeil said the authorities had to ask: "Why are we in a situation where so many who are addicted to drugs are having children?" He said there were dangers of HIV and AIDS and of complications in pregnancy for drug addicts, and he added: "As a first step, we should explore putting some form of oral contraception in methadone or using other methods. In that way we could reduce these problems and prevent some of these children coming into harm." A spokesman for the Scottish Executive rejected the plan. "There are issues about contraception for these people, but it is about advice. I don't think spiking their methadone would be part of that," he said. But outside the chamber, Mr McNeil was adamant that something had to be done. He said the authorities had to look for solutions. "I don't think we can be afraid to be radical," he said. "People in that situation, living in a chaotic lifestyle, are in no fit state to start a family. "I wouldn't have thought it would be too difficult to persuade someone that is not the best time to start a family. They can be offered a whole range of contraceptives, and one option could be it is contained in methadone." Mr McNeil's proposal was rejected out of hand by drug organisations, civil rights' groups and opposition politicians. Annabel Goldie, the Conservative leader, said: "He has missed the point and his suggestion could prove counter-productive." Shona Robison, for the SNP, described Mr McNeil's proposals as "extreme, wrong and unworkable". A spokeswoman for the Scottish Drugs Forum said that Mr McNeil's idea was wrong. "Methadone is known to actually increase fertility and therefore people on this prescription need to be advised of such," she said. "The real issue here is that too many women drug users are not getting access or receiving proper contraceptive advice and treatment." A spokesman for Liberty, the human rights organisation, said: "It's outrageous that one would interfere with a person's treatment; perhaps even encouraging some not to continue with methadone treatment." A spokeswoman from Amnesty International said the idea would breach Article 8 of the Human Rights Act, which guarantees a person's right to a private and family life. === Is it proper to interfere with an addicts personal liberty if it puts his/her children at risk of their lives? How say you? revdauphinee answered on 05/12/06: Mr McNeil said the authorities had to ask: "Why are we in a situation where so many who are addicted to drugs are having children?" a better question may be why are we in a situation where too many folks are addicted in the first place??? Erewhon rated this answer jackreade rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 05/12/06 - Ah shucks foiled again what price America? Iraq? any advance on 10c? New Zealand not for sale: eBay From: By Paul Colgan May 12, 2006 AN Australian man has failed in his bid to sell New Zealand for a bargain-basement price on eBay. The South Pacific country was described by the eBay man as having "very ordinary weather" and bidding opened at one cent. A generous bid of $3000 had been entered by the time the eBay realised the problem and stepped in to say New Zealand was not for sale, the Associated Press reported. More than 22 bids were received before eBay - which describes itself as selling "mostly household items" - pulled the plug. "Clearly New Zealand is not for sale," eBay Australia spokesman Daniel Feiler was quoted as saying. "It is mostly household items we have for sale, but there are the occasional quirky items put up," Mr Feiler said. "We have a look at them and if they are OK we leave them, but if it is something that can't be sold, we take them off." revdauphinee answered on 05/12/06: AMERICA IS loosing value daily and this administration is not helping! Erewhon rated this answer paraclete rated this answer

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Chilloutinparis asked on 05/12/06 - Has your phone been handed in to NSA?? Government Monitoring About 200 Million Americans' Calls USA Today Reports That NSA Wiretapping Is More Far-Reaching Than Thought May 11, 2006 � - As controversy continues to swirl around the National Security Agency program that taps the phones of suspected terrorists within the United States, a USA Today story reveals another piece of the president's NSA spying program. Addressing the issue this afternoon, President Bush did not confirm or deny the report and said the intelligence operations he's authorized are "lawful" and "appropriate." The newspaper says that the spy agency has been collecting information on every phone call made in this country. "Chances are that your cell phone calls, as well as your home phone calls, have been tracked," said Leslie Cauley, the reporter who broke the story. She said there was a "high likelihood" that this information was being passed on to the FBI and CIA. Bush said any intelligence activities specifically target terrorists. "Our intelligence activities strictly target al Qaeda and their known affiliates," Bush said. "We are not mining or trolling through the personal lives of innocent Americans." The paper reports that three of the nation's largest phone companies -- AT&T, Verizon and BellSouth -- have been turning over detailed call histories of all their customers since Sept. 11, 2001, to help the NSA compile what it hopes will be "the largest database ever assembled in the world." About 200 million people have had their call records monitored, Cauley said. This means the NSA keeps track of the outgoing and incoming calls, but not the callers' Social Security numbers or addresses. "This is referred to as data mining. They slice and dice these numbers a thousand different ways," Cauley said. "They analyze patterns. If you're NSA, you look for suspicious patterns." In all their comments about the eavesdropping program, U.S. officials never revealed that they were involved in this massive collection of telephone data. Instead the president has described the NSA surveillance program this way: "The program applies only to international communications. In other words, one end of the communication must be outside the United States." The NSA responded to the report with a statement. "Given the nature of the work we do, it would be irresponsible to comment. Therefore, we have no information to provide," the statement read. "However, it is important to note that the NSA takes its legal responsibility seriously and operates within the law." Gen. Michael Hayden, the president's pick for the next CIA director, has defended the eavesdropping program, saying it goes after al Qaeda operatives. "This is targeted and focused," Hayden said. "This is not about intercepting conversations between people in the United States." Hayden is likely to be grilled on the NSA surveillance programs during his confirmation hearings next week. According to USA Today, this massive NSA data collection program is used to analyze calling patterns that may be helpful in tracking down terrorists. This part of the spy program does not include listening to or recording Americans' conversations. The data NSA gathers are so private that phone companies would normally face steep fines for divulging the information. According to USA Today, one phone company, Qwest, has refused to turn over its records, citing legal concerns. So far, the White House has not responded to this report. In the past, it has told ABC News that the NSA's terrorist surveillance program is within the law, and is essential to keeping Americans safe. "Qwest had concerns about the legality about handing over customer information without having court warrants," Cauley said. "It wasn't that they wanted to participate." This story was originally reported by ABC News' Jessica Yellin Copyright � 2006 ABC News Internet Ventures revdauphinee answered on 05/12/06: 1984 may be late comming but its sure here now Big brother Bush has seen to that! Chilloutinparis rated this answer excon rated this answer

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jackreade asked on 05/12/06 - Inequality "A GANG of anarchist Robin Hood-style thieves, who dress as superheroes and steal expensive food from exclusive restaurants and delicatessens to give to the poor, are being hunted by police in the German city of Hamburg. The gang members seemingly take delight in injecting humour into their raids, which rely on sheer numbers and the confusion caused by their presence. After they plundered Kobe beef fillets, champagne and smoked salmon from a gourmet store on the exclusive Elbastrasse, they presented the cashier with a bouquet of flowers before making their getaway. The latest robbery is part of a pattern over the past several months, suggesting that the thieves deliberately set out to highlight what they perceive as the inequality inherent in German society. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Do you think it is more unethical for rich people to ignore the inequality in society, or for thieves to steal expensive food to call attention to inequality? revdauphinee answered on 05/12/06: thieves are wrong no matter what thier intentions are! jackreade rated this answer WheninRome rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 05/11/06 - Sometimes an initiative can be a disincentive Church drive to 'boost sex lives' From: Reuters From correspondents in London May 10, 2006 BRITISH homeowners wanting to liven up their sex lives, ward off bathroom germs or calm kitchen rows can now call on God - or at least his ministers - for help. A new service is being offered by vicars in the north of England who give blessings to people moving to a new home. They will say prayers for each room, calling on divine assistance to protect the home and the health of those in it. The Rev Chris Painter, a vicar in the diocese of Manchester, told Reuters the initiative was designed tempt new people into the church. "For a large part of the church's history, people have come into the church building," he said. "Nowadays people tend not to come into church so we need to find new ways to meet people." revdauphinee answered on 05/12/06: sounds like these folks need to realize the people ARE the church not the buildings paraclete rated this answer

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kindj asked on 05/11/06 - Just read this... ...and I have to admit, it was a bit humbling. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ The ACLU Is Not Evil And neither are many people with whom we disagree. by Stephen L. Carter | posted 05/11/2006 09:30 a.m. � Related articles and links I would like to say a word in defense of the American Civil Liberties Union. Christians�including me, both in the pages of CT and elsewhere�often criticize the ACLU for advocating separation of church and state in ways that seem less grounded in the Constitution and in history than in an ideological desire for a religion-free public arena. On the other hand, I shudder when fellow Christians blithely dismiss the organization as fundamentally biased against them. Some call it the Anti-Christian Liberals Union or the Anti-Christian Litigation Unit. There are other, less friendly acronyms as well. I think the ACLU is wrong to oppose religious expression in the public square, but being wrong is not the same as being evil. More to the point, the ACLU is often right about the First Amendment's free exercise clause, taking on fights that others refuse. It might surprise some critics that the ACLU defends the free speech and free exercise rights of, well, Christians. For example, in 2001, the group interceded with a school district in Michigan that had deleted a high school senior's yearbook entry because she included a Bible verse. In 2002, the ACLU filed a brief on behalf of a pastor associated with Operation Rescue who was prevented from participating in a parade because his pro-life poster showed a photograph of an aborted baby. And last September, the organization joined a lawsuit on behalf of a New Jersey second-grader who was not allowed to sing "Awesome God" in a school talent show. (All of these examples are easily accessible on several Web pages now devoted to defending the ACLU 's record on Christianity.) Yet I must confess that, although I am pleased to balance the record, defending the ACLU is not my primary purpose here. I am more concerned about a habit of mind that seems to be growing among my fellow Christians, both political liberals and conservatives. That is, we seem to mimic the secular world's conflation of disagreement with wickedness, as if not sharing my worldview places my critic outside the realm of rational discourse. I spend most of my driving time nowadays listening to Christian radio. Most of what I hear is edifying and uplifting. But now and then a genuine clunker comes along, often in the form of a politically active Christian who derides anyone who disagrees with his version of biblical wisdom. One of the nastiest words, at least for many radio preachers, seems to be liberal. Now, I have often been described as a liberal myself�although rarely by liberals. Once, after I gave a talk at a small Christian college in the Bible Belt, a concerned student carrying one of my books approached me. He had enjoyed the lecture, he assured me, but something in my book troubled him. He flipped to a page on which I had complimented something President Bill Clinton had said. The student then turned to me, the look of worry still on his face, and told me I must have written this because I was, really, a liberal. This student believed it was impossible for the good guys�the way he said liberal told me that liberals were not among them�to say anything positive about President Clinton. The host of a popular syndicated Christian radio program once told me that he had received death threats�not just a few, but a lot�during the Clinton administration. His sin? Reminding listeners of their obligation to pray for those God had placed in positions of authority, whether or not they happened to agree with their policies. Yes, we live in a polarized time. The screechy hatefulness emanating from many on the secular Left during the Bush administration has sullied our public discourse. Many Christians feel under assault by the uncompromising secularism of the culture. This includes the queries, on the heels of every bit of bad news, about how one can believe in a God who would allow certain things (this hurricane, this genocide, this war, this tsunami). As an antidote to these uninformed arguments, I recommend David Bentley Hart's startlingly exquisite 2005 book, The Doors of the Sea: Where Was God in the Tsunami? As an antidote to the screechy hatefulness, I recommend Christian love. While our fallen nature makes all of us, whether on the Left or the Right, prone to hating our enemies, we Christians know that Christ calls us to a higher standard. Want a practical example? The next time a fellow Christian disparages the ACLU , try answering with something like this: "Sure, they're on the wrong side sometimes, but I thank God for the times when they're right." Copyright � 2006 Christianity Today. Click for reprint information. May 2006, Vol. 50, No. 5, Page 64 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ DK revdauphinee answered on 05/11/06: to be truthfull i am one of the ones who call them the Anti-Christian Liberals Union and for anyones information I truly believe they are they sure dont defend MY rights arcura rated this answer blueboy. rated this answer kindj rated this answer quixotic_Choux rated this answer Rev80 rated this answer

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jackreade asked on 05/11/06 - Spiritual Super Power Training Program By ROBERT FARLEY, Times Staff Writer Published May 6, 2006 CLEARWATER - Matt Feshbach believes he has super powers. He senses danger faster than most people. He appreciates beauty more deeply than he used to. He says he outperforms his peers in the money management industry. He heightened his powers of perception in 1995 when he went to Los Angeles and became the first and so far only "public" Scientologist to take a highly classified Scientology program called Super Power. Under wraps for decades, Super Power now is being prepped for its eventual rollout in Scientology's massive building in downtown Clearwater. That will be the only place worldwide where the program, much anticipated by Scientologists, will be offered. A key aim of Super Power is to enhance one's perceptions - and not just the five senses we all know - hearing, sight, touch, taste and smell. Scientology founder L. Ron Hubbard taught that people have 57 "perceptics." They include an ability to discern relative sizes, blood circulation, balance, compass direction, temperature, gravity and an "awareness of importance, unimportance." Super Power uses machines, apparatus and specially designed rooms to exercise and enhance a person's so-called perceptics. Those machines include an antigravity simulator and a gyroscope-like apparatus that spins a person around while blindfolded to improve perception of compass direction, said the former Scientologists. Super Power takes "weeks, not months" to complete, said Feshbach. He would not discuss the specific machines and drills that former Scientologists said are used to enhance perceptions. Asked about Super Power, church spokesman Ben Shaw provided a written statement: "Super Power is a series of spiritual counseling processes designed to give a person back his own viewpoint, increase his perception, exercise his power of choice, and greatly enhance other spiritual abilities." One setback occurred when the church checked back on the staffers who had been through Super Power. It turned out, Hines said, many had left the church - hardly the expected outcome. "The fact that it was around in 1978 and it's still not worked out 28 years later, that's pretty significant," Hines said. Scientology founder L. Ron Hubbard's list of 57 perceptics. Words in parentheses are his: Timen Sight Tasten Colorn Depth Solidity (barriers) Relative sizes (external) Sound Pitch Tone Volume Rhythm Smell Touch (pressure, friction, heat or cold and oiliness) Personal emotion Endocrine states Awareness of awareness Personal size Organic sensation (including hunger) Heartbeat Blood circulation Cellular and bacterial position Gravitic (self and other weights) Motion of self Motion (exterior) Body position Joint position Internal temperature External temperature Balance Muscular tension Saline content of self (body) Fields/magnetic Time track motion Physical energy (personal weariness, etc.) Self-determinism Moisture (self) Sound direction Emotional state of other organs Personal position on the tone scale* Affinity (self and others) Communication (self and others) Reality (self and others) Emotional state of groups Compass direction Level of consciousness Pain Perception of conclusions (past and present) Perception of computation (past and present) Perception of imagination (past and present) Perception of having perceived (past and present) Awareness of not knowing Awareness of importance, unimportance Awareness of others Awareness of location and placement (masses, spaces and location itself) Perception of appetite Kinesthesia ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ I edited article for space. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Super Powers????? I lack the super power of knowing the emotional state of my other organs. What super power(s) do you lack????? Do Scientologists believe in God??? revdauphinee answered on 05/11/06: another Tom cruise wanna bee?look at tom and tell me these folks are not crazy??? jackreade rated this answer paraclete rated this answer

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MaggieB asked on 05/10/06 - Make all men slaves of Allah The Caliphate: One nation, under Allah, with 1.5 billion Muslims By James Brandon | Correspondent of The Christian Science Monitor AMMAN, JORDAN � The three middle-aged men sitting in an Indian restaurant in Jordan's capital scarcely look like Islamic revolutionaries. They are smartly dressed in Western-style suits and sip thoughtfully from cans of Pepsi as they share their plan to reshape the Muslim world. "[President] Bush says that we want to enslave people and oppress their freedom of speech," says Abu Abdullah, a senior member of Hizb ut-Tahrir, the Party of Liberation.(( "But we want to free all people from being slaves of men and make them slaves of Allah."))) Hizb ut-Tahrir says that Muslims should abolish national boundaries within the Islamic world and return to a single Islamic state, known as "the Caliphate," that would stretch from Indonesia to Morocco and contain more than 1.5 billion people. It's a simple and seductive idea that analysts believe may someday allow the group to rival existing Islamic movements, topple the rulers of Middle Eastern nations, and undermine those seeking to reconcile democracy and Islam and build bridges between East and West. "A few years ago people laughed at them," says Zeyno Baran, a senior fellow at the Hudson Institute and the leading expert on Hizb ut-Tahrir. "But now that [Osama] bin Laden, [Abu Musab al-] Zarqawi, and other Islamic groups are saying they want to recreate the Caliphate, people are taking them seriously." Even more moderate Muslim groups such as the Muslim Brotherhood in Egypt pay lip-service to the ideal of reestablishing the Caliphate, leaving less ideological space for Muslims who want to move toward Western models of democracy. "The Caliphate is a rallying point between the radicals and the more moderate Islamists," says Stephen Ulph, a senior fellow at the Jamestown Foundation. "The idea of a government based on the Caliphate has a historical pedigree and Islamic legitimacy that Western systems of government by their very nature do not have." But unlike Al Qaeda, Hizb ut-Tahrir believes it can recreate the Caliphate peacefully. Its activists aim to pursuade Muslim political and military leaders that reestablishing the Caliphate is their Islamic duty. Once these leaders invite Hizb ut-Tahrir to take power - effectively staging a military coup - the party would then repeat the process in other countries before linking them up to form a revived Caliphate. "We spread our ideas by addressing people directly," says Abdullah Shakr, a fluent English-speaker, who, like all three men, spent time in Jordanian jails for membership in the party. "We don't care if the government knows about us, but ... we try not to catch their attention." The party was founded in Jerusalem in 1953 by a Palestinian judge, Sheikh Taqiuddin Al-Nabhani. He taught that the Muslim world had grown poor and weak ever since the Caliphate was abolished by Turkish leader Kemal Ataturk in 1924. The Caliphate was created after the death of Islam's founder Muhammad in 632 AD. During the following centuries the Caliphate expanded Islam's territories by conquest and treaty to cover most of the Middle East, Central Asia, and North Africa. As the Ottoman Turks lost ground to the West, they increasingly donned the cloak of the Caliphate. In the 1920s, Muslims throughout the British empire, particularly in India, used the restoration of the Caliphate as an anti-colonial rallying point. "People look back on the Caliphate and see its success as a poor reflection on the condition of the Muslim world today," says Mr. Ulph. ((Hizb ut-Tahrir promises that a revived Caliphate will end corruption and bring prosperity - though the group doesn't say how. It will let Muslims challenge, and ultimately conquer, the West, its followers say.)) (( "The Muslim world has resources like oil but it lacks the leadership that will rule us by Islamic law and make this jihad that the whole world is afraid of," says Shakr, a Jordanian member of the group, who says the success of the Caliphate will also encourage more converts to Islam - eventually making the whole world Islamic.)) Hizb ut-Tahrir's modern leader is a Jordanian known as Emir Atta Abu Rashta. He lives in a secret location in the Middle East and communicates mainly through the Internet. The party is illegal in all Arab countries as well as Germany. Britain mooted banning the group after last year's London bombings were carried out by members of a Hizb ut-Tahrir splinter group. Hizb ut-Tahrir's critics rarely see the organization as a direct threat, however. "Many people see Hizb ut-Tahrir's aims as utterly unrealistic," says Nadim Shehadi, a Middle East analyst at Chatham House. "Even their understanding of the Caliphate as a strong, powerful state is questionable. Historically the Caliphate only worked because it was very loose and extremely decentralized." Many analysts say that real danger is that the group radicalizes its followers who may subsequently graduate into militancy. "People who join won't necessarily end up as violent jihadists," says Shiv Malik, a journalist. "But Hizb ut-Tahrir can provide [them with an] ideological backbone." ((Hizb ut-Tahrir is not a mass movement yet, but analysts warn the group has a growing prominence among educated professionals in Europe and the Middle East.)) "In Europe they tell Muslims that they have to create parallel societies and that they should not follow European laws," says Ms. Baran. "If this happens it will impossible for people like me to argue that Islam can be democratic." Baran estimates the group has tens of thousands of followers in Central Asia. "They're stronger in places where people know less about Islam and can't read the Koran in Arabic," she says. "They're not as popular in the Middle East because they don't get involved in the Palestinian cause." Hizb ut-Tahrir takes a more gradual, long-term strategy for spreading the territory under Muslim rule. (((((("Islam obliges Muslims to possess power so that they can intimidate - I would not say terrorize - the enemies of Islam," says Abu Mohammed, a Hizb ut-Tahrir activist. "In the beginning, the Caliphate would strengthen itself internally and it wouldn't initiate jihad." "But after that we would carry Islam as an intellectual call to all the world," says Abu Mohammed, a pseudonym. "And we will make people bordering the Caliphate believe in Islam. Or if they refuse then we'll ask them to be ruled by Islam.")))))) And after that? Abu Mohammed pauses and fiddles with his Pepsi before replying. "And if after all discussions and negotiations they still refuse, then the last resort will be a jihad to spread the spirit of Islam and the rule of Islam," he says, smiling. "This is done in the interests of all people to get them out of darkness and into light." Could those of you who believe Islam is not an threat to the USA or Western World give explanations of why not? MaggieB revdauphinee answered on 05/11/06: for erwhon who says �.5 billion Muslims will not march behind this ideolog." i have to disagree with you !I feel all muslims do even those who wont admit so! I believe the later day one world religion spoken of in prophecy will be islaam unfortunatly scripture also says christians will be beheaden for following christ and this seems to be the prefered punishment of the muslims!remember the admonitions against Babylon?where is Babylon? And what religion is now previlant in babylon? Erewhon rated this answer MaggieB rated this answer

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STONY asked on 05/10/06 - ANYONE OUT THERE BORED WITH NOTHING TO DO? THEN BY ALL MEANS PLEASE PRAY FOR US HERE IN FLORIDA. ABOUT 2 WEEKS AGO WE STARTED OUT WITH A 15 ACRE FIRE THAT HAS ENGULFED OVER 8,000 ACRES BY NOW. AND THAT IS BY NO MEANS THE ONLY FIRE WE HAVE IN FLA. THEY DON'T DO CONTROLLED BURNS DOWN HERE LIKE A SANE PERSON WOULD. THE LAST FIRE STORMS WE HAD WERE BACK IN 98' AND 8 YEARS LATER WE ARE PAYING THE SAME PRICE FOR OUR INATTENTION TO THE ENVIRONMENT. THIS WINTER HAD "VERY" LITTLE RAIN AND THE GROUND WE WALK ON IS LIKE A TINDER BOX. I WOULD LOVE TO SEE A SLOW MOVING TROPICAL STORM THAT LASTED FOR ABOUT THREE DAYS TO PASS BY. THEY USE THE WORD EMERGENCY NOW, I GUESS THAT WILL BE UPGRADED TO CRISIS BEFORE LONG. revdauphinee answered on 05/11/06: i am already doing that since i dont live too far from Florida I am aware of your plight! STONY rated this answer

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hOPE12 asked on 05/10/06 - Who should govern you life? Hello Everyone, RSV says at Isaiah 48:17 -18 �17 Thus says the LORD, your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel: "I am the LORD your God, who teaches you to profit, who leads you in the way you should go. 18 O that you had hearkened to my commandments! Then your peace would have been like a river, and your righteousness like the waves of the sea;� KJV says at Isaiah 48:17-18 �17 Thus saith the LORD, thy Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel; I am the LORD thy God which teacheth thee to profit, which leadeth thee by the way that thou shouldest go. 18 O that thou hadst hearkened to my commandments! then had thy peace been as a river, and thy righteousness as the waves of the sea.� NWT says at Isaiah 48:17-18 � 17 This is what Jehovah has said, your Repurchaser, the Holy One of Israel: �I, Jehovah, am your God, the One teaching you to benefit [yourself], the One causing you to tread in the way in which you should walk. 18 O if only you would actually pay attention to my commandments! Then your peace would become just like a river, and your righteousness like the waves of the sea.� This is God�s invitation to all of us. When we accept that heartfelt invitation, God becomes, in a sense, our Benefactor. He shows us how to �walk� in genuine peace and harmony. The alternative, is to adopt the theories and philosophies of imperfect humans, which do you believe to be beneficial? Which is a folly. Accordint to Jeremiah 10:23: �To earthling man his way does not belong. It does not belong to man who is walking even to direct his step.� Simply put, it is not within our capacity to govern ourselves and establish a sound and universally acceptable moral code. Do you believe that these prerogatives belong to God alone? Do you feel you have a right to govern your own life, or have you accepted God�s standards in your life? Which way of life do you feel will benefit you and your loved ones the most? Take care, Hope12 revdauphinee answered on 05/11/06: In this ill answer your question with another if he wanted to completly govern our lives why did he give us free will? hOPE12 rated this answer

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hOPE12 asked on 05/10/06 - Belief in the Bible, or not??? Hello Everyone, The Bible verses other writings, what is a person to believe? What do you believe and why? Do you believe the Bible statements below. If yes, why? If not, Why? 1- Although the exact site is unknown, the garden of Eden was probably in the Mesopotamian region by the Euphrates River.�Genesis 2:11-14. 2- The soul dies.�Ezekiel 18:4; Acts 3:23. 3- Jesus was born in Bethlehem.�Matthew 2:1-6. 4- Jesus was begotten by holy spirit.�Matthew 1:20. 5-- New Jerusalem to be in heaven.�Revelation 21:2. 6-- Writers of the Bible were inspired to write God�s thoughts.�2 Peter 1:20, 21. 7- Mosaic Law, including tithing, terminated by the death of Jesus. Contributions are to be voluntary, not under compulsion.�2 Corinthians 9:7; Galatians 3:10-13, 24, 25; Ephesians 2:15. What do you personally believe and why? Do you really believe the Bible to be the Word of God? Should anyone of us add, or take away what the Bible says? Take care, Hope12 revdauphinee answered on 05/11/06: The Bible verses other writings, what is a person to believe? What do you believe and why? Do you believe the Bible statements below. If yes, why? If not, Why? 1- Although the exact site is unknown, the garden of Eden was probably in the Mesopotamian region by the Euphrates River.�Genesis 2:11-14. a)where else could this be ? 14. The name of the third river is the Tigris; it runs along the east side of Asshur. And the fourth river is the Euphrates. 2- The soul dies.�Ezekiel 18:4; Acts 3:23. A)Not ALL souls die only sinners do Ezekiel 18:4 The soul who sins is the one who will die. 3- Jesus was born in Bethlehem.�Matthew 2:1-6. a)Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, 4- Jesus was begotten by holy spirit.�Matthew 1:20. A) 20. But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, "Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. 5-- New Jerusalem to be in heaven.�Revelation 21:2. A)NOT SO ! It will come down from heaven and be on earth revelation21:2. I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, ""coming down"" out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. 3. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, "Now the dwelling of God is with men, and he will live with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. 6-- Writers of the Bible were inspired to write God�s thoughts.�2 Peter 1:20, 21. a)they sure were 20. Above all, you must understand that no prophecy of Scripture came about by the prophet's own interpretation. 21. For prophecy never had its origin in the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit. 7- Mosaic Law, including tithing, terminated by the death of Jesus. Contributions are to be voluntary, not under compulsion.�2 Corinthians 9:7; Galatians 3:10-13, 24, 25; Ephesians concerning tithing . Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. hOPE12 rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 05/10/06 - Now they would like to tell us how to run the Church! Cleric says Christians 'adopted Satan as God' Pro-Israel denominations should be expelled from 'world church,' says PA Muslim leader -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Posted: May 9, 2006 1:00 a.m. Eastern By Aaron Klein � 2006 WorldNetDaily.com JERUSALEM � Christians who support Israel are distorting their true faith, have adapted Satan as god and comprise the greatest danger to world peace, according to a senior Palestinian Authority cleric. The cleric, whose article on Christianity and Israel is posted on an official PA government website, also accuses Zionist Christians of persecuting Palestinians and directing the war in Iraq, and he calls for pro-Israeli Christian denominations to be expelled from the "world church." "Very few people know the truth about this [Christian Zionist] movement, which unconditionally supports the Zionist enemy and unconditionally opposes Islam and the Muslims," writes Hamed Al-Tamimi, director of inter-religious dialogue for the PA's Judicial Council. revdauphinee answered on 05/11/06: ""Cleric says Christians 'adopted Satan as God' Pro-Israel denominations should be expelled from 'world church,' says PA Muslim leader:: there are those amongst us who feel the same way about Islaam(I admit to being one) paraclete rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 05/10/06 - Was it terrorism? was it arson? or was it business? Sydney icon goes up in flames St Barnabas' Church in flames. Related coverage Video: St Barnabas' Church in flames May 10, 2006 - 9:50AM Hundreds of inner city residents were evacuated overnight as Sydney's historic St Barnabas Church on Broadway went up in flames. The UniLodge block, which houses up to 600 people behind the church, was saved because of a sprinkler system which doused the outside of the building, creating a water shield, a fire brigade spokesman told ABC radio. The brigade's Superintendent Chris Jurgeit said numerous triple-O calls had been logged around 3.30am and firemen found a two-level hall next to the church was also ablaze. He said 300 people from the building were evacuated but a UniLodge representative estimated the number was closer to 600. Smouldering shell More than 60 firefighters, using 10 pumping appliances and three ladder trucks, fought the blaze and were able to prevent it from spreading to the UniLodge block. The church was left a smouldering shell. Fire investigators this morning say they can't confirm yet whether it will have to be pulled down but "it's not looking good.'' They said the front and rear walls - the oldest parts of the building - are unlikely to remain. Very sad St Barnabas' Church Assistant Minister Andrew Ford said it was very sad to see the building go. "[It was] a great place for people in the community for almost 150 years." Mr Ford said some of Sydney's oldest stained glass and one of the oldest organs had also been lost. Mr Jurgeit said at least two people had reported hearing explosions about the same time the church caught fire. "There was some reports of an explosion in the church at the time we were notified of the fire. We've got a fire investigator on scene at the moment." Once the church's walls have been stabilised, an investigation will begin into the cause of the fire. "Fire investigators [will] go in and possibly use a K9 accelerant dog to sniff for petrols and things like that." The fire forced the closure of all four Broadway lanes in the area but Mr Jurgeit said it would reopen by about 6.40am. The RTA's Traffic Management Centre said motorists using Broadway would experience only minor delays this morning. St Barnabas' Church was also well known for its ongoing sign board battle with the nearby Broadway Hotel. revdauphinee answered on 05/11/06: might have been terrorism however one hopes not! paraclete rated this answer

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Erewhon asked on 05/09/06 - How do you feel about Adam? Genesis 3:17 - And unto Adam [God] said, Because thou hast hearkened unto the voice of thy wife, and hast eaten of the tree, of which I commanded thee, saying, Thou shalt not eat of it: cursed [is] the ground for thy sake; in sorrow shalt thou eat [of] it all the days of thy life Alma 42:5 - For behold, if Adam had put forth his hand immediately, and partaken of the tree of life, he would have lived forever, according to the word of God, having no space for repentance; yea, and also the word of God would have been void, and the great plan of salvation would have been frustrated. Mosiah 4:7 - I say, that this is the man who receiveth salvation, through the atonement which was prepared from the foundation of the world for all mankind, which ever were since the fall of Adam, or who are, or who ever shall be, even unto the end of the world. The great Jehovah contemplated the whole of the events connected with the earth, pertaining to the plan of salvation, before it rolled into existence, or ever "the morning stars sang together" for joy; the past, the present, and the future were and are, with Him, one eternal "now;" He knew of the fall of Adam, the iniquities of the antediluvians, of the depth of iniquity that would be connected with the human family, their weakness and strength, their power and glory, apostasies, their crimes, their righteousness and iniquity. He comprehended the fall of man, and his redemption; He knew the plan of salvation and pointed it out; He was acquainted with the situation of all nations and with their destiny; He ordered all things according to the council of His own will; He knows the situation of both the living and the dead, and has made ample provision for their redemption, according to their several circumstances, and the laws of the kingdom of God, whether in this world, or in the world to come. All this was �according to the foreknowledge of God.� Because he knew that Adam would eat that which was forbidden, and that after he and Eve were thrown out of Eden�s garden they would have children, and begin the work of peopling the earth out of God�s presence, God had prepared a Redeemer to save us from the consequences of our sins. The Fall of Adam and Eve was not a descent into total depravity, but into, or rather, out of, a situation where God walked and talked with them directly. Adam and Eve became mortal, subject to death. In this, now mortal, condition, they began to people the earth with their children and their children�s children. Where previously they had walked with God and conversed with him in person, they were now shut off from his presence � alienated � but God had not turned his back on humanity. To effect the salvation of his children (Heb 12.9), God prepared a Redeemer, even Jesus Christ, so that in the fullness of time he would make an atonement through which the erring sons and daughters of God, who is our Father in Heaven, could become clean and enter the presence of God in the eternities and share full salvation. The world and its people were not some Friday afternoon project for God, but the purpose and design of his creations. �For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son that whosoever believeth in him should not perish but have everlasting life. For God sent his son into the world not to condemn the world, but that the world through him might be saved. �For, behold,� said God, �This is my work and my glory to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man.� It was not necessary for humanity to be �totally depraved� before God took an interest in it. His interest, his love, is and always has been his motivation for creating the earth and everything in it. When Adam and Eve ate of the forbidden fruit, the mercy of God was extended to them, and they perceived as Eve expressed it, that if there had been no fall, they would have had no posterity, and that they would have been deprived of many joys and blessings relating both to this life and the life to come. And so Adam and Eve rejoiced in their hearts that God had provided the plan, and although they were fallen, yet in this life, through the atonement, they would have joy, and by and by they would return to their Father, and there rejoice exceedingly in the abundant mercy of God, and in the redemption wrought out for them by the Son of God. To this end, it is evident that Adam was not wickedly depraved, but that he had a choice to make between two mutually opposed possibilities. The first, to multiply and fill the earth with people. The second, not to eat the fruit of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. If he ate the fruit of the tree he would become mortal and die; once by being cut off from the presence of God to walk by faith, and again he would die as the result of his becoming mortal. To become the mother and father of the human race they had to eat the fruit and become mortal. This they did, and for their �transgression� they were made mortal, able to conceive and raise children, and provided with instructions for walking in faith teaching their children to praise God and keep his commandments, so that they would be able to partake of the heavenly gift of atonement through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, be pronounced clean, justified, sanctified, and be saved. Had Adam and Eve chosen the alternate course, not to eat of the fruit of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, they could never have had progeny, and would have remained in the Garden of Eden forever. They could not have progressed; could not have had children; would not have fulfilled their primary purpose � the peopling of this world with the spirit children of God our Heavenly Father � �the Father of our spirits� � and all God�s work would have come to a standstill. How do you feel about Adam? Was he a wickedly depraved sinner or was he a divinely commissioned facilitator? revdauphinee answered on 05/11/06: like most men (in my experience)adam probably had a one track mind and so he would follow a womans dictates even if it meant being evicted!LOL Erewhon rated this answer

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arcura asked on 05/09/06 - Can you honestly say this?........................ Tuesday's Gospel reading (Jn 10:22-30): The time came for the feast of the Dedication. It was winter and Jesus walked back and forth in the portico of Solomon. The Jews then gathered around him and said to him, �How long will you keep us in doubt? If you are the Messiah, tell us plainly�. Jesus answered, �I have already told you but you do not believe. The works I do in my Father's name proclaim who I am, but you don't believe because, as I said, you are not my sheep. My sheep hear my voice and I know them; they follow me and I give them eternal life. They shall never perish and no one will ever steal them from me. What the Father has given me is stronger than everything and no one can snatch it from the Father's hand. I and the Father are one�. The question is, "Can you honestly say that Jesus Christ is the Messiah, the son of God?" revdauphinee answered on 05/09/06: for myself my answer is yes! arcura rated this answer

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arcura asked on 05/08/06 - What do you think of Frosty's point of view???? Particularly; do you agree with the last paragraph? +++<><><>+++ WHAT IS IT GOING TO TAKE? By Frosty Wooldridge May 8, 2006 NewsWithViews.com On 9/11, 19 illegal aliens bombed the World Trade Center into rubble and America into an ongoing nightmare. That single act by illegal aliens caused the deaths of 3,000 civilians. Further, it caused the deaths of 2,500 US soldiers and 15,000 wounded in Iraq and Afghanistan�from the US response. It caused the deaths in excess of 50,000 Iraqi citizens. Two years ago, Theo Van Gogh, the great grandson of the famed Dutch painter, Vincent Van Gogh, suffered knife wounds to his throat by a Muslim immigrant who didn�t like Van Gogh�s right to free speech. A Dutch teacher I traveled with last summer in Europe predicted that Holland would suffer civil violence within five years. She said, �We�ll have civil war and it�ll be our immigrants against us!� In Sweden, Muslim immigrants rape Swedish women because those women �ask for it� by not totally covering their bodies. Sweden suffers the greatest cultural dilemma its nation has experienced in hundreds of years. Last December, in Paris, France, legal Muslim immigrants firebombed 10,000 cars in a violent melee that terrified French citizens during four solid weeks before authorities regained control. Today, French citizens fear traveling into immigrant enclaves in France. It stands as a country at odds with itself. The same thing happened in Sydney, Australia where 5,000 people rioted against immigrants who would not and did not respect Australian laws. Immigrants demanded that Sharia Law become a part of Australia to satisfy Muslim immigrants. Thankfully, they mandated, �If you don�t like parliamentary law, you may choose to move to another country with Sharia Law.� In England, Muslim immigrants demanded that swimming pools be changed from co-ed to distinct times for women and men�to satisfy Muslims� need to separate the sexes. The ethnic and religious tension in the United Kingdom makes it about as �united� as a scorpion and a caterpillar in a box. In the past month, Mexican ILLEGAL aliens marched in the streets of major cities demanding their right to occupy the United States via an unarmed invasion. They commandeered America�s streets in a show of ongoing lawlessness that would make Billy the Kid proud! What do all these events share in common? Immigration by incompatible Third World cultures into First World countries! What causes it? Third World countries� birth rates explode past their carrying capacity, which drives desperate people toward viable nations. Additionally, those countries suffer dictators and tyrants, i.e., men like Mexico�s Vicente Fox. Those countries suffer the power of the Catholic Church and religion of Islam stuck in the 1st century where they espouse unlimited and unending birth rates. Results: poverty, illiteracy, diseases, crime, corruption and unending human misery. Thirty years ago, Jean Raspail, a French novelist, wrote a book, �Camp of the Saints� showing an armada leaving India with tens of thousands of wretched immigrants whose own land was so horrible, they couldn�t better it, so they sought another country for their salvation. At one point, one of the reporters asked the captain what he thought. He replied, �You don�t know my people�the squalor, superstitions, the fatalistic sloth that they�ve wallowed in for generations. You don�t know what you�re in for if that fleet of brutes ever lands in your lap. Everything will change in this country of yours. They will swallow you up.� France has been swallowed. In an effort to save itself, in July of last year, it closed its borders to further immigration. Last year, Holland started tracking down illegal immigrants and sent them back. Further, Holland mandated that no immigrant could come to Holland unless he or she spoke fluent Dutch. Additionally, they curtailed the flood to a trickle. Norway�s latest candidate for national office promotes closing the borders of that country. Sweden is not far behind. What do those countries share in common? Their quest for peaceful diversity and multiculturalism died a violent death via the guillotine of reality. The facts speak for themselves: you can�t mix Dark Ages religions and cultures with First World societies. It doesn�t work. It becomes violent. It creates poverty. Citizens of host countries suffer the ethnic tension, racial stress and cultural angst. You can�t take in too many immigrants, whether legal or illegal because they can�t be assimilated. It doesn�t work. It deteriorates from the �myth of ideals� to the lowest common denominator of hostility. So, what�s happening to the United States? Exactly the same thing that happened to Norway, Sweden, Holland, United Kingdom, France and Australia! Because we are bigger, the violence spreads wider so it�s less perceptible. However, 630,000 convicted illegal alien felons in U.S. prisons tell the real story. Over 1.5 million illegal alien students in U.S. schools creating horrific language and overcrowding nightmares spell out the growing crisis. An added 16,000 cases of tuberculosis and 7,000 cases of leprosy--along with tens of thousands of cases of hepatitis �A� imported into America in four years slams us with reality. Hospitals crammed with sick and poor illegals and their babies�cause bankruptcies and loss of care for American citizens. The list grows by the day as our country stumbles toward violent confrontation. What one factor characterizes the European violence? Legal immigrants provoked riots. America suffers 20 million illegal alien migrants. Their violence collectively grows more powerful by the day as 10,000 invade our borders daily according to Time Magazine. What is it going to take for President Bush and Congress to wake up? They know the violence is coming as surely as they knew Katrina approached New Orleans. They know our streets stand ripe for horrific violence from ILLEGAL aliens that have overstepped the rule of law in America. They know the American people will react at some point. Remember Watts? One incident sent Los Angeles into a conflagration never experienced before. Why did it happen? Because the leaders ignored it, pretended it wasn�t a problem, hoped it would go away and remained aloof. Mark Twain called it, �The shabbiest of all lies�silent assertion�occurs when the press and leaders ignore or suppress events of a growing crisis within our society.� What happened to slavery and states� rights? The emotional result became our Civil War. Mr. Bush, Cheney, McCain, Condi Rice, Specter, Hagle, Frist, Kennedy, Pelosi, Kyle, Hatch, Canon and the rest of you yahoos can�t be that stupid! Or, are you? You �let� 9/11 happen because you wouldn�t enforce our immigration laws. You and Clinton made it so easy to thwart our immigration laws that 19 men danced into the United States and took lessons on how to fly jet liners but didn�t need to learn how to land them. You �let� Katrina happen because you ignored the warning signs. It is mildly pathetic that a sitting president with an approval rating of 33 percent �stays his course� while 67 percent of Americans say he is failing at his job. You would think anyone with common sense would change course. You would think that a sitting president with a functioning brain and at least a three digit I.Q., in our Republican form of government, would begin serving the American people instead of serving illegal aliens, ��who do the jobs that Americans won�t do.� I�m going to tell you, Mr. Bush, right here and now. You are guilty of neglect of the U.S. Constitution. You stand in violation of your sacred oath of office. That alone deserves impeachment. The rest of you in Congress stand guilty of ignoring an �Immigration Katrina� that won�t hit �just� New Orleans, but slams into every sector of the United States. You stand guilty as sin for the destruction of millions of lives and collateral damage that wreaks havoc on our society. I promise each of you incompetent and outright traitors this: the American people rise against you. We organize to defend our communities, states and nation against this invasion. We won�t back down and we won�t give up. revdauphinee answered on 05/08/06: im sure ill be castigated for saying this however I am in total agreement with Frosty Wooldridge! sory folks I just wont lie! arcura rated this answer

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ladybugca asked on 05/08/06 - EXPLANATION of GOD. > > THIS ONE IS FABULOUS!!! It was written by an >8-year-old named Danny Dutton, who lives in Chula Vista, CA He wrote it >for his third grade homework assignment, to "explain God". I wonder if any >of us could have done as well? > > > > "One of God's main jobs is making people. He makes >them to replace the ones that die, so there will be enough people to take >care of things on earth. He doesn't make grownups, just babies. I think >because they are smaller and easier to make. That way he doesn't have to >take up his valuable time teaching them to talk and walk. He can just leave >that to mothers and fathers." > > "God's second most important job is listening to >prayers. An awful lot of this goes on, since some people, like preachers >and things, pray at times beside bedtime. God doesn't have time to listen >to the radio or TV because of this. Because he hears everything, there must >be a terrible lot of noise in his ears, unless he has thought of a way to >turn it off." > > "God sees everything and hears everything and is >everywhere which keeps Him pretty busy. So you shouldn't go wasting his >time by going over your mom and dad's head asking for something they said >you couldn't have." > > "Atheists are people who don't believe in God. I >don't think there are any in Chula Vista . At least there aren't any who >come to our church." > > "Jesus is God's Son. He used to do all the hard >work, like walking on water and performing miracles and trying to teach the >people who didn't want to learn about God. They finally got tired of him >preaching to them and they crucified him But he was good and kind, like his >father, and he told his father that they didn't know what they were doing >and to forgive them and God said O.K." > > "His dad (God) appreciated everything that he had >done and all his hard work on earth so he told him he didn't have to go out >on the road anymore. He could stay in heaven. So he did. And now he helps >his dad out by listening to prayers and seeing things which are important >for God to take care of and which ones he can take care of himself without >having to bother God. Like a secretary, only more important." > > "You can pray anytime you want and they are sure >to help you because they got it worked out so one of them is on duty all >the time." "You should always go to church on Sunday because it makes God >happy, and if there's anybody you want to make happy, it's God! > > Don't skip church to do something you think will >be more fun like going to the beach. This is wrong. And besides the sun >doesn't come out at the beach until noon anyway." > > "If you don't believe in God, besides being an >atheist, you will be very lonely, because your parents can't go everywhere >with you, like to camp, but God can It is good to know He's around you >when you're scared, in the dark or when you can't swim and you get thrown >into real deep water by big kids." > > "But...you shouldn't just always think of what God >can do for you. I figure God put me here and he can take me back anytime >he pleases. > > And..that's why I believe in God." > > revdauphinee answered on 05/08/06: great post thanks! ladybugca rated this answer Erewhon rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 05/07/06 - what is a wrong fact? Now I'm a straight forward sort of guy, either something is fact or it is not but I don't get what's being said here, a "wrong fact" in other words it is a fact but we don't want you to know, or it's not a fact, but a lie. Is a wrong fact in fact a lie. You would have expected a high ranking church official would be very clear about such things, but if he's confused how about his flock? Code film a sin: Cardinal May 7, 2006 A HIGH-RANKING Vatican cardinal has spoken out against The Da Vinci Code, the best-selling novel and upcoming film, saying it is based on "wrong facts". Cardinal Francis Arinze said the book did not offer "a good presentation of Christianity at all. Rather, it does the very opposite, presents it wrongly: wrong facts and orientating people against Christianity". Arinze, a Nigerian cardinal with a reputation for conservatism, made his comments in a documentary produced by the Rome-based TV news agency RomeReports and made available Friday. He is the latest church official to criticise the best-selling novel by Dan Brown. "Any film produced on the basis of that book is already in error from the word go, no matter how interesting it may be," said Arinze, who heads the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments. Church officials have spoken out repeatedly against Brown's novel and the upcoming film, which stars Tom Hanks and Audrey Tautou and is scheduled for release this month. The novel, with 46 million copies in print, contends that Jesus married Mary Magdalene and had descendants, and that Opus Dei - a conservative religious organisation close to the Vatican - and the Catholic church were at the centre of covering it up. RomeReports is a religious TV news agency whose director teaches at the Opus Dei-run University of Santa Croce in Rome. The documentary The Da Vinci Code: A Masterful Deception, was directed by Rome-based journalist Mario Biasetti. revdauphinee answered on 05/07/06: the book is clearly listed as a ""novel"" Quick definitions (novel) noun: a printed and bound book that is an extended work of """fiction""" ( noun: a extended ""fictional"" work in prose; usually in the form of a story why is everyone getting so uptight over a novel???I reqad it it is a good read but its fiction folks renmember this! blueboy. rated this answer CeeBee2 rated this answer paraclete rated this answer

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Chilloutinparis asked on 05/05/06 - MESSAGE My daughter sent me this - would like to share it with this forum. You make the choice Don't look for a punch line. There isn't one. Read it anyway. My question to all of you is: Would you have made the same choice? At a fundraising dinner for a school that serves learning disabled children, the father of one of the students delivered a speech that would never be forgotten by all who attended. After extolling the school and its dedicated staff, he offered a question. "When not interfered with by outside influences, everything nature does is done with perfection. Yet my son, Shay, cannot learn things as other children do He cannot understand things as other children do. Where is the natural order of things in my son?" The audience was stilled by the query. The father continued. "I believe, that when a child like Shay comes into the world, an opportunity to realize true human nature presents itself, and it comes, in the way other people treat that child." Then he told the following story: Shay and his father had walked past a park where some boys Shay knew were playing baseball. Shay asked, "Do you think they'll let me play?" Shay's father knew that most of the boys would not want someone like Shay on their team, but the father also understood that if his son were allowed to play, it would give him a much-needed sense of belonging. Shay's father approached one of the boys on the field and asked if Shay could play. The boy looked around for guidance and, getting none, he took matters into his own hands and said, "We're losing by six runs and the game is in the eighth inning. I guess he can be on our team and we'll try to put him in to bat in the ninth inning." In the bottom of the eighth inning, Shay's team scored a few runs but was still behind by three. In the top of the ninth inning, Shay put on a glove and played in the outfield. Even though no hits came his way, he was obviously ecstatic just to be in the game and on the field, grinning from ear to ear as his father waved to him from the stands. In the bottom of the ninth inning, Shay's team scored again. Now, with two outs and the bases loaded, the potential winning run was on base and Shay was scheduled to be next at bat. At this juncture, let Shay bat and give away their chance to win the game? Surprisingly, Shay was given the bat. Everyone knew that a hit was all but impossible 'cause Shay didn't even know how to hold the bat properly, much less connect with the ball. However, as Shay stepped up to the plate, the pitcher moved in a few steps to lob the ball in softly so Shay could at least be able to make contact. The first pitch came and Shay swung clumsily and missed. The pitcher again took a few steps forward to toss the ball softly towards Shay. As the pitch came in, Shay swung at the ball and hit a slow ground ball right back to the pitcher. The pitcher picked up the soft grounder and could have easily thrown the ball to the first baseman. Shay would have been out and that would have been the end of the game. Instead, the pitcher took the ball and turned and threw the ball on a high arc to right field, far beyond the reach of the first baseman. Everyone started yelling, "Shay, run to first! Run to first!" Never in his life had Shay ever made it to first base. He scampered down the baseline, wide-eyed and startled. Everyone yelled, "Run to second, run to second!" By the time Shay rounded first base, the right fielder had the ball. He could have thrown the ball to the second-baseman for the tag, but he understood the pitcher's intentions and intentionally threw the ball high and far over the third-baseman's head. Shay ran toward second base as the runners ahead of him deliriously circled the bases toward home. Shay reached second base, the opposing shortstop ran to him, turned him in the direction of third base, and shouted, "Run to third!" As Shay rounded third, the boys from both teams were screaming, "Shay, run home!" Shay ran to home, stepped on the plate, and was cheered as the hero who hit the "grand slam" and won the game for his team. "That day," said the father softly with tears now rolling down his face, "the boys from both teams helped bring a piece of true love and humanity into this world." AND, NOW A LITTLE FOOTNOTE TO THIS STORY: We all send thousands of jokes through the e-mail without a second thought, but when it comes to sending messages about life choices, people think twice about sharing. The crude, vulgar, and often obscene pass freely through cyberspace, but public discussion about decency is too often suppressed in our schools and workplaces. Comments? revdauphinee answered on 05/05/06: shay made have got a lot from his exPerience but my guess is the other boys learned a lot more ! Chilloutinparis rated this answer Laura rated this answer

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excon asked on 05/05/06 - Steriods Hello Christians: Let�s say you are a salesman, and you doctor offered you a drug that would make you a better salesman. If you take it, are you cheating? excon revdauphinee answered on 05/05/06: Not all steroid use is for athletic ability enhancement I myself at times must take the steroid prednisone since I have Lupus!No one should not take such things for uses suc h as you state however there are medical needs for them! excon rated this answer

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andile asked on 05/05/06 - Do you have the rosary? To all those who feel that praying and meditating the mysteries of the rosary is a waste of time,think again pals,I have been meditating with the Sorrowful mysteries during the Lent period and believe it or not I have witness major changes in my life.This has once again prove that prayer is the most powerful tool any Christian or even non-Christians can use to get in touch with our loving God.It has once again showed that,if you really believe in the power that our most Holy Virgin Mother,Mary have nothing is impossible.So if you don't have those beading you better get hold of them,'cause they are the most powerful beads you will ever get in touch with.Remember that May is the month of crowning of Virgin Mary,so pray your rosary.Lastly I qoute on of my all time fovourite hymn:(verse 2:"What is it that you whisper into our ears,Mary?You are saying to us please recite the rosary..(chorus:we say hail,we say to you,we say hail Mary..") revdauphinee answered on 05/05/06: the rosary prayer is a prayer to Mary I will not ever use it since Jesus told us himself (Jn.14:6 Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. """No one""" comes to the Father except through me. ) NO ONe not even his mother! arcura rated this answer Chilloutinparis rated this answer WheninRome rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 05/04/06 - Is Europe pagan? If so what happened to the Catholic Church? Pell challenges Islam - o ye, of little tolerant faith By Linda Morris, Religious Affairs Reporter May 5, 2006 AUSTRALIA'S most influential Catholic has said the Koran is riddled with "invocations to violence" and the central challenge of Islam lies in the struggle between moderate and extremist forces as the faith spreads into a "childless Europe". The Archbishop of Sydney, Cardinal George Pell, said reading the Koran, the sacred text of Islam, was vital "because the challenge of Islam will be with us for the remainder of our lives - at least". But in a speech to US Catholic business leaders, Dr Pell said Western democracy was also suffering a crisis of confidence as evidenced by the decline in fertility rates. "Pagan emptiness" and Western fears of the uncontrollable forces of nature had contributed to "hysteric and extreme claims" about global warming. "In the past, pagans sacrificed animals and even humans in vain attempts to placate capricious and cruel gods. Today they demand a reduction in carbon dioxide emissions." Dr Pell said the September 11 terrorist attacks had been his personal wake-up call to understand Islam better. He had tried to reconcile claims that Islam was a faith of peace with those that suggested the Koran legitimised the killings of non-Muslims. While there was room for optimism in fruitful dialogue between faiths and the common human desire for peace, a pessimistic response began "with the Koran itself". Errors of facts, inconsistencies, anachronisms and other defects were not unknown to scholars but difficult for Muslims to debate openly, he said. "In my own reading of the Koran, I began to note down invocations to violence. There are so many of them, however, that I abandoned this exercise after 50 or 60 or 70 pages." Last year, Dr Pell courted controversy when he drew a link between Islam and communism. His speech on Islam and Western democracies was delivered in Florida on February 4 but only appeared on the archdiocese's website on Wednesday. Dr Pell said every nation and every religion, including Catholicism, had "crimes in their histories". In the same way, Islam could not airbrush its "shadows". Claims of Muslim tolerance of Christian and Jewish minorities were largely mythical and he wondered about the possibility of theological development in Islam when the Koran was said to come directly from God. "Considered strictly on its own terms, Islam is not a tolerant religion and its capacity for far-reaching renovation is severely limited," he said. However, like Christianity, Islam was a living religion and the existence of moderate Islam in Indonesia was proof of the softening impact of human intervention. Democracy and moderation did not always go hand in hand and an "anorexic vision of democracy and the human person was no match for Islam", he said. revdauphinee answered on 05/05/06: In my own reading of the Koran, I began to note down invocations to violence. There are so many of them, however, that I abandoned this exercise after 50 or 60 or 70 pages." with this I can agree arcura rated this answer paraclete rated this answer

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Erewhon asked on 05/04/06 - The Incarnation ... What Bible support is there for the Incarnation of Jesus as God-man, Son of God, and child of Mary? Please tell everything there is to know. This is important to true Christians because if Jesus is not the enfleshed (incarnate) Son of God, then he has no power to save, and his words that he was both with the Father in the beginning and shared his Father's glory must be untrue. . revdauphinee answered on 05/04/06: if one believes in scripture (as I do) then we must believe Gods own words Mark 1: 10. As Jesus was coming up out of the water, he saw heaven being torn open and the Spirit descending on him like a dove. 11. And a voice came from heaven: "You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased." other scripture that point us in this direction are (Mal.3:1, "See, I will send my messenger, who will prepare the way before me. Then suddenly the Lord you are seeking will come to his temple; the messenger of the covenant, whom you desire, will come," says the LORD Almighty. ) (Isa.9:6; For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. ) (Isa.9:6; For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. ) Erewhon rated this answer

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Coup_de_Grace asked on 05/03/06 - Religion's Role in Society Today, I eas thinking of the role of religion in societies, more specifically, in Islamic societies and fundamentalist societies everywhere whether Islamic, Christian, Judaic, or other. A misquote popped into my mind which I looked up on the internet, I have posted the correct quote here: "Religion is the sigh of the oppressed creature, the heart of a heartless world, and the soul of soulless conditions. It is the opium of the people." - Karl Marx I think this quote is quite intelligent and wise. The world is indeed heartless and so many live in soulless conditions. Religion eases the pain of the people. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ I'd appreciate any comments. What thoughts do you have on this subject? Susan Benjamin and Susan Grace PS In no way do I think Communism is a good way to govern a country. No way. revdauphinee answered on 05/04/06: If religion is the opiate of the people then the people are sick and need it for is it not a pain killer ??? when we are sick we need a doctor and medicine so as Jesus himself said Matt.9:12 On hearing this, Jesus said, "It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. and if you dont believe mankind is sick read the newspaper arcura rated this answer Coup_de_Grace rated this answer MaggieB rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 05/03/06 - Now you wouldn't believe this, would you? U.S. finds religious freedom threatened worldwide Two U.S. allies called 'of particular concern' for intolerance Wednesday, May 3, 2006 Posted: 1816 GMT (0216 HKT) WASHINGTON (CNN) -- A U.S. government report warned on Wednesday that threats to religious freedom in Iraq and Afghanistan are mounting, and included Washington allies Saudi Arabia and Pakistan among countries "of particular concern" for religious intolerance. The annual report by the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom urged Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice to designate 11 nations as "countries of particular concern" for violations of religious freedoms. Those were Burma, North Korea, Eritrea, Iran, China, Saudi Arabia, Sudan, Vietnam, Pakistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan. In a letter to Rice, included in the report, commission chairman Michael Cromartie said the panel is trying to draw attention to "countries whose governments have engaged in or tolerated systematic and egregious violations of religious freedom." "The situations in Afghanistan and Iraq serve to underscore the precarious state of this fundamental freedom," Cromartie wrote. The report said Afghanistan and Iraq were two countries where "the universal right to religious freedom is imperiled." "Religious extremism, even in official circles, is an increasing threat to democratic consolidation in Afghanistan," the report said. President Bush has said U.S. troops were deployed to Afghanistan in 2001 and Iraq in 2003 in part to overthrow tyrannical governments and to protect basic human rights. Two months ago an Afghan man faced possible execution as punishment for abandoning Islam to convert to Christianity. In Iraq, sectarian violence between Sunni Muslims and Shiite Muslims has been escalating, as well as attacks on non-Muslim religious groups. "There has been an ongoing stream of violence and extremism in Iraq driven by religious intolerance," the report said. The commission, an independent body appointed by the White House and Congress, cannot mandate any specific action. However, last year the United States denied the export of some defense items to Eritrea, according to Reuters. It was the first action to be taken against another country as a result of its designation by the commission as a "country of particular concern," Reuters reported. Although its violations are not egregious enough for the "particular concern" designation, Afghanistan was placed on the commission's "Watch List," which means the situation must be monitored closely. Afghanistan joins Bangladesh, Belarus, Cuba, Indonesia, Nigeria and U.S. ally Egypt as nations where "discrimination, intolerance and other human rights violations affect a broad spectrum of religious groups," the report said, including Coptic Christians, Bahais, Jews and members of minority Muslim communities. The panel annually assesses "the facts and circumstances regarding violations of religious freedom around the world" each year, as part of the International Religious Freedom Act of 1998. On Saudi Arabia, the commission said "freedom of religion does not exist" and that the Saudis financed "extreme religious intolerance and hatred." The commission criticized the Bush administration for failing to punish Saudi Arabia for violations listed in last year's report and urged it to take action this year. The performance of Pakistan, a U.S. ally against terrorism, improved its efforts to protect minorities but still fell short, the report said. Reuters contributed to this report. ===================================================== Don't you find it hard to believe that there should be religious intolerance in a Muslim country, particularly an ally of the United States? Let's face it, these are all barbaric societies so why should we expect them to behave in a civilised, tolerant manner just because they have an ally like the United States? revdauphinee answered on 05/04/06: Let's face it, these are all barbaric societies so why should we expect them to behave in a civilised, tolerant manner whilst this is true we christians knew we would be persecuted for did the scripture not tell us (Matt.10:21-23,28 21 "Brother will betray brother to death, and a father his child; children will rebel against their parents and have them put to death. 22 All men will hate you because of me, but he who stands firm to the end will be saved. paraclete rated this answer

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hOPE12 asked on 05/03/06 - Why oh why is there so much hatred! Hello Everyone, We all live in this world and yet not many have learned to value of getting along in love, and respect for others. People in this world think they are the greatest, while looking down on those who are different then themselves. Why?? Contention and strife are generated by propagandists who pour out floods of misinformation. Goaded on by blind hatred, misguided individuals may then resort to outrageous acts of violence. Also, legitimate grievances often add fuel to the flames. But when you see the despair, the hopelessness, the agony of numberless victims of hate-inspired prejudice and violence, you may well ask in distress: � My questions is: Why? Why is there so much hatred? Can it possibly be made to disappear? Will the world ever be completely free of hatred?� Why, even though some on this board do not even know each other in person, show hatred and disrespect? Will the people on this board even show love and respect to those who are different then they are? Just wondering why when two people are different with different views on a matter, can't show respect for the other person? Why? Take care, Hope12 revdauphinee answered on 05/03/06: hatred is so self desructive and even though at times it dosent seem so to some I personaly dont hate any person what I do dislike vehemently is the actions and beliefs of some folks ,just as my God is able to hate the sin and still love the sinner it is not the person but the false teachings and deceptive beliefs I am against! arcura rated this answer Chilloutinparis rated this answer hOPE12 rated this answer MaggieB rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 05/03/06 - Don't lampoon us, "we're the Church" Bishops want animated pogo-riding pope banned May 3, 2006 - 11:01AM German Catholic leaders launched legal steps on Tuesday to prevent youth music channel MTV from broadcasting a controversial cartoon series which depicts the Pope as a pogo-stick-riding maniac. Outraged bishops from Pope Benedict XVI's home state of Bavaria filed a legal injunction against the broadcaster, which plans to show the first episode of the satirical series Popetown on Wednesday evening. The injunction says Popetown -- which was dropped in Britain after a wave of protest -- is insulting to Catholics since it shows the Pope bouncing through St. Peter's in Rome on a cross-like pogo stick and satirizes religious ceremonies. "In this way the Catholic faith and the Catholic church are exposed to ridicule, which is justified neither by the freedom of opinion, of art, of the press nor of broadcasting," the archdiocese of Munich and Freising said in a statement. The youth music channel said it plans to show one episode and will then gauge viewers' appetite for more. "We will initially broadcast this first episode and then will make a decision based on the feedback of the viewers," said Mats Wappmann, a spokesman for MTV in Berlin. The bishops also attacked the television channel for an advertising campaign which showed Jesus apparently getting down from the cross to sit in an armchair and watch the program. The advert's tagline read: Have a laugh instead of hanging around. MTV, which airs dating show Dismissed and car makeover program Pimp My Ride, said it had been prepared for resistance to Popetown but had been taken by surprise over the extent of the backlash from the Catholic church. MTV has invited church representatives, a youth political party and viewers to discuss the merits of the show in a debate to be broadcast after the cartoon on Wednesday. The British broadcaster BBC dropped Popetown in 2004 after executives decided it was not funny enough to justify the potential offence it could cause to Christians. However, episodes are widely available to download on the Internet. Written by comedian Mackenzie Crook, co-star of Ricky Gervais's successful sitcom, The Office, Popetown depicts the pontiff as a rotund 77-year-old, obsessed with his pogo-stick and surrounded by toys. The workings of the Vatican are portrayed like an office, with the Pope as boss and his cardinals as scheming managers. Reuters art echoes reality echoes art? revdauphinee answered on 05/03/06: Cudos to the catholics for objecting as opposed to demonstaiting and rioting like we saw in france recently,I think this is the right way to handle such a situation!I personaly would not care to watch this program since whilst not a catholic I am a Christian,its comming to a sad state of affairs when we must demean ""anyones"" spiritual belifs in order to be entertained! arcura rated this answer paraclete rated this answer

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arcura asked on 05/03/06 - Your Christian American opinion Please!!! What do you think of these sites? Who hates Who? http://www.worldnetdaily.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=50001 WeHateGringos.com revdauphinee answered on 05/03/06: as a Christian and im proud to say now an American (legaly emigrated and naturalized)I want to say that I dont hate anyone since hate is self desructive however I do not condone some peoples ideals and as for illegal imigrants I am aginst what they do(even though I know why they do it)we have laws concerning imigration in this country and laws were mwde to be obeyed!when you sidestep the law it makes you ilegal and to those of you who dissagree please research how Mexico would treat someone who didi the same thing and entered mexico illegaly! arcura rated this answer blueboy. rated this answer

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ROLCAM asked on 05/02/06 - Longest Name ?? What is the longest name in the BIBLE ? Where is to be found ? revdauphinee answered on 05/02/06: Interesting question but one I never considered also thanks to sarnian for the answers ROLCAM rated this answer

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Laura asked on 05/02/06 - Do you believe that God really does give signs? The reason that I ask this is because for the last few months we have been faced with a daunting decision concerning my husbands work. The plant that he worked at shut down. He was offered several differant options in the way of severence/early retirement packages. None of which we felt really comfortable with. He really is not ready to retire. He has been with his company for 28 years but is only 50. Last week after much soul searching and praying we decided that he would go ahead and apply for the pre-retirement. It was a hard decision to make. As we prayed about this we decided to just give it to God. We both asked God to lead us in the right path. I know that my hubby was very anxious at the thought of looking for other employment after 28 years at the same place. And being 50, he wasn't sure how hard/easy it would be to find work. The pre-retirement would neccesitate a suplimental income. He signed his papers and we decided that it could only be God if something as astounding as an offer to another plant came through in the next 7 days (we litteraly said that to each other because any re-assignments weren't expected until late June after everyone had to make a decision one way or the other or take a chance an offer might come when we didn't know if one would or not. He wasn't sure he would even have enough seniority to qualify for another plant. That was last Thursday. Hubby had 7 days to change his mind or it was set in stone.. TODAY he got a certified letter in the mail offering him a position at another plant!!! I truly feel that God has closed one door but opened another and blessed us. Hubby went down and declined the pre-retirement offer and signed the papers for the re-assignment. I guess you could call this a praise report as well. In addition, it comes with a rather large sign on bonus that will allow us to become debt free as we start this new adventure. By the way.. Hi everyone...long time no speak! Have had alot on our plates lately. I hope Kansas is a nice place to live in.. :-) revdauphinee answered on 05/02/06: Unlike sarnian I feel that god has his hand in everythink and we sure do have an a wsome God dont we? Laura rated this answer MaggieB rated this answer

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DeckChair asked on 05/02/06 - Anti-Biblical Christians Jesus says clearly in the New Testament that his Kingdom is not of this world in at least two places , a spiritual Kingdom not an earthly kingdom/government. Christian theocracy is forbidden by Jesus. That is why those Christians who are trying to force the American government into being a Christian theocracy are in serious error and at odds with major scripture. Those who founded the American government wanted to do away with all the internecene bloodshed they escaped in Europe where Christianity and Government went hand in hand. That is why they founded a government where church and state were separate. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Who here wants to overthrow the Constitution? revdauphinee answered on 05/02/06: im with cee bee ob this one! CeeBee2 rated this answer DeckChair rated this answer

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quixotic_Choux asked on 05/01/06 - "Immigration Demonstration Day" Last night, Doris, my African-American home aide, surprised me with a Sunday night visit. She said that she had an appointment downtown Chicago tomorrow, and couldn't come in at her regular time on her regular day. Today, I got up and clicked on the TV news. and there was the huge demonstration in Chicago in support of the positive things illegals contribute to American society. There were primarily Hispanics, some from other countries who immigrate illegally such as Muslims, Eastern Europeans, Irish, etc... I had to smile. Doris works at Wal-Mart and often talks about her work mates, they are mostly from Mexico, lots of Macedonians, Asian Indians and some young white kids. I think she went demostrating, but didn't want to tell me for some reason. I guess she doesn't know that I participated in the Civil Rights Movement in the 1960's. So, question, your opinion, what is the place of religion in supporting individuals and groups who are seeking fair treatment by governmental laws?? I noticed that Cardinal George (RCC) is speaking at the event along with Obama and Emmanuel. revdauphinee answered on 05/01/06: how do you condone law breakers? these people are here breaking our laws there is a way to emigrate to the USA the same way I myself did it go through the correct procedure and come in legaly.Jesus 5tells us not to break the laws he was asked about paying taxes Matt.22:21 Then he said to them, "Give to Caesar what is Caesar's, and to God what is God's." ) (Prov.28:4-5 4 Those who forsake the law praise the wicked, but those who keep the law resist them God made us subject to rulers or governments he never told us to be lawbreakers arcura rated this answer JesseJamesDupree rated this answer MaggieB rated this answer quixotic_Choux rated this answer

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hOPE12 asked on 05/01/06 - Is the Bible a communication from God? Hello Everyone, Do you personally believe that the Bible is from God? Do you believe that God has given us what we need to know about him? A father who loves his children tells them many things. They communicate with their children. Does God communicate with us? If so, Could it be by means of the Bible? Think about this, people all over the world believe in a supreme being, they all call God. Is it possible that the Bible was written and given to man so as to allow all man to know God? What do you think? Isn�t it interesting how man has received the Bible all over the world and yet many doubt it? When you wish to communicate with a loved one, would you not write a letter? Could the Bible be a letter from our maker and if so, how can we be sure? Take care, Hope12 revdauphinee answered on 05/01/06: while scripture is a gift from God I look on it more as an instruction book than a direct comunication when we need to talk with our maker we look in the instruction book and are told (Matt.6:6. But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. ) hOPE12 rated this answer

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hOPE12 asked on 05/01/06 - Follow up on Biible interpretation. Good Morning Everyone: Remember, this is just my personal understanding and my personal experience in this issue. We are all free to our own views, so please be respectful in your remarks. Thank you! One of the greatest gifts man was given by his Creator was to be able to use their thinking ability as to what makes sense to their thinking mind. Such ability enables them to discern what the correct interpretation of the Bible is. When we humbly summit to our Creator obey him we are able to receive the correct interpretation. It is a gift because not all mankind is able to be enlightened. Why? Do to pride and lack of being able to allow God�s ways and standards to guide them. Some people feel they know more then the One supreme Creator who made them and know what is best for them. Why would a person gain understanding if they truly are not following the Standards their Creator gave them? Why would God want to grant the gift of understanding to those who do not obey him completely. We can see that by comparing scriptures and taking into consideration their meaning in the languages in which the Bible was written, it is possible to arrive at an interpretation that agrees with the rest of the Bible. Free from preconceived ideas, we can clearly see that Revelation 20:10 is no proof of everlasting torment in hellfire. The fate for all rebels against God is everlasting imprisonment in death. Their destruction is as complete as though they were hurled into a literal fiery lake. In verses 5 and 6 Peter speaks about the Flood of Noah�s day and likens it, in verse 7, to the destruction to come on �the day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men.� What was destroyed in the Flood? Verse 6 says �the world that then was . . . perished.� This earthly globe did not perish. Rather, a wicked worldly system did. And when God promised Noah, at Genesis 9:11 (KJ), that never again would there �be a flood to destroy the earth,� he was obviously not speaking of the planet, for it had not been destroyed. So �the earth� to be destroyed, according to 2 Peter 3:10, is the same kind of �earth� that was destroyed at the Flood�not the planet Earth but a wicked earthly society of people.�Also take not of Genesis 11:1, where �earth� is used in a similar way. Search as you may, you will find no Bible text that contradicts this interpretation. Of necessity then, it must be the correct one from the Bible�s Author himself. When a person thinks they have found contradictions, are the Bible contradictions or are they due to lack of understanding. Remember understanding the scriptures is a gift and God does not grant that gift to all people. Why should he, if a person is not going to completely obey all His laws and standards? Do you reward your children when they are bad?? Because of having this kind of meek attitude, millions of people who were formerly religiously divided have now achieved religious unity with God�s people earth wide. Instead of wanting to interpret the Bible to fit personal ideas, they have been willing to conform to the obvious interpretation made by the Bible�s Author himself. How good it is to know that the Bible is not open to just any interpretation. When we allow its Author to interpret it for us, it is truly �beneficial for teaching, for reproving, for setting things straight, for disciplining in righteousness.� Then, and only then, will it make us �fully competent, completely equipped for every good work.��2 Timothy 3:16, 17. Honest, God-fearing persons are not interested in twisting the Scriptures �to their own destruction.� 2 Peter 3:16 �16 speaking about these things as he does also in all [his] letters. In them, however, are some things hard to understand, which the untaught and unsteady are twisting, as [they do] also the rest of the Scriptures, to their own destruction.� To avoid doing this, they find all the scriptures dealing with the subject they are trying to understand. When scriptures are found that clearly contradict previously held views, those views are quickly discarded, as they cannot be correct. So if you truly want to understand the Bible and gain it�s correct interpretation, why not pray to God for understanding and as Jesus Christ said, as young children, teachable, humble, and submissive to the One who Created you. Please feel free to comment! Take care, Hope12 revdauphinee answered on 05/01/06: sarnians rant aside I thank you for an exelent article however one must remember that not all people are reading the same version of scripture and that there are versions that have been specificly translated with a slant towards the denomination behind them.For instant even the first completed bible left out much of the documents that the catholic church at te time dissaproved of!we as followers of Jesus must use the God given minds that we have been endowed with to sort through the many to find our truths! Chilloutinparis rated this answer hOPE12 rated this answer

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excon asked on 04/30/06 - The Future - Or is there one? Hello Christians: Ok, let�s say life started around 6,000 years ago. From what I gather, a lot of you think it�s gonna end pretty soon. Then what? If some of you don�t think it�s gonna end, what�s our (God�s) next step? Or is there a next step? Are we gonna conquer space? Are we gonna immigrate to other planets, or even other galaxies? Are we gonna populate the Universe? Is this just the beginning? Do you guys even think about that? excon revdauphinee answered on 04/30/06: as a Christian I do not think the world will end "EVER" what scripture does tell us is that the evil ways are going to end some day and that the world will be renewed Revelation 21 1. Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea. 2. I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. 3. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, "Now the dwelling of God is with men, and he will live with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. 4. He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away." 5. He who was seated on the throne said, "I am making everything new!" Then he said, "Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true." excon rated this answer Mathatmacoat rated this answer

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Erewhon asked on 04/30/06 - "A walk on the dark side .... " Kirk [A Scots word meaning 'Church'] asks ministers to take a walk on dark side MURDO MACLEOD (mmacleod@scotlandonsunday.com) THE Church of Scotland is planning to train ministers to deal with evil spirits after research showed half the clergy believe they have directly encountered "Satanic" forces. The Kirk is considering lessons on the supernatural because a growing number of pastors are seeking advice on issues ranging from poltergeists to "possessed" parishioners. According to research by one of the Kirk's leading experts on the subject, more than half of the church's 1,200 ministers report personal experience of "dark spirits" and "evil powers". The Church of Scotland Ministries Council, which oversees training for new ministers, has developed a training programme which, if adopted, will teach clerics what to look for in a person who believes they are possessed or oppressed by the devil. Ministers will not be taught how to conduct exorcisms but will be advised to refer parishioners to a small team of Kirk experts in the paranormal. They will also make sure they take advice from doctors and psychiatrists. Rev Douglas Cranston, the convener of the Ministries Council, said: "Most ministers come across something like this at some time in their pastoral lives. The training would be given as part of a broader context of healing ministries in general." The Rev Douglas Nicol, who helped draw up a report for the Kirk's Deliverance Group on the supernatural, confirmed that despite living in a materialistic age, many in the Kirk say they have encountered the dark side. Nicol, the minister of Priesthill and Nitshill Kirk, Glasgow, said: "It's clear from our research that more than half of ministers have had direct experience of this sometime during their ministries. I might be contacted about eight or nine times in a year whereas a few years ago it might have been three or four times. There's more awareness of this now. In recent years there is much more openness about discussing the subject." Nicol said full-blown exorcisms, where ministers believed that a person had been fully "possessed" by a devil, are so rare that he had never come across one. He added that the situation which most Kirk "demon-busters" encountered was better described as "oppression", a lesser form of possession, where - it is claimed - a spirit will afflict a person, perhaps by causing mood swings, physical pain or depression. Describing one case, he said: "I was speaking to a woman who felt she was being oppressed by a spirit and wanted help. Then the atmosphere changed and she started being hostile to me. I then addressed her by name, we'll call her 'Mary', and I said, 'Is that you speaking to me, 'Mary'?' And she said nothing. So that told me I was dealing with something supernatural." Such a case is typically dealt with by a "deliverance" service, rather than full-blown exorcism, which the Kirk recently decided not to adopt. A typical "deliverance" can last up to an hour and will involve two ministers, one ordering the spirit out of the victim and the other praying for the minister doing the delivering. Nicol and others in the Kirk's small team of experts insist they are cautious in "diagnosing" a person as being oppressed by a spirit, and only intervene after taking medical and psychiatric advice. Last year, Nicol conducted a deliverance service for Val McInnes, from Glasgow, who had a "spirit of pain" prayed out of her. She told Scotland on Sunday: "I was suffering from this dreadful pain in my hip and I was convinced it came from a spirit in me which was giving me physical pain. I had tried painkillers and been to the doctor. "This was very different from any pain I had felt before and I have arthritis. Douglas prayed and ordered the spirit out of me, and I could feel the spirit leaving my body, going all the way down through my leg and then leaving me completely. I believe that the spirit came into me during a difficult time in my life when I was feeling angry with others and I was vulnerable to that spirit." Flora Robinson Black, also from Glasgow, had a "spirit of fear" taken from her by Nicol. She said: "I felt under a deep spiritual depression. All the joy had been taken out of my life. I had suffered a bereavement, but this sadness was much deeper than that and lasted much longer, I was at the doctor, I tried antidepressants. My doctor was worried about me. I believe it was a spirit in me making me sad and fearful." The Rev Douglas Irving, a former lawyer who convened the Deliverance Group for the Kirk - and who has himself dealt with a poltergeist - said: "Jesus commissioned us to preach the Gospel, heal the sick, and also cast out demons. It is a part of healing, even if just a small part. I don't like the Hollywood image of the exorcist and don't even use the word 'exorcism'. I want to take the sensationalism out of the whole thing." But secular scientists urge caution in seeing diabolical work in people's ailments. Dr Andrew Gumley, an expert in psychosis at Glasgow University's department of psychological medicine, said: "This is a fascinating subject but I would urge people to be careful about seeing all these kinds of occurrences in terms of the supernatural and possession by the Devil. For example, hearing voices at some stage in one's life is relatively common, affecting up to 25% of the population and it can be a common feature in people recovering from extreme trauma." === Have you encountered evil spirits lately in your pastoral work? revdauphinee answered on 04/30/06: scripture tells us these things exist so it stands to reason that ministers of said gospells should be aware of them Erewhon rated this answer

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Erewhon asked on 04/30/06 - Is this a proper and Christian way for a Christian country to behave? Woman too thin to live in Australia A British woman was told she was too thin to live in Australia. Helen Evans, who weighs 6 st 11 lbs. (95 lbs.) and is 5ft 3ins tall, faced deportation after she failed a health check. === Comments? revdauphinee answered on 04/30/06: I dont know if it is fair or not however her weight could have been an indication of sickness Erewhon rated this answer Jesushelper76 rated this answer

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JesseJamesDupree asked on 04/30/06 - Practical Christianity What is it????????? revdauphinee answered on 04/30/06: I for one do not ""Play" at anything what you see is what I am. PS in my short stint at wty I was extreemly disapointed I felt invisible and never got one answer to my postings,I admit I didnt understand how to navigate the site but there also are no clear instructions. JesseJamesDupree rated this answer

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MaggieB asked on 04/30/06 - What are your thoughts on the following? In the 24 verses of his epistle, the Apostle Jude warned from Jerusalem about those who would give themselves over to sexual immorality, and going after strange flesh. ...� Do you believe that prayer will turn this "activity in Jerusalem" around if Christians give it completely to the Lord? Christians must shine the light of hope and support on this important city. Lesbians, gays, bisexuals and transgenders are organizing WorldPride 2006, an international parade in the city of Jerusalem. There are now homosexual churches all over America and the world, whose adherents claim to be good Christians. Do you think according to promotional materials, this event in Jerusalem will: ...make history in one of the world's most historic cities? Do you think with the eyes of the world on them, the international LGBT community will bring a message of unity and reconciliation to people troubled by conflict? If so, how? ...will they bring a message of dignity and acceptance to a city holy to three of the world's great religious faiths? If so how? ...will they claim a rightful place for lesbians and gays in world history and culture? If so how? Do you believe that the Jewish people will think the majority of Gays, Lesbians, Bisexuals and Transgenders are Christians...because they will profess to be? Do you think that this is an attempt to disgrace everything that true Christians consider to be pure and holy? If so, how? Do you think that WorldPride 2006 is simply a parade through the streets of Jerusalem or is it is a battle between light and darkness? Explain. MaggieB revdauphinee answered on 04/30/06: gays are also Gods children (misled ones maybee) but I believe he loves them is spite of this!Prayer is always the right path to take but we also must remember that God does love the sinner while hating the sin!so we as his church should accept and love and pray for these folks not reject them blueboy. rated this answer MaggieB rated this answer

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Jesushelper76 asked on 04/29/06 - Mormon I just want to comment and maybe ask questions as well. I am open minded and like reading all kinds of material and other religions materials. I got the Book of Mormon another testament of Jesus Christ. At the beginning of the book it asks the reader to pray to God that he will open your heart and let you know if it is truly God inspired. For me personally a lot of the book did not stir my spirit or awaken my spirit as the Kings James, old testament and new testament. For some reason I read through many things but I am wondering the connection to how it is a WHOLE testament of Jesus Christ? I do not feel it in my spirit when I read this book. There are some ideas in it that I agree with and at the same time. Well I do not understand it completely and I am not knocking anybody who is Mormon or believes in his testament but it is not really for me. If anybody has any fill in the blanks or any suggestions on the history of the book and how the book has inspired them or not. Please let me know I am curious. Thank you in advance! Joe revdauphinee answered on 04/29/06: read revelation in your bible regarding other prophecies concerning Christ REV 22:18. I warn everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: If anyone adds anything to them, God will add to him the plagues described in this book. Mormons are good people who I feel have been decieved by false teachings Jesushelper76 rated this answer Erewhon rated this answer

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ROLCAM asked on 04/29/06 - TO SERVE : How do I express peace in my community ? revdauphinee answered on 04/29/06: (Matt.5:16,22-24,27-48 16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. blueboy. rated this answer ROLCAM rated this answer

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ROLCAM asked on 04/29/06 - To LOVE :- Risen Lord, give me your peace when I am afraid. Are you ever afraid? What are your first reactions , when you are afraid? revdauphinee answered on 04/29/06: why be afraid when we know "" no weapon formed against us shall prosper"" blueboy. rated this answer Chilloutinparis rated this answer ROLCAM rated this answer

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hOPE12 asked on 04/27/06 - Follow up on Michael Servetus: Hello Everyone, (Matthew 5:44) However, I say to YOU: Continue to love YOUR enemies and to pray for those persecuting YOU; That scripture does not say burn them! I have done some research on Michael Servetus, and John Calvin thanks to the links you guys posted. I personally want to use these two to get a point across. Having said this I believe that Michael Servetus, because of his publicly declaring the truths that the Trinity doctrine and the baptism of infants are contrary to Bible teaching. John Calvin, one of the founders of the Presbyterian Church, argued for the death penalty, and looked on while Servetus was literally roasted alive in a slow fire for about five hours till dead. How is this a Christian act of love and mildness? We all live in this world and yet here is a good example of what religions of this world today are all about. Remember �God is Love.� Could it be possible the Hell that so many religions teach today, is found right among their own churches? Burning someone at a stake certainly is nothing Jesus Christ taught, and has nothing to do with Christianity. Michael Servetus. Of what was he guilty? Murder? Extortion? Some other heinous crime? No, he was executed as a heretic because he denied Churches orthodox doctrine of �the most Holy Trinity.� To this day the Trinity is a subject of controversy. For example, American evangelist Billy Graham claims: �The Bible teaches that Jesus Christ is fully God, and in no way is inferior to God the father.� On the opposing side, several years ago in the classified section of The Denver Post a Pentecostal minister offered $1 million (U.S.) to anyone who could find the doctrine of the Trinity in the Bible. He labeled the Trinity as man-made philosophy �that is incongruous and incomprehensible.� �But what difference does it make?� How righteous or holy is the one who kills another because of what they believe, or because they believe differently then we do? Does any one have the right to kill another because of what they believe? Does a church that claims to serve a God of Love, have that right? What do you think? I PERSONALY SAY NO, NO, NO, THEY DO NOT. This only shows the kind of worship that goes on inside the churches of this world. In fact it is so bad, it even goes on here on this board. I have had some literally hate me because I believe different they they do. If they could would they kill me? It really makes one think about what or who are truly Christians and part of Christianity, doesn't it? When I speak of Christianity I speak of what Christ taught, not what a group of members of a church that burns another human at the stake because they believe something different then what the church teaches. Who does the church represent? The members who belong to it. What does Christianity represent? Those members approved by God and Jesus Christ by the way they show love and treat others, even if they are different then they are. I personally feel that religions of this world are self righteous and their methods of how they treat others, does not represent God, but their own desires and self pious opinions and teachings. They will answer to the supreme One and when they do they will answer for the blood of those innocent one�s they have deceived. Please feel free to comment! Take care, Hope12 revdauphinee answered on 04/27/06: the Hell that so many religions teach today, is found right among their own churches? A truer word has never been said! arcura rated this answer Chilloutinparis rated this answer hOPE12 rated this answer

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STONY asked on 04/27/06 - IT NEVER FAILS TO AMAZE ME JUST HOW MANY PEOPLE KNOW NOTHING ABOUT THE OT. SARNIAN, CHILLOUTINPARIS & BLUEBOY. revdauphinee answered on 04/27/06: why would they study something they have already decided they dont want to accept??? Chilloutinparis rated this answer MaggieB rated this answer STONY rated this answer

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tomder55 asked on 04/27/06 - Mitt Romney I have been reading alot of stuff from fundamentalist Christians who are saying that if Mitt Romney is selected as the Republican candidate in 2008 ,they will not vote (even if Evita Clintoon is the Democrat nominee) due to his Mormon faith. Would you vote ,or not vote for him due to his religious beliefs ? Did you vote for or against President Bush because of the beliefs he openly espouses ? Is there any circumstance where the faith or non-faith of the candidate is the deciding issue to you ? When Romney's father ran for the Presidency in 1968 I do not recall that the issue was ever raised . In 1960 JFK's candidacy raised simular concerns because he was Catholic . He gave a speech to the Greater Houston Ministerial Association .Here is an part of it : I would not look with favor upon a President working to subvert the first amendment's guarantees of religious liberty; nor would our system of checks and balances permit him to do so. And neither do I look with favor upon those who would work to subvert Article VI of the Constitution by requiring a religious test, even by indirection. For if they disagree with that safeguard, they should be openly working to repeal it. I want a Chief Executive whose public acts are responsible to all and obligated to none, who can attend any ceremony, service, or dinner his office may appropriately require of him to fulfill; and whose fulfillment of his Presidential office is not limited or conditioned by any religious oath, ritual, or obligation. This is the kind of America I believe in -- and this is the kind of America I fought for in the South Pacific, and the kind my brother died for in Europe. No one suggested then that we might have a divided loyalty, that we did not believe in liberty, or that we belonged to a disloyal group that threatened -- I quote -- "the freedoms for which our forefathers died." And in fact this is the kind of America for which our forefathers did die when they fled here to escape religious test oaths that denied office to members of less favored churches -- when they fought for the Constitution, the Bill of Rights, the Virginia Statute of Religious Freedom -- and when they fought at the shrine I visited today, the Alamo. For side by side with Bowie and Crockett died Fuentes, and McCafferty, and Bailey, and Badillo, and Carey -- but no one knows whether they were Catholics or not. For there was no religious test there. revdauphinee answered on 04/27/06: my vote will go to a Christian of whatever denomination as long as he follows my Christ he can obtain my vote! however his politics are another thing altogether and I will study them well before deciding Erewhon rated this answer tomder55 rated this answer

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MaggieB asked on 04/27/06 - IRAN SAYS, "THE MUSHROOM CLOUD IS ON ITS WAY." IRAN SAYS, "THE MUSHROOM CLOUD IS ON ITS WAY." The threats that Israel faces from Iran escalate daily�sometimes it seems almost hourly. First, Iranian president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad boldly declares that Israel should be �wiped from the map,� then he audaciously announces that the Holocaust is a myth perpetrated by guilt-stricken Europeans. Now he is exporting that hatred globally. Reports have surfaced that Islamic militant recruiters are enlisting homicide bombers in England because of the ease with which they can enter Israel. As many as 70 attacks have been threatened in coming days. When faced with total annihilation of her kinsmen, Esther was challenged by Mordecai with these words: �For if you keep silence at such a time as this, relief and deliverance will rise for the Jews from another quarter, but you and your father's house will perish. And who knows whether you have not come to the kingdom for such a time as this?� (Esther 4:14) Esther rose to the challenge, proclaimed a day of prayer and fasting, and was an instrument in God�s hands to deliver her people from destruction. In a recent rally in New York City (yes, the same New York City attacked by terrorists on 9/11) a group calling themselves �Islamic Thinkers Society� waved banners and flags symbolizing the desire to bring the entire world under Islamic rule. Here are just a few excerpts from this chillingly radical group: The leader of the group cries in Arabic, and those gathered respond in kind: �With our blood and our lives we will liberate al Aqsa!� Leader: �Israeli Zionists, what do you say? The real Holocaust is on the way. Takbeer!� Response: �Allah Akbar!� And another verse of this demonic chant issues this warning: �Zionists, Zionists, you will pay! The Wrath or Allah is on its way! Israeli Zionists you shall pay! The Wrath of Allah is on its way! The mushroom cloud is on its way! The real Holocaust is on its way!� This diabolical tirade ends with: �Islam will dominate the world. Islam is the only solution! Takbeer�Another mushroom cloud right in the middle of Israel!� It is time for the people of God to stand up and be counted! It is time to call this nation to fall on our faces before God Almighty, repent, and seek His face for deliverance for our nation and for the nation of Israel. II Chronicles 7:14 says: If my people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land. (Your comments are welcomed) MaggieB revdauphinee answered on 04/27/06: Islaam has the aim to dominate the world the sooner we in the west realize this the safer we can make ourselves .The scripure warns us of a one world religion in the later days I predict this will be Islaam I only pray that before this comes about I will be home with the lord!I pray for the future of my grandchildren MaggieB rated this answer

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hOPE12 asked on 04/25/06 - Here is one way to find out who lie and who don't. Hello Everyone, From Europe comes the story of the village priest who told his congregation: �Next Sunday I will give a sermon about liars. I want you all to read Chapter 17 of St. Mark�s.� On Sunday the priest said: �Those who read Chapter 17 of St. Mark�s raise their hands.� Almost all the hands went up. Then he explained: �St. Mark�s has only 16 chapters. I will now give a sermon about liars.� What are some of the main reasons why we should not lie? Are there more benefits in being a liar or not being a liar? If a person is not honest with themselves, are they considered a liar? Take care, Hope12 revdauphinee answered on 04/25/06: it takes a person with a good memory to be a liar and one lie almost aLWAYS leads to more for in order to validate the first lie one has to remember no to ever contradict it! hOPE12 rated this answer

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kindj asked on 04/24/06 - Best line I've heard yet... So there I am, sitting around the house and watching movies this weekend. Well, watching movies in between cutting the grass, changing the oil in the wife's car, working on a thesis, playing with my kids, and fixing the door on the shed out back. Anyway, I'm watching "Walk the Line," that movie about Johnny Cash. Absolutely stellar movie. Anyway, Johnny's talking to these record company execs about doing a show in Folsom Prison: Record Company Executive: Your fans are gospel folk, Johnny. They're Christians, and they don't wanna hear you singing to a bunch of murderers and rapists, tryin' to cheer 'em up. Johnny Cash: Then they ain't Christians. Whether Cash ever actually said that line or not, it sure does seem to sum it up. Why is it that we continue to see people so hung up on legalism and appearances when the Gospel plainly says that those things are for the birds? Why can't more Christians be perfectly honest with and about themselves? After all, until a person is absolutely honest with themself and God, there's not a whole lot that Jesus is free to do in their life. DK revdauphinee answered on 04/25/06: for kindj dont you know christians are not perfect they are just forgiven! kindj rated this answer

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arcura asked on 04/23/06 - Should Chritians everywhere be involved in this? Persecution of Catholics still alive, oppression�s face fanatic, traditional HUNTINGTON, Ind. � Religious persecution got a fair amount of press during the heyday of communism. There was never any doubt in people's minds that where communism flourished, faithful Christians suffered. Then the Berlin Wall came down, the Soviet Union dissolved and the Cold War ended. Surely religious persecution was on its way out as well. The problem is that no one noticed a new form of religious persecution ramping up in new places, even so-called "friendly" places, like Saudi Arabia, while the old-style persecution was kept on life support in places we might not want to look, like China. With the recent trial of Abdul Rahman, the Afghan man who faced the death penalty for converting to Christianity, we are confronted in a dramatic and unavoidable way with the reality of religious persecution in the modern world. "People naively think that, for the most part, as communism disappeared, religious persecution has also disappeared.... There is still a tremendous amount of persecution and suffering that takes place," said Msgr. John Kozar, national director of the Pontifical Mission Societies. "Despite that, the faith is very strong." New kind of battle Msgr. Kozar said that a newer, less traditional kind of persecution is emerging in places where governments are enforcing the harsh Shariah law of Islam. "We have these new forms of persecution largely because of religious fanaticism. In Muslim countries that have a state-imposed Shariah government, that is a religious-imposed government, the Catholic Church is either limited severely or in some instances not allowed to function, as was the case in Afghanistan. There was not a Catholic Mass offered in Afghanistan in 10 years," Msgr. Kozar explained, adding that even now, between the remnant of the Taliban and the warlords and Muslim fanaticism, the Catholic faith is persecuted. In Pakistan, churches are often set upon by mobs and burned out or bombed. "In many of these countries there are laws against conversion. Even in India, the world's largest democracy, there are anti-conversion laws," he said. In some parts of India, there are fanatic Hindu groups that will come in the middle of the night and burn a whole Catholic community, kill people and take people hostage, Msgr. Kozar explained. Under fire Father Khalid Rashid, who serves in Pakistan, has seen first-hand just how devastating religious persecution can be. In an e-mail interview, he told Our Sunday Visitor that after the United States invaded Afghanistan and Iraq and later when anti-Muslim cartoons appeared in a Danish newspaper causing riots around the world, Christians in Pakistan came under direct attack. "We are daily experiencing religious persecution in Pakistan. The Catholic Church in Pakistan has minority status and therefore is in a marginalized position. There is discrimination in the media, laws and policies," Father Rashid said. "The properties and places of worship of the religious minorities are increasingly becoming a target by the extremist attacks � grabbing and destroying the scriptures and beating and killing priests, nuns and other religious leaders." Father Rashid said that his parishioners carry the cross of religious persecution with them daily. They are denied jobs and receive unequal treatment when they do find work. Women, especially, are in constant danger of sexual harassment. "Violence is the reality of today, and whether we like it not, we have to give a response to it," Father Rashid said. "Our response is always, absolutely nonviolent." Sarkis Boghjalian, national director of Aid to the Church in Need (ACN), said that religious freedom is a "complex matter," one that requires looking beyond the obvious problems to the "bigger issues" � poverty, ignorance and education. Many persecuted Christians are living in a kind of "sub-poverty" that "creates a condition and an environment to be exploited," he told Our Sunday Visitor. "There is the reality of fear. You don't know what is going to happen next. Where Christianity is the minority religion, you become a second-class citizen," said Boghjalian, who said his organization is concerned with the flight of Christians from the Middle East. In response, ACN established the Bethlehem Project, which purchases hand-carved olive wood rosaries made by Catholics in Bethlehem to help them put food on their tables. Other threats Boghjalian and Msgr. Kozar both warned of places where persecution exists right in the shadow of the United States. Cuba, for instance, continues to monitor the movements of � and threaten � Christians, and Venezuela is ripe for a similar style of religious persecution if President Hugo Chavez stays on his current course. "He is in a real strong campaign against the church and specifically against the bishops who have spoken out very forthrightly about some of his measures," said Msgr. Kozar. "He has publicly repudiated the church. That would fall right in line with what Fidel Castro has done in Cuba." Boghjalian called on U.S. Catholics to get involved in an interfaith dialogue to help end religious intolerance in this country and persecution abroad. "Perhaps the parishes can establish this dialogue, a dialogue to invite people so that they do not perceive us as a threat," he said. "It is our Christian duty to extend and open our door, our hearts and our spirits toward others." revdauphinee answered on 04/25/06: we cant say we wernt warned (Matt.5:10-12 10 Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 11 "Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. 12 Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you. ) arcura rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 04/23/06 - How do you get a job as a consultant? Films turn to God to put souls on seats From: By John Harlow April 24, 2006 HOLLYWOOD, long accused of promoting Godless amorality, has found religion. Studio executives are praying that a flood of Christian films will rescue them from a slump by performing miracles at the multiplex. Inspired by "The Passion of the Christ", Mel Gibson's vision of the crucifixion, which earned $950million at the box office, Hollywood is directing Oscar-winning stars such as Hilary Swank and William Hurt to show their spiritual side on the cinema screen. First into the cinemas will be "The Da Vinci Code", starring Tom Hanks and Audrey Tautou, opening in Australia on May 18. Some Catholics, upset by the plot of Dan Brown's novel about Vatican conspiracies, are threatening to picket the film in the US. Other Christian-themed films due out later this year are more likely to suit their tastes. Adewale Akinnouye-Agbaje, a London-born actor who plays Eko in the television series "Lost", will play a charismatic minister winning over Harlem gangsters in "Preaching to the Choir". Hurt will be seen as an equally inspired minister trying to hold his flock and family together in "The King". James Marsh, the director, said he wanted to get away from stale portraits of priests as hypocrites or fanatics and show how tough it is to lead a good life. The same issue is addressed in "The Reaping", in which Swank, returning to the big screen after winning her second Oscar for playing the lead in "Million Dollar Baby", plays a disillusioned missionary investigating a series of plagues in Louisiana that seem straight out of the Old Testament. A potential Christmas blockbuster is "Nativity". The 16-year-old New Zealand actor, Keisha Castle-Hughes, nominated for an Oscar for Whale Rider three years ago, portrays the Virgin Mary travelling to Bethlehem for the birth of Jesus. JJ Abrams, who created Lost, the series in which spiritual questions often arise, believes religion is highly topical. "Given all the conflict in the world inflamed by religion there is a real hunger for films that deal with these issues in fresh ways," Abrams said. For the first time in half a century, studios are test-screening films in front of religious leaders rather than teenagers. They are also paying pastors and rabbis as consultants. "Studios are reaching out to grassroots community leaders to discuss films even before the script is finished: this would not have happened a few years ago," said a former executive at Grace Hill Media, which specialises in connecting Hollywood with religious leaders. Some films nevertheless challenge the evangelical tide. New Line studio snapped up "His Dark Materials", the fantasy trilogy by Oxford writer Philip Pullman, thinking it was the next Harry Potter. But Christians took umbrage at its depiction of an ageing and feeble God. Tom Stoppard's script was described as "heretical" and the original director, Chris Weitz, who co-directed About a Boy, resigned after admitting he had removed negative references to God and the Catholic church. A Hollywood remake of the British cult film "The Wicker Man" remains in the balance as scriptwriters seek to "modernise" the film. In the 1973 version, Scottish pagans triumph over Christianity, but the remake, starring Nicolas Cage, has to avoid offending 75 million Americans who describe themselves as "born again". No such finessing was needed for a reality series that premiered on US television last week. Called "Girl or God", it follows would-be priests preparing to end relationships and enter seminary. They wanted to call it Original Sin, but discovered that was the title of an erotic thriller starring Angelina Jolie. The Sunday Times Two questions How do you get a job as a conultant to a movie? Is Hollwood becoming the determinant of what we believe? revdauphinee answered on 04/25/06: like everything else its not what u know but who you know! paraclete rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 04/23/06 - Alright all you crusaders Bin Laden accuses West of 'crusader war' April 24, 2006 CAIRO: The al-Qaeda terrorist leader, Osama bin Laden, issued an ominous new statement on al-Jazeera television, appearing to justify attacks on civilians in the West. "I say that this war is the joint responsibility of the people and the governments," bin Laden said in an audio tape. "While the war continues, the people renew their allegiance to their rulers and politicians and continue to send their sons to our countries to fight us. "They send their sons to armies to fight us and they continue their financial and moral support while our countries are burned and our houses are bombed and our people are killed." The al-Qaeda leader, who last issued a message via the satellite broadcaster on January 19, said the people of Western countries were equally responsible with their governments for what he called "a Zionist crusader war on Islam". He further said that the Western cut-off of funds to the Palestinian Hamas-led government proved the US and Europe were at war with all Islamic people. "The blockade which the West is imposing on the government of Hamas proves that there is a Zionist crusader war on Islam," the tape said. It was the first new message apparently from bin Laden since January. That tape was posted in full on a website a month later and included a vow by the terrorist leader never to be captured alive. "I have sworn to only live free. Even if I find bitter the taste of death, I don't want to die humiliated or deceived," bin Laden said, in the 11 minute, 26 second tape. In that message, bin Laden offered the United States a long-term truce but also said operatives from his al-Qaeda terrorist network would soon launch a fresh attack on American territory. It said they could be avoided if the Bush Administration agreed to a truce that would allow Muslims to rebuild Iraq and Afghanistan. It did not elaborate. CIA analysis of the tape concluded that the voice was that of the al-Qaeda leader, an agency official said. Associated Press, Reuters Now you Zionist Crusaders, we want you to cut it out? excuse me if I'm a little confused by the mountain of rhetoric here but I thought a Zionist is a Jew and A Crusader is a Christian and the two are somewhat mutually exclusive even if they have the same objective of kicking the Muslims out. revdauphinee answered on 04/25/06: AS ONE OF THE PEOPLE I will admit to being anti muslimand will do all I can (not much) to stop muslims dominating the world! paraclete rated this answer

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arcura asked on 04/23/06 - Another scientific evidence of The Creator. Discovery of Ancient Methane Puts Theory of Evolution On the Rocks Source: earnedmedia.org Posted by: admin - 2006-04-20 01:48:50 First direct evidence for methane-producing microbes on early Earth supports creation model Japanese scientists discovered 3.46-billion-year-old methane bubbles in rocks from the Dresser Formation located in Western Australia. The chemical fingerprint associated with the methane provides the scientific community with the first direct evidence for methane-producing bacteria on early Earth. �This is science at its very best with important implications for the origins of life,� says acclaimed biochemist Fazale Rana, Ph.D., a well-known origin of life researcher from the science/faith think-tank Reasons To Believe, www.reasons.org. �Even though these methane producers were single- celled microbes they were amazingly complex from a biochemical standpoint.� In the book Origins of Life, published in 2004, Rana and his co-author astronomer Dr. Hugh Ross predicted that complex microbes, like methane producers, existed early in Earth�s history. This groundbreaking book presents the first scientifically testable theory of creation for the origin of life. �It�s satisfying to see how well our creation model predicts scientific advance,� says Rana. �The presence of complex microbes this early in Earth�s history raises significant questions about the theory of evolution.� Dr. Rana, a recognized expert in origin of life research, maintains that life appeared on Earth too quickly and is initially much too complex to make sense from an evolutionary standpoint. �The traditional naturalistic model has life emerging gradually from a �primordial soup� over a vast period of time�hundreds of millions of years�to yield relatively simple life forms,� Rana continues. �Yet the data from the fossil record fails to match these critical criteria. The recent results obtained by the Japanese scientists only further compound the problems for the theory of evolution.� Fazale �Fuz� Rana, Ph.D.�Fazale �Fuz� Rana did his undergraduate work in chemistry at West Virginia State College. He then completed his post-graduate studies at Ohio University and earned a Ph.D. in chemistry with an emphasis in biochemistry. After completing postdoctoral fellowships at the universities of Virginia and Georgia, he worked for seven years in product development research for Procter & Gamble. Prior to joining the scholar team at Reasons To Believe in 1999, he published more than 15 articles in peer-reviewed scientific journals and made more than 20 presentations at international scientific meetings. Dr. Rana also coauthored a chapter on antimicrobial peptides for Biological and Synthetic Membranes and he holds one patent. Since joining Reasons To Believe he has chaired three conferences and has written two books published by NavPress, Origins of Life: Biblical and Evolutionary Models Face Off and Who Was Adam: A Creation Model Approach to the Origin of Man. He has published numerous articles on the apologetic significance of recent discoveries in the life sciences. He appears each week on the live Web broadcast, Creation Update, and is a highly popular and frequent guest on a wide variety of nationally/internationally syndicated talk radio and television programs. Reasons To Believe (www.reasons.org) is currently celebrating its 20th Anniversary. Founded in 1986 by renowned astrophysicist Hugh Ross, Ph.D. Reasons To Believe is unique in its position of demonstrating that science and the Bible complement one another. The mission of Reasons To Believe is to remove the doubts of skeptics, strengthen the faith of believers, and offer solid answers to questions about God and science. Reasons To Believe provides resources that will keep you informed about up-to-the minute discoveries in the sciences and how they harmonize with God�s revelation in the words of the Bible. It is our conviction that since the same God who �authored� the universe also inspired the writings of Scripture, a consistent message will come from both revelations. In other words, the facts of nature will agree with, not contradict, the Bible. Recent scientific discoveries support this now more than at any other time in history. Hugh Ross, Ph.D.�After studying physics at the University of British Columbia and astronomy at the University of Toronto, Hugh Ross continued his research on quasars and galaxies as a postdoctoral fellow at the California Institute of Technology. While at Caltech he began serving as minister of evangelism for Sierra Madre Congregational Church. Since 1986 he has led Reasons To Believe, an institute founded to research and proclaim new reasons �from the frontiers of science�for trust in God�s Word and faith in Jesus Christ. Over the years Dr. Ross has given hundreds of apologetics lectures, seminars, and courses in universities, churches, business firms and other venues across the U.S. and around the world. He is a popular interview guest on a wide variety of nationally/internationally syndicated radio and television programs. His books include The Fingerprint of God, The Creator and the Cosmos, Beyond the Cosmos, The Genesis Question, A Matter of Days, and as co- author, The Genesis Debate, Lights in the Sky and Little Green Men. He contributed a chapter on Mars in Dr. Rana�s book, Origins of Life: Biblical and Evolutionary Models Face Off, and also contributed details for the new scientific model for creation in Who Was Adam: A Creation Model Approach to the Origin of Man. revdauphinee answered on 04/23/06: Intersting post thank you !its seems we have maybee an aton clone in our midst (blueboy?) arcura rated this answer blueboy. rated this answer MaggieB rated this answer

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wakan asked on 04/23/06 - A question about one of the two great commandments.... "You shall love your God with all your heartm with all your mind and with all your strength." So................. If necessary I would give up my life for my wife and kids and for God, but..... What happens to me if I love my wife and kids more than I love God? Will he send me to hell for that? Wakan revdauphinee answered on 04/23/06: nO FOR DOES HE NOT SAY IN HIS WORD That genesis 2:24. For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and they will become one flesh. should a mn not love his own flesh?? and also we are made in his image so in loving we are part of that image wakan rated this answer

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blueboy asked on 04/22/06 - Jesus' three possible fathers The question of Jesus' paternity has been hotly debated through the ages. There are three main candidates: Joseph (Mary's husband), Joseph ben-Pandera (a lusty soldier) and God. If either Joseph (Mary's husband) or Joseph ben-Pandera had been Jesus' father it would stand to reason that Mary could not have been a virgin as Christians & Mulsims believe. However if the miricle of the virgin conception & the birth of Jesus could be proved, then, of the three, God would be the most likely to have fathered him..for is it not conceded by all that God is the best at miracles? revdauphinee answered on 04/22/06: there is no question in my mind God is the father! arcura rated this answer

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ROLCAM asked on 04/22/06 - TO BELIEVE : Do you believe equivocally that you were created in GOD'S image ? revdauphinee answered on 04/22/06: he said it !I believe it! blueboy. rated this answer ROLCAM rated this answer

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ROLCAM asked on 04/22/06 - Are you a doubting Thomas ? Do you believe on faith alone or do you need visible proof? Where do you go to get the visible proof ? revdauphinee answered on 04/22/06: I personaly need no proof for it is writen John 20: 29 Then Jesus told him, "Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed." ROLCAM rated this answer

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ROLCAM asked on 04/22/06 - TO SERVE : To whom can I bring peace by my forgiveness of their sins? revdauphinee answered on 04/22/06: yourself mainly ROLCAM rated this answer

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ROLCAM asked on 04/22/06 - TO LOVE : My Lord and my God, help me to believe when my faith wavers. revdauphinee answered on 04/22/06: as is said in scripture mark 9:24. Immediately the boy's father exclaimed, "I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!" ROLCAM rated this answer

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WheninRome asked on 04/21/06 - Many Saviors Researches into oriental history divulge the notable fact that stories of personified Gods answering to and resembling the miraculous character of Jesus Christ have been widespread in most if not all the major religions of the nations of antiquity. The telling of some of these deific incarnations have such a prominent resemblance to that of the Christian Savior not only in their general elements, but in some cases in the most minuscule details, from the legend of the immaculate conception to that of the crucifixion, and subsequent ascension into heaven that one is almost undistinguishable from the other. More than twenty claims of this kind (deified) have existing credentials to contest the decision of Christianity, in having proclaimed Jesus Christ, "the only son, and sent of God:" There are many Messiahs, Saviors, and Sons of God, according to the past histories or tradition, and all have, in past times, descended from heaven, to clothe themselves with human flesh, and doing so have provided unquestionable confirmation of a divine origin, by a variety of phenomenon, spectacular works, and unmatched virtues; and finally these twenty �saviors or messiahs� have set the foundation for the deliverance of the world, and risen back to heaven. Chrishna of Hindostan. Budha Sakia of India. Salivahana of Bermuda. Zulis, or Zhule, also Osiris and Orus, of Egypt. Odin of the Scaudinavians. Crite of Chaldea. Zoroaster of Persia. Mithras of Persia. Baal and Taut, "the only Begotten of God," of Phenicia. Indra of Thibet. Bali of Afghanistan. Jao of Nepaul. Wittoba of the Bilingonese. Thammuz of Syria. Atys of Phrygia. Xaniolxis of Thrace. Zoar of the Bonzes. Adad of Assyria. Deva Tat, and Sammonocadam of Siam. Alcides of Thebes. Mikado of the Sintoos. Beddru of Japan. Hesus or Eros, and Bremrillah, of the Druids. Thor, son of Odin, of the Gauls. Cadmus of Greece. Hil and Feta of the Mandaites. Gentaut and Quexalcote of Mexico. Universal Monarch of the Sibyls. Ischy of the Island of Formosa. Divine Teacher of Plato. Holy One of Xaca. Fohi and Tien of China. Adonis, son of the virgin Io of Greece. IxiOn and Quirinus of Rome. Prometheus of Caucasus. Mohamud, or Mahomet, of Arabia. These have all received heavenly honors, have all been venerated as Gods, or sons of God; were mostly incarnated as Christs, Saviors, Messiahs, or Mediators; reputedly born of virgins; some of them having a character almost identical with that attributed by the Christian's bible to Jesus Christ. Many of them, like him, were crucified; and all of them provide an example and parallel for nearly every significant event and awe inspiring miracle, dogma and teaching recorded in the New Testament, of the Christian's Savior. Now with all this body of evidence skepticism sets is. It appears that every era of humanity and every culture of the human family creates a �savior� to worship and rely upon for spiritual comfort during good and bad times. Many questions surge as a result of these facts: Was Jesus Christ the only Savior, seeing that a multitude of similar claims have been made before? Is he reputed as being the �only savior� by those whose lives are regimented by the precepts of the bible? Is man fated to create cultural �saviors� to survive the vicissitudes of every day life in each era of time? Will there be another �savior� born say a thousand years from now? Will Jesus Christ join the 'mythology state' when a new �savior� is born? revdauphinee answered on 04/21/06: the christian version is the only one I put any credence in! WheninRome rated this answer

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alexiotina asked on 04/21/06 - BIRTH NARRATIVES WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENCES IN BIRTH NARRATIVES BETWEEN MATTHEW AND LUKE? revdauphinee answered on 04/21/06: this is in the eye of the reader diferent people get different messages from any part of scripture! arcura rated this answer Mathatmacoat rated this answer

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WheninRome asked on 04/21/06 - Many Saviors Researches into oriental history divulge the notable fact that stories of personified Gods answering to and resembling the miraculous character of Jesus Christ have been widespread in most if not all the major religions of the nations of antiquity. The telling of some of these deific incarnations have such a prominent resemblance to that of the Christian Savior not only in their general elements, but in some cases in the most minuscule details, from the legend of the immaculate conception to that of the crucifixion, and subsequent ascension into heaven that one is almost undistinguishable from the other. More than twenty claims of this kind (deified) have existing credentials to contest the decision of Christianity, in having proclaimed Jesus Christ, "the only son, and sent of God:" There are many Messiahs, Saviors, and Sons of God, according to the past histories or tradition, and all have, in past times, descended from heaven, to clothe themselves with human flesh, and doing so have provided unquestionable confirmation of a divine origin, by a variety of phenomenon, spectacular works, and unmatched virtues; and finally these twenty �saviors or messiahs� have set the foundation for the deliverance of the world, and risen back to heaven. Chrishna of Hindostan. Budha Sakia of India. Salivahana of Bermuda. Zulis, or Zhule, also Osiris and Orus, of Egypt. Odin of the Scaudinavians. Crite of Chaldea. Zoroaster of Persia. Mithras of Persia. Baal and Taut, "the only Begotten of God," of Phenicia. Indra of Thibet. Bali of Afghanistan. Jao of Nepaul. Wittoba of the Bilingonese. Thammuz of Syria. Atys of Phrygia. Xaniolxis of Thrace. Zoar of the Bonzes. Adad of Assyria. Deva Tat, and Sammonocadam of Siam. Alcides of Thebes. Mikado of the Sintoos. Beddru of Japan. Hesus or Eros, and Bremrillah, of the Druids. Thor, son of Odin, of the Gauls. Cadmus of Greece. Hil and Feta of the Mandaites. Gentaut and Quexalcote of Mexico. Universal Monarch of the Sibyls. Ischy of the Island of Formosa. Divine Teacher of Plato. Holy One of Xaca. Fohi and Tien of China. Adonis, son of the virgin Io of Greece. IxiOn and Quirinus of Rome. Prometheus of Caucasus. Mohamud, or Mahomet, of Arabia. These have all received heavenly honors, have all been venerated as Gods, or sons of God; were mostly incarnated as Christs, Saviors, Messiahs, or Mediators; reputedly born of virgins; some of them having a character almost identical with that attributed by the Christian's bible to Jesus Christ. Many of them, like him, were crucified; and all of them provide an example and parallel for nearly every significant event and awe inspiring miracle, dogma and teaching recorded in the New Testament, of the Christian's Savior. Now with all this body of evidence skepticism sets is. It appears that every era of humanity and every culture of the human family creates a �savior� to worship and rely upon for spiritual comfort during good and bad times. Many questions surge as a result of these facts: Was Jesus Christ the only Savior, seeing that a multitude of similar claims have been made before? Is he reputed as being the �only savior� by those whose lives are regimented by the precepts of the bible? Is man fated to create cultural �saviors� to survive the vicissitudes of every day life in each era of time? Will there be another �savior� born say a thousand years from now? Will Jesus Christ join the 'mythology state' when a new �savior� is born? revdauphinee answered on 04/21/06: (1Tim.2:1,3,5 5 For there is (((one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus,))) ) (Jn.14:6 Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. ) WheninRome rated this answer

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WheninRome asked on 04/21/06 - Creation Mystery The Lord, and the Lady (and the Fool) were lonely. The All was not complete; there was none to keep them company, and laugh with them. There was none to know them, and none to be Their Children. And the Lady said, "Let us go forth and make Life upon the many worlds, that We may have Children, and a Family of Life within the MultiVerse. And let Us make them in Our image, and love and be loved in return." And the Fool laughed, and asked, "Shall it be so?" "No," said the Sacred King. And the Fool asked a second time, and said, "Shall it be so?" "Maybe," smiled the Youth. And the Fool asked a third time, saying, "Shall it be so?" "Yes!" said the Child. And the Fool smiled, and said, "If we do this thing, it shall be a wondrous thing indeed, for we shall make a Creature that shall have the Love of the Lady, and the Strength of the Lord, and a Curiosity to match Myself. It shall know Good and Evil, and Light and Darkness, and That which stands between them, and shall be very near and dear to us. It shall be arrogant, and willful, and cruel, but it shall also be kind, and gentle and loving. It shall be all things, and nothing at all." And the Fool laughed, and asked, "Shall it be so?" "No," said Chaos. And the Fool asked a second time, and said, "Shall it be so?" "Maybe," smiled Trickster. And the Fool asked a third time, saying, "Shall it be so?" "Yes!" said Prometheus. The Fool took up the stuff of stars, that whispers through the MultiVerse, and mixed it with the dry clay of earth, and mixed the substance thereby made with the waters of the sea, and the tears of the Maiden, and the birth-waters of the Mother, and the spittle of the Crone; wet it was with the blood of the Sacred King, and the sweat of the Youth, and the milk on the lips of the Child. And the Fool laughed, and asked, "Shall it be so?" "No," said the Crone. And the Fool asked a second time, and said, "Shall it be so?" "Maybe," smiled the Maiden. And the Fool asked a third time, saying, "Shall it be so?" "Yes!" said the Mother. And the Fool smiled, and said, "Then let it be so, for I have asked three times, and three times three, and thus it is and so it ever shall be!" The Holy Fool bent, and sank to His knees, and She took the wet clay, wet with the waters of the sea, and the tears of the Maiden, and the birth- waters of the Mother, and the spittle of the Crone; wet with the blood of the Sacred King, and the sweat of the Youth, and the milk on the lips of the Child. And from that clay He made our Brothers and Sisters in Fur, Feather and Scale, and all the growing things. And one thing made of that clay was taken up by the Fool, and placed aside. And the Lady smiled upon Her Lord. And the Fool turned, and It was Prometheus, and shaped the wet clay thing further. Side by side, He made them, that none should stand above the other, but that all should walk as equals and partners, in joy and love. And the Fool turned, and It was Trickster, who shaped us to be curious, and to doubt, and from our doubt and curiosity, to learn, and to laugh. And the Fool turned, and She was Chaos, and placed a bit of Itself within us, that we may change and grow. And the Lord smiled upon His Lady. Man and Woman Prometheus made, and the making and the shaping was as years, and years upon years. And the Fool began to dance. And the Lady began to dance. And the Lord began to dance. They danced Life into the World, the Lady and the Lord, and the Fool. They danced the moon, and stars, and Sun, and all that there is, they danced into being. And they danced Death into the World, for we must close the Circle of our Being, and go forth unto newness. They danced Life and Death, and still They dance, a never-ending, ever-spinning Circle, endlessly spiraling upon itself, and uncoiling to start anew; hand in hand They dance, to a Music They have made, endlessly creating, and endlessly destroying. Thus it was, and so it is, and evermore shall be so! revdauphinee answered on 04/21/06: And now for my version 1. In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. 2. Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters. 3. And God said, "Let there be light," and there was light. 4. God saw that the light was good, and he separated the light from the darkness. 5. God called the light "day," and the darkness he called "night." And there was evening, and there was morning--the first day. 6. And God said, "Let there be an expanse between the waters to separate water from water." 7. So God made the expanse and separated the water under the expanse from the water above it. And it was so. 8. God called the expanse "sky." And there was evening, and there was morning--the second day. 9. And God said, "Let the water under the sky be gathered to one place, and let dry ground appear." And it was so. 10. God called the dry ground "land," and the gathered waters he called "seas." And God saw that it was good. 11. Then God said, "Let the land produce vegetation: seed-bearing plants and trees on the land that bear fruit with seed in it, according to their various kinds." And it was so. 12. The land produced vegetation: plants bearing seed according to their kinds and trees bearing fruit with seed in it according to their kinds. And God saw that it was good. 13. And there was evening, and there was morning--the third day. 14. And God said, "Let there be lights in the expanse of the sky to separate the day from the night, and let them serve as signs to mark seasons and days and years, 15. and let them be lights in the expanse of the sky to give light on the earth." And it was so. 16. God made two great lights--the greater light to govern the day and the lesser light to govern the night. He also made the stars. 17. God set them in the expanse of the sky to give light on the earth, 18. to govern the day and the night, and to separate light from darkness. And God saw that it was good. 19. And there was evening, and there was morning--the fourth day. 20. And God said, "Let the water teem with living creatures, and let birds fly above the earth across the expanse of the sky." 21. So God created the great creatures of the sea and every living and moving thing with which the water teems, according to their kinds, and every winged bird according to its kind. And God saw that it was good. 22. God blessed them and said, "Be fruitful and increase in number and fill the water in the seas, and let the birds increase on the earth." 23. And there was evening, and there was morning--the fifth day. 24. And God said, "Let the land produce living creatures according to their kinds: livestock, creatures that move along the ground, and wild animals, each according to its kind." And it was so. 25. God made the wild animals according to their kinds, the livestock according to their kinds, and all the creatures that move along the ground according to their kinds. And God saw that it was good. 26. Then God said, "Let us make man in our image, in our likeness, and let them rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air, over the livestock, over all the earth, and over all the creatures that move along the ground." 27. So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them. WheninRome rated this answer arcura rated this answer

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ROLCAM asked on 04/21/06 - Acquiring a Wife with the Bible's Help. What are the Biblical Ways to Acquire a Wife? revdauphinee answered on 04/21/06: better to take advice from that 200 yr old book than to ignore it and live to regret! blueboy rated this answer ROLCAM rated this answer WheninRome rated this answer

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ROLCAM asked on 04/21/06 - Doctrinal Differences ?? What are the doctrinal differences between Judaism and other Christian denominations? revdauphinee answered on 04/21/06: Judaism is still awaiting a messiah!Christians know we have one! blueboy rated this answer ROLCAM rated this answer JeffreyBryson rated this answer

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ROLCAM asked on 04/21/06 - JESUS IS THE ONE AND ONLY SAVIOUR!!!!! JESUS IS THE ONE AND ONLY SAVIOUR!!!!! Blessed be His Holy Name. Blessed be His Sacred Heart. He came to live amongst us,so that we may be saved,that is why He is called "SAVIOUR". May God bless you and get you to see the light. Best wishes from your brother in Jesus Christ. Rolcam. revdauphinee answered on 04/21/06: Amen my brother ROLCAM rated this answer

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ROLCAM asked on 04/21/06 - Noah's Ark ?? How big was Noah's Ark compared with modern oil tankers? Was it bigger than the biggest? What was its carrying capacity? revdauphinee answered on 04/21/06: Genesis 6:14. So make yourself an ark of cypress wood; make rooms in it and coat it with pitch inside and out. 15. This is how you are to build it: The ark is to be 450 feet long, 75 feet wide and 45 feet high. 16. Make a roof for it and finish the ark to within 18 inches of the top. Put a door in the side of the ark and make lower, middle and upper decks. ROLCAM rated this answer

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curious98 asked on 04/21/06 - Jesus' new crucifixion I don't know whether you know this article but I'm posting it to hear what you may have to say about it. Who will be the no-sinner to toss the first stone? "The Crucifixion of Christ, American Style "For God so loved the world..." he returned his only begotten son to the land where he shed his grace on thee. By Jerry Ghinelli 04/14/06 Vindication for the faithful, rejoicing for the true believers, it was the second coming of Christ�and he was coming to America. Not to bring Armageddon, but to save mankind from Armageddon. Jesus will make his first appearance at the intersection of the streets appropriately named "Liberty" and "Church" in New York City, located at what has come to be known as "Ground Zero." Lower Manhattan was virtually shut down as millions of the faithful and curious flooded the streets to get a glimpse of the second coming of their lord and savior. Even the New York Stock Exchange suspended trading as the crowds swelled from the Battery to midtown Manhattan. The joy and hope that Christ was bringing was palpable�breathtaking, you might say�in the near carnival-like atmosphere that was created in lower Manhattan. Songs like "Jesus is just all right with me," "Amazing Grace" and "Jesus Christ Superstar" played from loudspeakers where the Twin Towers had once stood. American flags and crosses were everywhere. Martin Luther King�s "dream" was now a reality, as black men and white men, Jews and Gentiles, Protestants and Catholics, young and old, "red staters" and "blue staters," even atheists and agnostics, all joined hands in love and friendship at this celebration of the second coming of the Prince of Peace. The media frenzy was unprecedented. It was "all Jesus all the time": round-the-clock coverage as priests, rabbis, and even an ayatollah appeared as expert commentators to explain what this all meant and what we should think. Mel Gibson, who produced the film "The Passion of the Christ," was interviewed on so many television stations the joke was he must have a double. A female CNN reporter facetiously asked if the handsome Gibson�s identical twin was married. The night before, the new Pope, Benedict XVI, gave a rare interview with Mike Wallace from the CBS News show, ඄ Minutes." And for good reason: This was to be "the greatest story ever told." On vacation at his ranch in Crawford, Texas, President Bush read a brief statement, calling the second coming of Christ a "miracle of faith," and formally welcoming him to America. Bush ended his remarks by declaring, "Let freedom reign and God bless America." Christ had chosen to begin speaking at 8:46 a.m., the precise time when, on September 11, 2001, the first plane smashed into the North Tower of the World Trade Center. The clock in the corner of the TV screen read "Countdown to Jesus" as the minutes and seconds ticked away. It looked a little like we were about to launch the Space Shuttle, one reporter noted. At exactly 8:46 a.m., there was a sudden, immediate, "deafening" silence, almost as if the world had ended. Then Jesus Christ appeared alone before a massive bank of microphones, placed just two blocks north of Ground Zero on a little street appropriately named "Trinity Place." Looking much as he did two thousand years ago, the longhaired, bearded Jesus Christ, shabbily dressed in a robe and sandals, began to speak in a soft voice. "Shalom, salaam and may peace be with you," he offered. "I, Jesus of Nazareth, use this sacred ground to symbolize where over four years ago, at this exact moment, man�s inhumanity to man was broadcast live for the entire world to bear witness to. "Those who committed these barbaric acts thought of themselves as �believers,� but only a believer in Satan could commit such a heinous act," said Christ. The applause rang out like booming thunder, echoing off the skyscrapers along the narrow streets of lower Manhattan, and down the section of Broadway known as the Canyon of Heroes. Shouts of "hallelujah, hallelujah" sent goose bumps up people�s arms. The faithful were not crying; they were sobbing. Some people fainted. For the viewers at home, in the corner of TV screens a small woman provided sign language for the hearing impaired. Christ continued. "But I come before America today, for she is the greatest danger to world peace since Genesis. "To suggest that God, our father, would ever be on the side of an America�or any country, for that matter�which attacks poor, defenseless, impoverished people out of revenge, fear, ignorance or greed, contradicts everything I stand for today and, more importantly, died for two thousand years ago." On the streets and watching at home and at work, the American people were in "shock and awe" at this blunt criticism from their lord and savior. A few cheered, but Christ�s condemnation of America�s response to the evils of 9/11 and of their President, Bush�the born-again man of faith, leader of the greatest country on earth�drew immediate and harsh disapproval. Christian conservatives went on the attack, charging that Christ was wrong to criticize Bush while he was fighting the evil forces of Satan in his divinely inspired worldwide crusade on the war on terror. Christ, as one remarked, seemed to speak with a French accent, and sounded a lot like a bleeding-heart liberal. Fearing that Christ�s message might undermine troop morale in Iraq and Afghanistan conservative Republicans launched an urgent campaign to�as they term it�"swift-boat" Christ. "Swift-boat" is a new verb in the American lexicon, meaning "to smear in the name of truth, justice and freedom." A Conservative evangelical group from the Bible Belt was quickly formed, named "The Twelve Veteran Disciples for Truth." Using only their first names, Peter, Paul, James, John, Andy, Phil, Bart, Matthew, Simon, Thad, Tom, along with their spokesman, Judas, appeared together on Fox News to, as they stated, "set the record straight." They all claimed to have ancestors who served with Jesus back in the Middle East, and stated that his message of "love your enemies" was outdated and dangerous in these troubled times, when terrorists and evildoers lurk around every corner and can strike at any moment. "George W. Bush is a strong and sincere proponent of Christianity, a strong advocate of using military force to attack�even pre-emptively attack�our enemies. Notice that I say �attack,� not �love�," said Judas. Vice President Dick Cheney, appearing with former Georgia Senator Zell Miller before a uniformed military audience in Texas, suggested that Jesus� "love your enemy" message was a thinly veiled liberal euphemism that meant Christ wants to cut the defense budget and reduce the federal funding for the body armor badly needed by our brave young men and women in harm�s way."Let he without sin cast the first spitball," Cheney mocked, to a standing ovation from the troops. The American media, which loves simple soundbites to always entertain and sometimes inform, played Cheney's clever spitball line over and over ad nauseum. One enterprising young Republican trademarked the term "Let he without sin cast the first spitball," embroidered it on t-shirts and is selling them on eBay, along with a scowling "have you hugged a terrorist today" teddy bear wearing a little turban. On his daily radio program, Rush Limbaugh�the lord of the airwaves, the voice of the people, his excellency in broadcasting, revered by millions of "ditto heads" �asked whether the wounds Jesus suffered during his crucifixion had possibly been exaggerated. According to Limbaugh: "Thorns can only cause flesh wounds, and nails in your hands and feet are not lethal." Nails, Limbaugh went on with a chuckle, "should be an occupational hazard for Jesus Christ, the carpenter from Nazareth . "What�s next, Christ building houses for the poor, along with the second most annoying liberal, that other bleeding heart carpenter, Jimmy Carter?" Limbaugh mocked . Immediately after the show, on sale at www.rushlimbaugh.com were steel-toed workboots adorned with the American flag, a pair of "thorn-resistant" "holy" garden gloves (minus the holes), and a box of Band Aids with tiny red crosses should the gloves fail. On his program, radical preacher and firebrand television evangelist Pat Robertson referred to Christ�s "meek shall inherit the earth" remark as "communist infiltration and extremism." He suggests, like Limbaugh, that the liberal Christ is soft on the freedom-hating Islamic evildoers who detest our values. Robertson went so far as to say that Christ was dangerous, and posed the question "perhaps someone needs to take him out before he brings on Armageddon?" President Bush, speaking to new Marine recruits at Paris Island, praised the Lord Jesus and thanked him for his sacrifices. The President, who speaks to God regularly, insisted, however, that God also put him on this earth during these dangerous times to do his will. "Christ is my brother," Bush emphasized, "and brothers often have differences of opinion, that�s all. Christ believes in turning the other cheek; I prefer an eye for and eye. Or, as we say in Texas�dead or alive," he said to applause from his troops. "Semper fi," shouted Bush. Bush declared, "Jesus has never been elected to any public office. I come to work every day as your Commander�in-Chief with war on my mind. Christ speaks of peace this and love that� all kinds of dangerous messages in the post 9/11 world, when we have been attacked by the evildoers who can�t stand our freedoms," Bush said, to a standing ovation. Bush ended his speech by reciting his own version of "The Lord�s Prayer": Our Father, Who art in heaven, Hallowed be Thy Name. Thy Kingdom come. Thy Will be done, on earth as it is in Heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And never forgive the terrorists, who trespass against us. And lead us not into appeasement, and deliver the U.S. from evil. Amen. The Democrats, eager to dispel rumors that they will forever be irrelevant, have got into the act." . Fearing that the compassionate Christ might be pro-life, they have set out to�as they term it�"Bork" Jesus. Like "swift-boat," "Bork," taken from the name of the rejected Supreme Court nominee Robert Bork, has also become a verb meaning "to publicly destroy the character of those opposed to the Democrats� single issue of abortion." Teams of lawyers paid for by the Democrats, many of whom, opponents allege, have never read a Bible, sworn on a Bible or seen a Bible except in a motel room, are now scouring the Bible to determine whether Jesus, two thousand years ago, may have had an inappropriate relationship with Mary Magdalene and engaged in a sexual relationship with a subordinate. Former President Bill Clinton advising the Democrats, as an expert in this area, stated emphatically, "Jesus did not have sexual relations with that woman!". With Clinton's declaration, Democrats ended the investigation and went back to their fund raising. The editorial page of the Wall Street Journal stepped in and was sharply critical of Christ�s message that "the love of money is the root of all evil and that it would be easier for a camel to fit through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven." Greed, according to the Wall Street Journal is good; greed works; greed is what made America great. They added that "to render unto Caesar what is Caesar�s" suggests that Christ is in favor of raising taxes to fund liberal social programs and increase handouts to welfare mothers. Jewish groups, fearing that Christ�who was, after all, born in Bethlehem, Palestine�would be sympathetic to Palestinian suffering and thus would oppose increased military aid for Israel, labeled him anti-Semitic. When reminded Christ was born Jewish they amended the label to "self-hating Jew." Catholics, fearing that this time around not only would Christ clear the temples, but the churches too, were quietly distancing themselves from their lord and savior. With sky-rocketing insurance premiums caused by the lawsuits stemming from the church�s sex scandal, Saturday Night Bingo is needed now more than ever and must not be interrupted. President Bush�s advisor and brain, Karl Rove, has denied reports suggesting he was the source of the leak that begs the question "when did Christ stop beating his gay wife." A defensive Rove vehemently denied he was the source and offered proof by reminding everyone that the Bush administration is clear in its opposition to gay marriage. Sensing blood in the water, the Republican spin machine revved up to full throttle. Ann Coulter, the "angelic"-looking "Republican Party Doll," appeared on The O'Reilly Factor in a pure white dress with a Victorian collar, her Rapunzel-like blond hair gleaming; under the set lighting. O'Reilly, complimented Coulter saying she reminded him tonight of "Glinda, the good witch of the north in the Wizard of Oz." However, some critics suggested she sounded more like the "wicked witch of the west" when she said: "...with his sandals, long hair and beard, Christ bore an eerie resemblance to Osama bin Laden." O'Reilly said nothing but nodded his approval. But the coup de grace for Jesus was when Judas, the spokesman for "The Twelve Veteran Disciples for Truth," approached the Justice Department with evidence that the Middle Eastern�born, bearded Christ, who speaks Arabic and is in the US illegally, is a card-carrying member of Al Qaeda. Judas charged that Christ was not the son of God, but rather the son of Allah. With silver selling at about $13.01 an ounce (up 32 cents), thirty pieces of silver�about $390�just doesn�t buy what it did two thousand years ago. So Judas opted for "fifteen minutes of fame" instead. He is scheduled to appear on "Oprah" tomorrow, "Larry King Live" at night and "Good Morning America" the next day. President Bush has invited him to his ranch in Crawford, Texas, for some spiritual guidance. Judas, it is expected, will also assist the President in "clearing brush" during this working vacation at the sprawling Texas compound. All suggestions regarding book deals and movie rights are referred to Judas�s agent at the William Morris Agency in Beverly Hills. With Christ-approval numbers now in the single digits, and with compelling evidence from the "disciples for truth" that Christ is a member of Al Qaeda, he was arrested under the provisions of the US Patriot Act and whisked off to an undisclosed location. The indigent, penniless Christ was represented in court by a public defender who appealed Christ�s incarceration all the way up to the US Supreme court. Justice Antonin Scalia, who is of Italian ancestry tracing back to ancient Rome, when speaking for the court refused to hear the appeal. In a tersely worded opinion for a unanimous court, he stated: "We wash our hands of this case." The High Court, however, then overturned the twenty-five-year sentence of convicted WorldCom (MCI) thief Bernard "Bernie" Ebbers, declaring that his rights under the 8th Amendment, prohibiting cruel and unusual punishment, were violated. Ebbers was immediately released back into society and received a hero�s welcome in his hometown. Signs of "Give us Bernard" appeared everywhere. Outside the court at Christ�s hearing, one lone supporter of Christ held up a sign that read "crucify the sinless, and set the guilty free." He was immediately arrested. Accompanied by his legal aid lawyer, Christ was returned to the courtroom from his undisclosed location, along with two other prisoners. Dressed in an orange jumpsuit and shackled at the wrists and ankles, he looked gaunt and sad at his circumstances. His public defender angrily referred to this proceeding as a "high-tech crucifixion." The public defender was immediately cited for contempt of court. Christ never spoke during the brief hearing, except when the judge asked him if he had any final words before sentencing. "Yes, your honor. Father, forgive them, once again, for they know not what they do." Amen" Curioous98 revdauphinee answered on 04/21/06: Just my oppinion and we all have them this is utter rot and a waste of time to read! tomder55 rated this answer curious98 rated this answer

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Erewhon asked on 04/21/06 - A Limb too Faugh? - http://mediamatters.org/items/200604030004 Limbaugh called alleged Duke rape victim a "ho[ ]" Summary: On his national syndicated radio program, Rush Limbaugh referred to the alleged victim of a rape by members of the Duke University lacrosse team as a "ho[]." During the March 31 broadcast of his national syndicated radio program, Rush Limbaugh referred to the alleged victim of a rape by members of the Duke University lacrosse team as a "ho[]." During an on-air discussion with a caller, Limbaugh said that former Democratic presidential candidate Al Sharpton was "trying to figure out how he can get involved in the deal down there at Duke where the lacrosse team ... supposedly, you know, raped some, uh, hos." Limbaugh's made the comment about a recent incident in Durham, North Carolina, in which an exotic dancer was allegedly raped by three members of the Duke lacrosse team. The incident has invoked further controversy because the victim, an African-American, has alleged that her attackers used racial epithets. Prompted by another caller to apologize for his words, Limbaugh said that he had made the statement because he was "running on fumes today," and called it a "terrible slip of the tongue." But he then added that there are "some inconsistencies" in the case and rephrased his apology, telling the second caller, "I regret that you heard me say it." From the March 31 edition of The Rush Limbaugh Show: CALLER 1: Why is it, do you think, that you haven't heard hardly anything from Jesse Jackson or Al Sharpton about the whole immigration thing? I mean, the silence is deafening from -- LIMBAUGH: Well, they're busy. CALLER 1: -- the NAACP [National Association for the Advancement of Colored People] and the -- LIMBAUGH: They're -- they're busy. They're busy. The Reverend Jackson is in New Orleans. He's leading a big march there tomorrow. The march is -- what is it called? The -- the march for the right to return a protected vote and reconstruction. He's trying to -- they got problems down in New Orleans. They don't have voter base, and Sharpton's working on a New Orleans deal, too. He's trying to figure out how he can get involved in the deal down there at Duke where the lacrosse team -- CALLER 1: Yeah. LIMBAUGH: -- uh, supposedly, you know, raped, some, uh, hos. CALLER 1: But I don't think they're very happy about all of this. LIMBAUGH: Yeah, well, but, the problem -- that -- that has a possibility down -- that Duke thing's got a possibility of being a Tawana Brawley situation. That -- and Sharpton's got a balance -- can he afford another one of those as -- as his life's going on? New Orleans is a big deal to him, and I -- I'm gonna tell you something. You'll -- you'll see these guys -- at some point, they will get involved, be-because when Ted Kennedy calls it the new civil rights movement, that's Jesse Jackson's turf. He owns it. So -- CALLER 1: Right. LIMBAUGH: Yeah, anyway, I gotta run here because of the constraints of time out there. [Caller], a great, great question. Uh, exotic dancer, OK, say rape -- whatever happened. You know what it is down there at Duke. It's -- you watch what happens in that. That's -- [...] LIMBAUGH: It's open-line Friday, and I am Rush Limbaugh, America's anchorman and your host for life. This is -- this is [caller] from Bryant, Texas. Hello, [caller], great to have you with us. CALLER 2: Rush, did you just call those young ladies "hos" on the nationally syndicated program? LIMBAUGH: Yes. CALLER 2: Do you know something about them that perhaps we don't know? LIMBAUGH: Yes, yes I did. CALLER 2: Oh, you -- LIMBAUGH: It was a, it was -- hang on -- now, what, what did you say there, [caller]? CALLER 2: I said, because -- and if they are hos, it doesn't mean that they can still -- you can do to 'em whatever you want. LIMBAUGH: No. CALLER 2: Well, why would you call them hos on the national -- LIMBAUGH: Well, because, because I'm running on fumes today, [caller], and I felt terrible about it. And I knew somebody was gonna call and give me a little grief so I'm takin' the occasion of your call to apologize for it. That was, it was a terrible slip of the tongue. I'm sorry. But it wasn't the worst one that has been said recently. You want -- do you know who Keanu Reeves is? CALLER 2: Yeah, I know who he is. He's an actor. LIMBAUGH: Well, he's, he's, he's an actor. CALLER 2: Yeah. LIMBAUGH: He's a whacko. He's, he's an -- an actor and, he -- what was he doing? He was -- the Women Against Domestic Violence group was already in a dither because Keanu Reeves told an interviewer he learned something filming a rape scene with Hilary Swank for a movie called The Gift. And he said was, what he learned was that some of these ladies don't mind it. CALLER 2: OK. But -- LIMBAUGH: He said he learned that in a rape scene but -- so, you know, I'm not the worst offender. CALLER 2: Well, I hope you -- LIMBAUGH: I just, I'm looking at this case down there at Duke, [caller], and it's -- there's some things about it, some inconsistencies. You've got some timeline differentiations and matriculations and, and so forth. I'm just -- but it was, it was terrible slip of the tongue, and I am, I am terribly, I am terribly sorry. CALLER 2: Well, I was hoping that your animosity for Jesse Jackson and Al Sharpton wasn't your motivation for calling them hos. LIMBAUGH: No -- why -- they, they have nothing to do with it. CALLER 2: Oh, OK. Well, but, I -- it definitely offended me to hear you say that on the national program. The world's largest -- as you say. LIMBAUGH: Yeah, well -- CALLER 2: But maybe you should take half your brain from behind your back next time. LIMBAUGH: You know, I'm thinking what I ought to do, [caller], is something that I used to do in the early days of this program and that is spank myself. CALLER 2: Well, I don't know if that's gonna work. The apology would be good. LIMBAUGH: I just -- how -- you want me to apologize again? I'm sorry. CALLER 2: Oh, no, I'm saying -- the apology was good. LIMBAUGH: I regret that you heard me say it. === Is this the ethical standard of the right wing conservative coalition? revdauphinee answered on 04/21/06: even a so called (whore) has the right to say no!@!!No one should be forced against thier will no matter who or what they are !!!However if it proven that this woman is liing she shpuld be punnished to the full extent of the law! Erewhon rated this answer

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BeelzeBUSH asked on 04/21/06 - Well it's come that time... ...to say good-bye. Other than questions I asked the board, I never rated other participants replies. It's not that your answers didn't deserve excellent rating most of the times (because they did), it's just that I chose to be passive and contemplate reactions and consequences of others. I realize now that this board afforded me the opportunity to learn more about Christianity the longer I participated and I truly enjoyed my time here. Sincerely, George revdauphinee answered on 04/21/06: why must you go ?we all will miss you BeelzeBUSH rated this answer

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kamadasa asked on 04/20/06 - femdom maleslave i am a male of 35yrs from india and highly submissive to ladies.is it alright?or do i need any treatment? revdauphinee answered on 04/20/06: you sure do find a good psychiatrist as soon as possible blueboy rated this answer WheninRome rated this answer

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andile asked on 04/19/06 - One Holy Catholic Church Before our Savior left us He did something and promised us something.He chose the Apostle Peter to be the Head of His Church(read gospel of Matthew).He also promised us to send the Holy Spirit which will guide us (His Church).In ourdays there are thousands of Protentant churches that are outside of the Church that was installed by the Messiah Himself.Is the a chance that these Protentant churches can receive salvation,or they need to come back to the One Holy Catholic Church in other for them to be saved from eternity death?Are their sacraments of Baptism and the Eucharist valid,if not why not show them the correct path to follow? revdauphinee answered on 04/19/06: the Church only came into being after Jesus was crucified it was not Catholic but a group of Jewish followers Whilst I admire and respect my catholic bretheren I take some offence in your statement "thousands of Protentant churches that are outside of the Church that was installed by the Messiah Himself.Is the a chance that these Protentant churches can receive salvation," Jesus tells us the way to salvation is through him not through the church!all one needs for salvation is in the scripture Mk.16:15-16 15 He said to them, "Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation. 16 Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, kindj rated this answer blueboy rated this answer

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ROLCAM asked on 04/18/06 - Knowledge on Angels ? Where can I find out what angels names mean? SINCE SCRIPTURE IN SPEAKING OF THE ANGELS USES NINE DIFFERENT NAMES, What are they ? revdauphinee answered on 04/18/06: I truly dont know but my question is why the need to know??Just curious ROLCAM rated this answer

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STONY asked on 04/18/06 - JOY, PLEASE DO NOT CONFUSE MY POLITICAL AFFILIATION WITH MY SAVIOUR. LIKE HIM OR NOT, G.W.BUSH IS THE PRESIDENT AND THAT IS A FACT. JESUS CHRIST IS MY SAVIOUR AND THAT IS ALSO A FACT. BUT, THE TWO ARE NOT THE SAME PERSON IN ONE. THE PRES. IS JUST AS FALLIBLE AS ME, BUT JESUS IS INFALLIBLE. revdauphinee answered on 04/18/06: the two should never be confused just as people claim only republicans ar Christian I for one am a christian democrat !as christ tells us render unto ceasar! STONY rated this answer

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CeeBee2 asked on 04/16/06 - Embalming......................... Is it proper since Christians are supposed to go "from dust to dust"? If I'm embalmed, I will never get to the final dust stage. Then what? revdauphinee answered on 04/18/06: as i stated in my answer to the last question after death that body is no more than an old coat we no longer need God will provide us with new ones CeeBee2 rated this answer

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HANK1 asked on 04/16/06 - Resurrection: Would Jesus have risen from the dead if He had been cremated? revdauphinee answered on 04/18/06: of cource he would if it (as it was) were Gods plan HANK1 rated this answer

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HANK1 asked on 04/16/06 - CREMATION: Is cremation a Christian practice or is cremation a heathen practice? revdauphinee answered on 04/18/06: what difference does it make after death the spitit no longer inhabits that body! HANK1 rated this answer

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Laura asked on 04/16/06 - Watch the Lamb � Ray Boltz Walking on the road to Jerusalem, The time had come to sacrifice again, My two small sons, They walked beside me on the road, The reason that they came was to watch the lamb. Daddy, daddy, What will see there, There's so much that we don't understand, So I told them of Moses and father Abraham, Then I said dear children watch the lamb, There will be so many in Jerusalem today, We must be sure the lamb doesn't run away, And I told them of Moses and father Abraham, Then I said dear children watch the lamb. When we reached the city, I knew something must be wrong, There were no joyful worshipers, No joyful worship songs, I stood there with my children in the midst of angry men, Then I heard the crowd cry out Crucify Him. We tried to leave the city but we could not get away, Forced to play in this drama a part I did not wish to play, Why upon this day were men condemned to die, Why were we standing here, Where soon they would pass by. I looked and said, even now they come, The first one cried for mercy, The people gave him none, The second one was violent, He was arrogant and loud, I still hear his angry voice screaming at the crowd, Then someone said there's Jesus, I scarced believed my eyes, A man so badly beaten, He barely looked alive, Blood poured from His body, From the forms upon His brow, Running down the cross, Falling to the ground. I watched Him as He struggled, I watched Him as He fell, The cross came down upon His back, The crowd began to yell, In that moment I felt such agony, In that moment I felt such loss, Till a Roman soldier grabbed my arm and screamed, you, carry His cross. At first I tried to resist him, Then his hand reached for his sword, So I knelt and took the cross from the Lord, I placed it on my shoulder, And started down the street, The blood that he'd been shedding was running down my cheek. They led us to Golgotha, They drove nails deep in His feet and hands, Yet upon the cross I heard Him pray Father, forgive them. Oh, never have I seen such love in any other eyes, Into thy hands I commit my spirit He prayed and the He died, I stood for what seemed like years, I'd lost all sense of time until I felt two tiny hands holding tight to mine, The children stood there weeping, I heard the oldest say, Father please forgive us, the lamb ran away. Daddy, daddy, What have we seen here, There's so much that we don't understand, So I took them in my arms, And we turned and faced the cross, Then I said dear children Watch the Lamb. ---------------------------------------------- Today we celebrate the ressurection of the Savior of our hearts and souls. May God richly bless those who believe...and may He reveal the truth to the hearts and minds of those who doubt. revdauphinee answered on 04/18/06: AMEN laura Laura rated this answer

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jackreade asked on 04/16/06 - Would You Like Fries With That????? A Dutch company looks to bring a protein created from transgenic cows to the American public. by Maggie Wittlin humanicow.jpg Credit: George Green In his 2006 State of the Union address�between thanking outgoing Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O'Connor for her service and heralding his wife's Helping America's Youth Initiative�President Bush slipped in a call for a ban on "human-animal hybrids." It's probably a phrase that brings thoughts of centaurs, fauns and harpies to some minds. But, despite the President's stern disapproval of mixed-species clones, we may soon find food products derived from them not just in our research labs, but on our kitchen tables within the next year. A Dutch biotechnology company called Pharming has genetically engineered cows, outfitting females with a human gene that causes them to express high levels of the protein human lactoferrin in their milk. According to Pharming's website, the protein�which is naturally present in human tears, lung secretions, milk and other bodily fluids�fights against the bacteria that causes eye and lung infections, plays a key role in the immune system of infants and adults and improves intestinal microbial balance, promoting the health of the gastro-intestinal tract. "Since the protein has the ability to bind iron, is a natural anti-bacterial, anti-fungal and anti-viral, is an antioxidant and also has immunomodulatory properties, large groups of people might benefit from orally administered lactoferrin," the company literature reads. Scientists have tested the toxicity of the protein�isolated from the cows' milk�on rats. They found that�even at the high level of 2,000 mg recombinant human lactoferrin per kg body weight�orally consumed human lactoferrin has no adverse effects to complement all the supposed benefits already mentioned. Pharming has, therefore, filed a notification with the FDA asking that their lactoferrin be labeled "Generally Recognized As Safe" (GRAS). If the FDA approves this product, human lactoferrin derived from these cloned cows could be in America's yogurt, popsicles, sports drinks and snack bars within months. %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Comments? revdauphinee answered on 04/18/06: I may see it but would not knowingly purchace such a product! jackreade rated this answer

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Erewhon asked on 04/15/06 - Have you seen this? AT THE FOOT OF THE CROSS By � Ernest Borgnine Back in 1975, I was offered a part in the film Jesus of Nazareth, which through the years had been shown at Easter time on NBC television. Our cast, directed by the renowned Franco Zeffirelli, included Anne Bancroft as Mary Magdalene and Olivia Hussey as Mary, mother of Jesus, I played the part of the centurion who was present at the crucifixion, the one whose servant had been healed by Jesus. Much of the film was shot in Tunisia on the Mediterranean during January and February of 1976. A cold, damp wind continually knocked over floodlights and stung us with desert sand. I was uncomfortable in my thick leather uniform. My neck ached under the ponderous metal helmet, and I even began to pity those ancient Roman soldiers who were called centurions because they commanded a hundred men. When it came time for my scene during the crucifixion, the weather was chill and gray. The camera was to be focused on me at the foot of the cross, and so it was not necessary for Robert Powell, the actor who portrayed Jesus, to be there. Instead Zeffirelli put a chalk mark on a piece of scenery beside the cameraman, "I want you to look up at that mark," he told me, "as if you were looking at Jesus." "Okay," I said, moving into position and looking up at the mark as instructed. "Ready?" I hesitated. Somehow I wasn't ready. I was uneasy, "Do you think it would be possible for somebody to read from the Bible the words Jesus said as He hung on the cross?" I asked. I knew the words well from the days of my childhood in an Italian-American family in Connecticut, and I'd read them in preparation for the film. Even so, I wanted to hear them now. "I will do it myself," Zeffirelli said. He found a Bible, opened it up to the Book of Luke, and signaled for the camera to start rolling. As Zeffirelli began reading Christ's words aloud, I stared up at the chalk mark, thinking what might have gone through the centurion's mind. The poor Man up there, I thought, I met Him when he healed my servant, who is like a son to me, Jesus says He is the Son of God, an unfortunate claim during these perilous times. But I know He is innocent of any crime. "Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do." The voice was Zeffirelli's, but the words burned into me � the words of Jesus (Luke 23:34-46). Forgive me, Father, for even being here, was the centurion's prayer that formed in my thoughts. I am so ashamed. "Verily I say unto thee, today shalt thou be with me in paradise," said Jesus to the thief hanging next to Him. If Jesus can forgive that criminal, then He will forgive me, I thought, I will lay down my sword and retire to my little farm outside of Rome. Then it happened. As I stared upward, instead of the chalk mark, I suddenly saw the face of Jesus Christ, lifelike and clear. It was not the features of Robert Powell I was used to seeing, but the most beautiful, gentle visage I have ever known. Pain � seared, sweat-stained, with blood flowing down from thorns pressed deep. His face was still filled with compassion. He looked at me through tragic, sorrowful eyes with an expression of love beyond description. Then His cry rose against the desert wind. Not the voice of Zeffirelli, reading from the Bible, but the voice of Jesus Himself, "Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit." "Cut!" Yelled Zeffirelli. Olivia Hussey and Ann Bancroft were crying too. I wiped my eyes and looked up again to where I had see Jesus � He was gone. Whether I saw a vision of Jesus that windswept day or whether it was only something in my mind. I do not know. It doesn't matter. For I do know that it was a profound experience and that I have not been quite the same person since. I believe that I take my faith more seriously. I like to think that I'm forgiving than I used to be. As that centurion learned two thousand years ago, I too have found that you simply cannot come close to Jesus without being changed. === Are you familiar with this? revdauphinee answered on 04/18/06: no I never read it before but i thank you for posting it Erewhon rated this answer

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lethal_13 asked on 04/15/06 - Creation vs Evolution Is there a true scientific answer ? (At this stage I'm interested to see what is said in response) revdauphinee answered on 04/18/06: being educated in europe I was taught both versions of creation and was also told that since a day is as a thoudand yrs to our God both were possible

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curious98 asked on 04/15/06 - Luke 21 While working on the translation of the homily for the first Sunday of Advent (corresponding to Dec. 3rd, 2006), I read the Gospel for the Mass of that day ( Lk 21:25-28, 34-36) and, suddenly, realized the critical situation we are facing with Iran trying to become a nuclear power and their menace to destroy Israel on one side and the eventual reactions of Israel and the USA, on the other. These verses from Evangelist Luke say: �25 "There will be signs in the sun, the moon, and the stars, and on earth nations will be in dismay, perplexed by the roaring of the sea and the waves. 26 People will die of fright in anticipation of what is coming upon the world, for the powers of the heavens will be shaken. 27 And then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. 28 But when these signs begin to happen, stand erect and raise your heads because your redemption is at hand." 34 "Beware that your hearts do not become drowsy from carousing and drunkenness and the anxieties of daily life, and that day catch you by surprise 35 Like a trap. For that day will assault everyone who lives on the face of the earth. 36 Be vigilant at all times and pray that you have the strength to escape the tribulations that are imminent and to stand before the Son of Man." However, the Gospel does not take into account other parts of Chapter 21, which are rather scary, like: 6 "All that you see here--the days will come when there will not be left a stone upon another stone that will not be thrown down." 7 Then they asked him, "Teacher, when will this happen? And what sign will there be when all these things are about to happen?" 8 He answered, "See that you not are deceived, for many will come in my name, saying, 'I am he,' and 'The time has come.' Do not follow them! 9 When you hear of wars and insurrections, do not be terrified; for such things must happen first, but it will not immediately be the end." 10 Then he said to them, "Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. What about signs in the sky? (Luke 21:25 There will be signs in the sun, the moon, and the stars). That means something of cosmic significance is happening. The Gospel writers were probably recalling what had been seen by the ancient prophets. Isaiah 13:10; Joel 2:10; Zephaniah 1:15; Daniel 7:13-14. Or also Revelation 6:12-13. There is plenty of reason for fear in those ancient images of God coming in power. The Gospel is good news; but He also gave warnings - of worldly concerns that could blind us to the things of God. Luke 8:14; Luke 12:22; Luke 12:45; Mark 4:19; 1 Thessalonians 5:6-7. And compare: Amos 5:18-24; Isaiah 40:1-6. The time of Amos was not unlike our time in the West. Remember how Jesus spoke of doing things for the least of his children in his parables of the end in Matthew 25. I do not really believe in omens or predictions from the Gospels applied to our time, but people in our society today are very confused about these things. Was Jesus talking of something that was going to happen in ordinary human life, within human history, or was he speaking of another world altogether? At any rate, I must admit that these warnings may sound rather ominous, in view of the circumstances... Don't you agree? Curious98 revdauphinee answered on 04/18/06: Personaly I firmly believe we are living in the end times ! curious98 rated this answer

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Erewhon asked on 04/15/06 - Passover ... I came across a website that is concerned with "Anti-Easter Christians." Naturally I was intrigued. However, the links on its pages kept me going around in circles but getting nowhere. So, I gave up. However, one thing did catch my eye. One of its blurbs was: "The Hebrew word for Passover is Pesach, a combination of peh and sach . The two words mean, 'the mouth speaks'." I have been informed that 'pesach' comes from a Hebrew word meaning 'to limp,' probably from a sort of limping dance that was part of the ancient agrarian festival onto which pesach was later attached. The English term translates the Hebrew word pesach as used in Exod. 12:13, �I will pass over you, and no plague shall fall upon you to destroy you, when I smite the land of Egypt� (see also vv. 23, 27). The verb also may have the connotation �protect� in Isa. 31:5, although such a sense is probably already reflective of the Exodus (Isa. 31:3). Elsewhere in the Hebrew the verb means �hop, skip� (1 Kings 18:21, 26; rsv: �limp�) or �limp� (2 Sam. 4:4; rsv: �lame,� and see the noun form �lame� from the same root in Lev. 21:18; 2 Sam. 9:13; Isa. 35:6). Unconvincing attempts have been made by scholars to derive the etymology of pesach from Akkadian, Egyptian, and Arabic loan words. In the Bible, the noun pesach always refers to the sacrifice (Exod. 12:27) or the attendant festival (2 Kings 23:22). Pesach = pacach {paw-sakh'} Hebrew: verb Possible Definitions: 1) to pass over, spring over 1a) (Qal) to pass over 1b) (Piel) to skip, pass over 2) to limp 2a) (Qal) to limp 2b) (Niph) to be lame 2c) (Piel) to limp Any ideas? revdauphinee answered on 04/18/06: It is imposible to be both Christian and anti easter! Erewhon rated this answer

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arcura asked on 04/14/06 - Do you agree with what the pope said about Judas? Pope Focuses on Mystery of Judas' Betrayal Apostle Rejected God's Love, Says Benedict XVI VATICAN CITY, APRIL 13, 2006 (Zenit.org).- In his homily at the Mass of the Lord's Supper, Benedict XVI assured the faithful that the mystery of Judas consists precisely in his rejection of God's love. Judas Iscariot personifies "treacherous man," for whom money, power and success are more important than love and he does not hesitate to sell Jesus, the Pope said at the Mass on the evening of Holy Thursday. The Holy Father's comments came in the wake of the recently divulged "Gospel of Judas," an ancient document that puts the apostle and his betrayal of Christ in a positive light. It describes Judas, in fact, as obeying a divine ordinance in handing over Jesus to the authorities. In his homily, Benedict XVI, on the contrary, stressed the freedom of the apostle who betrayed Jesus for 30 denarii, as the canonical Gospels explain. "The dark mystery exists of the rejection, made present with what happened to Judas and, precisely on Holy Thursday, on the day that Jesus gives himself up, should make us reflect," said the Pontiff. "The Lord's love knows no limits, but man can put a limit." Rejection Benedict XVI then asked: "What does this do to treacherous man?" And he responded: "The rejection of love, not wanting to be loved, not loving. Pride which thinks it has no need of purification, which closes itself to the saving goodness of God." "In Judas," he said, "we see the nature of this rejection still more clearly. He judges Jesus according to the categories of power and success: For him, power and success alone are the reality, love does not count. "And he is avid: Money is more important than communion with Jesus, it is more important than God and his love." "In this way," the Holy Father explained, "he also becomes a liar, who plays a game of double jeopardy, and breaks with truth, someone who lives in lies, thus losing the sense of the highest truth, of God." "In this way, he becomes hard and incapable of conversion, of the confident return of the prodigal son, and throws away his destroyed life." revdauphinee answered on 04/18/06: i absolutly dissagree for had it not been for Judas Gods plan could never have been brought about he was essential to the plan of salvation arcura rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 04/15/06 - Are you trapped in a paradox? The Christian paradox April 15, 2006 How can a faithful nation get Jesus so wrong? What it means to be Christian in America today. By Bill McKibben. It is said that only 40 per cent of Americans can name more than four of the Ten Commandments and a scant half can cite any of the four authors of the Gospels. Twelve per cent believe Joan of Arc was Noah's wife. This failure to recall the specifics of Christianity may be further evidence of the nation's educational decline but it probably doesn't matter all that much in spiritual or political terms. Here is a statistic that does matter: 75 per cent of Americans believe the Bible teaches that God helps those who help themselves. That is, three out of four Americans believe that this notion, at the core of American politics and culture and which was in fact uttered by Ben Franklin, appears in Holy Scripture. And Franklin's homily is counterbiblical. Few notions could be further from its radical summons to love they neighbour. On this essential matter, most American Christians are simply wrong; it's as if 75 per cent of American scientists believed that Isaac Newton proved that gravity caused apples to ascend. When we say we are a Christian nation and, overwhelmingly, we do, it means something. People who go to church absorb lessons there and make decisions based on those lessons; increasingly, these lessons inform their politics. (One poll found that 11 per cent of American churchgoers were urged by their clergy to vote in a particular way in the 2004 election, up from 6 per cent in 2000.) When George Bush says that Jesus Christ is his favourite philosopher, he may or may not be sincere but he is reflecting the sincere beliefs of the majority of Americans. And therein is the paradox. America is the most professedly Christian of the developed nations and the least Christian in its behaviour. That paradox illuminates the hollow core of our boastful, careening culture. Ours is among the most spiritually homogenous, rich nations. About 85 per cent of us call ourselves Christians. Israel, in comparison, is 77 per cent Jewish. About 75 per cent of Americans claim they pray to God daily and 33 per cent say they manage to get to church every week. Still, even if that 85 per cent overstates actual practice, there is nothing else that unites more than four-fifths of America. It is a nation saturated in Christian identity. But is it Christian? This is not a matter of angels dancing on the heads of pins. Christ was specific about what he had in mind for his followers. In the days before his crucifixion, Jesus said you could tell the righteous from the damned by whether they'd fed the hungry, slaked the thirsty, clothed the naked, welcomed the stranger and visited the prisoner. What if we chose some simple criterion, say, giving aid to the poorest people, as a reasonable example of Christian behaviour? In 2004, the US ranked second last among developed countries in government foreign aid, measured as a share of their economies. Per capita, we each give 15 cents a day in official development assistance to poor countries. And donations to private charities for relief work increased our average daily donation by only six cents, to 21 cents. We gave little to poor countries not because we were too busy taking care of our own; nearly 18 per cent of American children live in poverty (compared with 8 per cent in Sweden). Judging by just about any measure you want to propose - childhood nutrition, infant mortality, access to preschool - we come in nearly last among rich nations and often by a wide margin. So Christian America trails badly in all these areas to which Jesus paid particular attention. And these social indicators are not getting better. The US Department of Agriculture reported in 2004 that the number of "food insecure" households had risen more than 26 per cent between 1999 and 2003. Despite the sixth commandment, the US is the most violent of the rich nations, with a murder rate four or five times that of its European peers. Its prison population is six to seven times bigger than those of other rich nations. Having been told to turn the other cheek, the US is the only Western democracy that executes its citizens, mostly in those states where Christianity is strongest. Despite Jesus' opposition to divorce, more than 50 per cent of US marriages end, compared with the European Union average of about four in 10. The divorce rate among the godless Dutch is about 37 per cent. Teenage pregnancy? We're at the top of the charts. Are Americans hypocrites? Of course they are. But most people, including me, are hypocrites. The more troubling explanation for this disconnection between belief and action is that most Americans, which means most believers, have replaced the Christianity of the Bible, with its call for sharing and personal sacrifice, with a competing creed, possibly several competing creeds. The one that frightens me most comes from the sprawling megachurches. Its deviation is subtle - most of what gets preached in these palaces isn't loony at all but disturbingly conventional, with pastors focusing relentlessly on individual needs. Their goal is to service consumers - not communities but individuals, those who feel the need for some spirituality in their (or their children's) lives. The result is a comfortable, suburban faith. A reporter from The New York Times, who recently visited one booming megachurch outside Phoenix, found a typical scene: a drive-through latte stand, Krispy Kreme doughnuts at every service, and sermons about how to discipline your children, how to reach your professional goals, how to invest your money, how to reduce your debt. On Sundays children played with church-distributed Xboxes and many congregants signed up for a twice-weekly aerobics class called Firm Believers. Not that any of this is so bad in itself. We do have stressful lives, humour does help and you should pay attention to your own needs. All the accompanying Christian self-help books have turned people into better parents, better spouses, better bosses. It's just that the authors of these creeds, in presenting their sensible advice, somehow manage to ignore Jesus' radical and demanding focus on others. It may be true that God helps those who help themselves, both financially and emotionally. (Certainly fortune does.) But if so it's still a subsidiary truth of Christianity. The contemporary Christian creed mirrors those on the secular bestseller lists, indeed of secular culture, with their fixation on self-improvement and self esteem. These similarities make it difficult (although not impossible) for the televangelists to posit themselves as embattled figures in a culture war - they offer too uncanny a reflection of the dominant culture, a culture of unrelenting self obsession. Who am I to criticise someone else's religion? After all, if there is anything Americans agree on, it's that we should tolerate everyone else's religion. I can answer only that I'm a Christian. Not a professional one; I'm an environmental writer mostly. I've never progressed further in the church hierarchy than Sunday school teacher at my Methodist church. But I've spent most of my Sunday mornings in a pew. I grew up in church youth groups and stayed active most of my adult life, started homeless shelters in church basements, served soup at the church food pantry, climbed to the top of the rickety ladder to put the star on the church Christmas tree. My work has been, at times, influenced by all that I've written - extensively about the Book of Job, which to me is the first great piece of nature writing in the Western tradition - and about the overlaps between Christianity and environmentalism. It was my work with religious environmentalists that first got me thinking along the lines of this essay. We were trying to get politicians to understand why the Bible actually mandated protecting the world around us. One day it occurred to me that the parts of the world where people actually had reduced their carbon emissions, lived voluntarily in smaller houses and used public transport, were the same countries where people were helping the poor and making sure everyone had health care - countries such as Norway and Sweden, where religion was relatively unimportant. How could that be? For Christians it was unnerving to contemplate that there were some getting around to solving their problems and strengthening their communities without religion. But the European success is less interesting than the American failure. Because we're not going to be like them. Maybe we'd be better off if we abandoned religion for secular rationality but we're not going to; for the foreseeable future this will be a Christian nation. But what kind of Christian nation? When one of the Pharisees asked Jesus what the core of the law was, Jesus replied: "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind." This is the greatest and first commandment. And a second is like it, "You shall love your neighbour as yourself". Love your neighbour as yourself: although its rhetorical power has been dimmed by repetition, it is a radical notion. Jesus made it very clear who the neighbour you were supposed to love was: the poor person, the sick person, the naked person, the hungry person. The last shall be made first; turn the other cheek; a rich person aiming for heaven is like a camel trying to walk through the eye of a needle. On and on and on - a call for a radical, voluntary and effective reordering of power relationships, based on the principle of love. We tend not to talk about such things in public: my theory of what Jesus mostly meant seems like it should be left in church, or confined to some religious publication. But remember the overwhelming connection between America and Christianity; what Jesus meant is the most deeply potent political, cultural and social question. To ignore it, or leave it to the bullies and the salesmen of the televangelist sects, means to walk away from a central battle over American identity. At the moment, Jesus has been hijacked by people with causes that do not reflect his teachings. The Bible is a long book, and even the Gospels have plenty in them, some of it seemingly contradictory and hard to fathom. But love your neighbour as yourself - not do unto others as you would have them do unto you - suffices. There is no disputing the centrality of this message, nor is there any disputing how easy it is to ignore. Because it is so counter-intuitive, Christians have had to keep repeating it to themselves. American churches, by and large, have done a pretty good job of loving the neighbour in the next pew. A pastor can spend all Sunday talking about the Rapture Index but if his congregation is thriving you can be assured he's spending the other six days visiting people in hospital, counselling couples and sitting up with grieving widows. All this human connection is important. But if the theology makes it harder to love the neighbour a little further away - particularly the poor and the weak - then it is a problem. And the dominant theologies of the moment do just that. They undercut Jesus, muffle his hard words, deaden his call, and in the end silence him. The consumer gospel of the suburban megachurches is a perfect match for conservative economic creeds about personal responsibility instead of collective action. Privatise social security? Keep health care for people who can afford it? File those under God helps those who help themselves. Take Alabama as an example. In 2002, Bob Riley was elected governor of the state, where 90 per cent of residents identify themselves as Christians. Riley could safely be called a conservative right-wing major domo - Grover Norquist gave him a Friend of the Taxpayer Award every year he was in Congress, where he'd never voted for a tax increase. But when he took over Alabama, he found himself administering a tax code that dated to 1901. The richest Alabamians paid three per cent of their income in taxes, and the poorest paid up to 12 per cent; income taxes kicked in if a family of four made $4600 (even in Mississippi the threshold was $19,000), while out-of-state timber companies paid $1.25 an acre in property taxes. Alabama was 48th in total state and local taxes, and the largest proportion of that income came from sales tax a super-regressive tax that in some counties reached into double digits. So Riley proposed a tax hike, partly to dig the state out of a fiscal crisis and partly to put more money into the state's school system, routinely ranked near the worst in the nation. He argued that it was Christian duty to look after the poor more carefully. Had the new law passed, the owner of a $250,000 home in Montgomery would have paid $1432 in property taxes - we're not talking Sweden here. But it didn't pass. It was crushed by a factor of two to one. Sixty-eight per cent of the state voted against it meaning, of course, something like 68 percent of the Christians who voted. The opposition was led, in fact, not just by the state's wealthiest interests but also by the Christian Coalition of Alabama. You'll find most Alabamians have got a charitable heart, said John Giles, the group's president. They just don't want it coming out of their pockets. On its website, the group argued that taxing the rich at a higher rate than the poor results in punishing success and that when an individual works for their income, that money belongs to the individual. You might as well just cite chapter and verse from Poor Richards Almanack. And whatever the ideology, the results are clear. I'm tired of Alabama being first in things that are bad, said Governor Riley, and last in things that are good. A rich man came to Jesus one day and asked what he should do to get into heaven. Jesus did not recommend that he should invest, spend and let the benefits trickle down; he said sell what you have, give the money to the poor and follow me. Few plainer words have been spoken. And yet the Christian Coalition of America, founded in 1989 to preserve, protect and defend the Judeo-Christian values that made this the greatest country in history, said last year that its legislative priority would be making permanent President George Bush's 2001 federal tax cuts. A furore erupted last spring when it emerged that a Colorado jury had consulted the Bible before sentencing a killer to death. Experts debated whether the (Christian) jurors should have used an outside authority in their deliberations and of course the Christian right saw that as one more sign of a secular society devaluing religion. But a more interesting question would have been why the jurors fixated on Leviticus 24, with its call for an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth. They had missed Jesus' explicit refutation in the New Testament: "You have heard that it was said, an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth. But I say to you, do not resist an evildoer. But if anyone strikes you on the right cheek, turn the other also." And on and on. The power of the Christian right rests largely in the fact that they boldly claim religious authority, and by their boldness convince the rest of us that they must know what they're talking about. They're like the guy who gives you directions with such loud confidence that you drive on even though the road appears to be turning into a faint, rutted track. But their theology is also appealing in that it coincides with what we want to believe. How nice it would be if Jesus had declared that our income was ours to keep, instead of insisting that we share. How satisfying it would be if we were supposed to hate our enemies. But the gospel, in demanding a departure from selfishness, conflicts with all our desires. Even the first time around, judging by the reaction, the Gospels were pretty unwelcome news to many people. But taking seriously the actual message of Jesus should serve at least to moderate the greed and violence that mark this culture. It's hard to imagine a con-job more audacious than making Christ the front man for a program of tax cuts for the rich or war in Iraq. If some modest part of the 85 per cent of us who are Christians woke up to this fact, then the world might change. It is possible, I think. Yes, the mainline Protestant churches that supported civil rights and opposed the war in Vietnam are mostly locked in a dreary decline as their congregations dwindle and their elders argue endlessly about gay clergy and same-sex unions. And the Catholic Church, for most of its American history a sturdy exponent of a love-your-neighbour theology, has been weakened, too, its hierarchy increasingly motivated by a focus on abortion. Plenty of vital congregations are doing great works but they aren't where the challenge will arise; they've grown shy about talking about Jesus, more comfortable with the language of sociology and politics. The best-selling of all Christian books in recent years, Rick Warren's The Purpose-Driven Life, illustrates the possibilities. It has all the hallmarks of self absorption but it also makes a powerful case that we're made for a mission. What that mission is never becomes clear but the thirst for it is real. And there's no great need for Warren to state that purpose anyhow. For Christians, the message of the Gospels is clear enough. If you have any doubts, read the Sermon on the Mount. Admittedly, this is hope against hope; more likely the money changers and power brokers will remain ascendant in our spiritual life. Since the days of Constantine, emperors and rich men have sought to co-opt the teachings of Jesus. As in so many areas of our increasingly market-tested lives, the TV men, politicians and the Christian interest groups have found a way to make each of us complicit in that travesty, too. They have invited us to subvert the church of Jesus even as we celebrate it. With their help we have made golden calves of ourselves, become a nation of terrified, self-obsessed idols. It works, and it may well keep working for a long time to come. When Americans hunger for selfless love and are fed only love of self, they will remain hungry, and too often hungry people just come back for more of the same. - Harper's Magazine Bill McKibben is the author of many books, including The End of Nature and Wandering Home: A Long Walk Across America's Most Hopeful Landscape. revdauphinee answered on 04/18/06: It is said that only 40 per cent of Americans can name more than four of the Ten Commandments and a scant half can cite any of the four authors of the Gospels. Twelve per cent believe Joan of Arc was Noah's wife. THIS MAY BE TRUE IN PARTS OF THE COUNTRY HOWEVER PRAISE GOD IT IS NOT SO WHERE I LIVE!! paraclete rated this answer

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Jesushelper76 asked on 04/14/06 - HAPPY EASTER TO EVERYONE!!!!!!! Happy easter to everybody on the board. Hope you all enjoy the holiday. God bless! Joe revdauphinee answered on 04/18/06: what a WONDERFULL EASTER GIFT ,TO BE BACK AMOUNGST MY FRIENDS i LOVE YOU ALL AND HAVE MISSED YOU GREATLY Jesushelper76 rated this answer

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ROLCAM asked on 04/13/06 - Where is God in all this? Suffering casts a shadow on our existence and Easter time is an occasion to place these harsh realities in sharper focus. So many of us are faced with the agonising question: Where is God in all this? The mystery of Christ's sacrifice makes us grapple with the enigma of evil - especially that wrong that emanates from man himself - and its consequences. revdauphinee answered on 04/18/06: God is where he always is watching over us and probably weeping for what we are doing to ourselves! ROLCAM rated this answer

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ROLCAM asked on 04/13/06 - Any suggestions ?? What would you do with a dybbuk? revdauphinee answered on 04/18/06: ask for an exorcism I think! ROLCAM rated this answer

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CeeBee2 asked on 03/13/06 - When was the last time..................... I saw this on another site and thought we could try it here...but turn it into a Christian thing. Just answer the last question posted, then add a question of your own...starting with "when was the last time you..." Here we go... When was the last time you sang "Amazing Grace"? revdauphinee answered on 03/13/06: I dont sing God has given me many talents singing is not one of them ,anytime you wish to emty your church ill sing!LOL However i love the hymn and play it regularly on my disc player CeeBee2 rated this answer

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BeelzeBUSH asked on 03/13/06 - Death and Judgment... In your particular Church what is taught concerning judgment. Are you immediately judged after death or does all humanity become judged upon one great day as a future event? I know some Christians hold to pre-, mid-, and post- tribulation theologies as well as raptures and millenium thousand year reigns, and so forth that influence judgment. Please explain. I love myself, George revdauphinee answered on 03/13/06: No one is judged immediatly scripture tells us we will sleep untill the day of judgement (Dn.12:2 Multitudes who sleep in the dust of the earth will awake: some to everlasting life, others to shame and everlasting contempt. ) FormerJesusHelper76 rated this answer CeeBee2 rated this answer BeelzeBUSH rated this answer

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BeelzeBUSH asked on 03/13/06 - Peter and Paul I think of Peter and Paul being dominate as New Testament personalities. Sometimes when I read the New Testament I sense that Peter and Paul had different ideologies upon the direction of early Christianity. Is it a mixture of both these early men's views that help formulate Christianity toward what it is today? I love myself, George revdauphinee answered on 03/13/06: I feel that many folks are more paulite than Christian when i hear thier views BeelzeBUSH rated this answer

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lora12164 asked on 03/11/06 - Andrew What did Andrew tell people about Jesus in the book of John? revdauphinee answered on 03/11/06: 41 The first thing Andrew did was to find his brother Simon and tell him, "We have found the Messiah" (that is, the Christ). 42 And he brought him to Jesus. Jesus looked at him and said, "You are Simon son of John. You will be called Cephas" (which, when translated, is Peter ). )

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Erewhon asked on 03/10/06 - Peace ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... Today I got a forwarded e-mail from a Christian friend. It was about how wicked and evil Muslims are and how they are sworn to kill all non-Muslims because they are not 'believers' by commandment of Allah (God). So, I have two questions. 1. Has anyone here every been killed by a Muslim? 2. Should Christians offer PEACE to Muslims? I ask these questions because some things that Jesus said are dusturbing me in the present Christian climate of Islamophobia. For instance: Matthew 5:9 9 Blessed [are] the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God. Mark 4:40 40 And he said unto them, Why are ye so fearful? how is it that ye have no faith? Mark 9:50 50c Have peace one with another. Luke 1:79 79b [Zacharias prophecsied that Jesus would] guide our feet into the way of peace. Luke 2:14 14 [the angelic choir at the birth of Jesus pronounced that he would bring] on earth peace, good will toward men. John 14:27 27 Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. John 16:33 33a These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. Paul knew the Gospel message of peace: Acts 10:36 36 The word which [God] sent unto the children of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ: (he is Lord of all:) Romans 2:10 10 But glory, honour, and peace, to every man that worketh good, to the Jew first, and also to the Gentile: Of apostate Judaizers, Paul said: Romans 3:17 17 And the way of peace have they not known: Romans 5:1 1 � THEREFORE being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: Jesus said a man could not be at war with his brother and have peace with God at the same time. Matthew 22:37 37 Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. Matthew 22:38-40 38 This is the first and great commandment. 39 And the second [is] like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. 40 On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets. John echoed this Godly truth: 1 John 4.20-21 20 If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen? 21 And this commandment have we from him, That he who loveth God love his brother also. Likewise, Paul knew and admonished Christians to be peacemongers: Romans 10:15 15b How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace! Romans 14:19 19a Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace. Romans 15:33 33 Now the God of peace [be] with you all. Amen. 1 Corinthians 7:15 15c God hath called us to peace. Galatians 5:22 22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith Ephesians 6:15 15 And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Philippians 4:7-9 7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. 8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things [are] honest, whatsoever things [are] just, whatsoever things [are] pure, whatsoever things [are] lovely, whatsoever things [are] of good report; if [there be] any virtue, and if [there be] any praise, think on these things. 9 Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you. Colossians 3:15 15a And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, 2 Thessalonians 3:16 16a � Now the Lord of peace himself give you peace always by all means. Hebrews 12:14 14 Follow peace with all [men], and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord: James offers: James 3:18 18 And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace. James 4:1-3 1 � FROM whence [come] wars and fightings among you? [come they] not hence, [even] of your lusts that war in your members? 2 Ye lust, and have not: ye kill, and desire to have, and cannot obtain: ye fight and war, yet ye have not, because ye ask not. 3 Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume [it] upon your lusts. 1 Peter 3:10-11 10 For he that will love life, and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips that they speak no guile: 11 Let him eschew evil, and do good; let him seek peace, and ensue it. === Bearing in mind these divine commandments and inspired admonitions, ought Christians to be less warlike and more eirenic in their dealings with and about those who are not come to Christ for whatever reason? I believe they must, and, therefore, I ask: 1. Has anyone here every been killed by a Muslim? 2. Should Christians offer PEACE to Muslims? Erewhon revdauphinee answered on 03/10/06: 1. Has anyone here every been killed by a Muslim? A)a silly question of cource if we are here we have not been killed however i have family and friends who yess have been killed by muslims and it was done in the name of Allah (thier God not mine)thousands were killed (lest we forget as many do )in the world trasde center (many of them English!This was done by muslims was it not!???? 2. Should Christians offer PEACE to Muslims? maybee but not unless they come with peace and since their holy book said (and I quote) Qur'an 9:5 "Fight and kill the disbelievers(christians and jews) wherever you find them, take them captive, harass them, lie in wait and ambush them using every stratagem of war." Qur'an 8:39 "Fight them until all opposition ends and all submit to Allah." Ishaq:324 "Fight them so that there is no more rebellion, and religion, all of it, is for Allah only. Allah must not have rivals. there are but three of many so no I do not feel peaceable towards them those who wish me harm and my family harm are not my friends so sory to those who dissagree but to me y'all are putting your heads in the sand and will only wake up when you are enslaved and your women vieled!scripture predicts in the last days we would be under a one world religion and that we would be killed for his name sake do any muslim counties welcome Christ???as saviour.NO!!! Erewhon rated this answer jackreade rated this answer

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Mathatmacoat asked on 03/10/06 - How many christians does it take to make a difference? Good question but the real question is what do you think of the answer? Ten Easy Steps to Make A Difference, Christians and the Media Watch television with your children and discuss what you see. What kinds of values are promoted in the programs you watch? How do those values differ from biblical values? If you were to take a typical television problem and resolve it in a biblical way, what would that be? Check the video store where you rent videos. Do they carry objectionable videos (R, X- rated, or those that mock Christianity)? Politely identify yourself to the owner as a regular renter and then explain to him or her why you would like those videos removed from the store. If the owner refuses, then politely inform the owner that you will no longer rent or buy from that store. If the store does not carry objectionable videos, thank the owner and express your support of good ethics and values. Listen carefully to your local television news. What values and opinions are being promoted, even though on the surface the news appears to be "objective"? When your local newspaper covers an event or issue in a way you think is unfair, biased, or against Christian values, write a short, one page letter to the editor expressing your opinion. Be sure to keep to the main point and make a stand for a Christian world view. When your local newspaper covers an event or issue in a way you think is fair, objective, and supportive of Christian values, write a short, one page letter to the editor thanking the paper for its fair coverage and repeating the valuable main point of the original article. If you have cable television, watch MTV or VH1 for an hour or so. Look at the way the bands are dressed and how they act. Read their names and the titles of their songs on the screen. Try to decipher their lyrics. What does this tell you about the values, ideas, and goals contemporary music is imparting to our young people? Share your thoughts and ideas for more constructive use of teenagers' time with a teenager you care about. Contact your local movie theater. Ask the manager if he is willing to screen X or NC-17 rated movies. If he says yes, register your concerns and your willingness to boycott the theater if he continues to promote objectionable films. If your local theater has a policy against showing X or NC-17 movies, commend the manager. Let him know you appreciate his refusal to exhibit objectionable films and encourage him to show more G and PG films. Write a short letter to the editor of your local newspaper letting people know. When you see a movie promoting family, Christian values, or showing positive Christian role models, write the film company, the producer, and the major actors expressing your appreciation for wholesome entertainment. Let them know you support their good work. When you see a television program that makes fun of Christians or promotes destructive values and ideas, write the station, the producer, and the sponsors expressing your displeasure and your willingness to boycott those who continue to promote destructive entertainment. revdauphinee answered on 03/10/06: I am in complete agreeement with you on this they are even hiding smutt in video games these days so it behooves parents to use diligence in what the children are doing! Erewhon rated this answer Mathatmacoat rated this answer

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HerrAirhorn asked on 03/09/06 - Achtung! The European Commission has just announced an agreement whereby English will be the official language of the European Union rather than German, which was the other possibility. As part of the negotiations, the British Government conceded that English spelling had some room for improvement and has accepted a 5-year phase-in plan that would become known as "Euro-English". In the first year, "s" will replace the soft "c". Sertainly, this will make the sivil servants jump with joy. The hard "c" will be dropped in favour of "k". This should klear up konfusion, and keyboards kan have one less letter. There will be growing publik enthusiasm in the sekond year when the troublesome "ph" will be replaced with "f". This will make words like fotograf 20% shorter. In the 3rd year, publik akseptanse of the new spelling kan be expekted to reach the stage where more komplikated changes are possible. Governments will enkourage the removal of double letters which have always ben a deterent to akurate speling. Also, al wil agre that the horibl mes of the silent "e" in the languag is disgrasful and it should go away. By the 4th yer people wil be reseptiv to steps such as replasing "th" with "z" and "w" with "v". During ze fifz yer, ze unesesary "o" kan be dropd from vords kontaining "ou", and after ziz fifz yer, ve vil hav a reil sensibl riten styl. Zer vil be no mor trubl or difikultis and evrivun vil find it ezi tu understand ech oza. Ze drem of a united urop vil finali kum tru. Und efter ze fifz yer, ve vil al be speking German like zey vunted in ze forst plas. Ziss is gud news, ya! ;=D Herr Airhorn revdauphinee answered on 03/09/06: good news??American english ,The queens english ,and now european english !were fast developing a whole lot of new languages dont you thinK? HerrAirhorn rated this answer

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Erewhon asked on 03/07/06 - Christian ministers and members can learn a lot from this Muslim Imam. Will they? -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- March 5, 2006 An Imam in America A Muslim Leader in Brooklyn, Reconciling 2 Worlds By ANDREA ELLIOTT The imam begins his trek before dawn, his long robe billowing like a ghost through empty streets. In this dark, quiet hour, his thoughts sometimes drift back to the Egyptian farming village where he was born. But as the sun rises over Bay Ridge, Brooklyn, Sheik Reda Shata's new world comes to life. The R train rattles beneath a littered stretch of sidewalk, where Mexican workers huddle in the cold. An electric Santa dances in a doughnut shop window. Neon signs beckon. Gypsy cabs blare their horns. The imam slips into a plain brick building, nothing like the golden-domed mosque of his youth. He stops to pray, and then climbs the cracked linoleum steps to his cluttered office. The answering machine blinks frantically, a portent of the endless questions to come. A teenage girl wants to know: Is it halal, or lawful, to eat a Big Mac? Can alcohol be served, a waiter wonders, if it is prohibited by the Koran? Is it wrong to take out a mortgage, young Muslim professionals ask, when Islam frowns upon monetary interest? The questions are only a piece of the daily puzzle Mr. Shata must solve as the imam of the Islamic Society of Bay Ridge, a thriving New York mosque where several thousand Muslims worship. To his congregants, Mr. Shata is far more than the leader of daily prayers and giver of the Friday sermon. Many of them now live in a land without their parents, who typically assist with finding a spouse. There are fewer uncles and cousins to help resolve personal disputes. There is no local House of Fatwa to issue rulings on ethical questions. Sheik Reda, as he is called, arrived in Brooklyn one year after Sept. 11. Virtually overnight, he became an Islamic judge and nursery school principal, a matchmaker and marriage counselor, a 24-hour hot line on all things Islamic. Day after day, he must find ways to reconcile Muslim tradition with American life. Little in his rural Egyptian upbringing or years of Islamic scholarship prepared him for the challenge of leading a mosque in America. The job has worn him down and opened his mind. It has landed him, exhausted, in the hospital and earned him a following far beyond Brooklyn. "America transformed me from a person of rigidity to flexibility," said Mr. Shata, speaking through an Arabic translator. "I went from a country where a sheik would speak and the people listened to one where the sheik talks and the people talk back." This is the story of Mr. Shata's journey west: the making of an American imam. Over the last half-century, the Muslim population in the United States has risen significantly. Immigrants from the Middle East, South Asia and Africa have settled across the country, establishing mosques from Boston to Los Angeles, and turning Islam into one of the nation's fastest growing religions. By some estimates, as many as six million Muslims now live in America. Leading this flock calls for improvisation. Imams must unify diverse congregations with often-clashing Islamic traditions. They must grapple with the threat of terrorism, answering to law enforcement agents without losing the trust of their fellow Muslims. Sometimes they must set aside conservative beliefs that prevail in the Middle East, the birthplace of Islam. Islam is a legalistic faith: Muslims believe in a divine law that guides their daily lives, including what they should eat, drink and wear. In countries where the religion reigns, this is largely the accepted way. But in the West, what Islamic law prohibits is everywhere. Alcohol fills chocolates. Women jog in sports bras. For many Muslims in America, life is a daily clash between Islamic mores and material temptation. At the center of this clash stands the imam. In America, imams evoke a simplistic caricature � of robed, bearded clerics issuing fatwas in foreign lands. Hundreds of imams live in the United States, but their portrait remains flatly one-dimensional. Either they are symbols of diversity, breaking the Ramadan fast with smiling politicians, or zealots, hurrying into their storefront mosques. Mr. Shata, 37, is neither a firebrand nor a ready advocate of progressive Islam. Some of his views would offend conservative Muslims; other beliefs would repel American liberals. He is in many ways a work in progress, mapping his own middle ground between two different worlds. The imam's cramped, curtained office can hardly contain the dramas that unfold inside. Women cry. Husbands storm off. Friendships end. Every day brings soap opera plots and pitch. A Moroccan woman falls to her knees near the imam's Hewlett-Packard printer. "Have mercy on me!" she wails to a friend who has accused her of theft. Another day, it is a man whose Lebanese wife has concealed their marriage and newborn son from her strict father. "I will tell him everything!" the husband screams. Mr. Shata settles dowries, confronts wife abusers, brokers business deals and tries to arrange marriages. He approaches each problem with an almost scientific certainty that it can be solved. "I try to be more of a doctor than a judge," said Mr. Shata. "A judge sentences. A doctor tries to remedy." Imams in the United States now serve an estimated 1,200 mosques. Some of their congregants have lived here for generations, assimilating socially and succeeding professionally. But others are recent immigrants, still struggling to find their place in America. Demographers expect their numbers to rise in the coming decades, possibly surpassing those of American Jews. Like many of their faithful, most imams in the United States come from abroad. They are recruited primarily for their knowledge of the Koran and the language in which it was revealed, Arabic. But few are prepared for the test that awaits. Like the parish priests who came generations before, imams are called on to lead a community on the margins of American civic life. They are conduits to and arbiters of an exhilarating, if sometimes hostile world, filled with promise and peril. An Invitation to Islam More than 5,000 miles lie between Brooklyn and Kafr al Battikh, Mr. Shata's birthplace in northeastern Egypt. Situated where the Nile Delta meets the Suez Canal, it was a village of dirt roads and watermelon vines when Mr. Shata was born in 1968. Egypt was in the throes of change. The country had just suffered a staggering defeat in the Six Day War with Israel, and protests against the government followed. Hoping to counter growing radicalism, a new president, Anwar Sadat, allowed a long-repressed Islamic movement to flourish. The son of a farmer and fertilizer salesman, Mr. Shata belonged to the lowest rung of Egypt's rural middle class. His house had no electricity. He did not see a television until he was 15. Islam came to him softly, in the rhythms of his grandmother's voice. At bedtime, she would tell him the story of the Prophet Muhammad, the seventh-century founder of Islam. The boy heard much that was familiar. Like the prophet, he had lost his mother at a young age. "She told me the same story maybe a thousand times," he said. At the age of 5, he began memorizing the Koran. Like thousands of children in the Egyptian countryside, he attended a Sunni religious school subsidized by the government and connected to Al Azhar University, a bastion of Islamic scholarship. Too poor to buy books, the young Mr. Shata hand-copied from hundreds at the town library. The bound volumes now line the shelves of his Bay Ridge apartment. When he graduated, he enrolled at Al Azhar and headed to Cairo by train. There, he sat on a bench for hours, marveling at the sights. "I was like a lost child," he said. "Cars. We didn't have them. People of different colors. Foreigners. Women almost naked. It was like an imaginary world." At 18, Mr. Shata thought of becoming a judge. But at his father's urging, he joined the college of imams, the Dawah. The word means invitation. It refers to the duty of Muslims to invite, or call, others to the faith. Unlike Catholicism or Judaism, Islam has no ordained clergy. The Prophet Muhammad was the religion's first imam, or prayer leader, Islam's closest corollary to a rabbi or priest; schools like the Dawah are its version of a seminary or rabbinate. After four years, Mr. Shata graduated with honors, seventh in a class of 3,400. The next decade brought lessons in adaptation. In need of money, Mr. Shata took a job teaching sharia, or Islamic law, to children in Saudi Arabia, a country guided by Wahhabism, a puritan strain of Sunni Islam. He found his Saudi colleagues' interpretation of the Koran overly literal at times, and the treatment of women, who were not allowed to vote or drive, troubling. Five years later, he returned to a different form of religious control in Egypt, where most imams are appointed by the government and monitored for signs of radicalism or political dissent. "They are not allowed to deviate from the curriculum that the government sets for them," said Khaled Abou El Fadl, an Egyptian law professor at the University of California, Los Angeles. Mr. Shata craved greater independence, and opened a furniture business. But he missed the life of dawah and eventually returned to it as the imam of his hometown mosque, which drew 4,000 worshipers on Fridays alone. His duties were clear: He led the five daily prayers and delivered the khutba, or Friday sermon. His mosque, like most in Egypt, was financed and managed by the government. He spent his free time giving lectures, conducting marriage ceremonies and offering occasional religious guidance. In 2000, Mr. Shata left to work as an imam in the gritty industrial city of Stuttgart, Germany. Europe brought a fresh new freedom. "I saw a wider world," he said. "Anyone with an opinion could express it." Then came Sept. 11. Soon after, Mr. Shata's mosque was defiled with graffiti and smeared with feces. The next summer, Mr. Shata took a call from an imam in Brooklyn. The man, Mohamed Moussa, was leaving his mosque, exhausted by the troubles of his congregants following the terrorist attacks. The mosque was looking for a replacement, and Mr. Shata had come highly recommended by a professor at Al Azhar. Most imams are recruited to American mosques on the recommendation of other imams or trusted scholars abroad, and are usually offered an annual contract. Some include health benefits and subsidized housing; others are painfully spare. The pay can range from $20,000 to $50,000. Mr. Shata had heard stories of Muslim hardship in America. The salary at the Islamic Society of Bay Ridge was less than what he was earning in Germany. But foremost on his mind were his wife and three small daughters, whom he had not seen in months. Germany had refused them entry. He agreed to take the job if he could bring his family to America. In October 2002, the American Embassy in Cairo granted visas to the Shatas and they boarded a plane for New York. A Mosque, a Magnet A facade of plain white brick rises up from Fifth Avenue just south of 68th Street in Bay Ridge. Two sets of words, one in Arabic and another in English, announce the mosque's dual identity from a marquee above its gray metal doors. To the mosque's base � Palestinian, Egyptian, Yemeni, Moroccan and Algerian immigrants � it is known as Masjid Moussab, named after one of the prophet's companions, Moussab Ibn Omair. To the mosque's English-speaking neighbors, descendants of the Italians, Irish and Norwegians who once filled the neighborhood, it is the Islamic Society of Bay Ridge. Mosques across America are commonly named centers or societies, in part because they provide so many services. Some 140 mosques serve New York City, where an estimated 600,000 Muslims live, roughly 20 percent of them African-American, said Louis Abdellatif Cristillo, an anthropologist at Teachers College who has canvassed the city's mosques. The Islamic Society of Bay Ridge, like other American mosques, is run by a board of directors, mostly Muslim professionals from the Palestinian territories. What began in 1984 as a small storefront on Bay Ridge Avenue, with no name and no imam, has grown into one of the city's vital Muslim centers, a magnet for new immigrants. Its four floors pulse with life: a nursery school, an Islamic bookstore, Koran classes and daily lectures. Some 1,500 Muslims worship at the mosque on Fridays, often crouched in prayer on the sidewalk. Albanians, Pakistanis and others who speak little Arabic listen to live English translations of the sermons through headsets. It is these congregants' crumpled dollar bills, collected in a cardboard box, that enable the mosque to survive. Among the city's imams, Bay Ridge is seen as a humbling challenge. "It's the first station for immigrants," said Mr. Moussa, Mr. Shata's predecessor. "And immigrants have a lot of problems." Skip 911. Call the Imam. Mr. Shata landed at Kennedy International Airport wearing a crimson felt hat and a long gray jilbab that fell from his neck to his sandaled toes, the proud dress of an Al Azhar scholar. He spoke no English. But already, he carried some of the West inside. He could quote liberally from Voltaire, Shaw and Kant. For an Egyptian, he often jokes, he was inexplicably punctual. The first thing Mr. Shata loved about America, like Germany, was the order. "In Egypt, if a person passes through a red light, that means he's smart," he said. "In America, he's very disrespected." Americans stood in line. They tended their yards. One could call the police and hear a rap at the door minutes later. That fact impressed not only Mr. Shata, but also the women of his new mosque. They had gained a reputation for odd calls to 911. One woman called because a relative abroad had threatened to take her inheritance. "The officers left and didn't write anything," Mr. Shata said, howling with laughter. "There was nothing for them to write." Another woman called, angry because her husband had agreed to let a daughter from a previous marriage spend the night. To Mr. Shata, the calls made sense. The women's parents, uncles and brothers � figures of authority in family conflict � were overseas. Instead, they dialed 911, hoping for a local substitute. Soon they would learn to call the imam. A bearish man with a soft, bearded face, Mr. Shata struck his congregants as an odd blend of things. He was erudite yet funny; authoritative at the mosque's wooden pulpit and boyishly charming between prayers. Homemakers, doctors, cabdrivers and sheiks stopped by to assess the new imam. He regaled them with Dunkin' Donuts coffee, fetched by the Algerian keeper of the mosque, and then told long, poetic stories that left his visitors silent, their coffee cold. "You just absorb every word he says," said Linda Sarsour, 25, a Muslim activist in Brooklyn. The imam, too, was taking note. Things worked differently in America, where mosques were run as nonprofit organizations and congregants had a decidedly democratic air. Mr. Shata was shocked when a tone-deaf man insisted on giving the call to prayer. Such a man would be ridiculed in Egypt, where the callers, or muezzinin, have voices so beautiful they sometimes record top-selling CD's. But in the land of equal opportunity, a man with a mediocre voice could claim discrimination. Mr. Shata relented. He shudders when the voice periodically sounds. No sooner had Mr. Shata started his new job than all manner of problems arrived at his worn wooden desk: rebellious teenagers, marital strife, confessions of philandering, accusations of theft. The imam responded creatively. Much of the drama involved hot dog vendors. There was the pair who shared a stand, but could not stand each other. They came to the imam, who helped them divide the business. The most notorious hot dog seller stood accused of stealing thousands of dollars in donations he had raised for the children of his deceased best friend. But there was no proof. The donations had been in cash. The solution, the imam decided, was to have the man swear an oath on the Koran. "Whoever lies while taking an oath on the Koran goes blind afterward," said Mr. Shata, stating a belief that has proved useful in cases of theft. A group of men lured the vendor to the mosque, where he confessed to stealing $11,400. His admission was recorded in a waraqa, or document, penned in Arabic and signed by four witnesses. He returned the money in full. Dozens of waraqas sit in the locked bottom drawer of the imam's desk. In one, a Brooklyn man who burned his wife with an iron vows, in nervous Arabic scrawl, never to do it again. If he fails, he will owe her a $10,000 "disciplinary fine." The police had intervened before, but the woman felt that she needed the imam's help. For hundreds of Muslims, the Bay Ridge mosque has become a courthouse more welcoming than the one downtown, a police precinct more effective than the brick station blocks away. Even the police have used the imam's influence to their advantage, warning disorderly teenagers that they will be taken to the mosque rather than the station. "They say: 'No, not the imam! He'll tell my parents,' " said Russell Kain, a recently retired officer of the 68th Precinct. Marriage, Mortgage, McDonald's Soon after arriving in Brooklyn, Mr. Shata observed a subtle rift among the women of his mosque. Those who were new to America remained quietly grounded in the traditions of their homelands. But some who had assimilated began to question those strictures. Concepts like shame held less weight. Actions like divorce, abhorred by Mr. Shata, were surprisingly popular. "The woman who comes from overseas, she's like someone who comes from darkness to a very well-lit place," he said. In early July, an Egyptian karate teacher shuffled into Mr. Shata's office and sank into a donated couch. He smiled meekly and began to talk. His new wife showed him no affection. She complained about his salary and said he lacked ambition. The imam urged him to be patient. Two weeks later, in came the wife. She wanted a divorce. "We don't understand each other," the woman said. She was 32 and had come from Alexandria, Egypt, to work as an Arabic teacher. She had met her husband through a friend in Bay Ridge. Her parents, still in Egypt, had approved cautiously from afar. "I think you should be patient," said the imam. "I cannot," she said firmly. "He loves me, but I have to love him, too." Mr. Shata shifted uncomfortably in his chair. There was nothing he loathed more than granting a divorce. "It's very hard for me to let him divorce you," he said. "How can I meet God on Judgment Day?" "It's God's law also to have divorce," she shot back. The debate continued. Finally, Mr. Shata asked for her parents' phone number in Egypt. Over the speakerphone, they anxiously urged the imam to relent. Their daughter was clearly miserable, and they were too far away to intervene. With a sigh, Mr. Shata asked his executive secretary, Mohamed, to print a divorce certificate. In the rare instance when the imam agrees to issue one, it is after a couple has filed for divorce with the city. "Since you're the one demanding divorce, you can never get back together with him," the imam warned. "Ever." The woman smiled politely. "What matters for us is the religion," she said later. "Our law is our religion." The religion's fiqh, or jurisprudence, is built on 14 centuries of scholarship, but imams in Europe and America often find this body of law insufficient to address life in the West. The quandaries of America were foreign to Mr. Shata. Pornography was rampant, prompting a question Mr. Shata had never heard in Egypt: Is oral sex lawful? Pork and alcohol are forbidden in Islam, raising questions about whether Muslims could sell beer or bacon. Tired of the menacing stares in the subway, women wanted to know if they could remove their headscarves. Muslims were navigating their way through problems Mr. Shata had never fathomed. For a while, the imam called his fellow sheiks in Egypt with requests for fatwas, or nonbinding legal rulings. But their views carried little relevance to life in America. Some issues, like oral sex, he dared not raise. Over time, he began to find his own answers and became, as he put it, flexible. Is a Big Mac permissible? Yes, the imam says, but not a bacon cheeseburger. It is a woman's right, Mr. Shata believes, to remove her hijab if she feels threatened. Muslims can take jobs serving alcohol and pork, he says, but only if other work cannot be found. Oral sex is acceptable, but only between married couples. Mortgages, he says, are necessary to move forward in America. "Islam is supposed to make a person's life easier, not harder," Mr. Shata explained. In some ways, the imam has resisted change. He has learned little English, and interviews with Mr. Shata over the course of six months required the use of a translator. Some imams in the United States make a point of shaking hands with women, distancing themselves from the view that such contact is improper. Mr. Shata offers women only a nod. Daily, he passes the cinema next to his mosque but has never seen a movie in a theater. He says music should be forbidden if it "encourages sexual desire." He won't convert a non-Muslim when it seems more a matter of convenience than true belief. "Religion is not a piece of clothing that you change," he said after turning away an Ecuadorean immigrant who sought to convert for her Syrian husband. "I don't want someone coming to Islam tonight and leaving it in the morning." Trust in God's Plan Ten months after he came to America, Mr. Shata collapsed. It was Friday. The mosque was full. Hundreds of men sat pressed together, their shirts damp with summer. Their wives and daughters huddled in the women's section, one floor below. Word of the imam's sermons had spread, drawing Muslims from Albany and Hartford. "Praise be to Allah," began Mr. Shata, his voice slowly rising. Minutes later, the imam recalled, the room began to spin. He fell to the carpet, lost consciousness and spent a week in the hospital, plagued by several symptoms. A social worker and a counselor who treated the imam both said he suffered from exhaustion. The counselor, Ali Gheith, called it "compassion fatigue," an ailment that commonly affects disaster-relief workers. It was not just the long hours, the new culture and the ceaseless demands that weighed on the imam. Most troubling were the psychological woes of his congregants, which seemed endless. Sept. 11 had wrought depression and anxiety among Muslims. But unlike many priests or rabbis, imams lacked pastoral training in mental health and knew little about the social services available. At heart was another complicated truth: Imams often approach mental illness from a strictly Islamic perspective. Hardship is viewed as a test of faith, and the answer can be found in tawwakul, trusting in God's plan. The remedy typically suggested by imams is a spiritual one, sought through fasting, prayer and reflection. Muslim immigrants also limit themselves to religious solutions because of the stigma surrounding mental illness, said Hamada Hamid, a resident psychiatrist at New York University who founded The Journal of Muslim Mental Health. "If somebody says, 'You need this medication,' someone may respond, 'I have tawwakul,' " he said. Mr. Gheith, a Palestinian immigrant who works in disaster preparedness for the city's health department, began meeting with the imam regularly after his collapse. Mr. Shata needed to learn to disconnect from his congregants, Mr. Gheith said. It was a concept that confounded the imam. "I did not permit these problems to enter my heart," said Mr. Shata, "nor can I permit them to leave." The conversations eventually led to a citywide training program for imams, blending Islam with psychology. Mr. Shata learned to identify the symptoms of mental illness and began referring people to treatment. His congregants often refuse help, blaming black magic or the evil eye for their problems. The evil eye is believed to be a curse driven by envy, confirmed in the bad things that happen to people. One Palestinian couple in California insisted that their erratic 18-year-old son had the evil eye. He was brought to the imam's attention after winding up on the streets of New York, and eventually received a diagnosis of schizophrenia. Mr. Shata had less success with a man who worshiped at the mosque. He had become paranoid, certain his wife was cursing him with witchcraft. But he refused treatment, insisting divorce was the only cure. Time and again, Mr. Shata's new country has called for creativity and patience, for a careful negotiation between tradition and modernity. "Here you don't know what will solve a problem," he said. "It's about looking for a key." Copyright 2006The New York Times Company === What lesssons can be learned from this minister of religion? revdauphinee answered on 03/09/06: When you read a different set of Scriptures, you hear a different Gospel. So you can't understand me, little wonder? I read everything can get my hands on (my kids joke i even read can labels)I have read the Quoran and also the book of Mormon I choose to rely on the holy Bible for my scripture In the quoraN I READ a lot of stuff that disturbed me I do not hate muslims (or anyone else )however I do not accept false doctrine of any kind!My God endowed me with free will and a mind of my own I intend to use it for my views and not to be intimidated by what is concidered politicaly correct at the time ! Erewhon rated this answer

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BeelzeBUSH asked on 03/08/06 - *******Is Jesus God?******* I personally believe in panentheism. Those of you that are not familiar with Judaism (especially Kabbalah aspects), or extremely devoted forms of Hinduism, may not be familiar with the term. I'll try and p&c a definition on a follow-up. I know that some Christians believe in a preexisting Jesus that took on the form of human through birth. If Jesus was a creation is it possible that he could be God? If Jesus was born of a human is it possible that Jesus is God? What is your particular view or if you're a Christian what theology is taught in your Church. Please share. I love myself, George revdauphinee answered on 03/08/06: I believe he is one aspect of God! BeelzeBUSH rated this answer

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curious98 asked on 03/07/06 - Where are we heading to? Some friends in this Board may think that I always like to criticize the present USA Administration with the pretence that it is easier to see the straw in another�s eye than the beam in one�s own... But this is not actually so, and to prove it I�m going to give you a scoop about my own country, i.e. Spain. Our �beloved� president Mr. Zapatero �who as you probably know decided to pass a law authorizing the legal marriage of homosexual couples- conferring us the very doubtful privilege of being amongst the first countries in the world, along with Holland and Canada, to pass such a law, has now come out with another most fantastic idea. In view of the problems posed by these couples when having to inscribe adopted children in the civil registration, our �great� president has decided to eliminate two of the most beautiful words existing in any language, such as �father� and �mother� by replacing them by progenitor �A� and �B�. Thus, they think they overcome the difficulty of having to write down, when specifying the parents� names, two fathers or two mothers. What I do not think they have overcome at all is the problem posed to those children when they are asked by their friends at the school, which are your parents� names? And they have to answer, my progenitor �A� �s name is John and my progenitor �B� �s name is Joseph! Or Mary and Rose, for what matters! Absolutely great! Don�t you think so? I won�t be here to bear witness of it, but I would not like to think of what the family may become 25 years from now! Curious98 revdauphinee answered on 03/07/06: the whole world is going to hades in a handbasket however we cannot say we were not told it would happen for it was prophecied thus (2Tim.3:2-4 2 People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, 3 without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, 4 treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God-- ) curious98 rated this answer

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pongo asked on 03/06/06 - Hell hath no fury? Did God set up Hell? I am told the Hebrew word for Hell is Gehenna - a valley outside of Jerusalem where Israelites used to hurl their children into a perpetual bonfire, as a sacrifice to the god Moloch. God tried to stop this, but the practise continued -and the notion of hellfire was born from the memory of terrified children combusting. What say you? revdauphinee answered on 03/06/06: for me personaly hell is existance forever in the knowledge that God exists and I will be seperated from his presence I feel (just my oppinion )the mental hell this conveys would be as bad as a burning fire .I am undecided on my belief of a real burning hell that masny christians accept since I believe in a God of love I find it hard to accept his allowing even one of his children such suffering !however the mental suffering I feel would be awfull! pongo rated this answer

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Nicole2cute4u85 asked on 03/06/06 - question about pregnancy while guy on drugs I was told that if a guy smokes a lot of weed and drinks he would not be able to get the girl he is having sex with pregnant. Is this true? I need to know if it's possible for me to get pregnant even though he does a lot of drugs and drinks a lot. revdauphinee answered on 03/06/06: this is nonesence the truth is one can get pregnat also the child has a much greater chance of birth defects fron this practice!! Chilloutinparis rated this answer

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MaggieB asked on 03/06/06 - Jews can get to heaven without accepting Jesus Christ as their personal Savior????? Has anyone else read the following or does anyone have an update on the report as to what has been truthfully said and what has not been said amongst these three noted gentlemen? All coments are welcome! Evangelist Jerry Falwell is denying reports that he believes Jews can get to heaven without accepting Jesus Christ as their personal Savior. The Jerusalem Post reported this week that Falwell had decided that God has given Jewish people an exemption when it comes to requiring faith in Christ in order to enter heaven. The Post story stated that two Texas clerics -- John Hagee and Rabbi Aryeh Scheinberg -- had convinced Falwell that Jews have their own separate covenant and do not have to go through Jesus or the cross to get to heaven. Falwell categorically denies the report. "Anybody who knows me knows that I believe that Christ is the Way, the Truth, the Life -- the only way to heaven," he tells Associated Press. In fact, after hearing about the article, Falwell says he contacted Hagee and Scheinberg, who he says signed affidavits denying that that they made the statements reported in the Jerusalem Post. [AP] MaggieB revdauphinee answered on 03/06/06: then Falwell is wrong for is not heaven the residence of God??then read (Jn.14:6 Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life.(((( No one)) comes to the Father except through me.))) ) MaggieB rated this answer

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deardra asked on 03/05/06 - is christianity really a good thing I hear a lot about what good religion is but when I look around that isnt what I see. Why is it that religions like christianity and the other major religions all teach love forgiveness and brotherhood but still remain involed in so much murder and hate around the world? revdauphinee answered on 03/06/06: friend I need to excuse for following Christ I am proud of it !!! deardra rated this answer

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BeelzeBUSH asked on 03/06/06 - The human mind and ability... I was so impressed with the story of a High School kid I recently read about. The young man "Jason McElwain" is autistic and made the headlines for demonstrating basketball skills beyond even his coaches expectation. The news did not suggest he was a savant, but in my opinion he is. I c&p part of an article that basically gives an overview explaining the rare phenomenon. "Autistic Savant Written by Stephen M. Edelson, Ph.D. Center for the Study of Autism, Salem, Oregon The autistic savant is one of the most fascinating cognitive phenomena in psychology. "Autistic savant" refers to individuals with autism who have extraordinary skills not exhibited by most persons. Historically, individuals with these exceptional skills were called 'idiot savants,' a French term meaning unlearned (idiot) skill (savant). In a 1978 article in Psychology Today, Dr. Bernard Rimland introduced a more appropriate term 'autistic savant,' which is the current label. The estimated prevalence of savant abilities in autism is 10%, whereas the prevalence in the non-autistic population, including those with mental retardation, is less than 1%. There are many forms of savant abilities. The most common forms involve mathematical calculations, memory feats, artistic abilities, and musical abilities. A mathematical ability which many autistic individuals display is calendar memory. They could be asked a question like: 'What day of the week was May 22, 1961? and they can determine the answer within seconds--Monday. Others can multiply and divide large numbers in their head and can also calculate square roots and prime numbers without much hesitation." The mind can function in ways that is obviously amazing. A small percentage of people may not have the ability on their own to live within the normal perimeters of society, but yet of that small percentage there are some that have demonstrated gifted talents. Is such things as this alluded to in the Bible? Did man originally have more skills than we currently use or are they dormant or is this part of evolution? Are we progressing and will unlock our abilities as we learn more about ourselves or does this reflect a unique creation feature in mankind although for now beyond our comprehension? I love myself, George revdauphinee answered on 03/06/06: to use your own words a unique creation feature in mankind although for now beyond our comprehension? CeeBee2 rated this answer BeelzeBUSH rated this answer excon rated this answer

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deardra asked on 03/05/06 - is christianity really a good thing I hear a lot about what good religion is but when I look around that isnt what I see. Why is it that religions like christianity and the other major religions all teach love forgiveness and brotherhood but still remain involed in so much murder and hate around the world? revdauphinee answered on 03/06/06: not all who claim to be christians are!also Christs followers are none of us perfect we are just forgiven! deardra rated this answer

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pongo asked on 03/04/06 - Seen three time today in post & clarification. Madam you are becomong tedious!! "does it even matter we are to serve but one!my point was nowhere in scripture does it say there are only one!what it says is we are to have no others !my point being that ALLAH and THE CHRISTIAN GOD cannot be one and the same since we as Christians worship Jesus as the son of God !While the quoran plainly states that Allah has no sons if this is so then they cannot possible one and the same!" revdauphinee answered on 03/05/06: then my friend the truth to you is tedious !I will never proclaim allah as my God ! pongo rated this answer

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pongo asked on 03/04/06 - Not just any god.. but the god that created Adam & Eve, the god of Abraham who is the god of the Jews, the god of christians & the god of Islam - without a doubt, the most influential figure in the history of human civilisation.......so why don't we guys play nice?? revdauphinee answered on 03/05/06: as I have previously explained it is imposible for the christian God to be the same as the god of Islaam!What part of the following dont you understand???? (Matt.3:17 And a voice from heaven said, "This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased." ) from ISLAM & RATIONALITY athttp://www.islamic-ef.org/english/activities/rationality.html Allah is one in Islam. Allah has no son or father. Allah has no parallel or equal. According to Islam Jesus is not the son of Allah. hence christians and muslims do not worship the same God! pongo rated this answer

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pongo asked on 03/04/06 - Why the phallus? Why did God ask Abraham to mark a sign of the covenant on the most private & sensitive part of his body? Could he not have pierced his ear or taken a small slice off the tip of his nose instead? If God did not like foreskins should he have not created men without them in the first place? Angels were created by God ready-circumcised (Jub.15:27) Why not mortal men as well? revdauphinee answered on 03/04/06: angels are sexless so no need for circumcision thereis nothing to circumsise! Mark12:25. When the dead rise, they will neither marry nor be given in marriage; ((they will be like the angels in heaven. )) pongo rated this answer

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pongo asked on 03/04/06 - Just how many gods are out there? Prompted by revdauphinee: How many gods does a Christian believe exist? revdauphinee answered on 03/04/06: does it even matter we are to serve but one!my point was nowhere in scripture does it say there are only one!what it says is we are to have no others !my point being that ALLAH and THE CHRISTIAN GOD cannot be one and the same since we as Christians worship Jesus as the son of God !While the quoran plainly states that Allah has no sons if this is so then they cannot possible one and the same! pongo rated this answer

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HerrAirhorn asked on 03/04/06 - Missouri Bill to make Christianity Official Religion "Missouri legislators in Jefferson City considered a bill that would name Christianity the state's official "majority" religion.House Concurrent Resolution 13 has is pending in the state legislature. Many Missouri residents had not heard about the bill until Thursday." Showdown soon regarding the Constitutional issue of separation of church and state? Things are really heating up now. revdauphinee answered on 03/04/06: this one should prove interesting will be watching it closely HerrAirhorn rated this answer

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pongo asked on 03/03/06 - Adam & Eve The historian Merlin Stone, in When God Was a Woman, claims the the Adam & Eve legend was concocted by Levite piests to justify the supression of women.Thus, the Bible opens with one woman, the first woman, sinning & causing centuries of grief for all humanity. Men masterminded a takeover, says Stone, stripping women of power & blaming them for all the bad things that happen in the world. What are your views on this hypothesis? revdauphinee answered on 03/03/06: ever heard of Lilith???? opens a whole new can of worms ! Erewhon rated this answer pongo rated this answer

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HerrAirhorn asked on 03/03/06 - Salvation I have always been curious as to how a Protestant would interpret Philippians 2:12 in the context of whether salvation is, as I understand it to mean to Protestants, a one time event, or, as a Catholic would argue, a life long process: "Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling." Salvation is a lifelong process, wouldn't you agree? revdauphinee answered on 03/03/06: No! salvation is a gift !but unlike many I believe like any gift it can be lost! so in a way it is lifelong since we must work to take care of the gift. HerrAirhorn rated this answer

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HerrAirhorn asked on 03/03/06 - A Theological Question Can Satan repent? If you are able, give Bible references to support your opinion. Ja revdauphinee answered on 03/03/06: """In my oppinion""" (and we all have them)sure he could, but he wont!! ,I also believe if he asked for forgiveness it could even be granted .I realize many will disagree with that .That he wont is a given! since God is all knowing and the future has been predicted in prophecy ! HerrAirhorn rated this answer

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Itsdb asked on 03/02/06 - Catholic Town New Florida town looks to ban abortions, pornography and contraceptives By Brian Skoloff ASSOCIATED PRESS 10:46 a.m. March 1, 2006 NAPLES, Fla. � If Domino's Pizza founder Thomas S. Monaghan has his way, a new town being built in Florida will be governed according to strict Roman Catholic principles, with no place to get an abortion, pornography or birth control. The pizza magnate is bankrolling the project with at least $250 million and calls it �God's will.� Civil libertarians say the plan is unconstitutional and are threatening to sue. The town of Ave Maria is being constructed around Ave Maria University, the first Catholic university to be built in the United States in about 40 years. Both are set to open next year about 25 miles east of Naples in southwestern Florida. The town and the university, developed in partnership with the Barron Collier Co., an agricultural and real estate business, will be set on 5,000 acres with a European-inspired town center, a massive church and what planners call the largest crucifix in the nation, at nearly 65 feet tall. Monaghan envisions 11,000 homes and 20,000 residents. During a speech last year at a Catholic men's gathering in Boston, Monaghan said that in his community, stores will not sell pornographic magazines, pharmacies will not carry condoms or birth control pills, and cable television will have no X-rated channels. Homebuyers in Ave Maria will own their property outright. But Monaghan and Barron Collier will control all commercial real estate in the town, meaning they could insert provisions in leases to restrict the sale of certain items. �I believe all of history is just one big battle between good and evil. I don't want to be on the sidelines,� Monaghan, who sold Domino's Pizza in 1998 to devote himself to doing good works, said in a recent Newsweek interview. Robert Falls, a spokesman for the project, said Tuesday that attorneys are still reviewing the legal issues and that Monaghan had no comment in the meantime. �If they attempt to do what he apparently wants to do, the people of Naples and Collier County, Florida, are in for a whole series of legal and constitutional problems and a lot of litigation indefinitely into the future,� warned Howard Simon, executive director of the American Civil Liberties Union of Florida. Florida Attorney General Charlie Crist said it will be up to the courts to decide the legalities of the plan. �The community has the right to provide a wholesome environment,� he said. �If someone disagrees, they have the right to go to court and present facts before a judge.� Gov. Jeb Bush, at the site's groundbreaking earlier this month, lauded the development as a new kind of town where faith and freedom will merge to create a community of like-minded citizens. Bush, a convert to Catholicism, did not speak specifically to the proposed restrictions. �While the governor does not personally believe in abortion or pornography, the town, and any restrictions they may place on businesses choosing to locate there, must comply with the laws and constitution of the state and federal governments,� Russell Schweiss, a spokesman for the governor, said Tuesday. Frances Kissling, president of the liberal Washington-based Catholics for a Free Choice, likened Monaghan's concept to Islamic fundamentalism. �This is un-American,� Kissling said. �I don't think in a democratic society you can have a legally organized township that will seek to have any kind of public service whatsoever and try to restrict the constitutional rights of citizens.� ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Good idea? Constitutionally sound or "un-American?" Like "Islamic fundamentalism" or free exercise of religion? Other thoughts or comments? revdauphinee answered on 03/02/06: i would be more for a christian town denominations are something i am very wary of! Itsdb rated this answer

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kindj asked on 03/02/06 - Who's YOUR Jesus? Heard this several times over the last few days, and I gotta tell y'all, it hit me right between the eyes. The following is an excerpt from a Todd Agnew song called "My Jesus:" "Pretty blue eyes, curly brown hair and a clear complexion Is how you see Him as He dies for Your sins But the Word says He was battered and scarred Or did you miss that part Sometimes I doubt we�d recognize Him Cause my Jesus would never be accepted in my church The blood and dirt on His feet might stain the carpet But He reached for the hurting and despises the proud I think He�d prefer Beal St. to the stained glass crowd But I know that He can hear me if I cry out loud" It got me to thinking about the church I used to attend and work at before we left there. Sad to say, but I honestly think there are people that would be offended if Jesus appeared in their church EXACTLY AS HE WAS WHEN HE WALKED THE EARTH. The dirt on his feet would be seen as unsanitary. His robes are not appropriate attire for today's church gathering. And >gasp!< he looks like a Middle Easterner, and that quite simply won't do!!!!! Just curious as to your thoughts. DK revdauphinee answered on 03/02/06: I have always said this,we (the churches )have created a Jesus who bears so little resemlance to the real thing most would not recognise him if he stood before them.the jesus of today seems to be more of a wimp than a saviour why even the scritur tells us he did not have the long hair we so often see him portraid with (1Cor.11:14. Does not the very nature of things teach you that if a man has long hair, it is a disgrace to him, ) also he was of the jewish race so that mittigates the pale skin and blue eyes> CeeBee2 rated this answer kindj rated this answer

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Itsdb asked on 03/02/06 - Catholic Town New Florida town looks to ban abortions, pornography and contraceptives By Brian Skoloff ASSOCIATED PRESS 10:46 a.m. March 1, 2006 NAPLES, Fla. � If Domino's Pizza founder Thomas S. Monaghan has his way, a new town being built in Florida will be governed according to strict Roman Catholic principles, with no place to get an abortion, pornography or birth control. The pizza magnate is bankrolling the project with at least $250 million and calls it �God's will.� Civil libertarians say the plan is unconstitutional and are threatening to sue. The town of Ave Maria is being constructed around Ave Maria University, the first Catholic university to be built in the United States in about 40 years. Both are set to open next year about 25 miles east of Naples in southwestern Florida. The town and the university, developed in partnership with the Barron Collier Co., an agricultural and real estate business, will be set on 5,000 acres with a European-inspired town center, a massive church and what planners call the largest crucifix in the nation, at nearly 65 feet tall. Monaghan envisions 11,000 homes and 20,000 residents. During a speech last year at a Catholic men's gathering in Boston, Monaghan said that in his community, stores will not sell pornographic magazines, pharmacies will not carry condoms or birth control pills, and cable television will have no X-rated channels. Homebuyers in Ave Maria will own their property outright. But Monaghan and Barron Collier will control all commercial real estate in the town, meaning they could insert provisions in leases to restrict the sale of certain items. �I believe all of history is just one big battle between good and evil. I don't want to be on the sidelines,� Monaghan, who sold Domino's Pizza in 1998 to devote himself to doing good works, said in a recent Newsweek interview. Robert Falls, a spokesman for the project, said Tuesday that attorneys are still reviewing the legal issues and that Monaghan had no comment in the meantime. �If they attempt to do what he apparently wants to do, the people of Naples and Collier County, Florida, are in for a whole series of legal and constitutional problems and a lot of litigation indefinitely into the future,� warned Howard Simon, executive director of the American Civil Liberties Union of Florida. Florida Attorney General Charlie Crist said it will be up to the courts to decide the legalities of the plan. �The community has the right to provide a wholesome environment,� he said. �If someone disagrees, they have the right to go to court and present facts before a judge.� Gov. Jeb Bush, at the site's groundbreaking earlier this month, lauded the development as a new kind of town where faith and freedom will merge to create a community of like-minded citizens. Bush, a convert to Catholicism, did not speak specifically to the proposed restrictions. �While the governor does not personally believe in abortion or pornography, the town, and any restrictions they may place on businesses choosing to locate there, must comply with the laws and constitution of the state and federal governments,� Russell Schweiss, a spokesman for the governor, said Tuesday. Frances Kissling, president of the liberal Washington-based Catholics for a Free Choice, likened Monaghan's concept to Islamic fundamentalism. �This is un-American,� Kissling said. �I don't think in a democratic society you can have a legally organized township that will seek to have any kind of public service whatsoever and try to restrict the constitutional rights of citizens.� ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Good idea? Constitutionally sound or "un-American?" Like "Islamic fundamentalism" or free exercise of religion? Other thoughts or comments? revdauphinee answered on 03/02/06: The state of Mississippi also just voted to ban all abortions other than to save the life of the mother>(the tide seems to be changing) excon rated this answer Itsdb rated this answer

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babs4u220 asked on 03/02/06 - Lutheran vs. Penticostal I was raised Mirsouri Synd Lutheran, however after having my son as a single unwed mother my church's beleifs have struck an off cord with me. Something is telling me that what I grew up beleiving may not be acurate. Now I am attending a Penticostal church this Sunday and I was told what to expect, however I do not know much about what they really beleive. Can you tell me some major differences between the two denominations? Also, what passages in the Bible say total submertion in water is needed for true baptism??? Or something along those lines?? All I want is Gods word in its truest form!!!! I just wnat the truth!!!! Can you help me? Please. Thank you, Renee, Appleton, WI revdauphinee answered on 03/02/06: I tend to be more conservative in worship than the penticostals however you wont go wrong if you read the scripture and ask yourself what would Jesus do?If you cant invision jesus acting in any way then its also not the way a believer should act! babs4u220 rated this answer

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Mathatmacoat asked on 03/02/06 - Have you seen him yet? This report just in Over a million Muslims have turned to Jesus over the past nine years in the hardcore Islamic nations of Pakistan and Bangladesh. And roughly 1 million Muslims worldwide have reported having a very shocking vision of Jesus appearing to them- about 70 percent of who recount that Jesus spoke some variation of, �Follow me�. Yes, God�s love is big enough for everyone who will receive the Lord. revdauphinee answered on 03/02/06: One can just pray that if this is not true it will become so Mathatmacoat rated this answer Stud2 rated this answer

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hOPE12 asked on 03/01/06 - Do you know???? Hello Everyone, Does anyone on this board know anything about a pace maker? If so please tell me about them? My mother has had a heart attach and her heart rate reached 26 and so they want to put in a pace maker. They hooked her up to a crash cart and said if it gets any lower they will have to shock her. I really am sorry for asking this on this board but I know how well educated some are here and knew if anyone knew anything, it would be you guys. Thank you for whatever help you can give. Take care, Hope12 revdauphinee answered on 03/01/06: I used to work with a guy who had one and that man could work harder than anyone I know so dont wory .My neighbour now also has one and she is doing fine just praise God for all the knowledge we have available these days to help us! Erewhon rated this answer hOPE12 rated this answer

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BeelzeBUSH asked on 03/01/06 - Second coming of Jesus... From what I understood of reading the New Testament, the apostle Paul was in anticipation of Jesus return within his lifetime. Obviously he didn't have insider information (so to speak), and it never occurred. Why do you think that Paul's thoughts are included (or permitted) in the New Testament scripture? Personally I think Paul had a lot of enthusiasm, was zealous, and was emotionally hopeful. I also think many have mistaken his enthusiasm for false prophecy when in fact from what I remember reading Paul only alludes to this happening, but not give a declaration with certainty of the event. Comments? I love myself, George revdauphinee answered on 03/01/06: Jesus himself said he would return John 14 1. "Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God ; trust also in me. 2. In my Father's house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. 3. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. but he also said no one knows when, matthew 24: 36 "No one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. BeelzeBUSH rated this answer

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excon asked on 03/01/06 - The Fat Tuesday Massacre Hello Survivors: They couldn't do it all at once. They had to drag it out for a couple days, and I don't think it's over yet. If you hear a knock on your door late at night, DON'T answer it. They got Laura for Gods sake. Oh oh, I just thought of something. Maybe bucker is right. Maybe the devil is taking them away. Arrrrgghhhh. excon revdauphinee answered on 03/01/06: any folks as old as me out there will remember Geraldine ? remember they can always say ""the devil made me do it" Calminthestorm04 rated this answer CeeBee2 rated this answer Chilloutinparis rated this answer excon rated this answer sissypants rated this answer tomder55 rated this answer

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tomder55 asked on 03/01/06 - Anglican Shame By Hal G.P. Colebatch Published 3/1/2006 With impeccable timing, the British Anglican General Synod -- the Anglican Church's highest governing body -- has voted for a campaign of economic attacks on Israel just as Hamas is settling into power. The General Synod resolved to disinvest in "all companies profiting from the illegal occupation." Singled out is Caterpillar tractors, whose machinery has been used to build Israel's security wall and to level buildings suspected of being used by terrorists. (It apparently escaped the General Synod's notice that Caterpillar machinery is also used by the Palestinians.) The Church Commissioners hold about $3.65 million in Caterpillar. The subtext behind this is that it is illegitimate for Israelis -- or, let us be frank, Jews -- to try to defend themselves from terrorism. Dr. Irene Lancaster, of the Centre for Jewish Studies at Manchester University, said the vote marked "a very black day for Anglo-Jewish relations... The writing is on the wall for the Jews of Great Britain, 350 years after they settled here." Former Archbishop of Canterbury Lord Carey, normally the most gentle and diplomatic of men, told the Jerusalem Post that the vote made him "ashamed to be an Anglican." Lord Carey previously warned that such a policy would "disastrous" for peace efforts in the region. He said Israelis already felt traumatized by attacks on them and this would be "another knife in the back." The chairman of the Council of Christians and Jews, the Rt. Rev. Christopher Herbert, Bishop of St. Albans, also attacked the vote as "unbalanced." A counter-motion by pro-Israeli Anglicans was not allowed to be put. The present Archbishop of Canterbury, Rowan Williams, supported the vote, but the second most senior Archbishop, John Sentamu of York, abstained. Bewilderingly, Williams then apologized to the British Chief Rabbi, regretting the vote which he had supported as "specially unfortunate... at a time when, as we are well aware, anti-Semitism in a growing menace and the State of Israel faces some very particular challenges." That, I suppose, is Anglicanism for you. The Bishop of Chelmsford, the Right Rev. John Gladwin, said Christians in Palestine were in despair. Although recent reports have indicated a high level of Muslim persecution of Christians in Israel, Bishop Gladwin blamed the Israeli government for their plight. Bryan Reuben, Emeritus Professor of Chemical Technology at London South Bank University, wrote in the (London) Times of 21 February: "Where are the protests about the banning of churches in Saudi Arabia; about the destruction of Taibe, a West Bank Christian Village, by Palestinian Arabs; about the persecution of Burmese Christians, and so on? What about divesting from the firms supplying the bulldozers that Robert Mugabe uses to destroy Zimbabwean villages?" Numerous statements have been put out by various church bodies attacking Israel security measures with no criticism of terrorism against Israel or with weasel-word attempts to justify it, like the Anglican Peace and Justice Network's statement that "it is the Occupation in its many facets that foments violence and fuels the conflict," as though Israel is to blame if Hamas fits out brainwashed children as suicide-bombers. To emphasize further the brilliant timing of the general synod, an all-party Parliamentary committee inquiring into anti-Semitism in Britain has just begun hearing evidence. Henry Grunewald, president of the Board of Deputies of British Jews, said anti-Semitism had increased since 9/11 and "it's worse in some ways than at any time since Jews have lived here." The number of anti-Semitic incidents in Britain has doubled in the past five years, a period that has seen literally thousands of terrorist attacks on Israel. The temper of the times -- and the peril facing the people of Israel -- is indicated not only by the murder of Jews in France and elsewhere and the international Cartoon Jihad (in which Williams apparently supported the Islamicist position, claiming the cartoons "cast a shadow over Christian-Muslim relations"), but also by the fact that a recent poll of British Muslims found that two-fifths regard Jewish civilians as legitimate targets. Abu Hamza, recently and very belatedly jailed for inciting murder and race-hatred, has claimed: "We do not want Jews to pull away from Palestine, we want them to be buried there," with "their skulls and bodies" used as landfill under the Temple Mount in Jerusalem. British poet and Oxford don Tom Paulin called for the killing of Jews on the West Bank, claiming in an Egyptian paper: "I think they should be shot dead. I think they are Nazis, racists and I feel nothing but hatred for them," and that "I never believed Israel had the right to exist at all." Paulin continued after this to be a regular contributor on BBC2's "Newsnight Review" arts program. There have been several cases of students and others being refused admission or publication by British academic institutions for the simple -- and admitted! -- reason that they were Israelis or Jews. Oxford University simultaneously held an anti-Semitic "Israel Apartheid Week," hosted by the Palestinian Society (not a registered University society, and which was acting illegally in using the University's name), sanctioned by the University's Student Union. Flyers stated it was to commemorate the ൦th anniversary of the international convention for the suppression and punishment of the crime of apartheid." Posters put out to publicize the festival showed Israeli soldiers beating a Palestinian man with maps of Israel (described as Palestine) and South Africa. The festival's themes were Apartheid and Zionism, divestment and resistance. Despite protests by Jewish students, university authorities failed to intervene, thus condoning the intimidation which many Jewish students obviously felt. Mark Steyn has quoted Paul Oestreicher, Anglican chaplain of the University of Sussex: "I cannot listen calmly when an Iranian president talks of wiping out Israel. Jewish fears go deep. They are not irrational. But I cannot listen calmly either when a great many citizens of Israel think and speak of Palestinians in the way a great many Germans thought and spoke about Jews when I was one of them and had to flee." This suggests, as Steyn points out, a kind of moral equivalence between building a defensive security wall to protect civilians from terrorism and threatening to launch a nuclear Armageddon. Archbishop Carey is right to feel shame for his church. .................................... The question �Should Israel exist?�is asked over and over again. One of the biggest lies is that there is a difference between anti-Zionism and anti-Semitism. Anti-Semitism means advocating the genocide of Jews. Anti-Zionism means advocating the genocide of Jews who live in Israel.Anti-Zionism is a call to destroy a nation .No other nation on the planet is so targetted .Anti-Zionism equals racism, pure and simple. In fact, anti-Zionism, now spreading among leftist churches, shows a particularly despicable kind of racism.Today we see a New Anti-Semitism rising without shame, spilling out in university campuses all over the Western world and evidently from the pulpit . What the Anglican Church is demanding is nothing short of the destruction of an entire people in their land. You could not possibly eliminate the State of Israel except the genocide of the Israeli people .That is the political program of Pol Pot, Stalin and Hitler. Coming from Christian churchs makes it all the more dispicable .The state of Israel was created partly because of the sense that the Jews could never feel safe in Europe again . Have recent events in Europe demonstrated that they were wrong in their assessment? revdauphinee answered on 03/01/06: they who are against Israel need to read the following Genesis 12:2. "I will make you into a great nation and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing. 3. I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you." Im sure they dont wish to have a curse of God placed upon them! Amos9:15 I will plant Israel in their own land, never again to be uprooted from the land I have given them," says the LORD your God. ) (Jer.23:3 "I myself will gather the remnant of my flock out of all the countries where I have driven them and will bring them back to their pasture, where they will be fruitful and increase in number. ) Jer.30:3-22 3 The days are coming,' declares the LORD, `when I will bring my people Israel and Judah back from captivity and restore them to the land I gave their forefathers to possess,' says the LORD." Stud2 rated this answer tomder55 rated this answer

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BeelzeBUSH asked on 03/01/06 - Ezekiel's "wheel in the middle of the wheel" The following is part of the Blumrich summary explanation to Ezekiel chapter one. I only c&p part of it because it's rather lengthy. I've read that particular portion of Ezekiel and quite frankly I'm not sure if the context is describing using anthropomorphism to describe beings (angles?), or something of other spiritual nature, or something more physical like planets, or something along the lines of a high tech craft, as in Blumrich's summary below. It's an open subject. Comments? Ezekiel 1:4 (NIV) I looked, and I saw a windstorm coming out of the north--an immense cloud with flashing lightning and surrounded by brilliant light. The center of the fire looked like glowing metal Blumrich summary: The spacecraft begins at some distance from the prophet in its initial descent. Vapour cloud is from cooling preliminary to firing of rocket engine. Rocket engine is then fired. Ezekiel 1:5 (NIV) and in the fire was what looked like four living creatures. In appearance their form was that of a man Blumrich summary: Looking upward, the prophet sees four shapes surrounded by fire and vapour that look alive. These are helicopter-like bodies deployed before landing. Ezekiel 1:6 (NIV) but each of them had four faces and four wings. Blumrich summary: The prophet is now able to see more detail because the craft is at low altitude. He sees the four blades of the rotors and the fairing housings above the rotors that give the appearance of faces. Ezekiel 1:7 (NIV) Their legs were straight; their feet were like those of a calf and gleamed like burnished bronze. Blumrich summary: This is a description of the landing legs. The legs have shock absorbers and round footpads. Ezekiel 1:8 (NIV) Under their wings on their four sides they had the hands of a man. All four of them had faces and wings, Blumrich summary: This refers to remote-controlled mechanical arms hanging along side the cylindrical helicopter bodies. Ezekiel 1:9 (NIV) and their wings touched one another. Each one went straight ahead; they did not turn as they moved. Blumrich summary: A reference to the helicopter blades protruding outward is made. Ezekiel 1:10 (NIV) Their faces looked like this: Each of the four had the face of a man, and on the right side each had the face of a lion, and on the left the face of an ox; each also had the face of an eagle. Blumrich summary: The fairing surfaces, which protect the gears and other control devices above the rotors, look to the prophet like faces. The fairings are irregular in shape with some raised and some cut out areas, all of which lends itself to an awe-struck interpretation on the prophet's part. By way of example, Blumrich shows photos of Gemini and Apollo capsules that at certain angles look like monsters. Because like faces face in like directions, we see that the rotors are synchronized at rest position. Ezekiel 1:11 (NIV) Such were their faces. Their wings were spread out upward; each had two wings, one touching the wing of another creature on either side, and two wings covering its body. Blumrich summary: The first part refers to the rotor blades being divided. The suggestion is that there is a kind of gap in the control mechanism or fairing. The last part of the verse refers to the rotor blades folded in an up and down position. Ezekiel 1:12 (NIV) Each one went straight ahead. Wherever the spirit would go, they would go, without turning as they went. Blumrich summary: This refers to the landing leg assembly and the retractable wheels as part of each leg assembly. Ezekiel doesn't see the wheels until they are actually deployed in verse fifteen. Verses nine, twelve and fifteen are interrelated. Ezekiel 1:13 (NIV) The appearance of the living creatures was like burning coals of fire or like torches. Fire moved back and forth among the creatures; it was bright, and lightning flashed out of it. Blumrich summary: Ezekiel is referring to the flowing reactor radiator and the bursts from the control rockets. The lightning effect comes from what would seem like leaping random fire but in fact is controlled bursts from the various control rockets for stabilization purposes. Etc, etc, etc..... I love myself, George revdauphinee answered on 03/01/06: sounds like a UFO to me! BeelzeBUSH rated this answer

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Erewhon asked on 02/28/06 - What Do You KNOW About Pancake Tuesday? What do you know about this Christian Feast? What the French call Mardi Gras - Grease or Fat Tuesday - is called Shrove Tuesday or simply, Pancake Day in the British Empire. It is the traditional feast day before the start of Lent on Ash Wednesday. Lent - the 40 days leading up to Easter - was traditionally a time of fasting - redolent of the 40-Day Fast of Jesus in the wilderness in preparation for his mortal ministry - and so on Shrove Tuesday Christians went to confession and were "shriven" (absolved from their sins). It was the last opportunity to use eggs and fats before embarking on the Lenten fast and pancakes are the perfect way of using up these ingredients. The pancake has a very long history and featured in cookbooks as far back as 1439 A thin, flat cake, made of batter and baked on a griddle or fried in a pan, the pancake has a very long history and featured in cookbooks as far back as 1439. The tradition of tossing or flipping them is almost as old: "And every man and maide doe take their turne, And tosse their Pancakes up for feare they burne." (Pasquil's Palin, 1619). Certainly these days part of the fun of cooking pancakes is in the tossing. To toss a pancake successfully takes a combination of the perfect pancake and good technique - it's so easy to get it wrong and end up with half the pancake still stuck to the pan while the other half is stuck to the ceiling or floor. All in all, it's probably best to practise a few times without an audience. In the United Kingdom, pancake races also form an important part of the Shrove Tuesday celebrations - an opportunity for large numbers of people to race down the streets tossing pancakes. The relative ease of baking on hot stoves or on griddles has resulted in a variety of pancakes around the world. Old English batter was mixed with ale, but not so much in the last two hundred years. German and French pancakes, leavened by eggs and much beating, are baked very thin and served with sweet or savoury fillings. The French cr�pe is thin and crispy - a cr�pe suzette is folded or rolled and heated in a sauce of butter, sugar, citrus juice, and liqueur. Russian blinis, usually prepared with buckwheat, are thin, crisp pancakes, and commonly served with caviar and sour cream or folded over and filled with cream cheese or jam. Mexico has its tortilla, which is often served folded over a bean or meat filling and topped by tomato sauce. American pancakes are thicker. They are sometimes called battercakes, griddlecakes, or flapjacks and are usually leavened with baking powder or baking soda and served with syrup. The French name for Shrove Tuesday has been given to a number of Mardi Gras carnivals around the world. Among the most famous are those of Rio de Janeiro and New Orleans. Pancake tossing is also a very serious pastime for some people - Ralf Laue from Leipzig broke the world record by tossing a pancake 416 times in two minutes and Mike Cuzzacrea ran a marathon while continually tossing a pancake for three hours, two minutes and 27 seconds. The world's biggest pancake was cooked in Rochdale Lancashire in 1994. It was an amazing 15 metres in diameter, weighed three tonnes and had an estimated two million calories. This is a basic reciper for pancakes. It makes 12-14 pancakes. Preparation time is less than 30 mins and the cooking time less than 10 mins. Ingredients For the pancake mixture: 110g/4oz plain flour, sifted a pinch of salt 2 eggs 200ml/7fl oz milk mixed with 75ml/3fl oz water 50g/2oz butter To serve: caster sugar (ordinaryh whiten granulated will do) lemon juice lemon wedges Method Sift the flour and salt into a large mixing bowl with a sieve held high above the bowl so the flour gets a airing. Now make a well in the centre of the flour and break the eggs into it. Then begin whisking the eggs - any sort of whisk or even a fork will do - incorporating any bits of flour from around the edge of the bowl as you do so. Next gradually add small quantities of the milk and water mixture, still whisking (don't worry about any lumps as they will eventually disappear as you whisk). When all the liquid has been added, use a rubber spatula to scrape any elusive bits of flour from around the edge into the centre, then whisk once more until the batter is smooth, with the consistency of thin cream. Now melt the 50g/2oz of butter in a pan. Spoon 2 tbsp of it into the batter and whisk it in, then pour the rest into a bowl anduse it to lubricate the pan, using a wodge of kitchen paper to smear it round before you make each pancake. Now get the pan really hot, then turn the heat down to medium and, to start with, do a test pancake to see if you're using the correct amount of batter. 2 tbsp is about right for a 7in pan. It's also helpful if you spoon the batter into a ladle so it can be poured into the hot pan in one go. As soon as the batter hits the hot pan, tip it around from side to side to get the base evenly coated with batter. It should take only half a minute or so to cook; you can lift the edge with a palette knife to see if it's tinged gold as it should be. Flip the pancake over with a pan slice or palette knife - the other side will need a few seconds only - then simply slide it out of the pan onto a plate. Stack the pancakes as you make them between sheets of greaseproof paper on a plate fitted over simmering water, to keep them warm while you make the rest. To serve, spinkle each pancake with freshly squeezed lemon juice and caster sugar, fold in half, then in half again to form triangles, or else simply roll them up. Serve sprinkled with a little more sugar and lemon juice and extra sections of lemon. This is a practical, cheap, and easy way for those who wish to recreate an ancient English Christian Feast in their very own kitchens. For me, it is a journey back into my boyhood years when Pancake Day was a Day to Relish and Remember. Enjoy. revdauphinee answered on 03/01/06: I just loved pancake tuesday growing up but english pancakes are more like crepes with lemon and sugar unlike the heavier ones here in america that you put maple syrup on ! Erewhon rated this answer

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deardra asked on 02/28/06 - what would you want me to tell your kids? What should I say when a little kid I am babysitting talks to me about his ideas about rligion and god? I dont have christian beliefs and ideas but I dont want to interfere with anyones beleifs or be over bound in what I say to chirstins kids. The little kid I was babysitting last night said to me when people die they get burried in the cemetary and you go visit them there and take flowers and then the dead people go to heaven. I know some people do get burried in cemetaries when thy die and I know people like to go visit their dead family and friends and take flowers. But that isn't the way life is for everyone. Lots of people dont get burried and I dont believe in a place called heaven that dead people go to. Im going to tell my friends about it but it was so late when they got home I didnt say anything last night so Im wondering what you would tell me if I was babysiting your kids and they said something like to me what would you want me to say? I told him that is what some people think and other people think different things. He proved it to me by saying he has seen the cemetaries. revdauphinee answered on 03/01/06: best thing to say is "that is interesting why not ask your parents?" deardra rated this answer

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arcura asked on 02/28/06 - Could this joke be found to be funny by a Christian? A man and woman were having dinner in a fine restaurant. Their waitress, taking another order at a table a few steps away, suddenly noticed that the man was slowly sliding down his chair and under the table, but the woman acted unconcerned. The waitress watched as the man slid all the way down his chair and out of sight under the table. Still, the woman dining across from him appeared calm and unruffled, apparently unaware that her dining companion had disappeared. After the waitress finished taking the order, she came over to the table and said to the woman, "Pardon me, ma'am, but I think your husband just slid under the table." The woman calmly looked up at her and said, "No he didn't. He just walked in the door." revdauphinee answered on 03/01/06: it was funy to me! arcura rated this answer

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MaggieB asked on 02/28/06 - This is not a question but just a note to Pete. Pete, I will not tell you of my past, it is noone's business but mine but many people know and knew me then and know me now. Only through accepting Jesus Christ as the Son of God who forgave me of my sins could I be the person I am today. You see I know that God is real without a shadow of a doubt and I know that the Holy Spirit lives within me and leads, guides me and directs me daily. As a child and a middle school kid I was scared of God because I had been told that God'll get you if you are mean and don't listen. When I gave my life to Jesus I still didn't totally give myself to Him and felt as if yes, I know Him, and that is what I am suppose to do. But I was never completely satisfied, there was always a longing and searching for more. There was more to it than I had perceived. Please believe me when I say, after a time I got to the point where I questioned my salvation. Then I started praying to God every chance I got, I read the Scriptures, mainly the Gospel of John and asked God to take me and use me for His service, still holding back some but eventually I surrendered to Him and through His love I have become a person I never knew. I trust Him to take care of me and my family. I tell Him what bothers me, I prayed for my marriage to be as my husband and I were when we were dating and first married, yes, we are totally in love, more than ever and we laugh the majority of the time unless one of us is desparetly ill and then we still look at each other as a young couple with desire and a love that will not die until God calls one of us home. So many times we are the center of conversations because neither was my husband what he should be, there has been many prayers that have brought this couple before the throne of God and this is not bragging it is in thanksgiving for our lives and what Jesus Christ has done for us. We both had talents we didn't know we had, Jesus showed us so as we are in service to Him and others. We want to do these things not because it surely pleases God but because HE put this love in our hearts for others and ourselves and we are running over with love, compassion and happiness that we never had. A joy and happiness that unless you have a "real" relationship with the Saviour, King of Kings and Lord of Lords, you willl never understand. Noone can totally describe it to you it comes from the living waters that only Jesus Christ can give. It is truely unbelieveable and that is why unbelievers cannot fathom the love of God. If anyone ever gives themselves to Jesus Christ totally, they will never be the same again. Christians are not better than anyone else but to put it mildly they are not worse than others either. We all make mistakes, fall short of the mark and have different personalities, in short we are human. You say you have always been good, good for you, there are millions of people just like you all over the world who think that because they are moral people that they need nothing else. But to have the joy unspeakable and full of glory in you life cannot be had by just saying I am OK. Can I prove God lives, you bethcha but only because He lives in me and I know, that I know, that I know. Why do you think you are on this Christianity site? Because the Holy Spirit is causing you to have doubts as to whether God is real which many of you say cannot be proved, not even by looking at the vast oceans, mountains, flowers, animals and the smile of a small child. But, a big bang did not haphazardly throw all the heavens, earth and sea together and "boom" there was everybody with every minute particle in us just exactly right to make us live and breath, to make the animals know how to take care of themselves, oh no, and they are still monkeys and chimps alive today but they are not able to do many things we do so with all respect for those who believe Darwin's theory, it just won't wash because we who have accepted Christ' death and resurrection and when He acsended into heaven He sent a comfortor to lead us, we know that we are of a "special kind". That is why we wish to see other people enjoy the love He gives. It is not my way to push Christianity on anyone. Yes it is nice to know that when Christians passover to the other side they will not face destruction but the joy of it all will be to thank the One who suffered, bled and died for us and to share His glory forever and ever. Love to you and God bless, MaggieB revdauphinee answered on 03/01/06: Matt.9:12 On hearing this, Jesus said, "It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. Thank God for those of us who have needed him he has made himself available! MaggieB rated this answer

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Stud2 asked on 02/28/06 - Hi. I just joined as an expert. This is the christian board isn't it? maybe I came at a bad time. There seems to be a lot of trouble here. It seem like much fighting going on. Maybe I should wait? revdauphinee answered on 02/28/06: every one is welcome here we dont always agree but we mostly love each other ! Stud2 rated this answer

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Jesushelper76 asked on 02/28/06 - SORRY FOR THE REPEATS! COMPUTER GLITCHES OR WEB SITE GLITCHES AGAIN! revdauphinee answered on 02/28/06: hey we all have em especialy me! Jesushelper76 rated this answer

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Jesushelper76 asked on 02/28/06 - ASKING A QUESTION PREVIOUSLY, I was just asking a question about the behaviour. Even for open discussion I think there should be certain rules. I do not know much about the active discussions and did not like what I saw, and asked about it. Is this not what this site is about. I asked a question, and personally did not like what I saw there. Why is that a problem? revdauphinee answered on 02/28/06: as Rodney King once said why cant we all just get along???? arcura rated this answer Jesushelper76 rated this answer

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HerrAirhorn asked on 02/27/06 - Vacation from Negativity, also? Suggestion before I continue my European vacation. How about a vacation from negative questions..... > disease scares, terrorist hype, political bushwah as long as the angry people are suspended?? Let's get out of za rut and be creative mit questions. Questions about Christianity, morality, ethics, positive relationships. Off I go! Fritzella revdauphinee answered on 02/28/06: enjoy your trip wish I could do it! HerrAirhorn rated this answer

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arcura asked on 02/27/06 - Should this report be troubling to Christians who buy suff that is imported? Paper: Coast Guard Has Port Co. Intel Gaps By LIZ SIDOTI, Associated Press Writer2 hours, 1 minute ago Citing broad gaps in U.S. intelligence, the Coast Guard cautioned the Bush administration that it was unable to determine whether a United Arab Emirates-owned company might support terrorist operations, a Senate panel said Monday. The surprise disclosure came during a hearing on Dubai-owned DP World's plans to take over significant operations at six leading U.S. ports. The port operations are now handled by London-based Peninsular & Oriental Steam Navigation Company. "There are many intelligence gaps, concerning the potential for DPW or P&O assets to support terrorist operations, that precludes an overall threat assessment of the potential" merger," an undated Coast Guard intelligence assessment says. "The breadth of the intelligence gaps also infer potential unknown threats against a large number of potential vulnerabilities," the document says. Sen. Susan Collins (news, bio, voting record), chairman of the Senate Homeland Security committee, released an unclassified version of the document at a briefing Monday. With the deal under intense bipartisan criticism in Congress, the Bush administration agreed Sunday to DP World's request for a second review of the potential security risks related to its deal. The document raised questions about the security of the companies' operations, the backgrounds of all personnel working for the companies, and whether other foreign countries influenced operations that affect security. "This report suggests there were significant and troubling intelligence gaps," said Collins, R-Maine. "That language is very troubling to me." revdauphinee answered on 02/28/06: one does not give a burgular the key to ones home ! arcura rated this answer tomder55 rated this answer

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arcura asked on 02/27/06 - How can they say this disease is not fatal with at least 77 dead? Indian Ocean virus infections climb in Mauritius By Nita BhallaMon Feb 27, 8:07 AM ET The number of people in Mauritius infected with a mosquito-borne disease which is ravaging through the Indian Ocean region has risen to 962 from 341 the previous week, the government said. "Chikungunya" fever, for which there is no known cure or vaccine, has been spreading through islands off the southeast coast of Africa since January, affecting more than 150,000 people in Reunion, Seychelles and Mauritius. "Cabinet has taken note that 962 cases of Chikungunya have been reported as at 23 February 2006," the cabinet said in a statement after its weekly meeting late on Friday. The disease, first recognised in Tanzania, is marked by high fever and severe rashes, and while most people recover, it is extremely painful. The World Health Organization says it does not believe the tropical virus is fatal, but health experts say it can weaken the immune system, allowing other deadly diseases to set in. The Mauritian government says the situation is under control and is telling the island's 1.2 million people not to panic. Authorities blame the spread of the disease on heavy rains in recent months and have launched a country-wide public awareness campaign. Police have also been mobilised to help spray insecticides in areas where cases of the viral infection have been found, and screening is being conducted at the airport. The island, which is heavily reliant on tourism, has also launched an international campaign to provide information to prospective tourists who may be concerned about the epidemic. Around 157,000 cases have been detected on the volcanic French island of Reunion, where health officials say there have been 77 deaths directly or indirectly linked to the virus. French Prime Minister Dominque de Villepin is expected to arrive in Reunion on Sunday to assess the situation first-hand and assure people that it is still safe to go there. Seychelles, which reported at least 1,000 cases at the beginning of February, says numbers have now started to decline with the end of heavy rains. There have been no confirmed cases in Madagascar or Comoros. revdauphinee answered on 02/28/06: Rev.15:1,6-8 1 I saw in heaven another great and marvelous sign: seven angels with the seven last plagues--last, because with them God's wrath is completed. arcura rated this answer

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Erewhon asked on 02/27/06 - Christianity and Medicare Politics ... Abracadabra Economics The new magic makes supply-side economics old hat. By Michael Kinsley Posted Friday, Feb. 24, 2006, at 6:15 AM ET The hideous complexity of President Bush's prescription-drug program has reduced elderly Americans�and their children�to tears of bewildered frustration. The multiple options when you sign up, each with its own multiple ceilings and co-payments; the second round of red tape when you actually want to acquire some pills; the ludicrously complex and arbitrary standards of eligibility, which play a cruel and pointless game of hide-and-seek as they lurch up and down the graph paper like drunks: Suddenly a mystery is solved�so, this must be what he means by "compassionate conservatism." Thus Bush's only major domestic accomplishment in six years as president has not achieved its intended purpose of cementing the affection of senior citizens for the Republican Party. Many Republicans are sobbing with frustration, too. It is one thing to put aside your principles and spend hundreds of billions of taxpayer dollars on the largest expansion of the welfare state since the Great Society if it is going to help you to win elections (so you can pursue your dream of smaller government). It is another to sell your soul and not get anything for it. No one looks more foolish than a failed cynic. But, look on the bright side, say the Bushies. The wretched thing does seem to be restraining drug prices and costing the government less than it was supposed to. The current cost estimate is only $678 billion over 10 years. That's down 8 percent from the previous estimate of $737 billion. Cool. But when the prescription-drug benefit was enacted in 2003, it was supposed to cost $400 billion over 10 years. As disenchanted conservative Bruce Bartlett retails in his new book about the Bush presidency, delicately entitled Impostor, there was a mini-scandal and an official investigation when it came out that the administration was hiding its own estimate of $534 billion. When the dust settled, that figure had become $557.7 billion. Continue Article Who believes any of these numbers? Do you? I will bet anyone a month's supply of Lipitor, collectible in 2016, that the 10-year bill will be more than $678 billion. Any takers? What's shocking about this, more than the numbers (hundreds of billions of dollars are hard to fathom), is that Bush's drug benefit comes without even a theory about how it will be paid for. Even after nearly three decades of Republican abracadabranomics, this may be a first. A transparently phony theory at least pays tribute to the hypothesis that money doesn't grow on trees. Not even to bother coming up with a phony theory is an arrogant insult to democracy. It raises "because I said so" to a governing philosophy. The classic Republican phony theory is, of course, supply-side economics. Every proposed tax cut from before Reagan until Bush's own has been defended on the grounds that it will pay for itself by stimulating new economic activity. This is a theory based more on faith than on evidence, but at least it's a theory. Bush's other big attempt at a domestic initiative�Social Security privatization�came with a theory: Investing in stocks pays better than government bonds. So, you can close the looming gap between Social Security revenues and benefits�and even give the oldsters a bit extra�by letting folks invest for themselves at least part of what the government is now investing for them in those dismal bonds. The theory had a comically obvious flaw: How can society as a whole divert money from government bonds to private stocks as long as the government is still spending and borrowing as much as ever? But, at least, as I say, it was a theory. At least it paid us the compliment of obfuscation. Better to be duped than ignored. Bush's proposed Health Savings Accounts�as a way to cover the uninsured and restrain the rise in health costs�come with a theory that may even have some merit. But the drug program has no theory. It addresses none of the conundrums of the pharmaceutical age. Pills are increasingly central to medical care, and many more miracles await. But pills are also a characteristic postindustrial product, like software or movies: They can cost billions to develop but can be mass distributed for practically nothing. Conventional supply-and-demand economics offers a compelling explanation of how an "invisible hand" sets the price and distribution of brooms or spaghetti sauce so that the benefit to society and individuals is maximized. But it has almost nothing to say about Fosomax or Windows or Brokeback Mountain. Conventional compassion, however sincere, is little guide to what you do about a lifesaving drug that costs $100,000 a year. And spraying government subsidies on the insurance industry and other big companies does not equal using the power of the free market to solve these problems. Without a theory, the prescription-drug benefit is�like most government now�a straightforward matter of writing checks. Nothing wrong with that, in my book. But even if this subsidy to senior citizens survives its rocky premiere, it is doomed. Simple transfers of money cannot keep up with the rising cost�and rising benefit�of pharmaceutical drugs. Long ago, in 1988, a Republican president and Congress enacted a bill to address the other missing piece in Medicare: insurance against the cost of long-term or catastrophic illness. But seniors, initially delighted, recoiled in horror when they discovered that they were actually expected to pay premiums to cover the cost of this insurance. The benefit program was repealed the next year, amid much embarrassment. It didn't occur to them back then to pass the benefit and ignore the cost. That's progress. === We are in a turmoil over this programme. Would a Christian president foist this kind of insanity on the elderly, poor, and vulnerable sick? revdauphinee answered on 02/28/06: no he wouldnt but then he dosent have to wory about money does he!I personaly have got myself caught up in this web of missinformation and confusion it has done not one thing to help the elderly whatsoever! Erewhon rated this answer

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ladybugca asked on 02/27/06 - DOES EVIL EXIST? Does evil exist? Did God create evil? The University professor challenged his students with this question. "Did God create everything that exists?" A student bravely replied, "Yes he did!" "God created everything?" The professor asked. "Yes sir", the student replied. The professor answered, "If God created everything, then God created evil, since evil exists, and according to the principal that our works define who we are, then God is evil" (Nouse-O-bila). The student became quiet before such an answer. The professor, quite pleased with himself, boasted to the students that he had proven once more that the religious faith was a myth. Another student raised his hand and said, "Can I ask you a question professor?" "Of course", replied the professor. The student stood up and asked, "Professor does cold exist?" "What kind of question is this? Of course it exists. Have you never been cold?" The students snickered at the young man's question. The young man replied, "In fact sir, cold does not exist. According to the laws of physics, what we consider cold is in reality the absence of heat. Every body or object is susceptible to study when it has or transmits energy and heat is what makes a body or matter have or transmit energy. Absolute zero (-460? F) is the total absence of heat; all matter becomes inert and incapable of reaction at that temperature. Cold does not exist. We have created this word to describe how we feel if we have no heat." The student continued, "Professor, does darkness exist?" The professor responded, "Of course it does." The student replied, "Once again you are wrong sir, darkness does not exist either. Darkness is in reality the absence of light. Light we can study, but not darkness. In fact we can use Newton's prism to break white light into many colors and study the various wavelengths of each color. You cannot measure darkness. A simple ray of light can break into a world of darkness and illuminate it. How can you know how dark a certain space is? You measure the amount of light present. Isn't this correct? Darkness is a term used by man to describe what happens when there is no light present." Finally the young man asked the professor, "Sir, does evil exist?" Now uncertain, the professor responded, "Of course as I have already said. We see it everyday. It is in the daily example of man's inhumanity to man. It is in the multitude of crime and violence everywhere in the world. These manifestations are nothing else but evil. To this the student replied, "Evil dies not exist sir, or at least is does not exist unto itself. Evil is simply the absence of God. It is just like darkness and cold, a word that man has created to describe the absence of God. God did not create evil. Evil is the result of what happens when man does not have God's love present in his heart. It's like the cold that comes when there is no heat or the darkness that comes when there is no light." The professor sat down. The young man's name -- Albert Einstein revdauphinee answered on 02/28/06: thanks for this if evil exists it exists only as long as God alows it.and only so men will learn from it! ladybugca rated this answer

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HerrAirhorn asked on 02/27/06 - Ziss is GoodBye to ziss Board for awhile. Now zat the Olympics are kaput, I'm going to tour Northern Italia, go skiing, then relax in Roma. I vill be back before you know it! So, chaio for now, you know Italian is my third language. Que sera sera, whatever will be will be, the future's not ours to see, que sera sera. :) Fritz revdauphinee answered on 02/27/06: arevadechi! HerrAirhorn rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 02/27/06 - Beware the Ides of March This is perhaps one of the better commentaries I have read on Iraq and coming events. What do you think? Double attack on a society's foundations February 27, 2006 Page 1 of 2 History details what may lie ahead for Iraq's Shiites, writes Robert Bevan. It should come as no surprise that the bombing of the Golden Mosque at Samarra, sacred to Shiites - prompting reprisal attacks on more than 100 Sunni mosques - has seen Iraq teeter ever closer to a sectarian civil war. The razing of the mosque's dome last week was a warning of worsening "ethnic" cleansing to come. Attacks on buildings often presage or go hand-in-hand with attacks on people; remember the destruction of mosques, libraries and the Ottoman bridge at Mostar during the genocidal Bosnian war. Think of Kristallnacht, the night in 1938 when hundreds of synagogues and Jewish businesses across the Nazi Reich were fired in a proto-genocidal pogrom that marked further steps down into the limitless dark cellars of barbarism. The smashing of the Bamiyan Buddhas in Afghanistan was part of a campaign of a suppression against the local Hazara people who were resisting Taliban rule and for whom the Buddhas were a symbol of the region. The Shiites of Sunni-dominated Samarra and the international community need to be on their guard; cultural cleansing is inextricably linked to sectarianism, to ethnic cleansing and genocide. Architecture can be powerfully symbolic - it can take on a totemic quality: a mosque, for example, is not simply a mosque; it can represent to its enemies the presence of a community marked for erasure or expulsion. A library or an art gallery is a cache of historical memory, evidence of a given community's links with the past and legitimising it in the present. In these circumstances, structures and places with certain meanings are selected for oblivion with deliberate intent. This is not collateral damage. It can be an attempt to destabilise a society or, where memories, history, and identity are attached to architecture and place, to enforce forgetting. At the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia in The Hague, one judge has ruled that the destruction of mosques around Srebrenica is evidence of a genocidal intent to the mass killings. Terrorists, beyond creating fear and disorder, also send messages with the architectural targets they choose, whether it be IRA attacks on the grand houses of the Anglo-Irish ascendancy in pre-independence Ireland or al-Qaeda's choice of the World Trade Centre, the Pentagon and the White House; a symbolic triumvirate of US economic, military and political hegemony. In Joseph Conrad's 1907 novel The Secret Agent, Mr Vladimir explains "the philosophy of bomb throwing" which should be directed at the beliefs that underpin a society's understanding of its won prosperity. In this fictional case it was science that was the spirit of the age and Greenwich Observatory the target, recalling a real attempt on the building some years before. The cultural historian Khachig Tololyan echoes Conrad in suggesting: "We need to understand the way in which different societies maintain their vision of their collective selves, and so produce different terrorisms." In Samarra there has been a calculated attempt to inflict pain on the Shiite sense of self. Samarra is one of the Shiite holy cities and the Golden Mosque's dome crowned the tombs of venerated 11th- and 12th-century imams. Since the "shock and awe" bombardment of Baghdad at the beginning of the US invasion, Iraq's built heritage, as well as its citizens, have come under fire. The first days of the ground war were marked by the sacking of Iraq's national library and national museum and by the burning of the Koranic Library at the Ministry of Religious Endowment. All the while, American troops stood by or were busy guarding the oil ministry. US troop movements have themselves damaged the historic sites of Babylon and elsewhere. And it was in Samarra in late 2004 that the US army placed snipers at the top of the unique ninth-century spiral minaret of the al-Mutawakkil Mosque - in clear contravention of international law prohibiting the military use of historic sites. In the same year, when the Shiite Mahdi Army sacrilegiously occupied the Imam Ali Shrine in the holy city of Najaf, American troops were cognisant of the messages it would send to the Shiite majority if they damaged the building. They chose to stand off, as the mosque's occupiers had clearly calculated. The sanctity of the Golden Mosque hasn't protected it, however. No group has admitted to the attack but Ayman al-Zawahiri's al-Qaeda-linked insurgents have been fingered. His grouping has been threatened with increasing isolation following talks between the resistance, the Iraqi Government and the US. He couldn't have chosen a better way of fomenting inter-communal strife. Commenting on the September 11, 2001, attacks, in a recording aired on al-Jazeera in 2003, al-Zawahiri said: "The Crusaders and the Jews only understand the language of murder, bloodshed and of burning towers." The potency of delivering a message by way of architectural destruction is familiar to him. Ghassan Atiyyah, an Iraqi commentator, recently warned that "Iraq is in a Weimar period, like Germany, which will end with [the] country disintegrating or an authoritarian government". Hitler's coming to power was marked immediately by political repression. The excuse? The burning of the Reichstag. Robert Bevan is the author of The Destruction of Memory: Architecture at War, published last week by Reaktion Books. revdauphinee answered on 02/27/06: question )are we any better ?look at the baptist church burnings in Alabama.Im not a baptist but I dont hate them. paraclete rated this answer tomder55 rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 02/27/06 - The things you don't learn at school This advice was offered by BILL GATES in a speech to a group of high school students. His topic was: Things You Don�t Learn in School. RULE 1: Life is not fair� get used to it. RULE 2: The world won�t care about your self esteem. The world will expect you to accomplish something BEFORE you feel good about yourself. RULE 3: You will NOT make 40 thousand dollars a year, right out of high school. You won�t be a vice president with a car phone, until you earn both. RULE 4: If you think your teacher is tough, wait until you get a boss. RULE 5: Flipping burgers is not beneath your dignity. Your grandparents had a different word for flipping burgers: they called it opportunity. RULE 6: If you mess up, it�s not your parents� fault. So don�t whine about your mistakes, learn from them. RULE 7: Before you were born, your parents were not as boring as they are now. They got that way from paying your bills, cleaning your clothes and listening to you talk about how cool you are. So before you save the rain forest from the parasites of your parents� generation, try cleaning up your own bedroom. RULE 8: Your school may have done away with winners and losers, but life has not. In some schools, they have abolished failing grades and they�ll give you as many chances as you want to get the right answer. This doesn�t bear the slightest resemblance to ANYTHING in real life. RULE 9: Life is not divided into terms. You don�t get summers off, and very few employers are interested in helping you find yourself. Do that on your own time. RULE 10: Television is NOT real life. In real life, people actually have to leave the coffee shop and go to jobs. revdauphinee answered on 02/27/06: all great life lessons paraclete rated this answer

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powderpuff asked on 02/27/06 - Expert guidelines -a possibility or just a dream Someone recently asked "What is the purpose of an Expert on the Answerway Christianity board????????" I did some looking around to see if I could find anything similar to a description of what management might expect from an Expert. On the front page of this site is a link for "Expert Guidelines" on the upper right side. Clicking that link I found the page titled: How to Be An Effective Answerway Expert here are some excerpt from the page of guidelines: "Answerway is an online information and communications service...All information is provided on a volunteer basis. What sets Answerway apart from the rest is the thoughtfulness and excellence of its experts"... The purpose of this guide is to help everyone who participates as an Expert at Answerway to develop and improve excellence in responding to questions, and to help make sure that users will not only come back again but will tell their friends and acquaintances about Answerway. You can read all of it at this URL: http://www.answerway.com/teguide.php#131 Listed under the Index To Answerway's Expert Guidelines: #4. Civility and courtesy An answer to a question should be courteous, civil, and respectful. If the Expert is tempted to post something nasty, better to post nothing at all. and #8. Matters of Opinion Answers in some subjects (such as religion, spirituality, or philosophy) frequently involve the personal viewpoint of the Expert, often on matters where debate has existed for decades, if not centuries. In such cases, in order both to maintain civility and to provide genuinely useful (and perhaps persuasive) information to a user, it is generally helpful to explain the reasons behind the answer, specify sources or references where appropriate, and state clearly when an answer may be controversial or based purely on the Expert's own opinion. I could be wrong, but I think number 4 and number 8 seem to sum up what I would say is the minimum etiquette management would find acceptable. Do you think the Experts are living up to what is implied in the "How To Be An Effective Answerway Expert" Guidelines page? Do you think it is possible for a group of adults answering questions under the title of "Expert" to use thoughtful and respectful language while answering questions and discussing differences of opinion? revdauphinee answered on 02/27/06: the most important two words are " maintain civility" I do try to however with somre folks on here often it is extremely hard ! powderpuff rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 02/27/06 - Don't bring your guns to Church, son, leave your guns at home. ews Home | Story Church shooting kills one From: From correspondents in Detroit February 27, 2006 A WOMAN is dead after a man opened fire inside a church in Detroit, also leaving a child and another man wounded, according to reports. Second Deputy Police Chief James Tate confirmed three people were shot, one fatally, at Zion Hope Missionary Baptist Church. The child did not have life threatening injuries, WWJ-AM reported. The third victim, who was shot when trying to protect his eighteen-year-old wife from a carjacking attempt by the shooter, was in a critical condition, the station said. Church members helped police identify a suspect, Tate said. Officers were looking for Kevin Lorenzo Collins, 24, who was armed and considered dangerous. The shooting was the result of a domestic dispute, Tate said. "Church had begun and shots rang out," he said. After summoning help, church members continued the service. "They didn't let this incident stop the reason why they came to church," he said. "They came to worship." revdauphinee answered on 02/27/06: the gunman later killed himself ! paraclete rated this answer

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Mathatmacoat asked on 02/27/06 - Hey what's going on? I went to a number of other Boards and found they had no content, even thought questions had been asked. revdauphinee answered on 02/27/06: I look on this site as almost family my days would be quite dull without my many visits here! Mathatmacoat rated this answer

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purplewings asked on 02/26/06 - Would you vote on a presidential candidate based primarily on the gay marriage issue? Why? 1. Gay Group Slams Hillary The head of New York's leading gay rights group has sent out a memo calling Hillary Clinton's refusal to support gay marriage a "disappointment" and a reason why the group's board shouldn't help raise money for her campaign. In the Feb. 10 memo, marked "confidential" and sent via e-mail to board members of the Empire State Pride Agenda, Executive Director Alan Van Capelle refused to "lend my name and sell tickets" to a gay-oriented fund-raiser for Clinton's re-election. The memo - a copy of which was obtained by the New York Observer - states that supporting a gay fund-raiser for Clinton "will actually hurt our community. It will send a message to other elected officials that you can be working against us during this critical time and not suffer a negative pushback from the gay community. The memo stated, "We have become a community that throws money at politicians and we demand nothing in return. And that's what we get - nothing. It's the wrong message to send." Van Capelle goes on the say that Hillary is "a complete disappointment and does not deserve" a fund-raiser from the gay community." Clinton opposes gay marriage as "a consequence of her Midwestern Methodist upbringing, her generally cautious political sensibility, her own personal marriage history, something else entirely, or a combination of these factors," according to a report about Van Capelle's memo on the National Journal's Web site The Hotline. According to the Observer, Democrats have basically sought to protect "traditional marriage" while at the same time attemped to appeal to the "donor-rich" gay community by supporting domestic partner benefits, AIDS research and other efforts popular among gays. "Increasingly, that's not enough for gay Democrats," Ben Smith writes in the Observer. revdauphinee answered on 02/26/06: no I wouldnt! however I do realize why gays want this priveledge since gay friends of mine have a child who was seriously ill one time in the hospital and one parter was denied access to that child because he was not a blood relative.personaly I feel they should be denied marriage! yet be allowed a civil union for these sort of situations Its painfull to both child and parent when they are kept appart at times like this!it also affects insurance problems so you see its not just a sexual thing. purplewings rated this answer

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Jesushelper76 asked on 02/26/06 - Church Question! Do you believe the churches no matter the denomination should have dress codes for mass services? What is your opinion about this? Thanks in advance! Joe revdauphinee answered on 02/26/06: NO ,NO, A MILLION TIMES nO! the God I worship is not interested in what we wear he is more concerned with the content of our heart then the state of our wardrobe! Jesushelper76 rated this answer

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ROLCAM asked on 02/26/06 - AGES ?? How much older than Jesus was John the Baptist? revdauphinee answered on 02/26/06: only months since when mary visited elizabeth johns mother they were both pregnant! ROLCAM rated this answer

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Bobbye asked on 02/26/06 - PAUL HARVEY & UAE'S PORT CONTROL Did anyone hear Paul Harvey's report this past Friday stating that the royal family of Saudi Arabia had contributed $1MM to father Bush's library (College Station, TX), as well as the Saudi family's (or the nation's?) contribution of $100MM to Katrina victims --four times more than all OTHER nations combined. Mr. Harvey was discussing the United Arab Emirates' authority of our ports and the reason for President Bush's threat to veto any legislation sent to him to the contrary. I was traveling and reached my destination just as this was being reported. DID ANYONE OTHER THAN I HEAR HIS REPORT? (It's probably on Mr. Harvey's website somewhere, I hope.) Thanks. bobbye revdauphinee answered on 02/26/06: no I didnt hear it but do you know that the Bush family have been in the pockets of the Saudi princes for years prince Bandi is at the Bushes home so often in his own country he has been knicknamed Bandi Bush as a joke .the saudis are more of an enemy to our American way of life than iraquis ever were But because of this frendship it wont be admited by the Bush administration.most terrorist organisations are financed by them! Bobbye rated this answer

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HerrAirhorn asked on 02/26/06 - "Turf War" not cabin fever Za rough and tumble activity on za Christianity Board is za "TURF WAR" not cabin fever. Various individuals and cliques of individuals want to control za Board for zair own agenda, and zo, the verbal battle is on! Za board belongs to everyone. Fritz revdauphinee answered on 02/26/06: a big AMEN to that ATON2 rated this answer HerrAirhorn rated this answer

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Esculapiusiam asked on 02/25/06 - ~~~~~Cabin Fever~~~~~ As a god, I have been able to sit back and watch the slinging on this site lately and I have come to one conclusion. This site has been infected with a bad case of Cabin Fever and it is spreading like wild fire. Soon the virus will pass and experts will be back to their pre-Cabin Fever conditions and the board will return to normal. These things tend to happen every year around the end of the dreaded Feburary. But as soon as March arrives the Fever will quietly start to slip away. So stop getting your panties all bunch up in a rumple. Better days are ahead. Agree? or Disagree? Not that it matters. revdauphinee answered on 02/25/06: whats normal??and who would have a desire to be it?? ATON2 rated this answer Esculapiusiam rated this answer

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STONY asked on 02/25/06 - SORRY............ SOMEBODY MUST HAVE OILED THIS MOUSE!! revdauphinee answered on 02/25/06: hey glad im not the only one with the problem LOL! STONY rated this answer

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CeeBee2 asked on 02/25/06 - Lent................................................ This season, along with Advent, are the two major opportunities for Christians to reflect on their relationship with God and with each other. Do you observe Lent? How? revdauphinee answered on 02/25/06: since I dont think oppotunities to reflect on my relationship is confined to any days of the calender lent is no different for me than any other season! CeeBee2 rated this answer

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CeeBee2 asked on 02/25/06 - Mardi Gras........................ Literally, it means "fat Tuesday," the last chance to party and eat/drink before the next day, Ash Wednesday, the first day of the Lenten season. Is Mardi Gras a secular celebration or a religious one? revdauphinee answered on 02/25/06: as someone who dosent live far from New orleans it is definatly today a secular one however there are some connotations with religion if one takes into consideration preparing for the lenten season for catholics CeeBee2 rated this answer

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HANK1 asked on 02/25/06 - TIME FOR A SHOWDOWN ... BUT NOT AT THE OK CORRAL: How would you like for me to get in DIRECT competition with ATON? This 'brain-to-brain' confrontation would include any subject that has to do with DECENCY, such as VALUES, MORALS, ETHICS et al. FORMAT: Title For Your Question: For ATON and HANK: Ask YOUR question below: (Post your question) When we finish answering a question and posting clarifications, tell us what you think! Please base your opinion on sound advice. I'M CHALLENGING ATON! HANK revdauphinee answered on 02/25/06: Never in your wildest dreams will you be an ATON! HANK1 rated this answer Chilloutinparis rated this answer ATON2 rated this answer

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wakan asked on 02/25/06 - hi, i�m back fer a short spell. no question. jest this. i�m using a computer in the library cause mine is still in north dakota. lillian has been answerin all my emails and stuff but soon she�ll be bringin the kids and joinin me here in minnesota . i want ta thank ya all fer yer help. i�m still looking and visitin round to the churches here. God bless ya all, walk with waken into the light. revdauphinee answered on 02/25/06: nice to hear from you again!God bless you ! wakan rated this answer

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BeelzeBUSH asked on 02/25/06 - DO YOU SEE AN END TO THE VIOLENCE? I don't. The Golden Mosque bombing added fuel to an escalating violent civil war. The environment and conditions for our troops is not improving. Folks we need to stop referring to GW's tenure in Office as a "presidency." His current title is "funeral director." I want our children, our brothers, our sisters, our friends, and our neighbors in the US Armed Forces out of the limited confines of Iraq and back home in America where they belong. I love myself, George revdauphinee answered on 02/25/06: I think we need to bring back the draft ,empower women and draft the Bush twins!could be then we may see a difference in his war policy! ATON2 rated this answer BeelzeBUSH rated this answer

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kindj asked on 02/24/06 - A gentle reminder From time to time, all Christians need a reminder of who we are, what we�re about, and what our job is. I myself have needed to be reminded before, and will most likely need to be reminded again in the future. Probably several times. Therefore, I don�t presume to be some great sage or wise teacher, just a guy doing the best he can, but screwing up sometimes nonetheless. I�ve been having rather disturbing feelings lately about the way we as a body have been conducting our evangelism. There seems to be a percentage that are using rather heavy handed tactics, and I�m not sure that such methods are the best way. In fact, as a general rule, I think they�re not. For instance, let�s take the �believe or go straight to HELL!� approach. Put it in a different context. Let�s say that John or Jane Christian is listening to a speech by a politician, and that politician says that unless they start dressing and talking like him, they will be sent to prison for life. How likely are John and Jane to listen to another word this person says? So the politician has the power to back up his words and send them to prison. How many people are going to go to prison for life before the rest get the message? Let�s go a bit further: John and Jane, out of fear, begin to dress and talk �appropriately.� Why are they doing that? Out of love for this politician, because they admire and respect him so much? Or out of fear? Has there really been a heart change at all? Of course not, and they�re miserable. While it is certainly true that a great many people have come to know Jesus Christ out of an INITIAL fear of hell, so many more have come to know him through displays of his unconditional love through US, those who bear his name. I�m not picking on one person here, but I saw another example of something that might not work so well, in my opinion. The issue of name calling, be the name �heathen,� �pagan,� �swine,� �dog,� or even �fool.� Let�s say I pick up a book on a subject that I�m not familiar with at all, yet is potentially debatable, such as transcendental meditation. I am curious about the subject, so I ask someone who is knowledgeable about it for some insight. They tell me that the author of the book says that I�m a fool if I don�t believe in their theory, and that they agree with the author. Right away, I�ve been called a fool by a representative of this subject. How likely am I to pursue further study? The book may very well say that, but since I haven�t been exposed to the truth and benefits of the subject, I can�t take it in context and see it for what it is. And so it goes, in the world and on this board. We have to ask ourselves periodically if we are being good and effective representatives of Christ each and every time we post or say a word. We have to ask ourselves if fear and intimidation is really the approach we want to use, because there are some who are not afraid and cannot be intimidated. Aren�t we glad that God used love instead of fear to motivate us? What makes us any different in that regard than anyone else? Fear is a poor motivator in the long run, and intimidation completely negates the Biblical concept of free will. I myself do not enjoy being beat over the head with someone else�s beliefs, and to this day, being beat over the head has not changed my mind one iota. To the contrary, it�s made me a bit more stubborn and resistant to hearing any more of that person/group�s point of view. Personal relationships and kindness�now there�s a combination, and one that�s gone a lot farther over the years than the other. As to the board specifically: According to the guidelines, we are to explicate the Christian faith. But I ask you, how can we do that if we don�t EXEMPLIFY it? I remember what one of my favorite teachers told me long ago: �Speak the Truth, and let the Holy Spirit do the work.� We don�t need to beat anyone over the head. We don�t need to operate from a fear base. We don�t need to call anyone names. By explicating the faith, we are speaking the Truth. DK revdauphinee answered on 02/25/06: well said coulnt do it any better no one can be browbeaten into salvation! kindj rated this answer

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ATON2 asked on 02/24/06 - True or false Christians?? I would urge all of my Christian brothers and sisters to read two reponses to Sarnians post...one very senseable and reasonable, from kindl, and the other a screeching diatribe from paraclete...and tell me which is the REAL Christian!!!!! Just curious. I would urge you to keep in mind, while reading, Matthew 5:22!!!!! LOL You might think this is an exercise in frivolity, but take note...we are being harrangued by ONE who calls himself Christian, but claims not to believe in Hell or guardian angels...and Now we see ANOTHER who BLATANTLY, in direct contravention of the words of Jesus, calls others FOOL.....and emphasises it to try and make a feeble point about his own CHRISTIAN BELIEFS.....What will questioners to this board find when they look for TRUE CHRISTIANS, if this is the best CHRISTIANITY HAS TO OFFER?????????? revdauphinee answered on 02/25/06: i have only one comment here WWJD? ATON2 rated this answer

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excon asked on 02/24/06 - Note to whitefawn Hello whitefawn: >>>Why do I feel, as if ATHEISM want's me to convert to not believing in God?<<< I am an atheist, and I am head preacher in my atheist church. We had a meeting last week of the UACW, the United Atheist Churches of the World. We decided to try to convert all the Christians, so what you feel is true. Is it working? excon revdauphinee answered on 02/25/06: Not with me it isnt! excon rated this answer

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HANK1 asked on 02/24/06 - IT'S TIME TO DECIDE ... ... if you want this: DEFAMATION IS AN INJURY TO THE REPUTATION OR CHARACTER OF SOMEONE RESULTING FROM THE FALSE STATEMENTS OR ACTIONS OF ANOTHER. IN SHORT, DEFAMATION IS A FALSE ATTACK ON YOUR GOOD NAME. BOTTOM-LINE: BASHING EXPERTS AND USERS. THIS TRANSLATES INTO DISRESPECT! OR this: To me, CHRISTIANITY means all doctrines and religious groups that are based on the teachings of Jesus Christ. Those who subscribe to any such group are called Christians. To me, RESPECT shows a willingness to show consideration or appreciation. To me, DEFAMATION means an INJURY TO THE REPUTATION OR CHARACTER OF SOMEONE RESULTING FROM THE FALSE STATEMENTS OR ACTIONS OF ANOTHER. IN SHORT, DEFAMATION IS A FALSE ATTACK ON YOUR GOOD NAME. I accept these definitions. My reason for conducting this inquiry is quite simple: To stop the verbal destruction of character that's been prevalent on this CHRISTIANITY Board for many months. One of my favorite quotes is, "To avoid criticism, do nothing, say nothing, be nothing." (Author Unknown) Since I've always been able to accept corrective criticism, this quote does NOT apply to me. Does it you? Here's the way I see it: A person must learn at a young age how to become self-sufficient and rely upon him/herself to get things done. Just one caveat: One's abilities must be commensurate to one's goals or purpose that need tending to. I know my potential and my capabiities. Since adversity depends upon ignorance of 'what actually is' and 'what isn't,' you must find your standing in all matters by obtaining KNOWLEDGE about your adversaries and the challenges they present. EXPERIENCE, of course, is the best teacher. Enter ANSWERWAY! This is a very easy process if you can read, write, communicate and retain information. This functional activity must include determination and sincerity. Only a wimp loses both. Once you win your first battle, you'll ask yourself, "Did I really do that?" or "Is this the real me?" Folks, this is the real me! I believe in individualism. In order to accomplish, three assets must show themselves: APTITUDE, JUDGMENT and UNDERSTANDING! When they do, you'll know 'what is' and 'what isn't.' The result - LOGIC. You'll be able to justify any action professionally. Your days as an amateur or neophyte will no longer be overcome by the ordinary. KNOW-HOW allows one to master complications. The management of KNOWLEDGE is crucial and golden when oppotunity presents itself. In opposing circumstances, it can relax stress if something favorable arises as a consequence. Learn from other peoples' mistakes and remember your own goofs if the ritual deceives perception. If you THINK something is FACT, make damn sure it is! 'Beating a dead horse' is quite time-consuming. That's it! You now have a chance to patronize 'Christianity' or patronize verbal instability. It's your choice! HANK revdauphinee answered on 02/25/06: all I can say is fron the answers you have here maybee you will finaly get the message (finaly )that most of us are tierd of your constant diatribes almost to the point of nausia! Chilloutinparis rated this answer HANK1 rated this answer

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arcura asked on 02/24/06 - If Jesus said that there is a hell do you believe Him? (Mk 9:41-49): Jesus said to his disciples: �If anyone gives you a drink of water because you belong to Christ and bear his name, truly, I say to you, he will not go without reward. If anyone should cause one of these little ones who believe in me to stumble and sin, it would be better for him to be thrown into the sea with a great millstone around his neck. If your hand makes you fall into sin, cut it off! It is better for you to enter life without a hand than with two hands to go to hell, to the fire that never goes out. And if your foot makes you fall into sin, cut it off! It is better for you to enter life without a foot than with both feet to be thrown into hell. And if your eye makes you fall into sin, tear it out! It is better for you to enter the kingdom of God with one eye than, keeping both eyes, to be thrown into hell where the worms that eat them never die, and the fire never goes out. The fire itself will preserve them. revdauphinee answered on 02/25/06: yes there is a hell for knowing that God exists and knowing that you will spend eternity apart from him is definatly hell! arcura rated this answer

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Jesushelper76 asked on 02/24/06 - Sports and God! Okay here is a question of your opinion on this matter. When people of a highly televised sport. Says he or she prays to God, Thanking God and so forth. Do you think God is interested in every single moment in our lives including sports? Does he care who wins or losses. Does he bless a person that is able to make a career in sports. Is it okay to pray to God for a win? Thank you in advance! Joe revdauphinee answered on 02/24/06: I personaly believe God is in all things even yes sports .and it is good to give thanks in all things ATON2 rated this answer Jesushelper76 rated this answer

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HANK1 asked on 02/23/06 - JUST WONDERING ... ... if atheism lacks every characteristic of religion, such as belief in the supernatural, distinguishing between the sacred and the profane, presence of moral codes and religious feelings such as adoration? HANK revdauphinee answered on 02/24/06: it is an atheists right yes a God given right (free will) to believe as he will we can point a person to Christ we are not required to force it upon them.Christianity is a Choice not a law unto itself !I chose it others did not! here on this earth they are no less valuable than I .I may pray for them (and I do) I may lead them (and I try to)however I must not force them since if any forced attemt worked to convert then free will is taken out of the conversion and it is thus made moot!Only Jesus saves we cannot! ATON2 rated this answer HANK1 rated this answer

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powderpuff asked on 02/22/06 - I need to be reminded Hi, I have become a little worried since the other day when a couple terrorists were arrested just down the street from me. Not just right here in my home town, but, I can actually see where they lived from my yard. I walk past their apartment regularly and though I never knew who lived there, I never felt safe walking past. I learned after walking past the first time to cross the street and walk on the other side (the farm side) of the road every time I walked that way. It looked nice enough from the outside, but I could not get past the bad feeling when I walked past it. That's all beside the point of my post. I need to be reminded of why I should not panic and become suspicious of all muslims in my area. These terrorists, who were my neighbors, are accused of recruiting since Nov. 2004 among other things. Three were arrested but, only 2 in my neighborhood. What is the likelihood that there are more people in my town that were/are involved with these men that were arrested? I have heard conflicting news reports that these men were also connected to a local charity that was frozen over the weekend, accused of funding terrorists. Now we are being told by officials to stay vigilant, but the Muslim community is asking us not to commit prejudice. What is going to happen if all of "us" become too scared and suspicious of all of "them"? powderpuff revdauphinee answered on 02/22/06: What is going to happen if all of "us" become too scared and suspicious of all of "them" a)maybee it might cause them not to feel so secure in what they are planing for us!you ever think of that???? powderpuff rated this answer

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curious98 asked on 02/22/06 - Yahweh vs Jesus One of the reasons why I think the Old Testament was written bearing in mind the mentality of the times is that in a great number of passages and books God is depicted as a threatening God always willing to use his flaming sword to punish those who dared forget his commandments. In other words, Yahweh�s wrath had to be feared which was, probably, the only way to make people walk the line, in those old days. As an example, I�ll quote these passage belonging to the book of Numbers 15:32-39 While the Israelites were in the desert, a man was discovered gathering wood on the sabbath day.. Those who caught him at it brought him to Moses and Aaron and the whole assembly. But they kept him in custody, for there was no clear decision as to what should be done with him. Then the LORD said to Moses, "This man shall be put to death; let the whole community stone him outside the camp." So the whole community led him outside the camp and stoned him to death, as the LORD had commanded Moses. The LORD said to Moses, 5 "Speak to the Israelites and tell them that they and their descendants must put tassels on the corners of their garments, fastening each corner tassel with a violet cord. When you use these tassels, let the sight of them remind you to keep all the commandments of the LORD, without going wantonly astray after the desires of your hearts and eyes. Thus you will remember to keep all my commandments and be holy to your God. Quite a contrast with the message of love Jesus gave us and his understanding towards sinners. Any comments? Curious98 revdauphinee answered on 02/22/06: the Old Testament was written bearing in mind the mentality of the times what times??it was written over centuries! ATON2 rated this answer curious98 rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 02/22/06 - Christians strike back In an extraordinary turn of events nigerian christians have turned on their tormentors. What do you think this will mean for Muslim/Christian relations? ---------------------------------- Christian mob kills Muslims From: Agence France-Presse By Dave Clark in Onitsha, Nigeria February 23, 2006 AN enraged mob of Nigerian Christian youths has slaughtered dozens of Muslims in two days of rioting in the southern city of Onitsha. Rioting broke out in the lawless trading town on the banks of the Niger River yesterday when members of the Igbo tribe launched revenge attacks in response to an earlier massacre of Christians in the north of the country. Nineteen corpses were seen scattered by the side of the main road into the city across the Niger River bridge, where a contingent of soldiers had set up a roadblock to hold back hundreds of rioters armed with clubs and machetes. The bodies had been beaten, slashed and in some cases burnt. Around the bloodied corpses lay scattered the caps and Islamic prayer beads associated with the northern Hausa tribe. A police official had earlier said five more Hausas had been killed in the neighbouring city of Asaba, across the bridge, to where thousands of Muslims fled to escape the mayhem in Onitsha. Frank Nweke, a magazine editor who ran the gauntlet of the mob to escape Onitsha and made it to the bridge, said he had seen 15 more corpses lying in the streets of the city. "Some of them had been beheaded, others had had their genitals removed. I saw one boy holding a severed head with blood dripping from it," he said. Army officers at the scene could not confirm a total death toll in the city, where control has not yet been restored, but said thousands of Muslims had taken shelter in barracks and police stations. revdauphinee answered on 02/22/06: I have often been told that even a mouse will turn on you if it is cornered! ATON2 rated this answer paraclete rated this answer

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Erewhon asked on 02/22/06 - WHO WAS THAT MAN? Usually, accounts of Hitler start with WWI and his subsequent rise to power in Munich. And usually, histories of Vienna in the early part of this century focus on the Secession, on Freud, on Viktor Adler. But in her carefully argued and smartly written book, Hamann (The Reluctant Empress) creates a portrait that shows the evolution of a far different city, one that for five years, between 1908 and 1913, shaped one young provincial. This is a Vienna of poor laborers who live in men's hostels and are the willing fodder of Social Democrats and Pan-Germans alike. Waves of immigrants (among them Jews fleeing Russian pogroms) and the introduction of equal suffrage in 1906 gave rise to a virulent crop of chauvinistic German politicians and theoreticians who shaped Hitler's worldview, from his racism to his use of "Fuhrer" and "Heil," both adopted from Pan-German activist Georg Schonerer. Unlike many biographers, Hamann finds the roots of Hitler's anti-Semitism here, rather than in run-ins with Jewish professors at the Academy of Visual Arts (there were none), a Jewish grandfather (the evidence, she convincingly argues, is lacking) or a syphilitic Jewish prostitute (Hitler was inordinately afraid of both infection and women). Hamann also traces other crucial aspects of Hitler's development to his time in Vienna: his fascination with the mechanics of theater and the political symbolism of architecture, and his hatred of parliamentarianism. Hamann's deep knowledge of Vienna and her skeptical approach to previous sources results in a double-sided portrait that will help readers understand both the Dual Monarchy and WWI and the Third Reich and WWII. Hitler's Vienna tries to penetrate the myths of the dictator's formative years as a frustrated painter in Vienna. Hitler, she says, detested the city's cosmopolitanism and restless avant-garde and took great pleasure in relocating its art reasures to other cities when he took power. Just so there can be no misunderstanding this is about "Hitler's Vienna" a brillian book that tells how a young man was forged in the cauldon of his environment to become one of the world's worst dictators. It is sobering. Do you agree? revdauphinee answered on 02/22/06: not a book i would have any desire to read either he is one evil that i choose to forget! Erewhon rated this answer

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HANK1 asked on 02/22/06 - JUST WONDERING ... ... what you think about DIGNITY? So there's no misunderstanding, here's a definition you might be able to recognize: "The quality of being worthy of esteem or respect." Source: Thesaurus HANK revdauphinee answered on 02/22/06: a further question is worthy of esteem or respect by whoom???there are folks who's respect or esteem I neither seek not desire ! ATON2 rated this answer HANK1 rated this answer

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HANK1 asked on 02/22/06 - JUST WONDERING ... ... what you think of the Ten Commandments. So there's no misubderstanding, here they are: 1. Do not have any gods before Me. 2. You shall not make a graven image. 3. You shall not take the name of YHWH in vain. 4. You shall not break the Sabbath. 5. You shall not dishonor your parents. 6. You shall not murder. 7. You shall not commit adultery 8. You shall not steal. 9. You shall not commit perjury. 10. You shall not covet. HANK revdauphinee answered on 02/22/06: glad you wrote them alll most Christians today do not honor #44. You shall not break the Sabbath.Jesus himself thought it so important he kept it, but today we (men)think we or the church has the authoroty to chang it from saturday to sunday!wish someone would show me where God gave that permission! `You ""must"" observe ""my"" Sabbaths. This will be a sign between me and you for the generations to come, so you may know that I am the LORD, who makes you holy. (Eze.22:8 You have despised my holy things and desecrated my Sabbaths. ) Jesus observed the sabath (Mk.6:2 When the Sabbath came, he began to teach in the synagogue, and many who heard him were amazed. HANK1 rated this answer

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Mathatmacoat asked on 02/22/06 - Hello Boys, I'm back!! I've been away too long, but only long enough to see my favourite cricket team once again prove they are masters of the world. Records here, records there, and who knows but in South Africa there might be more records. For those who don't remember me, I'm the Hank slayer, come to get you out of the bind you have gotten yourselves into revdauphinee answered on 02/22/06: welcome back! as for watching cricket, to each his own personaly Id rather watch the grass grow! Mathatmacoat rated this answer

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HANK1 asked on 02/22/06 - JUST WONDERING ... ... what you think about the Golden Rule. So there's no misunderstanding, here it is: "Treat others as you want to be treated." OR "The golden rule is best interpreted as saying: Treat others only in ways that you're willing to be treated in the same EXACT situation." Source: Wikipedia HANK revdauphinee answered on 02/22/06: I try to but sometimes one comes across those who dont!many have the rule "do unto others then split!" ATON2 rated this answer Chilloutinparis rated this answer HANK1 rated this answer

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Erewhon asked on 02/22/06 - I may be absent for a little while. After reading a certain expert's braggart posts and his threat to take on all comers, I laughed so hard that I fell off my chair onto the dog, and she bit me thinking I was attacking her. I lay on the fkloor laughting so hard that my other dog thought I was having a fit, so she gave me the kiss of life. Her breath smelled so awful that I passed out. When I came to I was strapped onto a table being spoonfed the last of yesterday's beef chilli. The whole experience has weakened me to the point that I might have to take a little rest from attending to the rigorous correspondence that is the daily business of the board. So, if I am absent for a season it is not because I have been kicked off (only naughty people are subjected to such abuse by management!), it will onjly be for certain people to get over themselves and start acting like human beings stripped of pride and hybris and rancour and threats and deprecations and other nonsense that the flesh is heir to. On the other hand, I might be back here tomorrow as if nothing had happened, and clarifying here there and everywhere, ignoring little caesars and fulminating codgers. revdauphinee answered on 02/22/06: sory to hear of your misfortune and hope you recover soon cause you are needed Erewhon rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 02/22/06 - Evolution relegated from a theory to a notion Bible-quoting science students on rise By Duncan Campbell in London February 22, 2006 Page 1 of 2 A GROWING number of science students on British university campuses are challenging the theory of evolution, saying that Darwin was wrong. Some are being failed in university exams because they quote sayings from the Bible or Koran as scientific fact and at one college in London, most biology students are now thought to be creationists. Earlier this month, Muslim medical students in London distributed leaflets that dismissed Darwin's theories as false. Evangelical Christian students are also increasingly vocal in challenging the notion of evolution. In the US, there is growing pressure to teach creationism or "intelligent design" in science classes, despite legal rulings against it. Similar trends in Britain have prompted the Royal Society, Britain's leading scientific academy, to confront the issue head-on with a talk next month entitled "Why Creationism is wrong", when the award-winning geneticist and author Steve Jones will deliver the lecture and challenge creationists, Christian and Islamic, to argue their case rationally. "There is an insidious and growing problem," said Professor Jones, of University College London. "It's a step back from rationality. They [the creationists] don't have a problem with science, they have a problem with argument. And irrationality is a very infectious disease, as we see from the US." Leaflets that question Darwinism were circulated among students at the Guys Hospital site of King's College London this month as part of the Islam Awareness Week, organised by the college's Islamic Society. One member of staff at Guys said that he found it deeply worrying that Darwin was being dismissed by people who would soon be practising as doctors. The leaflets are produced by the Al-Nasr Trust, a charity based in Slough, west of London, set up in 1992 with the aim of improving the understanding of Islam. The passage quoted from the Koran says: "And God has created every animal from water. Of them there are some that creep on their bellies, some that walk on two legs and some that walk on four. God creates what he wills for verily God has power over all things." A 21-year-old medical student and member of the Islamic Society, who asked not to be named, said the Koran was clear that man had been created and had not evolved as Darwin says. "There is no scientific evidence for it [Darwin's Origin of Species]. It's only a theory. Man is the wonder of God's creation." He did not feel that a belief in evolution was necessary to study medicine, although he added that, if writing about it was necessary for passing an exam, he would do so. At another London campus, some students have been failed because they have presented creationism as fact. They have been told by their examiners that, while they are entitled to explain both sides of the debate, they cannot present the Bible or Koran as scientifically factual if they want to pass exams. David Rosevear, of the Britain-based Creation Science Movement, which supports the idea of creationism, said that there was an increasing interest in the subject among students. "I've got no problem with an all-powerful God producing everything in six days," he said, calling it an early example of the six-day week. Most of the next generation of medical and science students could be creationists, according to a biology teacher at a leading London college. "The vast majority of my students now believe in creationism," she said, "and these are thinking young people who are able and articulate and not at the dim end at all." The Guardian revdauphinee answered on 02/22/06: i was employed in the field of chemistry for 22 yrs and was taught that a theory is an idea that when proven as a fact becomes a law (of scienc) i so far have read no laws of evolution! paraclete rated this answer

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arcura asked on 02/22/06 - Welcome KahaHuna to the Christian board.... Welcome KahaHuna (who likes swimming and diving.) That name means �The Caretaker� right. It is a good time for you to be here because �.. `O k�ia ka w� `�lelo Hawai`i, `e�? Do you agree? Peace and kindness, Fred revdauphinee answered on 02/22/06: if we are welcoming someone here before he/she has even posted it sounds as if we have someone else with an alto ego or a desire for a name change i cant welcome someone i never even met (or did I?) arcura rated this answer

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Jesushelper76 asked on 02/22/06 - Christinity Board What does the Christianity board mean to each and every one of you. Why are you here? What is your purpose? What is your goal here on this site? On this subject of Christianity? This board is About Christianity and my hope is that We focus on helping others and sharing our thoughts and opinions with others and yes that also means voicing our disagreements to somebody we may not agree with witout any back lash or playing games. Whos with me. Show of hands. Joe revdauphinee answered on 02/22/06: i mainly come here to see what others think on differing subjects pertaining to our lives as christians!I as most know have my own feelings and whilst I feel strongly about most everything I do like to get others imput ! Jesushelper76 rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 02/21/06 - Is this just sour grapes or the pot calling the kettle black? News Home | Story Megachurches 'shallow in theology' From: Reuters From correspondents in Porto Alegre, Brazil February 22, 2006 THE head of the World Council of Churches has expressed concern about the spread of megachurches around the world, such as Hillsong in Sydney, saying they could lead to a Christianity that is "two miles long and one inch deep". The WCC General Secretary Samuel Kobia said megachurches - huge Protestant churches with charismatic pastors, lively music and other services - mostly ran on a business model to make worshippers feel good and were shallow in their theology. Megachurches, which pack in thousands for rousing Sunday worship services, are popular in suburbs in the United States. Most are evangelical or Pentecostal, with few or no ties to mainline churches such as the Lutherans or Episcopalians. Mr Kobia said the megachurch movement, which is not represented in the mostly mainline Protestant or Orthodox World Council of Churches, broke down borders among denominations with a populist message. "It has no depth, in most cases, theologically speaking, and has no appeal for any commitment," the Kenyan Methodist said at the WCC world assembly in this Brazilian city. The megachurches simply wanted individuals to feel good about themselves, he said. "It's a church being organised on corporate logic. That can be quite dangerous if we are not very careful, because this may become a Christianity which I describe as 'two miles long and one inch deep'." Reverend Geoff Tunnicliffe, international director of the 400 million member World Evangelical Alliance, said at the assembly that "historical and deeply-felt issues" separated them from other branches of Christianity. The largest US megachurches attract some 20,000 worshippers every Sunday. Abroad, megachurches have also sprouted up in Australia, South Korea, Britain, Canada, and other countries. According to a report by the Hartford Institute for Religion Research, there were 1210 US churches drawing more than 2000 worshipers, the official minimum for a megachurch. That was double the number in 2000. The WCC groups nearly 350 Protestant and Orthodox churches that mostly broke away from the Roman Catholic Church in the Great Schism of 1054 or in the 16th century Reformation. revdauphinee answered on 02/22/06: I agree a church being organised on corporate logic. That can be quite dangerous if we are not very careful, paraclete rated this answer

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hOPE12 asked on 02/21/06 - Not all are serving the Creator. Hello everyone, We have lived through some very trying times in the past and many who claim to serve the Creator of the Universe have throughout history proved to be false. For Example: Recently I have asked the question about Hitler and patches that people had to wear. Now I am in the process of learning how some who claimed to be Jesus' disciples of a follower of Jesus proved false by their actions. I have learned that some "religious" leaders who claimed to have a covenant relationship with God supported Hitler. One Pope in rome made a concordat(An agreement between the pope and a government for the regulation of church affairs) with Hitler. Then in 1935, Hitler created a Minsistry for Church affairs. Hitler wanted to bring Evangelical churches under state control. My quesiton is this, how can one who claims to serve God support such a person as Hitler? It was also not just the Pope but other so called religious leaders supported him also. Wow, this is some heavy studies kids are studying in school. I am learning with them and how not all who are claiming to serve God, are. My other question is, does anyone know which Pope this was that made a concordat with Hitler? Take care, Hope12 revdauphinee answered on 02/21/06: Im not a papist but one needs to say the catholic church and the pope did much under cover in helping folks escape the natzis if the pope had come out and condemed the natzis at the time the catholics would have joined the jews in Auchwitz and the gas ovens he was quiet for a great reason he saved peoples lives. hOPE12 rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 02/20/06 - THE DEBATE RAGES ON but at least one muslim has it right "If you live here, you have to keep (extremist views) to yourself. If you cannot keep it to yourself, then leave." PM inciting hatred, says cleric By Richard Kerbaj and George Megalogenis February 21, 2006 THE spiritual leader of Australia's 300,000 Muslims yesterday accused John Howard of inflaming public hatred towards the Islamic community. Sheik Taj al-Din al-Hilaly said the Prime Minister's criticism of the extremist views held by a fragment of the Muslim Australian population had been "childish, irresponsible and uninformed". "His comments will only magnify the wave of antagonism and hate towards Muslims," the Mufti told The Australian in an interview conducted in Arabic. Sheik Hilaly said Mr Howard should take a crash course in Islam "because if a prime minister does not understand the true meaning of jihad, then how can we blame the general public for not understanding it?" Vote: Should immigrants adopt Australian values? But Mr Howard was supported yesterday by both the Labor Opposition and a moderate Muslim leader who said those who advocated terrorism had no place in Australian society. The debate was ignited by the publication yesterday of Mr Howard's long-held concerns that "raving on about jihad" by a minority of the Islamic community and the conservative attitudes towards women were two problems that Australia had not faced with previous immigrant groups. Mr Howard revealed his thoughts in an interview with The Australian for The Howard Factor, a book to be published next week to mark the 10th anniversary of his rise to power. "I stand by those comments," Mr Howard said in Sydney yesterday. "These attitudes are not typical of all Muslims but they do represent the attitudes of a small section of the Islamic population and there's no point in not saying so. "I hope it will encourage the broader Islamic community to understand that it is an issue." Prominent Melbourne cleric Sheik Fehmi Naji El-Imam conceded that there was a radical minority who should probably leave the country. "These (extremists) can be found, but the mainstream are not extremists," the imam of Preston Mosque, in Melbourne's north, said. "But we should ask why the extremist have such views. In the case of Palestine and the double standards of the West, what do you expect?" Sheik Fehmi, who is regarded as a moderate, said he understood why Muslims would fight overseas. But he said Muslim Australians had no business preaching and pursuing violence here. "It's not wrong to fight the invasion in Iraq, it's not wrong to assist the Palestinians but here (in Australia), we cannot go ahead to do some terrorist (attack) to help the people over there," Sheik Fehmi said. "If you live here, you have to keep (extremist views) to yourself. If you cannot keep it to yourself, then leave." Opposition immigration spokesman Tony Burke welcomed Mr Howard's statement, but said it was long overdue: "Finally, he's recognised that the Department of Immigration is one of the departments that's relevant to national security." Mr Burke said the deportation of Australian citizen Vivian Alvarez Solon and the detention of Cornelia Rau showed that the minister, Amanda Vanstone, had betrayed the national interest. "If you don't know who you are kicking out of the country, you don't know who you are letting in," Mr Burke said. Sheik Hilaly, head of Lakemba mosque in Sydney's southwest, said Mr Howard did not know what he was talking about. "His views on both jihad and the treatment of women in Islam are reflective of a primary school student's views," he said. He accused Mr Howard of playing politics with Muslim Australians. "The easiest way to claim public votes these days is to attack Islam and Muslims," the Mufti said. "By making such statement about Muslims, he is telling the Australian public that Muslims are different, not human beings." ---------------------------------------------- So Friends what is your response to that last statement, is talking about Muslims dehumanising them? revdauphinee answered on 02/20/06: of a small section of the Islamic population and there's no point in not saying so. have you even watched the rioting on tv lately its a mighty big "small section "" paraclete rated this answer

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arcura asked on 02/20/06 - How does this make you feel????????????????????????? Since hunger is the most primitive and permanent of human wants,men always want to eat, but since their wish not to be a mere animal is also profound, they have always attended with special care to the manners which conceal the fact that at the table we are animals feeding. - John Erskine, "The Complete Life" ><><><> Does eating plants make you feel like a grazing cow, bull, goat, sheep,horse, or elephant? Does chewing on a chunk of meat make you feel like you are living on recently killed animals like a tiger, wolf, hawk, or hyneena? Will thinking about it help you enjoy you next feast? I offer this to help brighten up your Monday. Happy dieting. LOL revdauphinee answered on 02/20/06: no eating either plants or meat bothers me not one iota since it is writen (Gen.9:3 Everything that lives and moves will be food for you. Just as I gave you the green plants, I now give you everything. ) arcura rated this answer

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arcura asked on 02/20/06 - With the massive amount of evidence how can this be? By VERONIKA OLEKSYN, Associated Press Writer 1 hour, 14 minutes ago VIENNA, Austria - Right-wing British historian David Irving pleaded guilty Monday to denying the Holocaust and was sentenced to three years in prison, even after conceding he wrongly said there were no Nazi gas chambers at the Auschwitz concentration camp. ADVERTISEMENT Irving, handcuffed and wearing a navy blue suit, arrived in court carrying a copy of one of his most controversial books � "Hitler's War," which challenges the extent of the Holocaust. "I made a mistake when I said there were no gas chambers at Auschwitz," Irving told the court before his sentencing, at which he faced up to 10 years in prison. He also expressed sorrow "for all the innocent people who died during the Second World War." But he insisted he never wrote a book about the Holocaust, which he called "just a fragment of my area of interest." "In no way did I deny the killings of millions of people by the Nazis," testified Irving, who has written nearly 30 books. Irving's lawyer immediately announced he would appeal the sentence. "I consider the verdict a little too stringent. I would say it's a bit of a message trial," Elmar Kresbach said. Irving appeared shocked as the sentence was read. Moments later, an elderly man who identified himself as a family friend called out, "Stay strong, David! Stay strong!" before he was escorted from the courtroom. Irving, 67, has been in custody since his November arrest on charges stemming from two speeches he gave in Austria in 1989 in which he was accused of denying the Nazis' extermination of 6 million Jews. He has contended that most of those who died at concentration camps such as Auschwitz succumbed to diseases such as typhus rather than execution. The court convicted Irving after his guilty plea under the 1992 law, which applies to "whoever denies, grossly plays down, approves or tries to excuse the National Socialist genocide or other National Socialist crimes against humanity in a print publication, in broadcast or other media." Irving's trial came amid new � and fierce � debate over freedom of expression in Europe, where the printing and reprinting of unflattering caricatures of the Prophet Muhammad has triggered deadly protests worldwide. Kresbach said last month the controversial Third Reich historian was getting up to 300 pieces of fan mail a week from supporters around the world and was writing his memoirs in detention under the working title "Irving's War." Irving was arrested Nov. 11 in the southern Austrian province of Styria on a warrant issued in 1989. He was charged under a federal law that makes it a crime to publicly diminish, deny or justify the Holocaust. Irving had tried to win his provisional release on $24,000 bail, but a Vienna court refused, saying it considered him a flight risk. Within two weeks of his arrest, he asserted through his lawyer that he had come to acknowledge the existence of Nazi-era gas chambers. Before the trial began, Irving told reporters he now acknowledges that the Nazis systematically slaughtered Jews during World War II. "History is like a constantly changing tree," he said. In the past, however, he has claimed that Adolf Hitler knew little if anything about the Holocaust, and he has been quoted as saying there was "not one shred of evidence" the Nazis carried out their "Final Solution" to exterminate the Jewish population on such a massive scale. Vienna's national court, where the trial is being held, ordered the balcony gallery closed to prevent projectiles from being thrown down at the bench, the newspaper Die Presse reported Sunday. It quoted officials as saying they were bracing for Irving's supporters to give him the Nazi salute or shout out pro-Hitler slogans during the trial. In 2000, Irving sued American Holocaust scholar Deborah Lipstadt for libel in a British court but lost. The presiding judge in that case, Charles Gray, wrote that Irving was "an active Holocaust denier ... anti-Semitic and racist." Irving has had numerous run-ins with the law over the years. In 1992, a judge in Germany fined him the equivalent of $6,000 for publicly insisting the Nazi gas chambers at Auschwitz were a hoax. revdauphinee answered on 02/20/06: seeing that the man is 67 he should be able to remember maybee he is suffering from amnesia ! arcura rated this answer

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arcura asked on 02/20/06 - How many here watch Lou Dobbs on CNN?................. This is from the transcript on a Lou Bobbs Tonight report regarding the USA major shipping ports. <><><><> It is astounding that President Bush chose the Port of Tampa today to defend his commitment to national security and to encourage the war against radical Islamist terrorism. It was only yesterday that his administration refused to review the deal that will hand over control of six key U.S. seaports to a company based in the United Arab emirates, a country with ties to the 9/11 terrorists. Many members of Congress today moving to complain, to criticize, and even block that deal. Bill Tucker reports. BILL TUCKER, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): Senators Clinton and Menendez are working on legislation to stop the acquisition of American Port Operations by the Dubai Ports World, but the Bush administration has already made it clear that the deal is approved and not about to be reopened. It's doubtful that this or any legislation could stop t. JIM SCHOLLAERT, MADE IN USA STRATEGIES: This legislation has all the hallmarks of an appeal to political emotions of the moment and as such probably will go nowhere. TUCKER: As some look at possible legislation, others in Congress are raising questions about the review of the deal by the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States. They note that the deal was reviewed and approved in less than a month, and that the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey was never even approached by Treasury or the Department of Homeland Security. REP. PETE KING (R), NEW YORK: Now, here's, you know, the governmental operation which runs these ports, which has a responsibility for security and maintenance, everything else -- they weren't told about it, not asked for their opinion, not asked about input whatsoever. TUCKER: In a letter to Treasury Secretary Snow, the Port Authority of New York/New Jersey wants some answers. Specifically, the Port Authority wants to know what was the review process? Was there a background investigation of DP World? Has a security review been conducted? Did Treasury or DHS prepare any reports in the application for approval filed by DP World? At the core of the concerns is the unique nature of port security. MIKE KREITZER, ELLER & CO.: The ports are guarded by, in effect, private industry, and it is troublesome to know that there may be a foreign government that takes a certain significant responsibility for that, and it's a foreign government that comes from a place in the world where there is great social unrest. TUCKER: Kreitzer represent a company, which is currently in a 50/50 joint venture with P&L. His company was never questioned by the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States. TUCKER: Now, today the vice foreign minister issued the following statement, quote, "I understand the debate in the U.S. on the issue, but we would like to emphasize that we have been a strong ally of the United States in combating terrorism and will remain so," end quote -- Lou. DOBBS: Peter King bringing the chairman of the House Committee, Homeland Security Committee, bringing this to the attention, being simply swatted away by the Bush administration. Senators Menendez and Clinton saying they're going to introduce legislation to stop it. It's extraordinary that with this level of complaint within both the Republican and Democratic Parties that the White House is absolutely deaf on this issue. TUCKER: Well, the White House clearly thinks they can get away with it. And legislation is going to have to pass the desk of the president and he obviously feels like he's got a veto-proof way to approve the deal. <><><> Do you think American citizens should speak out about this irrational shipping port deal? I have. Will you? revdauphinee answered on 02/20/06: have done AND WILL CONTINUE TO DO SO! arcura rated this answer

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hOPE12 asked on 02/20/06 - Being different and yet needing the same comfort: Hello Everyone, Being that we are all from different cultures and races and religions, I was wondering how one beliefs and faith, helps them to cope with problems in their life. For instance, how does your faith and religious beleifs help you to cope with old age, and the horrific things going on around us each day. All comments are welcome. Take care, Hope12 revdauphinee answered on 02/20/06: the promice of my Jesus gives me something to look forward too other than just death! hOPE12 rated this answer

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hOPE12 asked on 02/20/06 - Holocaust Facts: Hello Everyone, During the time of the Nazi era, certain patches were worn by certain people who were captive. What were the different patches and why were they worn, what did they signify? Take care, Hope12 revdauphinee answered on 02/20/06: yellow arm bands so that they could be identified as jews I was there! hOPE12 rated this answer

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Chilloutinparis asked on 02/20/06 - ANGER OVER PROPOSED SALE OF US PORTS TO UNITED ARAB EMIRATES Internal espionage on American citizens is not enough � Bush has approved the sale of the busiest ports in the US to the United Arab Emirates. Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff said safeguards are built into the port deal, however given the �excellence of performance� [tongue in check statement] during the 2005 hurricane season fiasco which destroyed many lives, credibility of both Bush as well as Chertoff is highly improbable. These ports are in Baltimore, New York, New Jersey, New Orleans, Miami, and Philadelphia. This is very disturbing. What do you think is behind this possibly dangerous step? Read all about it at: WASHINGTON (CNN) -- The Bush administration needs to show Congress why national security won't be hurt by a deal that gives a company based in the United Arab Emirates management of six major U.S. ports, former Homeland Security Secretary Tom Ridge said Monday. http://www.cnn.com/2006/POLITICS/02/20/port.security/index.html THE NEW YORK SUN Tide of Opposition to Port Deal Swells Despite Assurances That It is Safe http://www.nysun.com/article/27800 McClellan: Port deal OK with Bush Spokesman says Arab takeover went through security agencies. http://www.worldnetdaily.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=48867 Lawmakers Push for New Review Of Port Deal Amid Security Fears By GREG HITT February 17, 2006; Page A4 http://www.worldnetdaily.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=48867 US lawmakers call for review of Dubai port deal This United Arab Emirates government-owned and operated company could be perfectly qualified to operate ports around the world, but the question that needs to be answered is whether or not they can be trusted to operate our ports in this post 9-11 world," Schumer said. http://www.breitbart.com/news/2006/02/16/060216174136.zov4zxal.html KHALEEJ TIMES ONLINE White House urged to reconsider port deal with DP World (AP) http://www.khaleejtimes.com/DisplayArticle.asp?xfile=data/business/2006/February/business_February379.xml§ion=business revdauphinee answered on 02/20/06: like I said in a previous posting its putting the fox in charge of the hen house! Chilloutinparis rated this answer

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excon asked on 02/20/06 - Israel and Hamas Hello Christians: Let�s say that you have a contract with a company to supply your company with widjits. The widjits are good and you pay on time. All of a sudden, the widjit company is sold to the man who raped your daughter, and got off. You�re looking for another source for your widjits, when the rapist threatens to kill your wife if you stop doing business with him. What should you do? excon revdauphinee answered on 02/20/06: the question rather should be why we are complaining about hamas did we not promote democracy in the area?does not democracy mean people can vote in whoom they wish?the people of the area voted them in sometimes when you get what you want you may find you dont want it after all! ATON2 rated this answer excon rated this answer tomder55 rated this answer

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ROLCAM asked on 02/20/06 - Origins ?? Question 2: The word "Bible" originally comes from: A: Greek B: Latin C: Aramaic D: Hebrew revdauphinee answered on 02/20/06: A ROLCAM rated this answer

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ROLCAM asked on 02/20/06 - WHAT YEAR ? Question 1: In what year was the King James Version of the Bible first printed? A: 1600 B: 1611 C: 1656 D: 1684 revdauphinee answered on 02/20/06: B ROLCAM rated this answer

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arcura asked on 02/20/06 - Where will G. D. Bush fit in????????????? And the top 10 worst presidential blunders are... Buchanan tops poll, Clinton scrapes in LOUISVILLE, Kentucky (AP) -- From engaging in sexual relations with an intern to letting the Vietnam War escalate, U.S. presidents have been blamed for some egregious errors. So who had the worst blunder? President James Buchanan, for failing to avert the Civil War, according to a survey of presidential historians organized by the University of Louisville's McConnell Center. The survey's top 10 presidential blunders were announced Saturday during a President's Day weekend conference called "Presidential Moments." "We can probably learn just as much -- or maybe even more -- by looking at the mistakes rather than looking at why they were great," said political scientist and McConnell Center Director Gary Gregg. Scholars who participated said Buchanan did not do enough to oppose efforts by Southern states to secede from the Union before the Civil War. The second worst mistake, the survey found, was Andrew Johnson's decision just after the Civil War to side with Southern whites and oppose improvements in justice for Southern blacks beyond abolishing slavery. "We continue to pay" for Johnson's errors, wrote Michael Les Benedict, an Ohio State University history professor emeritus. Lyndon Johnson earned the No. 3 spot by allowing the Vietnam War to intensify, Gregg said. Where does Bill Clinton's Monica Lewinsky scandal rank? Many scholars said it belonged at No. 10, saying that it probably affected Clinton's presidency more than it did American history and the public. The rest of the top 10 blunders: 4: Woodrow Wilson's refusal to compromise on the Treaty of Versailles after World War I. 5: Richard Nixon's involvement in the Watergate cover-up. 6: James Madison's failure to keep the United States out of the War of 1812 with Britain. 7: Thomas Jefferson's Embargo Act of 1807, a self-imposed prohibition on trade with Europe during the Napoleonic Wars. 8: John F. Kennedy allowing the Bay of Pigs Invasion that led to the Cuban Missile Crisis. 9: Ronald Reagan and the Iran-Contra Affair, the effort to sell arms to Iran and use the money to finance an armed anti-communist group in Nicaragua. Will history say Bush's Iraq war was a major blunder? revdauphinee answered on 02/20/06: that and his secrecy and lies to the people arcura rated this answer

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curious98 asked on 02/19/06 - Has racism really really disappeared in the States? An Associated Press release: Officials: Tape Shows Fla. Boy Beaten Before Death at Camp By BRENT KALLESTAD The Associated Press TALLAHASSEE -- A videotape shows guards brutally beating a boy at a military-style boot camp for juvenile delinquents in Panama City not long before the teenager died, two lawmakers said Thursday. The state refuses to release the tape to the public, but the Bay County sheriff on Thursday characterized the lawmakers' description of it as overblown and blasted the two lawmakers as "loose cannon politicians" interfering with his investigation. Martin Lee Anderson, 14, of Panama City, died Jan. 6 at Sacred Heart Hospital in Pensacola. The youngster collapsed after he complained of breathing problems while doing exercises that were part of intake procedures at the camp. The Bay County sheriff's office has said officers restrained him after he became uncooperative. State Rep. Gus Barreiro, R-Miami Beach, called the videotape "horrific," saying he had "never seen any kid being brutalized . . . the way I saw this young man being brutalized. "Even toward the end of the videotape, where you could just see there was pretty much nothing left of Martin, they came out with a couple cups of water and splashed him in the face," he said. "When you see stuff like that, you want to go through the TV and say, `Enough is enough. Please stop hitting this kid.' " A lawyer for the family, Ben Crump, said the guards would force ammonia tablets up Anderson's nose in efforts to keep the youth conscious. "We can never ever let anything like this happen again, and if we don't get this videotape out, people will never know the truth," said Crump, who demanded the tape's release on behalf of the family at a Panama City news conference Thursday. "Police brutality is unacceptable at any time." "I don't think there's any question there was excessive force," said Rep. Dan Gelber, a Democrat from Miami Beach and former federal prosecutor familiar with custody cases, who also viewed the videotape. "I think (the public is) going to be shocked at the treatment of this kid and the lack of attention that was paid to his core health needs," Gelber said. "This is a relatively small kid with a half a dozen of pretty strong men, and he seemed to be phasing in and out of consciousness." Sheriff Frank McKeithen issued a prepared statement accusing Barreiro and Gelber of overreacting with "irresponsible, premature and incorrect statements" that "add fuel to an already volatile situation." Bay County authorities and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement have refused to make the tape of the incident public, but Barreiro and Gelber said it would be released soon. Associated Press reporters David Heller in Tallahassee and Melissa Nelson in Panama City contributed to this report. Would the Florida governor such a good Christian as his brother claims to be? Curious98 revdauphinee answered on 02/20/06: i lost respect for florida after the shrivo case! curious98 rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 02/19/06 - Is the American agenda idolatrous? The WCC claimed today that american programs are idolatrous Churches lambast US over Iraq, environment February 19, 2006 - 11:25AM Page 1 of 2 A coalition of American churches sharply denounced the US-led war in Iraq on Saturday, accusing Washington of "raining down terror" and apologising to other nations for "the violence, degradation and poverty our nation has sown". The statement, issued from Porto Alegre, Brazil, at the largest gathering of Christian churches in nearly a decade, also warned the US was pushing the world toward environmental catastrophe with a "culture of consumption" and its refusal to back international accords seeking to battle global warming. "We lament with special anguish the war in Iraq, launched in deception and violating global norms of justice and human rights," said the statement from representatives of the 34 US members of World Council of Churches. "We mourn all who have died or been injured in this war. We acknowledge, with shame, abuses carried out in our name." The World Council of Churches includes more than 350 mainline Protestant, Anglican and Orthodox churches; the Roman Catholic Church is not a member. The US groups in the WCC include the Episcopal Church, the Presbyterian Church (USA), the United Methodist Church, several Orthodox churches and Baptist denominations, among others. The statement is part of widening religious pressure on the Bush administration, which still counts on the support of evangelical churches and other conservative denominations but is widely unpopular with liberal-minded Protestant congregations. On Friday, the US National Council of Churches - which includes many WCC members - released a letter appealing to Washington to close the Guantanamo Bay detention facility and saying reports of alleged torture violated "the fundamental Christian belief in the dignity of the human person". The two-page statement from the WCC group came at the midpoint of a 10-day meeting of more than 4000 religious leaders, scholars and activists discussing trends and goals for major Christian denominations for the coming decades. The WCC's last global assembly was in 1998 in Zimbabwe - just four months after one of the first major al-Qaeda terrorist acts: twin bombings at US embassies in Kenya and Tanzania. "Our country responded (to the September 11, 2001 attacks) by seeking to reclaim a privileged and secure place in the world, raining down terror on the truly vulnerable among our global neighbours ... entering into imperial projects that seek to dominate and control for the sake of national interests," said the statement. "Nations have been demonised and God has been enlisted in national agendas that are nothing short of idolatrous." The Very Reverend Leonid Kishkovsky, the moderator for the US group of WCC members, said the letter was backed by the leaders of the churches, but was not cleared by lower-level bodies. He predicted friction within congregations about the tone of the message. "There is much internal anguish and there is division," said Kishkovsky, ecumenical officer of the Orthodox Church of America. "I believe church leaders and communities are wrestling with the moral questions that this letter is addressing." The Reverend Sharon Watkins, president of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), worried that some may interpret the statement as undermining US troops in Iraq. "We honour their courage and sense of duty, but ... we, as people of faith, have to say to our brothers and sisters, 'We are so profoundly sorry.'" The message also accused US officials of ignoring warnings about climate change and treating the world's "finite resources as if they are private possessions." It went on to criticise US domestic policies for refusing to confront racism and poverty. "Hurricane Katrina revealed to the world those left behind in our own nation by the rupture of our social contract," said the statement. The churches said they had "grown heavy with guilt" for not doing enough to speak out against the Iraq war and other issues. The statement asked forgiveness for a world that's "grown weary from the violence, degradation and poverty our nation has sown." AP revdauphinee answered on 02/20/06: Just one more reason I refuse to join an organised church! paraclete rated this answer

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arcura asked on 02/19/06 - Why are the riots getting bloodier? And why are they not getting less frequent? <><><>+++<><><> At Least 15 Die in Nigeria Cartoon Protest By NJADVARA MUSA, Associated Press Writer 54 minutes ago Nigerian Muslims protesting caricatures of the Prophet Muhammad attacked Christians and burned churches on Saturday, killing at least 15 people in the deadliest confrontation yet in the whirlwind of Muslim anger over the drawings. It was the first major protest to erupt over the issue in Africa's most populous nation. An Associated Press reporter saw mobs of Muslim protesters swarm through the city center with machetes, sticks and iron rods. One group threw a tire around a man, poured gas on him and set him ablaze. In Libya, the parliament suspended the interior minister after at least 11 people died when his security forces attacked rioters who torched the Italian consulate in Benghazi. Right-wing Italian Reforms Minister Roberto Calderoli resigned under pressure, accused of fueling the fury in Benghazi by wearing a T-shirt emblazoned with one of the offending cartoons, first published in September in a Danish newspaper. Danish church officials met with a top Muslim cleric in Cairo, meanwhile, but made no significant headway in defusing the conflict. And in what has become a daily event, tens of thousands of Muslims protested � this time in Britain, Pakistan and Austria � to denounce the perceived insult. On Sunday, some 400 protesters pelted the U.S. Embassy in Indonesia with rocks, tomatoes and eggs. They burned U.S. flags and smashed the windows of a guard post before dispersing. But it was in Nigeria, where mutual suspicions between Christians and Muslims have led to thousands of deaths in recent years, that tensions boiled over into sectarian violence. Thousands of rioters burned 15 churches in Maiduguri in a three-hour rampage before troops and police reinforcements restored order, Nigerian police spokesman Haz Iwendi said. Iwendi said security forces arrested dozens of people in the city about 1,000 miles northeast of the capital, Lagos. Chima Ezeoke, a Christian Maiduguri resident, said protesters attacked and looted shops owned by minority Christians, most of them with origins in the country's south. "Most of the dead were Christians beaten to death on the streets by the rioters," Ezeoke said. Witnesses said three children and a priest were among those killed. revdauphinee answered on 02/20/06: Why are the riots getting bloodier? a)because the mullars and religious leaders in the islamic world are preaching to incite ! arcura rated this answer

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Pete_Hanysz asked on 02/18/06 - Christian principles As an agnostic, who first came to these boards 5 years ago to learn more about Christianity, who should I be trusting to give me the truth about Christ ?? Acura, Aton or Tex? Please don't "pussyfoot" with your answers. revdauphinee answered on 02/18/06: none of the above you seem like an intelegent fellow why not try just reading scripture!where better to get truth but from the author of that truth? ATON2 rated this answer Chilloutinparis rated this answer Pete_Hanysz rated this answer tomder55 rated this answer

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ATON2 asked on 02/18/06 - The real ACLU!!! This one is partuclarly for revdauphinee and others like her who have NO understanding of what the ACLU is all about: NOTE: please ignore typos as I am NOT cutting and pasting. ACLU's DEFENSE OF RELIGIOUS LIBERTY The right of each and every American t practice his or her own religon, or NO religion at all, is among the most fundamental of the freedoms guaanteed by the Bill of Rights. The Constitutions's framers understood very well that religious liberty can flourish only if the government LEAVE RELIGION ALONE. The American Civil Liberties Union has a long history of working to ensue that relgious liberty is protected. From the famous Scopes trial, in which the ACLU challanged a Tennesssee law prohibiting the teaching of evoluiton in schools to the current Ten Comnmandments case before the Supreme Court, the ACLU remains committed to keeping the governement OUT of the religon business and protecting every American's right to beleive as he or she wishes. Recent ACLU involvements in religious liberty cases include: September 20,2005: ACLU of New Jersey joins lawsuit supporting second-grader's right to sing "Awesome GOD' at a talent show. August 4,2005: ACLU helps free a New Mexico street preacher from prison. May 25, 2005: ACLU sues Wisconsin prison on behalf of a Muslim woman who was forced to remove her headscarf in front of male guards and prisoners. February 2005: ACLU of Pennsylvania successfully defends the right of an African American EVANGELICAL Church to occupy a church building purchased in a predominantly white parrish. December 22, 2004: ACLU of New Jersey successfully defends right of RELIGIOUS expresssion by jurors. December 14, 2004: ACLU Joins Pennsylvania parents in filing first-ever challenge to "Intelligent Design" instruction in public schools. NOvember 20, 2004: ACLU of Nevada supports free speech rights of EVANGELISTS to preach on the sidewalks of the strip in Las Vegas. November 12, 2004: ACLU of Georgia fles a lawsuit on behalf of parents challenging evolution disclaimers in science textbooks. November 9, 2004: ACLU of Nevada defends a MORMON student who was suspended after wearing a T-shirt with a religous message to school. August 11, 2004: ACLU of Nebraska defnds church facing eviction by the city of Lincoln. July 10, 2004: Indiana Civil Liberties Union defends the rights of a BAPTIST MINISTER to preach his message in public streets. June 9, 2004: ACLU of Nebraska files a lawsuit on behalf of a Muslim woman barred from a public pool because she refused to exchange her clothing and wear a swimsuit. (Muslim women do NOT wear bathing costumes but bathe fully clothed). June 3, 2004. Under pressure from the ACLU of Virginia, officals agree NOT to prohibit baptisms on public property in FAlmouth Waterside Park in Stafford County. May ll, 2004: After ACLU of Michigan intevened on behalf of a CHRISTIAN VALEDICTORIAN, a public school agrees to stop censoring religous yearbook entries. March 25, 2004; ACLU of Washington defends an EVANGELICAL MINISTER's right to preach on sidewalks. February 21,2003: ACLU of Massachusetts defends students punished for distributing candy canes with religious messages. October 28, 2002: ACLU of Pennsylvania files discrimination lawsuit over denial of zoning permits for AFRICAN AMERICAN BAPTIST CHURCH. July 11,2002: ACLU supports right of Iowa students to distribute CHRISTIAN literature at school. April 17, 2002: In a victory for the REV. JERRY FALWELL AND THE ACLU of Virginia, a federal judge strikes down a provision of the Virginia Constitution that bans religious organizaitons from incorporationg. January 18,2002: ACLU defends CHRISTIAN church's right to run 'anti-Santa' ads in Boston Subways. ______________________________________________________ Any non-biased researcher will find the same defense of religious freedoms for EVERY year of the ACLU's existence.....So you Christians who are bad-mouthing the group that is protecting YOUR RIGHTS to Freedom of Speech, are simply trying to cut off your noses to spite your faces :) :) :) LOOK FOR THE TRUTH, AND THE TRUTH SHALL MAKE YOU FREE!!!!!!!!! lol revdauphinee answered on 02/18/06: sory Im with Tex on this one,I knew it wouldnt last Aton Im so sory LOL arcura rated this answer ATON2 rated this answer Tex78 rated this answer

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Erewhon asked on 02/18/06 - Bush Hides U.S. Report Card In Sock Drawer CRAWFORD, TX�According to White House sources, following yet another disappointing grading period for the nation he leads, President Bush hid the national report card in his bedroom sock drawer Monday. "We, as a nation, got a D in international relations, a D in economics, and an F in military history," Bush reportedly said. "We must work hard to make sure no one finds out about this." Critics say the report-card-hiding effort is immature, and point out that the sock drawer is the first place The New York Times will look. revdauphinee answered on 02/18/06: What is sad is the awfull pr job this administration has done for the US in the rest of the world!we are fast becoming universaly hated everywhere as arogant Americans !if he truly wants world peace as he claims he needs to look at his international policies!I as an emigrant love America I dont love what the bush administration is doing to Her! CeeBee2 rated this answer Erewhon rated this answer Tex78 rated this answer

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excon asked on 02/18/06 - The ACLU Hello Christians: Some of you hate the ACLU. Why? Do you know what it does? Or do you know what somebody tells you it does? Do you think the ACLU is a government agency? Do you think the ACLU gets financial support from the government? Do you know what the initials ACLU mean? Come on. Answer first - THEN look at what everybody else said. It's ok if you don't know much about the ACLU. I hate any organization that includes the words "family" or "values" in their name, and I don't know anything about them either. excon revdauphinee answered on 02/18/06: I know a lot about the aclu I also know they stand for everyting I dont as for what the initials stand for I also know what they say they do but i have my own interpretation "The Anti Christian Lawyers Union"since they are against anything Christian! excon rated this answer Tex78 rated this answer

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arcura asked on 02/17/06 - Cleric: $1 Million to Kill Cartoonist.................. by RIAZ KHAN, Associated Press Writer 2 hours, 12 minutes ago PESHAWAR, Pakistan - A Pakistani cleric announced Friday a $1 million bounty for killing a cartoonist who drew Prophet Muhammad, as thousands joined street protests and Denmark temporarily closed its embassy and advised its citizens to leave the country. Police confined the former leader of an Islamic militant group to his home to prevent him from addressing supporters over the cartoons, amid fears he could incite violence, after riots this week killed five people. See the rest of the news item here: http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20060217/ap_on_re_mi_ea/prophet_drawings Do you wonder if any Rabbi will offer a million $$$$ to kill the those who draw cartoons making fun of or ridiculing Jews? revdauphinee answered on 02/18/06: Aton send me an e mail and ill give you the adress to send the credit card to LOL! arcura rated this answer ATON2 rated this answer

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arcura asked on 02/17/06 - Cleric: $1 Million to Kill Cartoonist.................. by RIAZ KHAN, Associated Press Writer 2 hours, 12 minutes ago PESHAWAR, Pakistan - A Pakistani cleric announced Friday a $1 million bounty for killing a cartoonist who drew Prophet Muhammad, as thousands joined street protests and Denmark temporarily closed its embassy and advised its citizens to leave the country. Police confined the former leader of an Islamic militant group to his home to prevent him from addressing supporters over the cartoons, amid fears he could incite violence, after riots this week killed five people. See the rest of the news item here: http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20060217/ap_on_re_mi_ea/prophet_drawings Do you wonder if any Rabbi will offer a million $$$$ to kill the those who draw cartoons making fun of or ridiculing Jews? revdauphinee answered on 02/17/06: wish i had a million!LOL arcura rated this answer ATON2 rated this answer

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HANK1 asked on 02/17/06 - JUST WONDERING ... ... if we should establish a BLACK-STAR community on this Board that would be made up of contrarians, one-line responders, wise guys, doom and gloomers and those who say something JUST to be heard? I have read many good answers to questions that receive black stars. Uncalled for! The Experts and Users should receive at least two stars just for taking the time to answer a question! HANK revdauphinee answered on 02/17/06: Ive said it before and Ill say it once more stars mean nothing other than the fact someone may have read what u posted when I start getting cash back for stars ill start worrying about how many I get! arcura rated this answer ATON2 rated this answer HANK1 rated this answer Pete_Hanysz rated this answer

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Erewhon asked on 02/17/06 - Howe about this lot for a 'new religion'? LAW OF THE LAND Boy Scouts 'a religion'? Attorneys for group battle agnostics over lease of public land Posted: February 16, 2006 1:00 a.m. Eastern By Rees Lloyd � 2006 WorldNetDaily.com Arguments in a major Boy Scouts case unfolding in Pasadena, Calif., before a three-judge panel of the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals � a case that is certain to be headed for the Supreme Court -- centered on the contention that the revered organization is actually a religion and should therefore not be given a lease of public land. The case was brought by self-declared agnostics Lori and Lynn Barnes-Wallace and Michael and Valerie Breen, along with a son of each, in protest of a lease of parkland in Balboa Park and Fiesta Island by the city of San Diego to the Boy Scouts of America. The agnostics sued the city on a claim that the lease to the Boy Scouts � out of more than 100 leases, including to the YMCA, a number of Jewish groups, one of which conducts Sabbath services on parkland, and the Girl Scouts � violates the Establishment of Religion Clause of the First Amendment, and that they are suffering "inferior usage" thereby because they don't want to have to apply for permits, or pay usage fees, to the BSA. The case is Barnes-Wallace, et al. v. Boy Scouts of America, Nos. 04-55732, 04-56167. A federal judge in San Diego granted the summary judgment to the agnostics, finding that the Boy Scouts are a "religion" because of the Boy Scout Oath, which includes doing one's duty to "God and my country," and the Boy Scout Law, which includes "reverence" as one of 12 precepts. Also, the Scouts require a belief in God as a condition of membership. The city itself is not part of the appeal. It settled with the American Civil Liberties Union to avoid further expense, agreeing to terminate the lease and to give the ACLU $940,000 in attorney fees. The appeal continues since the Boy Scouts, if they prevail, want to be able to contract for a lease with the city again. The case has drawn national attention because the federal judge's finding that the BSA is "a religion" imperils the future work of not only the Boy Scouts, but all organizations that recognize a transcendent higher authority, including community service organizations like Rotary and Kiwanis, Alcoholics Anonymous, which works directly with the courts and government, and veterans organizations like the American Legion, whose constitutional preamble begins "For God and Country," almost identical to the Boy Scouts Oath. "If the Boy Scouts are 'a religion,' so are we in the American Legion. Is the ACLU going to sue our 2.7 million wartime veteran members next, claiming we, too, are 'religion'? Are they going to sue to destroy the religious symbols at our veterans' memorials on public property? The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier? Our work in Boys State, Boys Nation, with the government? Our Oratorical Contests with schools?" a Legionnaire asked after Tuesday's court session. The crucial cultural question of who or what "is a religion" was argued by lawyers for the parties and submitted for decision to three lawyers sitting as Ninth Circuit Justices: William C. Canby, Andrew J. Kleinfeld and Marsha Berzon. Mark Danis, lawyer for the agnostics, argued that the Boy Scouts are "a religion," and the lease to the BSA therefore violates the Establishment Clause because the agreement "aids" religion. The Boy Scouts pay only $1 a year, as do, apparently, all the other nonprofit groups that have leases on parklands. George P. Davidson, BSA lawyer, argued that the Scouts are "not a religion," but an organization dedicated to helping youth build moral and ethical character, which mission the BSA believes needs a belief in God and reverence as a necessary component. He emphasized that the BSA is "not sectarian;" has no creed, in the sense of a systematic theology or religious doctrine; expressly directs Scouts that any religious instruction should be by their parents and self-chosen religious affiliations; and that the Scouts include boys of many religions, including Christians, Jews, Muslims and others. Davidson argued that the city isn't aiding the Scouts within the meaning of the law. Rather, the city is benefiting from the deal because it requires the BSA, in lieu of rent, to build, maintain and operate the facilities at its own expense. He stated the Boy Scouts have already spent some $1.7 million on capital improvements to the property and expend over $150,000 annually in operating expenses. The attorney also referred the court to the friend-of-the-court brief filed by the Thomas Beckett Fund. John C. Eastman, Chapman University law professor, joined Davidson at the counsel table to be available for questions, but did not argue due to the 30-minute time limit allowed for argument. Eric W. Treene, special counsel for religious discrimination at the U.S. Department of Justice, filed a brief and argued the case as friend of the court in defense of the Boy Scouts. Treene discussed all the leading cases on the Establishment Clause and judicial tests for what constitutes a "religion" or impermissible "aid" to religion, and argued that the Boy Scouts are not under those precedents "a religion," nor is the organization being "aided" unconstitutionally by the lease. "This is a value-for-value agreement," he argued. "The city is exchanging use of the land by the BSA in exchange for the capital improvements and the operating expense which the BSA is absorbing at its own, and not the city's, expense." Justice Berzon asked no questions about how it is that the Scouts are a religion, but sharply questioned the BSA's lawyers on why the lease is not impermissible "aid" under the California Constitution, rather than the federal Establishment Clause. She also asked why the case shouldn't be certified to the California Supreme Court. Berzon also did a bit of lawyering for the agnostics' attorney, questioning why he hadn't raise a legal theory that Berzon felt would be more effective in attacking the Boy Scouts, but had not been raised in the lower court. Generally, a theory not raised in the lower court cannot be raised in the first instance in the Court of Appeal. Notwithstanding, Berzon pressed the question of her theory, receiving in response a stutter, then acknowledgment the theory hadn't been raised in favor of others that were. Davidson countered Berzon's observations, arguing that there is no "aid" as the BSA is not receiving any taxpayer funds nor material, and its use of the parkland is conditioned upon its making millions of dollars in improvements and operating expenses, relieving the city of those expenses. Justices Kleinfeld and Canby, on the issue of "aid," questioned agnostics' counsel Danis if there was any amount of money the BSA could pay to improve the property that would negate the claim of aid. "If the Scouts paid, say, $100,000,000, far more than the value of the use of the land or its value � would that satisfy your clients?" asked Canby. "No," answered Danis, arguing that the lease by the city would be "aid" to religion, i.e., the Scouts, no matter how much the BSA paid and how much more value it provided to the city than it received. Kleinfeld said he was troubled by that response and the issue of legal "standing" of the agnostics to challenge the lease. Noting that there was no evidence that the Scouts had ever excluded anyone who sought a use permit, including "� gays, lesbians, atheists, anyone," and that the agnostic plaintiffs had never sought or been denied a permit to use the facilities, he asked: "How can they claim injury in fact?" Danis conceded it was true that his clients had never applied for nor been denied use of the facilities. However, he argued their constitutional injury is that they are suffering "inferior use" because they find it offensive to have to submit a permit application, and to pay usage fees, "to the Boy Scouts." Because of the importance of the case, numerous briefs were filed as amicus curiae (friend of the court). Present in court, although not arguing, were attorneys for organizations that had filed amicus briefs. Those supporting the agnostics were the Unitarian/Universalist Church Association by attorney Eric Isaacson of San Diego. Supporting the Boy Scouts were the Thomas Beckett Fund and attorney John C. Eastman, director of the Center for Constitutional Jurisprudence at Chapman University School of Law; the Individual Rights Foundation by attorney Paul A. Hoffman; and the American Legion, by Paul Rosenzweig, Esq., of the Heritage Foundation with National Judge Advocate Philip B. Onderdonk Jr. serving of counsel. Whatever the Ninth Circuit rules, it appears certain the case will go to the U.S. Supreme Court. No attorney on either side had an answer to the question put by reporters at a press conference following oral argument: "How will the Ninth Circuit rule?" On the other hand, no member of the press could answer one attending attorney's question to them: "Why should the judiciary 'rule' at all, in a democratic republic, on such a core cultural question as to what constitutes 'a religion' in America? That is, why should three unelected lawyers sitting as judges, or perhaps nine unelected lawyers on the Supreme Court, 'rule,' instead of a decision being made by deliberations and vote by elected representatives after procedures in which citizens have an opportunity to be heard?" "Hmm, that's very interesting. I'll have to think about that," politely responded one reporter as he gathered gear to scurry off to make deadline for the early news television broadcast. QUESTION: What do you think of describing the Boy Scouts organisation as a 'religion.'? revdauphinee answered on 02/17/06: just more nonesence from the Anti Christian Legal Union!wonder what they do if we decided Atheism a religion it seeems if you have one if you believe in anything then why not if you believe in nothing? Erewhon rated this answer

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ATON2 asked on 02/16/06 - Truth prevails!!!! This just in: CHENEY SAYS SHOOTING OF FELLOW HUNTER WAS BASED ON FAULTY INTELLIGENCE!!! "Vice President Dick Cheney revealed today that he shot a fellow hunter while on a quail hunting trip, over the weekend, because he believed the man was the fugitive terror mastermind Ayman al-Zawahiri. Mr. Cheney acknowledged that the man he sprayed with pellets on Saturday was NOT al-Zawahiri but rather Harry Whittington, a 78-year old millionaire lawyer from Austin, blaming the mix-up on "faulty intelligence". "I believed I had credible intelligence that al-Zawahiri had inflitrated my hunting party in disguise with the intent of spraying ME with pellets," Mr. Cheney told reporters. "Only after I shot Harry in the face and he shouted: 'Cheney, you bastard', did I realize that this intelligence was faulty." Moments after Mr. Cheney's assault on Mr. Whittington, Mr. al-Zawahiri appeared in a new videotape broadcast on al-Jezeera to announce that he was uninjured in the Vice President's attack because, in his words; 'I was in Pakistan'. An aide to the Vice President said he believed that the American people would believe Mr. Cheney's version of events, but added: "If he was going to shoot any of his cronies, right now, it's a shame it wasn't Jack Abramoff." At the White House, President George W. Bush defended his Vice President's shooting of a fellow hunter, saying that the attack sent "a strong message to terroristst everywhere." "The message is, if Dick Cheney is willing to shoot an innocent American citizen at point blank range, imagine what he'll do to YOU." Mr. Bush said. _------------------------ THE TRUTH WILL OUT, COME HELL OR HIGH WATER :) :) :) revdauphinee answered on 02/17/06: ROFL but do you realy think the truth will ever out???? ATON2 rated this answer

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Erewhon asked on 02/16/06 - Worrying Trend in the Bush Administration's Treatment of Whistleblowers! A surge in whistle-blowing ... and reprisals Congress eyes tricky question of blowing the whistle in wartime. By Gail Russell Chaddock | Staff writer of The Christian Science Monitor WASHINGTON � Dissent often carries a price in official Washington, especially in the war years of the Bush presidency. Since the Sept. 11 attacks, the number of insiders alleging wrongdoing in government - either through whistle-blower channels or directly to the press - has surged, as have reprisals against them. That's the message from this week's congressional hearing on protections for national security whistle-blowers - the first in more than a decade. "The system is broken," says Rep. Christopher Shays (R) of Connecticut, who chaired the House Government Affairs subcommittee hearing. Disclosures of flawed prewar intelligence, secret prisons and prisoner abuse, and warrantless surveillance by the National Security Agency have launched a debate on the conduct of the war on terror within Congress and the American public. Critics say some of those disclosures also compromised national security. "At the Central Intelligence Agency, we are more than holding our own in the global war on terrorism, but we are at risk of losing a key battle: the battle to protect our classified information," wrote CIA director Porter Goss in The New York Times last Friday. The struggle over dissent in dangerous times is not confined to national security matters, however. It appears to be settling deeper into the federal bureaucracy, where government scientists and even analysts at the scholarly Congressional Research Service - who are not actually blowing any whistles but who are staking out positions that deviate from the administration's - report efforts to control their contact with the press and public. If whistle-blowers and others "do not see an option for dissent within the system, then the system is in bad shape," says Steven Aftergood, director of the Project on Government Secrecy at the Federation of American Scientists. "Secrecy has become a growth industry.... It makes it harder for ordinary citizens ... to ask questions ... and to hold officials accountable." The lips-stay-sealed climate is felt most acutely, at least these days, by those in national-security fields. Indeed, a Justice Department investigation is under way to discover who divulged the existence of warrantless eavesdropping by the NSA - a probe that may yield criminal charges against the individuals responsible. Richard Levernier is one who went public with his security concerns - and feels he's paid a heavy price. He first reported security breaches at the Department of Energy's nuclear weapons sites to management. Seeing no changes, he released an unclassified report to the media. While government investigators found his concerns credible, he lost his security clearance. Four years later, he's unemployed and, he says, unemployable. "I spent my whole life in the nuclear security business. And you can't get a key to the men's room without a clearance," says Mr. Levernier, one of five whistle-blowers who spoke Tuesday before the Subcommittee on National Security, Emerging Threats, and International Relations. Army Spc. Samuel Provance was demoted after disobeying an order not to speak to the press about prisoner mistreatment at Abu Ghraib in Iraq. "Young soldiers were scapegoated, while superiors misrepresented what had happened.... I was ashamed and embarrassed to be associated with it," he told the House panel. Lt. Col. Anthony Shaffer lost his security clearance after testifying to the 9/11 Commission and Congress about Operation Able Danger, a program that he says tagged four 9/11 hijackers before the attacks. Former FBI special agent Michael German and former intelligence officer Russell Tice also testified that they felt they'd been retaliated against for speaking out about problems, and both lost their security clearances. "Security clearance revocation is the new harassment of choice against national security workers," says Thomas Devine, legal director for the Government Accountability Project, a nonprofit public-interest law firm in Washington that assists whistle-blowers. While federal workers have had whistle-blower protection since 1989, a 1999 US court ruling requires these workers to have irrefutable evidence of waste, fraud, or abuse to be eligible for protection. Last year, House and Senate committees each passed bills that strengthened protections for whistle-blowers, but neither bill has come to the floor for a vote. Only the Senate version includes national security whistle-blowers. Outside the realm of national security, James Hansen, the top climate scientist at NASA, spoke out about efforts by the NASA press office to screen his speeches and limit his contact with the press. In response, Rep. Sherwood Boehlert (R) of New York, chairman of the House Science Committee, backed Dr. Hansen. "Good science cannot long persist in an atmosphere of intimidation," he wrote to NASA administrator Michael Griffin. Mr. Griffin e-mailed all NASA employees, affirming that staff should not alter, filter, or adjust scientific work. But Hansen says the issue is not yet resolved, citing a pending investigation by the House Energy and Commerce Committee challenging the scholarship of other scientists working on global warming. When lawmakers on the House panel asked what other issues they should heed, watchdog groups cited the case of Louis Fisher, a senior analyst at Congressional Research Service. His office door is papered with book jackets from his works, many of them on congressional-executive relations. When Mr. Fisher spoke publicly about a report he wrote on national security whistle-blowers, CRS managers warned him not to take positions on issues before Congress. "CRS researchers are instructed from the time they're hired that their role is an educative one, not an advocative one," Daniel Mulhollan, CRS director, wrote in an e-mail statement. "If CRS is to serve all members of Congress ... it must be understood to be equally valuable to those on competing sides of an issue." The warning set off protests from political scientists and public-interest groups. "The CRS has been severely compromised," says William Weaver, a political scientist at the University of Texas in El Paso and a founder of the National Security Whistle-blowers Coalition. Says Fisher himself: "For the last 33 years my job was to defend legislative prerogative and constitutional government, and suddenly that's a bad thing to do. There are mixed signals inside this [CRS] house. People are hunkered down." ===== Entrenched personal and institutional Secrecy makes an abortion out of Bash's promise of 'Open Government.' QUESTION: Why does Bush do it? revdauphinee answered on 02/17/06: Entrenched personal and institutional Secrecy makes an abortion out of Bash's promise of 'Open Government.' QUESTION: Why does Bush do it? A) because he can! Erewhon rated this answer

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Erewhon asked on 02/16/06 - Cheney Confounds His Supporters by Telling the Truth. Cheney: 'I'm the Guy Who Pulled the Trigger' Wednesday, February 15, 2006 By Jane Roh Cheney: I'm Authorized to Declassify Gov't Information NEW YORK � Vice President Dick Cheney told FOX News on Wednesday that he alone is responsible for a weekend hunting accident in which he shot Austin attorney Harry Whittington. "Ultimately I'm the guy who pulled the trigger that fired the round that hit Harry," Cheney said in his first interview since the incident. "I'm the guy who pulled the trigger and shot my friend, and that's something I'll never forget." Cheney's first public response following the shooting comes more than 72 hours after the accident. His silence has been met with bewilderment and anger by some in Washington, D.C. But on Wednesday, the vice president seemed to express deep remorse. "The image of him falling is something I will never be able to get out my mind," Cheney said, somberly. "It was one of the worst days of my life." Cheney said that he, Whittington and one other person separated from the 10-person hunting party to pursue a covey of quail. All three fired their shotguns, but Whittington could not immediately find his bird. He walked away from Cheney and the other hunter to look for it. Cheney then heard quail moving to his right. "I turned and shot at the bird, and at that second, saw Harry standing there. Didn't know he was there," Cheney said. "I saw him fall, basically. It had happened so fast." The vice president added that Whittington was standing in a gully so only his upper body was visible, and that the sun was facing Cheney, which "affected the vision, too, I'm sure." Whittington, whom Cheney described as an acquaintance he's known for more than 30 years, was hit with more than 200 birdshot pellets from an estimated 30 yards away. Upon realizing he had shot his hunting companion, Cheney rushed over to find a bleeding and dazed Whittington lying on his back with only one eye open. "I said, 'Harry, I had no idea you were there,'" Cheney recounted. "He didn't respond. He was � he was breathing, conscious at that point, but he didn't � he was, I'm sure, stunned, obviously, still trying to figure out what had happened to him." The accident took place at Armstrong Ranch, a 50,000-acre property in south Texas that is known as one of the best quail-hunting sites in the country. A physician's assistant traveling with Cheney rushed to Whittington's aid, and accompanied the injured man to the hospital. Cheney said he did not go himself because the ambulance was too crowded. Cheney said he had one beer at lunch, but that no alcohol was consumed during the late afternoon outing. Earlier this week, the White House and Katharine Armstrong, the owner of the ranch and an eyewitness to the accident, implied that Whittington did not follow hunting protocol because he didn't announce to Cheney and the other hunter that he had returned from retrieving his kill. On Wednesday, the vice president made clear that Whittington wasn't responsible for being hit. "It was not Harry's fault," Cheney said. "You cannot blame anybody else." One thing for which Cheney was not apologetic was the way the news of the shooting was delivered to the media. Armstrong, a private citizen, went to a local newspaper about the incident on Sunday. The Corpus Christi Caller-Times published the story near 3 p.m. EST Sunday. The scoop upset many in the White House press corps, who were not with Cheney on the private retreat. Before Wednesday's interview, the vice president's office issued two brief written statements acknowledging the shooting on Monday and Tuesday. Cheney said he and Armstrong agreed to let her take the lead. "I thought that made good sense because you can get as accurate a story as possible from somebody who knows and understands hunting," Cheney said. "Then it would immediately go up to the wires and be posted on the Web site, which is the way it went out. I thought that was the right call. I still do." [truncated] FOX News' Sharon Kehnemui Liss contributed to this report. === That makes all those Cheney supporters who jumped in to say it was Harry Whittingham's fault look pretty silly. Cheney has unseated them with a laudable if tardy display of honesty. revdauphinee answered on 02/17/06: this horse is now dead beating it wont wake it up Erewhon rated this answer

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STONY asked on 02/16/06 - NOW THIS WAS KINDA CUTE... I pulled into the crowded parking lot at the Super Wal-Mart Shopping Center and rolled down the car windows to make sure my Labrador Retriever Pup had fresh air. She was stretched full-out on the back seat and I wanted to impress upon her that she must remain there. I walked to the curb, looked back and pointing my finger at the car and saying emphatically, "Now you stay, Do you hear me?" "Stay! Stay!" The driver of a nearby car, a pretty blonde young lady, gave me a strange look and said,"Why don't you just put it in PARK?! DON'T BE SO SERIOUS ALL THE TIME. TAKE A MOMENT OUT TO LAUGH....... revdauphinee answered on 02/17/06: amen to that! STONY rated this answer

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HANK1 asked on 02/16/06 - JUST WONDERING ... ... if ANSWERWAY, namely the Christianity Board, could become a real POWER on the Q & A circuit by ridding ourselves of all PREJUDICE, since its an unjustified negative attitude toward a GROUP, a category of people or a cultural practice. For one, I realize that PREJUDICE allows some people to feel proud of themselves and their own thoughts and superior to others. I also know that people who are insecure and frustrated can use another group or individual as a scapegoat as a socially accepted target for said insecurity. The real bottom-line is this: PREJUDICE can take the form of efforts to control or exterminate members of a group. It's fine for a person to have a consistent, unified set of beliefs. We all agree with this premise! Bravo! On balance: Perhaps it's not what you say but how you say it. How many times have you heard me say this? Being against an issue or a belief is normal. But don't you think it's better to stay away from direct competition with a fellow Expert or User of Answerway? Once people have formed attitudes in general, and PREJUDICES in particular, they are reluctant to change their minds for several reasons that I won't mention. FINE! This, too, is quite normal but remember, PREJUDICE leads to discrimination. I'll leave you with that thought! HANK revdauphinee answered on 02/17/06: its the diversity of views that keeps this site interesting why spoil it ?why do folks always want to fix something that aint broke??is it a ower thing so they can say I did this??? HANK1 rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 02/16/06 - hey, It's not just me Many of you have berated me for a less that favourable attitude towards america and americans, but did you know that my fellow countrymen support me US sinks to new low in eyes of Australians By Louise Williams February 16, 2006 AUSTRALIANS are more hostile than ever towards the United States and view China's global influence more favourably than that of Canberra's key ally, a new global poll has found. The poll, released yesterday in the influential US magazine Foreign Policy, describes America as globally "red, white and booed", noting: "The United States's standing dropped sharply as a result of the Iraq war, and it hasn't hit rock bottom yet." In interviews conducted between last October and January, only 29 per cent of Australians had a "mainly positive" attitude towards the US, while 60 per cent were "mainly negative" and 11 per cent undecided. This is down on last year, when 40 per cent of Australians were positive about the US. America's popularity also fell, but less sharply, among allies such as Britain and South Korea. Only the French and Germans, opponents of the invasion of war in Iraq, are less enthusiastic about the US than Australians. "The Bush Administration is a very difficult export for the US � and you can see the same responses in other liberal democracies," said Allan Gyngell, executive director of the Lowy Institute for International Policy. A big poll by the Lowy Institute last year revealed similarly critical views of the US and a more benign attitude to China. "When you are the world's superpower and the focus of attention is upon you, then all these [critical] issues like the Abu Ghraib torture photos get circulated globally," he said. But, he said, many Australians still pragmatically support our security alliance with the US, despite their misgivings. Mr Gyngell said instant global communications, like the internet, SMS and satellite TV, meant governments had to recognise that all diplomacy was now public diplomacy. Although Australians still feel more comfortable about China, it has also lost some of its shine. Australia's "mainly positive" attitudes fell from 56 per cent last year to 43 per cent. This may be the consequence of the protracted war of words over the defection of the Chinese diplomat Chen Yonglin last year. Mr Chen claims China is running an extensive overseas spy network, including agents in Australia. The global poll also looked at attitudes to coalition forces in Iraq and Afghanistan. In Iraq, only 27 per cent of people view the US-led forces favourably, compared with 72 per cent of Afghans. But it seems Iran is failing to rally the rest of the world "against the rich and powerful West", despite rattling the nuclear sabre. The respondents in 33 countries may not like America much, but they like Iran even less. --------------------------------------------------- So let's face it, I'm just reflecting what others think. So come on american's, what are you going to do to change this image you have in the world? revdauphinee answered on 02/17/06: so you dont like Americans send me your adress so I can send you a quarter so you can call someone who cares! paraclete rated this answer

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sapphire630 asked on 02/15/06 - dim wits running wild Yeap, we all need to come up with different screen names and just be dim wits running wild Like the idea Fred! I am inspired to invite my fiends Wyle Coyote Yosemitesam alli-gator and Etu Brutus ...I might talk Betty Boop into joining too, if not maybe Baby Bop from Barney! revdauphinee answered on 02/17/06: my mom used to call me Panzie Potter wonder if that would work? LOL sapphire630 rated this answer

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BeelzeBUSH asked on 02/15/06 - Belief-O-Matic At www.belief.net I took the belief exam. I don't know how accurate it is for others, especially Christians. I'm asking those on the board that would like to participate to please take the test and then answer this post with your personal results and share your opinion. Go to "belief.net" look to the left and you will see "Belief-O-Matic" click it and begin the exam and and the end it will give you the results. Belief.net is an unbiased website that hosts most all religions and beliefs. It was fairly accurate to my views and here are the top ten from my results: 1. Baha'i Faith (100%) 2. Sikhism (94%) 3. Reform Judaism (93%) 4. Orthodox Judaism (89%) 5. Liberal Quaker (88%) 6. Islam (85%) 7. Jainism (84%) 8. Mainline to Liberal Christian Protestants (76%) 9. Unitarian Universalism (76%) 10. Hinduism (73%) Other notables from my personal results were: 11 Neo-Pagan (71%) 15. Seventh Day Adventist (53%) 22. New Thought (41%) 23. Secular Humanism (41%) 25. Taoism (36%) I love myself, George revdauphinee answered on 02/16/06: tis utter nonesence it said I was quaker BeelzeBUSH rated this answer Chilloutinparis rated this answer tomder55 rated this answer

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Liz22 asked on 02/15/06 - Pray for God? When I was a child, I use to love and still love to read the Bible, But as I was reading Genesis and God said in verse3: 8 I couldn't help but cry. KJV (And they heard the voice of Jehovah God walking in the garden in the cool of the day: and the man and his wife hid themselves from the presence of Jehovah God amongst the trees of the garden And Jehovah God called unto the man, and said unto him, Where art thou And he said, I heard thy voice in the garden, and I was afraid, because I was naked; and I hid myself And he said, Who told thee that thou wast naked? (Hast thou eaten of the tree, whereof I commanded thee that thou shouldest not eat?) It sounds almost to me that God was happy and singing,as he was walking through the Gardens, What worried me the most, upon reading this Scripture and the sadness of it, was how Devastating that God must had felt, and not a worry on this earth nor in the Heavens as they said "they heard the voice of God." Imagine this God whom created this earth, and gave us life, and even later gave up his own Son for a Ransom, was asking man-kind a question. I get so many e-mails' to forward asking "to say this Prayer, and I will get Bless! But what if we were to answer Gods help for mercy, is there anywhere in the Bible where he has ask you the reader, "For Mercy, and not Sacrifice?" I know that God is real, because even before I Pray, it is already answered, he has already Blessed me, more than I Ought to have, more than I am worth. Perhaps we should Pray more for God, and the trouble times he is going through, and for once, foget about ourselves, and ask to take his pain, and to give him our whole love, let him know how sorry we are, I believe this is one way to Conquer the Evil ruler of this world! The one who started all the pain, of God and of mankind. Thank you, for listening, Joy. revdauphinee answered on 02/16/06: I think I might need therapy on this one I agree with Aton! ATON2 rated this answer Liz22 rated this answer

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HANK1 asked on 02/15/06 - MY ANNUAL LETTER TO ALL OF YOU: After making a fool of myself for over four years at Answerway, I have found that your desires are my desires that offer me just one reservation - OPINION! But, who am I to judge your convictions, beliefs and sentiments? Conversely, these mind-sets may offer me reasoning while considering knowledge, fact, misgivings and skepticism. You're the ones who are important to me. I want you cheerful, contented, pleased and glad you're living. Let the miserable, the gloomy, the sorrowful harass the harbingers of the ill-natured, the disagreeable, the unpleasant. They are no longer a force of one, thanks to our foundation based on excessive friendships, faith, reasoning and plausible personalities. All of us are unique! Time, place and actions defy the agility of what is commonplace, ordinary and typical. Our playground is Society and our necessity pleads for the temperament of benevolence! God embraces truth, life and love. Freedom of religion speaks to be heard and dealt with by all who breathe what's necessary to live and progress! Our spiritual foundation offers us a system of religious beliefs which are not accepted by some but ... who cares? Only remission can be granted by the Almighty. As a free citizen, you can either accept or deny these teachings of moral goodness. Your free-will allows you to adjust what's lacking in your decision to 'crawl or run.' Life is not an illusion or a dream because of just one reason -- PAIN. This damn albatross torments both the mind and body. If you enjoy self-abuse, you're not normal! If you enjoy hurting others, you're a sadist. Why don't you relinguish your right to being ignorant and enjoy awareness, it opposite? "I've got a litle cat, And I'm very fond of that, But I'd rather have a bowwow, wow." -- Joseph Tabrar Go with God, my friends. There's still plenty of life to be lived! HANK revdauphinee answered on 02/16/06: Life is not an illusion or a dream because of just one reason -- PAIN. Pain is what lets me know im still alive LOL! HANK1 rated this answer

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arcura asked on 02/14/06 - Be aware of the new car-jackers' M.O. ........ You walk across the parking lot, unlock your car, and get inside. Then you start the engine and shift into REVERSE, and you look into the rear view mirror to back out of your parking space and you notice a piece of paper stuck to the middle of the rear window. So, you shift into PARK, unlock your doors and jump out of your car to remove that paper (or whatever it is) that is obstructing your view. When you reach the back of your car, that is when the car-jackers appear out of nowhere, jump into your car and take off! Your engine was running and they practically mow you down as they speed off in your car. And guess what ladies? I bet your purse is still in the car...or worse, your CHILDREN! BE AWARE OF THIS NEW SCHEME THAT IS NOW BEING USED. Just drive away and remove the paper that is stuck to your window later, and be thankful that you read this email. I hope you will forward this to friends and family.....especially to women! A purse contains all of your identification, and you certainly do NOT want someone getting your home address. They already HAVE your keys! Lieutenant Tony Bartolome Bureau of Investigations Florida Highway Patrol P.O. Box 593527 Orlando, FL 32859 revdauphinee answered on 02/14/06: Im so lazy id drive home first then check it out maybee? arcura rated this answer CeeBee2 rated this answer

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Coup_de_Grace asked on 02/14/06 - Fox News Blames Democrats A commentator on Fox News today blamed the Democrats for Vice President Cheney shooting a 78 year old man in the face. The tortuous logic(spin, lie, bias)was that Cheney was distracted by all the Democratic Party's negative attacks on the Administration. BWAHAHAH HAHA HAHA revdauphinee answered on 02/14/06: had fox on tv all day and never heard that bit what show was it on they are rerun so often i want to hear this! Coup_de_Grace rated this answer MaggieB rated this answer

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ATON2 asked on 02/14/06 - Christian choice???? Christian choice??? If Cheney's shooting victim dies as a result of the shooting....should Cheney step down from the Vice Presidency???????? revdauphinee answered on 02/14/06: yes yes and yes again I wish he step down right now he is an arogant senile old man who is power crazed! ATON2 rated this answer CeeBee2 rated this answer purplewings rated this answer

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ATON2 asked on 02/14/06 - Christian response needed. What should be the CHRISTIAN response to a self-proclaimed Christian expert, who signs on with two or more different 'monikers' at the same time, answers his own postings, and uses the phoney sign-ins to down rate other experts?????? Non-Christians are also free to respond :) revdauphinee answered on 02/14/06: he is wrong! and needs to ask himself wwJd what would jesus do he certainly wouldnt condone what he is doing! arcura rated this answer ATON2 rated this answer

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ATON2 asked on 02/14/06 - Update on "bad shot Cheney" This, just in from the Associated Press is particularly for ETWolverine, Tomder and the rest of the Republican gun lovers group, who obviously aren't as up to snuff on hunting etiquette as they should be. Since I don't cut and paste, I'll just give you the first part...you can find the rest, yourself: CHENEY APPARENTLY BREAKS KEY HUNTING RULE! By Nedra Pickler, Associated Press Writer "Vice President Dick Cheney apparently broke the No. 1 rule of hunting. Be sure of what you are shooting at. He also violated Texas game law by failing to buy a hunting stamp...... Hunting safety experts interviewd Monday agreed it would have been a good idea for Wittington to announce himself---something he apparently didn't do, according to a witness. But they stressed that the shooter is responsible for avoiding other people. "It's incumbent upont the shooter to assess the situation and make sure it's a safe shot," said Mirk Birkhauser, president-elect of the International Hunter Education Association and hunter education coordinator in New Mexico. "Once you squeeze that trigger, you can't bring that shot back. The Parks and Wildlike Department said Cheney and Whittington will be given warning citations for violating game law and not having an upland game bird stamp, a requirement that went into effect in September......" So not only is Cheney a lousy shot, and an inconsiderate hunter, he thinks he is above the law. :) :) :) :) revdauphinee answered on 02/14/06: i have nothing against hunting for food many folks here in the south do that some out of nececity ,but if a normal person had had such an accident dont think for A MINUTE IT WOULDNT BE PROSECUTED IF FOR NOTHING ELSE BUT breaking safty rules and at least would have to attend some sort of gun safety class this idiot will get away scot free this is wrong ,a little higher and even bird shot could have killed or at least blinded the man ,this is not a joke it is serious ! ATON2 rated this answer

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wakan asked on 02/14/06 - I�ve got a serious question, so please be serious. Me and my little family are movin off the reservation to the big city soon. I got tired of the goings on at the church I was raised in with their new ways of women pastors and pro abortion OK. I�ve been goin to the roman catholic church my wife goes to over the last year. Now here is my question. I�m thinking of joinin up with one of the catholic several churches or one of the eastern orthodox in the twin cities. If and I say again IF you were considering what i am from what you know or from any experience ya have which one of them several would you join if you were me? Thanks for your help. Walk with waken to the light. revdauphinee answered on 02/14/06: I got tired of the goings on at the church I was raised in with their new ways of women pastors read your bible who did Jesus first apear to after his resurection???and what did he tell her? Matthew 28: 8. So the (((women))) hurried away from the tomb, afraid yet filled with joy, and ran to tell his disciples. 9. Suddenly Jesus met them. "Greetings," he said. They came to him, clasped his feet and worshiped him. 10. Then Jesus said to them, "Do not be afraid. (((Go and tell my brothers .))) If women were good enough for jesus to tell to go tell who are you to deny them this???? wakan rated this answer

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wakan asked on 02/14/06 - I�ve got a serious question, so please be serious. Me and my little family are movin off the reservation to the big city soon. I got tired of the goings on at the church I was raised in with their new ways of women pastors and pro abortion OK. I�ve been goin to the roman catholic church my wife goes to over the last year. Now here is my question. I�m thinking of joinin up with one of the catholic several churches or one of the eastern orthodox in the twin cities. If and I say again IF you were considering what i am from what you know or from any experience ya have which one of them several would you join if you were me? Thanks for your help. Walk with waken to the light. revdauphinee answered on 02/14/06: I got tired of the goings on at the church I was raised in with their new ways of women pastors read your bible who did Jesus first apear to after his resurection???and what did he tell her? Matthew 28: 8. So the (((women))) hurried away from the tomb, afraid yet filled with joy, and ran to tell his disciples. 9. Suddenly Jesus met them. "Greetings," he said. They came to him, clasped his feet and worshiped him. 10. Then Jesus said to them, "Do not be afraid. (((Go and tell my brothers .))) If women were good enough for jesus to tell to go tell who are you to deny them this???? wakan rated this answer

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arcura asked on 02/13/06 - It was a sad but impressive occasion, no question. The funeral for my wife�s aunt took place in a magnificent Presbyterian Church. The place was packed. It gain reminded me of how powerful a human life can be in how many that life effected. And those hundreds there were by a few of all the lives Joyce touched in her 72 years here in this temporal world. I was also presented with a delightful surprise. A young niece, Gina, whom I seldom had seen was there. She had gown into being a beautiful young woman and mother who is very talented. She provided the music with her own accompaniment doing a well selected and nicely put together medley of hymns that sounded professionally done with a well trained beautiful voice. I was much impressed. The Lord granted us a safe trip to the Canadian line and back. Many thanks for your prayers and well wishes for us on that journey. Peace and kindness, Fred revdauphinee answered on 02/14/06: and now she is home with christ ! arcura rated this answer

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Tex78 asked on 02/13/06 - What will you be doing on that day? Will you be ready? WHEN CHRIST COMES - - - by Max Lucado You are in your car driving home. Thoughts wander to the game you want to see or meal you want to eat, when suddenly a sound unlike any you�ve ever heard fills the air. The sound is high above you. A trumpet? A choir? A choir of trumpets? You don�t know, but you want to know. So you pull over, get out of your car, and look up. As you do, you see you aren�t the only curious one. The roadside has become a parking lot. Car doors are open, and people are staring at the sky. Shoppers are racing out of the grocery store. The Little League baseball game across the street has come to a halt. Players and parents are searching the clouds. And what they see, and what you see, has never before been seen. As if the sky were a curtain, the drapes of the atmosphere part. A brilliant light spills onto the earth. There are no shadows. None. From whence came the light begins to tumble a river of color�spiking crystals of every hue ever seen and a million more never seen. Riding on the flow is an endless fleet of angels. They pass through the curtains one myriad at a time, until they occupy every square inch of the sky. North. South. East. West. Thousands of silvery wings rise and fall in unison, and over the sound of the trumpets, you can hear the cherubim and seraphim chanting, �Holy, holy, holy.� The final flank of angels is followed by twenty-four silver-bearded elders and a multitude of souls who join the angels in worship. Presently the movement stops and the trumpets are silent, leaving only the triumphant triplet: �Holy, holy, holy.� Between each word is a pause. With each word, a profound reverence. You hear your voice join in the chorus. You don�t know why you say the words, but you know you must. Suddenly, the heavens are quiet. All is quiet. The angels turn, you turn, the entire world turns�and there he is. Jesus. Through waves of light you see the silhouetted figure of Christ the King. He is atop a great stallion, and the stallion is atop a billowing cloud. He opens his mouth, and you are surrounded by his declaration: �I am the Alpha and the Omega.� The angels bow their heads. The elders remove their crowns. And before you is a figure so consuming that you know, instantly you know: Nothing else matters. Forget stock markets and school reports. Sales meetings and football games. Nothing is newsworthy. All that mattered, matters no more, for Christ has come. . . . __________________________ revdauphinee answered on 02/14/06: oh if only!!!!! arcura rated this answer Tex78 rated this answer

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Pete_Hanysz asked on 02/13/06 - Jewish Is Jewish a religion, a race, an ethnic group, a tribe, a way of living, a style of food..........or just an excuse for an argument? revdauphinee answered on 02/14/06: a race and a religion ,I am half Jewish by birth a christian by choise but i still consider my heritage as Jewish! excon rated this answer Pete_Hanysz rated this answer

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Laura asked on 02/13/06 - Are there really any "white" people left? Hank thought this was a good question and so do I so i'm asking what you all think. I'm considered "white" but my heritage is italian(for which my father and his family suffered great prejudice in New York in the thirties because of it. My mother was part indian, irish, and who knows what else.. So I am white but really i'm not. Are there really any "pure" white people left in America? You know...the one's who think they are the "superior" race! revdauphinee answered on 02/14/06: ever hear of heinz 57 varieties??this is America today even if somne refuse to admit to it! Laura rated this answer

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HANK1 asked on 02/13/06 - ANOTHER SUPER HARD QUESTION TO ANSWER: What would happen to the United States if ALL minority groups would leave America on a permanent basis? (Goofy answers will get a black star) HANK revdauphinee answered on 02/14/06: if that were to happen God help us all! HANK1 rated this answer

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HANK1 asked on 02/13/06 - A SUPER HARD QUESTION TO ANSWER: What would happen to the United States if the Caucasian (white) race would leave America on a permanent basis? (Goofy answers will get a black star) HANK revdauphinee answered on 02/14/06: the united states would survive!I know many many well educated black people who could do if not better at least as good as we have today! HANK1 rated this answer wakan rated this answer

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ROLCAM asked on 02/13/06 - Recruitment begins from cradle to grave.Discuss!! I was asked the above question on another site. This was my answer:- I am going to discuss this in a special and personal way. The recruitment you refer to is recruitment of becoming a member of the Catholic Church. I shall take you over a period of 75 years , but as yet there is no final end to this story. It started in 1930 one October day I was born. Two days later I was baptised a Catholic. So one can say I started the journey. You see I was born in Malta, this is a 100% Catholic country. At the age of three I was sent to a Catholic school, it was run by the nuns, known as The Sisters of Egypt. At the age of six I made my first Holy Communion. At the age of seven the local Bishop inducted me as a soldier of Christ, this is known as the Sacrament of Confirmation. During the years that followed, I participated in all that is Catholic throughout the different ages. Lately in a special service I received the Sacrament of the Annointing. This is given to people that have endured some sickness or another. As I have mentioned the story has not ended because I have not died yet. FROM DUST TO DUST ! From cradle to grave. There is no doubt whatsoever that one day death will come. This is very certain. We do not know how, we do not know when!! Best wishes always, rolcam. revdauphinee answered on 02/14/06: I was born to a jewish Mother during ww2 and was raised as nothing much it was only in my 20s i began to feel a need for some sort of faith!In exploring my jewish roots I found the much prophecied Yeshua thanks be to God! ATON2 rated this answer ROLCAM rated this answer wakan rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 02/13/06 - Is there noone but idiots in Washington? US plans to hit Iran N-sites From correspondents in Washington February 13, 2006 THE Pentagon is drawing up plans for bombing raids backed by submarine-launched ballistic missile attacks against Iran's nuclear sites as a last resort to block Tehran's efforts to develop an atomic bomb, The Sunday Telegraph reported in Britain yesterday. The paper said US Central Command and Strategic Command planners were "identifying targets, assessing weapon-loads and working on logistics for an operation" against Iran. The planners are reporting to the office of US Defence Secretary Donald Rumsfeld, with a view to having a military option if diplomatic efforts fail to put the brakes on Iran's suspected push for nuclear weapons. "This is more than just the standard military contingency assessment," The Sunday Telegraph quoted a senior Pentagon adviser as saying. "This has taken on much greater urgency in recent months." The flow of disclosures about Iran's nuclear operations and the virulent anti-Israeli threats of President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad has prompted the new assessment of military options by Washington, the report said. The most likely strategy would involve aerial bombardment of Iran by long-distance B2 bombers, each armed with up to 18,000kg of precision weapons, including the latest bunker-busting devices. They would fly from bases in Missouri, with mid-air refuelling. The Bush administration has recently announced plans to add conventional ballistic missiles to the armoury of its nuclear Trident submarines within the next two years. If ready in time, they would also form part of the plan of attack, the paper said. Tehran has dispersed its nuclear plants, burying some deep underground, and has recently increased its air defences, but Pentagon planners believe the US attacks could seriously set back Iran's nuclear program. Mr Ahmadinejad warned at the weekend that Iran could withdraw from the Nuclear Non-proliferation Treaty if Western pressure increased over its nuclear program. His threat was an escalation of the Iranian Government's previous position that it would only stop complying with spot inspections of military installations and sites it has not declared to be part of its nuclear program. "The Islamic Republic has continued its program within the framework of the International Atomic Energy Agency and the non-proliferation treaty. But if we see you want to use the NPT regulations to deprive us of our rights, know that the people will revise their policy in this regard," Mr Ahmadinejad said at a huge rally in Tehran. "I ask our dear people to prepare themselves for a great struggle. Fasten your seat belts and pull up your sleeves." The comments came as experts in Washington urged Mr Bush to drop diplomacy with Iran in favour of boosting internal dissent and opposition forces within the Islamic country. In an open breach with White House policy, neo-conservative analysts argued that the multilateral diplomacy pursued by US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice was encouraging the Iranians to snub the IAEA and develop a nuclear bomb under cover of a peaceful energy program. Michael Rubin, a Middle East expert at the American Enterprise Institute in Washington, said: "The United States doesn't have a policy on Iran. We should be looking for a way to address the people of the country." Mr Rubin accused Dr Rice of being tepid in her support for democratic reforms and regime change in Iran. "I don't believe Dr Rice has ever put her neck out for freedom, when the Soviet Union was dissolving or now," he said. Foreign policy hawks say the US should assist democratic forces inside Iran, much as president Ronald Reagan did with the trade union organisation Solidarity in Poland in the early 1980s. Robert Kagan, a leading neoconservative who helped to make the case for the invasion of Iraq, said the "non-military answer in Iran is political change", and accused the Bush administration of doing little "to exploit the evident weaknesses in the regime" in Tehran. And The Wall Street Journal said "neo-realists" such as Dr Rice, who support diplomacy as the best way to project US power and interests, were consolidating their grip on Washington. Dr Rice helped to broker the agreement in London recommending that Iran be reported by the IAEA to the UN Security Council for breaching the nuclear non-proliferation treaty, although the move is unlikely to lead in the first instance to tough economic sanctions against Tehran. Few of the US foreign policy hawks say the mullah's regime should be overthrown by force, but they argue it could collapse from within. There are signs of labour unrest in Iran. Mansoor Oslanloo, the leader of a bus workers' union, has been in prison since December and hundreds of union members have been arrested, prompting a wave of protests in Tehran and around the country. The US State Department spends about $US4 million ($5.4 million) a year on the promotion of democracy and women's rights in Iran - too little to make a difference, according to the critics. A campaign for human rights and democracy in Iran is to be launched in the US Congress on March 2. AFP, The Sunday Times So now the US, after lamenting the infamy of 9/11, is about to do the same to someoneelse, hyprocracy you name is america revdauphinee answered on 02/14/06: ETWolverine aton constantly gripes that I am a muslim hater (I do not hate muslim people I do despise islamic teaching)but has no problem deriding and hating Christians!what gives?? ETWolverine rated this answer paraclete rated this answer wakan rated this answer

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BeelzeBUSH asked on 02/13/06 - Cheney accidentally shoots hunting companion BY MARK SILVA Chicago TribuneWASHINGTON - A hunting companion of Vice President Dick Cheney was recuperating from shotgun pellet wounds to his face, neck and chest Sunday after Cheney accidentally shot the man in a weekend quail-hunting trip on one of Texas' biggest ranches, according to the ranch owner and the vice president's office. Harry Whittington, 78, an Austin, Texas, attorney, was "alert and doing fine" after Cheney inadvertently "peppered" Whittington with bird-shot Saturday afternoon at the Armstrong Ranch in south Texas, according to friend and ranch owner Katharine Armstrong, also one of the leading fundraisers for the Bush-Cheney election campaigns. Whittington was in stable condition at a hospital in Corpus Christi on Sunday. Cheney, an avid outdoorsman who had hunted at this Texas ranch before, visited Whittington at the hospital on Sunday before returning to Washington, according to Lea Anne McBride, spokeswoman for Cheney. "The vice president has spent time with Mr. Whittington, visited with him this afternoon," McBride said. Cheney, Whittington and another hunter had gotten out of a car to shoot at a covey of quail at about 5:30 p.m. Saturday, according to Armstrong, who was in the party of four at her ranch. After Whittington shot a bird and went to look for it in tall grass, Cheney and the other hunter - whose name was unavailable - moved to another spot. Cheney turned to shoot a bird as Whittington "came up from behind the vice president and the other hunter and didn't signal them or announce himself," Armstrong told The Associated Press. "The vice president didn't see him," Armstrong told the AP. "The covey flushed and the vice president picked out a bird and was following it and shot. And by god, Harry was in the line of fire and got peppered pretty good ... It broke the skin. It knocked him silly. But he was fine. He was talking. His eyes were open. It didn't get in his eyes or anything like that." You knew thanks to "Dubya" the Embarrassment-in-Chief, our sons, daughters, brothers and sisters in Iraq are in harms way...but did you know that the second in command idiot is just as detrimental??? I highlighted in red why Cheney was wrong. If you have ever hunted in your life and then YOU decide to move YOU must let others know, otherwise a tragedy can occur. Cheney claims the person got shot because he "came up from behind the vice president and the other hunter and didn't signal them or announce himself." That guy shot was lucky he didn't catch a pellet in the eye. Ann Richards has to be getting a kick out hearing about Cheney the greenhorn!!! LOL :):):) Now for the TRUTH! The poor guy got shot because the dumb*ss VP moved and he did not make others aware. That was his responsibility. Any real cowboys, Texans, learn this lesson as a youngster. This political idiot shoots somebody and didn't even admit his mistake. I love myself, George revdauphinee answered on 02/13/06: the man is senile when are they going to discover this???? ATON2 rated this answer BeelzeBUSH rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 02/12/06 - Is slavery dead in America or is it just another US export? It beggers belief that an American company would import workers to Australia when there are plenty of indigenous people out of work here what do they think this is, the third world? 'Imported slaves' dig desert ditches From: By Bryan Littlely February 13, 2006 IMPORTED Indonesian workers have allegedly been paid as little as $40 a day to dig ditches in the South Australian desert. Drilling company Halliburton Australia employed a team of Indonesians for labouring jobs at its gas extraction operations in the Cooper Basin late last year. Australians who worked alongside the Indonesians have now told The Advertiser the imported staff worked 80 days straight, were housed in poor work camp accommodation and had some meals laced with pork so they were unfit for the Muslim employees to eat. Halliburton last week confirmed the global company employs imported workers from Indonesia, Europe and the U.S. for their operations throughout Australia. "(We employ workers) from wherever we have an office base," a Perth-based human resources officer said. When The Advertiser asked about the claims that workers were underpaid and mistreated while employed by the drilling company, Halliburton referred inquiries to its offices in Houston, Texas. Despite three days of requests to Halliburton in Australia and the U.S., they have not answered the claims. It is understood the Indonesian workers, who were employed until at least Christmas, came to Australia under temporary labour visas similar to those issued to 34 Croatian and Slovenian workers who, The Advertiser last week revealed, are building a paint shop at Holden's Elizabeth plant. Australian Workers' Union state secretary Wayne Hanson said yesterday it was widely considered that any company hiring "guest workers", particularly from Asian countries, for work in the Outback are "exploiting" those workers. "I'm not surprised (by the claims)," Mr Hanson said. "It's indicative of the arrangements that happen in that industry. "You're talking about people working in the hostile heart of our country that's quite inhospitable. Some of those conditions contractors work under are absolute extreme sweatshop-like conditions." The minimum pay Australian workers can expect for the same type of work undertaken by the imported workers is about $15 an hour. The Indonesian workers dug trenches and helped in the tapping of gas shafts, performing duties not regarded as highly skilled work. It is alleged they worked 12-hour shifts for 80 days without a break and were paid $40 a day for the first 40 days and $80 a day for the second half of the stint. According to workers who had befriended the Indonesians, they considered their pay to be good, it being far more than they could earn in their home country. Federal Opposition immigration spokesman Tony Burke said yesterday he was "genuinely shocked" if the skilled migration system had "got as bad as that". "I knew skilled migration was being used to justify cuts to education and training and drive wages down," Mr Burke said. "Skilled migration is meant to be used for filling gaps we weren't prepared for. Instead, it's being used to cut training places and slash wages. It puts young Australians in a position of having to be willing to sign individual contracts at below living standard wages or they won't get the opportunities," he said. Immigration Minister Senator Amanda Vanstone says that temporary visas are an important part of a flexible, competitive economy and her department does an outstanding job in processing quick approvals and then in ensuring that employers comply with conditions. ----------------------------------------------- and you wonder why we don't like americans? revdauphinee answered on 02/13/06: what do you expect from halliburton??? Erewhon rated this answer paraclete rated this answer

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Erewhon asked on 02/12/06 - What of these? Saint Valentine's Day looms, and greeting card shops have gone the colour of the traditional rose that says "I Love You"! Only in America! Next month it will go Green for Saint Paddy's Day, as they call Saint Patrick's Day. As neither Saint Valentione's Day or Saint Padraigh's Day are 'religious' celebrations there is not ban on schools and offices mentioning them or tarting their premises up for them. The distance between religion and two Roman Catholic Papally instituted Saints is marked to some extent by dropping the word 'saint' from the days. So, it becomes Valentine's Day and Paddy's Day. Perhaps in a couple of years it will be simply Val's Day. That is a bit of a left-handed copliment to a man who died at the hands of a Pagan Roman Emperor because he refused to give up Christianity. Poor Paddy was really a Welshman, but the Irish took him to their hearts during his Christian mission to the Emerald Isle when, it is told, he banished all the snakes. And so tywo Christian Saints are remembered in Chocolate, cards, and rose, and with car sales and green beer. Who says that religion is dying in America? Make mine a box of Cadbury's and keep my root beer brown! revdauphinee answered on 02/13/06: id say make mine cadburys also but my doc might frown on it!LOL Erewhon rated this answer ATON2 rated this answer

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Erewhon asked on 02/12/06 - If you have nothing better to do and still believe that Bush always speaks the truth .... If you are really really interested and if you have nothing better to do and if you can see your computer screen without having to leave your armchair you might just concevably on a marginal basis take a swift look at this website and its containments, but don't go there unless you really feel you have to or unless you cannot help yourself. Please don't tell me what you think about it. http://www.scholarsfor911truth.org/WhoAreWe.html I feel ennui laced with lassitude coming on. Something to do with overload. revdauphinee answered on 02/13/06: even for someone like myself who realy has nothing better to do this site was a waste of time! Erewhon rated this answer

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HANK1 asked on 02/12/06 - JUST WONDERING ... ... if you often feel inadequate or secure about yourself in spite of your belief in God? HANK revdauphinee answered on 02/12/06: yes inadequate to recieve his love but secure in the fact that he loves me anyway! HANK1 rated this answer Tex78 rated this answer

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HANK1 asked on 02/12/06 - JUST WONDERING ... ... if all the God-fearing Experts and Users who post on this Christianity Board should be justifying our belief in God? HANK revdauphinee answered on 02/12/06: since there are also God denying and even God insulting folks on here so why not let folks know where we as individuals stand? HANK1 rated this answer Tex78 rated this answer

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excon asked on 02/12/06 - Ghouls, goblins and scary things Hello Christians: As many of you know, I don�t believe in the existence of God. I also don�t believe in the existence of satan, devils, ghouls, demons, ghosts, evil spirits, saints, fairy�s, angels, Santa Clause, luck and/or all manners of unseen presence�s. Therefore, when I go out into the world, I perceive that what I see, is what I get. In other words, there aren�t unseen presence�s out there lurking behind every tree plying me with their wares, and waiting for me to falter, all while playing me like a puppet. In other words, when I see a bad person, that�s what I see. I don�t see �evil� - I see mis-behavior. My world is pretty clear, clean and simple. I like it that way. I cannot imagine what the world must be like to people who believe in all manner beings described above. Frankly, if I thought the world was populated with such evil, I would never venture outside my house. Tell me please, how do you do it? Did you believe in these monsters BEFORE you believed in God, therefore God saved you from this evil? Or, did you start believing in these things AFTER you became a Christian? Do you believe that people (like me) who are not Christians, ARE influenced or even worse, inhabited by these presence�s? I know bucker does, but what about the more reasonable among you? excon revdauphinee answered on 02/12/06: i dont know if I believe in all those beings (maybee some I do) however my greatest belief is in God Almighty and greater is he that is in me than he that is in the world so i fear nothing! I dont even think about them let alone fear them! excon rated this answer

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powderpuff asked on 02/12/06 - Is it really necessary? Considering the fact that Chirstians believe in the existence of God through faith: When answering questions about Christianity, is it really necessary to begin every answer with a qualifier that the belief in the existence of God is by faith and not scientific proof? Suppose all the experts went along with that and began every answer with such a qualifier. How many of you would actually read the qualifier every time you read the answers? Or would you soon get tired of reading the same old pre-ramble and skip past it to the substance of the answer? Isn't the belief of God basic to the Christian religion? I can see how a qualifier about the existence of God might be helpful when somebody brings God into a discussion about something other than Christianity or any other religion that shares a faith in God... but, we are here on the Christianity board of Answerway. Am I wrong to assume that Christians believe in God and that their belief is through faith alone or do I need to be reminded every time I read an answer? revdauphinee answered on 02/12/06: on this board are many who do not claim to be christians in fact many who are adamntly against such belief so some of us may feel the need to let you know the belief of the person answering you ,please bear with us when you get used to us and know us I feel this will stop! ATON2 rated this answer powderpuff rated this answer

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FormerJesusHelper76 asked on 02/12/06 - Paraclete Just to let you know. I did not intentionally post twice. Which I think you know me by now. It was a computer glitch. It would not go through the first time. Although the second time it did. Next thing you know it shows that I posted twice. Well I was going to take the one answer away but I forget how to do that since I have not been here that often. Joe revdauphinee answered on 02/12/06: hey it happened to me just the other day we all have it happen once or twice me more than others cause i cant type! FormerJesusHelper76 rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 02/12/06 - God Exists Saniian I am sick of your B/S now put up or shut up. Here are an number of reasons God exists, over to you to tell us why each is wrong, By the way when you are finished you might tell me who turns up in my lounge room each friday evening? Over Three Hundred Proofs of God�s Existence (Adapted from a forum on the Internet Infidels.) 1. TRANSCENDENTAL ARGUMENT (1) If reason exists then God exists. (2) Reason exists. (3) Therefore, God exists. 2. COSMOLOGICAL ARGUMENT (1) If I say something must have a cause, it has a cause. (2) I say the universe must have a cause. (3) Therefore, the universe has a cause. (4) Therefore, God exists. 3. ONTOLOGICAL ARGUMENT (I) (1) I define God to be X. (2) Since I can conceive of X, X must exist. (3) Therefore, God exists. 4. ONTOLOGICAL ARGUMENT (II) (1) I can conceive of a perfect God. (2) One of the qualities of perfection is existence. (3) Therefore, God exists. 5. MODAL ONTOLOGICAL ARGUMENT (1) God is either necessary or unnecessary. (2) God is not unnecessary, therefore God must be necessary. (3) Therefore, God exists. 6. TELEOLOGICAL ARGUMENT (I) (1) Check out the world/universe/giraffe. Isn't it complex? (2) Only God could have made them so complex. (3) Therefore, God exists. 7. ARGUMENT FROM BEAUTY, aka TELEOLOGICAL ARGUMENT (II) (1) Isn't that baby/sunset/flower/tree beautiful? (2) Only God could have made them so beautiful. (3) Therefore, God exists. 8. ARGUMENT FROM MIRACLES (1) My aunt had cancer. (2) The doctors gave her all these horrible treatments. (3) My aunt prayed to God and now she doesn't have cancer. (4) Therefore, God exists. 9. MORAL ARGUMENT (I) (1) Person X, a well-known Atheist, was morally inferior to the rest of us. (2) Therefore, God exists. 10. MORAL ARGUMENT (II) (1) In my younger days I was a cursing, drinking, smoking, gambling, child-molesting, thieving, murdering, bed-wetting bastard. (2) That all changed once I became religious. (3) Therefore, God exists. 11. ARGUMENT FROM CREATION (1) If evolution is false, then creationism is true, and therefore God exists. (2) Evolution can't be true, since I lack the mental capacity to understand it; moreover, to accept its truth would cause me to be uncomfortable (3) Therefore, God exists. 12. ARGUMENT FROM FEAR (1) If there is no God then we're all going to die. (2) Therefore, God exists. 13. ARGUMENT FROM THE BIBLE (1) [arbitrary passage from OT] (2) [arbitrary passage from NT] (3) Therefore, God exists. 14. ARGUMENT FROM INTELLIGENCE (1) Look, there's really no point in me trying to explain the whole thing to you stupid Atheists -- it's too complicated for you to understand. God exists whether you like it or not. (2) Therefore, God exists. 15. ARGUMENT FROM UNINTELLIGENCE (1) Okay, I don't pretend to be as intelligent as you guys -- you're obviously very well read. But I read the Bible, and nothing you say can convince me that God does not exist. I feel him in my heart, and you can feel him too, if you'll just ask him into your life. "For God so loved the world that he sent his only begotten son into the world, that whosoever believes in him shall not perish from the earth." John 3:16. (2) Therefore, God exists. 16. ARGUMENT FROM BELIEF (1) If God exists, then I should believe in Him. (2) I believe in God. (3) Therefore, God exists. 17. ARGUMENT FROM INTIMIDATION (1) See this bonfire? (2) Therefore, God exists. 18. PARENTAL ARGUMENT (1) My mommy and daddy told me that God exists. (2) Therefore, God exists. 19. ARGUMENT FROM NUMBERS (1) Millions and millions of people believe in God. (2) They can't all be wrong, can they? (3) Therefore, God exists. 20. ARGUMENT FROM ABSURDITY (1) Maranathra! (2) Therefore, God exists. 21. ARGUMENT FROM ECONOMY (1) God exists, you bastards! (2) Therefore, God exists. 22. BOATWRIGHT'S ARGUMENT (1) Ha ha ha. (2) Therefore, God exists. 23. DORE'S ARGUMENT (1) I forgot to take my meds. (2) Therefore, I AM CHRIST!! (3) Therefore, God exists. 24. ARGUMENT FROM GUITAR MASTERY (1) Eric Clapton is God. (2) Therefore, God exists. 25. ARGUMENT FROM INTERNET AUTHORITY (1) There is a website that successfully argues for the existence of God. (2) Here is the URL. (3) Therefore, God exists. 26. ARGUMENT FROM INCOMPREHENSIBILITY (1) Flabble glurk zoom boink blubba snurgleschnortz ping! (2) No one has ever refuted (1). (3) Therefore, God exists. 27. ARGUMENT FROM AMERICAN EVANGELISM (1) Telling people that God exists makes me filthy rich. (2) Therefore, God exists. 28. MITCHELL'S ARGUMENT (1) The Christian God exists. (2) Therefore, all worldviews which don't assume the Christian God's existence are false and incomprehensible. (3) Therefore, God exists. 29. ARGUMENT FROM BLINDNESS (I) (1) Atheists are spiritually blind. (2) Therefore, God exists. 30. ARGUMENT FROM BLINDNESS (II) (1) God is love. (2) Love is blind. (3) Stevie Wonder is blind. (4) Therefore, Stevie Wonder is God. (5) Therefore, God exists. 31. ARGUMENT FROM FALLIBILITY (1) Human reasoning is inherently flawed. (2) Therefore, there is no reasonable way to challenge a proposition. (3) I propose that God exists. (4) Therefore, God exists. 32. ARGUMENT FROM SMUGNESS (1) God exists. (2) I don't give a crap whether you believe it or not; I have better things to do than to try to convince you morons. (3) Therefore, God exists. 33. ARGUMENT FROM META-SMUGNESS (1) Fuck you. (2) Therefore, God exists. 34. ARGUMENT FROM MANIFESTATIONS (1) If you turn your head sideways and squint a little, you can see an image of a bearded face in that tortilla. (2) Therefore, God exists. 35. SLATHER'S ARGUMENT (1) My toaster is God. (2) Therefore, God exists. 36. ARGUMENT FROM INCOMPLETE DEVASTATION (1) A plane crashed killing 143 passengers and crew. (2) But one child survived with only third-degree burns. (3) Therefore, God exists. 37. ARGUMENT FROM POSSIBLE WORLDS (1) If things had been different, then things would be different. (2) That would be bad. (3) Therefore, God exists. 38. ARGUMENT FROM SHEER WILL (1) I DO believe in God! I DO believe in God! I do I do I do I DO believe in God! (2) Therefore, God exists. 39. ARGUMENT FROM NONBELIEF (1) The majority of the world's population are nonbelievers in Christianity. (2) This is just what Satan intended. (3) Therefore, God exists. 40. ARGUMENT FROM POST-DEATH EXPERIENCE (1) Person X died an Atheist. (2) He now realizes his mistake. (3) Therefore, God exists. 41. ARGUMENT FROM EMOTIONAL BLACKMAIL (1) God loves you. (2) How could you be so heartless to not believe in him? (3) Therefore, God exists. 42. ARGUMENT FROM SACRIFICIAL BLACKMAIL (1) Jesus died for your sins. (2) Therefore, God exists. 43. ARGUMENT FROM INCOHERENT BABBLE (1) See that person spazzing on the church floor babbling incoherently? (2) That's how infinite wisdom reveals itself. (3) Therefore, God exists. 44. OPRAH'S ARGUMENT (I) (1) The human spirit exists. (2) Therefore, God exists. 45. OPRAH'S ARGUMENT (II) (1) Check out this video segment. (2) Now how can anyone watch that and NOT believe in God? (3) Therefore, God exists. 46. CALVINIST ARGUMENT, aka TERTULLIAN'S ARGUMENT (1) If God exists, then he will let me watch you be tortured forever. (2) I rather like that idea. (3) Therefore, God exists. 47. ARGUMENT FROM CROCKERY (1) Pots don't go around giving orders to the potter. (2) Therefore, God exists. 48. ARGUMENT FROM MASS PRODUCTION (1) Barbie dolls were created. (2) If Barbie dolls were created, then so were trees. (3) Therefore, God exists. 49. ARGUMENT FROM PAROCHIALISM (1) God is everywhere. (2) We haven't been everywhere to prove he's not there. (3) Therefore, God exists. 50. ARGUMENT FROM UPPERCASE ASSERTION (1) GOD EXISTS! GET USED TO IT! (2) Therefore, God exists. 51. ARGUMENT FROM INFINITE REGRESS (1) Ask Atheists what caused the Big Bang. (2) Regardless of their answer, ask how they know this. (3) Continue process until the Atheist admits he doesn't know the answer to one of your questions. (4) You win! (5) Therefore, God exists. 52. ARGUMENT FROM INCREDULITY (1) How could God NOT exist, you bozo? (2) Therefore, God exists. 53. ARGUMENT FROM HISTORY (1) The Bible is true. (2) Therefore, the Bible is historical fact. (3) Therefore, God exists. 54. ARGUMENT FROM RESURRECTION (1) Proof of God's existence will be available when you rise bodily from your grave. (2) Therefore, God exists. 55. ARGUMENT FROM BIOGENESIS (1) Where did Adam come from, dummy? (2) Therefore, God exists. 56. ARGUMENT FROM STEADFAST FAITH (1) A lot of really cool people believed in God their entire lives. (2) Therefore, God exists. 57. ARGUMENT FROM LONELINESS (1) Christians say that Jesus is their best friend. (2) I'm lonely, and I want a best friend. (3) Therefore, God exists. 58. ARGUMENT FROM ARGUMENTATION (1) God exists. (2) [Atheist's counterargument] (3) Yes he does. (4) [Atheist's counterargument] (5) Yes he does! (6) [Atheist's counterargument] (7) YES HE DOES!!! (8) [Atheist gives up and goes home.] (9) Therefore, God exists. 59. ARGUMENT FROM CREATIVE INTERPRETATION (1) God is: (a) The feeling you have when you look at a newborn baby. (b) The love of a mother for her child. (c) That little still voice in your heart. (d) Humankind's potential to overcome their difficulties. (e) How I feel when I look at a sunset. (f) The taste of ice cream on a hot day. (2) Therefore, God exists. 60. ARGUMENT FROM INSECURITY (1) We have gone to absolutely berserk lengths to establish that Atheists are laughable morons. (1.5) Actually, we did so in the hopes of curing our own insecurities about theism -- but there's no chance in hell we'll ever admit that. (2) Therefore, Atheists are laughable morons. (3) Therefore, God exists. 61. ARGUMENT FROM SUPERIORITY (1) If God does not exist, then I am an inferior being, since I am not "special" in a cosmic sense. (2) But I am superior because I am a Christian. (3) Therefore, God exists. 62. ARGUMENT FROM PERFECTION (1) If there are absolute moral standards, then God exists. (2) Atheists say that there are no absolute moral standards. (3) But that's because they don't want to admit to being sinners. (4) Therefore, there are absolute moral standards. (5) Therefore, God exists. 63. ARGUMENT FROM HUMAN NECESSITY (1) Atheists say that they don't need God. (2) Which just goes to show that they need God. (3) Therefore, God exists. 64. ARGUMENT FROM HIDDEN LOGIC (I) (1) Intellectually, I know that the existence of God is impossible, or vastly improbable. (2) But I must put on the appearance of being cool and intellectual in front of my Christian apologist peers. (3) Therefore, I must pretend that (1) is false. (4) Therefore, God exists. 65. ARGUMENT FROM HIDDEN LOGIC (II) (1) Atheists say that God doesn't exist. (2) But they only say that because they want to look cool and intellectual in front of their peers. (3) They don't fool me! (4) Therefore, God exists. 66. ARGUMENT FROM INDULGENCE (1) Atheists like to think that they can control their emotional desires. (2) But they're Atheists, so they can't. (3) Therefore, Atheists feel the need to indulge in whatever they feel like without worrying about committing sin. (4) This just goes to show how they need God in their lives. (5) Therefore, God exists. 67. ARGUMENT FROM HATE (1) Some Atheists hate Christians and Christianity. (2) That's why they don't believe in God. (3) Pathetic, aren't they? (4) Therefore, God exists. 68. ARGUMENT FROM QUENTIN SMITH (1) Quentin Smith says that God does not exist. (2) But God does exist. (3) Therefore, Quentin Smith cannot be accepted as an expert on the matter, because he is wrong. (4) Therefore, God exists. 69. ARGUMENT FROM EVIL SPIRITS (1) I've just had contact with evil spirits. (2) Therefore, God exists. 70. ARGUMENT FROM KENT HOVIND (1) I don't want to work for a living. (2) I don't want to pay taxes. (3) I can get gullible fundamentalists to send me money. (4) I can use religious exemption claims to tie the IRS up in court. (5) Therefore, God exists. 71. ARGUMENT FROM KENT HOVIND'S CHALLENGE (1) Kent Hovind offers $250,000 (which may or may not exist) to anyone who can demonstrate evolution (defined as a natural, acausal origin of the universe) to a reasonable doubt (meaning with 100% certainty, allowing for no other possibilities whatsoever) in front of a neutral committee (handpicked by Hovind himself) and according to certain criteria (carefully worded so as to rule out any possibility whatsoever of the challenge ever being met). (2) No Atheist has ever met this challenge. (3) Therefore, God exists. 72. ARGUMENT FROM INSANITY (1) No sane person could have thought up Christianity. (2) Therefore, it must be true (3) Therefore, God exists. 73. ARGUMENT FROM EXHAUSTION (abridged) (1) Do you agree with the utterly trivial proposition X? (2) Atheist: of course. (3) How about the slightly modified proposition X'? (4) Atheist: Um, no, not really. (5) Good. Since we agree, how about Y? Is that true? (6) Atheist: No! And I didn't agree with X'! (7) With the truths of these clearly established, surely you agree that Z is true as well? (8) Atheist: No. So far I have only agreed with X! Where is this going, anyway? (9) I'm glad we all agree..... .... (37) So now we have used propositions X, X', Y, Y', Z, Z', P, P', Q and Q' to arrive at the obviously valid point R. Agreed? (38) Atheist: Like I said, so far I've only agreed with X. Where is this going? .... (81) So we now conclude from this that propositions L'', L''' and J'' are true. Agreed? (82) I HAVEN'T AGREED WITH ANYTHING YOU'VE SAID SINCE X! WHERE IS THIS GOING!? .... (177) ...and it follows that proposition HRV, SHQ'' and BTU' are all obviously valid. Agreed? (178) [Atheist either faints from overwork or leaves in disgust.] (179) Therefore, God exists. 74. MR. GOODSALT'S ARGUMENT (ARGUMENT FROM GENERAL INQUIRY) (1) Question for Atheist population: [apparently random question] (2) Your answer is wrong. (3) Therefore, God exists. 75. PEACOCK ARGUMENT FROM ORIGINALITY (1) I have written the following to demonstrate the existence of God. (2) [insert entire text of a William Lane Craig article] (3) Therefore, God exists. 76. PEACOCK ARGUMENT FROM LIMITED VOCABULARY (1) You use lots of big words. (2) Therefore, I cannot possibly be expected to understand your refutation of my position. (3) Therefore, God exists. 77. PEACOCK ARGUMENT FROM SELECTIVE MEMORY (1) [Christian asks "stumper" question.] (2) [Atheist answers question.] (3) [A lapse of time] (4) [Christian repeats question.] (5) [Atheist repeats answer.] (6) [A lapse of time] (7) [Christian repeats question.] (8) [Atheist repeats answer.] (9) [A lapse of time] (10) Atheist, you never answered my question. (11) Therefore, God exists. 78. ARGUMENT FROM DIVINE ECONOMICS (1) Protestant Christian nations are rich. (2) Therefore, God exists. 79. ARGUMENT FROM PERSONAL SANITY (1) I've had religious experiences that can't be explained unless I'm insane or God exists. (2) Therefore, God exists. 80. ARGUMENT FROM INSTITUTIONAL LONGETIVITY (1) The Roman Catholic Church has been around for a long time. (2) Therefore, God exists. 81. ARGUMENT FROM INEVITABILITY (1) I have proof that God exists. (2) I won't bother to tell you what it is because, being Atheists, you would be hostile to the conclusion anyway. (3) Therefore, God exists. 82. ARGUMENT FROM "THE MATRIX" (1) We cannot prove that we don't live in a Matrix-like world. (2) Therefore we cannot know reality. (3) If reality is contingent, then everything is possible. (4) Therefore, God exists. 83. ARGUMENT FROM SUBJECTIVITY (1) Everything is subjective. (2) No subjective proof can be superior to any other subjective proof. (3) Based upon my subjective opinion, your opinion, that if everything is subjective then, perforce, God is subjective, is false. (4) Therefore, God (objectively) exists. 84. ARGUMENT FROM POSTMODERNISM (1) I'm going to prove to you that God exists. (2) [Insert any of the other arguments on this page in here.] (3) [Atheist refutes argument.] (4) I cannot prove there is a God anymore than anyone of us can prove we really exist in a tangible world. (5) Therefore, God exists. 85. Meta-Proof (1) This is a proof of God's existence. (2) If the reader finishes reading this proof, the existence of God will be proven to him/her. (3) If the existence of God is proven, then God exists. (4) Therefore, God exists. 86. Proof By Anecdote (1) God can be seen by those who believe in Him. (2) If the God is seen, then He must exist. (3) I have seen God. (4) Therefore, God exists. 87. ARGUMENT FROM BIBLICAL HISTORY (1) Many modern historians think that there probably was somebody named Jesus, maybe. (2) Therefore, God exists. 88. BENDER�S ARGUMENT (I) (1) One day, demons were tap-dancing on my roof. I prayed and they went away. (2) Therefore, demons are really good dancers. (3) Also, God exists. 89. BENDER�S ARGUMENT (II) (ARGUMENT FROM DAVID BLAINE) (1) If David Blaine does real magic, then God exists. (2) It looked real on his TV special. (3) Therefore, God exists. 90. RANDMAN�S ARGUMENT (1) This entry from the 1975 World Book Encyclopedia on evolution contains some errors that I claim to have already substantiated. (2) Mr. Ph.D.-in-Evolutionary-Biology, this proves that evolution is an unsound scientific concept. (3) Therefore, God exists. 91. ARGUMENT FROM MULTIPLICITY (I), aka METACROCK'S ARGUMENT (1) I have a large number of arguments for God. (2) One of them is probably true. (3) Therefore, God exists. 92. ARGUMENT FROM FORTUITOUS COINCIDENCE (1) What are the odds of that happening? (2) Pretty long, I�ll bet. (3) Therefore, God exists. 93. ARGUMENT FROM MYSTERIOUS USE OF PREPOSITIONS (1) It is impossible to disprove God with your puny human intellect unless you are above God. (2) Are you higher than God? (3) I�ll take that puzzled look on your face as a no. (4) Therefore, God (being the highest thing ever) exists. 94. ARGUMENT FROM TEEN CHRISTIAN MOVEMENT (1) God is so totally awesome, dude, and if you would pretend that Creed and POD were good bands, you would realize that. (2) Also, our Youth Group leader Skip once, like, cured a broken leg using only the power of the almighty Lord. (3) Therefore, God exists. 95. ARGUMENT FROM SPEAKING IN TOUNGES (1) My friend here, once started spontaneously speaking some jibberish that sounded to me kind of like Russian. (2) But neither he nor I know anything about Russian. (3) The only explanation is God. (4) Therefore, God exists. 96. ARGUMENT FROM EUROPEAN HISTORY (1) Many prominent thinkers in pre-modern Europe believed in God. (2) Let�s just forget about the nineteenth and twentieth centuries. (3) Therefore, God exists. 97. ARGUMENT FROM DESIGN (I), aka PALEY'S ARGUMENT, aka TELEOLOGICAL ARGUMENT (III) (1) If there is a designer, then God must exist. (2) If I find a watch in a forest, there must be a designer. (3) [Throws watch into forest.] (4) Therefore, God exists. 98. ARGUMENT FROM DESIGN (II), aka GOD OF THE GAPS, aka TELEOLOGICAL ARGUMENT (IV) (1) Isn't X amazing! (2) I don't understand how X could be, without something else (that I don't really understand either) making or doing X. (3) This something else must be God because I can't come up with a better explanation. (4) Therefore, God exists. 99. ARGUMENT FROM OFFENSE (1) God exists. (2) [Atheist makes counterarguments.] (3) You know what? I am offended. (4) Therefore, God exists. 100. ARGUMENT FROM PRAYER (1) God exists. (2) [Atheist makes counterarguments.] (3) You have my prayers. 101. ARGUMENT FROM AGNOSTICISM (1) I don't know and you don't know either. (2) Therefore, God exists. 102. ARGUMENT FROM LOVE (1) Have you ever fallen in love? (2) [Of course!!] (3) So what is the cause of love? Isn't it God? Am I right or not? (4) Therefore, God exists. 103. ARGUMENT FROM IDENTITY (PC argument) (1) Believing in God is a central part of my identity. (2) You don't mean to deny my identity do you? (3) Therefore, God exists. 104. ARGUMENT FROM FORMATTING (1) Behold, foolish Atheists, I present you with an incontrovertible proof of the existence of God. (2) [Christian posts 10,000 word document without a single paragraph break.] (3) [Atheists' eyes implode.] (4) I see that nobody can refute (2). (5) Therefore, God exists. 105. ARGUMENT FROM NON-CONFRONTATION (1) I am not here to argue with you Atheists. (2) But come on, God obviously exists. (3) Therefore, God exists. 106. ARGUMENT FROM EXODUS (1) If the Exodus story has any basis in historical fact, then God exists. (2) Some guy found some chariot wheels at the bottom of the Red Sea. (3) There is absolutely no other way that chariots could get to the bottom of the Red Sea. (4) This means the Exodus story is true. (5) Therefore, God exists. 107. ARGUMENT FROM MARTYRDOM (1) The apostles would not have died for something they knew wasn't true. (2) Atheist gives examples of martyrs outside Christendom. (3) Obviously those examples were fooled by Satan. (4) Therefore, God exists. 108. ARGUMENT FROM TINKERBELL (1) I really want God to be real. (2) If you wish for something really hard, it'll come true. (3) Therefore, God exists. 109. ARGUMENT FROM LACK OF DISPROOF (1) You can't prove God doesn't exist! (2) Therefore, God exists. 110. ARGUMENT FROM ANECDOTAL EXPERIENCE (I) (1) I once experienced something I can't explain. (2) [Atheists offer several possible, natural explanations.] (3) You're just guessing! I was there. (4) Therefore, God exists. 111. ARGUMENT FROM ANECDOTAL EXPERIENCE (II) (1) I have experienced feelings of God's presence in my mind. (2) Therefore, God exists. 112. ARGUMENT FROM NEUROSCIENCE (1) Scientists say a portion of our brain may be responsible for mystical experiences. (2) Therefore, God exists. 113. ARGUMENT FROM EYEWITNESS (sometimes follows or combined with Lack of Eyewitness I) (1) Someone wrote the creation story in the Bible. (2) That someone must have been an eyewitness to the described events. (3) Therefore, God exists. 114. ARGUMENT FROM LACK OF EYEWITNESS (I) (1) You weren't there to witness abiogenisis/Big Bang/etc. (2) Therefore, God exists. 115. ARGUMENT FROM LACK OF EYEWITNESS (II) (1) No one's ever seen one species turn into another. (2) Therefore, God exists. 116. ARGUMENT FROM HALF A WING (1) Half of a wing is useless! (2) Therefore, God exists. 117. ARGUMENT FROM PREFERRED ANCESTRY (1) I don't want to be related to monkeys. (2) Therefore, God exists. 118. ARGUMENT FROM FOOLISHNESS (1) The Bible says Atheists are fools. (2) I don't want to be a fool. (3) Therefore, God exists. 119. ARGUMENT FROM PIG'S TEETH (1) Some scientists once thought a tooth was from an "ape-man." (2) Later scientists discovered it was a pig's tooth. (3) Therefore, God exists. 120. ARGUMENT FROM PERSECUTION (I) (1) Someone made fun of my faith. (2) Therefore, God exists. 121. ARGUMENT FROM PERSECUTION (II) (1) Jesus said that people would make fun of Christians. (2) I am an idiot. (3) People often point that out. (4) Therefore, God exists. 122. ARGUMENT FROM PERSECUTION (III) (1) You Atheists are mean! (2) Therefore, God exists. 123. ARGUMENT FROM JESUS SAID STUFF (1) Jesus said some really cool stuff. (2) No one else had said that stuff. (2) Therefore, God exists. 124. ARGUMENT FROM DIFFERENCES (1) The Christian God is different than the gods of other religions. (2) Therefore, the Christian God exists. 125. ARGUMENT FROM CHRISTIAN MORALITY (although it could probably be adapted to just about any religion) (1) Somewhere, someone who called himself or herself a Christian did something nice. (2) This person was probably not lying. (3) Therefore, this person was a Christian. (4) Therefore, Christians do nice things. (5) Therefore, Christians are moral. (6) Christians believe in the Bible. (7) Therefore, the Bible is moral. (8) The Bible is God's word. It says so. (9) Therefore, God is moral. (10) (We are just ignoring all the not-nice things that Christians may or may not have done in the past, it's hard to trust history anyway, there are enemies of God working everywhere). (11) A moral God would be really nice. (12) Therefore, God exists. 126. ARGUMENT FROM CRAZINESS, aka PERCHANCE'S SISTER'S ARGUMENT (I) (1) I would go crazy if I didn't believe in God. (2) I am not crazy. (3) Therefore, God exists. 127. ARGUMENT FROM CHOCOLATE, aka MRS. POPE'S PROOF (1) Chocolate is God's gift to humanity. (2) Therefore, God exists. Now class, would anyone like to attempt an Argument From Beer? 128. ARGUMENT FROM WWJD (1) I have the �What Would Jesus Do?� T-shirt, bracelet, baseball hat, and shoelaces. (2) I wear them in public. (3) Therefore, God exists. 129. ARGUMENT FROM INTEREST (1) If God really doesn�t exist than Atheists wouldn�t spend so much time talking about him. (2) [Atheist refutes (1).] (3) Therefore, God exists. 130. REID�S ARGUMENT (1) You assume that your senses are reliable even though you can�t prove it. (2) That means I get to assume anything I want. (3) Therefore, God exists. 131. ARGUMENT FROM INTELLECTUAL SUPERIORITY (1) [Christian posts argument.] (2) [Atheist refutes argument.] (3) Atheist, you obviously didn�t understand my argument. (4) Therefore, God exists. 132. ARGUMENT FROM CATCH-PHRASE (1) There are no Atheists in foxholes. (2) [Atheist points out Atheists in foxholes.] (3) They don�t count. (4) Therefore, God exists. 133. TERCEL�S ARGUMENT (ARGUMENT FROM PROBABILITY) (1) We should believe what probably is true. (2) I have arbitrarily assigned the proposition �God exists� a probability of 0.75. (3) That probability came from my ass, which I know assigns extremely accurate probabilities to propositions concerning the existence of God. (4) So God probably exists. (5) Therefore, God exists. 134. ARGUMENT FROM FREE GIFT, aka Kissing Hank's Ass (1) If some guy came up to you on the street and offered you a billion dollars for nothing in return, would you take the money or deny his existence? (2) Therefore, God exists. 135. ARGUMENT FROM CHARITY (1) Atheists don�t build hospitals. (2) [Atheist points out Bill Gates and Ted Turner, who donate millions of dollars to charity.] (3) Yes, but do they build hospitals? (4) Therefore, God exists. 136. ARGUMENT FROM SERIOUS ASSERTION (1) God exists. (2) No, seriously. (3) Therefore, God exists. 137. ARGUMENT FROM POSITIVE OUTCOME (1) Even if God doesn�t exist, it would be better if people believed He did. (2) Therefore, God exists. 138. ARGUMENT FROM LACK OF EVIDENCE (I) (1) I believe that if God exists, there will be no evidence for his existence (2) There is no evidence for the existence of God. (3) Therefore, God exists. 139. ARGUMENT FROM LACK OF EVIDENCE (II) (MODIFIED SIMPSON�S ARGUMENT) (1) God, if you exist, please give me absolutely no sign. (2) (3) Therefore, God exists. 140. ARGUMENT FROM IDIOCY (1) I am an idiot. (2) Even an idiot can see that God exists. (3) Therefore, God exists. 141. ARGUMENT FROM TERRORISM (I) (1) Terrorists destroyed the WTC, killing thousands. (2) One piece of the rubble sort of looks like a cross. (3) Therefore, God exists. 142. ARGUMENT FROM TERRORISM (II) (1) A plane was hijacked by terrorists. (2) The passengers prayed and attacked the terrorists. (3) The plane crashed into a field, killing all aboard. (4) Therefore, God exists. 143. ARGUMENT FROM TERRORISM (III), aka PERCHANCE'S SISTER'S ARGUMENT (II) (1) September 11th was really, really bad. (2) We have bad things happen to us when we're doing something bad. (3) Therefore, September 11th was a punishment for something we did. (4) Maybe it was being arrogant? (5) Yeah, that's it! (6) God let September 11th happen to teach America humility. (7) Therefore, God exists. 144. ARGUMENT FROM MASS MURDER (1) Stalin was an Atheist. (2) He murdered millions of people. (3) Therefore, God exists. 145. ARGUMENT FROM TORNADOS (1) A large tornado hit Kansas City. (2) The tornado missed a church but destroyed several hundred homes. (3) Therefore, God exists. 146. ARGUMENT FROM SPAGHETTI (1) A few people saw something weird in a bowl of spaghetti. (2) Some Catholics believe that it is the Virgin Mary. (3) Therefore, God exists. 147. ARGUMENT FROM MONEY (1) All U.S. currency contains the motto "In God We Trust." (2) Therefore, God exists. 148. ARGUMENT FROM THE PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE (I) (1) The Pledge clearly states that America is "one nation, under God * * *." (2) The existence of God is thus a necessary condition for the existence of America. (3) America exists. (4) Therefore, God exists. 149. ARGUMENT FROM THE FOUNDING FATHERS (I) (1) Some of America's Founding Fathers wrote favorably about the Bible. (2) The Founding Fathers were really, really smart. (3) Accordingly, the Bible must be true. (4) The Bible says that God exists. (5) Therefore, God exists. 150. ARGUMENT FROM THE FOUNDING FATHERS (II) (1) The Declaration of Independence includes the words "God" and "Creator". (2) Only a Christian would include the words "God" and "Creator"! (3) Therefore this is a Christian Nation. (4) A Christian Nation couldn't last over 200 years without God's help. (5) Therefore, God exists. 151. ARGUMENT FROM THE FALL OF PAGAN ROME (1) When Jesus was crucified, the Roman Empire was pagan, ruled by a pagan Emperor. (2) A couple of hundred years later, lots of Romans were Christians, and the Emperor was a Christian too! (3) Therefore, God exists. 152. ARGUMENT FROM LOTS OF BOOKS (1) The Bible has lots of books written by lots of authors over a long period of time. (2) Through centuries of vigorous apologetics we've been able to forge a more or less coherent plot for the whole Bible. (3) It is beyond human ability for so many authors over so long a time to write so many books from which we could hammer such a plot. (4) Therefore, God exists. 153. ARGUMENT FROM UNLIKE OTHER RELIGIONS (I) (argument from sacrifice) (1) The Bible said Jesus died for our sins. (2) No other religious text describes a god that died for our sins! (3) Therefore, the Christian God exists. 154. ARGUMENT FROM UNLIKE OTHER RELIGIONS (II) (argument from resurrection) (1) The Bible said Jesus rose from the dead. (2) No other religious text describes a god that rose from the dead! (3) Therefore, the Christian God exists. 155. ARGUMENT FROM BRUTE FORCE (1) [Christian tears Darwin Fish off car, breaks it in thirds, sticks it to driver's side window.] (2) Therefore, the theory of evolution is wrong. (3) Therefore, creationism is right. (4) Therefore, God exists. 156. ARGUMENT FROM TROY (1) There is little archeological evidence for the events in Exodus. (2) But look at Troy! It is discovered when people thought the Iliad was only a story! So who knows if there would be a time evidence for Exodus was discovered? (3) Therefore the Exodus actually happened. (4) Therefore, God exists. 157. ARGUMENT FROM BIBLICAL PROPHECY, PART 1 (1) The book of Daniel made some prophecies. (2) The prophecy was later fulfilled by other records in the Book of Daniel. (3) The prophecy came true! (4) Therefore, God exists. 158. ARGUMENT FROM SHAME (1) The Bible showed a group of people performing embarassing actions. (2) It must be true if the book describes negative events. (3) The Bible is describing historical events. (4) Therefore, God exists. 159. ARGUMENT FROM EQUAL VALUE (PC argument II) (1) Evolution and the scientific worldview is a worldview. Similarly, the biblical worldview is a worldview. (2) You are not discriminating against our worldview are you? (3) The Biblical worldview is as good as the scientific worldview. (4) Therefore, God exists. 160. ARGUMENT FROM MODERATION (often employed by liberals) (1) The Creationist side occupies an extreme side of the spectrum. (2) Similarly, the Atheist side occupies another extreme side of the spectrum. (3) The liberals are in between. (4) Therefore, the liberal position on God is the most correct. (5) Therefore, God exists. 161. ARGUMENT FROM CHICK (1) I have all these cool Jesus comics. (2) I also think Eternal is smart with all those great arguments. (3) Those comics sure convinced me! (4) Therefore, God exists. 162. ARGUMENT FROM EVIDENTIAL ASSERTION (a.k.a. "Henry Morris Argument") (1) God exists. (2) Therefore all physical evidence (fossil record etc) must show this. (3) Therefore it does. (4) Therefore, God exists. 163. ARGUMENT FROM LACK OF MEANNESS (1) If God didn't exist, it would be mean of him to make me believe he did! (2) God isn't mean. (3) Therefore, God exists. 164. ARGUMENT FROM WE ALL GOT FAITH (1) We all believe in something. (2) Therefore we all have faith. (3) My faith in God is no different from your faith that the sun will rise tomorrow morning. (4) Therefore, God exists. 165. ARGUMENT FROM COOLNESS (1) That's really cool. (2) God must have done that. (3) Therefore, God exists. 166. ARGUMENT FROM WTC, aka ARGUMENT FROM TERRORISM (III) (1) Terrorists destroyed the WTC, killing thousands. (2) An intact Bible was found in the ruins. (3) No, wait, it turns out it was a dictionary. (4) Oh, well, God exists anyway. 167. ARGUMENT FROM COLLEGE FUNDING (usable by parents only) (1) You believe in God. (2) If I ever find out that you don't believe in God, you won't get any money for college! (3) Therefore, God exists. 168. ARGUMENT FROM SNOWFLAKES (1) Out of 3,300 pictures of snow-crystals catalogued no two are exactly alike. Each has 6 points crossing at a 60 degree angle. If one is like a fern it has 6 out-pointing leaves; if like a windmill, It has 6 sails; if like a starfish, 6 ribs; or if like a fir tree, 6 stems with plumes set in perfect symmetry. This makes 3 distinct triangles to each flake. The Hebrew word for snow equals 333 (Hebrew letters stand for numbers). (2) Could it not be that God has set His symbol of the Triune God in each flake? The average snow storm produces about 1000 billion crystals. (3) Only an intelligent Being could design so many forms. (4) Therefore, God exists. 169. ARGUMENT FROM CUSTODY (used by the parents of a friend of mine) (1) We have legal custody of your son. (2) If you don't act as though the Christian God existed, then we won't let you see him. (3) Therefore, God exists. 170. ARGUMENT FROM FIDEISM, aka MARTIN GARDNER'S ARGUMENT (1) Atheists are absolutely right. There is no logical reason to believe God exists. (2) But he makes me feel good anyway. (3) Therefore, God exists. 171. ARGUMENT FROM PEPPER'S PHILOSOPHY CLASS, aka THE ENERGY ARGUMENT (1) Things that exist have energy. (2) Energy is alive. (3) All living things are made from energy. (4) Therefore, God Exists. 172. ARGUMENT FROM A BAD TRIP (1) I went to a party and took LSD. (2) I saw demons attacking me. (3) Then Jesus came and drove the demons away. (4) So I joined the Assemblies of God. (5) Therefore, God exists. 173. ARGUMENT FROM STUPIDITY (1) I am stupid. (2) God made man in his own image. (3) There are all horrible disasters going around the world. (4) God is omnipotent in power. (5) God is too stupid to do anything about these things. (6) Therefore, God exists. 174. ARGUMENT FROM STAR TREK (1) You will be assimilated. (2) All your salvations belong to us. (3) Resistance is futile. (4) Therefore, God exists. 175. ARGUMENT FROM PRAYER (1) When I pray, either it comes true or God has a better plan. (2) Therefore, God exists. 176. ARGUMENT FROM DEMOCRACY (1) God would never allow a non-Christian to become president. (2) There has never been a non-Christian president. (3) Therefore, God exists. 177. ARGUMENT FROM PAIN AVOIDANCE (1) If I don't believe God exists, I'll go to Hell. (2) Please don't hurt me. (3) Therefore, God exists. 178. ARGUMENT FROM MOUNTAINS (1) People used to think gods lived on Mt. Olympus. (2) We've climbed Mt. Olympus and there were no gods there. (3) Therefore, pagan gods are false. (4) Therefore, the Christian God exists. 179. ARGUMENT FROM FUZZY ANIMALS, aka TELEOLOGICAL ARGUMENT (III) (1) Bunnies are cute. (2) Cuteness is not an evolutionary advantage. (3) Therefore, cuteness must have been designed. (4) Therefore, God exists. 180. ARGUMENT FROM POLITICS (1) The vast majority of the people believe in God. (2) I'll get elected if I pretend to believe in God. (3) Therefore, God exists. 181. ARGUMENT FROM PRESIDENTIAL IGNORANCE (1) If I ask God to blesserize Texas, nobody'll mess with it. (2) Nobody messes with Texas. (3) Therefore, God exists. 182. ARGUMENT FROM COINCIDENCE (1) We were driving home with our youth pastor when it started to rain really hard outside. (2) We pulled over to the side of the road, joined hands and asked gawd to deliver us home safely. (3) We arrived home safely. (4) Therefore, God exists. 183. ARGUMENT FROM COMPUTERS (1) I tried to delete a copy of the TEN COMMANDMENTS from my computer. It would not have mattered as I had another copy on file. (2) Still the computer malfunctioned. (3) The computer had more sense than Atheists who made it. (4) Therefore, God exists. 184. ARGUMENT FROM INVISIBILITY (1) God is invisible. (2) I can't see God. (3) Therefore, God exists. 185. ARGUMENT FROM RAIN, aka PERCHANCE'S SISTER'S ARGUMENT (III) (1) I wanted it to be a sunny day. (2) I prayed it wouldn't rain. (3) We had two thunderstorms. (4) Obviously, God didn't want to answer my prayer. (5) Of course not! What a selfish thing to pray for! How dare I try to compel God to my selfish desires! (6) The rain was God's punishment for my selfish desires. (7) Therefore, God exists. 186. METACROCK'S ARGUMENT FOR GOD (I) (1) I Have a philosophy degree. (2) Your knowledge in philosophy is paltry in comparison to mine. (3) Therefore you are unable to comprehend my intense philosophical proofs proving God's existence. (4) Therefore, God exists. 187. METACROCK'S ARGUMENT FOR GOD (II) (1) I created the term "arbitrary necessity". (2) It is a golden principle and applies to whatever I say it does. (3) I say an eternal universe is an arbitrary necessity. (4) Therefore, God exists. 188. ARGUMENT FROM BEER (I) (1) "Beer is proof that God loves us and wants us to be happy." - Ben Franklin (2) Beer exists. (3) Therefore, God exists. 189. ARGUMENT FROM BEER (II) (1) Christian: Whatever you believe in is your god. (2) Atheist: I believe I'll have another beer. (3) Ha ha. (4) Therefore, God exists. 190. ARGUMENT FROM MONKEYS (1) If man came from monkeys, there shouldn't be anymore monkeys. (2) There are still monkeys. (3) Therefore, God Exists. 191. ARGUMENT FROM C.S. LEWIS (1) C.S. Lewis had a lot of good arguments in favor of Christianity ... at least that�s what all my Christian friends tell me... (2) C.S. Lewis wrote some popular books too! (3) So anything C.S. Lewis said must be right! (4) Therefore, God Exists. 192. ARGUMENT FROM UNIVERSAL DESTRUCTION (1) I woke up this morning and found that the universe still exists. (2) Therefore, its destruction was averted by God. (3) Therefore, God exists. 193. ARGUMENT FROM DEAD FIREFIGHTERS (1) All those dead firefighters were blessed by a Catholic priest before they gave their lives. (2) For people they didn't even know! (3) Yes, they were TOO mostly Catholics! (4) I just know! (5) Therefore, God exists. 194. ARGUMENT FROM TODD BEAMER (1) Todd Beamer prayed "Our Father" with a switchboard operator after his flight was hijacked. (2) Todd Beamer was a hero. (3) Therefore, God exists. 195. ARGUMENT FROM FALWELL (1) Jerry Falwell said some really stupid things after September 11th. (2) Then he apologized! (3) He was inspired by God to repent! (4) No, it had nothing to do with the public outcry! (5) Why? Because God told me so! (6) Therefore, God exists. 196. ARGUMENT FROM SCIENTISTS (1) Some famous scientists believed in God. (2) Therefore, God exists. 197. ARGUMENT FROM FLOWERS (1) That flower is pretty. (2) Therefore, God exists. 198. ARGUMENT FROM INSTRUMENTATION (1) You are an Atheist. (2) You did something kind. (3) You are an instrument of God. (4) God exists. 199. ARGUMENT FROM QUANTUM PHYSICS (1) Quantum physics uses an uncertainty principle. (2) There is room for God. (3) Therefore, God exists. 200. ARGUMENT FROM THERMODYNAMICS (1) The Second Law of Thermodynamics says that a closed system tends to disorder. (2) The universe is ordered. (3) Therefore, God exists. 201. ARGUMENT FROM SONGS (1) The song "America the Beautiful" has the line "God shed his grace on thee." (2) Therefore, God exists. 202. ARGUMENT FROM APOLOGETICS WEBPAGES (1) I was surfing the Net and came across this really cool webpage of apologetics. (2) Their arguments were stunning. I couldn't refute them. (3) Therefore, God exists. 203. ARGUMENT FROM COMFORT (1) All kinds of people have found comfort in religion. (2) That means there must be something there to give comfort to them. (3) Therefore, God exists. 204. ARGUMENT FROM BILL O'REILLY (1) Atheism is challenging this country's Christian roots! (2) We are Christians! (3) We will make a big stink about this, and not let Atheists win! (4) We will win because God is on our side! (5) Therefore, God exists. 205. ARGUMENT FROM EXISTENTIAL LONELINESS (1) This can't be all there is to existence. (2) I mean it's so horrible, pointless, brutal and nasty. (3) It's all so depressing. (4) I'm lonely. (5) There has to be something else out there. (6) I mean it, there just has to be. (7) THERE HAS TO BE SOMETHING ELSE OUT THERE! (8) AGGGRRG!!! THERE JUST HAS TO BE!!!! (9) God! He can be out there for me. (10) I'm not so lonely now! (11) Yay! (12) Therefore, God exists. 206. ARGUMENT FROM SINS I LIKE, aka PERCHANCE'S SISTER'S ARGUMENT (IV) (1) I don't like abortion. (2) But this is just my opinion. (3) I want my opinion backed up with facts. (4) But in the absence of facts, morals will do. (5) Christians say abortion is a sin! Yeah! I have allies! (6) But for a sin to exist and Christians to be right, God must exist. (7) Therefore, God exists. 207. ARGUMENT FROM CHRISTIAN SOLIPSISM (1) Nothing but Jesus is real. (2) See #1. 208. The ARGUMENT FROM THE THRONE ROOM (1) Would you stand in the presence of a mighty king and demand that he prove he exists? (2) No? (3) That's what you're doing with God, you arrogant bastards. (4) I don't CARE that you can't see him! (5) Therefore, God exists. 209. ARGUMENT FROM LACK OF IMAGINATION (1) I couldn't imagine not believing in God. (2) Therefore, God exists. 210. ARGUMENT FROM WOW (1) "When I look into the sky and see all the pretty stars, all those galaxies..." (2) Wow. (3) Therefore, God exists. 211. ARGUMENT FROM ARMCHAIR PSYCHOANALYSIS (1) You say there's no God? (2) Ah, someone calling themselves Christian must have really hurt you in the past. (3) Therefore, God exists. 212. ARGUMENT FROM CHRISTIAN EXPERTS ARE IGNORED (1) Dembski, Behe and Plantinga are ignored by mainstream intellectuals. (2) Only a fear of the truth could explain this. (3) Therefore, God exists. 213. ARGUMENT FROM CHRISTIAN EXPERTS ARE NOT IGNORED (1) Mainstream intellectuals are paying some attention to Dembski, Behe and Plantinga. (2) Only a growing recognition of the truth could explain this. (3) Therefore, God exists. 214. ARGUMENT FROM COUNTERFACTUAL EVIDENCE (1) You claim the evidence for Jesus' divinity is non-existent. (2) But if there was lots of evidence, you would still not be convinced. (3) Therefore, God exists. 215. ARGUMENT FROM UNSEEN MIRACLES (1) Atheists wouldn't believe in God even if He showed up and performed a miracle for them. (2) See! There was a miracle right over there! Didn't you see it? (3) No? (4) You must be an Atheist. Therefore, you cannot see miracles. (5) But miracles happen. You just can't see them. (6) Likewise, God exists. You just can't see Him, because you are so determined not to. (7) Therefore, God exists. 216. ARGUMENT FROM WIND (1) You believe in wind. (2) But you can't see it. (3) God's the same way. (4) It IS TOO analogous! (5) Therefore, God exists. 217. ARGUMENT FROM WARREN ROBINETT (1) There's a secret message in the video game "Adventure." (2) It reveals that the game was Created By Warren Robinett. (3) It's the same way with the world. (4) Look for the secret messages, and you will find the World's Creator. (5) Therefore, God Exists. 218. ARGUMENT FROM OFFENSIVENESS, aka GOODY2SHOES'S ARGUMENT (1) You keep making statements that I think are generalizations, hypocritical, and bigoted. (2) I will only agree to stay if you stop that. (3) [Non-believer tries to be non-offensive.] (4) You're still offending me because of [insert random statement here]. (5) [Non-believer rereads her posts before posting, posting when she thinks she is not being offensive.] (6) I'm offended! (7) [Non-believer tears her hair out trying to figure out how to be non-offensive.] (8) This conversation is just the two of us. I think we should stop this conversation. (9) [Non-believer figures 'Fuck it' and posts what she really thinks.] (10) WOW! WHAT A BIGOT! I'm leaving! (11) I have a spiritual victory. (12) Therefore, God exists. 219. ARGUMENT FROM MULTIPLICITY (II), aka TERCEL'S ARGUMENT (II) (1) I have a large number of arguments for God. (2) There is a small chance that each of them is true. (3) Using voodoo probability calculations, this means that there is a much greater chance that all of them are true taken together! (4) And this ISN'T just the mathematical version of the Ontological Proof; I'm a real mathematician and you obviously can't understand this proof because you don't know as much about math as me. (5) Oh, and don't confuse things by mentioning how many Atheistic arguments there are, and the probability of each of them being correct... (6) Or the fact that I basically pulled the probability of each of my arguments being correct out of my ass... (7) And admit that I know more about math than you, and you'll see that... (8) Therefore, God exists. 220. ARGUMENT FROM TRAUMATIC EXPERIENCES (1) One time, I was in deep emotional pain. (2) I prayed to God, and felt His presence. (3) You aren't going to deny my emotional pain, are you? (4) Therefore, God exists. 221. ARGUMENT FROM ABUSING THE BODY (1) One time, I fasted for three days straight, prayed on my knees for hours, and didn't sleep, either. (2) At the end of that time, God answered me. (3) You see, you just have to mortify the flesh and accept the things of the spirit in order to meet God. (4) No, there is no possibility that it was a hallucination! (5) Therefore, God exists. 222. ARGUMENT FROM ECSTASY (used by a number of saints) (1) I woke up last night with a feeling of indescribable pleasure and joy. (2) It couldn't have been sexual; I'm holy and never have thoughts like those. (3) So the ecstasy must have come from God. (4) Therefore, God exists. 223. ARGUMENT FROM FEELING LOVE ALL AROUND, aka PERCHANCE'S SISTER'S ARGUMENT (V) (1) I can just feel love all around me. I know the world is a good place, that people are essentially good, and that that comes from God. (2) I don't know how I know. It's just there. You've never felt it? (3) I don't know how I know. Stop pestering me! (4) [Sheds tears until nasty non-believer goes away.] (5) Therefore, God exists. 224. ARGUMENT FROM MUSIC (could also be used for art) (1) You like classical music. (2) Classical composers wrote for God. (3) [Non-believer points out that they had to compose for the Church or they would have been executed.] (4) But they wrote for God and you like the music. (5) Therefore, God Exists. 225. ARGUMENT FROM SADISM (I) (1) I enjoy beating children. (2) I find some justification for it in the Bible. (3) Therefore, God exists. 226. ARGUMENT FROM SADISM (II) (1) I enjoy treating women like dirt. It makes me feel powerful. (2) I find some justification for it in the Bible. (3) Therefore, God exists. 227. ARGUMENT FROM THE BIBLE (II) (1) The Bible says the Bible is true. (2) Therefore the Bible is true. (3) The Bible says God exists. (4) Therefore, God exist. 228. WILLIAM JAMES' ARGUMENT (1) We should give people the benefit of the doubt. (2) When someone says God exists, we should believe them. (3) A lot of people say God exists. (4) Therefore, God exists. 229. PASCAL'S ARGUMENT, aka PASCAL'S WAGER (1) If God exists, it would be really cool. (And I would win big-time.) (2) If God didn't exist, it would really suck. (But I wouldn't lose much.) (3) Therefore, God exists. (Or, at least I should believe in God because it's the best bet.) 230. THE BIBLICAL PRESERVATION ARGUMENT (1) The Bible hasn't changed much since it was written. (2) Therefore everything in it must be true. (3) Therefore, God exists. 231. ARGUMENT FROM BIBLICAL PROPHECY, PART 2 (1) Jesus clearly fulfilled all the prophecies of the Jews. (2) I don't care if many stories were created to fulfill prophecy. (3) Therefore, God exists. 232. THE STEWARDSHIP ARGUMENT (1) God gave us the earth to take care of it. (2) We take care of it. (3) Therefore, God exists. 233. ARGUMENT FROM THE 2nd LAW OF THERMODYNAMICS (1) All systems become chaotic. (2) The Universe, too, will become chaotic. (3) Therefore, God exists. 234. ARGUMENT FROM ATHEISM (1) Unicorns don't exist. (2) Therefore, God exists. 235. ARGUMENT FROM THE MEANING OF LIFE (1) What's the meaning of life? (2) [Atheist gives their answer.] (3) That's not what I believe. (4) Therefore, God exists. 236. ARGUMENT FROM LOGIC (1) There are some things in logic that you can't logically demonstrate. (2) Therefore you have to take them on faith. (3) Your faith in logic is the same as my faith in God. (4) Therefore, God exists. 237. VELIKOVSKY'S ARGUMENT (1) If you twist the details enough, you can make a case for Venus, as a comet, causing the Biblical catastrophes. (2) Therefore the Bible is true. (3) Therefore, God exists. 238. ARGUMENT FROM CAN'T-BE-A-RACIST (1) Martin Luther King, Jr. believed in God. (2) I don't think you want to say Dr. King was a fool? (3) That's what I thought. (4) Therefore, God exists. 239. ARGUMENT FROM JESUS� TORTURE (1) No one ever, ever suffered as much as Jesus did on the cross. (2) No, not the victims of the Inquisition. (3) No, not the women burned at the stake or hanged as witches. (4) No, not all the people who died thinking they were going to Hell!!! (5) Who but God would suffer like that for us ungrateful, unworthy humans? (6) Therefore, God exists. 240. ARGUMENT FROM SEVERABILITY (1) Lots of ridiculous statements are made by people who only claim to be Real Christians. (2) They just give Real Christians a bad name. (3) Real Christians don't believe is literally true. (4) But that doesn't mean the Bible isn't still mostly true. (5) And the Bible is the Word of God. (6) Therefore, God exists. 241. ARGUMENT FROM BECAUSE (1) Because. (2) Therefore, God exists. 242. ELABORATED ARGUMENT FROM BECAUSE (1) Because. (2) Because why? (3) Because! (4) Therefore, God exists. 243. ARGUMENT FROM "LET'S JUST BELIEVE," aka TAFFY LEWIS'S ARGUMENT (I) (1) All belief systems should be treated the same as the scientific one. (2) [non-believer: Why?] (3) Because they have their own grounds. (4) Anyway, that's my experience of how the world works. (5) [non-believer: It's not mine. And why should you treat claims of unicorns less seriously than claims of gods?] (6) I don't believe there are unicorns. (7) But I believe there are gods. (8) Therefore, God exists. 244. ARGUMENT FROM UNIQUE EXISTENCE (1) God exists but not in a way that anything else that exists exists. (2) Since there are no other things that exist as God exists, we are free to make up things about God's state of existence that ensure his continued non-observability (3) Therefore, God exists. 245. ARGUMENT FROM POSITIVE RELIGIOUS EXPERIENCE, aka TAFFY LEWIS'S ARGUMENT (II) (1) More people have had positive religious experiences in the context of Western theism. (2) Therefore, God is kind, just, and all-loving. (3) [non-believer: What about the people who have had negative experiences? Or experiences of God's non-existence?] (4) They don't count. (5) Therefore, God is just the way I describe him to be. (5a) Oh, yeah. And God exists. 246. ARGUMENT FROM RIGHTS (1) The Declaration of Independence founded the U.S. (2) Therefore, the Declaration of Independence is true. (3) The Declaration of Independence says that our rights are "endowed by our Creator." (4) George W. agrees with this. (5) You have rights, don't you??? (6) Well where the f*** do you think they came from??? (7) Therefore, God exists. 247. ARGUMENT FROM FUTURE EVIDENCE (1) Look, I realize that it doesn't seem to make sense that there would logically be a God. (2) However, I know He's real, and that in the future I think that maybe something will happen probably that will show you all. (3) Therefore, God Exists. 248. ARGUMENT FROM POSTULATE (1) To fully understand the following demonstration, you must first assume that God exists. (2) Therefore, God exists. 249. ARGUMENT FROM POOR TYPING SKILLS (1) In tihs essae ill demnstrate that gOd exsits in a way tat's so sure thatno athesit can PSOosibly reftue. J will firts dwmonsrtate waht we canaSSUme fo rGod exisnce,,then how wwe can refute anya rgument wihch pretends teh contrrary to eb true,tehn wel'l expose scinetific evidnece thatGod eeexists then we'll cnolcude. yOU will fnid an acurate&up6to6date bibliography no teh page 43 of tihs essay;i Sugegst yu to pritn iths doculent for a mroe confortable raeding. (2) [Atheist doesn't bother to read it.] (3) Therefore, God exists. 250. ARGUMENT FROM UNTRANSLATED OLD FRENCH (1) � Mais pourceque j'avois d�j� connu en moi tr�s clairement que la nature intelligente est distincte de la corporelle; consid�rant que toute composition t�moigne de la d�pendance, et que la d�pendance est manifestement un d�faut, je jugeois de l� que ce ne pouvoit �tre une perfection en Dieu d'�tre compos� de ces deux natures, et que par cons�quent il ne l'�toit pas; mais que s'il y avoit quelques corps dans le monde, ou bien quelques intelligences ou autres natures qui ne fussent point toutes parfaites, leur �tre devoit d�pendre de sa puissance, en telle sorte quelles ne pouvoient subsister sans lui un seul moment. -- Ren� Descartes, Discours de la M�thode (2) How could you possibly refute that? (3) Therefore, God exists. 251. ARGUMENT FROM CLEVER USE OF VOCABULARY (1) Many Atheists will not be convinced by an argument with revdauphinee answered on 02/12/06: hey I believe and need no convincing however did you truly think an atheist would read all that??? FormerJesusHelper76 rated this answer ATON2 rated this answer paraclete rated this answer

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HANK1 asked on 02/11/06 - JUST WONDERING ... The following is a touchy subject which is not to be misconstrued. It's just a question with a reference from the Bible: "Who, if not the Jews, are God's Chosen People?" "Answer: Why, Christians of course! Christians are God's Chosen People." "The Apostle Peter said so, for he told those who believe in Christ Jesus, "Ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a peculiar people...Which in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God." (I Peter 2: 9,10 KJV). Source: Conspiracy World.com * Peter was the name given by Jesus to Simon Bar-Jona the Galilean fisherman, one of the first of the twelve chosen disciples. To opine: It's sites like this that promote prejudice and contradictions. Check it out! Any comments? HANK revdauphinee answered on 02/11/06: just my oppinion but god loves all his creation we are not as christians his chosen ones we must do the choosing and choose him! CeeBee2 rated this answer HANK1 rated this answer wakan rated this answer

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ATON2 asked on 02/11/06 - Are the dead to be so easily forgot????? E. T. Wolverine, in yet another of his exculpatory, self-serving postings claims that we do no honor to our dead servicemembers by having photographs of their flag draped coffins shown to the American people...and that Bush is right in forcing the ban. He then goes on to state, without a shred of back up, that the photo ban has been in effect for almost a century. Horse Puckies....Presidents of Sensitivity to the feelings of survivors, including Carter, Reagan and Clinton...have all made it a point to greet the arrival of our returning dead children, and attending services and funerals for them, and allowing themselves and the flag draped coffins to be photographed and televised and to be posted in the nations newspapers..This is fact, and anyone who doesn't remember,can check these facts... He also fails to note that the ban on photographing the flag draped coffins was authorized by then asst. secretary of defence Cheney...because of a television program that juxtaposed the photos of President Bush laughing and joking at a press conference, while photos of the flag draped coffins were flashed across the screen. It was not good for Bush's image. And he also seems to have forgot the Civil War photographer Matthew Brady..whose photos of our dead servicemembers were posted in every Newspaper in the country. Despite the statements from leading members of Congress and the Military that we do a dis-service to the dead by not allowing America to honor their return...this pompous, sanctimonious flag waver and war monger.....thinks our dead children deserve no such remembrance....claiming it does them no honor!! And to compound this ignorant drivel, he excuses the fact that the Bushling has refused to attend even ONE funeral of a dead serviceman or woman, by asking HOW MANY funerals I have attended. I guess he forgot that I am NOT the Christian President of the United States...the so-called COMMANDER IN CHIEF!!!!! What think ye :) :) :) Serious reponses welcome...garbage will be treated accordingly. revdauphinee answered on 02/11/06: the only reason Bush doest want the coffins photographed is so folks wont be made aware of the carnage he has caused! ATON2 rated this answer CeeBee2 rated this answer excon rated this answer Tex78 rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 02/10/06 - ain't statistics grand I know this has little to do with Christianity but it just proves that a secular society doesn't have any answers Stopping crime doesn't pay - here's the evidence By Malcolm Brown February 11, 2006 POLITICIANS calling for more people to be locked up to deter crime would be well advised to count the cost, given the latest finding that the bill for reducing burglaries in NSW by 10 per cent would be $26 million. In its latest paper, How much crime does prison stop? , the NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research says that to achieve a 10 per cent fall in burglaries, 34 per cent more burglars would be in prison. The existing policy on imprisonment for burglars prevented about 45,000 burglaries a year, it says. More could be stopped, the bureau says, but it asks at what cost. The bureau's director, Dr Don Weatherburn, said there could be little argument that imprisonment is an important weapon in the fight against crime. "What remains unclear is whether further investment in prison is the most cost-effective way of getting the crime rate down," he said. Doubling the average sentence for burglary from one year to two would bring about an 8 per cent fall in burglaries, or about 10,000 offences. Doubling the imprisonment rate for convicted burglars to 88 per cent would reduce the number of burglaries by 11 per cent, or 14,000 offences. Putting more resources into police work and doubling the clear-up rate to 12 per cent would achieve the same result; 11 per cent fewer offences. The bureau says harsher penalties run the risk of increasing the number of not-guilty pleas and a concomitant rise in the number of burglars being acquitted and free to commit more crimes. ---------------------------------------------------------- Now I have been try to work out if the clear up rate is 6% and the number of burglaries is say 160,000, how many police does it take to get a 100% clear up rate, would that be 6000% more police revdauphinee answered on 02/11/06: when our jails are like country clubs can one wonder why,it proved it to me today with the entwistle case he spent one night in an English jail and decided to waive getting sent back to massachusetts he knows ! paraclete rated this answer purplewings rated this answer

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arcura asked on 02/10/06 - We�re leaving now, going to be gone for a few days. My wife�s lovely aunt has passed away so for her funeral we are going north into the snow, ice, and wind country where her family is in mourning. Please pray for the repose of the soul of Joyce Hibbs and comfort for her family. Thanks much, Fred revdauphinee answered on 02/11/06: consider it done and have a safe trip you will be missed arcura rated this answer

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Erewhon asked on 02/10/06 - Truth or Fiction? Ex-CIA Official Faults Use of Data on Iraq Intelligence 'Misused' to Justify War, He Says By Walter Pincus Washington Post Staff Writer Friday, February 10, 2006; Page A01 The former CIA official who coordinated U.S. intelligence on the Middle East until last year has accused the Bush administration of "cherry-picking" intelligence on Iraq to justify a decision it had already reached to go to war, and of ignoring warnings that the country could easily fall into violence and chaos after an invasion to overthrow Saddam Hussein. Paul R. Pillar, who was the national intelligence officer for the Near East and South Asia from 2000 to 2005, acknowledges the U.S. intelligence agencies' mistakes in concluding that Hussein's government possessed weapons of mass destruction. But he said those misjudgments did not drive the administration's decision to invade. Paul R. Pillar, , who was the national intelligence officer for the Near East and South Asia from 2000 to 2005, says warnings on Iraq were ignored. (By Dennis Cook -- Associated Press) "Official intelligence on Iraqi weapons programs was flawed, but even with its flaws, it was not what led to the war," Pillar wrote in the upcoming issue of the journal Foreign Affairs. Instead, he asserted, the administration "went to war without requesting -- and evidently without being influenced by -- any strategic-level intelligence assessments on any aspect of Iraq." "It has become clear that official intelligence was not relied on in making even the most significant national security decisions, that intelligence was misused publicly to justify decisions already made, that damaging ill will developed between [Bush] policymakers and intelligence officers, and that the intelligence community's own work was politicized," Pillar wrote. Pillar's critique is one of the most severe indictments of White House actions by a former Bush official since Richard C. Clarke, a former National Security Council staff member, went public with his criticism of the administration's handling of the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks and its failure to deal with the terrorist threat beforehand. It is also the first time that such a senior intelligence officer has so directly and publicly condemned the administration's handling of intelligence. Pillar, retired after 28 years at the CIA, was an influential behind-the-scenes player and was considered the agency's leading counterterrorism analyst. By the end of his career, he was responsible for coordinating assessments on Iraq from all 15 agencies in the intelligence community. He is now a professor in security studies at Georgetown University. White House officials did not respond to a request to comment for this article. They have vehemently denied accusations that the administration manipulated intelligence to generate public support for the war. "Our statements about the threat posed by Saddam Hussein were based on the aggregation of intelligence from a number of sources and represented the collective view of the intelligence community," national security adviser Stephen J. Hadley said in a White House briefing in November. "Those judgments were shared by Republicans and Democrats alike." Republicans and Democrats in Congress continue to argue over whether, or how, to investigate accusations the administration manipulated prewar intelligence. Yesterday, the Senate Republican Policy Committee issued a statement to counter what it described as "the continuing Iraq pre-war intelligence myths," including charges that Bush " 'misused' intelligence to justify the war." Writing that it was perfectly reasonable for the president to rely on the intelligence he was given, the paper concluded, "it is actually the critics who are misleading the American people." In his article, Pillar said he believes that the "politicization" of intelligence on Iraq occurred "subtly" and in many forms, but almost never resulted from a policymaker directly asking an analyst to reshape his or her results. "Such attempts are rare," he writes, "and when they do occur . . . are almost always unsuccessful." === Is it the case that the first casualty in any war is the Truth? revdauphinee answered on 02/11/06: the Bush administration of "cherry-picking" intelligence on Iraq and this comes as a surprise ??? Erewhon rated this answer

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Erewhon asked on 02/10/06 - Who is telling the truth? L.A. Mayor: We Didn't Know of Threat Friday, February 10, 2006 � Bush Details Foiled 2002 Plot �<.CENTER> LOS ANGELES � Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa said Thursday he was blindsided by President Bush's announcement of new details on a purported 2002 hijacking plot aimed at a downtown skyscraper, and described communication with the White House as "nonexistent." "I'm amazed that the president would make this (announcement) on national TV and not inform us of these details through the appropriate channels," the mayor said in an interview with The Associated Press. "I don't expect a call from the president � but somebody." However, White House Press Secretary Scott McClellan said California was notified. (he actually says that not that he knew, but that it was 'his understanding.' Yeah, right!) "... my understanding was that we did reach out to officials in California and Los Angeles to let them know, I think it was yesterday, that the president would be talking about this. And the word I heard was that there was great appreciation for the notification that we provided," he said during a White House briefing. Someone is telling porky pies! revdauphinee answered on 02/11/06: Someone is telling porky pies! If it looks like a lie and smells like a lie its usual.y a lie Bush is good at that! Erewhon rated this answer

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HANK1 asked on 02/10/06 - JUST WONDERING ... ... if a person can go through life being highly intelligent while being dumb as a rock? (I know about street smarts) HANK revdauphinee answered on 02/10/06: YES YES YES!I know many folks who have great book learning yet virtualy no common sence! ATON2 rated this answer HANK1 rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 02/10/06 - Is this a problem where you come from? Businesses and charities prey on the elderly By Gabriel Fleming February 10, 2006 MY PARENTS are philanthropic battlers. People who grew up in the Depression, went to war, and needed a helping hand at some point in their lives have long memories. Cruelly, my parents can't go out much any more. The relentless progress of Alzheimer's has put a stop to that for both of them. Slowly we have been forced to take over their external lives: banking, mail, money, the lot. Over the last few months the extent of their philanthropy has been revealed. The charities to which they have made donations reads like a cornucopia of every medical ailment contracted in their combined 160 years: arthritis, asthma, diabetes, heart disease, blindness, hearing defects. The donations ranged from $50 to $5000, a total of nearly $10,000 in three months. Neither Mum nor Dad understands why these figures appear on their bank statements. They still think $3 is a bit expensive for a cappuccino. They are not rich on any reckoning. I have emailed, phoned and faxed 30 charitable organisations to try to put a stop to this. Given the nature of charitable work you might think an apology and a refund would be in order. However it seems very difficult to get someone off the mailing list. Several charities told me they took no responsibility for soliciting donations by mail, or by phone. They outsourced this task by selling their mailing lists to companies who did only this work, and only for profit. Don't get me wrong. I am happy for my parents to give their money away. They have earned it. The problem is they don't know that they are giving it away - regularly, and in great chunks. Added to solicitation from charities is a barrage of glossy direct mail brochures entreating my parents to order goods such as $5 children's toys, ugly plastic tablecloths and vacuum cleaners they no longer can use. Perhaps the most brazen piece of marketing was for mail-order lottery tickets that were for a "European" lottery. Many phone calls later it transpired that it was managed by a company in Toronto, Canada, marketed by a call centre in Delhi, India, and financed in the Netherlands. It took some time to unravel that $5500 transaction. Yes, my parents have signed for their orders and donations. But even a cursory glance at my father's shaky endorsement might suggest that the form filler is both elderly and unwell. If this didn't do it the cheques and credit card endorsements out of character with a previous pattern of donation, subscription or purchase might be an alert. Increasingly the elderly and sick are remaining in their own homes. This is a great thing. However, the increasing longevity of the population has brought with it the dementia epidemic. Elderly people need to be protected from the parasitic practices of organisations that prey upon their loneliness and isolation. If you have an elderly, ill parent, do them a favour - check the mail! revdauphinee answered on 02/10/06: as an eldery person myself I can attest to the fact that these charities (as such) do take advantage of elderly folks but so do many other folks such as the insurance companies assigned to help elderly with the new medicare prescription s I firmly believe this was made as complicated as it is deliberatly to do just that .it is a national disgrace how the elderly are taken advantage in what in all other ways I feel is the greatest country!What can those who do not have folks like yourself to take care of them hope to do????give up or go to a nursing home and wait to die? paraclete rated this answer

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excon asked on 02/10/06 - Morning after pill Hello Christians: Illinois is considering a bill to require pharmacists to dispense the morning after pill. Should the government impose its morality on pharmacists who are imposing their morality on their customers? excon revdauphinee answered on 02/10/06: If you own the pharmacy then i think the choice should be yours if you are hired by the pharmacy you do what your boss says to do simple as that! If you dont like it quit! excon rated this answer ATON2 rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 02/10/06 - How offensive is this? Rather than worrying about muslims rioting in Afganistan should Catholics and Christians for that matter riot iver this http://www.smh.com.au/news/national/tshirt-slogan-branded-offensive/2006/02/10/1139465826319.html revdauphinee answered on 02/10/06: fyi catholics are Christians do they not follow christ! we ough to take a leson from the news and not let every little thing (like cartoons and t shirts)get a rise out of us when will folks learn God gave every human the gift of free choice to do as they will we cant as humans change that! CeeBee2 rated this answer paraclete rated this answer

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arcura asked on 02/10/06 - Does everybody like lawyer stories????????????????? Lawyer Stories. Two Thieves A man woke up in a hospital bed and called for his doctor. He asked, "Give it to me straight. How long have I got?" The physician replied that he doubted that the man would survive the night. The man then said, "Call for my lawyer." When the lawyer arrived, the man asked for his physician to stand on one side of the bed, while the lawyer stood on the other. The man then laid back and closed his eyes. When he remained silent for several minutes, the physician asked what he had in mind. The man replied "Jesus died with a thief on either side. I just thought I'd check out the same way." Attack Dog A man who wanted a dog to protect his business, visited a kennel that specialized in attack dogs. The man explained to the kennel owner that he wanted the biggest, meanest, most vicious dog in the kennel, and the owner offered to take the man on a tour of the premises. After they had been walking for a few minutes, they came upon a large dog, snarling loudly, and biting and clawing at the cage. "He looks like he'd be a pretty good attack dog," said the buyer. "Well, he's not bad," replied the owner, "but I have a different one in mind for you." They continued walking around the premises, and after a while they found an even larger, meaner dog than the first. He snarled at the two men and tried to bite them through the wire on his cage. "Ah," said the buyer. "This must be the dog you were referring to earlier." "Well, no." said the owner. "I have something better in mind for you." The men continued their tour. Eventually, they came upon a large dog, panting heavily and lying quietly on his side, licking his own butt. He seemed unaware of the men's approach. "This is the dog I had in mind for you," said the owner. The buyer was flabbergasted. "You're joking!" he exclaimed. "This dog is tame compared to the others; he doesn't even act like an attack dog." "I know he appears tame now," said the owner. "But you see, he just ate a lawyer, and he's trying to get the taste out of his mouth." "A good lawyer is a great liar." --Edward Ward "A man who dies without a will has lawyers for his heirs." --Anonymous "All in all I'd rather have been a judge than a miner. And what's more, being a miner, as soon as you are too old and tired and sick and stupid to do the job properly, you have to go. Well, the very opposite applies with judges." --Peter Cook "Everybody in my family follows the medical profession," said John. "They're all lawyers." revdauphinee answered on 02/10/06: do you know the difference between God and a doctor?? God doest think he is a doctor! arcura rated this answer

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Erewhon asked on 02/10/06 - Mormon Singer Wins a Grammy! Gladys Knight and the Saints Unified Voices Win Grammy One Voice, the debut album from Gladys Knight and the Saints Unified Voices, won the Grammy for Best Gospel Choir Album this afternoon at the 48th Annual Grammy Awards. Since the January 2005 release, One Voice has remained in the top-40 on Billboard�s Gospel charts for the better part of 52 weeks. In the first week, the album soared to immediate success and snagged the title of Billboard�s #1 Hot Shot Debut and landed at #9 while it simultaneously shot to the #1 Gospel Album and #2 Inspirational Album on iTunes. Created and directed by Knight, the Saints Unified Voices, is a matchless gospel choir consisting of more than 100 members from several cultural backgrounds whose mission is to build faith while breaking down cultural barriers. From the energetic, gospel classic �Pass Me Not,� to the moving duet, �Did You Know,� with John Fluker, One Voice offers uplifting and inspirational musical insight. Other nominees in the Best Gospel Choir Album category were the albums, I Speak Life by Donald Lawrence & Company, Live at the Fellowship by VIP Mass Choir, One Church by The Choir of Life (Japan), The Choir of Life (USA) & The Kurt Carr Singers, and 20/85 The Experience by The Love Fellowship Choir. For more information about the Saints Unified Voices please visit www.suvchoir.org. === Isn't that interesting? revdauphinee answered on 02/10/06: And i can remember when blacks were not mormons! ATON2 rated this answer Erewhon rated this answer

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Erewhon asked on 02/09/06 - Are you a believer? Secret Court's Judges Were Warned About NSA Spy Data Program May Have Led Improperly to Warrants By Carol D. Leonnig Washington Post Staff Writer Thursday, February 9, 2006; Page A01 Twice in the past four years, a top Justice Department lawyer warned the presiding judge of a secret surveillance court that information overheard in President Bush's eavesdropping program may have been improperly used to obtain wiretap warrants in the court, according to two sources with knowledge of those events. The revelations infuriated U.S. District Judge Colleen Kollar-Kotelly -- who, like her predecessor, Royce C. Lamberth, had expressed serious doubts about whether the warrantless monitoring of phone calls and e-mails ordered by Bush was legal. Both judges had insisted that no information obtained this way be used to gain warrants from their court, according to government sources, and both had been assured by administration officials it would never happen. U.S. District Judge Colleen Kollar-Kotelly is the current presiding judge of the FISA court, which issues wiretapping warrants. The two heads of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court were the only judges in the country briefed by the administration on Bush's program. The president's secret order, issued sometime after the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks, allows the National Security Agency to monitor telephone calls and e-mails between people in the United States and contacts overseas. James A. Baker, the counsel for intelligence policy in the Justice Department's Office of Intelligence Policy and Review, discovered in 2004 that the government's failure to share information about its spying program had rendered useless a federal screening system that the judges had insisted upon to shield the court from tainted information. He alerted Kollar-Kotelly, who complained to Justice, prompting a temporary suspension of the NSA spying program, the sources said. Yet another problem in a 2005 warrant application prompted Kollar-Kotelly to issue a stern order to government lawyers to create a better firewall or face more difficulty obtaining warrants. The two judges' discomfort with the NSA spying program was previously known. But this new account reveals the depth of their doubts about its legality and their behind-the-scenes efforts to protect the court from what they considered potentially tainted evidence. The new accounts also show the degree to which Baker, a top intelligence expert at Justice, shared their reservations and aided the judges. Both judges expressed concern to senior officials that the president's program, if ever made public and challenged in court, ran a significant risk of being declared unconstitutional, according to sources familiar with their actions. Yet the judges believed they did not have the authority to rule on the president's power to order the eavesdropping, government sources said, and focused instead on protecting the integrity of the FISA process. It was an odd position for the presiding judges of the FISA court, the secret panel created in 1978 in response to a public outcry over warrantless domestic spying by J. Edgar Hoover's FBI. The court's appointees, chosen by then-Chief Justice William H. Rehnquist, were generally veteran jurists with a pro-government bent, and their classified work is considered a powerful tool for catching spies and terrorists. The FISA court secretly grants warrants for wiretaps, telephone record traces and physical searches to the Justice Department, whose lawyers must show they have probable cause to believe that a person in the United States is the agent of a foreign power or government. Between 1979 and 2004, it approved 18,748 warrants and rejected five. Lamberth, the presiding judge at the time of the Sept. 11 attacks, and Kollar-Kotelly, who took over in May 2002, have repeatedly declined to comment on the program or their efforts to protect the FISA court. A Justice Department spokesman also declined to comment. Both presiding judges agreed not to disclose the secret program to the 10 other FISA judges, who routinely handled some of the government's most highly classified secrets. So early in 2002, the wary court and government lawyers developed a compromise. Any case in which the government listened to someone's calls without a warrant, and later developed information to seek a FISA warrant for that same suspect, was to be carefully "tagged" as having involved some NSA information. Generally, there were fewer than 10 cases each year, the sources said. Do you still believe that a certain Christian leader is doing what is right? revdauphinee answered on 02/10/06: Q) Do you still believe that a certain Christian leader is doing what is right? A) answer I dont even believe he is a true christian ,christ is not to be rolled out just to suit our own purposes! Matthew 7: 21. "Not everyone who says to me, `Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. 22. Many will say to me on that day, `Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?' 23. Then I will tell them plainly, `I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!' 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Tex78 asked on 02/09/06 - Medical problems of the mature. It is bad to suppress laughter; because it goes back down and spreads to your hips. As retirees we owe a lot to science. Thanks to modern medicine, we are no longer forced to endure prolonged pain, disease, discomfort and wealth. My Doctor said that my health is compatible with my age. Then he added that if I were twenty years younger, I would be sent to a hospital, be healed in a week, and be discharged with a clean bill of health. Apparently it is as difficult to find spare parts for old people as it is to find spare parts for old cars. YES!! I'm retired, but WHY AM I SO TIRED? For several years now, I've been blaming it on my age, poor blood, cholesterol, lack of vitamins, air pollution, saccharin, obesity, dieting, underarm odour, and dozens of other maladies that often makes me wonder if life is really worth getting up in the morning for? But I have found out recently that all of the above are not the reasons that I am so tired. It's because I am overworked - YES, you heard me, I'm overworked. The population of this country is 27 million. Eleven million are retired, so that leaves 16 million to do all the work. With 6 million still in school, that leaves 10 million to do all the work. We all know 2 million are unemployed and 4 million work for the government. There are 1 million in the armed forces. Also 2 million are employed by our municipalities and country councils. That still leaves 1 million to do all the work. But there are 620,000 people in hospitals, 379,998 folks in prison which leaves only two people to do all the work. YOU and ME! You are sitting on your rear reading this..................... No wonder I am so tired all the time! revdauphinee answered on 02/10/06: Iregardless of the age of the piece i find I can inedtify I am sick and tierd of being sick and tierd. Tex78 rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 02/09/06 - here's an even better one: http://network.news.com.au/image/0,10114,5107433,00.jpg revdauphinee answered on 02/09/06: thanks I just love it! arcura rated this answer Chilloutinparis rated this answer paraclete rated this answer Pete_Hanysz rated this answer

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Erewhon asked on 02/09/06 - Just in case you missed this ... FOX NEWS FOXNEWS.COM HOME > U.S. & WORLD Islamic Groups Call for End to Riots Wednesday, February 08, 2006 KABUL, Afghanistan � Police shot four protesters to death Wednesday to stop hundreds from marching on a southern U.S. military base, as Islamic organizations called for an end to deadly rioting across the Muslim world over drawings of the Prophet Muhammad. "Islam says it's all right to demonstrate but not to resort to violence. This must stop," said senior cleric Mohammed Usman, a member of the Ulama Council � Afghanistan's top Islamic organization. "We condemn the cartoons but this does not justify violence. These rioters are defaming the name of Islam." Other members of the council went on radio and television Wednesday to appeal for calm. It followed a statement released Tuesday by the United Nations, European Union and the world's largest Islamic group urging an end to violence. "Aggression against life and property can only damage the image of a peaceful Islam," said the statement released by Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu of the Organization of the Islamic Conference, U.N. Secretary-General Kofi Annan and the EU chief Javier Solana. Meanwhile, a U.S. military spokesman said the United States and other countries are examining whether extremist groups may be inciting protesters to riot around the world because of the cartoons that have been printed in numerous European papers. "The United States and other countries are providing assistance in any manner that they can ... to see if this is something larger than just a small demonstration," Col. James Yonts told reporters when asked whether Al Qaeda and the Taliban may have been involved in days of violent demonstrations in Afghanistan. The Afghan protests have involved armed men and have been directed at foreign and Afghan government targets � fueling the suspicions there's more behind the unrest than religious sensitivities. But Yonts stressed they had no evidence to support suggestions that Al Qaeda or Taliban are linked to the riots in Afghanistan. Hundreds rioted outside the U.S. military base in the southern city of Qalat on Wednesday, throwing rocks at Afghan police. Police tried to clear the crowd by firing shots in the air, then were forced to fire into the crowd, said Ghulam Nabi Malakhail, the provincial police chief. Four people were killed and at least 20 were wounded, he said. The protesters then set fire to three fuel tankers that were waiting to deliver gas to the base, Malakhail said. He said U.S. troops fired warning shots into the air. A U.S. military spokesman, Lt. Mike Cody, said he had no details on the incident. Eleven people have been killed in the past week as thousands have taken to the streets in a dozen Afghan cities and towns to march against the cartoons, which have been reprinted in various European media after first appearing in a Danish newspaper in September. The drawings � including one depicting the prophet wearing a turban shaped as a bomb � have touched a raw nerve among Muslims. Islam is interpreted to forbid any illustrations of Muhammad for fear they could lead to idolatry. The caricatures were first published in the Danish newspaper Jyllands-Posten. Culture editor Flemming Rose told CNN on Wednesday he came up with the idea after several local cases of self-censorship involving people fearing reprisals from Muslims. "There was a story out there and we had to cover it," Rose said. "We just chose to cover it in a different way, according to the principal: don't tell it, show it." Rose also said his paper was trying to contact a prominent Iranian newspaper that said it would hold a competition for cartoons on the Holocaust to test whether the West extends the principle of freedom of expression to the Nazi genocide as it did to the Muhammad caricatures. Rose said Jyllands-Posten wants to publish those cartoons on the same day the Iranian paper Hamshahri does. Elsewhere, about 300 Palestinians attacked an international observer mission in the West Bank city of Hebron and tried to set one of the buildings on fire in a protest against the cartoons. Sixty members of the mission were inside at the time, said Gunhild Forselv, a spokeswoman for the Temporary International Presence in Hebron, or TIPH, which serves as a buffer between Israeli settlers and Palestinians in the volatile city. Eleven Danish members of TIPH left more than a week ago after protests against the cartoons began sweeping across the Muslim world, Forselv said. The protesters chased away outnumbered Palestinian police stationed outside the mission, Forselv said. Reinforcements were called in to quell the disturbance. Indonesia's foreign minister said Wednesday that radical groups around the world were exploiting public anger over the cartoons. "The cartoons have hurt the Islamic community, so it has added to ammunition for (global) radical groups to exploit the situation and the whole thing has got out of proportion," Indonesian Foreign Minister Hassan Wirajuda told reporters. In France, President Jacques Chirac asked media to avoid offending religious beliefs as another French newspaper on Wednesday reprinted the prophet caricatures. Chirac said during a Cabinet meeting that he condemned "all obvious provocations likely to dangerously kindle passions." In Copenhagen, Danish Prime Minister Anders Fogh Rasmussen showed no sign of diverting from his government's stance that it cannot apologize for the actions of an independent newspaper, as demanded by governments in several Muslim nations. Fogh Rasmussen called the protests "a growing global crisis," as Iran suspended all trade and economic ties with Denmark. There were several other small protests across Afghanistan on Wednesday, including one in Kabul. Hundreds of university students, including women, marched peacefully through the capital, chanting "Death to the Danish! Death to Americans!" More than 1,000 people also rallied Wednesday in Muslim-majority Bangladesh's capital, burning Danish and Italian flags. There were no immediate reports of violence. Muslims also demonstrated for the third straight day in Indian-controlled Kashmir. In Turkey, police using armored vehicles blocked some 500 ultranationalist Turks from reaching the Danish Embassy and the demonstrators dispersed peacefully. === Comments welcomed. revdauphinee answered on 02/09/06: This must stop," said senior cleric Mohammed Usman, a member of the Ulama Council � unfortunatly for every one cleric speaking out against violece there are 4 more inciting them to it! ATON2 rated this answer Erewhon rated this answer MaggieB rated this answer

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Angel25 asked on 02/09/06 - By accepting the behavior of homosexual friends and loved ones, are we doing them a favor? We live in a day when "whatever" is the mantra, and no one dare say otherwise lest they be called narrow-minded. Since we have rejected the Bible as the plumb line by which we live, we have a society where "everyone does that which is right in their own eyes" and fits Paul's description of those who "profess themselves to be wise, yet they became fools." We prefer to have our ears tickled with lies that end up devouring us. The facts regarding this self-destructive behavior speak for themselves. The median age of death for homosexual men without AIDS is 42, 44 for lesbians (see Omega: Journal of Death and Dying, 23:3 (1994): 249-272). The negative health effects of exchanging body fluids through anal/oral sex are so unhealthy that homosexuals die at nearly half the age of the general population. Instead of opinions as to whether this behavior is right or wrong, why not look at the evidence? Allow facts, not feelings, to be the standard of determining right from wrong. Love someone enough to tell them the truth by refusing to condone such lifestyles. I speak not from a hateful heart but from one that grieves as I see so many deceived. Since homosexuals cannot reproduce, they must recruit. We should care enough for our friends and loved ones to alert them to the harmful consequences of sodomy and the myths perpetrated by those who accept such behavior. revdauphinee answered on 02/09/06: your comment "Since homosexuals cannot reproduce, they must recruit. "is utter rubish I know many homosexuals and none of them do anything to recruit many of them keep to themselves just to avoid folks who think like you! Angel25 rated this answer ATON2 rated this answer MaggieB rated this answer Pete_Hanysz rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 02/08/06 - That's a good one http://network.news.com.au/image/0,10114,5106811,00.jpg revdauphinee answered on 02/08/06: christians and jews maybee but we are way to far from the muslims if we realy study thier beliefs paraclete rated this answer wakan rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 02/08/06 - Acceptance of intollerance The great call today is for religious tolerance, it's actually a call for intolerance. Acceptance of their intolerance - it's all part of radical Islam's plan February 9, 2006 The reaction to the religious riots epitomises an increasingly enfeebled West, writes Miranda Devine. THE insane violence of riots over religious cartoons is a flexing of muscles by those men of the Islamic world who have long felt emasculated and insulted by the West's economic superiority. Empowered by Osama bin Laden's September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, they have also been emboldened by the West's internal divisions and its feeble response to increasing acts of intolerance and provocation. Similarly, a semi-official policy by NSW authorities of not antagonising groups of young Arab-Australian men behaving criminally or antisocially in Sydney has enfeebled police, while emboldening law-breakers to ever more audacious behaviour, such as the revenge attacks after the Cronulla riots. The institutionalised weakness of the West is epitomised by its reaction to the riots over the cartoons: the apologies from governments, the sacking of an editor in France, the ready acceptance by newspapers of a limit to free speech, despite the fact the cartoons are so tame by the standards of Western satire. Two of the cartoons are comments on the "reactionary provocateurs" at Denmark's Jyllands-Posten who had commissioned the cartoons. The most provocative cartoon is probably one that shows a Muhammad-like figure with a fuse coming out of his turban, or one with a queue of smoking suicide bombers on a cloud with an Islamic cleric saying "Stop. We ran out of virgins". But the global over-reaction to the publication in a privately owned newspaper in a Western secular society shows that there are increasing numbers of Muslims who expect to be able to control what non-Muslims do in their own countries. The murder of the Dutch filmmaker Theo van Gogh in 2004 by a Muslim extremist enraged by his documentary about violence against Muslim women was just the start. In Australia all but one newspaper has refrained from publishing the cartoons because of the uncharacteristically sensible desire not to inflame the madness, which has so far resulted in nine deaths. But while we accommodate the intolerant, we seem ever more determined to ferret out any whiff of intolerance in ourselves. Witness the calls this week by a Victorian teachers union for cultural re-education of children after a survey of 551 high school students found a majority had negative attitudes towards Muslims. An editorial in The Age even attempted to excuse the inexcusable, saying of the survey results: "Little wonder many Muslims see the 'war on terror' as a war on them. Their community is besieged by hostility and suspicion, which helps explain why they want to make their hurt felt �" Civilised people don't usually make their "hurt felt" by torching other people's embassies, stoning churches and waving the sort of banners reported at a protest over the cartoons in London last week: "Massacre those who insult Islam", "Europe, your 9/11 will come". This creeping acceptance of intolerance in our midst is what Daniel Pipes, the director of a US think tank, the Middle East Forum, has warned about as the second prong of a radical Islamic attack on the West: a relentless demand for cultural change. This non-violent but incremental encroachment on Western secular society curtails freedoms and accords the Muslim minority special privileges. For instance, during a visit to Australia after the September 11 terrorist attacks, Pipes warned against allowing driver's licence photos with faces obscured by veils. Militant Islamists believe their totalitarian ideology is superior to our liberal democracy, he said at the time. "When there's a difference between their approach and the Australian approach, they want Australia to become like them and not vice versa," he said. It was the hate-preaching imams of Denmark who were said to have ignited the controversy over the cartoons, four months after their publication in September, when they travelled to the Middle East with a dossier of cartoons aimed at bringing attention to Danish insensitivity and inflaming attitudes against the country they had made their home. In Australia, a new generation of Islamic leaders who are antagonistic to their moderate elders (such as Sheik Taj el-Din al Hilaly, who has fought to keep extremists out of the Lakemba Mosque) have also been preaching the evils of the mainstream culture they live in and the need for "good Muslims" to disengage. The now infamous Bankstown sermon last year by the Sydney-born Sheik Feiz Mohamed, in which he said rape victims have "no one to blame but themselves" because they dress provocatively, is but one example. The American Sheik Khalid Yasin, a regular visitor to Australia, betrayed similar intolerance when he said last year: "There's no such thing as a Muslim having a non-Muslim friend." He also said homosexuality should be punishable by death. But antagonism to Western culture appears in more subtle forms. In Melbourne recently the first training course for home-grown Islamic religious leaders was launched at the Minaret College in Springvale, funded by a reported $1.8 million of taxpayer money. While it says it embraces a moderate 21st-century form of Islam, the college features on its website a fatwa, or official ruling, from Sheik Yusof Al-Qaradawi, professor at the University of Qutar, who is banned from entering the US and Germany because of his support for terrorist groups. The letter calls for donations because educational institutions for Muslims outside the Muslim world are "castles for jihad and shields of protection from surrounding evils". Teaching young Muslims that Australian society is evil is not a recipe for cultural harmony. revdauphinee answered on 02/08/06: when they can quell free speach we lose !! Angel25 rated this answer ATON2 rated this answer paraclete rated this answer wakan rated this answer

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HANK1 asked on 02/08/06 - PEER PRESSURE - SOLUTIONS: Great article about PEER PRESSURE: "There is much you can do to help your teen resist negative peer pressure. The following are some of the best ways to help. � First, teach your teen by your own good example. Don't smoke, drink too much or drive too fast. Say no to friends when you need to. The teen can see that it's possible to say no and still have friends, to be sober and still have fun. � Second, practice assertiveness skills. Rehearse for the times when your teen will have to say no in a difficult situation when you can't be there to help. � Third, explore your teen's fears of being different. Saying no can make one feel different, and it's scary to face possible ridicule and rejection. Discuss what makes a true friend and how daring to be different can be mature and courageous. � Finally, help your teen find positive ways to feel good. Saying yes to self-esteem, enhancing hobbies, interests and activities can help him say no to harmful quick fixes. Standing up to peer pressure is one of life's greatest challenges. Your teen needs your loving help." Source: "Helping Your Teen Resist Peer Pressure" - by Kathy McCoy, Ph.D. Some parents need to copy this article and 'magnate' this advice to your refrigerator! Do you agree? HANK revdauphinee answered on 02/08/06: I have always maintained you shouldnt ask someone not to do what you yourself are doing! HANK1 rated this answer

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Erewhon asked on 02/08/06 - What do you thibnk? By Mark Rice-Oxley, Correspondent of The Christian Science Monitor Wed Feb 8, 3:00 AM ET LONDON - The violence over cartoons satirizing the prophet Muhammad has highlighted often inconsistent rules in Europe governing free speech, tolerance, and the boundaries of public expression. Muslims in particular charge that hate-speech laws are implemented unfairly. Many countries, they say, do not abide anti-Semitic outbursts, but will tolerate cartoons that to many Muslims are deeply offensive. "Most of Europe would not dare mock the Holocaust, and rightly so," says Inayat Bunglawala of the Muslim Council of Britain. "Newspaper editors exercise good judgment every day when it comes to printing material so as not to cause offense, so why not on this occasion?" In a bid to redress grievances, the French Council of Muslims has said it is considering taking France Soir, which reprinted the cartoons, to court for provocation. Last year, the Catholic church won a court injunction to ban a fashion ad based on the Last Supper. The judge said the ad was "a gratuitous ... act of intrusion on people's innermost beliefs." "This is what Muslims want - to be treated the same as other faiths," says Olivier Roy, an eminent scholar of Islamic affairs at the National Center of Scientific Research in Paris. Roger Koeppel, editor in chief at German newspaper Die Welt, which published the cartoons last week, says that European societies have a right to make their own choices. "Every society has the right to have taboos, the things they don't talk about," he says. Mr. Koeppel says the cartoons were not published to annoy but to question a growing tendency for press self-censorship in delicate matters. At times, he says, it may appear there is a double standard. "Evenhandedness cannot be a goal," he says. "It has to be clear that the majority culture rules and the minority culture has to accept the rules. If the rules are not acceptable, no one is forced to live there." The general response from European politicians has been to frown on those who reproduced images first aired last fall in Denmark's Jyllands-Posten newspaper, while insisting that editors were within their legal rights to do so. Governments have refrained from apologizing to the Islamic community because they say publication is a matter for editors, not politicians. Muslim opinion, however, has not been appeased by this response. "Muslims are complaining that they are not protected by the law as the other faiths are supposed to be," says Mr. Roy. But if there are hints of double standards in the European approach, there are also suggestions of that in some Middle Eastern nations, which have exploded in fury at the cartoons but which are also liable to tolerate anti-Jewish sentiments. An Iranian newspaper has announced a plan to solicit cartoons about the Holocaust in response to the European position. Europe is warier than the US When it comes to hate crime and defamation laws, there is no homogenous approach in Europe. Britain, for example, has long had a more tolerant approach to free speech than countries like Germany, France, and Austria, where Holocaust denial is a crime. "It's a mixed bag, a patchwork of practices and experiences in Europe," says Agnes Callamard, director of Article 19, a global freedom-of- expression campaign group. "It's very difficult to pretend there is a common position on hate speech." But Europe is generally warier of free speech than is the US, with its First Amendment. Laws against inciting hatred and violence have sprung up in countries such as France, the Netherlands, Germany, and Denmark, resulting in criminal cases, convictions, and, in the case of foreigners, expulsions. Even Britain has sought to push through a law recently to outlaw inciting religious hatred, to give religious groups like Muslims and Christians the same rights as racial groups. But the legislation was watered down over concerns about the implications for free speech. Still, several recent prosecutions would appear to indicate a diminishing tolerance for invective. In perhaps the most high-profile case of its kind, a Muslim cleric, Abu Hamza al-Masri, was found guilty Tuesday of fomenting racial hatred and inciting followers to kill non-Muslims. He reserved particular vitriol for Jews. Meanwhile, police are studying banners brandished at Friday's protest with slogans like, "Be prepared for the real Holocaust" "Kill the one who insults the Prophet" "Behead those who insult Islam" and "Europe you will pay, your 9/11 is on the way." One man, a convicted drug dealer on parole who attended the rally dressed as a suicide bomber, was rearrested on Tuesday. Reining in an anti-Semitic comedian Other European cases hint at the preoccupations of individual jurisdictions. In France, where anti-Semitism remains taboo, a comedian named Dieudonne has been effectively sidelined for his anti-Jewish rants. Newspapers must even be careful not to equate the actions of Jews everywhere with the state of Israel following a recent case that punished the dailyLe Monde. Roy says a form of self-censorship is in practice in France. "No mainstream newspaper would ever publish an interview with Dieudonne," he says. "He has been sidelined because he is supposed to be anti-Semitic." French Muslims have questioned whether the outcome would have been the same if Dieudonne had aimed his humor at Muslims. In Austria, a case of Holocaust denial charges is being prepared against British historian David Irving, based on two speeches he made in the country in 1989. He could face 10 years in jail if convicted. In Germany, antihate legislation that took effect last year has been used to rein in Muslim preachers who call for terrorist attacks or propagate hate. In Turkey, the preoccupation is more nationalistic, as the recently dropped case against novelist Orhan Pamuk - for "insulting Turkish identity" in remarks to a Swiss newspaper about the killings of Armenians in the early 20th century - shows. In Sweden, meanwhile, the most prominent case has involved a clergyman accused of inciting hatred against homosexuals. But in Britain, remarks by a Muslim leader that homosexuality was "not acceptable" have not resulted in criminal charges. It is not always Muslims who are in the dock. Prosecutors are preparing a case against leaders of the right-wing extremist British National Party on race-hate charges linked to speeches in which one branded Islam a "wicked" faith, after they were cleared of two other charges last month. And in Italy, a leading author, Oriana Fallaci, faces trial this year over charges that she slandered Muslims in her book "The Strength of Reason." Those who find themselves on the wrong side of Muslim anger may also risk greater censure than those who challenge Christian precepts. Writer Salman Rushdie was forced into hiding for a decade because of a fatwa, or religious edict, imposed on him for publishing "The Satanic Verses." Though it was equally iconoclastic, there was no such response when Dan Brown published "The Da Vinci Code," seen by many as offensive to the Catholic church. === Comments? revdauphinee answered on 02/08/06: "Muslims are complaining that they are not protected by the law as the other faiths are supposed to be," says Mr. Roy. where are the protections in such muslim countries as saudi arabia for those who are christians ansd jews????? ATON2 rated this answer Erewhon rated this answer wakan rated this answer

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excon asked on 02/08/06 - A teaching moment missed Hello Christians: President Bush hates the press even when he should be loving the press. Through his mouthpiece Scott McClelland, here�s what he said: "We support and respect the freedom of the press, but there are also important responsibilities that come with that freedom." This is wrong - dangerously wrong. The guarantees of free expression (such as the First Amendment in our own country) include no "if," no "also," no "but." The guarantees do not ordain a "responsible" press, but a free press. This is what the Muslims, who often show no respect for the beliefs of others, must learn even if they learn it the hard way. Followers of the prophet are entitled to believe that a caricature of the man they revere is wrong. If they believe that, they should neither draw such a caricature nor look upon one drawn by someone else. They have no right to impose that belief on anyone else, Hindu, Christian or Athiest. This is what I tell YOU all the time. This is what George W. Bush should be telling the Muslims. excon revdauphinee answered on 02/08/06: on this I agree with you excon rated this answer

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Erewhon asked on 02/07/06 - At Last - A Question on Christianity! From the scriptures, please: How should a Christian treat his or her brothers and sisters who are Muslim or Jewish? revdauphinee answered on 02/07/06: with respect to tell them about christ ,but if they refuse to listen Matthew 10:14. If anyone will not welcome you or listen to your words, shake the dust off your feet when you leave that home or town. in other words waste no more time with them! Angel25 rated this answer ATON2 rated this answer Erewhon rated this answer wakan rated this answer

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Angel25 asked on 02/07/06 - Greetings to all Previously I have perused this site and pondered the questions and answers given by the varied experts. This is not a question but is interestingly acquainted with previous subjects. I have been watching the news for years and marveling at the state of Israel. She is at the center of many of the world's conflicts and surrounded by hostile neighbors. There is no doubt that much of the world hates the Jewish people and is determined to eradicate them? Why? Is it because of the great size of the nation of Israel? Hardly! At the longest point, Israel stretches barely 260 miles and is only 60 miles across at the widest point (in some places it is less than 9 miles across). The total area of the country is approximately 8,000 square miles. That could fit in the borders of the United States almost 770 times, within the State of California 19 times and Florida 7 times. Israel is surrounded by more than twenty Arab nations with covering an area more than 600 times the size of the state of Israel. An Arab population surrounds her more than 60 times her size. It cannot truly be that she poses a military or size threat to her neighbors. I am not saying that everything the national of Israel does is proper by any stretch of the imagination, but compared to her enemies, she is insignificant. If it is not military, then it must be economic ... right? Once again, the combined economies of her neighbors dwarf the economic might of Israel into nothingness. Is it natural resources then? No, the bulk of viable natural resources, including most if not all the known oil reserves are in the Arab countries. Perhaps it is political? Perhaps in the sense that Israel is a democracy and most of her nations are not. Yet that hardly seems reason to eradicate her from the face of the earth. The Arab nations are not calling or the eradication or democratic Arab or Muslim nations. That only leaves spiritual reasons. The people of Israel are God's chosen people. Deuteronomy 7:6 NIV For you are a people holy to the LORD your God. The LORD your God has chosen you out of all the peoples on the face of the earth to be his people, his treasured possession. Satan cannot stand God's people. He is committed to their destruction wherever He finds them. John 10:10 NIV The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. God is not finished with the Jews or the nation of Israel. Her enemies can rage and no doubt inflict great damage, but they cannot triumph against the Lord. Israel has survived many nations best (worst?) efforts to destroy her. She has been dispersed to the ends of the world, yet she remains. Do not give up on her; do not count her out of the equation of salvation. The Word comes through God's people the Jews. God's promises were recorded and carried by the Jews. Our Messiah was born of her people. Jesus was a Jew, plain and simple. The Christian church did not even exist until after His death and resurrection. God's hand is upon her. revdauphinee answered on 02/07/06: you got it !he will bless those who bless israel and curse those who curse her!Pray for the peace of Jerusalem! Angel25 rated this answer

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BeelzeBUSH asked on 02/07/06 - THE WEATHER (PART II) Picking up where PW left off! Why is it that "Jackreade & HerrAirhorne" are mentioned in PW's post and "Fred" designated himself as the apologist? I mock the sancitmonious person posting as "Wakan" and as of yet only three other experts: "Erewhon, ATON2, and excon," have seen through his post of self-righteousness and hypocrisy. Consider this: many among you don't agree with ATON2 and deliberatly seek to find wrong in him constantly for his views, yet his actions clearly stood virtuous, while most others shrink in the light. I love myself, George revdauphinee answered on 02/07/06: I often disagree with Aton but he also has often been right (for instance he is correct in stating my intolerance of Islaam).Also on the few occasions he has not been posting here in the past the site has not been nearly as interesting the diversity on here is what I love about this site!I find Aton and myself can agree many times to agree to disagree without getting hatefull with each other and for this I love him! excon rated this answer BeelzeBUSH rated this answer ATON2 rated this answer

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excon asked on 02/07/06 - Them wonderful, wonderful Arab pieces of crap Hello: Let�s talk about those Danish cartoons again. As if we didn�t need it, I think the reaction is another wake up call for the West. The riots took place in 17 different countries. 17 DIFFERENT countries! I think we should change the name of our war from the war on terror, to more accurately reflect the situation on the ground. WORLD WAR lll! excon revdauphinee answered on 02/07/06: anyone who thinks at all would know by now that it is indeed ww3 folks keep telling me to respect muslims I will do so when i see them respecting others ! excon rated this answer

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curious98 asked on 02/07/06 - On the Danish Cartoons Now that I think my position is quite clear insofar as respect and education should mark the limits to the freedom of expression I may as well elaborate a little further in the matter of the Danish cartoons. I think we shall all agree this is a clear evidence of political manipulation by some hidden sources who are either interested in deviating the international attention of certain problems or, on the contrary, to create a culture medium against Islam that might eventually justify certain political or military actions against certain Islamic countries. In my opinion, both are equally possible, The first one with the clear intention to raise a move of solidarity amongst the Islamic countries in favour of Iran nuclear plans and/or the importance of the victory of Hamas in Palestine. The second one, with similar intentions, to emphasize the barbaric procedure of these masses of Muslims and the danger of one fanatic ruled country like Iran having access to nuclear power. But there has been �one way or other- manipulation. Otherwise it would be hard to understand why this Danish ulema needed 4+ months to denounce the cartoons to the Islam world!!? He has simply waited until the right moment, induced, manipulated or told by the right people, i.e. those interested in disrupting the Muslims crowds for their own benefit. This is why, in my first post, I already mentioned that these cartoons �aside of the disrespect shown- were a potential danger. And, unfortunately, I�ve been proven right. So far, 6 people dead, plus all the other atrocities we have seen. The paper�s editor might have thought it better before publishing those cartoons. I think that, by now, Occident must be well aware of how the Muslim mobs react. I�m 100% certain that the crowds that have participated in creating this disorders in the Muslim world do not even know the name of the Danish paper nor have they had access to the cartoons, except in the versions presented to them by their Ulemas or Imams. And who knows whether they are the true ones! So knowing them, and their religious manipulators, as we do, we have only � I think- two alternatives: If we want a global conflict with them, then all we have to do is to keep on making fun of what is sacred for them. We can be certain, that sooner or later, AlQaeda and their group of terrorists will know how to take advantage of that. But if we do not want more problems, we better be more cautious in future. Curious98 revdauphinee answered on 02/07/06: respect goes both ways where is the muslim respect for other beliefs????? curious98 rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 02/07/06 - coud this be Eden? Lost world a new 'Eden' February 7, 2006 - 3:45PM Australian and other scientists have found a "Lost World" in a remote Indonesian mountain jungle, home to exotic new species of birds, butterflies, frogs and plants as well as mammals unafraid of humans despite being hunted to near extinction elsewhere. "It's as close to the Garden of Eden as you're going to find on Earth," said Bruce Beehler, co-leader of the US, Indonesian and Australian expedition to part of the cloud-shrouded Foja mountains in the province of Papua that covers the western half of New Guinea. Indigenous peoples living near the Foja range, which rises to 2,200 metres, said they have never ventured into the trackless area of 3,000 sq km. The team of 25 scientists took helicopters to boggy clearings in the pristine zone. "We just scratched the surface," Beehler said. "Anyone who goes there will come back with a mystery." Two long-beaked echidnas, the egg-laying species similar to those found in Australia, simply allowed scientists to pick them up and bring them back to their camp to be studied, he said. The enigmatic animals were probably so unwary because they never had seen people before. The expedition found a new type of honeyeater bird with a bright orange patch on its face, known only to local people and the first new bird species documented on the island in over 60 years. They also found more than 20 new species of frog, four new species of butterfly and plants including five new palms. And they took the first photographs of Berlepsch's six-wired bird of paradise, which appears in 19th century collections but whose home had previously been unknown. The bird is named after six fine feathers about 10cm long on the head of the male which can be raised and shaken in courtship displays. The expedition also took the first photographs of a golden-fronted bowerbird in front of a bower made of sticks, while he was hanging up blue forest berries to attract females. It found a rare tree kangaroo, previously unsighted in Indonesia. Beehler said the naturalists reckoned that there was likely to be a new species of kangaroo living in higher altitudes. Papua, the scene of a decades-long separatist rebellion that has left an estimated 100,000 people dead, is one of Indonesia's most remote provinces, geographically and politically, and access by foreigners is tightly restricted. The 11-member team needed six permits before they could legally fly by helicopter to an open, boggy lakebed surrounded by forests near the range's western summit, where they set up camp at an altitude of 1,500 metres. "There was not a single trail, no sign of civilisation, no sign of even local communities ever having been there," said Beehler. The scientists visited in the wet season, which limited the numbers of flying insects. "Any expedition visiting in the dry season would probably discover many more butterflies," he said. Beehler, who works at Conservation International in Washington, said the area was probably the largest pristine tropical forest in Asia. Animals there were unafraid of humans. "I suspect there are some areas like this in Africa, and am sure that there are similar places in South America," he said. Around the world, pristine areas are under increasing threat from expanding human settlements and pollution. A UN meeting in Brazil in March will seek ways to slow the currently accelerating rate of extinctions. Beehler said the Indonesian government was doing the right thing by keeping the area off limits to most visitors -- including loggers and mineral prospectors. The scientists cut two trails about 4km long, leaving vast tracts still to be explored. Reuters/AP revdauphinee answered on 02/07/06: fence it off FAST and keep humans out of it for they will surely ruin it ! Liz22 rated this answer paraclete rated this answer

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wakan asked on 02/06/06 - Take a walk with wakan and answer this please. Howdy, I�ve been on some other boards and some folks there have said the had visited here and said it was a mess of fighting with godless people dictating the place. So I thought I�d take a gander to see for myself. I�ll be looking this corral over for awhile but before I go peeking into the questions and answers I kind like to have ya answer this here question. Do you think that godless people are wrecking or dominating this here Christian corral? Walk with wakan revdauphinee answered on 02/07/06: some folks here are christians and some are not it makes for interesting debate wouldnt have it any other way ,(we occasionaly as in any family and I consider it an online family )have our differences but what an uninteresting site it would be if we agreed on everything! wakan rated this answer

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Tex78 asked on 02/06/06 - The lady who wrote this letter is Pam Foster of Pamela Foster and Associates in Atlanta. She's been in business since 1980 doing Interior Design and home planning. She recently wrote the following letter to a family member serving in Iraq....... Check it out! WHAT'S ALL THE FUSS? "Are we fighting a war on terror or aren't we? Was it or was it not started by Islamic people who brought it to our shores on September 11, 2001? Were people from all over the world, mostly Americans, not brutally murdered that day, in downtown Manhattan, across the Potomac from our nation's capitol and in a field in Pennsylvania? Did nearly three thousand men, women and children die a horrible, burning or crushing death that day, or didn't they? And I'm supposed to care that a copy of the Koran was "desecrated" when an overworked American soldier kicked it or got it wet? Well, I don't. I don't care at all. I'll start caring when Osama bin Laden turns himself in and repents for incinerating all those innocent people on 9/11. I'll care about the Koran when the fanatics in the Middle East start caring about the Holy Bible, the mere possession of which is a crime in Saudi Arabia. I'll care when Abu Musab al-Zarqawi tells the world he is sorry for hacking off Nick Berg's head while Berg screamed through his gurgling, slashed throat. I'll care when the cowardly so-called "insurgents" in Iraq come out and fight like men instead of disrespecting their own religion by hiding in mosques. I'll care when the mindless zealots who blow themselves up in search of nirvana care about the innocent children within range of their suicide bombs I'll care when the American media stops pretending that their First Amendment liberties are somehow derived from international law instead of the United States Constitution's Bill of Rights. In the meantime, when I hear a story about a brave Marine roughing up an Iraqi terrorist to obtain information, know this: I don't care. When I see a fuzzy photo of a pile of naked Iraqi prisoners who have been humiliated in what amounts to a college hazing incident, rest assured that I don't care. When I see a wounded terrorist get shot in the head when he is told not to move because he might be booby-trapped, you can take it to the bank that I don't care. When I hear that a prisoner, who was issued a Koran and a prayer mat, and fed "special" food that is paid for by my tax dollars, is complaining that his holy book is being "mishandled," you can absolutely believe in your heart of hearts that I don't care. And oh, by the way, I've noticed that sometimes it's spelled "Koran" and other times "Quran." Well, Jimmy Crack Corn and ---- you got it, I DON'T CARE! If you agree with this view point, pass this on to all your e-mail friends. Sooner or later, it'll get to the people responsible for this ridiculous behavior! If you don't agree, then by all means hit the delete button. Should you choose the latter, then please don't complain when more atrocities committed by radical Muslims happen here in our great country. "If you can read this, Thank a teacher! If you are reading it in English, Thank a Veteran." "TO KNOW THE ROAD AHEAD, ASK THOSE COMING BACK" -- chinese proverb In God We Trust. revdauphinee answered on 02/06/06: count me in step with pam foster! arcura rated this answer ATON2 rated this answer

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excon asked on 02/06/06 - Government snooping Hello Christians: To those of you who say, "let the government snoop, I have nothing to hide", I ask you the following: Would you allow the government to install a camera in your bedroom? If not, then you do have things you wish to hide. However, there are some amongst us, who would be happy to have a camera installed in their bedroom, and wouldn�t mind if the government installed one too. Would that mean that we ALL should expose ourselves too? Because you wouldn�t mind the government snooping through your papers, you suggest that everybody else shouldn'd mind either. Why is your argument different than the naked people? By the way, it�s easy to mouth the words, or let them fall off your fingers, but I can promise you, and this is from someone who HAS had the government snooping through his house and papers, you would change your tune if it happened to you. excon revdauphinee answered on 02/06/06: I am not opposed to the snooping as much as the ilegal way they are doing it.there are legal ways to get permission to snoop however our president feels he is above the law arcura rated this answer excon rated this answer wakan rated this answer

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HANK1 asked on 02/06/06 - JUST WONDERING: Islam, a religion of mercy, teaches Muslims to be kind to EVERY living being, even with nature. It doesn't permit terrorism. The prophet Muhammad said men cannot kill any innocent people. So why do they? revdauphinee answered on 02/06/06: where on earth did you get that idea? you my friend need to read the quoran where you will find such quotes as surah 2.Al-barqarah 191 says and kill themwherever you find them and in 193 fight them untill there is no more fitnah(belief in any other than allah) 2:178 O ye who believe! Retaliation is prescribed for you in the matter of the murdered; the freeman for the freeman, and the slave for the slave, and the female for the female " turn in penitence to your Creator, and kill (the guilty) yourselves. That will be best for you with your Creator " they are also told to take not the christians and jews as friends does this realy sound like a mercyfull faith ?? ATON2 rated this answer Chilloutinparis rated this answer HANK1 rated this answer wakan rated this answer

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Tex78 asked on 02/06/06 - The Curtain Rods She spent the first day packing her belongings into boxes, crates and suitcases. On the second day, she had the movers come and collect her things. On the third day, she sat down for the last time at their beautiful dining room table by candlelight, put on some soft background music and feasted on a pound of shrimp, a jar of caviar and a bottle of Chardonnay. When she had finished, she went into each and every room and deposited a few half-eaten shrimp shells dipped in caviar, into the hollow of the curtain rods. She then cleaned up the kitchen and left. When the husband returned with his new girlfriend, all was bliss for the first few days. Then slowly, the house began to smell. They tried everything; cleaning, mopping and airing the place out. Vents were checked for dead rodents and carpets were steam cleaned. Air fresheners were hung everywhere . Exterminators were brought in to set off gas canisters, during which they had to move out for a few days, and in the end they even paid to replace the expensive wool carpeting. Nothing worked. People stopped coming over to visit. Repairmen refused to work in the house. The maid quit. Finally, they could not take the stench any longer and decided to move. A month later, even though they had cut their price in half, they could not find a buyer for their stinky house. Word got out and eventually even the local realtors refused to return their calls. Finally, they had to borrow a huge sum of money from the bank to purchase a new place. The ex-wife called the man and asked how things were going. He told her the saga of the rotting house. She listened politely and said that she missed her old home terribly, and would be willing to reduce her divorce settlement in exchange for getting the house back. Knowing his ex-wife had no idea how bad the smell was, he agreed on a price that was about 1/10th of what the house had been worth, but only if she were to sign the papers that very day. She agreed and within the hour his lawyers delivered the paperwork. A week later the man and his girlfriend stood smiling as they watched the moving company pack everything to take to their new home... ...including the curtain rods. I LOVE A HAPPY ENDING, DON'T YOU???? revdauphinee answered on 02/06/06: sure do as mean as i can be why didnt I think of that?LOL arcura rated this answer ATON2 rated this answer Tex78 rated this answer wakan rated this answer

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Coup_de_Grace asked on 02/05/06 - SuperBowl in America Today is Super Bowl Sunday when two football teams from diffferent leagues compete for the Championship of America. Ben has been in front of the television since the pre-game show enjoying the festivities. I joined him for the half-time show, and the Rolling Stones, introduced as the best rock and roll band in history, played three songs including Satisfaction. I couldn't believe how Mick Jagger could jump and move and sing for such an old man. He is 65, or close to it. He had some very seductive hip movements and did such a show that would have exhausted an average man half is age. It was a kick to see old people so active and spreading so much physical enjoyment of life. What is your opinion of the Christian secret for living a full life to the very end? Best wishes, Susan Benjamin and Susan Grace revdauphinee answered on 02/06/06: I happen to know Mick Jager is 66 yrs old!his birthday was this month quite an age to jump around like he does! Coup_de_Grace rated this answer purplewings rated this answer

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arcura asked on 02/05/06 - The authenticity of Da Vinci�s Last Supper����� According to Josie Glausiusz : When Leonardo Da Vinci painted his 15 X 28 foot masterpiece on the damp wall of Santa Maria della Grazie in Milan he had trouble causing his experimental oil-tempera to stick. Completed in 1498 but according to Da Vinci�s biographer Giorgio Vasari 50 years latter there was �nothing visible except a muddle of blots�. Extensive touch up efforts done over the centuries by various artists produced what we see today. The question is how much of what we see was intended by Da Vinci? The reported original wonder and luster were gone in the fist 50 years and never restored, nor could they have been, in and with the several efforts over the 5 centuries since. Considering that, how much do you suspect of what author of �The Da Vinci Code, Dan Brown, saw and interpreted regarding the painting was authentic to the original done 500 years ago? revdauphinee answered on 02/05/06: not much however the outrage over Dan browns book I feel was a little ridiculous since what he wrote was clearly a novel and was never intended as truth!I think of this when the muslims start raging about a cartoon did not christians do much the same in being outraged about fiction in a book? arcura rated this answer paraclete rated this answer

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ROLCAM asked on 02/05/06 - To Serve !! Do you make time for prayer in your busy activities? revdauphinee answered on 02/05/06: if we are followers of Christ do scriptures not say that we should 1 Thessalonians 5: 17. Pray without ceasing. ROLCAM rated this answer

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HANK1 asked on 02/04/06 - ATON: Prove every accusation you made in your answer to my last post and I won't report you for libel and defamation. When you mentioned my wife, it really hit a nerve. HANK revdauphinee answered on 02/04/06: this one I refuse to touch its just an example as to how low some folks on here will go! ATON2 rated this answer Chilloutinparis rated this answer HANK1 rated this answer Liz22 rated this answer MaggieB rated this answer powderpuff rated this answer

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excon asked on 02/04/06 - A Professional right NOT to deliver service Hello Christians: Let's say I was a cab driver, and I picked up a passenger who wanted to go to a bar. If I didn't believe in drinking, could I refuse to take him? Let's say I was a waiter, and I had a very fat customer order a rich dessert. If I didn't believe in overeating, could I refuse his order? Let's say I was a garbage collector, and I had some customers who were throwing out some very good stuff. Could I refuse to pick it up if I believed in using stuff till it wears out? Let's say I worked at McDonalds, and I observed a lady abuse her children. Could I refuse to serve her because I don't believe in hitting children? Let's say I don't smoke............ excon revdauphinee answered on 02/04/06: Let's say I was a cab driver, and I picked up a passenger who wanted to go to a bar. If I didn't believe in drinking, could I refuse to take him? a)NO how do you know why he /she is going there Let's say I was a waiter, and I had a very fat customer order a rich dessert. If I didn't believe in overeating, could I refuse his order? a)NO the person couold have a glandular disorder who are you to judge? Let's say I was a garbage collector, and I had some customers who were throwing out some very good stuff. Could I refuse to pick it up if I believed in using stuff till it wears out? a)NO what makes you feel your beliefs give you that right?If its that great pick it up and take it home!But beware it may be contaminated with soome disease! Let's say I worked at McDonalds, and I observed a lady abuse her children. Could I refuse to serve her because I don't believe in hitting children? A)No but you can call the law,and let them decide excon rated this answer

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HANK1 asked on 02/04/06 - JUST WONDERING ... ... if Catholics believe in the Immaculate Conception. Don't they believe that Mary was conceived by normal biological means, but her soul was acted upon by God at the time of her conception? HANK revdauphinee answered on 02/04/06: Immaculate Conception is the birth of Mary without orginal sin this has nothing to to do with biology but much to do with the will of God! HANK1 rated this answer

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Tex78 asked on 02/04/06 - Does anyone know if this is true or not. I think it is.. Venezuela Dictator Vows To Bring Down U.S. Government Venezuela government is sole owner of Citgo gasoline company Venezuela Dictator Hugo Chavez has vowed to bring down the U.S. government. Chavez, president of Venezuela, told a TV audience: "Enough of imperialist aggression; we must tell the world: down with the U.S. empire. We have to bury imperialism this century." The guest on his television program, beamed across Venezuela, was Cindy Sheehan, the antiwar activist. Chavez recently had as his guest Harry Belafonte, who called President Bush "the greatest terrorist in the world." Chavez is pushing a socialist revolution and has a close alliance with Cuban dictator Fidel Castro. Regardless of your feelings about the war in Iraq, the issue here is that we have a socialist dictator vowing to bring down the government of the U.S. And he is using our money to achieve his goal! The Venezuela government, run by dictator Chavez, is the sole owner of Citgo gas company. Sales of products at Citgo stations send money back to Chavez to help him in his vow to bring down our government. Take Action Send an email to Chavez and to Citgo that you will not be shopping at a Citgo station. Why should U.S. citizens who love freedom be financing a dictator who has vowed to take down our government? Click Here To Send Your Email Letter Now! Very important. Please forward this to your friends and family. Most of them don't know that Citgo is owned by the Venezuela government. Thanks for caring enough to get involved. If you feel our efforts are worthy, would you please make a small donation to our efforts by clicking here. Sincerely, Don Donald E. Wildmon, Founder and Chairman American Family Association -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- www.afa.net Copyright 2005 American Family Association P O Drawer 2440 Tupelo, MS 38803 1-662-844-5036 All Rights Reserved revdauphinee answered on 02/04/06: I check around and buy my gaS AT THE CHEAPEST PLACE IN TOWN AND ITS NEVER CITCO 9sory for the caps) Tex78 rated this answer

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arcura asked on 02/03/06 - OOPs sorry about that.......but................. I just got an automatic upgrade to my browser and now I'm getting some lock ups and some triple posts. Either that or I've got some key or other that sticks sometimes. If I can erase something that triples I do but those I can't remain triples. I'm sorry about the triple ratings here. Peace and kindness, Fred revdauphinee answered on 02/04/06: happens to all of us at times no worries! arcura rated this answer

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HANK1 asked on 02/03/06 - JUST WONDERING ... ... what the difference is between a Catholic and a Christian. HANK revdauphinee answered on 02/03/06: I see few are not catholics followers of christ??? ATON2 rated this answer arcura rated this answer HANK1 rated this answer

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curious98 asked on 02/03/06 - Lust in the 16th century Shakespeare is considered by many to be the greatest writer in the English language, as well as one of the greatest in Western literature, and the world's pre-eminent dramatist. And there is plenty of evidence that he actually existed. He was not, apparently , what I would call a confirmed Catholic and many question whether he was not too attached to our mundane world. Archdeacon Richard Davies, an Anglican cleric, allegedly wrote of Shakespeare: "He dyed a Papyst".and Stephen Greenblatt, of Harvard, suspects Catholic sympathies of some kind or another in Shakespeare and his family but considers the writer to be a less than pious person with essentially worldly motives However, most people agree (I do) that he was a genius. And as such, he depicted many of his personages with absolute realism and, consequently, he put emphasis in their vices, shortcomings and flaws that scourge Mankind. Upon enjoying the reading of his beautiful sonnets, I�ve come across this one: "The expense of spirit in a waste of shame Is lust in action; and till action, lust Is perjured, murderous, bloody, full of blame, Savage, extreme, rude, cruel, not to trust, Enjoy'd no sooner but despised straight, Past reason hunted, and no sooner had Past reason hated, as a swallow'd bait On purpose laid to make the taker mad; Mad in pursuit and in possession so; Had, having, and in quest to have, extreme; A bliss in proof, and proved, a very woe; Before, a joy proposed; behind, a dream. All this the world well knows; yet none knows well To shun the heaven that leads men to this hell." Prophetic words, aren�t they? For mankind, in the 21st century, does not know any better than we did in the 16th century, how TO SHUN that �heaven� we can also call lust, AND THAT LEADS MEN to �this hell� which we, now, could define as their own destruction. Comments Curious8 revdauphinee answered on 02/03/06: while forced to study shakeapear in school in the UK I hated it, but as I have grown I can see just why he is so esteemed! curious98 rated this answer Pete_Hanysz rated this answer

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deardra asked on 02/02/06 - baptized Are all christians baptized and do you believe you have to be baptized to go to heaven? What about babies and children what age do they get baptized? What happens if a christian dies before they get baptized? Can anyone be baptized even if they don't know what it means? revdauphinee answered on 02/03/06: Baptism will not save you ,and is not nececary to get into heaven however it is an outqward sign of an internal change and is done as an act of obedience to Gods will.if someone comes to a relation ship with jesus and dies before they can be baptised they will still go to heaven MaggieB rated this answer deardra rated this answer

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Ccl471 asked on 02/02/06 - Online Christian News Channel I want to watch a news program from a Christian perspective. The only news program I know of on the Christian TV network TBN is Christian World News. I once watched an episode, and at the time it aired once a week. Today as I was looking into that program on the web I saw that it focuses on news about the Church around the world. I don't get CBN on my cable TV lineup. So if I want to watch a daily news broadcast focusing on world news, it'll have to be online. Is there a good online Christian World News Channel that has daily broadcasts? I hope there is a good one that is free. Many thanks, C.L. revdauphinee answered on 02/02/06: try espn its a catholic chanel but has a good news program Ccl471 rated this answer

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arcura asked on 02/02/06 - The blessings of having cell phones................... The Perfect Husband Several men are in the locker room of a golf club. A cell phone on a bench rings and a man engage the hands free speaker-function and begin to talk. Everyone else in the room stops to listen. MAN: "Hello" WOMAN: "Honey, it's me. Are you at the club?" MAN: "Yes" WOMAN: "I am at the mall now and found this beautiful leather coat. It's only $1,000. Is it OK if I buy it?" MAN: "Sure, .go ahead if you like it that much." WOMAN: "I also stopped by the Mercedes dealership and saw the new 2006 models. I saw one I really liked" MAN: "How much?" WOMAN: "$90,000" MAN: "OK, but for that price I want it with all the options." WOMAN: "Great! Oh, and one more thing .. The house I wanted last year is back on the market. They're asking $950,000" MAN: "Well, then go ahead and give them an offer of $900,000.They will probably take it. If not, we can go the extra 50 thousand. If it's really a pretty good price." WOMAN: "OK. I'll see you later! I love you so much!!" MAN: "Bye! I love you, too." The man hangs up. The other men in the locker room are staring at him in astonishment, mouths agape..... He smiles and asks: "Anyone know who this phone belongs to?...." revdauphinee answered on 02/02/06: i like that one! arcura rated this answer Tex78 rated this answer

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STONY asked on 02/02/06 - FLA. "WILD WEST LAW" EXERCISEC TODAY. A CASE OF ROAD RAGE IN LAKE MARY TURNED INTO A CASE OF SELF DEFENSE THIS MORNING. A WHITE VAN WAS CHASING DOWN A SMALL BLACK CAR AND CORNERED IT IN A PARKING LOT. WHEN THE DRIVER OF THE WHITE VAN TRIED TO ATTACK THE DRIVER OF THE SMALL CAR, THE SMALL CAR DRIVER STABBED HIM SEVERAL TIMES. "NO CHARGES ARE PENDING AT THIS TIME." YA'LL BRING YOUR SILLY GAMES DOWN HERE, WE'LL SHOW YOU HOW TO PLAY AT A DIFFERENT LEVEL. revdauphinee answered on 02/02/06: after the Shrivo case last yr I have no desire to go inot Fla Im disabled! STONY rated this answer

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HANK1 asked on 02/02/06 - A POST SCRIPT TO THE EXISTENCE OF GOD: The second law of thermodynamics is really a confession of our helplessness in making molecules do what we wish, because of their inconceivable numbers and their submicroscopic size. God was able to overcome these two caveats and went to work. As Paul Harvey would say, "Now you know the rest of the story." HANK revdauphinee answered on 02/02/06: AMEN!!!!!! arcura rated this answer HANK1 rated this answer

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HerrAirhorn asked on 02/02/06 - Prime Minister Sharon Za Prime Minister of Israel, Ariel Sharon, was put on a feeding tube today. The outlook is grim; apparently he has massive brain damage from his strokes. I tink of the brain damaged woman in Florida who was on a feeding tube for years. Do you sink Prime Minister Sharon should be kept on a feeding tube indefinitely? How should his situation be handled? revdauphinee answered on 02/02/06: of course he will not be treated as was shrivo after all she was but a woman who stood in the way of her husbands remariage! ATON2 rated this answer HerrAirhorn rated this answer purplewings rated this answer

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CeeBee2 asked on 02/01/06 - What gender is God? To my reply to sissypants (7 husband question below), someone named belle informed me that "God is of the MALE gender". When did this happen? Is He? revdauphinee answered on 02/01/06: God has no gender he has aspects of both !as it tells us in heaven there will be no marriage we will have likewise bodies there! Mark 12:24. Jesus replied, "Are you not in error because you do not know the Scriptures or the power of God? 25. When the dead rise, they will neither marry nor be given in marriage; they will be like the angels in heaven. ATON2 rated this answer CeeBee2 rated this answer

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Ccl471 asked on 02/01/06 - Something All People on this Board Need to See On 12/17/05 Hank1 posted this question here: JUST WONDERING... ... if we could ALL get together and come up with some kind of a DOCTRINE that would benefit all of mankind, including the Muslims, starting in January, 2006. I feel that we need a CHALLENGE and that we need to do something CONSTRUCTIVE, like build a DOCTRINE of FREE-WILL and/or design a WORLD GOVERNMENT or BOTH that everyone everywhere could live with! WHY? Many people need our help! (I know this to be true) More people than you may think read what we write on this Christianity Board. If we tried one or two of these projects, I'm quite sure it wouldn't be boring. I would also like to have some Experts who are 'missing' come back to our Board and give us some input. I KNOW THAT WE CAN ACCOMPLISH WHAT I HAVE WRITTEN! HANK ------------------------------------------- Aton2 gave this response: Hank: How can you read the postings from some of our so-called, 'born againers' and think they would ever be open to anything that would make them love and understand ANY but those who claim to be drenched in the blood of the lamb...especially Jews and Muslims??????? The only help these misguided zealots can offer is a pray for the destruction of all those who refuse to believe in THEIR Messiah!!!! And as quickly as possible!!! --------------------------------------- I responded to Aton with these comments when rating his answer: Aton, we "misguided zealots," as you put it, don't pray for the destruction of all those who refuse to believe in our Messiah. We pray for them to come to know Jesus Christ as we have, and have the wonderful experience of having a relationship with Him, a friendship with Him, and be delivered from bondage to sin and be able to live the "abundant life" He promised us. You accuse Christians of being hateful. You are tolerant of Islam. You've got it backwards. Christians send out missionaries to other countries and cultures. The Islamic religion sends out terrorists to destroy Jews and Christians. Let me ask you: are you a citizen and resident of a Western democracy? If so, how can you be so sympathetic to Islam and hate Christianity so much? A Muslim terrorist, when they come to your country and see you, (if you are Caucasian), they will take you for a Christian and therefore an "infidel" and will want to kill you. You say I as a Christian am hateful and that the Muslim terrorist is loving and tolerant of other religions. Get a clue. That terrorist's sole mission in life is to murder Jews and Christians. I, however, as a Christian and an American citizen, if I see that terrorist in my city doing suspicious activity, I will report him to the authorities in order to save American lives, many of those Americans being atheists and liberals like you and who have made Christians like me their enemy. Are you liberals tolerant of all religions? You're certainly NOT tolerant of Christianity. If liberals in America had their way, they'd get Christianity legally banned and have all Christians imprisoned for life. You are hateful toward me and only seek my destruction. Some tolerant liberal!! C.L. Sorry, my friends on this board, there was no nice way for me to make my point to Aton in my comments. I'd like to hear everyone's thoughts on this matter. Everyone -- conservatives AND liberals. Thanks and God bless. C.L. revdauphinee answered on 02/01/06: ALL get together and come up with some kind of a DOCTRINE that would benefit all of mankinD? We have it it is called Christinaity and if followed to its fullest will benefit all unfortunatly as with any othe plan many folks refuse to follow it as would be the same if any other plan was come up with! ATON2 rated this answer Ccl471 rated this answer Chilloutinparis rated this answer

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arcura asked on 02/01/06 - Time for a strange one???......................... A lawyer named Strange died, and his friend asked the tombstone maker to inscribe on his tombstone, "Here lies Strange, an honest man, and a lawyer." The inscriber insisted that such an inscription would be confusing, for passersby would tend to think that three men were buried under the stone. However he suggested an alternative: He would inscribe, "Here lies a man who was both honest and a lawyer. "That way, whenever anyone walked by the tombstone and read it, they would be certain to remark: "That's Strange!" revdauphinee answered on 02/01/06: acura why do you bother ?they do what they do to get a rise out of you and you fall for it every time Ignore I know its hard but it can be done! arcura rated this answer

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arcura asked on 01/31/06 - News you can use or ignore............................ Iraq Churches Targeted in Series of Attacks 3 Killed; Blasts Hit Baghdad and Kirkuk BAGHDAD, Iraq, JAN. 30, 2006 (Zenit.org).- Three people died Sunday and more than 20 were injured when bombers targeted six crowded churches in Iraq. Terrified parishioners ran for their lives when the car bombers struck in coordinated attacks that took place as services got under way on Sunday evening in Baghdad and the northern city of Kirkuk. Among the dead in Kirkuk was 13-year-old Fadi Raad Elias, who was killed when the bombers struck the Virgin Mary Catholic Church. In the capital, Chaldean Patriarch Emmanuel III Delly missed the bombs by a matter of minutes after security checks delayed his arrival at St. Mary Catholic Church in the Al Bonook quarter of Baghdad. More than a dozen people were injured in Baghdad when simultaneous explosions went off at four churches. A further bomb exploded close to the Vatican Embassy in Al Wiya, Baghdad. Both in Kirkuk, where two churches were hit, and also in Baghdad, the bombers targeted Christians of many denominations including Chaldeans, Syrian Orthodox, Latin rite and the Assyrian Church of the East. Clerics' call? According to sources referred to ZENIT by Aid to the Church in Need, it is believed that fundamentalist Muslim clerics called for the attacks after a series of cartoons in a Danish newspaper denigrated the prophet Mohammed. The images were subsequently broadcast on Islamic satellite channels. Sunday's attacks were similar to the bombing of churches in Baghdad and Mosul in August 2004, which killed 15 people. In statements on Vatican Radio, Archbishop Fernando Filoni, apostolic nuncio in Iraq, said: "At this moment it is difficult to theorize on these attacks, it is too early." "It is clear that destabilization is one of the fundamental aspects of those desiring to leave the country in chaos," he added. Condemning the attacks, Marie-Ange Siebrecht, who heads the Middle East department of Aid to the Church in Need, said: "We hear about crisis in Iraq so often and yet the world is totally unaware of the suffering of Christians in a country which has been their home for thousands of years." Aid to the Church in Need reported that in Baghdad and also in the northern city of Mosul, dozens of Christian university students were physically attacked by Muslim undergraduates who shouted slogans against them, calling them nonbelievers and American agents. In statements to AsiaNews, Patriarch Delly said: "We are afraid, but we find comfort in prayer." revdauphinee answered on 01/31/06: where is the outcry that would come had this been a mosque?when the moslem clerics speak out aginst this I will have more respect for them! arcura rated this answer

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HANK1 asked on 01/31/06 - JUST WONDERING ... ... if you believe in coincidence. HANK revdauphinee answered on 01/31/06: I agree with paraclete HANK1 rated this answer

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HANK1 asked on 01/31/06 - JUST WONDERING ... ... if everything in your personal life and around the world happens for a reason. HANK revdauphinee answered on 01/31/06: personaly and looking back on a long life i do feel it does! HANK1 rated this answer

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deardra asked on 01/31/06 - Is this true Understanding the bible is kind of like belonging to a secret club or something people who are not christian make it complicated because it is supposed to be a mystery to them right? revdauphinee answered on 01/31/06: no club and no secret with all the new translations available these days no one should have much trouble understanding it !It is when some denominations attemp to put there own spin on it that it becomes difficult .Buy a new english copy and read it for your self God gave us the ability to make up our own minds you dont need a third party to do it for you! deardra rated this answer

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arcura asked on 01/31/06 - Here's a C & P some might enjoy readin, or not. Exxon posts record profits By Susan Diesenhouse Tribune staff reporter Published January 30, 2006, 9:06 PM CST Exxon Mobil Corp. reported Monday that it earned a profit of $36.1 billion in 2005. It was the biggest annual profit ever for a U.S. company, economists and analysts said. What will Exxon do with all that money? Shareholders will benefit, but consumers certainly won't see a break at the pump. The most interesting question is how much the energy behemoth intends to invest in its businesses, particularly in the exploration for new sources of energy. "We'd love to invest more in the U.S. but the key is having access to the most promising areas," said Mark Boudreaux, an Exxon spokesman. Such fertile grounds could be offshore along the West and East Coasts, off the west coast of Florida and perhaps Alaska, he noted. But these locations represent environmentally sensitive areas where drilling has been blocked by state and federal agencies. Exxon's 2005 net income of $36.13 billion was up 43 percent from a year earlier. Revenue for all of its corporate operations amounted to $371 billion. It has $33 billion in cash on hand and only $8 billion in debt. Just five years earlier, Exxon reported 2000 revenue of $227.60 billion and net income of $17.72 billion. Since the decade began, Exxon's revenue has risen more than 50 percent and profit has nearly doubled. U.S. consumers expecting to share in this bounty may have quite a wait, according to Arthur L. Smith, the Houston-based chief executive of John S. Herold Inc., an independent oil and gas research and consulting firm in Norwalk, Conn. "It will take an economic recession for prices to drop at the pump," he said. "All indications are that demand for petroleum is unfazed by high prices." Exxon has been generous with investors. In 2005, Exxon lavished shareholders with $23 billion in dividends and stock buy-backs, a 56 percent increase from a year earlier, the company reported. Petroleum prices averaged more than $56 a barrel last year, a 36 percent increase over 2004, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. Meanwhile, Exxon invested $17.7 billion in capital expansion and exploration activities that could increase future supplies. That was a 19 percent increase over the $15 billion that the company invested in 2004. But that came on the heels of a six-year-period in which the outlay to expand infrastructure was relatively flat. Indeed in 1998, when oil was selling for about $10 a barrel, Exxon invested about $15 billion in capital and exploration, according to Boudreaux. Exxon's investments in capital and exploration seem skimpy to some. "I've been surprised at the extent to which companies like Exxon are using their cash flow to buy back shares rather than make additional investments in infrastructure," said James Hamilton, a professor of economics at the University of California at San Diego. Energy prices have surged to meet the needs of growing economies in Asia, India and the U.S. They also rose after hurricanes interrupted supplies from the Gulf of Mexico. In part, therefore, Exxon's banner performance in 2005 reflects that "demand continues to grow but supply hasn't been increasing," said Lysle Brinker, a senior analyst at Herold. He added that this supply-demand scenario isn't likely to change soon. The company is also benefiting from its own operational efficiency, Brinker added. Compared to other oil companies like Chevron, he said, "Exxon appears to be doing a good job controlling costs while making wise, disciplined investment to replace maturing fields." The company, which has operations in 200 countries and 85,000 workers worldwide, has invested in production facilities in Russia, China, Angola and Nigeria. revdauphinee answered on 01/31/06: I willl love and defend my country (just as I do my kids)however one must not be blind to the faults in either and what I see as the ruination of my country is corporate greed!pure and simple they get rich whilst the poor and homeless suffer! arcura rated this answer ATON2 rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 01/31/06 - just a little thought on recent events . . http://network.news.com.au/image/0,10114,5103325,00.jpg revdauphinee answered on 01/31/06: this is a great way of God letting us know to becarefull what you ask for (you just might get it)we wanted democracy for everyone then now they have used it we are in a panic! paraclete rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 01/31/06 - The question I have is, where have these guys been for the last 40/50 years Now come on you Christians, tell me why does it take the Muslims in some half forgotten outpost to stand up and say we have had enough of the porn industry, How is it that american porn can be exported all over the world? What a joke a supposedly Christian nation which permits every kind of sleeze to exist in the name of their prescious freedom. JAKARTA: The 200-plus demonstrators from the student group Concerned Muslims who had gathered in light drizzle at one of Central Jakarta's main roundabouts had a simple message for passing motorists. "Reject Playboy! Reject Playboy!" they shouted. "Don't publish that filth here. Keep the Indonesian nation clean." "We don't need that sort of porno here," said Muhammad Salim. "There's enough vice here already." Yesterday about 500 protesters - all members of a conservative Muslim political party - demanded the parliament quickly pass tough laws now under debate to crack down on existing girlie magazines and pornographic DVDs, which are widely available throughout the country. Playboy has signed a deal with a local company to publish an Indonesian edition, although Playboy's editorial director, David Walker, said publication had been delayed until "both partners are satisfied the product addresses the sensitivities of the marketplace". It would not contain nude photos or graphic sexual content, Mr Walker said. "Any magazine we launch in Indonesia would be focused on many of the other things Playboy is well known for: high-quality editorial, including interviews and feature stories written by renowned local writers and journalists." Such reassurances have counted for little among Indonesia's conservative Islamic leaders, who appear to be using this issue to gain the moral high ground. Ferry Abdullah, who hawks magazines in the traffic jam along one of the motorways in West Jakarta, laughed off the objections. "It's the porno that sells best," Mr Ferry said, flipping over an Ikea catalogue to reveal a copy of Tits, a locally produced magazine that consists of pictures of naked women and sex stories. "I've been trying to sell this catalogue for 10 days while I've already sold three copies of Tits this week." The head of the Alliance of Independent Journalists, Eddy Suprapto, believes the opposition is ignorant, xenophobic and hypocritical. "It's irrational hatred of a Western product. They don't know if it's good or bad," Mr Suprapto said. Indonesia's criminal code does not define pornography, but MPs are trying to change that. However, their pornography bill has run into opposition because they seem unable to decide what is decent. The bill outlaws husbands and wives kissing in public, Papuans wearing traditional dress (a penis gourd and nothing else), and the dancing that accompanies the folksy pop music known as dangdut. The Guardian revdauphinee answered on 01/31/06: maybee they might consider the fact that forbiden fruit always tastes sweeter.we always want what we cannot have so if they ease up on this it may not be as popular!(just a thought) ATON2 rated this answer paraclete rated this answer

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sissypants asked on 01/30/06 - nother round of suspensions looks like the aw police are out in full force again so look out! revdauphinee answered on 01/30/06: i think they need to be from some of the stuff ive read on here in the last few days.Not to mention the anti American rhetoric there has been enough foul language for a porn site! ATON2 rated this answer hOPE12 rated this answer MaggieB rated this answer paraclete rated this answer sissypants rated this answer Tex78 rated this answer

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Erewhon asked on 01/30/06 - Abortion Issues ... Fewer Abortions May Indicate a Change in Attitudes from staff reports Mothers with unexpected pregnancies may be bonding with their preborn children. More women in America say their pregnancies are "unwanted" but fewer are choosing to abort their preborn babies. That may reveal a changing attitude among women regarding the sanctity of human life. The National Center for Health Statistics released a study showing that out of every 100 pregnancies, 24 ended in abortion � a sobering number, but down 2 percent from 1995. Anjani Chandra, the study's lead, said some women may be caught off guard when they find out they�re pregnant, putting them in the "unwanted" category, but they don�t always stay there. "When we�re talking about births that were unwanted or mistimed at the time of conception," she said, "we make it very clear that people�s attitudes can be quite different over the course of a pregnancy." Susan Wills, associate director for education at the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops� Secretariat for Pro-Life Activities, said it's not uncommon for women to have a change of heart over time. "Even if it�s not a convenient time or it�s not really anticipated," she said, "most women, as they begin to bond with the child, even in utero, begin to realize this is really a blessing." Experts say there may be several reasons for the decrease in abortions. One might be the ability to see babies in the womb through ultrasound, and another, the increase in information available to women through the Internet. On the other hand, The Alan Guttmacher Institute, the research arm of Planned Parenthood, argues it may be due to women having less access to abortion. Betty Jean Wolfe, president of the Urban Family Council, said that's not likely. "You can go anywhere in a city in the United States and find access to abortion," she said. "I don�t think it�s a lack of access." The most important thing, she said, is that there are fewer abortions today and the rate has been steadily falling for several years now. Copyright � 2006 Focus on the Family. All rights reserved. International copyright secured. =========== Can you find a reaspon for the change? revdauphinee answered on 01/30/06: maybee (and one can but hope0 FOLKS WHO ARE PRO CHOICE ARE MAKING THE CHOISE BEFORE BECOMING PREGNANT!we all know what causes it so the choise to avoid it is easy dont do it! Erewhon rated this answer

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Erewhon asked on 01/30/06 - Did you see the impressions made on people of other denominations and even on an atheist by visiting Story by Laurie Williams Sowby SANTIAGO, CHILE � "There is peace in my soul." "I found what I needed in your temple." "The peace of the Celestial Room filled me completely." These were typical of the comments made by thousands of non-LDS who visited the remodeled Santiago Temple the first week of its open house. The Santiago Temple, in Chile�s capital city, opened its doors to the public Jan. 21, after a year of remodeling and refurbishing. The "puertas abiertas" � "open doors" � continues through Feb. 11. After its rededication in two sessions Feb. 26, the temple will be open only to members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints who hold a temple recommend. It will be the Church�s 123rd temple in operation. Officials expected perhaps 1,000 visitors on the opening day, but more than three times that many attended. They waited in a line that wrapped around the block known locally as Temple Square. On the same block are area and mission offices of the Church, a chapel, small distribution center, and a missionary training facility that also serves as dorms for visiting temple groups. Gardens behind the temple give the area a serene setting. Before the temple was closed for renovation, several buses a day were arriving, filled with faithful members wanting to attend the temple. Members in outlying areas are especially happy to have "their" temple � the only one in Chile � open again. For a year, they have been traveling to Buenos Aires, Argentina, to receive first-time endowments or be sealed. First dedicated in September 1983, as the Church�s 24th operating temple, the small temple in Santiago�s Providencia district has undergone a complete renovation and been enlarged by one-third, to 21,000 square feet. It now contains two more sealing rooms, enlarged dressing areas, and offices in addition to the two sealing rooms and two endowment session rooms that existed originally. A notable addition is the baptistry, greatly enlarged and with the font now resting on the backs of 12 oxen. The temple features local craftsmanship and detail in its furnishings, from the native Chilean marble and blue lapis lazuli stone in the entryway and baptistry floors to the flower motif of the country�s national flower, the copihue, used on furniture, door handles, and art glass. Several reproductions of Minerva Tiechert�s Book of Mormon paintings hang on the walls. After entering the chapel next door and seeing a 15-minute film about temples, groups of 25 are taken on a tour through all areas of the temple, including locker rooms, laundry area and administrative offices. People are astounded by the quiet beauty of the place and often feel an unexpected reverence, especially as they stand in the Celestial Room. Someone is stationed at the door to offer tissues as they leave. The Celestial Room and the sealing room across the hallway elicit such comments as, "The spirit of Christ is present." "I felt great joy and I felt like crying." A young person offered, "It felt good to be in the house of Christ with my family." A Catholic said, "I want to understand more about being sealed for eternity." Others expressed appreciation to the Church for making the temple open to everyone during the open house. "It is a special place and will be very important to all Christians as a place to feel God," said one. Said another, "I give thanks to your members for permitting me to know you a little more." Even one who professed no religion said she�d felt the Spirit of our Father in Heaven: "I arrived with great pain, but after the tour, I left without pain." Said an atheist, "If God exists, today I found his house." Eduardo Lamartine, coordinator of temple committee over the open house and rededication, said he is happy to know that nonmembers are having a spiritual experience as they walk through the temple. President Hinckley, who dedicated the temple in 1983, is expected to return to Chile for the two rededicatory sessions on Sunday, Feb. 26. The night before, a stadium that holds 50,000 will be the showcase for a celebration of Chilean culture by 4,000 LDS youth from the Santiago area. ======= Should we be surprised that the soul of an atheist was stirred by this experience, or is there that within each of us that reaches for God, however uncertainly? revdauphinee answered on 01/30/06: question is it better to exchance no belief for beliefs in a false teaching???? Erewhon rated this answer

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arcura asked on 01/29/06 - New words old melody????.......................... On TV a lovely lady with auburn hair was singing�. �Chocolate in the morning, Chocolate in the evening, Chocolate at supper tim, I really love dark chocolate And eat it any time.� She salivated and licked he lips while singing and appeared to be sincere. The melody sounded familiar as did some of the words. Does anyone remember the original song? Does anyone here like chocolate that much? revdauphinee answered on 01/29/06: its called sugar time !and its as old as me!LOL arcura rated this answer Tex78 rated this answer

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hOPE12 asked on 01/29/06 - Honor and Respect for the Creaator of the Universe! Hello Everyone, As a person who feels we need to have deep respect for our Creator, I am appalled at the questions being posted on this board. How can a person who honors the Creator post questions that degrade God instead of praising and honoring him? What is this board coming to, when those who claim to be Christian, feel it is okay to pray to God in the bathroom, while stealing, and even while robbing? What in this world are some experts thinking about? Where is their true Christianity? No wonder there are some who feel Christians are not true worshipers of God. Some aren't they are part of what the scripture's call, false Christians. To those who feel they can pray to God with such disrespect for what his will is, I say, you need help and fast. How can you guys degrade the most superior personage in the universe by posting such things. /To you guys I quote this scripture: (Proverbs 28:9) He that is turning his ear away from hearing the law�even his prayer is something detestable. (Proverbs 15:29) Jehovah is far away from the wicked ones, but the prayer of the righteous ones he hears. (Isaiah 1:15) And when YOU spread out YOUR palms, I hide my eyes from YOU. Even though YOU make many prayers, I am not listening; with bloodshed YOUR very hands have become filled. (Micah 6:8) He has told you, O earthling man, what is good. And what is Jehovah asking back from you but to exercise justice and to love kindness and to be modest in walking with your God? (John 8:44) YOU are from YOUR father the Devil, and YOU wish to do the desires of YOUR father. That one was a manslayer when he began, and he did not stand fast in the truth, because truth is not in him. When he speaks the lie, he speaks according to his own disposition, because he is a liar and the father of [the lie]. Hope12 revdauphinee answered on 01/29/06: i do feel this board today could use some policing due to the ammount of disgusting language being allowed to be posted.I am by no means a prude however this is not the forum for such gutter profanity as has been posted by some! hOPE12 rated this answer Tex78 rated this answer

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arcura asked on 01/28/06 - Like to hear a voice from the heavens? Now you can if you have the right equipment. +++ I thought you might be interested in this story from Science@NASA: A very strange satellite is about to go into Earth orbit. It's "SuitSat," an empty spacesuit thrown overboard from the International Space Station. Using a simple police scanner or ham radio, you can listen to SuitSat when it orbits over your hometown. http://science.nasa.gov/headlines/y2006/26jan_suitsat.htm?friend revdauphinee answered on 01/28/06: weve junked up the earth now we are working on outer space ! arcura rated this answer

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ROLCAM asked on 01/28/06 - You will feel a tear in your eye, but it is really sweet.. You will feel a tear in your eye, but it is really sweet.. Sally jumped up as soon as she saw the surgeon come out of the operating room. She said: "How is my little boy? Is he going to be all right? When can I see him?" The surgeon said, "I'm sorry. We did all we could, but your boy didn't make it." Sally said, "Why do little children get cancer? Doesn't God care any more? Where were you, God, when my son needed you?" The surgeon asked, "Would you like some time alone with your son? One of the nurses will be out in a few minutes, before he's transported to the university." Sally asked the nurse to stay with her while she said good-bye to her son. She ran her fingers lovingly through his thick red curly hair. "Would you like a lock of his hair?" the nurse asked. Sally nodded yes. The nurse cut a lock of the boy's hair, put it in a plastic bag and handed it to Sally. The mother said, "It was Jimmy's idea to donate his body to the university for study. He said it might help somebody else. "I said no at first, but Jimmy said, 'Mom, I won't be using it after I die. Maybe it will help some other little boy spend one more day with his Mom." She went on, "My Jimmy had a heart of gold. Always thinking of someone else. Always wanting to help others if he could." Sally walked out of Children's Mercy Hospital for the last time, after spending most of the last six months there. She put the bag with Jimmy's belongings on the seat beside her in the car. The drive home was difficult. It was even harder to enter the empty house. She carried Jimmy's belongings, and the plastic bag with the lock of his hair to her son's room. She started placing the model cars and other personal things back in his room exactly where he had always kept them. She laid down across his bed and hugging his pillow, cried herself to sleep. It was around midnight when Sally awoke. Laying beside her on the bed was a folded letter. The letter said: "Dear Mom, I know you're going to miss me; but don't think that I will ever forget you or stop loving you, just 'cause I'm not around to say I LOVE YOU. I will always love you, Mom, even more with each day. Someday we will see each other again. Until then, if you want to adopt a little boy so you won't be so lonely, that's okay with me. He can have my room and old stuff to play with. But, if you decide to get a girl instead, she probably wouldn't like the same things us boys do. You'll have to buy her dolls and stuff girls like, you know. Don't be sad thinking about me. This really is a neat place. Grandma and Grandpa met me as soon as I got here and showed me around some, but it will take a long time to see everything. The angels are so cool. I love to watch th fly. And, you know what? Jesus doesn't look like any of his pictures. Yet, when I saw Him, I knew it was Him. Jesus himself took me to see GOD! And guess! what! , Mom? I got to sit on God's knee and talk to Him, like I was somebody important. That's when I told Him that I wanted to write you a letter, to tell you good-bye and everything. But I already knew that wasn't allowed. Well, you know what Mom? God handed me some paper and His own personal pen to write you this letter. I think Gabriel is the name of the angel who is going to drop this letter off to you. God said for me to give you the answer to one of the questions you asked Him 'Where was He when I needed him?' "God said He was in the same place with me, as when His son Jesus was on the cross. He was right there, as He always is with all His children. Oh, by the way, Mom, no one else can see what I've written except you. To everyone else this is just a blank piece of paper. Isn't that cool? I have to give God His pen back now. He needs it to write some more names in the Book of Life. Tonight I get to sit at the table with Jesus for supper. I'm, sure the food will be great. Oh, I almost forgot to tell you. I don't hurt anymore. The cancer is all gone. I'm glad because I couldn't stand that pain anymore and God couldn't stand to see me hurt so much, either. That's when He sent The Angel of Mercy to come get me. The Angel said I was a Special Delivery! How about that? Signed with Love from: God, Jesus & Me. Now ask that Angel of Mercy to bless and take care of every-one that you send this to and He will because He loves us also. revdauphinee answered on 01/28/06: thank you everyone who looses a child should read this! Pete_Hanysz rated this answer ROLCAM rated this answer

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ROLCAM asked on 01/28/06 - TO LOVE : Lord Jesus , heal us of anything that is out of order in our lives. revdauphinee answered on 01/28/06: once more i must agree with aton we need to put our own houses in order Jesus will give us the stregnth but the action must begin with ourselves ATON2 rated this answer ROLCAM rated this answer

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Bishop_Chuck asked on 01/27/06 - off and on I have not been able to be here much as of late. For some reason, I can log on at work, but when I am home, if I try to log on, I get the words in red "logged on" but it does not show my user name or let me do anything. No other web site problems on other simular sites. I am stumped. revdauphinee answered on 01/27/06: I had the same problem one time it seemed when I cleaned out cookies and cashe it helped you might try that! Bishop_Chuck rated this answer Tex78 rated this answer

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arcura asked on 01/25/06 - It's a clear as a glass full of tar................. Bush Explains Medicare Drug Bill � Verbatim Quote Submitted on 2005-12-13 WOMAN IN AUDIENCE: 'I don't really understand. How is it the new plan going to fix the problem?' Verbatim response: PRESIDENT BUSH: 'Because the � all which is on the table begins to address the big cost drivers. For example, how benefits are calculated, for example, is on the table. Whether or not benefits rise based upon wage increases or price increases There's a series of parts of the formula that are being considered. And when you couple that, those different cost drivers, affecting those � changing those with personal accounts, the idea is to get what has been promised more likely to be � or closer delivered to that has been promised. Does that make any sense to you? It's kind of muddled. Look, there's a series of things that cause the � like, for example, benefits are calculated based upon the increase of wages, as opposed to the increase of prices. Some have suggested that we calculate � the benefits will rise based upon inflation, supposed to wage increases. There is a reform that would help solve the red if that were put into effect. In other words, how fast benefits grow, how fast the promised benefits grow, if those � if that growth is affected, it will help on the red.' revdauphinee answered on 01/25/06: its easy to understand if you sign up your screwed arcura rated this answer

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ETWolverine asked on 01/25/06 - An interesting article Save Haleigh By Michelle Malkin http://www.JewishWorldReview.com I have a question for the hordes of bleeding-heart Hollywood stars who joined the "Save Tookie" brigade, who bowed their heads in prayer with ex-Crip gangster Snoop Dogg and the Rev. Jesse Jackson and pleaded to protect convicted Death Row murderer Stanley "Tookie" Williams, and who lobbied so hard for the government to err on the side of life. Where are you now? In Boston, an innocent girl was sentenced to death by the state. Her name is Haleigh Poutre. Last fall, she was hospitalized after her stepfather allegedly burned her and beat her unconscious with a baseball bat. Haleigh was kept alive by a feeding tube and ventilator. Doctors said she was "virtually brain dead." They said she was in a "persistent vegetative state." The medical professionals pronounced her "hopeless." Less than three weeks after Haleigh's hospitalization, the Massachusetts Department of Social Services was raring to remove Haleigh's feeding and breathing tubes. Even her biological mother (who had been deemed unfit to care for Haleigh and whose former boyfriend was accused of sexually abusing the child) wanted her to be put to death. The only person who wanted Haleigh alive was her stepfather, who will likely be charged with murder if Haleigh dies. Earlier this month, the Massachusetts' Supreme Court ruled in favor of killing Haleigh, saying it was "unthinkable" to give the power to make a life-and-death decision to the man accused of putting Haleigh in a coma. Instead, the court did something just as unthinkable: It handed over that power over life and death to the same child welfare agency that had failed time and time and time again to protect Haleigh from her abusers in the first place. According to the Boston Herald, a report by her court-appointed guardian showed that the Department of Social Services had received 17 reports of abuse or neglect involving Haleigh in the three years before her adoptive mother and stepfather were charged with pummeling her into a coma. "State can let beaten girl die," the headlines trumpeted. But there was just one small complication for all of those who, for whatever reason, were in such a rush to "let Haleigh die:" Haleigh is fighting to live. As state officials prepared to remove Haleigh's life support, the supposedly impossible happened. She began breathing on her own, responding to stimuli, and showing signs of emerging from what the medical establishment had deemed her hopeless condition. Everyone had given up on Haleigh � except Haleigh. ''There has been a change in her condition," announced a DSS spokeswoman, Denise Monteiro. ''The vegetative state may not be a total vegetative state." Unbelievably, the state had weaned Haleigh off her breathing tube before the state supreme court had made its ruling � but the government failed to inform the court of the development. Haleigh's medical records and the social service agency's brief remain sealed. Politicians in Massachusetts are vowing full-scale investigations of the state's incompetent child welfare bureaucrats. But where's the accountability for the medical experts whose faulty diagnosis led to Haleigh's court-approved death sentence? Will they step forward and reveal themselves? Will they explain how they erred? Will they apologize? It was The Experts' unequivocal assessments that led the court to declare Haleigh in "an irreversible vegetative state" and to assert that "the child could not see, hear, feel, or respond." Now, they admit they were wrong. And now, Haleigh's life depends on the whims of a hopeless government agency that didn't think the court needed to know that the child was breathing on her own. Haleigh's story is a wake-up call to "right-to-die" ideologues who recklessly put such unlimited trust in the medical profession and Nanny State. With such uncertainty surrounding persistent vegetative state diagnoses, the presumption must be in favor of life. Yet, the "right to die" lobby's mantra seems to be: When in doubt, pull it out. While Haleigh clings to life, I've pondered how we might help persuade the plug-pullers to delay the child's state-sanctioned death sentence. I propose nominating her for a Nobel Prize. It bought Tookie Williams five extra years. Jamie Foxx and Susan Sarandon, will you join me? -------------- Hmmm. This opens up a whole can of worms, doesn't it? First of all, a girl who was determined to be in a "permanent vegetative state" turns out to be improving: breathing on her own, responding to stimuli, etc. Even her doctors are admitting they were wrong. What does this case do to the argument that doctors know best when a patient will not improve and should be allowed to die? What does this do to arguments against one more check of the patient's condition? In light of this case, was Congress right to demand one more judicial and medical review of Teri Schiavo's condition before her feeding tube wa removed? Would one more review of her condition hurt anything? What does this case do to those who argue the case against capital punishment but in favor of abortion and assisted suicide? What are the legal ramifications of the state making the determination in favor of assisted suicide? What if the state is wrong? (I find it interesting that the same people who argue against capital punishment on the basis that the government might make a mistake and kill the wrong person suddenly argue the infallibility of the government when determining in favor of assisted suicide.) Seems to me that the case of Haleigh Poutre raises a lot of questions on BOTH sides of the political/religious fence: the liberals/secularists who would allow family to determine assisted suicide, and the conservatives/secularists who would allow the government to be the final arbiter. And the conservatives/religious who would argue against assisted suicide at all need to contend with the question of what if the patient really is suffering in an intolerable manner and really does want to die. What are your opinions? Elliot revdauphinee answered on 01/25/06: I agree also where is the outcry from these folks when judges in our country are giving 60 day sentences to admited rapists who abused a child for years to only get a slap on the hand??it seems we are turning our country over to the criminals and child abusers.Our children deserve better than this! ETWolverine rated this answer kindj rated this answer Tex78 rated this answer

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sarnian asked on 01/24/06 - Let me try to explain it once more .... . Seeing Ronnie's deliberate twisting of words in "Anti-Americanism Dressed as Anti-Christian Bigotry raises its ugly head" let me address the same lines here in all openess : " ... in the US people SAY that they are christian". I refered here to the facts that a major part of the US population indicates that they are christians. If that is really true I doubt (many people say they're christian in view of the repercussions that the dictatorship of religous ultraright fanatics may have on their own living conditions - from being employed to being treated as a total outcast)). Anyway, the major part INDICATES that they are christian. If they are depends on how they behave. Waving the bible or holding a cross does not prove anything. "If you zoom in on that, soon it turns out to be nothing more than empty words and sitting in church because it's sunday". This refers to the difference between STATING that you are christian and BEING a christian, i.e. living as a real christian is supposed to do. All over the world people sit in churches listening to the sunday sermon, to hop into the nearest pub or whorehouse immediately after the service ends. But in the US with it's christian "enforcement" the percentage of people for whom sunday service is not a deep need and commitment but more an obligation is much higher than anywhere else. There is nothing wrong with the observation that people visit church just "because it's sunday" "REAL christianity is only found in one's deeds. And if you are aware of JC's teaching you will know that there is much, very very much to improve there ..... ! Do I really have to explain this? I'm clearly NOT a christian, but I've read the bible, I know what JC instructed his followers to do, and - specially - how to live. And that does not include selfish capitalistic thinking as in the "Me, myself and I" culture. Neither does it include all that hatred so clearly enshrined in US society, with it's gloryfied dollar, success or else, social and racial discrimination, living in (relative) major wealth at the expense of the poor, poor from inside the US as well as in the rest of the world. Nor does it include the current warmonging and imperialism that the US is treating the entire world with, and exploiting the poor of the third world for cheap resources, from oil to other major essentials. Do I have to mention more points like the treatment of homosexuals, the highest drug consumption in the world, the unfair justice system - both on race and on wealth, and so on, the highest divorce rate in the world? I never stated that outside the US all is well and perfect. But a nation that is so involved in religious staring at it's own bellybutton should expect people from outside US to draw their conclusions. Is this person correct? Is there no one in the whole of the USA who can satisfy Mr Darkness's blood lust by being a decent Christian, or is he spewing unmitigated stupidity again? I NEVER stated that there are no decent christians. I just noted that "all's not well in Danmark". Of course there will be "good" christians. But how about the majority of christians? Add Ronnies tone of reaction(s), his "Mr. Darkness", his "stupidity", and his "Anti-Americanism Dressed as Anti-Christian Bigotry", and any fair person would realise that Ronnie has simply flipped his mind out of pure frustration, most probably because his views clearly came out second best recently in various debates, in some of which he repeatedly failed to address any issue, but "sparkled" by his faul language and silly snipes. NO, I'm not an anti-christian bigot, NO, I do not hate Americans as a group, YES I dislike American religious fanatism, greediness, selfishness, discrimination, unfairness, and above all I despise Americans treating the rest of the world with their contempt. And YES, I feel sad for Ronnie, seeing his displayed rudeness on this board and his continuing attacks on all who disagree with him. Note : Ronnie also claims to be a christian, but I question if he really is one. Deeds weigh heavier than all that hot boiled air coming from his mouth / hand / keyboard. So if anyone has any questions on the statements Ronnie posted to the board in his anger, I am open for further discussion. . revdauphinee answered on 01/25/06: I ,donnt know where you live but your comment "all that hatred so clearly enshrined in US society,is a bunch of bull i live here and do not see hatred everywhere ,You will always find what it is you go looking for so if that is what you desire then it is to be found everywhere ,and as for hating why are you so adamant in your hatred for the USA,I have traveled extensively and believe me Im better off (and I know it) right here!Have you ever lived here?and interacted with the fine american people?or do your spitefull intentions just come from stuff youve read>?? Erewhon rated this answer sarnian rated this answer

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ATON2 asked on 01/24/06 - Christian alert!! Christian alert!!! How many of you think it is a good idea to put the image of Jesus Christ on coins that most men carry in their front trouser pockets right next to their testicles???????? It's bad enough that women keep Jesus image buried in their cleavage, but to have him share the testicular tenement?????????? I shudder to think where you would keep the image if it appeared on paper money :) And do you think J.C. would appreciate being stuck in a casino slot machine...or perhaps used to pay off a prostitute?????? Just curious :) revdauphinee answered on 01/24/06: where do you live that you can pay a prostitute with coins???not any place in the Us the ladies surley charge more than that ,maybee they charge for the service they expect??? arcura rated this answer ATON2 rated this answer Tex78 rated this answer

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Erewhon asked on 01/23/06 - STONEYHEART - WHAT ARE YOU TALKING ABOUT? STONEY WILL EXPLAIN HOW I WASTE HIS TIME WHEN I HAVE BLOCKED CONTACT FROM HIM SOME MONTHS AGO FOR,HIS CRASSNESS AND SATUPIDITY. CONSEQUENTLY, I HAVE HAD NO DEALINGS WITH HIM SINCE THAT TIME. PERHAPS THAT HACKESS HAS BUST THE "AW" CODE AND INTERFERED WITH ITS INTERNAL WORKINGS MAKING HIM THINK HE IS GETTING COMMUNICATiON FROM ME. OR, PERHAPS HE DREAMED THE WHOLE THING UP. WHO KNOWS? WHY HE TYPES IN CAPITALS IS A MYSTERY BECAUSE ON OTHER SITES HE VISITS HE TYPES NORMALLY!!! revdauphinee answered on 01/23/06: please tell me how I can block someone i am getting tierd of all one persons negativity ,i have tried to block this person to no avail!even Aton sometimes has something of value to contribute this person only plesure is derived from putting someone else down I wont say who it is but i dont want to hear any more of it! ATON2 rated this answer Erewhon rated this answer

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STONY asked on 01/23/06 - ATON, YOU AND RONNIE SHOULD FORM A CLUB TOGETHER. PLEASE DON'T WASTE MY TIME OR YOURS IN THE FUTURE AS YOU ADD NOTHING CONSTRUCTIVE TO THIS BOARD. I JUST DON'T HAVE TIME FOR YOU... revdauphinee answered on 01/23/06: tex seconded this ill third it!!! ATON2 rated this answer Erewhon rated this answer sarnian rated this answer STONY rated this answer

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Tex78 asked on 01/22/06 - Grr-face Miracle The mother sat on the simulated-leather chair in the doctor's office, picking nervously at her fingernails. Wrinkles of worry lined her forehead as she watched 5-year-old Kenny sitting on the rug before her. He is small for his age and a little too thin, she thought. His fine blond hair hung down smooth and straight to the top of his ears. But while gauze bandages encircled his head, covering his eyes and pinning his ears back. In his lap he bounced a beaten-up teddy bear. It was the pride of his life, yet one arm was gone and one eye was missing. Twice his mother had tried to throw the bear away, to replace it with a new one, but he had fussed so much she had relented. She tipped her head slightly to the side and smiled at him. It's really about all he has, she sighed to herself. A nurse appeared in the doorway. "Kenny Ellis," she announced, and the young mother scooped up the boy and followed the nurse toward the examination room. The hallway smelled of rubbing alcohol and bandages. Children's crayon drawing lined the walls. "The doctor will be with you in a moment," the nurse said with an efficient smile. "Please be seated." The mother placed Kenny on the examination table. "Be careful, Honey, not to fall off." "Am I up very high, Mother?" "No dear, but be careful." Kenny hugged his teddy bear tighter. "Then I don't want Grr-face to fall either." The mother smiled. The smile twisted at the corner into a frown of concern. She brushed the hair out of the boy's face and caressed his cheek, soft as thistledown, with the back of her hand. As the office music drifted into the haunting version of "Silent Night," she remembered the accident for the thousandth time. The Wincing Memory! She had been cooking things on the back burners for years. But there it was, sitting right out in front, the water almost boiling for oatmeal. The phone rang in the living room. It was another one of those "phone offers." At the very moment she returned the phone to the table, Kenny screamed in the kitchen, the galvanizing cry of pain that frosts a mother's veins. She winced again at the memory of it and brushed aside a warm tear slipping down her cheek. Six weeks they had waited for this day to come. "We'll be able to take the bandages off the week before Christmas, the doctor had said. The door to the examination room swept open, and Dr. Harris came in. "Good morning, Mrs. Ellis," he said brightly. "How are you today?" "Fine, thank you," she said. But she was too apprehensive for small talk. Dr. Harris bent over the sink and washed his hands carefully. He was cautious with his patients but careless about himself. He could seldom find time to get a haircut, and his straight black hair hung a little long over his collar. His loosened tie allowed his collar to be open at the throat. "Now then," he said, sitting down on a stool, "let's have a look." Gently he snipped at the bandage with scissors and unwound it form Kenny's head. The bandage fell away, leaving two flat squares of gauze taped directly over Kenny's eyes. Dr. Harris lifted the edges of the tape slowly, trying not to hurt the boy's tender skin. Kenny slowly opened his eyes, blinked several times as if the sudden light hurt. Then he looked at his mother and grinned. "Hi, Mom," he said. Choking and speechless, the mother threw her arms around Kenny. For several minutes she could say nothing as she hugged the boy and wept in thankfulness. Finally, she looked at Dr. Harris with tear-filled eyes. "I don't know how we'll ever be able to pay you," she said. "We've been over all that before," the doctor interrupted with a wave of his hand. "I know how things are for you and Kenny. I'm glad I could help. The mother dabbed at her eyes with a well-used handkerchief, stood up, and took Kenny's hand. But just as she turned toward the door, Kenny pulled away and stood for a long moment looking uncertainly at the doctor. Then he held his teddy bear up by its one arm to the doctor. "Here," he said, "take my Grr-face. He ought to be worth a lot of money." Dr. Harris quietly took the broken bear in his two hands. "Thank you, Kenny. This will more than pay for my services." Christmas visitors the last few days before Christmas were especially good for Kenny and his mother. They sat together during the long evening, watching the Christmas tree lights twinkle on and off. Bandages had covered Kenny's eyes for six weeks, so he seemed reluctant to close them in sleep. The fire dancing in the fireplace, the snowflakes sticking to his bedroom windows, the two small packages under the tree -- all the lights and colors of the holiday fascinated him. And then, on Christmas Eve, Kenny's mother answered the doorbell. No one was there, but a large box was on the porch, wrapped in shiny gold paper with a broad red ribbon and bow. A tag attached to the bow identified the box as intended for Kenny Ellis. With a grin, Kenny tore the ribbon off the box, lifted the lid, and pulled out a teddy bear -- his beloved Grr-face. Only now it had a new arm of brown corduroy and two new eyes that glittered in the soft Christmas light. Kenny didn't seem to mind that the new arm did not match the other one. He just hugged his teddy bear and laughed. Among the tissues in the box, the mother found a card. "Dear Kenny," it read. "I can sometimes help put boys and girls back together, but Mrs. Harris had to help me repair Grr-face. She's a better bear doctor than I am. Merry Christmas! Dr. Harris." "Look, Mother," Kenny smiled, pointing to the button eyes. "Grr-face can see again -- just like me!" Addendum -- This reportedly is a true story, and really touched my heart. It just makes one realize how we take things for granted, like our eye sight. Live each day as if it were your last... lay up your riches in Heaven. 'Cause we are not guaranteed a tomorrow... And no amount of earthly money can buy our way to Heaven.... By: Gary Swanson revdauphinee answered on 01/22/06: thank you so much for this story Tex78 rated this answer

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Tex78 asked on 01/22/06 - Suggestions for Less Stress 1. Pray 2. Go to bed on time. 3. Get up on time so you can start the day unrushed. 4. Say No to projects that won't fit into your time schedule or that will compromise your mental health. 5. Delegate tasks to capable others. 6. Simplify and unclutter your life. 7. Less is more. (Although one is often not enough, two are often too many.) 8. Allow extra time to do things and to get to places. 9. Pace yourself. Spread out big changes and difficult projects over time; don't lump the hard things all together. 10. Take one day at a time. 11. Separate worries from concerns. If a situation is a concern, find out what God would have you do and let go of the anxiety. If you can't do anything about a situation, leave it to God. 12. Live within your budget; don't use credit cards for ordinary purchases. 13. Have backups; an extra car key in your wallet, an extra house key buried in the garden, extra stamps, etc. 14. K.M.S. (Keep Mouth Shut). This single piece of advice can prevent an enormous amount of trouble. 15. Do something for the Kid in You everyday. 16. Carry a Bible with you to read while waiting in line. 17. Get enough rest. 18. Eat right. 19. Get organized so everything has its place. 20. Listen to a tape while driving that can help improve your quality of life. 21. Write down thoughts and inspirations. 22. Every day, find time to be alone. 23. Having problems? Talk to God on the spot. Try to nip small problems in the bud. Don't wait until it's time to go to bed to try and pray. 24. Make friends with Godly people. 25. Keep a folder of favorite scriptures on hand. 26. Remember that the shortest bridge between despair and hope is often a good "Thank you Jesus." 27. Laugh. 28. Laugh some more! 29. Take your work seriously, but not yourself. 30. Develop a forgiving attitude (most people are doing the best they can). 31. Be kind to unkind people (they probably need it the most). 32. Sit on your ego. 33. Talk less; listen more. 34. Slow down. 35. Remind yourself that you are not the general manager of the universe. 36 Every night before bed, think of one thing you're grateful for that you've never been grateful for before. GOD HAS A WAY OF TURNING THINGS AROUND FOR YOU. "If God be for us, who can be against us?" (Romans 8:31) revdauphinee answered on 01/22/06: and the most important one is 35. Remind yourself that you are not the general manager of the universe. sarnian rated this answer Tex78 rated this answer

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arcura asked on 01/21/06 - Do you believe this? Jonathan Davies of Cardiff, one of the codiscoverers of Virgo H121 say that it is a dark galaxy. That�s right, it gives off no light even though it contains matter 100 million times the matter in our sun, Sol. Only a radio telescope can see it�s faint emissions. It is said to be made up of swirling hydrogen gas, and get this, most of it is �dark matter" that can not be detected by any current instrument. No one knows what dark matter is. They just claim that it exists because galaxies could not perform in the manner they do without most of the mass being some undetectable stuff being present therein that has been called �dark matter�. They say that mathematics shows �dark matter� to be there in abundance. Also said it that mathematics indicated that most of the galaxies in the universe are dark galaxies. If asked to prove that those are there the answer comes, Mathematics indicted their presence, other than that one must take in on (get this now) faith. There is a picture of the non visible dark galaxy in along with the story of it and OTHER COSMIC MYSTERIES of the universe in Volume 26, Number 12 of Discover Magazine. Do you believe the above? Do you think I should quit reading about such far fetched mysterious stuff in magazine that shows pictures of the mystery that cannot be seen and �dark matter� that cannot be detected but only theorized? Peace and kindness, Fred revdauphinee answered on 01/22/06: hey read what gives you pleasure there is nothing wrong with an inquisitive mind< arcura rated this answer ATON2 rated this answer sarnian rated this answer

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Tex78 asked on 01/21/06 - Are you a Democrat, Republican or Southern Republican? Here is a little test that will help you decide. The answer can be found by posing the following question: You're walking down a deserted street with your wife and two small children. Suddenly, an Islamic Terrorist with a huge knife comes around the corner, locks eyes with you, screams obscenities, praises Allah, raises the knife, and charges at you. You are carrying a Glock cal 40, and you are an expert shot. You have mere seconds before he reaches you and your family. What do you do? Democrat's Answer: Well, that's not enough information to answer the question! Does the man look poor! Or oppressed? Have I ever done anything to him that would inspire him to attack? Could we run away? What does my wife think? What about the kids? Could I possibly swing the gun like a club and knock the knife out of his hand? What does the law say about this situation? Does the Glock have appropriate safety built into it? Why am I carrying a loaded gun anyway, and what kind of message does this send to society and to my children? Is it possible he'd be happy with just killing me? Does he definitely want to kill me, or would he be content just to wound me? If I were to grab his knees and hold on, could my family get away while he was stabbing me? Should I call 9-1-1? Why is this street so deserted? We need to raise taxes, have a paint and weed day and make this happier, healthier street that would discourage such behavior. This is all so confusing! I need to debate this with some friends for few days and try to come to a consensus. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Republican's Answer: BANG! ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Southern Republican's Answer: BANG! BANG! BANG! BANG! BANG! BANG! BANG! BANG! BANG! click..... (sounds of reloading). BANG! BANG! BANG! BANG! BANG! BANG! BANG! BANG! BANG! click Daughter: "Nice grouping, Daddy! Were those the Winchester Silver Tips or Hollow Points? Son: Git-r-Dun Pop! Can I shoot the next one! Wife: You ain't taking that to the Taxidermist! revdauphinee answered on 01/21/06: this is bull !i am and have been a democrat as long as i have had a vote but dont mess with my family Ill shoot first and leave the rest to God! arcura rated this answer ATON2 rated this answer Erewhon rated this answer Tex78 rated this answer

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ROLCAM asked on 01/21/06 - TO LOVE : Lord Jesus, help me to hear and obey your call. How can I get to know Jesus better ? revdauphinee answered on 01/21/06: How can I get to know Jesus better ? A) study the word ! ROLCAM rated this answer

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ROLCAM asked on 01/21/06 - TO SERVE : What are you willing to give up so as to serve the Lord? revdauphinee answered on 01/21/06: everything! Liz22 rated this answer ROLCAM rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 01/21/06 - Hi Ni Hao ma Hi gang just dropping in from China. Much snow and ice here, travel is almost impossible but it's got tp get better soon, we are three days into the main trip and have missed one destination already revdauphinee answered on 01/21/06: nice to hear from you have a safe and productive trip! paraclete rated this answer

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arcura asked on 01/21/06 - Do you believe the following???...................... How many Christians here believe that they should do as Pope John Paul II suggested? That is to �Be not afraid� to engage in �evangelic radicalism� !!! In other words for us to be not afraid to stand up for Christ Jesus and spread the good news of his teaching by word and deed and of His salvation. revdauphinee answered on 01/21/06: i never have been afraid to do thus and dont intend to begin now ! arcura rated this answer

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Erewhon asked on 01/20/06 - Can you prove that you are alive? Chilly welcome for Indian 'ghost' By Faisal Mohammad Ali BBC News, Bhopal Raju Raghuvanshi's house in Mandla, Madhya Pradesh Relatives say they were surprised to see Mr Raghuvanshi An Indian man is being refused entry to his house - because his family say he is a spirit come back to haunt them. Raju Raghuvanshi was greeted with cries of "ghost" and neighbours locking doors when he returned from a short spell in jail to his village in Madhya Pradesh. He had fallen ill in prison and was taken to hospital. Relatives heard he had died and performed his last rites. Now, unable to convince them he is alive and well, he is staying nearby and has asked the police for help. I have now to prove that I am alive - but I will have them punished Raju Raghuvanshi Mr Raghuvanshi told the BBC his cousins had denied him entry to his house in the village of Katra, in Mandla district about 300km (200 miles) from state capital Bhopal, despite his protests. They even dismissed his pleas that he could not be a spirit because his feet were properly attached to his body and not turned backwards, a characteristic which locals ascribe to ghosts. The 45-year-old said his cousins insisted they had performed his last rites as required and so he should not come back to haunt them. Exaggerated rumour Mr Raghuvanshi, who is unmarried with no living parents or brothers, has had to move to the nearby village of Bamni while he struggles to convince his cousins to let him come home. Map showing Mandla district in India's Madhya Pradesh state "I have now to prove that I am alive," he said. "But I will have them punished." Mr Raghuvanshi has turned to the police for help has now filed a case for defamation against his family. His lawyer, Maonhar Soni, said the refusal of relatives to accept that his client is alive could also be because of Mr Raghuvanshi's property and the few acres of land that he owns. The rumour that he had died and been cremated started when he fell ill and was transferred from prison to a hospital in another town for treatment, police chief NV Vayangankar said. Ganeshi, the wife one of Mr Raghuvanshi's cousins, said that when they heard of his death they had informed the village elders, who had told them to carry out the rituals immediately. "Later on he turned up and we were surprised to see him," she said. Rural India remains deeply traditional and many believe that a dead man's spirit will not rest until the last rites are performed. In this case, the last rites have happened and it is not clear what proof the villagers need to accept that Mr Raghuvanshi is alive. === If you know how to prove that you are alive, how would you advise this gentleman to prove that he is alive? revdauphinee answered on 01/21/06: I have often said if I died no one would know for weeks ,I feel for the poor fellow a family like his (or mine at times)you dont need! Erewhon rated this answer ATON2 rated this answer

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HANK1 asked on 01/20/06 - JUST WONDERING ... ... if some people don't believe in God, who do those people think was the first human being on Earth. HANK revdauphinee answered on 01/20/06: something that crawled out of the slime,those who believe this may claim this as thier ancestor I will not! arcura rated this answer HANK1 rated this answer Pete_Hanysz rated this answer sarnian rated this answer

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arcura asked on 01/20/06 - What do you find true and what faults about this? Full Text of bin Laden Tape By The Associated PressThu Jan 19, 5:00 PM ET The following is the full text of a new audiotape from al-Qaida leader Osama bin Laden. Parts of the tape were aired on Al-Jazeera television, which published the entire version on its Web site. The text was translated from the Arabic by The Associated Press. Bin Laden appears to be addressing the American people: My message to you is about the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan and how to end them. I did not intend to speak to you about this because this issue has already been decided. Only metal breaks metal, and our situation, thank God, is only getting better and better, while your situation is the opposite of that. But I plan to speak about the repeated errors your President Bush has committed in comments on the results of your polls that show an overwhelming majority of you want the withdrawal of American troops from Iraq. But he (Bush) has opposed this wish and said that withdrawing troops sends the wrong message to opponents, that it is better to fight them (bin Laden's followers) on their land than their fighting us (Americans) on our land. I can reply to these errors by saying that war in Iraq is raging with no let-up, and operations in Afghanistan are escalating in our favor, thank God, and Pentagon figures show the number of your dead and wounded is increasing not to mention the massive material losses, the destruction of the soldiers' morale there and the rise in cases of suicide among them. So you can imagine the state of psychological breakdown that afflicts a soldier as he gathers the remains of his colleagues after they stepped on land mines that tore them apart. After this situation the soldier is caught between two hard options. He either refuses to leave his military camp on patrols and is therefore dogged by ruthless punishments enacted by the Vietnam Butcher (U.S. army) or he gets destroyed by the mines. This puts him under psychological pressure, fear and humiliation while his nation is ignorant of that (what is going on). The soldier has no solution except to commit suicide. That is a strong message to you, written by his soul, blood and pain, to save what can be saved from this hell. The solution is in your hands if you care about them (the soldiers). The news of our brother mujahideen (holy warriors) is different from what the Pentagon publishes. They (the news of mujahideen) and what the media report is the truth of what is happening on the ground. And what deepens the doubt over the White House's information is the fact that it targets the media reporting the truth from the ground. And it has appeared lately, supported by documents, that the butcher of freedom in the world (Bush) had decided to bomb the headquarters of the Al-Jazeera in Qatar after bombing its offices in Kabul and Baghdad. On another issue, jihad (holy war) is ongoing, thank God, despite all the oppressive measures adopted by the U.S Army and its agents (which is) to a point where there is no difference between this criminality and Saddam's criminality, as it has reached the degree of raping women and taking them as hostages instead of their husbands. As for torturing men, they have used burning chemical acids and drills on their joints. And when they give up on (interrogating) them, they sometimes use the drills on their heads until they die. Read, if you will, the reports of the horrors in Abu Ghraib and Guantanamo prisons. And I say that, despite all the barbaric methods, they have not broken the fierceness of the resistance. The mujahideen, thank God, are increasing in number and strength � so much so that reports point to the ultimate failure and defeat of the unlucky quartet of Bush, Cheney, Rumsfeld and Wolfowitz. Declaring this defeat is just a matter of time, depending partly on how much the American people know of the size of this tragedy. The sensible people realize that Bush does not have a plan to make his alleged victory in Iraq come true. And if you compare the small number of dead on the day that Bush announced the end of major operations in that fake, ridiculous show aboard the aircraft carrier with the tenfold number of dead and wounded who were killed in the smaller operations, you would know the truth of what I say. This is that Bush and his administration do not have the will or the ability to get out of Iraq for their own private, suspect reasons. And so to return to the issue, I say that results of polls please those who are sensible, and Bush's opposition to them is a mistake. The reality shows that the war against America and its allies has not been limited to Iraq as he (Bush) claims. Iraq has become a point of attraction and restorer of (our) energies. At the same time, the mujahideen (holy warriors), with God's grace, have managed repeatedly to penetrate all security measures adopted by the unjust allied countries. The proof of that is the explosions you have seen in the capitals of the European nations who are in this aggressive coalition. The delay in similar operations happening in America has not been because of failure to break through your security measures. The operations are under preparation and you will see them in your homes the minute they are through (with preparations), with God's permission. Based on what has been said, this shows the errors of Bush's statement � the one that slipped from him � which is at the heart of polls calling for withdrawing the troops. It is better that we (Americans) don't fight Muslims on their lands and that they don't fight us on ours. We don't mind offering you a long-term truce on fair conditions that we adhere to. We are a nation that God has forbidden to lie and cheat. So both sides can enjoy security and stability under this truce so we can build Iraq and Afghanistan, which have been destroyed in this war. There is no shame in this solution, which prevents the wasting of billions of dollars that have gone to those with influence and merchants of war in America who have supported Bush's election campaign with billions of dollars � which lets us understand the insistence by Bush and his gang to carry on with war. If you (Americans) are sincere in your desire for peace and security, we have answered you. And if Bush decides to carry on with his lies and oppression, then it would be useful for you to read the book "Rogue State," which states in its introduction: "If I were president, I would stop the attacks on the United States: First I would give an apology to all the widows and orphans and those who were tortured. Then I would announce that American interference in the nations of the world has ended once and for all." Finally, I say that war will go either in our favor or yours. If it is the former, it means your loss and your shame forever, and it is headed in this course. If it is the latter, read history! We are people who do not stand for injustice and we will seek revenge all our lives. The nights and days will not pass without us taking vengeance like on Sept. 11, God permitting. Your minds will be troubled and your lives embittered. As for us, we have nothing to lose. A swimmer in the ocean does not fear the rain. You have occupied our lands, offended our honor and dignity and let out our blood and stolen our money and destroyed our houses and played with our security and we will give you the same treatment. You have tried to prevent us from leading a dignified life, but you will not be able to prevent us from a dignified death. Failing to carry out jihad, which is called for in our religion, is a sin. The best death to us is under the shadows of swords. Don't let your strength and modern arms fool you. They win a few battles but lose the war. Patience and steadfastness are much better. We were patient in fighting the Soviet Union with simple weapons for 10 years and we bled their economy and now they are nothing. In that there is a lesson for you. revdauphinee answered on 01/20/06: radical islaam is alowed by thier faith to lie to the infidels(us) so why believe anything they say we would just be stupid to play into his hands if we took anything he said serious!one does not negotiate with terror onedestroys it ! arcura rated this answer Pete_Hanysz rated this answer tomder55 rated this answer

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curious98 asked on 01/20/06 - continuation of my yesterday's post for ATON2 To me it seems that such a extraordinary collection of remarkable �brains� have been wasting their time working on the Scriptures and on the figure of Jesus, when both the Scriptures and Jesus �according to some masters in History of �recognized� authority on the subject, to which you certainly belong- have declared that they are just a complete set of fake �legends�. Consequently, not being able to place myself �as I have already pointed out before- at the level of someone as bright as you undoubtedly are- I prefer to humbly withdraw the subject and stick to my own beliefs (which so far, have been the beliefs of billions of people), even if they are fake, while dropping this debate like a �hot potato�, lest you might convince me to become a another �freethinker�� You are very right in your conclusions. When someone suffers of a surfeit of knowledge and has so much self-indulgence and arrogance to consider what others may say as irrelevant for HE IS THE ONLY ONE WHO KNOWS THE TRUTH, the best thing is to let it go and wish him good luck in his future debates. It is rather sad to see how a person who, otherwise, seems to have a fair degree of knowledge on certain matters, feels he can impress his opponents by throwing names and references at them to let them see how much he knows. This person is probably ignorant of the fact that, when you do not know anything about your counterpart, bragging and boastful speech is a twofold risk. That of becoming ridiculous in his self-sufficiency and that others �as in my case- may decide they have better things to do. To contemptuously propose me whether �WOULD YOU PREFER I USE THE ANALECTS OF CONFUCIUS TO DISPUTE THE ERRORS OF THE BIBLE�, as if he would be the only person in the world who has heard of the Analects, is not only an instance of utterly pedantic behavior but also of neglecting the fact that it would be hard to use Confucius discussions with reference to the nature of Jesus, bearing in mind that the Analects ORIGINATE APPROXIMATELY in the 3rd century BC. Last but not least he insists to prove me that Jesus� existence is a fake, and says: WHEN PAUL CONTRADICTS JESUS WORDS ON DIVORCE...THAT IS A PROBLEM...EITHER JESUS WAS RIGHT, OR PAUL WAS RIGHT...NOT BOTH. THAT IS NOT SIMPLY A MATTER OF DIFFERENT OPINIONS, THAT IS A CONTRADICTION� But he does not realize that the CONTRADICTION is actually saying that either Jesus was right or Paul was right! How on earth could Jesus be right IF JESUS IS A FAKE?. Fakes cannot be right or wrong, can they? They are simply fakes� And when he affirms that �ONE EVANGELISTS WRITES THAT JESUS DELIVERED THE BEATITUDES, SITTING ON HILL TOP, AND OTHER EVANGELISTS STATES HE DELIVERED THEM STANDING ON FLAT GROUND...THAT IS A CONTRADICTION� I would tell him that I have been in that hill and, on top of the hill (as happens on top of many hills) the ground is flat, as a friend has also pointed out to me. So the DRAMATIC contradiction of the Evangelists is whether Jesus was standing or sitting... Goodness gracious! How have we been able to live up with contradictions as such? But he keeps talking about Jesus and exhibiting such IMPORTANT CONTRADICTIONS that the rock upon which the Church was built crumbles to pieces, as we can all bear witness of it� Which is rather extraordinary, for somebody who claims that the whole story is nothing but a legend� Why is he bringing all the time the name of Jesus if he never existed? Then he speaks about Major Heresies, BUT he does not mention any and qualify the ones I give him, as minor controversies. Perhaps he could just mention a few so I could tell him that he is right!! My support of the Qumran as the �inspired� word of God may put me at odd with some Christian brothers. But I doubt it. My counterpart may find it difficult to understand it because he probably belongs to the group of bigots or fundamentalist �freethinkers� who respect nothing that smells of religion, no matter what. Unfortunately, it is true there also are many Christians who profess a total bigotry for anything not Christian, or rather anti their Christian denomination. I, instead, am proud to admit that I belong (right or wrong) to the group of the anti-bigots who practice the tolerance in every aspect of his life. And for me, the Qumran, as the Talmud, the Analects of Confucius, Haokah, who laughs when he is sad, and cries when he is happy and/or the Gita of the Hindus, deserve every consideration and respect. For if nothing else, they are texts or divinities that many consider as sacred and, consequently, they are entitled to respect. But I am wasting again my time, for I do not expect you to understand my attitude. Finally, let me add a few words to your last statement re. your library. Congratulations on your library 2500. They need at least some 150 yards of shelves. My own library is composed by some 10000 books (of which I have donated several very valuable collections to the Ramon Llull University of Barcelona, a Branch of the Central University). In reciprocity, and with their thanks, they gave me a special pass for me and my family that allow us free life access to their library (750.000 volumes approx.), whether in person or through the Net. Also, thanks to my personal relationship with the Abbot of the Monastery of Montserrat (2nd most important in the world of the Benedictine order) I have the privilege �rather extraordinary if you allow me to say so- to borrow any books I wish out of their 300.000 volumes, many of which, �incunabulum� (those I can only consult at the Monastery). The rest of my collection is spread amongst my 4 sons (who have large houses) and my new small apartment of some 217 sqmts. Still, I probably have some 1.200 or 1.300 left with me. (those I cherished most). I forgot to tell you that thanks to the collaboration of my company with the Generalitat of Catalonia my family and I enjoy some special privileges, amongst which, to consult the Biblioteca Nacional de Catalunya, with more than 3 million books and documents. I did not want to explain that little of my own story [for it is nobody�s business] but I was getting sick and tired of your constant conceit and pomposity. And, throughout the 50+ years I have spent working; traveling to 146 countries, doing business, first for others, then on my own, with thousands of customers and friends in these 146 countries, and creating a company that allows my 4 sons and their families to live in grand style, I have learnt not only about other�s beliefs, as you claim you do, but also to respect those beliefs �which you obviously don�t, no matter what you say- and, most than all, I have learnt that I�m no better man than the rest of Mankind. Having gone around the world 7 or 8 times, who cares, I never counted the mileage; having perhaps a better living than most and having tried to help others whenever I could, does not make me more special than those who have not been as lucky as I have been. And having read extensively hundreds or thousands of books has made me clearly understand that I�m neither more intelligent nor better than the majority of people. In fact, I�m convinced I happen to be worse than this majority. So there we can see the �little� difference between you and I. Faithfully yours Claude revdauphinee answered on 01/20/06: if Jesus did exist as I believe he did, what a wonderfull thing I gain (everlasting life) if as some say ,he did not and it is all just legend what do I lose by believing in him?nothing since if false then I do not have then anyhow?and i still gain cause i can live this life in anticipation and peace! ATON2 rated this answer curious98 rated this answer sarnian rated this answer

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Erewhon asked on 01/19/06 - Noah's Window ... "And it came to pass at the end of forty days, that Noah opened the window of the ark which he had made" Was this window single or double-glazed? :) revdauphinee answered on 01/19/06: maybee it was just a wooden shutter! Erewhon rated this answer

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Tex78 asked on 01/19/06 - What conclusions do you come to, about this? When I thought about it, I came to this conclusion. People all over the world are the same. Now, when I say that, let me explain. I am referring to the basic principles of all humans. Some will take everything you have, and not feel any guilt. While others will give you everything they have, and not feel any grief. Some people are ugly, in looks, which they cannot help. Others are ugly in actions, which they could help if they wanted to. But here again, it could depend on how they have been treated that makes them hate, and mistreat others. We here in America, know so little about the people, say in Iraq, that we just go by what we hear on the news, or what others tell us, which may or may not be true.. That is why I thought about this, and came to the conclusion, that they are just like us. Some are crabby, some are gabby, some are hateful, while others are loveable. Some are crippled in body, while others are crippled in mind. If we could just see and compare them to, say Russia, then we could see that we know as little about one as we do about the other. Having said that, let me say that we do not know the people in California, if we live in New York. Or the people in Florida, if we live in North Dakota. We hear what they are like, either by someone who doesn�t like them, or by someone who likes them. Either way, we can get a false opinion of them all. So, I have decided to get to know people, before I make a judgement, not about them, but about their actions. The reason I say that, is because was are not to judge anyone.. So, if we have decided that all people in a certain country are evil, maybe we should stop and think about it. While we may be right about some, we would not be right about all. Common sense tells us that. For you see, if we think that all are bad, and find out that some are good, then we have made a mistake. We know now that all are not bad, and all are not good. But we just do not know which ones. So, the best way to handle this is �HOW?� I would say that we hold back our pre-judgments, until we know for sure. In the mean time, trust God to give us wisdom, and understanding of other countries, other states, other people, and all situations, to stay out of making opinions. In Jesus� name. M.L. revdauphinee answered on 01/19/06: I agree having traveled mutch I know that by an large people are much the same everywhere and most are prety good folks who just want to be left alone to take care of thier families it is when religion and politics enter the scene that problems arise! Tex78 rated this answer

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arcura asked on 01/19/06 - Do you like good music from years ago?............. If you do, go to this site and make you selection and turn up the volume. There are hundreds for you to listen to - and they are all FREE. Peace and kindness with good listening, Fred revdauphinee answered on 01/19/06: what site??you failed to inset a link!I love Glen Miller!(gee im old) arcura rated this answer

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arcura asked on 01/19/06 - Could you sincerely pray this Indian prayer?????? An Indian Prayer O� GREAT SPIRIT Whose voice I hear in the winds And whose breath gives life to all the world. Hear me! I am small and weak. I need your strength and wisdom. LET ME WALK IN BEAUTY, and make my eyes ever behold the read and purple sunset. MAKE MY HANDS respect the things you have made and my ears sharp to hear your voice. MAKE ME WISE so that I may understand the things you have taught my people. LET ME LEARN the lessons you have hidden in every leaf and rock. I SEEK STRENGTH, not to be greater than my brother, but to fight my greatest enemy � myself. MAKE ME ALWAYS READY to come to you with clean hands and straight eyes. SO THAT WHEN LIFE FADES, as the fading sunset, my spirit may come to you without shame. (Attributed to Chief Yellow Knife) revdauphinee answered on 01/19/06: No !my idea of prayer is a conversation with my creator and this is someone elses conversation,even when he gave as "an example" the lords prayer ,Jesus did not tell us as many feel to use those exact words what he said was "(Matt.6:9-13 9 "This, then, is how you should pray:"meaning we could use it as a plan ,he never said WE WERE TO USE THOSE EXACT WORDS.AGAIN THIS IS BUT MY OWN OPPINION AND ALL HAVE A RIGHT TO THERE OWN!(sory for the caps) arcura rated this answer ATON2 rated this answer Liz22 rated this answer Tex78 rated this answer

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sapphire630 asked on 01/18/06 - veering off the subject (somewhat) With all these teens having these whosyurdaddy babies, the county I live in now makes the alledged dad sign a child support form when they do the birth certificate. If the alledged dad signs this paper he has to pay child support for the child, even if later it is proven he is not the dad. I do not think this should be legal (or binding). I do not think this is right because the guy is caught up in the moment excited to be a dad and most vulnerable, the last thing he is doing is questioning it. Also if they were to question it I think it would cause trust problems in the relationship. I think the hospitals should make DNA tests mandatory so they do not have to put the guy in this situation. The hospitals would say that would go against the woman's confidentiality. What would you think could or should be done? revdauphinee answered on 01/18/06: simple if he aint the dad he shouldnt have to pay if he is he should>this is the age of dna no problems in finding who is resposible! sapphire630 rated this answer

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Tex78 asked on 01/18/06 - If you are old, if you are on your way, does this describe you? Old age, I decided, is a gift. I am now, probably for the first time in my life, the person I have always wanted to be. Oh, not my body! I sometime despair over my body ... the wrinkles, the baggy eyes, and the sagging butt. And often I am taken aback by that old person that lives in my mirror, but I don't agonize over those things for long. I would never trade my amazing friends, my wonderful life, my loving family for less gray hair or a flatter belly. As I've aged, I've become more kind to myself, and less critical of myself. I've become my own friend. I don't chide myself for eating that extra cookie, or for not making my bed, or for buying that silly cement gecko that I didn't need, but looks so avante garde on my patio. I am entitled to overeat, to be messy, to be extravagant. I have seen too many dear friends leave this world too soon; before they understood the great freedom that comes with aging. Whose business is it if I choose to read or play on the computer until 4 a.m., and sleep until noon . . or go to the casino I will dance with myself to those wonderful tunes of the 60's, and if I, at the same time, wish to weep over a lost love... I will. I will walk the beach in a swim suit that is stretched over a bulging body, and will dive into the waves with abandon if I choose to, despite the pitying glances from the bikini set. They, too, will get old. I know I am sometimes forgetful. But there again, some of life is just as well forgotten ... and I eventually remember the important things. Sure, over the years my heart has been broken. How can your heart not break when you lose a loved one, or when a child suffers, or even when a beloved pet gets hit by a car? But broken hearts are what give us strength and understanding and compassion. A heart never broken is pristine and sterile and will never know the joy of being imperfect. I am so blessed to have lived long enough to have my hair turn gray, and to have my youthful laughs be forever etched into deep grooves on my face. So many have never laughed, and so many have died before their hair could turn silver. I can say "no", and mean it. I can say "yes", and mean it. As you get older, it is easier to be positive. You care less about what other people think. I don't question myself anymore. I've even earned the right to be wrong. So, to answer your question, I like being old. It has set me free. I like the person I have become. I am not going to live forever, but while I am still here, I will not waste time lamenting what could have been, or worrying about what will be. And I shall eat dessert every single day. Author unknown revdauphinee answered on 01/18/06: after a few days feeling sory for myself cause im old this posting has cheered me up thank you Its sometimes easy to forget the good things and dwell on the bad like kids who are too busy to visit or even call,but i still drive and can do most of the things i like so i need to read this daily and stop being so depressed ! arcura rated this answer Choux rated this answer Pete_Hanysz rated this answer Tex78 rated this answer

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excon asked on 01/18/06 - Death Hello Christians: Should one feel worse if a human friend dies than when an animal friend dies? excon revdauphinee answered on 01/18/06: one can only feel what one feels what we "should" feel dosent mater ! ATON2 rated this answer excon rated this answer

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sapphire630 asked on 01/17/06 - follow up on organ/soul transplant Now a 56 beer drinkin' lumberjack from Croatia (who would never dream of house cleaning or be caught dead knitting) has insatiable urges to clean and knit since his kidney transplant from a woman. He is suing the hospital for using a woman's kidney/because of his new found pleasures. His wife says she loves this new (cleaning) side of him as long as he doesn't go looking for a man. revdauphinee answered on 01/17/06: wish i could find a man like thatLOL sapphire630 rated this answer

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ATON2 asked on 01/17/06 - Question of perverting the board! Why is it that arcura and bucker have taken up the sneaky option of refusing to answer questions, posted by certain experts, on the public board, but hide behind the clarification option. Could they be more interested in safe sniping, than REAL responses that could be rated for content?????? Is this not a perversion of the purpose of the rating system??????? Just curious. :) :) :) :) revdauphinee answered on 01/17/06: sory i dont believe in guardian angels! arcura rated this answer ATON2 rated this answer

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HANK1 asked on 01/17/06 - JUST WONDERING ... ... how HUMILIATION can be instilled in a person. HANK revdauphinee answered on 01/17/06: why on earth would you wish to humiliate anyone????? arcura rated this answer ATON2 rated this answer HANK1 rated this answer sissypants rated this answer

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ATON2 asked on 01/17/06 - Question of perverting the board! Why is it that arcura and bucker have taken up the sneaky option of refusing to answer questions, posted by certain experts, on the public board, but hide behind the clarification option. Could they be more interested in safe sniping, than REAL responses that could be rated for content?????? Is this not a perversion of the purpose of the rating system??????? Just curious. :) :) :) :) revdauphinee answered on 01/17/06: a perversion of the purpose of the rating system??????? Just curious. :) :) :) :) if this is a perversion that what is you with 3119 answers being ahead of me with 3403?not that i realy care its been this way for a while !but dont talk about perverting the rating system ! arcura rated this answer ATON2 rated this answer Tex78 rated this answer

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excon asked on 01/17/06 - The Right to Die Hello Christians: There you have it. Wanna die? Move to Oregon. Well, it's not quite like that, although I'm sure some of you will characterize it as such. The Supreme Court just upheld (6-3) the right of Oregon�s doctors to end the life of terminally ill patients. Who dissented? Well, duh! Scalia, Roberts and Thomas. So, it doesn't appear that Alito is gonna change the balance on this right to life (death) issue. What do you wrongwingers think about that? excon revdauphinee answered on 01/17/06: in my oppinion only the god who gives life has the right to take it ,but then thats just my oppinion and we all have them! excon rated this answer Tex78 rated this answer

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ATON2 asked on 01/17/06 - Question of perverting the board! Why is it that arcura and bucker have taken up the sneaky option of refusing to answer questions, posted by certain experts, on the public board, but hide behind the clarification option. Could they be more interested in safe sniping, than REAL responses that could be rated for content?????? Is this not a perversion of the purpose of the rating system??????? Just curious. :) :) :) :) revdauphinee answered on 01/17/06: probably they feel there answers might not be read ,but in a clarification its hard to ignore? arcura rated this answer ATON2 rated this answer excon rated this answer Tex78 rated this answer

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Itsdb asked on 01/17/06 - Who said this? "Surely God is mad at America. He sent us hurricane after hurricane after hurricane, and it's destroyed and put stress on this country." Pat Robertson? Jerry Falwell? Fred Phelps? No. Try New Orleans Mayor Ray Nagin. Nagin went on to say, "Surely he doesn�t approve of us being in Iraq under false pretenses. But surely he is upset at black America also. We�re not taking care of ourselves." "It's time for us to come together. It's time for us to rebuild New Orleans -- the one that should be a chocolate New Orleans," the mayor said. "This city will be a majority-African American city. It's the way God wants it to be. You can't have New Orleans no other way. It wouldn't be New Orleans." Good to know right-wing theocrats aren't the only ones speaking for God isn't it? revdauphinee answered on 01/17/06: so whats new ?new orleans has been black for years ,it dosent take a Ray Nagin to see that ,where was Nagin when school busses that could have been used to get folk out! sat in parking lots while people drowned??did he ever think it could be he God was mad at???Not that I presume to speak for God ill leave that to the experts like Robertson Falwell and now Nagin! ATON2 rated this answer Itsdb rated this answer

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Choux asked on 01/17/06 - Ruin Your Sex Life Without involving religion: Thinking of buying a TV for the bedroom? Think again -- it could ruin your sex life. REUTERS Jan 16: A study by an Italian sexologist has found that couples who have a TV set in their bedroom have sex half as often as those who don't. "If there's no television in the bedroom, the frequency (of sexual intercourse) doubles," said Serenella Salomoni whose team of psychologists questioned 523 Italian couples to see what effect television had on their sex lives. Do you have a TV in your bedroom? revdauphinee answered on 01/17/06: yes I do I find it a lot less trouble than a man!LOL Choux rated this answer excon rated this answer

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hOPE12 asked on 01/16/06 - Favorite qualities: Hello Everyone, Jesus has many qualities. What was 3 of your most favirite qualities and why? How can we express this quality in our daily life on how we treat others? Take care, Hope12 revdauphinee answered on 01/16/06: Love! Charity! the ability to listen! hOPE12 rated this answer

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hOPE12 asked on 01/16/06 - What and who do you seek your guidance from? Hello Everyone, Not everyone serves the Creator of the Universe, yet we all need guidance. My question is one that all can answer not just Christians. 1) What and whom do you seek guidance from? 2) Why do you seek guidance from this source? Take care, Hope12 revdauphinee answered on 01/16/06: since I consider myself a christian I have a great instruction book to seek guidance from B--asic I--instruction B--ook for L--ife on E--arth! all I will ever need are contained in its pages and if I follow those insructions I will be ok! hOPE12 rated this answer

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Erewhon asked on 01/15/06 - Why the Chinese find it hard to accept the Bible ... ... Although not widely known, those who have promoted the Bible in the "Middle Kingdom" are familiar with the objections of the Chinese to the Bible on the ground that if it was a book from heaven it would be in more correct and classical language. Do the Chinese have a valid point? revdauphinee answered on 01/16/06: no !since what we have tody are volumes that have been translated from the greek and latin into easily understood languages .the original languages would then have been aceptable to them for is not greek a clasical language?maybee they would find it more acceptable were is writen in mandarin! Erewhon rated this answer

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arcura asked on 01/15/06 - sarnian. I hope you read the long over due...... message to Aton2 from curious. It's a very well done work and good read. Actually it could easily have been addressed to you. It's something you have been asking for. That is proof that Jesus existed. Peace and kindness, Fred revdauphinee answered on 01/16/06: John 20:29. Then Jesus told him, "Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed." arcura rated this answer ATON2 rated this answer

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curious98 asked on 01/15/06 - Long due answer to ATON2 on the physical existence of Jesus Too long to put as a follow up. Debating with you is always a stimulating exercise. I agree with you there are no original Scriptures to back the Scriptures we now have. But to a certain extent only. ALL existing original documents that can still be found in museums, libraries (btw the Iraqi war has contributed to a large extent to the destruction of a number of irreplaceable documents), etc. prove NOTHING at all either. An original paper I may write today expressing my opinion on President Bush, that may be found 3000 years from now, will be worth only its antiquity as an original paper 3000 years old, for it will express nothing but my point of view. The Hammurabi Code of Laws that we have all admired at the Louvre was not certainly ENGRAVED by the Prince himself, but by some scribe or scribes. We have NO EVIDENCE whatsoever that Hammuraby dictated it. In fact, its translators claim he did it only because they can read that Hammurabi had to write it to please the gods. But can we be certain that he could read and write? Being a king did not confer him that knowledge, did it? The Epic of Gilgamesh is dated long after the time that king Gilgamesh was supposed to have ruled. It fact, it seems to have been based on earlier Sumerian legends of Gilgamesh. The most complete version of the epic was preserved on eleven clay tablets in the collection of the 7th century BC Assyrian king Ashurbanipal. These clay tablets are certainly originals. But what do they prove? Certainly not that Gilgamesh existed. He had disappeared, if he ever existed, since long ago. He who engraved them did it certainly by hearsay, as you put it. Actually, all that has been written in History so far, is based on hearsay. Historians spend their time in museums and libraries or convents to find out manuscripts where they can trace down information they need to confirm that King X had a lover Z who gave him a bastard son Y� One good day, these historians come across a paragraph written by someone where it says that Y it was not a bastard son but a bastard daughter instead named W, and he jumps in joy at that wonderful discovery. The question is, how the heck does he know that whoever wrote that was not seriously mistaken or wanted to deceive the world out of his hate for King X�? When the historians of the 40th century examine the original documents re. the Iraq invasion, can you assure me they will come out with the absolute truth about it, when not even ourselves know it? The Old Testament, and/or the Jewish Torah for one, are a set of books, the originals of which have disappeared long ago. Does that make the translations that we enjoy now, complete fakes? No. We can assume what we want. We may come out �as you do- with the assumption they are fakes; but we can also equally affirm they are �bona fide� translations, can�t we? I once read The Gallic War, supposedly writted by Julius Caesar, and translated by a Eugene L. Burdock. To start with I wonder whether Julius C. actually wrote the epic himself or dictated it, instead. The second seems more probable. If so, how on earth do we know whether the scriba wrote what Julius was saying or exaggerated it, for the better glory of his Caesar? The �Summa Theologica� by St. Thomas Aquinas, which had only to be translated from classic Latin to all modern languages, offers us different versions (some rather different) depending upon the translators. And I�m speaking of the Spanish versions only. So why do we question the figure of Jesus and his historicity, and we do not question any of the above (and hundreds of others) books. We have been told that Lee Harvey Oswald was President Kennedy�s murderer. Actually, many believe it. But the only thing we know for sure is that Dallas nightclub owner Jack Ruby shot him dead, for we could see that on TV. For the rest, we have to believe �or not- what we were told by the Warren commission. Unfortunately, in Jesus� times there were no TV cameras nor videos to shoot him while preaching. This seems to make it quite difficult for some to believe in him. If I use the Bible to prove the Bible, I�m just doing what many scholars do in other areas, i.e. to use the Hammurabi Code to prove the Hammurabi Code, or to use the Gilgamesh Epic to prove the Gilgamesh existence. Incidentally, if you can find �hard proof� evidence about Lao Tse�s master work Te Tao Ching or about the actual existence of Siddhartha Gautama, please let me know, for we shall know more than hundreds of scholars who believe both were actual personages. I do not agree with your opinion about the irrelevancy of Socrates. It is not irrelevant for a subject called Philosophy whether or not Socrates existed, for his lessons may not have been the cause of �tens of thousands of people being slaughtered�, as you say Christianism has been, but they have indeed influenced our modern thinking. On the other hand, ALL religions at one time or other have been the cause of �tens of thousands of people being massacred�, but neither the religions nor their founders are to be blamed for that, but rather those men who decided that everybody had to believe what they believed. Akhenaton (or Amenhotep IV) cannot be held responsible for trying to introduce monotheism in old Egypt and the subsequent massacres Horembed and, later on, Seti I and Ramesses II, unchained to reinstate polytheism in their country. Jesus (nor Christianism, in fact) cannot be held responsible for whatever consequences arisen from wars amongst those in favor and those against that religion. Very much as Muhammad cannot be held responsible for the unfortunate terrorist attack of the 9/11. But the mere fact that so many scholars (with better background than you and I, together) have deigned to spend loads of ink and paper to argue in favor or against Jesus, makes Him, if nothing else, the most remarkable person in History, for the great disappointment of many who do not believe in him. No other personage, real or fictitious, has been the cause of so much historical controversy, has he/she?. There must be a reason for that, I would say! You say �Most biographies of important personages are written AFTER their death...but the only ones that can claim credibility are those written by contemporaries...� Granted, except that as I have already mentioned this is not true when we are speaking of people living in the old times, and this is not true either when speaking of people living NOW or just a 100 years ago. Many great biographies of great personages have been written centuries after their death by people who have investigated their lives, by means of other previous biographies. And we accept them as good and perfectly valid. A contemporary of our time, Richard Nixon, once wrote, �The judgment of history depends on who writes it� This statement only would completely destroy your assumption that ONLY biographies written by contemporaries of a given personage are to be trusted. I would advise you to read the �Napoleon� by Sinclair Lewis, and then, some other biography by ANY French writer. And nobody will dare dispute Mr. Lewis� prestige as a writer. Or you can compare the Hollywood version of Troy, with Homer�s Iliada. But a few hundred years from now, who knows which version will the accepted one? As for historians NOT having sectarian agendas, (as you quote) perhaps you might given me some names. I feel (and I�m not the only one) that Historians cannot help reflecting their own preferences when writing about historical personages. In www.commondreams.org/headlines04/0724-03.htm you will find an article saying that George B. Bush has been declared the big winner at World Stupidity Award, in Montreal. Probably a rather biased article. And I�m pretty sure that, properly looking in Google, we might find some other article declaring him the greatest US patriot of all times. Now 500 years from now, whom should students believe to? Incidentally, in the Dead Sea Scrolls there are references to a personage by the name of Jesus. Also Flavius Josephus mentions Him in one of his latest writings. On the other hand, it is rather funny that you will not believe in the authors of the Gospels, and that you believe instead in the version that their names were attached, for convenience, late in the 2nd Century. I wonder whether you have ANY definite evidence of the latter or have you decided to believe in that because it reinforces your own ideas about Jesus�? By the same token hundreds or thousands that previously didn�t believed in Jesus (I know, at least, one), after having read Dan Brown�s The DaVinci�s Code, have now chosen to believe that Jesus was married to Mary Magdalene. Simply, because this theory has more morbidness than simply denying Jesus� existence. It seems to me somewhat biased and in bad faith trying to compare martyrdom (any martyrdom) with suicide, as you do. As you probably know, Suicide is considered by the Jews (just as much as by Christians) to be a grave sin both because it is a denial that human life is a divine gift and because it constitutes a total defiance of God's will for the individual to live the life-span allotted to him. As it is put in Ethics of the Fathers (4. 21): "Despite yourself you were fashioned, and despite yourself you were born, and despite yourself you live, and despite yourself you die, and despite yourself you will hereafter have account and reckoning before the King of Kings, the Holy One, blessed be He." Yet there are exceptional circumstances when a man is permitted to take his own life or allow it to be taken, of which martyrdom is the supreme example. The general tendency among the later authorities is to extend the idea of mitigating circumstances so that the law, recorded in the (classical law code) Shulhan Arukh (Yoreh Deah, 345), �that there are to be no rites of mourning over a suicide, is usually set aside wherever it can reasonably be assessed that the act was committed while the suicide was "of unsound mind." And there are many examples in the History of Judaism of suicide, whether individual or collective. Saul's suicide (I Samuel 31: 4-5) is defended on the grounds that he feared torture if he were captured by the Philistines and would have died in any event as a result of the torture. Similarly, Samson's suicide (Judges 16: 30), in which he destroyed himself together with his Philistine tormentors, is defended on the grounds that it constituted an act of �kiddush hashem�, "sanctification of the divine name," in the face of heathen mockery of the God of Israel. Josephus (Jewish War 7. 8-9) tells how the garrison of Massada committed mass suicide, although here some Halaka authorities have questioned whether the act of these heroes was justified, since the Romans might had spared their lives, albeit as slaves to the conquerors. Even the mass suicides of Jews in the Middle Ages, to which you are referring (probably, Norwich 1140 or York 1190) was not defended by all the authorities, some of whom argued that while martyrdom was demanded, it was wrong for the Jews themselves to take their own lives. (Hence, the difference between martyrdom and suicide). Ultimately the judgement of a suicide should be left to God. You should read the late Hasidic master, Mordecai Joseph of Izbica (d. 1854) in his commentary to the Torah, on the theme of suicide. In fact, in the York massacre they proceeded before the Crusaders exactly as they had in Massada before the Romans. Rabbi Yomtob of Joingny, their spiritual leader, called upon the Jews to pre-empt their certain death by the mob by killing themselves, as enshrined in Hebrew tradition. Incidentally, as all these events have been recorded and narrated by Jews, we might also advance the thought that they are either fake or grossly exaggerated. After all, we were not there to bear witness of them, were we?. When in 1096 Count Emico of Leiningen, on his way to join the Crusade, attacked the synagogue at Speyers and killed all the defenders, another 1.200 Jews allegedly committed suicide in Mayence to escape his attempt to forcibly convert them, or were they actually killed by Count Emico? I refuse to comment of the Jim Jones� followers. But I would like to stress the difference between the above examples of suicide and the martyrdom of Christians in the first centuries of Christianism. In fact, the subtle difference in the above cases is that suicide was an attempt to escape martyrdom, which certainly is more painful and slower. No Christians that I have read about went to see the Roman authorities to beg for martyrdom. They were ALL caught by the soldiers right where they were hiding and either killed on the spot or sent to the Circus to entertain the populace. And I do not think I said they prove the existence of Jesus. But their proximity in time to Jesus� existence makes it reasonable to assume that oral transmission and epistles from the Apostles may have been convincing enough to justify their dying for someone they had not even met and for His message. . You also point out that �to claim two thousand years of belief confirm a God or a Savior makes little or no sense...� You should add, as far as you are concerned, of course. It sounds a little preposterous on your side to impose your own criterion to others, as if you had the key to the absolute truth. Yours, at the very best, is another theory about the existence of Jesus, just as good or as bad as mine. I may not prove His existence to your satisfaction. But, you CANNOT PROVE EITHER His non-existence, to mine, either. You add that �the Egyptian gods were believed in for more than SEVEN THOUSAND YEARS...and there do still the Wisdom teachers of Ancient Egypt set those who believe in the precepts down�. Great!. But, according to many scholars,the O.T. is just as old, if not more. And the little difference between the Egyptian religion and Christianism, is that the former has almost completely disappeared and was seldom practiced OUTSIDE of Egypt, whereas Christianism, right now, is the religion of well over 2 billion people (it keeps on growing) and is practiced ALL OVER THE WORLD. Rather curious, is not it? Then you say �To suggest that 'eremites' like St. Anthony confirm the existence of Christ is equally spurious, Claude. The Englishwoman, Dorothy Eady, gave up a comfortable existence in England, and went to spend the rest of her life in abject poverty in Egypt to become the 'caretaker' of the Temple of the God AmunRa built by Seti I. That did nothing to prove the existence of AmunRa. Again, you try to counter my arguments by using examples that I do not think are valid enough. The example of St. Anthony of Egypt, as of many others, is an example of mysticism and I brought it up just because of its proximity to Jesus� times. It may be assumed that he had found the news that reached him about Jesus� message credible enough to devote his own life to spread it. I�m not saying it proves anything, But it seems evident he was utterly convinced that he was doing the right thing. The case of Miss Eady is much more mysterious, and in the opinion of many, unexplainable, and you do not seem very familiar with it. She did not give up a comfortable live in G.B., for her parents were modest people nor she did she spent her life in abject misery when in Egypt. When she was 3 years old, and going by the testimony of her parents, she began to say that she had lived in the time of Pharaoh Seti I (almost 3,500 years earlier), and that she wanted to go back �home�, while she would �describe in detail� the temple Seti had built. She kept saying she had been Seti�s Mistress, Bentreshyt, who had been forced to kill herself once the affair was known. Nobody could understand where a child could get that information from. On occasion of a visit �when she was 10- to the British Museum, when Dorothy spotted the enormous Egyptian Hall, she started to kiss the statues there. Shortly afterwards, in a local newspaper Dorothy could see what she claimed was �her true home�. It was, she said, the place she had been dreaming of since she was 3 years old. It was, of course, the Temple of Osiris, in Abydos, built by Seti I, btw. one of the most fascinating places in Egypt. When she was 14 years, one night she said she had seen a figure clad in a white tunic and a blue cape. She claimed it was the very Seti I. And as of that day, and for the next 10 years, on full moon nights Dorothy received short messages, which were written in hieroglyphic writing, which normally she could not read but could, however, UNDERSTAND all right. She managed to put them together in the form of a small manuscript of some 70 pages. Her confident messenger from the beyond, a certain Hor-Ra, had been dictating her fragments of her �previous life� where she was confirmed as Seti�s lover, Bentreshyt, which she had dreamt since she was a child. At 29 years she finally left for Egypt, where she married the Imam Abd El Megid, whom she had met shortly before in London, and had a son, whom she named Seti. She spent 20 years in the Memphis area working with archaeologists like Selim Hassan or Ahmed Fakhry. In 1952 she could finally manage to reach Abydos, where she chose to live a rather lonely life with several cats, a goose and her donkey. There, she recuperated the old and sacred rites of the Egipcians by reading and interpreting the different engravings of the temple. Actually, she lived as she assumed she would have been living 3000 years before, in her other life. In the course of her alleged meetings with Seti I, she was able to discuss with him subjects so different as the eventual existence of Atlantis or the possibility of alien life. In this regard, on a conversation with Seti, on the 29th of August of 1974, he told her about his extraterrestrial voyages, when he had been able to met with other alien civilizations very different to ours. I realize that if you have chosen to ignore the reality of Jesus, you must belong to the school of that Cartesian category of humans that believe only in what they can see or touch. So this story must sound like atonal music to you, and just be another fantasy or �legend�. But thanks to Omm Seti (this is how the Egyptians called Dorothy) the temple of Abydos has been totally reconstructed, and can be practically seen now in his old splendour. Thanks to her astral travels, where her "akh", was lectured by the very architects that built the Abydos temple, she was able to identify and patiently reconstruct the 2.000+ blocks of engraved stones that, until her arrival, had been disorderly laying spread on the floor of the temple. When she passed away, in 1981, the Egyptologist community, who always admired and respected this eccentric lady, decided to bury her in the best possible place any Egyptian might desire, i.e. close to her temple, thus, to be able to follow the course of the solar rays at dusk. Those of us that love the old Egyptian culture and have been many times in that wonderful country, very much respect Omm Seti, and not being able to understand the phenomena she experienced, have decided to file them in the huge file of mystery surrounding the Pharaohs and their civilization. One of these mysteries, incidentally, is that when the sarcophagus containing the mummy of princess Amen-Ra, who died in Egypt over 3,000 years ago, was sold to four Englishmen. Within weeks, all four were either dead or terribly ill. When a London museum brought the mummy, anyone who went near it died. A ghost expert warned that the Princess had left a curse on anyone who disturbed her tomb. Unafraid, an American archeologist took it on board a brand new ship, the Titanic, bound for New York. On the night of April 15th, 1912, the ship hit an iceberg and sank, drowning 1,502 people. Nobody mourned the loss of the mummy, which vanished without trace in the icy Atlantic. Although the night of the disaster was a clear one, the crew did not see the iceberg in time. Several people saw the Titanic sinking in dreams. Others cancelled their tickets on the ship at the last minute- was it just luck or could they foresee something? Definitely I would not compare St. Anthony with Omm Seti, no sir! Another commentary you make is that �to state there was initial unity in the Church is fallacious. From the very beginning there was controversy, and a jockeying for leadership...In the first two centuries, alone, there were approximately 50 MAJOR heresies...practically all of them concerning the nature, purpose, and existence of Christ�. Here, I think you tend mix the different levels of heresy the Church defines. According to the encyclopedia �pertinacious adhesion to a doctrine contradictory to a point of faith clearly defined by the Church is heresy pure and simple, heresy in the first degree. But if the doctrine in question has not been expressly "defined" or is not clearly proposed as an article of faith in the ordinary, authorized teaching of the Church, an opinion opposed to it, is styled sententia haeresi proxima, that is, an opinion approaching heresy�. But you can also have the doctrinal proposition, without directly contradicting a received dogma that may yet involve logical consequences at variance with a revealed truth. Such a proposition is not heretical; it is a propositio theologice erronea, that is, erroneous in theology. Still further on, the opposition to an article of faith may not be strictly demonstrable, but only reach a certain degree of probability. In that case the doctrine is termed sententia de haeresi suspecta, haeresim sapiens; that is, an opinion suspected, or savouring, of heresy. Bearing in mind these definitions it is true there were many, but not only at the beginning, but also even right now. Such were, in the Apostolic Age, the Judeo-Christians, Judeo-Gnostics, Nicolaites, Docetae, Cerinthians, Ebionites, Nazarenes, followed, in the next two centuries, by a variety of Syrian and Alexandrian Gnostics, by Ophites, Marcionites, Encratites, Montanists, Manichaeans, and others. Most of these early Eastern sects, fed on the fanciful speculations so dear to the Eastern mind, but, lacking the support of temporal power, they disappeared under the anathemas of the guardians of the depositum fidei Of all these sects none, that I know of, ever discussed the existence of Jesus, which is what we are debating here, so perhaps you will explain why do you bring this point number as an evidence of the NON-existence of Jesus. I think they rather prove the contrary, since they were all concerned with the nature and purpose of Jesus. You add �The Disciples were NOT all preaching the same kind of legend...or else it would not have been necessary for Paul to write so many epistles to counter the 'false' prophets who were 'preaching another Christ'!!!!� One basic difference between my approach and yours is, if you allow me to say so, a certain arrogance on your side. While I respect your point of view and limit myself to counter your opinions with as many arguments as I can get hold of, I state, whenever necessary, that this is my opinion and what I believe. You, on the contrary, seem to speak ALWAYS ex-cathedra assuming an infallibility of your opinions and using all kind of derogatory expressions such as �fallacious� or �spurious� to qualify some of my arguments. In fact, however, I could not care less. It is just a matter of education. It just shows how one has been raised. But I�m sad to see that this education of yours does not prevent you from insulting a religion which is practiced by billions of people. To say �The Disciples were NOT all preaching the same kind of �LEGEND�� shows a definite lack of respect towards something you simply ignore, no matter how much you claim you have studied or read about. Your �Forty year student of comparative religion...working knowledge of the world's major Scriptures. Huge library (growing almost out of hand) of more than 1,200 volumes on Religious and church history, archeology of the Bible, etc. etc.� have not contributed much to improve tolerance and respect to others� ideas, have they? My own C.V. is not as �impressive� as yours, but it would never occur me to define the Al Qu�ram, the Talmud or the Book of Mormons, as books containing legends. Your 1200+ books on religion have not, obviously, taught you to respect other people beliefs� A waste of money for you, of course! The Disciples were ALL preaching the same MESSAGE, not legends. But there were indeed others �not amongst the Disciples, of course- that were giving different interpretations to the message spread by the Apostles. The funny thing, however, is that you mention the Disciples and St. Paul. Would I have to assume that you believe in the existence of these Disciples and of St. Paul? Whose disciples were they? If they were disciples they must have had a teacher. And how do you know St. Paul ever existed? And if he did and so did the disciples, do you mean to say that, one good day, they gathered together and instead of playing cards (they had been already invented by the Chinese) they decided to invent a personage, they would call Jesus, and develop a whole �legend� of his life as a new Messiah who would built a new religion based on the Jewish Scriptures, with the purpose of being eventually martyrs? The strange thing, however, (if they actually had that much imagination, which would be surprising, for they were supposed to be rather illiterate) is that people rapidly ascribed to the new religion and people listened instead of questioning them. You go on saying �There is no confirmation, anywhere, that early Christian writings were searched out and destroyed. You can't have it both ways Claude...first claiming it was not necessary to have written attestations, and then claim they were searched out and destroyed. I do not recall having told you what you say, as you say it. I do not keep copy of my posts. But, in the case of the Jews, for instance, there was a point in time in their history - at least six centuries after the death of Moses - when all complete copies of the Torah were destroyed by the forces of Nebuchadnezzar when they sacked Jerusalem in 586 BC. The Jews tried to restore it, by gathering together all the surviving remnants and the rabbis who had committed different parts of it to memory, to see if it was possible to reconstitute the original Torah. It was not. Still they put an edition together which contained as much as they could find or remember. This was the compilation which was supervised by Ezra during the exile of some of the Jews in Babylon in the 5th century BC, and which he brought to Jerusalem in 458 BC - but it is generally accepted that this compilation was in turn destroyed during the sack of Jerusalem by Antiochus Epeplianus in 161 BC. As for the Bible, there were many causes at work that perfectly account for the disappearance of the majority of the old copies of these Books. (a) To begin with, there was frequently, if not continual, wars going on, during which books and manuscripts were ruthlessly destroyed. I need only mention such instances as the invasions of the Danes and Normans, and of the Saracens and Northern Barbarians into Italy and Spain, burning monasteries and churches, sacking and laying waste ecclesiastical buildings. During these oft-repeated incursions and the horrible pillage that generally accompanied warfare, many most valuable libraries and thousands of MSS. and copies of the Scriptures of rare, indeed of priceless worth, must have perished. (b) Then there is the common occurrence of fire which accounts for the loss of much valuable literature � by which copies of Scripture were burned, either by accident or by design, either singly or in the general conflagration that consumed the whole monastery or library as well. (c) Another very common cause of loss was negligence, through which, both in the middle Ages and since, many invaluable books and papers have gone to destruction. Sometimes a book was borrowed from the conventual library and never returned. This became so great an evil that the proprietors of books adopted the plan of inscribing an excommunication or a curse against those who should keep or steal what had been merely lent � much in the style of the anathemas pronounced in the Decrees of the Church�s Councils. You also say �I find no reason for ANYONE to try to Use Muhammad or the Quran....a 7th century document, to try and prove a first century existence!!! Why would anyone in the 7th Century after Christ's purported death, be considered a credible source of proof of his existence???? P.S. The Quran was not 'dictated' to Muhammad by God, but was received by Muhammad from the Angel Gebril (Gabriel)! And if you are going to accept a single reference to a 'Chrestus' in the Talmudic writings, we would also have to believe the Ancient rabbinic claim that Jesus was the illegimate son of a Roman Soldier named Panthera and a Jewish Prostitute!!! �� With all due respect to such extraordinary erudition, I shall start by humbly saying, with your permission, of course, that El-Kur�an (in Arabic) means �the reading�, but it is also called �kittab Ullah� (God�s book), or �kelimet-Ullah� (God�s words), or el-tensil (from the above). This sacred book of the Muslims, (which I would never dare call a �legend�) it is regarded as the revelation of God. Supplemented by the so-called Hadith, or traditions, it is the foundation of Islam (you know it, of course) and the final authority in dogma and belief, in jurisprudence, worship, ethics, and in social, family, and individual conduct. It is the work of God which Muhammad received over a period of 23 years, through the Archangel Gabriel, who was just a messenger. Whether written or dictated it depends on the scholars. Some claim Muhammad could not read nor write until he received the first Surahs. Others affirm he could read and write BEFORE. But I think the important matter if that the Book contains the Revelation of God. How he got it seems rather irrelevant to me. As for Chrestus, as Suetonius spells it, is the correct Latin form of a true Greek name. Some would say that it does not refer to Jesus Christ. Benko, for example, has suggested that "Chrestus" was some kind of Jewish agitator who had no association with Christianity, perhaps a semi-Zealot reacting to plans by Caligula to put a statue of Zeus in the Jewish Temple; as for the spelling issue, he points out that Suetonius spells "Christians" correctly, so it is unlikely that he misspelled "Christus." As for the Talmudic texts; I will quote an Evangelical apologist (J.P. Holding) who says the following: "In light of the above, there is no need for us to run over each of the rabbinic citations here. The single point that may be derived from them is, again, that it provides no indication that Jesus was a mythical figure; inasmuch as it accepts Jesus' historicity, and does not doubt it, it provides positive evidence that Jesus did exist. Wilson [Wils.EvJ, 65] agrees with this assessment, saying that "From the fact that (the rabbis) concentrated on smearing (Jesus') legitimacy (rather than focusing on the issue of Jesus' existence), we may deduce that they had no grounds whatever for doubting his historical existence." And France agrees that, "Such polemic, often using 'facts' quite distinct from what Christians believed, is hardly likely to have arisen within less than a century around a non-existent figure." [Franc.EvJ, 39] Some scholars do argue that the references also have value in what else they affirm, do not deny, and provide no contradictory tradition for: That Jesus had disciples, worked miracles, and was executed on the eve of Passover. (See particularly Harv.JesC, 30-1.) Aside from that, the Talmud and other Jewish references are of marginal value." "It is not surprising to find the Talmud referring to Jesus, his mother and his disciples. In fact, some of the material coincides with the NT depiction of Jesus and the Jewish ruling council's assessment of his person and mission. The following statements are taken from the Soncino edition of the Babylon Talmud as cited in Robert A. Morey's pamphlet Jesus in the Mishmash and Talmud. We will also be using Josh McDowell & Bill Wilson's He Walked Among Us unless noted otherwise." "Before proceeding, we must point out that at one time the following Talmudic references were believed to have been lost. This is due to the fact that in the 17th century, Jewish rabbis took steps to expunge all references to Jesus. This act was motivated primarily by the Church's persecution of the Jews. Josh McDowell and Bill Wilson explain:" "... in light of the persecutions, the Jewish communities imposed censorship on themselves to remove references to Jesus in their writings so that they might no longer be a target of attack. Morris Goldstein, former Professor of Old and New Testament Literature at the Pacific School of Religion, relates: Thus, in 1631 the Jewish Assembly of Elders in Poland declared: �We enjoin you under the threat of the great ban to publish in no new edition of the Mishnah or the Gemara anything that refers to Jesus of Nazareth... If you will not diligently heed this letter, but run counter thereto and continue to publish our books in the same manner as heretofore, you might bring over us and yourselves still greater sufferings than in previous times.�" At first, deleted portions of words in printed Talmuds were indicated by small circles or blank spaces but, in time, these too were forbidden by the censors. As a result of the twofold censorship the usual volumes of Rabbinic literature contain only a distorted remnant of supposed allusions to Jesus ..." (Ibid, pp. 58-59). Your allusion to Panthera is a very na�ve one, for such a learned person, if you do not mind my saying so, and quite well known by all of us who have read a couple of books on Jesus� history. On the Soncino edition of the previously mentioned Babylonian Talmud, which you no doubt have, one can read: "Supposed by Tosah, to be the Mother of Jesus; cf. Shab. 104b in the earlier uncensored editions. Her description Megaddela (hairdresser) is connected by some with the name of Mary Magdalene whose name was confused with the name of Mary, the mother of Jesus." (Ibid., p. 7)� Some scholars also see an allusion to the virgin birth of Christ in the term, "son of Pandira." This is due to the fact that "Pandira" seems to be a play on the Greek word for virgin, �parthenos�, the very term used in the Gospels of Matthew and Luke when recording Jesus' virgin birth. In this respect McDowell & Wilson report: "... Scholars have debated at length how Jesus came to have this name (i.e., ben Pandira) attached to his. Strauss thought it was from the Greek word pentheros, meaning 'son-in-law.' Klausner and Bruce accept the position that panthera is a corruption of the Greek parthenos meaning 'virgin.' Klausner says, 'The Jews constantly heard that the Christians (the majority of whom spoke Greek from the earliest times) called Jesus by the name "Son of the Virgin"... and so, in mockery, they called him Ben ha-Pantera, i.e., "son of the leopard." You are no doubt familiar with the fact that the most sensational theory but least accepted by serious scholars was dramatized by the discovery of a first century tombstone at Bingerbruck, Germany. The inscription read, 'Tiberius Julius Abdes Pantera, an archer, native of Sidon, Phoenicia, who in 9 c.e. was transferred to service in Germany.'... This discovery fueled the fire of the theory that Jesus was the illegitimate son of Mary (not a prostitute as you say gratuitously) and the soldier, Panthera. In fact, even the father of the Church Origen (you know him, obviously) writes that his opponent, Celsus, in circa A.D. 178, said that he heard from a Jew that 'Miriam' had become pregnant by 'Pantheras,' a Roman soldier; was divorced by her husband, and bore Jesus in secret. If 'Pantheras' were a unique name, the theory of Mary's pregnancy by the Roman soldier might be more attractive to scholars. But Adolf Deissman, the early twentieth-century German New Testament scholar, verified, by first century inscriptions, �'with absolute certainty that Panthera was not an invention of Jewish scoffers, but a widespread name among the ancients.'...� Rabbi and Professor Morris Goldstein comments that it was as common as the names Wolf or Fox today. He comments further: �It is noteworthy that Origin himself is credited with the tradition that Panther was the appellation of James (Jacob), the father of Joseph, the father of Jesus... So, too, Andrew of Crete, John of Damascus, Epiphanius the Monk, and the author of Andronicus of Constantinople's Dialogue Against the Jews, name Panther as an ancestor of Jesus... "Jesus being called by his grandfather's name would also have agreed with a statement in the Talmud permitting this practice. Whereas Christian tradition identified Jesus by his hometown, Jewish tradition, having a greater concern for genealogical identification, seems to have preferred this method of identifying Jesus. Goldstein presents more evidence to argue the case convincingly." (McDowell & Wilson, pp. 66-67) Hence, why or how Jesus came to be called by some as �ben or ibn Pandira� is an issue, which scholars have not come to an agreement, as yet. I�m sorry to disappoint you. But here, once more, the existence of the physical person of Jesus is not questioned by the Talmud, but rather implicitly accepted. You go on �The writers of the Gospels DID contradict each other, over and over again...and Paul contradicted even the words of Jesus, himself and made remarks that made it appear he was not familiar enough with the Old Testament!!! Even the two reports of Paul's miraculous 'conversion' on the road to Damascus contradict each other!!!! And you contradict yourself all the time. How can Paul contradict Jesus words (or the apostles, for what matter) if Jesus never existed? If Jesus was just their invention, then (assuming you take for granted that Paul and the Apostles did exist at all) they were plain stupid contradicting their own invention. But if Jesus was no fantasy I do not see why you seem to be so stunned. The contradictions you are referring to, are not really contradictions. (Broadly speaking, a contradiction is an incompatibility between two or more statements, ideas, or actions. One must, it seems, reject at least one of the ideas outright) The Gospels offer some different versions, which do not contradict each other but simply differ in some details. But even assuming THERE WERE any contradictions (please let me know which ones) there is ABSOLUTELY no contradiction in the Evangelists or in Paul, regarding what is the core of our debate. Did Jesus exist or not? It would be absolutely ridiculous if they would deny the very person whose message they were trying to spread� On the other hand, however, different versions of a given event are standard in the 21st century press and media. I, for instance, will sustain that your President lied to the American people in cold blood when he invaded Iraq on the assumption Saddam had WMD hidden. But many American will jump at my neck like �panthers� claiming that they are still hidden somewhere in the desert and that Mr. Bush acted in �heavenly� good faith. This is a clear contradiction right in the beginning of 2006, when we have all kind of electronic instruments to detect the truth from the lie. And yet we can�t. The only truth, 2000 years from now, will be there was a guy whose name was George Bush, who was president of the USA, who decided to invade Iraq, at a given time. All the rest will be different versions or plain contradictions. Last, you conclude �Possibilities do not constitute proof�. Agreed, but this can also be applied to those who deny the existence of Jesus. There is a possibility that He didn�t exist, at all. But this is no proof of his non-existence. and you add �As to the necessity for belief in the existence of Jesus.....It is the message that is important, NOT the messenger�. Indeed, it is the message that is important, PROVIDED we know the messenger, and his/her background and intentions behind it. Not to mention anymore Mr. Bush as an example (I could, of course) in this respect, I will constraint myself to my own President Mr. Zapatero. Ever since he took office, he is proclaiming a message of tolerance and love for all his citizens, including those that voted against him, which amount to almost as many as those who voted for him. Yet, this message if just propaganda. In actual fact, he does as he pleases without any consideration to those who do not think like him. Where did the message go? Faithfully yours Claude revdauphinee answered on 01/15/06: even if one does not respect the holy Bible the quaran even has mention of the existance of Jesus.His existance is either true or the greatest con -ever perpetrated on mankind ever!I personaly choose to believe in his existance! John 20:29 Then Jesus told him, "Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed." arcura rated this answer ATON2 rated this answer curious98 rated this answer Pete_Hanysz rated this answer Tex78 rated this answer

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Choux asked on 01/15/06 - Miracle Pill Updated: 07:15 PM EST 'Trauma Pill' Could Make Memories Less Painful By MARILYNN MARCHIONE, AP Researchers say the pill would reduce the effect of stress hormones that etch unpleasant events into memory. (Jan. 14) - ""Suppose you could erase bad memories from your mind. Suppose, as in a recent movie, your brain could be wiped clean of sad and traumatic thoughts. That is science fiction. But real-world scientists are working on the next best thing. They have been testing a pill that, when given after a traumatic event like rape, may make the resulting memories less painful and intense. Will it work? It is too soon to say. Still, it is not far-fetched to think that this drug someday might be passed out along with blankets and food at emergency shelters after disasters like the tsunami or Hurricane Katrina."" What do you think of a pill to reduce the intensity of terrible events, traumatic events that can ruin a person's life???? revdauphinee answered on 01/15/06: just read that report on Aol wouldnt use it sometimes we learn from memories dont youu think?so why errase them I feel we are doing a little to much interfering with our God given nature these days .aFTER ALL WE WERE NEVER PROMICED A ROSE GARDEN Choux rated this answer

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Liz22 asked on 01/14/06 - Remember the Sabbath day? Jesus told us to keep the Sabbath day Holy that is today. Sabbatical means Time off, Rest put your feet up relax. It is a Holy day. The seventh day that God rested. One of the ten commandment was to keep this day, I still understand what we can do on this day, as simple things the Lord has taught us, to make others well and happy, to cook to clean our homes, but most to keep this day Holy, we would be childish like the ones that Jesus spoke of in his day, the ones with the stupid questions, but I can�t help wondering why we cut this Saturday off, So I wish all of you a Happy Saturday and a good day to Pray, and let the Lord know you are happy for what he has done in creating the earth and the heavens and most of all his Son Jesus our Savior. Ex 20:8 Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy. Is the Sabbath still holy to you? I would appreciate any comments. Thank you. Joy. revdauphinee answered on 01/14/06: Yes and it is Saturday God commanded it and God never changed it Man did !I believe we will one day have to answer for that! Jesus himself kept the sabath so if it is right for Jesus it should be right for us his followers! Liz22 rated this answer

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ROLCAM asked on 01/14/06 - What do you want? If Jesus asked you :- What do you want ? What will your answer be ? revdauphinee answered on 01/14/06: to change Atons mind!LOL ROLCAM rated this answer

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ROLCAM asked on 01/14/06 - What do you want? If Jesus asked you :- What do you want ? What will your answer be ? revdauphinee answered on 01/14/06: A deeper relationship with him (and for Atons soul) ROLCAM rated this answer

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ROLCAM asked on 01/14/06 - Who were they ? Two disciples saw where Jesus lived and they stayed with Him for the rest of the day. Who were they ? revdauphinee answered on 01/14/06: Aton sure wasnt ont was he?? ROLCAM rated this answer

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ROLCAM asked on 01/14/06 - To Serve !! Who can you bring to Jesus ? revdauphinee answered on 01/14/06: No one!all you can do is point them in his direction the bringing he must do! ROLCAM rated this answer

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ROLCAM asked on 01/14/06 - TO LOVE !! Lord Jesus,help us to learn more about who you are as we walk with you daily. Any walkers would like to join us ? revdauphinee answered on 01/14/06: Ive been on that journey for years ROLCAM rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 01/13/06 - Just a simple request? Friends. I'm beginning a journey to central China tomorrow and I would appreciate your prayers. I have heard there might have been an earthquake somewhere near my destination, so I would appreciate an uninterrupted journey. When I get back I'll tell you what this is about but in the meantime, please keep my son and myself in your prayers please. This might be a sample of what I will have to put up with Should Someone Ask For Your Father By: asianjoke.com A man who was going away for some time enjoined his son: "If anyone asks for me, you can tell him that your father has been called away to attend to a minor matter and be sure to ask him in for a cup of tea." Afraid that his idiotic son might forget his instructions, he wrote them down upon a slip of paper and gave it to his son, who tucked it into his sleeve and took it out to look at every now and then. Three days passed without anyone coming to see his father. Thinking that he had no more use for that slip of paper, the boy committed it to the flames. On the fourth day, however, an unexpected visitor dropped in. "Where is your father?" asked the visitor. The boy immediately put his hand into his sleeve and fished around for the slip of paper. As he could not find it, he ejaculated:"No More." Taken aback, the visitor asked: "No more? When did it happen?" "Burnt last night." revdauphinee answered on 01/13/06: you will be in my prayers have a good trip! paraclete rated this answer

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arcura asked on 01/13/06 - Are your cell phone call records secure? No! No way! I see on the news today that anyone can buy other people�s cell phone records even if the caller has a password for his cell phone calls. Where is the ACLU when you need them? Answer: Out harassing Christianity and troubling traditional Americana. Peace and kindness, Fred. revdauphinee answered on 01/13/06: if you want them to do anything about it then maybee if you prayed aloud on you phone they may!LOL arcura rated this answer Tex78 rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 01/13/06 - something of a magnificient obscession I think? Warren to buy Saints, build Purpose-Driven Field NEW ORLEANS � Pastor and author Rick Warren has signed a deal to purchase the New Orleans Saints football franchise for $320 million from current owner Tom Benson, and has pledged to pour his time and energy into helping the city and team rebuild. "This is the start of the Saints' turnaround," a Warren spokesman said. "America is going to see what a purpose-driven team can accomplish." The Saints have desperately needed a home and a vision since Hurricane Katrina devastated their season. They were keenly disappointed with the NFL's response to their plight. But Warren took an immediate interest in the team on visits to the damaged city, and he surprised his church in November when several Saints players joined him onstage. The church prayed for the team, which won its next game. Warren took this as confirmation of his plan to buy the franchise. "I like the guy," says one player who met Warren at a practice in San Antonio. "I was skeptical about a minister owning a team, but he wants to win, just like us." The centerpiece of Warren's purchase will be Purpose-Driven Field, to be located just north of New Orleans. Stadium construction will create thousands of jobs for the local economy, and will give Warren's ministry a foothold in the South, where he hopes to gain greater influence. During the week, Purpose-Driven Field will host conferences, outreaches and short-term missions groups stopping over on their way to Central America, or helping to rebuild New Orleans. Warren already refers to the New Orleans location as Saddleback South, friends say. The Saints will now operate differently than most NFL teams. Players will be required to go through the 40 Days of Purpose program. Alcohol will not be served in the stadium, and every attendee will receive a copy of the Purpose-Driven Life. Halftime shows will offer "edgy, cool" evangelism and worship concerts, says a spokesman. Warren intends to be as visible as Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones, who often walks the sidelines during games. "We're marching into New Orleans," Warren told partner churches recently to rousing applause.� So the question is; is Christianity and american football compatiable? revdauphinee answered on 01/13/06: then he should change the name for most football players are anything but saints! paraclete rated this answer

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Itsdb asked on 01/13/06 - And the survey says... A quick survey - yes I know it has nothing to do with Christianity per se, but anyway, this is the other politics board isn't it? Are you for or against gun control? If yes, what type of gun control - as in how far would you go, ban all guns, require licenses, etc.? Steve revdauphinee answered on 01/13/06: since I live in a rural area and have 3 son in laws who are avid hunters I have to say I am against it they would never speak to me should I do otherwise! Itsdb rated this answer

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arcura asked on 01/13/06 - An odd ball, or should I say �tossed�, religion >< >< >< Frisbeetarianism������� Do you feel that you are being tossed from on thing to another during life? Are you being tossed back and forth, back and forth, back and forth, from one day to the next? Is your life mainly Back and forth from home to work to home to work? And at work going from one thing to another then back again? Maybe even at play or pleasure you go back and for from one activity to another such as from the table to the bar and back again, or while playing tennis back and forth goes the ball while you are going from the far court to the net and back again? If so then perhaps you need to believe in Frisbeetarianism. In that you believe then when you die your soul goes up�. Up in the roof that is, and it gets stuck there. revdauphinee answered on 01/13/06: after death even the roof will be no barrier ! arcura rated this answer

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Choux asked on 01/12/06 - DIRTY MONEY ""JERUSALEM - Israel won't do business with Pat Robertson after the evangelical leader suggested Prime Minister Ariel Sharon's massive stroke was divine punishment, a tourism official said Wednesday, putting into doubt plans to develop a large Christian tourism center in northern Israel. Avi Hartuv, spokesman for Israel's tourism minister, said officials are furious with Robertson's suggestion that the stroke was retribution for Sharon's withdrawal from the Gaza Strip last summer. "We can't accept this kind of statement," Hartuv said. Robertson is leading a group of evangelicals who have pledged to raise $50 million to build the Christian Heritage Center in Israel's northern Galilee region, where tradition says Jesus lived and taught."" I wonder how many people have the integrity that the government of Israel demonstrated by refusing money now rendered dirty by Robertson's comments? revdauphinee answered on 01/12/06: not many! Choux rated this answer

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ROLCAM asked on 01/12/06 - TEN THINGS GOD WON'T ASK TEN THINGS GOD WON'T ASK on that day. 1...God won't ask what kind of car you drove, He will ask how many people you drove who didn't have transportation. 2...God won't ask the square footage of your house, He will ask how many people you welcomed into your home. 3...God won't ask about the clothes you had in your closet, He will ask how many you helped to clothe. 4...God won't ask what your highest salary was, He will ask if you compromised your character to obtain it. 5...God won't ask what your job title was, He will ask if you performed your job to the best of our ability. 6...God won't ask how many friends you had, He will ask how many people to whom you were a friend. 7...God won't ask in what neighbourhood you lived, He will ask how you treated your neighbours. 8...God won't ask about the colour of your skin, He will ask about the content of your character. 9...God won't ask why it took you so long to seek Salvation, He will lovingly take you to your mansion in heaven, and not to the gates of Hell. 10...God won't have to ask how many people you forwarded this to, He already knows whether or not you are ashamed to share this information. revdauphinee answered on 01/12/06: true ROLCAM rated this answer

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Lazlow asked on 01/12/06 - Revdauphinee I want to follow up on what you said to me earlier... "why are you so delusional as to think you have power to cause folks to leave this board???none of us are forced to read your nonesence you can oh so easily be ignored!" Okay, I never forced you to read my 'nonsense', and I can't help that you can't ignore me either. You say I can be "oh so easily ignored", yet you reply to all of my posts! You're delusional as to think you make sense, if I'm so easy to ignore, IGNORE ME! I was never talking to you in the first place lady. As for me being delusional, Sarnian did leave this board because of me. He told me in a private question. I have it saved and I will now copy and paste it, just to prove it to you... "Laslow, i frequent this board to express my opinions and absorb wisdom from folks with beliefs that differ from my own. You are right that I have been offensive toward you, and for that I'm sorry, but what you are doing to me is beyond anything I've ever said to you or anybody else. It hurts a lot, that I can't spend one day socializing on this board without you insulting me. I'm sorry for whatever I've done, please leave me alone, you've won. You have no idea how I feel right now, my partner says it's not right what you said about my sexuality, that it's none of your business. You're going too far, laslow. I tried reporting you but the moderators won't listen to me. So I'm begging you please! please! please! stop picking on me! I'm a human being. I am a man of peace" revdauphinee answered on 01/12/06: thank you and fyi all are welcome here,what I dont feel is welcome is offensive language since one can so easily respond to others and even give thier oppinions without it! arcura rated this answer Lazlow rated this answer

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CeeBee2 asked on 01/11/06 - Beauty or Truth John Keats (1795-1821) wrote at the end of "Ode on a Grecian Urn," Thou shalt remain, in midst of other woe Than ours, a friend to man, to whom thou say'st, 'Beauty is truth, truth beauty-—that is all Ye know on earth, and all ye need to know.' Is beauty truth and truth beauty? If not, why not? If you had to choose one or the other to rule your life, which would you choose and why? revdauphinee answered on 01/12/06: truth for I know many things that seem beutifull yet hide evil! ATON2 rated this answer CeeBee2 rated this answer

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Erewhon asked on 01/11/06 - The BIG QUESTION is: "Has Pat "Assassin" Robertson puts his devil's foot back insid Pat Robertson told viewers of his 螌 Club" that God gets angry "against those who 'divide my land'." Is Robertson right to say that God has struck General Sharon down for 'dividing' the State of Israel by returning some of the occupied land to its rightful Palestinian Arab owners? Please answer the question as asked. :) revdauphinee answered on 01/11/06: No he is wrong!hne loves the publicity caused by his mouting off he needs to let go and let God!he is not Gods appointed mouthpiece! arcura rated this answer Erewhon rated this answer

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Erewhon asked on 01/10/06 - Has anyone ever heard of Bruce Redd McConkie? " 'Wherefore, if ye shall press forward, feasting upon the word of Christ, and endure to the end, behold, thus saith the Father: Ye shall have eternal life.' (2 Ne. 31:20.) That is to say�all the faithful Saints, all of those who have endured to the end, depart this life with the absolute guarantee of eternal life. There is no equivocation, no doubt, no uncertainty in our minds. Those who have been true and faithful in this life will not fall by the wayside in the life to come. If they keep their covenants here and now and depart this life firm and true in the testimony of our blessed Lord, they shall come forth with an inheritance of eternal life." --Bruce R. McConkie, "The Dead Who Die in the Lord," Ensign, Nov. 1976, 106 Have you ever heard of McConkie? revdauphinee answered on 01/10/06: no! Erewhon rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 01/10/06 - the meaning of a burning bush? http://network.news.com.au/image/0,10114,5095139,00.jpg revdauphinee answered on 01/10/06: funny i didnt think GW looked like Nero! paraclete rated this answer

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deejah asked on 01/10/06 - heaven in islam A Christian friend question me regarding life in heaven according to Islam: "As you know that in Heaven is VERY VERY VERY purity, perfect 100%...How would they do sexuals,drink wine & etc which unclean in the Heaven.. ? Don't you aware about this? " How do I answer her queation? Thank you. revdauphinee answered on 01/10/06: why would it be a sin to drink wine in heaven?Jesus did this when on earth?and ther ewill be no reason for sex since it was created in order to procreate children wich there will be no need for in heaven!also it is man who made sex impure not God! this is just something man has decided never Jesus!

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curious98 asked on 01/10/06 - Ain't we a little bit silly? After his recent trip to Kashmir, our friend Freethinker has taken the decision to be less present in this board. Good resolution, in my opinion, if he has better and more profitable things to do. I also intend to devote less time to it if I finally make up my mind to retake my paintings, which I have practically abandoned for the last year. I�m certain that, if he spent some time in the area destroyed by the earthquake he must have been quite upset. And this has probably led him to finish his goodbye note with the sentence �Actually what I've seen there supported my atheists views on life�. A number of people tend to consider God is meant to save us from all natural disasters and, consequently, the actual fact that this is not so, makes them declare there cannot be any God, when nobody seems to care if we undergo such tremendous calamities which, on top of everything, normally hit and affect much more those who have less or nothing at all. It seems, I agree, tremendously unfair. On the assumption, of course, that we are the only important part of God�s Creation. But, we often forget, this is not actually so. If we would find a limping dog, some of us, might take care of it and, perhaps, take it to the veterinary so that he may cure it. But we seldom pay attention to limping ants and there must be some, too. In most cases, we shall probably tread over them and kill them, for they are a pest, aint�t they? Small things are normally either a pest or unimportant for us, big superior guys of our Creation. But we do not wish to realize that, in our Universe, we are smaller than the smallest bacteria that infect our world. In fact, we do not even want to think of that. It is a disturbing thought� And yet, it is there for all to see. When we stare flabbergasted to the colossal immensity of our University (infinite, according to some) our reason vacillates and wavers. We cannot understand these magnitudes� Billions of galaxies, of stars, perhaps of other inhabited worlds, who knows. Distances that must be counted in zillions of light-years� And we feel aggravated by the apparent lack of interest of God in our minute affairs� Ants, I�m sure, don�t like to be trodden and if they could think at all, they would probably feel somewhat neglected or abused by us. But the distance between them and us is infinitely smaller than between God and us. So what right do we have to complaint? It is true that Jesus came to us to redeem us from the original sin. But, nowhere in the Scriptures have I read that He came to save us from floods, hurricanes or natural catastrophes� Let us not therefore complaint about God�s indifference towards our suffering. God created Mother Nature, and us, and gave us enough leeway to take care of ourselves as we please. What else do we want? To live in perfect happiness down here by doing as we please while complaining all the time, for we would like to have more and more, always? Kind of selfish and silly, isn�t? If Governments of these World are totally unable and feckless to take care of their own people, why should we blame it on God? Let us be sensible and think that, after all, being that we are smaller than ants for God (despite what we are being told), we cannot be but an insignificant part of His Creation, and despite that, He went to the trouble of sending his Son to offer (His minor ants) us a one-way ticket to Salvation. Perhaps we should thank Him all the time rather than blame Him� Don�t you think so? His generosity tremendously contrasts with our selfishness and arrogance. Curious98 revdauphinee answered on 01/10/06: true we tend to forget he is the king of the universe and not just mans private benefactor.we are to serve him not he us! curious98 rated this answer

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Itsdb asked on 01/10/06 - Saddam's Terror Training Camps One of the reasons given for going to war in Iraq, which has been miscommunicated as "Saddam had nothing to do with 9-11," was his support for international terrorism. Did he or did he not support terrorism? From this week's Weekly Standard, edited for space... THE FORMER IRAQI REGIME OF Saddam Hussein trained thousands of radical Islamic terrorists from the region at camps in Iraq over the four years immediately preceding the U.S. invasion, according to documents and photographs recovered by the U.S. military in postwar Iraq. The existence and character of these documents has been confirmed to THE WEEKLY STANDARD by eleven U.S. government officials. The secret training took place primarily at three camps--in Samarra, Ramadi, and Salman Pak--and was directed by elite Iraqi military units. Interviews by U.S. government interrogators with Iraqi regime officials and military leaders corroborate the documentary evidence. Many of the fighters were drawn from terrorist groups in northern Africa with close ties to al Qaeda, chief among them Algeria's GSPC and the Sudanese Islamic Army. Some 2,000 terrorists were trained at these Iraqi camps each year from 1999 to 2002, putting the total number at or above 8,000. Intelligence officials believe that some of these terrorists returned to Iraq and are responsible for attacks against Americans and Iraqis. According to three officials with knowledge of the intelligence on Iraqi training camps, White House and National Security Council officials were briefed on these findings in May 2005; senior Defense Department officials subsequently received the same briefing. The photographs and documents on Iraqi training camps come from a collection of some 2 million "exploitable items" captured in postwar Iraq and Afghanistan. They include handwritten notes, typed documents, audiotapes, videotapes, compact discs, floppy discs, and computer hard drives. Taken together, this collection could give U.S. intelligence officials and policymakers an inside look at the activities of the former Iraqi regime in the months and years before the Iraq war. The discovery of the information on jihadist training camps in Iraq would seem to have two major consequences: It exposes the flawed assumptions of the experts and U.S. intelligence officials who told us for years that a secularist like Saddam Hussein would never work with Islamic radicals, any more than such jihadists would work with an infidel like the Iraqi dictator. It also reminds us that valuable information remains buried in the mountain of documents recovered in Afghanistan and Iraq over the past four years... Other officials familiar with the captured documents were less cautious. "As much as we overestimated WMD, it appears we underestimated [Saddam Hussein's] support for transregional terrorists," says one intelligence official. Speaking of Ansar al Islam, the al Qaeda-linked terrorist group that operated in northern Iraq, the former high-ranking military intelligence officer says: "There is no question about the fact that AI had reach into Baghdad. There was an intelligence connection between that group and the regime, a financial connection between that group and the regime, and there was an equipment connection. It may have been the case that the IIS [Iraqi Intelligence Service] support for AI was meant to operate against the [anti-Saddam] Kurds. But there is no question IIS was supporting AI." The official continued: "[Saddam] used these groups because he was interested in extending his influence and extending the influence of Iraq. There are definite and absolute ties to terrorism. The evidence is there, especially at the network level. How high up in the government was it sanctioned? I can't tell you. I don't know whether it was run by Qusay [Hussein] or [Izzat Ibrahim] al-Duri or someone else. I'm just not sure. But to say Iraq wasn't involved in terrorism is flat wrong..." Throughout the 1980s, including the eight years of the Iran-Iraq war, Saddam cast himself as a holy warrior in his public rhetoric to counter the claims from Iran that he was an infidel. This posturing continued during and after the first Gulf war in 1990-91. Saddam famously ordered "Allahu Akbar" (God is Great) added to the Iraqi flag. Internally, he launched "The Faith Campaign," which according to leading Saddam Hussein scholar Amatzia Baram included the imposition of sharia (Islamic law). According to Baram, "The Iraqi president initiated laws forbidding the public consumption of alcohol and introduced enhanced compulsory study of the Koran at all educational levels, including Baath Party branches." Hussein Kamel, Saddam's son-in-law who defected to Jordan in 1995, explained these changes in an interview with Rolf Ekeus, then head of the U.N. weapons inspection program. "The government of Iraq is instigating fundamentalism in the country," he said, adding, "Every party member has to pass a religious exam. They even stopped party meetings for prayers." And throughout the decade, the Iraqi regime sponsored "Popular Islamic Conferences" at the al Rashid Hotel that drew the most radical Islamists from throughout the region to Baghdad. Newsweek's Christopher Dickey, who covered one of those meetings in 1993, would later write: "Islamic radicals from all over the Middle East, Africa and Asia converged on Baghdad to show their solidarity with Iraq in the face of American aggression." One speaker praised "the mujahed Saddam Hussein, who is leading this nation against the nonbelievers." Another speaker said, "Everyone has a task to do, which is to go against the American state." Dickey continued: "Every time I hear diplomats and politicians, whether in Washington or the capitals of Europe, declare that Saddam Hussein is a "secular Baathist ideologue" who has nothing do with Islamists or with terrorist calls to jihad, I think of that afternoon and I wonder what they're talking about. If that was not a fledgling Qaeda itself at the Rashid convention, it sure was Saddam's version of it." In the face of such evidence, Carl Levin and other critics of the Iraq war trumpet deeply flawed four-year-old DIA analyses. Shouldn't the senator instead use his influence to push for the release of Iraqi documents that will help establish what, exactly, the Iraqi regime was doing in the years before the U.S. invasion? ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Full context of the article here. Comments? revdauphinee answered on 01/10/06: sadam did whatever was in Sadams self interest however he did not attack America!the ones behind that were of Saudi extraction who continue to finance the terrorists yet we (the present administration) are great friends with the saudis ATON2 rated this answer Itsdb rated this answer

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kindj asked on 01/09/06 - A danger I see This has been a thought stuck in what passes for my mind for several years now. It seems to me that there are a whole ton of folks who know quite a lot ABOUT Jesus, but sadly don't seem to KNOW Jesus. The Bible makes it reasonably clear that a genuine, personal relationship with Jesus is completely possible and is in fact what he desires. Unfortunately, a lot of people have gotten too entrenched in theological squabbling over the thee's and thou's, and which do's to do and which don'ts to don't, and have lost sight of Jesus himself. I would say that it's in the congregations, but sadly, I fear that it's in the congregations because it's in the leadership. Is it any real wonder that so many of our churches and even whole denominations are imploding? DK revdauphinee answered on 01/09/06: all I can say to your posting is AMEN! kindj rated this answer

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Pete_Hanysz asked on 01/08/06 - Buckers clarification errrr? "This could be dangerous. Especially in time of war. The United States is fighting a kind of war, which none like it has ever been.. Thank God we have a President, who has guts enough to go after them, in spite of the hate mongers here at home." Which country is he talking about? revdauphinee answered on 01/08/06: going back to our presidents decisions we are not at war with any country we are at war with a concept (if this is possible)The war aginst terror as he puts it! ,if terror is the enemy how can he win?terror has been in the earth since the begining,only God himself can be a winner in this war, so how can GWB be so arrogant as to think he can do it! ATON2 rated this answer cavil rated this answer excon rated this answer Pete_Hanysz rated this answer Tex78 rated this answer

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Pete_Hanysz asked on 01/08/06 - Buckers clarification errrr? "This could be dangerous. Especially in time of war. The United States is fighting a kind of war, which none like it has ever been.. Thank God we have a President, who has guts enough to go after them, in spite of the hate mongers here at home." Which country is he talking about? revdauphinee answered on 01/08/06: thanking god for such a president it cant be America! ATON2 rated this answer cavil rated this answer Erewhon rated this answer excon rated this answer Pete_Hanysz rated this answer Tex78 rated this answer

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excon asked on 01/08/06 - Supporting the troops - yeah right. Hello Christians: I asked this question on the politics board, but I wanted to find out what real Christians thought. Yeah, I support the troops too. But, instead of putting a bumper sticker on my car (so my neighbors will think highly of me), I wrote to my congressmen and demanded they give the Marines the body armor they needed to save lives. Well, they didn't. I dunno why. Maybe they needed the money for a submarine or something. And, your boy's died..... So, what are you GOING TO DO, about your governments laze fare interest in your sons lives? Put a bumper sticker on your car? excon revdauphinee answered on 01/08/06: because the present administation is more interested in killing (for OIL) rather than saving lives why give our boys protected armour?Maybee Bush dosent own shares in the companies who manufacture said armour! ATON2 rated this answer excon rated this answer tomder55 rated this answer

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arcura asked on 01/07/06 - Got a Cell Phone? Court order - Dubya's guys may be listening. Posted 1:00 AM Eastern by David Bresnahan January 3, 2006 NewsWithViews.com Summary: Despite three court rulings that cell phone tracking by government agencies without a court order is illegal, a fourth court ruling has now authorized blanket spying. The government can now use cell phone data to track physical location, without a search warrant or probable cause. NEW YORK -- A federal court issued an opinion permitting government agencies to use cell phone data to track a cell phone's physical location, without a search warrant based on probable cause. The ruling seems to be in line with recent revelations about President Bush authorizing secret, warrantless wiretaps. The court opinion on Dec. 20, 2005 went largely unnoticed by the media or the public, but may have major ramifications on privacy rights and issues. Magistrate Judge Gabriel W. Gorenstein of the United States District Court, Southern District of New York issued the opinion, despite three previous rulings to the contrary by other judges. There is no party to appeal, so the ruling paves the way for government agencies in all states to begin cell phone tracking without legal difficulty. There was only one party in each case that was rejected by other courts, the same party in the case that was given approval -- the Department of Justice. The DOJ did not appeal the cases it lost, and there is no party to appeal the case it won. "What other new surveillance powers has the government been creating out of whole cloth and how long have they been getting away with it?" commented the non-profit Electronic Frontier Foundation on it's web site. The DOJ revealed an attitude that a court order is not needed in the brief submitted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Thomas Brown: "A cell phone user voluntarily transmits a signal to the cell phone company, and thereby 'assumes the risk' that the cell phone provider will reveal to law enforcement the cell-site information." When the issue comes up in other courts there will be no case of appeal for judges to review for guidance, creating the more likely situation that each subsequent case will be easier and easier for the DOJ and other government agencies to win, say legal analysts commenting in various blogs. Legitimate needs for tracking have been used by commercial vendors and government agencies to justify monitoring of all consumers with a cell phone. The checks and balances put in place to protect individual privacy, such as court orders, are in jeopardy by blanket use of tracking systems that have no accountability, according to government watchdog groups and privacy advocates. revdauphinee answered on 01/08/06: I have a cell phone and I cant say im to worried about the tracking ability Ive been lost a few times and its sorta nice to think that even when I dont know where I am the government will LOL arcura rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 01/07/06 - why should you believe "science"? author and Christian apologist C.S. Lewis once wrote: If the solar system was brought about by an accidental collision, then the appearance of organic life on this planet was also an accident, and the whole evolution of Man was an accident too. If so, then all our present thoughts are mere accidents�the accidental by-product of the movement of atoms. And this holds for the thoughts of the materialists and astronomers as well as for anyone else's. But if their thoughts�i.e., of Materialism and Astronomy�are merely accidental by-products, why should we believe them to be true? I see no reason for believing that one accident should be able to give me a correct account of all the other accidents. It's like expecting that the accidental shape taken by the splash when you upset a milk-jug should give you a correct account of how the jug was made and why it was upset. Interesting logic? your thoughtfull comments please? revdauphinee answered on 01/08/06: I dont think we are here by accident! ATON2 rated this answer paraclete rated this answer Pete_Hanysz rated this answer

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ROLCAM asked on 01/07/06 - POLITICIANS ?? Who is the Patron Saint of Politicians ? revdauphinee answered on 01/07/06: how about st Jude the partron of lost causes?? ATON2 rated this answer ROLCAM rated this answer tomder55 rated this answer

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ROLCAM asked on 01/07/06 - TO SERVE !! What gifts can I offer the Lord ? Any philantropists ?? revdauphinee answered on 01/07/06: everythign because its his anyway! ROLCAM rated this answer

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CeeBee2 asked on 01/06/06 - Act of God and false hope.................... Apparently the WV Sago mine had been cited for several hundred irregulations and violations. The offender, the mining company, paid the fines ($60-440) but didn't correct the problems. Some say the disaster was an act of God. Chicago writer Studs Terkel, self-described as "an enthusiastic agnostic" with an unquenchable thirst for justice, commented: "It's not an act of God, it's an act of guys - guys exploiting other guys.....If the mining company is fined 250 bucks, it's like two cents." The West Virginia miners families accused the mining company of giving the families false hope. Terkel again commented: "False hope is believing that the company is taking care of all the regulations. It's man who betrayed, not God.... We have the potential to be brighter than we are. We have the potential to be better than we are.... False hope is saying that things for mines are much better today than they were 30 or 40 years ago. False hope is that there would be no accident such as this. False hope is that all those violators would have been kicked out of business long ago and if anything, criminally tried..... To see that these regulations are fulfilled and that work is easier and safer for the fathers and sons and brothers and uncles - that would be true hope." ****************************** Do you agree? It's so easy to blame God when things go sour after we've put our hope in all the wrong things. revdauphinee answered on 01/06/06: IF THIS IS TRUE THEN THE FAULT LIES WITH THE BILLIONARE OWNER OF THE MINE AND NOT WITH GOD! CeeBee2 rated this answer

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arcura asked on 01/06/06 - This story Is TRUE according to Snopes........... Philadelphia Daily News December 22, 2005 Here's a Yule Story That Ought to be a Movie By Ronnie Polaneczky AND NOW, in time for the holidays, I bring you the best Christmas story you never heard. It started last Christmas, when Bennett and Vivian Levin were overwhelmed by sadness while listening to radio reports of injured American troops. "We have to let them know we care," Vivian told Bennett. So they organized a trip to bring soldiers from Walter Reed Army Medical Center and Bethesda Naval Hospital to the annual Army-Navy football game in Philly, on Dec. 3. The cool part is, they created their own train line to do it. Yes, there are people in this country who actually own real trains. Bennett Levin - native Philly guy, self-made millionaire and irascible former L&I commish - is one of them. He has three luxury rail cars. Think mahogany paneling, plush seating and white-linen dining areas. He also has two locomotives, which he stores at his Juniata Park train yard. One car, the elegant Pennsylvania, carried John F. Kennedy to the Army-Navy game in 1961 and ེ. Later, it carried his brother Bobby's body to D.C. for burial. "That's a lot of history for one car," says Bennett. He and Vivian wanted to revive a tradition that endured from 1936 to 1975, during which trains carried Army-Navy spectators from around the country directly to the stadium where the annual game is played. The Levins could think of no better passengers to reinstate the ceremonial ride than the wounded men and women recovering at Walter Reed in D.C. and Bethesda, in Maryland. "We wanted to give them a first-class experience," says Bennett. "Gourmet meals on board, private transportation from the train to the stadium, perfect seats - real hero treatment." Through the Army War College Foundation, of which he is a trustee, Bennett met with Walter Reed's commanding general, who loved the idea. But Bennett had some ground rules first, all designed to keep the focus on the troops alone: No press on the trip, lest the soldiers' day of pampering devolve into a media circus. No politicians either, because, says Bennett, "I didn't want some idiot making this trip into a campaign photo op." And no Pentagon suits on-board, otherwise the soldiers would be too busy saluting superiors to relax. The general agreed to the conditions, and Bennett realized he had a problem on his hands. "I had to actually make this thing happen," he laughs. Over the next months, he recruited owners of 15 other sumptuous rail cars from around the country - these people tend to know each other - into lending their vehicles for the day. The name of their temporary train? The Liberty Limited. Amtrak volunteered to transport the cars to D.C. - where they'd be coupled together for the round-trip ride to Philly - then back to their owners later. Conrail offered to service the Liberty while it was in Philly. And SEPTA drivers would bus the disabled soldiers 200 yards from the train to Lincoln Financial Field, for the game. A benefactor from the War College ponied up 100 seats to thegame - on the 50-yard line - and lunch in a hospitality suite. And corporate donors filled, for free and without asking for publicity, goodie bags for attendees: From Woolrich, stadium blankets. From Wal-Mart, digital cameras. From Nikon, field glasses. From GEAR, down jackets. There was booty not just for the soldiers, but for their guests, too, since each was allowed to bring a friend or family member. The Marines, though, declined the offer. "They voted not to take guests with them, so they could take more Marines," says Levin, choking up at the memory. Bennett's an emotional guy, so he was worried about how he'd react to meeting the 88 troops and guests at D.C.'s Union Station, where the trip originated. Some GIs were missing limbs. Others were wheelchair-bound or accompanied by medical personnel for the day. "They made it easy to be with them," he says. "They were all smiles on the ride to Philly. Not an ounce of self-pity from any of them. They're so full of life and determination." At the stadium, the troops reveled in the game, recalls Bennett. Not even Army's lopsided loss to Navy could deflate the group's rollicking mood. Afterward, it was back to the train and yet another gourmet meal - heroes get hungry, says Levin - before returning to Walter Reed and Bethesda. "The day was spectacular," says Levin. "It was all about these kids. It was awesome to be part of it." The most poignant moment for the Levins was when 11 Marines hugged them goodbye, then sang them the Marine Hymn on the platform at Union Station. "One of the guys was blind, but he said, 'I can't see you, but man, you must be beautiful!' "says Bennett. "I got a lump so big in my throat, I couldn't even answer him." It's been three weeks, but the Levins and their guests are still feeling the day's love. "My Christmas came early," says Levin, who is Jewish and who loves the Christmas season. "I can't describe the feeling in the air." Maybe it was hope. As one guest wrote in a thank-you note to Bennett and Vivian, "The fond memories generated last Saturday will sustain us all - whatever the future may bring." God bless the Levins. And bless the troops, every one. revdauphinee answered on 01/06/06: THIS STORY GIVE ONE HOPE !THERE IS GOOD IN THE WORLD! arcura rated this answer

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CeeBee2 asked on 01/06/06 - Divine punishment............................. Pat Robertson is all over the news today. This is from ABC online: Christian broadcaster Pat Robertson suggested Thursday that Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon's stroke was divine punishment for "dividing God's land." "God considers this land to be his," Robertson said on his TV program "The 700 Club." "You read the Bible and he says `This is my land,' and for any prime minister of Israel who decides he is going to carve it up and give it away, God says, `No, this is mine.'" He also said, however, that in the Bible, the prophet Joel "makes it very clear that God has enmity against those who 'divide my land.'" Sharon "was dividing God's land and I would say woe unto any prime minister of Israel who takes a similar course to appease the EU (European Union), the United Nations, or the United States of America," Robertson said. In discussing what he said was God's insistence that Israel not be divided, Robertson also referred to the 1995 assassination of Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin, who had sought to achieve peace by giving land to the Palestinians. "It was a terrible thing that happened, but nevertheless he was dead [because of divine punishment]," he said. ************************** It is my understanding that Sharon ate gobs of fatty foods and had been warned to change his habits, lose weight, or die. Was it God or trans (bad) fat that caused Sharon's stroke? revdauphinee answered on 01/06/06: I feel Sharons guilt in not following his docs advice and losing some weight contributed much more to this situation than did Gods wrath!God is quite capable of seeing to it that his land if it was be taken care of as he wishes it is my understanding that God had given the land to the jews?I dont think God is an indian giver if he gives us a gift it is ours it seems he gave mr Robertson the gift of opening his mouth when it should remain closed! DEUTERONOMY 1: 8. See, I have given you this land. Go in and take possession of the land that the LORD swore he would give to your fathers--to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob--and to their descendants after them." CeeBee2 rated this answer

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Erewhon asked on 01/06/06 - More on the "Pushy Religious Zealot" ................ Missionary did right thing at the right time By Lee Benson Deseret Morning News As tragedies go, they don't hit any closer to home than this. A Mormon elder from Bountiful, Utah, with pioneer roots is shot and killed while tracting on his full-time mission. Twenty-one-year-old Morgan Young was two months from the end of his two years of missionary service early last Monday evening in Chesapeake, Va., when an assailant shot his companion, Joshua Heidbrink of Greeley, Colo., and then turned the gun on Young, who had come to the aid of Heidbrink and, according to sources, took two bullets in the back of his head. For Young, the gunshots proved to be fatal. The missionaries were proselyting door-to-door after taking the daytime hours of Monday off for Preparation Day, the traditional missionary day for doing laundry, writing letters and recreating. It isn't unheard of for missionaries to stretch P-Day a bit past the evening deadline, but Elder Young and his new companion from Colorado, not long removed from the MTC, did not fudge. As Larry Kocherhans, the bishop of the Bountiful 31st Ward that sent Young off to the Richmond Virginia Mission 22 months ago, said, "He was doing what he was supposed to be doing. That's a good place to be when your time comes." Bishop Kocherhans watched Morgan grow up in a city that takes its name from the Book of Mormon and where the signature landmark is the Bountiful Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on the hill. In such temperate climes, Morgan Young did not stray. "He was always good, he never caused any trouble," remembered Kocherhans. But neither was he just one of the sheep, rotely following where others had gone before. When he turned 19 and became eligible to serve a church mission, the bishop recalled that Morgan wasn't sure if he should go. For six months he deliberated about his future. Mike Willden, 26, a shift manager at Pace's Dairy Ann Drive-In in Bountiful, where Morgan worked before his mission, remembers it was the first time he ever saw Morgan anything but lighthearted. "He was just this fun, goofy guy, always smiling; if you were in a bad mood he'd pull you out of it," said Willden, "the only time he got serious was about going on a mission. I'd been on a mission so I talked to him about it. I could tell he was really thinking hard. A lot of guys will go because of pressure. But he didn't do that. I know when he made the decision it was his own thing. That's what impressed me most. He went because he wanted to." The periodic letters that Bishop Kocherhans received from Virginia indicated Morgan was happy about his choice . "I could tell he caught the spirit of missionary work," the bishop said. "The mission president had asked him to extend a month � 'til April � and I understood he was going to do that." At least that was the plan until Monday, when Elder Young's mission ended two months early � all the more unexpected because everyone who knows Morgan Young knows he wasn't the kind to put himself in the middle of any kind of conflict. "I could never imagine him provoking anything or anyone," said Willden. "He wouldn't have smirked; he wouldn't have been rude in any way." Then again, he wasn't the kind to run from trouble, either, as evidenced by his last Earthly act of rushing to help his fallen companion. As his fraternal grandfather, Winslow Young, whose ancestors crossed the plains to Utah, said, "Morgan was always looking out for the other guy and doing the right thing. He wouldn't cut and run." That's a good thing to be said when your time comes. Lee Benson's column runs Sunday, Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Please send e-mail to benson@desnews.com and faxes to 801-237-2527. =============== revdauphinee answered on 01/06/06: My heart goes out to the families of these young men,while I can never accept thier faith they dedicated there young lives to something they believed in! Erewhon rated this answer

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Tex78 asked on 01/06/06 - do you think this man was smart? If so, why? Thank God! Amen! There's this guy who had been lost and walking in the desert for about 2 weeks. One hot day, he sees the home of a missionary. Tired and weak, he crawls up to the house and collapses on the doorstep. The missionary finds him and nurses him back to health. Feeling better, the man asks the missionary for directions to the nearest town. On his way out the backdoor, he sees this horse. He goes back into the house and asks the missionary, "Could I borrow your horse and give it back when I reach the town?" The missionary says, "Sure but there is a special thing about this horse. You have to say 'Thank God' to make it go and 'Amen' to make it stop." Not paying much attention, the man says, "Sure, ok." So he gets on the horse and says, "Thank God" and the horse starts walking. Then he say, "Thank God, thank God, " and the horse starts trotting. Feeling really brave, the man say, "Thank God, thank God, thank God, thank God, thank God" and the horse just takes off. Pretty soon he sees this cliff coming up and he's doing everything he can to make the horse stop. "Whoa, stop, hold on!" Finally he remembers, "Amen!" The horse stops 4 inches from the cliff. The man leans back in the saddle and says, "Thank God!" In God We Trust. revdauphinee answered on 01/06/06: heard that before but it still makes me chuckle! Tex78 rated this answer

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Erewhon asked on 01/05/06 - Does every country get the president it deserves? A plane is about to crash. There are 5 passengers on board, but there are only 4 parachutes. The first passenger says: "I am Ronaldo, the best football player in the world. The football world needs me, and I cannot die on my fans." He grabs the first parachute and jumps out of the plane. The second passenger, Hillary Clinton, says: �I am the wife of the former president of the United States; I am the senator of New York and I have a good chance of being president of the United States in the future.� She grabs a parachute and jumps off the plane. The third passenger, George W. Bush, says: �I am the president of the United States of America. I have huge responsibilities in the world. Besides, I am the smartest president in the history of my country and can�t shun the responsibility to my people by dying.� He grabs a pack and jumps off the plane. The fourth passenger, the Pope, says to the fifth passenger, a young school boy: "I am old. I have lived my life as a good person as a priest should and so I shall leave the last parachute to you; you have the rest of your life ahead of you." To this the little boy says: �Don�t fret old man. There is a parachute for each of us. The smartest president of America took my schoolbag!" The moral of this story is: "Each country gets the president it deserves." Use your vote and use it wisely. revdauphinee answered on 01/05/06: sad but with a hint of truth! GW is far from the brightest pebble on the beach! ATON2 rated this answer Erewhon rated this answer purplewings rated this answer

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JesseJamesDupree asked on 01/05/06 - Here's a can of worms fer ye!!! If President Bush is so unpoular according to the "Liberal Media", then my question is very simple, how did he git into office?............TWICE!!!!, did he storm the White House Fidel Castro style in a Coup? Don't seem to remember that one. Usually I don't talk politics with ANYONE, but I am a tad curious on this one;) revdauphinee answered on 01/05/06: Well he didnt get my vote! either the first time when the election in my oppinion was stolen due to Florida, or the last time due to his past performance. ATON2 rated this answer CeeBee2 rated this answer JesseJamesDupree rated this answer

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Erewhon asked on 01/04/06 - Tithing Should the payment of tithes take rpecedence over every other financial consideration? revdauphinee answered on 01/04/06: No! Tithing is Unscriptural Under the New Covenant [A Scriptural Exposition on the Fraudulent Fleecing of the Flock] Since first posting this tithing paper on bible-truths.com, we have had hundreds of thousands of visitors seeking information on this topic. Many have written me personally thanking me for freeing them from this illegal and abusive practice of the Church. I have also received emails from some who are sure that tithing is a bonafide legal obligation for members of the New Testament Christian Church. Objections to my paper range from simply quoting the prophet Malachi sent to the priests and nation of Israel: "Wherein have we robbed Thee? In tithes and offerings. Ye are cursed with a curse�." While others who can find absolutely no Scriptural authority for Christians to tithe, invent clever little doctrines like this: "Tithing was a form of worship to God, and since we still worship God, we must still tithe." I will answer this one in one sentence: Since burnt offerings were a form of worshiping God, and since we still worship God, must we still offer burnt offerings to God? ... Ridiculous. Part II of this paper covers the Malachi prophecy more thoroughly as it concerns the subject of tithing. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- PART I "Will a man ROB God?" How many untold tens of thousands of men will give account one day for teaching this verse in Malachi 3:8 totally out of context for their own sordid gain. I couldn�t count the times I have heard self-appointed ministers of the gospel berate their congregations and listeners for "robbing God" in tithes and offerings. This verse in Malachi certainly means what it says. Someone was defrauding God of tithes and offerings, but wait until you find out who it is that God blames for this act. On any given Sunday morning there will be numerous men-of-the-cloth who will be bellowing out over the air waves that people are being "cursed with a curse" because they have failed to pay God ten percent of their paychecks. And should such a gullible listener decide to repent and give God ten percent of his salary, just how would he do that? Just keep reading. These men of the cloth who often have unquenchable worldly desires of the flesh, will be sure to give you an address where you can send them (or, ah, rather God) your tithe. And do they have a right to quote these Scriptures in this manner? No they do not, and furthermore they themselves know better. SOME SHOCKING TRUTHS ABOUT THE CHRISTIAN TITHING DOCTRINE Abraham never tithed on his own personal property or livestock. Jacob wouldn�t tithe until God blessed him first. Only Levite priests could collect tithes, and there are no Levite priests today. Only food products from the land were tithable. Money was never a titheable commodity. Christian converts were never asked to tithe anything to the Church. Tithing in the Church first appears centuries after completion of the Bible. ALL SCRIPTURAL REFERENCES TO TITHING We will now go through all the Scriptural references in the Bible on tithe, tithes, and tithing: [1] Gen. 14:20, "And blessed be the most high God, which hath delivered thine enemies into thy hand. And he [Abram] gave him [Melchizedek king of Salem, the priest of the most high God, Ver. 18] TITHES of all [all the goods of war, Ver. 16]." We read again of this same event in the book of Hebrews: [2] Heb. 7:1-10, "For this Melchizedek, king of Salem, priest of God Most High, who meets with Abraham returning from the combat with the kings and blesses him, to whom Abraham parts a TITHE also, from all... Now, behold how eminent this one is to whom the patriarch Abraham gives a TITHE also of the best of the booty. And, indeed, those of the sons of Levi who obtain the priestly office have a direction to take TITHES from the people according to the law... And here, indeed, dying men are obtaining TITHES... And so, to say, through Abraham, Levi also, who is obtaining the TITHES, has been TITHED, for he was still in the loins of his father when Melchizedek meets with him." There are a number of things we can learn concerning tithing from this section of Scriptures. In this, the first mention of tithing in the Bible, Abram gives to Melchizedek (a priest of God who was also the king of the city of Salem) a tithe of the best of the booty taken in war. Notice that this was not wheat, corn, wine, oil, or cattle from Abram�s personal possessions, but rather booty taken from conquered nations. There is nothing stated here that would cause us to conclude that Abram (later changed to Abraham) ever tithed on a regular basis on his own person possessions. Although Abraham gave Melchizedek a tithe of the booty of war, he told the king of Sodom that he would take none of it for himself. In this same account recorded in the seventh chapter of Hebrews, we learn that the priests of Levi, from the family of Aaron (although far inferior to the priestly order of Melchizedek) also receive tithes from the people according to the law. This tells us little more about the actual tithes other than they received tithes. Christian scholars claim that Abraham�s tithing of the spoils of war predated the Law of Moses, and therefore even if the Law of Moses is done away with, tithing is still binding on Christians because Abraham predated the Law of Moses. Is this true? And Christendom teaches that this Scripture is the first proof from the Word of God that Christians are to tithe ten percent of their salaries to the church. But what have we really learned from these Scriptures?: Abraham went to war on behalf of Sodom (SODOM, mind you), to rescue his nephew, Lot. He then gave 10% of these spoils of war to Melchizedek, and allowed Sodom to keep 90%, while he himself kept NOTHING! Now then, is there a Scholar alive anywhere on earth that can explain to us how this one single unparalleled and never-again-to-be-duplicated event, is Scriptural proof that Christians should give 10% of their annual salaries (not the spoils of war, but their money, their salaries), not once, but year after year after year, not to Melchizedek, but to Clergymen who claim to be ministers of Jesus Christ? If anyone can see a similarity here, I will show him the similarity between an elephant and a fruit fly. Next we will observe a Scripture that you will probably never hear a sermon on. No tithe-preaching clergyman would use the example of how Jacob tithed. Remember, Jacob is the grandson of Abraham, the father of the faithful, whom God also blessed tremendously. Not only did God approve of Jacob�s tithing proposal, but, He made it the foundational principle upon which all future tithing would be based. Here it is. [3] Gen. 28:20-22, "And Jacob vowed a vow, saying, IF God will be with me, and [if God] will keep me in this way that I go, and [if God] will give me bread to eat, and raiment to put on, So that I come again to my father�s house in peace; THEN shall the Lord be my God: And this stone, which I have set for a pillar, shall be God�s house: and of all that thou shall GIVE ME I will surely give the TENTH unto thee." Wow! This one Scripture pretty much contradicts 99% of all sermons I have ever heard on the subject of tithing! This is the very first Scripture in the Bible that gives an account of someone giving a tenth or tithe of his personal possessions back to God. But, oh how different it is from the teachings of most Christian Churches. First Jacob truly recognizes God as God. He then begins to proposition God. He states that "IF" God will do this and "IF� God will do the other things, "THEN" Jacob says, "shall the Lord be my God." Jacob concludes his proposition to God, should God meet all of his requirements, by saying that of all the things that God will first give to Jacob, Jacob will give God back a tenth. Now don�t laugh. God honored Jacob�s proposition, and furthermore, God continued to honor this same principle of tithing all through Israel�s history. As Paul said, "Now what have you which you did not obtain?" (I Cor. 4:7) All that we possess comes from God. And so, once more, we learn that Israel was not to tithe on what they did not first possess, unlike those today who teach that it is required to tithe on that which one does not already possess. God is not partial and God is not a hypocrite. This example of Jacob proves that God doesn�t expect a tithe until He blessed the tithe payer first. Everyone should put down this paper, call his minister, and tell him you want to hear a sermon Sunday morning on how Jacob paid tithes to God. Now hold your breath. Let�s ask ourselves a reasonable question: Just how did Jacob actually give a tithe to God? Did he personally hand it to God? No, no one has ever even seen God. Did Jacob tithe to an angel? No, angels do not need and can�t use tithes. Did Jacob send his tithe to Heaven by Celestial Express? No. Did he take it to the local church? No, there was no local church. Did he take it to the Temple? No, there was no temple. Did he give it directly to one of the Levitic priests? No, there were no Levites as yet. Well how then did Jacob tithe to God? Was it even possible? Yes, there were actually two different ways that Jacob could tithe to God: "And thither ye shall bring your burnt offerings, and your sacrifices, and your TITHES, and heave offerings of your hand, and your vows, and your freewill offerings, and the firstlings of your herds and of your flocks: And there ye shall eat before the Lord your God, and ye shall rejoice in all that ye put your hand unto, YE and YOUR HOUSEHOLDS, wherein the Lord thy God hath blessed thee" (Deut. 12:6-7). "And even though there were no Levites in Jacob�s day, nonetheless, there were "...the STRANGER, and the FATHERLESS, and the WIDOW, which are within thy gates, shall come, and SHALL EAT AND BE SATISFIED; that the Lord thy God may bless thee in all the work of thin hand which thou doest" (Deut. 14:29). That�s how God acknowledged a tithe from Jacob: By partaking of a portion himself and his family in communion and thanksgiving to God, and by sharing his fortune with those who were unfortunate, poor, strangers, etc. [4] Leviticus 27:30-33, "And all the TITHE of the LAND, whether of the SEED of the land, or of the FRUIT, of the tree, is the Lord�s: it is holy unto the Lord. And if a man will at all redeem ought of his tithes, he shall add thereto the fifth part thereof. And concerning the TITHE of the HERD, or of the FLOCK, even of whatsoever passes under the rod, the tenth shall be holy unto the Lord. He shall not search whether it be good or bad, neither shall he change it..." We learn a great deal about tithing in this section of Scripture: The tithe comes from the "land," not the air or the sea. Fishermen were not required to tithe fish. It was the "seed" or agricultural products from the fields that was holy to God and tithable. Products from "trees" were to be tithed. This not only included the fruit, but oils, etc. Of "herds or flocks" it was the "tenth" that passed under the rod that was holy and dedicated to God. Here is exposed another lie of modern clergymen. It was not the first tenth, but rather the tenth tenth that belonged to God, contrary to every minister I have ever heard, who insists that the first tenth always belongs to God. Unscriptural. Untrue. Read your bible--it�s the tenth one of a herd that belongs to God. Another interesting point is this. If a herdsman had but nine cattle, he didn�t tithe his cattle at all! Also notice that God did not even require the best of the cattle, just the tenth one to pass under the rod even if it was the runtiest of them all. Remember, we are talking about tithing and not sacrificing (animals for sacrifice always had to be without blemish). Did you notice that this summary at the very end of the book of Leviticus does not mention the tithing of money? Interesting. But just maybe we will find the tithing of money in some other Scripture? [5] Numbers 18:24-28, "But the TITHES of the children of Israel, which they offer as an heave offering unto the Lord, I have given to the Levites to inherit: therefore I have said unto them, Among the children of Israel they shall have no inheritance. And the Lord spoke unto Moses, saying, Thus speak unto the Levites, and say unto them, When ye take of the children of Israel the TITHES which I have given you from them for your inheritance, then ye shall offer up an heave offering of it for the Lord, even a TENTH part of the TITHE. And this your heave offering shall be reckoned unto you, as though it were the corn of the threshing floor, and as the fullness of the winepress. Thus ye also shall offer an heave offering unto the Lord of all your TITHES, which ye receive of the children of Israel; and ye shall give thereof the Lord�s heave offering to Aaron the priest." According to the above Scriptures, could just anyone claim to be a representative of God and therefore have Israel pay tithes to him? Let�s read it again, "But the TITHES of the children of Israel ... I have given to the Levites to inherit." Now in order to be a priest one not only had to be of the tribe of Levi, but he also had to be of the family of Aaron. In fact, if one could not trace his genealogy back to the family of Aaron, he could not be a priest of God. This is the whole point of Hebrews seven. Jesus Christ is a priest for the eons of the rank of Melchizedek because Melchizedek predated the law which stated that only sons of Aaron could be priests. Therefore Melchizedek�s genealogy is not given in the Scriptures, and Christ, who according to the flesh is of the line of Judah, can and will be God�s High Priest in the Kingdom of God. A warning to all charlatans and would-be tithe extractors and collectors: There is NO temple of God being officiated in Jerusalem today. There is NO Levitic priesthood to officiate at such a temple. There is NO NEED for such a temple or priesthood at this time. Only Levites could collect tithes at the temple. Therefore, EVERYONE collecting tithes today is a charlatan and a fake. If one cannot historically trace back his genealogy generation by generation with no lapses to the family of Aaron, he IS NOT and CANNOT be a priest authorized of God at this time to collect tithes for the temple services and sacrifices. (Of course Jesus IS our Sacrifice, and therefore that whole system funded by the tithes of the law is no longer applicable). Yet today we have tithe collecting preachers like James Kennedy and John Hagee, with whom I am a little familiar, collecting tithe monies by the millions and millions of dollars annually. Yet by years end I heard them begging for more multiple millions of dollars to get them out of all the financial debt they had accumulated during the year. And then, (so help me, if I�m lying, I�m dying), John Hagee has the unmitigated gall to offer his followers (excuse me, sell to his followers--three video tapes, $60 US/$87 CAN) entitled The POWER to get WEALTH, by which Mr. Hagee assures us that we can learn to "STAY OUT OF DEBT"! Can you believe it? Would the word "hypocrite" be too strong or out of place here? The whole system changed under the New Covenant. Notice what happened: Jesus said the temple would be utterly destroyed "And, coming out, Jesus sent from the sanctuary. And His disciples approached to exhibit to Him the buildings of the sanctuary. Yet He, answering, said to them, 'Are you not observing all these? Verily, I am saying to you, Under no circumstances may a stone here be left on a stone, which shall not be DEMOLISHED.�" (Matt. 24:1-2). Under the New Covenant, God does not dwell in temples made with hands, "The God Who makes the world and all that is in it, He, the Lord inherent of heaven and earth, is NOT dwelling in temples made by hands..." (Acts 17:24). The true believers under the New Covenant are now God�s temple, "For YOU ARE THE TEMPLE OF THE LIVING GOD, according as God said, that I will be making My home and will be walking in them, and I will be their God, and they shall be My people" (II Cor. 6:16). See also, (I Cor. 3:15 and I Cor. 1:19). All theologians know that when the temple ceased, the priesthood officiating at the temple CEASED! Each individual believer under the New Covenant forms a NEW priesthood, "Yet you are a chosen race, a �ROYAL PRIESTHOOD�..." (I Peter 2:9). How then, under the New Covenant, does a believer give a tenth, when he is supposed to give his all (Rom. 12:1), to a priesthood that does not exist, but now he himself is part of a priesthood (I Peter 2:9), at a temple that does not exist (Mat. 24:1-2), but rather he himself is the temple wherein God dwells. No longer do we have priests with spiritual infirmities interceding for us, but rather we have Christ Jesus as our perfect intercessor and High Priest seated at the right hand of the Majesty in the heavens (Heb. 7:28-8:1). At this time in history, Israel owes no tithe to anyone. And, of course, we Gentiles (who are a new creation and the true Israel of God--Gal. 6:16) were never instructed to tithe in the first place. Read all thirteen books of the apostle Paul to the gentiles and find one verse where he instructed Gentiles to pay one cent of tithe money to anyone. [6] Deut. 12:6, 7, 11, 12, 17, 18, "And thither ye shall bring your burnt offerings, and your sacrifices, and your TITHES, and heave offerings of your hand, and your vows, and your freewill offerings, and the firstlings of your herds and of your flock. And there, ye shall eat before the Lord your God, and ye shall rejoice in all that ye put your hand unto, ye and your households, wherein the Lord thy God hath blessed thee. Then there shall be a place which the Lord your God shall choose to cause his name to dwell there; thither shall ye bring all that I command you; your burnt offerings, and your sacrifices, your TITHES, and the heave offering of your hand, and all your choice vows which ye vow unto the Lord. And ye shall rejoice before the Lord your God, YE, and your SONS and your DAUGHTERS, and your MENSERVANTS, and your MAIDSERVANTS, and the LEVITE that is within your gates; forasmuch as he hath no part nor inheritance with you. You may not eat within thy gates the TITHE of thy corn, or of thy wine, or of thy oil, or the firstlings of thy herds or of the flocks, nor any of thy vows which thou vow, nor thy freewill offerings, or heave offering of your hand: But YOU MUST EAT THEM before the Lord thy God in the place which the Lord thy God shall choose..." Let us learn. Who was to partake of all these tithes and good things of the herd and of the land and of the trees? Everyone (yes, the Levite was also included) was to rejoice before the Lord. Did anyone see "money" in the list of things they were to bring before the Lord to rejoice? Was it just the ministers (the Levites) who were the recipients of these tithes and offerings, or was not everyone to partake of these things? Rejoicing and eating one�s own tithe before the Lord, was a very personal and reverend act of worship and communion with God. Not unlike prayer. Others may share and profit from our prayers, but we offer them to God, not to men. The following verses deal with a practice initiated by God Himself to accommodate those traveling long distances to the Festival Sites where they were to eat and rejoice before the Lord to learn to fear Him. They could sell their tithes of the land for MONEY, and carry that amount of money rather than the bulky and heavy tithes themselves, to the Festival Site. There they were to purchase whatever their hearts desired and to share it with the Levites and the less fortunate. These verses will be further explained in Part II of this paper [7] Deut. 14:22-29, "Thou shall truly TITHE all the INCREASE of thy SEED, that the field brings forth year by year." "And you shall eat before the lord your God, in the place which He shall choose to place His name there, the TITHE of thy CORN, of thy WINE, and of your OIL, and the FIRSTLINGS OF THY HERDS and of thy FLOCKS: that thou may learn to fear the Lord thy God always. And if the way be too long for thee, so that thou art not able to carry it; or if the place be too far from thee, which the Lord thy God shall choose to set His name there, when the Lord thy God hath blessed thee: Then shall thou turn it into MONEY, and bind up the MONEY in your hand, and shall go unto the place which the Lord thy God shall choose: And thou shall BESTOW THAT MONEY FOR WHATSOEVER YOUR SOUL LUSTETH AFTER, for oxen, or for sheep, or for wine, or for strong drink, or for WHATSOEVER YOUR SOUL DESIRES: and YOU shall eat there before the Lord thy God, and THOU shall rejoice, THOU, AND THINE HOUSEHOLD. And the Levite that is within thy gates, thou shall not forsake him; for he has no part, nor inheritance with thee. At the end of three years thou shall bring forth all the TITHE of thine INCREASE the same year, and shall lay it up within thy gates: And the Levite, (because he hath no part nor inheritance with thee,) and the STRANGER, and the FATHERLESS, and the WIDOW, which are within thy gates, shall come, and SHALL EAT AND BE SATISFIED; that the Lord thy God may bless thee in all the work of your hand which thou doest." This third year of tithing is mentioned again: [8] Deut. 26:12, "When thou hast made an end of TITHING all the TITHES of your INCREASE the third year, which is the year of TITHING, and has given it unto the Levite, the stranger, the fatherless, and the widow, that they may eat within thy gates, and be filled." Again we notice that Israel never tithed from their poverty, but on their INCREASE. Contrary to all the deceiving "Shambachs" in the world, God never intended for people to tithe on what they didn�t have, but only on the increase of what God gave them. For those who don�t know, Mr. Shambach is a character on TBN who told everyone on international television, via 25 communication satellites and reaching about 50,000 major cities around the world, that God personally told him to tell everyone that in order for them to get out of debt and be blessed of God, everyone needed to send Paul Crouch $2000 each, even if they didn�t have the money! He said God would bless them even if they had to pay the $2000 in smaller monthly increments. Unbelievable! TBN's teaching on tithing are totally unscriptural even if Christians were to tithe. Time and again God told Israel that they were to tithe on their increase from their abundance, not on their decrease or their lack. Paul never taught the Gentiles to tithe, but he did teach them to give freely from what they had, not from what they didn�t have: "I want to suggest that you finish what you started to do a year ago, for you were not only the first to propose this idea, but the first to begin doing something about it. Having started the ball rolling so enthusiastically, you should carry this project through to completion just as gladly, GIVING WHATEVER YOU CAN OUT OF WHATEVER YOU HAVE. Let your enthusiastic idea at the start be equaled by your realistic action now. If you are really EAGER TO GIVE, then it isn't important HOW MUCH YOU HAVE TO GIVE. God wants you to give WHAT YOU HAVE, NOT WHAT YOU HAVEN'T" (II Cor. 8:10-12, The Living Bible). Oh, let met give you one more prosperity example while I�m at it. Some time ago I critiqued two sermons by Dr. Kennedy and Dr. Hagee. As I sent for one of Hagee�s cassette tapes so as to quote him correctly, I got put on his mailing list. In August of 1999 I got a magazine in which he announced a proposed celebration. It appears that he needed seven or eight million dollars in new video equipment and facilities of which he still owed 3.5 million on this debt. Anyway, to commemorate this huge debt and a proposal to get someone else to pay it off for him, he announced "Millennium Miracle 2000 by 2000"! "What in the world is that?" you ask. Well, since you asked, I�ll tell you. To commemorate this huge debt and Mr. Hagee�s plan to get other people to pay it off for him, he came up with a plan to mint a one ounce sterling silver coin which would then have printed on one side: "Millennium Miracle 2000 by 2000," and on the other side: Your Name! The plan was for 2000 people to send John Hagee $2000 dollars each for the next few months so that by the year 2000 Mr. Hagee would be DEBT FREE! Why it�s a "Millennium Miracle"! (Wait a minute, isn�t 2000 people times $2000 each $4,000,000, not $3.5 million dollars? Oh well, a $500,000 error in John�s favor should come in handy for something). Each contributor of $2000 would then get a coin commemorating his contribution: "What a precious heirloom that can be passed from one generation to the next honoring your commitment to the Lord" (Emphasis mine). WHAT A PRECIOUS CROCK...! Do you think the word "hypocrite" would be appropriate one more time? How stupid do they think the American people are? These are full-grown men. Some of them highly educated people. And yet they shamelessly hawk and huckster their ridiculous religious doctrines, trinkets, and wares over the air waves, like PEDDLERS, in the name of God! Now don�t think I take credit for coming up with that word "peddler." The apostle Paul told the Corinthians (and now it�s in our Bibles for the whole world to see) that: "For we are not as the MAJORITY, who are PEDDLING THE WORD GOD..." (II Cor. 2:17, Concordant Version). The word translated here "peddling" in the Concordant New Testament comes from the word "kapeleuo" which the spirit of God inspired to be used in the original Greek text of this verse of Scripture. Here is the meaning of the Greek word "kapeleuo" translated "peddler." "To sell at retail, with the insinuation of improper profit, either by overcharging or adulterating" (Greek-English Keyword Concordance, page 220). And notice please that it is not just a few who "peddle" the Word of God, but Paul says, "...the MAJORITY..." are peddling the word of God! Contrast this insincere merchandising of the word of God with Paul�s motive: "For we ARE NOT as the majority, who are peddling the word of God, but as OF SINCERITY, but as OF GOD, in the sight of God IN CHRIST, are we speaking." Just a few chapters later Paul informs us that one day we all will stand before the judgment seat of Christ and give an account of our lives, (II Cor. 5:10). This next section in Chronicles tells us the same things we have already learned concerning what products were to be tithed. [9] II Chronicles 31:5, 6, 12, "And as soon as the commandment came abroad, the children of Israel brought in ABUNDANCE the firstfruits of CORN, WINE, and OIL, and HONEY, and of all the INCREASE of the field; and the TITHE of all things brought they in abundantly. And concerning the children of Israel and Judah, that dwelt in the cities of Judah, they also brought in the TITHE of OXEN and SHEEP, and the TITHE of holy things which were consecrated unto the Lord their God, and laid them by heaps. And brought in the offerings and the TITHES ..." This next section of Scriptures deals with a special tithe and offering given to NEW priests and Levites set up by Hezekiah after cleaning house in the cities of Judah by destroying the idols and altars to pagan gods. [10] Nehemiah 10:37-38, "And that we should bring the firstfruits of our dough, and our offerings, and the fruit of all manner of trees, of wine and of oil, unto the priests, to the chambers of the house of our God and the TITHES of our ground unto the Levites, that the same Levites might have the TITHES in all the cities of our tillage. And the priest the son of Aaron shall be the Levites, when the Levites take TITHES: and the Levites shall bring up the TITHE of the TITHES unto the house of our God, to the chambers into the treasure house." Again, no mention of money, only agricultural products of the fields, and only the Levites and priests could have access to these tithes and offerings in the house of God. [11] Nehemiah 12:44, "And at that time were some appointed over the chambers for the treasures, for the offerings, for the fruitfruits, and for the TITHES, to gather into them out of the fields of the cities the portions of the law for the priests and Levites: for Judah rejoiced for the priests and for the Levites that waited." Nothing new in this verse that, we have not already discussed. [12] Nehemiah 13:5, 12 "And he had prepared for him a great chamber, where aforetime they laid the meat offerings, the frankincense, and the vessels, and the TITHES of the corn, the new wine, and the oil, which was commanded to be given to the Levites, and the singers, and the porters; and the offerings of the priests." "Then brought all Judah the TITHE of the corn and the new wine and the oil unto the treasuries." Same story: ONLY agricultural products, and ONLY to the Levites and priests. [13] Amos 4:4, "Come to Bethel, and transgress; at Gilgal multiply transgression; and bring your sacrifices every morning, and your TITHES after three years." [14] Malachi 3:8-10, "Will a man rob God? Yet ye have robbed me. But ye say, Wherein have we robbed thee? In tithes and offerings�" This Malachi Prophecy is covered in much greater detail in Part II of this paper, and so I will give just one more Scripture to help us understand how the priests of Malachi�s prophecy may have been living so as to bring upon them the condemnation of God�s judgments: "And the priest�s custom with the people was, that, when any man offered sacrifice, the PRIEST�S servant came, while the flesh was in seething, with a flesh hook of three teeth in the hand; And he struck it into the pan, or kettle, or caldron, or pot; all that the flesh hook brought up the priest took for himself. So they did in Shiloh unto all the Israelites that came thither. Also before they burnt the fat, the priest�s servant came, and said to the man that sacrificed, Give flesh to roast for the PRIEST; for he will not have sodden flesh of thee, but raw. And if any man said unto him, Let them not fail to burn the fat presently, and then take as much as thy soul desires; then he would answer him, Nay, but thou shall give it me now: and if not, I will take it by force. Wherefore the sin of the young men was very great before the Lord: for MEN ABHORRED the offering of the Lord." (I Sam. 2:13:17). Don�t these verses sound as if they came right out of the book of Malachi? [15] Matt. 23:23 and Luke 11:42 are discussed in greater detail in Part II of this paper. CONCLUSION Now I�m going to preach at you for just a few minutes, and then I�ll let you go. Turn to Gal. 6:14-16: "Now may it not be mine to be boasting, except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision is anything, but a NEW CREATION. And whoever shall observe the elements by this rule, peace be on them, and mercy, also on the Israel of God." What is "...this rule...?" We are no longer doing things according to the flesh. Circumcision was the single most important ritual for a man in Israel to do. Yet circumcision is physical (of the letter and of the flesh), even water baptism is physical (of the letter and of the flesh), sacrificing animals is physical (of the letter and of the flesh), tithing is physical (of the letter and of the flesh), etc., etc., etc. "...God, Who also makes us competent dispensers of a NEW covenant, not of the letter, but of the spirit, for the letter is killing, yet the spirit is vivifying [giving life]" (II Cor. 3:6). The physical is but a tiny microcosm of the spiritual macrocosm. Cutting a few centimeters of skin from a boy�s penis does not make him a spiritual man! But all of these rituals and ceremonies of the Old Covenant pointed to a future SPIRITUAL reality. True circumcision is not of the flesh, but of the heart, mind, soul, and spirit�it virtually has nothing to do with a few centimeters of physical skin. "For not that which is apparent is the Jew, nor yet that which is apparent in flesh is circumcision; but that which is hidden IS the Jew, and circumcision is of the heart, in spirit, not in letter, whose applause is not of men, but of God" (Rom. 2:29). Jesus Christ is not interested in the letter, in the physical, in the flesh. "Now those who are in the flesh are not able to please God" (Rom. 8:8). Even baptism is of the heart. The thief on the cross was not baptized in water, yet Jesus said he would be with Him when He comes in His kingdom. "...whoever are baptized into Christ Jesus, are baptized into His DEATH" "His death," not water. "We, then, were entombed together with Him through baptism into death, that, even as Christ was roused from among the dead through the glory of the Father, thus we also should be walking in newness of life" (Rom. 6:3-4). It�s all about the SPIRIT--not water, foreskins, and money! God doesn�t need or want ten percent of anything we have. God wants one hundred percent. Christ died for ALL OF YOU, and He wants ALL OF YOU, not just a percentage! God doesn�t want your money; He wants YOU! You are already bought and paid for in full by Christ Jesus -- don�t try to add your two cents. We are now to live on a standard far above what we ever knew before Christ called us to become new creatures in the spirit. This can only be done through the power of God�s spirit. Our flesh is profiting NOTHING. "Yet you are not in flesh, but IN SPIRIT, if so be that God�s spirit is making its home in you" (Rom. 8:9). One living in the spirit is not all concerned about physical things of the letter and of the flesh. The apostle Paul wasn�t called to "baptize," "circumcise," or "collect tithes." The kingdom of God is not food and drink. Paul�s whole ministry was proof of that--see my paper, "Paul�s Splinter in the Flesh." If people feel they need to give something to God, something physical, something they can see and feel good about, then try this: "I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove that is that good and acceptable and perfect, will of God" (Rom. 12:1-2). The Apostle Paul said: "Every man according as he purposes in his heart, so let him give, not grudgingly, or of NECESSITY: for GOD LOVETH A CHEERFUL GIVER." (II Cor.. 9:7). I would not give another penny to televangelists who peddle the word of God like some cheap merchandise for money. And the amount of money they extort from the public is colossal. What in the world do they do with all that money? Never have SO MANY� accomplished SO LITTLE � with SO MUCH! The real missionaries of the Gospel of Jesus Christ have not flown first class to cushy hotels in exotic lands to teach the natives while dressed in their $3000 suits! The real missionaries were often down in the trenches with few if any luxuries. And there are still to be found such dedicated dispensers of God�s Word. These are the ones that are in need of financial support, for sure. These are those who truly are "worthy of their hire." HELP THE NEEDY, NOT THE GREEDY Give to the fatherless, the orphans, the strangers, the widows, the poor, and the needy, the homeless, and the beggar on the street, as God gives to you, the wherewithal. Give to reputable charities if you have extra. Give to your family members and relatives in need�don�t humiliate them by making them ask you first. Give to a neighbor in financial distress. Even when tipping someone, let it be a reflection of the One that you are representing in your Christian walk. Our God is a generous God�may you become generous also. Develop a "love for giving." Paul tells us in Acts 20:35b to: Remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how He said, IT IS MORE BLESSED TO GIVE THAN TO RECEIVE -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Part II Scriptural Proof that Christian Tithing is a Hoax and The Malachi Prophecy I marvel that more people are not totally embarrassed by the way the world of Christendom exacts money from the poor and peddles the Word of God like so much merchandise for sordid gain. It is an international disgrace. I will not mince words, so get ready for some startling revelations. WHAT WE WILL LEARN What is the real message of Malachi�s prophecy for believers today? Did Paul finance his international ministry through the tithing system? Is there even one example of Christians paying tithes in the Bible? Why did Jesus not pay tithes or the Temple tax commanded by the Law of Moses? Will you or anyone be "cursed with a curse" for not tithing? THE SCRIPTURES KNOW NOTHING OF "CHRISTIAN TITHING" Jesus Christ�s followers did not pay tithe to Him from farm products or herds; neither did His followers pay Him ten percent of their salaries from other sources of income. "Christian tithing" is an oxymoron�it is a contradiction of words. Nay, it is more: it is, in fact, a Christian hoax! "Christian tithing" is about as Scriptural as "Christian burnt offerings," "Christian stonings," or "Christian synagogues." The leaders of Christendom have bamboozled millions (billions) of unsuspecting laity into believing that "Christian tithing" is a Scriptural command from God Himself, and can easily be found and supported in the pages of Divine Scripture. Oh really? Of the 613 laws contained in the first five books of the Bible written by Moses, why is it that aside from the ten commandments, "tithing" is virtually the only other law that the modern Church tries to retain? They retain it in name only, however, since there is nothing similar between Moses� law of tithing" and "Christian tithing" except the aspect of ten percent. Christian tithing is an extra-biblical concept and doctrine�aside from the ten percent it has nothing in common with the tithing law of Moses, and was never practiced by the New Testament Church. Not only is Christian tithing taught to be needful, it is taught as if it were a divine, binding LAW. But there is no such thing as a "Christian tithing law" in the New Testament Scriptures. It is a heresy, used by the Church, independent cults, and charlatans of every description, as a club to beat and threaten parishioners into surrendering ten percent of their salaries in obedience to this phantom law. All are forewarned that failure to pay this 10% Church tax will cause them to be "cursed with a CURSE!" There is indeed "a curse," but it is not God Who pronounces it. NO TITHING IN THE CHURCH OF THE APOSTLES We have Scriptural proof that no such law or custom as Christian tithing was taught or practiced in the Church by the early apostles. Their epistles are totally devoid of any such tithing custom or law. Gentile converts were never taught to tithe to anyone. Although the temple and priesthood in Jerusalem remained until 70 AD, not even Jewish converts were taught to give their tithes to the Apostles rather than to the temple priests. In the Acts 15 Jerusalem Conference we find outlined what the apostles all agreed was necessary for the newly converted Gentiles to practice, and by inspiration of the Holy Spirit of God, tithing is conspicuously missing. Some believing Pharisees wanted the apostles to teach the Gentiles to keep the Law of Moses (which certainly contained the law of tithing, Acts 15:5), but the apostles headed by Peter, James, and Paul would not hear of it (Acts 15:28-29)! Yet, what is one of the very first legislated duties taught to Gentile converts by the Church today? It is that they must tithe their annual salaries to the Church. Where did this unscriptural law of Christian tithing come from? Notice this telling bit of history from the my Encyclopedia Britannica, "Tithes in Christendom�The earliest authentic example of anything like a law of the State enforcing payment appears to occur in the capitularies [ecclesiasticals] of Charlemagne at the end of the 8th or beginning of the 9th century. Tithes were by that enactment to be applied to the maintenance of the bishop, clergy, the poor, and the fabric of the church. In the course of time the principle of payment of tithes was extended FAR BEYOND its original intention. Thus they became transferable to laymen and saleable like ordinary property, in spite of the injunctions of the third Lateran Council; and they became payable OUT OF SOURCES OF INCOME [not just farming and herding, but other trades and occupations and salaries paid in the form of money] NOT ORIGINALLY TITHABLE." (1963, volume 22, page 253, �TITHES�). They "extended" their base of tithe collecting to eventually include all forms of income. All Christian scholars know that although money was in wide use in ancient Israel, it was never a titheable commodity. But modern Christian pastors of God�s sheep don�t want tithes of goats or oil or corn�they want money�cold hard cash. God has a word to the "shepherds of the sheep," and it is the very same message that He had for the Levites in the book of Malachi. And it is this: "My people have been lost sheep [Why? How did they get that way?] their SHEPHERDS have caused them to go astray" (Jer. 50:6). Was Israel consciously aware of the fact that; they were being led astray by their spiritual leaders? Not most, and neither is the world of Christendom today aware that they are being lead astray by their spiritual leaders. THE MYSTERY OF MALACHI REVEALED It is the book of Malachi that today�s clergy uses as their main authority for promulgating the doctrine of "Christian tithing." Christian tithing means that everyone must give 10% of their gross income (which is in the form of MONEY, 99%+ of the time), or they will be "cursed with a curse." It will be well worth your time to read the real meaning of Malachi�s prophecy. Mostly one will hear only three verses of Malachi quoted by those attempting to wrest a doctrine of Christian tithing from this prophecy. Here are the "cursing" verses: "Will a man rob God? Yet ye have robbed Me. But ye say, Wherein have we robbed Thee? In tithes and offerings. Ye are cursed with a curse: for ye have robbed Me, even this whole nation" (Malachi 3:8-9). Here is the "blessing" verse: "Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat [bread] in Mine house, and prove Me now herewith, says the Lord of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that thee shall not be room enough to receive it" (Malachi 3:10). Their interpretation of these proof texts are as follows: Rob God of His ten percent of your salary and be CURSED, or pay God ten percent of your salary and be BLESSED. Before we go any further, just who is cursing whom in this Malachi prophecy? Does God, indeed, say, "You are CURSED with a curse" (Mal. 3:9)? This definitely sounds as if it is GOD Who is doing the cursing, doesn�t it? But say, did you notice that the word "are" in your Bible is in italics? That means that the word was supplied by the translators and was not in the original manuscripts. Remove it, and the verse says: "You cursed�" rather than "You are cursed�" Is it God, or Israel, who is doing the cursing in this verse? The Sopherim (Jewish Scribes) understood this verse to say that it was Israel "cursing God" rather than "God cursing Israel." I have a few translations that make this correction: "With the curse YOU are cursing [me], and me YOU are robbing�the nation in its entirety." And: "With a curse you curse Me, and Me you are defrauding�the nation, all of it" (Mal. 3:9, Concordant Version of The Old Testament). We must always keep in mind that when the Bible says "tithes" it means products from the land�as grains and cattle. But when the Priests of Christendom say "tithes," it always means money. Because the clergy prefers to be paid in money, it therefore, became necessary to change the Biblical use of the word "tithes" to now include money. And if "money" can now be shown to be a tithable commodity, guess what? Abracadabra, hocus-pocus, open sesame�every believer, of every occupation in the whole world (not just the farmers as in the Law of Moses), now is required to pay ten percent of his income to the Church. They increased their base of productivity a hundred fold. What then is the 21st Century application of this Malachi Prophecy? Are we now to tithe money? Let�s read Malachi 3:10 very carefully: WHAT were they robbing God of? "tithes AND offerings." Tithes of what? Products from the land�grains and cattle. WHERE were they to bring the tithes? To the "storehouse" [Hebrew: �garner�-- a granary for grain]. WHY did God want these tithes of the land brought to the "storehouse" (the granary)? "That there may be meat [bread] in Mine house [God�s house, Not the granary]." If there is no spiritual application of these statements and we rather take them literally, there appears to be a contradiction here. Why should the people bring the tithes to the "storehouse" (a granary for storing grain) when what God wanted was "bread in His house," (the tabernacle/Temple, and not the "storehouse")? The only food in God�s house�the tabernacle, was a dozen loaves of bread. And that bread was for the Priests only, not for the tribe of Levi. Since there were only twelve loaves of bread in the Tabernacle/Temple of God, are we to believe that the whole nation of Israel did not bring enough grain to the storehouse to make even twelve loaves of bread? God does not contradict Himself, there needs to be something other than a need for enough grain from the whole nation of Israel to make twelve loaves of bread! Just what does God mean, "that there may be meat [bread] in Mine house?" Is God really reprimanding Christians of the 21st Century through Malachi�s prophecy to bring our checkbooks to church, "that there may be money in Mine house?" Yet this is the teaching of the Church regarding Malachi�s message. What is the Truth? Does God ask Israel to bring all the tithes and offerings into the storehouse, or treasury, or granary, so that there will be "tithes and offerings in Mine house?" No. God says so, "that there may be meat in Mine house?" We know that they did not bring the tithes and offerings into the holy place of the tabernacle. Only bread was kept in the holy place. The "bread" in the holy place was a type of something future, just as everything that happened to Israel and all of their offerings and ceremonies were a type of something future (I Cor. 10:11). He must indeed be spiritual blind who cannot see that the "bread" in the holy place foreshadows "The True Bread of Life�Jesus Christ." If God wanted more money in His house, why did Jesus do what He did in the House of God? "And Jesus went into the temple of God, and cast out all them that sold and bought in the temple, and overthrew the tables of the MONEY changers� and said unto them, It is written, My house shall be called the house of prayer; but ye have made it a den of thieves" (Matt. 21:12-13). THE CHRISTIAN INTERPRETATION OF BRINGING IN THE TITHE The Christian interpretation of Malachi 3:10 is this: "Bring ye all the tithe MONEY and extra offerings of money to the church bank, that there may be money in the Church." Granted, they might not enunciate it that crudely, but that is what they teach. Ask virtually any pastor of any church, "How do I, starting today, actually obey this prophecy of Malachi to stop "robbing God of His tithes and offerings?" and he will tell you to write out a check in the name of his church, for 10% of your salary (plus an offering), and that check will then be deposited into the church bank account. Then ask these same pastors what kind of blessings you will receive for obeying this procedure, and they will probably tell you stories where people received huge amounts of material goods and even huge amounts of more money. This is their interpretation of God "opening the windows of heaven and pouring out a blessing." And there are ministers by the tens of thousands at this very moment preparing more stories and more yarns on how blessed one will become in every imaginable physical, earthly, and material things for giving them (they would say, giving God) your money. Is this really how God wants us of the 21st Century to apply Malachi�s prophecy to our lives? I speak as a fool. This prophecy has absolutely nothing to do with tithing money to the Church. Does God suggest somewhere in this prophecy that there isn�t enough "money in His house?" Is Jesus Christ coming back to this earth to judge these "priests" because the "people" failed to bring enough money to the storehouse so that there would be money in God�s house? Is it a lack of money that concerns God in this prophecy? No, it is both the people and the priests who have corrupted themselves according to this prophecy. But like always, God holds the priests to a much higher standard and therefore they receive the greater condemnation. There are two groups of judgments in this prophecy: [1] "Behold I will send My Messenger� But who may abide the day of His coming? And who shall stand when He appears? For He is like a refiner�s fire, and like fullers� soap: and He shall sit as a refiner and purifier of silver: and He shall PURIFY the sons of Levi, and purge them as gold and silver, that they may offer unto the Lord an offering in righteousness" (Mal. 3:1-3). [2] "And I will come near to you to judgment [not just the priests, but many of the people as well]; and I will be a swift witness against the sorcerers, and against the adulterers, and against false swearers, and against those that oppress the hireling in his wages, the widow, and the fatherless, and that turn aside the stranger from his right, and fear not Me, says the Lord of hosts" (Mal. 3:5). It is amazing how the clergy make most people think that the only thing of value in the book of Malachi are these three verses on "robbing God" and "receiving a blessing." There are four whole chapters in this book, and maybe it should behoove us to see what the rest of this book has to say. Here are just a few more things contained in Malachi: "You offer polluted bread upon My altar� if ye offer the blind for sacrifice, is it not evil? And if ye offer the lame and sick, is it not evil�" (1:7-8). "And now, O ye priests, this commandment is for you� I will curse your blessings� Behold, I will corrupt your seed, and spread dung upon your face�" (2:1-3). "But you have departed out of the way� ye have corrupted the covenant of Levi� therefore I have also made you contemptible and base before all the people�" (2:8-9). "Behold, I will send my Messenger� But who may abide the day of His coming� He is like a refiner�s fire [like the lake of fire] �And He shall sit as a refiner and purifier of silver: and He shall purify the sons of Levi� that they may offer unto the Lord an offering in righteousness" (3:13�See Isa. 6:29). "Then they that feared the Lord spoke often one to another: and the Lord hearkened, and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before Him for them� And they shall be mine, says the Lord of hosts, in that day when I made up my jewels; and I will spare them� Then shall ye return, and discern between the righteous and the wicked, between him that serves God and him that serves Him not [�Do you not know that the saints shall judge the world?� I Cor. 6:2)]" (3:16-18). "And He shall turn the heart of the fathers to the children, and the heart of the children to their fathers, lest I come and smite the earth with a curse" (4:6) MALACHI AND THE BREAD OF LIFE Malachi contains a prophecy and information "for OUR admonition upon whom the ends of the world are come" (I Cor. 10:11). There is no tabernacle/temple administered by the priests of Levi today, nor for two thousand years. Malachi is not speaking to Christians about tithing money to the church. The literal physical circumstances extent in the Church in Malachi�s day is but a type, a shadow, of a spiritual reality for our day and for all those called since the Resurrection of Jesus Christ. It was from the tithes that the Priests of Levi selected the "sacrifices." There lies the problem for ancient Israel and the problem for the Church today. Let me explain the problem with Israel and her priests in a nutshell: God says: "I have LOVED you�" Israel asks: "wherein have you loved us?" (Mal. 1:2). God said: "If then I be a Father, where is mine honour? My fear? O priests, that despise My name." The priests ask: "Wherein have we despised Thy name? (1:6). God says: "Ye offer polluted bread upon Mine alter�" The priests ask: "Wherein have we polluted Thee?" (1:7). God says: "And if ye offer the blind for sacrifice, is it not evil? ,..the sick and the lame� is it not evil?" (1:8). God says: "I have no pleasure in you� NEITHER WILL I ACCEPT AN OFFERING AT YOUR HAND" (1:10). Let�s stop here a minute and consider what we have read. The Priests despise God�s name, and their sacrifices are, blind, sick and lame. And so God says He will not even accept their offering. So really, the people were tithing. But the quality of their tithes (from which they selected the sacrifices) was of an unacceptable quality. But was it this poor quality of sacrifices that really angered God? Not really. The sick and lame sacrifices were but a symptom of a much larger problem. God used their polluted sacrifices only as a physical, visual illustration to show them their sins and polluted hearts. For much of the remainder of this book, God unfolds to them their many sins and weaknesses. God says: "Ye are gone away from Mine ordinance, and have not kept them. Return unto Me, and I will return unto you�" (3:7). The priests ask: "Wherein shall we return?" (3:7). God says: "In tithes and offering" (3:8). God uses "tithes and offerings" to illustrate their attitude of mind and heart behind their giving. Tithes and offerings were all that God asked of the people to give Him. Everything else they could keep for themselves. But how much did they love God. How much did they appreciate God and all His goodness to them? What was their attitude of heart and mind toward God? Their "tithes and offerings" say it all: "You offer POLLUTED BREAD UPON MINE ALTAR" (1:7). All that was included in their "tithes and offerings"�firstfruits, tithes of the land, tithes of the herds, and altar offerings of every sort, were to God: "polluted bread upon Mine altar." They gave offerings (they WERE TITHING), but they were totally unacceptable. "�NEITHER will I accept an offering at your hand" (1:10). THE TYPE AND SHADOW IS FAR INFERIOR TO THE REALITY Malachi was a "prophet." Moses was also a prophet, "And there arose not a prophet since in Israel like unto Moses" (Deut. 34:10). And Jesus Christ did not come to destroy the "prophets," but rather to "fulfill [the prophets]" (Matt. 5:17). Under the Prophet Moses, God fed the nation of Israel bread in the wilderness. "Our fathers did eat manna in the desert; as it is written, He gave them bread from heaven to eat" (John 6:31). Under the Prophet Malachi God said they should bring the tithes into the storehouse so that there would be "�meat in My house, and prove me now herewith, says the Lord of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of HEAVEN, and pour you out A [keep in mind that this blessing is singular�a blessing] blessing that there shall not be room enough to receive IT [again, singular]" (Mal. 3:10). This may well be one of the most misunderstood and wrongly preached verses in the Bible. The word "meat" in this verse comes from a Hebrew word taraph, and means "to pluck off or pull to pieces; to supply with food (as in morsels)" (Strong�s Hebrew Dictionary, p. 105, #2963). From this pulling to pieces, plucking off, and morsels, comes the phrase "breaking bread." There undoubtedly was, more grains in the storehouse (to bake bread), than any other food commodity. Now then, listen and learn what I have to show you next, and you will know and understand more about the Old Testament Prophets than do most theologians. What did Jesus have to say to the Jews about the "bread from heaven" which they said their fathers ate in the desert? "Then Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, [truly, truly], I say unto you, Moses gave you NOT THAT BREAD FROM HEAVEN; but My Father gives you the TRUE BREAD from heaven. For the bread of God is HE which comes down from heaven and gives life unto the world" (John 6:32-33)! What? How can Jesus say that? The Jews said that their fathers ate "bread from heaven." Moses said that, "He gave them bread from heaven to eat." But Jesus said, "Moses gave you NOT that bread from heaven; but My Father gives you the TRUE bread from heaven. Is Jesus contradicting the very Word of God? No, a thousand times No: He is fulfilling the words of the prophets just as He said in Matt. 5:17. The bread in the desert was only the type of bread from heaven, which in reality, and in fulfillment, pointed to Jesus Christ, the "TRUE bread from heaven." The same is true for Malachi. The "polluted bread" of Malachi is but the type of the unpolluted, pure, "TRUE bread from heaven,� which is Jesus Christ. But to receive this "blessing from heaven," we must bring all our tithes, all that we have to offer God, into the storehouse so that there will be "meat [unpolluted bread] in Mine house." Now then, does God want unpolluted animals? No. Does God want unpolluted produce from the land? No. Does God want unpolluted money? No. Well what king of sacrifice does He want then? God wants you! All of you! You, yourself, are the sacrifice that God wants. "I beseech [invitation, invocation, imploration, exhortation] you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice holy [not polluted], acceptable [not like in Malachi where God says, �neither will I accept an offering at your hand�], unto God, which is your reasonable service" (Rom. 12:1). As it is our �bodies� that house our mind, heart, and spirit, we will also cover those attributes which are necessary in order for our "living sacrifice" to be acceptable unto the Lord. Seriously, dear readers, of what value are physical material offerings to God, if the ones making the offerings are themselves, "polluted bread?" Does God really desire physical things? God has already created BILLIONS OF GALAXIES full of "physical things." Billions of galaxies do not fulfill God�s desire for the love, obedience, and admiration of children. God wants children. God wants children�Sons and Daughters in His Own image. But God will not accept children whose character is likened to "polluted bread." We will cover the quality traits of spiritual character that God desires of all His sacrifices. FIRST THE PHYSICAL AND THEN THE SPIRITUAL "Howbeit that was not first which is spiritual, but that which is natural; and afterward that which is SPIRITUAL" (I Cor. 15:46). Now then, was that bread that the fathers ate in the desert the "TRUE bread from heaven?" No, it clearly was not, Jesus said it was not! And so, can we not see, can we not believe, can we not understand, that Jesus Christ IS "�the TRUE bread from heaven. For the bread of God IS HE which comes down FROM HEAVEN and gives life unto the world" (John 6:32b-33). Hold this thought �� And now back to Malachi again: "Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse that there may be meat [bread] in Mine house, and prove me now herewith, says the Lord of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it" (Malachi, 3:10). This is vital to understand: God does not berate the people or the priests for the lack of quantity in their tithes and offerings and sacrifices, but rather a lack of quality. Here is absolute Scriptural proof of what I say. They brought offerings, but why would God not accept their offerings? Because they offered "blind, lame and sick sacrifices." And why did they do that? Because they themselves were spiritually blind, lame and sick. There was quantity to their offerings, but not quality. "And if ye offer the blind for sacrifice, is it not evil? And if ye offer the lame and sick, is it not evil? Offer it now unto your governor; will he be pleased with you, or accept your person? Says the Lord of hosts" (Mal. 1:8). FINE FLOUR AND PURE FRANKINCENSE VS. POLLUTED BREAD And how is it that God views these evil sacrifices: "Ye [all of you] offer polluted bread upon mine altar�" (Ver. 7). There is the whole ball of wax! And so it is in today�s Church. The problem is not a lack of money, but offering polluted bread upon the altar of God. God wants "Pure and Fine Bread": "And you shall take fine flour, and bake twelve cakes� And you shall put pure frankincense upon each row, that it may be on the bread� And it shall be Aaron�s and his sons�; [the priests] and they shall eat it in the holy place�" (Lev. 24:5-9). Remember: first is the natural, the physical, and then comes the spiritual. And so the children of Israel ate the "bread from heaven" in the wilderness. There was sufficient quantity, but it lacked quality. It did not possess the quality of True LIFE�they all DIED in the desert except for Caleb and Joshua in that generation. The spiritual fulfillment of this type of physical bread in the desert is that Jesus Christ is "The True Bread of LIFE." Likewise, the quantity of bread being offering by the priests on the altar of God was not the problem, but rather the quality of those offerings. The spiritual bread (the spiritual food for the people) being offering in the Church today is not lacking in quantity, but rather quality. There is "bread," yes, but it is "polluted bread." The opposite of "polluted" is "pure." God�s religion is PURE: Erewhon rated this answer

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Erewhon asked on 01/04/06 - How black-hearted is it possible to be, and how low has a person sunk when they find murder acceptab Regarding the missionaries shot in Chesapeake, a 'person' wrote: 01/04/06 Choux It's come to this. "Getting rid of pushy religious zealots peddling their brand of religion door to door is difficult as we all know....guess we have to shoot them dead to send a message!: How black-hearted is it possible to be, and how low has a person sunk when they find murder an acceptable substitute for their lack of interpersonal skills? Do they still qualify as human beings after they have become so degraded and insensitive? revdauphinee answered on 01/04/06: wouldnt it just be more compasionate to just let em know your not interested in the doctrine they are espousing?? Erewhon rated this answer

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STONY asked on 01/04/06 - ON TITHING... TWO CHECKS GET WRITTEN AT THE BEGINING OF THE MONTH, MY RENT AND MY TITHES. THE REST OF THE BILLS ARE SECONDARY IN NATURE. I'VE TRIED STRETCHING OUT MY TITHES OVER THE MONTH BUT USUALLY WHEN I DO THAT I COME UP SHORT BEFORE THE MONTH IS OVER AND I STILL OWE GOD. TO ME IT'S MUCH EASIER TO GIVE GOD THE FIRST FRUITS............. revdauphinee answered on 01/04/06: I have to agree with aton on this I have to know where my gifts are going,i would rather give to a poor family than to a branch of an organised religion that uses it for resons I (or Jesus )would never agree to! STONY rated this answer

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cavil asked on 01/03/06 - How would you prove Jesus existed? If you were in the same situation as Father Enrico Righi how would you prove that Jesus existed? Think about that. It must be done in a court of law where various kinds of evidence are accepted and others rejected. But it�s the type that is usually accepted that counts in most courts. There are several books and letters in the Bible that can not be shown to be here say. Which ones would you use and how? Also is there anything in the book of Acts that is helpful in that regard. Think about it. There is much physical evidence of Jesus� existence. Do you know what they are and how to use them? Then there is the huge amount of circumstantial evidence has adds much weight when linked to the other evidence available. All that together in a fair court of law will win the case. Have a good, generous, and prosperous New Year, Cavil revdauphinee answered on 01/03/06: one could refer to documents other than the bible such as Josephus!personaly I donr need proof I accept on faith for it is written 29 Then Jesus told him, "Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed." ATON2 rated this answer cavil rated this answer

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sapphire630 asked on 01/03/06 - Not depressed anymore On Christmas eve I got a check from my student loan that I wasn't expecting for at least 3 more months. So I can go buy another truck and have enough to start the business I have been trying to start for the past 3 years. I will miss my last truck because it was one of my favorite, but at least I won't be stuck broke and without one now. Thanks everyone and happiest New Year ever sapph revdauphinee answered on 01/03/06: God works in mysterious ways I am so glad for you sapphire630 rated this answer

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ROLCAM asked on 01/02/06 - 2006 New Year's Resolutions ?? Are you prepared to share with us ,one of your New Year's Resolutions ?? I intend to choose my words carefully in future not to be hurtful to anyone. rolcam. revdauphinee answered on 01/02/06: every time I make em I break em But I continue to do it every year. 1)take better care of my diet (being a diabetic) 2)try to be nicer LOL! 3)force myself to like housework 4)lose this list so next week when i forget it all i wont have a reminder ATON2 rated this answer Choux rated this answer ROLCAM rated this answer

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arcura asked on 12/31/05 - There is no question about this............... I wish, hope, and pray that each one of you make it through the new year and beyond. And that during 2006 you have all the good that you hope and pray for. Let the good things you do and say give glory to God, laying up treasures in heaven, and the blessings that come from that to be here for you all year long. Fred revdauphinee answered on 01/01/06: why do we have to relegate God to either sex ???he she has every aspect for without would not have created both! arcura rated this answer

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arcura asked on 12/30/05 - What rights do parents have about public schools teaching a religion? A federal appeals court is being asked to reconsider its ruling that allows public schools to teach junior high students how to "become Muslims." The Thomas More Law Center, a national public-interest law firm based in Ann Arbor, Michigan, is asking the entire Ninth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals to rule on what can be done in public schools with regard to teaching Islam and other religions. Several parents sued California's Byron Union School District for requiring their 7th-grade children to participate in a three-week class activity in which they not only had to study important Islamic figures and wear traditional Muslim attire, but were also required to observe the "five pillars" of the Islamic faith, adopt Muslim names, recite a portion of a Muslim prayer, and even stage their own "jihad" or "holy war." The plaintiffs' attorney, the Thomas More Law Center's Ed White, believes the school district violated the parents' and children's constitutional rights to free exercise of religion. Earlier, White had asked a three-judge panel of the Ninth Circuit to overturn a previous San Francisco federal district court's ruling that the Byron Union School District did not violate the U.S. Constitution. However, the Ninth Circuit panel of judges upheld the lower court's determination in a brief, unpublished memorandum decision. In that ruling, however, the panel overlooked and failed to rule on the plaintiff's claims that their free exercise and parental rights had been violated. The Thomas More Law Center has asked the three-judge panel to reconsider their decision and to issue a ruling on the claims not previously addressed. The Law Center has also asked all 24 active judges on the Ninth Circuit to consider and rule on the case. White says the Byron Union School District never informed the parents about an exercise that would be grading their children on how well they observed the tenets of Islam. In fact, he points out, "The parents were never told that there was even a way to opt their child out of such an activity." Actually, the only way the parents found out about the school's Islamic exercise, the attorney points out, was virtually by accident. He says a Byron Union District mom was "looking through her son's book bag and asked, 'Hey, what's all this stuff?' and the kid said, 'Oh, we're doing this in school now.' So the parents objected, but it was after the class [activity] was over." So it was after the fact that parents learned how, for three weeks in 2001, their children were told they would "become Muslims" and had worn identification tags bearing their new Muslim names along with the Star and Crescent Moon symbols of Islam. The children received materials telling them to "Remember Allah always so that you may prosper," and they made banners to hang in the classroom, inscribing them with the Basmala, a phrase from the Koran used in Muslim prayers that is translated, "In the name of Allah, the Merciful, the Compassionate." Richard Thompson, chief counsel of the Thomas More Law Center, was disappointed by the San Francisco district court's ruling and the Ninth Circuit panel's decision to uphold it. He commented that if students had been instructed on Christianity in the same manner as they were on Islam in this case, the court would most likely have found a constitutional violation. Ed White agrees. The parents' lawyer says the courts should not be allowing this apparent double standard on the teaching of religion in public schools. When the Byron Union School District's teachers taught the children other religions in the seventh grade," he asserts, "they didn't go into any of these activities. When they taught Buddhism or Christianity, they didn't engage in these simulations [of Islamic observances]. They didn't have to practice the faith, memorize various parts of the Bible, et cetera." White has filed a petition for a rehearing of the case before the entire Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals. Chief counsel Richard Thompson says the appellate court needs to clarify in a published opinion just how far public schools can go in teaching about religion. revdauphinee answered on 01/01/06: if islaam is taught then so should Christianity be! arcura rated this answer

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arcura asked on 12/30/05 - SILENT WITNESS By Mark Fuhrman who is a��. New York Time best selling author has written a book about �The Untold Story of Terri Schiavo�s Death�. It�s titled �Silent Witness�. It is 272 pages long and retails for $25.95 Did you what Michael Schiavo did and did not do? Well�.. It�s a long story. If interested, read the book. Happy New Year, Fred revdauphinee answered on 01/01/06: havent read furmans book as yet but intend to arcura rated this answer

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arcura asked on 12/30/05 - Another media joke. What do you think of this one? Anchors Dan Rather and Peter Jennings, NPR Reporter Cokie Roberts, along with a U.S. Marine, assigned to protect them. were hiking through the Iraq desert one day when they were captured by Iraqis. They were tied up, led to a village, and brought before the leader. The leader said, "I am familiar with your western custom of granting the condemned a last wish; so, before we kill and dismember you, do you have any last requests?" Dan Rather said, "Well, I'm a Texan; so I'd like one last bowlful of hot spicy chili." The leader nodded to an underling who left and returned with the chili. Rather ate it all and said, "Now I can die content." Peter Jennings said, "I am Canadian, so I'd like to hear the song 'O Canada' one last time." The leader nodded to a terrorist who had studied the western world and knew the music. He returned with some rag-tag musicians and played the anthem. Jennings sighed and declared he could now die peacefully. Cokie Roberts said, "I'm a reporter to the end. I want to take out my tape recorder and describe the scene here and what's about to happen. Maybe someday someone will hear it and know that I was on the job till the end." The leader directed an aide to hand over the tape recorder and Roberts dictated some comments. She then said, "Now I can die happy." The leader turned and said, "And now, Mr. U.S. Marine, what is your final wish?" "Kick me in the ass," said the Marine. "What?" asked the leader. "Will you mock us in your last hour?" "No, I'm not kidding. I want you to kick me in the ass," insisted the Marine. So the leader shoved him into the open, and kicked him in the ass. The Marine went sprawling, but rolled to his knees, pulled a 9mm pistol from inside his cammies, and shot the leader dead. In the resulting confusion, he leapt to his knapsack, pulled out his M4 carbine, and sprayed the Iraqis with gunfire. In a flash, all the Iraqis were either dead or fleeing for their lives. As the Marine was untying Rather, Jennings, and Roberts, they asked him, "Why didn't you just shoot them? Why did you ask them to kick you in the ass?" "What," replied the Marine, "and have you three media jerks call me the aggressor?" revdauphinee answered on 01/01/06: would be funnier if it were not so close to the truth arcura rated this answer

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Erewhon asked on 12/26/05 - Just plain stupid, or fancy and stupid? Opinion - Martin Samuel The Times December 27, 2005 43 pensioners fell out of trees. Why? Stupidity Martin Samuel We�re not so much going to hell in a handcart, but over a ravine on an out-of-control lawnmower! THIS BEING Bank Holiday Tuesday, by now, more than 40,000 of you will have enjoyed a traditional British Christmas, spent covered in blood or smouldering slightly in one of this nation�s many delightful accident and emergency units. This has become such a feature of the holiday season that 40,000 more will be back over new year. A combination of five-year-old tree lights, made in Taiwan and bought cheap from that bloke in the precinct, an ignition problem with the Christmas pud owing to someone tearing the end off the Gordon Ramsay recipe in last week�s Times and Nana, 84, drawing Riverdance from the hat during the annual round of charades, will have combined to remove loved ones from the bosom of the family and place them somewhere else, probably in traction. The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) is so concerned with this growing problem that it issued guidelines on such head-scratchers as how to open and play with your presents, and how to cook lunch and then eat it. RoSPA misses the point. It�s not the festivities, stupid. It�s the stupid, stupid. Stupid people. Doing stupid things. All the stupid time. For life, not just for Christmas. Bungee jumps, doomed do-it-yourself missions, killer pets, unexpected explosions. The Hospital Episode Statistics, published each year, tell of a nation not so much going to hell in a handcart, but over a ravine on an out-of-control lawnmower while battling against a tankful of venomous arthropods. We hear a lot from the health authorities about smokers and the obese, but the stupid seem to have got away scot-free. Some fat guy, never hurt a soul, keels over in the high street; the NHS behaves as if he�s just been caught nicking the PlayStation from the paediatric unit. Terrible man. Smoked 40 a day. Loved a fry-up. I mean, do we have to treat him? Really, should we? Next morning, some joker almost blows his head off with a high-powered patio-cleansing water jet while trying to clear his earwax, and they can�t get the blue light out quick enough. I�m not saying we should stop helping fellow citizens in distress, but what about a little parity? If war has been declared on the fat and wheezy, what about the perfectly formed but stupid? Did you know that last year 343 adults received hospital treatment at our expense after falling from trees? I�ll tell you something about those people. They won�t be fat. Fat people see a tree, they�re not thinking Huckleberry Finn, they�re thinking nice bit of shade. It�s all these thin idiots who keep getting stuck up trees. That is why a properly streamlined NHS would first install a triage nurse for the stupid. Fat people, you can see coming, smokers you can smell, but these skinny timewasters are getting in under the radar. �So what�s he done? Broke his neck? How did he do that? Fell out of a tree? I see. Some sort of park worker is he, part of his job? An estate agent from Luton? Works out, wanted to show off. Well, I�m sorry, love, but he�s on his own. When he comes round ask him what he thought he was playing at.� Or, more to the point, what were you playing at, Grandpa, considering 43 of the 343 who plummeted through foliage last year were over the age of 60. Perhaps they were just young at heart, like the 306 adults who suffered serious injury in falls involving playground equipment, or the 117 adults who plunged from a cliff. Didn�t these innocents have mums and dads? Didn�t they have a person who screamed at them from the age of five: �Don�t go near the edge! � with eardrum-shattering intensity the moment they so much as wandered near a drop of more than 3ft? Weren�t they told the story of the little boy who got all his teeth knocked out from not paying attention near the swings? Children account for a lot of accidents (5,809 in playgrounds, 1,085 up trees), but for really spectacular flashes of stupidity, it takes a grown-up. Of the 12 injuries sustained through contact with venomous spiders and scorpions, not one victim was under 15. A kid sees a scorpion: he knows what to do. Only weird adults in bedsits keep tarantulas as pets. One guy was hurt by a crocodile. I�m presuming zookeeper. But 50 more became entangled with other reptiles. So a reasonable sample managed to cross a dangerous snake or lizard in a country that does not have either, and no clever Dick from a local health authority issued a pompous statement about that. There were six injuries from a prolonged stay in a weightless environment, including one in a person over 75, while 21 people fell foul of their pyjamas. Getting a gun is difficult in Britain, so accidentally shooting yourself should be even more so � yet 816 citizens managed it, at a rate of more than two per day. Think about that. If this were America, fine. It is easy to shoot yourself in America, or for someone to do it for you. Kids can pull it off, and frequently do. But in Britain we have to really work at redecorating a room with body parts. We need to get a licence, two referees, join a club, provide a letter from a landowner giving permission to shoot, and all this before peering down the barrel for cleaning purposes one morning and losing an ear. Yet 816 noble souls were prepared to go that extra yard in the pursuit of total foolishness. Just as Peter Cook was the comedians� comedian, they are the stupids� stupid. There will be a place in Heaven for them all, if not in their local casualty. Which, in our new perfect society, is how it should be. For by the time we�ve vetoed the fat, the nicotine-stained, the gravity-hating, the tree-dwelling, the gun-wielding, nightie-igniters, lizard-fanciers and the 3,972 that still can�t keep their thumb away from the hammer, A&E will be free for those spotless souls who have led utterly blameless, completely responsible and entirely irreproachable lives. At least there should be plenty of beds. >>>>>>>>>>>> Did you put yourdself in danger recently? If so, tell all! revdauphinee answered on 01/01/06: Did you put yourdself in danger recently? If so, tell all! yeah i was stupid at 66 yrs old I went skiing if thats not stupid what is? Erewhon rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 12/28/05 - worth the ride.............................. The Red Wagon It was the day after Christmas at a church in San Francisco. The pastor of the church was looking over the naivety when he noticed the baby Jesus was missing from among the figures. Immediately he turned and went outside where he saw a little boy with a red wagon and in the wagon was the figure of the infant of Jesus. So he walked up the the little boy and said, "Well, where'd you get Him, my fine friend? The little boy replied , "I got him from the church." "And why did you take him?" The little boy replied, "Well about a week before Christmas I prayed to the little Lord Jesus and I told him if he would bring me a red wagon for Christmas I would give him a ride around the block in it." revdauphinee answered on 12/30/05: good one thanks! paraclete rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 12/25/05 - not your average Christmas mass? Could this be a trendy way to get people back to church? Naked teenager streaks through church mass From: By Greg McLean December 26, 2005 A NORTHERN Territory teenager has run naked through a church and jumped up on the altar in the middle of a midnight Christmas mass. About 150 Catholic churchgoers in Alice Springs were stunned by the prank yesterday but reacted quickly to hold the naked reveller until police arrived. Father Brian Healy said the 18-year-old ran naked through the aisle before jumping up on the altar. "He must have planned it," he said. "As he ran into the church he was yelling something and then he ran around a bit and jumped on the altar. "He wasn't a part of the congregation. "Besides that I was quite pleased with the turnout - you always like to see more people at church but the people here had a lovely spirit and it was very Christ-like." Police were quick to arrest the streaker and he was charged with indecent exposure and disturbing a religious worship. He was granted bail on the condition that he not go within 200m of a place of worship. Alice Springs police watch commander Henry Sattler praised the efforts of churchgoers who held the streaker until police arrived. "As I understand it he was dancing around the altar provocatively," he said. "Some of the church members lost patience with him after he started dancing around the altar and grabbed hold of him. "I don't know if he was affected by alcohol or not. "It was a pretty busy night for police but other than that it was just your usual drunken revelry on Christmas Eve." revdauphinee answered on 12/25/05: I guess like geraldine he might say "the devil made him do it! Tex78 rated this answer paraclete rated this answer

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Choux asked on 12/24/05 - From Our Home to Your Home Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!! Mary Sue and Nick are enjoying the holidays in the luxurious comfort of their studio apartment which is so full of colors and sounds and good food! The small ceramic Christmas tree is bright with chistmas lights atop the bookcases, and Christmas presents gather around on the floor below; thank you Humanitarians! Football for two days including the Chicago Bears playing for a spot in the NFL Playoffs...imagine that! Doris gave me a super generous Christmas gift Monday....$30.00 and a bucket of Kentucky Fried Chicken!! Is she a good friend, or what? :):):) So many blessings....expecially a special friend who sent me an extremely generous check which came as a complete surprise. Last night--a long night of dreams, first the Ghost of Christmas past. I was in our old house on Malden Street, and young Mary Sue was snooping around for Christmas presents, and lo! I found my mother's Christmas gift list. There under my name was Lad a dog! I was so thrilled, a puppy to love!!! On Christmas morning, I opened a book with the same name. :) The Ghost of Christmas Present...Get the hell out of here.....I'm a Secular Humanist, I don't believe in ghosts or other supernatural entities!!! :):):) Poof!! Awake!! A Christmas Eve day and all my Christmas dreams came true. **MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL THE CHRISTIANITY BOARD MEMBERS AND MAY ALL YOUR CHRISTMAS DREAMS COME TRUE** **A HAPPY AND PROSPEROUS NEW YEAR FULL OF NEW HAPPY EXPERIENCES THAT MAKE YOUR LIFE SO FULFILLING** Mary Sue {;=D)) and Nick =^oo^= revdauphinee answered on 12/24/05: thank you and have a merry christmas and a great new year Choux rated this answer

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ROLCAM asked on 12/24/05 - Christmas Greetings. To all the members of ANSWERWAY. HAPPY CHRISTMAS. Enjoy this magnificent day. rolcam revdauphinee answered on 12/24/05: and may you and yours have a great christmas and a good new year Dorothy ROLCAM rated this answer

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HANK1 asked on 12/24/05 - JUST WONDERING ... ... when and exactly how Jesus received his magical powers. HANK revdauphinee answered on 12/24/05: if as I believe he was God incarnate then he always had powers I dont know if id call them magical! rather spiritual HANK1 rated this answer

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HANK1 asked on 12/24/05 - JUST WONDERING ... ... if God came to Earth as a boy who grew up to be Jesus. HANK revdauphinee answered on 12/24/05: I believe he did! HANK1 rated this answer

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deardra asked on 12/24/05 - aiming in the right direction I hope everyone is enjoying this holiday season! My dad told me some things about christianity and I was hoping to get some feedback from you. He says all this stuff about christianity and most every religion was created by men to help them face their fears of death and dying. Instinct for survivle is what he calls it. Most people arent comfortable with the idea that when they die its over. He said they developed theories that he calls fairy tales about heaven and eternity. Laws created by men to control the actions of society were writen down and passed off as words and rules from god. It makes sense to me. I was wondering if you find out your belief isnt true will you regret your efforts to live up to the rules of getting into heaven? Will you rather spend all your energy on guilt and fear or living a good life? Do you think it is a sin to accept christmas presents if you don't believe in the christmas fable? revdauphinee answered on 12/24/05: If your father is correct then what have I lost??nothing If I as a christian am correct then he looses eternal life! what a choice! I choose life! deardra rated this answer

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purplewings asked on 12/24/05 - Reincarnation: I thought somewhere it made a comment about being born into a new body.......What does the Bible say, if anything, regarding reincarnation? Thanks. revdauphinee answered on 12/24/05: the only vauge reference to reincarnation in scripture is whenin the following the disciples seemed to refere to it for if no reincarnation then how could the man have sinned before his present birth? John 9 1. As he went along, he saw a man blind from birth. 2. His disciples asked him, "Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?" 3. "Neither this man nor his parents sinned," said Jesus, "but this happened so that the work of God might be displayed in his life. so it seems the disciples believed in it ! purplewings rated this answer Tex78 rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 12/24/05 - Has God left the building? or would Jesus still be found in a traditional Church? The Dude is back in the building December 23, 2005 Christ is hip and the marketers are working hard to sell his message. Julia Baird reports. Modern saviour � we relate because He mixed with ordinary people off the street. Everybody liked Jesus Everybody wanted to hang out with Him Anything He wanted to do, He did He turned water into wine And if He wanted to He could have turned wheat into marijuana Or sugar into cocaine Or vitamin pills into amphetamines King Missile, Jesus Was Way Cool, 1990 IN 2005, Jesus is still cool. While the church, tarnished by pedophilia scandals, criticised for archaic attitudes to sexuality, and losing relevance due to an ageing hierarchy, is increasingly regarded with distrust and suspicion, Jesus is considered credible, authentic - and even hip. He has been touted by pop stars and presidents, was the subject of the annual Boyer lectures and will star as the awe-inspiring, majestic Aslan the Lion in the C.S. Lewis fairytale and Christian fable The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, one of this year's Christmas releases. This year, U2's lead singer, Bono, who has just been declared one of Time magazine's Persons of the Year, was heralded by Christianity Today for finally revealing the nature of his faith as centred on Jesus. The official church certainly does not inspire him, and he rued the fact that "religion can be the enemy of God. It's often what happens when God, like Elvis, has left the building." Bono said the core of his belief was "the person of Christ". He continued: "Christ teaches that God is love. What does that mean? What it means for me: a study of the life of Christ. Love here describes itself as a child born in straw poverty, the most vulnerable situation of all, without honour. I don't let my religious world get too complicated." Bono is not alone. Some of the more marketing-savvy Christian leaders in Australia are trying to improve the image of the church by promoting Jesus instead of themselves. Their research, commissioned by the Bible Society of NSW, has shown this is the only way to stop the decline in the congregations of most mainstream churches in Australia - and their eventual collapse. According to the National Church Life Survey, between 1996 and 2001 Catholic Church attendance fell 13 per cent, Uniting Church congregations dropped 11 per cent and numbers at Anglican services fell 2 per cent. (Exceptions to this decline are some pentecostal and evangelical churches). This research on how best to market Christianity found that the church is associated with intolerance, hypocrisy and a lack of acceptance. A series of focus groups conducted by Market Access Consulting & Research found Jesus "was to a large degree separated from all of these things � many people indicated that they believed Jesus himself would reject the rule-bound, prescriptive, rigid and doctrinaire behaviours and attitudes that they themselves had rejected in their separation from involvement in formalised religion". This year a campaign built on these findings has been held in Adelaide, and another kicks off in Canberra in March. The slogan is "Jesus. All About Life". Martin Johnson, the communications manager of the Bible Society, says the Adelaide campaign, costing almost $300,000, has been successful. A media-advertising blitz had been aimed at those who were young and questioning, people starting families and others in retirement. There had been 2000 responses to the website, churches had handed out 10,000 books, and many more discussions had been generated by ads in newspapers, and on TV, radio and billboards. Johnson believes it motivated "the quiet Christian to share their faith". A campaign in Brisbane will follow the one in Canberra. Sydney will come last, partly because the organisers are daunted by the idea of bringing together all the disparate and deeply divided denominations. "You know the Sydney church scene - can you imagine [Anglican Archbishop] Peter Jensen, [Hillsong pastor] Brian Houston and [senior minister of Christian City Church, Oxford Falls] Phil Pringle all in the one room?" Johnson laughs. "For us to be realistic, that has to happen, but it ain't going to happen overnight." THE problem is not all church leaders agree with others' interpretations of who Jesus is. Several men of the cloth are concerned that Jesus has become acceptable because He is viewed as a soft touch, who will not judge and who seeks only to love. Cardinal George Pell is increasingly worried that Jesus is portrayed as undemanding. "Sometimes people talk about Christ and you wonder if they have ever read the Gospels. [They talk] as though Christ were totally inclusive, so it doesn't matter if you are a terrorist, a robber or rapist, you are quite welcome, with no call to repentance." People need to understand, he argues, that "Jesus was not a wimp". There was nothing soft about His message: "The traditional Christmas call is a call not only to belief but repentance." Jensen agrees. He says ignorance has eroded the way people understand Jesus, and, for this reason, he decided to devote his Boyer lectures this year to the study of the life and significance of Jesus of Nazareth. While once most people would have read the Bible and Shakespeare as children, he says, today "there is less and less knowledge of the New Testament Jesus; the sheer weight of written material on all sorts of subjects means that our culture is going off in all sorts of directions". But this ignorance can provide an opportunity. Jensen believes the boomer generation, which so vehemently rejected religion, is passing, leaving the next generation free to rediscover the story of Jesus. "Younger people might not be attracted to the church, but I think they could be attracted to Jesus if they knew Him." At the same time, the danger of ignorance is that "the word Jesus will become a good word that we can pour all the words we want to into". This usually leads, says Jensen, to a tree-hugging-hippy kind of Jesus, who represents humanistic values such as tolerance and compassion. But this view of Jesus dilutes the power of His message. "We can't look at Him detached from the kingdom He proclaimed � repent and believe in the gospel - that was the message of Jesus." DO WE really cast Jesus in our own image? If so, what would an Australian Jesus look like? John Dickson, the assistant minister at St Andrew's Anglican Church in Roseville, is a best-selling Christian author who has just written A Spectator's Guide to Jesus. Australians, he says, "have always appreciated Jesus' subversive streak - the way He overturned human traditions, criticised the religious and financial elite and mixed with the sinners and outcasts. There is a Mambo T-shirt that has Jesus at the cricket, turning water into beer. That says it all." One key to His appeal in this country, he says, is "Australia's long love affair with the figure of the institutional rebel, and Jesus was certainly that. Ironically, the Jesus movement developed into one of the most monolithic institutions in history." This is why people see a gap between the Jesus of the Bible and the institutional church: "One of the great challenges for the church today is to work out how to be the community Jesus envisaged without becoming the thing He despised." A Moore College lecturer, Michael Jensen, who is researching a doctorate on Jesus at Oxford, believes the mateship ethos has shaped the way Australians think of Jesus. "The Crocodile Dundee example is famous, of course. He says something like, 'Jesus was a fisherman, and so He'd be my mate.' Never mind that Jesus was a carpenter. I think we have tended to emphasise the 'outsider' part of the Jesus story; we relate strongly to that experience, I suppose. He becomes a battler alongside the rest of us battlers. "Of course, this overlooks huge parts of the Jesus story as the Gospels tell it to us. The miraculous element of the Jesus story - which is essential to it - tends to be conveniently removed." What is also removed, Michael Jensen and Dickson concur, is anything Jesus said that might make people uncomfortable. Even - or, perhaps, especially - churchmen are bound to cast Jesus in their own image. Ask a group of clergy what Jesus would do if He were in Sydney for Christmas, and the answers vary wildly. Some think He would prefer to sober us, rather than soothe us. Michael Jensen says: "I think He might remind us all that this is not heaven, despite our belief that it certainly comes close at this time of year. Jesus might point out the dark side of the city. We like to think of ourselves as tolerant, and we are: we tolerate organised crime and government corruption; we tolerate ongoing poverty; we tolerate injustice on the basis of race; we tolerate the mistreatment of outsiders; we tolerate the crassest greed; we tolerate the abuse of children. I think Jesus would want to remind us that because of these things, the wrath of God is coming." Dickson guesses Jesus might turn up at the cricket to turn water into beer, and make the Mambo dream come true. But He wouldn't just hang out and heckle the umpire: "You can also be sure He would take the opportunity to drive home to us some of His home truths - the meek will inherit the earth, turn the other cheek, love God with all your heart and your neighbour as yourself, etc." The national chaplain for Mission Australia, Bill Lawton, thinks that instead of going to church, Jesus might go to the beach or a mosque, and "try to engage people's imagination through storytelling about sand, surf and seagulls". Peter Jensen's first reaction is to say Jesus would "join in the local festivities because He likes parties". But when told Pell had answered that Jesus would go to St Mary's Cathedral for Mass, he laughs. "Oh, I guess He might go to His local church, then." Yes that Australian Jesus is certainly my type of Jesus revdauphinee answered on 12/24/05: I know nothing about the australian church but here in the USA there is very little of Jesus in the organised church and an awfull lot of thier own agendas ,I truly feel if Jesus appeared in one of them he would be asked to leave cause he didnt fit in to thier idea of what he is supposed to be .The Jesus of scripture and history cannot be found in the churches here (sory folks I truly believe this) paraclete rated this answer

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Choux asked on 12/23/05 - A Christmas Fable "Imagine that Jesus is what they said He was: the Son of God who was born in poverty, an outsider born to an outsider people. The Israel of his time was a desolate outpost in the Roman Empire. No doubt some Centurions saw the Jews as "camel jockeys" - those oppressed citizens of a sand-strewn Imperial ghetto. Jesus was an outcast among outcasts because of the questions of his parentage and His birth to a teenaged mother. He would eventually die a criminal, a political and spiritual revolutionary, a troublemaker. Now imagine that He chooses to return again - not as the conquering White Horse Rider from Revelations, an image designed to appeal to Romans (who traditionally paraded conquering generals through Rome on a white horse), but the way He came before: as an outcast with a message about the immediacy and universality of God's love. Ask yourself the question: How would Fox News cover His life? Remember: He's coming back the way He came before, in secret. So He might be a Jew again, or He might pick an even more disliked minority religion - Muslim, maybe. Or Unitarian. He might be a woman this time. Would He be born to a teenaged mother again - maybe in Detroit this time, or in Watts? He might come back as one of the "burakamin" in Japan, or as a Tibetan in China, a Pakistani in London, a Chicano in LA, a !Kung in Botswana. As a woman in Saudi Arabia, or a gay man in Idaho. Or an Arab in any American city. Maybe his family's last name would be the same as one of the villains from ൠ" or "Sleeper Cell." He would say what He said before, when He turned the water into wine: Everything is sacramental if you're open to the divine, whether it's been blessed by the authorities or not. He would fight the Sanhedrin of his time - the Falwells and Robertsons, the television preachers in their shining megachurches (sorry, we'll be closed this Christmas!), those who would close off the doors to God and pretend to speak in His name. And He would reject the politicians, too, and the wealthy. He or She ... this irritating, rebellious, subversive preacher from the ghetto or the soul. "Happy Holidays," He would say. Why? Because for him all are welcome to the Kingdom of God, not just a few. He embraced the Samaritan last time he was here - that representative of an outcast religion. This time He would surely reach out to the Hindu, the Buddhist, the Muslim, the Jain, the Jew - and the atheist. He would welcome the stranger at the door. "Happy holidays," He would say. "But aren't you the One this holiday is named for?" His followers would ask. "Yes," he would answer, "but the rejecters and haters aren't acting in My name, because they're not listening to my words." Since He had returned in a new human life, he would have a new name anyway. It would be the spirit, not the name, that mattered. "This lunatic," O'Reilly and Gibson would say, "is an enemy of Christmas. And a terrorist who destroys moneychanger's property." With Falwell and Robertson nodding approvingly, they would call for extreme measures. "Time," they would say, "for an execution." (And, just in case there's any doubt, let me be clear: Yes, I am saying that Bill O'Reilly would crucify the living Jesus if he ever had the opportunity. And that John Gibson would pat him on the back while he did it, with Falwell and Robertson's approval. Don't like it, guys? Too bad.) And when that execution finally took place (because, remember, we have a government that's pro-death penalty and "tough on crime" - except the white-collar kind)? It would be carried live ... on Fox. _________________________________ Luke 8:58: And Jesus said unto him, Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests; but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head. UPDATE: To those who have written me to explain that Jesus would have acted fiercely toward our country today because of its "tolerance" of abortion and its rejection to prayer in the schools, I refer them to this source document: a searchable King James Bible. The words "abortion" and "prayer in the schools" do not appear. (And they call themselves strict interpreters of the Bible!) To those who cite Bill O'Reilly's self-professed opposition to the death penalty I say, Tell it to the 30,000 Iraqi dead (probably more) as a result of the war he supports. Any guy who wants Al Qaeda to murder San Franciscans because he doesn't like the way they vote is not "opposed to the death penalty" - he'd impose it for the wrong politics. Oh, yeah - he'd take the Savior down if he had the chance ..." Comments..... revdauphinee answered on 12/24/05: But he wont! hell come back just as he said he would to rule the world in peace .its in scripture I believe it ! (Matt.16:27 For as lightning that comes from the east is visible even in the west, so will be the coming of the Son of Man. 30 "At that time the sign of the Son of Man will appear in the sky, and all the nations of the earth will mourn. They will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of the sky, with power and great glory. Choux rated this answer

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Choux asked on 12/23/05 - The Forgiveness of Time "In his weekend address defending the war, President Bush offered a shred of respect to his critics by saying that they were not the same as those he called 'defeatists.' Since the recent Iraq election offers some sign of progress, the U.S. may emerge from this war without defeat, although we may have to engineer it in the same way Vietnam was left behind. Time can be forgiving of even the worst mistakes. If the balance of good and bad news from Iraq tilts dominantly toward the good, the administration will probably be forgiven the 100,000 needless deaths, mostly of women and children, that the most reliable international estimates have counted. If the terrorists successfully attack the U.S. again, Bush's secretive wiretaps and other sidesteps of civil liberties might also be forgiven -- his argument that he is only protecting us by skirting the law already goes down well with his constituency in the heartland. If Iraq comes online as a major oil supplier and keeps the price of gasoline down, perhaps even more will be forgiven. Societies have an enormous capacity to move on despite devastating tragedies. During the last months of WW II, Japan's 20 largest cities lost up to half their population through fire-bombing from U.S. airplanes, yet this is rarely if ever held against us. War justifies a great deal that is unthinkable in peacetime. However, one hopes that the war-makers' cynical lies and distortions won't be forgiven soon. Or the supine willingness by Congress to back the administration's most reckless behavior so long as the pork barrel remains open. Or the disruption of civil liberties based on the mere hint of cooperating with Islamic fundamentalism. In the aftermath of this war we won't emerge the same as we went in, but it would be shameful if the authoritarian situation created by the politics of fear isn't reversed. Certain political groups thrive under such conditions, but the vast majority of citizens don't. The forgiveness of time means nothing if peace becomes just a slightly calmer state of fear." - Depak Chopra Commenta??? revdauphinee answered on 12/24/05: even with the election we will eventualy see they will vote in shiria law and end up in the pocket of iran after all our boys who have given thier lives for them just wait and see! Choux rated this answer

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Tex78 asked on 12/23/05 - What do you think of this? Should we not try to disagree, without being disagreeable? I never put down the Muslim people, the Hindu, or others. I will say that Jesus is the only way to salvation, but if they do not want to accept that, then I do not get angry with them. I do not get angry with Atheist, but I will tell them that Jesus is the Savior. If anyone does not want to accept Jesus, then that is their right. But if I want to believe in Jesus, that is my right, and it is not decent, or civilized, to say nasty things about Him, or us.. I would ask why do people think it is right to belittle Christians? Why do they think it is necessary to make nasty remarks about Jesus? Does it make them feel better, or are they trying to convince themselves that they are right? There is so much common sense in the word of God, that it amazes me how supposedly learned people cannot comprehend the truth when they hear, or read it.. In Jesus� name. M.L. revdauphinee answered on 12/23/05: amen tex I agree !and even when I am (as I often am)accused of hating moslems this is an untruth it is the teaching (which is false )that I hate or maybee if they are radical they actions they commit in the name of Islaam (such as bombings) and never the people themselves Tex78 rated this answer

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arcura asked on 12/23/05 - This is for BeelzeBUSH George and anyone who wants to comment. George, You said, "The New International Version of the Bible is a horrific translation". So what do you think is the best translation? It certainly can't be the King James Version. Even the English Church admits that it is riddled with hundreds of errors. What's your choice? Inquisitive minds want to know. Happy Holy Days, Fred revdauphinee answered on 12/23/05: I prefer the newer ones since we now have a better technology with wich to translate arcura rated this answer

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arcura asked on 12/22/05 - Why is it????.................................. Why is it OK if a person had faith in the theory of evolution but not OK if a person has faith in the theory of Intelligent Design? If studied properly both use physical observation, mathematics, biology, generics, chemistry, cosmology, and other sciences to substantiate the theories. One has as much physical proofs as the other. So why is it OK if a person had faith in the theory of evolution but not OK if a person has faith in the theory of Intelligent Design? It would seem to me that a student should be exposed to both theories since there are renowned scientists who do study both. Peace and kindness, Fred revdauphinee answered on 12/22/05: because if folks admit intelegent design they must accept that there is something or someone greater than themself and these days so many dont want to have to do that! arcura rated this answer Tex78 rated this answer

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hOPE12 asked on 12/22/05 - Is this a cult, or some fad, or is it a sickness? Hello Everyone, We all have knowledge of some who inflict injury on themself. Som of this may include, cutting or self mutilation There are many throughtout the world with this problem. Some even use razors, and are hospitalized or taken to emergency rooms due to the severe cuts and abuses. One persons, even said, she knew God didn't like her to do this, but she just can't stop it." It's the only way I can cope with my stress." After I cut myself, it feels like a big weight has been lifted off of me." 1- What is this behavior? 2- How do your feel God views it? 3- Why are the highest persons who do this, young teenageers? 4_ Can you offer some better ways of copeing with the distressing feeling these ones get? Take care, Hope12 revdauphinee answered on 12/22/05: 1)IT IS A SICK BEHAVIOUR 2)my oppinion is that God forbids this for it is written in -forbidden, (Lev.19:28. "`Do not cut your bodies or put tattoo marks on yourselves. I am the LORD. ) 3) IMATURITY AND A NEED FOR ATTENTION 4)find consolation in the Lord and his word! hOPE12 rated this answer

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hOPE12 asked on 12/22/05 - Recent News: Hello Everyone, Two days ago a Chauk aircraft blew up and crashed, killing twenty people. Among them three infants. What could you say to the family of these people that would comfort them? Please be serious and think about what you would say to them, because I am collecting a number of encouraging thoughts to send to the local news people here in North Miami Beach Florida. This is where the Crash took place. The local news media will be sure they receive these words of comfort, so please be discerning as to your encouragement. My heart goes out to the family of these twenty people and I wanted to do something that will help them to deal with their greif, so I will be sending all the encouraging words from you guys as well as other groups I belong to. The media will either print the words of encouragment or report it on the television. Thanks for you time and efforts. Hope12 revdauphinee answered on 12/22/05: Hope at a time such as this not much you say right now will help however ther mere idea tht you are trying will mean much to these folks in the years to come ,my only answer is to let them know they are in your prayers and another thing how about dropping a card in a few months when every one else has forgotten ?I know folks down here were inundated with concern right after the hurricane hit and today theyfeel all but forgotten .the attention goes away fast the pain does not so a card every month just to let em know someone else remembers them helps a lot! cavil rated this answer hOPE12 rated this answer

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HANK1 asked on 12/22/05 - Are we destined to be the same forever? I've always been impressed by the movements of clouds. They, too, offer us riddles of sorts. Some just lay there and sleep. Others dance to the sounds of trouble while outstripping the wind. All are true pictures of reality. What, one wonders, can be done to change their destinies.We do not hate them. Nor do we condone their perplexity, even though their personalities can effect the presence of tomorrow's rainbow. The skies do not offer us a choice. They exist for themselves by offering us a complex picture of actuality. Clouds are like air -- they're always up there --- somewhere. It's up to us to deal directly with the results of their functions. Citation: "Never A Toadstool" - by HANK1 (page 7) Are you a CLOUD? HANK revdauphinee answered on 12/22/05: No we are not we will have a new body one day and will live on a new earth! (2Cor.5:1; Now we know that if the earthly tent we live in is destroyed, we have a building from God, an eternal house in heaven, not built by human hands. ) 1st Corinthians1:39 All flesh is not the same: Men have one kind of flesh, animals have another, birds an1:other and fish another. 40 There are also heavenly bodies and there are earthly bodies; but the splendor of the heavenly bodies is one kind, and the splendor of the earthly bodies is another. HANK1 rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 12/22/05 - Planet of the Apes? What price a Russian superman? Stalin's half-ape supertroops From: By Nick Buchan December 21, 2005 A SECRET plan to create hordes of half-man half-ape super-warriors to conquer the rest of world has been uncovered in Moscow. If successful, the plan would have seen humans and chimpanzees cross-breeding to create a new race of "living war machines", which ignored pain and fear and which thrived on hardship. According to The Scotsman, the program was instigated by Soviet dictator Joseph Stalin in the early 1920s. Stalin saw the scheme as an integral part of his plans to consolidate power and rapidly boost the Soviet Union's flagging power and prestige on the world stage. The stakes were high - Stalin's battered Red Army had been gutted by years of civil war and internal purges. There was also intense pressure to find a new labour force, particularly one that would not complain, with the Soviet Union about to embark on its first Five-Year Plan for fast-track industrialisation. Stalin threw scientists and other genetic experts into the program, providing lavish resources and funding in a bid to achieve early results. "I want a new invincible human being, insensitive to pain, resistant and indifferent about the quality of food they eat," Stalin said, quoted by Moscow newspapers. His cronies were not slow in supporting him. In 1926 the Politburo in Moscow passed the request to the Academy of Science with the order to build a "living war machine". The Soviets drafted their top animal-breeding expert into the program. Ilya Ivanov, who previously had set up the world's first centre for the artificial insemination of racehorses, set off for West Africa to conduct his first experiments in inseminating chimpanzees. Meeting little success, Ivanov turned his efforts around, setting up a facility in Stalin's home republic of Georgia to fertilise human volunteers with monkey and ape sperm. Not surprisingly, the efforts were a total failure. All up, his efforts cost the impoverished Soviet Union many hundreds of thousands of dollars. For his expensive failure, he was sentenced to five years' jail, later commuted to five years' exile in the Central Asian republic of Kazakhstan. A year later he died, reportedly after falling sick while standing on a freezing railway platform. Does the result here clearly demonstrate the link beteween man and ape is spirious? and that man could not have decended from ape? Evolution, where are you to go now? revdauphinee answered on 12/22/05: what made them think an ape was insensative to pain????? paraclete rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 12/22/05 - while we are contemplating the debate on the origin of life we might like to contemplate this The question even Darwin avoided December 22, 2005 The way computers work could provide clues to the origin of life, but the great puzzle persists, writes Paul Davies. WHEN Charles Darwin published On the Origin of Species in 1859, he gave a convincing account of how life has evolved over billions of years from simple microbes to the complexity of the Earth's biosphere to the present. But he pointedly left out how life got started. One might as well speculate about the origin of matter, he quipped. Today scientists have a good idea of how matter originated in the Big Bang, but the origin of life remains shrouded in mystery. Although Darwin refused to be drawn on how life began, he conjectured in a letter to a friend about "a warm little pond" in which various substances would accumulate. Driven by the energy of sunlight, these chemicals might become increasingly complex, until a living cell formed spontaneously. Darwin's idle speculation became the basis of the "primordial soup" theory of biogenesis, and was adopted by researchers eager to re-create the crucial steps in the laboratory. But this approach hasn't got very far. The problem is that even the simplest known organism is incredibly complex. Textbooks vaguely describe the pathway from non-living chemicals to primitive life in terms of some unspecified "molecular self-assembly". The problem lies with 19th-century thinking, when life was regarded as some sort of magic matter, fostering the belief that it could be cooked up in a test tube if only one knew the recipe. Today many scientists view the living cell as a type of supercomputer - an information-processing and replicating system of extraordinary fidelity. DNA is a database, and a complex encrypted algorithm converts its instructions into molecular products. Viewed this way, the problem of life's origin is switched from hardware to software. The game of life is about replicating information. Throw in variation and selection, and the great Darwinian experiment can begin. The bits of information have to be physically embodied in matter somehow, but the actual stuff of life is of secondary importance. There is no reason to suppose the original information was attached to anything like the highly customised and evolved molecules found in today's living cells. The rapid convergence of nanotechnology, biotechnology and computer technology has opened up new possibilities for processing information on ever-smaller scales. The goal of this race to the bottom is quantum computation, in which information is attached to atomic and subatomic states and manipulated using the rules of quantum physics. If life is formed by trial and error, speed is the key. This suggests life may have emerged from the quantum realm directly, without the need for chemical complexity. All it takes to get life started is a quantum replicator - a process that clones bits of information attached to quantum systems by allowing them to interact with other quantum systems in a specific way. The system could be anything at all - the spin of an electron, a meta-stable atomic state, or a molecule that can flip between two conformations. The uncertainty inherent in quantum mechanics provides an in-built mechanism for generating variations. How, then, did life arise? We can gain a clue from modern computers. Quantum systems may be fast, but they are very fragile. Computers routinely transfer important data for safekeeping from speedy yet vulnerable microchips to slow and bulky hard disks or CDs. Perhaps quantum life began using large organic molecules for more stable data storage. At some stage these complex molecules took on a life of their own, trading speed for robustness and versatility. The way then lay open for hardy chemical life to go forth and inherit the Earth. Paul Davies is a physicist at the Australian Centre for Astrobiology and the author of The Origin of Life (Simon & Schuster). The Guardian revdauphinee answered on 12/22/05: I refuse to believe that something as complex as the human body has no intelegence behind it! paraclete rated this answer

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Choux asked on 12/21/05 - Our Evolutionary Cousins There is nothing Intelligently Designed(Christianity tie-in)about Menopause! :) Yahoo News::CHICAGO - Jenny, Shamba, Timbo, Beta and Elaine are zoo gorillas, but they have something in common with millions of women: They have undergone menopause. A study of gorillas at 17 North American zoos, led by Chicago's Brookfield Zoo, is the first to document gorilla menopause, researchers not involved in the study said. The findings may help zoos improve how they care for aging female gorillas and change the way evolutionary biologists think about menopause in humans. The study also may provoke a few chuckles along the way." This is a make a joke question! Ready, go.... revdauphinee answered on 12/22/05: God in his wisdom created menopause since he knew older women would not have the patience to raise children !I love my grandkids but when im done I can send em home "Thank you God!" Choux rated this answer

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Itsdb asked on 12/21/05 - Who will protect your freedoms? If not Bush, who? The Democrats? The Media? Not if past performance is any indication... Anyone remember a story about John and Alice Martin, who on December 21st, 1996 I believe, just happened to be driving to do some shopping with their police scanner going and a tape recorder in the car? These two Democrats from Florida happened to pick up a conference call by Congressman John Boehner, Majority Leader Dick Armey, Republican Whip Tom Delay, New York Congressman Bill Paxon, and House Speaker Newt Gingrich on their scanner, and just happened to have that recorder in the car so they started taping.. What did the Martins do next? Why they turned the tape over to Florida Congresswoman Karen Thurman, and later to Congressman Jim McDermott, the ranking Democrat on the Ethics Committee. Two days after McDermott received the tape a transcript of the call appeared on the front page of the NY Times. The Martins I believe were eventually fined $500 each for their offense, while the leak to the press was protected by freedom of speech as the recordings were a matter of "important public interest." In the previous administration, furnishing the press with illegally obtained electronic communications was a matter of "important public interest," unless you're Linda Tripp of course, and publishing transcripts of illegally obtained electronic communications at the time was I suppose a higher moral calling? Have the Dems and the Times repented of their sins and mended their ways so they can now preach the utter contempt we should have for CIA leaks and civil rights violations with a clean heart? Does any of this outrage over Bush's eavesdropping on international calls of suspected terrorists really have anything to do with protecting your civil liberties? Steve revdauphinee answered on 12/21/05: Freedom!where not here with big brother watching you !!! Itsdb rated this answer

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sapphire630 asked on 12/21/05 - what to buy a terrorist for christmas I was going to give the terrorists some Slim Shady songs for Christmas, but our country (I think it was our country) has given them lawyers to sue for torturing them with eminems music; so now I think I will join their class action suit, cause my kids tortured me with Eminem Will the real slim shady please sit down and shut up! revdauphinee answered on 12/21/05: listening to this is sure torture sapphire630 rated this answer

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ATON2 asked on 12/20/05 - That time again! Family: Will be heading South for the Holidays tomorrow. May be incommunicado for a short while. In the meantime I want to wish you all, a Happy, Healty...Kwansannukamas!!!! Or as Tiny Tim was heard to mutter under his breath: "God help us, everyone...here comes that damn Plumb pudding again". revdauphinee answered on 12/21/05: if you have ever eaten plum pudding youll understand why!And even though you might object i will still wish you a safe trip and a very merry Christmas ATON2 rated this answer

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ATON2 asked on 12/20/05 - Is it something in the eggnog??? Lord a'mercy. Bucker is miraculously cured watching Benny Hinn, and arcura has a guardian angel named 'TIM'????? Is THIS what Christianity is all about????? revdauphinee answered on 12/20/05: I believe in miracles !I do not believe Benny hinn can perform tham! arcura rated this answer ATON2 rated this answer Itsdb rated this answer

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Tex78 asked on 12/20/05 - Do any of you believe in miracles? I mean real miracles, not a put-on. Well, I had a miracle happen to me... I was watching TV. Benny Hinn came on. He was praying for people. He turned to the front, and said, there is a man with emphysema, (which I have had for about twenty years,) he has trouble with his lungs, especially the right lung. (I had lung cancer, and they removed a third of my right lung.) Just then I felt something, that I cannot explain. I never felt anything like that before that I remember. I am sure you do not know how bad off I was, but I will explain. I was on oxygen day and night. I would wake up at night and have to take a puffer to help me breathe. I could not walk across the house without getting out of breath, even with my oxygen on. My oxygen level would drop down into the 80's. Once it dropped to the 70's for a few seconds. I haven't been on oxygen for about a week now, and haven't needed it. I went to a Super- K-Mart, I walked around the store for a long time. I went over the entire store, some of it two or three times. I checked my oxygen level, and it was 98. I have never seen it that high before. That is since I started having it checked. Never 98, and it stays on 97 and 98 now all the time. I sleep at night and never need oxygen. I just have to work out some and build my strength back up. As I haven't been able to do anything for so long. I just can't get over it. I have been healed by the Grace of God. Amen. In Jesus� name. M.L. revdauphinee answered on 12/20/05: I do believe in miracles I know they happen many have happened in my life !but please give the due to God not benny hinn.he may have been a conduit but only God can cause A MIRACLE! Tex78 rated this answer

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sapphire630 asked on 12/20/05 - the posts here ya'll get annoyed over some of the posts here, but yeesh, just look through many of the responses they have gotten in the past few days....It is enough to keep me laughing through the New Year. And Lord knows I need some laughs as my year has gotten to an all time low of how bad can my bad luck go! Happy New Year revdauphinee answered on 12/20/05: hey saph remember the old song if it wasnt for bad luck id have no luck at a;ll?? any how I for one wish you a very merry Christmas !!!and a great new year ! sapphire630 rated this answer

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Erewhon asked on 12/20/05 - A Free Country Needs a Free Press. Should the press leave Bush to run his empire from the secret dark place of his own mind, assisted only by his intimate inner circle, but outside the law, freed from reponsbibility to the Legislature, the Judiciary, and the American People? Bush has ridden rough shod over American freedoms and liberties, and has managed to do so bevcause of the Bush Mantra of Fear that turns strong men to Jell-O and othewise sound intellects into mashed potatoes. The Bush Mantra of Fear is: 9-11 - Osama bin Laden - Al Qaeda - Afganistan - Iraq - & Watch this space, because only me can save you from total annihalation.!" The Mantra is repeated continuously on every occasion without regard to its truthfulness. The press (a free press is essential in a democracy) is criticised for pointing out that Bush is snooping on his own citizens in their own country countrary to the Law and Constitution which he has sworn to uphold. I am opined that the press do the American public a great service by revealing what they have uncovered when it involves his criminality. Others would like to make everyone keep quiet about his treason, but there is ample precedent for letting the people know what is going on and what is contrary to law, and why Bush is failing in his promise to re-introduce morality into the White House. The effect of news coverage on presidential administrations is subtle and hard to measure. Mostly because government investigators are reluctant to acknowledge that they were responding to publicity, because to admit they are influenced by journalism suggests that they aren't doing their jobs properly. Publicity can and should be used to push authorities to take action if only to avoid being embarrassed by media disclosures. "In Watergate," writes historian David Greenberg, author of the new book "Nixon's Shadow," "it was unclear at first whether the FBI would pursue crimes beyond the break-in itself. If the Post hadn't kept Watergate alive, it's not certain that the bureau, or the Senate, would have kept digging. Woodward and Bernstein's work shaped the way Watergate unfolded." According to Woodward, the late Sam Ervin, chairman of the Senate Watergate Committee, "called me and asked questions, and his work grew out of the stories that we did." Woodward says that after Nixon's resignation, the presiding federal judge, the late John Sirica, told him "flat out" that the Post's stories influenced him to crack down on the Watergate conspirators. "Judges don't decide to get tough in a vacuum," Woodward says. "Senators don't decide to investigate in a vacuum." Both were influenced by the press, Woodward says, because "the normal legal process wasn't uncovering the abuses. It's that simple." Other journalists who covered Watergate agree. "The record clearly shows that the cover-up would have worked if the press hadn't done its job," says CBS News anchorman Dan Rather, whose aggressive Watergate reporting led the Nixon White House to try to get him fired. Rather maintains that Congress and the courts "didn't have a clue, frankly" about Watergate crimes and that federal investigators wised up "only after repeated and constant coverage" by journalists. Besides, the battle was political as well as legal, says Jack Nelson, who covered Watergate for the Los Angeles Times: "Nixon was fighting not just prosecutors and Congress but also in the court of public opinion. For all of their controlling Congress, the Democrats were not in any sense going to go after Nixon unless the public was behind it. And the public got behind it because of the press holding Nixon's feet to the fire." Keep the press free, or make it a puppet of the White House, like Stalin and Hitler did? Are you free or frightened? revdauphinee answered on 12/20/05: you know what its Christmas im not going to let Gw s policies spoil it for me so until after its over im not worrying about him his ego is big enough to see him through Erewhon rated this answer

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STONY asked on 12/20/05 - ATON, LEARN HOW TO READ... I NEVER SAID J.EDGAR WAS THE PRESIDENT. I SAID HE WAS A CROSS-DRESSER. THAT MY FRIEND IS A FACT... revdauphinee answered on 12/20/05: the same problem was on a game show last evening someone got J Edgar confused with Herbert Hoover Erewhon rated this answer sapphire630 rated this answer STONY rated this answer

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arcura asked on 12/20/05 - Uri (pronounced oori)Geller a paranormalist..... What do you think of this guy? http://www.uri-geller.com/ revdauphinee answered on 12/20/05: a great ilusionist nothing more arcura rated this answer ATON2 rated this answer

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Tex78 asked on 12/20/05 - Do lyou think this is funny......................? Alaskan Loggers This is sick!!!........also humorous!! MM On a tour of Alaska, the Pope took a couple of days off to visit the mountains for some sight seeing. He was cruising along the campground in the Popemobile when there was a frantic commotion just at the edge of the woods. A helpless Democrat, wearing sandals, shorts, a "Save the Whales" T-shirt and a Tree Hugger Hat, was struggling frantically, thrashing around trying to free himself from the jaws of a 10 foot grizzly. As the Pope watched horrified, a group of Republican loggers came racing up. One quickly fired a 338 magnum into the bear's chest. The other two reached up and pulled the bleeding semiconscious Democrat from the bear. Then using long clubs, the three loggers beat the bear to death and two of them threw it onto the bed of their truck while the other tenderly placed the injured Democrat in the back seat. As they prepared to leave, the Pope summoned them to come over. "I give you my blessing for your brave actions!" he told them. "I heard there was a bitter hatred between loggers and environmental activists, but now I've seen with my own eyes that that is not true." As the Pope drove off, one of the loggers asked his buddies "Who was that guy ?" "It was the Pope," another replied, "he's in direct contact with God and has access to all God's wisdom." "Well," the logger said, "he may have access to all God's wisdom, but he sure doesn't know anything about bear hunting..........is the bait holding up okay or do we need to go back into town and grab another one?" revdauphinee answered on 12/20/05: funy in a sick kid of way Tex78 rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 12/20/05 - "It's about time for Santa and Christmas to do a U-turn and come back." It's official, Christmas is back on the agenda for some, let's hope that this also spells the end of the silly "political correctness" which has invaded Sydney this year. If Christmas offends you, tough, get a life! I will not be saying Seasons Greetings, but HAPPY CHRISTMAS!!!!!!!!!!!!!(:-D) Twice-daily riot checks From: By Jonathan Porter December 20, 2005 SYDNEY residents are being urged to go back to the beach by New South Wales Police Commissioner Ken Moroney - subject to a twice-daily assessment on the danger of race riots. Mr Moroney and Premier Morris Iemma made the call after a hailing the weekend lockdown of many of the state's major beaches as a success because it averted "riots, affray and assaults on other citizens". "That level of violence escalates and begets other violence," Mr Moroney said. "It's about time for Santa and Christmas to do a U-turn and come back." He called on people to get "normality back in their lives" and return to beaches along a 200km stretch of coast from Newcastle to Wollongong. Mr Moroney said police would not be closing down the Christmas Day celebrations at Bondi Beach "at this time". "Last weekend was like no other weekend in policing in this state's history," he said. Mr Moroney said two daily bulletins would keep NSW residents up to date about the possibility of beach lockdowns. "I indicated I wanted to take the community into my trust. The alternative was to tell them nothing and keep them in the dark," he said. He added that he would only lock down beaches "if intelligence indicates it is appropriate". Mr Moroney said the weekend lockdowns had identified some problems, including women leaving their cars and walking home after being trapped in traffic jams caused by roadblocks. "It may not be the best decision, particularly if women are walking the streets on their own," Mr Moroney said. Mr Iemma announced that a heavy police presence would remain around Sydney's beaches and trouble spots for as long as was necessary. "The intelligence and the security assessments are such that people are encouraged to return to normal business," he said. But he added that he understood some locals were frustrated at the high police numbers. "This is a fight for order and control of our streets," Mr Iemma said yesterday. "There are hooligans out there who believe they have the right to determine who goes to beaches ... and who will control parts of our parks and our streets. "That is not something we can tolerate," he said. Mr Iemma said police had charged 163 people with 283 offences since Operation Seta began on December 12 in response to the violence at Cronulla and other beachside suburbs. Mr Moroney said he would work with the federal authorities and mobile telephone companies to tackle the problem of text messages inciting people to commit violence, and would take the issue up at the next police ministers' conference. NSW Opposition Leader Peter Debnam called on the state Government to pay compensation to beachside businesses affected by the riots, but the Government ruled out making any cash compensation payments. However, Mr Debnam said he thought businesses hit by the riots and police lockdowns had a right to compensation. revdauphinee answered on 12/20/05: personaly I couldnt care less about keeping santa its Christ that we need to remember paraclete rated this answer

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Laura asked on 12/19/05 - Do we still mean it? Emma Lazarus (1849-1887) "Not like the brazen giant of Greek fame..." Not like the brazen giant of Greek fame, With conquering limbs astride from land to land; Here at our sea-washed, sunset gates shall stand A mighty woman with a torch, whose flame Is the imprisoned lightning, and her name Mother of Exiles. From her beacon-hand Glows world-wide welcome; her mild eyes command The air-bridged harbor that twin cities frame. "Keep ancient lands, your storied pomp!" cries she with silent lips. "Give me your tired, your poor, Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free, The wretched refuse of your teeming shore. Send these, the homeless, tempest-tost to me, I lift my lamp beside the golden door!" These are strong powerful words. They attract the poor, the dejected of other societies, in hopes of a better tomorrow. Do we still mean it or should we officially announce that we are full up...no more room at the inn so to speak! revdauphinee answered on 12/19/05: we mean it however why not come through the front door (legaly as I did )why sneak in through the back door!and take away from folks who have lived here for generations ?if a neighbour invites you to their home they do not wish for you to sneak in! ATON2 rated this answer Laura rated this answer

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Itsdb asked on 12/19/05 - Common sense on racism Freeman criticizes black history month NEW YORK (AP) � Morgan Freeman says the concept of a month dedicated to black history is "ridiculous." "You're going to relegate my history to a month?" the 68-year-old actor says in an interview on CBS' 60 Minutes to air Sunday (7 p.m. ET). "I don't want a black history month. Black history is American history." Black History Month has roots in historian Carter G. Woodson's Negro History Week, which he designated in 1926 as the second week in February to mark the birthdays of Frederick Douglass and Abraham Lincoln. Woodson said he hoped the week could one day be eliminated � when black history would become fundamental to American history. Freeman notes there is no "white history month," and says the only way to get rid of racism is to "stop talking about it." The actor says he believes the labels "black" and "white" are an obstacle to beating racism. "I am going to stop calling you a white man and I'm going to ask you to stop calling me a black man," Freeman says. Freeman received Oscar nominations for his roles in 1987's Street Smart, 1989's Driving Miss Daisy and 1994's The Shawshank Redemption. He finally won earlier this year for Million Dollar Baby. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Amen. This is what I've been trying to say for a long time, I'm glad to see someone like Morgan Freeman say it, too. Do you agree with Freeman's remarks? Why or why not? Steve revdauphinee answered on 12/19/05: I am in total agreement with mr freeman arcura rated this answer Itsdb rated this answer

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Choux asked on 12/19/05 - Bush Press Conferece Monday Morning President Bush hit a home run this morning in his press conference following his speech last night. He finally stepped up and re-made his case for his foreign policy, The Patriot Act, mistakes in Iraq War and making changes quickly, positive progress in Iraq. Did anyone else see the speech or the press conference? revdauphinee answered on 12/19/05: am sick and tierd of Gws rhetoric dont care to hear him any more !he wouldnt know the truth if it hit him upside his head! ATON2 rated this answer Choux rated this answer

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Choux asked on 12/19/05 - Giving Thanks I'm giving thanks that No Atlanta Falcons were killed in the football game last night with the Chicago Bears. It was a miracle! revdauphinee answered on 12/19/05: Hey ive always been a believer in miracles! Choux rated this answer

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arcura asked on 12/19/05 - Is this fair OR unfair or WHAT?...................... College Students Sue California Over Preferences for Illegal Aliens Jim Kouri, CPP Attorneys representing college students from 19 states filed a class-action lawsuit seeking hundreds of millions of dollars from officials for charging them significantly more than illegal aliens pay to attend state-run colleges in California. The state allows illegal aliens to pay in-state tuition, while making out-of-state American citizens pay higher tuition fees. The 42 plaintiffs allege that California lawmakers and members of the board of regents for the University of California "knowingly violated a federal law enacted in 1996 that says any state that offers discounted in-state tuition to its illegal aliens must provide the same lower rates to all US citizens." Some of students in the University of California system could be eligible for as much as $300,000 in total damages, according to plaintiffs' attorneys. The students state that the lawsuit was filed in a state court in Yolo County on behalf of over 50,000 US citizens who have paid out-of-state tuition to attend public colleges and universities in California since 2002. They also claim that out-of-state students are paying $20,000 more than illegal aliens per year to attend schools in the University of California system. That's $11,000 more than illegal aliens pay for the same education. "And in the community college system in California, which has a total of 1.5 million students, the tuition differential is $6,000 a year," said attorney and legal scholar Kris Kokach.. California is among the eight states that have laws charging lower in-state tuition rates to illegal aliens who qualify as in-state residents. Opponents of illegal alien preferences say that those state laws violate a federal statute, which took effect in 1998, that says any state that offers discounted in-state tuition rates at public colleges to illegals living in the state must provide the same lower rates to all US citizens who attend. The legislation was sponsored by Rep. Lamar Smith, Texas Republican, and Sen. Alan K. Simpson, Wyoming Republican. One angry student said, "These illegal aliens may live in California, but they broke the law to do it. Why should they get preferential treatment over citizens?" Allegedly, the administrators of the University of California system also recognized that the state law was invalid, and they refused to implement it unless they were "given immunity." As a result, he said, California lawmakers enacted an "immunity statute," which says that if the state tuition law is declared illegal or unconstitutional, schools in the University of California system would not be held liable for retroactive tuition differences. The bill which gave lower tuition to illegal aliens was signed into law by Governor Gray Davis, a Democrat who was ousted from office by a state recall vote. revdauphinee answered on 12/19/05: as a Legal alien i feel this is so wrong youve already broken our law by being here ileagaly why should you be rewarded??? arcura rated this answer

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arcura asked on 12/19/05 - How the liberals stole Christmas (or) A visit from St. Dick By Kevin Horrigan ST. LOUIS POST-DISPATCH Sunday, Dec. 11 2005 Twas the month before Christmas And as I lit candles, Conservatives stirred - They were onto a scandal. "They want to kill Christmas!" Came the cry from the right: "They want to axe Bethlehem And O! Holy Night! "They're after the Christ child And Joseph and Mary And shepherds and wise men; These liberals are scary." Who? I said. Who Is behind these cruel plots? "Well, we're not really sure, But we heard it on Fox. "Fox fair and balanced; Esteemed, and most highly. We're not really sure - It was prob'ly O'Reilly." So I grabbed the remote And clicked over to Fox And there snarled O'Reilly. (Imagine my shock): "The liberals, the commies, The A.C.L.U. They want to steal Christmas From me and from you. They say 'Happy Holidays' And acknowledge the Jews By throwing in Hannukah." I was really confused. "And what's this with Kwanzaa?" The O'Reilly elf said. "Some guy made it up, Made it up from whole cloth. And somewhere the pagans Are worshipping trees And Muslims turn eastward On rugs on their knees." "The Democrats did it," He said with a roar. "It was Kerry and Biden And Clinton and Gore." And then with a smirk He fired heavy artillery: "If you want my opinion, I bet it was Hillary." I sat there in silence, Stunned in my jammies. My pulse was just racing My hands were all clammy. Who can save Christmas From plots so barbaric That turn Jesus' birthday To a season generic? What will happen to Christmas? Should I recycle my creche? And toss out John's gospel 'Bout Word become flesh? Should I toss out the angels? They could get me arrested. I was, lo, sore afraid And my soul greatly tested. Who will save Christmas? George W. Bush? Who will save Christmas When shove comes to push? We could call the Marines But they've all been assigned. This disaster needs FEMA. Oh . . . never mind. Then I heard a weird jingling From somewhere in back And grabbed for the pistol I'm licensed to pack. I pulled back the slide And quick chambered a round And yelled out "Freeze dirtbag! Don't dare make a sound!" The guy, he was balding And wore a blue suit. He was driving a pickup That said "Brown & Root." His eyes they were squinting, His voice, slightly nervous Said, "Richard B. Cheney. I'm here, at your service." I was stunned at the sight Of the man who's the veep. And I thought I was dreaming, In some weird right-wing sleep. I heard him cough softly Then say, "It's not fiction. "First Comet is venison. "And next I'll shoot Vixen." "I killed off the reindeer," He softly exhaled. "And I sent Santa off To a black CIA jail. This secular nonsense, We'll end it, right quick. I've got other priorities Or my name's not St. Dick." He said, "Christmas's really Just all about loot You can stuff in your bag And then dis-t'-ri-bute To friends and to donors And pals who are cronies, It's not about children Or Democrat phonies. "The trick that I've learned," St. Dick said like a Scrooge, "Is avoiding the blame. Instead, get you a stooge, So the stooge takes the heat As you make dead certain That the goodies pile up Inside Halliburton." "So we'll blame it on liberals, And commies and gays. We'll blame it on Democrats And folks who don't pray." We've got Bill O'Reilly To stir up the base While we haul all our loot To an undisclosed place." Then he turned with a wink, Jumped back into his pickup. He nodded his head And then said with a hiccup: "I'll tell you one thing Gives me great satisfaction: 'The liberals stole Christmas' Is a dandy distraction." E-mail: khorrigan@post-dispatch.com revdauphinee answered on 12/19/05: please! please! e mail this to billoreily@fox.com I know he will love it! arcura rated this answer

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ROLCAM asked on 12/18/05 - Have you ever been touched by an angel ? Touched By An Angel? The popular perception that Angels are whimsical, social do-gooders, childish cherubs or simple go-for�s, is completely false. The Bible makes clear that righteous angels are sent forth from the throne of God as powerful ministering spirits to assure that God's plan for mankind is accomplished. revdauphinee answered on 12/19/05: Angels are the servants of God however 1st Timmothy2:5. For there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, ROLCAM rated this answer

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ROLCAM asked on 12/18/05 - What is Christianity ? A Gem of a Lecture !! Rather long. Please see:- http://www.archbishopofcanterbury.org/sermons_speeches/051123.htm revdauphinee answered on 12/19/05: like every other human the archbishop has his own concepts and for the most part(but not all)I am in agreement .wouldnt it be much simpler to just say that a Christian is one who follows the teachings of Jesus the messiah and saviour of the world .who accepts him as such and needs no explanation other than that! ROLCAM rated this answer

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Choux asked on 12/18/05 - "Santarchy" WELLINGTON, New Zealand (AP) -- A group of 40 people dressed in Santa Claus outfits, many of them drunk, went on a rampage through Auckland, New Zealand's largest city, robbing stores, assaulting security guards and urinating from highway overpasses, police said Sunday. The rampage, dubbed "Santarchy," began early Saturday afternoon when the men, wearing ill-fitting Santa costumes, threw beer bottles and urinated on cars from an overpass, said Auckland Central Police spokesman Noreen Hegarty. She said the men then rushed through a central city park, overturning garbage containers, throwing bottles at passing cars and spraying graffiti on office buildings." Me thinks that the folks Down Under just like to run amok. :) revdauphinee answered on 12/18/05: sure sounds like it dosent it??? Choux rated this answer ROLCAM rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 12/18/05 - Will you be there? Which Way to Heaven? Reverend Billy Graham tells of a time early in his ministry when he arrived in a small town to preach a sermon. Wanting to mail a letter, he asked a young boy where the post office was. When the boy had told him, Dr. Graham thanked him and said, "If you'll come to the Baptist Church this evening, you can hear me telling everyone how to get to heaven." The boy replied, "I don't think I'll be there... You don't even know your way to the post office." revdauphinee answered on 12/18/05: this is so true also of many who calim to follow Christ! paraclete rated this answer

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tomder55 asked on 12/18/05 - Cindy Sheehad's European Vacation I see Cindy Sheehad and a busload of moonbats have taken their traveling protest show on the road . She led a massive demonstation of about 100 at the US Embassy in Madrid ,Spain . (shown here striking a pose.As you can see in the backround ,the pedestrians were amused). If you want her to energize you're gathering this professional protester can be made available for you're holiday party . Book her appearance here . She has a way to brighten up any event. revdauphinee answered on 12/18/05: whilst I may not care for her demostations or the way in wich she conducts herself for Gods sake the woman lost her son have a little compassion !It makes me sick how if you dont agree with some folks the only thing they can do is ridicule you .I know many even on here think I myself am crazy for speaking out as i do (this doesn t bother me ,but this woman lost her child !)who amongst you would not suffer under the same situatuion ?i know I would >she needs compasion not ridicule! rivers rated this answer Choux rated this answer sissypants rated this answer powderpuff rated this answer tomder55 rated this answer

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Erewhon asked on 12/17/05 - A Bug Too Far? Can He Avoid Impeachment? A Blow for Right Wing Christians. Bush stands firm over spying row George W Bush President George W Bush insists he has not compromised civil liberties, after it was alleged he authorised people in the US to be bugged without a warrant. A storm of protest erupted after the New York Times said the National Security Agency (NSA)** was allowed to eavesdrop on hundreds of people. Senators from both sides called for an explanation and investigation. Mr Bush refused to confirm or deny the claims, but said he always upheld the law and protected civil liberties. The president said he would not discuss ongoing intelligence operations. But he added: "I will make this point. That whatever I do to protect the American people, and I have an obligation to do so, that we will uphold the law, and decisions made are made understanding we have an obligation to protect the civil liberties of the American people." The New York Times said Mr Bush signed a secret presidential order following the attacks on 11 September 2001, allowing the NSA, based at Fort Meade, Maryland, to track the international telephone calls and e-mails of hundreds of people without referral to the courts. Previously, surveillance on American soil was generally limited to foreign embassies. Critics have questioned whether wider surveillance in the US crosses constitutional limits on legal searches. American law usually requires a secret court, known as a Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court, to give permission before intelligence officers can conduct surveillance on US soil. 'Big brother' Republican Senator John McCain called for an explanation. Senator Arlen Specter, Senate Judiciary Committee chairman and another Republican, said "there is no doubt that this is inappropriate", adding that Senate hearings would be held early next year as "a very, very high priority". Senator John McCain, Republican (left) and Senator Joe Lieberman, Democrat Senators from both sides have expressed disquiet "This is Big Brother run amok," was the reaction of Democratic Senator Edward Kennedy, while his colleague Russell Feingold called it a "shocking revelation" that "ought to send a chill down the spine of every senator and every American". The allegations coincided with a setback for the Bush administration, as the Senate rejected extensions to spying provisions in the Patriot Act. BBC Washington correspondent Justin Webb said it is a sign of intense concern about infringements of civil liberties in the name of security. The White House is having a tough time convincing even its Republican supporters that the things it does in the name of the war on terrorism are always justified, he adds. Echoes of Vietnam Administration officials issued a robust defence of anti-terrorist operations, saying they had prevented several attacks - including one on targets in Britain. But the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) said eavesdropping in the US without a court order and without complying with the procedures of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act was "both illegal and unconstitutional". "The administration is claiming extraordinary presidential powers at the expense of civil liberties and is putting the president above the law," director Caroline Fredrickson said. To opponents of the Bush administration, the alleged bugging programme is reminiscent of the widespread abuse of power by the security services during the Vietnam War when anti-war activists were monitored illegally, our correspondent says. That activity prompted tougher regulation of bugging. ** NATIONAL SECURITY AGENCY Formed in 1952 Biggest US security agency, with 38,000 employees Nicknamed "No Such Agency" Has a dozen listening posts around the world, tracking phone calls, diplomatic traffic, emails, faxes May record up to 500 million hours of traffic every day On US soil, can only listen to "agents of a foreign power" NSA is America's most powerful spy agency =========== Has Bush infringed the civil liberties of American citizens and acted illegally? revdauphinee answered on 12/17/05: ever hear of BIG BROTHER????? Erewhon rated this answer

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Choux asked on 12/16/05 - It's All About Money For the longest time, I wondered, why does the religious right stir-up terrible fears in the average folks where there is no real reason for fear. For example, stores say Happy Holidays instead of Merry Christmas!!!! It is all about raising money. It is easy to raise money if simple people think there is an attack of horrific proportions on their religions. There is no attack on any religions **RIGHTS**. But, if you think so, you'll send money. I'm right, aren't I???? revdauphinee answered on 12/17/05: all Im asking is what holiday are we celebrating on Dec 25th???? If you know then what is wrong with saying so? Bobbye rated this answer Choux rated this answer

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arcura asked on 12/16/05 - Having trouble wrapping gifts? You must be a man. GIFT WRAPPING TIPS FOR MEN ========================== This is the time of year when we think back to the very first Christmas, when the Three Wise Men; Gaspar, Balthazar and Herb, went to see the baby Jesus and, according to the Book of Matthew, "presented unto Him gifts; gold, frankincense, and myrrh." These are simple words, but if we analyze them carefully, we discover an important, yet often overlooked, theological fact: There is no mention of wrapping paper. If there had been wrapping paper, Matthew would have said so: "And lo, the gifts were inside 600 square cubits of paper. And the paper was festooned with pictures of Frosty the Snowman. And Joseph was going to throweth it away, but Mary saideth unto him, she saideth, 'Holdeth it! That is nice paper! Saveth it for next year!' And Joseph did rolleth his eyeballs. And the baby Jesus was more interested in the paper than the frankincense." But these words do not appear in the Bible, which means that the very first Christmas gifts were NOT wrapped. This is because the people giving those gifts had two important characteristics: 1. They were wise. 2. They were men. Men are not big gift wrappers. Men do not understand the point of putting paper on a gift just so somebody else can tear it off. This is not just my opinion: This is a scientific fact based on a statistical survey of two guys I know. One is Rob, who said the only time he ever wraps a gift is "if it's such a poor gift that I don't want to be there when the person opens it." The other is Gene, who told me he does wrap gifts, but as a matter of principle never takes more than 15 seconds per gift. "No one ever had to wonder which presents daddy wrapped at Christmas," Gene said. "They were the ones that looked like enormous spitballs." I also wrap gifts, but because of some defect in my motor skills, I can never completely wrap them. I can take a gift the size of a deck of cards and put it the exact center of a piece of wrapping paper the size of a regulation volleyball court, but when I am done folding and taping, you can still see a sector of the gift peeking out. (Sometimes I camouflage this sector with a marking pen.) If I had been an ancient Egyptian in the field of mummies, the lower half of the Pharaoh's body would be covered only by Scotch tape. On the other hand, if you give my wife a 12-inch square of wrapping paper, she can wrap a C-130 cargo plane. My wife, like many women, actually likes wrapping things. If she gives you a gift that requires batteries, she wraps the batteries separately, which to me is very close to being a symptom of mental illness. If it were possible, my wife would wrap each individual volt. My point is that gift-wrapping is one of those skills like having babies that come more naturally to women than to men. That is why today I am presenting: GIFT-WRAPPING TIPS FOR MEN: * Whenever possible, buy gifts that are already wrapped. If, when the recipient opens the gift, neither one of you recognizes it, you can claim that it's myrrh. * The editors of Woman's Day magazine recently ran an item on how to make your own wrapping paper by printing a design on it with an apple sliced in half horizontally and dipped in a mixture of food coloring and liquid starch. They must be smoking crack. * If you're giving a hard-to-wrap gift, skip the wrapping paper! Just put it inside a bag and stick one of those little adhesive bows on it. This creates a festive visual effect that is sure to delight the lucky recipient on Christmas morning: YOUR WIFE: Why is there a Hefty trash bag under the tree? YOU: It's a gift! See? It has a bow! YOUR WIFE (peering into the trash bag): It's a leaf blower. YOU: Gas-powered! Five horsepower! YOUR WIFE: I want a divorce. YOU: I also got you some myrrh. In conclusion, remember that the important thing is not what you give, or how you wrap it. The important thing, during this very special time of year, is that you save the receipt. ~Male Author Unknown~ revdauphinee answered on 12/16/05: its not that idont like wrapping gifts actualy I feel im quite good at it just that my family is so big im getting tierd my attention span is such that if i do somthing 4 times its enough ,unfortunatly I have 4 kids all with husbands 13 grandkida and 3 great grandkids and or two of my kida ex husbands who while they called it quits i still care about try wrapping all that and it does get tiering. arcura rated this answer

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hOPE12 asked on 12/15/05 - What is the true understanding of Hebrews 10:26-31 in your opinion? Hello Everyone, In a follow-up from my last post on Hebrews 10: 26-31 I asked what it means to you personally? Here is a definition of what Apostasy is: Definition: Apostasy is abandoning or deserting the worship and service of the true God, actually a rebellion against God. Some apostates profess to know and serve God but reject teachings or requirements set out by God in his Word. Others claim to believe in God but reject his people. Acts 20:30: �From among you yourselves men will rise and speak twisted things to draw away the disciples after themselves.� 2 Pet. 2:1, 3: �There will also be false teachers among you. These very ones will quietly bring in destructive sects and will disown even the owner that bought them . . . Also, with covetousness they will exploit you with counterfeit words.� Moreover, forgiving others for personal offenses, regardless of the number of times involved, is a Christian requirement. Lu 17:3, 4; Eph 4:32; Col 3:13 God�s forgiveness is not extended toward those who refuse to forgive others. Mt 6:14, 15 Even when serious wrongdoing leads to expulsion of �the wicked man� from the Christian congregation, that person may in due time be accorded forgiveness if he proves that he is truly repentant. At that time all in the congregation can confirm their love for him. 1Co 5:13; 2Co 2:6-11 Why? Because he/she is repentant. A Christians is not required to forgive those who practice malicious, willful sin with no repentance. Such become God�s enemies. *************** Hebrews 10:26-31 For if we practice sin willfully after having received the accurate knowledge of the truth, there is no longer any sacrifice for sins left, 27 but [there is] a certain fearful expectation of judgment and [there is] a fiery jealousy that is going to consume those in opposition. 28 Any man that has disregarded the law of Moses dies without compassion, upon the testimony of two or three. 29 Of how much more severe a punishment, do YOU think, will the man be counted worthy who has trampled upon the Son of God and who has esteemed as of ordinary value the blood of the covenant by which he was sanctified, and who has outraged the spirit of undeserved kindness with contempt? 30 For we know him that said: �Vengeance is mine; I will recompense�; and again: �Jehovah will judge his people.� 31 It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of [the] living God. Psalm 139:21-22 Do I not hate those who are intensely hating you, O Jehovah, And do I not feel a loathing for those revolting against you? 22 With a complete hatred I do hate them. They have become to me real enemies. We are to hate what God hates: James encouraged the spiritually sick one to call for the older men of the congregation to pray over him, and �if he has committed sins, it will be forgiven him.� Jas 5:14-16 There is �a sin that does incur death,� sin against the holy spirit, a deliberate practice of sin for which there is no forgiveness. A Christian should not pray for those sinning in this way. There is no forgiveness because these ones are not repentant but go on willfully sinning with no apologies for doing so. 1 John 5:16 If anyone catches sight of his brother sinning a sin that does not incur death, he will ask, and he will give life to him, yes, to those not sinning so as to incur death. There is a sin that does incur death. It is concerning that sin that I do not tell him to make request. Matthew 12:31 �On this account I say to YOU, Every sort of sin and blasphemy will be forgiven men, but the blasphemy against the spirit will not be forgiven. Hebrews 10:26-27 For if we practice sin willfully after having received the accurate knowledge of the truth, there is no longer any sacrifice for sins left, 27 but [there is] a certain fearful expectation of judgment and [there is] a fiery jealousy that is going to consume those in opposition. My question then is this, Is Apostasy a forgivable sin? When one serves God and then decides to leave God and willfully do all kinds of sins that they willfully know is against God, is there forgiveness for this person? I look forward to your replies. Take care, Hope12 revdauphinee answered on 12/15/05: profess to know and serve God but reject teachings or requirements set out by God in his Word. am I apostate if I believe in the word of God as written.but reject the word of what I percieve to be false leaders of the church??? After all God gave me amind should I not think with it? hOPE12 rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 12/14/05 - Was the night before christmas 'Twas the night before Christmas and Santa's a wreck... How to live in a world that's politically correct? His workers no longer would answer to "Elves", "Vertically Challenged" they were calling themselves. And labor conditions at the north pole Were alleged by the union to stifle the soul. Four reindeer had vanished, without much propriety, Released to the wilds by the Humane Society. And equal employment had made it quite clear That Santa had better not use just reindeer. So Dancer and Donner, Comet and Cupid, Were replaced with 4 pigs, and you know that looked stupid! The runners had been removed from his sleigh; The ruts were termed dangerous by the E.P.A. And people had started to call for the cops When they heard sled noises on their roof-tops. Second-hand smoke from his pipe had his workers quite frightened. His fur trimmed red suit was called "Unenlightened." And to show you the strangeness of life's ebbs and flows, Rudolf was suing over unauthorized use of his nose And had gone on Geraldo, in front of the nation, Demanding millions in over-due compensation. So, half of the reindeer were gone; and his wife, Who suddenly said she'd enough of this life, Joined a self-help group, packed, and left in a whiz, Demanding from now on her title was Ms. And as for the gifts, why, he'd ne'er had a notion That making a choice could cause so much commotion. Nothing of leather, nothing of fur, Which meant nothing for him. And nothing for her. Nothing that might be construed to pollute. Nothing to aim. Nothing to shoot. Nothing that clamored or made lots of noise. Nothing for just girls. Or just for the boys. Nothing that claimed to be gender specific. Nothing that's warlike or non-pacific. No candy or sweets...they were bad for the tooth. Nothing that seemed to embellish a truth. And fairy tales, while not yet forbidden, Were like Ken and Barbie, better off hidden. For they raised the hackles of those psychological Who claimed the only good gift was one ecological. No baseball, no football...someone could get hurt; Besides, playing sports exposed kids to dirt. Dolls were said to be sexist, and should be passe; And Nintendo would rot your entire brain away. So Santa just stood there, disheveled, perplexed; He just could not figure out what to do next. He tried to be merry, tried to be gay, But you've got to be careful with that word today. His sack was quite empty, limp to the ground; Nothing fully acceptable was to be found. Something special was needed, a gift that he might Give to all without angering the left or the right. A gift that would satisfy, with no indecision, Each group of people, every religion; Every ethnicity, every hue, Everyone, everywhere...even you. So here is that gift, it's price beyond worth... "May you and your loved ones enjoy peace on earth." To which I will add Happy Christmas revdauphinee answered on 12/14/05: "I dont care who you are!fat man!get those reindeer off my roof! belle33 rated this answer paraclete rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 12/14/05 - The problem has religion at it's base Christians in Sydney are now under attack as the Muslims fail to goad the mob into action, but it's back fired as they have become terrorists Church attacks spark fears From: By Nick Leys and Dan Box December 15, 2005 AAP FOUR churches in Sydney's southwest have been attacked in 24-hours as the city's volatile riots spread from race to religion. A community hall linked to a Uniting Church was burned to the ground early yesterday, carol singers were spat on and church buildings peppered with gunfire. In response, members of the Arab Christian and Arab Muslim communities have called for a curfew for all Lebanese youths over the weekend. Police believe the attack on the hall, in the suburb of Auburn, was intended to destroy the Uniting Church adjacent, while nearby St Thomas's Anglican Church, which has a primarily Chinese congregation, had all its front windows smashed. Three of the attacks were on churches within minutes of each other. The night before, Molotov cocktails were used in an attack on an Anglican Church in Macquarie Fields in the city's far southwest. Arab Christians have suggested the attacks on churches may have been meant as a violent attempt to "shame" the city's Lebanese Christian community into supporting Lebanese Muslims in the race-hate war, which began as a battle against young white males over use of suburban beaches. Community leaders said Lebanese youths should not venture out after 9pm (AEDT) on Friday and Saturday nights, and stay home all day Sunday. They encouraged parents to "take steps to encourage the curfew such as taking the family on a short holiday and temporarily confiscating mobile phones and car keys." "Those who violate the curfew will be doing so in defiance of their faith, of the law and their community leaders. We are all united in opposing violence," Lebanese Muslim Association leader Ahmad Kamaledine said. Anglican Archbishop Peter Jensen welcomed the call for a curfew. "We must remember that it is first of all in the home that we learn to respect and care for others," he said. "So I trust that all parents will join these community leaders in encouraging their own young people to exhibit mature and thoughtful respect for other people at all times." Despite the call for a curfew, the NSW Government, police, community and religious leaders were bracing for a violent clash between opposing ethnic groups over the weekend. The church attacks - four since Monday night - yesterday prompted Premier Morris Iemma to assign extra police to monitor places of worship. Mr Iemma said police would now pay special attention to churches, schools and church halls. "We have to be on guard for this and these hooligans and criminals will not destroy the fabric of our society," he said. A heavy police presence was again ordered last night as the suburb of Cronulla - scene of race-related violence on Sunday - began a second night of lock-down and police road blocks. During a tour of the command post set up in the Sydney Police Centre to co-ordinate the crisis, Deputy Commissioner Andrew Scipione told Mr Iemma the situation was being treated as if it were a terror attack. "We are running the same command and control centre as we would for a terrorist situation; that's how serious we are taking this situation," Mr Scipione said. Elsewhere in Sydney, two men were attacked in separate incidents by men wielding bats and golf clubs and asking their victims if they were Australian. Steve Stanton, a spokesman for the Maronite Catholic church in Australia said he thought the shooting outside a carol service in South Auburn on Monday night was the responsibility of a "very small minority" of fanatics within the wider Muslim community. "There is also a view that it will have been done with a view to shaming the Lebanese for not standing united," he said. A senior source within Sydney's Arab Christian community, who asked to remain anonymous, said the church attacks were an attempt to inflame the wider Lebanese community. "There is regrettably an element within the community that see the Christians as Uncle Toms, as servants to the white man, and they resent them as that," the source said. Amjad Mehboob, head of the Australian Federation of Islamic Councils, said he believed the violence had been committed by an extremist fringe of the Muslim community, whom he could not understand or control. "I wish we knew who they were. I wish we could engage with them so we can find out what their beliefs are, so we can deal with them," he said. "This is something that started out as a minor scuffle between some youths and a couple of life-savers that has suddenly become an issue of racism and religion. "Buildings can be rebuilt, but the damage this is doing to our community is extremely deep." Reverend Glenys Biddle of the Uniting Church in Auburn said the destroyed hall had been a important part of the local Tongan community. "For them they have lost not only a physical building but a sense of fellowship," she said. "A lot of memories have also been lost for Anglos, Tongans and people of all sorts of cultures." TV and sporting celebrities and leaders from Sutherland Shire and the Islamic community will hold a summit meeting this morning, brokered by local MP Bruce Baird, to try to settle their differences. Additional reporting: John Stapleton, Jonathan Porter revdauphinee answered on 12/14/05: the only problem i might have is why not make the curfew for all youths singling out just the muslims plays right into thier hands !gives em something to gripe about belle33 rated this answer Erewhon rated this answer paraclete rated this answer

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kindj asked on 12/14/05 - How NOT to share your faith There was a barber that thought that he should share his faith with his customers more than he had been doing lately. So the next morning when the sun came up and the barber got up out of bed he said, "Today I am going to witness to the first man that walks through my door." Soon after he opened his shop the first man came in and said, "I want a shave!" The barber said, "Sure, just sit in the seat and I'll be with you in a moment." The barber went in the back and prayed a quick desperate prayer saying, "God, the first customer came in and I'm going to witness to him. So please give me the wisdom to know just the right thing to say to him. Amen." Then quickly the barber came out with his razor knife in one hand and a Bible in the other while saying, "Good morning sir. I have a question for you..........Are you ready to die?" revdauphinee answered on 12/14/05: LOL belle33 rated this answer kindj rated this answer Laura rated this answer

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belle33 asked on 12/13/05 - TO be or not to be Some one asked if I am Ruth. The answer is NO. I have been away and haven't had a chance to tell you I am not. Also Choux told me I am not good at playing games, I have asked her to name the game, since I have no clue. Never occured to me anyone would think I am Ruth, I wouldn't deny it if I were. Merry Christmas, and seasons greetings to all. revdauphinee answered on 12/13/05: merry christmas to you also it doesnt mater who you are what maters is what u are!LOL belle33 rated this answer

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Erewhon asked on 12/13/05 - Torture The White House has all but abandoned its effort to persuade Senator John McCain to exempt C.I.A. employees from using torture, cruelty, and inhuman methods in interrogating prisoners. If the White House does not use torture, cruelty, and inhuman methods of interrogation, why woul dit need any of its employees or departments to be exempted from a ban on torture, cruelty, and other inhuman activities? revdauphinee answered on 12/13/05: sounds fishy to me if your not doing it why do you need to stop??? Erewhon rated this answer sapphire630 rated this answer tomder55 rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 12/12/05 - Is Islam the problem? Let's have the debate Is Islam the problem? Let's have the debate Andrew West December 13, 2005 01:33 AM Australia does not have a race relations problem. We have a clash of cultures and that's a big difference -- and maybe the problem is certain forms of Islam. Of course, the marauding boneheads who rampaged through Cronulla on Sunday don't make this distinction. If they did, perhaps they would realise that when they screech "Lebs out" they are also referring to the majority of Lebanese Australians who are Maronite Christians, in communion with the Roman Catholic Church. By their chants, they are also demanding the expulsion of NSW Governor Marie Bashir and her husband, Sir Nicholas Shehadie, two of the finest citizens this state has ever produced; and Victorian Premier Steve Bracks, one of the most outwardly knockabout political leaders in Australia. Lebanese all. The problem is not the blood that runs through people's veins. Any form of discrimination based on race or ethnicity -- based on the colour of one's skin or hair or eyes -- is inherently immoral, illogical and evil. But culture and religion are behavioural. They involve values. People can be born into a particular culture or religion but sooner or later they reach an age of reason where they can embrace or reject their precepts. And if people freely embrace a culture that is antithetical to the prevailing social mores -- in our case, I would hope, liberal, enlightenment values -- then we are entitled to judge, object, censure and even discriminate. Which brings us to this extremely prickly issue of radical Islam. My colleague on this paper, Nadia Jamal, has mounted a strong and sophisticated argument that the issue is not religion but culture, specifically the patriarchal culture that prevails in many traditional Muslim households. This is a good point but I think it diplomatically sidesteps the fact that some strains of Islam -- most obviously the strict, puritanical and downright fanatical Wahhabism -- do, indeed, sanction attitudes and behaviour that are not simply patriarchal but repressive. I'm sorry, but to this extent, this particular brand of Islam is most definitely the problem. When groups of young Muslim men stalk the beaches of Sydney making sexually threatening comments against women in bathing costumes, as they indisputably do; and when they believe they act with the license of a sheik who claims that such women are responsible for their own sexual violation, then I do blame, in part, their religion. I do not embrace multiculturalism, as such, because I do not believe all cultures are compatible with non-discriminatory liberalism. I prefer a multi-ethnic, non-racial society, which has at its core a canon of values that include racial and gender equality. I admit to feeling a little uneasy at the sight of a Muslim woman shrouded not simply in a headscarf but a face-concealing, head-to-toe chador, and wonder just how much choice she has had in deciding her lifestyle. I am not hugely sympathetic to a Muslim seeking asylum because he claims to have been discriminated against because of his support for sharia law. I'm sorry but I cannot celebrate such culture in the way that I celebrate Italian National Day in Leichhardt or the Tet festival in Cabramatta or Greek Orthodox Easter or a Seder at Passover or a service of Eritrean Orthodox Church, such as the one I attended a couple of years ago in a borrowed Church of England in London, or lunch with a couple of Palestinian intellectuals. Some multicultural theorists will squawk and say that I prefer only a soft multiculturalism (if they insist on calling it that) that does not offend western liberal values. They would be spot on. My acceptance ends when the assault on the liberality of society itself begins. None of this erases the points I made yesterday, condemning the lynch-mob mentality of the Cronulla crowds, boozed up, in their thousands, chasing down lone Lebanese teenagers. But I do accept the need for a debate about cultural, rather than ethnic, compatibility -- because the two are not the same. COMMENTS revdauphinee answered on 12/12/05: Since anyone who know anything at all about me knows my oppinions on Islaam i am not a person to debate this subject! ATON2 rated this answer paraclete rated this answer

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Choux asked on 12/12/05 - The Little Guy A little guy is sitting at the bar just staring at his drink for half an hour when this big trouble-making truck driver steps next to him, grabs his drink and gulps it down in one swig. The poor little guy starts crying. "Come on man, I was just giving you a hard time," says the truck driver. "I'll buy you another drink. I just can't stand to see a man crying." "This is the worst day of my life," says the little guy between sobs. "I can't do anything right. I overslept and was late to an important meeting, so my boss fired me. When I went to the parking lot, I found my car was stolen and I have no insurance. I grabbed a cab home but, after the cab left, I discovered my wallet was still in the cab. At home, I found my wife in bed with the gardener. So I came to this bar trying to work up the courage to put an end to my life. And then you show up and drink the damn poison." revdauphinee answered on 12/12/05: roflmbo!!!!!! (rolling on the floor laughting my but off) Choux rated this answer

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Laura asked on 12/12/05 - A parent's right to monitor their children's phone calls http://www.soundpolitics.com/archives/003677.html In this story the testimony of a mother who intercepted her daughters phone call in which her daughter and boyfriend were talking about something illegal was thrown out of court because it was deemed against the law for the mother to have monitered the call. She supposedly violated the "privacy" law that her 14 year old minor daughter is protected under. The boyfriend had been convicted of a crime but it was overturned because the majority of the testimony was because of the mother's interception of the call which was deemed a violation of privacy. Even though the young man was guilty. If you suspect that your child is involved in something that could be dangerous to them or that someone else is speaking to your child in a way that is potentially damaging to them either physically or emotionally do you think that you have the right to monitor their phone calls? I sure do. Do you think the law should be changed? revdauphinee answered on 12/12/05: I sure do!especialy if it is my phone for wich I am paying the bill and the child is a minor living under my roof .friend if they live here not matter what there age its my way or the highway wheather you think im right or wrong! Laura rated this answer

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hOPE12 asked on 12/12/05 - What does this mean to you? Hello Everyone, What meaning does the scripture below have for your personally? What does it mean to you when it says, �if we practice sin willfully after having received the accurate knowledge of the truth? (Hebrews 10:26-27) 26 For if we practice sin willfully after having received the accurate knowledge of the truth, there is no longer any sacrifice for sins left, 27 but [there is] a certain fearful expectation of judgment and [there is] a fiery jealousy that is going to consume those in opposition.. . . I look forward to your replies. Take care, Hope12 revdauphinee answered on 12/12/05: if we were even capable of becoming perfect creatures we would have had no need of a saviour who cam ei might say to forgive all our sins not just the ones we did before we knew him! hOPE12 rated this answer

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hOPE12 asked on 12/12/05 - What next? Hello Everyone, The other day here at the Miami Florida airport and international flight was landing when a man ran down the isle yelling he had a bomb. His wife was running behind him yelling, "please help me, my husband didn't take his medicine. He is sick, he's bi-polar." There was two security marshalls on the plane and they told him to stop or they would shoot. The man being mentally disturped did not stop. The marshalls shot five time and the man is dead. Was this fair? The man was mentally ill? The wife was running behind him saying he was sick. Did they need to shoot five (5) times? What is this world coming to? Will they shoot children next? Could they have handled this better? BTW- There was no bomb or any weapons found on the man or in his bags. What is you take on this situation. This is what is taking place now due to man's fear of man. Could the scriptures have been right? Take care, Hope12 revdauphinee answered on 12/12/05: the marshall were correct in this action since the woman should if concerned have spoken to someone before this flight .as someone who flies regularaly I wouldnt wan tanyone running around talking about a bomb (sick or not)if i were on that flight !the marshal was just doing the job he was supposed to do what if he had a bomb and the wife was just an acompliss (could happen) hOPE12 rated this answer

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Tex78 asked on 12/11/05 - Would you call this a good Christmas Gift? The Rifle: Pa never had much compassion for the lazy or those who squandered their means and then never had enough for the necessities. But for those who were genuinely in need, his heart was as big as all outdoors. It was from him that I learned the greatest joy in life comes from giving, not from receiving. It was Christmas Eve 1881. I was fifteen years old and feeling like the world had caved in on me because there just hadn't been enough money to buy me the rifle that I'd wanted so bad that year for Christmas. We did the chores early that night for some reason. I just figured Pa wanted a little extra time so we could read in the Bible. So after supper was over I took my boots off and stretched out in front of the fireplace and waited for Pa to get down the old Bible. I was still feeling sorry for myself and, to be honest, I wasn't in much of a mood to read Scriptures. But Pa didn't get the Bible, instead he bundled up and went outside. I couldn't figure it out because we had already done all the chores. I didn't worry about it long though, I was too busy wallowing in self-pity. Soon Pa came back in. It was a cold clear night out and there was ice in his beard. "Come on, Matt," he said. "Bundle up good, it's cold out tonight." I was really upset then. Not only wasn't I getting the rifle for Christmas, now Pa was dragging me out in the cold, and for no earthly reason that I could see. We'd already done all the chores, and I couldn't think of anything else that needed doing, especially not on a night like this. But I knew Pa was not very patient at one dragging one's feet when he'd told them to do something, so I got up and put my boots back on and got my cap, coat, and mittens. Ma gave me a mysterious smile as I opened the door to leave the house. Something was up, but I didn't know what. Outside, I became even more dismayed. There in front of the house was the work team, already hitched to the big sled. Whatever it was we were going to do wasn't going to be a short, quick, little job. I could tell. We never hitched up the big sled unless we were going to haul a big load. Pa was already up on the seat, reins in hand. I reluctantly climbed up beside him. The cold was already biting at me. I wasn't happy. When I was on, Pa pulled the sled around the house and stopped in front of the woodshed. He got off and I followed. "I think we'll put on the high sideboards," he said. "Here, help me." The high sideboards! It had been a bigger job than I wanted to do with just the low sideboards on, but whatever it was we were going to do would be a lot bigger with the high sideboards on. When we had exchanged the sideboards Pa went into the woodshed and came out with an armload of wood---the wood I'd spent all summer hauling down from the mountain, and then all fall sawing into blocks and splitting. What was he doing? Finally I said something. "Pa," I asked, "what are you doing?" "You been by the Widow Jensen's lately?" he asked. The Widow Jensen lived about two miles down the road. Her husband had died a year or so before and left her with three children, the oldest being eight. Sure, I'd been by, but so what? "Yeah," I said, "why?" "I rode by just today," Pa said. "Little Jakey was out digging around in the woodpile trying to find a few chips. They're out of wood, Matt." That was all he said and then he turned and went back into the woodshed for another armload of wood. I followed him. We loaded the sled so high that I began to wonder if the horses would be able to pull it. Finally, Pa called a halt to our loading, then we went to the smoke house and Pa took down a big ham and a side of bacon. He handed them to me and told me to put them in the sled and wait. When he returned he was carrying a sack of flour over his right shoulder and a smaller sack of something in his left hand. "What's in the little sack?" I asked. "Shoes. They're out of shoes. Little Jakey just had gunny sacks wrapped around his feet when he was out in the woodpile this morning . I got the children a little candy too. It just wouldn't be Christmas without a little candy." We rode the two miles to Widow Jensen's pretty much in silence. I tried to think through what Pa was doing. We didn't have much by worldly standards. Of course, we did have a big woodpile, though most of what was left now was still in the form of logs that I would have to saw into blocks and split before we could use it. We also had meat and flour, so we could spare that, but I knew we didn't have any money, so why was Pa buying them shoes and candy? Really, why was he doing any of this? Widow Jensen had closer neighbors than us. It shouldn't have been our concern. We came in from the blind side of the Jensen house and unloaded the wood as quietly as possible, then we took the meat and flour and shoes to the door. We knocked. The door opened a crack and a timid voice said, "Who is it?" "Lucas Miles, Ma'am, and my son, Matt. Could we come in for a bit?" Widow Jensen opened the door and let us in. She had a blanket wrapped around her shoulders. The children were wrapped in another and were sitting in front of the fireplace by a very small fire that hardly gave off any heat at all. Widow Jensen fumbled with a match and finally lit the lamp. "We brought you a few things, Ma'am," Pa said and set down the sack of flour. I put the meat on the table. Then Pa handed her the sack that had the shoes in it. She opened it hesitantly and took the shoes out one pair at a time. There was a pair for her and one for each of he children---sturdy shoes, the best, shoes that would last. I watched her carefully. She bit her lower lip to keep it from trembling and then tears filled her eyes and started running down her cheeks. She looked up at Pa like she wanted to say something, but it wouldn't come out. "We brought a load of wood too, Ma'am," Pa said, then he turned to me and said, "Matt, go bring enough in to last for awhile. Let's get that fire up to size and heat this place up." I wasn't the same person when I went back out to bring in the wood. I had a big lump in my throat and, much as I hate to admit it, there were tears in my eyes too. In my mind I kept seeing those three kids huddled around the fireplace and their mother standing there with tears running down her cheeks and so much gratitude in her heart that she couldn't speak. My heart swelled within me and a joy filled my soul that I'd never known before. I had given at Christmas many times before, but never when it had made so much difference. I could see we were literally saving the lives of these people. I soon had the fire blazing and everyone's spirits soared. The kids started giggling when Pa handed them each a piece of candy and Widow Jensen looked on with a smile that probably hadn't crossed her face for a long time. She finally turned to us. "God bless you," she said. "I know the Lord himself has sent you. The children and I have been praying that he would send one of his angels to spare us." In spite of myself, the lump returned to my throat and the tears welled up in my eyes again. I'd never thought of Pa in those exact terms before, but after Widow Jensen mentioned it I could see that it was probably true. I was sure that a better man than Pa had never walked the earth. I started remembering all the times he had gone out of his way for Ma and me, and many others. The list seemed endless as I thought on it. Pa insisted that everyone try on the shoes before we left. I was amazed when they all fit and I wondered how he had known what sizes to get. Then I guessed that if he was on an errand for the Lord that the Lord would make sure he got the right sizes. Tears were running down Widow Jensen's face again when we stood up to leave. Pa took each of the kids in his big arms and gave them a hug. They clung to him and didn't want us to go. I could see that they missed their pa, and I was glad that I still had mine. At the door Pa turned to Widow Jensen and said, "The Mrs. wanted me to invite you and the children over for Christmas dinner tomorrow. The turkey will be more than the three of us can eat, and a man can get cantankerous if he has to eat turkey for too many meals. We'll be by to get you about eleven. It'll be nice to have some little ones around again. Matt, here, hasn't been little for quite a spell." I was the youngest. My two older brothers and two older sisters were all married and had moved away. Widow Jensen nodded and said, "Thank you, Brother Miles. I don't have to say, "'May the Lord bless you,' I know for certain that He will." Out on the sled I felt a warmth that came from deep within and I didn't even notice the cold. When we had gone a ways, Pa turned to me and said, "Matt, I want you to know something. Your ma and me have been tucking a little money away here and there all year so we could buy that rifle for you, but we didn't have quite enough. Then yesterday a man who owed me a little money from years back came by to make things square. Your ma and me were real excited, thinking that now we could get you that rifle, and I started into town this morning to do just that. But on the way I saw little Jakey out scratching in the woodpile with his feet wrapped in those gunny sacks and I knew what I had to do. So, Son, I spent the money for shoes and a little candy for those children. I hope you understand." I understood, and my eyes became wet with tears again. I understood very well, and I was so glad Pa had done it. Just then the rifle seemed very low on my list of priorities. Pa had given me a lot more. He had given me the look on Widow Jensen's face and the radiant smiles of her three children. For the rest of my life, whenever I saw any of the Jensens or. split a block of wood, I remembered, and remembering brought back that same joy I felt riding home beside Pa that night. Pa had given me much more than a rifle that night, he had given me the best Christmas of my life. revdauphinee answered on 12/11/05: the greatest ! Tex78 rated this answer

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Erewhon asked on 12/11/05 - �El discurso en espa�ol es un crimen y ser� castigado! A junior high school student was suspended for speaking Spanish at lunch time and again later in the day. A le invitan que comente. Gracias. revdauphinee answered on 12/11/05: i finaly realized it the russian guy Yacob smirnov was right this is a crazy country! Erewhon rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 12/11/05 - This is what comes from imposing multiculturism on a nation that doesn't want it Unprecidented ethnic violence has broken out as Australians react to the behavior of "middle eastern" people Violence erupts at Cronulla Crowds gather at Cronulla North Beach and car park on Sunday afternoon as police keep vigil. Crowds gather at Cronulla North Beach and car park on Sunday afternoon as police keep vigil. Picture: Robert Pearce December 11, 2005 - 5:00PM Page 1 of 2 Police have been pushed, pelted with beer bottles and had their patrol cars stomped on as violence worsens at Sydney's Cronulla beach. Racial tension turned to violence today as at least 5000 angry people converged on the beach after simmering anger and disputes between beach users flared last week. An ambulance spokesman said crews had treated at least five people after pockets of violence broke out among the crowd. At least two of those would require hospital treatment, he said. No details about their injuries were available. The two most seriously injured were at the Cronulla Surf Lifesaving Club, he said. He could not comment on a report that a girl of Middle Eastern appearance had been pushed over and was kicked repeatedly as she lay on the ground. Reporters at the scene said groups of young men had been seen hurling beer bottles at police cars. Crowds has also swarmed around police vehicles, stomping on them and preventing them from moving through the troubled community's foreshore area. Roads have been closed down in the area and some traffic lights are out. Police are also standing guard at the kiosk adjoining the surf club, where roller doors have been pulled down as the violence continues. NSW Police said three people have been arrested and three others assaulted in renewed violence. A NSW Police spokeswoman said two men, aged 32 and 20, had been charged with offensive behaviour. A third man had been arrested and was expected to be charged with assault, she said. The spokeswoman confirmed a total of three people had been assaulted. Witnesses at the beach reported seeing police use capsicum spray to subdue at least one man. A reporter at Cronulla station, where violence has also flared, said police were involved in a physical struggle with a group trying to board a train. They used capsicum spray to subdue the group. It was not clear if any of the arrests related to earlier witness reports of at least three men being pursued and attacked as they tried to get away from angry members of the crowd chasing them on foot. At least two of the men took refuge at Northies Pub, where police gathered to protect them, Macquarie Radio reported. Broken beer bottles scattered Elouera Road, which runs along the foreshore, with many in the crowd drinking heavily. Police have had to close the road to traffic at times. Mounted police and other units are maintaining a heavy presence at the beach today after two rival groups used text messages to urge attacks on each other.Some of the text messages encouraged people to carry out vigilante style attacks, and some message had racial undertones. One of the messages had urged "Aussies" to take revenge against "Lebs and wogs". Another urged locals to rally at point on the beach today to take retaliation against "middle eastern" gangs. As the crowd moved along the beach and foreshore area today, one man on the back of a ute began to shout "No more Lebs" - a chant picked up by the group around him. Others in the crowd, carrying Australian flags and dressed in Australian shirts, yelled "Aussie, Aussie, Aussie ... Oi, Oi, Oi". North Cronulla Beach, in Sydney's south, was the scene of two violent incidents last week - an attack on two lifeguards on Sunday and a brawl later in the week in which youths turned on a media crew. Meanwhile, Sydney's Islamic community has blamed the violence on what it calls racist and irresponsible sections of the media. Islamic Friendship Association of Australia president Keysar Trad said the violence was "bound to happen" because of racist rhetoric on Sydney talk back radio throughout the week. "Sections of the media took this issue far too far and one can only surmise that the way this issues was dealt with on talk back radio amounts to incitement," Mr Trad said. He said the media turned a common youth issue into an issue of ethnicity. "One wonders how much further this can go before those people on talk back radio become more responsible," he said. He said the racist chants show people are not acting rationally, but are "filled with hatred". Authorities have been calling for calm since those attacks, which are believed to have sparked the text calls for attacks between the two groups. Premier Morris Iemma and Police Minister Carl Scully have warned people against taking the law into their own hands. "Let there be no mistake - if anyone comes to this beach on the weekend with the intention of causing trouble, the police will respond with the full force of the law to maintain order," Mr Iemma said yesterday. "It's time for everyone involved in this to just calm down." AAP from the perspective of one Christian, it was only a matter of time before this happened as Australians react to inrodes by Muslims into its institutions and traditions with muslims calling for public obserrvence of Christmas to be abandoned revdauphinee answered on 12/11/05: love you folks but why just us??here in the Usa we are having it forced down our throughts daily!and by a government that i for one believe stole the first election here! paraclete rated this answer

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ROLCAM asked on 12/10/05 - TO SERVE :- How can I be a messenger of God's reign ? revdauphinee answered on 12/10/05: by example! the lost pay so much more attention to what we do than to what we say! ROLCAM rated this answer

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ROLCAM asked on 12/10/05 - TO LOVE: Lord Jesus, thank you for the privilege of belonging to your kingdom. Rolcam. Add your name here if you agree. revdauphinee answered on 12/10/05: amen! dorothy ROLCAM rated this answer

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arcura asked on 12/10/05 - Here's another of those opinions floating around the internet. What do you not or do you agreee with? The lady that wrote this letter is Pam Foster of Pamela Foster and Associates in Atlanta. She's been in business since 1980 doing interior design and home planning. She recently wrote this letter to a family member serving in Iraq. WHAT'S ALL THE FUSS? "Are we fighting a war on terror or aren't we? Was it or was it not started by Islamic people who brought it to our shores on September 11, 2001? Were people from all over the world, mostly Americans, not brutally murdered that day, in downtown Manhattan, across the Potomac from our nation's capitol and in a field in Pennsylvania? Did nearly three thousand men, women and children die a horrible, burning or crushing death that day, or didn't they? And I'm supposed to care that a copy of the Koran was "desecrated" when an overworked American soldier kicked it or got it wet? Well, I don't. I don't care at all. I'll start caring when Osama bin Laden turns himself in and repents for incinerating all those innocent people on 9/11. I'll care about the Koran when the fanatics in the Middle East start caring about the Holy Bible, the mere possession of which is a crime in Saudi Arabia. I'll care when Abu Musab al-Zarqawi tells the world he is sorry for hacking off Nick Berg's head while Berg screamed through his gurgling, slashed throat. I'll care when the cowardly so-called "insurgents" in Iraq come out and fight like men instead of disrespecting their own religion by hiding in mosques. I'll care when the mindless zealots who blow themselves up in search of nirvana care about the innocent children within range of their suicide bombs. I'll care when the American media stops pretending that their First Amendment liberties are somehow derived from international law instead of the United States Constitution's Bill of Rights. In the meantime, when I hear a story about a brave marine roughing up an Iraqi terrorist to obtain information, know this: I don't care. When I see a fuzzy photo of a pile of naked Iraqi prisoners who have been humiliated in what amounts to a college hazing incident, rest assured that I don't care. When I see a wounded terrorist get shot in the head when he is told not to move because he might be booby-trapped, you can take it to the bank that I don't care. When I hear that a prisoner, who was issued a Koran and a prayer mat, and fed "special" food that is paid for by my tax dollars, is complaining that his holy book is being "mishandled," you can absolutely believe in your heart of hearts that I don't care. And oh, by the way, I've noticed that sometimes it's spelled "Koran" and other times "Quran." Well, Jimmy Crack Corn and -- you guessed it, I could not have said this any better myself! If you agree with this view point, pass this on to all your e-mail friends. Sooner or later, it'll get to the people responsible for this ridiculous behavior! If you don't agree, then by all means hit the delete button. Should you choose the latter, then please don't complain when more atrocities committed by radical Muslims happen here in our great country. revdauphinee answered on 12/10/05: Amen to ms Foster My feelings exactly! arcura rated this answer ATON2 rated this answer

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Choux asked on 12/09/05 - Do You Believe in the concept of entities from other galaxies coming to earth(UFO's). Do you think that they have a relationship to your religious beliefs? Just wondering. revdauphinee answered on 12/10/05: I for one believ and I also believe we have proof of it hidden in scripture as follows John 10: 16. I have other sheep that are not of this sheep pen. I must bring them also. They too will listen to my voice, and there shall be one flock and one shepherd. Choux rated this answer

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Erewhon asked on 12/09/05 - Is this the solution to the energy and the obesity problems? http://www.walkingbus.com/ Whaddya tink? revdauphinee answered on 12/10/05: personaly it might work in the uk but who would expect any child to walk 20 or more miles to school and back as many do here in the US also rain hail and snow even the post office cant keep that promice I think it is a ridiculous idea! Erewhon rated this answer

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Pete_Hanysz asked on 12/09/05 - ACLU Forgive my ignorance, I am from the UK. Recently there has been a lot of comment on the American Civil Liberties Union. Not having heard of them, I checked out their website & read their mission statement below: Your First Amendment rights-freedom of speech, association and assembly. Freedom of the press, and freedom of religion supported by the strict separation of church and state. Your right to equal protection under the law - equal treatment regardless of race, sex, religion or national origin. Your right to due process - fair treatment by the government whenever the loss of your liberty or property is at stake. Your right to privacy - freedom from unwarranted government intrusion into your personal and private affairs. What is the problem? Pete revdauphinee answered on 12/09/05: freedom of religion supported by the strict separation of church and state." where is my freedom of religion when I am not allowed to display a religious icon outside my home in some places also what sort of freedom supposts nambla (north american man boy love association )a group witch promotes sex with children .its a freedom I ll take a pass on thank you ! Choux rated this answer excon rated this answer Pete_Hanysz rated this answer

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Choux asked on 12/09/05 - Interesting Legal Case in Illinois ""An "Association of Rightwing Christian Pharmacists" makes as much sense as a Zoroastrian Firefighters Association, or the Bill Maher School of Marriage Counseling -- at least if you believe the activists who say they shouldn't have to provide the basic services required of the profession. Christian Conservatives say they are defending the "rights" of Christian pharmacists, but they are actually using a civil-rights argument to **impose their values** and their wills on the bodies of others. Couching their legal battle as one of "civil liberties" and using code phrases like "the forced dispensing of abortion drugs," right-wing Fundamentalist groups are underwriting legal battles in Illinois and elsewhere. Their representatives are adamant: "Karen Brauer, president of Pharmacists for Life International, said pharmacists should not be forced to prescribe medication they find morally objectionable nor should they be required to refer patients to pharmacists who would willingly dispense those medications." Does someone's brand of faith prevent them from dispensing contraceptives, or other forms of medication, in good conscience? Fine -- then it would be reasonable to expect them to refer a patient to someone who will. If it's late in the evening in an unfamiliar town, a pharmacist saying "no" can wield a great deal of power. That's especially when someone is seeking emergency contraception, or is in urgent need of a medication. Organized groups of "Christian pharmacists" reject that position, and want the "right" to say no whenever they choose -- in some cases, denying patients the ability to fill the prescriptions elsewhere. Now Walgreen's has become the latest battleground in the Christian pharmacy war, after it "effectively fired" four Illinois pharmacists (their attorneys' language) for "refusing to fill prescriptions for emergency contraception in violation of a state rule." It's paid for "public interest group" funded by Pat Robertson, who has apparently been able to take a break from wishing devastation on the citizens of Dover, PA. Although Robertson's group says it is pursuing the matter with the state's Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, you can bet the goal is not to fight discrimination -- although they'll claim that it is. (Nothing seems to amuse a conservative more than to try using institutions that were created for progressive purposes, like the EEOC, for repressive purposes.) The issue at hand is the "plan B" or "morning after" pill. But it's a short walk from there to other contraceptives -- then to Viagra, condoms ... use your imagination. The "Christian pharmacist" groups and their backers say that not only should they be able to refuse to dispense medications they find immoral, but that they should have the right to refuse to help patients find other pharmacists who will help them. In fact, some claim they have the right to sieze the customer's prescription, and say that returning it to the patient would be tantamount to collaborating in a murder. That's a very severe belief, but it's one they have every right to have. Being true to that belief, however, should demand something of them -- that they choose not to be pharmacists in a civil society that practices freedom of religion. After all, Thoreau and Gandhi went to prison for their beliefs. All that these fundamentalist pharmacists' consciences ask of them is that they quit their jobs at Rite-Aid or CVS. Buddhists in traditional Japan couldn't be butchers without violating their religious beliefs -- so they didn't enter that profession........"" Comments???? revdauphinee answered on 12/09/05: sory im pro life however they know that this is part of the job before they take it if your concience wont allow you to perform what is required then dont take the job!its a clear as that! arcura rated this answer Choux rated this answer

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arcura asked on 12/09/05 - ACLU encouraging neighbors to become spys? Yup! ACLU OF OHIO ASKS PUBLIC TO REPORT NATIVITY SCENES The website of the Ohio chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union is asking citizens to be on the lookout for nativity scenes in their towns. The exact wording of their message is �Contact the ACLU: E-Mail us and send a detailed message regarding the contents and location of the display as well as a phone number where you can be reached. While the ACLU may not be able to assist everyone who contacts us, we will provide assistance when we can.� revdauphinee answered on 12/09/05: Nothing the (Anti Christian Lawyers Union )does surprises me!for anyone interested im going out today to buy a nativity scene for my lawn! arcura rated this answer excon rated this answer paraclete rated this answer

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Itsdb asked on 12/08/05 - AP Poll: Most Say Torture OK in Rare Cases Tuesday December 6, 2005 9:01 PM By WILL LESTER Associated Press Writer WASHINGTON (AP) - Most Americans and a majority of people in Britain, France and South Korea say torturing terrorism suspects is justified at least in rare instances, according to AP-Ipsos polling. The United States has drawn criticism from human rights groups and many governments, especially in Europe, for its treatment of terror suspects. President Bush and other top officials have said the U.S. does not torture, but some suspects in American custody have alleged they were victims of severe mistreatment. The polling, in the United States and eight of its closest allies, found that in Canada, Mexico and Germany people are divided on whether torture is ever justified. Most people opposed torture under any circumstances in Spain and Italy. ``I don't think we should go out and string everybody up by their thumbs until somebody talks. But if there is definitely a good reason to get an answer, we should do whatever it takes,'' said Billy Adams, a retiree from Tomball, Texas. In America, 61 percent of those surveyed agreed torture is justified at least on rare occasions. Almost nine in 10 in South Korea and just over half in France and Britain felt that way. Accusations of torture, reports of secret CIA prisons in Eastern Europe and claims of shadowy flights carrying terror suspects have further strained U.S. relations with some European countries. Mariella Salvi, who works for a humanitarian organization in Rome, said: ``Human beings, as well as their rights, have to be defended, no matter what individuals are suspected of, or charged for.'' The disagreements make cooperation on law enforcement and counterterrorism more difficult, said Lee Feinstein of the Council on Foreign Relations, a group of scholars and other specialists in foreign policy. During a visit to Germany on Tuesday, Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice was peppered with questions about U.S. anti-terrorism policies, including the five-month detention of Lebanese-born Khaled al-Masri and reports of secret CIA prisons and use of European airports and airspace to move terror suspects. German Chancellor Angela Merkel said the United States had admitted making a mistake in the case of al-Masri, a German who contended in a lawsuit in Alexandria, Va., on Tuesday that he was wrongfully imprisoned by the CIA and tortured. Officials with the European Union and in at least a half-dozen European countries are investigating reports of secret U.S. interrogations in Eastern Europe. Rice aggressively defended U.S. tactics against terrorism as tough but legal. She has refused to comment publicly on the reports of secret CIA prisons. In the poll, about two-thirds of the people living in Canada, Mexico, South Korea and Spain said they would oppose allowing U.S. officials to secretly interrogate terror suspects in their countries. Almost that many in Britain, France, Germany and Italy said they felt the same way. Almost two-thirds in the United States support such interrogations in the U.S. by their own government. The Bush administration has taken the position that some terrorism suspects are ``enemy combatants'' not protected by the Geneva Conventions, international treaties on the rights of prisoners of war. ``The Bush administration policy is against torture of any kind; it's prohibited by federal criminal law,'' said John Yoo, a University of California-Berkeley, law professor. As a Justice Department lawyer, he helped write internal memos in 2002 designed to give the government more leeway in aggressive questioning of terror suspects. ``The debate is whether you can use interrogation methods that are short of torture,'' he said. ``Some who have been critical of the Bush administration have confused torture with cruel, inhumane treatment.'' Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., is among those pushing to ban the use of torture as well as ``cruel and inhumane treatment.'' His legislation was approved in the Senate by a wide margin and will be considered in House and Senate conference committees as an amendment on two defense bills. The polls of about 1,000 adults in each of the nine countries were conducted between Nov. 15 and Nov. 28. Each poll had a margin of sampling error of plus or minus 3 percentage points. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ So let's hear it. Let's hear the same virulent condemnation for the "Almost nine in 10 in South Korea and just over half in France and Britain" (who I think we can safely assume are not Bush apologists) as we hear for Bush and his supporters. The questions? Is torture ever justified? Why or why not? What is torture and what is not torture? What is cruel and inhumane and what is not? What about "degrading" treatment, and what exactly is "degrading" treatment? Can someone draw the line for us, make the distinction on what's acceptable, what isn't, what's imperative in protecting the world and defeating terrorism? I'm looking for answers, alternatives, solutions, distinctions - constructive dialogue - not insults, accusations, or assumptions. Steve revdauphinee answered on 12/08/05: ``The Bush administration policy is against torture of any kind; if you realy believe that then ive got a nice piece of swampland down here in Louisianna you might be interested in! arcura rated this answer ATON2 rated this answer ETWolverine rated this answer Itsdb rated this answer tomder55 rated this answer

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Choux asked on 12/08/05 - 1776 Lst night on "The Daily Show" with Jon Stewart the guest was David McCullough the author of the history book, 񓜐". When they discussed the Revolultionay War, I learned that it was the second longest, second bloodies war in American history. The war could have gone either way several times. Mr McCullough spoke of how tough the soldiers and leaders of the American Revolution were. He said ironically, back in the 18th Century during the Enlightenment, men read books to **learn something**. :) What was the last book you read(other than the Bible or religious material) to learn something? Comments? For the record:The last book I read parts of to learn something was, hmmm, can't remember, probably "Freakonomics", but the most reading I did was Spencer Wells book on his research into genetic anthropology. revdauphinee answered on 12/08/05: Bill O reilys factor for kids wanted to get it for my teens in the family for christmas but dont let em have anything i dont read first,and while I dont always agree with O Reily this book should be required reading for all teens its great Choux rated this answer tomder55 rated this answer

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excon asked on 12/08/05 - Israel and the Evangelicals Hello Christians: Is it true, that you only support Israel - especially immigration to Israel, because once some magic number Jews appear there, Jesus will come back? What's he gonna do with all those Jews then? Kill 'em? Force 'em to be Christians? Nothing? What? excon revdauphinee answered on 12/08/05: No this is not a reason the reason is first that Jesus our saviour himself is a Jew!and also since it is written (Jer.3:18 In those days the house of Judah will join the house of Israel, and together they will come from a northern land to the land I gave your forefathers as an inheritance. Eze.37:21 and say to them, `This is what the Sovereign LORD says: I will take the Israelites out of the nations where they have gone. I will gather them from all around and bring them back into their own land. 22 I will make them one nation in the land, on the mountains of Israel. (Isa.1: 27 Zion will be redeemed with justice, her penitent ones with righteousness. ) (Isa.2:1-5 1 This is what Isaiah son of Amoz saw concerning Judah and Jerusalem: 2 In the last days the mountain of the LORD's temple will be established as chief among the mountains; it will be raised above the hills, and all nations will stream to it. 3 Many peoples will come and say, "Come, let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, to the house of the God of Jacob. He will teach us his ways, so that we may walk in his paths." The law will go out from Zion, the word of the LORD from Jerusalem. 4 He will judge between the nations and will settle disputes for many peoples. They will beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks. Nation will not take up sword against nation, nor will they train for war anymore. 5 Come, O house of Jacob, let us walk in the light of the LORD. ) (Isa.4:2-6 2 In that day the Branch of the LORD will be beautiful and glorious, and the fruit of the land will be the pride and glory of the survivors in Israel. 3 Those who are left in Zion, who remain in Jerusalem, will be called holy, all who are recorded among the living in Jerusalem. ATON2 rated this answer excon rated this answer

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ROLCAM asked on 12/08/05 - How smart are you ? http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/magazine/4506562.stm revdauphinee answered on 12/08/05: got 10/14 need to read more I guess ATON2 rated this answer ROLCAM rated this answer

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kindj asked on 12/07/05 - Merry Christmas, ACLU! If you are so inclined, send a genuinely warm, cheerful, Christmas card to the ACLU. http://www.crosswalk.com/news/weblogs/kmc/?adate=12/07/2005#1367200 There's nothing snotty or nasty on it, just sincere Christmas wishes. DK revdauphinee answered on 12/07/05: what a great idea!thanks ATON2 rated this answer kindj rated this answer

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ATON2 asked on 12/07/05 - Anyone care to take a stab at 'explaining' this quote from Simone Weil??? "Christ likes us to prefer truth to him, because, being Christ, he is truth. If one turns aside from him to go to the truth, one will not go far before falling into his arms." I promise not to comment on your responses, [as difficult as that may be :) :)] only rate them as they relate to the question? I reserve the right to respond to any clarifying question you may ask :) To obiviate the necessity for any of you to post long biographical cut and pastes I append the following: Weil was a French philospher and mystic, of Jewish ancestry, who claimed a mystical experience of Jesus, but who refused to be baptized into any Christian denomination. revdauphinee answered on 12/07/05: "Christ likes us to prefer truth to him, because, being Christ, he is truth Makes absolutly no sence was this person sane when he wrote this??? arcura rated this answer ATON2 rated this answer

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Choux asked on 12/06/05 - Ad Hominum Attack Fred who are you referring to? State the name names, please. Are you attacking the person(s) because you can't debate the ideas???? Thanks. :):):) quoting Fred:: "I think those who are offended are a very noisy vocal mini minority of atheists and some religious persons who like to make trouble because they have self made troubled lives. Some people seem to live just to be offended and if they are not then they will manufacture it. I feel very sorry and pity for them. Peace and kindness, Fred" revdauphinee answered on 12/06/05: it was a general answer to a posting I made im interested in your oppinion also who do you feel is offended by someone wishing them a merry Christmas? Choux rated this answer Erewhon rated this answer

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Choux asked on 12/06/05 - New Book I received a notification that there is a new book out by a respected Christian Bart D. Ehrman titled, "MIsquoting Jesus" From the blurb: "..the Bible is about transformations, --specifically, the ways in which the text of the New Testament was changed in often surprising and perhaps shocking ways by generations of scribes who had their own theological, political and cultureal agendas." "He explains how the Christian canon was first formed, how orthodoxy was established, and on a very basic level, how these new books were used and taught in a largely illiterate world." This might be a good book for our Christian Book Club that hasn't really gotten off the ground?? Anyway, comments? revdauphinee answered on 12/06/05: I may or may not read it (Probably will )but I take everything I read with a grain of salt and draw my own conclusions Choux rated this answer

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HANK1 asked on 12/06/05 - KERRY'S BIG MOUTH AGAIN: According to Paul Harvey this noon, John Kerry said in a recent CBS interview, "US troops are terrorizing women and children in Iraq." WOW! HANK revdauphinee answered on 12/06/05: where are the leaders today ???we just dont seem to have any what with him and bush where is there a choice????? HANK1 rated this answer Itsdb rated this answer

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ATON2 asked on 12/06/05 - The fallability of Papal infallability ?????? All the posting re: AIDS and the Pope's ban on contraceptives got me thinking, again, about the question of Papal infallability. My question: If the Pope is infallable today, why was he not ALWAYS infallable??????? You don't have to be Catholic to answer; any opinion is welcome :) :) :) revdauphinee answered on 12/06/05: to me he nevewr was infalable !By the way what do you call a german in a $5000 hat??? The pope! arcura rated this answer ATON2 rated this answer

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Tex78 asked on 12/05/05 - Hi. I know that some of us get some strange answers on the board. But what do you think about I have an on line Ministry, where I contact around one hundred people. If you think you get some hard questions here, read this and then tell me what you think of it. I deal with these kinds of responses daily. Sometimes it is almost more than I can handle. I do not want to hurt anyone�s feelings, but I must tell the truth. So, let me know how you would answer this: I will not give out their name, because I don�t know if it would be alright. Hi Milton. Thanks for the update. I understand your feelings and emotions in what you are saying. Please read my comments with an open mind and ask our Lord Jesus if it is the truth? If he tells you it is not, please show me how and where in the scriptures I am misguided. Every year as the various pagan holidays roll by, especially Christmas, the same debates are held by those on both sides. After twenty six years now as a follower of the Lord Jesus Christ, I see no real movement in Christendom to get back to the first century truth of the scriptures, as it relates to "observing" festivals. Satan is again stirring two opposing groups of people during the holiday season, both of whom he deceived, only in different ways��.the ungodly leftists and atheists who are attacking anything religious ��and�� those Christians who have mixed serious error into Christendom. These two factions every year war against each other in the public domain. Those Christians who know the truth of the pagan roots of these holidays are then tempted to side with those they have most in common with, the Christmas tree Christians, which includes most of my friends and family, who I love with all my heart. I plead with you to come out of the trap Satan used to ensnare you. The only feast or holy days Christians should be observing are those of Israel. All of the pagan feasts, Halloween, Easter, Christmas, are forbidden by the Lord. For they all are unholy mixtures which began under the Emperor Constantine and the Popes when they turned against the Jews. Christmas, the Mass of Christ, is in itself idolatrous, in that the Catholics believe in transubstantiation, where the wine and bread are made by the priest to be the real presence of Jesus. If you study the history of Israel, which is our example according to 1 Corinthians 10:6, whenever they mixed with the customs of the pagans they were punished by God, Jeremiah 10. We are to observe and honor the Jewish feasts not to obtain salvation, but because in them we see clearly the person of the Lord Jesus Christ and his plan for the redemption of man and the establishment of his Kingdom on this Earth at his second coming. That day is near. Your eternal friend. Jack at: xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx revdauphinee answered on 12/05/05: your friend is correct we should observe the jewish hollidays for jesus himself did! Itsdb rated this answer queenybee rated this answer Tex78 rated this answer

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HANK1 asked on 12/05/05 - JUST WONDERING ... ... where Hell is! HANK revdauphinee answered on 12/05/05: hell in my estimation is finaly at the end of times to know that God is real and that you will spend eternity appart from him in the grave!whilst believers are returned to the fullness of life.this is but my own oppinion and we all have them but what greater fire than a burning desire to be with God and knowledge that you never will! HANK1 rated this answer

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arcura asked on 12/05/05 - FOUND England's first patron saint's original tomb. LONDON, England (Reuters) -- The original tomb of the first patron saint of England, King Edward the Confessor, has been discovered by chance deep beneath the floor of Westminster Abbey in central London. Although Edward's current whereabouts are known after his body was moved twice in the 12th and 13th centuries, the location of the original tomb where he was buried after his death in January 1066 has always been a mystery. "This is an extraordinarily exciting discovery," Abbey archaeologist Warwick Rodwell told Reuters. "It is a substantial chamber with a stone vaulted roof. We know it is his tomb because it is in the right place, lying on the central axis of the church and in front of the site of the original High Altar." "We have never found it before because we always looked in the wrong place." Previous searches had concentrated on an area in front of the current High Altar which was moved to where it is now when the Abbey was rebuilt by Henry III in the middle of the 13th century. The discovery was made by chance during radar investigations of the foundations of the Abbey's priceless Cosmati mosaic pavement which dates back to 1268. "This means that at last we fully understand the topography of this royal mausoleum," Rodwell said, stressing that there would be no attempt at physical investigation of the ancient tomb. "It will be imaged and left completely alone." Edward, who spent most of his life in Normandy, became King of England at the age of 40 after the death of King Canute's illegitimate son and heir Harold Hardicanute in 1042. His reign was marked by an outbreak of peace after years of fighting, and he was revered throughout his realm as a man of saintly pursuits who was credited with being able to cure people simply by touching them. So pious was he that although he bowed to baronial pressure to marry, he refused to break his vow of chastity and made his wife Editha agree to live with him only as a sister. His death in 1066 and the assumption of the throne by Harold Godwinson, Editha's brother, sparked the invasion of England by William the Conqueror of Normandy who claimed Edward had promised him the throne years earlier. William's army defeated Harold's at the Battle of Hastings the same year and ended the Anglo-Saxon dynasty. But Edward's name remained revered, and he was made patron saint of England -- a position he held for some 400 years until being replaced by Saint George. Records show that there has been a Christian church on the site occupied by Westminster Abbey since at least 960 -- 100 years before Edward's burial -- when Benedictine monks arrived there revdauphinee answered on 12/05/05: As a former Brit I am going to admit how dumb I am cause I was always taught while in school there that St George was the patron saint of England where my teachers all wrong? arcura rated this answer ATON2 rated this answer

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arcura asked on 12/05/05 - Erewhon, Ronnie, asked for this. Here it is for all to see. Ronnie, Here it is and more. I am not disputing all that the May said, only the portion where he is blaming the Vatican for �millions� of AIDS deaths. �Lord May harbours a strong resentment against the Vatican for what he believes is an unforgivable denial of reality. He is renowned among select scientific circles in Britain for stating bluntly, at a private seminar in the early 1990s, his belief that the Pope had been responsible "for more deaths than Hitler" through Vatican policy on contraception.� According to what has been posted here on this board (and reproduced above) the Doctor believes that the Vatican�s stand against using condoms is contributing greatly to the spread of AIDS. He has claimed that millions have AIDs because of that and it is unrealistic. While it is true that the non use of condoms has contributed to the spread of aids, I disagree with the May�s conclusion because of the following There is no proof that not using condoms because of the Church�s teaching has caused anything like the magnitude claimed. Fact by far the greatest cause of the spread of AID is sexual activity. Fact condoms do fail it has been proven so. Fact people who have illicit sex and not interested in sexual morality and care less about what the pope says if they even know what he says. Fact the sexual revolution encourages people to have sex out of wedlock. Fact those who have several sex partners are much more likely to get AIDS than those who do not. Fact the greatest spread of AIDS is in Africa. Fact millions of people in Africa work for one dollar or less per day. It is very unlikely that they would buy condoms even if they were available which in many places they are not. Is it not reasonable to say that if everyone practiced their sexual activities according to the Church�s teaching there would be no AIDS epidemic? The Church�s teaching is for Catholics. Few if any of those who are not Catholic are influenced by Catholic teaching on that matter. Catholics who do follow the Churches teaching do not get AIDS unless their spouse has been infected. What makes May think that the pope�s stand (which is the Church�s teaching) has any effect on those who do not follow the teaching in sexual morality. That they will have immoral sex which is taught against but not use condoms because the pope says they should not. LOL. It is ridiculous. I suggest that the Lord May should put the blame in the spread of AIDS where it belongs, on promiscuity and adultery and rape, not on the pope or any other one person or the Vatican�s teaching on sexual morality. Peace and kindness, Fred revdauphinee answered on 12/05/05: sory but I still agree with Lord Mays in a perfect world abstinence would work we do not however live in a perfect world! arcura rated this answer ATON2 rated this answer

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arcura asked on 12/04/05 - There is a program on TV tonight about Pope John Paul the Great. How many do you think will watch it? It begins in 5 minutes. Fred revdauphinee answered on 12/05/05: darn!I missed it I woul;d hive been interested in that,instead I was watching Charles and (horse face)sory Camilla! arcura rated this answer

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Bishop_Chuck asked on 12/04/05 - For excon I have heard there is a church for everyone, here is one for the pot user. http://www.thc-ministry.org/ Was looking though new age religions, the list was amazing. Had another one about Elvis but I lost the link revdauphinee answered on 12/05/05: the church as spoken of by God is the body of all believers it has nothing whatsoever to do with buildings and organisations! Bishop_Chuck rated this answer

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HANK1 asked on 12/04/05 - JUST WONDERING ... ... where Heaven is? HANK revdauphinee answered on 12/05/05: dont truly know the present location but I do know where it is going to be Here on earth with us !for heaven is the dwelling place of God! (Rev.21: 2 I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. 3 And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, "Now the dwelling of God is with men, and he will live with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. HANK1 rated this answer STONY rated this answer

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Choux asked on 12/04/05 - Teaching ID as a Challenge to Evolution is Failing """TO read the headlines, intelligent design as a challenge to evolution seems to be building momentum. In Kansas last month, the board of education voted that students should be exposed to critiques of evolution like intelligent design. At a trial of the Dover, Pa., school board that ended last month, two of the movement's leading academics presented their ideas to a courtroom filled with spectators and reporters from around the world. President Bush endorsed teaching "both sides" of the debate - a position that polls show is popular. And Pope Benedict XVI weighed in recently, declaring the universe an "intelligent project." S Intelligent design posits that the complexity of biological life is itself evidence of a higher being at work. As a political cause, the idea has gained currency, and for good reason. The movement was intended to be a "big tent" that would attract everyone from biblical creationists who regard the Book of Genesis as literal truth to academics who believe that secular universities are hostile to faith. The slogan, "Teach the controversy," has simple appeal in a democracy. Behind the headlines, however, intelligent design as a field of inquiry is failing to gain the traction its supporters had hoped for. It has gained little support among the academics who should have been its natural allies. And if the intelligent design proponents lose the case in Dover, there could be serious consequences for the movement's credibility. On college campuses, the movement's theorists are academic pariahs, publicly denounced by their own colleagues. Design proponents have published few papers in peer-reviewed scientific journals. The Templeton Foundation, a major supporter of projects seeking to reconcile science and religion, says that after providing a few grants for conferences and courses to debate intelligent design, they asked proponents to submit proposals for actual research. "They never came in," said Charles L. Harper Jr., senior vice president at the Templeton Foundation, who said that while he was skeptical from the beginning, other foundation officials were initially intrigued and later grew disillusioned. "From the point of view of rigor and intellectual seriousness, the intelligent design people don't come out very well in our world of scientific review," he said. While intelligent design has hit obstacles among scientists, it has ****also failed to find a warm embrace at many evangelical Christian colleges***. Even at conservative schools, scholars and theologians who were initially excited about intelligent design say they have come to find its arguments unconvincing. They, too, have been greatly swayed by the scientists at their own institutions and elsewhere who have examined intelligent design and found it insufficiently substantiated in comparison to evolution. "It can function as one of those ambiguous signs in the world that point to an intelligent creator and help support the faith of the faithful, but it just doesn't have the compelling or explanatory power to have much of an impact on the academy," said Frank D. Macchia, a professor of Christian theology at Vanguard University, in Costa Mesa, Calif., which is affiliated with the Assemblies of God, the nation's largest Pentecostal denomination. At Wheaton College, a prominent evangelical university in Illinois, intelligent design surfaces in the curriculum only as part of an interdisciplinary elective on the origins of life, in which students study evolution and competing theories from theological, scientific and historical perspectives, according to a college spokesperson. The only university where intelligent design has gained a major institutional foothold is a seminary. Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, Ky., created a Center for Science and Theology for William A. Dembski, a leading proponent of intelligent design, after he left Baylor, a Baptist university in Texas, amid protests by faculty members opposed to teaching it. Intelligent design and Mr. Dembski, a philosopher and mathematician, should have been a good fit for Baylor, which says its mission is "advancing the frontiers of knowledge while cultivating a Christian world view." But Baylor, like many evangelical universities, has many scholars who see no contradiction in believing in God and evolution.""-Laurie Goodstein This is indeed good news, as being a God believer does not mean being ignorant in any way whatsoever. :) Comments... revdauphinee answered on 12/04/05: all I can say is take a rose and study irt its scent its form its color then tell me you truly believe there was no intelegence behind its creation,or look how complex a human body is how perfectly it works most of the time and if you still dont believe it was designed by some intelegence then try to explain it to me, Choux rated this answer

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Choux asked on 12/04/05 - Christmas is UnChristian say Puritans This is a fascinating piece on the history of anti-Christian sentiment...most of which in the past came from ***Christian denominations***!! ""Religious conservatives have a cause this holiday season: the ***commercialization*** of Christmas. They're for it. The American Family Association is leading a boycott of Target for not using the words "Merry Christmas" in its advertising. (Target denies it has an anti-Merry-Christmas policy.) The Catholic League boycotted Wal-Mart in part over the way its Web site treated searches for "Christmas." Bill O'Reilly, the Fox anchor who last year started a "Christmas Under Siege" campaign, has a chart on his Web site of stores that use the phrase "Happy Holidays," along with a poll that asks, "Will you shop at stores that do not say 'Merry Christmas'?" This campaign - which is being hyped on Fox and conservative talk radio - is an odd one. Christmas remains ubiquitous, and with its celebrators in control of the White House, Congress, the Supreme Court and every state supreme court and legislature, it hardly lacks for powerful supporters. There is also something perverse when Christians are being jailed for discussing the Bible in Saudi Arabia and slaughtered in Sudan about spending so much energy on stores that sell "holiday trees." What is less obvious, though, is that Christmas's self-proclaimed defenders are rewriting the holiday's history. They claim that the "traditional" American Christmas is under attack by what John Gibson, another Fox anchor, calls "professional atheists" and "Christian haters." But America has a complicated history with Christmas, going back to the Puritans, who despised it. What the boycotters are doing is not defending America's Christmas traditions, but creating a new version of the holiday that fits a political agenda. The Puritans considered Christmas un-Christian, and hoped to keep it out of America. They could not find Dec. 25 in the Bible, their sole source of religious guidance, and insisted that the date derived from Saturnalia, the Roman heathens' wintertime celebration. On their first Dec. 25 in the New World, in 1620, the Puritans worked on building projects and ostentatiously ignored the holiday. From 1659 to 1681 Massachusetts went further, making celebrating Christmas "by forbearing of labor, feasting or in any other way" a crime. The concern that Christmas distracted from religious piety continued even after Puritanism waned. In 1827, an Episcopal bishop lamented that the Devil had stolen Christmas "and converted it into a day of worldly festivity, shooting and swearing." Throughout the 1800's, many religious leaders were still trying to hold the line. As late as 1855, New York newspapers reported that Presbyterian, Baptist and Methodist churches were closed on Dec. 25 because "they do not accept the day as a Holy One." On the eve of the Civil War, Christmas was recognized in just 18 states. Christmas gained popularity when it was transformed into a ***domestic celebration***, after the publication of Clement Clarke Moore's "Visit from St. Nicholas" and Thomas Nast's Harper's Weekly drawings, which created the image of a white-bearded Santa who gave gifts to children. The new emphasis lessened religious leaders' worries that the holiday would be given over to drinking and swearing, but it introduced another concern: commercialism. By the 1920's, the retail industry had adopted Christmas as its own, sponsoring annual ceremonies to kick off the "Christmas shopping season." Religious leaders objected strongly. The Christmas that emerged had an inherent tension: merchants tried to make it about buying, while clergymen tried to keep commerce out. A 1931 Times roundup of Christmas sermons reported a common theme: "the suggestion that Christmas could not survive if Christ were thrust into the background by materialism." A 1953 Methodist sermon broadcast on NBC - typical of countless such sermons - lamented that Christmas had become a "profit-seeking period." This ethic found popular expression in "A Charlie Brown Christmas." In the 1965 TV special, Charlie Brown ignores Lucy's advice to "get the biggest aluminum tree you can find" and her assertion that Christmas is "a big commercial racket," and finds a more spiritual way to observe the day. This year's Christmas "defenders" are not just tolerating commercialization - they're insisting on it. They are also rewriting Christmas history on another key point: non-Christians' objection to having the holiday forced on them. The campaign's leaders insist this is a new phenomenon - a "liberal plot," in Mr. Gibson's words. But as early as 1906, the Committee on Elementary Schools in New York City urged that Christmas hymns be banned from the classroom, after a boycott by more than 20,000 Jewish students. In 1946, the Rabbinical Assembly of America declared that calling on Jewish children to sing Christmas carols was "an infringement on their rights as Americans."article by Roy Cohen asterisks mine, article edited due to lenght. Christmas holiday celebration sure has had a stormy past. Today, I find it ironic that it is Fundamentalist Christians who support the materialistic aspect of Christmas instead of decrying the crass commercialism of the gift giving season which is the antithesis of the true meaning of Chrismas, the birth of Jesus. Comments? revdauphinee answered on 12/04/05: we who are christians do not deny that Christ was not born on Dec 25th but it has been tradition to observe it on that day for years,why should those of us who desire to do so be denied that ?if you truly wish to destroy it then lets all go to work and not observe a holliday at a;ll would that be ok?what is the problem here folks want the holliday but not the reason for it! Choux rated this answer

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Tex78 asked on 12/04/05 - What do you think about this.. This is in response to what I have been hearing, and reading about. I hear that there is an attack on the word of Christmas, or anything pertaining to Christmas, being used in any public places. I just want to say this, it has nothing to do with Christmas alone. It is an attack against Christians, that is all Christians, of all denomination. But mainly, it is against Jesus. The A.C.L.U., and the People for the American way, which are as phony as a three cent coin, and about as worthless to America. Their effort is to bring America into a socialist country. And they want to be in control. They have filled the Supreme Court with their sympathizers, or cronies. They plan to take over America. They have taken over the Democratic party. These people are atheist, or they belong to some phony religious organization. If they can run the Supreme Court, and the U. S. Senate, they will rule America. Which they are not too far from there now. Their main goal, is to remove the real God, and Jesus, out of peoples lives, then they will impose some false religion on the American people. What is sad, is that I see and hear people, who are supposed to be Christians, stand up and support these people. It is time for Christians to gather behind the Christian leaders of their communities, and start supporting them. I pray you stop and think about what I am saying. Start paying attention to what is going on. Our freedom is being stolen right from under us. The fight is going on right now, and we can win if we start now. But if we wait, until they have taken over, then you can forget it. We can expect persecutions to start anytime after that. So, please, let us start fighting while we still have a chance to win. Let us make sure that Christian Judges, Christian Senators, and a Christian President are elected to office. And make sure they are Christians, and not fakers. This is easy done by checking their past record. Look it up on the computer, or have someone else do it. I am sending this to over a hundred people, and they in turn will send it on to others. Love in Jesus� name. M.L. revdauphinee answered on 12/04/05: Their main goal, is to remove the real God, and Jesus, out of peoples lives, then they will impose some false religion on the American people. can you say Islaam? ATON2 rated this answer Tex78 rated this answer

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Johnny_Cash asked on 12/03/05 - Sam Hall Hello Answerway, I'm Johnny_Cash. I was stuck in this dump hole place for 20 minutes and I had inspiration for a song. It's about a man named Sam who was an ordinary rebel who didnt like to follow rules, and he murdered some people. Here we go... Geetar! Well my name it is Sam Hall it is Sam Hall Yes my name it is Sam Hall it is Sam Hall My name it is Sam Hall and I hate you one and all And I hate you one and all - damn your eyes I killed a man they said so they said I killed a man they said so they said Killed the man they said and I smashed in his head And I left him layin' dead - damn his eyes A swingin' I must go I must go a swingin' I must go I must go Swingin' I must go while you critters down below Yell up Sam I told you so - well damn your eyes I saw Molly in the crowd in the crowd I saw Molly in the crowd in the crowd I saw Molly in the crowd and I hollered right out loud Hey silly bitch, ain't you proud - damn your eyes Then the sheriff he come too he come too yeah the sheriff he come too he come too Oh the sheriff he come too And he said Sam, how are you And I said well sheriff how are you - damn your eyes My name is Samuel Samuel my name is Samuel Samuel My name is Samuel and I'll see you all in the hell And I'll see you all in hell Damn your eyes Well, I hope you liked my song. Goodnight everybody, I'll see you in 5 days when I get back from Vegas. revdauphinee answered on 12/04/05: I know you are in hell for you misspelled your name its not samuel its Samael! Samael is the "chief of Satans" (Deut. R. xi. 9; Jellinek, "B. H." i. 125), quite in the sense of "the prince of the devils" mentioned in Matt. ix. 34;

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Erewhon asked on 12/03/05 - Who is this guy? A little information .... Fred seems not to be impressed with Lord may of Oxford. I had never heard o fhim, but I dig him up, metaphorically, and present a potted bio to shed light on Fred's nemesis so that hje can determine if may is just a lightweight know-nothing, or whether he is at least worth listening to.. Lord (Robert) May of Oxford Robert McCredie, Lord May of Oxford, OM AC Kt, is President of the Royal Society (2000-2005), and holds a Professorship jointly in the Department of Zoology, Oxford University, and at Imperial College, London, and is a Fellow of Merton College, Oxford. For the five-year period ending September 2000, he was Chief Scientific Adviser to the UK Government, and Head of its Office of Science and Technology. Initially enrolled in Chemical Engineering, May ended up with a BSc and a PhD in Theoretical Physics from Sydney University. He then spent two years as Gordon MacKay Lecturer in Applied Mathematics at Harvard University, returning to Sydney University as Senior Lecturer (later Reader and, at age 33, the holder of Sydney University's first Personal Chair) in Theoretical Physics. In the early 1970's he became interested in the dynamics of animal populations (particularly the "chaotic" dynamical behaviour that can arise) and in the relations between stability and complexity in natural communities. May moved to Princeton University as Class of 1977 Professor of Zoology in 1973. From 1977 until he moved to Britain as a Royal Society Research Professor in 1988, he was Chairman of the University Research Board at Princeton University, having broad administrative responsibility for all externally and internally funded research. May's current research deals with factors influencing the diversity and abundance of plant and animal species, and with the rates, causes and consequences of extinction. These interests are reflected, inter alia, in his recent edited books Large Scale Ecology and Conservation Biology (Blackwell, 1994), Extinction Rates (Oxford University Press, 1995) and Evolution of Biological Diversity (OUP, 1999). His earlier work on evolutionary and dynamical aspects of the interaction between parasites B broadly defined to include viruses, bacteria, protozoa and helminths B and their hosts, with particular emphasis on the role of infectious diseases in the regulation of natural populations of plants and animals, has more recently led to research on the interactions between populations of viruses and immune system cells (addressing, in particular, the yet-unsolved problem of why there is so long, and so variable, an interval between infection with HIV and the onset of AIDS). This work is drawn together in Virus Dynamics: the Mathematical Foundations of Immunology and Virology (OUP, 2000), written with Martin Nowak. Earlier books include Stability and Complexity in Model Ecosystems (Princeton University Press, 1973, re-issued with a retrospective introduction in the Princeton Landmarks in Biology series, 2000), and Infectious Diseases of Humans: Transmission and Control (OUP, 1991, written with Roy Anderson). Edited volumes include Theoretical Ecology: Principles and Applications (Blackwell, 1976 and 1981), Population Biology of Infectious Diseases (Springer, 1982), Exploitation of Marine Ecosystems (Springer, 1984), Perspectives in Ecological Theory (Princeton University Press, 1988), and Population Regulation and Dynamics (Cambridge University Press, 1990). There are also several hundred papers in major scientific journals, and broader contributions to scientific journalism both in publications like Nature and Science, and in broadsheets, radio and TV (eg, as consultant to Attenborough's State of the Planet series). He was awarded a Knighthood in 1996, appointed a Companion of the Order of Australia in 1998, both for �services to science�. In 2001 he was one of the first 15 Life Peers created by the �House of Lords Appointments Commission�, which was established as an independent mechanism for appointing non-party-political Peers following the removal of the voting rights of hereditary Peers. In 2002, The Queen appointed him to the Order of Merit (the fifth Australian in its 100-year history). Particularly notable among his many international Awards, Medals and Prize Lectureships are: the Royal Swedish Academy of Science=s Crafoord Prize in 1996 (this award, worth US$500,000, is intended to complement the Nobel Prizes by cycling on a 3-year basis among mathematics, earth and space sciences, and "biosciences and ecology" May is cited "for pioneering ecological research in theoretical analysis of the dynamics of populations, communities and ecosystems"); the 1998 Balzan Prize presented by the President of Italy (this SF500,000 prize was given by the Swiss-Italian Balzan Foundation for May=s Aseminal contributions to the mathematical analysis of biodiversity, in particular his pioneering work on chaos theory and ecological systems and the development of a variety of methods for estimating the total number of species alive on earth today and rates of extinction@); and the 2001 Blue Planet Prize (this 50 million yen prize was given by the Asahi Glass Foundation �for developing mathematical ecology and the fundamental tools for ecological conservation planning�). May was elected to the Royal Society in 1979, the Australian Academy of Sciences in 1991, Academia Europaea in 1994, and (as a Foreign Member) the US National Academy of Sciences in 1992; he is a Honorary Life Member or Fellow of various other learned societies. He holds honorary degrees from Uppsala University (1990), Yale University (1993), The University of Sydney (1995), Princeton University (1996; along with President Clinton, as part of the University's 250th Anniversary celebrations), the ETH Zurich (2003), and several UK universities. Lord May is an Executive Trustee of the Nuffield Foundation, a Board Member of the UK Sport Institute, and a Foundation Trustee of Cambridge University=s Gates Trust (their recently-established analogue of Oxford=s Rhodes). A selected list of previous such posts in the UK includes: Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Natural History Museum, London; Trustee of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew; Independent Member of the Joint Nature Conservancy Councils (JNCC); Trustee of WWF (UK); and President of the British Ecological Society. In his youth in Australia he played chess and contract bridge at the national level. These days he is an enthusiastic hiker, runner and tennis player. Education and Academic and Professional Activities 1936 Born on January 8 in Australia 1956 Graduates from Sydney University 1959 Obtains his Doctorate (Theoretical Physics, Sydney University) 1959-1961 Researcher, Harvard University, U.S.A. 1962-1972 Professor, Sydney University (Physics) 1973-1988 Professor, Princeton University (Biology) 1988-1995 Professor, Imperial College and Oxford University, United Kingdom 1995-2000 Chief Scientific Advisor to the Government of the United Kingdom 2000- President, Royal Society of London in December Major Awards Received 1979 Fellow of The Royal Society of London 1980 Weldon Memorial Prize (Oxford University) 1984 MacArthur Award 1991 The Linnean Society's Linnean Medal 1991 Overseas Member, Australian Academy of Sciences 1992 The Inaugural Christian Marsh Prize 1992 Foreign Member of the US National Academy of Science 1995 Zoological Society Frink Medal 1996 Crafoord Prize in Biosciences (Sweden) 1998 Balzan Prize (awarded by the President of Italy) 2001 Blue Planet Prize (awarded by the Asahi Glass Foundation) OK, Fred. You are right. He is a nobody. LOL revdauphinee answered on 12/03/05: and on top of that he is correct ! arcura rated this answer Erewhon rated this answer

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ROLCAM asked on 12/03/05 - Who do you think he is ? In the book of Genesis there is an extraordinary, puzzling episode involving Jacob and a silent man who he wrestles all night. Any suggestions? revdauphinee answered on 12/03/05: an angel ROLCAM rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 12/03/05 - Should the Pope specifically addresss the question of AIDS? Parting shot to Pope: get real on AIDS By Annabel Crabb in London December 4, 2005 Australia's most distinguished expatriate scientist, Lord May of Oxford, has launched an attack on the Catholic Church, blaming Vatican policy for the spread of AIDS in the Third World. Lord May said the Vatican's continuing opposition to the use of condoms was an example of dogma leading to the deliberate misrepresentation of facts, at great human cost. The Sydney-born scientist's words came in his final speech delivered as president of Britain's Royal Society - the oldest and most hallowed of the world's scientific organisations. Speaking in London on Wednesday, Lord May described AIDS as a frightening pandemic, with more than 40 million people infected across the world; he quoted a United Nations report from June this year which said effective and essential prevention strategies "reach only a fraction of those who need them". "This statement is a tactful way of saying that the dissemination and adoption of successful prevention strategies is being seriously hindered by arguments over the role that contraception in the form of condoms should play," Lord May said. "This controversy has nothing to do with a scientific assessment of the effectiveness of condoms in preventing the transmission of HIV, but rather derives from religious beliefs against the use of contraception. "The Vatican in particular promotes abstinence outside marriage, and condemns condom use. This disapproval, for all its putative high-mindedness, simply is not an effective strategy for preventing dissemination of HIV, not least because unprotected sex with an infected individual is high risk regardless of whether the act is intended for procreation or recreation." Lord May harbours a strong resentment against the Vatican for what he believes is an unforgivable denial of reality. He is renowned among select scientific circles in Britain for stating bluntly, at a private seminar in the early 1990s, his belief that the Pope had been responsible "for more deaths than Hitler" through Vatican policy on contraception. "I have dwelt on this campaign against condom use by individuals and institutions motivated by dogma, because it provides another example where faith and belief not only override evidence, but also lead to deliberate misrepresentation of the facts," Lord May said. Source: The Sun-Herald revdauphinee answered on 12/03/05: I have to agree with Lord May on this one ATON2 rated this answer paraclete rated this answer

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Choux asked on 12/03/05 - Who are You? Matthew Flickstein said, "How much of your life do you spend looking forward to being somewhere else?" When I was much younger, I was always looking toward the future, what I would be doing then would "make me happy/contented/fulfilled". Over the years, I learned that I must live and be honestly present in my life each day, live each day...no matter my life's circumstances. What are your thoughts about Mr. Flickstein's observation??? revdauphinee answered on 12/03/05: they are true! Choux rated this answer

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Choux asked on 12/03/05 - Pleasure Do you allow yourself to have pleasure? "Contrary to what some people might believe, there is nothing wrong with having pleasures and enjoyments. What is wrong is the confused way we gasp onto these pleasures, turning them from a source of happiness into a source of pain and dissatisfaction." How do these words fit into the Christian beliefs? What are your comments? revdauphinee answered on 12/03/05: Ecclesiastes 2: 26. To the man who pleases him, God gives wisdom, knowledge and happiness, Choux rated this answer

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ROLCAM asked on 12/03/05 - FOR REFLECTION # 1. How are you a sign of hope to others in this turbulent age ? revdauphinee answered on 12/03/05: one can but try but with folks such as Aton hope must run eternal! ATON2 rated this answer ROLCAM rated this answer

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arcura asked on 12/02/05 - About SHALOM. Did you know this???????????????? When Jesus said �Shalom�, what was he saying? Most Bibles translate it as �peace� such as in �peace be unto you, my peace I give you.� But Jews say much more than that when they say the word �Shalom�. The word for "hello," "goodbye," and "peace" is all the same word in Hebrew. Additionally �Shalom� indicates �wholeness," or "harmony" and is also one of the names of God. Thus, when we greet each other with the word "shalom," we are affirming the divinity to the person we are greeting. Shalom to all. Fred revdauphinee answered on 12/02/05: and shalom to you also! arcura rated this answer Tex78 rated this answer

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Choux asked on 12/02/05 - Second Coming of Jesus "Taking the Bible literally makes no sense to moderate and liberal Christians, and one of the most urgent tenets of literalism, that Jesus will soon return to Earth to render judgment and save the righteous, seems like a fantasy. Secular society has no need for Jesus to return. It leaves each citizen to privately choose a religion, or not to choose one, and all other maters fall outside the realm of faith. So it came as a shock to secular society when millions of people couldn't take their minds off the return of Jesus, so much so that Judgment Day colors everything else they think about--family, relationships, morals, business, politics. Speaking for myself, I came to terms with this issue in the following way: We are indeed waiting for the return of Jesus, and in this "we" I include those non-Christians who want to live in a tolerant, compassionate relationship with everyone. But if Jesus returns, there are three choices of who he will be. The first Jesus was historical, a rabbi living in first-century Palestine whose life profoundly changed religious belief in the West. The second Jesus is the core of a religion, which has its particular dogmas, rituals, priests, churches, and scriptures. These two Jesuses are undeniably real, but the second one--the Jesus of organized religion--has been subject to human whim and change. Right now, if you are not a fundamentalist, he seems to have been hijacked in the service of intolerance, bigotry, and war. A religion that began in the name of love has reached almost its exact opposite--not for the first time, of course. The third Jesus is not rigidly sectarian. He falls into the world tradition of spirituality. This Jesus speaks for peace and love; his morality includes all peoples; his Father is a universal deity. I was well acquainted with the third Jesus as a child in India. I could love and revere him. It never occurred to me that he would ever become an enemy. This Jesus doesn't speak of non-Christians as pagans. He raises human nature to its highest ideal, along with the saints and sages who have guided humanity for centuries. I don't think that well-intentioned fundamentalists mean to pervert the third Jesus; I suspect they've never heard of him. He has one great disadvantage, however. You can't own him. You can't say "he's all mine and nobody else's." The third Jesus won't work if you need to justify a war, if you need evil enemies, or you want to brand "them" as godless. Sadly, many fundamentalists need Jesus for all these purposes. So the third Jesus might not return to them, but if Christianity is to survive among moderate and liberal believers, who used to be the mainstream of the religion, ****won't it take the return of the third Jesus****? The first one is long deceased, the second has fallen prey to politics and narrow-mindedness. What alternative is there? Loss of faith and a slide into deeper and deeper meaninglessness. that would be a terrible fate for all of us, not just the Christians.""-Deepak Chopra asterisks mine. I AM INTERESTED IN THOUGHTFUL RESPONSES TO THE POINTS MR CHOPRA MAKES IN THIS ESSAY. I AM SPECIALLY INTERESTED IN HOW HE POINTS OUT THE FUNDAMENTALIST CHRISTIANS ALIENATE MODERATE AND LIBERAL CHRISTIANS AND HOW THAT WEAKENS CHRISTIANITY. ALSO, COMMENTS ABOUT THE THREE PERCEPTIONS OF JESUS. AND CONCLUSIONS CHOPRA DRAWS. OTHER COMMENTS FROM YOUR WEALTH OF EXPERIENCE. Thanks in advance. revdauphinee answered on 12/02/05: We are indeed waiting for the return of Jesus, And I believe he has his hand on the door ,he is only tarrying in order for every possible one to accept him but he will not be patient forever ,I for one and I am old believe I am going to live to see the return! ATON2 rated this answer Choux rated this answer

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Choux asked on 12/02/05 - US Postal Service In the mail today, I received an order-by-mail form for "Holiday Stamps". The choices are...madonna and child, gingerbread men, hannkah, Santa Clause, EID(?), Kwanzaa. Three, I think, are from the Christian tradition. Are any of you up in arms and hopping made over this?? Is this of the least bit importance at all? Comments? revdauphinee answered on 12/02/05: this would not bother me since they covered all including the madonna a nd child what truly anoys me is when everyone but Christians are accounted for! ATON2 rated this answer Choux rated this answer

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excon asked on 12/02/05 - Christmas Hello my Christian friends: Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! You can say it to me, and I won't be offended. Wish me a Happy Chanuka, a great life, a good dinner, whatever. I'll appreciate it all. excon revdauphinee answered on 12/02/05: spoken like a truly sensible person I also am a christian but the God I worship gave all his human creation the gift of free choice and whilst I may not agree with the choises they make I am in no way offended by it!IOf they want to worship a tree its thier desision as long as they dont harm me or mine in the doing so excon rated this answer

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arcura asked on 12/02/05 - A message from American Family Association�. Dear Christians, Because of your efforts, Walgreens has released the following response: "Next year, you can be assured our advertising will better incorporate 'Christmas,' and our holiday trees will be called Christmas trees. Unfortunately, all of this year�s December ads are already printed, so it's too late to make changes for this season." In addition, Lowe's has released a statement saying they now refer to all trees as "Christmas Trees" and have removed all signs that previously calling them "Holiday Trees." Your actions are bringing good results! We are hearing that many retailers are re-thinking their banning Christmas. Keep up the good work! revdauphinee answered on 12/02/05: was in a wallgreens store just yesterday and the christmass spirit was definatly there will patronise that store again! arcura rated this answer ATON2 rated this answer

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arcura asked on 12/01/05 - Would I be wrong if I did this???????????????????? I have been thinking that since I am going Christmas shopping soon that when I get help from some store clerk I�ll say, �Thank you the help, Merry Christmas.� And then when I get my change after making the purchase I�d say, �Thank you, Merry Christmas.� Since I will not shop in a store that boycotts the Salvation Army Santas or does not decorate for Christmas but does sell Christmas items and sells holiday trees instead of Christmas Trees that my chance of offending someone would be else my saying that. Do you think my intent is OK? Merry Christmas, Fred revdauphinee answered on 12/01/05: they will usualy say happy holiday so then you ask them what holliday is it they often then say christmas so that gives you an opportunity to say well then happy christmass this is what i did today! arcura rated this answer

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CeeBee2 asked on 12/01/05 - Practical Christianity......................... What is it? revdauphinee answered on 12/01/05: Matthew 7: 12 So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets. CeeBee2 rated this answer

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arcura asked on 11/30/05 - Are you ready for Radio Frequency Identification (RFID)????? Will RFID put an end to individual privacy? Spy Chips are on the march into more and more areas. For information - See here�.. http://www.intermec.com/eprise/main/Intermec/Content/home http://www.rfidjournal.com/ http://www.ti.com/rfid/docs/news/in_the_news/2004/05-03.shtml http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/RFID http://www.spychips.com/ revdauphinee answered on 12/01/05: If one has nothing to hide one should not be overly concerned> arcura rated this answer sapphire630 rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 11/30/05 - How it all began. Beware Christians this is what is actually being taugh to your children http://mythicjourneys.org/bigmyth/ revdauphinee answered on 12/01/05: the thing is clearly labled as myth the defination of myth is A fiction or half-truth, especially one that forms part of an ideology. A fictitious story, person, or thing: paraclete rated this answer

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Choux asked on 11/30/05 - Resuming God Love I'm going to take God back into my life and enjoy the pleasure of knowing God. God is a mystery....I shouldn't let that bother me when loving God is such a pleasure. Shocking news of the day!! Mary Sue revdauphinee answered on 11/30/05: like you yourself commented " enjoy the pleasure of knowing God."and have a great Christmas season Choux rated this answer

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HANK1 asked on 11/30/05 - JUST WONDERING ... what management is doing to advertise Answerway. We need Anonymous Users to keep this Board alive. HANK revdauphinee answered on 11/30/05: I do my bit I tell anyone who will listen about this forum! HANK1 rated this answer

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HANK1 asked on 11/30/05 - COUNTING $$$: I've asked several young check-out clerks at a local Super Market to manually count my change back to me after adding up my purchases. None could. Back to the computer they went. Why can't some of our young people count change? HANK revdauphinee answered on 11/30/05: blame the tech age why have a dog and bite yourself ? HANK1 rated this answer

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sapphire630 asked on 11/29/05 - things posted here can be closer to home than you think This morning I was with the Moon detectives and asked them why the channel 4 news was there at my neighbors house. They said, "there was an incident" and left it at that. I just looked up one of the sites that Tomder has posted in the past to see what all they had for news today and here is my neighbor and the incident. http://www.wsoctv.com/news/5426229/detail.html Mom Allegedly Spikes Mac & Cheese With Bleach POSTED: 10:59 am EST November 29, 2005 CORAOPOLIS, Pa. -- A mother has been charged with trying to poison her adult daughter and her daughter's family after allegedly pouring bleach into their macaroni and cheese. Nancy O'Donnell, 56, of Moon Township, Pa., was charged with four counts each of aggravated assault and recklessly endangering another person after the reported incident Saturday night, police said. O'Donnell's adult daughter, Victoria Lynn O'Donnell, 24, was preparing dinner around 6:30 p.m. for her live-in boyfriend, Jamal Scott, 30, and their 6-year-old son and 2-year-old daughter. The four share a home with Nancy O'Donnell. Victoria O'Donnell went upstairs while the food was cooking, and police said that when she came back downstairs, she could smell bleach in the food. She tried the macaroni and cheese and immediately spit it out after tasting the bleach, police said. No one else tasted the food. Victoria O'Donnell then confronted her mother about the allegedly tainted dinner. According to court records, Nancy O'Donnell said she wanted to sicken her daughter because "you don't deserve those children." Police reported a strong odor of bleach when they arrived to investigate. Nancy O'Donnell later denied pouring bleach into the pasta, police said. Nancy O'Donnell is being held in the Allegheny County Jail on $25,000 bond. A judge ordered that she receive a mental health evaluation. And to think, a couple weeks ago, one of my other neighbors told the mother who put the bleach in the food "why don't you move in with Linda" when she said she that she didn't want to live with her daughter any more! revdauphinee answered on 11/29/05: honey beware of neighbours bearing food! Choux rated this answer sapphire630 rated this answer

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arcura asked on 11/29/05 - And now this........................................ (IsraelNN.com) Swedish Radio News (SRN) reported today that a Stockholm mosque is selling cassettes calling for a genocidal holy war against the Jews. According to SRN, the cover of one of the cassettes shows a picture of the Statue of Liberty draped in a burning American flag. Sales of cassettes promoting genocide are illegal in Sweden. A spokesman for the mosque blamed volunteers for stocking the mosque bookstore with the cassettes. revdauphinee answered on 11/29/05: guese its time to rename Israel Mickey since he is the one who is always blamed for everything ! arcura rated this answer

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excon asked on 11/29/05 - The Good Lord Hello Christians: A blonde wanted to go ice fishing. She'd seen many books on the subject, and finally getting all the necessary tools together, she made for the ice. After positioning her comfy footstool, she started to make a circular cut in the ice. Suddenly, from the sky, a voice boomed, "THERE ARE NO FISH UNDER THE ICE." Startled, the blonde moved further down the ice, poured a thermos of cappuccino, and began to cut yet another hole. Again from the heavens the voice bellowed, "THERE ARE NO FISH UNDER THE ICE." The blonde, now worried, moved away, clear down to the opposite end of the ice. She set up her stool once more and tried again to cut her hole. The voice came once more, "THERE ARE NO FISH UNDER THE ICE." She stopped, looked skyward, and said, "IS THAT YOU LORD?" The voice replied, "NO, THIS IS THE MANAGER OF THE HOCKEY RINK" excon revdauphinee answered on 11/29/05: great one but remember most blonds are brunetts in disguise (blonde comes from a bottle)LOL ETWolverine rated this answer excon rated this answer

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arcura asked on 11/29/05 - No religious studying in private! What's next???? Did you hear about the University of Wisconsin -- Eau Claire (UWEC) banning resident assistants (RAs) from leading Bible studies in their own dormitories An UWEC official sent RAs a letter forbidding them from leading Bible studies because students might conclude that such RAs were not "approachable." Don't laugh. Violators, warned the letter, would be subject to disciplinary action. Of course, the letter also purported to prohibit Koran and Torah studies. So much for freedom of religion! Students cannot study their religion even in the privacy of theie dorm rooms. What�s next? revdauphinee answered on 11/29/05: same answer as the one to the previous posting (Matt.10:21-23,28 21 "Brother will betray brother to death, and a father his child; children will rebel against their parents and have them put to death. 22 All men will hate you because of me, but he who stands firm to the end will be saved. 23 When you are persecuted in one place, flee to another. I tell you the truth, you will not finish going through the cities of Israel before the Son of Man comes. 28 Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell. ) arcura rated this answer

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Laura asked on 11/28/05 - Why is Christmas suddenly a dirty word???? Regardless of the ancient and probably pagan origins some of the things that we do at Christmas, I was never told these things and so my memories As long as I can remember was the teaching that Christmas was about Jesus and that gift giving was in honor of the gift of eternal life the Christ gave to us. However, with more and more stores taking "Christmas" out of thier advertising and thier holiday decorating, insisting on their need to remain neutral and ignore my spiritual heritage and values I see no need to buy from these stores anymore. Why should I give them a penny!! They don't honor what I believe though they strain their necks like crains in order to please the secularists. Can someone PLEASE tell me a time when they can remember the word Christmas not being mentioned in December in public settings starting shortly after Thanksgiving and ending after the 25th??? I sure can't except in the last couple of years and I'm almost 50. revdauphinee answered on 11/29/05: it is all explained in scripture when it is told that in the latter days you will be persecuted in my name that this time is fast approacing is evident to all who will see! (Matt.10:21-23,28 21 "Brother will betray brother to death, and a father his child; children will rebel against their parents and have them put to death. 22 (()All men will hate you because of me,)) but he who stands firm to the end will be saved. 23 When you are persecuted in one place, flee to another. I tell you the truth, you will not finish going through the cities of Israel before the Son of Man comes. 28 Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell. ) Laura rated this answer

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arcura asked on 11/28/05 - Do you think this effort will bear good fruit???? 1st Catholic-Muslim Conference in Russia Meets Marks 40th Anniversary of "Nostra Aetate" MOSCOW, NOV. 27, 2005 (Zenit.org).- For the first time in Russia, representatives of the Catholic Church and Islam formally sat down to discuss their differences, and what they have in common. The meeting, entitled "Islam and Christianity: The Path to Dialogue," took place Thursday in the main mosque in Moscow, and commemorated the 40th anniversary of the Second Vatican Council's declaration "Nostra Aetate," on the relationship between the Catholic Church and non-Christian religions. The declaration promoted a new understanding between Catholics and Muslim believers, "who worship the one God, living and subsistent, merciful and almighty." It also highlighted points of dogma that are common to both religions born from the tradition of Abraham. The Mufti Council of Russia; the Spiritual Management of Muslims of the European part of Russia; the Catholic Archdiocese of the Mother of God in Moscow, and the St. Andrew's Theological-Biblical Institute organized the meeting. Catholic Archbishop Tadeusz Kondrusiewicz of Moscow pointed out that "in the present prevailing context between the religions of the world, the conference takes on an extraordinary relevance when not only our local but also worldwide society is faced with the call of more dangerous times." United "Our different religions must respond jointly to these calls in a worthy and appropriate manner," the Catholic prelate said. "It is our moral obligation and our civic duty. "It is paradoxical that, on one hand, the modern world becomes ever more secular and lives as if God did not exist, and, on the other, it implores religious leaders: Help us, all our hope is in you!" The archbishop continued: "Though, unfortunately, the hope in religions to solve world problems has not given the expected results, we are obliged to teach the world, stained by inequality, moral relativism, xenophobia, corruption, interminable bellicose conflicts and terrorism, that reciprocal dialogue and tolerance between different beliefs is the way to cure world problems." Ravil Gainutdin, president of the Mufti Council of Russia, said: "Forty years ago the age of dialogue and unity between confessions began. "For the first time in the history of Christian-Muslim relations, the Church saw in Muslims -- not enemies or heretics but participants with equality of rights in relations between humanity." According to Gainutdin, "the 'Nostra Aetate' declaration laid the basis for reciprocal cooperation between Catholics and Muslims on a world scale." Referring to the contribution of the preceding Pope, Gainutdin added: "We Muslims recognize in the person of John Paul II a great religious reformer, who greatly influenced the spread of the idea of the Second Vatican Council, and the dialogue between religions." Just in time Father Igor Byzhanov, secretary for Inter-Christian Relations of the Department of Religious Relations of the Moscow Patriarchate of the Russian Orthodox Church, said that the principles of "Nostra Aetate" are more timely today than ever in the life of Europe, where the recent turmoil in France put into question the peaceful coexistence of the Muslim and Christian cultures, including in Russia. "The Russian Orthodox Church can give a good example of practical dialogue," continued Father Byzhanov, adding that in his opinion the dialogue is "optimistic and friendly." "If there is love at the base of relations between different religions, then there will be no room for enmity, extremism and terrorism," he said. In a declaration signed by the participants at the end of the meeting, the religious leaders observed that "the world will not improve by resolving its problems only in the limits of secularism." The participants were convinced that "every man has the right to freedom of conscience and to worship according to his religious beliefs." "Extremism is foreign to the religious character, and almighty God does not bless violence and terrorism," they added. "Understanding, dialogue and tolerance between different beliefs have a way of healing the problems of the world." revdauphinee answered on 11/28/05: thew muslim god and the Christian God are not the same God!the quran plainly tells them that Allah has no son!christians are supposed to follow Jesus the son of our God therefor they cannot be one and the same so why pretend they are ? arcura rated this answer ATON2 rated this answer

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arcura asked on 11/28/05 - This has happened many times. Some fake. Some not. Do you believe this one???????? Believers Flock to Crying Virgin Mary By JULIET WILLIAMS, Associated Press Writer Sun Nov 27, 3:23 AM ET Carrying rosary beads and cameras, the faithful have been coming in a steady stream to a church on the outskirts of Sacramento for a glimpse of what some are calling a miracle: A statue of the Virgin Mary they say has begun crying a substance that looks like blood. It was first noticed more than a week ago, when a priest at the Vietnamese Catholic Martyrs Church spotted a stain on the statue's face and wiped it away. Before Mass on Nov. 20, people again noticed a reddish substance near the eyes of the white concrete statue outside the small church, said Ky Truong, 56, a parishioner. Since then, Truong said he has been at the church day and night, so emotional he can't even work. He believes the tears are a sign. "There's a big event in the future � earthquake, flood, a disease," Truong said. "We're very sad." On Saturday, tables in front of the fenced-in statue were jammed with potted plants, bouquets of roses and candles. Some people prayed silently, while others sang hymns and hugged their children. An elderly woman in a wheelchair wept near the front of the crowd. A red trail could be seen from the side of the statue's left eye to about halfway down the robe of concrete. "I think that it's incredible. It's a miracle. Why is she doing it? Is it something bothering her?" asked Maria Vasquez, 35, who drove with her parents and three children from Stockton, about 50 miles south of Sacramento. Thousands of such incidents are reported around the world each year, though many turn out to be hoaxes or natural phenomena. The Diocese of Sacramento has so far not commented on the statue, and the two priests affiliated with the church did not return a telephone message Saturday. The Rev. James Murphy, deacon of the diocese's mother church, the Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament, said church leaders are always skeptical at first. "For people individually seeing things through the eyes of faith, something like this can be meaningful. As for whether it is supernatural or a miracle, normally these incidences are not. Miracles are possible, of course," Murphy said. "The bishop is just waiting and seeing what happens. They will be moving very slowly." But seeing the statue in person left no doubt for Martin Operario, 60, who drove about 100 miles from Hayward. He took photos to show to family and friends. "I don't know how to express what I'm feeling," Operario said. "Since religion is the mother of believing, then I believe." Nuns Anna Bui and Rosa Hoang, members of the Salesian Sisters of San Francisco, also made the trek Saturday. Whether the weeping statue is declared a miracle or not, they said, it is already doing good by awakening people to the faith and reminding them to pray. "It's a call for us to change ourselves, to love one another," Hoang said. revdauphinee answered on 11/28/05: I dont truly believe in these things but hey if it causes people to take a minute to be spiritual then it cant be bad can it? arcura rated this answer

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Tex78 asked on 11/28/05 - I have a question, which we all should ask ourselves. I hear many denials of God, disrespectful things said about him. I hear people state flatly that there is no God. I will ask this. Suppose we believe in God, and He turns out to be false, what have we lost? He doesn�t require us to do anything, except what we should do anyway. Bur, suppose we reject Him, and then find out too late, that He is real? We have lost everything. I am just asking you to think about it.. Because, in spite of what you may think, I do care.. Love in Jesus� name. M.L. revdauphinee answered on 11/28/05: I agree wholeheartedly believing is a win win situation! Tex78 rated this answer

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hOPE12 asked on 11/28/05 - Followup on "What would be your Choice?" Hello Experts, My question yesterday was placed on this board to see how many of us really read what is posted and understand the questions fully. I did this because this is a board for Christian questions and when we answer questions as an expert we need to know what we are telling others. We are responsible for what we say to others in reply. I wanted to see just how many really read the posts carfully and use discernment in giving their replies. What we say in reply to other can either help them or hurt them. So we need to think about what we say. What if my question about the two joined babies yesterday really came from a person having such a decision to make? Would your answer help them? Now think about the question I posted yesterday. QUOTED: (What would be your choice? hOPE12 11/27/05 Hello Everyone, Two children are joined together at the back. The doctor offers surgery but one child must die in order to save the other. Both children have the same chances of survival but the doctor can only save one. Which one would you personally choose to save and how would you reach that choice? Remember now that both children have the same survival chance, however the doctor can only save one of them. This question is to see how discerning you can be when reading the post put on this board. Take care, Hope12 _____________________________________________________ Did you discern the question? First there are two children and the doctor offers surgery. The doctor never said the babies would die without the surgery Then the doctor said he could only save one baby. The doctor never said that both babies could not be saved. The doctor said �he� could not save both babies only one would survive that he could save. Then at the end of my question I state that �This question is to see how discerning you can be when reading the posts put on this board.> There were four experts that were discerning in their comments. CeeBee, Hank, Dorothy, and drgade. To you four experts, you show yourselves to be discerning and really reading the posts on this board. You choices were great and would have been helpful to anyone truly having a similar choice to make. This shows true concern for others and it also shows that you all take the time to give good answers. I personally thank you and if I ever need help I know where to go. :0) Some might get angry when they read this post but that is okay because I still have been able to show that if we do not discern the question being asked we can do more harm in the replies we give. Remember how we reply to a question, can have influence on a persons choices. There were three very good choices a parent in such a situation could make. 1)Because the doctor could only save one child, a second opinion would be in order. If they both have the same survival chances and the one doctor knows he could save one of the babies, then why not try and see if it is possible to find another doctor who could save the other child. Maybe there is a certain time needed to save each child. If the one doctor is working on one child and the other doctor working on the other child, then there is a chance both children could be saved. Remember there was nothing said about organs nor did the doctor say the other child could not be saved. He only said he could save one child and the other one would die. If there is another doctor involved in the surgery, is it not possible the child could live. So the first choice would be to ask if this would be possible, and if so find another doctor who could save the other baby. 2)There is also the possibility that the babies could live without surgery, No where did the post say that they could not. Then the reply should have been, �Does the doctor feel they could survive without the surgery?� 3)Maybe the doctor was not proficient enough at his skills to deal with this kind of surgery and at his level of skills this was all he could do. Also remember when it comes to our loved ones, never take one opinion as fact. Always get another opinion. What one cannot do, others may be able too. When we give replies on this board to questions asked remember the same can apply if one answer is not sufficient keep searching for another. Where there is life there is always hope. Take care, Hope12 revdauphinee answered on 11/28/05: I lke your quote where there is life there is always hope !I totaly agree! hOPE12 rated this answer

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Laura asked on 11/28/05 - "JESUS" according to the Gospels NOT according to Paul as some suggest.. From http://www.wcg.org/lit/bible/gospels/gojesus.htm What the Gospels teach us about Jesus It is difficult to summarize in two pages what the Gospels say about Jesus Christ. These four books contain more than 100 pages of information about Jesus, and so much of it seems important. Perhaps we can summarize the Gospels by looking at three questions: 1) Who is this person? 2) What did he do? 3) What does he mean for us today? Who is this person? Jesus looked like an ordinary person. He was born in an ordinary way, in humble circumstances. Like other Jewish boys, he was circumcised. As a firstborn child, he was dedicated at the temple. Two pigeons were sacrificed, showing that the family was poor (Luke 2:24; Lev. 12:8). Like other children, Jesus grew physically, intellectually and socially. Later, he was known as "the carpenter, the son of Mary" (Mark 6:3). He walked and worked like other people did. He ate, slept and became tired and hungry and thirsty. Later, he died, as all people do. Jesus did have a special interest in religion. His family went to Jerusalem for the Passover every year, and when Jesus was 12, the temple teachers were surprised at how much he knew (Luke 2:46-47). His cousin John was also religious--and quite out of the ordinary. John lived in the wilderness, eating strange food and wearing strange clothes. He preached repentance, and baptized people as a symbol of forgiveness. Crowds of people came to rededicate themselves to God. Jesus also came, and he was baptized. Extraordinary behavior At Jesus' baptism, something extraordinary happened --a voice from heaven, and something like a dove came upon him (Luke 3:22). This was a major turning point in his life. His behavior suddenly changed. He quit his job, moved to the desert and stopped eating for 40 days. When Jesus came back to the synagogue at Nazareth, he practically claimed to be the Messiah when he said that God had anointed him to preach. He announced that he was the fulfillment of Scripture (Luke 4:16-29). Jesus began to do some extraordinary things: turning water into wine, feeding thousands of people, healing all sorts of diseases, giving sight to the blind, even raising the dead. He commanded demons to leave, and they obeyed! Repent, he preached, for the kingdom of God is near. Could this be the Messiah? No way, said the experts. They liked Jesus when he was 12, not now. He disrupted temple-related businesses, turned over tables and drove out the animals (John 2:13-17). He publicly criticized the Jewish leaders, calling them blind leaders, snakes, children of the devil, sons of hell (Matt. 15:14; 23:15, 33; John 8:44). And no one ever taught like Jesus did. What extraordinary things he said about himself! Such as, If you don't do what I say, you will not be in the kingdom of God. No one comes to God except through me. I am the judge of your eternity. I can forgive your sins (Matt. 7:26; 9:2-6; 10:33; 16:27; John 5:22; 14:16). Moses is not enough, Jesus said. Moses said one thing, but I teach something else (Matt. 5:21-39). He claimed to be greater than the temple, greater than Solomon and Jonah (Matt. 12:5-8, 41-42). He said that people should be more righteous than Pharisees, but he ignored their rules about ritual washings and Sabbath-keeping. Who is this man? Where did he get these extraordinary ideas? If Jesus didn't do any miracles, his teachings might have been ignored as ridiculous. But his miracles gave evidence that he really could forgive sin, he really could bring spiritual light to the blind and he really did have authority from God. This man could not be ignored. The people saw Jesus' miracles, and they wondered, Could he really be the Messiah? (John 7:25-31, 40-44). Could this person who criticizes our traditions really be anointed by God? Extraordinary shame Jesus often called himself the Son of Man. Sometimes this phrase meant "an ordinary person." Sometimes it referred to an extraordinary person--someone "like a son of man" coming with the clouds of heaven, crowned and given great glory (Daniel 7:13-14). Jesus said that he would come in great glory, at the right hand of God (Matt. 24:30). This was such a bold claim that the high priest accused Jesus of blasphemy (Matt. 26:64). Paradoxically, Jesus also used the phrase Son of Man to predict his own death on a cross (Matt. 20:18-19; 26:2)--but crucifixion was the most shameful way for any Jew to die. "Anyone who is hung on a tree is under God's curse" (Deut. 21:23). How could anyone have both shame and glory? How could a blasphemer be honored by God? If Jesus were the Messiah, why did he say that the people would reject him and kill him? A dead Messiah made no sense. That's why Peter said, Not so, Lord! We will never let this happen to you! But Peter could not stop the envy of the Jewish leaders, nor the injustice of the Roman rulers. Peter was powerless against sin and evil. And so Jesus, once hailed by the people as a king, was soon rejected, betrayed, deserted, condemned, beaten and crucified. The disciples' hopes were crushed. Some left town; some planned to return to the fishing business. The Gospels do not hide the shameful death of Jesus. Indeed, all four books spend a disproportionate amount of space on this tragic event. These books were designed to tell us what Jesus did (Acts 1:1), but they give a lot of space to Jesus' suffering and death. Could it be that his death is part of what he did? Could it be that his manner of death was part of his ministry? What made his death so newsworthy in the eyes of the Gospel writers? Extraordinary revaluation Even in death, Jesus was a controversial figure. One Jewish leader asked for permission to put him in a brand-new tomb. Other Jewish leaders posted a guard. Early on a Sunday morning, some women came to put burial spices on his body, but they came back with a strange report. There was an earthquake, they said, and an angel rolled the stone away, the guards fainted and Jesus suddenly appeared to the women. The disciples "did not believe the women, because their words seemed to them like nonsense" (Luke 24:11). Even after Peter examined the evidence, "he went away, wondering to himself what had happened" (verse 12). It was not long before Peter became convinced about what had happened. But why? If God wanted Jesus to be alive, why did he allow him to die in the first place? Is this what Jesus was all about? "Beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, Jesus explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself" (verse 27). The disciples began to learn a new understanding of Jesus--not just his resurrection, but also the purpose of his death, the meaning of his life and most astonishing of all, who he was. Who was this man from Nazareth? He called himself the Son of Man. Blind men and a Canaanite woman called him Son of David, another name for the Messiah. Demons called him Son of God--but could they be right? Nathanael, Peter and Martha also called him the Son of God. He accepted that title in front of the high priest, and was condemned for it. The crowds ridiculed him for it, but the centurion said, "Surely he was the Son of God!" Mark, Luke and John begin their books by calling him the Son of God--not a child of God in the same way that believers are, but Son in an unprecedented way. Extraordinary person Despite appearances, Jesus did not begin in the usual way, Matthew and Luke tell us--he was conceived by the Spirit of God. Even when he was a baby, the Magi worshiped him. His disciples fell on their knees and worshiped him (Matt. 2:11; 14:33; 28:9, 17). John tells us something even more astounding: that Jesus was, from the beginning of time, the Word of God, who "was with God, and the Word was God." Through him all things had been created (John 1:1-3). John calls him "God the One and Only" (verse 18). Thomas called him "My Lord and my God" (John 20:28). Jesus said he had the glory of God "before the world began" (John 17:5). Who was this person? He was God, worthy of worship and honor and absolute obedience. How could Jews ever come to believe such an idea? Not easily! But the Gospel writers had seen the evidence, and they report to us the evidence that convinced them. They describe for us a Jesus who is both ordinary and extraordinary at the same time. Well, if Jesus was God in human flesh, what was he doing on the cross? Why does it seem that the focal point of his ministry is an ignominious death? The Gospels do not give us many details why (other New Testament books give us much more). Jesus did say that he would draw people to himself through the cross (John 12:32). His death would be a means of acquiring disciples. Jesus said that his death had been predicted in the Old Testament (Matt. 26:24; Mark 9:12; Luke 24:46). So we can look to the Old Testament to learn more. But where does the Old Testament predict someone sent by God to die for others? In Luke 22:37, Jesus pointed the way by quoting a specific prophecy that "must be fulfilled in me." He quoted from Isaiah 53, which describes a servant who carries our sins, suffers and dies, brings forgiveness, and is honored by God. Jesus saw himself as that servant. He is the one who would "give his life as a ransom for many" (Matt. 20:28). As a ransom for many, as a sin-bearing sacrifice, Jesus accomplished more in his death than he did in all his miracles. This is the reason he came (John 12:27). There was no other way to achieve his purpose (Matt. 26:42). What then are we supposed to do with this person? How is he relevant to us today? John tells us that he wrote his Gospel so that we would believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and by believing we may have eternal life through him (John 20:31). We can have eternal life only by being forgiven, and it is only through the death of Christ that we can be forgiven. It is to him we must respond. We should fall to our knees and confess, My Lord and my God. ----------------------------------------------- Why do some insist that Jesus is a creation of Paul? We can know everything that we need to know about Jesus and also plenty to make a commitment to him as Lord and Savior without ever reading one word written by Paul..Just my opinion anyway.. Merry Christmas!!! revdauphinee answered on 11/28/05: so true and in my oppinion many folks pay more heed to Paul than to jesus himself! Laura rated this answer

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hOPE12 asked on 11/27/05 - What would be your choice? Hello Everyone, Two children are joined together at the back. The doctor offers surgery but one child must die in order to save the other. Both children have the same chances of survival but the doctor can only save one. Which one would you personally choose to save and how would you reach that choice? Remember now that both children have the same survival chance, however the doctor can only save one of them. This question is to see how discerning you can be when reading the post put on this board. Take care, Hope12 revdauphinee answered on 11/27/05: If both can survive if left together then is it not best to do just that?? hOPE12 rated this answer paraclete rated this answer Pete_Hanysz rated this answer

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Erewhon asked on 11/26/05 - Wise sayings for no particular reason ... ~ The person who knows everything has a lot to learn ~No man can think clearly when his fists are clenched ~ It�s not what we don�t know that hurts, it�s what we know that ain�t so � Will Rogers ~ Never mistake motion for action � Ernest Hemingway ~ One of the symptoms of an approaching nervous breakdown is the belief that one�s work is terribly important � Bertrand Russell ~ Only the mediocre are always at their best � Jean Giraudoux ~ If you haven�t any charity in your heart you have the worst kind of heart trouble � Bob Hope ~ The difference between a hero and a coward is one step sideways ~ Marriage should be a duet � when one sings, the other claps � Martha Grimes Well, enjoy. Comment of you feel like it. revdauphinee answered on 11/26/05: cant argue with those ,Personaly I thought i was wrong once but I was mistaKEN lol! Erewhon rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 11/26/05 - Is Intelligent Design a trojan horse? if so, what destructive force is hiding inside? Intelligent design a Trojan horse, says creationist By Mark Coultan November 27, 2005 KEN Ham should be on the same side of the street as proponents of intelligent design. After all, he's in opposition to the atheistic view of science as an explanation for the world we see. He, like many people in the intelligent design movement, is a Christian. But intelligent design advocates probably won't thank Australian-born Mr Ham for articulating what many of them try to avoid saying. That is: for some, the intelligent design movement is essentially a stalking horse for religion and, in the US, a way of getting around the separation of church and state to get into schools and influence children's education. He says some Christian intelligent design people believe that, if they "can get students to begin to question atheism", that may be a way to get them to listen to the Bible. Because of rulings of the US Supreme Court "their hands are tied". "If you mention the Bible, they are going to say that contravenes the separation of church and state. "Therefore some people are trying to find a way around that." Mr Ham is one of the leading proponents of creationism in the US. He arrived from Australia in 1976 and established the Answers in Genesis ministry in 1994. It is devoted to propagating the idea that the Bible, and in particular its first book Genesis, is literally true, right from the first line: "In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth." Answers in Genesis, which has been promoting Christian rallies in Canberra and Geelong this weekend, is building a $25 million museum in Cincinnati which tells history as it occurred in the Bible, adding dinosaurs and a few other things along the way. As the museum's website says: "Adam and apes share the same birthday. The first man walked with dinosaurs and named them all." Mr Ham says much of the scientific evidence of evolution comes from the assumptions that scientists make, but if you come to the evidence with different assumptions, you get quite different answers. He says many Christians are now grabbing on to the intelligent design argument "thinking that solves the issue of the separation of church and state to get things into schools". "If those people get themselves on school boards, fine. "We don't oppose them. Simply because, for me, and for us in the biblical creation movement, we say, well let them fight the evolutionists, the atheists, and keep fighting issues of naturalism and so on, that's fine." Source: The Sun-Herald revdauphinee answered on 11/26/05: may be a way to get them to listen to the Bible. and what is wrong with that??when comming to any desision isnt it best to get all sides of the picture??I think so! ATON2 rated this answer paraclete rated this answer Tex78 rated this answer

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Tex78 asked on 11/26/05 - If we could life over, what would you change? As for me, I have believed in Jesus all my life. But I never received Him as my personal Savior, until years later. So, I would accept Him sooner into my life. I would never have smoked, or drank any kind of alcohol. I would have chosen a different career, other than the Army. I am pretty sure that I would have gone to Bible Collage, and became a full time Minister. It is just possible, that I could have produced more souls for the Kingdom of God. You know the kind of fruit we produce, depends on who we work for. In Jesus� name. M.L. revdauphinee answered on 11/26/05: Its good to have relationship with jesus but who told you he didnt drink??there is nothing in scripture to that effect there is an admonition against being drunk but using something and abusing it are two different things my freind Jesus as a Jewish male often drunk wine ,even his first miracle was turning the water into wine (not grape juice) Mk.14:23-24 23 Then he took the cup, gave thanks and offered it to them, and they all drank from it. (1Tim.5:23 Stop drinking only water, and use a little wine because of your stomach and your frequent illnesses. ) he was even unjustly accused of being a drunk (Matt.11:19 The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, `Here is a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and "sinners." ' But wisdom is proved right by her actions." Lk.7:34. The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and you say, `Here is a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and "sinners." ' ) so you see he preached moderation in all things not abstinence Tex78 rated this answer

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Erewhon asked on 11/26/05 - Hell ... ... ... ? ... ... ... Is Hell exothermic or endothermic? revdauphinee answered on 11/26/05: dont know dont care and am trying my best never to find out LOL! ATON2 rated this answer Erewhon rated this answer

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ROLCAM asked on 11/26/05 - ADVENT PREPARATION ?? How are you preparing yourself during Advent for the coming of Christ at Christmas ? revdauphinee answered on 11/26/05: since I do not believe that Christ was truly born on dec 25th not much Im trying to make the holidays rememberable for my grandchildren thats about it! ROLCAM rated this answer

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ROLCAM asked on 11/26/05 - FOR REFLECTION !! If you knew that the world would end this year, how would you change your life-style ? revdauphinee answered on 11/26/05: dont know that I would change anything ,maybee pray a little more ROLCAM rated this answer

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HANK1 asked on 11/26/05 - JUST WONDERING ... if there is a rational justification for religion? HANK revdauphinee answered on 11/26/05: definatly so I dont know what id do without my faith sometimes its all that keeps me going HANK1 rated this answer

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HANK1 asked on 11/26/05 - JUST WONDERING ... what you would take with you if you had to leave your home in five minutes. HANK revdauphinee answered on 11/26/05: My Us citizenship papers believe it or not! HANK1 rated this answer

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arcura asked on 11/26/05 - We have tried this. It's good. Have you tried it? Turkey Hash 2-3 cups (500-750 ml) diced leftover turkey 1 cup (250 ml) cooked potatoes or sweet potatoes, diced About 1 cup (250 ml) leftover turkey gravy 1 cup (250 ml) leftover peas, succotash, or chopped cooked vegetables (optional) Leftover stuffing or toasted bread (optional) Combine the turkey, potatoes, gravy, and optional vegetables in a pot and heat over moderate heat until warmed through. Serve over heated leftover stuffing or toast if desired. Serves 4 to 6. Cranberry Sauce with Yogurt Plain or vanilla yogurt Cranberry sauce Granola or chopped nuts Top small servings of yogurt with leftover cranberry sauce and a sprinkle of granola or chopped nuts if desired. Bon appetit from the Chef at Worldwide Recipes revdauphinee answered on 11/26/05: SOUNDS GREAT BUT BEING DIABETIC i TEND TO AVOID POTATOES arcura rated this answer

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HANK1 asked on 11/25/05 - JUST WONDERING ... ... if Polytheism was the primary religion of MAN. (Polytheism is belief in, or worship of, multiple gods or divinities. - Wikipedia) HANK revdauphinee answered on 11/25/05: It matters not for (Exo.20:3-17 3 "You shall have no other gods before me. so no mater how many there were or are we humans are to worship but one! HANK1 rated this answer

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arcura asked on 11/24/05 - Of the many things I have to give thanks for is... That all of you and the boards here are a part of my life. I thank you all with heartfelt gladness. Fred (arcura) revdauphinee answered on 11/24/05: me to I would be lost without answerway arcura rated this answer

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JesseJamesDupree asked on 11/24/05 - Happy Thanksgivin' Hope everyone has a great "Turkeyday" Peace and God Bless. revdauphinee answered on 11/24/05: thanks so much and Aton go easy on that scotch!LOL JesseJamesDupree rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 11/23/05 - So! it's come to this? Buy your way to immortality From: November 24, 2005 A CATHEDRAL is offering people the opportunity to have their face immortalised in stone on its spires. St Paul's Cathedral in Melbourne has come up with a novel fundraising plan for people to have their likeness carved on one of about 170 stone figures - for an estimated $50,000 each. Anglican Dean of Melbourne David Richardson hoped people would jump at the chance to have their likeness on earth forever as a "kind of immortality". "People aged 60 would like to say to their grandchildren, 'Up there is your grandfather carved in stone'," he said. Buyers have three options: a realistic sculpture, a caricature, or a grotesque - a bizarre gargoyle-like sculpture. Now which do you think would be the way you want to be remembered? revdauphinee answered on 11/24/05: personaly Id prefer to be remembered for my deeds not my image in stone! paraclete rated this answer

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Laura asked on 11/23/05 - Just muzing!! If you had a major life change and you had to choose three differant states from which to choose to live in and your choices were: Fairfax Kansas, Arlington Texas, and Shreveport Louisiana......Which would you choose?? I know alot of you have lived in alot of differant places. Sooo if you wouldn't mind giving me some input on pros and cons of all, I would greatly appreciate it. revdauphinee answered on 11/24/05: personaly im partial to Shreveport possibly since I at one time lived there and liked it I was never happy in Texas! Laura rated this answer

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arcura asked on 11/23/05 - Who likes really good Mincemeat pie?........?? For the holidays try this one. It is superb!!! Old Fashioned Mincemeat Pie A traditional family favorite ... a treasured recipe from Grandma. This pie is present at each family gathering, especially around the holidays. We like it lean and slightly sweet. Plan to take all day preparing it, which is almost as enjoyable as eating it! Boil or cook in a steamer, a 3-4 pound venison -(preferred)- or beef rib roast in 3 or 4 cups water, until the meat is so tender it falls apart. Cut into bite-sized pieces and return to the broth and continue to simmer on the stove top. Add the following, stirring each in as you go: 3 cups apple cider a 1# box of raisins 1 cup chopped dried mixed candied fruit peel about 1/4 cup of sugar 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon * 1 teaspoon cloves 5-6 meduim apples, chopped to bite size Continue to simmer and stir occasionally as the raisins and apples absorb the liquid. Grandma's Hint: Keep tasting ... add a little more sugar, spice or apple juice as suits you. The idea is to have a semi-tart but spicy base. But do it gradually until you find it to your liking. The raisins should swell up to take up the meat liquid, and more apples are always good. This will make enough for 3-4 pies. (It stores well in the freezer.) Use the crust recipe below, or your own. Spoon the cooked and cooled mincemeat filling into the unbaked crust, use a sharp knife to make vents in the top crust, and bake at 425 degrees about 20 minutes, or until your crust is golden brown. Tasty Tip: For hearty Holiday Pies substitute 1 cup brandy or rum for a cup of the apple juice. As you can see Grandma cooked more by tasting than by measuring, but it always seemed to pay off! She also sometimes added a handful of walnut meats to the mincemeat just before baking. If you enjoy the recipe, feel free to print and share it! For hearty Holiday pies substitute 1 cup brandy or rum for a cup of apple juice. Flaky Pie Crust 1/2 cup oil * 1/4 cup milk Stir in 2 cups flour and 1 tsp salt. Roll out and you have it! revdauphinee answered on 11/23/05: old english favorite and I love it but I buy my mincemeat ready made! arcura rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 11/23/05 - a Christmas story Jesus and the Elves And Joseph went up from Galilee to Bethlehem with Mary, his espoused wife, who was great with child. And she brought forth a son and wrapped him in swaddling clothes and laid him in a manger because there was no room for them in the inn. And the angel of the Lord spoke to the shepherds and said, "I bring you tidings of great joy. Unto you is born a Savior,which is Christ the Lord." "There's a problem with the angel," said a Pharisee who happened to be strolling by. As he explained to Joseph, angels are widely regarded as religious symbols, and the stable was on public property where such symbols were not allowed to land or even hover. "And I have to tell you, this whole thing looks to me very much like a Nativity scene," he said sadly. "That's a no-no, too." Joseph had a bright idea. "What if I put a couple of reindeer over there near the ox and ass?" he said, eager to avoid sectarian strife. "That would definitely help," said the Pharisee, who knew as well as anyone that whenever a savior appeared, judges usually liked to be on the safe side and surround it with deer or woodland creatures of some sort. "Just to clinch it, throw in a candy cane and a couple of elves and snowmen,too," he said. "No court can resist that." Mary asked, "What does my son's birth have to do with snowmen?" "Snowpersons," cried a young woman, changing the subject before it veered dangerously toward religion. Off to the side of the crowd, a Philistine was painting the Nativity scene. Mary complained that she and Joseph looked too tattered and worn in the picture. "Artistic license," he said. "I've got to show the plight of the haggard homeless in a greedy, uncaring society in winter," he quipped. "We're not haggard or homeless. The inn was just full," said Mary. "Whatever," said the painter. Two women began to argue fiercely. One said she objected to Jesus' birth "because it privileged motherhood." The other scoffed at virgin births, but said that if they encouraged more attention to diversity in family forms and the rights of single mothers, well, then, she was all for them. "I'm not a single mother," Mary started to say, but she was cut off by a third woman who insisted that swaddling clothes are a form of child abuse, since they restrict the natural movement of babies. With the arrival of 10 child advocates, all trained to spot infant abuse and manger rash, Mary and Joseph were pushed to the edge of the crowd, where arguments were breaking out over how many reindeer (or what mix of reindeer and seasonal sprites) had to be installed to compensate for the infant's unfortunate religious character. An older man bustled up, bowling over two merchants, who had been busy debating whether an elf is the same as a fairy and whether the elf/fairy should be shaking hands with Jesus in the crib or merely standing to the side, jumping around like a sports mascot. "I'd hold off on the reindeer," the man said, explaining that the use of asses and oxen as picturesque backdrops for Nativity scenes carries the subliminal message of human dominance. He passed out two leaflets, one denouncing manger births as invasions of animal space, the other arguing that stables are "penned environments" where animals are incarcerated against their will. He had no opinion about elves or candy canes. Signs declaring "Free the Bethlehem 2" began to appear, referring to the obviously exploited ass and ox. Someone said the halo on Jesus' head was elitist. Mary was exasperated. "And what about you, old mother?" she said sharply to an elderly woman. "Are you here to attack the shepherds as prison guards for excluded species, maybe to complain that singing in Latin identifies us with our Roman oppressors, or just to say that I should have skipped patriarchal religiosity and joined some dumb new-age goddess religion?" "None of the above," said the woman, "I just wanted to tell you that the Magi are here." Sure enough, the three wise men rode up. The crowd gasped, "They're all male!" And "Not very multicultural!" "Balthasar here is black," said one of the Magi. "Yes, but how many of you are gay or disabled?" someone shouted. A committee was quickly formed to find an impoverished lesbian wise-person among the halt and lame of Bethlehem. A calm voice said, "Be of good cheer, Mary, you have done well and your son will change the world." At last, a sane person, Mary thought. She turned to see a radiant and confident female face. The woman spoke again: "There is one thing, though. Religious holidays are important, but can't we learn to celebrate them in ways that unite, not divide? For instance, instead of all this business about 'Gloria in excelsis Deo,' why not just 'Season's Greetings'?" Mary said, "You mean my son has entered human history to deliver the message, 'Hello, it's winter'?" "That's harsh, Mary," said the woman. "Remember, your son could make it big in midwinter festivals, if he doesn't push the religion thing too far. Centuries from now, in nations yet unborn, people will give each other pricey gifts and have big office parties on his birthday. That's not chopped liver." "Let me get back to you," Mary said. revdauphinee answered on 11/23/05: all I have to say is AMEN isnt it sad?? paraclete rated this answer

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Tex78 asked on 11/23/05 - Corruption in government. I just read this post. It brought to mind other questions, which I am sure others have. When a policeman is disrespectful us you, do we just go on, and assume that all police are like that? Are we holding a grudge against someone from another country, because one person from that country did us wrong? If we are black, or white, and one of them does something to us, do we then hate all black, or white, people? If a person, from another state, does something to us, do we feel angry at all people from that state? When a Catholic, Protestant, or other religious organizations, does something wrong, do we assume that all people of that denomination are the same? I believe that we should ask ourselves, if we have any of these traits? And if so, should we not get rid of them, if we can? If not, then should we not ask God for help in doing this? Because all of these traits are not pleasing to Him. P/S An example, Just because ATON does something, like use filthy words, and nasty remarks to me, I do not dislike all FAT people.. ;^) revdauphinee answered on 11/23/05: must agree with Erwhon on this one !and I have taken abuse from the best but dont ever ""recall"" aton using filthy words to me ever ! ATON2 rated this answer purplewings rated this answer Tex78 rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 11/21/05 - Weird Religions - even Cheney gets in the act The dissertation is a little long to c/p http://www.larouchepub.com/lar/2003/3017pantheo-cons.html what do you think about this? revdauphinee answered on 11/22/05: "Unless Cheney's Chicken-hawks are sent back to the roost, soon, modern civilization as we have known it may soon vanish for the duration of generations still to come. My sentiments completely paraclete rated this answer

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Laura asked on 11/21/05 - Major life changes ahead for us.. After 27 years working for GM the plant here in OKC is closing down. 30,000 people across the nation will lose their jobs with GM by the end of 2007. My husbands plant will be one of the first to close in early 2006.. With so many people losing their jobs it is unlikely that we could go to another plant in another state. This was very unexpected for this plant as they had recently done alot of upgrades in the plant and installed a state of the art paint shop investing alot of money into it. We are hoping that they will offer an early retirement plan. I would hate to see hubby work somewhere for so long and walk away with nothing. But we are just a few of many who will be in the same boat.. Oh the things life throws at you.. For those who have been there and done that..You are still here..Life did not end..Ewww I'll have to get a job :-O I have no real skills because i've always been a stay at home mom/wife. I can type well, and I like to help people so maybe i'm not too old to get my feet wet in the job world.. Please keep all of these people who are going to lose their jobs in your thoughts. It won't be easy for alot of them. Thanks. Laura revdauphinee answered on 11/21/05: You will be in my prayers of cource i have been in your shoes my company closed after 30 yrs but i was lucky i got to retire Laura rated this answer

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hOPE12 asked on 11/21/05 - Homeless People, Who are they really? Hello Everyone, Maony people sterotype homeless individuals thinking they are smelly, grimy wino's. But in reality are the homeless truly these kinds of individuals? In some countries where there are homeless street children there are gangs that are made up of the meda and police, and society in general feel that street children or homeless children present a threat to what they call a civilised society and so they set up death squads and self proclaimed vigilantes to kill these children, about three every day in places like Rio de Janeriro and other countries. The United state is suppose to be the richest country in the world and yet we have homeless people. I am thinking about that these days because I and my family are looking for a new home and this issue crossed my mind. How can we live in the richest country ever and have homeless adults and children? Are we headed in the same direction as other countries such as Rio de Janeriro where these homeless ones are killed because of lack of knowledge of how a person can become homeless? What is the real causes of homelessness? 1- Because of the inability of the government to give significant resources towards the right of the homeless to adeuate housing. 2- Very bad regulations and inefficient plans cause confusion and no housing for the homeless. 3- Homelessness is a sign of poor money management on the part of housing programs in the community. 4- Lack of knowledge and training of those in charge of dealing with homeless people. Children and adults should receive respectful and be regarded as potential assets to the comunity rather then a burden or looked down on. As a caring person either Christian or not, do you feel there is hope for the homeless? I you were in position to help the homeless, what would be your solution? What do you think you can do personally to help adults and children who are homeless here in the United States, starting in your own community? Take care, Hope12 revdauphinee answered on 11/21/05: there are many reasons for homelessness and not all are unediucated people so many of us live one paycheck away from the streets in america it is unbelievable .one reason is too many folks ("George Bush insists that there are no homeless people. He said, "It's just a rumour started by people who have nowhere to live.") like this stick there head in the sand and feel if Im ok everyone else could be (not true)medical bills have put many folks into poverty as has drig and alcohol abuse !But I agree in the richest country in the free world we should not have homeless folks .One thing the church is failing ,I have sat in a church here localy and looked up at a chandelier that had to have cost a small fortune whilst not 100 yrds down the road folks are sleeping under a bridge @Is this why Jesus weeps???I think so!He never told us to build him a palace so we could worship in it ,what he said was feed my sheep! hOPE12 rated this answer

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FormerJesusHelper76 asked on 11/20/05 - THE UNFORGIVABLE SIN? I know there are many different nominations and beliefs and opinions about the subject of sin. So here goes. Have any of you heard about the UNFORGIVABLE SIN? If you have exactly what is this unforgivable sin. At the same time I thought all sin can be forgiven? What is your take? Joe revdauphinee answered on 11/21/05: blaspheming the holy spirit -The unpardonable sin, (Matt.12:31 And so I tell you, every sin and blasphemy will be forgiven men, but the blasphemy against the Spirit will not be forgiven. Mk.3:29 But whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit will never be forgiven; he is guilty of an eternal sin." Lk.12:10 And everyone who speaks a word against the Son of Man will be forgiven, but anyone who blasphemes against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven. 1Jn.5:16v17. If anyone sees his brother commit a sin that does not lead to death, he should pray and God will give him life. I refer to those whose sin does not lead to death. There is a sin that leads to death. I am not saying that he should pray about that. ) FormerJesusHelper76 rated this answer

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denise asked on 11/19/05 - effects my girlfreind and werewondering what the effects would be if you interveiniously shoot the drug vivodin revdauphinee answered on 11/19/05: You could kill each other!

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Choux asked on 11/18/05 - Cheney Endorses Torture (AFP) - Admiral Stansfield Turner, a former CIA director, accused US Vice President Dick Cheney of overseeing policies of torturing terrorist suspects and damaging the nation's reputation, in a television interview. "We have crossed the line into dangerous territory," Turner, who headed the Central Intelligence Agency in the 1970s, said on ITV news. "I am embarrassed that the USA has a vice president for torture. I think it is just reprehensible. He (Mr Cheney) advocates torture, what else is it? I just don't understand how a man in that position can take such a stance." I agree, even if Cheney is for the Chinese Water Torture, he should never say that in public. What possible positive outcome can come from the Veep endorsing torture???? Why did he do this? revdauphinee answered on 11/19/05: "I am embarrassed that the USA has a vice president for torture. I think it is just reprehensible. He (Mr Cheney) advocates torture, what else is it? thats what Cheney is! an embarasment!! Choux rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 11/18/05 - just another blonde joke? Two blondes were waiting at the Pearly Gates and struck up a conversation. First blonde says "How did you die?" Second says "I froze to death". First blonde says "Must have been awful." Second blonde says "How did you die?" First blonde says "I had a heart attack, I knew my husband was being unfaithful so I came home unexpectedly one day and rushed to the bedroom and found my husband alone reading. I rushed to the basement and nobody was hiding there, I rushed to the atticand still no one, and after all that rushing around I had a heart attack and died." Second blonde says, "If only you'd looked in the freezer we'd both still be alive." revdauphinee answered on 11/18/05: good one,do you know that blondes dont realy have more fun they just talk more about it! arcura rated this answer paraclete rated this answer

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Choux asked on 11/18/05 - Christian Book Club Would anyone be interested in a loosely coordinated Christian Book Club to be held on the Christanity Forum? Each month, we would select a book that touches on Christianity in a mature way. This can be lots of fun and really illuminating. I belonged to one elsewhere on the Net. [Until I get my eye fixed, would prefer a book(s) I have already read, but that is not necessary.] Who wants to be in a book club? Whoever's book is selected will be the moderator of the discussion that month. revdauphinee answered on 11/18/05: Id definatly be interested in recomendations and discussions but a club?im just not a joiner! Choux rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 11/18/05 - will you use SMS speak or english? John Milton, Paradise Lost: "devl kikd outa hevn coz jelus of jesus&strts war.pd'off wiv god so corupts man(md by god) wiv apel.devl stays serpnt 4hole life&man ruind. Woe un2mnkind.'' Translation "The devil is kicked out of heaven because he is jealous of Jesus and starts a war. "He is angry with God and so corrupts man (who is made by God) with an apple. The devil remains as a serpent for the whole of his life and man is ruined. Woe unto mankind." revdauphinee answered on 11/18/05: I prefer english thank you ! paraclete rated this answer

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ATON2 asked on 11/17/05 - Is this mere Bible babble? Since the board seems, once again, obsessed with homosexuality, and since the "Bible scholars" failed so miserably on the Bible quiz..I'll make this one easier for you. In response to one of the Bible questions, dr brought up the old myth that Lot offered his daughters to the 'homosexual men' of Sodom and Gomorrah as suitable 'rape' subsitutes for the messengers of Yahweh. This has always confused those of us who are 'too intelligent by the world's standards' to understand the Bible. l. If all the men of Sodom and environs were homosexual, as the Bible states...where did the children of Sodom come from??? 2. If homosexual men are burning with lust for other men, why in the name of all that is unholy would Lot suppose that they had the least interest in raping his daughters. 3. If all the men of Sodom were homosexuals, why would Lot have affianced his daughters to two of those men...and if you suggest that he found TWO men in all of Sodom who were not homosexual why, then, were they also destroyed with all those nasty homosexual men. 4. And if it was the homosexual men of Sodon who were the guilty ones, why were the women and children also destroyed???? 5. This leads us into the sillyness of a woman being turned into salt for disobedience. Why salt, that would have been washed away in the first rain, thus offering no object lesson to anyone but Lot and his daughters. 6. Which leads to the ultimate disgrace...this man of GOD, Lot is saved from the destruction of Sodom, gets so falling down drunk, that he has incestuous relations with BOTH his daughters (on separate occassions, thank Heaven) and impregnates them both??? And the excuse good Christian theologians give is that it was the only way they thought they could re-populate thier world!!!!!!!!! Moral...God will punish an attempt by 'homosexual' men to rape other men...but will allow double incest to go unpunished!!!!!!! My question: Is this anything more than Bible babble??????? Or is the real explanation that the men of SODOM were NOT homosexual, but heterosexual men who fit the description that Paul gives of "those who turn from their NATURE to committ homosexual acts???? Could one of you 'non-intelligent' inspired-by-god-to- understand-the-Bible experts help me out on this? revdauphinee answered on 11/17/05: I want what every homosexual man wants ! a good man! arcura rated this answer ATON2 rated this answer JeffreyBryson rated this answer MaggieB rated this answer paraclete rated this answer Tex78 rated this answer

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HANK1 asked on 11/17/05 - IS THIS THE ATON WE KNOW AND LOVE? "Aton was the material character of the sun god (Re), the solar disc. It was in the third millennium BC that the Pharaoh Chephren first declared himself "the son of Re," but it was the reforming zeal of Amenophis IV (1387-1366 BC) that increased the worship of the sun god to unprecedented heights. As Akhenaton, "the devotee of Aton," this unusual pharaoh sought to concentrate devotion on the purely material character of the sun god as a solar disc, Aton. He rejected the deities of the previous rulers and persecuted the priests of Amum, the ram-headed god of Thebes, whose influence in religious affairs had went unchallenged since the expulsion of the Hyksos. He built a new city of residence for Re and himself, called Akhetaton, "the horizon of Aton," located half way between Thebes and Memphis, where Aton was worshipped as the creative principle of all life, father of all men, who gave them different colored skins, different languages and different lands. To the Egyptians he gave the Nile; to others he gave rain. This worship of Aton was short-lived because Akhenation remained isolated in Akhetation not caring about the possession of Egypt in Canaan. After his death Tutankhamen returned the court to Thebes; and under the last pharaoh of the Eighteenth Dynasty, Haremheb, (1353-1319 BC), all traces of the worship of Aton disappeared." HANK revdauphinee answered on 11/17/05: i HAVE MY OWN IDEAS AS To ATONS TRUE FAITH BUT SINCE I DO CARE FOR HIM AND WANT TO REMAIN IN HIS GOOD GRACES LETS NOT EVEN GO THERE! ATON2 rated this answer HANK1 rated this answer

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hOPE12 asked on 11/17/05 - We live in a World of Bureaucracies and injuctice> Hello Everyone, I am back to say hi and to tell you all how much I miss you guys. My family and I have been sick from the mold in this building we are still stuck in sinces hurricane Wilma. We can not just leave,(at least I think we can't) because we are bound by our lease. The mold is so bad that we are all sick. Sneezing, coughing, tearing eyes, aches and pains in our joints and I personally have made over 30 phone calls only to be faced with the bureaucracies of the Governments, local and from Washington. They anser the emails I send only with more numbers to call. I called Help me Howard and they are so bombared with reports that they but you on a call with someone from EPA who says they will help but then do nothing. The landlord just laughs and says sue them, but who has that kind of money. We are now working with a private lab wh gave us some kits to test the area. We so far have positive tests results for the worst kind of mold that is black and dark green. It is Toxic according to the lab and when we get the reports which should be next week we will send a copy to the landlord. One is a swab test for the mold that is visible and one is for the air in the apartment and the air vents. Both are positive for toxic mold. When we send the copy of the tests from the lab we then can legally move because the mold is throughout the whole building. Children are coughing and some are having asthma attacks. I have tried to get the people in the building to sign a paper stating the health hazards of the building but most do not have the money to move out and so they are afraid. The only way we could afford to move was to get money from the family. But our lease is not up till December 31 and the landlord said if we leave without fulfilling the lease he would take us to court. We have gotten to the point that we don't care, let him sue us and we will take our prove to why we are leaving before the judge. We have pictures of one man's apartment that is so bad the mold is all in his clothes and closets. That is bad, but when a person has mold growing in the air condition systems and we have to breath it that is just plain wrong. Anyway, just wanted to let you guys know what has been happeing here. Why do people who do such things, get away with it? The governments is suppose to be for the people and yet they don't do anything at all. Sad to say that what is taking place here in Florida after Wilma is outrageous and a crime. Now I can really feel for those who went through Hurrican Katrina. I can take comfort knowing that God sees all things and what comes around, goes around. These landlords and government officails who see these things and do nothing, will have to pay one day for their actions, and when they do, I will not feel sorry for them at all. I am still around just trying to survive. Should be on the board again soon or at least once we move I should be back regularly again. Take care, Hope12 "Boy I miss you guys!" revdauphinee answered on 11/17/05: READ YOUR LEASE VERRY CAREFULLY IF IT HAS ANY WORDING AS TO THE LANDLORD MAINTAINING LIVABLE CONDITIONS YOU WILL HAVE NO TROUBLE IN BREAKING SAID LEASE! hOPE12 rated this answer

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arcura asked on 11/15/05 - For those interested in the Medicare perscrition plan. You can get the full nitty gritty via you computer. AND even sign up that way. Go to the below ULR site. Peace and kindness, Fred. http://www.suntimes.com/output/currency/cst-fin-terry14.html revdauphinee answered on 11/15/05: Acura have you even tried this ??? confusion upon confusion when did the govermant ever make anything easy? arcura rated this answer

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arcura asked on 11/15/05 - For those interested in the Medicare perscrition plan. You can get the full nitty gritty via you computer. AND even sign up that way. Go to the below ULR site. Peace and kindness, Fred. http://www.suntimes.com/output/currency/cst-fin-terry14.html revdauphinee answered on 11/15/05: how can you sign up on that I couldnt??? arcura rated this answer HANK1 rated this answer

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Choux asked on 11/14/05 - "Good Christian" There has always been discussion of what is a good Christian, and recently, more so. What are the qualities of a Good Christian? Are these qualities any different from a Good Buddhist, or a Good Jew, or just a plain good person?? What is a Good Christian? revdauphinee answered on 11/15/05: if we were capable of being good we would have no need for Christ! Choux rated this answer excon rated this answer

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excon asked on 11/14/05 - Intelligent Design - NOT Hello Christians: Well, we have a lot to talk about. I think your drive for a Theocracy has finally been curtailed. All 9 school board members of some town in PA were voted OUT because they wanted intelligent design taught in school. Whoda thunk that? Pat Robertson went even nuttier than usual when he told the town that they rejected God. The worm has turned. Now maybe we can get back to business as a secular nation. excon revdauphinee answered on 11/14/05: if voting him out of there childrens minds is not rejecting him what is ??I do not however agree with dr Robbinson!God will always listen! ATON2 rated this answer excon rated this answer Tex78 rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 11/13/05 - It's a gaint of a find This one is for aton who thinks the bible is pure fiction, even scientists confirm it. EH? Goliath's name found at Israeli dig * November 14, 2005 - 7:14AM An Israeli researcher said he has made a Goliath of a find - the first archaeological evidence suggesting the biblical story of David slaying the Philistine giant actually took place. A shard of pottery unearthed in a decade-old dig in southern Israel carried an inscription in early Semitic style spelling "Alwat and "Wlt", likely Philistine renderings of the name Goliath, said Aren Maeir, who directed the excavation. "This is a groundbreaking find," he said of the rust-coloured ceramic. "Here we have very nice evidence the name Goliath appearing in the Bible in the context of the story of David and Goliath ... is not some later literary creation." Maeir, head of the archaeology department at Bar-Ilan University near Tel Aviv, told Reuters his excavators found the shard, possibly part of a bowl, about two metres underground at Tell es-Shafi. The mound where the dig took place is widely believed to be the site of the ancient city of Gath, which the Bible calls Goliath's hometown. The biblical story of the epic Philistine giant's defeat at the hands of a much smaller David, who went on to become king of Israel, has long been a popular metaphor for the triumph of good over evil against all odds. The specimen, from about 900 BC, isn't old enough to have belonged to Goliath, himself - believed to have lived around 1,000 BC, Maeir said. But he added: "It is the first time in the land of Israel that we have (found) the name Goliath, or a name like Goliath". "I haven't found Goliath's skeleton with the hole in the centre of his forehead, but it's the first archaeological evidence form a Philistine site which lends strong credibility" to the story, the US-born researcher said. The First Book of Samuel chapter 17 verses 4 to 10 spoke of "a champion out of the camp of the Philistines, named Goliath, of Gath", a heavily armed giant who challenged an Israelite soldier to a duel. David, at the time a shepherd, took up Goliath's challenge and "prevailed over the Philistine with a sling and a stone" (Samuel I 17:50). Maeir said the shard is also the oldest Philistine inscription ever found in Israel. "Up until now, most of what we know about the Philistines is from the Bible's point of view. ... We get a very, very subjective view. They're the bad people, the barbarians, we don't get anything nice about them," he said. "When we look at the Philistines from an archaeological point of view we get evidence of a very rich, dynamic, fascinating and advanced culture." Maier said he spent several months verifying his find with other experts and planned to discuss it at a conference in the United States later this month. � 2005 AAP revdauphinee answered on 11/14/05: I never doubted it to be true ,this just proves the point of scripture paraclete rated this answer

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arcura asked on 11/13/05 - Just got this email. Will you do as it suggests? RED FRIDAYS ----- Very soon, you will see a great many people wearing Red every Friday. The reason? Americans who support our troops used to be called the "silent majority". We are no longer silent, and are voicing our love for God, country and home in record breaking numbers.. We are not organized, boisterous or over-bearing. We get no liberal media coverage on TV, to reflect our message or our opinions. Many Americans, like you, me and all our friends, simply want to recognize that the vast majority of America supports our troops. Our idea of showing solidarity and support for our troops with dignity and respect starts this Friday -and continues each and every Friday until the troops all come home, sending a deafening message that.. Every red-blooded American who supports our men and women afar, will wear something red. By word of mouth, press, TV -- let's make the United States on every Friday a sea of red much like a homecoming football game in the bleachers If every one of us who loves this country will share this with acquaintances, co-workers, friends, and family. It will not be long before the USA is covered in RED and it will let our troops know the once "silent" majority is on their side more than ever, certainly more than the media lets on. The first thing a soldier says when asked "What can we do to make things better for you?" is...We need your support and your prayers. Let's get the word out and lead with class and dignity, by example; and wear something red every Friday. Please pass it on. Rick Riggs revdauphinee answered on 11/13/05: great idea !whilst I personaly do not suport this war I do support our troops who are doing the best in a bad situation.we were wronly led into this mele but were in it now and we have to do the best we can to help the folks in Iraq,our precious sons and daughters are over there doing just that! arcura rated this answer

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CeeBee2 asked on 11/12/05 - What should a parish want in a minister? My former congregation back home, currently leaderless, is in the process of figuring out what qualities and characteristics they want in a minister. They want to attract new members from a growing community. Do they want a powerful preacher? Do they want someone very into social ministry? Do they want someone who has great people-skills? Do they want someone who has several degrees (maybe MBA along with theology) and will be a good administrator? Do they want someone who is a good listener and who is empathetic? Will they hope to find someone with all of the above??? What would attract you to a church, if you were in the market for one? Is there anything about the minister(s)/priest(s)/rabbi(s) that you would look for? revdauphinee answered on 11/12/05: one that cares for his congregation most ,Jesus said "feed my sheep" in many cases the leaders do more fleecing than feeding! CeeBee2 rated this answer Tex78 rated this answer

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CeeBee2 asked on 11/12/05 - Priest/ministers/rabbis as celibate? Which would be better - that a man of the cloth marry and have a family or remain single and celibate? My mother once told me that, before they were married, my father said to her that once he became a minister, the church would always come first, even before her and any children they had. She agreed, and was our mainstay at home. My father was always the last one out of the church and the one to lock up after Sunday morning service/Sunday School and after weekday evening meetings. He attended every parish meeting, even those for the youth - he was very visible and involved. He spent his days visiting the sick and tending to other ministerial duties. When he was working on a sermon at his home office, we kids had to play quietly. Yet, some of my best memories are the times he spent with us kids playing board games, making popcorn, playing word games during meals, and our family devotions after supper each evening (except for Sunday). Holidays were special because he found ways to make them special for our family. He devoted his life to the church, to God, and was still able to find time and energy for his family. I suspect though, from knowing other ministers' families, that my father was somewhat of a rare man. Is that spreading a man of the cloth too thin? Maybe ministers and rabbis shouldn't marry. Maybe the Catholic Church is right in not allowing its priests to marry. Yet, being married with a family would give a priest/minister/rabbi a very important point of view about life and would allow him to better understand his parishioners' joys and sorrows in their marriages and with their children. What do you think? revdauphinee answered on 11/12/05: Just my own oppinion but if God gave humans free choice should not his ministers have the same??also I do feel a married man is much better suited to advising the married ! CeeBee2 rated this answer

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Erewhon asked on 11/11/05 - Turkey bans the Hijab ... Turkey has just passed a ban on young girls wearing the hijab, or head scarf, at school. 1. Do you think they ought to have done so? 2. Do you think it will make Muslims feel any less persecuted? 3. Are you as eager to have this ban overturned as you are to have the ban on Bibles, crosses, Christian prayer, and the Ten Commandments in public schools overturned? revdauphinee answered on 11/12/05: personaly banning the scarfs is ok , since it is the scarf that is the discrimination point and not the banning of such paraclete rated this answer Erewhon rated this answer

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Erewhon asked on 11/11/05 - Answer me this, please. Does anyone think that participation on the Christianity Board is about "Winning and losing?" I thought it was about "Question and answer." Where have I gone wrong? revdauphinee answered on 11/12/05: who loses?? we can & often do dissagree with others but no one loses as far as I can see! ATON2 rated this answer Erewhon rated this answer HANK1 rated this answer

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HANK1 asked on 11/11/05 - I'LL MAKE THIS SHORT AND TO THE POINT: An insinuation is a hint that suggests doubt and/or suspicion. Check the answers I received from Ron and Aton re: my Merton posts. Look at the clarifications as well. Bradd said he was leaving the Board. I'd like to see him return P.D.Q. He's a good guy and quite intelligent. All of you know what I think of personal attacks. So, I'll say no more! Let your conscience be your guide. Enough is enough! I'd like to see our Christianity Board become a 'model' for all who tap into ANSWERWAY. We have the brains to really make our participation much more effective, not only for the Experts but for all newcomers. We can start by thinking about how we treat one another. The rest should be easy. LET'S DO IT! HANK revdauphinee answered on 11/11/05: i usaly am against change but this is the best anyone has come up with yet!A little respect for each other couldnt hurt! Erewhon rated this answer HANK1 rated this answer Pete_Hanysz rated this answer Tex78 rated this answer

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HANK1 asked on 11/10/05 - THIS NEEDS YOUR ATTENTION: Thomas Merton wrote, "I will not permit myself to become emotionally involved in matters that should not be my concern. I will not interfere with the working out of another's difficulties, however dear and close we may be to each other. Detachment is essential to any healthy relationship between people. EACH OF US IS A FREE INDIVIDUAL WITH NEITHER ONE IN CONTROL OF THE OTHER. Although all men (and women) have a common destiny, each individual also has to work out his personal salvation for him (or herself). WE CAN HELP ONE ANOTHER FIND OUT THE MEANING OF LIFE. BUT IN THE LAST ANALYSIS, EACH IS RESPONSIBLE FOR FINDING HIMSELF." Don't jump the gun. THINK about what Merton had to say and then answer truthfully. This will make your answer sincere. HANK revdauphinee answered on 11/10/05: It is imposible to love and not become emotionally involved ATON2 rated this answer Erewhon rated this answer HANK1 rated this answer Tex78 rated this answer

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Erewhon asked on 11/09/05 - It's on now! Fox shows melt-down You will not believe the melt down of this christian lady tonight .... revdauphinee answered on 11/10/05: erwhon thanks so much for your interesting reply but it does not seem to be a show i would watch thanks anyhow . Erewhon rated this answer

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arcura asked on 11/10/05 - And now this. Is it anti Christian??????????? Fake trees turn Christmas on its head By Craig Wilson, USA TODAY Tue Nov 8, 7:18 AM ET Has your holiday imbibing gotten out of control so soon? Maybe that Christmas tree you saw really is upside down. Upside-down trees are, well, turning the upcoming holiday on its head. Hammacher Schlemmer can't even keep its $599.95 pre-lit model in stock. It's already sold out. "We increased the amount we ordered from last year, but ended up selling all of them already," says Joe Jamrosz of Hammacher Schlemmer. Not to be left behind, Target has three such upside-down trees ($299.99-$499.99) on its website, touting their best attribute: "Leaves more room on the floor for gifts!" Similar trees are also available at ChristmasTreeForMe.com in the 5-to-7�-foot range ($280-$504). The artificial trees are hung from the wall or ceiling, or come with a weighted base to provide extra stability to prevent tipping and leaning. Sheryl Karas, author of The Solstice Evergreen: The History, Folklore and Origins of the Christmas Tree, isn't quite sure what's going on with the resurgence of upside-down trees, a 12th-century tradition in Central Europe. "But it's the question I get more often than any other on my website," says the Santa Cruz, Calif., author (sherylkaras.com). Karas believes it's purely a decorative thing this time around, a way to better display ornaments so they don't get lost in the foliage. She doesn't want to put a damper on the holidays, but she suspects "there's something sinister, almost bad, about it." "It's a pagan thing. If they thought about it, they wouldn't turn it upside down." But enough playing Scrooge. It's the holiday season. "Many of the people have been using them as their second tree. A novelty," Jamrosz says. "They also find the bigger gifts don't fit under a traditional tree." Hanging a tree from the ceiling also ensures a smaller footprint for less-spacious areas. You can put it between two closely placed chairs, for instance. But not everyone is head over heels about the trend. Tree Classics Inc. of Lake Barrington, Ill., claims to be the top seller of artificial Christmas trees on the Internet - up 30% this year alone - but not a one of them is upside down. "That tree makes no sense to me whatsoever," says Tree Classics president Leon Gamze, who sells 59 styles of upright trees. "I just look at them and laugh." But would he ever join the upside-down trend? "Never. Wouldn't even consider it." Probably a good thing. He'll never have to ponder whether to put a star at the top, or bottom, of such a thing. revdauphinee answered on 11/10/05: what is Christian about a christmass tree???? arcura rated this answer CeeBee2 rated this answer Tex78 rated this answer

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arcura asked on 11/10/05 - And now this. Is it anti Christian??????????? Fake trees turn Christmas on its head By Craig Wilson, USA TODAY Tue Nov 8, 7:18 AM ET Has your holiday imbibing gotten out of control so soon? Maybe that Christmas tree you saw really is upside down. Upside-down trees are, well, turning the upcoming holiday on its head. Hammacher Schlemmer can't even keep its $599.95 pre-lit model in stock. It's already sold out. "We increased the amount we ordered from last year, but ended up selling all of them already," says Joe Jamrosz of Hammacher Schlemmer. Not to be left behind, Target has three such upside-down trees ($299.99-$499.99) on its website, touting their best attribute: "Leaves more room on the floor for gifts!" Similar trees are also available at ChristmasTreeForMe.com in the 5-to-7�-foot range ($280-$504). The artificial trees are hung from the wall or ceiling, or come with a weighted base to provide extra stability to prevent tipping and leaning. Sheryl Karas, author of The Solstice Evergreen: The History, Folklore and Origins of the Christmas Tree, isn't quite sure what's going on with the resurgence of upside-down trees, a 12th-century tradition in Central Europe. "But it's the question I get more often than any other on my website," says the Santa Cruz, Calif., author (sherylkaras.com). Karas believes it's purely a decorative thing this time around, a way to better display ornaments so they don't get lost in the foliage. She doesn't want to put a damper on the holidays, but she suspects "there's something sinister, almost bad, about it." "It's a pagan thing. If they thought about it, they wouldn't turn it upside down." But enough playing Scrooge. It's the holiday season. "Many of the people have been using them as their second tree. A novelty," Jamrosz says. "They also find the bigger gifts don't fit under a traditional tree." Hanging a tree from the ceiling also ensures a smaller footprint for less-spacious areas. You can put it between two closely placed chairs, for instance. But not everyone is head over heels about the trend. Tree Classics Inc. of Lake Barrington, Ill., claims to be the top seller of artificial Christmas trees on the Internet - up 30% this year alone - but not a one of them is upside down. "That tree makes no sense to me whatsoever," says Tree Classics president Leon Gamze, who sells 59 styles of upright trees. "I just look at them and laugh." But would he ever join the upside-down trend? "Never. Wouldn't even consider it." Probably a good thing. He'll never have to ponder whether to put a star at the top, or bottom, of such a thing. revdauphinee answered on 11/10/05: what is Christian about a christmass tree???? arcura rated this answer

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Tex78 asked on 11/09/05 - Email from God One day God was looking down at Earth and saw all of the rascally behavior that was going on. So he called one of His angels and sent the angel to Earth for a time. When he returned, he told God, "Yes, it is bad on Earth; 95% are misbehaving and only 5% are not." God thought for a moment and said, "Maybe I had better send down a second angel to get another opinion." So God called another angel and sent him to Earth for a time too. When the angel returned he went to God and said, "Yes, it's true. The Earth is in decline; 95% are misbehaving, but 5% are being good." God was not pleased. So He decided to e-mail the 5% that were good, because He wanted to encourage them. Give them a little something to help them keep going. Do you know what the e-mail said? Okay, just wondering; I didn't get one either. revdauphinee answered on 11/10/05: If anyone were being good by Gods standards they wouldnt still be here! Romans 3: 23. for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, CeeBee2 rated this answer Tex78 rated this answer

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Erewhon asked on 11/09/05 - It's on now! Fox shows melt-down You will not believe the melt down of this christian lady tonight .... revdauphinee answered on 11/10/05: WISH i KNEW WHAT YOU WERE REFERING TO i MUST HAVE MISSED THAT ONE! Erewhon rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 11/09/05 - When should a church avoid putting it's hand out? This is what comes of the latest movement in up market Churchs - "corporate" for those who may not know what I'm talking about, - the idea that Churchs should abandon their traditional revenue base and seek subsidies and business opportunities to augment their already adequate funding. For those who may not know Hillsong is a megachurch with outreaches in a number of countries Church 'paid hush money' for Govt funding From: By Ean Higgins November 10, 2005 THE chief executive of the Hillsong church's financial arm wrote a letter to an Aboriginal community promising $280,000 "in return for its silence" over the payment of $415,000 in federal funds, the NSW parliament has heard. Labor MP Ian West told parliament on Tuesday night Hillsong Emerge had "misused the Riverstone Aboriginal community to get taxpayers' money for its own purposes". Mr West said Hillsong Emerge had submitted a joint application with the Riverstone Aboriginal Community Association for $490,000 in funds from the National Community Crime Prevention Program, run by the department of Attorney-General Philip Ruddock. That application failed, but a second application for $415,000 succeeded, without the knowledge of the Riverstone community, based around Blacktown in Sydney's west. When the community found out about Hillsong Emerge's alleged bid to keep the money, Mr West said, Hillsong Emerge chief executive Leigh Coleman had "lamely tried to dole out some of the money" to buy their co-operation. Riverstone community leader Vilma Ryan said that when community elders confronted Mr Coleman, he had drafted a handwritten letter in their presence promising the $280,000. Mr Coleman was travelling yesterday and unavailable for comment. But a Hillsong Emerge spokeswoman, Maria Ieroianni, said in a statement to The Australian: "Allegations that funds were offered to RACA to silence them are nonsense. In fact RACA dictated the letter signed by Mr Coleman demanding that RACA be responsible for the distribution of funds to the Riverstone component of the project. It was signed as an act of good faith to demonstrate Hillsong Emerge's willingness to co-operate with RACA as an equal partner." The Australian has a copy of Mr Coleman's letter, in which Hillsong Emerge "commits to supporting every effort to see (RACA) receive $280,000 over three years of the National Community Crime Prevention Program". The Australian also has copies of the two applications. The successful one has a proposed budget, which shows the majority of the $415,000 would pay the salary for the project officer and administration. Community activities such as dance nights and social integration lessons accounted for only a few thousand dollars each of the funds." Now I think on this I think this is the Mr Coleman who once told me that we had to make some sacrifices to get a Christian parliamentarians agenda through the house, that sacrifice happened to be my job at the time but never the less. No sign of Christian sacrifice here. revdauphinee answered on 11/10/05: like I always said denominations and organised religion almost always have an agenda different from that of Christ!They tend to worship the almighty dollar over the almighty God! paraclete rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 11/09/05 - at last justice will be done? Four held over schoolgirl beheadings November 10, 2005 Jakarta: Indonesian troops have detained four people, including a former soldier, over the beheading last month of three teenage Christian girls on the volatile island of Sulawesi. A spokesman for President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono said the attack, and a separate incident on Tuesday evening when unidentified gunmen shot and critically wounded two schoolgirls - one Muslim, one Christian - were an attempt to reignite religious violence in the region. The beheadings, which occurred on October 29, triggered an outcry across Indonesia as well as in Poso, a regency on Sulawesi where sectarian fighting raged from 1998 to 2001. Major-General Kohirin Suganda, the Indonesian military's chief spokesman, said the four suspects were captured a few days ago. He said only police could name them as suspects. Police have previously said up to six people dressed in black outfits and masks killed the schoolgirls with machetes near downtown Poso. Most of the previous communal violence in the region has occurred around the predominantly Muslim seaside town of Poso and the hilltop Christian town of Tentena. Muslim-Christian clashes killed more than 2000 between 1998 and 2001, when a truce was reached. While the worst violence abated, there have been sporadic outbreaks since. Reuters revdauphinee answered on 11/09/05: Justice may be done for these 4 but how many millionds of others do we have to put up with ! paraclete rated this answer

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arcura asked on 11/09/05 - Butchery in Jordan's hotels........................ Well it looks like Al Queda has succeeded in killing innocent people again, now in Jordan. At last report 67 dead and over 150 injured in the bombing of three hotels. Some were babies. Never in my life have I wished that someone would rot in hell, but with that bunch of murderers I may soon change my mind. What they are doing is senseless. I hope that SOON all the world will relentlessly pursue and put that bunch of devils spawn out of business permanently. But the question comes to mind, what about those of their faith that support them with silence? What should be done about them? I know many are afraid to oppose them, but it must be done or this will go on and on and on and��. What do you think? Fred revdauphinee answered on 11/09/05: many are afraid to oppose them, but it must be done or this will go on and on and on and��. Not only afraid but many even support these animals (for they are certainly not humans)Even on here they get so much support it amazes me! arcura rated this answer paraclete rated this answer

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sapphire630 asked on 11/09/05 - wonder why my head spins about peoples rights arguments? EAST BRUNSWICK � East Brunswick High School football coach Marcus Borden, who stepped down on Oct. 7 hours after school officials told him he could no longer participate in team prayer, rescinded his resignation and returned to his players. The problem was not the pray but the coaches involving himself in the prayers. I haven't heard much more of the story since, I am sure it isn't over though. Three years ago, in Cambridge, Massachusetts, 10-year-old Jeffrey Curley was abducted, sexually assaulted, and murdered by two men, one of whom was allegedly a member of the North American Man/Boy Love Association (NAMBLA), founded in 1978. "Prior to joining NAMBLA, Charles Jaynes was heterosexual," their complaint alleges implausibly. Because he was exposed to NAMBLA's propaganda, Jaynes "became obsessed with having sex with and raping young male children." NAMBLA is represented by the ACLU. NAMBLA believes that pubescent children can enter into consensual, mutually beneficial sexual relationships with adults. The principle underlying the First Amendment--the protection of "offensive," unpopular speech--is not widely embraced. Two extremes with the same problem ? revdauphinee answered on 11/09/05: I personaly do not have to check into the ACLU web site to find out what the Anti Christian Lawyers Association is all about I know ! sapphire630 rated this answer Tex78 rated this answer

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sapphire630 asked on 11/09/05 - Before you go buy your turkey as an alternative to your turkey dinner donate 20.00 to adopt a turkey receive a photo & biography of your adopted turkey eat turkey flavored Tofu NO gravy do not use milk products to make your spuds or pies--NO whipped cream topping. If you really want to donate the 20. I will find out the name of the organization :) Have a Happy Thanksgiving Excuse me while I go buy the biggest turkey I can find! revdauphinee answered on 11/09/05: Id sooner use the $20 to buy someone a turkey than adopt one thank you! sapphire630 rated this answer Tex78 rated this answer

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Erewhon asked on 11/09/05 - How the Geneva Convention applies to 'enemy combatants' that Bush do not hold to be 'So If insurgents are not regular military fores, then they are civilians, and the following portions of the zGeneva Convention are to be applied to them under the terms of the Convention: Convention (IV) relative to the Protection of Civilian Persons in Time of War. Geneva, 12 August 1949. The undersigned Plenipotentiaries of the Governments represented at the Diplomatic Conference held at Geneva from April 21 to August 12, 1949, for the purpose of establishing a Convention for the Protection of Civilian Persons in Time of War, have agreed as follows: Part I. General Provisions Article 1. The High Contracting Parties undertake to respect and to ensure respect for the present Convention in all circumstances. Art. 2. In addition to the provisions which shall be implemented in peace-time, the present Convention shall apply to all cases of declared war or of any other armed conflict which may arise between two or more of the High Contracting Parties, even if the state of war is not recognized by one of them. The Convention shall also apply to all cases of partial or total occupation of the territory of a High Contracting Party, even if the said occupation meets with no armed resistance. Although one of the Powers in conflict may not be a party to the present Convention, the Powers who are parties thereto shall remain bound by it in their mutual relations. They shall furthermore be bound by the Convention in relation to the said Power, if the latter accepts and applies the provisions thereof. Art. 3. In the case of armed conflict not of an international character occurring in the territory of one of the High Contracting Parties, each Party to the conflict shall be bound to apply, as a minimum, the following provisions: (1) Persons taking no active part in the hostilities, including members of armed forces who have laid down their arms and those placed hors de combat by sickness, wounds, detention, or any other cause, shall in all circumstances be treated humanely, without any adverse distinction founded on race, colour, religion or faith, sex, birth or wealth, or any other similar criteria. To this end the following acts are and shall remain prohibited at any time and in any place whatsoever with respect to the above-mentioned persons: (a) violence to life and person, in particular murder of all kinds, mutilation, cruel treatment and torture; (b) taking of hostages; (c) outrages upon personal dignity, in particular humiliating and degrading treatment; (d) the passing of sentences and the carrying out of executions without previous judgment pronounced by a regularly constituted court, affording all the judicial guarantees which are recognized as indispensable by civilized peoples. (2) The wounded and sick shall be collected and cared for. [Not shot like dogs] An impartial humanitarian body, such as the International Committee of the Red Cross, may offer its services to the Parties to the conflict. The Parties to the conflict should further endeavour to bring into force, by means of special agreements, all or part of the other provisions of the present Convention. The application of the preceding provisions shall not affect the legal status of the Parties to the conflict. Art. 4. Persons protected by the Convention are those who, at a given moment and in any manner whatsoever, find themselves, in case of a conflict or occupation, in the hands of a Party to the conflict or Occupying Power of which they are not nationals. Nationals of a State which is not bound by the Convention are not protected by it. Nationals of a neutral State who find themselves in the territory of a belligerent State, and nationals of a co-belligerent State, shall not be regarded as protected persons while the State of which they are nationals has normal diplomatic representation in the State in whose hands they are. The provisions of Part II are, however, wider in application, as defined in Article 13. Persons protected by the Geneva Convention for the Amelioration of the Condition of the Wounded and Sick in Armed Forces in the Field of 12 August 1949, or by the Geneva Convention for the Amelioration of the Condition of Wounded, Sick and Shipwrecked Members of Armed Forces at Sea of 12 August 1949, or by the Geneva Convention relative to the Treatment of Prisoners of War of 12 August 1949, shall not be considered as protected persons within the meaning of the present Convention. Art. 5 Where in the territory of a Party to the conflict, the latter is satisfied that an individual protected person is definitely suspected of or engaged in activities hostile to the security of the State, such individual person shall not be entitled to claim such rights and privileges under the present Convention as would, if exercised in the favour of such individual person, be prejudicial to the security of such State. Where in occupied territory an individual protected person is detained as a spy or saboteur, or as a person under definite suspicion of activity hostile to the security of the Occupying Power, such person shall, in those cases where absolute military security so requires, be regarded as having forfeited rights of communication under the present Convention. In each case, such persons shall nevertheless be treated with humanity and, in case of trial, shall not be deprived of the rights of fair and regular trial prescribed by the present Convention. They shall also be granted the full rights and privileges of a protected person under the present Convention at the earliest date consistent with the security of the State or Occupying Power, as the case may be. [ ... ] ------------ Comments? revdauphinee answered on 11/09/05: where were the full rights and privileges of a protected person given when the terrorists comited beheadings??? Erewhon rated this answer

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HANK1 asked on 11/09/05 - DISASTERS ET AL: Yesterday I answered a direct question on another Board. The person wanted to communicate with her young children re: why there is evil in this world if God is so good. The person also wanted to know who causes disasters. The following is my message to that person: (Start) Thanks, ...... , for your question. I'll do my best to answer: I think your question is, "How can God be good if He allows all this evil?" When we contemplate the evil and anguish in the world, it is quite natural for us to ask this question. With this question we are implying that it is all God's fault. That He is responsible, not us. He receives the blame and we get ourselves off the hook. The Bible says that God made human beings good, not fouled up as they are now. When the Lord created Adam and Eve, He gave them a quality no other creature had: a FREE WILL. This means that Adam and Eve were not robots, programmed to obey. Nor were they slaves who only pretended to be subservient to the masters. Adam and Eve were not one of the creatures. Rather, Adam and Eve were given the freedom to choose to LOVE and OBEY God simply because they wanted to, simply because He was worthy of such respect. However, along with this positive ability, there also existed the possibility of an opposite response. Since they were FREE to LOVE and OBEY, they were also FREE to HATE and REBEL. Am I asking you to believe that old story about Adam and Eve in the garden and the snake that deceived them. Yes, I am. The disasters and trials you mentioned do NOT come from God. They are the result of the sinful nature of the world in which we live. But God is so wise and powerful that He can take the bad things that happen to us and work them out for our good. Like a master artist. He can take junk and turn it into something beautiful. He can take the pain caused by sin and hatred and still bring about pleasing results for us. THIS IS WHAT GOD PROMISES TO THOSE WHO LOVE HIM AND ARE CALLED ACCORDING TO THE PURPOSE. HE PROMISES TO TRANSFORM OUR TRIALS INTO EXPERIENCES THAT WILL BRING BLESSINGS. Pain warns us of the foolishness of living without him and to call us back to himself. So, ...... , when you consider your personal trials, do not ask, "Is God punishing me?" Rather ask, "Is God warning me and calling me to remember Him and know his love." I can tell you're a fine Mother because you took the time to ask some questions. I feel that you can provide my answer to your children. (End) Do you, my friend, feel the way I do? Tell me your true thoughts. HANK revdauphinee answered on 11/09/05: exelent answer ! ATON2 rated this answer HANK1 rated this answer

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ladybugca asked on 11/08/05 - very good point!!!!! Paul Harvey says: I don't believe in Santa Claus, but I'm not going to sue somebody for singing a Ho-Ho-Ho song in December. I don't agree with Darwin, but I didn't go out and hire a lawyer when my high school teacher taught his theory of evolution. Life, liberty or your pursuit of happiness will not be endangered because someone says a 30-second prayer before a football game. So what's the big deal? It's not like somebody is up there reading the entire book of Acts. They're just talking to a God they believe in and asking him to grant safety to the players on the field and the fans going home from the game "But it's a Christian prayer," some will argue. Yes, and this is the United States of America, a country founded on Christian principles. According to our very own phone book, Christian churches outnumber all others better than 200-to-1. So what would you expect-somebody chanting Hare Krishna? If I went to a football game in Jerusalem, I would expect to hear a Jewish prayer. If I went to a soccer game in Baghdad, I would expect to hear a Muslim prayer. If I went to a ping pong match in China, I would expect to hear someone pray to Buddha. And I wouldn't be offended. It wouldn't bother me one bit. When in Rome .. "But what about the atheists?" is another argument. What about them? Nobody is asking them to be baptized. We're not going to pass the collection plate. Just humor us for 30 seconds. If that's asking too much, bring a Walkman or a pair of ear plugs. Go to the bathroom. Visit the concession stand. Call your lawyer! Unfortunately, one or two will make that call. One or two will tell thousands what they can and cannot do. I don't think a short prayer at a football game is going to shake the world's foundations. Christians are just sick and tired of turning the other cheek while our courts strip us of all our rights. Our parents and grandparents taught us to pray before eating; to pray before we go to sleep. Our Bible tells us to pray without ceasing. Now a handful of people and their lawyers are telling us to cease praying. God, help us. And if that last sentence offends you, well . just sue me. The silent majority has been silent too long. It's time we let that one or two who scream loud enough to be heard .... that the vast majority don't care what they want. It is time the majority rules! It's time we tell them, you don't have to pray; you don't have to say the pledge of allegiance; you don't have to believe in God or attend services that honor Him. That is your right, and we will honor your right. But by golly, you are no longer going to take our rights away. We are fighting back .. and we WILL WIN! God bless us one and all ... especially those who denounce Him. God bless America, despite all her faults. She is still the greatest nation of all. God bless our service men who are fighting to protect our right to pray and worship God. May 2005 be the year the silent majority is heard and we put God back as the foundation of our families and institutions. Keep looking up. revdauphinee answered on 11/08/05: God bless America, despite all her faults. She is still the greatest nation of all. AMEN to that! Choux rated this answer Erewhon rated this answer ladybugca rated this answer

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Erewhon asked on 11/08/05 - Can Bush supersede established civilian and military judicial systems and get away with it? Military tribunals to get a test in Supreme Court The justices opt to take case of a Guant�namo detainee. By Warren Richey Staff writer of The Christian Science Monitor WASHINGTON � A year and a half ago, the US Supreme Court delivered a blunt message to the White House: War is not a blank check entitling the president to violate the constitutional liberties of American citizens. The decision resulted in the release of Yasser Hamdi, a dual US and Saudi citizen, who had been held indefinitely in a military prison without charge or access to a lawyer. On Monday (7 November 2005), the nation's (USA) highest court set the stage for the next major constitutional showdown over President Bush's ongoing war on terror. The issue is whether the president has the authority to put Al Qaeda suspects on trial before military commissions at the US naval base at Guant�namo Bay, Cuba. In agreeing to take up the appeal of Salim Ahmed Hamdan, the high court will examine government efforts to empanel a military-run war-crimes tribunal to weigh charges against Mr. Hamdan and three other terror suspects. Such tribunals mark the first time in a half-century that the US government is relying on ad hoc military commissions to mete out justice rather than civil federal courts or the military justice system. Lawyers and constitutional scholars who had urged the high court to take up the matter, praised the justices for their decision to tackle the Hamdan case. "There are people who have been kept in Guant�namo so long that the situation just cries out for review," says Stephen Saltzburg, a law professor at George Washington University and general counsel for the National Institute of Military Justice. "The world wants to know whether our judiciary thinks these things matter, and taking this case says it matters." David Remes, a Washington, D.C., lawyer who filed a friend-of-the-court brief, says the case is important because it could set the stage for similar abuses against American soldiers taken captive overseas. "This case is huge because one issue presented is whether the president can simply decide on his own initiative to suspend the Geneva Conventions as to a particular individual or group," Mr. Remes says. Some 500 law professors urged the Supreme Court to take the Hamdan case. "The central hope I have for this case in terms of separation of powers is that the Supreme Court will restore the constitutional directive that no one branch of government has the power to accuse, appoint the prosecutor, designate the judges, and render judgment," says Yale Law School Prof. Judith Resnik, who helped organize the letter campaign. Hamdan, a Yemeni citizen, served as Osama bin Laden's driver in Afghanistan and is charged with being a member of Al Qaeda. He is one of nearly 500 detainees being held at the US terrorism prison camp at Guant�namo Bay. Hamdan's trial was set to begin last fall. But a federal judge ruled in November that Hamdan could not be tried before a military commission without violating the 1949 Geneva Conventions. In July, a three-judge federal appeals court panel reversed the federal judge. The panel, including now Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts (who has recused himself), ruled that the president has the authority to order such commissions regardless of any conflicting provisions of the Geneva Conventions. Lawyers for Hamdan asked the Supreme Court to reverse that ruling and examine the constitutionality of the use of military commissions. By agreeing to take up the case, the high court action is likely to further delay the military commission process. The Supreme Court has been willing to play a strong role in monitoring the government's war on terror, ruling in one major case that the government could not indefinitely detain a US citizen, and ruling in a second major case that federal court jurisdiction extends to detainees being held at the US base in Cuba. At the same time, a majority of justices left the president significant leeway to confront perceived threats to the nation's security. The Hamdan case raises fundamental issues, including the scope of the president's power to detain and place on trial any foreign national deemed to be an enemy combatant. In urging the high court to take up the Hamdan case immediately, Hamdan's lawyer, Neal Katyal, drew upon a lesson from American history. He compared the Hamdan dispute to landmark Supreme Court case upholding the supremacy of civilian courts over an effort by President Abraham Lincoln to rely on military tribunals to quickly and efficiently prosecute suspected supporters of the Confederacy. "At issue is whether the president can supersede established civilian and military judicial systems," Mr. Katyal says in his brief. "No graver question was ever considered by this court, nor one which more nearly concerns the rights of the whole people," he writes, quoting Ex Parte Milligan, an 1866 Supreme Court decision. Lawyers for the government said that the high court should put off examining Hamdan's case until after his trial. Katyal countered that the stakes for the nation are too high for any delay. "The court of appeals created a legal black hole where no law applies," he says. "In this setting, individuals will not merely be detained, but tried and sentenced to life imprisonment and even death." revdauphinee answered on 11/08/05: BUSH well he seems to have gotten away with everything else so why not??? Erewhon rated this answer Tex78 rated this answer

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Tex78 asked on 11/08/05 - I would like to know what each of you would do in the same situation. You are elected President of the United States. You are barely settled in, when we are attacked, by the biggest distruction ever to hit America. You are told that Iraq is behind this. Who would you hit, your wife? Canada? How abour England? You have to do something fast, and now! The United Nations have been saying that Iraq has weapons of mass destruction. You ask for permission to go get them. You wait, not knowing when we will be hit by atomic bombs. You still wait. No answer! Well what are you going to do? Would you let them hit us again? If so, where? You have almost three million people to care for. Which ones would you let get killed first? What you do? This is a very important question! Think about this; let them come over here, take over, impose their rules on us. If you do not denie Jesus, you will have your head cut off. Not only you, but you wife and children. Tell me, what would you do Mr. President? revdauphinee answered on 11/08/05: well for one thing I wouldnt sit dumbfounded in a school classroom for 7 minutes< second I would make sure of my facts before I acted and third I would not hide behind lying to the people who elected me!In order to help some power hungry oil execs and halliburton make more money(I guess that means he didnt lie to me cause I never voted for him in the first place) Choux rated this answer Tex78 rated this answer

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hOPE12 asked on 11/08/05 - Update: Hello Everyone, People here are really starting to get back to the routine things they do. I recently started to help a neighbor who is having problems. "We started a Bible study and they are now doing much better. His wife left him because of the problems and then when huricane Wilma hit, there home was totally destroyed. That just made matters worse. But that is what I have desided to do until we move is to help as many people as I can who need to get a spark of hope back in their life.(Get it, a spark of hope!) :0) "We are in the works of moving and will move to a different home in December. This one is not safe. Many here are in the same situation, where their homes have been declared unsafe and must move then there are those hundreds that were told they had 20 minutes to collect their stuff and move to a shelter until they find a place. My family and I feel blessed because a dear family member gave us the money to relocate. Not everyone can do that and so we count our blessings each day. Red Cross has been feeding those in shelters but it is not the same as having your own home. This has really made me grateful for everything I receive in my daily life. We never know when something will come along and change our life. We all need to know that the Creator will care for our daily needs, no matter what happens. May we all never forget to thank Him each and every day. Take care, Hope12 revdauphinee answered on 11/08/05: I am glad things are improving and believe me when I say that living here on the Miss gulf coast I can identify it wont take months here for things to get back to a semblance of normalcy but years (if ever) hOPE12 rated this answer

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Tex78 asked on 11/08/05 - Just want to say hi... I have changed my user name, because I had trouble after my server sold out to another. I could not get back on. So I have had to change my user name, and pass word. My real name is Bucker. I just can't seem to get back on the board, and I don't know why. can some one please tell me how... revdauphinee answered on 11/08/05: HAVE HAD THAT PROBLEM MYSELF SEVERAL TIMES AFTER CHANGING SERVERS DONT UNDERSTAND WHY BUT IN MY CASE IT FINALY STRAIGHENED ITSELF OUT (sory for the caps )I also have trouble typing!LOL Tex78 rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 11/08/05 - French Muslims demonstrate their cowardise? First fatality as French riots continue unabated November 8, 2005 - 2:11PM Youths rioted for a 12th night in France today and the government announced it will impose curfews in the rundown suburbs hit by the violence. The chaos has engulfed more than 300 French cities and towns and overnight claimed its first fatality. A 61-year-old man who was beaten by rioters last week succumbed to his injuries. Jean-Jacques Le Chenadec, from the Parisian suburb of Stains, was attacked outside the housing complex where he lived. He fell into a coma and died in a hospital. Rioters torched cars in the suburbs of Paris, the south-western city of Toulouse, and in Lille and Strasbourg in the north, defying a pledge by Prime Minister Dominique de Villepin for his conservative government to take a firm line against them. Villepin rejected demands to call out the army but, under growing pressure from opponents to end the violence, he said: "Wherever it is necessary, prefects will be able to impose a curfew." In Toulouse gangs set fire to a bus and pelted police with petrol bombs and rocks. Outside Paris in Sevran, a school was set ablaze, while in another Paris suburb, Vitry-sur-Seine, youths threw petrol bombs at a hospital, national police spokesman Patrick Hamon said. No one was injured. The recourse to curfews follows a worsening of the mayhem. Foreign governments warned their citizens to be careful in France. Copycat attacks also spread outside France, with five cars torched outside the main train station in Brussels. German police were investigating the burning of five cars in Berlin. The violence started on October 27 among youths in a north-eastern Paris suburb angry over the accidental deaths of two teenagers, but it has grown into a nationwide insurrection by suburban youth burning and clashing with police. The violence is forcing France to confront anger building for decades in neglected suburbs and among the French-born children of Arab and black African immigrants. The teenagers whose deaths sparked the rioting were of Mauritanian and Tunisian descent. They were electrocuted while hiding from police in a power substation, apparently thinking they were being chased. President Jacques Chirac, acknowledged in a meeting yesterday with Latvian President Vaira Vike-Freiberga that France had not integrated immigrant youths, she said. Chirac deplored the "ghettoisation of youths of African or North African origin," and recognised "the incapacity of French society to fully accept them," Vike-Freiberga said. Unemployment runs as high as 40 per cent in some suburbs, four times the national rate. Overnight, vandals burned more than 1,400 vehicles, as well as churches, schools and businesses. Clashes around the country injured 36 police officers, National Police Chief Michel Gaudin said. Attacks were reported in 274 towns, and police made 395 arrests, he said. In terms of material destruction, the unrest is France's worst since World War II; never has rioting struck so many different French cities simultaneously, said security expert Sebastian Roche, a director of research at the state-funded National Centre for Scientific Research. Villepin said curfews would be imposed under a 1955 law that allows the declaring of a state of emergency in parts or all of France. The law was passed to curb unrest in Algeria during the war that led to its independence from France. agencies These are the acts of cowards, attacking the elderly, burning vehicles and buildings. Seriously I hope the Frech get real and send in the army. A few dead rioters will soon bring some sanity to the situation revdauphinee answered on 11/08/05: A few dead rioters will soon bring some sanity to the situation Question is are the arrogant french capable of sanity??? Choux rated this answer paraclete rated this answer

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HANK1 asked on 11/07/05 - BUSH ET AL: PANAMA CITY, Panama - President Bush on Monday defended U.S. interrogation practices and called the treatment of terrorism suspects lawful. "We do not torture," Bush declared in response to reports of secret CIA prisons overseas. Bush supported an effort spearheaded by Vice President Dick Cheney to block or modify a proposed Senate-passed ban on torture. "We're working with Congress to make sure that as we go forward, we make it possible, more possible, to do our job," Bush said. "There's an enemy that lurks and plots and plans and wants to hurt America again. And so, you bet we will aggressively pursue them. But we will do so under the law." By DEB RIECHMANN, Associated Press Writer (11/7/05) HANK revdauphinee answered on 11/07/05: Bushs idea is dont do as I do! HANK1 rated this answer Tex78 rated this answer

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tomder55 asked on 11/07/05 - I suggest that the French use the land for peace model that they champion for Israel. They say Beirut is the Paris of the Middle East. Does that mean Paris is the Beirut of Europe? Or is that an insult to Beirut? Paris has been on fire for 11 days now. The violence is out of control and it�s spreading. Some are calling this the French Intifada. Meanwhile, Beirut is peaceful and calm. And Beirut has and has had a lot more political problems than Paris. The Lebanese people threw off the yoke of Syrian occupation, oppression, and de facto annexation while committing no violence. The Western model of civil disobedience and protest worked beautifully and, more important, it worked rapidly. The disgruntled of Paris, on the other hand, are inviting a brutal crackdown from a state infinitely less oppressive that the Syrian Baath regime. While some parts of the Middle East import liberal �Western� political ideas into their culture, some parts of Europe import pathologies from the illiberal places in the Middle East and North Africa. revdauphinee answered on 11/07/05: Not in favour of riots but with a goverment like they have can one truly blame theM??? tomder55 rated this answer

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Choux asked on 11/07/05 - The Crusades There is a special presentation on the History Channel about the Crusades. Last night was part one, the first Crusade. I was particularly interested in the socio-economic situation in Europe at the time--the late 1000's. Europe was largely governed by rich local secular leaders who made war on each other. There were serious problems with feeding the populations, starvation was relatively common. Life was bleak; everything seemed to be sin. Pope Urban II sought to increase his influence over Europe by uniting the lords and their knights in a venture against a common enemy, the Muslims who had taken control of governing Jerusalem. Anyone who went and fought for the Holy City would automatically go to Heaven! Tonight is the Second Crusade. revdauphinee answered on 11/07/05: I missed it last night am going to try to see tonight it interests me Choux rated this answer

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Erewhon asked on 11/07/05 - Americans are at heart honest, fair, and decent, but The Bush Admin is totalitarian, authoritarian, Cheney Fights for Detainee Policy As Pressure Mounts to Limit Handling Of Terror Suspects, He Holds Hard Line By Dana Priest and Robin Wright Washington Post Staff Writers Monday, November 7, 2005; Page A01 Over the past year, Vice President Cheney has waged an intense and largely unpublicized campaign to stop Congress, the Pentagon and the State Department from imposing more restrictive rules on the handling of terrorist suspects, according to defense, state, intelligence and congressional officials. Last winter, when Sen. John D. Rockefeller IV (D-W.Va.), vice chairman of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, began pushing to have the full committee briefed on the CIA's interrogation practices, Cheney called him to the White House to urge that he drop the matter, said three U.S. officials. Vice President Cheney has fought restrictions on handling of terrorism suspects, rules favored by other administration officials and senators. (By Stephen Morton In recent months, Cheney has been the force against adding safeguards to the Defense Department's rules on treatment of military prisoners, putting him at odds with Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and acting Deputy Secretary of Defense Gordon R. England. On a trip to Canada last month, Rice interrupted a packed itinerary to hold a secure video-teleconference with Cheney on detainee policy to make sure no decisions were made without her input. Just last week, Cheney showed up at a Republican senatorial luncheon to lobby lawmakers for a CIA exemption to an amendment by Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) that would ban torture and inhumane treatment of prisoners. The exemption would cover the CIA's covert "black sites" in several Eastern European democracies and other countries where key al Qaeda captives are being kept. Cheney spokesman Steve Schmidt declined to comment on the vice president's interventions or to elaborate on his positions. "The vice president's views are certainly reflected in the administration's policy," he said. Increasingly, however, Cheney's positions are being opposed by other administration officials, including Cabinet members, political appointees and Republican lawmakers who once stood firmly behind the administration on all matters concerning terrorism. Personnel changes in President Bush's second term have added to the isolation of Cheney, who previously had been able to prevail in part because other key parties to the debate -- including Attorney General Alberto R. Gonzales and White House counsel Harriet Miers -- continued to sit on the fence. But in a reflection of how many within the administration now favor changing the rules, Elliot Abrams, traditionally one of the most hawkish voices in internal debates, is among the most persistent advocates of changing detainee policy in his role as the deputy national security adviser for democracy, according to officials familiar with his role. At the same time Rice has emerged as an advocate for changing the rules to "get out of the detainee mess," said one senior U.S. official familiar with discussions. Her top advisers, along with their Pentagon counterparts, are working on a package of proposals designed to address all controversial detainee issues at once, instead of dealing with them on a piecemeal basis. Cheney's camp is a "shrinking island," said one State Department official who, like other administration officials quoted in this article, asked not to be identified because public dissent is strongly discouraged by the White House. A fundamental question lies at the heart of these disagreements: Four years into the fight, what is the most effective way to wage the campaign against terrorism? Cheney's camp says the United States does not torture captives, but believes the president needs nearly unfettered power to deal with terrorists to protect Americans. To preserve the president's flexibility, any measure that might impose constraints should be resisted. That is why the administration has recoiled from embracing the language of treaties such as the U.N. Convention Against Torture, which Cheney's aides find vague and open-ended. On the other side of the debate are those who believe that unconventional measures -- harsh interrogation tactics, prisoner abuse and the "ghosting" and covert detention of CIA-held prisoners -- have so damaged world support for the U.S.-led counterterrorism campaign that they have hurt the U.S. cause. Also, they argue, these measures have tainted core American values such as human rights and the rule of law. "The debate in the world has become about whether the U.S. complies with its legal obligations. We need to regain the moral high ground," said one senior administration official familiar with internal deliberations on the issue, adding that Rice believes current policy is "hurting the president's agenda and her agenda." Vice President Cheney has fought restrictions on handling of terrorism suspects, rules favored by other administration officials and senators. Vice President Cheney has fought restrictions on handling of terrorism suspects, rules favored by other administration officials and senators. McCain's amendment would limit the military's interrogation and detention tactics to those described in the Army Field Manual, and it would prohibit all U.S. government employees from using cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment. Cheney pushed hard to have the entire amendment defeated. He twice held meetings with key lawmakers to lobby against the measure, once traveling to Capitol Hill in July, to button-hole Sens. John W. Warner (R-Va.), McCain and Lindsey O. Graham (R-S.C.). When that tack did not work -- 90 senators supported the measure -- Cheney handed McCain language that would exempt the CIA. Despite Cheney's concerns, Graham said he has not heard any concerns from the CIA suggesting it needs an exemption from the McCain amendment. The CIA declined to comment. "It shows that we have a philosophical difference here," said Graham, a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee. "The vice president believes in certain circumstances the government can't be bound by the language McCain is pushing. I believe that out of bounds of that language, we do harm to the U.S. image. It doesn't mean he's bad or I'm good; it just means we see it differently." Cheney and the White House also oppose the language of a separate Defense Department directive, first reported by the New York Times, limiting detainee interrogations. The ongoing internal debate has stalled publication of the directive. "This is the first issue we've gone to the trenches on," said a senior State Department official. On the issue of the CIA's interrogation and detention practices, this spring Cheney requested the CIA brief him on the matter. "Cheney's strategy seems to be to stop the broader movement to get an independent commission on interrogation practices and the McCain amendment," said one intelligence official. Beside personal pressure from the vice president, Cheney's staff is also engaged in resisting a policy change. Tactics included "trying to have meetings canceled ... to at least slow things down or gum up the works" or trying to conduct meetings on the subject without other key Cabinet members, one administration official said. The official said some internal memos and e-mail from the National Security Council staff to the national security adviser were automatically forwarded to the vice president's office -- in some cases without the knowledge of the authors. For that reason, Rice "wanted to be in all meetings," said a senior State Department official. Cheney's chief aide in this bureaucratic war of wills is David S. Addington, who was his chief counsel until last week when he replaced I. Lewis "Scooter" Libby as the vice president's chief of staff. Addington exerted influence on many of the most significant policy decisions after Sept. 11, 2001. He helped write the position on torture taken by the Justice Department's Office of Legal Counsel, a stance rescinded after it became public, and he helped pick Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, as the location beyond the reach of U.S. law for holding suspected terrorists. When Addington learned that the draft Pentagon directive included language from Article 3 of the Geneva Conventions, which prohibits torture and cruel treatment, including "humiliating and degrading treatment," he summoned the Pentagon official in charge of the detainee issue to brief him. During a tense meeting at his office in the Eisenhower Executive Office Building, Addington was strident, said officials with knowledge of the encounter, and chastised Deputy Assistant Secretary Matthew C. Waxman for including what he regarded as vague and unhelpful language from Article 3 in the directive. On Tuesday, Cheney, who often attends the GOP senators' weekly luncheons without addressing the lawmakers, made "an impassioned plea" to reject McCain's amendment, said a senatorial aide who was briefed on the meeting and spoke on the condition of anonymity because of its closed nature. After Senate aides were ordered out of the Mansfield Room, just steps from the Senate chamber, Cheney said that aggressive interrogations of detainees such as Khalid Sheik Mohammed had yielded useful information, and that the option to treat prisoners harshly must not be taken from interrogators. McCain then rebutted Cheney's comments, the aide said, telling his colleagues that the image of the United States using torture "is killing us around the world." ===================== If you become the meanest kid on the block, should you be surprised if some folks out there don't like you? revdauphinee answered on 11/07/05: Cheney has delusions of being a dictator!hed make a good one ATON2 rated this answer Erewhon rated this answer

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Choux asked on 11/07/05 - Most Popular Names The Most Popular Names for Pets Are... ...human names. Buddy, Max and Jake topped the list for male dogs, while Daisy, Molly and Sadie were most popular for females, the New York Post reports of a new survey of 9,000 animal shelters nationwide conducted by Petfinder.com. Among cats, Smokey and Max were the most used names for males, and Molly, Angel and Lucy were favorites for females. "For real pet lovers, a pet is just another member of the family, so a human name seems totally appropriate," Petfinder.com's president, Betsy Saul, told Post reporter Heidi Singer. Our favorite names for pets haven't changed much in the past three years. In May 2002, the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) surveyed veterinarians to find out the most popular pet names. According to the Learning Network, the top 10 names were: Max, Sam, Lady, Bear, Smokey, Shadow, Kitty, Molly, Buddy and Brandy. Rounding out the top 30 list were: Ginger, Baby, Misty, Missy, Pepper, Jake, Bandit, Tiger, Samantha, Lucky, Muffin, Princess, Maggie, Charlie, Sheba, Rocky, Patches, Tigger, Rusty and Buster. I had an Irish Setter named Rusty. Did you have a pet with any of these names? revdauphinee answered on 11/07/05: No ive always tried to be orriginal my siameese (cant spell) cats name is Jade! Choux rated this answer

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HANK1 asked on 11/07/05 - A NEW DISCOVERY: MEGIDDO PRISON, Israel - Israeli prisoner Ramil Razilo was removing rubble from the planned site of a new prison ward when his shovel uncovered the edge of an elaborate mosaic, unveiling what Israeli archaeologists said Sunday may be the Holy Land�s oldest church. The discovery of the church in the northern Israeli town of Megiddo, near the biblical Armageddon, was hailed by experts as an important discovery that could reveal details about the development of the early church in the region. Archaeologists said the church dated from the third century, decades before Constantine legalized Christianity across the Byzantine Empire. �What�s clear today is that it�s the oldest archaeological remains of a church in Israel, maybe even in the entire region. Whether in the entire world, it�s still too early to say,� said Yotam Tepper, the excavation�s head archaeologist. Source: MSNBC HANK revdauphinee answered on 11/07/05: I saw that on the news interesting but since Christianity was outlawed before Constantine I seriously doubt it dates before then! HANK1 rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 11/07/05 - One down, 300,000 to go! Muslim cleric faces deportation November 7, 2005 - 2:55PM A leading Muslim cleric, who ASIO says is a national security risk, faces deportation after a court dismissed his bid to stay in Australia. Iranian-born Sheik Mansour Leghaei took action in the Federal Court to avoid deportation after the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation said he was a risk to national security. Justice Rodney Madgwick today dismissed Mr Leghaei's application to have his adverse security assessment declared void. Justice Madgwick told the Federal Court in Canberra by videolink from Sydney he would reserve the reasons for his decision, along with cost questions, until a later date - expected to be within two weeks. Some of the reasons will be released publicly, but others will remain confidential. Mr Leghaei, a 43-year-old father of four who has lived in Australia for a decade, was automatically denied a permanent residency visa after ASIO issued an adverse security assessment, alleging he had been involved in "acts of foreign interference". Under Australian law, this can mean spying on, or intimidating, dissidents, and secretly collecting official, military or political information for a foreign government. Mr Leghaei is on a bridging visa pending his deportation. His legal counsel had argued that he had been denied procedural fairness and natural justice in having his visa cancelled. But the federal government's legal team argued Mr Leghaei was denied his visa under a clear and long-standing scheme and the ASIO Act did not require Mr Leghaei to be told of the reasons. AAP revdauphinee answered on 11/07/05: If there purpose is to disrupt the country or to cause others to do so kick em out !thats reason enough for me if you go to a new country you adapt you dont expect them to ! paraclete rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 11/06/05 - Now that pontificating Priest wants to tell us how to read the Bible Evolution in the bible, says Vatican From: By Martin Penner November 07, 2005 THE Vatican has issued a stout defence of Charles Darwin, voicing strong criticism of Christian fundamentalists who reject his theory of evolution and interpret the biblical account of creation literally. Cardinal Paul Poupard, head of the Pontifical Council for Culture, said the Genesis description of how God created the universe and Darwin's theory of evolution were "perfectly compatible" if the Bible were read correctly. His statement was a clear attack on creationist campaigners in the US, who see evolution and the Genesis account as mutually exclusive. "The fundamentalists want to give a scientific meaning to words that had no scientific aim," he said at a Vatican press conference. He said the real message in Genesis was that "the universe didn't make itself and had a creator". This idea was part of theology, Cardinal Poupard emphasised, while the precise details of how creation and the development of the species came about belonged to a different realm - science. Cardinal Poupard said that it was important for Catholic believers to know how science saw things so as to "understand things better". His statements were interpreted in Italy as a rejection of the "intelligent design" view, which says the universe is so complex that some higher being must have designed every detail. So here we have it, you can either believe it or not. "The RCC has become a 'clayton's' religion". I wonder what other parts of the Bible the Catholic Church would like to dispense with while we are at it? Certainly the verse which says that Jesus had brothers and sisters, and the verse where Jesus says no one comes to the father but through him. Will they go back to selling indulgences, or did they ever stop? I have read the Bible and it is very specific about certain things including creation. I wonder what anti Christ they will embrace next?" You know I'm prepared to Poo Poo what ever Poupard says revdauphinee answered on 11/07/05: So here we have it, you can either believe it or not. If this means the bible I "choose "" to believe it! paraclete rated this answer

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arcura asked on 11/06/05 - Old sayings said in a new way. Twisted to the contemporary. * Home is where you hang your @. * The E-mail of the species is more deadly than the mail. * A journey of a thousand sites begins with a single click. * You can't teach a new mouse old clicks. * C: is the root of all directories. * Don't put all your hypes in one home page. * Pentium wise; pen and paper foolish. * The modem is the message. * Too many clicks spoil the browse. * The geek shall inherit the earth. * A chat has nine lives. * Don't byte off more than you can view. * Fax is stranger than fiction. * What boots up must come down. * Windows will never cease. * Virtual reality is its own reward. * Modulation in all things. * A user and his leisure time are soon parted. * Know what to expect before you connect. * Oh, what tangled website we weave when first we practice. * Speed thrills. * Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day, teach him to use the Net and he won't bother you for weeks. revdauphinee answered on 11/07/05: LAST ONE i LIKE arcura rated this answer

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HANK1 asked on 11/06/05 - JUST WONDERING ... Cognitive therapists ask people to examine their perceptions of the world and the evidence for their beliefs. A depressed person observing a bed of roses might see only the litter and none of the beauty ... and might conclude that the whole world is ugly and always will be. Tell me what you see when you view a bed of roses! HANK revdauphinee answered on 11/06/05: that roses are expensive and a bed of them is such a waste! HANK1 rated this answer

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Erewhon asked on 11/06/05 - Christian bigots are misguided and cannot be Christians One of the most tragic cases involved the murder 4 days after September 11, 2001, of Waqar Hasan who was shot to death in his convenience store by a man who said he did it to retaliate against ``Arab Americans or whatever you want to call them.'' Hasan was a Pakistani immigrant who was murdered for no other reason than that he was a Muslim with a Middle Eastern face. Now read on ...... Contact: John B. Townsend II, Communications Director October 7, 2003 (202) 225-8885 Floor Statement CONDEMNING BIGOTRY AND VIOLENCE AGAINST ARAB-AMERICANS, MUSLIM-AMERICANS, SOUTH ASIAN-AMERICANS, AND SIKH-AMERICANS By U.S. Representative Eddie Bernice Johnson (D-Texas) Mr. SENSENBRENNER. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 234) condemning bigotry and violence against Arab-Americans, Muslim-Americans, South Asian-Americans, and Sikh-Americans. The Clerk read as follows: H. Res. 234 Whereas all Americans are united in supporting American men and women who protect our Nation abroad and at home; Whereas thousands of Arab-Americans, Muslim-Americans, South Asian-Americans, and Sikh-Americans serve in the military and in law enforcement, working to protect all Americans; Whereas the Arab-American, Muslim-American, South Asian-American, and Sikh-American communities are vibrant, peaceful, and law-abiding, and have greatly contributed to American society; and Whereas all Americans, including Arab-Americans, Muslim-Americans, South Asian-Americans, and Sikh-Americans, condemn acts of violence and prejudice: Now, therefore, be it Resolved, That the House of Representatives-- (1) is concerned by the number of bias-motivated crimes against Arab-Americans, Muslim-Americans, South Asian-Americans, and Sikh-Americans, and other Americans in recent months; (2) declares that the civil rights and civil liberties of all Americans, including Arab-Americans, Muslim-Americans, South Asian-Americans, and Sikh-Americans, should be protected; (3) condemns bigotry and acts of violence against any American, including Arab-Americans, Muslim-Americans, South Asian-Americans, and Sikh-Americans; (4) calls upon local, State, and Federal law enforcement authorities to work to prevent bias-motivated crimes against all Americans, including Arab-Americans, Muslim-Americans, South Asian-Americans, and Sikh-Americans; and (5) calls upon local, State, and Federal law enforcement authorities to investigate and prosecute vigorously all such crimes committed against Arab-Americans, Muslim-Americans, South Asian-Americans, and Sikh-Americans. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from Wisconsin (Mr. Sensenbrenner) and the gentlewoman from Texas (Ms. Eddie Bernice Johnson) each will control 20 minutes. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Wisconsin (Mr. Sensenbrenner). GENERAL LEAVE Mr. SENSENBRENNER. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on H. Res. 234. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the gentleman from Wisconsin? There was no objection. Mr. SENSENBRENNER. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, introduced by the gentleman from California (Mr. Issa), House Resolution 234 condemns bigotry and violence against individuals of Arab, Muslim, South Asian and Sikh-Americans dissent. It was introduced in response to concerns about an increase in discriminatory backlash crimes following the commencement of military action in Iraq in March 2003. Specifically, House Resolution 234 recognizes the many contributions of Arab-, Muslim-, South Asian-, and Sikh-Americans to our culture and society, calls upon law enforcement authorities to work to vigorously prevent, investigate and prosecute discriminatory backlash crimes, and reaffirms the House of Representatives' commitment to assuring that the civil rights and civil liberties of all Americans are protected. The weeks and months following the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, saw a significant increase in the number of crimes committed against those perceived to be of Arab- Muslim-, South Asian-, and Sikh-American dessent. Take, for example, the FBI's hate crime statistics for 2001. According to this report, the number of anti-Islamic incidents grew 1,600 percent between 2000 and 2001 taking such incidents from the second-least reported category of reported religious-bias incidents in 2000 of the second-highest reported category of religious-bias incidents in 2001. The oversight work of the Subcommittee on the Constitution has revealed a significant effort on the part of the Department of Justice to address this alarming increase in discriminatory backlash crimes. Shortly after the September 2001 terrorist attacks, former Assistant Attorney General for the Civil Rights Division, Ralph Boyd, instructed the U.S. Department of Justice, Civil Rights Division's National Origin Working Group to help combat violations of federal civil rights laws involving individuals perceived to be of Arab-, Muslim-, South Asian-, or Sikh-American origin. Specifically, the Working Group now receives reports of violations based upon national origin, citizenship status, and religion; conducts outreach to vulnerable communities; and works with other Civil Rights Division components and governmental agencies to ensure accurate referral, effective outreach, and provision of services to victims of civil rights violations. In addition, the Civil Rights Division continues to spearhead the criminal investigations and prosecutions of hundreds of backlash crimes. In April, Attorney General John Ashcroft announced that approximately 400 incidents of backlash discrimination have been investigated since September 2001 by the Civil Rights Division, the FBI and the U.S. Attorneys' Offices. Of these investigations, approximately 70 State and local criminal prosecutions were initiated and Federal charges were brought in ten cases. It is my hope that the Civil Rights Division continues to vigilantly investigate and prosecute those crimes. Similar to House Concurrent Resolution 227, which was approved by the House just days after the terrorist attacks of 2001, House Resolution 234 will again express this body's appreciation for the contributions of Arab-, Mus-�lim-, South Asian-, and Sikh-Americans to the Nation and condemnation of all actions of bigotry and violence towards such individuals. I applaud the gentleman from California (Mr. Issa) for his leadership on this issue and urge my colleagues to strongly support this resolution. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time. Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H. Res. 234. H. Res. 234 condemns bigotry and violence against Arab-Americans, Muslim-Americans, South Asian-Americans and Sikh-Americans, and I urge all of my colleagues to support it. This resolution condemns bigotry and violence against individuals of Arab-American, Muslim-American, South Asian-American, and Sikh-American dissent. It was introduced in response to concerns about an increase in discriminatory backlash crimes following the commencement of military action in Iraq in March of 2003. Specifically, House Resolution 234 recognizes the many contributions of Arab-Americans, Muslim-Americans, South Asian-Americans, and Sikh-Americans to the Nation and calls upon law enforcement authorities to work vigorously to prevent discriminatory backlash crimes against such persons and to investigate such crimes that do occur and reaffirms the House of Representative's commitment to assuring that civil rights of all Americans, including individuals of Arab-American, Muslim-American, South Asian-American, and Sikh-American dissent, be protected. In the weeks and months following the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, this Nation saw a significant increase in the number of crimes committed against those perceived to be Arab-Americans, Muslim-American, South Asian-American, and Sikh-American descent. According to hate crimes statistics compiled by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, criminal acts motivated by bias against ethnicity/national origin were the second-most frequently reported bias in 2001, more than doubling the number of incidents, offenses, victims and known offenders from 2000 data and the anti-other ethnicity/national origin category quadrupled in incidents, offenses, victims, and known offenders. Similarly, the number of anti-Islamic incidents grew 1,600 percent between the year 2000 and 2001, taking such incidents from the second-least reported category of reported religious-bias incidents in 2000 to the second-highest category of religious-bias in 2001. Mr. Speaker, there can be no room for hatred and bigotry in America. Our history has taught us that when we rise above such hatred, we are stronger as a Nation. Too often in our history, fear and panic have resulted in discrimination and even oppression by our government of groups perceived to be a threat. Invariably, when things calm down and cooler heads prevail, there is a great sense of national shame at the injustices perpetuated against innocent people whose only crime was their race, religion, national origin or ethnicity. It is important that this House go on record as condemning these reprehensible acts which betray what is best about our Nation. We are a diverse Nation, and we are the stronger for it. We are we cannot permit blind hatred to destroy that. In addition to this resolution, I would hope that this House will also turn its attention to the extent to which the government has assaulted the rights of innocent individuals simply because of their race, religion or national origin. In addition to the hate crimes perpetuated by individuals, we must be vigilant that the power of government not be abused and that people not be targeted by law enforcement even if they have done nothing wrong. The right to live free from violence and discrimination is a fundamental right of all Americans. So long as one American is denied that right, no one can truly be free. I urges all my colleagues to support this legislation. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time. Mr. SENSENBRENNER. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from South Carolina (Mr. Wilson). Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I am honored to join my good friend and colleague, the gentleman from California (Mr. Issa), to sponsor this important resolution in condemning violence against South Asians in America. As the Republican co-chair of the caucus on India and Indian Americans, I am very concerned about the weekly occurrences of violence committed against Indian Americans, especially Sikhs. Every week in national newspapers like India Abroad and News India-Times, I read reports of violence and even homicides committed against Indian Americans working in gas stations, convenience stores, food delivery positions, or driving taxis. I am concerned some of these attacks are motivated by ignorance and fear. These hardworking citizens perform some of the most thankless jobs in America. They are also vulnerable to physical harm due to their solitary conditions and late work hours. There can be no justification for attacking a fellow American simply because of their skin color or religion. Americans understand we feel anger toward the terrorists who murdered our countrymen on September 11. However, we must not rush to judgment and display prejudice or bias against those Americans of South Asian descent, people who are just as angered about the attack on our country and just as eager to defeat terrorism. We must rally together as a Nation to prevent bias-motivated crimes against Indian Americans. Schools must continue to educate student bodies so that harassment and violence against Sikh boys no longer occur. Further, we must vigorously prosecute these crimes when they do happen. I want to commend Attorney General John Ashcroft because he is taking the necessary steps to aggressively root out those who seek to harm this Nation, yet maintain the civil rights of those citizens who are here legally and abide by our laws. I want to again thank the gentleman from California (Mr. Issa) for his leadership in introducing this important resolution, and I urge my colleagues to vote in favor of it. Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I yield 4 minutes to the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Pallone). Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H. Res. 234, a resolution to condemn bigotry and violence against many vital ethnic communities in the United States; and I want to say, unfortunately, many individuals including South Asian Americans, Arab Americans, Sikh Americans, and Muslim Americans have been targets of hate crimes for decades, being subject to assault, verbal slurs and property damage; but since the 9/11 attacks, there has been a significant backlash against men and women from all of these communities. In my own district in New Jersey, I represent a number of Indian Americans, both Hindu, Muslim and Sikh, who have been targets of violence and discrimination. To my knowledge, eating establishments and places of worship have been damaged and vandalized as a result of systematic bigotry and racism. Moreover, South Asian Americans are specifically being targeted with violence because in the minds of some they had been inaccurately associated with those responsible for the 9/11 attacks. Mr. Speaker, I wanted to mention specifically the Sikh American community because at several forums that I held after 9/11 two years ago, they in particular came to the forums. I remember one specifically at Rutgers University in my district where many of them had talked personally about the problems that they had. The Sikhs, as many of my colleagues know, wear the turbans usually, and they also carry a symbolic, although it is not a real knife, a symbolic sort of something that looks like a knife; and they in particular I know have been the subject of many of these attacks. We need to be very clear about the fact that the Sikh American community in no way was responsible for anything related to 9/11. In addition to that, I know that the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Holt) and I at the time of 9/11 two years ago, just a few days later, there was one of our constituents from Milltown, I represented Milltown at the time. My colleague represents Milltown now, but we had one of the most reprehensible of these attacks that was perpetrated on Waqar Hasan, a resident of Milltown who had recently moved to Texas. This was only 4 days after 9/11 on September 15. He was shot to death in his Texas grocery store in the most extreme form of misplaced revenge since the 9/11 tragedy. Mr. Hasan, his wife and four daughters are Muslims who emigrated to the United States in 1990, full of the hope and excitement that many new immigrants feel as they begin their lives afresh in America as Americans. But that happiness was cut short not by terrorists a million miles away but by a fellow American who felt justified in taking the life of an innocent man and destroying the lives of a wife and four children out of bigotry and hatred. This spate of attacks on innocent Americans like Mr. Hasan around the country is a reprehensible reaction to a tragedy that befell all of America on 9/11, and they must not be tolerated. Let me just say, Mr. Speaker, I support this resolution. It condemns such acts of hatred against innocent individuals. I also believe that Congress must support the enforcement of hate crime laws, provide support and protection to targeted ethnic communities, and reject policies that are inherently biased against South Asian Americans and Arab Americans. Mr. SENSENBRENNER. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. LaHood). Mr. LaHOOD. Mr. Speaker, I stand in support of this resolution and congratulate the gentleman from California (Mr. Issa), who could not be here this afternoon for consideration of the resolution. I know it was his idea to have this resolution offered. As someone who represents a district with a large Arab American population, I can tell my colleagues that they contribute mightily to our community in so many different ways. My grandparents came to Peoria, Illinois, in 1895 from a region of Lebanon and settled in Peoria; and as a result of their being the first Lebanese Americans to settle in our neck of the woods, they were able to persuade others to come over. In those days, I am sure they were not known as Arab Americans. They were known as immigrants who came to America seeking the American Dream, and I think that has been true for decades of Arab Americans who have come to this country and contributed an awful lot to our society and contributed a lot to the growth of our country and the stability of our country. It was not till 9/11, I think, until maybe people had a different point of view about Arab Americans and also perhaps Muslims; but these people have contributed so much, and I think it is important for Congress to speak out in a way that says that these folks are good Americans, they are good citizens. They contribute a great deal to our country. I might make note, too, of the fact that there are Arab Americans serving in this body, including the gentleman from West Virginia (Mr. Rahall), the gentleman from Louisiana (Mr. John), John Sununu who once served in the House and now is in the other body, and of course, the gentleman from California (Mr. Issa), and also in the administration Spencer Abraham who was also a member of the other body. So not only have Arab Americans contributed a great deal to the country and to the greatness of this country but have contributed also to the great body that we call the House of Representatives and to the other body. So I think it is worth noting the contribution of Arab Americans and the fact that 9/11 has made a little different way of life for them and that Congress recognizes their contribution; and I appreciate the fact that this resolution recognizes that and appreciate the fact that the chairman has allowed me to recognize their contributions. I thank the chairman for his indulgence. Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from New York (Mr. Crowley). Mr. CROWLEY. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman from Texas for yielding me this time. I rise today to speak in strong support of this resolution. We have all seen the rise in violence against our fellow Americans, whether they are of Arab, Muslim, South Asian or Sikh descent, since the September 11 attack upon our Nation. Our Nation must not allow these attacks to continue. We need to work together to ensure that these types of crimes no longer occur. A family in my district in Queens fell victim to a hate crime of this nature in August of this year. The Singh family, a proud Sikh American family of Woodside, Queens, my hometown, was attacked simply because of the way they looked. I am proud that the neighbors of the Singh family called the police when this hate crime was occurring and even came to their assistance during the attacks. That is the neighborhood of Woodside that I know and love. A strong community is what it will take to stop these horrendous crimes from occurring in the future. It is hard for all of us to understand how people have so much hate in them, and we need to all work together to ensure that hate crimes stop. Whether they are against Sikhs, Blacks, Muslims, Jews or gays, hate crimes need to be stopped. The best way, I believe, to stop hate crimes is through education. By bringing this problem out in the open, we can start to solve it by educating our population. During July, I held a congressional briefing as the co-chair of the Caucus on India and Indian American Affairs about the rise of hate crimes against the South Asian population here in the United States. A representative of Sikh Mediawatch and Resource Task Force, also known as SMART, attended this briefing and spoke with Members of the Congress on the importance of educating people so they understand the culture and will be less likely to participate in hate crimes. I commend SMART's efforts to work not only within the Sikh community but with all communities affected by hate crimes. We all must work together to ensure that these types of crimes no longer occur. I urge all of my colleagues to support this important resolution. Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Holt). Mr. HOLT. Mr. Speaker, I thank my friend from Texas for the time. I rise today to voice my strong support to House Resolution 234, introduced in a bipartisan way by the gentleman from California (Mr. Issa) and the gentlewoman from Ohio (Ms. Kaptur). House Resolution 234 condemns bigotry and violence against Arab Americans, Muslim Americans, South Asian Americans, and Sikh Americans at a time when Americans in these communities are facing unprecedented levels of discrimination and abuse. We cannot stand by and allow the ignorance of a few to overcome the tradition of tolerance in this Nation of Nations. I urge my colleagues to vote unanimously for this important resolution and, in so doing, send a clear and bipartisan message to all Americans that Congress will not accept, condone, or ignore acts of hatred. Although the tragic events of September 11, 2001, united most Americans, some misguided individuals in our society have taken their anger and directed it at their neighbors because they look different or subscribe to a different religion. We Americans have struggled throughout our history to purge ourselves of crippling stereotypes that spread a cloud of ignorance and despair on our otherwise great society. Members of this Congress and of the larger American community fought valiantly in the 1960s to end legal racial discrimination against African Americans. We have come a long way since the days of sanctioned racism, but we still have miles to go to eradicate the vestiges of bigotry that from time to time consume the ignorant among us. In my home State of New Jersey, many of my constituents of Asian descent, many of Muslim religion or Sikh religion have suffered acts of violence simply due to their religion or the color of their skin. One of the most tragic cases involved the murder 4 days after September 11, 2001, of Waqar Hasan who was shot to death in his convenience store by a man who said he did it to retaliate against ``Arab Americans or whatever you want to call them.'' Hasan was a Pakistani immigrant who was murdered for no other reason than that he was a Muslim with a Middle Eastern face. When Mr. Hasan was murdered, the visas and applications for permanent residency of his wife and four daughters died with him. After building lives in America for 9 years, the Hasan family has gone from being one step away from permanent residency to one step away from deportation. Earlier this year, I introduced legislation, H.R. 867, to prevent the deportation of Waqar's wife and four daughters, who without this would be forced to leave America. I have been working closely with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle, and I am grateful to the chairman and ranking member of the Committee on the Judiciary and its Subcommittee on Immigration, Border Security, and Claims for their bipartisan support of the Hasan family. I look forward to continue to work with them in the coming weeks to pass H.R. 867. Today, Congress can take a step to help the Hasan family and immigrant families like them and any other families who are victims of racism and bigotry by passing House Resolution 234. We will be making a promise to the American people and all who seek a new life of opportunity on our shores that here in America we treat each other with dignity and respect. [Begin Insert] Mr. RAHALL. Mr. Speaker, Arab-Americans, Muslim-Americans, South Asian-Americans and Sikh-Americans are a vital part of America. These communities join other ethnic and religious groups as they and their ancestors came to this nation in search of political freedom and economic opportunity. They have flourished in this nation and have made great contributions to our society. They have joined the ranks of service-members, law enforcement officers, teachers, doctors, lawyers, and business people. They also hold positions of leadership in this society, including members of Congress and Cabinet members. But, tragically in the aftermath of the September 11th terrorist attacks, some bigots turned against Arab-Americans, Muslim-Americans, Sikh-Americans, and South Asian-Americans, and singled them out as targets for violence and threats of violence. Hate crimes against these communities, including violent physical assaults, increased sharply. The FBI reported that the number of anti-Muslim incidents increased by 1600 percent from 2001 to 2002, largely in response to this post 9/11 backlash. Obviously this kind of increase has only added evermore to the awesome responsibilities facing law enforcement offices. Therefore, it is unfortunate that their resources must be directed to the unreasonable few rotten applies that take out their vengeance on the unsuspecting innocent. Most Americans all over responded and came to the support of Arab-Americans, Muslim-Americans, Sikh-Americans, and South Asian-Americans, condemning the attacks and embracing these communities. A resolution at that time, which I cosponsored, was passed that condemned violence against these groups. But, now again Arab-Americans, Muslim-Americans, Sikh-Americans, and South Asian-Americans are suffering, and it is again time to express support for them. Since the time when the war in Iraq began, hate crimes have seen another hike. There was a man who law enforcement believes was motivated by anti-Arab sentiment, when he allegedly shot four people to death in New York City during February and March. Even after President Bush declared that major combat operations had ended, the hate crimes against Arab, Muslim, South Asian and Sikh-Americans have continued. These crimes are wrong and are opposed to the values of American society. We must condemn them in the most serious and strongest terms, and law enforcement must investigate and vigorously prosecute the perpetrators. By the same token, we must pay close attention to the concerns of Arab-Americans, Muslim-Americans, Sikh-Americans and South Asian-Americans, that the federal government views them with suspicion, and they are being subjected to grossly heightened levels of surveillance as a result of their national or religious origins. Counter-terrorism efforts must not discriminate on the basis of national origin or religion or violate the civil liberties of innocent Americans. The government's efforts to combat terrorism must focus on criminal or terrorist behavior, not ethnicity or creed. Discriminatory counter-terrorism tactics and those that violate civil liberties are wrong and do not make the country safer. We must look to history, which has shown us that respect for individual rights enhances our stability and security. Singling out mostly innocent Arab, Muslim, South Asian and Sikh Americans runs counter to the principle of rejecting the use of racial and ethnic profiling, while we need to focus on building trust and respect by working cooperatively with community members. The resolution before us today, H. Res. 234, recognizes that Arab-Americans, Muslim-Americans, Sikh-Americans, and South Asian-Americans greatly contribute to American society and serve honorably in the military or law enforcement and it urges respect for civil rights and liberties, condemns bias-motivated crimes against members of these communities, and calls upon federal and local law enforcement to prosecute such crimes vigorously. I strongly urge all of my colleagues to support it. Mr. SCHIFF. Mr. Speaker, I rise to today in support of H. Res. 234--legislation condemning bigotry and violence against Arab-Americans, Muslim-Americans, South Asian-Americans, and Sikh-Americans. I am proud to be a cosponsor of this important legislation. After the tragic events of September 11th, the Muslim community became the target of a major upsurge in hate crimes and discrimination. In just the first nine weeks after the attacks, over 700 violent incidents occurred targeting Arab Americans, Muslims, and others perceived to be such. These same citizens faced a four-fold increase in employment discrimination. Crimes and incidents driven by bias and hatred must not be tolerated in a peaceful democracy. Our position of power and influence also brings a responsibility to celebrate our diversity and protect the rights of all in our nation. As we continue to fight a war against terrorism and hatred, we have a golden opportunity to show the world that we celebrate our diversity; that every American citizen and everyone who visits here will not be in danger because of their national origin or religious faith; that we will not stand for bigotry and other divisive actions; that we are a Nation united as one. Mr. Speaker, this important legislation received unanimous support from the Judiciary Committee, on which I sit, and I urge my colleagues to overwhelmingly support its passage by the full House. Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H. Res. 234 concerning the condemnation of bigotry and violence against Arab, Muslim, South Asian, and Sikh-Americans. As a co-sponsor of this resolution, I won't hesitate to vocalize my support for it and echo its import. RACIAL PROFILING AND TERRORISM The events of September 11, 2001 have had a profound impact on racial profiling. Following the terrorist attacks, law enforcement agents have subjected individuals of Arab or South Asian descent, Muslims, and Sikhs to racial profiling. While national and local statistics are not yet available, anecdotal accounts of how Arabs, Muslims, and Sikhs have endured racial profiling abound the informational resources. For example, in the months following September 11th, a new type of racial profiling has developed: ``driving while Arab.'' Arabs, Muslim, and Sikhs across the country were subjected to traffic stops and searches based in whole or part on their ethnicity or religion. On October 4, 2001 in Gwinnett, Georgia an Arab motorist's car was stopped, he was approached by a police officer whose gun was drawn, and he was called a ``bin Laden supporter'' all for making an illegal U-turn. On October 8, 2001, two Alexandria, VA police officers stopped three Arab motorists. The officers questioned the motorists about a verse of the Koran hanging from the rear view mirror, and asked about documents in the back seat. The police officer confiscated the motorists' identification cards and drove off without explanation. He returned 10 minutes later, and claimed he had had to take another call. On December 5, 2001, a veiled Muslim woman in Burbank, Illinois was stopped by a police officer for driving with suspended plates. The officer asked the woman when Ramadan was over, asked her offensive question about her hair, and pushed her into his patrol car as he arrested her for driving with suspended plates. The woman was released from custody later that day. A particularly egregious form of terrorism profiling occurs when Arab men and women are detained and deported without due process. Since September 11th, hundreds of Arab and Muslim individuals have been detained on suspicion of terrorist activity. Practically none of these individuals was involved with terrorism. However, many were detained for weeks and eventually charged with minor immigration violations. Based on these minor immigration violations some were deported. In one case, two Pakistani immigrants were arrested and detained 45 days for allegedly overstaying their visas. In another case an Israeli was detained for 66 days before being charged with entering the United States unlawfully. In a particularly shocking case, a French teacher from Yemen, who was married to an American citizen and therefore eligible to become a citizen himself, was reporting for duty as an army recruit at Fort Campbell, Kentucky on September 15, 2001. The man was apprehended by federal agents, separated from his wife and interrogated for 12 hours. The agents accused him of violating immigration laws, conspiring with Russian terrorists, spousal abuse, and threatened him with beatings. The man was given a lie detector test which proved he was telling the truth when he denied being associated with terrorists. Expounding upon the above issue is a trend of ethnic profiling against South Asian-Americans relative to the SARS pandemic. People have been treated with indifference and hostility because of their racial background. This treatment is simply founded upon ignorance. Human rights and the principles of due process, freedom of expression, and freedom of association should not be compromised by ignorance. THE CONSEQUENCES OF RACIAL PROFILING The consequences of racial profiling for minority groups in the United States, for Arab, Muslim, South Asian, and Sikh groups, and in the immigrations context are dire for individuals who are both innocent and guilty of criminal activity. In the case of the innocent, for every person in possession of drugs apprehended through profiling, many more law-abiding minorities are treated as if they are criminals. A 1999 Gallup Poll revealed that 42 percent of African Americans, and 72 percent of African American males between the ages of 18 and 34, believe they have been stopped by police because of their race. In fact, many minorities choose to drive certain cars, on certain routes, wearing certain clothes, to avoid drawing attention from police. For those individuals who have been convicted of felonies, racial profiling contributes to the disparity in arrest and crime rates that leads to the minority-majority prison population. Blacks are just 12 percent of the U.S. population and 11 percent of drug users, but Blacks are 38 percent of those arrested for drug offenses and 59 percent of those convicted for drug offenses. Hispanics make up 13 percent of the population and 10 percent of illicit drug users, but they are 37 percent of the overall prison population. Racial profiling increases the stops and arrests of minority groups. Frequent stops and arrests of minorities generate more extensive criminal histories, and result in longer sentences. Nearly one in three Black males aged 20-29 on any given day is either in prison, on probation, or on parole. As of 1995, one in 14 adult Black males was in prison or jail on any given day. A Black male born in 1991 has a 33 percent chance of spending part of his life in prison. A Hispanic male has a one in six chance. Racial profiling results in increased arrests and convictions of minorities. In many States, a felony conviction can impact a person's ability to exercise their basic social rights. In 46 States and the District of Columbia, convicted adults cannot vote. Thirty-two States disenfranchise felons on parole, while 29 States disenfranchise felons on probation. In part due to racial profiling, 1.4 million Black men, 13 percent of all adult Black males, are denied the right to vote. In two States, 31 percent of all adult Black males are permanently disenfranchised. For the reasons stated above, Mr. Speaker and Ranking Member, I support the Resolution condemning bigotry and violence against Arab, Muslim, South Asian, and Sikh-Americans that I have co-sponsored. I would ask that my Colleagues join my fellow sponsors in fighting bigotry with H. Res. 234. Ms. KAPTUR. Mr. Speaker, There is no room for bias-motivated or hate crimes against fellow Americans. As America fights to defend the values of tolerance and freedom abroad, we must also work vigorously to ensure these values are protected at home. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 256, condemning bigotry and violence against Arab Americans, Muslim Americans, South Asian Americans and Sikh Americans. I want to thank Congressman ISSA, along with Congressman LAHOOD, Congressman CONYERS, Congressman DINGELL, Congressman RAHALL and Congressman HONDA for their help on this legislation, along with approximately 50 other colleagues--from both sides of the aisle and all parts of the country--who co-sponsored this measure. The resolution is straightforward. It acknowledges the contributions to our Nation that have been made by Arab Americans, Muslim Americans, South Asian Americans, and Sikh Americans. This measure notes that members of these groups have served honorably in our military and in law enforcement, working every day to protect the American people. The measure also affirms that we as a Congress are concerned by the incidents of bias-motivated crimes against Muslim Americans, Sikh Americans, Arab Americans and South Asian Americans. And we condemn any acts of bigotry or violence directed against Americans of these groups. We call upon law enforcement officials throughout America to investigate thoroughly and prosecute vigorously any crimes committed against Arab Americans, Muslim Americans, Sikh Americans or South Asian Americans. There is a place in America for people of all races, creeds and colors. There is no place in America for bigotry, prejudice and violence. Mr. ISSA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express my support for H. Res. 234. I am delighted to have had the honor of authoring this resolution with my friend and colleague, the gentlelady from Ohio, MARCY KAPTUR. I also am grateful to the gentleman from Wisconsin, Chairman JIM SENSENBRENNER, for his fine work in moving this bill through his Committee to the House floor. I am pleased to be joined by over 52 Members who co-sponsored this resolution. Twenty other Members have also expressed their strong support for the resolution since it passed out of the Judiciary Committee on the 25th of July. ALCEE HASTINGS, JAN SCHAKOWSKY, BOB FILNER, MARTIN SABO, MAURICE HINCHEY, DENISE MAJETTE, CHRIS SHAYS, NEIL ABERCROMBIE, LEE TERRY, HENRY WAXMAN, JOHN OLVER, JUDY BIGGERT, ROD KIND, LLOYD DOGGETT, CIRO RODRIGUEZ, BILL PASCRELL, and ROBERT MATSUI have all told me that they would like to be formally recognized for their support of this resolution. I thank them for their support. This is an important moment for Arab-American, Muslim American, Sikh-American, and South Asian American communities throughout the United States. These communities have experienced increased levels of bigotry and violence since the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. In the first nine weeks following the September 11 tragedy, there were about 700 violent incidents directed at Arab-Americans or those perceived to be Arab-Americans, like Sikh Americans and South Asian Americans. Fortunately, this rate dropped very quickly after those first nine weeks, thanks in large part to President Bush's repeated calls for tolerance. The President's leadership on this issue prompted thousands of state and local officials, community leaders, and private citizens across the country to reach out to these minority groups with voices of compassion and support. I am delighted that Congress can now formally join them in standing by our fellow Americans who have unfairly had to live a cloud of suspicion. Arab-Americans, Muslim Americans, Sikh Americans and South Asian Americans have all contributed greatly to this nation. Many serve in elected office, law enforcement agencies, or the military. The Commanding General of CENTCOM, John Abizaid, is an American of Arab ancestry. These men and women are part of the kaleidoscope of cultures that makes up this country. While they come from many diverse backgrounds, all of them traveled to America for one main reason: to taste freedom. We treat them as brothers and sisters because they share our desire to live in a nation that is tolerant, just, and free. Again, thank you, Mr. Chairman, for your fine work on this effort. Mr. WU. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H. Res. 234, a bill condemning bigotry and violence against Arab-Americans, Muslim-Americans, South Asian-Americans and Sikh-Americans. More than 2 years after the terrorist attacks of September 11th, the backlash of vandalism, harassment and violence perpetrated against members of these peaceful communities continues. This treatment is the result of misguided fear and resentment, and it is unconscionable. This legislation before the House sends an unequivocal message that the United States does not condone prejudice or violence. It also encourages victims of hate crimes to step forward and report the incidents that affect them so that we can prosecute the perpetrators of these inexcusable acts. Unfortunately, the fear of retaliation often prevents victims from reporting hate crimes. For example, the National Asian Pacific American Legal Consortium has uncovered the case of an Islamic South Asian family in Southern California that received threatening phone calls and accusations of being terrorists after the September 11th attacks. One day the family returned home to find that their house had been burned down, but they did not report the arson to the police for fear of further backlash. We in Congress have the responsibility to protect hate crime victims and to do everything in our power to prevent hate crimes in the future. Mr. Speaker, America draws its strength from its tremendous diversity. In order to remain strong and united, we must work to eliminate hate crimes and replace suspicion with understanding so that all Americans can live without fear. I urge my colleagues in Congress to join me in working to promote domestic peace and cultural understanding by supporting H. Res. 234. Mr. TOM DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H. Res. 234, a resolution that calls for the condemnation of prejudice and violence against Arab-Americans, Muslim-Americans, South Asian-Americans, and Sikh-Americans, and which recognizes the contributions that these groups have made to American society. The resolution also calls upon Federal, State and local law enforcement agencies to work to prevent bias-motivated crimes and to investigate and prosecute such crimes vigorously. Shortly after the events of September 11, 2001, I introduced a similar resolution with Congressman David Bonior. H. Con. Res. 227 condemned bigotry and violence against Arab-Americans, Muslim-Americans, and South Asian-Americans, and declared that the civil liberties of these and all other Americans should be protected during our efforts to bring the perpetrators and sponsors of the terrorist acts to justice. I commend Representative DARRELL ISSA for introducing H. Res. 234. This resolution sends a strong and clear message that we will not condone prejudiced and violent crimes against any Americans. We must remember that many individuals in the Arab, Muslim, South Asian and Sikh-American communities came to the United States seeking freedom and democracy, and they fled oppressive regimes that lack freedom of speech and religion and in some cases support terrorism. I am pleased that the House of Representatives is once again taking a firm stand on this issue, which is so important to all Americans. I strongly support H. Res. 234 and encourage my colleagues in the House to vote in favor of this important resolution. [End Insert] Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I have no requests for time, and I yield back the balance of my time. Mr. SENSENBRENNER. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time as well. The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Hefley). The question is on the motion offered by the gentleman from Wisconsin (Mr. Sensenbrenner) that the House suspend the rules and agree to the resolution, H. Res. 234. The question was taken; and (two-thirds having voted in favor thereof) the rules were suspended and the resolution was agreed to. A motion to reconsider was laid on the table. revdauphinee answered on 11/06/05: first let me admit I did not read this whole post I am old my attention span is going to heck, but do not say "Christian bigots are misguided and cannot be Christians"as if all Christians are biggots I am a Christian and the only thing I hate is the acts of certain folks never the person !I recently posted my feelings on islaam and maybee this is why you felt led to post this,however just as I stated several times I have homosexuals who I consider freind I also have one or two muslims ,I do not hate anyone we as I do on here with many folks simply just have to agree to dissagree on some things thier faith being one of them !I will never accept a faith that says God has no sons,when I myself worship the son of God ! the following is taken from the site of http://www.islamic-ef.org/english/activities/rationality.htm Allah is one in Islam. Allah has no son or father. Allah has no parallel or equal. According to Islam Jesus is not the son of Allah. Jesus is Allah's apostle. So is Moses. So is Muhammed (Peace be Upon Them.) So are all Prophets and Apostles. Allah has no son or sons. arcura rated this answer ATON2 rated this answer Erewhon rated this answer JesseJamesDupree rated this answer paraclete rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 11/05/05 - The Fifth Column in action? I have been critised for supposed hatred of Muslims and I have warned many times that Muslims represent a Fifth Column but here is the proof. This is not hatred, this is fact, it is not hatred to tell the truth Australian Muslims called to arms From: Sunday Herald Sun By Matthew Schulz November 06, 2005 AN inflammatory pamphlet urging Muslims to oppose Western governments was handed out at a major Islamic festival in Melbourne yesterday. The flyer, distributed at a family carnival to mark the end of the holy month of Ramadan in Preston, bore the name of the fundamentalist group Hizb ut-Tahrir - which is banned in Britain and Germany. It claimed new terror laws were part of a conspiracy to eradicate Islam in Western countries. And it said Muslims had "enormously rejected their evil and corrupt rulers that the West have appointed over them, and they are looking forward to consigning them to the dustbins of history". The pamphlet said Muslims overseas had "heroically resisted" invasion and "inflicted the most humiliating lesson on supposed superpowers". It claimed Prime Minister John Howard's recent summit with Muslim leaders was a "smokescreen designed to rubber stamp the Government's proposals". In August Attorney-General Philip Ruddock said he had no evidence that Hizb Ut-Tahir had breached current laws, but he was already reviewing the rules for declaring a terrorist organisation after elements of the group called for attacks on coalition forces in Afghanistan, Iran, the US and Israeli interests. In Sydney the group has drawn gatherings of up to 200 calling for the creation of an Islamic super-state. "Ally yourselves with those who work day and night to confront this war against Islam," the pamphlet says in what was virtually a call to arms. Melbourne's most senior Muslim cleric, Sheik Fehmi, urged Muslims at the celebration - expected to attract up to 10,000 visitors over the weekend - to ignore the pamphlet. He said Ramadan was the time for spiritual purification and reflection for Muslims. "We're not terrorists and we're not thinking of terrorist acts, we're not going to do anything in the future - God willing." revdauphinee answered on 11/06/05: ""it is not hatred to tell the truth"" AMEN & amen!!! ATON2 rated this answer paraclete rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 11/05/05 - You got that right Bush has been called a terrorist and human trash in Argentina. Does it get any worse than that. When will america learn that there are some who don't want their system of economic and political development. I wonder if Bush will tell these people he loves free speech. Argentinians label Bush a terrorist as protest erupts By Dan Molinski November 6, 2005 Several hundred rioters clashed with police, setting bonfires in the streets and destroying shopfronts early yesterday as an anti-American rally turned violent at the start of the Summit of the Americas in this Argentinian seaside resort. The riot followed a massive but peaceful march on Friday by about 10,000 demonstrators who heard Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez urge them to fight the US policies of President George Bush. Chanting "Bush, fascist, you are a terrorist" the masked demonstrators fought with riot police, who responded by firing tear gas. Demonstrators set American flags on fire, while others used slingshots to fire rocks at police and threw petrol bombs. The clashes took place 600 metres from the Hermitage hotel in Mar del Plata where the summit opened on Friday with leaders of 34 countries from the Americas. About 300 demonstrators were involved in the clashes. Some 8000 security guards were deployed to the resort in anticipation of protests. Earlier, Mr Chavez addressed the crowd, urging protesters to help him "bury" the Bush Administration's stalled Free Trade Area of the Americas. The planet "is being destroyed under our own noses by the capitalist model, the destructive engine of development", Mr Chavez said, adding: "Every day there is more hunger, more misery, thanks to the neo-liberal, capitalist model." Mr Chavez also pledged a 蔴-year" war if the US invaded Venezuela - something he has repeatedly accused the American Government of planning, although US officials deny any such plans. The protest also featured Argentine soccer great Diego Maradona, who travelled to Mar del Plata on a train packed with protesters Smoking cigars given to him by Cuban President Fidel Castro, Maradona said: "We are going to stand against the human trash known as Bush." Maradona has been angry at the US since it denied him a visa to visit a drug treatment centre in Miami in the 1990s. Mr Bush arrived at the meeting with his popularity at home sinking further. For the first time in his presidency, a majority of Americans questioned his integrity as his approval ratings on key issues fell to new lows, in an ABC News/ Washington Post poll. However, Mr Bush refused to answer questions on the role of his Administration in the CIA leak case which has led to the indictment of Lewis "Scooter" Libby, who was chief of staff for Vice-President Dick Cheney, and the investigation of Mr Bush's top political adviser Karl Rove. Source: The Sun-Herald revdauphinee answered on 11/05/05: weel then Bush should read in the scripture what to do when folks dont want to listen to you Matthew 10: 14. If anyone will not welcome you or listen to your words, shake the dust off your feet when you leave that home or town. shake the dust off and leave not begin a war and force your belief on them! ATON2 rated this answer paraclete rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 11/05/05 - You got that right Bush has been called a terrorist and human trash in Argentina. Does it get any worse than that. When will america learn that there are some who don't want their system of economic and political development. I wonder if Bush will tell these people he loves free speech. Argentinians label Bush a terrorist as protest erupts By Dan Molinski November 6, 2005 Several hundred rioters clashed with police, setting bonfires in the streets and destroying shopfronts early yesterday as an anti-American rally turned violent at the start of the Summit of the Americas in this Argentinian seaside resort. The riot followed a massive but peaceful march on Friday by about 10,000 demonstrators who heard Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez urge them to fight the US policies of President George Bush. Chanting "Bush, fascist, you are a terrorist" the masked demonstrators fought with riot police, who responded by firing tear gas. Demonstrators set American flags on fire, while others used slingshots to fire rocks at police and threw petrol bombs. The clashes took place 600 metres from the Hermitage hotel in Mar del Plata where the summit opened on Friday with leaders of 34 countries from the Americas. About 300 demonstrators were involved in the clashes. Some 8000 security guards were deployed to the resort in anticipation of protests. Earlier, Mr Chavez addressed the crowd, urging protesters to help him "bury" the Bush Administration's stalled Free Trade Area of the Americas. The planet "is being destroyed under our own noses by the capitalist model, the destructive engine of development", Mr Chavez said, adding: "Every day there is more hunger, more misery, thanks to the neo-liberal, capitalist model." Mr Chavez also pledged a 蔴-year" war if the US invaded Venezuela - something he has repeatedly accused the American Government of planning, although US officials deny any such plans. The protest also featured Argentine soccer great Diego Maradona, who travelled to Mar del Plata on a train packed with protesters Smoking cigars given to him by Cuban President Fidel Castro, Maradona said: "We are going to stand against the human trash known as Bush." Maradona has been angry at the US since it denied him a visa to visit a drug treatment centre in Miami in the 1990s. Mr Bush arrived at the meeting with his popularity at home sinking further. For the first time in his presidency, a majority of Americans questioned his integrity as his approval ratings on key issues fell to new lows, in an ABC News/ Washington Post poll. However, Mr Bush refused to answer questions on the role of his Administration in the CIA leak case which has led to the indictment of Lewis "Scooter" Libby, who was chief of staff for Vice-President Dick Cheney, and the investigation of Mr Bush's top political adviser Karl Rove. Source: The Sun-Herald revdauphinee answered on 11/05/05: weel tehn bush should read in the scripture what to do when folks dont want to listen to you Matthew 10: 14. If anyone will not welcome you or listen to your words, shake the dust off your feet when you leave that home or town. paraclete rated this answer ATON2 rated this answer

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Choux asked on 11/05/05 - RCC supports Science, not Fundametalism VATICAN CITY - A Vatican cardinal said Thursday the faithful should listen to what secular modern science has to offer, warning that religion risks turning into "fundamentalism" if it ignores scientific reason. Cardinal Paul Poupard, who heads the Pontifical Council for Culture, made the comments at a news conference on a Vatican project to help end the "mutual prejudice" between religion and science that has long bedeviled the Roman Catholic Church and is part of the evolution debate in the United States. The Vatican project was inspired by Pope John Paul II's 1992 declaration that the church's 17th-century denunciation of Galileo was an error resulting from "tragic mutual incomprehension." Galileo was condemned for supporting Nicolaus Copernicus' discovery that the Earth revolved around the sun; church teaching at the time placed Earth at the center of the universe. "The permanent lesson that the Galileo case represents pushes us to keep alive the dialogue between the various disciplines, and in particular between theology and the natural sciences, if we want to prevent similar episodes from repeating themselves in the future," Poupard said." - Cut and Paste from Yahoo News. revdauphinee answered on 11/05/05: sounds like more Catholic bashing to me! arcura rated this answer ATON2 rated this answer Choux rated this answer JesseJamesDupree rated this answer

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Erewhon asked on 11/05/05 - Bush Admins wants to Torture The Bush admnin wants the USA to be the only country in the world to legalise torture. Can you provide Biblical approval and recommendation for Torturing enemies? revdauphinee answered on 11/05/05: not a fan of Bush but wasnt it Cheyney who asked for this ,cource I always did think he was the power behind the throne!Just one more way to alienate us from the rest of the word with his arrogant behaviour! Erewhon rated this answer

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arcura asked on 11/04/05 - What kind of politics is this about? And what kind of politics causes one to write about it? Jim Kouri wrote the following: This is not known generally because the mainstream news media decided to stay mum about it: the Democrats don't want their statements to be included in the final senate report on pre-Iraq intelligence. According to senate staffers, the final report will contain statements made by Senators John Kerry, Hillary Clinton, Teddy Kennedy, Jay Rockefeller and many others who claimed Saddam had weapons of mass destruction. It will contain statements made by former President Bill Clinton, British Prime Minister Tony Blair and foreign intelligence leaders all of whom claimed they had evidence that Saddam had -- or was working on -- weapons of mass destruction including nuclear weapons. The final report will also contain material that refutes allegations leveled at President Bush by the left's pride and joy, Joe Wilson. The Democrats do not want this information disseminated to Americans. In other words, the Democrats would appear complicit in moving the United States towards war in Iraq if a final senate reports contains their quotes. Their rhetoric would appear hypocritical if they continued their rants against the Bush Administration. The Democrats invoked Rule 21 in order to claim the Republicans were dragging their feet on finishing their investigation and report. But indeed it was the Democrats who were blocking the completion of the senate report. They do not want the American people to know the truth. They do not want the American people reminded that in the run-up to the Iraq war, most of the Democrat senators were on board for the preemptive attack on Saddam. revdauphinee answered on 11/04/05: As a democrat all I can say to you is Bull C***! arcura rated this answer ATON2 rated this answer Buck2 rated this answer excon rated this answer

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Buck2 asked on 11/04/05 - Christmas. Will you obey and call it something else besides Christmas? I will not, but I just wonder how many here will call it what the Government tell us... revdauphinee answered on 11/04/05: obey who? it is comming but its not here yet! Buck2 rated this answer CeeBee2 rated this answer

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HANK1 asked on 11/04/05 - HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME: Yep! It's my Birthday. I plan to live until I'm at least 99. "Happy Birthday to You, the four-line ditty, was written as a classroom greeting in 1893 by two Louisville teachers, Mildred J. Hill, an authority on Negro spirituals, and Dr. Patty Smith Hill, professor emeritus of education at Columbia University. The MELODY of the song Happy Birthday to You was composed by Mildred J. Hill, a schoolteacher born in Louisville, KY, on June 27, 1859. The song was first published in 1893, with the lyrics WRITTEN by her sister, Patty Smith Hill, as "Good Morning To All." Happy Birthday to HANK, Happy Birthday to Hank ... Age is a matter of attitude, health, perspective and all bodily functions. I'm happy to report that my functions are doing just fine. HANK revdauphinee answered on 11/04/05: aGE is just a case of mind over matter if one dosent mind it dont matter HANK1 rated this answer

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Choux asked on 11/04/05 - SHAME! "Let me see, the religious "left" which in most of the conservative church teach that the Pope and the church of Rome are the same as the anti Christ. If anyone should not like another Catholic on the bench it should be them. But guess what they love him and glad to see him because of his views, not his denomination." "Father" Chuck's response to the question about Catholics on the Supreme Court earlier today. I am totally outraged at this blatant lie and attempt to smear those who he doesn't like. I can't believe my eye. Some Fundamentalist Christian churches teach that Catholicism isn't a Christian religion!! revdauphinee answered on 11/04/05: It apalls me that the catholic church is not accepted as Christian by some was it not the first church ?from which the rest of denominations grew? SHOULD NOT WE WHO CLAIM TO BE CHRISTIANS STICK TOGETHER THERE ARE ENOUGH FOLKS AGAINST US IN THIS DAY AND AGE! Buck2 rated this answer Choux rated this answer

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Erewhon asked on 11/04/05 - Roman Catholic majority on Supreme Court if Alito is appointed If confirmed, Judge Samuel Alito would become the fifth Catholic on the US Supreme Court, the first Catholic majority in American history. Should senators ask Alito about the role of his faith? If confirmed, he would become the fifth Catholic among the nine justices on the Supreme Court. By Warren Richey | Staff writer of The Christian Science Monitor WASHINGTON � One of the defining characteristics of American liberty is that a person's religious faith - or lack of religious faith - is generally a private matter outside the realm of government concern. Indeed, Article VI of the Constitution bars any religious test for prospective government officials. But now, President Bush's nomination of Samuel Alito to a seat on the US Supreme Court is raising a sensitive question: To what extent should a nominee's religious faith be a legitimate area of inquiry during Senate confirmation hearings? The issue arises as Judge Alito stands at the threshold of making Supreme Court history. Should he win confirmation, he will become the fifth Roman Catholic among the roster of nine justices, marking the first time a majority on the high court would be Catholic. It is a remarkable development, considering he would be only the 12th Catholic justice on a court that has seen the service of more than 100 justices. But in a country with a tradition of separation between church and state, any focus on Catholicism seems to some analysts more a relic of anti-Catholic prejudice than a well-intentioned effort to examine Alito's temperament, intellect, or judicial philosophy. "The question is fidelity to the law," says Douglas Kmiec, a constitutional law professor at Pepperdine University School of Law. "So it is entirely appropriate for the Senate to make that inquiry. What is inappropriate is for the Senate to only make that inquiry of Catholics." He also says, "The history of those Senate inquiries is that [Catholics] are the only people who have been asked." The late Justice William Brennan, Justices Antonin Scalia and Anthony Kennedy, and, most recently, Chief Justice John Roberts, were all asked if their Catholic faith would interfere with their ability to uphold the Constitution and the laws of the United States, Professor Kmiec says. Now the question is emerging anew as supporters and opponents gear up for what analysts say could become judicial-confirmation Armageddon. Some see such questions as a form of anti-Catholic bigotry. Others see complaints about religious questioning as being part of a campaign to head off aggressive interrogation. "It is a tactic aimed at shutting down discussion on a crucial area of legal philosophy," says the Rev. C. Welton Gaddy, president of the Interfaith Alliance. "It is very difficult to get into the process without being labeled anti-Catholic. And that is by design by people on the religious right." Mr. Gaddy adds, "In reality, it is not about religion. It is about politics." Many older Americans are aware of the so-called Catholic question from the way presidential candidate John F. Kennedy responded in 1960 to a group of ministers who expressed their concerns that a Catholic president might have dual loyalties to both the US and the Vatican. Mr. Kennedy answered: "I do not speak for my church on public matters, and the church does not speak for me." The response went a long way in opening doors for American Catholics seeking positions of leadership in a country once dominated by Protestants. But many are asking why the question is still arising in 2005. Supreme Court justices must swear two oaths: to protect and defend the Constitution and to faithfully and impartially uphold the Constitution and US laws. Legal analysts say that while it is sometimes easy to distinguish between the rulings of liberal and conservative judges, it is impossible to identify any meaningful characteristics of a Catholic judge, or Jewish judge, or Protestant judge. Rather, they are judges who happen to be Catholic, or Jewish, or Protestant. During his confirmation hearings in September, Mr. Roberts was asked at least three times a version of the JFK question. He answered: "My faith and my religious beliefs do not play a role in judging. When it comes to judging, I look to the lawbooks and always have. I don't look to the Bible or any other religious source." Manuel Miranda, founder of the Third Branch Conference, a coalition of grass-roots organizations monitoring judicial issues, says both the question to Roberts and his answer were inappropriate. "How insulting. How offensive," Mr. Miranda wrote for OpinionJournal, the online edition of The Wall Street Journal's editorial page. "The JFK question is not just the camel's nose of religious intolerance; it is the whole smelly camel." In a telephone interview, Miranda said he wishes Roberts had been more forceful in his response: "What he could have said is, 'You really have crossed the line in asking me that question, and I take offense at it. And I would like to remind you that the Constitution of the United States, to which you have sworn an oath, senator, requires that you not ask me a question like that.' " Miranda is a former staff aide to Republican Sen. Orrin Hatch and Senate majority leader Bill Frist. While working in the Senate, he pioneered the Catholic bias issue as a counter to Democratic filibusters of Bush judicial nominees. Gaddy of the Interfaith Alliance says the stakes for the nation in the direction of the Supreme Court are high. The confirmation process must be free and open enough to foster a wide-ranging examination of a prospective life-tenured justice, he says. "The issue is not just about abortion. It is larger than that," Gaddy says. "What is at stake is the advancement of a view that the government of the United States has a responsibility to shape and monitor the personal, moral values of the citizens of this nation." Gaddy says he hopes senators won't be intimidated by false accusations. "I think they have to ask those questions," he says. "You can be sure when they ask them, anti-Catholic charges will be raised." Among the eight Democratic members of the Senate Judiciary Committee, four are Jewish and four Catholic. The Catholics include Sens. Patrick Leahy, Edward Kennedy, Joseph Biden, and Richard Durbin. "Some of the people who will be asking hard questions of Judge Alito are Catholics," says James Hitchcock, a history professor at St. Louis University and author of "The Supreme Court and Religion in American Life." Professor Hitchcock says the divide over the so-called Catholic question has less to do with religious doctrine than with the increasingly contentious liberal- conservative political divide in the US. "The kind of people back in 1960 who were questioning [John] Kennedy were Baptist ministers," he says. "I think that insofar as Baptists belong in the category of religious conservatives, they are not likely to object to a man just because he is Catholic if they feel he has a view of the world somewhat similar to their own." === Non-tendentious thoughts? revdauphinee answered on 11/04/05: so what!!Is right Catholics are Christs people and who better than his followers ? Erewhon rated this answer

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arcura asked on 11/04/05 - Do we have a mythical god Ra-Horus-Aten posying here? Take a look. Aton, also known as Aten the sun's disk. His worship (Atenism) was instituted as the basis for the mostly monotheistic religion of Amenhotep IV (who later took the name Akhenaten). The worship of Aten ceased shortly after Akhenaten's death. Aton or Aten is a creator of the universe in ancient Egyptian mythology, usually reguarded as a sun god represented by the sun's disk. His worship (Atenism) was instituted as the basis for the mostly monotheistic religion of Amenhotep IV (who later took the name Akhenaten). The worship of Aten ceased shortly after Akhenaten's death. Viewing the Aten as Akhenaten's god is actually a simplification. Aten was the focus of Akhenaten's religion. Aten is the name given to represent the solar disc. The term Aten was used to designate a disc, and since the sun was a disc, gradually became associated with solar deities. Consequently, Aten expresses indirectly the life-giving force of light. The full title of Akhenaten's god was Ra-Horus, who rejoices in the horizon in his name of the light which is in the sun disc. (This is the title of the god as it appears on the numerous stelae which were placed to mark the boundaries of Akhenaten's new capital at Amarna.) This lengthy name was often shortened to Ra-Horus-Aten or just Aten in many texts, but the god Akhenaten had raised to supremacy was in fact a synthesis of very ancient ones viewed in a new and different way. In particular, it was not depicted in anthropomorphic (human) form, but as rays of light extending from the sun's disk. Furthermore, the god's name came to be written within a cartouche, along with the titles normally given to a Pharaoh, another break with ancient tradition. The Aten first appears in texts dating to the 12th dynasty, in The Story of Sinuhe. Ra-Horus, more usually referred to as Ra-Herakhty (Ra, who is Horus of the two horizons), is a synthesis of two other gods, both of which are attested from very early on. During the Amarna period, this synthesis was seen as the invisible source of energy of the sun god, of which the visible manifestation was the Aten, the solar disk. Thus Ra-Horus-Aten was a development of old ideas which came gradually. The real change is the apparent abandonment of all other gods following the advent of Akhenaten, i.e. the introduction, apparantly by Akhenaten, of monotheism. This is readily apparent in the Great Hymn to the Aten. The timing of Akhenaten's existance, together with his apparant, and significant, break from henotheism, has lead some to think he has some connection to the biblical character of Moses, although quite what the connection is is a matter of some considerable dispute. revdauphinee answered on 11/04/05: isnt Aton conce5ted enough now he being likened to a God !!OmG what next! arcura rated this answer ATON2 rated this answer Buck2 rated this answer

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tomder55 asked on 11/04/05 - Rioting in Denmark too . Successive nights of riots have rocked parts of Aarhus, the second largest city in Denmark. Little to nothing has appeared in the English language press about the second front in the Eurabian intifada. Fortunately the Canadian Free Press has translated the writing of Hendrik, The Viking Observer .Otherwise it is doubtful that the press would be covering it . It took them until yesterday to realize that Paris was on fire . Now ,maybe they will report that something's rotten in Denmark .Can the Islamic Republic of "al-Andalus" Spain be far behind ? revdauphinee answered on 11/04/05: .Can the Islamic Republic of "al-Andalus" Spain be far behind ? Successive nights of riots have rocked parts of Aarhus more peacefull Islaam??? tomder55 rated this answer

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excon asked on 11/04/05 - Your government in action Hello Christians: Condoleezza Rice just had her annual Ramadan dinner. Why??? After all, she doesn�t break the fast with Jews on Yom Kippur, sup with Hindus on Diwali, or cavort with Druids on the Winter Solstice. And she certainly isn�t spreading official Christendom on Christmas Day. No, the children's Easter Egg roll doesn't compare. I'm thinking of the Muslim suicide bombing in Tel Aviv that killed five, and the promise of Iran's Shiite president that "the stain of disgrace"�Israel�will be "purged from the center of the Islamic world." I'm thinking of the week of Muslim rioting in Paris, and the news that a London suicide bomber was buried in Pakistan (his exploded remains, anyway) at the shrine of an Islamic saint. In New Delhi, Muslims are suspected of killing 60, while actor Omar Sharif has received Internet death threats, for playing St. Peter. And I can't stop thinking about the three Christian girls who were beheaded in Indonesia en route to their Christian high school. The killers carried off one of the severed heads to a new church, where they left it. Do we need to �reach out� to the Muslim community, or should they be �reaching out� to us? excon revdauphinee answered on 11/04/05: Do we need to �reach out� to the Muslim community, or should they be �reaching out� to us? Good question! ATON2 rated this answer excon rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 11/04/05 - America takes a leaf out of Israel's book? Illegal immigrants? No problem, just build a wall November 4, 2005 - 8:42PM Republican lawmakers have introduced a bill to build a 3200-kilometre wall along the US border with Mexico to keep illegal immigrants out. The legislation aims to "create a border security fence from the Pacific Ocean to the Gulf of Mexico," said House of Representatives members Duncan Hunter of California and Virgil Goode of Virginia in a statement. "Prior to September 11, 2001, illegal immigration was considered a regional issue without national implications. We quickly learned on that day, however, that this is a national issue, affecting each and every American, not just those living in border communities like San Diego County," Hunter said. Their True Enforcement and Border Security Act would also "authorise thousands of new border patrol officers, immigration investigators, attorneys and immigration judges", they said. Hunter told CNN it was important to identify who crosses the border and who helps them do it, adding that four North Koreans were among those arrested trying to enter the US illegally in the past few months. About the cost and difficulty of building a wall along the entire border with Mexico, Hunter said: "It's a simple construction." While Hunter assured sceptics that a fence would work in keeping out unwanted immigrants, pointing to a successful 22-kilometre stretch of fence near San Diego, California, other Republican lawmakers were not so sure. Representative Jeff Flake, of Arizona, was quoted as saying in Friday's issue of The Washington Times that a fence would not work for half of the 400,000 immigrants that enter the United States every year and overstay their legal entry visas. While the administration of Republican President George W Bush has vowed to do more to enforce the borders. It was unclear whether the fence building bill would receive sufficient support to pass in both houses of Congress. Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff on Tuesday announced that 1000 additional border guards would be recruited to help stem the tide of illegal immigrants. Two weeks ago, Chertoff said his goal was to deport all illegal aliens caught crossing the border. The conservative Washington Times newspaper on Friday said Republican lawmakers were also considering a bill ending birthright citizenship, or jus soli, which is a right granted under the US constitution. "There is a general agreement about the fact that citizenship in this country should not be bestowed on people who are the children of folks who come into this country illegally," said Representative Tom Tancredo of Colorado. A group of Republican lawmakers trying to find consensus on immigration is studying whether the issue of jus soli would require a constitutional amendment or a congressional statute. A constitutional amendment would require approval by three fourths of the 50 US states, a very difficult undertaking. The last amendment, the 27th, establishing congressional pay increases was passed in 1992. AFP revdauphinee answered on 11/04/05: even talk about a wall is better than doing nothing!Its time this administration began thinking of americans first ! paraclete rated this answer

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HANK1 asked on 11/03/05 - TAKING INVENTORY OF ONESELF: Do you think people should attempt the following at least once a year? I like to ... ... reappraise my life and dreams by questioning my basic values. ... accept all gaps that I have made for myself between my dreams and my achievements. I also like to ASK myself ... ... Am I overcoming a sense of being 'stuck' or 'trapped?' ... Am I facing the facts of aging and death? ... Do I lament my lost youth and unfulfilled dreams? These 'issues' are important to me since I'm in my middle years. They tell me what my life has been so far. Only I can change my thinking and my future if my 'performance' hasn't been satisfactory! HANK revdauphinee answered on 11/03/05: Not me I like to live one day at a time since we were never promiced tomorow HANK1 rated this answer

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Laura asked on 11/03/05 - Tater Salad Don't know the source but it's cute!! Well, Girl Potato and Boy Potato had eyes for each other, and finally they got married, and had a little sweet potato, which they called 'Yam.' Of course, they wanted the best for Yam. When it was time, they told her about the facts of life. They warned her about going out and getting half-baked, so she wouldn't get accidentally mashed, and get a bad name for herself like 'Hot Potato,' and end up with a bunch of Tater Tots. Yam said not to worry, no Spud would get her into the sack and make a rotten potato out of her! But on the other hand she wouldn't stay home and become a Couch Potato either. She would get plenty of exercise so as not to be skinny like her Shoestring cousins. When she went off to Europe, Mr. and Mrs. Potato told Yam to watch out for the hard-boiled guys from Ireland. And the greasy guys from France called the French Fries. And when she went out west, to watch out for the Indians so she wouldn't get scalloped. Yam said she would stay on the straight and narrow and wouldn't associate with those high class Yukon Golds, or the ones from the other side of the tracks who advertise their trade on all the trucks that say, 'Frito Lay.' Mr. and Mrs. Potato sent Yam to Idaho P.U. (that's Potato University) so that when she graduated she'd really be in the Chips. But in spite of all they did for her, one-day Yam came home and announced she was going to marry Tom Brokaw. Tom Brokaw! Mr. and Mrs. Potato were very upset. They told Yam she couldn't possibly marry Tom Brokaw because he's just.... A COMMON TATER! revdauphinee answered on 11/03/05: funny!thanks Laura rated this answer

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HANK1 asked on 11/03/05 - JUST WONDERING ... AGAIN ... how many Experts copyread their posts, answers, clarifications, comments and follow-ups for correct spelling, sentence structure, abuse, personal attacks and EXACTLY what you mean to say? HANK revdauphinee answered on 11/03/05: no HANK1 rated this answer

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Erewhon asked on 11/02/05 - An amazing Christian woman ... If you are not tuned to Trading Spouses, get tuned right away. You will see a very interesting Christian woman. Let me know what you think about her performance. :) revdauphinee answered on 11/03/05: sory but this is a show i never watch! Erewhon rated this answer

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Choux asked on 11/02/05 - "God and Caesar in America" "The revelation that a senior White House official �cleared� the since-failed nomination of Harriet Meyers to the Supreme Court with Focus on the Family founder James Dobson reminded me of the huge controversy caused by John Kennedy�s campaign for president in 1960. Then it was the religious conservatives who were up in arms about the separation of church and state and about preventing �the Pope from taking over the White House.� Can you imagine their reaction if, in 1961 when President Kennedy nominated Byron White to the Supreme Court, Ted Sorenson had placed a call to the Pope to seek his approval of the White nomination? Reflections such as this in the context of today�s political rhetoric of �faith� and �values�, and the high-jacking of the Republican party by the religious right, together with my own evangelical background and divinity school studies of theology, caused me to write God and Caesar in America: and essay on religion and politics."--Gary Hart on Huffington Post Kinda puts the takeover of the Republican Party by right wing religious zealots into perspective. The White House calling the Pope for ANYTHING???? revdauphinee answered on 11/02/05: "The revelation that a senior White House official �cleared� the since-failed nomination of Harriet Meyers to the Supreme Court with Focus on the Family founder James Dobson Whos running this country anyhow GW or James Dobson???? ATON2 rated this answer Choux rated this answer Erewhon rated this answer

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hOPE12 asked on 11/02/05 - Help please! Hello Everyone, Please if there is anyone who knows the law, what are my rights. We pay $950.00 Rent and because of the huricane Wilma we has significant roof damage and now last night it rained and water came into the third floor hallway. The carpet is wet. Now our landlord wants his rent and our building has not been inspected for safety. Many of the buildings in the area have been condemed and rated unsafe and tenate have a few hours to move. We as renters do not feel comfortable paying our rent if we are going to be asked to leave due to danger and unsafe building. What can my family and others renters due legally to protect ourselves? I know this is not spiritual or religious matter but it is important and I really would appreciate anyone who can help us know what to do. Thanks ahead of time, Hope12 revdauphinee answered on 11/02/05: dont know what the law is in your town but I personaly would withold my rent and consult my lawyer! hOPE12 rated this answer

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Choux asked on 11/02/05 - Newest Kind of Marital Infidelity The Newest Kind of Marital Infidelity "Hold the sex! With emotional infidelity, all it takes to cheat is a close friendship. If you're married and you share secrets with a close friend of the opposite sex or go out for drinks after work, you are guilty of emotional infidelity. That's the controversial verdict from M. Gary Neuman, a Miami Beach, Fla., therapist and author of the new book, "Emotional Infidelity: How to Affair-Proof Your Marriage and 10 Other Secrets to a Great Relationship." His words are blunt: You can't have an intimate relationship at work and still have a great relationship at home. Even if there is no sex, he claims that any sort of male-female friendship outside of marriage is adultery. Period. Those are frightening words. With the long and intense work hours so many regularly endure, close friendships at work with people of both genders are typically the norm. Neuman's advice is simple and direct: Back off. He told The Baltimore Sun, "My message is that if you want to infuse passion and have a buddy for the rest of your life, you have to keep that emotional content in your marriage. Otherwise, it's not going to happen." His views may be extreme, but even his critics--and there are many--acknowledge that his central premise that friendships between members of the opposite sex can harm marriages is probably valid. Author and infidelity researcher Shirley Glass, told the Sun that office friendships are a big concern. "Many love affairs begin just that way." What do you think of Neuman's assessment of different sex friendships? revdauphinee answered on 11/02/05: I totaly agree wqith this author its not too fat from sharing all ones secrets to sharing even more! these things should be saved for ones spouse! Choux rated this answer

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arcura asked on 11/01/05 - I was getting ready to shut down when I got this. Please take a look at this site and tell me what you think about it. http://www.article8.org/docs/news_events/love_won_out/conf_1029.htm revdauphinee answered on 11/02/05: first lets not blame the individual police folks here police are under someones orders what needs to be done is to find out who was giving the orders all public dissorder of any form should be contained !I am not anti gay since i believe they are still children of God who whilst he may hate the sin can still love the sinner.however rioting or even demonstrations that can cause harm to others is wrong! arcura rated this answer

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arcura asked on 11/01/05 - It's a bit late today for this, but........ I want to wish all the Christians here a happy All Saints' Day. As real Christians we are saints, just as those who were devout and passed through this life to the next in friendship with God. This world today has a shortage of saints. We need more. Please help make more saints as you pass through this life. Evangelize!!!! Happy All Saints' Day, Fred revdauphinee answered on 11/02/05: there are many saints in new orleans and there not all on the football team! arcura rated this answer

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Erewhon asked on 11/01/05 - Bush Unveils Bird Flu Strategy ... The Bush administration, battered by criticism over its hurricane response, its nominees to the SC, its Iraq Attack, and numerous other fudgements, is attempting to divert the nation's attention away from White House failures by getting the nation prepared for a pandemic of bird influenza. A 'senior White House official' today revealed that Bush's personal favourite was the building of a ten foot high wall around the whole of the USA, because, the President is reported as having said, "That will keep out the birds and the illegals." Do you think ten feet is high enough, or should it be even higher? revdauphinee answered on 11/01/05: " is attempting to divert the nation's attention away from White House failures" Never were truer words spoken!!1 Erewhon rated this answer arcura rated this answer

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arcura asked on 11/01/05 - Bill O'Reilly's thinking on the ACLU is below...... Fox News By Bill O�Reilly The ACLU exposed: that is the subject of this evening's "Talking Points Memo". Last night, we reported that the Supreme Court of Oregon had ruled 5 to 1 that live sex shows are permitted in that state under the freedom of expression banner. The ACLU and The Oregonian newspaper both filed briefs in favor of that ruling. But why would the ACLU do that? What's in it for them? The Supreme Court has consistently ruled that states and local communities have the right to limit expression. This is the U.S. Supreme court, in a time, place, and manner, application of standards. That is, you can't have sex on your front lawn, even if it's a personal expression on private property. The Supreme Court realizes the Constitution requires boundaries for what Americans do. If you don't have boundaries, you have chaos. Thus, community standards and public safety trump personal expression. But the ACLU doesn't believe that. The organization has moved so far left, that now anything goes. � Item: The ACLU is defending the North American Man Boy Love Association, saying that although the organization champions the criminal rape of children, it has a right to do that under free expression. � Item: The ACLU endorses virtual child pornography and has defended the right of people to obtain real child porn. � Item: the ACLU opposed the Minutemen protests at the border, obviously, a legitimate form of expression. So it seems the ACLU cherry picks its cases. The Minutemen certainly have a right to protest the porous border situation, but the ACLU opposes that expression. � Off the chart hypocritical. So let's apply the no spin concept to this. The ACLU simply wants a different country, a nation where conduct it approves of, public sexual displays, child molestation literature is allowed. But the ACLU wants to inhibit conduct it disagrees with, like protesting the border and celebrating the birth of Jesus. That's what's going on. Now my next comments are directed at our liberal viewers. How can you support a group as nakedly, pardon the pun, radical as the ACLU? This isn't about freedom. This is about imposing a radical secular progressive agenda on a country that has traditionally voted on public policy issues. If the live sex act initiative was put on the Oregon ballot, it'd be voted down big. Remember, Oregonians voted against gay marriage. So once again, the ACLU is using an activist court to undermine what the folks want. This isn't democracy. This is judicial fascism. It's also a joke. The founding fathers didn't write the First Amendment with live sex shows in mind, OK? Everybody understand that? You can easily pervert the Constitution by saying every kind of expression is protected, but again, that would lead to chaos and conflict. "Talking Points" believes the 400,000 members of the ACLU should wake up and smell the totalitarianism. This organization is bent on undermining freedom, not fighting for it. And everybody should understand that. And that's "The Memo." revdauphinee answered on 11/01/05: have to say I agree with Bill a lot whare the aclu is concerned arcura rated this answer Goospatty rated this answer

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kindj asked on 11/01/05 - Culture comparison I am NOT bashing America, OK? Let's just get that straight right out of the box. I have, however, noticed a distinct difference in various cultures, specifically in regard to manners. I lived in Japan for almost a year, where I found the people so polite I could hardly stand it. In Saudi Arabia, most everyone I met was kind and social, and kept to a pretty high standard of manners. The Phillipines holds very fond memories for me, largely due to the gently, gracious attitude of nearly all the citizens I met there. Ditto for some other places I've visited. Sure, there were some that were no more than overdeveloped cesspools, but a majority of places had more than their share of well-mannered, polite folks. I think the epitome of manners, though, may have to be the United Kingdom. I've never had the pleasure of travelling there (though I desparately want to), but everything I've seen and everyone I've met from there has been possessed of a personal dignity that stands out. Even the rural dwellers, those that are not from the bigger cities, carry and conduct themselves with a measure of grace that simply is not found in most places. Then I look at America, my home. It's gotten to the point that when one is treated courteously by a stranger (aside from those whom we expect it from, such as wait staff and such) it is a remarkable experience, rather than being the norm. I could cite examples in everything from "icebreaker" conversation to personal attire to respect for elders, but I think that most know what I mean. I'm not talking about the pompous ass that has to maintain an artificial air of superiority--all cultures suffer those fools. I'm talking about class without pretension, which is exceedingly rare in the US these days. Are we Americans afraid that if we act with dignity and class, we will be regarded as "elitists?" Are we afraid of appearing to shoot holes in the "we're just normal folks" aura that so many are proud of? My British friends still dress for dinner. Not in suits and ties, mind you, but at least with decent pants and a tucked-in shirt. And dinner is still an event, something to be savored and lingered over, not grabbed from a sack and eaten on the go. When I ate with them, I could count on dinner running from around 6 or 7 until 9 or 10, easily. Relaxed, unhurried, and enjoyed. While most Americans (myself included) tend to make dinner a 30 minute ordeal at best, and often not altogether as a family. We have kids and young adults today going to class in their pajamas, for crying out loud. And respect for elders? Forget it! Good luck getting a child or teenager to call you Mr. or Ms. anymore, now it's a first-name basis all around. Perhaps familiarity really does breed contempt? I'm really just wondering WHY the difference? Is it a more densely populated society that breeds politeness out of necessity, such as in Japan? Is it a traditional cultural thing? Or am I totally off the mark here? And please, don't take this as an invitation to begin another litany of the terrible faults of America and her citizens. Believe me, we are painfully aware of most of them, and NO society is without it's upright apes. As for me, I'd like to see Americans (including me) a bit better schooled in etiquette and manners. I'll start now: Cordially, DK revdauphinee answered on 11/01/05: I a former brit was taught to respect my elders from the cradle ,in the USA it depends where you live i have found the people in the south are more manerly than anywhere else here most use the term maam and sir when talking to strangers something I never heard up in the northern cities. kindj rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 10/31/05 - Christians will do it whether others do or not Do you agree with the teaching of intelligent design which the moral and intellectual pigmees attempt to ban Christian schools hit back over origin of life By Linda Doherty Education Editor November 1, 2005 Christian schools have defended their right to teach intelligent design in science classes to explain the origin of life, accusing sceptical scientists and teachers of "ideological conservatism". In the latest salvo over the theory emanating from the United States, Christian educators said no approach to science was "value-neutral" and that both Charles Darwin's theory of evolution and intelligent design "have their own strong ideological foundations". Intelligent design says that some forms of life are so complex they can be explained only by the actions of an "intelligent designer". Carolyn Kelshaw, chief executive officer of Christian parent-controlled schools, and Richard Edlin, principal of the National Institute for Christian Education, said "intolerant" opponents of intelligent design were holding back "the genuine exploration of alternative approaches within science teaching in Australian schools". "We are dismayed that some science educators appear to be committed to their own ideological conservatism," they said in a statement. There are 24 parent-controlled Christian schools in NSW and another 56 schools represented by Christian Schools Australia. More than 70,000 Australian scientists and science teachers this month criticised the infiltration into schools of intelligent design, saying that it was a belief, not a scientific theory. Nobel prize-winning scientist Peter Doherty said it was "a ridiculous idea and has no place in science teaching". The Dean of Sciences at the University of NSW, Mike Archer, told ABC Radio that equating intelligent design with science could lead to teaching "astrology instead of astronomy" and "flat earth [theory] and fork bending". But the chief executive of Christian Schools Australia, Stephen O'Doherty, said he was happy to "take on" the scientists and teachers, who were "dogmatic and close-minded". He said intelligent design was "a debate among scientists" using the scientific record and complexity of biological systems "as evidence of an intelligent designer". "But there is no such thing in Australia as an intelligent design curriculum that takes Darwin off the shelf," he said. In the past two months, Australian schools have snapped up a US-funded intelligent design DVD called Unlocking the Mystery of Life after the federal Minister for Education, Brendan Nelson, said he supported intelligent design being taught in religion or philosophy classes. Mr O'Doherty said it was appropriate that students questioned scientific processes and theories but "there is a point where science stops and faith begins". Both Christian Schools Australia and the parent-controlled Christian schools say they teach the NSW Board of Studies science curriculum, which includes evolution but not intelligent design. The president of the board, Gordon Stanley, said intelligent design was not in the curriculum "because it is not scientific and not evidence based". "Schools teaching intelligent design should make it clear to students that this material is not part of the board's syllabus and that it will not be tested in any public examination," he said. The president-elect of the Australian Science Teachers Association, Paul Carnemolla, said the Christian educators were confusing the scientific meaning of "theory", which was something that had to be measured and tested. "There is not a single research paper on intelligent design - no empirical evidence," he said. "This is a belief system and it's based on faith. It can't stand up to scientific scrutiny." revdauphinee answered on 11/01/05: My point is and always has been that since evelution is a theory and my experiance after 20 yrs in the chemical field tells me a theory is an unproven idea (when proven it then becomes a law) !that we should let our kids cover every angle! Mathatmacoat rated this answer paraclete rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 10/31/05 - You don't have to be mad, you just have to be dutch? Tax break for witchcraft classes Monday, October 31, 2005 Posted: 2240 GMT (0640 HKT) APPELSCHA, Netherlands (AP) -- Cobwebs cling from the wooden rafters. Dusty shelves are cluttered with glass jars of home-brewed potions, dried herbs and stone amulets. An oil cooker and a black cauldron sit in the corner, ready for the next full moon. This isn't a Halloween party, it's Margarita Rongen's year-round workshop and she is a witch -- according to her tax return. Dutch witches were guaranteed a financial treat when the Leeuwarden District Court reaffirmed their legal right to write off the costs of schooling -- including in witchcraft -- against their tax bills. Those costs run to thousands of dollars. The court found on September 23 that a witch can declare schooling costs if it increases the likelihood of employment and personal income. Rongen, a mother of two grown children, runs a school for witches, the "Witches Homestead," in the northern Friesland province of the Netherlands. She has trained more than 160 disciples over the past four decades in "a religion that is older than Christianity," she said. Courses are held 13 weekends a year closest to a full moon when outdoor rituals are practiced and potions boiled. Participants learn healing with herbs and stones, divination and fortunetelling with crystal balls and hieroglyphs, and how to make potions. The cost is $206 per weekend, including reading material, lodgings and the tools needed for witchcraft. The full course of 13 weekends runs $2,678 and is open to women and men over 18. "Once you have become a witch ... you can pass along the things you have learned," said Rongen. "I have been a witch for 38 years and learned it from my father." Lawmaker Pieter Omtzigt was astounded to hear that the state was funding witchcraft and asked for clarification. He got an answer to his question last week in a letter from Junior Finance Minister Joop Wijn, saying that "Under the circumstances, the cost of a course to become a witch qualifies as school fees." Rongen invited Omtzigt to visit her. "If he would come here and try the divination rod and see how important it is to find things, see that it isn't pleasant to have earth radiation in your house, feel the forces of the earth, that would be magnificent." Copyright 2005 The Associated Press revdauphinee answered on 11/01/05: all I can say is "what next?" paraclete rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 10/31/05 - an olde but a goode it's doing the rounds again. does your church need a little help? > A minister concluded that his church was getting into > serious financial troubles. > > Coincidentally, by chance, while checking the church > storeroom, he discovered several cartons of new bibles that had never > been opened and distributed. So at his Sunday sermon, he asked for > three volunteers from the congregation who would be willing to sell the > bibles door-to-door for $10 each to raise the desperately needed money > for the church. > > Peter, Paul and Louie all raised their hands to > volunteer for the task. The reverend knew that Peter and Paul earned > their living as salesmen and were likely capable of selling some bibles > but he had serious doubts about Louie. Louie was just a little local > farmer, who had always tended to keep to himself because he was > embarrassed by his speech impediment. Poor little Louis stuttered very > badly. But, not wanting to discourage poor Louis, the reverend decided > to let him try anyway. > > He sent the three of them away with the back seat of > their cars stacked with bibles and asked them to meet with him and > report the results of their door-to- door selling efforts the following > Sunday. > > Anxious to find out how successful they were, the > reverend immediately asked Peter, "Well, Peter, how did you make out > selling our bibles last week?" > > Proudly handing the reverend an envelope, Peter > replied, "Father, using my sales prowess, I was able to sell 20 bibles, > and here's the $200 I collected on behalf of the church." > > "Fine job, Peter!" The reverend said, vigorously > shaking his hand. "You are indeed a fine salesman and the Church is > indebted to you." > > Turning to Paul, he asked "And Paul, how many bibles > did you manage to sell for the church last week?" > > Paul, smiling and sticking out his chest, confidently > replied,"Reverend, I am a professional salesman and was happy to give > the church the benefit of my sales expertise. Last week I sold 28 > bibles on behalf of the church, and here's $280 I collected." > > The reverend responded, "That's absolutely splendid, > Paul. You are truly a professional salesman and the church is also > indebted to you." > > Apprehensively, the reverend turned to little Louie > and said, "And Louie, did you manage to sell any bibles last week?" > > > Louie silently offered the reverend a large envelope. > The reverend opened it and counted the contents. "What is this?" the > reverend exclaimed. "Louie, there's $3200 in here! Are you suggesting > that you sold 320 bibles for the church, door to door, in just one week? > > > Louie just nodded. > > That's impossible!" both Peter and Paul said in > unison. "We are professional salesmen, yet you claim to have sold 10 > times as many bibles as we could." > > "Yes, this does seem unlikely," the reverend agreed. > "I think you'd better explain how you managed to do accomplish this, > Louie." > > Louie shrugged. "I-I-I- re-re-really do-do-don't > kn-kn-know f-f-f-for sh-sh-sh-sure," he stammered. > > Impatiently, Peter interrupted. "For crying out loud, > Louie, just tell us what you said to them when they answered the door!" > > > "A-a-a-all I-I-I s-s-said wa-wa-was," Louis replied, > "W-w-w-w-would y-y-y-you l-l-l-l-l-like t-t-to b-b-b-buy th-th-th-this > b-b-b-b-bible f-f-for t-t-ten b-b-b-bucks ---o-o-o-or--- wo-wo-would > yo-you j-j-j-just l-like m-m-me t-t-to st-st-stand h-h-here and > r-r-r-r-r-read it t-to y-y-you?" revdauphinee answered on 10/31/05: heard it before but loved it anyhow! paraclete rated this answer

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Choux asked on 10/31/05 - Slavery in Qatar From Wired on line Magazine Robot camel jockeys. " That's about half of what you need to know. Robots, designed in Switzerland, riding camels in the Arabian desert. Camel jockey robots, about 2 feet high, with a right hand to bear the whip and a left hand to pull the reins. Thirty-five pounds of aluminum and plastic, a 400-MHz processor running Linux and communicating at 2.4 GHz; GPS-enabled, heart rate-monitoring (the camel's heart, that is) robots. Mounted on tall, gangly blond animals, bouncing along in the sandy wastelands outside Doha, Qatar, in the 112-degree heat, with dozens of follow-cars behind them. I have seen them with my own eyes. And the other half of the story: Every robot camel jockey bopping along on its improbable mount means ****one Sudanese boy freed from slavery and sent home****. Are you in favor of Islamic slavery?? revdauphinee answered on 10/31/05: im not in favour of any sort of slavery whatsoever!!1 Choux rated this answer

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Choux asked on 10/31/05 - Racism? LONDON (AFP) - Eighty-six percent of people in Britain aged 18 to 30 think the French deserve "a popular negative stereotype," suggests an opinion poll conducted for an Anglo-French art show in London. That compares to 27 percent of like-aged people in France who felt the British held a negative stereotype of their nation, according to the survey. The informal poll of 500 people in London, and as many in Paris, was commissioned by the organisers of an Entente Cordiale art show that opened in west London over the weekend. No margin of error was disclosed. "British people should face up to the fact that they have an enormous problem when it comes to the French," said exhibition organiser Richard Kaye, a Brition resident in France. "The British will make jokes about the French which would, if made to the detriment of other national or ethnic groups, be considered extremely racist and dangerous." Is is OK for some British to make racist jokes about the French?? revdauphinee answered on 10/31/05: when I lived in Britain they wernt too crazy about Americans even though without them they may be speaking German today! the popular saying when asked what they thought about Americans was "theyre over paid ,oversexed and over here" So now i dont pay a whole lot of attention to the British! bucker rated this answer Choux rated this answer sapphire630 rated this answer

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hOPE12 asked on 10/31/05 - Back finally! Hello Everyone, It sure has been rough here in Fort Lauderdale area in Florida. Wilma really got us good. I just got electric back. Many are still without and the only reason we got back after only one week is because we live next to the police station and the hospital is right up the block. My family and I lived on MRE's for a week. If this is what the army guys eat, I feel sorry for them. We had lots of damage here and the roof of our apartment building caved in. My apartment is fine because I am on the third floor and the roof caved in on the fourth floor. Fema is relocating the ones whose apartments were really bad. This buildings roof is being repaired by the disaster crew but some that are worse then this one is beyond repair. I certainly count my blessings at this time. I missed you guys and just wanted to let you know what is happening here. Some of the lights have been repaired still a lot are out as of this time. We can now drink the water here but we are scarce still on food because many of the supermarkets do not have lights as of yet. We have been all very grateful and realize things could have been worse. It is good to be back and have some normala activity back. Take care, Hope12 revdauphinee answered on 10/31/05: living on the Miss gulf coast "Been there done that"yall are in my prayers Dorothy hOPE12 rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 10/30/05 - The dangers of full immersion baptism or is it the danger of religious behaviour and too little common sense. This is the very sad story of a Pastor whose focus was in the wrong place. the only person who needed to hear his words was the the person being baptised. Playing to the crowd has no place in Baptism Pastor electrocuted during baptism October 31, 2005 - 12:10PM A US pastor performing a baptism was electrocuted inside his Texas church when he grabbed a microphone while partially submerged, a church employee said. The Reverend Kyle Lake, 33, was standing in water up to his shoulder in a baptismal in front of 800 people at University Baptist Church when he was electrocuted yesterday, said Jamie Dudley, a church business administrator. Doctors in the congregation unsuccessfully performed chest compressions for 40 minutes, Dudley said. The woman Lake was baptising was not injured, Dudley said. Pastors at University Baptist Church routinely use a microphone during baptisms, Dudley said. "He was grabbing the microphone so everyone could hear," Dudley said. "It's the only way you can be loud enough." About 800 people attended the morning service, which was larger than normal because it was homecoming weekend at nearby Baylor University, Dudley said. Lake, who had a wife and three children, had been at the church for nine years, the last seven as pastor, Dudley said. AP When I was full immersion baptised I'm very glad the Pastor didn't behave in this manner. revdauphinee answered on 10/31/05: I agree baptism is not a public event it is an act of obedience after we accept Jesus as saviour.without that first acceptance all it does is get one wet! bucker rated this answer paraclete rated this answer

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arcura asked on 10/30/05 - There is a new family in our little town........... They are an interesting one. They have taken over a closed Pizza Caf� and are in the process of cleaning and setting up for business. The wife is Hispanic, the husband is not and the kids show the mixture, a nice family. He is robust gentleman with loads of confidence and a lapsed Catholic who no longer believes in God because of the bad things he has seen and those that have happened in his life, he says. A big part of that is because of what he went through on a river boat crew in Viet Nahm. I asked him if he was in Kerry�s crew. His answer startled me. He said, �No, I�m alive and here. His crew was one of the most dangerous because of its commander; the last guy in the country you would want to be president.� He gave no more details other than Viet Nahm is a vermin infested, 120 degree, high humidity hell hole and will always be. Shortly after he got home his first wife and child died in a bad car accident. That and other things that happened are the reasons he gives for his loss of faith. His name is Frank. Please pray for him and that the rest of his life goes well and back to God. Peace and kindness, Fred revdauphinee answered on 10/30/05: of cource I will! arcura rated this answer bucker rated this answer

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curious98 asked on 10/30/05 - Ciagate? Are we going ahead to a new Watergate? Please check the following webs: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2005/10/30/AR2005103000348.html http://www.middleeast.org/read.cgi?category=Magazine&num=56&standalone=1&month=10&year=2005&function=text Curious98 revdauphinee answered on 10/30/05: I think these folks are much more expert at the art of the coverup than was the Nixon bunch. curious98 rated this answer Erewhon rated this answer

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HANK1 asked on 10/30/05 - JUST WONDERING ... What's your favorite thing about yourself? Your smile? Your sense of humor? Your approach to your religion? What is it? HANK revdauphinee answered on 10/30/05: dont know that I have one if any its my ability to help others bucker rated this answer Choux rated this answer HANK1 rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 10/30/05 - barbarous muslim act in Indonesia once again muslims have demonstrated their hatred of christians knows no bounds. What possible motive could those who profess a peacefull religion have for such barbarous acts. At times like this feeling of intense anger rise and I feel that the world would truely be a better place without such people, and by such people, let there be no doubt, I refer to those of the muslim persuasion Christian girls beheaded in grisly Indonesian attack October 29, 2005 - 7:01PM Three teenage Christian girls were beheaded and a fourth was seriously wounded in a savage attack on Saturday by unidentified assailants in the Indonesian province of Central Sulawesi. The girls were among a group of students from a private Christian high school who were ambushed while walking through a cocoa plantation in Poso Kota subdistrict on their way to class, police Major Riky Naldo said. The area is close to the provincial capital of Poso, about 1000 kilometres northeast of Jakarta. Naldo said the heads of the three dead victims were found several kilometres from their bodies. In Jakarta, President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono ordered the police to begin a hunt for the killers. "In the holy month of Ramadan, we are again shocked by a sadistic crime in Poso that claimed the lives of three school students," he told reporters at the airport as he prepared to fly to Sumatra island. "I condemn this barbarous killing, whoever the perpetrators are and whatever their motives." He ordered the security forces to find the killers and maintain order in the region. Indonesia is the world's most populous Muslim nation, but Central Sulawesi has a roughly equal number of Muslims and Christians. The province was the scene of a bloody religious war in 2001-2002 that killed around 1000 people from both communities. At the time, beheadings, burnings and other atrocities were common. A government-mediated truce succeeded in ending the conflict in early 2002, but there have since been a series of bomb attacks and assassinations of Christians. These included a blast at a market in Poso, a predominantly Christian town, that killed 22 people in May. Christian leaders have repeatedly accused the authorities in Jakarta of not doing enough to find the perpetrators and bring them to justice. The Christian-Muslim conflict in Sulawesi was an extension of a wider sectarian war in the nearby Maluku archipelago in which up to 9000 perished between 1999 and 2002. The Maluku conflict intensified soon after it began with the arrival of volunteers belonging to Laskar Jihad, a newly created militia from Indonesia's main island of Java that was supported by hardline elements of the security forces. Analysts and diplomats accused senior army commanders of funding and training the militia, which was hurriedly disbanded following the terrorist attacks on the tourist island of Bali in 2002 which claimed 202 lives, including 88 Australians. AP revdauphinee answered on 10/30/05: this sort of act from peacefull practicioners of islaam do not surptise me !I am now waiting for the pro peacefull religion rant we usualy get when we post such truths!isnt it funny that every thing christians do is wrong but these folks are ""peacefull" God protect us from there idea of peace! arcura rated this answer ATON2 rated this answer Erewhon rated this answer paraclete rated this answer Pete_Hanysz rated this answer

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excon asked on 10/29/05 - Iranians - I don't like 'em Hello Christians: I'm a Jew. I think Iran ought to be wiped out. It's a blot on the map. This time, Israel should drop the big one. Screw those Arabs, or Persians or whatever the fk they call themselves. excon revdauphinee answered on 10/29/05: not crazy about them either but i wont stoop to there level by saying we should wipe em out what they need is reeducating!A little brainwashing may be in order and would be a gentler kinder way!LOL excon rated this answer bucker rated this answer

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Erewhon asked on 10/28/05 - Are we in safe hands? An ultra-nationalistic leader who believes god is telling him to make war ... does that remind you of various tyrants from around the world throughout history? President George W. Bush told Palestinian ministers that God had told him to invade Afghanistan and Iraq - and create a Palestinian State, a new BBC series reveals. In Elusive Peace: Israel and the Arabs, a major three-part series on BBC TWO, Abu Mazen, Palestinian Prime Minister, and Nabil Shaath, his Foreign Minister, describe their first meeting with President Bush in June 2003. Nabil Shaath says: "President Bush said to all of us: 'I'm driven with a mission from God. God would tell me, "George, go and fight those terrorists in Afghanistan." And I did, and then God would tell me, "George, go and end the tyranny in Iraq and I did. And now, again, I feel God's words coming to me, "Go get the Palestinians their state and get the Israelis their security, and get peace in the Middle East." And by God I'm gonna do it.'" ............... Are we in safe hands? (BTW, God told me to ask this question) revdauphinee answered on 10/29/05: makes one wonder if the terrorists calling this a crusade may not have some validation ! arcura rated this answer bucker rated this answer Erewhon rated this answer excon rated this answer

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Erewhon asked on 10/28/05 - Harriet and her conservative detractors on the right wing of the Republican Party - or, Who's Re THE WASHINGTON TIMES October 28, 2005 Supreme Court nominee Harriet Miers, fiercely criticized by conservatives as unqualified, abruptly withdrew her name from consideration yesterday. President Bush said he will make a new nomination "in a timely manner." Both Mr. Bush and Miss Miers, the White House counsel, cited senators' calls for internal administration documents as the main factor for her decision. "It is clear that senators would not be satisfied until they gained access to internal documents concerning advice provided during her tenure at the White House -- disclosures that would undermine a president's ability to receive candid counsel," Mr. Bush said. But Democrats -- including Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid, who had suggested to Mr. Bush that he nominate Miss Miers to the Supreme Court -- blamed right-wing conservatives for Miss Miers' demise. "The radical right wing of the Republican Party killed the Harriet Miers nomination," said Mr. Reid, of Nevada. "Apparently, Ms. Miers did not satisfy those who want to pack the Supreme Court with rigid ideologues." For more than three weeks, conservative interest groups and pundits have said Miss Miers, who has never served in the judiciary, lacked a clear record of conservative jurisprudence and could fail to provide a strict constructionist voice on the court, as Mr. Bush promised. Republican senators had deemed Miss Miers unimpressive after meeting privately with her. ===== A Regular Look at the Worst from the Right brought to you by PFAW Foundation Mychal Massie blames the �black church and the black community� for the �state of destruction" of the black family. Media Matters for America reports that Mychal Massie, an advisory council member for Project 21, the black right-wing organization created by the National Center for Public Policy Research think tank, told talk radio host Janet Parshall, "The black people today who curse America are cursing God because if God had not permitted" the enslavement of Africans, "we would not have what we have today." Speaking of the "reason that the black family is in the state of destruction," Massie said "it is the fault of the black church and the black community because the preachers have succumbed to hatred; they have succumbed to a disobedience to God." Rev. Jesse Lee Peterson: "It took a mere three days for blacks to turn the Superdome and the convention center into ghettos, rampant with theft, rape and murder." Rev. Jesse Lee Petersonඓ percent of New Orleans residents had left the city, it was primarily immoral, welfare-pampered blacks that stayed behind and waited for the government to bail them out." So said the Reverend Jesse Lee Peterson, founder and president of BOND, the Brotherhood Organization of a New Destiny. Peterson writes, "about five years ago . . . I stated that if whites were to just leave the United States and let blacks run the country, they would turn America into a ghetto within 10 years . . . I gave blacks too much credit. It took a mere three days for blacks to turn the Superdome and the convention center into ghettos, rampant with theft, rape and murder." For more information, see PFAW�s coverage of BOND�s recent panel sponsored by the Heritage Foundation: Right-Wing Black Leaders Praise Bennett, Criticize Katrina Evacuees. Pat Robertson threatens retaliation against conservative senators who oppose Miers Pat Robertson On [..] �700 Club� broadcast, the Rev. Pat Robertson responded to criticism from the Right regarding the Miers nomination and also offered a stern warning to those conservative senators who might be thinking of voting against her. Rev. Robertson suggested that people should look at who is supporting Miers before they doubt her conservative credentials. He named James Dobson, the Rev. Jerry Falwell, Richard Land of the Southern Baptist Convention, Jay Sekulow of the Robertson-founded American Center for Law and Justice, and himself as proof of support for Miers� nomination from the Right. Robertson concluded by noting: �These so-called movement conservatives don�t have much of a following, the ones that I�m aware of. And you just marvel, these are the senators, some of them who voted to confirm the general counsel of the ACLU to the Supreme Court, and she was voted in almost unanimously. And you say, �now they�re going to turn against a Christian who is a conservative picked by a conservative President and they�re going to vote against her for confirmation?� Not on your sweet life, if they want to stay in office.� ==== From Earthside - obviously not fans of Bush, et al: Thursday, October 06, 2005 Why Bush Needs Harriet Miers on the Court Earthside Comments: Harvey Wasserman does a good job in this article explaining why Bush needs Hariet Miers on the Supreme Court. This court nomination is the extremism of cronyism. Bush picked her because she is a George W. Bush fanatic ... that's it. Of course, that means she is a Christofascist, corporatist, advocate for a strong central government with virtually unlimited power for the executive branch. That she has few qualifications for the job of Associate Justice is irrelevant to Bush and Cheney -- she would always rule in their behalf, rationalizing the Constitution thusly that the nation's interest and the Bush interest are one and the same. Earthside tends to agree with the radical Republicans this time when it comes to Bush and Miers: this is cronyism. If we're going to get an extremist Justice, at least it should be one with some intelligence and experience. Nevertheless, we have to be pleased that the fig leaf has been partially lifted to reveal the Bushites for what they really are -- a political criminal enterprise bent on absolute power and looting the national treasury. ==== revdauphinee answered on 10/29/05: funy I never would have thought the withdrawing of ms Miers could segway into a racial thing but somehow you managed it !She was not qualified lets face it any more than a pediactric nurse should have been made head surgeon.Being GWs atourney did no way qualify her to be a supreem court Judge she it seems finaly realised it! arcura rated this answer bucker rated this answer Erewhon rated this answer

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bucker asked on 10/28/05 - Is there anyway of knowing who the true God is? For God to be God, He must know all things. That's obvious. That includes everything that has happened, is happening, and most incredibly, what will happen in the future. The God of the Bible says this about Himself - Isaiah 46:9-10 'I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like me. I make known the end from the beginning, from ancient times, what is still to come. I say: My purpose will stand, and I will do all that I please.' So not only does the God of the Bible know all things, but He has chosen to make known to us, through the Bible, what is still to come! In fact, even more than that, the God of the Bible CHALLENGES any so-called 'gods' to do the same!!! Isaiah 41:21-23 ?Present your case,? says the LORD. ?Set forth your arguments,? says Jacob?s King. ?Bring in your idols to tell us what is going to happen. Tell us what the former things were, so that we may consider them and know their final outcome. Or declare to us the things to come, tell us what the future holds, so we may know that you are gods.' Jehovah, the God of the Bible issues this challenge because He knows that there are no other Gods. He alone is God, and therefore, it stands to reason, that He alone is the only one who could accurately and consistently declare the end from the beginning! In view of this, it should not surprise us to learn that there are no detailed prophecies in the Koran (Islam's holy book), the Hindu Vedas, the book of Mormon, or the sayings of Buddha. The reason being that it is impossible to consistently and accurately predict specific future events unless you are God! Yet 30% of the entire Bible is devoted to prophecy of what is to come! So let's examine some of the different prophecies contained in the Bible. This will be split up into the following categories: prophecies of the Messiah, prophecies concerning Israel, and prophecies concerning the conditions in the last days. 10 Old Testament Prophecies Concerning The Messiah No prophecy foretold the coming of Buddha, Confucius or Muhammad. Yet there are hundreds concerning Jesus Christ, the Messiah. All of these prophecies were fulfilled in the life and death or Jesus Christ. Please also remember that all of the Old Testament prophecies (in red) were spoken, and recorded, hundreds of years before Jesus came to earth. 1. Be Born in Bethlehem OT Prophecy: Micah 5:2 'But you, Bethlehem, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from old.' NT Fulfillment: Matt 2:1 'After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea...' 2. Preceded by a messenger OT Prophecy: Isaiah 40:3 'The voice of him that cries in the wilderness, Prepare the way of the Lord, make straight in the wilderness a highway for our God.' NT Fulfillment Matt 3:1-2 'In those days came John the Baptist, preaching in the wilderness of Judea, and saying Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.' 3. Enter Jerusalem on a colt OT Prophecy: Zech 9:9 'Rejoice greatly O daughter of Zion; shout, O daughter of Jerusalem; behold, thy King comes to you... humble riding on a donkey, even on a colt, the foal of a donkey.' NT Fulfillment Luke 19:35 'They bought it to Jesus, and they threw their coats on the colt and they put Jesus on it.' 4. Be Betrayed by a friend OT Prophecy: Psalm 41:9 'Yes, my own friend in whom I trusted, which did eat of my bread, hath lifted up his heel against me.' NT Fulfillment Matt 26:47-50 'And while he spoke, Judas, one of the twelve, came, and with him a great multitude with swords... Now he that betrayed him gave them a sign, saying, Whosoever I shall kiss, that same is he; hold him fast... and Jesus said unto him, 'Friend, why have you come?' 5. Have his hands and feet pierced OT Prophecy: Psalm 22:16 'The assembly of the wicked have enclosed me. They have pierced my hands and my feet.' NT Fulfillment Luke 23:33 'And when they came to the place, which is called Calvary, there they crucified him and the criminals, one on the right and the other on the left.' 6. Be wounded and whipped by his enemies OT Prophecy: Isaiah 53:5 'But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities. The chastisement of our peace was upon him and by his stripes we are healed.' NT Fulfillment Matt 27:26 'Then they released Barabbas unto them and when he had scourged Jesus, he delivered him to be crucified.' 7. Be sold for thirty pieces of silver OT Prophecy: Zech 11:12 'And I said to him, If you think it is good in your sight, give me my wages... So they weighed out thirty pieces of silver for my price.' NT Fulfillment Matt 26:15 'What will you give me if I deliver him unto you? And they agreed with him for thirty pieces of silver.' 8. Be spit upon and beaten OT Prophecy: Isaiah 50:6 'I gave my back to the smiters, and my cheeks to them that plucked out my hair: I did not hide my face from the shame and spitting.' NT Fulfillment Matt 26:67 Then did they spit in his face, and hit him; and others smote him with the palms of their hands 9. The betrayal money thrown in the temple and used for a potters field OT Prophecy: Zech 11:13 'And the Lord said unto me, Cast it unto the potter that magnificent price at which I was valued by them. So I took the thirty pieces of silver and threw them to the potter in the house of the Lord.' NT Fulfillment Matt 27:5-7 'And he threw the pieces of silver into the temple... And they conferred together and with the money bought the Potter's field as a burial place for strangers.' This is a remarkable prophecy for it is God who says 'Cast it to the potter that magnificent (sarcasm!) price at which they valued me...' How could man put a price on God? It doesn't make sense until God Himself, Jesus Christ, came to earth and was valued and betrayed for exactly 30 pieces of silver! 10. Cast lots for Jesus' clothing OT Prophecy: Psalm 22:18 'They divide my garments among them, and for my clothing they cast lots.' NT Fulfillment Matt 27:35 'And when they had crucified Him, they divided up His garments among themselves by casting lots.' Statisticians have calculated that for all of the above prophecies to be fulfilled in one person it is a combined probability of One chance in 10,000,000,000,000,000,000! And this is limiting ourselves to just these 10 prophecies! Jesus claimed to be the fulfillment of the Old Testament Messianic prophecies, and now we have seen that His life and death did accurately fulfill these prophecies made hundreds of years before. revdauphinee answered on 10/28/05: 29 Then Jesus told him, "Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed." arcura rated this answer ATON2 rated this answer bucker rated this answer

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arcura asked on 10/28/05 - Should Christians and other law abiding citizens be disarmed? Be sure to read abour Australia.... Gun History Lesson Gun Control = Food for Thought............................ Whether you agree or not, it's an interesting lesson in history. Something to think about... In 1929, the Soviet Union established gun control. From 1929 to 1953, about 20 million dissidents, unable to defend themselves, were rounded up and exterminated. -------------------------------------------------------- In 1911, Turkey established gun control. >From 1915 to 1917, 1.5 million Armenians, unable to defend themselves, were rounded up and exterminated. -------------------------------------------------------- Germany established gun control in 1938. From 1939 to 1945, 13 million Jews and others, who were unable to defend themselves, were rounded up and exterminated. -------------------------------------------------------- China established gun control in 1935. From 1948 to 1952, 20 million political dissidents, unable to defend themselves, were rounded up and exterminated. -------------------------------------------------------- Guatemala established gun control in 1964. From 1964 to 1981, 100,000 Mayan Indians, unable to defend themselves, were rounded up and exterminated. -------------------------------------------------------- Uganda established gun control in 1970. From 1971 to 1979, 300,000 Christians, unable to defend themselves, were rounded up and exterminated. -------------------------------------------------------- Cambodia established gun control in 1956. From 1975 to 1977, one million "educated" people, unable to defend themselves, were rounded up and exterminated. -------------------------------------------------------- Defenseless people rounded up and exterminated in the 20th Century because of gun control: 56 million. It has now been 12 months since gun owners in Australia were forced by new law to surrender 640,381 personal firearms to be destroyed by their own government, a program costing Australian taxpayers more than $500 million dollars. The first year results are now in: Australia-wide, homicides are up 3.2 percent. Australia-wide, assaults are up 8.6 percent. Australia-wide, armed robberies are up 44 percent. (yes, 44 percent!) In the state of Victoria alone, homicides with firearms are now up 300 percent. (Note that, while the law-abiding citizens turned their guns in, the criminals did not, and criminals still possess their guns!) While figures over the previous 25 years showed a steady decrease in armed robbery with firearms, this has changed drastically upward in the past 12 months, since the criminals now are guaranteed that their prey is unarmed. There has also been a dramatic increase in break-ins and assaults of the ELDERLY. Australian politicians are at a loss to explain how public safety has decreased, after such monumental effort and expense was expended in "successfully ridding Australian society of guns." The Australian experience and the other historical facts above prove it. You won't see this data on the American evening news or hear our president, governors or other politicians disseminating this information. Guns in the hands of honest citizens save lives and property and, yes, gun-control laws affect only the law-abiding citizens. Take note my fellow Americans.....before it's too late! The next time someone talks in favor of gun control, please remind them of this history lesson. With guns, we are citizens. Without them, we are subjects. revdauphinee answered on 10/28/05: No! our constitution alows the bearing of arms but i do feel it wouldnt hurt to make mandatory some safety training if one wants to own one! "To preserve liberty, it is essential that the whole body of the people always possess arms, and be taught alike, especially when young, how to use them." (Richard Henry Lee, Virginia delegate to the Continental Congress, initiator of the Declaration of Independence, and member of the first Senate, which passed the Bill of Rights.) "The great object is that every man be armed . . . Everyone who is able may have a gun." (Patrick Henry, in the Virginia Convention on the ratification of the Constitution.) "The advantage of being armed . . . the Americans possess over the people of all other nations . . . Notwithstanding the military establishments in the several Kingdoms of Europe, which are carried as far as the public resources will bear, the governments are afraid to trust the people with arms." (James Madison, author of the Bill of Rights, in his Federalist Paper No. 46.) "A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear arms, shall not be infringed." (Second Amendment to the Constitution.) arcura rated this answer

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Erewhon asked on 10/27/05 - Mrs Parks to lie in state ... Rosa Parks is being allowed to lie in state in the Rotunda. She will be the first woman in US history to do so. Is that because America has produced no great women worthy of that honour throughout their history? revdauphinee answered on 10/28/05: Maybee not but she certainly deserves the honor I lived down here during that terrible time and this was a brave woman to do the simple thing she did .sometimes it is not the big things , but the small victories that make the differences> Erewhon rated this answer

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Erewhon asked on 10/27/05 - "Honest to God"? Some years ago, an intense theological debate was waged around a volume entitled "Honest to God," in which Dr. Robinson, the Bishop of Woolwich of the Anglican Church, asks the question whether it is possible for modern men to accept traditional Christian faith, to believe in the established conception of God, and to accept Christ as their Savior. He questions whether Christianity carries with it the trappings of an ancient world and culture, and whether it can be made relevant to the thought and character of modern scientific man living in a rapidly shrinking technological world. The bishop says, "Our image of God must go, `and the Church Times comments: "It is not every day that a bishop goes on public record as apparently denying almost every Christian doctrine of the Church in which he holds office." Dr. McIntire, of the University College of Oxford, says, "Dr. Robinson's book needs not only to be understood as a symptom of our condition but to be sympathized with as a desperate attempt that cannot succeed," and he adds, somewhat cynically, "The creed of the English is there is no God and it is wise to pray to him from time to time." This book of which I speak is not just the voice of an individual, but it testifies to the existence of a whole group of theologies which have retained a theistic vocabulary but acquired an atheistic substance and wonders whether they can continue to co-exist. The Archbishop of Canterbury said of it, ". . . if Dr. Robinson's argument is right, the traditional views of God are not merely outmoded, they are simply false." Comments? revdauphinee answered on 10/28/05: traditional Christian faith, ? did not jesus himself tell us about traditions? Matthew 15: 3 Jesus replied, "And why do you break the command of God for the sake of your tradition? Mark7: 6 He replied, "Isaiah was right when he prophesied about you hypocrites; as it is written: "`These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. 7 They worship me in vain; their teachings are but rules taught by men.' 8 You have let go of the commands of God and are holding on to the traditions of men." 9 And he said to them: "You have a fine way of setting aside the commands of God in order to observe your own traditions! Erewhon rated this answer

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Choux asked on 10/27/05 - Greatest Problem ? Cut and paste from BBC on line website(BBC dot com dot UK):: Prince Charles at Home Farm "Prince Charles says climate change should be seen as the "greatest challenge to face man" and treated as a much bigger priority in the UK. The prince unveiled his vision for the future of the environment, farming and food in an exclusive BBC interview. He said climate change was "what really worries me", and he did not want his future grandchildren to ask why he had not acted over the issue. He also encouraged consumers to buy regional produce to help UK farming." Do you think that global warming is the greatest problem facing Great Britian and the rest of us??? revdauphinee answered on 10/27/05: as a former Brit (i was born there )I think the greatest problem facing Great Britain today is the thought that charles will become KIng! ATON2 rated this answer Choux rated this answer

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Erewhon asked on 10/27/05 - How savage are right wing conservative Christians? They must be a fierce lot if they can back down the President of the USA, and if he will retreat before them rather than face them and tell them that he is right and they are wrong. I asked before and I will ask again, just WHO IS running the country? The ultra-Conservatives were afraid that Miers might go liberal (= fair and just) once she sat on the bench, and not be Bush's poodle on the SC. What power these faceless men hold in their grasp! Does the buck stop at the pulpit of some hard liner right wing preacher. revdauphinee answered on 10/27/05: as a democrat and a christian might i remind you that being a Christian does not make one right or left it just makes you a human being that can think! ATON2 rated this answer bucker rated this answer Choux rated this answer Erewhon rated this answer

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Itsdb asked on 10/27/05 - Funeral protests? Just heard on the radio this morning that the "God hates fags" church is planning a protest at two funerals of local soldiers killed in Iraq - one here in Amarillo and one in Dimmit just south of here. The premise is "God Himself has now become America's terrorist, killing Americans in strange lands" because "they turned America over to fags; they're coming home in body bags." Original pdf document here. This is just vile and despicable, how can any "Christian" protest a funeral in the first place? (I'm sure you'll tell me, Aton :) What should we do, if anything, about the Fred Phelps' of this world, masquerading as Christians, spreading pure hatred, making a mockery of Jesus and the church? Un-be-lievable. Steve P.S. DK, care to meet me in Dimmit to stand with the bikers that are planning to be security at the funerals? revdauphinee answered on 10/27/05: this posting made me imediatly remember the following Matthew 7:21. "Not everyone who says to me, `Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. 22. Many will say to me on that day, `Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?' 23. Then I will tell them plainly, `I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!' God it is true may hate the sin but he loves the sinners if it were not so we would all be in trouble! excon rated this answer Itsdb rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 10/26/05 - out of the mouths of babes and fools? Israel 'must be wiped from map' Thursday, October 27, 2005 Posted: 0359 GMT (1159 HKT) Ahmadinejad says Iran will go ahead with nuclear program (5:25) Iran's president blasts the U.S. in speech to the U.N. (1:22) TEHRAN, Iran (CNN) -- Iran's new president has repeated a remark from a former ayatollah that Israel should be "wiped out from the map," insisting that a new series of attacks will destroy the Jewish state, and lashing out at Muslim countries and leaders that acknowledge Israel. The remarks by Mahmoud Ahmadinejad -- reported by Islamic Republic News Agency -- coincide with a month-long protest against Israel called "World without Zionism" and with the approach of Jerusalem Day. World without Zionism is a nationwide event the planners intend to hold annually, and Ahmadinejad made the remarks during a meeting with protesting students at the Interior Ministry. Ahmadinejad quoted a remark from Iran's Ayatollah Khomeini, the founder of Iran's Islamic revolution, who said that Israel "must be wiped out from the map of the world." The president then said: "And God willing, with the force of God behind it, we shall soon experience a world without the United States and Zionism," according to a quote published by IRNA. The Jewish state has diplomatic relations with major Muslim countries such as Egypt, Jordan and Turkey, and the Gaza disengagement has improved ties between Israel and some other Muslim nations and leaders. But Ahmadinejad said the "new wave of confrontations generated in Palestine and the growing turmoil in the Islamic world would in no time wipe Israel away," according to paraphrased statements in the IRNA report. He also described Israel's disengagement from Gaza as a "trick" meant to make "Islamic states acknowledge the Zionist regime of Israel," according to the report. The United States and Israel are sowing "discord among warring forces in Palestine and other parts of the Islamic world," the report paraphrased Ahmadinejad as saying. In the process, such attempts were forcing Muslim nations to normalize relations with Israel, he said. Ahmadinejad is quoted as saying, "Anybody who recognizes Israel will burn in the fire of the Islamic nation's fury." Ahmadinejad's comments prompted the French foreign minister to summon the Iranian ambassador to Paris for an explanation. France is one of the European countries that has been involved in negotiations with Iran over its nuclear program. French Foreign Minister Philippe Douste-Blazy said he learned about Ahmadinejad's comments from news reports that indicate the Iranian president called for Israel's destruction and said the conflict in the Middle East would result in a fight between Jews and Muslims. "If these comments are correct, they are unacceptable. I greatly condemn them and have asked for the Iranian ambassador in Paris to be summoned to the Foreign Ministry to demand explanations," Douste-Blazy said. "For France, the right for Israel to exist should not be contested. This state was created by a decision of the U.N. General Assembly. International law applies to all. The question of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict cannot be used as a pretext to put into question the fundamental right for Israel to exist." One top Iranian religious leader, Ayatollah Nori Hamadani, said in a written statement it is incumbent upon Muslims to wrest Palestine from the Israelis. He urged Iranians to protest on Friday -- which is Jerusalem Day, commemorated by Iranians to honor Jerusalem, where Israel has established its capital, and renew their support for an establishment of a Palestinian state. If any of you doubted the true Muslim agenda, you should revise your opinion. Here we have remarks, not from some rabid isolated cleric, or terrorist, but from a person with the resources of a large Islamic nation at his disposal. Would the Muslims be content with a conflict between Muslims and Jews, no! they know that Christians would be drawn into it also. In any case he has mae it plain his agenda includes destruction of the US. Will GWB preempt the conflict? revdauphinee answered on 10/27/05: God restored Israel SHE WILL SURVIVE! (Jer.3:18 In those days the house of Judah will join the house of Israel, and together they will come from a northern land to the land I gave your forefathers as an inheritance. Isa32: 18 My people will live in peaceful dwelling places, in secure homes, in undisturbed places of rest. paraclete rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 10/26/05 - and just to test your perspective Matter of Perspective Three preachers sat discussing the best positions for prayer while a telephone repairman worked nearby. "Kneeling is definitely best," claimed one. "No," another contended. "I get the best results standing with my hands outstretched to Heaven." "You're both wrong," the third insisted. "The most effective prayer position is lying prostrate, face down on the floor." The repairman could contain himself no longer. "Hey, fellas, " he interrupted, "the best prayin' I ever did was hangin' upside down from a telephone pole." revdauphinee answered on 10/26/05: whatever works for you works best! paraclete rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 10/26/05 - her's one for the Ladies? Old folks are worth a fortune... ld folks are worth a fortune. With silver in their hair, gold in their teeth, stones in their kidneys, lead in their feet and gas in their stomachs. I have become a lot more social with the passing of the years; some might even call me a frivolous old gal. I'm seeing five gentlemen every day. As soon as I wake, Will Power helps me get out of bed. Then I go see John. Then Charley Horse comes along, and when he is here, he takes a lot of my time and attention. When he leaves, Arthur Ritis shows up and stays the rest of the day. (He doesn't like to stay in one place very long, so he takes me from joint to joint.) After such a busy day. I'm really tired and glad to go to bed -- with Ben Gay. What a life! P.S. The preacher came to call the other day. He said that, at my age, I should be thinking about the hereafter. I told him I do -- all the time. No matter where I am -- in the parlor, upstairs, in the kitchen or down in the basement -- I ask myself, "Now what am I here after?" The only thought I have is, who is this Ben Gay anyway? revdauphinee answered on 10/26/05: you mean all those guys are two timing me ? bucker rated this answer paraclete rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 10/26/05 - Wisdom Just thought I would share this 25 Phrases Of Wisdom 1. If you're too open minded, your brains will fall out. 2. Age is a very high price to pay for maturity. 3. Going to church doesn't make you a Christian any more than going to a garage makes you a mechanic. 4. Artificial intelligence is no match for natural stupidity. 5. If you must choose between two evils, pick the one you've never tried before. 6. My idea of housework is to sweep the room with a glance. 7. Not one shred of evidence supports the notion that life is serious. 8. It is easier to get forgiveness than permission. 9. For every action, there is an equal and opposite government program. 10. If you look like your passport picture, you probably need the trip. 11. Bills travel through the mail at twice the speed of checks. 12. A conscience is what hurts when all your other parts feel so good. 13. Eat well, stay fit, die anyway. 14. Men are from earth. Women are from earth. Deal with it. 15. No husband has ever been shot while doing the dishes. 16. A balanced diet is a cookie in each hand. 17. Middle age is when broadness of the mind and narrowness of the waist change places. 18. Opportunities always look bigger going than coming. 19. Junk is something you've kept for years and throw away three weeks before you need it. 20. There is always one more imbecile than you counted on. 21. Experience is a wonderful thing. It enables you to recognize a mistake when you make it again. 22. By the time you can make ends meet, they move the ends. 23. Thou shalt not weigh more than thy refrigerator. 24. Someone who thinks logically provides a nice contrast to the real world. AND . . . (drum roll please?) 25. Blessed are they who can laugh at themselves for they shall never cease to be amused. now I think I can relate to everyone of these, how about you? revdauphinee answered on 10/26/05: 2. Age is a very high price to pay for maturity. I must agree with that one! bucker rated this answer paraclete rated this answer

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curious98 asked on 10/26/05 - Not great prospects ahead, are there? By Jim Malone Washington 25 October 2005 "President Bush A new public opinion poll includes some bad news for President Bush and his Republican allies in Congress. But the survey also indicates that opposition Democrats are not seen as offering much of an alternative. The Battleground Poll is sponsored by George Washington University. It is unique because it is carried out by two top political pollsters, one a Republican, the other a Democrat. The survey was conducted in mid-October and found declining approval ratings for President Bush and the Republican Party. Only 44 percent of those polled approved of the job President Bush is doing. That figure is slightly higher than some other recent polls that put the president's approval at an all-time low. Pollster Ed Goeas is the Republican half of the Battleground team. "The mounting casualties of American troops in Iraq, the higher gas prices certainly put a dampening on any of the good news about the economy and you had the surfacing scandals with Republicans in the House, the Senate and the White House, potential scandals," said Mr. Goeas. Democratic pollster Celinda Lake is the other half of the Battleground team. She says this latest survey, like other recent public opinion polls, indicates a lot of unhappiness about the direction of the country. "And that pessimism has increased over the course of this year and reached an all time high. Two-thirds of voters say the country is headed in the wrong direction," she noted. The release of the new Battleground Poll came on the same day that President Bush was urging Americans to stand fast in Iraq as a major battlefield in the war on terrorism. "Having removed the dictator who hated free peoples, we will not stand by as a new set of killers, dedicated to the destruction of our country, seizes control of Iraq by violence," said Mr. Bush. Opposition Democrats continue to criticize the president on Iraq but seem divided over what to do there. Only a few Democrats have called for the outright withdrawal of U.S. troops. But many Democrats are calling on the administration for a more specific plan on getting U.S. forces out of Iraq. Democratic Party Chairman and former presidential contender Howard Dean told ABC television that he would like to see some troops heading home soon. "We have done our job. We have gotten in there. I think the president has made a terrible mess of it and created a terrorist nest where there was none before," said Mr. Dean. "But by his criteria, he has gone there, they have a democratic process [under way]; now it is time to start figuring out how to get our folks out." But the latest Battleground survey also suggests Democrats have done little to make themselves a viable alternative on a range of issues including Iraq, homeland security and the economy. Once again, Democratic pollster Celinda Lake. "There is a real void right now in terms of what the alternative is. And right now, Democrats suffer from the fact that Americans are disillusioned and distrustful of government in general," she added. "They tend to be feeling more negative about the Republicans, but not particularly positive about the Democrats." Republican pollster Ed Goeas says questions about the Democrats' ability to take advantage of the president's weakened political situation should be a source of encouragement for Republicans. "But the Democrats, whether you look at the image of the Democratic Party, whether you look at Democrats in Congress, not only did not gain anything, they actually had their negatives go up some during this period of time," he explained. The poll indicates the president and Republicans continue to hold an advantage on issues related to terrorism and taxes. Democrats do better on domestic issues like health care, jobs and education. The October poll surveyed 1,000 registered likely voters nationwide and has a margin of error of plus or minus three percent" Courtsey: Voice of America. Curious98 revdauphinee answered on 10/26/05: My oppinion has not changed one iota i was not a republican supporter then and im still not ! curious98 rated this answer

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curious98 asked on 10/26/05 - How many more? How many more, yet? "Oct. 26, 2005 � Staff Sgt. George T. Alexander Jr. had promised his 8-year-old son and 6-year-old daughter that he would be coming home to Killeen, Texas, just after Christmas. On Tuesday, the Pentagon announced that Alexander died Saturday in San Antonio of wounds suffered Oct. 17 in a blast in Samarra, 60 miles north of the Iraqi capital. The American death toll in the Iraq war has reached 2,000" Courtesy of ABC News. Curious98 revdauphinee answered on 10/26/05: war is the worst in humanity coming out but what is the alternative to bow to wards mecca and worship Allah!"Practice Islaam??? curious98 rated this answer

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curious98 asked on 10/26/05 - Wilma *By ABBY GOODNOUGH and JOSEPH B. TREASTER Published: October 26, 2005 - New York Times MIAMI, Oct. 25 - South Florida was a coast-to-coast mess on Tuesday as millions of people remained without power, huge lines formed for basic supplies and drivers wove through packed, debris-strewn streets with no traffic signals. Despite Gov. Jeb Bush's assurances that recovery from Hurricane Wilma would proceed smoothly after lessons learned from seven previous storms, the government response looked frayed. In Broward and Miami-Dade Counties, people lined up for ice and water only to learn that government deliveries of both were late. Many busy intersections had no police officers to guide impatient drivers. Schools and most businesses remained closed as dazed multitudes wandered in search of food, gasoline and cellphone reception. The one bit of luck was blissfully cool air, brought in by the storm, that made the lack of air-conditioning endurable. A day after Hurricane Wilma struck, leaving at least six dead, power had been restored to several hundred thousand households and businesses by Tuesday evening. But 3.1 million still had no electricity, including about 93 percent of customers in Broward and Miami-Dade Counties. Eleven other counties also reported power failures, many of them widespread. Officials at Florida Power and Light said some customers might have to wait four weeks. More than half of the shelters that opened for the storm had already closed on Tuesday, but about 50 still held more than 7,000 evacuees, state officials said. There were scattered reports of looting, and dawn-to-dusk curfews remained in place throughout the region. Water pressure was low in many places, and residents were advised to boil what came out of their faucets, a hopeless proposition for the legions whose stoves and microwaves were dead. President Bush, criticized for a slow response to Hurricane Katrina, planned to come to Florida on Thursday to inspect hurricane damage, the White House announced. Especially frustrating for many people were the waits for ice and water at distribution points that opened hours later than promised, if at all. Mike DeLorenzo, chief of Florida's Emergency Response Team, said that traffic and debris prevented trucks from arriving on time. At the Orange Bowl in downtown Miami, cars wrapped around the stadium and families waited hours to get their share. "My mom is at home, she's bedridden and she needs her fluids," said Milagros Arocena, whose car barely advanced during the hour she had waited. "This line is incredible, but I don't know where else to go." Deena Reppen, a spokeswoman for Governor Bush, said long lines and supply shortages were to be expected in the first 24 hours after a hurricane. "The state is working around the clock with local and federal partners to push more food, water and ice into the area," she said. In Miami-Dade County, where only 6 of 11 ice and water stations opened around the promised time of 2 p.m., Mayor Carlos Alvarez promised that the rest would open by day's end and said that all things considered, the delay was not bad. "Let me just say that it's been a logistical challenge," he said. "We are trying to make good on a very bad situation. Can we improve? Obviously." Mr. Alvarez said that only 10 percent of the county's 2,600 traffic lights were working and that about 40 accidents, including 12 that were serious, had occurred as a result. He said that the county courts would be closed for the rest of the week but that the port would reopen to cruise ships and trucks on Wednesday. Miami International Airport reopened for limited flights on Tuesday afternoon despite extensive damage to terminal roofs and jet bridges. Fort Lauderdale International Airport remained closed except to private aircraft. However, across the state in Naples, just north of where the hurricane made landfall early Monday, ice and water distribution appeared to be going more smoothly. Abby Goodnough reported from Miami for this article, and Joseph B. Treaster from Naples. Neil Reisner contributed reporting from Fort Lauderdale, Terry Aguayo from Miami, Tim O'Hara from Key West and Joe Follick from Tallahassee." One would say that after so many years of hurricanes, in Florida, and in the Gulf Coast, the USA should be able to handle conflicting situations like these in a much better way, would you not say so? Curious98 revdauphinee answered on 10/26/05: Especially frustrating for many people were the waits for ice and water at distribution points that opened hours later than promised, if at all. sound like Katrina was here! curious98 rated this answer

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curious98 asked on 10/26/05 - Rosa Parks Nearly 50 years ago, Rosa Parks, an African-American, made a simple decision that inspired a revolution. While riding in the front of a segregated bus in Montgomery, Alabama, a white man demanded she give up her seat. Rosa Parks Rosa Parks said no. "I didn't want to. I didn't think I should have to. I didn't feel that it was the right thing for us to be enduring." Parks was arrested, tried and found guilty of violating local segregation laws. Her arrest triggered a 381day boycott of the city bus system by the black community, who were the largest users, after all. That boycott ended after the U.S. Supreme Court ruled the city's segregated busing policy was illegal and set off a chain of events that led to the end of legalized segregation in the United States. Rosa Parks became known as the mother of the civil rights movement and continued her fight for equality on the national stage. After all this time, would you claim the problem does NO LONGER exist? Honest comments, only, please Curious98 revdauphinee answered on 10/26/05: only a fool would say the problem does NO LONGER exists however due to heros like rosa parksits gotten oh so much better !I live in the rural south and have done so for many years ,when I came here before the civil rights movement tokk hold it was a different world than the one it is now.Ill admit there are a few stubborn old codgers down here who wish for "their" good old days But today they are in the minority the younger ones know better than to inherit those predudices ideas .at the risk I know of not being believed we have a new south today what we do have is a whole lot of northerners who havew never even seen here who continue do berate us for our past! I write this as a "proud" Not "predudiced Mississippian curious98 rated this answer

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Erewhon asked on 10/25/05 - The threat ..... Do you consider the theat that "some folks" might be getting black stars from now on a terrorist threat, and, if so, what precautions should be taken to keep us all safe? All answers get ***** because that's the kind of guy I am. revdauphinee answered on 10/26/05: that "some folks" might be getting black stars from now on who cares???I always say stars dont mean much to me anyhow Erewhon rated this answer

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arcura asked on 10/25/05 - The founder of American Conservatism speaks once more here. Russlell Kirk (1918 � 1994) is noted as to be the founded of the American of conservative movement. This was his view way back then in the 1950s. "Avarice has been the exacting passion of society for more than a century. In every age, for that matter, avarice -- like the other deadly sins -- is incalculably powerful; but societies governed by moral tradition always have endeavored to keep this vice under... Our modern time, however, has seen the relaxation of nearly every curb upon avarice. Avarice, naked or veiled, now is popularly acclaimed a virtue. Established interests honor avarice; and so do aspiring talents... And I am inclined to think that the Age of Gluttony, with its burlesque of Christian morality for sanction, would open the way, after a brief interval, to Amargeddon. One lust is never gratified, and that is the lust for power." He defines a conservative thus: "[C]onservatism begins with the premise that we must be obedient to a transcendent order which has given us natural law. And the nature of man being flawed, the evil part of his nature, lusting after power and aggrandizement, envious and violent, must be restrained by custom, authority, and a balanced government which checks power with power. This conversvatism holds that a man finds his happiness in fulfilment of his duties, in purposeful work, and in being part of a community and a great continuity, rather than in the satisfaction of every material desire." -- Russell Kirk, "Beyond Dreams of Avarice 1. Do you think that the Republican Party is as Kirk described? 2. Is G.D. Bush? PLEASE Just answer the questions as asked. Peace and kindness, Fred revdauphinee answered on 10/26/05: the nature of man being flawed, the evil part of his nature, lusting after power and aggrandizement, envious and violent, 1. Do you think that the Republican Party is as Kirk described?---- YES 2. Is G.D. Bush? ---- YES arcura rated this answer

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HANK1 asked on 10/25/05 - FAIRNESS: Guys, I'm not griping but ... do you think it's fair to expect a rating for a one or two sentence answer? These sentences have been showing up as wisecracks and put-downs. Most Experts write at least a paragraph. Why should the former be rated the same as the latter? The same effort has not been put into the answer. HAMK revdauphinee answered on 10/25/05: Do you realy put that much stock in these ratings ??they mean nothing,some folks will give a bad one just cause they think they dont like you (as if they even know the real you)the ratings ive found dont even mean theyve even read the whole answer!also if someone askes me a question that can be answered by just one word then ill do so! arcura rated this answer ATON2 rated this answer Erewhon rated this answer HANK1 rated this answer

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arcura asked on 10/25/05 - What would you do? Please think about it!������ You were just elected president of the USA. You take office tomorrow. First on your agenda is the war on terror and the one in Iran and Afghanistan. Regardless of what you may or may not have said during your campaign and keeping in mind the powers and limits of the presidency you must present your plan on what you propose to do about the above to your cabinet and congress. Keep in mind all the personnel and equipment we have scattered around the world and the agreements and treaties we have signed and in force. Also keep in mind the jobs, businesses and industries that must prosper in order to pay taxes if nothing else. So what is your plan? Please keep it to less than 300 words Have serious fun in your think box with this. All answers I think are serious get five stars. All others get...... You guessed it! Fred revdauphinee answered on 10/25/05: do you seriously think a woman can be elected ??? I wont put what i would do it would start something on here i dont want to deal with right now! arcura rated this answer Erewhon rated this answer

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bucker asked on 10/25/05 - THE LAW IS THE LAW? This is one of the better e-mails I have received in a long time! I hope this makes its way around the USA several times over!!!!! So Be It! THE LAW IS THE LAW So if the US government determines that it is against the law for the words "under God" to be on our money, then, so be it. And if that same government decides that the "Ten Commandments" are not to be used in or on a government installation, then, so be it. I say, "so be it," because I would like to be a law abiding US citizen. I say, "so be it," because I would like to think that smarter people than I are in positions to make good decisions. I would like to think that those people have the American public's best interests at heart. BUT, YOU KNOW WHAT ELSE I'D LIKE? Since we can't pray to God, can't Trust in God and cannot post His Commandments in Government buildings, I don't believe the Government and its employees should participate in the Easter and Christmas celebrations which honor the God that our government is eliminating from many facets of American life. I'd like my mail delivered on Christmas, Good Friday, Thanksgiving & Easter. After all, it's just another day. I'd like the US Supreme Court to be in session on Christmas, Good Friday, Thanksgiving & Easter as well as Sundays. After all, it's just another day. I'd like the Senate and the House of Representatives to not have to worry about getting home for the "Christmas Break." After all it's just another day. I'm thinking that a lot of my taxpayer dollars could be saved, if all government offices & services would work on Christmas, Good Friday & Easter. It shouldn't cost any overtime since those would be just like any other day of the week to a government that is trying to be "politically correct." In fact.... I think that our government should work on Sundays (initially set aside for worshipping God...) because, after all, our government says that it should be just another day.... What do you all think???? If this idea gets to enough people, maybe our elected officials will stop giving in to the minority opinions and begin, once again, to represent the 'majority' of ALL of the American people. SO BE IT........... Please Dear Lord, Give us the help needed to keep you in our country! 'Amen' and 'Amen' Touche! These are definitely things I never thought about but from now on, I will be sure to questions those in government who support these changes. At the top, it says "I hope this makes its way around the USA several times over!!!!!" Let's see that it does. Keep it in your mailbox and resend it whenever someone new comes along. revdauphinee answered on 10/25/05: have to agree with you on this ine! bucker rated this answer

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STONY asked on 10/25/05 - A HALF HOUR WEST OF DAYTONA BEACH.... SUNDAY NIGHT ABOUT 10:30 IT STARTED RAINING AND NEAR 11 A.M. IT STOPPED. BY 1 P.M. MONDAY THE SUN WAS SHINING AGAIN AND WE HAD VERY LITTLE DAMAGE HERE WHERE I LIVE. 60 MILES SOUTH AND EAST OF HERE IT WAS QUITE A DIFFERENT STORY, THEY GOT THE HURRICANE. ALL SEEMS TO BE WELL AND BACK TO NORMAL. revdauphinee answered on 10/25/05: I am so glad for you it was quite different here but katrina was in no hurry she stayed around too long! STONY rated this answer

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arcura asked on 10/24/05 - Bucker likes to offer stories like this. So do I �� Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star Wishing to encourage her young son's progress on the piano, a mother took her boy to a Paderewski concert. After they were seated, the mother spotted an old friend in the audience and walked down the aisle to greet her. Seizing the opportunity to explore the wonders of the concert hall, the little boy rose and eventually explored his way through a door marked "NO ADMITTANCE." When the house lights dimmed and the concert was about to begin, the mother returned to her seat and discovered that the child was missing Suddenly, the curtains parted and spotlights focused on the impressive Steinway on stage. In horror, the mother saw her little boy sitting at the keyboard, innocently picking out "Twinkle,Twinkle Little Star." At that moment, the great piano master made his entrance, quickly moved to the piano, and whispered in the boy's ear, "Don't quit.""Keep playing." Then, leaning over, Paderewski reached down with his left hand and began filling in a bass part. Soon his right arm reached around to the other side of the child, and he added a running obbligato. Together, the old master and the young novice transformed what could have been a frightening situation into a wonderfully creative experience. The audience was so mesmerized that they couldn't recall what else the great master played. Only the classic, " Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star." Perhaps that's the way it is with God. What we can accomplish on our own is hardly noteworthy. We try our best, but the results aren't always graceful flowing music. However, with the hand of the Master, our life's work can truly be beautiful. The next time you set out to accomplish great feats, listen carefully. You may hear the voice of the Master, whispering in your ear, "Don't quit." "Keep playing." May you feel His arms around you and know that His hands are there, helping you turn your feeble attempts into true masterpieces. Remember, God doesn't seem to call the equipped, rather, He equips the 'called.' revdauphinee answered on 10/25/05: thank you I enjoyed this ! arcura rated this answer bucker rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 10/24/05 - How smart are you? Smarter than Einstein? At the conclusion of the sermon, the worshipers filed out of the sanctuary to greet the minister. As one of them left, he shook the minister's hand, thanked him for the sermon and said, "Thanks for the message, Reverend. You know, you must be smarter than Einstein." Beaming with pride, the minister said, "Why, thank you, brother!" As the week went by, the minister began to think about the man's compliment. The more he thought, the more he became baffled as to why anyone would deem him smarter than Einstein. So he decided to ask the man the following Sunday. The next Sunday he asked the parishioner if he remembered the previous Sunday's comment about the sermon. The parishioner replied that he did. The minister asked: "Exactly what did you mean that I must be smarter than Einstein?" The man replied, "Well, Reverend, they say that Einstein was so smart that only ten people in the entire world could understand him. But Reverend, no one can understand you." revdauphinee answered on 10/25/05: good one reminds me of one in a church I visited sunday evening!Ranting and raving and saying nothing paraclete rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 10/24/05 - now I wonder if that would work around here? The Dead Church new Pastor in a small Oklahoma town spent the first four days making personal visits to each of the members, inviting them to come to his first services. The following Sunday the church was all but empty. Accordingly, the Pastor placed a notice in the local newspapers, stating that, because the church was dead, it was everyone's duty to give it a decent Christian burial. The funeral would be held the following Sunday afternoon, the notice said. Morbidly curious, a large crowd turned out for the "funeral." In front of the pulpit, they saw a closed coffin, smothered in flowers. After the Pastor delivered the eulogy, he opened the coffin and invited his congregation to come forward and pay their final respects to their dead church. Filled with curiosity as to what would represent the corpse of a "dead church," all the people eagerly lined up to look in the coffin. Each "mourner" peeped into the coffin then quickly turned away with a guilty, sheepish look. In the coffin, tilted at the correct angle, was a large mirror. revdauphinee answered on 10/25/05: this is true however I am not of the oppinion that going to a church makes one a Christian any more than going into the garage will make you a car! Its a personal relationship with Jesus nothing more ! paraclete rated this answer

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HANK1 asked on 10/24/05 - ATTACHMENT: Attachment involves a person's behavior that is independent of his/her direct needs. It assumes that humans are social beings who do NOT just use other people to satisfy their drives. I believe this applies to a poor or lower middle-class person but not the upper middle-class, the rich and the wealthy. Those who come into money can go one of two ways: Be greedy and keep it for him/herself OR spread it around and make friends. I have found over the years that many of my poor friends did the latter and the former became outcasts. If a working class became a ruling class, I readily believe that a Democracy would remain except for the 'self-dealing' turkeys who are running the show now. Most poor people have a tendency to appreciate what they come by. As we know, the ruling class doesn't. Wouldn't it be great to see those in Congress digging ditches 40 hours a week, 52 weeks a year without medical insurance? Putting on a new pair of shoes is great ... if you're a poor person. Others take it foregranted. Do you? HANK revdauphinee answered on 10/24/05: Wouldn't it be great to see those in Congress digging ditches 40 hours a week, 52 weeks a year without medical insurance? after trying to live on $250 a week it would be a treat to me! HANK1 rated this answer

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sapphire630 asked on 10/24/05 - A C&P brought to u by sapph Squirrels on crack Oct 7, 2005 NATURE lovers fear that squirrels could become hooked on crack cocaine plundered from addicts' hidden stashes. The furry animals are thought to be behind a new drugs turf war in Brixton - stealing rocks of crack hidden in front gardens. Tough police action to rid the town centre of dealers and addicts has seen crackheads abandon their usual drug stash hideouts. But the blitz has displaced some dealing into nearby residential streets. Drug addicts are known to be hiding small stashes of crack rocks in people's front lawns late at night. Squirrels have been spotted in the same front gardens, seemingly hunting out the buried narcotics. The discovery has led some residents to speculate that the squirrels are already in the grips of addiction. One resident, who asked for his name to be withheld, told the South London Press. "I was chatting with my neighbour who told me that crack users and dealers sometimes use my front garden to hide bits of their stash. "An hour earlier I'd seen a squirrel wandering round the garden, digging in the flowerbeds. "It looked like it knew what it was looking for. "It was ill-looking and its eyes looked bloodshot but it kept on desperately digging. "It was almost as if it was trying to find hidden crack rocks." Crack squirrels are a recognised phenomena in the US. They are known to live in parks frequented by addicts in New York and Washington DC. The squirrels have attacked park visitors in their frenzied search for their next fix. An RSPCA spokesman said he was unaware of the squirrels taking crack in Brixton. ---------------------------------- Maybe they (the police) should team these squirrels up with the drug sniffing police dogs. revdauphinee answered on 10/24/05: that kida scares me we here in Miss love stewed sqirrell and rice guess ill have to change my diet! sapphire630 rated this answer

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kindj asked on 10/24/05 - Can I agree with Karl Marx? Or at least a part of his ideology? Now that I have your attention, let me elaborate a bit before the pitchforks and torches come out. Last night at church, I was in a small group where we were discussing various subjects having to do with forgiveness. I put forth the opinion that while we (Christians) are commanded to forgive, we are NOT commanded to be passive doormats for the world. THAT sentiment is something constructed by people who don't understand the faith and forced down the faithful's throats until they themselves believe it. But I digress... During one of the many "off on a tangent" episodes, I pointed out the notable corruption in the "higher" levels of society. A pretty fair percentage of politicians, lawyers, CEO's, and other high-powered types seem to be corrupt at the expense of those below them. I am NOT insinuating anything about either political party; they BOTH have members that are guilty. I also know that there are many, many good lawyers and ethical CEO's. My argument is that across population categories, the politicians, lawyers, and CEO-types have a disproportionate number of unethical members compared with other groups. I went on to say that I now understood Marx's idea of the "worker class" (which I figure is everyone who suffers because of the corruption) rising up against the "bourgoise." Now, it need not be a bloody revolution like some envision. But I see a time when the American people, along with many of our world neighbors, finally get pissed off enough to say "enough is enough" and remove these clowns from their pedastals. What do you think? DK revdauphinee answered on 10/24/05: What do you think? I think it will never happen !to many of the so called worker class are too uneducated to realize they are voting in the clowns! kindj rated this answer

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ROLCAM asked on 10/24/05 - Reflections # 4. How do I show my love for neighbour ? revdauphinee answered on 10/24/05: By being there in times of need and by witnessing (through example) your faith in Jesus! ROLCAM rated this answer

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ROLCAM asked on 10/24/05 - Reflections # 3. How do I show my love for GOD ? revdauphinee answered on 10/24/05: By following his word as far as humanly possible!and by becoming an example to others ROLCAM rated this answer

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ROLCAM asked on 10/24/05 - Reflections # 2. Subject:- Proclaiming the Gospel. 1)With argument and coercion; or 2)With my Christian example of faith, hope and love ? Seeking genuine help. revdauphinee answered on 10/24/05: 1)With argument and coercion; Never ever works forget this! 2)With my Christian example of faith, hope and love ? almost never fails! bucker rated this answer ROLCAM rated this answer

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ROLCAM asked on 10/24/05 - Reflections # 1. How do I proclaim the Gospel ? revdauphinee answered on 10/24/05: By living it! the lost pay attention to what you do and how you live not just what you say! bucker rated this answer ROLCAM rated this answer

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Erewhon asked on 10/24/05 - Alexander Solzhenitsyn unmasks the weakness of secular humanism Perhaps the most graphic illustration of godlessness versus belief as it impinged, not only directly on the lives of men, but also on their political machinery, was that brief moment at Harvard, in 1978, when Alexander Solzhenitsyn spoke so soberly in the rain to its graduates. "Yet there is a disaster which is already very much with us," he explained to them, apparently uncomprehending and unprepared that his words would apply to them. " I am referring to the calamity of an autonomous irreligious humanistic consciousness. It has made man the measure of all things on earth -- imperfect man, who is never free of pride, self-interest, vanity, and dozens of other defects. .... "On the way from the Renaissance to our day we have enriched our experience, but we have lost the concept of a Supreme Complete Entity which used to restrain our passions and irresponsibility. "We have placed too much hope in politics and social reforms, only to find out that we were being deprived of our most precious possession, our spiritual life. ... "If, as claimed by humanism, man were born only to be happy, he would not be born to die." Comments? revdauphinee answered on 10/24/05: We have placed too much hope in politics and social reforms, only to find out that we were being deprived of our most precious possession, our spiritual life. ... never were truer words spoken Good for Alexander Solzhenitsyn ATON2 rated this answer Choux rated this answer Erewhon rated this answer excon rated this answer

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Choux asked on 10/23/05 - Famous Convert Newsweek, Oct 31, 2005 issue::By David Gates Newsweek "Sometimes Anne Rice won't leave her bedroom for days on end�and neither would you. Glass doors open onto a terrace that looks over the red-tiled roofs of La Jolla, Calif., to the Pacific Ocean. A live-in staffer brings meals to the table at the foot of her ornately carved wooden bed, which faces an ornately carved stone fireplace. She exercises in a huge bike-in closet. She's got two computers and enough books to last her a year. Splendid isolation? Splendid, sure. But she's often got family visiting in a downstairs guest suite, she reads The New York Times every morning�"Nicholas Kristof is a hero to me"�watches news "till I can't stand it anymore," and spends up to an hour and a half a day e-mailing with her extraordinarily faithful readers. They've been worried about her. After 25 novels in 25 years, Rice, 64, hasn't published a book since 2003's "Blood Chronicle," the tenth volume of her best-selling vampire series. They may have heard she came close to death last year, when she had surgery for an intestinal blockage, and also back in 1998, when she went into a sudden diabetic coma; that same year she returned to the Roman Catholic Church, which she'd left at 18. They surely knew that Stan Rice, her husband of 41 years, died of a brain tumor in 2002. And though she'd moved out of their longtime home in New Orleans more than a year before Hurricane Katrina, she still has property there�and the deep emotional connection that led her to make the city the setting for such novels as "Interview With the Vampire." What's up with her? "For the last six months," she says, "people have been sending e-mails saying, 'What are you doing next?' And I've told them, 'You may not want what I'm doing next'." We'll know soon. In two weeks, Anne Rice, the chronicler of vampires, witches and�under the pseudonym A. N. Roquelaure�of soft-core S&M encounters, will publish "Christ the Lord: Out of Egypt," a novel about the 7-year-old Jesus, narrated by Christ himself. "I promised," she says, "that from now on I would write only for the Lord." It's the most startling public turnaround since Bob Dylan's "Slow Train Coming" announced that he'd been born again. Meeting the still youthful-looking Rice, you'd never suspect she'd been ill�except that on a warm October afternoon she's chilly enough to have a fire blazing. And if you were expecting Morticia Addams with a strange new light in her eyes, forget it. "We make good coffee," she says, beckoning you to where a silver pot sits on the white tablecloth. "We're from New Orleans." Rice knows "Out of Egypt" and its projected sequels�three, she thinks�could alienate her following; as she writes in the afterword, "I was ready to do violence to my career." But she sees a continuity with her old books, whose compulsive, conscience-stricken evildoers reflect her long spiritual unease. "I mean, I was in despair." In that afterword she calls Christ "the ultimate supernatural hero ... the ultimate immortal of them all." To render such a hero and his world believable, she immersed herself not only in Scripture, but in first-century histories and New Testament scholarship�some of which she found disturbingly skeptical. "Even Hitler scholarship usually allows Hitler a certain amount of power and mystery." She also watched every Biblical movie she could find, from "The Robe" to "The Passion of the Christ" ("I loved it"). And she dipped into previous novels, from "Quo Vadis" to Norman Mailer's "The Gospel According to the Son" to Tim LaHaye and Jerry Jenkins's apocalyptic Left Behind series. ("I was intrigued. But their vision is not my vision.") She can cite scholarly authority for giving her Christ a birth date of 11 B.C., and for making James, his disciple, the son of Joseph by a previous marriage. But she's also taken liberties where they don't explicitly conflict with Scripture. No one reports that the young Jesus studied with the historian Philo of Alexandria, as the novel has it�or that Jesus' family was in Alexandria at all. And she's used legends of the boy Messiah's miracles from the noncanonical Apocrypha: bringing clay birds to life, striking a bully dead and resurrecting him. Rice's most daring move, though, is to try to get inside the head of a 7-year-old kid who's intermittently aware that he's also God Almighty. "There were times when I thought I couldn't do it," she admits. The advance notices say she's pulled it off: Kirkus Reviews' starred rave pronounces her Jesus "fully believable." But it's hard to imagine all readers will be convinced when he delivers such lines as "And there came in a flash to me a feeling of understanding everything, everything!" The attempt to render a child's point of view can read like a Sunday-school text crossed with Hemingway: "It was time for the blessing. The first prayer we all said together in Jerusalem ... The words were a little different to me. But it was still very good." Yet in the novel's best scene, a dream in which Jesus meets a bewitchingly handsome Satan�smiling, then weeping, then raging�Rice shows she still has her great gift: to imbue Gothic chills with moral complexity and heartfelt sorrow. Rice already has much of the next volume written. ("Of course I've been advised not to talk about it.") But what's she going to do with herself once her hero ascends to Heaven? "If I really complete the life of Christ the way I want to do it," she says, "then I might go on and write a new type of fiction. It won't be like the other. It'll be in a world that includes redemption." Still, you can bet the Devil's going to get the best lines. � 2005 Newsweek, Inc. Do you want Anne Rice writting for the Lord? revdauphinee answered on 10/24/05: Do you want Anne Rice writting for the Lord? why not if he can do for me what he has done why not her ,I will definatly read the book when i can obtain a copy.Just because one starts out on the wrong road does not mean you cant be re routed I know I was!Thanks be to God for a new road map Christ Jesus! Choux rated this answer

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Choux asked on 10/23/05 - Unkindest Cut of All For clete, the Australian who bad mouths American media:: "TALK show host Rove McManus's plan to show a vasectomy live on TV has sparked outrage. Australian Medical Association state president Dr Mark Yates said the show was trivialising a serious decision. "If the decision is made in flippant circumstances and there is a requirement later for a reversal, that represents an awful waste of valuable resources," he said. Family Association national vice-president Bill Muehlenberg said Channel 10 was "scraping the bottom of the barrel". McManus said: "I'm very excited at the prospect of speaking live to someone undergoing something that would make the toughest Aussie bloke's eyes water." The program on Tuesday will cross live to a Sydney clinic." Comments??? revdauphinee answered on 10/24/05: when they start televising such as this all I have to say is thank God for the off switch!! Choux rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 10/23/05 - will you oppose the new Nazi threat? Nazi racoons on the march From correspondents in Berlin October 24, 2005 GERMANY is battling a new threat - "Nazi" raccoons that are ruining the country's wine harvest half a century after Hermann Goering introduced them, saying they would "enrich" the local wildlife. Goering ordered the creatures released into the German countryside in 1934. Since then, they have spread through central Europe because they have no natural predators there. They are now destroying Germany's grape harvest. "Raccoons wiped out almost the entire harvest in a matter of days," said Werner Kothe, who operates a vineyard in the Brandenburg region. The situation has become so serious in Brandenburg that officials have hired bounty hunters to cull raccoons. Scientists estimate there may be more than a million in Germany, and say they are spreading to neighbouring countries at an alarming rate. revdauphinee answered on 10/23/05: Sounds like some good old boys with shotguns are needed over there!evr tried coon and cornbread its good!If any of my german friends need it I have a recipee!LOL paraclete rated this answer

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Erewhon asked on 10/23/05 - Well, that stopped the clock, but, now for a serious question ... As a Christian or any kind of believer, "Do you believe that your first duty is to your God or to the President/ruler of your nation, and what do you do if you truly believe that your President/ruler is not doing God's will in something? Who do you choose - God or the President/ruler" Please - no lists of names! The witch hunt is temporarily on hold. revdauphinee answered on 10/23/05: God of course what do you do if you truly believe that your President/ruler is not doing God's will in something? make your vote count whenever possible! ATON2 rated this answer bucker rated this answer Erewhon rated this answer

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excon asked on 10/23/05 - Time to step up Hello Christians: Bucker posed a question about some mythical person. This person disagrees with bucker on a number of issues, and apparently because of that, he accuses this person (or persons) of some pretty vile things. Many/most of you signed on to buckers comments. So, my question is for all of you. Just who were you and bucker talking about? You should excuse me if I thought much of what he was saying was directed at me. While I take personal offense at some of the remarks, this isn�t about hurt feelings. I want to know about your politics. If these thoughts were NOT directed at me, who were they directed at? After all, I disagree with bucker on most issues. And, I am the antithesis of bucker - a liberal, Jewish/atheist, left coaster, marijuana smoker, and an exconvict to boot. I fit the bill perfectly. Could I be the mythical person? If not me, who? Aton, clete, choux, sarnian? All of us are against the war. By the same token, bucker is not mythical to me. I imagine him to be white, old, southern, evangelical and red necked. He fits the bill perfectly. I have no problem naming him. So, I�m asking you to put a face on buckers comments. Please, again - not a personal face, but a political one. Here�s why I don�t think you will. Because the accusation of treason is so over the top, that none of you have the gumption to name names. What? That person isn�t on this web site? Bull! I�m calling your bluff. Name the traitor. Or forever hold your tongue. excon revdauphinee answered on 10/23/05: he fits your imagination?! "I imagine him to be white, old, southern, evangelical and red necked." He fits the bill perfectly! so do I, I am white,old, somewhat evangelical,and since working in the hot sun gives one a red neck I qualify there also But It was not always that way I also was once Many years ago "a liberal, Jewish/atheist, left coaster, marijuana smoker,"So my freind there is hope for you yet ! Love ya Dottie! ATON2 rated this answer bucker rated this answer Erewhon rated this answer excon rated this answer Pete_Hanysz rated this answer

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HANK1 asked on 10/23/05 - NON-BELIEVERS: How do non-believers combat boredom, loneliness and helplessness? HANK revdauphinee answered on 10/23/05: so sad that hey have to ! bucker rated this answer HANK1 rated this answer

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HANK1 asked on 10/23/05 - BELIEVERS: How do believers combat boredom, loneliness and helplessness? HANK revdauphinee answered on 10/23/05: Im a believer 1)Iam never bored! 2)I am never ever lonely Isaiah 41:10 10. So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. 1 Corinthians 5: 3. Even though I am not physically present, I am with you in spirit. 3) helplessness? What is that??? Matthew 19:but with God all things are possible." HANK1 rated this answer

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HANK1 asked on 10/23/05 - ANSWERING QUESTIONS: "How To Answer Questions in a Helpful Way" "Be gentle. Problem-related stress can make people seem rude or stupid even when they're not. Reply to a first offender off-line. There is no need of public humiliation for someone who may have made an honest mistake. A real newbie may not know how to search archives or where the FAQ is stored or posted. If you don't know for sure, say so! A wrong but authoritative-sounding answer is worse than none at all. Don't point anyone down a wrong path simply because it's fun to sound like an expert. Be humble and honest; set a good example for both the querent and your peers. If you can't help, don't hinder. Don't make jokes about procedures that could trash the user's setup � the poor sap might interpret these as instructions. Ask probing questions to elicit more details. If you're good at this, the querent will learn something � and so might you. Try to turn the bad question into a good one; remember we were all newbies once. While just muttering RTFM is sometimes justified when replying to someone who is just a lazy slob, a pointer to documentation (even if it's just a suggestion to Google for a key phrase) is better. If you're going to answer the question at all, give good value. Don't suggest kludgy workarounds when somebody is using the wrong tool or approach. Suggest good tools. Reframe the question. Help your community learn from the question. When you field a good question, ask yourself �How would the relevant documentation or FAQ have to change so that nobody has to answer this again?� Then send a patch to the document maintainer. If you did research to answer the question, demonstrate your skills rather than writing as though you pulled the answer out of your butt. Answering one good question is like feeding a hungry person one meal, but teaching them research skills by example is teaching them to grow food for a lifetime." Citation: "How To Ask Questions The Smart Way" by Eric Steven Raymond HANK revdauphinee answered on 10/23/05: and what about being truthfull???? HANK1 rated this answer

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Erewhon asked on 10/22/05 - The UK's New Archbishop The Church of England�s new Archbishop of York, Ugandan-born Dr John Sentamu, has been receiving racist hate mail since the announcement of his appointment. He is the Church�s most senior black appointee. Dr Sentamu, who has challenged the churches in Britain on their own racism, said last week that since he was chosen as the Church of England's second-in-command earlier this summer, he has received letters daubed with swastikas and containing excrement. "I have been victim of all sorts of things," he declared in an interview at Lambeth Palace reported in the Sunday Times newspaper. "I have had a lot of terrible racist hate mail even since my appointment as archbishop." Dr Sentamu, who has promised to speak up for social justice in his fresh role, said that he sometimes stared at people and wondered if it was they who were "writing these terrible, terrible letters". But he added �I also wake up every morning and I am breathing and I say, 'it�s a good day; it's going to be okay'." The Archbishop of York, formerly Bishop of Birmingham and an inner city priest in South London, recalled that he had been the victim of racist threats while sitting on the inquiry into the murder of Stephen Lawrence, the black teenager. He was sent a photograph of the murdered boy. "Under it were the words, 'You are next'," said Dr Sentamu. "It was written in red ink." He passed the photograph and some hateful and menacing letters to the police, though nobody has been charged. In 2002 the "virulent threats" turned to violence when Dr Sentamu was attacked on his way home from a service at St Paul's Cathedral. "A young man spat on me and said 'nigger go back'," the archbishop said. "He then pushed me down an escalator. I had to go to hospital. I had just finished singing hymns and he realised where I had come from." In the past Dr Sentamu has said that when he has been stopped by the police he has been treated less than courteously until his ordained status has been revealed, criticising the style of some stop-and-search policies directed against black people. He played a major role in encouraging the churches to speak out against institutional racism in 1999, in the light of the Lawrence enquiry. He also chaired the Damilola Taylor review. He backs the extension of 'restorative justice' programmes. Despite his experience of hate mail, Archbishop John Sentamu declares: "The United Kingdom compared to the rest of Europe is trying desperately hard to be a loving, inclusive society� I feel at home here.� Born and educated in Uganda, where he practised as a barrister and a judge, Dr Sentamu was an outspoken critic of Idi Amin's regime, before coming to the UK in 1974. [Dr Sentamu has written a foreword to a new book, 'Rejection, Resistance and Resurrection: Speaking Out Against Racism in the Church' by Mukti Barton, his former adviser on black and Asian issues.] ==== Does this sound like a religious man who has no social conscience? revdauphinee answered on 10/22/05: one thing these folks need to remember is that we all bleed red no mater what color on the outside and God loves us all Erewhon rated this answer

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HANK1 asked on 10/22/05 - POSITIVE ATHEISM: "Morality is a social necessity, the moment faith in god is banished, man's gaze turns from god to man and he becomes socially conscious. Religious belief prevented the growth of a sense of realism. But atheism at once makes man realistic and alive to the needs of morality." - Gora Any comments? HANK revdauphinee answered on 10/22/05: Nonesence ! excon rated this answer HANK1 rated this answer

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excon asked on 10/22/05 - I have a question. Hello Christians: Why do we, as Americans, put up with liars? They do everything they can to make this country look bad. They bash the men and women who disagree with them. They are trying to turn the American people into a herd of sheep who keep their mouths shut. They don�t believe in any opinions that differs from their own. They call the opposition the most vile names, like traitor and enemy. They�re sneaky and they play one of us against the other. This whole thing is to make us shut up and never criticize the government again. They don�t like this country the way it is. They want one voice to be heard, and it�s probably not yours. They�re Fascists. Let us never forget this. excon revdauphinee answered on 10/22/05: They don�t like this country the way it is. They want one voice to be heard, and it�s probably not yours. Funny thing is they call this freedom! excon rated this answer

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Laura asked on 10/22/05 - Remember when..... TO ALL THE KIDS WHO SURVIVED the 1930's, 40's, 50's, 60's and 70's !! First, we survived being born to mothers who smoked and/or drank while they carried us. They took aspirin, ate blue cheese dressing and didn't get tested for diabetes. Then after that trauma, our baby cribs were covered with bright colored lead-based paints. We had no childproof lids on medicine bottles, doors or cabinets and when we rode our bikes, we had no helmets, not to mention, the risks we took hitchhiking. As children, we would ride in cars with no seat belts or air bags. Riding in the back of a pick up on a warm day was always a special treat. We drank water from the garden hose and NOT from a water bottle. We shared one soft drink with four friends, from one bottle, and NO ONE actually died from this. We ate cupcakes, bread and butter and drank soda pop with sugar in it, but we weren't overweight because WE WERE ALWAYS OUTSIDE PLAYING! We would leave home in the morning and play all day, as long as we were back when the streetlights came on. No one was able to reach us all day. And we were O.K. We would spend hours building our go-carts out of scraps and then ride down the hill, only to find out we forgot the brakes. After running into the bushes a few times, we learned to solve the problem. We did not have Playstations, Nintendo's, X-boxes, no video games at all, no 99 channels on cable, no video tape movies, no surround sound, no cell phones, no personal computers, no Internet or Internet chat rooms.......... WE HAD FRIENDS . . . we went outside and found them! We fell out of trees, got cut, broke bones and teeth and there were no lawsuits from these accidents. We made up games with sticks and tennis balls and ate worms and although we were told it would happen, we did not put out very many eyes, nor did the worms live in us forever. We rode bikes or walked to a friend's house and knocked on the door or rang the bell, or just walked in and talked to them! Little League had tryouts and not everyone made the team. Those who didn't had to learn to deal with disappointment. Imagine that!! The idea of a parent bailing us out if we broke the law was unheard of. They actually sided with the law! This generation has produced some of the best risk-takers, problem solvers and inventors ever! The past 50 years have been an explosion of innovation and new ideas. We had freedom, failure, success and responsibility, and we learned HOW TO DEAL WITH IT ALL! And YOU are one of them! You might want to share this with others who have had the luck to grow up as kids, before the lawyers and the government regulated our lives for our own good. revdauphinee answered on 10/22/05: liveds in big city and was alowed to play in the street till the street lights came on and stayed safe!can u believe??? Laura rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 10/22/05 - Here is how willing Islam is to live peacefully with Christians Christian DVD sparks riot Muslims clash with police outside Egyptian church; 1 dead, 90 wounded Saturday, October 22, 2005 Posted: 0201 GMT (1001 HKT) ALEXANDRIA, Egypt (AP) -- One person died and more than 90 were injured as thousands of Muslims rioted outside a Coptic Christian church Friday to denounce a play deemed offensive to Islam. Police responded by beating protesters and firing tear gas into the crowd, officials said. Police said 53 protesters were arrested as people hurled stones, smashed windows and tried to storm St. George Church. Protesters also set a police car on fire and wrecked eight other cars, the Interior Ministry said in a statement. A photographer for The Associated Press saw police fire rubber bullets into the crowd, causing injuries. Police claimed officers fired rubber bullets only into the air while trying to disperse the crowd. One protester, Mohammed Zakaraya Hassan, 48, died after being trampled and inhaling tear gas, according to a police official, who spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to speak to the media. The Interior Ministry described the protesters as "fanatic elements" who "escalated a negative reaction to a play." The ministry said about 5,000 Muslims marched to the church after Friday noon prayers at mosques. "The police tried to prevent (the demonstrators) from approaching the church and attacking it, but the protesters did not heed the warnings and started to hurl stones at the church, security forces and pedestrians," the ministry said. The riot was sparked by the distribution of a DVD of a play that was performed at the church two years ago. The play, "I Was Blind But Now I Can See," tells the story of a young Christian who converts to Islam and becomes disillusioned. The church's director, the Rev. Augustinous, said it was difficult to explain the reaction to a one-time performance that took place two years ago. "There are so many questions on what is behind all of that," he told the AP in a telephone interview. He denied the play was offensive to Islam because its Christian hero is ultimately saved by a Muslim friend. Egyptian security officials accused Islamic militants of distributing the DVDs to stoke sectarian tensions ahead of legislative elections Nov. 9. The Muslim Brotherhood, the country's largest Islamic group, denied any involvement in Friday's demonstration. Coptic Christians make up about 10 percent of Egypt's 70 million people, who are overwhelmingly Muslim. Accusations of forced conversion are common in the country. revdauphinee answered on 10/22/05: this was no surprise to me! ATON2 rated this answer bucker rated this answer paraclete rated this answer

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HANK1 asked on 10/21/05 - ABSOLUTELY BRILLIANT: Major General Dr. Vernon Chong, USAF, Ret. wrote this: "Our World problem" "To get out of a difficulty, one usually must go through it. Our country is now facing the most serious threat to its existence, as we know it, that we have faced in your lifetime and mine (which includes WWII! ). The deadly seriousness is greatly compounded by the fact that there are very few of us who think we can possibly lose this war and even fewer who realize what losing really means. First, let's examine a few basics: 1. When did the threat to us start? Many will say September 11th, 2001. The answer as far as the United States is concerned is 1979, 22 years prior to September 2001, with the following attacks on us: Iran Embassy Hostages, 1979; Beirut, Lebanon Embassy 1983; Beirut, Lebanon Marine Barracks 1983; Lockerbie, Scotland Pan-Am flight to New York 1988; Dhahran, Saudi Arabia Kh! obar Towers Military complex 1996; Nairobi, Kenya US Embassy 19 98; Dares Salaam, Tanzania US Embassy 1998; Pentagon 2001. (Note that during the period from 1981 to 2001 there were 7,581 terrorist attacks worldwide). 2. Why were we attacked? Envy of our position, our success, and our freedoms. The attacks happened during the administrations of Presidents Carter, Reagan, Bush 1, Clinton and Bush 2. We cannot fault either the Republicans or Democrats as there were no provocations by any of the presidents or their immediate predecessors, Presidents Ford or Carter. 3. Who were the attackers? In each case, the attacks on the US were carried out by Muslims. 4. What is the Muslim population of the World? 25% 5. Isn't the Muslim Religion peaceful? Hopefully, but that is really not material. There is no doubt that the predominately Christian population of Germany was peaceful, but under the dictatorial leadership of Hitler (who was also Christian), that made no difference. You either went along with the administration or you were eliminated. There were 5 to 6 million Christians killed by the Nazis for political reasons (including 7,000 Polish priests). (see http://www.nazis.testimony.co.uk/7-ahtm). Thus, almost the same number of Christians were killed by the Nazis as the 6 million holocaust Jews who were killed by them, and we seldom heard of anything other than the Jewish atrocities. Although Hitler kept the world focused on the Jews, he had no hesitancy about killing anyone who got in his way of exterminating the Jews or of taking over the world - German, Christian or any others. Same with the Muslim terrorists. They focus the world on the US, but kill all in the way -- their own people or the Spanish, French or anyone else. The point here is: that just like the peaceful Germans were of no protection to anyone from the Nazis, no matter how many peaceful Muslims there may be, they are no protection from the terrorist Muslim leaders and what they are fanatically bent on doing -- by their own pronouncements-- killing all of us "infidels." I don't blame the peaceful Muslims. What would you do if the choice was shut up or die? 6. So who are we at war with? There is no way we can honestly respond that it is anyone other than the Muslim terrorists. Trying to be politically correct and avoid verbalizing this conclusion can well be fatal. There is no way to win if you don't clearly recognize and articulate who you are fighting. So with that background, now to the two major questions: 1. Can we lose this war? 2. What does losing really mean? If we are to win, we must clearly answer these two pivotal questions. We can definitely lose this war, and as anomalous as it may sound, the major reason we can lose is that so many of us simply do not fathom the answer to the second question: What does losing mean? It would appear that a great many of us think that losing the war means hanging our heads, bringing the troops home and going on about our business, like post Vietnam. This is as far from the truth as one can get. What losing really means is: We would no longer be the premier country in the world. The attacks will not subside, but rather will steadily increase. Remember, they want us dead, not just quiet. If they had just wanted us quiet, they would not have produced an increasing series of attacks against us over the past 18 years. The plan was clearly for terrorists to attack us, until we were neutered and submissive to them. We would of course have no future support from other nations, for fear of reprisals and for the reason that they would see that we are impotent, and cannot help them. They will pick off the other non-Muslim nations, one at a time. It will be increasingly easier for them. They already hold Spain hostage. It doesn't matter whether it was right or wrong for Spain to withdraw its troops from Iraq. Spain did it because the Muslim terrorists bombed their train and told them to withdraw the troops. Anything else they want Spain to do will be done. Spain is finished. The next will probably be France. Our one hope on France is that they might see the light and realize that if we don't win, they are finished too, in that they can't resist the Muslim terrorists without us. However, it may already be too late for France. France is already 20% Muslim and fading fast! If we lose the war, our production, income, exports and way of life will all vanish as we know it. After losing, who would trade or deal with us, if they were threatened by the Muslims. If we can't stop the Muslims, how could anyone else? The Muslims fully know what is riding on this war, and therefore are completely committed to winning, at any cost. We'd better know it too, and be likewise committed to winning at any cost. Why do I go on at such lengths about the results of losing? Simple. Until we recognize the costs of losing, we cannot unite and really put 100% of our thoughts and efforts into winning. And it is going to take that 100% effort to win. So, how can we lose the war? Again, the answer is simple. We can lose the war by "imploding." That is, defeating ourselves by refusing to recognize the enemy and their purpose, and really digging in and lending full support to the war effort. If we are united, there is no way that we can lose. If we continue to be divided, there is no way that we can win! Let me give you a few examples of how we simply don't comprehend the life and death seriousness of this situation. President Bush selects Norman Mineta as Secretary of Transportation. Although all of the terrorist attacks were committed by Muslim men between 17 and 40 years of age, Secretary Mineta refuses to allow profiling. Does that sound like we are taking this thing seriously? This is war! For the duration, we are going to have to give up some of the civil rights we have become accustomed to. We had better be prepared to lose some of our civil rights temporarily, or we will most certainly lose all of them permanently. And don't worry that it is a slippery slope. We gave up plenty of civil rights during WWII, and immediately restored them after the victory and in fact added many more since then. Do I blame President Bush or President Clinton before him? No, I blame us for blithely assuming we can maintain all of our Political Correctness, and all of our civil rights during this conflict and have a clean, lawful, honorable war. None of those words apply to war. Get them out of your head. Some have gone so far in their criticism of the war and/or the Administration that it almost seems they would literally like to see us lose. I hasten to add that this isn't because they are disloyal. It is because they just don't recognize what losing means. Nevertheless, that conduct gives the impression to the enemy that we are divided and weakening. It concerns our friends, and it does great damage to our cause. Of more recent vintage, the uproar fueled by the politicians and media regarding the treatment of some prisoners of war, perhaps exemplifies best what I am saying. We have recently had an issue, involving the treatment of a few Muslim prisoners of war, by a small group of our military police. These are the type of prisoners who just a few months ago were throwing their own people off buildings, cutting off their hands, cutting out their tongues and otherwise murdering their own people just for disagreeing with Saddam Hussein. And just a few years ago these same type of prisoners chemically killed 400,000 of their own people for the same reason. They are also the same type of enemy fighters who recently were burning Americans, and dragging their charred corpses through the streets of Iraq. And still more recently, the same type of enemy that was and is providing videos to all news sources internationally, showing the beheading of American prisoners that they held. Compare this with some of our press and politicians, who for several days have thought and talked about nothing else but the "humiliating" of some Muslim prisoners -- not burning them, not dragging their charred corpses through the streets, not beheading them, but "humiliating" them. Can this be for real? The politicians and pundits have even talked of impeachment of the Secretary of Defense. If this doesn't show the complete lack of comprehension and understanding of the seriousness of the enemy we are fighting, the life and death struggle we are in and the disastrous results of losing this war, nothing can. To bring our country to a virtual political standstill over this prisoner issue makes us look like Nero playing his fiddle as Rome burned -- totally oblivious to what is going on in the real world. Neither we, nor any other country, can survive this internal strife. Again I say, this does not mean that some of our politicians or media people are disloyal It simply means that they are absolutely oblivious to the magnitude of the situation we are in, and into which the Muslim terrorists have been pushing us, for many years. Remember, the Muslim terrorists' stated goal is to kill all infidels! That translates into all non-Muslims -- not just in the United States, but throughout the world. We are the last bastion of defense. We have been criticized for many years as being 'arrogant.' That charge is valid in at least one respect. We are arrogant in that we believe that we are so good, powerful and smart, that we can win the hearts and minds of all those who attack us, and that with both hands tied behind our back, we can defeat anything bad in the world! We can't! If we don't recognize this, our nation as we know it will not survive, and no other free country in the World will survive if we are defeated. And finally, name any Muslim countries throughout the world that allow freedom of speech, freedom of thought, freedom of religion, freedom of the press, equal rights for anyone (let alone everyone), equal status or any status for women---or that have been productive in one single way that contributes to the good of the world. This has been a long way of saying that we must be united on this war or we will be equated in the history books to the self-inflicted fall of the Roman Empire. If, that is, the Muslim leaders will allow history books to be written or read. If we don't win this war right now, keep a close eye on how the Muslims take over France in the next 5 years or less. They will continue to increase the Muslim population of France and continue to encroach little by little on the established French traditions. The French will be fighting among themselves over what should or should not be done, which will continue to weaken them and keep them from any united resolve. Doesn't that sound eerily familiar? Democracies don't have their freedoms taken away from them by some external military force. Instead, they give their freedoms away, politically correct piece by politically correct piece. And they are giving those freedoms away to those who have shown, worldwide, that they abhor freedom and will not apply it to you or even to themselves, once they are in power. They have universally shown that when they have taken over, they then start brutally killing each other over who will be the few who control the masses. Will we ever stop hearing from the politically correct, about the "peaceful Muslims"? I close on a hopeful note, by repeating what I said above. If we are united, there is no way that we can lose. I hope now after the election, the factions in our country will begin to focus on the critical situation we are in, and will unite to save our country. It is your future we are talking about! Do whatever you can to preserve it. After reading the above, we all must do this not only for ourselves, but our children, our grandchildren, our country and the world. Whether Democrat or Republican, conservative or liberal --- and that includes the politicians and media of our country and the free world---Please forward this to any you feel may want, or NEED to read it. Our "leaders" in Congress ought to read it, too. There are those that find fault with our country, but it is obvious to anyone who truly thinks through this, that we must UNITE." revdauphinee answered on 10/21/05: Remember, the Muslim terrorists' stated goal is to kill all infidels! AGREED! HANK1 rated this answer

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hOPE12 asked on 10/21/05 - Why do people do what they do? Hello Everyone, How are you all doing? I am really sad because I saw this on the news about a women named Lashaun Harris, who is 23 years old, in San Francisco, who took off her children�s clothing and tossed their naked bodies in the San Francisco bay. They were three boys, were Taronta 2, Treshaun 6 and Josha 16 monthes old. They were able to recover the bodies of the older two but the 16 month old Joshua was not recovered as of yet. The mother of these children was to protect them and love them. How could a mother do such a terrible thing so as to fling them into a cold, dark waters of the bay and �still live herself? Those poor babies. I am not a person who seeks to find revenge but I certainly am fighting what my heart feels. What could make anyone do such a horrific thing, especially a mother who gives birth to such a precious gift of life? Take care, Hope12 revdauphinee answered on 10/21/05: do you not believe in demonic posesion???satan is alive and well and visiting San Francisco ATON2 rated this answer CeeBee2 rated this answer Choux rated this answer hOPE12 rated this answer Liz22 rated this answer LTgolf rated this answer Pete_Hanysz rated this answer

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bucker asked on 10/21/05 - I have a question. We, who are Christians, and also Americans. Why do we as Americans, and also Christians, tolorate people who put down everything America does? They look for everything bad they can find to bash our men and women who are fighting for us. Trying to win a conflict, which has been going on for years. Have you thought about the reason behind this? I say that they are tying to turn the American people against our Government, against our leaders, it would not matter if they were Democrats or Republicans, and against our fighting men and women. This divides a country, and this is what they want. As an American, I know that there are some good things about our country. But I never hear these people say one single good thing about America. We must ask ourselves, why do I listen to these people, when I know that they only want to hurt me. These are not our friends! These are our enemies, But the worst kind. They are sneaky. They use fine words, enticing words, and confusing words. They will play one of us against the other. They will play up to one, and make them think they are on their side. Then they will use them to bash another. Somewhere down the line, it will be you getting bashed. This whole thing is to divide, and conquer. If they can keep Americans fighting among ourselves, then we become an easy target. Remember what President Lincoln said, United we stand, divided we fall. Let us never for get this. revdauphinee answered on 10/21/05: in spite of what many say America was formed as a Christian nation and does not scripture tell us we would eventualy be persecuted in his name?? bucker rated this answer

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arcura asked on 10/21/05 - No more "Christ" with a capital C in the Netherlands Brussels, Oct. 19, 2005 (CNA) - According to a new grammar rule in the Netherlands and Belgium, the name "Christ" will soon be written with a lower-case "c", as stipulated by an orthography reform published last Friday. According to the Kath.net agency, the new spelling rules also will stipulate that the Dutch word for "jews" (joden) be spelled with a capital "J" when referring to nationality and with a lower-case "j" when referring to the religion. The changes will be mandatory starting in August 2006. revdauphinee answered on 10/21/05: another victory for Satan so many go bye and we hardly even notice! arcura rated this answer Pete_Hanysz rated this answer

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arcura asked on 10/20/05 - Why in do you suppose he would do this????????? Jackson flees United States for new life in Arab state Friday Oct 21, 2205 By RAYMOND HAINEY DETHRONED King of Pop Michael Jackson has quit the United States permanently for a new home in the Arab state of Bahrain, it was revealed yesterday. The news was revealed after Jackson - acquitted on child sex abuse charges in June - was called for jury service in Santa Barbara, California. The jury service papers were delivered to his luxurious mansion, Neverland - but there was no-one home. Jackson's lawyers have now filed paperwork for a deferment of jury duty based on the fact that the singer now lives abroad. His lawyer, Thomas Mesereau, who defended Jackson on the sex abuse charges, confirmed: "He is permanently living outside of the United States." Santa Barbara's jury commissioner, Gary Blair, said that it was likely that Jackson would now be excused from jury service. "All he has to do is show that he has legal residence elsewhere and he'll be exempted," he said. Jackson and his three children, Prince Michael, Paris and Prince Michael II, fled to the oil-rich state by private jet at the end of June. He has been living in a palace owned by Prince Abdulla bin Hamen Al Khalifa, the son of Bahrain's King Hamad and a long-time friend of Jackson's brother Jermaine. Jackson has taken to wearing traditional Arab robes and headgear to avoid attracting attention to himself and to fit in with local culture. It was widely reported that Jackson had bought a lavish property and 14 acres of land next door to Prince Abdulla's palace, but that was later denied by a spokeswoman for the singer. In August, Jackson was seen in Dubai, where he was shown around the United Arab Emirates city by King Hamad's son, Mohammed bin Sulayem. Jackson has been lying low since he walked free from a Californian court in June after being cleared of ten charges which included allegations that he sexually molested cancer survivor Gavin Arvizo, then aged 13, in 2003. Jackson was also cleared on charges of giving the boy alcohol, conspiring to commit child abduction, false imprisonment and extortion. revdauphinee answered on 10/21/05: like bucker said who cares! arcura rated this answer ATON2 rated this answer

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Erewhon asked on 10/20/05 - Jesus said ... Matthew 5:44 But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you" Jesus says of those you esteem as enemies: Love them Bless them Do good to them pray for them. Can you do all the above without being 'nice' to them? revdauphinee answered on 10/21/05: But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you" sometimes what we do out of love can be percieved otherwise! "Love them! By telling them the truth about thier beliefs and that they are worshiping wrongly Bless them! want them to have the freedom you have and to achieve life everlasting free from sin Do good to them! help them to free themselves from tyrany and religious persecution pray for them." To see the error of there ways! Iis not this what we are doing for the practicers of Islaam??? Erewhon rated this answer

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Choux asked on 10/20/05 - Interesting Harris Poll results as published in the Wall Street Journal::: "A new Harris Interactive poll that measures support for each of 12 different health-care policies, programs or practices, finds significant public support for a range of issues ranging from the conventional to more controversial. The online survey of 2,242 U.S. adults found an overwhelming majority (96%) of Americans "strongly" or "somewhat" favor Medicare, the medical assistance program for the elderly and disabled, while ****91% say they support Medicaid****, the program to assist people with very low incomes. The poll also showed high support for policies or practices that are considered more controversial. ***Eighty-seven percent*** of those polled say they support funding of international HIV prevention and treatment programs, while ****75% favor universal health insurance****, compared with 17% who oppose it. Another **70% support embryonic stem-cell research**, compared with about 19% who oppose it". Along with other political/economic developments during the Bush years, this poll shows that the **vast majority** of Americans have no interest in the radical right wing "Christian Conservative" agendas..... Comments? revdauphinee answered on 10/21/05: I think (but then I am one so am predudiced )seniors should get free medical care due to there having given a life of use to the countries ,here in America there are many like me who recently had to tear up a prescription due to its cost I spend about $600 a month on my medicines and just cant handle any more !also I dont think physicians gice a lot of thought to who they are prescribing the expencive stuff for! I know for sure on my next visit my Doc and I are going to have to have a talk.I live in a senior complex and know for a fact many here must choose between the grocery store and the pharmacy. Choux rated this answer

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bucker asked on 10/20/05 - Grandma's pet duck There was a little boy visiting his grandparents on their farm. He was given a slingshot to play with in the woods. He practiced in the woods, but he could never hit the target. Getting a little discouraged, he headed back for dinner. As he was walking back he saw Grandma's pet duck. Just out of impulse, he let the slingshot fly, hit the duck square in the head, and killed it. He was shocked and grieved. In a panic, he hid the dead duck in the wood pile, only to see his sister watching! Sally had seen it all, but she said nothing. After lunch the next day Grandma said, "Sally, let's wash the dishes." But Sally said, "Grandma, Johnny told me he wanted to help in the kitchen." Then she whispered to him, "Remember the duck?" So Johnny did the dishes. Later that day, Grandpa asked if the children wanted to go fishing and Grandma said, "I'm sorry but I need Sally to help make supper." Sally just smiled and said," Well that's! all right because Johnny told me he wanted to help." She whispered again, "Remember the duck?" So Sally went fishing and Johnny stayed to help. After several days of Johnny doing both his chores and Sally's he finally couldn't stand it any longer. He came to Grandma and confessed that he had killed the duck. Grandma knelt down, gave him a hug, and said, "Sweetheart, I know. You see, I was standing at the window and I saw the whole thing. But because I love you, I forgave you. I was just wondering how long you would let Sally make a slave of you." Thought for the day and every day thereafter: Whatever is in your past, whatever you have done-and the devil keeps throwing it up in your face (lying, debt, fear, hatred, anger, unforgiveness, bitterness, whatever it is, you need to know that God was standing at the window and He saw the whole thing, He has seen your whole life. He wants you to know that He loves you and that you are forgiven. He's just wonder! ing how long you will let the devil make a slave of you. The great thing about God is that when you ask for forgiveness, He not only forgives you, but He forgets - It is by God's Grace and Mercy that we are saved. revdauphinee answered on 10/21/05: yes we cannot hide from God!The only person we fool is ourselves! bucker rated this answer

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Erewhon asked on 10/20/05 - Pat Robertson says ... You say you're supposed to be nice to the Episcopalians and the Presbyterians and the Methodists and this, that, and the other thing. Nonsense, I don't have to be nice to the spirit of the Antichrist. I can love the people who hold false opinions but I don't have to be nice to them. -Pat Robertson ==================== Why is he right or wrong? revdauphinee answered on 10/20/05: Not interested in what Pat robertsone thinks "Jesus said" is whats important! Erewhon rated this answer

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Ccl471 asked on 10/20/05 - Discount Sellers of Christian Media I found a website called Discount Christian Software. Their URL is: http://www.christian-software.org/index.html They are selling the Logos Scholar's Library Silver Edition for $749.96. I used to think Christianbook.com had good prices, but they're selling the same item for $799.99. Logos Bible Software's site is selling the item for full retail at $999.95. Can you recommend me a website of Christian books, video, software, etc., that has even better prices than Discount Christian Software? (If such a site even exists) Many thanks, C.L. revdauphinee answered on 10/20/05: I got Bible library special edition with 5 translations including greek,also several comentaties dictionaries and a built in search for just $9.95 AT MY LOCAL WALMART !nOT ALL OF US HAVE THE RESOURCES TO PAY HUNDREDS OF DOLLARS!(excuse the caps) Ccl471 rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 10/20/05 - here comes another US whitewash SBS shows troops burning Taliban bodies October 20, 2005 - 7:39AM SBS has broadcast footage of what it says is United States soldiers burning two dead Taliban fighters as they faced Mecca and using the charred and smoking corpses in a propaganda campaign in southern Afghanistan. The Dateline report, broadcast on Wednesday night, said US soldiers burnt the bodies for hygiene reasons but then a US psychological operations unit broadcast a propaganda message on loudspeakers to Taliban fighters, taunting them to retrieve their dead and fight. In Washington, the US Defence Department has expressed concern over the report and promised it will be "aggressively investigated." "These are very serious allegations and, if true, very troublesome," Pentagon spokesman Bryan Whitman told Reuters. "It is the policy of the United States, as well as the Defence Department, to treat all remains consistent with the Geneva Convention and with the utmost respect. These allegations will be aggressively investigated and, if proven to be true, the individuals will be held appropriately accountable," Whitman said. A US military statement released in Afghanistan said army criminal investigators had launched a probe "into alleged misconduct by US service members, including the burning of dead enemy combatant bodies under inappropriate circumstances". "This command does not condone the mistreatment of enemy combatants or the desecration of their religious and cultural beliefs," US Major General Jason Kamiya said in the statement. "This alleged action is repugnant to our common values, is contrary to our commands approved tactical operating procedures, and is not sanctioned by this command." Dateline said the story was filmed in early October. The footage of the burning corpses was shot by Australian photojournalist Stephen DuPont who was embedded with a US unit. Dateline said the two Taliban fighters burnt on hills above the village of Gondaz north of Kandahar were killed by the US soldiers the night before. The footage showed flames licking two charred corpses, their legs and arms outstretched, and a group of five US soldiers standing watching from a rocky ledge. Footage showed two US soldiers reading two messages from a notebook that they said had earlier been broadcast. "Attention Taliban you are cowardly dogs," read the first soldier, identified as psychological operations specialist Sergeant Jim Baker. "You allowed your fighters to be laid down facing west and burnt. You are too scared to retrieve their bodies. This just proves you are the lady boys we always believed you to be." The other unidentified soldier read a second message, part of which said: "You attack and run away like women. You call yourself Talibs but you are a disgrace to the Muslim religion, and you bring shame upon your family. Come and fight like men instead of the cowardly dogs you are." � 2005 AAP I expect the report will be a little more than troublesome revdauphinee answered on 10/20/05: since all know my oppinion on these stories i wont even go there! arcura rated this answer paraclete rated this answer

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bucker asked on 10/19/05 - THE BLOOD One night in a church service a young woman felt the tug of God at her heart. She responded to God's call and accepted Jesus as her Lord and Savior. The young woman had a very rough past, involving alcohol, drugs, and prostitution. But, the change in her was evident. As time went on she became a faithful member of the church. She eventually became involved in the ministry, teaching young children. It was not very long until this faithful young woman had caught the eye and heart of the pastor's son. The relationship grew and they began to make wedding plans. This is when the problems began. You see, about one half of the church did not think that a woman with a past such as hers was suitable for a pastor's son. The church began to argue and fight about the matter. So they decided to have a meeting. As the people made their arguments and tensions increased, the meeting was getting completely out of hand. The young woman became very upset about all the things being brought up about her past. As she began to cry the pastor's son stood to speak. He could not bear the pain it was causing his wife to be. He began to speak and his statement was this: "My fiancee's past is not what is on trial here. What you are questioning is the ability of the blood of Jesus to wash away sin. Today you have put the blood of Jesus on trial. So, does it wash away sin or not?" The whole church began to weep as they realized that they had been slandering the blood of the Lord Jesus Christ. Too often, even as Christians, we bring up the past and use it as a weapon against our brothers and sisters. Forgiveness is a very foundational part of the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. If the blood of Jesus does not cleanse the other person completely then it cannot cleanse us completely. If that is the case, then we are all in a lot of trouble. What can wash away my sins? Nothing but the blood of Jesus! End of case!!!! "Cast thy burden upon the Lord, and he shall sustain thee he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved." Psalm 55:23 revdauphinee answered on 10/20/05: Thanks be to God I am not judged for my past if I were I probably would have been stoned! Christians are not perfect we are just forgiven!!! bucker rated this answer

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arcura asked on 10/19/05 - Now here is something that makes sense to me....... Interfaith Statement Urges Wide Immigration Reform U.S. Bishops' Conference Joins Effort WASHINGTON, D.C., OCT. 19, 2005 (Zenit.org).- The U.S. bishops' conference joined 37 other national religious organizations in a call for comprehensive reform "that establishes a safe and humane immigration system." Citing passages from Hebrew Scriptures, the New Testament and the Koran, the interfaith statement draws the attention of lawmakers to the "moral dimensions of public policy," and urged them to "pursue policies that uphold the human dignity of each person." In addition to the 38 national religious organizations, 69 local religious organizations, including religious orders and diocesan Catholic Charities affiliates, and numerous individual religious leaders endorsed the interfaith statement. Specifically, the statement calls for reforms which include: -- "An opportunity for hard-working immigrants who are already contributing to this country to come out of the shadows, regularize their status upon satisfaction of reasonable criteria and, over time, pursue an option to become lawful permanent residents and eventually United States citizens; -- "Reforms in our family-based immigration system to significantly reduce waiting times for separated families who currently wait many years to be reunited; -- "The creation of legal avenues for workers and their families who wish to migrate to the U.S. to enter our country and work in a safe, legal, and orderly manner with their rights fully protected; and -- "Border protection policies that are consistent with humanitarian values and with the need to treat all individuals with respect, while allowing the authorities to carry out the critical task of identifying and preventing entry of terrorists and dangerous criminals, as well as pursuing the legitimate task of implementing American immigration policy." revdauphinee answered on 10/20/05: when I came here i was also EXPECTED to take a ohysical to insure iwas not bringing in any contagious disease (still a great idea) Also what the heck is wrong with the idea of having to come here legaly as many folks did ??? arcura rated this answer

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Choux asked on 10/19/05 - Cremating Taliban Story ANDAHAR, Afghanistan, Oct. 19 (UPI) -- An Australian television station has shown U.S. soldiers in Afghanistan burning bodies of dead Taliban -- an act of desecration in the Islamic tradition. The SBS network's Dateline show reported Wednesday that the troops then broadcast taunts about the desecration into a nearby village believed to shelter Taliban sympathizers. Cremation is an act offensive to Muslims and a possible breach of the Geneva Conventions governing the treatment of enemy remains in wartime. The U.S. military told the program that they burned the bodies for hygiene reasons, an explanation that its reporters doubted. The Pentagon had no immediate comment. The Dateline footage showed soldiers burning the bodies and a U.S. Army psychological operations unit broadcasting taunts about the act via loudspeaker into a nearby village believed to be sheltering Taliban and their sympathizers. The village, Gonbaz in southern Afghanistan, is about 60 miles from the former Taliban stronghold of Kandahar. According to a translation of the taunts, which were delivered in the local language, provided by U.S. forces at the scene, Taliban fighters thought hiding nearby were callec "cowardly dogs". "You allowed your fighters to be laid down facing west and burned. You are too scared to retrieve their bodies. This just proves you are the lady boys we always believed you to be," the message said, according to a transcript of the program provided by SBS. "We know who you are," the message continued, "Your time in Afghanistan is short. You attack and run away like women. You call yourself Talibs but you are a disgrace to the Muslim religion and you bring shame upon your family. Come and fight like men instead of the cowardly dogs you are." Muslim funeral tradition requires that bodies be washed, prayed over, wrapped in white linen and buried, if possible within 24 hours. According to the Geneva Conventions the disposal of war dead "should be honorable, and, if possible, according to the rites of the religion to which the deceased belonged." In May this year, inaccurate reports that U.S. jailers at its detention center at Guantanamo bay, Cuba, had desecrated a copy of the Koran by flushing it down the toilet were cited as a cause of rioting in Afghanistan and Pakistan that killed dozens of people. Yeah, I didn't believe you Clete, but here is the story. revdauphinee answered on 10/19/05: whilst I do not condone this practice (Cremation is an act offensive to Muslims) they need to also remember( beheading is an offence to christians ) Choux rated this answer LTgolf rated this answer paraclete rated this answer

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JesseJamesDupree asked on 10/19/05 - Am I backslidden or Mature? When I was first Saved, for the first year or two I ran around telling whoever would listen,(Even those that wouldn't) about how they ought to repent and accept Jesus Christ as their Savior, I still do occasionally but it seems I've tempered my approach the last year or so. I believe that each person needs to feel the need to repent, they don't need any help from me, cause Lord knows i am a sinner ONLY SAVED THROUGH GRACE. So basically I kind of let people alone, if they have a question they ask me, but basically I mind my own business. Every one where I work knows I'm a Christian and frankly I don't feel the need to be "Holier than Thou", so is this the mark of a backslider or a Maturing Christian? Inquiring minds want to know;) revdauphinee answered on 10/19/05: ramming our own faith down anyones throught never works lost folks pay more attention to what we do than wht we say anyway! CeeBee2 rated this answer JesseJamesDupree rated this answer

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arcura asked on 10/19/05 - 150 years supply of gas and oil awaites in USA the main land ground. This from Agape Press.... Montana's governor says his state and many others have enough coal to meet the energy needs of the U.S. for the next 150 years or so. Brian Schweitzer is urging the federal government to put more resources into an 82-year-old process to convert coal into gasoline -- and he thinks it is a national security issue. Governor Schweitzer says he has had conversations with officials from the Department of Defense about what they think the next major conflict will be. Their conclusion, says the governor, is that it is going to be war about oil. "Every day, when you fill up your car with gasoline, a portion of that money makes it into the pockets of some of these dictators," Schweitzer says, "and those dictators are giving some of that money to these international terrorists to destroy our way of life." That causes the Montana chief executive to wonder: "Why would we continue to import oil from all of these rascals and crooks from around the world when we could look to our own resources?" Schweitzer claims it was those conversations with the DoD that led him to pursue clean coal technology, which converts coal directly to liquids. "They recognize the war that we're going to fight in the next generation is going to be a war about oil," he shares. "And all over the world we have folks we buy oil from who already are not our friends, who are already contributing to international terrorism to try to destroy our way of life." According to Schweitzer, his state contains about 30 percent of the nation's coal supply. He adds that countries like South Africa and Communist China are already converting coal to oil. [Chad Groening] revdauphinee answered on 10/19/05: never happen as long as Bush and his oil baron buddies are in controll! arcura rated this answer

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kindj asked on 10/19/05 - Don't put away the mops Or the checkbooks just yet. Looks like we've got a record-breaking hurricane bearing down yet again. And to think I was actually considering a move to the gulf coast a year ago... http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/9710472/ revdauphinee answered on 10/19/05: yeah and im thinking of moving away this is getting old! kindj rated this answer

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ROLCAM asked on 10/19/05 - A VERY VEXED QUESTION ?? Tony, an 82-year-old expatriate with advanced lung cancer, had an overweening desire to go home there to lay his bones to rest. Unfortunately, he developed secondary cancer in his throat which prevented him taking food by mouth. The question posed to his carers was whether to give this person artificial nutrition and hydration to enable him to achieve his last wish and travel to his native land. Would this procedure be considered as "ordinary and proportionate and as such morally obligatory" or would it be considered to be unnecessary interference with the normal process of dying? rolcam revdauphinee answered on 10/19/05: If this was his desire then it should have been his desision to make !unfortunatly life is becoming disposable for those of us who are of no longer use to society (remember Terri Shrivo) ROLCAM rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 10/19/05 - how respecting are americans of muslims? As one who is accused of having a problem with Muslims let me tell you that I don't have the same problems as the US military, who deliberately antagonise Muslims in Afganistan in order to provote them into fighting. I have just watched film of american soldiers deliberately facing a corpse to Mecca and burning it. Don't tell me I'm out of line again when you cannot put a leash on your military, and the analogy is accurate. You can expect riots again when the Muslims learn of this revdauphinee answered on 10/19/05: dont you know yet that folks make this stuff up for just that reason(to incite them)? I am an American and proud of it and I respect all persons who also respect me and my beliefs most practicers of Islaam do not ! arcura rated this answer ATON2 rated this answer paraclete rated this answer

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bucker asked on 10/19/05 - Good or bad? How does and atheist know what is good or bad? On what do they base it.. revdauphinee answered on 10/19/05: like believing it is a personal choice bucker rated this answer

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hOPE12 asked on 10/18/05 - New law in Florida! Hello Everyone, There is a new gun law here in Florida. One can shoot someone if they feel that they are in danger or threatened. You might have thought that, after the recent hurricanes, Florida would want to reassure tourists arriving in the state that they will be safe and secure. But a new gun law, which came into force yesterday, will do little to promote this cause. The law allows residents to use deadly force not only to protect their homes, but also if they feel threatened with �death or bodily harm� in their car or in a public place. Some predict that the �shoot first� law will provide a defense for people who resort to guns to settle arguments in car parks, queues, restaurants and bars. Imagine, if someone looks at you in a way that seems threatening they can shoot first and ask questions later. Florida law already lets residents defend themselves against attackers if they can prove they could not have escaped. The new law would allow them to use deadly force even if they could have fled and says that prosecutors must automatically presume that would-be victims feared for their lives if attacked. Do not argue unnecessarily with people anywhere in Florida and you better wear sun glasses so if your not feeling well or had a rough day, someone will not feel threatened and shoot you. I personally feel that this law is terrible and is not for the benefit and safety of the people. What are your thoughts on such a law? Take care, Hope12 revdauphinee answered on 10/18/05: iN A STATE WHERE TERRI SHRIVO WAS LEGALY MURDERED DOES THIS EVEN SURPRISE YOU???? ATON2 rated this answer hOPE12 rated this answer

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ROLCAM asked on 10/18/05 - The Positive Side !! In a positive vein, there is a strong moral consciousness exerting its influence, a consciousness which focuses essentially upon values in the social sphere: freedom for the downtrodden, solidarity with the poor and the disadvantaged, peace and reconciliation. Please let me have your views. revdauphinee answered on 10/18/05: ""there is a strong moral consciousness exerting its influence, a consciousness which focuses essentially upon values in the social sphere: freedom for the downtrodden, solidarity with the poor and the disadvantaged, peace and reconciliation."" WHAT PLANET ARE YOU LIVING ON??? ROLCAM rated this answer

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Lazlow asked on 10/18/05 - Kill Kill Kill All The White People! Yes sir, we did it now. Black people are pissed off folks. They even brought their outrage to cable television friday night on C-Span. A gray haired rastapharian with dread locks said "... We must eliminate the white species...", and "The only niggas on this planet are the white man, and the white woman", and people were cheering him on. You know what this is about, of course, as you know, thousands of black people have died and are still suffering from hurricane Katrina, and guess who they're blaming it on... white people. Now, there was a lot of racism down there, and as a result, many people died. And this dread-locked guy was saying "White people want to kill us"... Do any of you feel guilty for what happened to them? Was it YOUR fault? ====== This has been on my mind, and even though I'm not providing a lot of insight on it, I just want to know what other people think of this revolution talk. Do you think what happened during Katrina can spark racial violence, or even riots? The guy brought up a good point when he said "white people may have bombs, we don't have or need bombs, because we have something they don't have, and that's called unity." And that's very true, white people are not united as a race, maybe it's because our history is covered in malice and bloodshed, and maybe we're ashamed to look the past in the eye. What's your view on racism, or even other races? I never really asked this before. And I believe in the right of freedom of speech. Who was it that said "I may not agree with what you say, but I will defend, even in death, your right to say it"? revdauphinee answered on 10/18/05: I quote "true, white people are not united as a race, " They were once it was called Natzi Germany !!! God forbid that ever happens again ! bucker rated this answer excon rated this answer Lazlow rated this answer sissypants rated this answer

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sissypants asked on 10/17/05 - how do you? from a christian stand point, how do you personally forgive and forget as instructed by Jesus and not be made a fool of over and over again? revdauphinee answered on 10/17/05: forgiving is one thing forgetting is something I for one have to work on for me this is one of the hardest things to do especialy when someone has hurt us badly personaly whilst I do feel the lord tells us to forgive but I truly dont think he expects us to make floormats of ourselves so folks can continue to wipe thier feet on us .this is just my oppinion and we all have them sissypants rated this answer Erewhon rated this answer

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HANK1 asked on 10/16/05 - PARACLETE HAS BEEN IDENTIFIED: "Paraclete, "the one who is to come," is mentioned in the Bible in the Gospel of John. The term is used in two ways: First, the author of the book uses it in reference to Christ's ministry on Earth (both before and after his death) and second, Christ himself uses the term to describe a MYSTERIOUS FIGURE that will be sent to the disciples after his death to "be with them always." In the Catholic tradition this was taken to be the Holy Ghost, the third member of the Trinity, who came to the disciples at the feast of Pentecost and gave them all the ability to speak in tongues and preach the gospel." Source: Everything.com Does Paraclete have a buddy by the name of John? HANK revdauphinee answered on 10/16/05: John was refering to the holy spirit certainly the spirit is amounst us however he is most certaily not the one using that name on here! bucker rated this answer HANK1 rated this answer

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HANK1 asked on 10/16/05 - A MESSAGE TO ALL FATHERS AND MOTHERS FROM HANK: Passing on FAITH is an important element of spiritual development for individuals, families and congregations. The primary ways in which FAITH is passed on in the HOME is through caring conversations, devotions, family service, rituals and traditions. Conversations and relationships with Mom and Dad are the TOP influences on FAITH development for children, youth and adults. WHEN CHRIST IS THE CENTER OF THE HOME, EVERY AGE BENEFITS. It will allow Him to look upon ALL of you with FAVOR and give you PEACE! Praising the Lord TOGETHER is what it's all about! At least in MY opinion! HANK revdauphinee answered on 10/16/05: I agree HANK1 rated this answer Pete_Hanysz rated this answer bucker rated this answer

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ROLCAM asked on 10/16/05 - Paedophilia ?? Why is paedophilia the blackest crime? revdauphinee answered on 10/16/05: I let Gods word answer this one! Matthew 18:6 But if anyone causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him to have a large millstone hung around his neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea. ) ROLCAM rated this answer

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ROLCAM asked on 10/16/05 - Are you stressed ?? "I am too blessed to be stressed!" The shortest distance between a problem and a solution is the distance between your knees and the floor. The one who kneels to the Lord can stand up to anything. Love and peace be with you forever. AMEN. rolcam. revdauphinee answered on 10/16/05: I totaly agree with you! ROLCAM rated this answer

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arcura asked on 10/15/05 - Here is something to think about the ACLU ACLU defends polygamy Legal group backs 'freedom of choice' The president of the American Civil Liberties Union says polygamy is among the "fundamental rights" that her organization will continue to defend. During a question-and-answer session after a speech at Yale University, ACLU president Nadine Strossen stated that her organization has "defended the right of individuals to engage in polygamy," reported AgapePress, noting that the comments cited by the Yale Daily News received little attention. The student paper said Strossen was responding to a "student's question about gay marriage, bigamy, and polygamy." The ACLU chief said her organization defends "the freedom of choice for mature, consenting individuals," making it "the guardian of liberty ... defend[ing] the fundamental rights of all people." Some opponents of same-sex marriage -- including, notably, Sen. Rick Santorum, R-Pa. -- have argued that its acceptance will create a slipperly slope, leading to the sanctioning of other types of relationships, including polygamy. Crawford Broadcasting radio talk-show host Paul McGuire says the ACLU "has declared legal war on the traditional family." "Now the ACLU is defending polygamy," he said, according to AgapePress. "You know, there are male and female lawyers who wake up in the morning and are actually proud of being ACLU lawyers. But I think the majority of Americans view ACLU lawyers as people who hate America and who want to destroy all Judeo-Christian values and beliefs." McGuire asserts Strossen's organization seems "to only defend things that tear down the fabric of society." revdauphinee answered on 10/16/05: Genesis 2; 18. The LORD God said, "It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make ((a helper)) suitable for him." he did not use the plural here!Nor did he here Genesis 2:22. Then the LORD God made a woman from the rib he had taken out of the man, and he brought her to the man. 23. The man said, "This is now bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh; she shall be called `woman, ' for she was taken out of man." 24. For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and they will become one flesh. 25. The man and his wife were both naked, and they felt no shame. arcura rated this answer ATON2 rated this answer bucker rated this answer excon rated this answer

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godot asked on 10/15/05 - Holy Spirit Have you experienced the power and presence of the Holy Spirit in your life? If so, how do you know that the Holy Spirit lives in you? revdauphinee answered on 10/15/05: when you fully accept Christ as Lord his spirid dwells within you,you know this in your heart and in the actions you do ,for he causes you to have consience of the good or evil of your deeds godot rated this answer

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STONY asked on 10/15/05 - IS GLUTTONY A SIN?? AND DOES SIN ULTIMATELY LEAD TO DEATH? LAST WEEK HERE IN FLA. A 13 FOOT LONG PYTHON CAPTURED AND ATE A 6 AND A HALF FOOT LONG ALIGATOR. THE SNAKE HAVING STRETCHED IT'S SKIN AS FAR AS POSSIBLE TO INGEST THE GATOR FOUND IT COULD NOT DIGEST THE ANIMAL AND EXPLODED. BOTH SNAKE AND GATOR WERE DESTROYED. DON'T KNOW IF THIS HIT THE NAT'L NEWS BUT IT WAS A "BIG" STORY DOWN HERE. SEEMS LIKE IF THE LAWS OF SIN AND DEATH CAN WORK ON ANIMALS THEN WE SHOULD BE EXTRA-WEARY THAT THEY APPLY TO US ALSO. QUESTIONS, COMMENTS AND/OR OBSERVATIONS... revdauphinee answered on 10/15/05: anything done in excess is sin and overeating or glutony definatly qualifies it always bothers me to see a grossly overweight preacher preaching hell fire and brimstone to those who take a drink yet cannot see his own fault! it gives total meaning to the take the plank out of your own eye verse dosent it?? (Php.3:19 Their destiny is destruction, their god is their stomach, and their glory is in their shame. Their mind is on earthly things. ) STONY rated this answer

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hOPE12 asked on 10/15/05 - What Jesus taught is either truth or not truth, you decide for yourself! Hello Everyone, We live in a world of mixed feeling and emotions. Sometimes we can allow our personal feelings or emotions get into the way of facts. Let's us review some facts and then look at what Jesus told his disciples and see if we can reach facts and not emotions or what we were taught in the past. Let us all together look at the facts before us and then decide what is fact and what has never changed or as some have stated, "it has always been that way." Has it really? The disasters of this world at the present time are different in that these things are taking place throughout the world all at the same time. No where in history has their been all these events so prevalent as they are today and with greater horrific conditions. Yes, natural disasters have always taken place but never with the amounts of other aspects of the sign Jesus gave his disciples on the Mount of Olives. Remember he said to �keep on the watch � and �Not to become sleepy�. Here are twenty four of the features of the sign. 1. Unprecedented warfare�Matthew 24:6, 7; Revelation 6:4 2. Earthquakes�Matthew 24:7; Mark 13:8 3. Food shortages�Matthew 24:7; Mark 13:8 4. Pestilences�Luke 21:11; Revelation 6:8 5. Increasing lawlessness�Matthew 24:12 6. Ruining of the earth�Revelation 11:18 7. Love cooling off�Matthew 24:12 8. Fearful sights�Luke 21:11 9. Inordinate love of money�2 Timothy 3:2 10. Disobedience to parents�2 Timothy 3:2 11. Loving pleasures more than God�2 Timothy 3:4 12. Love of self dominates�2 Timothy 3:2 13. General lack of natural affection�2 Timothy 3:3 14. People not open to any agreement �2 Timothy 3:3 15. Self-control lacking at all levels of society�2 Timothy 3:3 16. Widespread loss of love of goodness �2 Timothy 3:3 17. Many hypocritically claiming to be Christian�2 Timothy 3:5 18. Excessive eating and drinking by some �Luke 21:34 19. Ridiculers reject the sign�2 Peter 3:3, 4 20. Many false prophets are active�Matthew 24:5, 11; Mark 13:6 21. Preaching of the good news of God�s established Kingdom�Matthew 24:14; Mark 13:10 22. Persecution of true Christians�Matthew 24:9; Luke 21:12 23. Cry of peace and security to climax the last days�1 Thessalonians 5:3 24. People take no note of danger�Matthew 24:3 Now some will say these things have always taken place but notice the difference below: here are some environmental problems that are also part of being alert to the composite sign Jesus spoke about. 1)� The protective ozone shield in heavily populated latitudes of the Northern Hemisphere is thinning twice as fast as scientists thought just a few years ago. 2) � A minimum of 140 plant and animal species are going into extinction each day. �3) Atmospheric levels of heat-trapping carbon dioxide are now 26 percent higher than the pre-industrial concentration, and they continue to climb. 4)� The earth�s surface was warmer in 1990 than in any year since record keeping began in the mid-19th century; six of the seven warmest years on record have occurred since 1980. 5) � Forests are vanishing at a rate of some 40,000,000 acres per year, an area about half the size of Finland. 6) � World population is growing by 92 million people annually, roughly equal to adding another Mexico each year; of this total, 88 million are being added in developing countries. This is much more at present, I do not have the figures before me right now. 7) � Some 2.2 billion people lack water that is safe to drink. 8) Wars are no longer just wars of guns and combat battles, but there is now germ warfare, and men used to fight the wars and now children some not even reaching puberty are killing one another and others. 9) Crime that is so horrific that it shocks our ears to hear it. 10) Children who are killing parents and grandparents at a enormous rate. 11) Man has a problem today on how to dispose of the rising flood of radioactive waste? . . . buried wastes will remain radioactive for thousands of years or longer. 12) More �Love Canals� to come in an American future increasingly clouded by chemicals dangerous to public health. 13) Nearly 10 per cent of the habitable territory of the world has already been laid waste by environmental pollution. 14) In a single week, hundreds of persons with respiratory or cardiovascular ailments are believed to have died from the effects of the oppressive smog.� 15) The earth, in fact, is well on the way to becoming a vast open sewer. 16) Many once plentiful plants and birds are gone, and human beings who live there are disfigured by skin cancer. 17) Deserts are creeping outward in Africa, Asia, Australia and the Americas because of unsound use of land. 18) A recent report on Mexico�s air pollution said it was �an indirect cause in the death of 150,000 children each year� and �seriously affects 175,000 adults each year. That is in Mexico alone, imagine in other place in the earth this event also is taking place. 19) A series of reports in Canada and in the United States is establishing the Great Lakes Basin as the most heavily polluted area in the Western world 20) Some 40 to 100 people a day are pesticide poisoning.� 21) Drinking water in many countries such as Karachi, Pakistan�s largest city and main port, is heavily polluted by untreated sewage and industrial waste. Even here in the USA, the so called riches country, the water in many areas has lead, and the Ecoli bacteria and even sewer. 22) Lead is responsible for subtle damage to children�s brains. 23) Insects once decimated by pesticides have developed immunities enabling them to multiply at a fantastic pace. 24) Miscarriages, defects, infertility linked to damage by toxins. 25) A carbon dioxide buildup over the next 200 years could lead to dramatic changes in the earth�s climate, the floating Arctic ice pack would melt. 26) Marine organisms, accumulate oil hydrocarbons in their tissues. These fish and shellfish pose a public health hazard because some of these hydrocarbons are carcinogenic. Lately in the news there have been much lead found in the marine life. 27)Linked not only to loss of hearing, but also to high blood pressure, nervous disorders, learning problems, insomnia, underweight newborn babies and perhaps even some forms of heart disease. This list can go on and on, but I give this list to show that yes disaster have always taken place but never to the degree of ruin as today. Man has turned what used to be a natural disaster every so often in something that occurs every week and sometime days apart. Never to such a degree has these environmental and Atmospheric nor has the population explosion ever been as bad as now. �The abuse of earth and its life sustaining sources are at its peek. Cancer is prevalent due to lack of the Ozone layer. Why? because of mans selfishness to make more money and to abuse the gifts God has given us to protect us. The water supplies has been so badly polluted that we soon may not have any water to drink. Remember Matthew 24:3 Where Jesus said that people will take no note of the dangers? Well that is what make these disasters and events that Jesus warned us about so different. This time, many of these disasters are man�s fault and they can find no way of repairing the damage they have caused. We have probed the earth, excavated it, burned it, ripped things from it, buried things in it, chopped down its forests, leveled its hills, muddied its waters, and dirtied its air. That does not fit my definition of a good tenant. If we were here on a month-to-month basis, we would have been evicted long ago. This is why I believe that this great composite sign has been in evidence since 1914, when �the appointed times of the nations� came to their end. Long before that time they had been announcing that 1914 would be a marked date in human history. When the first world war began in August of that year, their expectations on that were confirmed. In reality, I have not received any divine visions; it is through r diligent study of the Holy Scriptures that led me to this conclusion. Yes, I truly believe that the disaster of today are far more serious and devastating and are part of the composite sign that Jesus gave in reply to his disciples question. ��What would be the sign of his presenceand the conclusion of this system?� I can certainly see the signs, can you? Some of these statistics are take from the world encyclopedia, The Watchtower of Jehovah�s Witnesses and some from my own reseach. Any comments, please feel free to give your personal view. Take care, Hope12 revdauphinee answered on 10/15/05: One has to be spiritualy blind to ignore these signs his had is on the door right now he tarries only because he is desirous that aLLhave the chance to accept him and be saved ! hOPE12 rated this answer

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HANK1 asked on 10/14/05 - OLD AGE: This is a new era when only masochists and the uninformed put up with the changes of aging. Masochists like pain and the uninformed don�t know any better. Do you concur? HANK revdauphinee answered on 10/14/05: no WAY !!iM GETTING OLDER AND AM IN CONSTANT PAIN AND NO i DONT LIKE IT !If by knowing better means im supposed to stay druged up to avoid it then i will tollerate it but in no way do I like it.getting older is a royal pain and when your income is such that you cant be running to a doc whocan only prescribe drugs you cant afford what then??Like me you grin and bear it! HANK1 rated this answer

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CeeBee2 asked on 10/14/05 - Jesus loses As a first-century Mediterranean male, Jesus was a prime example of his culture. I found this interpretation of a favorite Bible story to be very enlightening (and different from the interpretation it has always been given in Lutheran circles). From americancatholic.org: In the district of Tyre and Sidon, Jesus encounters a woman who requests a favor from him (Matt 15:21-28). It is important to notice that she is a woman. In public, women and men were not to engage in any discussions or exchanges. More than that, this woman is not a fellow-Israelite but rather a Canaanite. Only equals can play in the [cultural] game of exchanging insults, the game of challenge and riposte. Since Jesus and this woman are not equals, the dynamic of the story is heightened. The woman yells after him: "Have pity on me, Lord, Son of David." Pity in the Bible is that quality by which a person helps another who has no right to kindness and no way to repay it. The woman perfectly understands her situation, yet she makes her plea and bolsters it with two honorific terms: Lord and Son of David. Jesus ignores her. By the cultural rules, he is behaving quite properly. But she persists in her petition, and the disciples ask Jesus to dismiss her because she is creating a scene. Jesus' comment is typically ethnocentric: She's not one of us, I owe her nothing. I came to serve the lost sheep of the house of Israel. Then the woman pays homage to Jesus, which means she physically blocks his path with her body. He has to either jump over her, walk around her or deal with her. She begs him once more with a respectful title: "Lord, help me!" In reply, he refers to her with a "dog" word [or reference], a cruel and piercing insult. Perhaps another person in this embarrassing situation might have fled from the shameful scene. Remarkably, the woman remains unmoved but uses the insult in her reply: "Lord, even the dogs get to eat the scraps!" For the first time in his public ministry and the only time until his arrest, Jesus has been beaten in this game. His insults did not repel the outsider and her petition. Jesus' reply? "Touche', woman. You can give as good as you get. God grants your favor!" And her daughter was healed instantly. revdauphinee answered on 10/14/05: Your telling empasises the insults! in my oppinion the scripture emphasises more her faith!"His insults did not repel the outsider "rather than her faith caused him to grant her favour. bucker rated this answer CeeBee2 rated this answer

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ROLCAM asked on 10/14/05 - "dangerous heretics" ?? Very biased quotation. Being Mormons, in their eyes we were probably considered "dangerous heretics." Who would still hold such belief ? revdauphinee answered on 10/14/05: like pete i do not understand your question CeeBee2 rated this answer Erewhon rated this answer Pete_Hanysz rated this answer ROLCAM rated this answer

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arcura asked on 10/13/05 - Do you believe in small miracles? As example��. At noon today my wife came home with an arm load of mail from the post office. When she was going through it she noticed that 2 pieces of mail were missing and one on them had a $200 money order in it. The wind today is quite brisk so she thought the wind may have blown them out of the vehicle when she opened the door She went back to the post office that is about 4 blocks from our home and in doing so found one of the missing pieces but not the one with the money order. She looked all around where she parked the car and the yard. No letter. After lunch she said a prayer to Saint Anthony, the patron of lost items. You may know of one version of such a prayer, �Tony, Tony, look around. Something�s lost and must be found� then the missing item is identified and one goes and looks again. That�s what my wife did. Out side the house is an empty long narrow wooden planter. It had been empty when she first went looking. This time the missing letter was in that planter. �Was it a miracle.� she wondered. I said, �Your prayer was answered that�s what counts as evidence�. What do you say? revdauphinee answered on 10/13/05: Miracles are neither large notr small they are just mirracles!and yes I believe in them! arcura rated this answer

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godot asked on 10/13/05 - Angels Most people think angels are females, but the names of angels show that they are either males or neuter. What do you think? revdauphinee answered on 10/13/05: I believe neuter my reasoning being the verse in scripture mark12;When the dead rise, they will neither marry nor be given in marriage; (((they will be like the angels in heaven.))) bucker rated this answer godot rated this answer

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arcura asked on 10/13/05 - What do you think of Pope Pius XII???................. He is the one who has been called Hitler�s Pope by author John Cornwell. If you think what Cornwell claimed is true, and would like to know for sure then read �The Myth Of Hitler�s Pope� by Rabbi David G. Dalin, and �Righteous Gentiles: How Pope Pius XII and the Catholic Church Saved Half a Million Jews from the Nazis� by Ronald J. Rychlak. Both books are based on actual factual historical documents. Peace and kindness, Fred revdauphinee answered on 10/13/05: having lived through the time he did what he could for if he had come out more openly at that time catholics may have joined the jews in the camps.much good was done by the catholic faith from behind the scenes! arcura rated this answer

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hOPE12 asked on 10/13/05 - Are events taking place greater then before? Hello Everyone, This past month alone we have had terrible events in the news, floods, hurricans, earthquakes. These events pull at our hearts as we watch them in the news and we want to just reach out to help these ones. Yet, one would wonder are these events really greater then others in the past? If so, why do you say so? If not, why do you believe they are not greater? Takce care, Hope12 revdauphinee answered on 10/13/05: greater and with more frequency all the things listed in the past were not happening in just months of each other ,just look back at the last three months at what has happened! bucker rated this answer hOPE12 rated this answer

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hOPE12 asked on 10/13/05 - Truth and none Truth: Hello Everyone, Does it take a stronger person to agree with the non truths of this world or does it take a stronger person to expose the untruths taught in this world? What do you think? Are you a teacher of truth or untruths? How would you know if what you truly believe in you heart and teach about God is truth? If you found out what you have been taught is no truth but a lie, would you be willing to make the needed adjustment to replace that untruth with truth, or would your pride not allow you to admit you do not have the truth? Take care, Hope12 revdauphinee answered on 10/13/05: Does it take a stronger person to agree with the non truths of this world or does it take a stronger person to expose the untruths taught in this world? A)it is much easier to go with the flow it takes more stregnth to expose and reject falsehoods What do you think? Are you a teacher of truth or untruths? How would you know if what you truly believe in you heart and teach about God is truth? A)by mutch study and investigation and not by just being accepting of what others see as truth! If you found out what you have been taught is no truth but a lie, would you be willing to make the needed adjustment to replace that untruth with truth, or would your pride not allow you to admit you do not have the truth? Pride goeth before a fall!never be too proud to change! hOPE12 rated this answer

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godot asked on 10/12/05 - Halloween Halloween had a pagan origin and became secularised later. Should Christians participate in Halloween celebration? revdauphinee answered on 10/12/05: Not realy! but since it had developed into something for the children I do tape lollipops to a small new testament (I save them all year)and give these out bucker rated this answer godot rated this answer Pete_Hanysz rated this answer

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excon asked on 10/12/05 - To whom is allegiance owed??? Hello Christians: Tell me the truth, as if a Christian would do otherwise. Who does your church look out for, you the member, or itself and its employees? Who is it SUPPOSED to look out for? Why? Who does/did the Catholic church look out for? Does your government look out for you, or itself? Whatever you answer to any of my questions, is that the way you want it? excon revdauphinee answered on 10/12/05: Most main line denominations look out for themselves first!this is why I will not affiliate myself with them!Jesus made it plain whoom we put first when he said Matthew 22: 37 Jesus replied: "`Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' 38 This is the first and greatest commandment. 39 And the second is like it: `Love your neighbor as yourself.' 40 All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments." ) excon rated this answer

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excon asked on 10/12/05 - Christians & Bush Hello Christians: Has GW lost the support of his religious base? excon revdauphinee answered on 10/12/05: they couldnt lose my support they never had it in the first place I consider myself a person of faith but I never did suport him in my oppinion faith based folks were used by his administration ,they fall back on christ when they want something the rest of the time its business as usual. excon rated this answer

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arcura asked on 10/11/05 - I know these are personal questions, but�..... It�s a way we learn from each other and get to know each other better. If you think they are to personal, please don�t bother to answer. The questions are: 1. Personally what or who is God to you? 2. From your personal perspective what is your relationship with God 3. How or by what criteria do you personally arrive at the morals you choose to abide by? 4. What brought you to your personal belief and the way you believe in God? Peace and kindness, Fred revdauphinee answered on 10/12/05: 1. Personally what or who is God to you? a)the creator ,the giver of life ,everything! 2. From your personal perspective what is your relationship with God b)something I try to work on daily,he is my best and often my only friend (I live alone)so I can talk to him constantly with no one thinking im crazy> 3. How or by what criteria do you personally arrive at the morals you choose to abide by? c) his word or the instruction book for life 4. What brought you to your personal belief and the way you believe in God? A)my futile attempt years ago to prove Christians wrong in there beliefs ,al I did was convince myself it was I who was wrong! Peace and kindness, arcura rated this answer

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arcura asked on 10/11/05 - I have some questions about this parable............ Please read it and answer the questions considering the context, and the culture of the time. John 10:1. "Truly, truly, I say to you, he who does not enter by the door into the fold of the sheep, but climbs up some other way, he is a thief and a robber. 2. "But he who enters by the door is a shepherd of the sheep. 3. "To him the doorkeeper opens, and the sheep hear his voice, and he calls his own sheep by name, and leads them out. 4. "When he puts forth all his own, he goes before them, and the sheep follow him because they know his voice. 5. "And a stranger they simply will not follow, but will flee from him, because they do not know the voice of strangers." 6. This figure of speech Jesus spoke to them, but they did not understand what those things were which He had been saying to them. 7. Jesus therefore said to them again, "Truly, truly, I say to you, I am the door of the sheep. 8. "All who came before Me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not hear them. 9. "I am the door; if anyone enters through Me, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture. 10. "The thief comes only to steal, and kill, and destroy; I came that they might have life, and might have it abundantly. 11. "I am the good shepherd; the good shepherd lays down His life for the sheep. 12. "He who is a hireling, and not a shepherd, who is not the owner of the sheep, beholds the wolf coming, and leaves the sheep, and flees, and the wolf snatches them, and scatters them. 13. "He flees because he is a hireling, and is not concerned about the sheep. 14. "I am the good shepherd; and I know My own, and My own know Me, 15. even as the Father knows Me and I know the Father; and I lay down My life for the sheep. 16. "And I have other sheep, which are not of this fold; I must bring them also, and they shall hear My voice; and they shall become one flock with one shepherd. 17. "For this reason the Father loves Me, because I lay down My life that I may take it again. 18. "No one has taken it away from Me, but I lay it down on My own initiative. I have authority to lay it down, and I have authority to take it up again. This commandment I received from My Father." (NAS) Questions: 1. In verse 8 who are �All who came before Me�? 2. In verse 9 what does Jesus mean by saying �and shall go in and out, and find pasture.�? 3. In Verse 16 who do you think are the �other sheep�? revdauphinee answered on 10/11/05: 1)8. "All who came before Me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not hear them. No one can forgive unto salvation but him!meaning any other way will steal your soul! 2)9. "I am the door; if anyone enters through Me, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture. the only way to become as him is through him! 3)16. "And I have other sheep, which are not of this fold; I must bring them also, and they shall hear My voice; and they shall become one flock with one shepherd. My own personal oppinion on this passage is that life exists other than on earthand these also are his sheep (are we so arrogant as to think we humans are the only life in this vast universe??) arcura rated this answer

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godot asked on 10/11/05 - A hypothetical question Eric married Sue after his first wife, Lyn died, and Sue married Paul a few years later after Eric died. They all went to Heaven eventually. What relationship would they have in Heaven? Would they still be husband and wife? Would it be Eric and Lyn, Eric and Sue or Paul and Sue, assuming that Eric loves both of his wives and Sue loves both of her husbands. Please ignore this question if you can't answer it :) revdauphinee answered on 10/11/05: for both your own and Erewhons information (and contrary to Mormon belief of mariage for time and all eternity) when Jesus was asked basicly the same question you have asked he replied Mark12: 24. Jesus replied, "Are you not in error because you do not know the Scriptures or the power of God? 25. When the dead rise, they will neither marry nor be given in marriage; they will be like the angels in heaven. Erewhon rated this answer godot rated this answer Pete_Hanysz rated this answer

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godot asked on 10/11/05 - which is better? To be your own church and spiritual authority, or to join a church, and surrender some of that independence to a religious community- Which is better for you? revdauphinee answered on 10/11/05: for me personaly be your own since most if not all organised ones have some part that is contrary to what I believe!and all have personal agendas godot rated this answer Pete_Hanysz rated this answer

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godot asked on 10/10/05 - baptised for the dead What did Paul mean when he referred to people being "baptised for the dead"? (1 Cor 15:29) revdauphinee answered on 10/10/05: In Corinth, some people had dismissed the promise of God and said there is no resurrection (v.12), which was also the teaching of the Sadducees. Paul replied: "...if the dead are not raised, then Christ has not been raised either. And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins" (v.16-17). The people who taught no resurrection apparently were baptising the living on behalf of the dead. "Now if there is no resurrection," Paul wrote, "what will those do who are baptised for the dead? If the dead are not raised at all, why are people baptised for them?" (v.29). Paul was pointing out that their practice was irrational. Since they did not believe in the resurrection, why bother with vicarious baptism for dead people? According to their own view, even the living have no hope for immortality. ATON2 rated this answer Choux rated this answer Erewhon rated this answer godot rated this answer queenybee rated this answer sissypants rated this answer

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godot asked on 10/10/05 - the prophecy The past twelve months saw many catastrophes. Where do you think we are in the prophecy as given in the Book of Revelation? revdauphinee answered on 10/10/05: Lk.21:11 There will be great earthquakes,(Pakistan) famines (Sudan) and pestilences in various places(aids and Bird flue), and fearful events(Katrina & Rita ) and great signs from heaven. Where do you think we are ??? if not the end times??? ATON2 rated this answer godot rated this answer queenybee rated this answer

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ATON2 asked on 10/10/05 - Strike up the band..Big Daddy is back!!!! Still a bit jet lagged, but could not resist checking up on what you've done in my absence. What I find is pretty much what I left....still bashing Muslims, still posting Bible trivia, still arguing whether homosexuals can be Christians, still sticking the knives in each other over silly doctrinal differences...and still cutting and pasteing instead of offering thoughtful, personal responses!!! Nothing new except for some apallingly racist nonsense...and the mind-boggling assertion that God wiped out New Orleans because of gambling :) :) :) I was disappointed that the obscenities from our resident red necks were not more firmly censured...but not enough to break in on the game-playing...:) :) :) No way I can catch up on all the questions posted in my absence; fortunately most were not worth answering anyway. However I will respond to some of the more interesting posts. For those who missed me...Thanks!!! For those who did not...Live with it!!! :) :) :) I missed all of you..and that surprised me...a bit! Sorry I did not get a chance to thank you for your good 'bon voyage' wishes. You all get five stars...as soon as I can dig up the posts. To those NEW family members...welcome: I'll be either your worst nightmare or you your new best friend...Time alone will tell :) :) :) revdauphinee answered on 10/10/05: welcome back now at last it will at least get more interesting !!! ATON2 rated this answer

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hOPE12 asked on 10/10/05 - Sign or signs?? Hello Everyone, When Jesus to us to watch for the sign/signs, of the times, which was it?? Signs of the times or was it a composite sign that we are looking for? Do you know the answer according to the scriptures? Is what Jesus called a sign or signs??? Take care, Hope12 revdauphinee answered on 10/10/05: Mk.13:8 Nation will rise against nation,(many wars) and kingdom against kingdom. There will be earthquakes in various places,(pakistan?) and famines.(Sudan ) These are the beginning of birth pains. Lk.21:11 There will be great earthquakes,(pakistan?) famines (Sudan and Niger) and pestilences(aids? Bird flue?) in various places, and fearful events (Katrina & Rita?)and great signs from heaven. see these things and tell me we are not in the end times ,I wont believe you ! hOPE12 rated this answer

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HANK1 asked on 10/10/05 - COLUMBUS DAY: Did Columbus discover America? revdauphinee answered on 10/10/05: was it lost??? HANK1 rated this answer

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godot asked on 10/09/05 - disappointment Were you disappointed with God when you lost a loved one? Maybe just a little bit? revdauphinee answered on 10/09/05: this to some may sound harsh but when my mom died at the age of 96 i did not grieve to do so would have been selfish for years she had poor health and had constantly prayed to be taken home and often asked me why God was prolonging her stay here ,so in effect her passing was an answer to her prayers so who am I to selfishly grieve her going home at last .My own family did not understand me but I knew she had finaly been granted what she so dearly wanted why grieve for this ? Do I miss her ?yes however I know enough to say not my will but thine oh Lord! bucker rated this answer Erewhon rated this answer godot rated this answer

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godot asked on 10/09/05 - transsexual Do you consider a transsexual (1)a homosexual, (2) a bisexual or (3)a heterosexual (a)before and (b)after the sex change operation? revdauphinee answered on 10/09/05: I only consider them as children of God the gender issue is for he and them to figure out godot rated this answer

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godot asked on 10/09/05 - microevolution Darwin and paleontologists made a plausible case for microevolution, ie. change and development within a species, but paleontologists haven't been able to trace the origin of those species. I think they never will. Christianity and microevolution don't contradict each other. Comments? revdauphinee answered on 10/09/05: change i can accept for we all have the ability to change however evolving is another thing if man evolved from apes how do you explain away the still presence of apes did some choose not to change??? godot rated this answer

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HANK1 asked on 10/09/05 - EVE: Was Eve the originator or SIN? revdauphinee answered on 10/09/05: No! satan was (Matt.13:39; and the enemy who sows them is the devil. (Jn.8:44; You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out your father's desire. He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies. ) HANK1 rated this answer

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Erewhon asked on 10/08/05 - Is China "Godless" or is it not? Destination Facts Full country name: People's Republic of China Area: 9,596,960 sq km (mainland) Population: 1.25 billion (mainland) Yikes! Capital city: Beijing (pop 13.8 million) People: Han Chinese (93%), plus 55 ethnic minorities Languages:Putonghua (Beijing Mandarin dialect), Cantonese Religion: Confucianism: http://www.teachingreligion.com/confucianism/god.html "While God exists in Confucianism, the philosophy details more on how to live your life rather than the nature of God." Buddhism: http://www.buddhistinformation.com/buddhism_and_god.htm "I hope you're able to see that God is not what Buddhism is all about... Suffering is... And if you want to believe in God, as some Buddhists do, I suppose it's OK. The Buddha never said there wasn�t a God. He never said anything at all about God... Because the Buddha never met a Jew". Taoism: http://www.thetao.info/tao/gods.htm "Taoism has a large number of male & female gods." Muslims (14 million) Christians (7 million) Although officially an atheistic state, it is not "Godless." If it were, there would be not one Chinese living in PRC who believed in God. Comments? revdauphinee answered on 10/09/05: since it is as you stated with the divergent religious faiths then we cannot call it a godless nation the nation is not its government it is its people prety soon America if some folks have their way will be a "Godless nation "we are removing him from our lives (May he have mercy on us)we sing God Bless America but we dont bless him instead we must educate our children without him!we are slowly but surely taking him out of our public lives ,even the pledge of illegience is at risk ,then in times of trouble we ask where is God??if you were him where would you be????I myself dont frequent places I know i am not wanted do you??? Erewhon rated this answer

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bucker asked on 10/08/05 - Faith, or tempting God If you are falling from a high cliff, you say, �save me Lord!� Is that tempting God, or having faith. It depends on what............................? If you are standing in the middle of a railroad track, and you see a train coming, you say, �save me Lord!� Is that tempting God, or having faith. It depends on what............................? revdauphinee answered on 10/09/05: If you are falling from a high cliff, you say, �save me Lord!� Is that tempting God, or having faith. It depends on what............................? A)if you fell then yes asking for help is having faith If you are standing in the middle of a railroad track, and you see a train coming, you say, �save me Lord!� Is that tempting God, or having faith. It depends on what A) itf you are standing then get off the track for now you are tempting God bucker rated this answer

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Choux asked on 10/08/05 - Honor/Shame vs. Guilt/Redemption Salman Rushdie in recent intervies about his new book: "The most essential characteristic of the person who commits terror of this kind is the idea of dishonored manhood. I try to show this in my novel. The character Shalimar picks up the gun not just because his heart gets broken, but because his pride and honor get broken by losing the woman he loves to a worldly man of greater consequence and power. Somehow he has to rebuild his sense of manliness. That is what leads him down the path to slashing an American ambassador's throat. Living in the West, where there is no "honor culture," it is easy to underestimate its power. Judeo-Christian culture has to do with guilt and redemption. In Eastern cultures, with no concept of original sin, the idea of redemption from it doesn't make sense. Instead, the moral poles of the culture have to do with honor and shame. Do you have any comments about Mr. Rushdie's remarks? revdauphinee answered on 10/09/05: Havent yet read his latest book and may not I did read satanic verses his first and the one that casued all the uproar and did not find it all that interesting! Choux rated this answer

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Choux asked on 10/08/05 - Toward a Modern God "Sam Harris argues in �There is No God (and you know it)� that the 260 million Americans (eighty-seven percent of the population) who claim to �never doubt the existence of God� should be obliged to present evidence for his existence�. In his argument is the view that we must �let go� of the existence of God because the religious ideology surrounding this belief has been and continues to be a primary source of most pain and suffering in the world, historically and today (e.g. wars, terrorism, etc.). I agree wholeheartedly with Sam that religious ideology and a �God� that provides the source for such ideology is and has proven detrimental to society and that we must begin to investigate how and why it has remained so long in the face of such pain. However, when an individual is asked to �let go� of a belief, particularly one in which they were steeped in throughout life, we need also ask, is there something substantive enough to replace it? Throughout history, we see that scientific discoveries change belief systems by replacing them with more viable alternatives in light of new emerging data. Yet, the experience many people feel when they are in relationship with God, has not had sufficient data of a similar nature, to persuade or convince them that there is an alternative to a belief in �God� that will yield such an experience. And herein lies the key. Science has historically provided explanations of the world �out there�, a mechanistic explanation centered in cause and effect with little role for the observer (the person) in discovery of the �truths�. In contrast, one�s belief in �God� is a very internal discovery process, in a relationship with God one begins to experience states of being that seem somewhat different from oneself, somewhat �beyond oneself�, and from this first person experience of connection, there is a deep knowing that there is something very real in the experience. As science shifts toward the recognition of the role of the observer in creating experiences (quantum physics), the separation of science from this first person experience begins to diminish. The experience of �inner� discovery (awareness) becomes as valuable as �outer discovery�. Seen this way, the experience of a relationship with God can be reframed as a process of inner discovery in which the transcendence of the �self� is possible, the awareness of interconnectedness with others, nature, and humanity (past, present, and future) is evident. Thus, we can open our minds and hearts to acceptance of an experience in God, if God is viewed that way, rather than a �task-master� creating �to do lists� for living. Because in the experience of interconnectedness arises a sense of caring and compassion (how can one hurt that which is in effect a part of oneself?) and through this experience the actions arising can only be ones of peace. Calling that relationship of interconnectedness, that experience of being �beyond oneself�, God, is only problematic when it is not distinguishable from a �man-made� interpretation of that experience reflected in much religious ideology. Separating the first person experience from the collection and direction of �rules� and �lists� generated by humans in the form of books that make the basis of religious doctrine is taking the first step in helping our world �let go� of dogma surrounding the experience of God. Recognizing and experiencing the relationship of oneself with something beyond oneself, the awareness of our interconnectedness or dependent origination, is called by many names, including God; returning to the experience rather than �belief� and recognizing the difference will yield a kinder world and one consistent with atheist and non-atheist experiences alike." Do you have any comments about Susan Smalley's piece? revdauphinee answered on 10/09/05: how many folks believe in electricity ?? how many can verbaly prove it exists?? does this mean it dosent? Choux rated this answer

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godot asked on 10/08/05 - traits of homosexuals What are the likely traits of homosexuals? Do you think effeminate males are likely to have a gay relationship, and masculine females are likely to become lesbians? For instance, Elton John, Boy George, Liberace and Martina Narvatilova, Amelie Mauresmo respectively. Of course their homosexual partners would not be effeminate or masculine respectively. revdauphinee answered on 10/09/05: why should they have distinguishing traits they are individuals and are as diverse as anyone else. godot rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 10/07/05 - move over Moses? Modern-day 'miracle' By Bruce McDougall September 25, 2005 THE giant conga line of biblical enthusiasts forms a human chain extending far across the water. Jindi Simply divine .. thousands form a giant conga line across the water for Jindi's parting of the sea festival. Three times a year, the ocean naturally recedes and leaves a 40m sandbank. In the late afternoon of a glorious spring day, all the zeal and anticipation of those walking into the sea is about to be satiated. Within minutes, the ocean recedes and the celebrants are ecstatic to be stranded on the sea bed. Welcome to the "Moses Miracle", an extraordinary sea-parting festival that causes sane people to don Egyptian garb and carry flags and musical instruments on to the water in celebration. But this is not Egypt � it's Jindo Island in South Korea, home to a natural phenomenon that draws up to 500,000 people a year. The South Korean version of the biblical event is doing wonders for tourism on the north Asian peninsula � yet its history is quite recent. Following a trip to Jindo 30 years ago, the then French ambassador, Pierre Lande, wrote an article for a French newspaper, exclaiming: "I have seen the miracle of Moses in the East. God, why did you lead me here?" The ambassador's report helped propel the event into the global spotlight. For a few days each year, a 40m-wide sandbar emerges as the waters separate at low tide, temporarily connecting the islands of Jindo and Modo 2.8km apart. To celebrate this spectacular event, visitors are treated to lively folk performances and invited to take part in traditional dances, songs, games, musical parades and elaborate rituals to expel evil spirits. But this is a tourist attraction, not a full-on religious experience. The Moses phenomenon usually happens three times a year � in March, May and July � but the event is just one of a string of colourful festivals drawing visitors. Further north are the July Boryeong Mud Festival, the Gangjin Celadon Festival in August and the Geumsan Insam (Ginseng) Festival in September). Authorities are keen to show the world the attractions outside the more westernised capital, which is home to about one-fifth of the nation's population. High-speed trains and multi-lane highways link the major centres. And the spectacular archipelagos of the south have huge tourism potential to compete with Japan, China and Thailand. Yet away from Seoul visitors can experience a more traditional South Korea. Food preparation is an art form, the range and complexity of regional styles almost endless. There are umpteen variations of the national dish � kimchi (salted and fermented cabbage) � many of them secret recipes handed down the generations. South Korea is a land of contrasts � from centuries-old Confucian villages, to temples where you can stay the night, to modern alpine resorts. Tours of the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) at the border with North Korea � including a stroll down Infiltration Tunnel No 3, discovered by the South in 1978 � pull thousands a week. The area remains one of the world's most fortified. Fear of a Communist invasion is still very real but recently, in keeping with the expansion of the capital and an optimism of ultimate peace, property values near the DMZ have been rising. Perhaps the greatest pointer for hope is Dorasan Station, the northernmost rail station in South Korea. Those longing for peace expect it will be allowed eventually to run through Pyongyang and further north, linking the Koreas to the continent. revdauphinee answered on 10/08/05: For a few days each year, a 40m-wide sandbar emerges as the waters separate at low tide, temporarily connecting the islands of Jindo and Modo 2.8km apart. maybee this is a reminder that God can use nature to accomlish his will paraclete rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 10/07/05 - now the real agenda comes out. not content with the devistation of the gambling industria in Louisiana, we now see that they haven't got the message. God didn't wipe it out so it could be rebuilt bigger and better. If anything is appearent in Katrina and Rita it is teh total devistation of this industry and it's associated vice and yet they want to rebuild it New Orleans seeks gambling to rebuild October 8, 2005 - 10:49AM Page Tools A Las Vegas-style gambling strip should be created near New Orleans' historic French Quarter to revive the storm-savaged city, the mayor has said. "I'd like to have another solution for the citizens ... but I don't know what else we can do at this point," Ray Nagin told a news conference. New Orleans is struggling to rebound from Hurricane Katrina in August which fractured flood walls and flooded 80 per cent of the city. Hurricane Rita hit the Gulf Coast on September 24, triggering renewed flooding in parts of the city. Under Nagin's proposal, a U-shaped section encompassing several blocks of the city's downtown area would allow large hotels to covert part of their property into Las Vegas-style casinos. Only one casino is currently operating in that area, and Nagin said as many as seven new gambling operations could open. That existing casino, Harrah's, has stirred bitter political battles and suffered from financial problems in recent years. Nagin said he had approached Louisiana Governor Kathleen Blanco about the plan and offered to split the tax revenues, a figure he said could approach the $US150 million ($A197 million) neighbouring Mississippi received annually. The gambling zone proposal would need the approval of the city council and the state legislature. Earlier this week, Nagin announced the city would cut 3,000 jobs, or nearly 40 per cent of its workforce, because it had only enough funds to continue operating until the end of the year. In Baton Rouge, Louisiana officials said the state's death toll from Hurricane Katrina topped 1,000 for the first time as recovery efforts continued in storm-stricken areas. They said 1,003 had died in Louisiana, which pushed the total known dead in the states hit by Katrina to 1,243. The US Army Corps of Engineers said in a press release it had "nearly pumped the metro area dry", and it was making progress in shoring up the levee system. While recovery operations continue, Federal Emergency Management Agency officials said in a conference call that 44,000 people displaced by storms were still living in a total of 558 Red Cross shelters around the country. They said 2.2 million people had been registered as storm victims, of which 1.2 million had been approved for federal assistance that so far totalled $US3.3 billion ($A4.34 billion). In response to complaints that federal aid efforts are moving too slowly, the US Small Business Administration said it would step up the pace of approving loans to businesses hit by the storm by using aerial photography and satellites to assess damaged property. Louisiana Economic Development Secretary Mike Olivier said only six SBA loans had been approved as of Thursday, which SBA officials blamed on their agents' inability to get to many areas to inspect damage. "We just got a memo a day or two ago" authorising the use of aerial assessments, SBA spokesman Ken Shuman said at a news conference. � 2005 AAP revdauphinee answered on 10/08/05: the idea that God wiped out these poor folks homes because of gambling is ridiculous for one thing many of them did not participate another is God didnt cause the storm he allowed it ,the forces of nature are part of his creation ,he does not punish inocents for the deeds of others and if you look at it from your perspective why not atlantic City or Reno or las vegas get real you are using this disaster for your own agenda.if God had anypart in this mess it was because we as a country are slowly removing him from our public lives his hand of protection may have been lifted from our land! as for Gambling ,then why did he not wipe out all who play the stock market is that not just an elitest form of gambling???? paraclete rated this answer

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Erewhon asked on 10/07/05 - Remedy or effective treatments? Does anyone have a simple remedy or other treatment for gnat bites? I keep getting bitten by one of them pesky little critturs! revdauphinee answered on 10/07/05: Take ceebee s advice it works CeeBee2 rated this answer Erewhon rated this answer

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Erewhon asked on 10/07/05 - I saw in the night, Visions ... 1. Does God sometimes communicate with us through dreams? 2. If something happens to us that we are certain we have been shown in a dream, must we then react as we presume was intended? 3. Would such an experience unduly influence us and tread upon our free agency? Answers? Clarifications posing as answers will be ignored. revdauphinee answered on 10/07/05: I prefer to go to scripture for the answer to this one (Ecc.5:3,7. 3 As a dream comes when there are many cares, so the speech of a fool when there are many words. 7 Much dreaming and many words are meaningless. Therefore stand in awe of God. ) CeeBee2 rated this answer Erewhon rated this answer

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CeeBee2 asked on 10/07/05 - Removing children from a classroom.............. Is it a good idea, if you object to a particular lesson that will be taught in school, to insist that your child sit in the library or the principal's office or in a study hall or even keep him/her home that day? It seems like that could cause more upset to the child than allowing him/her to be in class. Is there a better way to do this? revdauphinee answered on 10/07/05: much better to let them attend but let them know that what they were taught is contrary to your beliefs and explain clearly why .In this way children can learn to think for them selves and not accept all they are taught just because they came from a teacher! CeeBee2 rated this answer

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kindj asked on 10/07/05 - What would you do? My wife and I, along with a few other parents, are distressed at something going on at our kids' elementary school. It seems that the Spanish teacher has assigned a mandatory project, in which the student must create a Dia de Muertos (Day of the Dead) diarama. It must be realistic, complete with a shrine, a photo of the deceased loved one of their choosing and miniature food "offerings" to the deceased. As parents, we feel that this is inappropriate as a mandatory assignment, as it conflicts with a tenet of our faith concerning communication and offerings to the dead. We believe that the project crosses the line between learning about something and taking an active part in something. If you would like to learn more about this holiday, go here: http://www.dayofthedead.com/TraditionAltars.html Even though the site says it is a "mixture" of Christianity and pre-Hispanic beliefs, I believe it to be more of a perversion of Christian beliefs, such as there are in voodoo and the like. Just curious about your thoughts. DK revdauphinee answered on 10/07/05: wonder what would happen if a christian teacher gave an asignment to celebrate Christmass the ACLU (anti Christian Lawyers Union) would have a hey day kindj rated this answer tomder55 rated this answer

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godot asked on 10/07/05 - the salt of the earth Do you consider yourself the salt of the earth, and why? revdauphinee answered on 10/07/05: I try to think of others and not myself! godot rated this answer

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Choux asked on 10/07/05 - How Oregon Assisted Suicide Works Click Here! From Slate Magazine Article. How Does Assisted Suicide Work? A guide to "Death With Dignity" in Oregon. By Daniel Engber Posted Thursday, Oct. 6, 2005, at 3:20 PM PT The U.S. Supreme Court took up the issue of assisted suicide on Wednesday as it heard arguments in the case of Gonzales v. Oregon. The Bush administration has challenged an Oregon law that lets physicians prescribe lethal medication to terminally ill patients. How does assisted suicide work? The patient has to ask for it three times. According to Oregon's "Death With Dignity" law, only certain people can ask for lethal medication from their doctors. You must be at least 18 years old, an Oregon resident, and the victim of a terminal disease that will kill you within the next six months. You also have to be able to make and communicate a clearheaded decision to your doctor. The first step is to make a "formal oral request." Advocacy groups that work with terminal patients suggest something like, "Doctor, will you assist me in using Oregon's Death With Dignity law?" At least 15 days later, you need to make another oral request. The doctor still won't be able to prescribe lethal drugs until you file a written request form signed by two witnesses. Continue Article Many people who are considering assisted suicide contact a patient-advocacy group for help with the procedure and paperwork. Such a group can help to screen out people who are ineligible for assisted suicide, but a doctor makes the final decisions. If she thinks the patient may have a psychiatric or psychological disorder, she can refer him for evaluation and treatment. The doctor also must tell him about alternatives like hospice care, advise him to confer with his family or next of kin, and remind him that it's OK to change his mind at any time. By law, a second physician must review the case and sign off on the first doctor's diagnosis. A doctor can prescribe lethal drugs two days after receiving a written request, but under no circumstances can she administer them herself. That would be euthanasia, which is illegal in Oregon. The state's assisted-suicide laws mandate that the patient take the drugs himself. Almost all assisted suicides take place in the home, with at least one health-care worker present. The patient takes one of two kinds of barbiturates. Seconal costs about $125 for a lethal 10 gram dose, which comes in the form of 100 individual caplets that must be broken apart to produce about three tablespoons of powder. Nembutal comes in a more convenient liquid form. It costs more than $1,000 for a dose, though, and insurance almost never covers lethal drugs. If the patient is using Seconal, it's either mixed in water to create a bitter drink or stirred into pudding or applesauce to hide the taste. The patient will slip into a coma about five minutes after taking the drug, with death coming within about half an hour. If you're in pretty good shape, or if you're especially fat, death can be delayed for up to 48 hours. In most cases, the time of death is determined by a health-care provider who checks your pulse every few minutes until you pass away." Comments??? revdauphinee answered on 10/07/05: God gives us life only he should be allowed to take it!! Choux rated this answer

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HANK1 asked on 10/07/05 - HELL & THE DEVIL - CONCLUSION: Throughout history, people have turned to religion for answers to ultimate questions of life, death, spirituality and meaning. Religious explanations are for the most part impossible to test for accuracy. They are a matter of FAITH. This is WHY I became a Lutheran. Why did you join your particular Church? Other scientific systems of belief are testable in principle, although their followers often ignore the basic rules of evidence. One such rule is that you have to make decisions and predictions in advance of, not after, the fact. For example, you don't get to observe an earthquake and then argue that our planet predicted the event. The task of a skeptical person is to separate FAITH from EVIDENCE. Thus, I have brought myself to believe that there is no Devil or no Hell. Counter productive? Let's see: I've always wanted to lead a decent and honorable life. Mission accomplished to the best of my knowledge and belief because GRACE cannot be unfair by its nature. Wallah! My definition of Spirit has been defined. In my view, no other entity needs to enter the mix except God and Jesus. God's Word gave me the Ten Commandments and The Golden Rule. Jesus got me off on the right foot long ago by forgiving my sins. I attend the Lord's Supper every other Sunday. What else is needed to lead an honorabale life? Only the proverb, "Practice what you preach." I do. Challenges by the Devil and the threat of Hell don't scare me a damn bit! As for scriptures, the ones we're familiar with are those we find in the Bible which are of a sacred nature. How many of you can sincerely say you can interpret some or all scriptures in a way that would make sense to their Greek authors? Or make your interpretations simple enough for them to mean the same to everyone? Isn't this why we have arguments over the genesis of the rhetoric? I have a hard time trying to interpret one out of ten. There is no abode of evil spirits because a loving God wouldn't send us 'down' when we die and then send the BLESSED dead 'up' to enjoy the good life. God doesn't discriminate. Nor would He allow the wicked to be tortured forever. They are also His children. The real culprits in all of this are the great gifts God gave us - FREE-WILL and SELF-LOVE. He made it too easy for us to treat sin as a lifestyle. He also made it too easy for us to benefit from salvation by telling us that all we have to do to get to Heaven is to believe in His son, Jesus. Is this fair? No. I feel that you have to do much, much more to earn the right. Anyway, I am a Christian because I live like a Christian. In short, I've put my money where my mouth is. I'm a Protestant because my Church, the Lutheran Church, grew out of the Reformation. Take it or leave it! I hope you understand. HANK revdauphinee answered on 10/07/05: personaly i am nonedenominational because in my oppinion denominations are to tied up in thier own agenda that many times they forget who we are supposed to be following its not catholisism not lutheranism not baptists nor methodists but Jesus ! HANK1 rated this answer

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arcura asked on 10/07/05 - Here are some questions about Atheism ........... How loyal to the idea that there is no God is the person who claims to be an atheist? Does he insist on the right to express his non deist views? Will he argue and discuss deism insisting that there is know scientific evidence that God exists? Does he enthusiastically reject other forms of proof such as logic or philosophy about the existence of a deity? Does he argue that religion is the worship of a deity? Does he believe that there is no god? If so one can conclude that, yes, the person is and atheist. Also that he has a system of beliefs even if it in a belief in nothing. In 1965 the Supreme Court of the United Sates of America held that belief in a deity is not essential for a system of beliefs to be a religion under our laws. Isn�t that interesting? revdauphinee answered on 10/07/05: In my oppinion (and we ALL HAVE EM) if something doesent exist one can just forget about it one does not move heaven and earth trying to prove it arcura rated this answer

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HANK1 asked on 10/06/05 - THE DEVIL YOU SAY: Since I don't believe there is a Hell or a Devil, whatever I say is of no consequence. If there IS a Devil, I'm saying he's a homosexual. Go to the following site: www.case-studies.com/articles/homo_hate.htm HANK revdauphinee answered on 10/06/05: do you believe in Jesus? he believed in hell and satan! HANK1 rated this answer

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HANK1 asked on 10/06/05 - DEVILISH QUESTION: Is the Devil a homosexual? revdauphinee answered on 10/06/05: dont know and dont care I dont plan on meeting him to find out if I can avoid it! HANK1 rated this answer

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arcura asked on 10/06/05 - Supreme Court nominee Miers - what do you think? Strong Grounding in the Church Could Be a Clue to Miers's Priorities By Michael Grunwald, Jo Becker and John Pomfret Washington Post Staff Writers Wednesday, October 5, 2005; One evening in the 1980s, several years after Harriet Miers dedicated her life to Jesus Christ, she attended a lecture at her Dallas evangelical church with Nathan Hecht, a colleague at her law firm and her on-again, off-again boyfriend. The speaker was Paul Brand, a surgeon and the author of "Fearfully and Wonderfully Made," a best-selling exploration of God and the human body. When the lecture was over, Miers said words Hecht had never heard from her before. "I'm convinced that life begins at conception," Hecht recalled her saying. According to Hecht, now a Texas Supreme Court justice, Miers has believed ever since that abortion is "taking a life." "I know she is pro-life," said Hecht, one of the most conservative judges in Texas. "She thinks that after conception, it's not a balancing act -- or if it is, it's a balancing of two equal lives." Hecht and other confidants of Miers all pledge that if the Senate confirms her nomination to the Supreme Court, her judicial values will be guided by the law and the Constitution. But they say her personal values have been shaped by her abiding faith in Jesus, and by her membership in the massive red-brick Valley View Christian Church, where she was baptized as an adult, served on the missions committee and taught religious classes. At Valley View, pastors preach that abortion is murder, that the Bible is the literal word of God and that homosexuality is a sin -- although they also preach that God loves everybody. White House spokeswoman Dana Perino declined to comment on Hecht's recollection yesterday but said President Bush did not ask Miers her personal views on abortion or any other issue that may come before the court. "A nominee who shares the president's approach of judicial restraint would not allow personal views to affect his or her rulings based on the law," Perino said. Some religious conservatives have expressed deep dissatisfaction with the Miers nomination, grumbling that she has never taken public stands on hot-button social issues. But her friends point to Valley View as evidence that she is cut from conservative cloth. They say she's not a "holy roller" who flaunts her religion on her sleeve but she lives her faith as a born-again Christian. "People in Dallas know she's a conservative," said her friend Ed Kinkeade, a federal district judge. "She's not Elmer Gantry, but she lives what she believes. . . . I'm like, y'all, has George Bush appointed anyone to an appellate court that is a betrayal to conservatives?" Even in Dallas, home of groups such as the Texas Eagle Forum and the Republican National Coalition for Life, some religious conservatives say Miers, 60, has demonstrated an insufficient commitment to family values. They cited a questionnaire she filled out for a gay rights group in 1989 as a candidate for Dallas City Council, indicating that gay people should have the same civil rights as straight people and that the city should fund AIDS education and services. After her election, she appointed an openly gay lawyer to an influential city board. "For goodness' sake, why elevate AIDS over cancer? She shouldn't have filled out that questionnaire at all," said Cathie Adams, president of the Texas Eagle Forum. "President Bush is asking us to have faith in things unseen. We only have that kind of faith in God." But on the same questionnaire, Miers opposed the repeal of a Texas anti-sodomy law and said she was not seeking the endorsement of the gay rights group. In a meeting with the group, she said that her "personal conviction is not consistent" with the "homosexual lifestyle," according to one activist's notes. Hecht suggested that it would be difficult to attend Valley View regularly and support gay rights. At the same time, he said, Miers's faith made her more sympathetic to the struggles of others, and her duties as an at-large City Council member transcended her personal views. "She represented those people, and she wanted to represent the whole city," Hecht said. "It doesn't mean that you approve of their lifestyle." Hecht remembers that when Miers made partner at their law firm, the first woman ever to do so, she began to question what life was all about. He said they would often put their feet up and trade Big Questions: Is there a God? Who is He? What difference does it make? Miers had attended Episcopalian and Presbyterian churches as a girl, and her mother was religious, but Miers told Hecht she wanted a "deeper faith." Hecht believes she may have supported abortion rights at the time, although he said she had not thought about it much. "Well, let's go to my church," Hecht told her. That was Valley View, where Hecht played the organ and taught Sunday school. It was a church, pastor Ron Key said, that believed in "the Judeo-Christian perspective on the sanctity of life" and "the Christian perspective on marriage." There are antiabortion pamphlets inside the church and literature opposing premarital sex. Key and his wife, Kaycia, said they never asked Miers what she thought about those issues, because they never thought they had to. "We've known Harriet for 30 years and we've never had any reason to discuss these hot topics," Kaycia Key said. "But I can say one thing: She's a totally committed Christian." But some antiabortion activists noted that Justice Anthony M. Kennedy was described as a devout Catholic when he was nominated by President Ronald Reagan -- and he still voted to uphold Roe v. Wade . Miers donated $150 at a fundraising dinner for a Texas antiabortion group in 1989, but Colleen Parro, director of the Republican National Coalition for Life, remembers that there were plenty of politicians trolling for votes at the dinner. Parro said she does not care whether Miers is a born-again Christian, or the companion of Hecht. "It's not about her church, or the fellow she dates. It's about her record," Parro said. "She seems like a fine lady, but this nomination does not advance the culture of life." In 1993, when Miers was the president of the Texas bar, she led a challenge to the American Bar Association's support for abortion rights. Some of her friends say she just thought it was inappropriate for the group to take a stand on a moral issue, but others point out that an abortion rights supporter probably would not have challenged the status quo. "She didn't have to do that," Kinkeade said. "She was following her beliefs." Those beliefs were forged at Valley View, but Miers is breaking away from the church where she embraced Jesus. In recent years, church elders have moved to cut back on missionary work, sparking a split this summer among the parishioners. Key is forming a church that plans to donate half its revenues to mission work, and Miers plans to join him. "These days so many of the churches have become Christian country clubs," Key said. "They are more about making you feel good about yourself than making you grow. Some of us, including Harriet, were uncomfortable with all this." But if Miers is leaving her church, the church is not leaving her. Kaycia Key said she expects to see the next Supreme Court justice in the pews, singing enthusiastically, if not skillfully. "Let's just say she makes a joyful noise unto the Lord," Key said. "She doesn't hesitate to sing out." Pomfret reported from Dallas. revdauphinee answered on 10/06/05: for me she is just not qualified for this job there werte and are many women much more qualified whom bush should have concidered ! arcura rated this answer

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starshine asked on 10/06/05 - If you were abused by a parent and then by a spouse because s/he thinks that you are evil and that Jesus hates you unless you obey that parent/spouse, and accept the abuse as a form of repentance, what do you do? Do you believe the parent/spouse or do you strengthen your belief in Jesus our Lord and Savior and seek help? Can a person be convinced into believing that they are truly evil when in their heart they know that they're not? revdauphinee answered on 10/06/05: s/he thinks that you are evil and that Jesus hates you unless you obey that parent/spouse, jESUS IS LOVE AND AS SUCH CANNOT HATE YOU !IT IS A FACT HE MAY HATE A SIN BUT HE STILL LOVES THE SINNER IF IT WERE NOT SO CHRISTIANITY NEED NOT EXIST FOR WE ARE ALL SINNERS SAVED BY HIS GRACE! starshine rated this answer

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Carlita asked on 10/05/05 - Help Do you feel a gay person can be a true Christian? revdauphinee answered on 10/06/05: of cource they can God loves them and if they accept Jesus and follow him they can be a christian one needs to remember we are all sinners and while God may hate the sin he loves the sinner.also Christians aRE NOT PERFECT THEY ARE JUST FORGIVEN! excon rated this answer

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godot asked on 10/05/05 - modern lifestyle Did God intend the modern lifestyle which has a fast pace and is a rat race? revdauphinee answered on 10/05/05: all knowledge comes from God so I assume he intended for its use it is only mankind who turns some of it for evil! bucker rated this answer godot rated this answer

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godot asked on 10/05/05 - Hope What are your hopes that give you some anchor points in life? revdauphinee answered on 10/05/05: the future expectation of life in the presence of my God! bucker rated this answer godot rated this answer JesseJamesDupree rated this answer sarnian rated this answer

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arcura asked on 10/05/05 - T. Jefferson DID NOT found "seperation of Church and State". Jefferson on Christianity in Government By John Rossomando Thomas Jefferson, arguably the founder most opposed to traditional Christian dogmas such as the Incarnation and Trinity, did not in practice oppose Christianity�s ceremonial role in government or its influence upon national morality, as evidenced by some of his actions during his presidency. During his term, for example, the halls of Congress were routinely used for religious services presided over by clergy from the Washington, D.C., region. Anson Pheips Stokes, a mid-2Oth century Yale historian, relates in his book Church and State in the United States: �[T]he preaching services were established early in the Jefferson administration (1801 - 1809), and the seats were always kept for the president and his secretary, the former attending regularly... - The services were so popular that the floor of the House proved inadequate, and the platform behind the speaker's chair and every other spot was filled....� Contrary to secular myth1 Jefferson's writings show that Christianity played a strong role in his moral thinking. Like the Christian clergy, he was a moral absolutist who would have been shocked by the Democratic Party's present support for moral nihilism. "It is strangely absurd to suppose that a million of human beings, collected together, are not under the same moral laws which bind each of them separately," Jefferson wrote in an 1816 letter to George Logan. In fact, contrary to the claims of atheists who call Jefferson to their cause, the founder explicitly described himself as a Christian in an 1803 letter to Dr. Benjamin Rush, where he wrote, "To the corruptions of Christianity I am indeed opposed,; but not to the genuine precepts of Jesus himself. I am a Christian, in the only sense he wished any one to be; sincerely attached to his doctrines, in preference to all others; ascribing to himself every human excellence; & believing he never claimed any other.' The founder, unlike radicals such as Thomas Paine or Ethan Allen, saw religion as useful in preserving society's moral compass. Jefferson placed preachers and moralists on the same footing with legislators as guarantors of social morality. He wrote the following in an 1814 letter to Thomas Law: �When [the moral sense] is wanting, we endeavor to supply the defect by education, by appeals to reason and calculation, by presenting to the being so unhappily conformed, other motives to do good and to eschew evil1 such as the love, or the hatred, or the rejection of those among whom he lives, and whose society is necessary to his happiness and even existence.... These are the correctives which are supplied by education, and which exercise the functions of the moralist, the preacher, and legislator; and they lead into a course of correct action all those whose depravity is not too profound to be eradicated.� Jefferson would have likely been appalled by modern liberals' efforts to assert that the First Amendment's establishment clause was intended. to apply to matters of societal morality, rather than core matters of religious dogma, such. as the divinity of Christ, the Holy Trinity, or the creation of a Church of the United States of America. To this end, Jefferson wrote in an 1809 letter to a James Fishback: �Reading, reflection and time have convinced me that the interests of society require the observation of those moral precepts only in which all religions agree (for all forbid us to murder, steal, plunder, or bear false witness), and that we should not intermeddle with the particular dogmas in which all religions differ, and which are totally unconnected with morality.� Thus, Jefferson was OPPOSED to legislating theological matters, NOT the promotion or defense of religiously motivated moral principles. revdauphinee answered on 10/05/05: None of our forefathers ever imigined what many call seperation of church and state yes they did not wish for a state church 'such as the church of England.they wanted ""seperation"" of church and state in that respect however they never envisioned seperation "from " the church completly they must be spinning in thier graves if they see what we are doing now.Remember folks when we take God from our lives he may take his hand of protection from them also (ie;Hurricanes fires earthquakes in diverse places )now where have I read that before??? Matthew 24: 4. Jesus answered: "Watch out that no one deceives you. 5. For many will come in my name, claiming, `I am the Christ, ' and will deceive many. 6. You will hear of wars and rumors of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come. 7. Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in various places. 8. All these are the beginning of birth pains. 9. "Then you will be handed over to be persecuted and put to death, and you will be hated by all nations because of me. (( christianity being removed everywhere?)) 10. At that time many will turn away from the faith and will betray and hate each other, 11. and many false prophets will appear and deceive many people. arcura rated this answer

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excon asked on 10/05/05 - The Right to Die Hello Christians: If I were terminally ill, headed for a painful death within six months, should I be allowed to end my life? Should a doctor be allowed to prescribe medicines (drugs) that will end my life? If a doctor does that, should he be prosecuted by the DEA as an illegal drug dealer? Should a state decide what medical procedures it allows or should the feds? How will Roberts vote? Will the Oregon "Death with Dignity Act" be affirmed? Is there a Christian position on the matter? excon revdauphinee answered on 10/05/05: God is the one who gives life only he should take it!!! excon rated this answer

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arcura asked on 10/05/05 - ASAP!!! Ever wonder about the abbreviation A.S.A.P.? Generally we think of it in terms of even more hurry and stress in our lives. Maybe if we think of this abbreviation in a different manner, we will begin to find a new way to deal with those rough days along the way. There's work to do, deadlines to meet; You've got no time to spare, But as you hurry and scurry- ASAP - ALWAYS SAY A PRAYER In the midst of family chaos, "Quality time" is rare. Do your best; let God do the rest- ASAP - ALWAYS SAY A PRAYER. It may seem like your worries Are more than you can bear. Slow down and take a breather- ASAP - ALWAYS SAY A PRAYER God knows how stressful life is; He wants to ease our cares, And He'll respond to all your needs A.S.A.P. - ALWAYS SAY A PRAYER. revdauphinee answered on 10/05/05: yhank you i will remember this posting im sure it will help arcura rated this answer

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Bradd asked on 10/04/05 - Church and State - Prayer in Schools I assume those of you who don't believe in the separation of Church (or God)and state would welcome prayer in public schools. My question - would you extend this privilege to all faiths? Catholics, Mormons, Unitarians, Muslims, Buddhists, Hindus. Jains, Native Americans, etc., etc.? revdauphinee answered on 10/05/05: FYI last I heard Catholics, and Mormons, were Christians!it bothers me when I hear my catholic bretheren refered to as otherwise the wqhole faith is based on Jesus! Bradd rated this answer LTgolf rated this answer powderpuff rated this answer

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Erewhon asked on 10/04/05 - The ACLU doesn't always win 10th Circuit ruling likely to end long legal battle By Brady Snyder Deseret Morning News In a unanimous decision Monday, a three-judge panel of the 10th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Denver rejected the ACLU's claims that Salt Lake City leaders conspired to give the LDS Church what it wanted on the Main Street Plaza. "This case contains no well-pleaded factual assertions that suggest a sham," the court said. In the wake of the decision on the second Main Street Plaza lawsuit, those involved � even some on the losing side � pondered that the long drawn-out legal wrangling might be finished. "I'm pleased that this is finally over," Mayor Rocky Anderson said. "The court made very clear what we believed to be true the entire time � that the plaintiffs had no case." Of course, the American Civil Liberties Union could appeal. But such an effort seemed an iffy proposition Monday. While ACLU of Utah Executive Director Dani Eyer said she was "disappointed" with the decision, it sounded more as if she were ready to cut her losses than keep fighting. A decision to appeal would have to be considered by her board of directors and the national office of the ACLU in New York, which handled legal arguments in the case, Eyer said. Even some of the plaintiffs, while disappointed they lost, were ready to let go. "I thought this was going to last forever," said Andrea Moore-Emmett, president of the Utah chapter of the National Organization for Women (NOW). "It's nice to have it resolved and move on from there." The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints was pleased with the decision. "We are pleased with today's ruling," said Bruce L. Olsen, managing director of LDS Church public affairs. "The church has always intended that the plaza be a place of peace, a quiet oasis in the midst of a bustling city where everyone can enjoy an atmosphere of serenity and reflection." The ACLU could appeal the case to a full panel of 10th Circuit Court judges or to the U.S. Supreme Court. However, it's unlikely the decision will be overturned � or even heard. Still, some plaintiffs � which included NOW, the Utah Gospel Mission, the First Unitarian Church of Salt Lake City and Murray resident Lee Siegel, among others � wanted to fight some more. "I do think the transaction was a sham from the start," said Siegel, a former reporter for the Salt Lake Tribune. "I just feel more like a political minority in this place than ever." Part of that so-called "sham" argument was that Anderson 'invented a deal' to give control of the plaza to the LDS Church. The ACLU filed suit against Salt Lake City after Anderson and the City Council agreed to trade the city's public access easement across the plaza to the LDS Church for church-owned land in Glendale, where a $4.5 million community center, dubbed the Sorenson Unity Center, is to be built. The 10th Circuit Court of Appeals had previously ruled the easement created a public forum open to preachers and protesters who had an ax to grind against the church. The church complained, saying detractors now had a bully pulpit just steps from its historic downtown temple. The ACLU said political pressure from the church and its members led the mayor to give up the city's public access easement though the plaza. After all, the ACLU said, Anderson previously had pledged not to give away public access on the plaza. Anderson's change of heart violated constitutional provisions against government favoring one religion over another, the ACLU said. The sale of the city's pedestrian easement "resulted from undue influence by the LDS Church," according to the suit. Furthermore, the mayor knew his Unity Center deal "would reinforce the non-LDS community's distrust of any cynicism about the influence of the LDS Church on the affairs of government." The city's secular gains of the Unity Center deal were "nothing more than a facade" to hide the true purpose of protecting the LDS Church from critics, according to the suit. Monday, the court ruled that by giving up the easement � for roughly $5.3 million in compensation, including the community center � the city was getting more than 10 times its market value and rightfully disengaging itself from a potential constitutional entanglement with the church over control of the plaza. Anderson's change of heart amounted to "policy choices in a democracy," the court said. "The fact that the mayor changed his mind by first vocally opposing the sale of the easement and later supporting it, or that this issue was controversial, simply does not support the claim that the transaction was a sham," the judges said. The ACLU also argued the plaza is an historic public forum subject to First Amendment guarantees of free speech. Under the trade, the average speaker would have difficulty knowing when he ventured off public property and onto private, limited-speech land, the ACLU said. Attorneys similarly pointed to Salt Lake City's "right of re-entry," which requires that the church maintain the plaza as a "landscaped space." The city's right of re-entry creates a similar situation to the city's pedestrian passage easement, which previously cut through the plaza. The 10th Circuit likewise rejected that claim, saying traditional public forums can, in fact, be sold to private groups and no longer continue to be public forums. Moreover, the plaza, with its signs and decorative pavers, is significantly differentiated from the surrounding public sidewalks. "The city simply does not own the plaza," the court said, noting that a right of re-entry doesn't constitute a property right. In making its ruling, the court upheld the decision of U.S. District Judge Dale Kimball, who also sided against the ACLU in its second Main Street Plaza case nearly two years ago. The initial Main Street Plaza suit came after the city sold a block of Main Street to the LDS Church in 1999 for $8.1 million. In that sale, the city reserved a public-access easement across the plaza but gave the church the authority to prohibit on-plaza protests and proselytizing, certain dress and other behavior the LDS Church finds offensive. The ACLU sued, arguing the city cannot have public access on the plaza while forbidding certain types of speech or other First Amendment protections. U.S. District Court Judge Ted Stewart ruled against the ACLU, but the 10th Circuit overturned his ruling in October 2002, leading to Anderson's Unity Center deal two months later. E-mail: bsnyder@desnews.com ----------- They don't always win! revdauphinee answered on 10/04/05: I am definatly not a fan of the ACLU however i have to side with Still, some plaintiffs � which included NOW, the Utah Gospel Mission, the First Unitarian Church of Salt Lake City and Murray resident Lee Siegel,since this seems to definatly be favouring one denomination over others and this my friend is the orriginal intent of our founding fathers they never asked for seperation of church and state but did not want one favoutered over others as is the church of England in Britain and now it seems is the mormon faith in utah bucker rated this answer Erewhon rated this answer

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godot asked on 10/04/05 - Faith, hope and charity In your opinion, which of these three is the greatest and which is the least? The Bible tells us that hope is an anchor for the soul. revdauphinee answered on 10/04/05: cant say one is greater than the other for through (faith) we gain eternal life ,while (charity) is what gives others (hope!)you just abourt have to give them equal importance! bucker rated this answer godot rated this answer

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ROLCAM asked on 10/04/05 - Simple Questions ?? A YES or A NO would suffice. An important follow on to a previous post. God had to make that choice! 1)Did GOD send HIS SON to earth to save us? 2)Did JESUS die on the cross? 3)Was JESUS resurrected on the third day? Just to help you:- The above three questions are rhetorical. ROLCAM. revdauphinee answered on 10/04/05: 1)Did GOD send HIS SON to earth to save us? 2)Did JESUS die on the cross? 3)Was JESUS resurrected on the third day? My answers 1)yes 2)yes 3)yes bucker rated this answer ROLCAM rated this answer

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godot asked on 10/04/05 - Salvation The thief who was crucified beside Jesus was promised salvation and paradise in his final moments of life although he committed many sins and was not baptized. This shows that when a person repents of his/her sins and believes in Christ, the person would receive salvation, and it is never too late for the person to do that. Do you agree? revdauphinee answered on 10/04/05: I definatly agree and who know anothers mind this is why we were told not to judge ! bucker rated this answer godot rated this answer

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arcura asked on 10/03/05 - This Just In. Amazing.............................. A Montana couple were out riding on the range, he with his rifle and she (fortunately) with her camera. Their dogs always followed them, but on this occasion a Mountain Lion decided that he wanted to stalk the dogs (you'll see the dogs in the background watching). Very, very bad decision... The hunter got off the mule with his rifle and decided to shoot in the air to scare away the lion, but before he could get off a shot the lion charged in and decided he wanted a piece of those dogs. With that, the mule took off and decided he wanted a piece of that lion. That's when all hell broke loose... for the lion. As the lion approached the dogs the mule snatched him up by the tail and started whirling him around. Banging its head on the ground on every pass. Then he dropped it, stomped on it and held it to the ground by the throat. The mule then got down on his knees and bit the thing all over a couple of dozen times to make sure it was dead, then whipped it into the air again, walked back over to the couple (that were stunned in silence) and stood there ready to continue his ride... as if nothing had just happened. Fortunately even though the hunter didn't get off a shot, his wife got off these 4 pictures... I wished that I could show the pictures to you. They are amazing. That was one mean mule!!! Fred revdauphinee answered on 10/03/05: I wish you could also fred but then you have my e mail LOL arcura rated this answer

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godot asked on 10/03/05 - The Father and the Son Jesus told Philip:"He that has seen me has seen the Father." Does it mean that the Father and the Son are almost identical in every way? revdauphinee answered on 10/03/05: yes in fact they are one! Jesus was the earthly incarnation of God the father! godot rated this answer

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bucker asked on 10/02/05 - What would you do? There was a man, who was a switchmen for the railroad. At a certain time each day, he had to cross this long railroad trestle each day to switch the rails. If not this train would go down the bank into the lake. All people on board would have been killed. One day he heard the train coming, and bent over to switch the rails, when looking up, he saw something that almost stopped his heart. He little boy was coming to his dad. He was half way across the trestle. He had a choice. Not switch the train and save his son, and let all the people on the train die. Or he could switch the rails, and save all the people, but that would kill his son... What choice would you make? God had to make that choice! revdauphinee answered on 10/03/05: bucker ill let Jesus answer to You when you are critised by such as sarnian and his ilk Mathew 7:6 6. "Do not give dogs what is sacred; do not throw your pearls to pigs. If you do, they may trample them under their feet, and then turn and tear you to pieces. and before anyone accuses me of name calling these are the words of Christ and not my own!!! arcura rated this answer bucker rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 10/02/05 - appease this? I notice our boards Muslin appeasists and apologists have been silent about Bali but I would like them to appease this. Wounded ripped apart by nails and ball bearings October 3, 2005 - 10:02AM * Three Australians among 26 dead * Bombs may be the work of mutated JI * US warned its citizens of attack * Destruction on a peaceful shore * Cut down on a surf trip with their boys * Jessica can't be told the terrible truth * Grisly photos of suicide bombers released * Beach residents feel full force of blasts * Some want to be home, others to finish their holiday * Clues in wreckage of a perfect evening * Everyone pitched in to help the wounded * Tourist trips cut short or cancelled * Attack here likely, Ruddock warns * Old wounds are cruelly reopened * Federal police fly into action * Diners tell of explosion at their table * Indonesian democracy the target - Howard * Man most wanted over 2002 bombings is still at large * Another blow for fragile tourism * List: Australian victims * Recent attacks * Bombings in Bali * Scene of the attacks * Map: Points of impact DFAT hotline: 1800 002 214 With the Australian death toll from the Bali bombings likely to be four, the injured have arrived in Darwin to be treated for horrific shrapnel wounds. Two defence Hercules aircraft jetted in from Bali early today, carrying up to a dozen critically and seriously injured patients, plus other injured Australians and their families. The Bali blasts on Saturday night killed at least 26 people and wounded more than 120. At least seven patients arrived on stretchers at Royal Darwin Hospital early today in a steady procession of ambulances from the airport. Hospital general manager Len Notaras said the injuries were from "horrific" bomb blasts involving ball bearings, glass, metal pieces and nails. "The patients have largely been those victims of bomb blast shrapnel injury, penetrating injury, compression injury, ruptured eardrum, penetrated eyes and so on," he said. "They are very consistent with war injuries, the type of injuries you might expect in a war situation or indeed in an industrial explosion situation. Parliamentary Secretary for Foreign Affairs Bruce Bilson said all Australians are believed to be accounted for in Bali. He confirmed two Australians had been identified as among the 26 people killed in the blasts while another two were feared dead. Foreign Minister Alexander Downer said, in addition, an Australian woman who was not injured in the bombings has died of heart attack, possibly from the shock of the incident. With the deaths of a 16-year-old boy from Western Australia and a 48-year-old woman from NSW already confirmed, Mr Downer said an Australian couple was also believed to have died in the blasts. "We know where they were, they're now missing," he told the Nine Network. "There are some bodies which are still impossible to identify and so work is being done, or will be during the course of today on the identification of those bodies. "If that is confirmed then there will be four Australians who have been killed. "In addition a woman who wasn't affected by the bombing, the bombing itself, died from a heart attack at the same time, perhaps affected by the shock of the bombing taking place. She wasn't in the vicinity of the bombings." Mr Downer later said it was likely the Australian couple had died. "We are not 100 per cent sure about that because the bodies haven't been identified, but we think that that's likely," he told ABC Radio National. The number of Australians injured stands at 17. Four are seriously injured and three of them have been flown to Singapore for further treatment. Mr Downer said despite the latest attacks, Indonesia had worked hard to fight terrorism. "They have done a good job in intercepting JI (Jemaah Islamiah) operations and they have arrested and put in jail quite a number of Jemaah Islamiah personalities," he told the Nine Network. "I think what this illustrates is there's still work to be done. We're putting an enormous number of resources into Indonesia to assist them in combating JI. The Americans are playing a very important role there. "But, of course, you're dealing with a country of 220 million people spread over an enormous area so we have no illusions that it's difficult." The Indonesian government had so far ignored Australia's requests to formally outlaw JI, but Mr Downer said that process would make no difference to the terrorists. "There'd be a lot of ways these people could get around that particular technical outlawing," he said. The government's travel advisory warns against any non-essential travel to Indonesia, but Mr Downer today stopped short of urging Australians not to visit Bali. "In the end, it's a free world, they've got to make up their own mind whether they want to make the trip or whether they don't and make their own assessments of what the risks are," he said. "These are not mandatory orders. "What I would say to Australians is read the travel advisory." Mr Downer again warned there could be more attacks. "The risk is always there and the risk is significant," he said. AAP Nothing can justify such attacks whether in Bali or Egypt or anywhereelse, this is barbarity at it's worst and it is religiously orientated and it's sourse is Muslim. Only one religion teaches such barbarity and we should begin to ask ourselves whether it should be permitted. Make no mistake the muslims are doing this to purge Indonesia of foreigners, a form of religious cleansing revdauphinee answered on 10/03/05: yet Islaam is a peacefull religion !!! wish someone will tell me if this is so (yet ill never believe it)why we never hear the muslim clerics denouncing such acts ????? paraclete rated this answer sarnian rated this answer

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Erewhon asked on 10/02/05 - Prophet Twigg Has anyone heard of a Yorkshire Prophet called "Prophet Twigg"? Possibly from Osset or Ottler. I once read an article about him but have since lost it. A search of the WWW has turned uo nothing. Can thee hekp? revdauphinee answered on 10/02/05: the only one I could come up with was ena Twigg a woman, you can see more on her at the following site http://website.lineone.net/~enlightenment/ena_twigg.htm I did learn a lot about one named "mother Shipton" in that general area from my grandmother (I grew up in Lancashire) arcura rated this answer Erewhon rated this answer

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godot asked on 10/02/05 - Adrenaline worship Dr. Archibald Hart said:"A well-designed worship service has a time to reflect on sin and repentance, a time for praise and perhaps an uplifting experience. But then there is also to be a time to meditate. It seems to me a lot of modern contemporary worship is nothing more than pure adrenaline worship." Comments? revdauphinee answered on 10/02/05: have to agree on this one often at some worship services one has to wonder if Jesus who was a Jew would condone such behavior ??Pesonaly I dont think he would godot rated this answer

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HANK1 asked on 10/01/05 - EDGAR CAYCE: What do you know about Edgar Cayce and his Spirit Realms concept? HANK revdauphinee answered on 10/01/05: quite a bit actualy i have even been to his virgina beach research center !why??? HANK1 rated this answer

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STONY asked on 10/01/05 - THERE'S A NEW SHERIFF IN TOWN... AND HIS NAME IS JOHN Q. PUBLIC. AS OF MIDNIGHT LAST NITE A NEW LAW WENT INTO EFFECT IN FLA. CALLED THE RIGHT TO USE DEADLY FORCE TO DEFEND YOURSELF. ALL I CAN SAY IS, CRIMINALS COMING TO FLA. "BEWARE!!" PUT AN HONEST CITIZEN IN A LIFE THREATENING SITUATION AND HE'LL PROBABLY BLOW YOUR HEAD OFF. ADVERTISEMENTS AROUND THE WORLD HAVE GONE OUT TELLING VISITORS OF THIS NEW LAW. SO, YA'LL COME ON DOWN BUT AT YOUR OWN RISK CAUSE WE AIN'T GONNA TAKE IT ANYMORE. NEXT ON THE ADGENDA, RUN A STOPLIGHT AND IT'LL COST YOU $160 PLUS COURT COSTS. THATS ALL THE NEWS TTHAT'S FIT TO PRINT....LOL. revdauphinee answered on 10/01/05: personaly dont care about florida thats where they starve disabled people to death Not a place I intend to go to so I truly dont care if it falls off and floats away sory! bucker rated this answer STONY rated this answer

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excon asked on 10/01/05 - Bill Bennett Hello Christians: What do you think of the man of the right, the guy who wrote a book on virtue - Bill Bennett? He thinks you could lower the crime rate by aborting all the black babies. He gambles his ass off, and he thinks I should be in jail for the rest of my life because I smoke pot. No wonder the country's gone to hell in a handbasket. excon revdauphinee answered on 10/01/05: if you will read what the man said in full context you will see he did not mean that at all he even said himself that would be reprehensable,people should read the whole bit before one critisises someone for just a part of what they said !also "he thinks I should be in jail for the rest of my life because I smoke pot."if you want to fry your brains thats your business I guess! excon rated this answer

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Erewhon asked on 09/29/05 - Ban on silly ad hominem postings How about a ban on silly postins such as Sarnian's 'clarifications' reproduced below? If you feel that they help the board, then fine. Let him continue. I could care less. =========== Clarification/Follow-up by Erewhon on 09/29/05 11:07 am: Sorry, Hank. Unless it is contrary to the Regs of AW I will not agree to any further encroachment on my personal liberty. Clarification/Follow-up by sarnian on 09/29/05 2:04 pm: Of course Ronnie You can't state anything under 150 lines ..... ;) Clarification/Follow-up by sarnian on 09/29/05 2:04 pm: And it's difficult to write that all yourself ;) Clarification/Follow-up by sarnian on 09/29/05 2:04 pm: So you have to cut and paste ;) Clarification/Follow-up by sarnian on 09/29/05 2:04 pm: Because it's your "personal liberty" ;) Clarification/Follow-up by sarnian on 09/29/05 2:04 pm: Just as your childish attacks ;) Clarification/Follow-up by sarnian on 09/29/05 2:04 pm: And twisting of words ;) Clarification/Follow-up by sarnian on 09/29/05 2:04 pm: MY "HERO"! ;) revdauphinee answered on 09/30/05: why ban anything?? what is boring to one may be just what someone else is looking for why all of a sudden are all trying to make new rules here??it aint broke so stop trying to fix it!! Erewhon rated this answer

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arcura asked on 09/29/05 - Please pray for me.................................. I have double pneumonia and with my diabetes it�s very difficult to heal up. I�m very sick and in pain. So I ask all my friends here to please keep me in your prayers. Thanks, May God bless you all! Fred revdauphinee answered on 09/30/05: as a fellow diabetic i can empathise of cource you are in my prayers.get well soon. dorothy arcura rated this answer

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HANK1 asked on 09/29/05 - FOLLOW-UP - C/P: Saturday is Oct. 1st. Let's start 'my suggestion' on this date and end it at sundown on Friday, the 7th. Those who wish to participate will NOT copy and paste. Those who don't wish to participate will continue to copy and paste. We'll know who's doing what. (No play on words, please) Thanks and good luck! HANK revdauphinee answered on 09/29/05: ok for those who wish, I personaly will continue to cut and paste if the desire to do so comes upon me, I see no wrong in it! as the scripture is more than adequate to any question posed and is better than i at giving answers and advice and as for other sources if I find a quote that can say better than I with my limited eloquence then why shouldnt I use it?? HANK1 rated this answer

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arcura asked on 09/28/05 - What meanings do you get from this verse? Luke 5:39. And nobody who has been drinking old wine wants new. `The old is good,' he says." NJB This may not be related to what you think bur may be something to think about. Years ago I made home made wine. Most of it turned out to quite good. On one occasion I took an unlabeled pony of 2 week old wine to an old Italian friend who had spent his life tasting wine and asked hi what it thought of it. He said, �That�s some of the best Italian Vino I�ve had. How did you make it? I told him it was chokecherry wine and only 2 weeks old. �Wow�, he said. He asked me to bring me some of it in a couple of years after has aged. So what are your thoughts about the bible passage? Peace and kindness, Fred revdauphinee answered on 09/28/05: I always say everything improves with age like wine I hope im improving also LOL arcura rated this answer

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Erewhon asked on 09/28/05 - At war with God? War on God Continues By Steve Farrell So the courts have struck down The Pledge of Allegiance in three Sacramento, California elementary schools. What else is new? A little history as to how this hostility toward God in our schools began begs our review. In 1932, it was Communist Party USA founder, William Z. Foster, in his book, Toward Soviet America, who outlined �the elementary measures the American Soviet government will adopt to further the cultural revolution.� His target: America�s schools. His strategy: [S]tudies will be revolutionized, being cleansed of religious, patriotic and other features of the bourgeois ideology. The students will be taught on the basis of Marxian dialectical materialism, internationalism and the general ethics of the new Socialist society. Present obsolete methods of teaching will be superseded by a scientific pedagogy. (1) There is much to behold in that 1932 statement, and it has all come to pass � religion and patriotism replaced with materialism, internationalism, the ethics of socialism, and the scientific pedagogy � can anyone doubt it? But let�s not stop there. As to those �other features of the bourgeois ideology� that were to be �cleansed,� the traditional family was at the top of the list. Recall, if you will, Communist Founder Karl Marx bragged that he and his fellow communists would �Abolish the family!� Why? Because the traditional family was the transmission belt of Christian and Capitalist values. Plain and simple. The traditional family had to go � and with it, home schools, private schools, and old-styled public schools (where parents were the employers, the curriculum chiefs, the bosses over the neighborhood school). (2) �The bourgeois claptrap about the family and education, about the hallowed co-relation of parent and child � [is] disgusting,� Marx wrote. His plan? �We destroy the most hallowed of relations when we replace home education with social.� (3) To make this a reality, confusion as to who really pays teachers had to be created. Thus in plank 10 of the Communist Manifesto, Marx called for �Free education for all children in public schools.� (4) This was a ploy � the beginning of a propaganda war in favor of the nonsense that the government, not the parents who are taxed by the government, pays the bill. We have seen the unceasing efforts to centralize wherever and whenever possible, the paymaster, curriculum, testing, teacher education, and teacher licensing laws. Communist Party Chief Foster envisioned the day when all �the schools, colleges, and universities [would be] coordinated and grouped under the National Department of Education.� (5) Why? Because he recognized, as all dedicated Marxists must, the more things appear to flow from the center, the more teachers and principals will look away from parents and towards Big Brother � and likewise, the more parents feel disenfranchised, the more parents will tend to shy away from involvement in the public school system. It�s only natural. It was destined to work � and it did. The U.S. Department of Education came into being in 1980, under President Jimmy Carter, but movement toward a fully empowered, department level agency began in earnest during World War II, under President�s Roosevelt and Truman, with the 1941 Lanham Act, the 1944 G.I. Bill, the 1946 George-Barden Act, and the 1950 Impact Aid laws. Thus, with the institution of federal funds for education on a massive scale, and federal agencies to administer those funds, the Supreme Court was by 1961 ready to start playing God over parent and child. Classroom prayer had to go, they ruled. The rationale, �that which the federal government subsidizes, it has the right to control.� (6) The removal of prayer was followed by the removal of God from every textbook and the replacement of the Judeo-Christian viewpoint with the humanistic, �progressive� ideology of Karl Marx, and John Dewey, a viewpoint that would, step by step, tolerate everything and anything in the classroom, anything and everything but Judeo-Christian values. Needless to say, Communist Party USA founder, William Z. Foster, called for that hypocritical and hostile approach, as well. �Freedom will be established for anti-religious propaganda,� (7) he wrote. That�s where we are today. �Christians and Jews shut up! � All you atheists, agnostics, communists, humanists, adulterers, and abortionists � your speech is protected! Your take on religion and morality will be in the textbooks, and shouted from the house tops. Criticism of your perspective will be prosecuted as hate speech!� And so it has. Private Christian schools are next. Wrote Foster, �The churches will remain free to continue their services, but their special tax and other privileges will be liquidated. Their buildings will revert to the State. Religious schools will be abolished and organized religious training for minors prohibited.� (8) One thinks of the University of California�s rejection of high school credit from schools that study history, literature, and science from a Christian perspective (presently before the U.S. District Court in Los Angeles). (9) One thinks of the N.E.A.�s opposition to school vouchers because �85 percent of private schools are religious,� and because, such a groundswell of students turning to religion �would only encourage economic, racial, ethnic, and religious stratification in our society.� (10) This is a far cry from the educational goal Horace Mann expressed in a speech published by the N.E.A. in their 1941 �American Citizens Handbook,� wherein Mann called for �an order of teachers, wise, benevolent, [and] filled with Christian enthusiasm.� (11) Visit Steve�s Daily Blog at LibertyLetters.blogspot.com. NewsMax pundit Steve Farrell is associate professor of political economy at George Wythe College, press agent for Defend Marriage (a project of United Families International), and author of the highly praised, inspirational novel, �Dark Rose� (available at amazon.com). Footnotes 1. Foster, William Z. Toward Soviet America, Elgin Publications, Balboa Island, California. 1961 (originally International Publishers, New York, 1932), p. 316. 2. Marx, Karl. Communist Manifesto. 3. Ibid. 4. Ibid. 5. Foster, p. 316. 6. First enunciated in Wickard v. Filburn, 317 U.S. 111, 131. �It is hardly lack of due process for the Government to regulate that which it subsidizes.� 7. Foster, p. 316. 8. Ibid. 9. See www.courthousenews.com/jump.Aug.29.htm 10. See www.nea.org/vouchers/index.html under the subheadings �The Social Case Against Vouchers,� and �The Legal Case Against Vouchers.� 11. Morgan, Jay Elmer. The American Citizens Handbook, The National Education Association, Washington D.C., 1941, p. 254 ==================== Why, do you suppose, are they so afraid of religion and the religious? revdauphinee answered on 09/28/05: If we continue to take God out of our lives can we be surprised when he takes his hand of protection of of us???look for instance at recent events here in the US!Could this be a reason? remember what is writen in 2nd Chronicles 7:14. if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land. Erewhon rated this answer

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curious98 asked on 09/28/05 - For those who think I always grumble about the US, ONLY. I�m trying to be as realistic and as objective as I can, though, apparently I do not always succeed. I attempt also to look at things from a Christian point of view, not only because this is a Christianity board, but because I, who am such a poor Christian when it comes to actual following the Law, want, at least, to denounce, for others to see, those cases where, we Christians, fail to accomplish with our duty. So, for the time being, I will rather take back what I said about Mexico and the USA, under my post �Love thy neighbor� to open up another point, this time, also referring to Spain. But first of all, let me point out that, generally speaking, emigrants all over the world have been and are, and will be, people who are willing to risk whatever little they may have, if anything (including their lives), to improve their living conditions. The United States is a country built upon emigration. And so is Canada. And so is Australia and New Zealand. All the people that went to those countries, left the good old Europe, where they could hardly live and, having nothing to lose �but their lives- and a lot to gain, if lucky, they decided to tempt their fortune. First there were the English settlers (some French, too) who, through hard work and pains, prepared the ground for other generations of immigrants from other countries to come, along with hundreds of thousands of black slaves from Africa. Irish, Jews from all over Europe, Germans, Polish, Chinese, Italian, Swedish, Norwegians, Greeks, came in later on and also helped to make your country what it is now. Then you started to receive Porto Ricans and what you called Hispanic (Mexicans and Cubans basically) with large amounts of Koreans, some Japanese and a lot of Indian and Pakistanis, to reach the situation you have now. On the other hand, Mexico and Central and Latin American countries were, practically and completely, occupied by Spanish immigrants (also Italians in Argentina and Portuguese in Brazil) who settled down in the different countries �ignoring, just as the American settlers did- the Indian populations. As in the case of North America, the Indian tribes were not only ignored but �quite often- massacred. So much for the Christian European settlers, no matter where they were coming from. In the case of Spain, it was particularly horrible, because most of the first catholic Dominique friars that accompanied the first expeditions, were so fanatical (we would say fundamentalist now), that in their aim to convert as many Indian tribes as they could to Catholicism, they did not hesitate to almost destroy some bright civilizations, like the Aztecs, the Mayans or the Incas. At least, in the north (the USA) the Indian tribes that were also destroyed had not reached that cultural level� with the exception, perhaps, of the Seminoles, though this is no excuse, of course, for the massacres they also suffered. And then something very interesting happened. First in Latin America and Mexico, where those settlers decided to create their own countries and became independent. And, later on, in North America, when they felt they have had enough of the British domination. They were all, of course, well entitled to their independence. They had worked very hard to get it. But, at the same time, they began to forget where they all came from and who their ancestors were. They just were Americans, or Argentinean, or Mexican� OK. That was before. Let us see now. In 4 years, Spain has provided papers for a total population of 4+ million immigrants (about 13% of the Spanish Population in year 2000), plus an estimated amount of 1+ million of illegals, who keep coming. We receive 3 types of immigration: About 40% come from Morocco and Sub-Saharan Africa. Moroccans arrive in Spain by crossing the Strait of Gibraltar in overloaded barges and precarious boats. Many sink during the crossing and most of the occupants are drowned. When they are asked why they risk their life on such a perilous crossing they simply answer that they prefer to die than live in a dictatorship such as the Moroccan one (incidentally, one of your best allies, at present) where only a few privileged can live well.. As for the Sub-Saharan it is even worse. After having walked for more than 1000 miles of wild and desert land (from Guinea, through Senegal to Mauritania) they embark, in lonely beaches. on the same type of barges as Moroccans, bound for the Canary Islands. The Strait crossing is a matter of some 25 miles. From Mauritania, it is a matter of some 300 miles of open ocean to the Canary Islands. It is estimated than only half succeed, and the others are drowned on the Atlantic. In the last 4 years some 25000 have probably perished. Of course, neither Spain nor the rest of the Christian world pay much attention to this human drama. And in their countries of origin the authorities probably sigh in relief. 25000 problems less to worry about. One additional fact. Many of those Sub-Saharans are young pregnant girls, who after 2 or 3 months since they left their country, they expect to deliver their babies once in Spain, so they can automatically get the Spanish nationality and, consequently, all its benefits and Social Security. More often than not, they miscalculate their timing and the babies are born on the barge. Can you start imagining what it must be like�? Many mothers have just died after being able to hand their new born babies to the nurses on the beach� But who cares, they are illegals. A pain in the neck� Our port authorities have no other alternative than to take them to Hospitals and take care of them until they can get papers and find a job, if they are lucky. Another 40% comes from Latin America, substantially Ecuador, Colombia and Peru. This is another drama. They come by plane, of course. But to pay for the ticket they have had to sell all they had of any value. Most are young women who have been forced to leave their children behind, with their grandparents (many are unmarried girls who have been abandoned by their mates) and when they get here, they try to find a job as servants, maids (the lowest and worst paid positions), where they can daily work 10 or 12 hours or moonlight, which entails as much as 16 hours per day. They live with the minimum necessary for their subsistence and whatever they can save they send it home, to help their children. Very few of us realize what it must be like for a mother to leave three or four children (the older perhaps 6 or 7 years old) not knowing when she will be able to meet them again�! The educational level of the above 80% is practically non existent. Latin American can read and write with difficulty, but Africans are mostly analphabets. The remaining 20% comes from Eastern Europe (basically Rumania, Bulgaria, Poland), and China. Polish are O.K., they normally are cultured people and can find jobs as waiters, dish washers, and things like that. You can find engineers working as a dish washer help in good restaurants or hotels. But they will eventually get along well. Those from the Balkans are substantially mafias who come with girls, to prostitute them and/or to become beggars in the streets. They also form all kind of organized gangs that specialize in robbing homes, assaults in the street and even kidnapping� Delightful, in short. But with the exception of these few thousands who have chosen the criminal life, all the rest are normal plain people who fled their country looking for the Spanish �paradise� they have been told they would find here. And to a certain extent (at least from a point of view of health assistance) it is. The moment the hit our country, illegal or not, they are entitled to free medical assistance and hospitalization, if needed, which is, obviously, in detriment of Spanish citizens, who have seen as waiting lists in hospitals have rapidly increased� Chinese, nobody knows how, but they keep on growing and they manage themselves. I suppose you have some experience on the subject. But the feeling of being invaded by immigrants, whether legal or illegal, is growing in Spain (in fact, all over Western Europe), and every day, people grumble and protest more loudly, because they feel they are losing their comfort, their jobs, and crime is increasing, due to the immigrants, which is partly true, but not completely. Schools have to accept kids from all colors and ethnics groups (education is free, of course). Also from different religions. Many parents don�t like that. Especially Christian parents, who probably go to church every Sunday and hear the priest explaining the Gospel, and how we have to love each other� But, aw, come on, that was 2000 years ago� Problems are different now� If Jesus would come down, He would understand, wouldn�t He? But, only 40 years ago (my own generation), more than 4 million Spaniards had to emigrate to Germany, France, Belgium and Switzerland, leaving their families behind, because, in those days, there was not enough work for everybody in Spain. The put up with humiliations, scorn, disdain, contempt, from those who were hiring them. But little by little, they learnt the languages, they brought their families, were finally accepted, and while, most of them came back and set up a small business with their savings, many had sons that preferred to live in the countries where they had been born. But curiously enough, these are amongst those who protest louder against immigrants. They had just forgotten that themselves or their parents were emigrants and suffered that condition, too; my own father, was one of the many emigrants from Galicia that went to Argentina (where he died) at the beginning of the 20th century� You had also forgotten that. You now do not want illegals. Neither do we. But neither you nor us, here, really care about each personal drama behind each one of this illegals. If he jumps over the border, he may get shot by one your new minutemen. For, after all, why the heck is he to come and bother us? Does he feel that we grow golden apples on the trees? Does he not realize that if they keep on coming our own American and European ways of live are going to suffer? Cannot their governments take care of them? The same questions, of course, are being asked everyday in Spain, do not take me wrong, for we also have a way of live, right now, just as good as yours in the States, and in some aspects, even better. But, in the meantime, we, the developed countries, are offering the rest of the world, a prodigious example of selfishness, egocentrism and self-centeredness. In a way, and at a much larger scale is the iteration of the tragedy of the Titanic, as seen on the movie. Most of the people in first class were saved. Those who drowned were mostly those in the lower classes� This is what I was referring to in my previous post. Let us get realistic, in the United States, Mexicans, and Hispanics, in general, are looked down, whether you like it or not, just as much, immigrants now, are looked down in Spain, and in the rest of western Europe. You like Mexico and we like Morocco as a tourist place to go, like the Bahamas or the Virgin Island or like Kenya, for a photographic safari. And when it comes to look for safeer ground, Mexico �or even Laredo, which according to some of you is Hell�s lobby- is good enough, as Morocco would be good enough for us, in case of need. But, when we have to receive them as immigrants, we forget, when our ancestors had to emigrate, and risk their lives too, for they were also looking for a better future. Some 800 million in the world, people spend their lives on one dollar a day. In the next 5 years, the UN estimate that 45 million children will die of famine. According to Mr. Wolfenshon, President of the World Bank, in the last 15 years help from the wealthy countries to the 3rd world has been reduced by 25%. He claims this is a criminal behavior. And he is right. The UNDP estimated for last year a total of 40.000 million dollars to just bring bread and water to the world population who are starving. In the same year 2004, the developed world spent 400.000 million dollars in publicity; the United States only, spent 105.000 million dollars in alcoholic drinks; 12.000 million dollars in perfumes between the USA and the EU. And, as a terrible irony, 27.000 million dollars in pet�s food. On top of everything the world spend in weaponry 800.000 million (almost a trillion) dollars, of which the USA only, spent more than half of that amount. But immigrants keep on pestering us, and the best thing for us all, would be for them to peacefully starve and die at home, in their respective countries, rather than risk their lives crossing the Strait of Gibraltar or the Rio Grande, for our own wealthy economies cannot stand the smelly and filthy bodies of those who only want to find a better way of life� There is no question in my mind �and this apply to all of us, Christians or atheists- that there will come a day when The Big Boss will ask us what did we do to help the needy� Let us remember what Jesus said: "it is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God" ( Matthew 19:24) Curious98 revdauphinee answered on 09/28/05: As someone who myself am an imigrant i personaly resent illegals because of the fact that I took the trouble to do it legaly it is a slap in the face of those who do so to see those who do not benefit as much from the illegal way of doing things.we are supposed to be a country of laws so why should we not uphold them when they are broken??? Choux rated this answer curious98 rated this answer

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Choux asked on 09/27/05 - New Orleans Police Chief "Retires" Today, the New Orleans police chief "retired". Well, it's about time. Under this man's watch, the police in large numbers deserted their jobs and more disgraceful, he **fed lies** to the media about what happened inside the Super Dome(as did the mayor) during those horrible days. revdauphinee answered on 09/27/05: as one who lives not far from NO police corruption has been rampant for yrs and the mayor well I wont even go there, maybee after all this the next election will clean house one can only hope! Chilloutinparis rated this answer Choux rated this answer

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Choux asked on 09/26/05 - Reporters Exaggerated Today on Fox News, an official gave some facts about what went on at the Super Dome during the Katrina disaster. It turns out that media stories were **grossly exaggerated**. Sad day for journalism. Very sad. And, political hatemongers using the lies to further their agendas. :( revdauphinee answered on 09/27/05: most of the reporting is and was sensational but as a first hand observer of the aftermath of the storms living in the area they definatkly brought out both the best and the worst in the people.God was definatly seperating the sheep from the goats ! Choux rated this answer

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bucker asked on 09/26/05 - The Plan! This was sent to me. Thought I would send it on, and see what others thought about it.. You gotta love Robin Williams...... Even if he's nuts! Leave it to Robin Williams to come up with the perfect plan. What we need now is for our UN Ambassador to stand up and repeat this message. Robin Williams' plan...(Hard to arguewith this logic!) "I see a lot of people yelling for peace but I have not heard of a plan for peace. So, here's one plan." 1) "The US will apologize to the world for our "interference" in their affairs, past & present. You know, Hitler, Mussolini, Stalin, Tojo, Noriega, Milosevic, Hussein, and the rest of those 'good ole boys', we will never "interfere" again. 2) We will withdraw our troops from all over the world, starting with Germany, South Korea, the Middle East, and the Philippines. They don't want us there. We would station troops at our borders. No one allowed sneaking through holes in the fence. 3) All illegal aliens have 90 days to get their affairs together and leave We'll give them a free trip home. After 90 days the remainder will be gathered up and deported immediately, regardless of whom or where they are. They're illegal!!! France will welcome them. 4) All future visitors will be tho-roughly checked and limited to 90 days unless given a special permit!!!! No one from a terrorist nation will be allowed in. If you don't like it there, change it yourself and don't hide here. Asylum w ould never be available to anyone. We don't need any more cab drivers or 7-11 cashiers. 5) No foreign "students" over age 21. The older ones are the bombers. If they don't attend classes, they get a "D" and it's back home baby. 6) The US will make a strong effort to become self-sufficient energy wise. This will include developing nonpolluting sources of energy but will require a temporary drilling of oil in the Alaskan wilderness. The caribou will have to cope for a while. 7) Offer Saudi Arabia and other oil producing countries $10 a barrel for their oil. If they don't like it, we go some place else. They can go somewhere else to sell their production. (About a week of the wells filling up the storage sites would be enough.) 8) If there is a famine or other natural catastrophe in the world, we will not "interfere." They can pray to Allah or whomever, for seeds, rain, cement or whatever they need. Besides most of what we give them are stolen or given to t he army. The people who need it most get very little, if anything. 9) Ship the UN Headquarters to an isolated island some place. We don't need the spies and fair weather friends here. Besides, the building would make a good homeless shelter or lockup for illegal aliens. 10) All Americans must go to charm and beauty school. That way, no one can call us "Ugly Americans" any longer. The Language we speak is ENGLISH...learn it...or LEAVE...Now, isn't that a winner of a plan? "The Statue of Liberty is no longer saying 'Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses.' She's got a baseball bat and she's yelling, 'you want a piece of me?' " revdauphinee answered on 09/27/05: Just another piece of redneck garbage that replaces civilised diplomacy in some dark minds well since I reside in redneck country I have to say that parts of the piece did appeal to me !But while it might mean peace for us but it wont for the rest of the world they dont want piece,this is obvious or there wouldnt be terrorists.No 9 is the one that most appeals to me what good has the un done?lined a lot of pockets it seems bucker rated this answer excon rated this answer

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excon asked on 09/26/05 - Moral Question Hello Christians: Can an artist make beautiful art even if he happens to be a pedophile? If you think that a pedophile artist can make good art, would YOU pay to see it? Would you buy a refrigerator from GE if you found out that the president of GE was a wife beater? Inquiring minds want to know. excon PS> Oh, by the way, I'm talking about Roman Polanski. He has a new movie coming out that is being widely advertised. Lots of people say it's good. revdauphinee answered on 09/26/05: anything is possible but no if I ""knew"" this about folks I definatly would not buy the products! bucker rated this answer excon rated this answer

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kindj asked on 09/26/05 - Spirituality in secular music Lately I've been noticing and actively looking for "spiritual" themes in secular music. I've found good stuff in music by everyone from Metallica to INXS to Garth Brooks to Steve Miller, as well as many others. The one I'm looking at today is most likely obsure or unheard of to anyone but a Grateful Dead fan, even though Jimmy Buffett did a remake of it several years ago. Which begs another question: Some pea-brained person told me that I couldn't be a Christian AND a Grateful Dead fan. What's up with that? Anyway, the song is "Uncle John's Band," and I've got my own ideas, but would be very interested in knowing what some of you think. Uncle John's Band by The Grateful Dead Well the first days are the hardest days, don�t you worry any more, �cause when life looks like easy street, there is danger at your door. Think this through with me, let me know your mind, Wo, oh, what I want to know, is are you kind? It�s a buck dancer�s choice my friend; better take my advice. You know all the rules by now and the fire from the ice. Will you come with me? won�t you come with me? Wo, oh, what I want to know, will you come with me? God***n, well I declare, have you seen the like? Their wall are built of cannonballs, their motto is don�t tread on me. Come hear uncle john�s band playing to the tide, Come with me, or go alone, he�s come to take his children home. It�s the same story the crow told me; it�s the only one he knows. Like the morning sun you come and like the wind you go. Ain�t no time to hate, barely time to wait, Wo, oh, what I want to know, where does the time go? I live in a silver mine and I call it beggar�s tomb; I got me a violin and I beg you call the tune, Anybody�s choice, I can hear your voice. Wo, oh, what I want to know, how does the song go? Come hear uncle john�s band by the riverside, Got some things to talk about, here beside the rising tide. Come hear uncle john�s band playing to the tide, Come on along, or go alone, he�s come to take his children home. Wo, oh, what I want to know, how does the song go. revdauphinee answered on 09/26/05: not a fan of pop music myself but God can use all things to glorify him so if it works for you go for it! bucker rated this answer kindj rated this answer Pete_Hanysz rated this answer

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Choux asked on 09/25/05 - Once and For All Anyone who wants an apology from me for bad behavior, please answer this question stating:: 1. the reason, the insult 2. the date of the alleged affront. I will be happy to apologize if I have done something wrong. I apologized after I returned from suspension less than two months ago as you remember. THIS IS THE END OF IT!! IF YOU ARE INSULTED IN THE FUTURE, NOTIFY ME THE SAME DAY SO THE MATTER CAN BE SETTLED IMMEDIATELY. I promise I will be reasonable; if you want to notify me in private, that is fine. Kindest regards, Mary Sue revdauphinee answered on 09/26/05: I started to answer this in a different way however if folks are so childish they wish to continue to insult each other what good will answering do ??when are we all going to start thinking and acting as adults and lose the high school mentality and keep calling each other names?? Choux rated this answer

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sarnian asked on 09/24/05 - Protest against Arcura's deliberate "nazies" insults In "This is about ...." by arcura, posted on 09/23 Fred posted after my protest against his mis use of "nazies" for his own petty purposes : Sar, ...//...So, please tell us, are you or are you not a Nazi sympathizer?...//... Fred Fred, you are fully aware that more than half of my family was murdered by the nazies in their deathcamps. That is why I protested that you use the term "nazies" to support your petty preferences like weapon possession. You have repeatedly used also in other posts the "nazies" in your efforts to enforce one or more of your specific views. The nazies murdered over 6 MILLION people in their deathcamps. They are also responsible for many more MILLIONS of dead people during their reign, and their war of terror. To mis-use nazies to support gun possession in the US or any other personal view IS BEYOND THIS BOARDS DIGNITY. If you were a 16 year old boy without any knowledge of the attrocities by the nazies I could let that go. But in your case you know very well what the nazies did, and what I think of the nazies. And than to have the "gospe" to ask me if I am a nazi sypathizer is REALLY even for you too low under the belt, Fred. SHAME ON YOU FRED, SHAME ON YOU ! And you claim to be a christian ? Shame also to this board if the hypocrisy of silently allowing this type of stinking insults to continue uncommented. I really thought this was the "Christianity board". It more and more starts representing the "Shameful Insults" board, or the "Deliberate Harassment" board. revdauphinee answered on 09/25/05: sarnian I personly have no problems with Fred you my friend I do have a problem with so far as my faith and your reaction to it is concerned!I respect your right not to believe but you dont come accross as respecting my choice! arcura rated this answer powderpuff rated this answer sarnian rated this answer

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HANK1 asked on 09/25/05 - JUST WONDERING ...:: God created NATURE which feeds our animals, birds, fish and insects FREE OF CHARGE. I'm wondering if people without much money would prefer a Socialistic society over a Democratic society. * "Socialism is any of various theories or systems of social organization in which the means of producing and distributing goods is owned collectively or by a centralized government that often plans and controls the economy." - The Free Dictionary HANK revdauphinee answered on 09/25/05: socialism in theory is great however due to human greed it can never work!I do however wish the US had sociLISED MEDICINE ,ESPECIALY FOR THE AGED!(excuse caps) HANK1 rated this answer sarnian rated this answer

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curious98 asked on 09/25/05 - Love thy neighbor! Associated Press Sept. 23, 2005 10:20 AM �NUEVO LAREDO, Mexico - Mexico, coming to its powerful northern neighbor's aid for the second time this month, promised to set up shelters for Americans left homeless by Hurricane Rita and offered medical care, water and vehicle escorts to Americans already fleeing the storm. Nuevo Laredo Mayor Daniel Pena ordered police officers to guide the evacuees, most of Americans who avoided shelters in the United States after the chaos that dominated Hurricane Katrina's aftermath. It was the second time this month Mexico has come to the aid of the United States. After Hurricane Katrina devastated much of the Gulf Coast, Mexico sent an army unit to Texas and a navy ship to Louisiana to bring aid to the storm's victims.� Is not it somewhat ironic to see how your southerner neighbor � who is rather looked down upon by many Americans (especially Texans who have recently created the Minutemen Vigilantes, who do not remember any more Lincoln�s famous quote: Ballots are the rightful and peaceful successors to bullets) � is quite willing to help. That reminds me of Matthew 5:38-39, when he says: whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn to him the other also. Or �'You shall love your neighbor as yourself� (Mark 12:30) Also, �The Day After Tomorrow�, a picture that depicts a global weather catastrophe scenario where cyclones, tornadoes, tidal waves and the start of the next ice age take centre stage, as a direct consequence of the Greenhouse Effect, and while paleoclimatologist (someone who studies ancient weather patterns) Prof Adrian Hall, finds himself headed north towards a freezing New York to reach his son and save the world at the same time, while everybody else, including the President of the United States, is heading south to avoid the cold, and settle down in Mexico. Same director of Independence Day. Maybe Mexicans carry out better than Americans Christian guidelines and commandments� Any comments? Curious98 revdauphinee answered on 09/25/05: people are people no mater where they reside we are all Gods children and it is good when we care for each other! arcura rated this answer curious98 rated this answer

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Bradd asked on 09/23/05 - Sarnian - Which Is It? One place you posted this -- "Homosexuality is for the major part based on genetic make-up, and for only a small part on seduction. I can not imagine that a single hetero sexual male can be influenced by another male to have homosexual relations. So a REAL HETEROSEXUAL can not be influenced in any way in becoming involved in homosexual activities, TV, Radio, Magazine, or whatever influences coming towards them." In another place, you posted -- "Not all homosexual males always were gay. Some are , but most TURNED gay. That turning can be at any age." In the first quote, most gays are gay because of genetic make-up. In the second quote, most are gay because they turned gay after not being gay. Which is it? In case, I've misunderstood you, here's a chance to explain. revdauphinee answered on 09/23/05: as i said previously why would anyone "Choose "such a life style ,to be hated and ridiculed and in many cases to even be disowned but there families,dont think too many would ''choose'' this! arcura rated this answer Bradd rated this answer bucker rated this answer CeeBee2 rated this answer Erewhon rated this answer Pete_Hanysz rated this answer sarnian rated this answer

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excon asked on 09/23/05 - Pat Robertson and me - two peas in a pod Hello Christians: I think the wrath of God is going to wipe out the Bible Belt. The message is clear: God wants a gay president. excon revdauphinee answered on 09/23/05: excon no doubt youd make a better president than the one we got LOL bucker rated this answer excon rated this answer

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Erewhon asked on 09/22/05 - Pope Benedict set to ban homosexuals from entering the RCC ministry. My question is, "How is a person's gender preference discovered?" Is there a fool-proof test that will identify homosexuals from heterosexuals? If so, what is it? revdauphinee answered on 09/23/05: where was he when children were being assaulted by priests forbiden to mary???he would spent his time better by revisiting this achaic tradition >No one who lives in sin should be a priest and there are many more than homosexuality wich I am not condoning) but he needs to clean out his own nest of vipers before approaching this problem!rmember Jesus said (Matt.7:3-5 3 "Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother's eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? 4 How can you say to your brother, `Let me take the speck out of your eye,' when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? 5 You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother's eye. Erewhon rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 09/23/05 - Now this is rediculous Human chromosome implanted in mice September 23, 2005 - 10:09PM Page Tools Scientists have transplanted a nearly entire human chromosome in mice in a medical and technical breakthrough that could reveal new insights into Down's syndrome and other disorders. The genetically engineered mice carry a copy of the human chromosome 21. It is the smallest of the 23 pairs of human chromosomes with about 225 genes. Children suffering from Down's syndrome, which is one of the most common genetic disorders, inherit three copies of the chromosome instead of two. The achievement caps 13 years of research by scientists at the National Institute for Medical Health in London and the Institute of Neurology. "We are very optimistic that we will be able to get insights into what goes wrong with people with Down's," said Dr Victor Tybulewicz, who headed the research team. Down's syndrome, which affects about one in every 800 live births, causes delays in mental and physical development. People with the condition may also have heart defects, hearing problems and have a higher risk of suffering from leukaemia and early-onset Alzheimer's disease. "These disorders that people with Down's are more prone to get are ones that also affect all humans. It is entirely possible that if we gain insights into what is going wrong in the Down's syndrome people we will also gain insights into what goes wrong during those disorders amongst the rest of us," he added. Dr Elizabeth Fisher, of the Institute of Neurology, said the technology will help scientists tease out the genes that cause the different aspects of Down's syndrome and susceptibility to other diseases. "We believe this new technology will help us work out why this is, and what to do about it," she said. In research reported in the journal Science, the researchers described how they removed the chromosome from human cells. Chromosomes are found in the nucleus of a cell and contain the genes. The human chromosome was mixed with mouse embryonic stem cells and a chemical was added that caused them to fuse. The stem cells that absorbed chromosome 21 were then injected into mouse embryo which was re-implanted into the mother. The resulting mouse has a copy of the human chromosome. Although the mice look normal, they show various features associated with Down's syndrome. The Down's Syndrome Association in Britain welcomed the research, saying it could have a positive impact on the lives of people with the condition. "Any research that could lead to a greater understanding of why people with Down's syndrome are more susceptible to certain medical conditions is obviously extremely important, although it must be recognised that this research does not herald a 'cure' or a 'treatment' for Down's syndrome," the association said in a statement. But Human Genetics Alert, an independent watchdog that focuses on the ethics of human genetics, described the breakthrough as frightening because animals with human genes are being created. "It is worrying that there has been no public debate about whether this kind of technique ought to be allowed. I think we need a lot more public debate about that," Dr David King said. � 2005 AAP Stewart Little eat your heart out. revdauphinee answered on 09/23/05: lets face it like it or not (and I as a Christian dont!)abortion is with us ,Itis the law of our land !so what would one rather do? gain at least something from it Via stem cell research! (I am biased I admit I suffer from some of the diseases it promices to help)or do we just throw away discarded stem cells???I know I personaly would love for them to find cures for Lupus Diabetes ect., It would certainly make my life a lot easier.Puts one in quite a quandry but it is much easier to condem when you dont have the diseases isnt it?? paraclete rated this answer

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HANK1 asked on 09/22/05 - THIS MIGHT HELP: Prayer for Hurricane Season: "O God, Master of this passing world, hear the humble voices of your children. The Sea of Galilee obeyed your order and returned to its former quietude; you are still the Master of land and sea. We live in the shadow of a danger over which we have no control. The Gulf, like a provoked and angry giant, can awake from its seeming lethargy, overstep its conventional boundaries, invade our land and spread chaos and disaster. During this hurricane season, we turn to You, O loving Father. Spare us from past tragedies whose memories are still so vivid and whose wounds seem to refuse to heal with the passing of time. O Virgin, Star of the Sea, Our Beloved Mother, we ask you to plead with your Son in our behalf, so that spared from the calamities common to this area and animated with a true spirit of gratitude, we will walk in the footsteps of your Divine Son to reach the heavenly Jerusalem where a storm-less eternity awaits us. Amen." Credits: Beliefnet.com HANK revdauphinee answered on 09/22/05: O Virgin, Star of the Sea, Our Beloved Mother, we ask you to plead with your Son in our behalf, (wont work) (1Tim.5 5 For there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, ) (Heb.2:17 For this reason he had to be made like his brothers HANK1 rated this answer paraclete rated this answer

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arcura asked on 09/22/05 - This comes from The Sierra Times. It's about lies.... A little wrongful death with that lie, sir? Carl F. Worden Most people remember the Ruby Ridge incident as an extreme case of unnecessary federal excessive force, misconduct and cold-blooded murder. But a careful examination of the facts detailed by Randy Weaver in his book, The Federal Siege At Ruby Ridge, reveals that all the deaths suffered on both sides of the conflict were directly the result of one fat lie that sealed the fate of U.S. Marshal William Degan, Sammy Weaver and Vickie Weaver. ATF undercover informant Gus Magisono had targeted Randy Weaver for the express purpose of criminalizing him. Once that was done, the plan was to get Weaver to plea down to something nicer than prison and then force Weaver to spy for the ATF on local people the ATF suspected of illegal activities. So Gus worked on Weaver for quite a long time, finally compelling Weaver to sell him two sawed-off shotguns at a time when Weaver was short on cash. When Gus turned over the shotguns to his ATF handlers, they found the shotguns were 1/4" too long to be illegal, so Gus went back to Weaver and had him cut the shotgun barrels shorter, thus creating the criminal they could now arrest and "turn". But Randy Weaver did something the feds didn't expect. He packed up his family and moved to a cabin in the mountains. Nobody knows exactly how it happened, but Weaver was given the wrong date to appear in court, so an arrest warrant was issued for him when he didn't appear. Instead of driving up to the cabin, walking up to the front door, knocking and telling Weaver he missed the date and was under arrest, a special group of federal marshals wearing camouflage was dispatched to secretly recon the site and lay a trap, whereby they could surprise Weaver and take him down. Why? Because Gus Magisono had told them a fat lie. You see, Gus, for whatever the reason, told his handlers that Weaver was a very dangerous former Green Beret, Spec-Ops explosives expert who had vowed never to be taken alive. That's why the feds thought they had to sneak up on Weaver and jump him. That is also what led to Striker, the family's yellow lab retriever, to smell out the agents. That is what led to Sammy chasing after Striker and arriving just in time to see a camo-clad cretin shoot Striker to death. Sammy screamed, fired off a shot in the agents' direction, and that is when a federal marshal with an MP-5 submachine gun almost cut the retreating 14 year-old Sammy in half, killing him instantly. That is what led to the siege and Vickie Weaver's summary execution by FBI sniper Lon Horiuchi. When Horiuchi shot Vickie in the head, she was armed with her ten-month old suckling baby, standing in her front doorway. But it all started with a fat lie. It started with a fat lie, like explosive residue was found on concrete retrieved from a breached levee/flood barrier in New Orleans, suggesting the structure had been deliberately destroyed so poor neighborhoods would flood out. It started with a fat lie, like Hillary Clinton refused to meet with Gold Star Mothers who had lost their children defending America. It started with a fat lie, like there's a one million-man Chinese army just waiting for orders to charge across our southern border and kill us all. I have repeatedly warned against creating false hoaxes and rumors on the Internet. I have repeatedly warned against forwarding articles that make outrageous, controversial and inflammatory claims when no supporting evidence or sources for the story are included. Even then, it's wise to pick up the phone and verify what you can, and if you still have doubt as to the veracity of such material, nobody made a rule forcing you to forward it to your readership list. Delete it! When a hoax-writer sends out a report of explosive residue found on concrete taken from a failed levee, the writer is not offering the information for consideration. No he's claiming highly placed and credible people know about it, and he even claimed a government laboratory had confirmed it to the extent he named the alleged explosives used! That's not intended for "consideration" that was an article the writer wanted people to believe and act upon. What if they had acted on it? What if a race-riot broke out and 2,000 people were killed before control could be established? Did any of you who forwarded that hoax even think of that? What if some whack-job read about Hillary refusing to meet with the Gold Star Mothers, and that was the final straw that put him over the edge to stalk and murder her? Did any of you who forwarded that hoax think of that? I didn't. I was one of the morons who automatically assumed it was true, checked the source who was familiar to me, and sent it out. The moment I learned it was a known hoax, I immediately notified my list of readers, but damn! I don't like Hillary Clinton any more than most of you, but I also do not intend to deliberately violate God's command against bearing false witness, no matter who the person is. And let's say a guy got so worked up about the million-man Chinese army, he drove down to El Paso and murdered the first Asian he could spot on the streets of Juarez, Mexico. Let's say after he's arrested, he tells the police your e-mail is what convinced him the threat was real. Let's say the family of his victim sues you, even if you didn't manufacture the hoax yourself, and the jury decides to award them five million dollars for your contribution to the victim's wrongful death? How's them giggles coming along now?? Jesus Christ was crucified because of lies. That's right. The Jews were under Roman Rule, and it was illegal for them to carry out an execution, so they had to bring Jesus before Roman prefect Pontius Pilate and tell him lies that Jesus was an enemy of Rome! Do you think just maybe God considers bearing false witness a serious violation? Do ya think?? It's only a matter of time before somebody gets sued into the Stone Age for manufacturing or just forwarding a hoax/lie that gets somebody killed or seriously injured. There's a smart-ass little jerk who goes by venue53@xxx.net (I X'd out the name) as his Internet e-mail address. I wrote to him to say the exploded levee story was a hoax that shouldn't be forwarded. He let me know in no uncertain terms he intended to send it to anyone and everyone. Okay. So let's say one of his readers is incensed with rage to think Whitey blew up the levee which killed his two beautiful daughters in the flood, and in a fit of temporary insanity, he murders the first two FEMA employees he can get his sights on. After his arrest, he tells investigators that venue53 sent him the information he acted on. He'd tell the investigators he was convinced the story was true, because it included highly-placed sources and even identified the two kinds of explosives used that directly caused the needless deaths of his two daughters. Heck, author Hal Turner even stated the name of the government laboratory that tested the substance on the concrete. It had to be true! How smart do you think you look now, venue53?? Eh, boy?? Still got yer snappy sense of humor, Gomer?? Too many people (4) have written me with the attitude that these fake stories are really no big deal. One guy claimed it was perfectly okay to bear false witness if it got Bush & Company thrown out of the White House. Well don't say I didn't warn you, because one of these days a civil jury is going to ring your bell and award your victim's family with everything you ever worked for. You really can cause unintended harm to someone you don't even know by spreading highly suspicious and inflammatory lies. For all you know, maybe you already did. Think about it. I'd hate to be in Gus Magisono's shoes when he stands before God. Carl F. Worden revdauphinee answered on 09/22/05: unfortunatly there sre those who delight in scaring others Just yesterday here in Miss where we truly dont need it right now someone started a rumor that you wouldnt be able to buy gas today and people went crazy trying to fill up ,it was not true but folks are gulable at times like these and sick people pray on them for kicks .But lying is a sin ans eventualy sins must either be atoned for or paid for!!! arcura rated this answer

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sarnian asked on 09/20/05 - Question on christianity ................... What is the last of the Ten Commandments? 1. Don't steal. 2. Don't covet your neighbor's wife and property. 3. Don't boil a young goat in the milk of its mother. 4. Love your neighbor as yourself. revdauphinee answered on 09/20/05: 2. Don't covet your neighbor's wife and property arcura rated this answer sarnian rated this answer

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Erewhon asked on 09/20/05 - Christian sectaries Does anyone have an accurate number of how mnay denominations and sects there are under the umbrella of Christianity? revdauphinee answered on 09/20/05: No but there are many arcura rated this answer Erewhon rated this answer

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Bradd asked on 09/20/05 - Cost Analysis - Republican Style Estimated costs for Katrina - 200 billion dollars. But George says we must cut programs to finance it. Estimated tax cuts for the truly needy multi-millionaires over the next 4 years - 336 billion dollars. Hey, George, how about cutting that 336 billion dollar welfare program for the richest 1 percent? They'll probably just keep popping out babies with all that money. revdauphinee answered on 09/20/05: I heard that they were going to cut out home health care for sick seniors once more hit the poor while the rich get richer Bradd rated this answer bucker rated this answer tomder55 rated this answer

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Choux asked on 09/19/05 - God's Will I need a break from politics here, so I have a question about God's will. I see Christians here (and read about Islamic clerics) talking about what God's intentions are regarding events on earth. Most recently, did God allow the tsumami and the hurricane Katrina to destroy so much take so many lives. Or, if something good happens to them, that God caused it to happen. If something "bad" happens to your enemy, and something "good" happens to you, that God showed preference to you, when, in fact, we don't know in advance what is really in our own best interests! ****How in the world can anyone claim to know the mind of God?**** Isn't it for us humans to to accept reality and not assign value judgements to possible supernatural cause and effect?? Isn't this thinking the ultimate sin of pride? revdauphinee answered on 09/20/05: God does not send disaster to punish folks he alows the forces of nature to work freely just as he forces none to believe in him he is not a God of force however if humans do wrong they will recieve judgement one day ,God does not get up in the morning and decide today i will make these humans pay ,He has given us his law and if we choose to disobey there will eventualy come a day of judgement for each individual.as for storms and floods his word tells us Mathew 5:45He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. bucker rated this answer Choux rated this answer

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Erewhon asked on 09/19/05 - God's wrath in New Orleans If, as some have said, the destruction of New Orleans is God's wrath for its wickedess, how do you explain the fact that the most bawdy part, ze French Quarter, escaped unscathed, and those least likely to venture into that part of the city, the poor, were the hardest hit? ? revdauphinee answered on 09/19/05: God does not cause such catastrophies he allows them he will judge humans for thier deeds at his return not now. bucker rated this answer Erewhon rated this answer

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hOPE12 asked on 09/19/05 - Information Please: Hello Everyone, First of all Bradd, please know that I am not neglecting to reply to your comments, I have just been very busy with helping those needing help due to Katrina. You quoted the scripture where if we are faithful in small things we are faithful in larger responsibilities. That is a good scripture to quote however what may seem small to some is of greater concern to others. I will get to your comments, please be patient. To everyone else, I was just wondering if any one has heard any information on New Orleans Tulane University. They were studying Biochemical Warfare in their labs. I wonder if any of those chemicals were released into the environment?? If anyone out there has received any reports or information on Tulane University and what happened to all those chemicals they were doing research with in their labs, please be so kind to give the link where I can read it. Thanks. I have a friend who is interested in that because some of those chemicals were dangerous if let loss in the environment can cause many health problems even death. They were working on biochemical�s used in chemical warfare. Take care, Hope12 revdauphinee answered on 09/19/05: Hope i havent heard any bad reports out of ulane the health concern that is bothering me the most down here now is mosquito bourn ones they are realy getting bad due to all the stagnant water they have to breed in. hOPE12 rated this answer

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HANK1 asked on 09/18/05 - THE BIBLE: Except for the Ten Commandments, the Lord's Prayer and the Golden Rule, what other advice do you get from reading the Bible? revdauphinee answered on 09/18/05: Pesonaly I get so much there is not time or room to put all here bucker rated this answer HANK1 rated this answer

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bucker asked on 09/16/05 - what is intelligance? Now, if you ask different ones, you are going to get differendt answers..There are some on this board who think they know what it is. They are so pleased with their ideas about Intelligents, that they do not try to learn anything. Their knowledge is based around a book, writtin by another one, who thinks they are intelligent. So it is a mad, vicious, circle. A dangerous, thing to be turned loose upon the world. That is why they have all been killed, but a few. There was Nepoleon phoneyparts, Adopy hertiter, Sodomy insain, and others too many to mention. Now they are all not dead yet, like some here on this board, but their time is coming. Of course, Satan will not like to see them go, for they are his workers, not good ones, but he is running out of good help. He has to take what ever he can get. I am glad of that. they cannot hurt many people that way.. I see a good man return. He is a little bit different, but he sure takes these people on, and wins. That is what is fun. When he returned, they were the first to start howling like wolves caught following the sheep, eating what ever. revdauphinee answered on 09/17/05: in�tel�li�gence Pronunciation: in-'te-l&-j&n(t)s Function: noun Etymology: Middle English, from Middle French, from Latin intelligentia, from intelligent-, intelligens intelligent Date: 14th century 1 a (1) : the ability to learn or understand or to deal with new or trying situations : REASON; also : the skilled use of reason (2) : the ability to apply knowledge to manipulate one's environment or to think abstractly as measured by objective criteria (as tests) b : Christian Science : the basic eternal quality of divine Mind c : mental acuteness : SHREWDNESS 2 a : an intelligent entity; especially : ANGEL b : intelligent minds or mind 3 : the act of understanding : COMPREHENSION 4 a : INFORMATION, NEWS b : information concerning an enemy or possible enemy or an area; also : an agency engaged in obtaining such information 5 : the ability to perform computer functions bucker rated this answer excon rated this answer

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Bradd asked on 09/16/05 - Bush CUTS Spending to "Assist Victims" I'm not making this up. Ruling out tax increases (read, repeal of Estate Tax) to help pay for Katrina disaster, Bush has decided to CUT federal spending so that money is available for victims of tragedy. He did not specify just what cuts will be made but do you think it's his adventure in Iraq, or maybe he'll decide milk for poor children isn't really necessary, maybe even drop any flood control projects. Welcome to Oz. The man is without a clue. Typical Republican/right wing strategy. Reduce taxes but don't bother telling the nation that the levees on you-know-where will not be finished. Are we that stupid? Mr. Bush seems to think so. revdauphinee answered on 09/17/05: contracts for the restoration of areas in New Orleans are going to friends of Bush jr. Wouldnt surprise me one iota!! someone connected to him always benefits from any action he takes! Bradd rated this answer Choux rated this answer

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curious98 asked on 09/16/05 - Dianetics or rip-off? Speaking of pseudo-religions I want to mention the great success is right now having in Spain the Dianetics or Church of Scientology. With the previous Government (which some of you would call of the right wing) this sect was outlawed. But, now, with our brand new socialist government � that is taking such wonderful and �democratic� decisions as eliminating the teaching of the Catholic religion from the schools (despite having received the formal protest from almost 2 million families who have signed a declaration against that measure and none, so far, in favor) or pushing, instead, the teaching of Islamic religion in the schools where they have Muslim children, Dianetics have come back with extreme force. You would never guess why they seem to be recruiting a large number of females, as compared to males. Because Tom Cruise and John Travolta are notable members of it. Bearing in mind this new religious philosophy of proselytism, if our Lord is planning on sending once more his Son, He better makes him look like a movie star rather than the conventional Semitic type, and thus, He will be followed by thousands of teen agers who don�t give a damn about religion but do care about image! Curious98 revdauphinee answered on 09/16/05: In my oppinion the popularity of dianetics among the holywood crown lies in the fact that it feed the egos of the members !while Christianity is about others dianetics centers on the me!!! arcura rated this answer curious98 rated this answer excon rated this answer

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curious98 asked on 09/16/05 - Are we definitely going crazy? Raelians have just disembarked in Barcelona, of all places. They probably consider us more idiots than we already are... It is a Canadian semi-religious sect that manage to handle a lot of money, from unknown origin. The following article explainas a little more about the sect in question: "A Canadian cult that believes in free love and that life on earth was created by extra terrestrials said it could deliver the world's first cloned baby on Christmas day. But the announcement by the Quebec-based Raelians sect was greeted with anger and skepticism from experts in the field. "I am personally disgusted," said Arthur Leader, chief of reproductive medicine at the Ottawa Hospital. "It shows disrespect for human embryos and it demeans our humanity," he said. Brigitte Boisselier, a bishop in the sect, said their company, Clonaid, cloned a human embryo last March and a baby girl is expected to be delivered soon, possibly on Christmas Day. "We are well advanced and the first baby is due for the end of this year. We think it will be a healthy baby," Boisselier said. She said 10 human embryos were cloned, with five miscarrying. The four other cloned babies are expected in 2003. Boisselier, 45, is a biochemist associated with the Raelians, a cult that believes life on earth was genetically created by visiting extra-terrestrials. In February, the Raelians predicted a human clone within the next two years and in April, it said it had started work on cloning a terminally ill man. Boisselier explained Clonaid used the eggs of a woman as well as cells from a donor. One cell was selected and put into the woman's egg, which was implanted into the uterus of the woman being cloned. "The baby has developed very normally and has been followed closely. We are not talking about a monster but about a baby desired by her parents," Boisselier said. The news follows the announcement by an Italian group, led by Dr Severino Antinori, which said in November a woman was expected to give birth to a cloned boy in January. Canadian scientists expressed doubt the Raelians, founded by 55-year-old leader Claude Vorilhon, had the expertise to deliver a healthy cloned baby. "I don't see a valid reason to be in this area at this time. I don't think there is a team anywhere that could create a healthy baby," Leader said, stressing that cloning of animals had been quite problematic in the first phases. Religion specialists said the Raelian movement was good at generating publicity with its stunts. "It is not the first time they have announced things like that," said Mike Kropveld, executive director of Montreal-based Info-Cult. � Reuters " Are they also in the USA? How come that this type of sects always find gullible people who believe in what they preach, when what they preach is nothing but pornography and non-sense? Curious98 revdauphinee answered on 09/16/05: Q How come that this type of sects always find gullible people A the answer is in the one word you used ""gullible"" curious98 rated this answer

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pondtogo asked on 09/16/05 - ;l' l;' revdauphinee answered on 09/16/05: My advice is quit drinking!!!

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pondtogo asked on 09/16/05 - my fault was it my fault that my best friends boyfriend had sex with me and did other things with me while I was drunk? revdauphinee answered on 09/16/05: YES!who held the gun to your head and made you drink enough to get intoxicated???you acted on your own initiative and therefore are responsible for your own actions! excon rated this answer

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Lazlow asked on 09/15/05 - Sorry Sarnian, You're Not My Type People of Answerway, before I do this, I think I need your advice. I'm thinking of reporting Sarnian. Below is some of the stuff he's said to or about me. I understand that this behaviour is common among closet homosexuals, and NO I am not being humorous, I'll prove it to you. And although I am not christian I am not fond of homosexuality and I consider this sexual harassment. Sarnian, I will report you if this continues. I've heard this guy call two people hypocrites, hmm, well, first of all this guy said I was "rude" 15 times, he says I verbally abuse him... Let's see why. "If it is only up to me to do this, this board only shows it's own ugly hypocritic face, with it's simplistic thinking" "For sure Lazlow is depressed and needs help." = He didnt say this seriously, you know. He was trying to insult me." "Looks like you're clean today. Great! You were even capable of cutting and pasting!" - ? I'm rude and abusive? "Next time be sober when you post." and finally "He's not a terrorist. I guess he's just a boy on pot or other drug." ------------ Like I've said before, Sarnian, are you love with my ass? Since you are why don't you just kiss my ass? Oh, That's right, it's already glued to Paracletes -- Oh no! Report me Sarnian! Foul language, RUDENESS! OH MY! Lions Tigers and Bears, this is hurting my virgin ears! ------------- Anyway, before you all start reporting me, take a look at all the things Sarnian has said about me, is this not abusive? I don't think so, I consider it sexual harassment because it all started before I even got to know him. Besides, if he wrote this much about me, isnt it obvious he's infatuated with me? sarnian 09/14/05 Hank, sarnian I'm asking here : "When is it time to report" ? I'm waiting for an answer. sarnian We may differ of opinion as much as we like, but rudeness is unacceptable (from a christian or from anything else). sarnian That's very gallant, but it does not solve the problem of rudeness. And I don't mean a slip of the tongue, but repeated abuse, as in Krewton's and Lazlow's case. sarnian Although this may be a mother-son argument, this board should loudly protest to Lazlow's rudeness. If he wants to accuse his mother he should do that in private. Just as one expresses his love for some one : you do that in private. How long would it take here these same people to report abuse, if I would post just half of this rudeness? Think about that, Stony. Clarification/Follow-up by sarnian on 09/13/05 11:31 am: powderpuff Making personal comments about others is not the same as deliberate posting rudeness. I indeed posted several times that you seemed to me making racial statements and fundamentalist christian statements. After being addressed on that I apologized to you - which you refused to accept. Now you are harping on the same subject repeatedly in various posts. How sad to see your anger and frustrating eating you completely. A "real christian" reaction .... Rated By Rating Comments sarnian But is that a reason not to report his abuse? I only have to read back the current page 1 postings by Lazlow to see who he is. First, after some misplaced "love statement" it soon was post upon post of rudeness. Than there were grey stars for all who disagreed with him, posted with another verbal insult. And now you expect a groundswell of Hallelujah's for him in the hope to "save" him? He could not even write 7 lines without a kick into the "Liz 22" direction. For sure Lazlow is depressed and needs help. But I do not guess that the help he needs is from a pastoral nature. There is more needed in that department. sarnian There is no problem with trying to help others. But that does not mean we should close our eyes for continuing faul and rude language on this board. Follow your religious beliefs, but be at least honest and fair to all on this board. Would you react the same way if I posted only half of the rudeness Lazlow posted recently? Rather hypocrite, isn't it, Fred ? sarnian Are you also on his side when he continues with his current rounds of grey stars and rudeness? I have neither any problem with forgiving and forgetting. But that does not have to replace a sturdy dressing down for his faul and rude posts here. To do that is hypocrite! Clarification/Follow-up by sarnian on 09/14/05 8:51 am: Hank come on, Hank. Lazlow admitted he is not a christian. And I note that you "forgot" in this question to point out that a real christian does not post rudeness upon rudeness. Give the guy a new chance, fine with me. But be at least honest when you butter him up. It's this hypocrisy of double values that shows the emptiness of pastoral guidance. Clarification/Follow-up by sarnian on 09/14/05 9:53 am: Hank : just go to "Just a thought on recent communications" by paraclete dated 09/13/05, to see the real Lazlow. Clarification/Follow-up by sarnian on 09/13/05 5:35 pm: Looks like you're clean today. Great! You were even capable of cutting and pasting! Thanks for pointing out that one question mark was wrongly placed. Had you taken the time to check your own post, you would have noticed the following mistakes : couldnt : couldn't ? ludacris : ludicrous ? w/ : with ? A perfect case of Thom. 26 1 "You see the speck that is in your brother's eye, but you do not see the beam that is in your own eye." "and prove to everyone there is no god". I never claimed there is no god. There is no way to prove there is a (or no) god, although it is rather unlikely that god exists. The existence of aliens has never been proven, but there is no logical nor scientific reason to suggest that they do not exist. And I added to that, that it will be very unlikely ever to meet an alien, in view of the enormous distances in the universe. ~~~ "is there something you find sick about expressing love?" No, not at all. It often is a beautiful and heartwarming experience. "Does it really make you sick?" Not when it is done in a suitable way : in private. You made a caricature of a love expression with your retarded appearing post. Next time be sober when you post. Clarification/Follow-up by sarnian on 09/13/05 6:15 pm: I almost forgot : you posted without one single rudeness. Applause !!!! Clarification/Follow-up by sarnian on 09/13/05 6:24 pm: Lazlow : Pity you could not leave it to be rude once more. But let's see who is the dumb-ass here : With 100 billion galaxies in the universe, each with on average 270 billion star systems, and - as far as we know today - every tenth sun having a planetary system, this amounts to a lot of planets. Taking into account solar orbit distance and planet size, there are at least millions of earth like planets in an orbit around numerous stars providing the basics for life to develop. If that did is unknown at this moment, but there is no reason to suggest it can not. Afteral, life developed here on earth also. About first contact : that will surely be by radio signals, as the enormous distances in the universe prohibits space travel on that sort of scale. Captain Kirk and co. with their hyperdrives are purely fiction and phantasy. Go to a public library, Lazlow, take some scientific books out on astronomy, and read them. If you need explanations, just ask me. Clarification/Follow-up by sarnian on 09/14/05 9:42 am: Hank : please take notice of the above statement: this is the real Lazlow. When is it time to report verbal abuse? sarnian 09/13/05 Paraclete is a dork - .... Lazlow 09/12/05 Liz You Scumbag Terrorist Prick! - Lazlow 09/12/05 Stop Liz! The Evildoer! - Terrorist swine - Lazlow 09/12/05 Liz the terrorist strikes again /... pull that jolly rancher out of your ass. - Lazlow 09/12/05 And in reply to Liz "the terrorist" : There you are, scumbag terrorist - Lazlow 09/12/05 (talking to himself, I guess) Isn't that enough for a 24 hour period? Clarification/Follow-up by sarnian on 09/13/05 6:44 pm: rev : that only will happen when people on this board start with letting the abusers know what they think about them, irrespective of what they claim to be, christian or whatever else. sarnian I'm sure it is nothing positive ... sarnian He's not a terrorist. I guess he's just a boy on pot or other drug. ----------------------- okay that's enough. revdauphinee answered on 09/16/05: if everyone would cease and desist froma acting like children this site could only benefit !What purpose does either name calling or repoting others acomplish?i come here with the understanding that I am comunicating with adults no mater what there oppinions on any subject may be am I wrong??It would seem so! bucker rated this answer HANK1 rated this answer Lazlow rated this answer

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Choux asked on 09/15/05 - Nativity Story-Science and the Bible "Even some conservative Christians are willing to allow that the Nativity scene presented in church pageants and Christmas decorations may not be absolutely accurate. That means the shepherds, three wise men bearing gifts, Mary and Joseph, their baby son (lying in a manger), a couple of angels and maybe a star overhead. "The Birth," the first episode of the National Geographic Channel's "Science of the Bible," which has its premiere tonight, sets out to determine what Jesus' birth really looked like. It takes the job seriously, with responsible interpretations of ancient history and intriguing historical possibilities. "Much of the nativity story we know comes from later writings, folk tales that never even made it into the Bible," the narrator says. The only mention of Mary's riding a donkey, for instance, is from the Infancy Gospel of James, a second- or third-century text read by early Christians. The Gospels of Matthew and Luke differ considerably in their description of Jesus' birth, but as Lawrence H. Schiffman, a professor of Hebrew and Judaic studies at New York University, says, "There must be a core story that they all inherited." Here are some of the program's conclusions. Mary and Joseph may have indeed been going to Bethlehem for a census, as the biblical book of Luke says. If so, Jesus was born in A.D. 6. Or the couple may have lived in Bethlehem, as Matthew says. Matthew mentions the reign of Herod, which would put Jesus' birth date at 4 B.C. or earlier. If Mary and Joseph were travelers, they were probably not looking for an inn in the modern sense. People may have rented out rooms in their house to pilgrims passing through. Either way, Mary, who may have been only 14 or 15, probably gave birth in the lower level of a private house where the animals were kept. It was a very modest, small stone house with tiny windows or no windows at all. (You want light? Go outdoors.) Because she was poor, Mary did not have a birthing stool, the choice of wealthy women at that time. She had a midwife and delivered standing up, leaning against the midwife's assistants, who helped with the pushing by massaging Mary's abdomen. Joseph waited nervously outside. Afterward Mary took a mikvah, or purifying bath. There was a circumcision (and what sounds like a modern bris, with extended family coming over for a special meal) and a sacrifice (the Bible says a couple of birds) at the temple. The Star of Bethlehem that the wise men, or magi, saw in the east was probably not a nova or even Halley's Comet. John Mosley, an astronomer at the Griffith Observatory, says it was most likely a rare convergence of Jupiter and Venus. Mr. Mosley describes the result, on the evening of June 17 of 2 B.C.: "The two planets had merged into one single gleaming object, one giant star in the sky, in the direction of Jerusalem, as seen from Persia." (Unfortunately this date means that both Matthew and Luke were wrong about the year.) Roman history probably influenced the gospel writers. Jonathan L. Reed, a professor of religion at the University of La Verne in Southern California, points out that after seeing a comet, Augustus, the great-nephew and adopted son of Julius Caesar, took it as an omen and declared his dead father God. Logically enough, he declared himself the son of God. So when Matthew wrote the story, using the Star of Bethlehem as an omen, he was trying to make a parallel. Similarly, King Herod behaves a lot like an Old Testament pharaoh. Daniel Smith-Christopher, a professor of biblical studies at Loyola Marymount University, suggests, "Matthew wants the reader to make the connection between Moses and Jesus." And Luke may have put shepherds into his description because he wanted to suggest a connection with David, the shepherd king. One thing that everyone in "The Birth" seems to agree on is that Mary and Joseph were poor. "This is a lower-class birth," Mr. Reed says, "and Jesus is part of the peasant class." Science of the Bible National Geographic tonight at 10, Eastern and Pacific times; 9, Central time. Comments? revdauphinee answered on 09/15/05: TO ME PERSONALY THE FACT THAT jESUS WAS BORN IFS FAR MORE IMPORTANT THAN WHERE OR WHEN Choux rated this answer

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Choux asked on 09/15/05 - Pleasure for the Disabled Ananova: (A UK on-Line tabloid) ***Danes provide prostitutes for the disabled*** "The Danish government is under attack for paying for its disabled citizens to have sex with prostitutes. The official 'Sex, irrespective of disability' campaign pays sex workers to provide sex once a month for disabled people. The legal guidelines advise: "It could be of great importance that the carer speaks to the prostitute together with the person in their care, to help them express their wishes." But opposition parties have attacked the regulations, claiming it is an immoral way of spending tax-payers' money. Social-Democrat spokesperson Kristen Brosboel said: "We spend a large proportion of our taxes rescuing women from prostitution. But at the same time we officially encourage carers to help contact with prostitutes." But Stig Langvad of the country's Disabled Association said the politicians critical of the plan are showing "double standards". He said: "The disabled must have the same possibilities as other people. Politicians can debate whether prostitution should be allowed in general, instead of preventing only the disabled from having access to it." What is your opinion? Should the disabled who can't have sexual pleasure with a partner due to their disability be allowed to have pleasure with a prostitute at state expense??? What say you???? revdauphinee answered on 09/15/05: Im disabled but I seriusly doubt a prostitute could do much for me! Choux rated this answer excon rated this answer

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divisionbell asked on 09/15/05 - mixed messages I went to a catholic soup kitchen yesterday. My christian friends tell me something of the sort that if you serve the lowest among you, you are serving Jesus or something like that. I thought it would be a good experience to see gods people in action serving their lord. The man in charge was either having a bad day or serving his lord makes him mean. He was yelling at the poor people there criticizing them and putting them down at every chance. I heard him yelling things like LADY LADY WHAT ARE YOU DOING!!!! and when someone dropped their plastic silver ware on the floor, he yelled GO AHEAD THROW IT ON THE FLOOR YOU DON'T CARE ABOUT ANY OF OUR HELP ANYWAY and gathering up trays he was yelling things like YOU CAN'T MAKE IT EASY ON ME CAN YOU and YOU BETTER BE GRATEFUL TO EAT EVERYTHING WE GIVE YOU DON'T DARE WASTE ANYTHING. There was a man in a wheelchair pushed way to the side but still sticking out in the isle a little bit the man yelled GET OUT OF THE ISLE MOVE IT SOMEWHERE ELSE BUDDY and did nothing to help move him to a better spot. There was a woman talking on a cell phone telling the person on the other end that she would be home soon the mean guy yelled YOU KNOW HOW I FEEL ABOUT CELL PHONES TURN IT OFF NOW!!!! IF YOU CAN AFFORD A CELL PHONE YOU HAVE NO BUSINESS BEING HERE. I can't remember specific bible verses from the lesson my christian friend told me but I thought it meant something like taking care of the poor would be the same as taking care of or serving Jesus. IOW if you serve a poor person, do it the same as if that person is god. Did I get it wrong? Handing out food to poor people should be done with the same love and cheerfulness that you would have if you were serving Jesus a meal at your home right? I could be getting confused about it, but if I understand correctly, it seemed this soup kitchen was acting like a bunch of spoiled disrespectful brats doing chores for people they despise. Still not sure what christianity is but one thing I know for sure its confusing. I can't remember the bible verse but the meaning I got was something like no one is better than anyone else and you should treat each other as well as you would god. When I went to see it in action I saw something totally different then what my friend told me. revdauphinee answered on 09/15/05: sounds like that guy needed Jesus he obviously did not remember who he was supposed to be representing when working in the name of Christ! divisionbell rated this answer Erewhon rated this answer

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Najam asked on 09/15/05 - Sin Eater? Dear Expert, I watched a movie with a story which revolved around a concept of "Sin Eating". A Sin Eater is a person who performed a ritual on a dying peron and took up that person's sin. Can you explain if any such thing exists in Christianity or any of it different beliefs?? Najam Riaz revdauphinee answered on 09/15/05: utter nonsence we must aknowledge our own sin only Jesus can take it from us! Najam rated this answer Pete_Hanysz rated this answer

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Choux asked on 09/14/05 - Separate but Equal Special to the Wall Street Journal by Daniel Goldman. "The 372,000 schoolchildren displaced by Hurricane Katrina are stirring an old debate about whether separate education can really be equal. A number of states, including Utah and Texas, want to teach some of the dispersed Gulf Coast students in shelters instead of in local public schools, a stance supported by the Bush administration and some private education providers. But advocates for homeless families and civil rights oppose that approach. At the center of the dispute is whether the McKinney-Vento Act, a landmark federal law banning educational segregation of homeless children, should apply to the evacuees. In addition, because many of the stranded students are black, holding classes for them at military bases, convention centers or other emergency housing sites could run afoul of racial desegregation plans still operating in some school districts." What say you???? revdauphinee answered on 09/15/05: this is an unusual situation however not all evacuees were Black point is see that they ALL get an education where is of no concequence! Choux rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 09/14/05 - What's in the bundle you carry? A beggar lived near the king's palace. One day he saw a proclamation posted outside the palace gate. The king was giving a great dinner. Anyone dressed in royal garments was invited to the party. The beggar went on his way. He looked at the rags he was wearing and sighed. Surely only kings and their families wore royal robes, he thought. Slowly an idea crept into his mind. The audacity of it made him tremble. Would he dare? He made his way back to the palace. He approached the guard at the gate. "Please,sire, I would like to speak to the king." "Wait here," the guard replied. In a few minutes, he was back. "His majesty will see you," he said, and led the beggar in. "You wish to see me?" asked the king. "Yes, your majesty. I want so much to attend the banquet, but I have no royal robes to wear. Please, sir, if I may be so bold, may I have one of your old garments so that I, too, may come to the banquet?" The beggar shook so hard that he could not see the faint smile that was on the king's face. "You have been wise in coming to me," the king said. He called to his son, the young prince. "Take this man to your room and array him in some of your clothes." The prince did as he was told and soon the beggar was standing before a mirror, clothed in garments that he had never dared hope for. "You are now eligible to attend the king's banquet tomorrow night," said the prince. "But even more important, you will never need any other clothes. These garments will last forever." The beggar dropped to his knees. "Oh, thank you," he cried. But as he started to leave, he looked back at his pile of dirty rags on the floor. He hesitated. What if the prince was wrong? What if he would need his old clothes again. Quickly he gathered them up. The banquet was far greater than he had ever imagined, but he could not enjoy himself as he should. He had made a small bundle of his old rags and it kept falling off his lap. The food was passed quickly and the beggar missed some of the greatest delicacies. Time proved that the prince was right. The clothes lasted forever. Still the poor beggar grew fonder and fonder of his old rags. As time passed people seemed to forget the royal robes he was wearing. They saw only the little bundle of filthy rags that he clung to wherever he went. They even spoke of him as the old man with the rags. One day as he lay dying, the king visited him. The beggar saw the sad look on the king's face when he looked at the small bundle of rags by the bed. Suddenly the beggar remembered the prince's words and he realized that his bundle of rags had cost him a lifetime of true royalty. He wept bitterly at his folly. And the king wept with him. We have been invited into a royal family--the family of God. To feast at God's dinner table, all we have to do is shed our old rags and put on the "new clothes" of faith which is provided by God's Son, Jesus Christ. But we cannot hold onto our old rags. When we put our faith in Christ, we must let go of the sin in our life, and our old ways of living. Those things must be discarded if we are to experience true royalty and abundant life in Christ. "Behold, the old is passed away; the new has come!" (2 Corinthians 5:17) revdauphinee answered on 09/15/05: sad to say lots of folks when given a new life in Christ still hold fast to their old lives paraclete rated this answer

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Choux asked on 09/14/05 - A Real Christian Subject: We've Raised a Half-Million Dollars and Sent Over 50 Tons of Food and Water Date: Wed 9-14-05 01:45 AM Friends, Last week I closed my New York production office and sent my staff down to New Orleans to set up our own relief effort. I asked all of you to help me by sending food, materials and cash to the emergency relief center we helped set up on the shores of Lake Pontchartrain with the Veterans for Peace. We did this when the government was doing nothing and the Red Cross was still trying to get it together. Every day, every minute was critical. People were dying, poor people, black people, left like so much trash in the street. I wanted to find a way to get aid in there immediately. I hooked up with the Vietnam veterans and Iraqi war vets (Veterans for Peace) who were organizing a guerilla, grass-roots relief effort. They were the same group that had set up Cindy Sheehan's camp in Crawford and now they had moved Camp Casey to Louisiana. I have good news and horrible news to report. First, your response to my appeal letter was overwhelming. Within a few days, a half-million dollars was sent in through my website to fund our relief effort. This money was immediately used to buy generators, food, water, a mobile medical van, tents, satellite phones, etc. Others of you began shipping supplies to our encampment. People in communities all over the country started organizing truck caravans to us in Louisiana. Twenty-two trucks from southern California alone have already arrived. A semi-truck from Chicago delivered ten tons of food. A group of friends in New Jersey got two 24 foot trucks, got their community to load them up with goods, and arrived in Covington tonight. Fifteen iMacs are inbound from California. One man gave us his pick-up truck and another donated truck is en route from Houston. Your response to my appeal has been nothing short of miraculous. And it has saved many, many lives. A number of you decided to just get in your cars and drive to our camp to volunteer to help. We now have had 150 volunteers here doing the work that needs to be done. Last night they unloaded twenty tons of food from a tractor trailer in under two hours. Each day more volunteers arrive. Everyone is sleeping on the ground or in tents. It is a remarkable sight. Thank you, all of you, for responding. I will never forget this outpouring of generosity to those forgotten by our own government. My staff and the vets spend their 18-hour days delivering food and water throughout the city of New Orleans and the surrounding areas. What they have seen is appalling. I have asked them to post their daily diaries on my website (www.michaelmoore.com) along with accompanying photos and video so you can learn what is really going on. What the media is showing you is NOT the whole story. It is much, much worse and there is still little being done to bring help to those who need it. Our group has visited many outlying towns and villages in Mississippi and Louisiana, places the Red Cross and FEMA haven't visited in over a week. Often our volunteers are the first relief any of these people have seen. They have no food, water or electricity. People die every day. There are no TV cameras recording this. They have started to report the spin and PR put out by the White House, the happy news that often isn't true ("Everyone gets 2,000 dollars!"). The truth is that there are dead bodies everywhere and no one is picking them up. My crew reports that in most areas there is no FEMA presence, and very little Red Cross. It's been over two weeks since the hurricane and there is simply not much being done. At this point, would you call this situation incompetence or a purposeful refusal to get real help down there? That's why we decided not to wait. And we are so grateful to all of you who have joined us. The Veterans for Peace and my staff aren't leaving (and that's why we are hoping those of you who can't get to Covington will make it to the Veterans for Peace co-sponsored anti-war demonstration in DC on September 24: www.unitedforpeace.org.) If you want to help, here's what we need in Covington right now: Cleaning Supplies (glass cleaner, bleach, disinfectant, etc.) Aspirin and other basic over the counter drugs. Bottled Water Canned Goods Hygiene Supplies Baby Supplies - Baby Food Formula, diapers #4, #5, Wipes, Pedialyte Sterile Gloves Batteries - All kinds, from AA to watch and hearing aid batteries. Volunteers with trucks and cars Self contained kitchens with generators, utensils, workers Consider sending supplies in reusable containers. List the contents on the outside of the package so the folks in the warehouse can easily sort the items. Clothes are not needed. If you go, keep in mind that you MUST be self-sufficient. Bring a tent and a sleeping bag. People are driving to Covington from across the country and often have extra room in their cars for you or for an extra box of supplies. For more information, go to the Veterans for Peace message board: www.vfproadtrips.org/katrina/. Send supplies via UPS to: Veterans for Peace Omni Storage (Sorry, I guess I lost the rest of the address) Michael Moore Comments about his efforts helping hurricane victims?? revdauphinee answered on 09/14/05: all Help is and was appreciated,and michals help is also , however I still think he spends his time much better helping than complaining Dorothy Choux rated this answer

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Itsdb asked on 09/14/05 - To All My Fellow Americans Who Voted for George W. Bush: From our friend Michael Moore: On this, the fourth anniversary of 9/11, I'm just curious, how does it feel? How does it feel to know that the man you elected to lead us after we were attacked went ahead and put a guy in charge of FEMA whose main qualification was that he ran horse shows? That's right. Horse shows. I really want to know -- and I ask you this in all sincerity and with all due respect -- how do you feel about the utter contempt Mr. Bush has shown for your safety? C'mon, give me just a moment of honesty. Don't start ranting on about how this disaster in New Orleans was the fault of one of the poorest cities in America. Put aside your hatred of Democrats and liberals and anyone with the last name of Clinton. Just look me in the eye and tell me our President did the right thing after 9/11 by naming a horse show runner as the top man to protect us in case of an emergency or catastrophe. I want you to put aside your self-affixed label of Republican/conservative/born-again/capitalist/ditto-head/right-winger and just talk to me as an American, on the common ground we both call America. Are we safer now than before 9/11? When you learn that behind the horse show runner, the #2 and #3 men in charge of emergency preparedness have zero experience in emergency preparedness, do you think we are safer? When you look at Michael Chertoff, the head of Homeland Security, a man with little experience in national security, do you feel secure? When men who never served in the military and have never seen young men die in battle send our young people off to war, do you think they know how to conduct a war? Do they know what it means to have your legs blown off for a threat that was never there? Do you really believe that turning over important government services to private corporations has resulted in better services for the people? Why do you hate our federal government so much? You have voted for politicians for the past 25 years whose main goal has been to de-fund the federal government. Do you think that cutting federal programs like FEMA and the Army Corps of Engineers has been good or bad for America? GOOD OR BAD? With the nation's debt at an all-time high, do you think tax cuts for the rich are still a good idea? Will you give yours back so hundreds of thousands of homeless in New Orleans can have a home? Do you believe in Jesus? Really? Didn't he say that we would be judged by how we treat the least among us? Hurricane Katrina came in and blew off the facade that we were a nation with liberty and justice for all. The wind howled and the water rose and what was revealed was that the poor in America shall be left to suffer and die while the President of the United States fiddles and tells them to eat cake. That's not a joke. The day the hurricane hit and the levees broke, Mr. Bush, John McCain and their rich pals were stuffing themselves with cake. A full day after the levees broke (the same levees whose repair funding he had cut), Mr. Bush was playing a guitar some country singer gave him. All this while New Orleans sank under water. It would take ANOTHER day before the President would do a flyover in his jumbo jet, peeking out the widow at the misery 2500 feet below him as he flew back to his second home in DC. It would then be TWO MORE DAYS before a trickle of federal aid and troops would arrive. This was no seven minutes in a sitting trance while children read "My Pet Goat" to him. This was FOUR DAYS of doing nothing other than saying "Brownie (FEMA director Michael Brown), you're doing a heck of a job!" My Republican friends, does it bother you that we are the laughing stock of the world? And on this sacred day of remembrance, do you think we honor or shame those who died on 9/11/01? If we learned nothing and find ourselves today every bit as vulnerable and unprepared as we were on that bright sunny morning, then did the 3,000 die in vain? Our vulnerability is not just about dealing with terrorists or natural disasters. We are vulnerable and unsafe because we allow one in eight Americans to live in horrible poverty. We accept an education system where one in six children never graduate and most of those who do can't string a coherent sentence together. The middle class can't pay the mortgage or the hospital bills and 45 million have no health coverage whatsoever. Are we safe? Do you really feel safe? You can only move so far out and build so many gated communities before the fruit of what you've sown will be crashing through your walls and demanding retribution. Do you really want to wait until that happens? Or is it your hope that if they are left alone long enough to soil themselves and shoot themselves and drown in the filth that fills the street that maybe the problem will somehow go away? I know you know better. You gave the country and the world a man who wasn't up for the job and all he does is hire people who aren't up for the job. You did this to us, to the world, to the people of New Orleans. Please fix it. Bush is yours. And you know, for our peace and safety and security, this has to be fixed. What do you propose? I have an idea, and it isn't a horse show. Yours, Michael Moore www.michaelmoore.com mmflint@aol.com ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ All Bush voters please feel guilt now. What do you propose to "fix it"? Steve revdauphinee answered on 09/14/05: I almost didnt read this ,I personaly am no supporter of Georg Bush however neither am I a supporter of Moore .critisism wont help !action will! if you dont like what someone is doing go out and do it better yourself !As in the hurricane a freind and myself did not think enough was being done for our neighbours we did not talk about it, or sit about complaining! we two older women got up of our duffs and went out and helped folks ourselves if Mr Moore does not care for what he sees he could help people more by action than by complaining and making films that only help his own pocket book.what good did whining about any problem ever do???? Dorothy arcura rated this answer bucker rated this answer Itsdb rated this answer kindj rated this answer sarnian rated this answer tomder55 rated this answer

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ROLCAM asked on 09/14/05 - First Great Prayer with simple Variations. 1)I LOVE YOU GOD !! Other variations of this First Great Prayer are: - God, you are inside me, I love you! - God, you are good and powerful, I love you! - God you love me, and I love you! What I would very much like you to do is:- Please create more simple variations to this great prayer. I shall be very obliged. rolcam. revdauphinee answered on 09/14/05: this whole prayer can be condenced into one word "LOVE" ROLCAM rated this answer

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HANK1 asked on 09/14/05 - LAZLOW'S COMMENT: "I'm not a christian... To be honest, I don't know if I believe in god. I do think the bible contains a good number of things to live by, but I get more enjoyment from studying it, mainly the book of Daniel and the gospels, Revelation is great too. Some here say I'm not an expert, but when it comes to the scriptures, I think I can provide some insight, or maybe just information, anyway, I guess you can say that if there was a bible trivia quiz, I could pass it. Though a quote of yours was in my post I thank you for responding with a full paragraph unlike others, who just prove I'm right. And no, this is not Liz22, she hasnt hacked into my account today. I am bloody depressed I only got 2 replies though... I think I need a comeback." Now what do you think? The guy's depressed and needs help. I'm for helping him only if he tries to help himself. HANK revdauphinee answered on 09/14/05: you say your not sure you believe in God!never mind I assure you he believes in you,take a moment one day and study a rose look at it ,can you truly believe its being came about by accident??or was there some intelegent creation involved?if so then who made it???The realise how much more complex a human being is> bucker rated this answer HANK1 rated this answer Lazlow rated this answer

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HANK1 asked on 09/14/05 - TO LAZLOW ... IN ALL FAIRNESS: This is pertaining to your comment to my answer to your "What if ..." question. Why can't you write like that all the time? Really ... it was a great comment. In order to receive respect, you must show respect to others. You haven't done this to date except for the comment you just wrote. Suggestion: Why don't you just settle down and answer questions like I know you can? No cussing. Nothing personal. No wisecracks. This is the Christian way. You said you don't know if you are a Christian or not. Why don't you give Christianity a go? Maybe you'll be an Expert real soon. We have many good God-fearing people using this Board. I know you can be one of us if you give yourself a chance. See what you can do. Thanks, again, for the sensible comment. HANK revdauphinee answered on 09/14/05: yeah as the old commercial used to say"" try it youll like it"" HANK1 rated this answer Lazlow rated this answer

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ROLCAM asked on 09/14/05 - Here and now. Are there any Persons Demonically Possessed in the 21st Century? revdauphinee answered on 09/14/05: most definatly the answer is yes I think I may even know a few! bucker rated this answer ROLCAM rated this answer

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Choux asked on 09/13/05 - Typical German Man-LOL!! Ananova:(European News Service?) ***Inventor turns dead cats into diesel fuel**** A German inventor says he's found a way to make cheap diesel fuel out of dead cats. Dr Christian Koch, 55, from Kleinhartmannsdorf, said his method uses old tyres, weeds and animal cadavers. They are heated up to 300 Celsius to filter out hydrocarbon which is then turned into diesel by a catalytic converter. He said the resulting "high quality bio-diesel" costs just 15 pence per litre. Koch said the cadaver of a fully grown cat can produce 2.5 litres of fuel - meaning around 20 cats are needed for a full tank. He said: "I tank my car with my own diesel mixture and have driven it for 105,000 miles without any problems." Annelise Krauss of the Dresden Animal Protection Association blasted Koch's new diesel though, saying: "This is as bad as experimenting on animals." Comments???? revdauphinee answered on 09/14/05: As a cat lover why not use dogs???/LOL Choux rated this answer purplewings rated this answer

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curious98 asked on 09/13/05 - "becoming a jittery nation?" A little more faith in God's mercy would not do any harm! September 13, 2005 BY LAURA WIDES ASSOCIATED PRESS WRITER LOS ANGELES -- For several anxious moments, a blackout Monday left many on edge, wondering whether the worse was to come, a day after a videotape aired about a terrorist threat against Los Angeles. Downtown high-rises went dark. Fire officials received reports of people stuck in elevators. Stoplights went out at intersections across the city. Neighboring cities, including Burbank and Glendale, were powerless. The situation required police officers to go on "full tactical alert." But a few hours after the electrical outage, the cause was found: Human error. Utility workers connected the wrong wires and caused a blackout across major portions of Los Angeles. Hundreds of thousands of people were affected by the resulting power surge and outages, reported from downtown west to the Pacific Coast and north into the San Fernando Valley, according to Ron Deaton, general manager of the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power. "They connected it to another line that was not expecting that much electricity," he said. There were no reported injuries. Some power was restored within an hour of the outage, while all power was expected to be restored by early evening. Hours after the blackout, Los Angeles Police spokeswoman Sgt. Catherine Plows said there were no signs that terrorists were behind the electrical shortage. Security Department spokesman Russ Knocke said federal authorities were talking to state and local counterparts about the power loss, but "there is no indication of any nexus to terror." The immediate widespread national attention to the outage showed how anxious the nation has become on the heels of the Hurricane Katrina disaster and ABC News airing a videotape of a purported Al Qaeda member making terrorist threats against Los Angeles and Melbourne, Australia, on the fourth anniversary of the Sept. 11 attacks. Curious98 revdauphinee answered on 09/13/05: And an American born terrorist at that!!where did we go wrong???? curious98 rated this answer

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hOPE12 asked on 09/12/05 - Just something to think about: Hello Everyone, Has anyone thought about all the pollution that will be spread from the flood waters in NO and Mississippi? The waters from the floods are being pumped back into the Mississippi. What does that mean for the others states that the Mississippi flow through? Dead bodies and animals are in this water along with body waste. Does anyone know of any steps being taken to prevent the outbreak of sickness throughout the regions that the Mississippi covers? If so please tell me because all I think about is the many persons that died because of bacteria in the water from the Mississippi. Imagine now after all the dead bodies and waste, the bacteria must be outrageous. I am leaving toward the end of this month to go to the Mississippi area and possibly the NO area. I am going with my congregation to help build new homes for the people whose homes were destroyed. We are instructed to get shots and to report and cut on us as well as to wear cloves and steal toe boots. We are given hand wipes with bleach and water and told to wash our hand whenever we touch anything that looks strange. When and if we go into NO, we must wear masks and boots and gloves, and bracelets to repel the mosquitoes. They are carrying the Wet Nile virus. and Encephalitis. I just wonder how much we will be affected by this down the road with all this bacteria and potential for sickness. Information taken from: http://www.epa.gov/katrina/testresults/chem/090305/chem2005_09_03.html Water supply: Communities up and down the river use the Mississippi to obtain fresh water and to discharge their industrial and municipal waste. We don't have good figures on water use for the whole Mississippi River Basin, but we have some clues. A January, 2000 study published by the Upper Mississippi River Conservation Committee states that close to15 million people rely on the Mississippi River or its tributaries in just the upper half of the basin (from Cairo, Il. to Minneapolis, MN). A frequently cited figure of 18 million people using the Mississippi River Watershed for water supply comes from a 1982 study by the Upper Mississippi River Basin Committee. The Environmental Protection Agency simply says that more than 50 cities rely on the Mississippi for daily water supply. EPA in coordination with the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality performed chemical sampling of New Orleans flood waters for over one hundred priority pollutants such as volatile organic compounds (VOCs), semivolatile organic compounds (SVOCs), total metals, pesticides, herbicides, and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). Concentrations of lead in the flood water exceeded EPA drinking water action levels. These measured levels are a concern if flood water were to be a child's source of drinking water. Based on the sampling, emergency responders and the public should avoid direct contact with standing water when possible. In the event contact occurs, EPA and CDC strongly advise the use of soap and water to clean exposed areas if available. Flood water should not be swallowed and all mouth contact should be minimized and avoided where possible. People should immediately report any symptoms to health professionals. The most likely symptoms of ingestion of flood water contaminated with bacteria are stomach-ache, fever, vomiting and diarrhea. Also, people can become ill if they have an open cut, wound, or abrasion that comes into contact with water contaminated with certain organisms. One may experience fever, redness, and swelling at the site of the infection and should see a doctor right away if possible. Additional information regarding health and safety issues for both the public and emergency responders can be found on the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) Web site (http://www.bt.cdc.gov/disasters/hurricanes/index.asp) and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Web site (http://www.osha.gov/OshDoc/hurricaneRecovery.html). Flood water precautions The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services are cautioning the public and all responders about the potential hazards associated with flood waters. Every effort should be made to limit contact with flood water due to potentially elevated levels of contamination associated with raw sewage and other hazardous substances. Go here if you wish to know what the EPA is telling folks. http://yosemite.epa.gov/opa/admpress.nsf/d9bf8d9315e942578525701c005e573c/42d070b72d7b833b85257074006ccff2!OpenDocument EPA and HHS are providing the following guidelines for those in contact with flood water: Wash your hands before drinking and eating Wash frequently using soap -- especially disinfecting soap Do not smoke Limit direct contact with contaminated flood water Report cuts or open wounds and limit exposure Report all symptoms Keep vaccinations current Give you opinion on this please. I really would like to know how you all feel about these things. I do not believe the officials will tell us everything, do you? Take care, Hope12 revdauphinee answered on 09/13/05: first let me say thanks fo comming to help we need and appreciate it Taking all the precautions is the intelegent way to do things protect yourself by all means .we who live here are used to the bugs and creepy crawlers and yes after the storm the skeeters are realy bad i have heard of a few cases of west nile.No you can be sure the powers that be will not inform you of all the dangers here I am not aware of where you live but this is a tropical climate with all the things live and none living that that entails but believe me when I say if you are comming to help you will be made welcome and God will reserve a special jewel for your future crown!once again for all my fellow southerners thanks ! hOPE12 rated this answer

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Chilloutinparis asked on 09/11/05 - Not a question - information Dear Rev, Here is some information I found, hope it is helpful to you and your family. Chip FEMA Disaster Assistance 1-800-621-3362 / 1-800-462-7585 (TTY) FEMA - Individual and Households Program National Processing Service Center P O Box 10055 Hyatsville, MD 20782 � 7055 FAX Appeal to: 1-800-827 8113 Attention FEMA - Individual and Households Program What You Can Do If You're Having Trouble Getting Through The Disaster Assistance Process First, if you have immediate emergency needs for food, clothing, shelter, or medical care contact one of the local offices of the American Red Cross. You can visit a local office or call their toll-free number at 1-866-438-4636. Please understand that the Red Cross may be experiencing similar problems in answering all their calls. If your damages are not severe and you are able to start the cleanup process on your own, please consider waiting a few days before you call FEMA. That way, the telephone lines will remain open so that people with more urgent problems can call. Be assured that FEMA and the other government agencies providing disaster aid will be in the area for as long as it takes to meet everyone's need. Remember that it is not necessary to delay cleanup until an inspector sees your damaged property. We suggest you take pictures and save receipts in case there is any question about your damages later. Finally, collect all the information you need to apply for aid so when you do call 1-800-621-FEMA or TTY 1-800-462-7585 for the speech or hearing impaired, your application can be taken quickly and is complete. The information you will need includes: The street address of your damaged property Your current mailing address and a telephone number where you can be reached in the event you have been forced to relocate Your Social Security Number Your household's approximate gross income at the time of the flood or, if you are reporting business damages, the gross income of the business Information on the type of insurance coverage you have, particularly flood insurance Mississippi, Alabama, Louisiana Establish Hotlines To Coordinate Donations For Victims Of Katrina Release Date: September 11, 2005 Release Number: HQ-05-246 � More Information on Alabama Hurricane Katrina � More Information on Mississippi Hurricane Katrina � More Information on Louisiana Hurricane Katrina � More Information on Florida Hurricane Katrina WASHINGTON D.C. -- The states of Mississippi , Alabama and Louisiana have established Hurricane Katrina hotlines to help coordinate public contributions of money, goods and services to assist victims. The following toll-free hotlines have been activated and are now receiving calls from around the nation and the world: Mississippi -- 1-866-230-8903; Alabama -- 1-877-273-5018 and Louisiana -- 1-866-334-8305. These hotlines can coordinate donations of all types. A representative will take your name and contact information, as well as what type of goods and/or services you wish to donate. Callers can also register their donations of goods or services or contracting services at the National Emergency Resource Registry (NERR), www.nerr.gov .The NERR coordinates efforts between the resources that are needed and the resources that may be available from the public and private sectors. The information is reviewed by emergency relief workers in the field, and calls are returned to those whose services or products may be required. The current critical need is for monetary donations to assist organizations at work providing relief in affected areas. These include the Adventist Community Services, American Red Cross, the Salvation Army, Southern Baptist Convention and many others. USA Freedom Corps, a White House office created by President George Bush to encourage, promote and assist volunteering in America , is also coordinating all types of donations to the relief effort. You may contact USA Freedom Corps through its Web site, www.usafreedomcorps.gov . The National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster Web site www.nvoad.org provides information about their members and Friends of VOAD who are assisting Katrina's survivors in Alabama , Mississippi , Louisiana and across the country. FEMA prepares the nation for all hazards and manages federal response and recovery efforts following any national incident. FEMA also initiates mitigation activities, trains first responders, works with state and local emergency managers, and manages the National Flood Insurance Program and the U.S. Fire Administration. FEMA became part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security on March 1, 2003. revdauphinee answered on 09/12/05: collect all the information you need to apply for aid so when you do call 1-800-621-FEMA or TTY 1-800-462-7585 for the speech or hearing impaired, your application can be taken quickly and is complete. NOT TRUE IT ISImpossible to get trough i am ok but have been trying to help others even tried at 3 am still could not get through this stuff looks great on paper but try it???Its just not working! Chilloutinparis rated this answer

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sarnian asked on 09/08/05 - The world is REALLY bigger than the US only! Regularly I note - specially with posts from non-US people here - that replies refer to specific US situations, habbits, and / or laws. This can be very confusing, and causes misunderstanding. This board is about Christianity, and is for all humans whereever they live, as long as they like to participatewithin the board rules. This is NOT the United States board or a board for United States citizens only. Please keep that in mind in future replies ! revdauphinee answered on 09/08/05: no it is not!! but the US has been always in the forefront helping others now we need help!!!! arcura rated this answer FormerJesusHelper76 rated this answer sarnian rated this answer

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sarnian asked on 09/07/05 - Definition .............................................................. How about the position of some Christians that their right to freedom OF religion is abridged when they are not allowed to violate the rationalists' right to freedom FROM religion. Do you agree with that position, or do you have another view? revdauphinee answered on 09/07/05: yes I agree!No one will ever put a gun to your head and make you worship but please allow me to sarnian rated this answer

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hOPE12 asked on 09/07/05 - Just venting: I Hello Everyone, It is good to be alive, is it not? What some families have gone through this past week and half in the Gulf, has been awful, to but it mildly. As those of us try to help and look on at their suffering, we want to help and yet we feel helpless. Man seems to blame another man and one official blames another official, and yet is anyone the blame for what is not in their power to control. No man can control the natural disasters that plague the earth. What man can control is their ability to care for other human beings as if they themselves would want to be cared for. They can care for the . Many who live in this USA has reached deep into their heart and are giving and helping those who are suffering. To me that is the most important thing to concentrate on right now because, is not who is it fault or who didn�t do this or that, but to be thankful for those who are trying their best to aid all those they can, now. Man is imperfect and even if they are slow to act, why waste energy that could be used to help others instead of tearing to pieces those who are imperfect and being imperfect will never do anything perfectly. So why expect perfection from imperfect leaders? That is why those who believe in the Bible long for the time when God loving Son will rule forever, in perfection. Many have asked the question, if God is loving and cares, why so much suffering? Why does such suffering abound? And why does the Creator not stop it? Because of such suffering, many turn their back on God. Why does such suffering exist? What is the cause, and is the Creator concerned about it? Is God really responsible for the disasters that bring so much human suffering and loss around the world? Is he to blame? God answers these questions in the Bible yet not everyone will listen to his counsel, then they are the first to blame God when things go wrong. Is that fair? It is not fair nor logical when we examine the reasons for much of mankind�s sufferings. God does care and because he cares, he will not just deal with the symptoms but he will get to the root cause of human misery. He will put an end to the greedy and oppressive political, commercial, and religious systems that have �dominated man to his injury.� Ecclesiastes 8:9 Many who are in charge are not really able to take charge, but complaining and ripping them apart will not help but make matters worse. Has not man done enough already to ruin this earth? When God gave the earth to Adam and Eve, it was a paradise. Perfect. Why the problems with it now? The Bible has the answer and yet so many do not want to hear that answer. For those familiar with the Bible, you know that throughout its pages there are numerous prophecies pointing to the time when God will take action to rid the earth of wickedness and suffering and to restore an earthly paradise of peace and righteousness. Psalm 37:9-11, 29; Isaiah 13:9; 65:17, 20-25; Jeremiah 25:31-33; 2 Peter 3:7; Revelation 11:18. Jesus Christ taught all his followers to pray for, namely, �Let your kingdom come. Let your will take place, as in heaven, also upon earth.� Matthew 6:10 Yes, it is that Kingdom that will remove and replace all imperfect human rule, as the prophet Daniel foretold: �In the days of those kings the God of heaven will set up a kingdom that will never be brought to ruin. And the kingdom itself will not be passed on to any other people. It will crush and put an end to all these kingdoms, and it itself will stand to times indefinite.��Daniel 2:44 God does not want any to suffer, and soon God will rid this earth of any and all human activities that have made our environment more prone to natural disasters. Man is at fault of much of the suffering that took place after the disaster of Katrina. Katrina did destroy many lives and property but that destruction was made worse by the reaction of those in charge and the lack of preparations when they knew this hurricane was to hit. People in this dome where told to go there for protection and yet officials took no steps in preparing this dome for what human lives need to survive. They could have stocked up on water and non perishable food items. Diapers, first aid items, and just things that would have made it easier for people. Was that God�s fault too? These human being lived for 5 days in total darkness at night because there was not lights. Why wasn�t fash lights stocked inside the dome? Why wasn�t the National Guard called in to help keep the order and to protect the people when they knew the hurricane was going to hit two days before? Could it have been because of the lack of concern and love that we should feel for one another? Man can never bring about true protection and peace and comfort because he is imperfect, but they can contribute towards making good and right choices to lighten the load of those who are their neighbor. The poor are forced to live where prices are cheaper but the environment surrounding them are more dangerous. If we have true love for others, no matter how poor or rich, or what color skin they have or if they can pay back our kindness and love, we would treat others with that heart felt love and watch out for their safety. We would place their care and safety above our own. That is what Jesus meant when he said that his followers would be identified by the quality of love. Do you have that kind of love for those who you do not know who may need your help and care? If so then you have that love that Jesus said his followers would have. �Clothe yourselves with the tender affections of compassion, kindness.� Colossians 3:12 1 Corinthians 13:4-6 4 Love is long-suffering and kind. Love is not jealous, it does not brag, does not get puffed up, 5 does not behave indecently, does not look for its own interests, does not become provoked. It does not keep account of the injury. 6 It does not rejoice over unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth. 7 It bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. 8 Love never fails. Matthew 5:46 46 For if YOU love those loving YOU, what reward do YOU have? Are not also the tax collectors doing the same thing? 4 The second of the two greatest commandments given by God to mankind is: �You must love your neighbor as yourself.� Matt. 22:39 God was the first one to exhibit deep and abiding love for mankind. His Son, Jesus, likewise showed love for the human family by the sacrifice of his life as a ransom in our behalf. This was a display by Jesus of the deepest meaning of love for one�s neighbor. First Jehovah God gave a fine example of what love truly is: John 3:16 16 �For God loved the world so much that he gave his only-begotten Son, in order that everyone exercising faith in him might not be destroyed but have everlasting life. Then God�s Son, Jesus Christ gave the next fine example of what true love is: John 15:13 13 No one has love greater than this, that someone should surrender his soul in behalf of his friends. Is your love that strong? Would you give all you have to save your neighbor? Lack of love and concern made this disaster worse then it needed to be. I am not blaming just one person but the many who where in charge of overseeing those living in these areas. As we can see suffering may also stem from poor judgment. Suppose a group of youths indulge in alcoholic beverages and then go for a drive. A serious accident results. Who is to blame? God? No, they have reaped the consequences of their poor judgment Galatians 6:7. Some may still ask though �But isn�t God powerful enough to end suffering now?� you may ask. Some faithful men in Bible times wondered about that. The prophet Habakkuk asked God: �Why is it that you look on those dealing treacherously, that you keep silent when someone wicked swallows up someone more righteous than he is?� However, Habakkuk did not jump to hasty conclusions. He said: �I shall keep watch, to see what he will speak by me.� Later, God assured him that at an �appointed time,� He would end suffering. Habakkuk 1:13; 2:1-3 We must therefore be patient, waiting for God to end all suffering forever, at his appointed time. But this will happen only in God�s due time. Until then, it is our privilege to support God�s ruler ship by obeying his laws and principles as found in the Bible. When bad things happen, we can take comfort in the confident hope of life in a trouble-free world. We need to show our love for other by doing all we can to help them and comfort them. Man is imperfect, we are imperfect and knowing this we can not cure all things, only God can. We can try and many do even the official are sincere at times when trying to help, but we are all imperfect and make many mistakes. Let us all not make the imperfect mistake though of blaming others, even if they are at fault, it accomplishes nothing at all in pointing the finger at them. Instead use the energy we have to alleviate the suffering of others the best way we can. We then can take comfort in knowing that �God soon will cure all suffering and those who have lost their life temporarily in this system and will gain back an even better life in the system or the earth under God�s Kingdom rule. * The Bible assures us that one day we will be �set free from enslavement to corruption� and enjoy �the glorious freedom of the children of God.� (Romans 8:21) Until then, many good people may suffer. Take comfort in knowing why such suffering takes place�and that it will not last long. It will reach it�s end and until then show love to your neighbor and do all you can to be of help to them. Who knows, one day that same neighbor might be the one that helps you! Always know too, that God loves all persons and soon will rid this earth of all kinds of suffering. No more wars, sickness, injustices, hatred or natural disasters. I so long for that time, I hope each and every one of you do to. Until then though don�t be a complainer but a doer, don�t be a hater but a lover, don�t be a cause of a problem, but a help for those with problems. Most of all know that if any have caused harm and distress to others unnecessarily, they will answer to one much more powerful then you or I. At that time no resident on this earth will ever suffer again. God promises at At Daniel 2:44 that his Government under Jesus will do what has been beyond the power of imperfect humans to provide, a perfect government! Until then, let us hope in God's promise and do all we can now, to alliviate all the unnecessary suffering that man brings upon man. Thanks for reading this, I just needed to vent some honest feelings. I am sure we all have strong feelings about what has taken place in the Gulf. Would you also like to express those feelings? I would love to hear them, we can all learn something worth learning if we listen and stop complaining. Take care, Love Hope12 revdauphinee answered on 09/07/05: Hope do you know how lonfg flashlight last when they are constantly on??not long I assure you !You asked for feelings about this mess well on monday i was so filled with anger i could not stand myself we had and have many heros down here but we have also many greedy selfish folks and i feel part of the reason God allowed this mess (I did say allowed not caused)was to seperate the sheep from the goats and it amazed me just how many goats we have,remember folks calling yourself a Christian (or attending a church)does not make you one! any more than living in a garage makes you a car!!It is writen you can tell them by the fruit they yeild!And in my work here ive met quite a few rotten tomatoes ! hOPE12 rated this answer

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Choux asked on 09/06/05 - I Love Emeril! Do you like him too? revdauphinee answered on 09/07/05: I like him I sure dont love him!!! Choux rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 09/06/05 - Interesting prophesy regarding New Orleans John Mark Pool (http://www.wordtotheworldministries.org/) The Prophetic & Rhema Word of the Lord for 2005 given Jan 2005.(an exert) Check site for full prophecy. Quote: .......major earthquakes and extreme flooding. Flooding was seen in the central and the Southern United States. I saw New Orleans literally 20 feet underwater across the main downtown area. At this time of flooding in New Orleans, I saw it as a sewer full of debris and every form of garbage floating around and swirling in the flood. The French Quarter will be wiped out in the flood. Bourbon Street will be abandoned. Alligators will be swimming where dens of iniquity once abounded. Sin�s investors will let go of the territory. They reside in other areas and will be seeing this as a place of unstable investment for future plans of sin. God�s Kingdom investors will step in and be allowed to bid on properties abandoned by the sin investors. Then the superdome will be available to purchase for 1/10th of a cent on the dollar! This will one day be called the "Glory Dome" as a move of God will be based out of it and make it a "Healing and Restoration Center" grabbing worldwide attention. This Glory Dome will go on continually on a 24/7 basis. (ŝ The glory of this latter house shall be greater than of the former, saith the LORD of hosts: and in this place will I give peace, saith the LORD of hosts." Haggai 2:9 KJV.) ....... Lets see if the latter half come true, the superdome turned into a Church revdauphinee answered on 09/06/05: the super dome is imaterial but god is seperating his folks into goats and sheep ,he is not Just weeping he is crying out loud! paraclete rated this answer

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Choux asked on 09/06/05 - What's Next??? The following is a cut and paste "Federal health officials and global health authorities have been clear: It is not a question of if, but rather when the next pandemic will occur. H5N1 is a good candidate and it could be this next flu season. The virus is still largely confined to birds, but it is has spread up from Southeast Asia and is now expanding across Russia. This particular flu virus will be new to humankind, making it particularly virulent. It interacts in a mixing bowl of other species that come into contact with the birds, including domestic fowl and pigs, and if it mixes with a flu strain already adapted for human-to-human transmission ... presto. An H5N1 influenza outbreak could mimic the 1918 pandemic. That could mean 1.7 million deaths in the United States and 360 million dead worldwide, perhaps more. But the numbers don't tell the full story. People, and thus the disease, can move much faster than in 1918. With a majority of the adult working population sick and others attending them, as much as 35 percent of the U.S. population may be immobilized. If people venture out, it will be with a mask and a suspicious eye. Schools, businesses and services will grind to a halt as workers get sick or stop showing up. Our utilities, communications, financial systems and government services could also shut down. The tide of the sick and dying will overwhelm hospitals. The health care professionals who are themselves not sick will be too few to treat the millions seeking make-shift beds in high school gymnasiums and community centers. And this will occur globally."" Each of my parents had siblings who died in the flu epidemic of 1918. Today, it is difficult for us to imagine such widespread epidemic due advances in modern medicine. What are your feelings about a global flu epidemic? Any other comments? revdauphinee answered on 09/06/05: 6the h3ell wqith flue im more interested in disentry .typhoid and such God help us down here! Choux rated this answer sarnian rated this answer

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arcura asked on 09/06/05 - Some time ago this subject came up. Here�s the info� For those who are interested in who and what the various Catholic Churches are. These are those who are in full communion with the Roman Catholic Church headquartered in Rome, Italy. Those Catholic men who want to be married and be a priest can do so in most of the Churches particularly the so-called �Eastern Rite� (Byzantine) of these Churches. Regarding their denomination all are Catholic. + The Patriarchal Latin Catholic Church Rite: Tridentine Latin + The Patriarchal Armenian Catholic Church Rite: Armenian + The Patriarchal Coptic Catholic Church Rite: Alexandrian + The Ethiopian Catholic Church Rite: Ge�ez + The Patriarchal Antiochian Maronite Catholic Church Rite: West Syrian Maronite + The Patriarchal Chaldean Catholic Church Rite: East Syrian + The Syri-Malabar Catholic Church Rite: East Syrian + The Patriarchal Syrian Catholic Church Rite: West Syrian + The Syro-Malankara Catholic Church Rite: West Syrian Note: The following are all of the highly stylized form of the Antiochian rite called the Byzantine Rite. The Council of Chalcedon legitimized the Constantinople see of Andrew, the brother of Peter which uses the rite. It is the second most used rite after the Latin. There are 16 Eastern Orthodox Churches and 15 Catholic Churches that use the Byzantine Rite. + The Patriarchal Melkite Catholic Church + The Italo-Albanian Catholic Church + The Ukrainian Catholic Church + The Ruthenian Catholic Church + The Byzantine Catholic Church USA (Rusyn � Ruthenian � Slovak) + The Romanian Catholic Church + The Greek Catholic Church of Greece + The Greek Catholic Church in former Yugoslavia + The Bulgarian Catholic Church + The Slovak Catholic Church + The Hungarian Catholic Church + The Russian Catholic Church + The Belarusian Catholic Church + The Albanian Catholic Church + The Georgian Catholic Church There � now you know. Peace and kindness, Fred revdauphinee answered on 09/06/05: who cares !!!if you arre a christian help your neighbour and all are your neighbours arcura rated this answer

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arcura asked on 09/06/05 - No question, just an answer....................... In answer to several who are wondering why I keep bothering with Sarnian, Freethinker, John I�ll answer here on the open board. I�m really not sure for certain. Perhaps it is Sar�s colossal ego that I find irresistible to challenge. And of course the efforts work well as testified by his unfound and or overly passionate reactions. Now as I think it over, you are right. I should not bother with him becaue it just messes up the board. So from now on I will ignore him. Peace and kindness, Fred revdauphinee answered on 09/06/05: please dont waste time arguing God has sjhown me we need to get along! arcura rated this answer

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sarnian asked on 09/05/05 - Next time we vote .......................... Note : I'm not trying to make this a racial issue. This is just today's reality. In an ARD television report from New Orleans dated 5-9-2005 : Text painted on a door on St. Claude Avenue: "NEXT TIME WE VOTE FOR SOMEONE WHO CARES !" Text painted on another door : "F*CK THE AIRFORCE. THEM BITCHES KILLED OUR PEOPLE" (Note : I added the asterix) A caucasian american who joined the camera crew to check his own house stated about these texts : "At first I could not believe the accusations. But now I see the devastation, how people were mistreated here, and who are forced to leave, I begin to understand their reaction". (Many whites are allowed to stay, while all blacks are forced out.) Can you understand the resentment many black people there feel ? revdauphinee answered on 09/06/05: I am white but I can begin to understand there anguish when i see a black baby die because there is no gas to transport it to a working hopital and white folks are out cutting the grass !I saw this ,anger has eaten me up at the greed i have seen and mostly amongs my white brothers and sisters folks I have become ashamed and had to ask for prayer for my anger at what ive seen .Jeusus is not just weeping he is crying out loud!! sarnian rated this answer

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HANK1 asked on 09/05/05 - A GREAT QUOTE: "You grow to heaven. You don't go to heaven." - Edgar Cayce HANK revdauphinee answered on 09/06/05: read the scripture not edgar case for the truth!!! HANK1 rated this answer

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Bradd asked on 09/05/05 - DISGRACE!! Not since Richard Nixon has a United States national government been so disgraced. While national leaders vacationed, shopped for shoes, and did the cocktail circuit, Americans were dying, starving, and babies lost their lives due to dehydration. Old people were covered with sheets in their death throes as FEMA turned back life-saving water and supplies because they were concerned about the "organization" chart. If you think I'm exaggerating, turn on your TV. Even Fox, that mouthpiece for the Republican right, has been shamed into criticizing the way the Bush administration non-handled the crisis. I don't believe it's class or racism - it's pure unadulterated incompetence. The head of FEMA had ZERO ability in emergency management, he was simply a crony of George Bush. Thank God for the media who have been so criticized for being "negative". Without their on-location reporting, Mr. Bush and his friends would still be having tea in their hidden dens. As the world watches America's shame, ordinary Americans are stepping up with donations and volunteers to give the lie to the disgraceful administration in the White House. revdauphinee answered on 09/06/05: when news of the situation in the new Orleans dome began comming in one Bush appointee said publicly on the media that they were myths they were not!!(I heard him) Bradd rated this answer powderpuff rated this answer

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HANK1 asked on 09/05/05 - JUST WONDERING: We now know how much poverty there was in New Orleans before Katrina. I'm wondering if the Mayor of New Orleans and the Governor of Louisiana were aware of this as well. I'm asking this question because many people couldn't leave New Orleans because they didn't have the means. As a result, they spent a few days in Hell. HANK revdauphinee answered on 09/05/05: while New Orleans was a tourist mecca it was also a great area of poverty for those who lived there.please understand these folks did not refuse to leave they were no able to and whilst the mayor can rant and rave about the feds he himself is not blameless ,where were all the city busses in town when they were told to leave he did not comandeer them and try to get folks out ,he is as they say (excuse my french)covering his own a** by complaining Choux rated this answer HANK1 rated this answer powderpuff rated this answer

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powderpuff asked on 09/05/05 - News from inside the Astodome I just got a call from my daughter who has spent most of the last 3 days inside the Astrodome in Houston. Her husband is working there with FEMA in the Social Security section and my daughter is volunteering in the medical department (after the immediate medical crisis with people in need of treatments and medications, she will be switched to helping with young children's needs). Things are running smoothly, people are getting the medical treatment they need and all are being offered and given prophylactic antibiotics. Tetnus shots are being offered to everyone. A system has been set up for people who have been separated from family members to get them reunited. People who are on Social Security benefits are being identified so that they will continue to receive their benefits and those who have lost their SS cards are being issued replacement cards. Though some of the other shelters around Houston have nicer amenities, such as air mattresses, comforters, and TVs, the refugees are very much relieved and thankful for the help and comforts they are now receiving. They need all the help they can get. This is going to be a very long term recovery effort. My daughter and her husband are home for a few hours to shower and rest before going back for another 3 day shift. President Bush is due to make an appearance at the Astrodome sometime today, and my daughter and her husband were happy to be able to leave for a reprieve during that time. No question, just wanted to let you know, victims' suffering is now being tended to. Efforts are running smoothly in Texas, so far anyway :) revdauphinee answered on 09/05/05: plese be assured that while some are being well taken care of not all are i still have folks living in there front yards who have gotten nothing praise god for those who are helping butdo not let folks get the immpession that all are the ones that are all just a minute few!!! Bradd rated this answer powderpuff rated this answer

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sarnian asked on 09/05/05 - Help and funding for disaster victims ................... Seen previous comments on this board : Over 60 countries have offered money and services for the Katrina victims. For instance Iran and other Islamic countries. And atheistic China. And arch enemy Cuba. And Venezuelan president Chavez. Even US' enemies offered to contribute. Isn't it amazing ? Isn't it also a reason to "tone down" a bit for aggressive US foreign politics ? As "them" are not so bad, afteral ! revdauphinee answered on 09/05/05: from one who knows ive seen many offers but not seen the money as yet .?? sarnian rated this answer

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Choux asked on 09/03/05 - Is Bush the Anti-Christ? I'm trying to remember what the Bible says about the characteristics of the anti-Christ. Can anyone tell me what the properties of the anti-Christ are? revdauphinee answered on 09/03/05: not a Bush fan but no he is not!!! bucker rated this answer Choux rated this answer

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arcura asked on 09/03/05 - Here is a story by real experts worth a read..... The devastation that Katrina unleashed on New Orleans is unbelievable. The photos and videos emerging in the past few days are truly heart wrenching. I'm overwhelmed by the tragedy. But it wasn't a surprise to the experts. National Geographic's article "Gone with the water" reads like a recent news story. It describes the effects of a powerful hurricane that hits New Orleans. Sadly, it's remarkably accurate. This article will help you understand why the magnitude of the disaster was so severe. A number of factors, both natural and human, are involved. And once you read it, you may wonder why better preparations weren't made. TO VISIT TODAY'S COOL SITE, GO HERE: www.nationalgeographic.com/ngm/0410/feature5 revdauphinee answered on 09/03/05: Please folks forget the new orleans bit this has hit all the way from Batton Rouge to the florida pan handle it is not a louisiana tradgedy it is an american one.If you can please send a few dollars to the red cross hurricvane relief fund it will help and you will be blessed> Dorothy arcura rated this answer sarnian rated this answer tomder55 rated this answer

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bucker asked on 09/03/05 - America the blamed! America has gone to the aid of just about every country in the world, when they were in trouble. If it had not been for America; England, France, and all of Europe would be speaking german today. The rest would be speaking Japanese. Yet America is critised about everything, by those who it has helped. The only one who has offered help, is Israel. One of the smllest countries anywhere. Now that America is trying to stop terrorism all around the world, by going to the source, and not waiting for it to spread all over the world, there are the critics. I am astonished at the amount of criticism from those it has helped, including it's own people. I realize that some do not understand what they have been saved from. But if they could see what is happening in the countries with dictators, they would be more thankful for America and other countries, who are democratic. I for one am thankful to God for America. I am asking for His continued blessing on us.. About this tradgey in Louisiana, How about this. The people who were laying up on welfare, and not working. why were they not put to work on this dyke. this could have been going on for a long time. It could have been repaired by now. It would have only taken a few shovels, pickaxes, and a willingness to work. it is always nice to blame others for our troubles. But sometimes it is better to look at ourselves, to find the best answer to the problem. revdauphinee answered on 09/03/05: FYI this is not only louisana but all the way from batton rouge to fla the whole coast is devastated i know im here! Dorothy bucker rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 09/03/05 - Act of God? Hurricane is God's work: Christian extremists September 3, 2005 - 10:06AM As religious and political leaders offered prayers for the victims of Hurricane Katrina, some Christian fundamentalists suggested the storm was the work of an angry God bent on punishing a sinful nation. In news releases and internet chat rooms, some fundamentalists said the hurricane was sent to punish New Orleans, a city known for Mardi Gras and other raucous festivals. Others said the disaster, which may have killed thousands in Louisiana and Mississippi, was revenge for the United States' support of the removal of Jewish settlers in the Gaza Strip. "Whenever this country encourages Israel to give up any part of their rightful God-given land we have suffered the consequences," wrote a discussion-board participant on the website of the Christian Broadcasting Network. A Philadelphia group called Repent America said the hurricane was sent by God to prevent an annual gay pride festival that was due to take place this weekend. "We must not forget that the citizens of New Orleans tolerated and welcomed the wickedness in their city for so long," said Repent America director Michael Marcavage. "May this act of God cause us all to think about what we tolerate in our city limits." Evangelical leaders like Jerry Falwell and Christian Broadcasting Network founder Pat Robertson urged their followers to pray for the victims and contribute to relief efforts, but made no public statements about the reason for the hurricane. But Franklin Graham, who heads the evangelical charity Samaritan's Purse, said on the Fox News Channel the mayhem and looting in New Orleans could be traced to a lack of religious instruction. "This happens in our country when we have taken God out of our schools and God out of our, out of society. We don't have a moral standard," he said. Political leaders urged prayer as well. "God is responsible for this and in his own time he will reveal why," said Illinois Democratic congressman Jesse Jackson Jr at a news conference. American Christians have often seen the hand of God behind natural disasters, religious experts said. Probably half of the US population believes that a divine power sends judgment through hurricanes, floods and natural disasters, said John Green, a senior fellow with the Pew Forum on Religion and Public Life, a Washington think tank. "The basic idea that God is in charge and he expects people to behave and he isn't happy when they don't - that's a very common idea," Green said. A small number of Christians believe that the United States needs to support Israel in order to bring about the return of Christ, said William Lawrence, dean of the Perkins School of Theology at Southern Methodist University in Dallas. "Those who hold such a view would tend to see any cataclysmic act as a sign of punishment, but much more responsible theologians would argue that that's far too mechanical a notion of the way God operates," he said. Reuters revdauphinee answered on 09/03/05: lets get real folks this is a simple act of nature instead of blaming folks why not help send something even as little as $5 to the red cross we need it! paraclete rated this answer

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Erewhon asked on 09/03/05 - Hurricane Katrina A round-up of Hurricane Katrina-related rumors Snopes has collected so far: Just learned that the Terrorists had bombs planted in the levees and intended to detonate them to destroy the Mississippi levees altogether. They found the bombs. The terrorists couldn't get to them to detonate them because of the water. We have seen no reports of terrorist-planted bombs being discovered on levees around the Mississippi area. Is it true that there has been video footage of sharks swimming in the floods in New Orleans? Various news accounts have reported people claiming to have seen sharks swimming in the floodwaters around New Orleans, but the reliability of such accounts is difficult to ascertain. Before NBC, MTV or anyone else puts on a telethon to help victims of Hurricane Katrina, they might want to explore some ancillary issues. To wit: New Orleans is a city famous for its famous musicians, but many of them are missing. Missing with a capital M. To begin with, one of the city�s most important legends, Antoine "Fats" Domino, has not been heard from since Monday afternoon. Domino�s rollicking boogie-woogie piano and deep soul voice are not only part of the Rock 'n' Roll Hall of Fame but responsible for dozens of hits like "Blue Monday," "Ain�t That a Shame," "Blueberry Hill" and "I�m Walking (Yes, Indeed, I�m Talking)." R&B legend Fats Domino was missing in New Orleans, but he has since been rescued. Perhaps this is only the first unfounded rumor to come out of the New Orleans area, but I was told that some residents who remained behind have said that the city used dynamite on the levees at certain points in an attempt save the French Quarter and Business District by flooding other areas. Go figure. Reports indicate numerous fraudulent requests for donations to aid hurricane Katrina relief efforts. These requests typically arrive via mass-mailings and appear to originate from legitimate charitable organizations. The messages are designed to entice users to access a web site and make a donation via a credit card. When the user attempts to access the site, the browser is redirected to a malicious web site. In addition to accepting a donation, these sites are likely to attempt to install malicious code on the system. Users are advised to verify the organization and URL to which they are donating money. A listing of contact information for various charitable organizations is available at the following link: FEMA. Users are advised to not respond to e-mails requesting donations for relief efforts, as legitimate organizations typically do not request funds in this method. ================== The flying rumours gathered as they rolled. Scarce any tale was heard before 'twas told. And all who heard it added something new, And all who told it made enlargements too. ================== And so it goes ............... revdauphinee answered on 09/03/05: stop with the nonesence there was no blowing up of levees this was an act of nature folks are dying down here its not a times for jokes or speculations it is a time for help why not give a few bucks to the red cross instaed of comming up with nonsence?? Dorothy bucker rated this answer Erewhon rated this answer

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bucker asked on 08/21/05 - Who is Christ? I have heard that Jesus and Christ were not the same. Tell me this; if Jesus is not who He says He is, then who is He? And where is the other Jesus? Has He come to earth, or is He yet to come? please explain who this other Jesus is. I keep hearing about Him, but nothing is explained about Him. I love Jesus... revdauphinee answered on 08/21/05: Christ is derived from the greek word for messiah> ATON2 rated this answer bucker rated this answer

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FormerJesusHelper76 asked on 08/21/05 - World War 3 and the Economy! Many people believe that the economy as of late keeps booming and keeps growing. There are always good times and bad times. Do you believe that eventually all the high prices and the economy will not be able sustain itself and we will need another depression era. Start all over if you will. Does anybody here believe that all the signs of late are going to lead to another eventual depression and to another major world war? Something needs to give? Right? What are your thoughts and opinions. Oh, ya I hear many people say we need another war in order to start things over or to have an effect on the major prices of everything that keeps going up? revdauphinee answered on 08/21/05: we are hell bent towards another depressionwith this administration I see no way out! ww111 will come about not because of intollerance but because of those who continue to refuse to admit who our enemy is. with modern technology we should not be as reliant on oil as we are but bush and his cronies wont get richer fron other sources so we will keep on relying on saudi pleasure. they wont even alow exploring our own oil resources. FormerJesusHelper76 rated this answer paraclete rated this answer

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Erewhon asked on 08/20/05 - *** Christianity *** Right Wing Conservatism ... A well-known right wing conservative Christian wrote: "Hence today I believe that I am acting in accordance with the will of the Almighty Creator by defending myself against the Jew, I am fighting for the work of the Lord." (Adolf Hitler, Mein Kampf, Ralph Mannheim, ed., New York Mariner Books, 1999, p. 65.) "My feeling as a Christian points me to my Lord and Savior as a fighter. It points me to the man who once in loneliness, surrounded only by a few followers, recognized these Jews for what they were and summoned men to fight against them and who, God's truth! was greatest not as a sufferer but as a fighter." Adolph Hitler, in a speech delivered April 12, 1922 Published in "My New Order" -------------- Do you feel that God has specifically called you to be a warrior for him against any group of which you are not a member? revdauphinee answered on 08/20/05: No but he has told me to fight evil!!and evil is what blew up trains in London and bombed the twin towers ATON2 rated this answer Erewhon rated this answer LTgolf rated this answer QueenChoux rated this answer

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Erewhon asked on 08/20/05 - *** Christianity *** Christian intolerance ... The intolerance displayed by some Christians against Muslims, Islam, and others including some fellow Christians is a continuation of serious distortions of Christianity from earliest times. Unless Christians as a whole turn aside from intolerance and follow the injunction of Jesus Christ to "LOVE ONE ANOTHER," hatred and bitterness will continue to fill the world and deny peace on earth and good will towards all men. Can you - will you - rid your heart of hate and bitterness so that you can call yourself a Christian and deserve the name? ================== This is a C&P ================== The hatred between Christian groups was extraordinary. In the middle of the fifth century they disputed whether the words, "who was crucified for us" should be added to the Trisagion (the "Holy, holy, holy" song sung eternally in heaven according to Isaiah and the book of Revelation). Over this dispute, the city of Constantinople suffered a series of riots, Thrace was depopulated, and as many as tens of thousands of Christians on the wrong side of the argument were slain. The Emperor was forced to go into hiding to beg for mercy. - Madalyn Murray O'Hair, "Gibbon, the Historian, and Christianity," An Atheist Speaks ____________________________ After one "election meeting" in a church, in October 366, the "ushers" picked up from the floor one hundred and sixty Christian corpses! It is sheer affectation of modern Roman Catholic writers to question this, as we learn it from a report to the emperor of two priests of the time. The riots of the Christians which filled the streets of Rome with blood for a week, are, in fact, ironically recorded by the contemporary Roman writer, Ammianus Marcellinus. In one day the Christians murdered more of their brethren than the pagans can be positively proved to have martyred in three centuries, and the total number of the slain during the fight for the papal chair (in which the supporters of Pope Damasus literally cut his way, with swords and axes, to the papal chair through the supporters of the rival candidate Ursicinus) is probably as great as the total number of actual martyrs. If we add to these the number of the slain in the fights of the Arians and Trinitarians in the east and the fights of Catholics and Donatists in Africa, we get a sum of "martyrs" many times as large as the genuine victims of Roman law; and we should still have to add the massacre by Theodosius at Thessalonica, the massacre of a regiment of Arian soldiers, the lives sacrificed under Constantius, Valentinian, etc. This frightful and sordid temper of the new Christendom is luridly exhibited in the murder of Hypatia of Alexandria in 415. Under the "great" Father of the Church, Cyril of Alexandria, a Christian mob, led by a minor cleric of the church, stripped Hypatia naked and gashed her with oyster shells until she died. She was a teacher of mathematics and philosopy, a person of the highest ideals and character. This barbaric fury (of the Christians) raged from Rome to Alexandria and Antioch, and degraded the cities with spectacles that paganism had never witnessed... Salvianus, a priest of Marseilles of the fifth century, deplores the vanished virtue of the pagan world and declares that "The whole body of Christians is a sink of iniquity." "Very few," he says, "avoid evil." He challenges his readers: "How many in the Church will you find that are not drunkards or adulterers, or fornicators, or gamblers, or robbers, or murderers - or all together?" (De Gubernatione Dei, III, 9) Gregory of Tours, in the next century, gives, incredible as it may seem, an even darker picture of the Christian world, over part of which he presides. You cannot read these truths, unless you can read bad Latin, because they are never translated. It is the flowers, the rare examples of virtue, the untruths of Eusebius and the Martyrologies, that are translated. It is the legends of St. Agnes and St. Catherine, the heroic fictions of St. Lawrence and St. Sebastian that you read. But there were ten vices for every virtue, ten lies for every truth, a hundred murders for every genuine martyrdom. - Joseph McCabe, "How Christianity Triumphed" ____________________________ Art, philosophy, literature, the very psychology of Western man, all suffered by the victory of the bishops. - John Holland Smith, The Death of Classical Paganism ____________________________ The Christian zealots for conversion took to the streets or criss-crossed the countryside, destroying no doubt more of the architectural and artistic treasure of their world than any passing barbarians thereafter. - Ramsay MacMullen, Christianizing the Roman Empire ____________________________ There was a time when religion played an all-powerful role in European politics with Protestants and Catholics organizing themselves into political factions and squandering the wealth of Europe on sectarian wars. English liberalism emerged in direct reaction to the religious fanaticism of the English Civil War. Contrary to those who at the time believed that religion was a necessary and permanent feature of the political landscape, liberalism vanquished religion in Europe. After a centuries-long confrontation with liberalism, religion was taught to be tolerant? In the sixteenth century, it would have seemed strange to most Europeans not to use political power to enforce belief in their particular sectarian faith. Today, the idea that the practice of religion other than one's own should injure one's own faith seems bizarre, even to the most pious churchmen. Religion has been relegated to the sphere of private life - exiled, it would seem, more or less permanently from European political life except on certain narrow issues like abortion... Religion per se did not create free societies; Christianity in a certain sense had to abolish itself through a secularization of its goals before liberalism could emerge... Political liberalism in England ended the religious wars between Protestant and Catholic that had nearly destroyed that country during the seventeenth century: with its advent, religion was defanged by being made tolerant. - Francis Fukuyama, The End of History and the Last Man ____________________________ The Thirty Years' War began in 1618 when Protestant leaders threw two Catholic emissaries out of a Prague window into a dung heap. War flared between Catholic and Protestant princedoms, drawing in supportive religious armies from Germany, Sweden, France, and Italy. Sweden's Protestant soldiers sang Martin Luther's "Ein Feste Burg" ("A Mighty Fortress") in battle. Three decades of combat turned central Europe into a wasteland of misery. One estimate stated that due to the war and resulting famine and pestilence, Germany's population dropped from eighteen million to four million. In the end nothing was settled. - James A. Haught, Holy Horrors: An Illustrated History of Religious Murder and Madness ____________________________ Herbert Langer in The Thirty Years' War, says that more than one quarter of Europe's population died as a result of those thirty years of slaughter, famine and disease. Ironically, the majority of Europeans who killed each other shared such orthodox religious beliefs as Jesus' deity, the Trinity, and even "creationism." So you can't blame the horrific spectacle of the Thirty Years' War on modern day scapegoats like atheism, humanism or the theory of evolution. Such a war demonstrates that getting nations to agree on major articles of faith does not ensure peace. Far from it. Some of the most intense rivalries exist between groups whose beliefs broadly resemble one another but differ in subtle respects. ____________________________ In 1844 Protestants besieged Catholic neighborhoods in Philadelphia with cannon fire, pistols, and by setting houses aflame, because the Catholics had protested the use of the Protestant's King James Bible in public schools. Martial law was declared, and it took two thousand federal troops to quell the rioting; eighteen people were killed and scores more were injured. - Michael Feldberg, The Philadelphia Riots of 1844: A Study of Ethnic Conflicts ____________________________ Neighbors say the trouble began eight years ago when a second storefront church opened next door to an existing one in Brooklyn. From that time on there were accusations of slashed tires, hung-up phone calls, and parking in each others' driveways. The differences were resolved, however, when the pastor of the Prince of Peace Disciples and his three sons confronted members of the Church of the Lord Jesus Christ and accused them of firing gunshots at their building. The pastor's sons then took out their guns and fired away, killing one of the parishioners and wounding the other two. - J. D. Bell, "Nuts in the News," The American Rationalist, May/June 1997 ____________________________ A holy war was set off in Brazil when a Pentecostal pastor, opposed to the "image-worship" of the nations 110,000 Catholics, displayed a statue of a black version of the Virgin Mary called Our Lady of Aparecida, and referred to it as "a horrible, disgraceful doll" while kicking and slapping it. Screaming, rock-throwing crowds surrounded the church of the Pentecostal pastor while thousands of Catholics protested by carrying images of the Virgin through the streets. - J. D. Bell, "Nuts in the News," The American Rationalist, May/June 1997 ____________________________ A 32-year-old Catholic woman was beaten to death after she refused to enter an evangelical church in northeastern Brazil. She was passing by the Church of the Kingdom of God when two pastors ordered their followers to bring her inside to attend a ceremony. When she refused, the group held her ten-year-old daughter while the pastors dragged her by the hair and beat her in order to "exorcise the devil from her." - J. D. Bell, "Nuts in the News," The American Rationalist, Nov./Dec. 1994 ____________________________ There has never been a kingdom given to so many civil wars as that of Christ's. - Charles de Montesquieu INDIANS 0, CHRISTIANS 1 On average two thirds of the native population were killed by colonist-imported smallpox before violence began. This was a great sign of "the marvelous goodness and providence of God" to the Christians of course, e.g. the Governor of the Massachusetts Bay Colony wrote in 1634, as "for the natives, they are near all dead of the smallpox, so as the Lord hath cleared our title to what we possess." Although none of the settlers would have survived winter without native help, they soon set out to expel and exterminate the Indians. Warfare among (north American) Indians was rather harmless, in comparison to European standards, and was meant to avenge insults rather than conquer land. In the words of some of the pilgrim fathers: "Their Wars are far less bloody," so that there usually was "no great slaughter of either side." Indeed, "They might fight seven years and not kill seven men." What is more, the Indians usually spared women and children. In the spring of 1612 some English colonists found life among the (generally friendly and generous) natives attractive enough to leave Jamestown - "being idle ... did run away unto the Indians" - to live among them. "Governor Thomas Dale had them hunted down and executed: 'Some he appointed to be hanged Some burned Some to be broken upon wheels, others to be staked and some shot to death.'" Of course these elegant measures were reserved for fellow Englishmen: "This was the treatment for those who wished to act like Indians. For those who had no choice in the matter, because they were the native people of Virginia" methods were different: "when an Indian was accused by an Englishman of stealing a cup and failing to return it, the English response was to attack the natives in force, burning the entire community" down. On the territory that is now Massachusetts the founding fathers of the colonies were committing genocide, in what has become known as the Peqout War. The killers were New England Puritan Christians, refugees from persecution in their own home country England. When however, a dead colonist was found, apparently killed by Narragansett Indians, the Puritan colonists wanted revenge. Despite the Indian chief's pledge they attacked. Somehow they seem to have lost the idea of what they were after, because when they were greeted by Pequot Indians (long-time foes of the Narragansetts) the troops nevertheless made war on the Pequots and burned their villages. The puritan commander-in-charge, John Mason, wrote after one massacre: "And indeed such a dreadful Terror did the Almighty let fall upon their Spirits, that they would fly from us and run into the very Flames, where many of them perished... God was above them, who laughed his Enemies and the Enemies of his People to Scorn, making them as a fiery Oven...Thus did the Lord judge among the Heathen, filling the Place with dead Bodies": men, women, children. So "the Lord was pleased to smite our Enemies in the hinder Parts, and to give us their land for an inheritance." Because of his readers' assumed knowledge of Deuteronomy, there was no need for Mason to quote the words that immediately follow: "Thou shalt save alive nothing that breatheth. But thou shalt utterly destroy them..." (Deut 20) Mason's comrade Underhill recalled how "great and doleful was the bloody sight to the view of the young soldiers" yet reassured his readers that "sometimes the Scripture declares women and children must perish with their parents." Other Indians were killed in successful plots of poisoning. The colonists even had dogs especially trained to kill Indians and to devour children from their mothers breasts, in the colonists' own words: "blood Hounds to draw after them, and Mastiffs to seize them." In this way they continued until the extermination of the Pequots was near. The surviving handful of Indians "were parceled out to live in servitude. John Endicott and his pastor wrote to the governor asking for 'a share' of the captives, specifically 'a young woman or girl and a boy if you think good.'" Other tribes were to follow the same path. Comment the Christian exterminators: "God's Will, which will at last give us cause to say: How Great is His Goodness! and How Great is his Beauty!" "Thus doth the Lord Jesus make them to bow before him, and to lick the Dust!" Like today, lying was morally acceptable to Christians then. "Peace treaties were signed with every intention to violate them: when the Indians 'grow secure upon (sic) the treaty', advised the Council of State in Virginia, 'we shall have the better Advantage both to surprise them, & cut down their Corn.'" In 1624 sixty heavily armed Englishmen cut down 800 defenseless Indian men, women and children. In a single massacre in "King Philip's War" of 1675 and 1676 some 蜨 Indians were destroyed. A delighted Cotton Mather, revered pastor of the Second Church in Boston, later referred to the slaughter as a 'barbecue.'" To summarize: Before the arrival of the English, the western Abenaki people in New Hampshire and Vermont had numbered 12,000. Less than half a century later about 250 remained alive - a destruction rate of 98%. The Pocumtuck people had numbered more than 18,000, fifty years later they were down to 920 - 95% destroyed. The Quiripi-Unquachog people had numbered about 30,000, fifty years later they were down to 1500 - 95% destroyed. The Massachusetts people had numbered at least 44,000, fifty years later barely 6000 were alive - 81% destroyed. These are only a few examples of the multitude of tribes living before Christian colonists set their foot on the New World. All this was before the smallpox epidemics of 1677 and 1678 had occurred. And the carnage was not over then. All the above was only the beginning of the European colonization, it was before the frontier age actually had begun. A total of maybe more than 150 million Indians (of both Americas) were destroyed in the period of 1500 to 1900, on average two thirds by smallpox and other epidemics, that leaves some 50 million killed directly by violence, bad treatment and slavery. Reverend Solomon Stoddard, one of New England's most esteemed religious leaders, in 񓛇 formally proposed to the Massachusetts Governor that the colonists be given the financial wherewithal to purchase and train large packs of dogs 'to hunt Indians as they do bears'." Massacre of Sand Creek, Colorado 11/29/1864. Colonel John Chivington, a former Methodist minister and still elder in the church ("I long to be wading in gore") had a Cheyenne village of about 600, mostly women and children, gunned down despite the chiefs' waving with a white flag: 400-500 killed. From an eye-witness account: "There were some thirty or forty squaws collected in a hole for protection; they sent out a little girl about six years old with a white flag on a stick; she had not proceeded but a few steps when she was shot and killed. All the squaws in that hole were afterwards killed ..." By the 1860s "in Hawaii the Reverend Rufus Anderson surveyed the carnage that by then had reduced those islands' native population by 90 percent or more, and he declined to see it as tragedy; the expected total die-off of the Hawaiian population was only natural, this missionary said, somewhat equivalent to 'the amputation of diseased members of the body'." - Kelsos, "Victims of the Christian Faith" at http://www.geocities.com/Athens/5195/victims.html (Most of the above information derived from D.Stannard, American Holocaust, Oxford University Press 1992) SLAVES 0, CHRISTIANS 1 The Christian church became the biggest slave owner in the Roman Empire. Popes kept slaves until the eighteenth century. Ignatius of Antioch (c. 107-117) refused the request of Christian slaves to have their freedom purchased out of the common fund. Augustine (c. 354-430) taught that slavery was God's will and that Christianity did not make slaves free but made good slaves out of bad ones. (The City of God 19.5) Early in the 11th century Pope Benedict VIII condemned the children of priests to be slaves and Pope Clement did likewise to the whole population of Venice in 1309. Pope Paul III decreed slavery for all Englishmen who supported Henry VIII of England. Papal licenses were granted to the Kings of Portugal in the fifteenth century to conquer "heathen" countries and reduce their inhabitants to "everlasting slavery." As it says in Psalm 2: "Ask of me, and I shall give thee the heathen for thine inheritance (as slaves), and the uttermost parts of the earth for thy possession. Thou shalt break them with a rod of iron." Altogether, more than eighteen hundred years of Christianity supported the notion of slavery. - The Humanist (Great Britain), October 1959 ____________________________ The "Word of God" tells us that a master may beat his slave within an inch of the slave's life, or within "a day or two" of their life: "If a man strikes his male or female slave with a rod and he dies at his hand, he shall be punished. If, however, the slave survives a day or two (before dying), no vengeance shall be taken; for the slave is his master's money." (Ex. 21:20-21) In line with such pearls of wisdom an early Christian Council, The Council of Elvira (c. 305), prescribed that any Christian mistress who beat her slave to death without premeditation was merely to be punished with five years of penance. 1 Peter 2:18-20 teaches that the Christian who is a slave should "patiently endure" even harsh unjust punishments in order to "find favor with God." So, according to the "Word of God," any man who happens to have enough money to buy another man is automatically "worthy of all honor," (1 Tim. 6:1); slaves should seek to fulfill "the will of God" by obediently serving their masters (Eph. 6:5-6); and slaves who endured "suffering" were "acceptable of God" (1 Peter 2:18-20). Therefore, if slaves did not find their masters "worthy of all honor," disobeyed their masters, and refused to endure suffering imposed on them by their masters, this displeased not only man, but God. - Skip Church ____________________________ English North Americans embraced slavery because they were Christians, not in spite of it. - Forrest G. Wood, The Arrogance of Faith: Christianity and Race in America from the Colonial Era to the Twentieth ____________________________ We have men sold to build churches, women sold to support the gospel, and babes sold to purchase Bibles for the poor heathen, all for the glory of God and the good of souls. The slave auctioneer's bell and the church-going bell chime in with each other, and the bitter cries of the heart-broken slave are drowned in the religious shouts of his pious master. Revivals of religion and revivals of the slave trade go hand in hand... Were I to be again reduced to the chains of slavery, next to the enslavement, I should regard being the slave of a religious master the greatest calamity that could befall me. For of all slaveholders with whom I have ever met, religious slaveholders are the worst. I have ever found them the meanest and basest, the most cruel and cowardly, of all others? It was my unhappy lot to belong to a religious slaveholder. He always managed to have one or more of his slaves to whip every Monday morning? In August, 1832, my master attended a Methodist camp-meeting and there experienced religion. He prayed morning, noon, and night. He very soon distinguished himself among his brethren, and was made a class leader and exhorter... I have seen him tie up a lame young woman, and whip her with a heavy cowskin whip upon her naked shoulders, causing the warm red blood to drip; and, in justification of the bloody deed, he would quote the passage of Scripture, "He who knoweth the master's will, and doeth it not, shall be beaten with many stripes." (Luke 12:47)? I prayed for freedom twenty years, but received no answer until I prayed with my legs. - Frederick Douglass, Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass: An American Slave ____________________________ FREDERICK DOUGLASS WAS NOT THE ONLY WITNESS TO TESTIFY THAT CHRISTIANS WERE THE CRUELEST SLAVEHOLDERS Henry Bibb...lists six "professors of religion" who sold him to other "professors of religion." (One of Bibb's owners was a deacon in the Baptist church, who employed whips, chains, stocks, and thumbscrews to "discipline" his slaves.) Harriet Jacobs, in her narrative, informs us that her tormenting owner was the worse for being converted. Mrs. Joseph Smith, testifying before the American Freedmen's Inquiry Commission in 1863 tells why Christian slaveholders were the worst owners: "Well, it is something like this - the Christians will oppress you more." - Donald B. Gibson, "Faith, Doubt and Apostasy," Frederick Douglass: New Literary and Historical Essays, ed. Eric J. Sundquist Gibson ========================= Isn't enough enough? revdauphinee answered on 08/20/05: the quoran says Alah has no sons !I worship the son of my God so they cannot be one and the same +since Jesus is the son of God! sory to once more give my oppinioneven though many do not like it but the commandments say I am to have no other God !! My God also tells me Matthew 28:18. Then Jesus came to them and said, ""All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me."" 19. Therefore go and make disciples of "ALL" nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20. and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." Erewhon rated this answer paraclete rated this answer QueenChoux rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 08/20/05 - How many good Christians have died? How many good christians have died to turn Iraq from a secular state to an Islamic state? US softens Islam stance on Iraqi constitution August 20, 2005 - 7:59PM Page Tools * Email to a friend * Printer format * * The United States has dropped its opposition to enshrining Islam as Iraq's main source of legislation in a bid to secure agreement on the text of a new constitution by a Monday deadline, sources close to the negotiations said. Washington has been determined to see the target date met after a first deadline was missed last Monday, for fear that any loss of momentum in the political process will play into the hands of Sunni Arab insurgents. But the sources warned that the surprise shift of policy was as likely to complicate as to help the talks as the Shi'ite, Kurdish and Sunni negotiators remained deeply divided on the issue. "Last night's talks had a surprise element - the Americans appeared to give in to the demand from various Islamic groups that Islam be the main source of legislation," one source told AFP, adding that US ambassador Zalmay Khalilzad was present at the negotiations. "This could change a lot of things and I think we may miss the deadline again as not all groups will agree for Islam to be the main source." The role of Islam in lawmaking has proved a heavily divisive issue among negotiators with leaders of Iraq's Shi'ite majority insisting that religion be considered the main legal foundation, and that clerics should be given political roles. Kurds and other secularist groups oppose the Shi'ite demand, arguing that it would harm women's rights and Iraq's secular tradition. One Western diplomat with high-level involvement in the negotiations played down the significance of a strong role for Islam in the new constitution. "There's not a country in the region which does not have Islam as a main source of legislation," the diplomat said on condition of anonymity. "(The issue has) no real jurisprudential significance, it's more symbolic." Friday evening's session made little progress on the key issues, which also include federalism and a mechanism for distributing the state's huge oil revenues. "Last night's meeting between Iraqi leaders was unable to reach any consensus on the concerned issues - talks will start again today," said Kurdish member Mahmud Othman. Othman said the three remaining stumbling blocks of federalism, Kurdish self-determination and the role of Islam were interlinked and impossible to resolve independently. "Each issue is connected with the other... if one (group) makes a compromise, the other has to make a compromise on something else - it's a package deal," he said. The Shi'ites and Kurds have a comfortable majority in parliament and observers have speculated that they may forge a compromise over the heads of Sunni negotiators in order to meet Monday's deadline. But a Sunni committee member warned on Friday that such a deal would likely be rejected by voters from the disenchanted former elite in a referendum promised for October. "The people of Iraq will defeat a federal constitution in the October referendum," Saleh al-Motlag said. "We are against the principle of federalism because we want the country to be centrally governed." Under the terms of interim legislation, the constitution fails if two-thirds of the voters in any three of Iraq's 18 provinces reject the text in the referendum. The Sunnis form a majority in Al-Anbar, Tamim and Salaheddin provinces. AFP George W Bush has allowed american blood, Christian blood some of it, to be spilled for nothing in Iraq. The freedoms the Iraqi's once held are now being thrown away for sake of political expediency. The Bush administration by going down this path is ensuring there will be conflict in Iraq for decades to come. There is no glory in this for american and it's collaborators, only degradation revdauphinee answered on 08/20/05: In my oppinion like frankenstien we are creating a monster iraq will become just another iran where sheria law rules and human rights are nowhere to be found !For this our children are dying??? ATON2 rated this answer paraclete rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 08/19/05 - When tolerance is not tolerance Islam says it is a peaceful religion. Is this the act of a peacefull religion? Koranic TV next step for radical sheik By Tom Allard August 20, 2005 The Koran is also a book of legislation, says Sheik Khalid Yasin. An Islamic preacher who advocates the execution of homosexuals, adulterers and armed robbers plans to start broadcasting his message in Australia on radio, TV and through the internet. Sheik Khalid Yasin, who was born in the US, gained notoriety when his views on homosexuals - and that the Koran endorsed beatings of spouses - were aired last month, bringing condemnation from the then premier, Bob Carr. In an interview with the Herald this week Sheik Khalid said he was preparing to use the airwaves to proselytise and offer a "moral alternative" to the mainstream media. He remained unapologetic about his strict interpretation of the Koran, but pleaded for it to be put in context. "It's not just a book of revelation and inspiration; it's a book of legislation," he said. Among these Koranic "laws" was capital punishment for offences including adultery, homosexuality, rape, child molestation, bestiality and murder. "This is God's law, but the execution of those laws has to be by a government apparatus," he said. "Without an Islamic state you can still promote these views � but my message is that you have to obey the laws of the land." Sheik Khalid, a former Christian who was inspired by the US black nationalist Malcolm X to convert to Islam, has visited Australia five times and is a popular speaker among the young. However, other Muslims vehemently dispute his intepretation. The president of the Australian Federation of Islamic Councils, Ameer Ali, said: "It's not in the Koran. His views on homosexuality and adultery do not reflect the views of the majority of Muslims. They are really radical and, at this point in time, we could do without them." Sheik Khalid said he had entered into a joint venture partnership with Fame Entertainment to broadcast over satellite radio and TV. "By October we will be broadcasting two to four hours a day, seven days a week," he said. "We are looking at satellite TV by January next year and we expect to be webcasting here from the 15th of September." The programs, titled Purpose of Life, would involve talkback and documentaries and would canvass issues from genetically modified food to nuclear proliferation and the abortion debate, Sheik Khalid said. He had met Abu Bakar Bashir , the jailed alleged spiritual leader of Jemaah Islamiah, but found him "obnoxious and pretentious". Sheik Khalid does not subscribe to the notion of a pan-Islamic caliphate, terrorism or the overthrow of Western democracies. "It's more important for me to reform Muslims than to reform states," he said. "We tolerate you, but you also have to tolerate us. It's a two-way street" My view is we don't have to tolerate this sort of thing and particularly not from an import. This fellow, who preaches respect for the law, is in contempt for the laws of this country, and should be sent back to enlighten the people of the US from wence he comes. For years they have been sending their ratbags to us, why I ask? don't we have enough of our own? revdauphinee answered on 08/20/05: it is a religion of peace, brotherhood and fraternity, Nonesence was it men of peace that killed thousands on 9/11?? NO WAY!@!! ATON2 rated this answer paraclete rated this answer

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bucker asked on 08/19/05 - Vacation I do not know how everyone feel about the Jews. So I will just ask this in general, about all people. If you have a home, which you have worked thirty years to own. Then one day someone comes with a notice that you do not own that house, and you have three days to vacate. Would this not be devastating to you? I watched while Jewish soldiers carried the people out. Some of them were crying too. this was sad for me to watch. Do you not believe that this is fulfilling the scriptures? I know that some are going to defend the other side. But I am talking about now. That was another time, and another circumstance. revdauphinee answered on 08/20/05: My heart brakes for those people to be forced to leave ones home that way must be terrible ,but yes it is part of last days prophecy that Israel would be a thorn in many peoples sides seems like even thier own people?? However they will eventualy prevail in spite of all! (Zech.12:1-14 1 This is the word of the LORD concerning Israel. The LORD, who stretches out the heavens, who lays the foundation of the earth, and who forms the spirit of man within him, declares: 2 "I am going to make Jerusalem a cup that sends all the surrounding peoples reeling. Judah will be besieged as well as Jerusalem. 3 On that day, when all the nations of the earth are gathered against her, I will make Jerusalem an immovable rock for all the nations. All who try to move it will injure themselves. 4 On that day I will strike every horse with panic and its rider with madness," declares the LORD. "I will keep a watchful eye over the house of Judah, but I will blind all the horses of the nations. 5 Then the leaders of Judah will say in their hearts, `The people of Jerusalem are strong, because the LORD Almighty is their God.' 6 "On that day I will make the leaders of Judah like a firepot in a woodpile, like a flaming torch among sheaves. They will consume right and left all the surrounding peoples, but Jerusalem will remain intact in her place. 7 "The LORD will save the dwellings of Judah first, so that the honor of the house of David and of Jerusalem's inhabitants may not be greater than that of Judah. 8 On that day the LORD will shield those who live in Jerusalem, so that the feeblest among them will be like David, and the house of David will be like God, like the Angel of the LORD going before them. 9 On that day I will set out to destroy all the nations that attack Jerusalem. bucker rated this answer

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hOPE12 asked on 08/18/05 - Where did a dove find the olive leaf? Hello Everyone, After the Flood, where did the dove find the olive leaf that it brought to the ark? If there was flood waters covering the mountains, where did the dove find and olive leaf? Does this make sense to you? If so please explain. Take care, Hope12 revdauphinee answered on 08/18/05: the leaf was a sign that the waters were receding ,it had come from dry land ,ever heard of tides or even evaporation?? ATON2 rated this answer hOPE12 rated this answer MaggieB rated this answer

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ladybugca asked on 08/18/05 - God's Sacrifice for us > > > > > > > > > AFTER A FEW OF THE USUAL SUNDAY EVENING HYMNS, > > > THE CHURCH'S PASTOR SLOWLY STOOD UP, > > > WALKED OVER TO THE PULPIT AND, > > > BEFORE HE GAVE HIS SERMON FOR THE EVENING, > > > BRIEFLY INTRODUCED A GUEST MINISTER > > > WHO WAS IN THE SERVICE THAT EVENING. > > > > > > IN THE INTRODUCTION, THE PASTOR TOLD THE > > > CONGREGATION > > > THAT THE GUEST MINISTER WAS ONE OF HIS DEAREST > > > CHILDHOOD FRIENDS AND THAT HE WANTED HIM TO HAVE > > > A FEW MOMENTS TO GREET THE CHURCH AND SHARE WHATEVER > > > HE FELT WOULD BE APPROPRIATE FOR THE SERVICE. > > > WITH THAT, AN ELDERLY MAN STEPPED UP TO THE PULPIT AND > > > BEGAN TO SPEAK. > > > > > > "A FATHER, HIS SON, AND A FRIEND OF HIS SON WERE > > > SAILING OFF THE PACIFIC COAST," HE BEGAN, > > > "WHEN A FAST APPROACHING STORM BLOCKED ANY > > > ATTEMPT TO GET BACK TO THE SHORE. THE WAVES WERE SO HIGH, > > > THAT EVEN THOUGH THE FATHER WAS AN EXPERIENCED SAILOR, > > > HE COULD NOT KEEP THE BOAT UPRIGHT AND THE THREE > > > WERE SWEPT INTO THE OCEAN AS THE BOAT CAPSIZED." > > > > > > THE OLD MAN HESITATED FOR A MOMENT, > > > MAKING EYE CONTACT WITH TWO TEENAGERS WHO WERE, > > > FOR THE FIRST TIME SINCE THE SERVICE BEGAN, > > > LOOKING SOMEWHAT INTERESTED IN HIS STORY. > > > > > > THE AGED MINISTER CONTINUED WITH HIS STORY, > > > "GRABBING A RESCUE LINE, THE FATHER HAD TO MAKE > > > THE MOST EXCRUCIATING DECISION OF HIS LIFE: TO WHICH > > > BOY WOULD HE THROW THE OTHER END OF THE LIFE LINE. > > > > > > HE ONLY HAD SECONDS TO MAKE THE DECISION. > > > > > > THE FATHER KNEW THAT HIS SON WAS A CHRISTIAN AND > > > HE, ALSO, KNEW THAT HIS SON'S FRIEND WAS NOT. > > > > > > THE AGONY OF HIS DECISION COULD NOT BE MATCHED BY > > > THE TORRENT OF WAVES. > > > > > > AS THE FATHER YELLED OUT, 'I LOVE YOU, SON!' > > > HE THREW OUT THE LIFE LINE TO HIS SON'S FRIEND. > > > > > > BY THE TIME THE FATHER HAD PULLED THE FRIEND BACK > > > TO THE CAPSIZED BOAT, HIS SON HAD DISAPPEARED > > > BENEATH THE RAGING SWELLS INTO THE BLACK OF NIGHT. > > > > > > HIS BODY WAS NEVER RECOVERED. > > > > > > BY THIS TIME, THE TWO TEENAGERS WERE SITTING UP > > > STRAIGHT IN THE PEW, ANXIOUSLY WAITING FOR THE > > > NEXT WORDS TO COME OUT OF THE OLD MINISTER'S MOUTH. > > > > > > "THE FATHER," HE CONTINUED, "KNEW HIS SON WOULD > > > STEP INTO ETERNITY WITH JESUS AND HE COULD NOT BEAR > > > THE THOUGHT OF HIS SON'S FRIEND STEPPING INTO AN > > > ETERNITY WITHOUT JESUS.. THEREFORE, HE SACRIFICED HIS SON > > > TO SAVE THE SON'S FRIEND. " > > > > > > HOW GREAT IS THE LOVE OF GOD THAT HE SHOULD DO > > > THE SAME FOR US. OUR HEAVENLY FATHER SACRIFICED HIS > > > ONLY BEGOTTEN SON THAT WE COULD BE SAVED. I URGE YOU > > > TO ACCEPT HIS OFFER TO RESCUE YOU AND TAKE A HOLD OF > > > THE LIFE LINE HE IS THROWING OUT TO YOU IN THIS SERVICE." > > > > > > WITH THAT, THE OLD MAN TURNED AND SAT BACK DOWN IN > > > HIS CHAIR AS SILENCE FILLED THE ROOM. > > > > > > THE PASTOR AGAIN WALKED SLOWLY TO THE PULPIT AND > > > DELIVERED A BRIEF SERMON WITH AN INVITATION AT > > > THE END. HOWEVER, NO ONE RESPONDED TO THE APPEAL. > > > WITHIN MINUTES AFTER THE SERVICE ENDED, THE TWO > > > TEENAGERS WERE AT THE OLD MAN'S SIDE. > > > > > > "THAT WAS A NICE STORY," POLITELY STATED ONE OF THEM, > > > "BUT I DON'T THINK IT WAS VERY REALISTIC FOR A FATHER > > > TO GIVE UP HIS ONLY SON'S LIFE IN HOPES THAT THE > > > OTHER BOY WOULD BECOME A CHRISTIAN." > > > > > > "WELL, YOU'VE GOT A POINT THERE," THE OLD MAN REPLIED, > > > GLANCING DOWN AT HIS WORN BIBLE. > > > A BIG SMILE BROADENED HIS NARROW FACE. > > > HE ONCE AGAIN LOOKED UP AT THE BOYS AND SAID, > > > "IT SURE ISN'T VERY REALISTIC, IS IT? > > > BUT I'M STANDING HERE TODAY TO TELL YOU THAT STORY > > > GIVES ME A GLIMPSE OF WHAT IT MUST HAVE BEEN LIKE FOR > > > GOD TO GIVE UP HIS SON FOR ME. YOU SEE... > > > > > > I WAS THAT FATHER AND YOUR PASTOR IS MY SON'S FRIEND." i got this from my friend i hope everyone likes it revdauphinee answered on 08/18/05: I for one loved it!! JesseJamesDupree rated this answer ladybugca rated this answer MaggieB rated this answer Pete_Hanysz rated this answer

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Erewhon asked on 08/18/05 - *** Christianity *** - If Was Good Enough For Jesus ... A former Texas Governer said, "Texas schoolchildren don't need to learn Spanish. If English was good enough for Jesus Christ it's good enough for them!" Is there something in the water in Texas? revdauphinee answered on 08/18/05: did you not know Jesus is multilingual?? LOL ATON2 rated this answer Erewhon rated this answer

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bucker asked on 08/18/05 - Trouble asking questions Does anyone else have trouble asking a question on the queation board...? revdauphinee answered on 08/18/05: No I often have trouble accepting some of the answers i get though LOL! ATON2 rated this answer bucker rated this answer ladybugca rated this answer purplewings rated this answer

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Erewhon asked on 08/18/05 - *** Christianity *** Dennis Rader ... Just curious - does anyone doubt that had Dennis Rader (BTK Killer) been a Roman Catholic, a Muslim, a Mormon, or a Jaydub, etc., that this board would have been awash with denominational denunciation, or have I been QB-conditioned to be cynical? revdauphinee answered on 08/18/05: If Dennis rader is any kind of Christian I wonder what Gods oppinion of him is?? Erewhon rated this answer

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QueenChoux asked on 08/16/05 - Are you a "Luddite"? Lud�dite Audio pronunciation of "luddite" ( P ) Pronunciation Key (ldt) n. 1. Any of a group of British workers who between 1811 and 1816 rioted and destroyed laborsaving textile machinery in the belief that such machinery would diminish employment. 2. One who opposes technical or technological change. ARE YOU A "LUDDITE"? Of you are, would you state why? If not, why not? Comments welcome. revdauphinee answered on 08/16/05: you are asking this of a buch of computer techies come on!!! QueenChoux rated this answer

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excon asked on 08/16/05 - Israel Hello Christians: Is it true that you only support Israel because the bible says that Jesus will only return to Israel? And, once he does, you'll no longer have any use for the Jews? After all, you need 'em to provide a place for your savior to return to, but they still won't be allowed into heaven. What kind of hypocrisy is that? excon revdauphinee answered on 08/16/05: we should not care who are what folks think it is what God thinks that matters and Gods chosen are the ones who he has ""grafted"" in to the jewish root(all his children) Romans 11:15. For if their rejection is the reconciliation of the world, what will their acceptance be but life from the dead? 16. If the part of the dough offered as firstfruits is holy, then the whole batch is holy; if the root is holy, so are the branches. 17. If some of the branches have been broken off, and you, though a wild olive shoot, have been grafted in among the others and now share in the nourishing sap from the olive root, 18. do not boast over those branches. If you do, consider this: You do not support the root, but the root supports you. And Israel is the root!If you cut of the root the whole plant dies! Not only gentiles will be saved for it is written Romans 9 27. Isaiah cries out concerning Israel: "Though the number of the Israelites be like the sand by the sea, only the remnant will be saved. 30. What then shall we say? That the Gentiles, who did not pursue righteousness, have obtained it, a righteousness that is by faith; 31. but Israel, who pursued a law of righteousness, has not attained it. 32. Why not? Because they pursued it not by faith but as if it were by works. They stumbled over the "stumbling stone." 33. As it is written: "See, I lay in Zion a stone that causes men to stumble and a rock that makes them fall, and the one who trusts in him will never be put to shame." Revelation 7 4. Then I heard the number of those who were sealed: 144,000 from all the tribes of Israel. 5. From the tribe of Judah 12,000 were sealed, from the tribe of Reuben 12,000, from the tribe of Gad 12,000, 6. from the tribe of Asher 12,000, from the tribe of Naphtali 12,000, from the tribe of Manasseh 12,000, 7. from the tribe of Simeon 12,000, from the tribe of Levi 12,000, from the tribe of Issachar 12,000, 8. from the tribe of Zebulun 12,000, from the tribe of Joseph 12,000, from the tribe of Benjamin 12,000. 9. After this I looked and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and in front of the Lamb. They were wearing white robes and were holding palm branches in their hands. ATON2 rated this answer excon rated this answer

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Itsdb asked on 08/16/05 - Beware We've been warned and now I guess it's true - Roberts will be a disaster if he is confirmed to the Supreme Court. Two headlines from my paper today: "Roberts wrote in 1985 that memorial for fetuses was good way to draw attention to 'abortion tragedy'" "Memo: Roberts supported moment of silence in classroom" (ok, maybe not exactly, but that's how I remember it.) The first tells us, "As a young lawyer in the Reagan White House, Supreme Court nominee John Roberts concluded that a group's memorial service for aborted fetuses was "an entirely appropriate means of calling attention to the abortion tragedy." Roberts' wrote the advice in an October, 1985 memo after he was asked to review a proposed telegram from President Reagan to the memorial service promoted by the California Pro Life Medical Association. "The president's position is that the fetuses were human beings, or at least cannot be proven not to have been, and accordingly a memorial service would seem an entirely appropriate means of calling attention to the abortion tragedy," wrote Roberts... Referring to a Supreme Court ruling issued earlier that year that struck down an Alabama school prayer law, he said, "The conclusion ... that the Constitution prohibits such a moment of silent reflection � or even silent `prayer' � seems indefensible." In the second, we learn that "As a young government attorney, John Roberts advised the White House to support congressional efforts to allow school prayer, arguing that a Supreme Court ruling striking down the practice ``seems indefensible.'' In a Nov. 21, 1985 memo released Monday by the National Archives, Roberts was responding to a move by Congress to permit ``group silent prayer or reflection in public schools.'' He said he would not object if Justice Department officials announced that President Reagan had no formal role in passing an amendment to that effect, but said he would support such a move. The Supreme Court's conclusion that ``the Constitution prohibits such a moment of silent reflection -- or even silent 'prayer' - seems indefensible,'' Roberts wrote in a memo to White House counsel Fred Fielding." Not only that, but he dissed the "King of Pop" "The office of presidential correspondence is not yet an adjunct of Michael Jackson's PR firm," Roberts wrote in a memo to his boss on June 22, 1984, opposing a request by the singer's publicist for a presidential letter praising the star's work against drunken driving." So what does this tell us about Roberts and the possible threat to this country he may be? Steve revdauphinee answered on 08/16/05: it tells me he is my kind of Judge !!! ATON2 rated this answer Itsdb rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 08/16/05 - dont let that preacher loose As the guest preacher made his way to the pulpit, he was wired for sound with an older style corded lapel mike. Unfortunately, such mikes were a new experiences for him. Still, he decided that he would ignore the mike as best he could and not allow it to dampen his animated delivery. As he began to preach, he moved briskly about the platform, jerking the mike cord as he went. Then he moved to one side, getting wound up in the cord and nearly tripping before jerking it again. After several circles and jerks, a little girl in the third pew leaned toward her mother and whispered, "If he gets loose, will he hurt us?" revdauphinee answered on 08/16/05: thanks ! paraclete rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 08/14/05 - confusion regarding When was Jesus born I have just read two different sources which give a vastly different timeline for Jesus life. one sourse newadvent suggests the Church began on the day of pentacost 29AD the other a time line suggests that date would be 36 AD, so experts was Jesus born in 4BC or 3AD and what is the evidence for each view? revdauphinee answered on 08/15/05: truth is we dont truly know however the blessing is thaT HE WAS !! paraclete rated this answer

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Erewhon asked on 08/13/05 - Sabbath Day for Christians ... Most Christians worship on the Lord's day, Sunday, but some have decided to go back to the Jewish Sabbath. What supprt is there for Christians to observe either Saturday or Sunday. Please be as detailed as possible. revdauphinee answered on 08/15/05: Just my oppinion and we all have them but I feel we will as christians be called to answer for changing the sabath no matter what our denominational excuses ,Fod did not GOD himself give us the commandments and in them does he not say "Say to the Israelites, 'You must observe my Sabbaths. This will be a sign between me and you for the generations to come, so you may know that I am the LORD, who makes you holy. Exodus 31:12-14 (in Context) Exodus 31 (Whole Chapter) Exodus 31:14 " 'Observe the Sabbath, because it is holy to you. Anyone who desecrates it must be put to death; whoever does any work on that day must be cut off from his people. Exodus 31:13-15 (in Context) Exodus 31 (Whole Chapter) Exodus 31:15 For six days, work is to be done, but the seventh day is a Sabbath of rest, holy to the LORD. Whoever does any work on the Sabbath day must be put to death. Exodus 31:14-16 (in Context) Exodus 31 (Whole Chapter) there are ten commandments not9 and nowhere does God recind this one!Did not Jesus himself observe it?? Erewhon rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 08/13/05 - Sunday morning As a young man, Norton was an exceptional golfer. At the age of 26, however, he decided to become a priest, and joined a rather peculiar order. He took the usual vows of poverty, chastity, but his order also required that he quit golf and never play again. This was particularly difficult for Norton, but he agreed and was finally ordained a priest. One Sunday morning, the Reverend Father Norton woke up and realizing it was an exceptionally beautiful and sunny early spring day, decided he just had to play golf. So ... he told the Associate Pastor that he was feeling sick and persuaded him to say Mass for him that day. As soon as the Associate Pastor left the room, Father Norton headed out of town to a golf course about forty miles away. This way he knew he wouldn't accidentally meet anyone he knew from his parish. Setting up on the first tee, he was alone. After all, it was Sunday morning and everyone else was in church! At about this time, Saint Peter leaned over to the Lord while looking down from the heavens and exclaimed, "You're not going to let him get away with this, are you?" The Lord sighed, and said, "No, I guess not." Just then Father Norton hit the ball and it shot straight towards the pin, dropping just short of it, rolled up and fell into the hole. It WAS A 420-YARD HOLE IN ONE! St. Peter was astonished. He looked at the Lord and asked, "Why did you let him do that?" God looked over at him and said, "Who's he going to tell?" revdauphinee answered on 08/14/05: that was great thanks paraclete rated this answer

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Erewhon asked on 08/12/05 - I Will Give You Rest ... I Will Give You Rest Ronnie Bray Late in 1999, Gay, two of her American friends, and I strayed through Durham, and North and East Yorkshire for a couple of days. We sat in the cool dimness of the awesome 1,000 years old Durham Cathedral in the land of Prince Bishops. The only cathedral in the British Isles built in a single style. It has massive round stone pillars, typical of heavy Norman architecture supporting an unbelievably complex roof. In that cool place whose tiny windows let in but little of the late sunlight, it was easy to wander backwards through the centuries and sense the devotion that had inspired and built it. Looking round the broad, squat nave, one of our friends looked about at the dark reddish hue of the titanic pillars and the complex tracery of the ceiling of the massive pile, and exclaimed, How on earth did they pour all that concrete? You can see why I love Americans. Later, we visited the mostly perpendicular Ripon cathedral, built over the Saxon crypt that was more than 1400 years old, before tramming down to see the ruins of Bolton Abbey, despoiled by Henry VIII during the Reformation. We must have examined several millennia of history transformed into stone and earthworks, and walked where the heroes and villains of English history walked, saw the stunning vistas they saw, and been as enchanted by the broad green lands and rugged purple hills as they were, and been made to feel wonderfully alive by the same sights that inspired them. We saw many places of ancient tale and fable whose names are connected with significant events in British history. At the end of our journeying, I asked Georgia and Karen which of the places we had been was most memorable. The bed and breakfast place! said the lady from Casa Grande, without hesitation. Having told you that, I now have to tell you about the bed and breakfast place. It wasn't our first choice. We had telephoned a B&B in a five house village in North Yorkshire, near the historic Richmond Castle, only to find that they had no vacancies. However they recommended their friends' place called Stones Throw. Stones Throw was a beautiful cottage built of the light gray stone of that area, with a deceptively large interior, kept by a shepherd and his wife. The interior appointments were sumptuous. Little touches here and there advised that a creative romantic spirit had been at work. The beds were surprisingly comfortable, and the rooms artistically and tastefully decorated. We were greeted with home baked scones filled with fresh cream and home made strawberry jam and put at our ease. However, it was breakfast that really rang the bell. When we went down to breakfast, it was already laid on the hefty pine table. The table legs were round and stout, such as might be seen on an overweight version of Long John Silver. I have had Continental breakfast in American Motels and felt cheated. But this was a value-for-money breakfast with a vengeance! Orange juice in man-sized glasses with jugs of the stuff waiting close by for refills. More toast than you could shake a stick at, huge pots of coarse and fine shred marmalade and a huge boat dish of rich yellow butter. The sideboard displayed a choice of breakfast cereals with an unlimited supply of milk fresh from a smiling cow, and oatmeal, called by the British either porage or porridge, was available for the asking. After orange juice and cereals, the cooked portion of breakfast was carried in on red hot giant plates creaking under the weight of fried eggs with bright golden-yellow yolks from self-satisfied chickens, rashers of best back bacon with the fat trimmed, succulent pork sausages, crispy fried bread, mushrooms cooked in butter, black pudding fried to crispy deliciousness, and a couple of hash browns - an American import slowly gaining favour - topped with tomato ketchup for the Americans and with brown fruit sauce for the mature taste of the Englishman, and we were mostly silent for twenty minutes doing justice to the oblation. Having wiped the various sauces from our mouths and chins - beards can be messy things! - we set about the toast. Just as the mountain was disappearing, our hostess arrived from the kitchen with another tottering precipice. More orange juice, a brief rest to let our repast settle, then with cheery farewells we sloshed our way to the car to head across country towards Yorkshire's East Coast, where we meandered through the unbelievably picturesque hillside fishing village of Robin Hood's Bay, and the old fishing town of Whitby, where Count Dracula came ashore, and where the popular Whitby Jet mourning jewellery popularised by Queen Victoria was still made. After a visit to the medieval Whitby Abbey and the equally ancient St Michael's church, a gentle troll down the coast road through the holiday resort town of Scarborough, where we enjoyed traditional fish and chips, we turned inland toward West Yorkshire and home, through towns that bear all the signs of the industrial revolution and the hardy folk that made the wheels of commerce turn whilst enduring grinding poverty. Yet, for all the ancient glories, and the wealth of historic places we had seen, it was the bed and breakfast place that had made the most substantial impression. Contemplating the reason for her choice, I realised it was her favourite because it offered her something that the other places hadn't. Although the scenery and buildings had broadened her understanding and given solid form to places she had only heard about, the place of rest and refreshment had supplied that which she most needed. She was no longer young, and her health was not as good as it could be, but she had proceeded with the stamina and fortitude of a pilgrim. But, Stones Throw had granted rest, peace, silence, and fed her spirit with its peaceful seclusion as well as filled her with the best food she had ever tasted. In our busy lives, we often rush around places thinking that we are doing ourselves some good, when we really ought to be in some bed and breakfast place refreshing our souls. Jesus pointed us to such a place when he said: Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest . . . Learn of me . . . and ye shall find rest for your souls And, of course, you will receive the spiritual equivalent of a Full English Breakfast! - - - Copyright � June 2000 Ronnie Bray All Rights Reserved revdauphinee answered on 08/13/05: your description almost makes me homesick ,but it would ruin my diet !By the way the brown fruit sause was probably chutney an indian import to Britain I love the stuff but cant get it here in Mississippi Erewhon rated this answer

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CeeBee2 asked on 08/12/05 - Reproduction freedom, part 3................. Jenny is 21 and has a paper-trail history of ADD, amoral behavior (general irresponsibility, theft, lying, burning down the family home, school problems, social problems, sexual acting out in that sex is fun and she isn't choosey about who she sleeps with), and so on. There was no consistency in parenting Jenny; steps were always taken to make life easy for her. Now Jenny is 7-8 months' pregnant, had decided to get pregnant because her younger sister was pregnant and unmarried at age 17 and was getting lots of attention because of it (Jenny said this in my hearing). The baby is due in late summer, probably September. Jenny has no idea who the father might be. DNA testing is out of the question; there's no one to test. Jenny's mother recently retired. Her father is partially retired, works 3 days a week. The younger daughter and baby son live at home with her parents. The parents, who help care for this grandchild, bought a mobile home for Jenny to live in (several miles away) once her baby arrives. Jenny, of course, wants to live at home too for the free meals, bed, and babysitting (or, as she says, so her parents have the fun and excitement of helping her raise her child). Do you understand why I fear for this baby (who will be my great-niece or nephew)???? revdauphinee answered on 08/12/05: sure can!but whats the alternative?? CeeBee2 rated this answer

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CeeBee2 asked on 08/12/05 - Reproductive freedom, part 2.................. In today's newspaper is a story about a 26 y/o woman who is mentally disabled (from an accident when she was younger), who cannot care for herself, cannot fix her own food even in a microwave, cannot shop alone, doesn't take medication correctly and responsibly, but who is sexually active (with mentally handicapped men she met at the workshop she goes to) and wants to have a baby. Her guardian wants her to be sterilized, asserts she cannot care for herself, much less a baby. Arguments for both sides have been made in court, and the judge has yet to decide. What do you think the decision should be? Here's the entire article: Guardian sues to sterilize her niece A mentally disabled 26-year-old wins stay on forced surgery By Michael J. Higgins Chicago Tribune staff reporter Published August 12, 2005 In an unusual and emotionally charged legal case, a 26-year-old mentally disabled woman on Thursday staved off--at least for now--her guardian's legal bid to force her to be sterilized against her will. Kirsten Johnson of Matteson (IL), who requires help with such basic tasks as preparing meals, said in a deposition that she would like to be a mother someday and didn't want a tubal ligation, which she said, "Ties your ovaries so the eggs can't get hatched." But Johnson's aunt and legal guardian, Vera Howse, argues that her niece can't handle the responsibilities of pregnancy or parenthood. Johnson, whose brain was damaged in a childhood accident, has agreed to use birth control. But she isn't capable of taking pills properly, Howse contends, and had a bad reaction to a long-term form of birth control, Depo-Provera injections. Howse and Johnson, who is represented by an advocacy group for the disabled, presented witnesses and arguments over several days of hearings in June and July in Cook County Probate Court. On Thursday, Probate Judge James Riley ruled that birth control was in Johnson's best interest but said he would hold off making a decision on Howse's "petition for tubal ligation." Riley ordered Johnson to be examined by a gynecologist to determine whether she can use other long-term birth control methods, such as an intrauterine device. The gynecologist is to report in January. Johnson "is unable to do most of the home chores," Riley wrote in a 12-page opinion. "She does not do any cooking. She cannot be left alone to operate a stove or microwave. She has a personal caregiver who comes into her home every day. ... Simply put, if Kirsten cannot care for herself, how can she care for a child?" The case shines a light on a largely hidden issue between adults with disabilities and their guardians. Many adults not legally competent to handle their own affairs are still sexually active. So their guardians may try to counsel them on birth control or suggest a sterilization procedure, experts said. But seeking an involuntary sterilization in court is highly unusual, according to experts. Around the country, no one knows how often such cases arise, but it is rare to see it litigated in court. No published legal opinions in Illinois directly address the issue. Disability rights advocates generally oppose the idea, except where an incompetent person faces a serious health threat. "Our position is that we're dealing with a fundamental right," said Byron Mason, attorney for Equip for Equality, the group that represented Johnson. "Regardless of whether a person has a disability, a person has a right to make certain fundamental decisions about their own body." Howse's attorney, Lester Barclay of Chicago, said Thursday that those discussions of principle ignore the practical consequences should Johnson become pregnant. Johnson would probably have to go off her psychiatric medications during pregnancy and could become ill as a result, Barclay argued. He said child welfare officials might take the child from her, which would be tragic and painful for her. "This lawsuit was not about placing any restrictions on Kirsten," Barclay said. "It was only about looking at her desire to be free and recognizing her desire to engage in sexual conduct. ... This is why we appoint guardians." Kirsten Johnson was born in 1978, and her early life was a poignant mix of misfortune and resilience. Her parents divorced when she was 4, and she grew up with her mother, Barbara Johnson. When she was 7, she was hit by a car and suffered brain injuries. In 1990, Johnson's family settled a personal injury lawsuit, which included a $750,000 lump sum and an annuity expected to pay Johnson $4.5 million to $14.4 million over her lifetime, court records show. Just a few years later, Barbara Johnson was diagnosed with cancer. As she became more ill, the family moved in with Howse, a receptionist at a law firm, at her home in Matteson. Kirsten Johnson went to high school, attending a special-needs program. Barbara Johnson died in 1995, and a judge appointed Howse as the young woman's guardian. A separate guardian handles Johnson's money, which can be spent only with court approval. As an adult, Johnson attended workshops and other programs with men who have similar disabilities. She became sexually active, both sides agree. Johnson began using Depo-Provera for birth control. But in 2002, a doctor became concerned that she had gained 68 pounds and apparently suffered high blood pressure, hair loss and nosebleeds from the drug. In 2003, Howse filed the petition in Probate Court. Equip for Equality found out about the situation when Johnson called the group with questions about whether they could help her get married to a man she was dating, Mason said. Johnson told Equip for Equality officials she did not want the procedure done and repeated that claim in a deposition she gave in April. Johnson said she would like to have children "because just like my mother had took her time taking care of me, I would love to have the opportunity to take my time taking care of a baby." In Illinois, two state agencies--the Cook County Public Guardian and the Office of State Guardian--care for more than 5,000 wards. Officials in both agencies said they knew of no cases where they sought involuntary sterilization. "We always do a lot more before we would think about such an extreme or irreversible procedure," said Charles Golbert, a supervisor in the adult guardianship division at the Cook County Public Guardian. State Guardian officials said that on rare occasions--perhaps once every five years--they sought court approval to sterilize a person in its care who wanted the procedure done. No specific law governs sterilization. But under general probate law standards, courts look at what wards would decide for themselves if they were competent. They also ask whether a procedure would be in the ward's best interest. The hearing before Judge Riley was closed to the public. But briefs filed in court show a battle of medical experts. One of Johnson's witnesses, Dr. Cassing Hammond of Northwestern Memorial Hospital, said in a deposition that the proposed forced sterilization was so wrong that he believed his hospital would forbid it being performed there. But some doctors testified for Howse, agreeing that Johnson didn't understand the consequences of her decision. At the hearing, Johnson showed herself to be easily influenced, Riley wrote in his opinion. She opposed the tubal ligation while on the witness stand, but in a meeting with Riley in chambers was "extremely suggestible and anxious to please" and said the opposite, he said. Riley went on to rule that Johnson didn't have the capacity to decide the issue for herself. But the judge also emphasized that whatever decision he makes should not be confused with practices of many decades ago, when some state governments sterilized people with mental disabilitiesto prevent the birth of "a defective child." "Only Kirsten Johnson's best interest was at issue here," Riley wrote. ---------- mjhiggins@tribune.com revdauphinee answered on 08/12/05: you quote""Only Kirsten Johnson's best interest was at issue here," Riley wrote." wrong !the best interest of any future child is at issue im sory but im with the guardian on this one!! CeeBee2 rated this answer

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QueenChoux asked on 08/12/05 - Joyce Meyer I was up early this morning, and while channel surfing I came to a presentation by Joyce Meyer on one of the Christian stations. She is terrific! Today she was talking about how we are responsible for our own joy and happiness, not anyone or anything else. In addition, she discussed the meaning of patience. She is quite talker; very positive-very animated. What a honey she is. Have you ever seen Joyce speak on a subject? What do you think of her ministry? revdauphinee answered on 08/12/05: i love joyce and support her ministry just one more proof thet women can serve the Lord!! Bobbye rated this answer QueenChoux rated this answer

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FormerJesusHelper76 asked on 08/12/05 - Bad Driver! On the 400 highway, an old driver 67 years of age was driving on the wrong side of the highway and hit somebody head on. The women serious condition and needed the jaws of life to get her out. She had a little baby in the car. In the car seat. Nothing wrong not even a bruise, healthy and strong. I said immediately this guy should not have his liceance. I found out that he was killed. Now if this person survived do you think there should have been anykind of punishment depending on what the investigation turned up on why this guy was doing what he was doing. I seen it even in my own town and of course it seemed it was an older person confused? Do you think there should be a limit or retesting depending on your age? Thank you in advance. It is amazing how people and babies survive such a terrible mess. Joe revdauphinee answered on 08/12/05: Most definatly there is a lady in my neighborhood who is 88 partialy blind and unable to walk without a walker ,she has such bad reflexes she definatly is a danger both to others and to herself .I was concerned for safety of all so contacted the department of motor vehicles in my state ,guess what they did (Nothing!)they dont care ,how many accidents do these folks have to cause before licensing yearly becomes mandatory ??/I at 66 have told my children if I ever get to this stage to take away my vehicle even went so far as to sign it over to my daughter so she will have no problems doing so!! ATON2 rated this answer FormerJesusHelper76 rated this answer paraclete rated this answer

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QueenChoux asked on 08/11/05 - Mayhem? On the local news tonight, a story played that Chicago, NewYork, and LosAngeles will be victims of a terrorist attacks on Sept 11, one month from today. Anyone out there besides me have to get their final affairs in order rather quickly?? :=o revdauphinee answered on 08/12/05: More of the Bush agenda ""keep the public scared and they will go along??remember 1st John 4: 4. Ye are of God, because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world. ATON2 rated this answer excon rated this answer paraclete rated this answer QueenChoux rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 08/11/05 - And they say Christianity doesn't pay? In the interests of being even handed and discussing all sides of christianity, i would have thought a "big" ministry would have paid better than that, afterall those who preach the gospel are entitled to double honour. Hillsong preachers run $1.3m business By Linda Morris Religious Affairs Reporter August 12, 2005 The ministry established by Brian and Bobbie Houston, senior pastors of the dynamic Hillsong Church, has become a $1 million-plus business. Financial returns filed for Leadership Ministries Incorporated (LMI) this week show the not-for-profit association posted revenue of $1.329 million last year. LMI, which is registered as a ministry, derives its income from the couple's teaching resources, books and international speaking engagements, and their wider national and international church commitments. Statements for 2003 and 2004 show LMI's revenue increased by more than 20 per cent in the year, indicating the growing influence of the Houstons. The $1.329 million revenue was offset by expenditure of $1.05 million, according to financial statements lodged with the Office of Fair Trading. This included unspecified wages for the Houstons and two members of staff, donations to charities such as the Hillsong Church, the Hillsong Foundation and Opportunity International, costs associated with the production and sale of teaching resources, operating costs and administration expenses. With more than 18,000 members, Hillsong is the largest Pentecostal church in Australia. Last year, Hillsong Church posted revenue of $50.8 million, of which almost half came from donations and offerings. LMI is a separate entity from Hillsong Church through which the Houstons carry out their national and international ministry and make donations to the Hillsong Foundation and other charities. The Hillsong Church pays LMI for the Houstons' services and the Assemblies of God in Australia pays a stipend to Brian Houston for his role as its national president. The LMI management committee sets a wage for the Houstons and the two other staff. These are not disclosed in the financial statements. Once costs were deducted, LMI had a net surplus of $273,086 in 2004, which was "primarily applied" to reduce the mortgage debt for two properties bought by LMI from the Houstons, the first in 2002 and the second in 2004. These properties were used for ministry purposes in a manner similar to that of a church manse and for study, retreat and staff training for other pastors, LMI's public officer, Stephen Crouch, said. He denied any property deals between the Houstons and Hillsong Church. "In 2004, LMI received a net amount of $69,041 from Hillsong Church, after donations, for the provision of apostolic leadership and pastoral oversight for Hillsong, compared to just $12,739 in 2003." The general manager of Hillsong Church, George Aghajanian, said the Houstons received no additional remuneration from the church. revdauphinee answered on 08/12/05: hOW MUCH A CHURCH OR MINISTERYmakes is of little importance it is what they do with that money that is then used for !jesus did not want rich preachers did he not say Luke 9 1. When Jesus had called the Twelve together, he gave them power and authority to drive out all demons and to cure diseases, 2. and he sent them out to preach the kingdom of God and to heal the sick. 3. He told them: "Take nothing for the journey--no staff, no bag, no bread, no money, no extra tunic. 4. Whatever house you enter, stay there until you leave that town. 5. If people do not welcome you, shake the dust off your feet when you leave their town, as a testimony against them." also I personaly am aginst churches being tax exemp for did not our Lord pay his taxes??did he not tell us his followers to render unto ceasar?? (Matt.17:24-27. 24 After Jesus and his disciples arrived in Capernaum, the collectors of the two-drachma tax came to Peter and asked, "Doesn't your teacher pay the temple tax ?" 25 "Yes, he does," he replied. are the churches above the master???/ paraclete rated this answer

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arcura asked on 08/11/05 - I just got this thought for the day from an old friend. What are your thoughts about it? Thought for the day... OBITUARY Today we mourn the passing of a beloved old friend by the name of Common Sense who has been with us for many years. No one knows for sure how old he was since his birth records were long ago lost in bureaucratic red tape. He will be remembered as having cultivated such value lessons as knowing when to come in out of the rain, why the early bird gets the worm and that life isn't always fair. Common Sense lived by simple, sound financial policies (don't spend more than you earn) and reliable parenting strategies (adults, not kids, are on charge). His health began to rapidly deteriorate when well intentioned but overbearing regulations were set in place. Reports of a six-year-old boy charged with sexual harassment for kissing classmate; teens suspended from school for using mouthwash after lunch; and a teacher fired for reprimanding an unruly student, only worsened his condition. It declined even further when schools were required to get parental consent to administer aspirin to a student; but, could not inform the parents when a student became pregnant and wanted to have an abortion. Finally, Common sense lost the will to live as the Ten Commandments became contraband; churches became businesses; and criminals received better treatment than their victims. Common Sense finally gave up the ghost after a woman failed to realize that a steaming cup of coffee was hot, she spilled a bit in her lap, and was awarded a huge settlement. Common Sense was preceded in death by his parents, Truth and Trust, his wife, Discretion; his daughter, Responsibility; and his son, Reason. He is survived by two stepbrothers; My Rights and Ima Whiner. Not many attended his funeral because so few realized! he was gone. If you still know him pass this on, if not join the majority and do nothing. revdauphinee answered on 08/11/05: did you not know he was murdered by Political corectness?? arcura rated this answer ATON2 rated this answer paraclete rated this answer

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QueenChoux asked on 08/11/05 - Literal Interpretation vs. Symbolic Do you believe in a literal interpretation of the Bible? Or, do you believe that many spiritual truths are explained by extended metaphor and the like? For example, bucker asked a question about a man living in a large aquatic animal's stomach for three days. He believes that this happened. That is literal interpretation. Another Christian might believe that this didn't really happen, but is a story to explain a larger spiritual message. Are both Christians? Do you have any comments on this topic? revdauphinee answered on 08/11/05: yes they are for each must find his own conclusions and all we need to be a Christian is a relationship with him! QueenChoux rated this answer

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excon asked on 08/11/05 - Intlligent Design??? Hello Christians: So, tell me... If we're here because of some intelligent design, why am I bald? Isn't that a design flaw? What about my bad back? Seems to me if someone (or intelligence - or God) could create the Universe, he could have given me a knee that wouldn't go out all the time. excon revdauphinee answered on 08/11/05: you answered your own question friend have you ever seen a bald monkey ??/God does have a sence of humor he reminds me every time I look in the mirror! bucker rated this answer excon rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 08/11/05 - Is it OK to tell jokes here? From: Bin Laden, Osama Sent: Monday, October 22, 2001 8:17 AM To: Cavemates Subject: The Cave Hi guys. We've all been putting in long hours but we've really come together as a group and I love that. Big thanks to Omar for putting up the poster that says "There is no 'I' in team" as well as the one that says "Hang In There, Baby." That cat is hilarious. However, while we are fighting a jihad, we can't forget to take care of the cave. And frankly I have a few concerns. First of all, while it's good to be concerned about cruise missiles, we should be even more concerned about the scorpions in our cave. Hey, you don't want to be stung and neither do I so we need to sweep the cave daily. I've posted a sign up sheet near the main cave opening. Second, it's not often I make a video address but when I do, I'm trying to scare the most powerful country on earth, okay? That means that while we're taping, please do not ride your razor scooter in the background. Just while we're taping. Thanks. Third point, and this is a touchy one. As you know, by edict, we're not supposed to shave our beards. But I need everyone to just think hygiene, especially after mealtime. We're all in this together. Fourth: food. I bought a box of Cheez-Its recently, clearly wrote "Osama" on the front, and put it on the top shelf. Today, my Cheez-Its were gone. Consideration. That's all I'm saying. Finally, we've heard that there may be American soldiers in disguise trying to infiltrate our ranks. I want to set up patrols to look for them. First patrol will be Omar, Muhammed, Abdul, Akbar, and Richard. Death to infidels, Osama Source: This piece aired on the NPR program "Rewind" and was written by Staff Writer/Producer John Moe revdauphinee answered on 08/11/05: that was a good post thanks as for jokes we all need then for laughter is good medicine -A time for, (Ecc.3:4. a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance, ) paraclete rated this answer

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arcura asked on 08/10/05 - Is it OK to tell politcal jokes here - like this one? Reagan's Last Words +++ I don't know whether or not you watched the memorial service for Ronald Reagan, but if you did, you probably noticed that Bill and Hillary were both dozing off. +++ President Ronald Reagan, who never missed chance for a good one-liner, raised his head out of his casket and said... "I see the Clintons are finally sleeping together." revdauphinee answered on 08/11/05: again thnks for the laugh arcura rated this answer

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arcura asked on 08/10/05 - Is it OK to tell Catholic jokes here - like this one? Parrot talk A lady goes to her priest one day and tells him, "Father, I have a problem I have two female parrots, but they only know how to say one thing." "What do they say?" the priest inquired. They say, "Hi, we're hookers! Do you want to have some fun?" That's obscene!" the priest exclaimed. Then he thought for a moment. "You know," he said, "I may have a solution to your problem. I have two male talking parrots, which I have taught to pray and read the Bible. Bring your two parrots over to my house, and we'll put them in the cage with Francis and Peter. My parrots can teach your parrots to praise and worship, and your parrots are sure to stop saying .that phrase .in no time." Thank you," the woman responded, "this may very well be the solution." The next day, she brought her female parrots to the priest's house. As he ushered her in, she saw that his two male parrots were inside their cage holding rosary beads and praying. Impressed, she walked over and placed her parrots in with them. After a few minutes, the female parrots cried out in unison: "Hi, we're hookers! Do you want to have some fun?" There was stunned silence. Shocked, one male parrot looked over at the other male parrot and exclaimed, "Put the beads away, Frank. Our prayers have been answered!" revdauphinee answered on 08/11/05: funny,of cource we should be alowed to joke for laughter is good mediine! -A time for, (Ecc.3:4. a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance, ) arcura rated this answer ATON2 rated this answer

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bucker asked on 08/10/05 - Sarcastic questions I have a question, and a statement. As a Christian, if I make a sarcastic remark, and it is condemned. Is this by the board, by the owner, or is it by the ones who make sarcastic remarks everyday? Some quote your post wrong, and then make remarks about it, as if you said it. Now I am not for a Christian making any kind of nasty remarks, in fact I am against it. But I see Christians agreeing with this kind of bashing. Why do we not all act like adults, and stop this bickering. This does nothing to further the word of Jesus. This is notice one. I will not respond to any abusive answers. I will ignore all answers like this. If you want me to answer your question, I will do so at once if it is an honest question. I have thought about leaving the board, but then I thought this, that is what these people want. So as of now you are ignored if you use this kind of questions, answers, or statements. revdauphinee answered on 08/11/05: as I have often said Christians are not perfect people they are just forgiven ones if God can forgive them then so should we!!! bucker rated this answer FormerJesusHelper76 rated this answer

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hOPE12 asked on 08/10/05 - Here is somthing to try and explain! Hello everyone, A child came home from school one day and told his parent he was learninga about evolution in school That Sunday the child went to worship with his parents and listened while the minister taught that God created all things, including each one there at worship. The child then asked his parents on the way home from worship, aren't you confused mom? The mother said no, why do you ask? The child then said in all innocents, in school they said I came into existense by evolution, and in church today, the minister said I was created by God. Which is true, did God create me, or did I evolve? If God Created me, who made God? Where did he come from? If I evolved by evolution, what did I evolve from and where did whatever I evolved from come from? Experts, How would you answer this thinking child? Could you answer this child with sincerity and clearly? Take care, Hope12 revdauphinee answered on 08/10/05: explain the big bang theory to him then ask him if he ever heard a band with nothing causing it???? question )Who made the bang???? sarnian rated this answer bucker rated this answer LTgolf rated this answer hOPE12 rated this answer

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hOPE12 asked on 08/10/05 - Funny how this is so true to some, is it true or false to you? Funny how simple it is for people to trash different ways of living and believing and then wonder why the world is going to hell. Funny how people can send a thousand 'jokes' through e-mail and they spread like wildfire, but when one starts sending messages regarding life choices, people think twice about sharing. Funny how the lewd, crude, vulgar and obscene pass freely through cyberspace, but public discussion of morality is too often suppressed in school and the workplace. Funny how we can be more worried about what other people think of us than what we think of ourselves. The paradox of our time in history is that we have taller buildings, but shorter tempers; wider freeways, but narrower viewpoints. We spend more, but have less; we buy more, but enjoy it less. We have bigger houses and smaller families; more conveniences, but less time. We have more degrees, but less sense; more knowledge but less judgments more experts, but more problems; more medicine, but less wellness. We have multiplied our possessions, but reduced our values. We talk too much, love too seldom, and hate too often. We've learned how to make a living, but not a life; we've added years to life, not life to years. We've been all the way to the moon and back, but have trouble crossing the street to meet the new neighbor. We've conquered outer space, but not inner space; we've cleaned up the air, but polluted the soul; we've split the atom, but not our prejudice. We have higher incomes, but lower morals; we've become long on quantity, but short on quality. These are the times of tall men, and short character; steep profits, and shallow relationships. These are the times of world peace, but domestic warfare; more leisure, but less fun; more kinds of food, but less nutrition. These are days of two incomes, but more divorce; of fancier houses, but broken homes. It is a time when there is much in the show window and nothing in the stockroom; a time when technology can bring this letter to you, and a time then you can choose either to make a difference or just hit delete. Keep reaching for that level of perfection. You can make a difference! Take care, Hope12 revdauphinee answered on 08/10/05: hope Im so sory you feel that way where is your nameske??((hope!!!!)in spite of all the modern problems we can still have HOPE! hOPE12 rated this answer

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mudpiemaker asked on 08/10/05 - Do Christians have premarital sex? Or is that something only non Christians do? I know alot of people who are sexually active and not married who say they are Christians. If a person is a Christian or not, should they get sexual health care if they are sexually active? A lot of people don't have private doctors and insurance. Is Planned Parenthood a good place for young men and women to go for sexual health care? Or should they go to the public health departments? Or if they are Christians, should they just pray for protection? revdauphinee answered on 08/10/05: Idealy a christian would not however even Christians are human so some slip it is concidered a sin in the eyes of God!so they need to pray not for protection but rather for forgiveness MaggieB rated this answer mudpiemaker rated this answer

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excon asked on 08/10/05 - Children Hello Christians: Do you let your children win? What does letting them win teach them? What does not letting them win teach them? Me? I never let them win, so that when they finally won, it was a real victory. excon revdauphinee answered on 08/10/05: win at what??a battle of wills or games??? excon rated this answer

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arcura asked on 08/09/05 - Who all here has had this experience?............ Many people do not have the experience of poor houses, the CCC, and beggars often at the door that existed all over the nation 70 years ago. Compared to when I was a kid the USA, by and large, is opulent to an amazing degree. Things started to change when World War II broke out. As the nation geared up to fight more jobs were created to build ships, planes, tanks, guns, ammunition, sew uniforms, weave blankets, tents, etc. Millions of more jobs were created and many of the poor joined the armed forces to get a job thinking it was better to maybe be killed with a full belly than starve to death on the streets. Yes things have greatly changed but the sad part is that the young have not the experience to realize the great blessings they have today compared to just 60 or 70 years ago. Time marches on to a different drummer each generation Fred revdauphinee answered on 08/09/05: this is why when I hear about the ""Good old days""I say you cna have em! arcura rated this answer bucker rated this answer Pete_Hanysz rated this answer

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ladybugca asked on 08/09/05 - interracial marriage The 1967 movie Guess Who�s Coming to Dinner depicted one of the most controversial issues of its time�interracial marriage. In the film, tensions flare when both sets of parents of an engaged couple discover that their children are planning to marry outside of their races. Today, this is not as shocking an occurrence as it was 20 years ago; however, many people have yet to become accustomed to the idea. The real issue is not what society has to say about the subject of interracial marriage, but rather what the Word has to say about it. revdauphinee answered on 08/09/05: As bad a rep as Mississippi has regarding race we now see many inter racial couples even here in my small rural town and no one bats an eyelid.the times they are a changing! whilst I admitted recently to my own predudices the color of a persons skin has no part in it it is the contents of the mind that gives me cause (if your desire is to harm me then I admit I dont like you )sory if that offends some but I speak truth as I see it! ladybugca rated this answer

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Laura asked on 08/09/05 - Our roots Our heritage and upbringing seems to have an impact on our beliefs about God and life. I saw that in some of the answers to CeeBee's question. For instance, my husband was brought up in an abusive family. He didn't really have a father-son relationship with his father. His mother doted over his older brother and basically ignored him and any accomplishments he achieved when younger. He has said in the past that he finds it difficult to relate to God as "Father" because he doesn't really know what a father figure is supposed to be. It affected his relationship to his own children to a degree. Though he is a much better father than his own was, he still has difficulty relating to his kids. He expects things from them that they can't or don't deliver which is frustrating to him. How did your relationships with your parents affect your life today?? And your relationship to God? revdauphinee answered on 08/09/05: I was raised by a single mother my father was killed in North Africa during the war,she did her best but working for years as a law officer did not give us much together time .Now however since she has passed on I realy miss her! Laura rated this answer

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STONY asked on 08/09/05 - TWO JURORS IN THE JACKSON TRIAL ADMIT THEY TURNED LOOSE A PEDOPHILE. ANYONE ELSE CATCH THIS ON THE NAT'L. NEWS LAST EVENING? revdauphinee answered on 08/09/05: pity they just realized this the rest of us knew the minute the verdict came in!! MaggieB rated this answer STONY rated this answer

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QueenChoux asked on 08/09/05 - Problems! It's after one AM and I can't get my ventilator to work. I can take a chance that I don't fall "asleep" overnight, but that is not likely, so I'm going to have to call 911 and go to the hospital and get some help. For me, that is extremely anxiety provoking, and I'm in quite a panic. I don't like to see physicians or go outside I put some food down for Nick in case I don't return soon. The medical supply thing is so complicated....bureaucracy. Thanks for listening. Human contact. Here goes nothing. Bye revdauphinee answered on 08/09/05: I know what u mean human contact its only through mt computer I ever get human company here Liz22 rated this answer QueenChoux rated this answer

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CeeBee2 asked on 08/08/05 - Family Devotions................... One of my memories from childhood is that for about 15-20 minutes every evening (except for Sunday) after supper, my father would read from "the books" that he kept on top of the refrigerator. "The books" were the Bible and a monthly devotional booklet - 30 or so days of child's-level stories-with-a-moral from a series called My Devotions (Concordia Publishing House). He'd read a short Bible passage that then led into the story for the day. After the story, we talked about it and asked/answered questions. Then my father said a short prayer related to the story, after which our family together said a thank-you-God-for-the-meal prayer. Did/does anyone have a similar experience? revdauphinee answered on 08/09/05: how bleese you are to have such wonderfull memories ,I have none of those My childhood was spent dodging bombs in europe with little time for devotions CeeBee2 rated this answer MaggieB rated this answer

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arcura asked on 08/08/05 - Just when was Jesus Christ's first ascension???.... The Bible mentions that Jesus ascended twice. The first was after Mary Magdalene spoke with Jesus at the tomb. John 20:17. Jesus said to her, "Do not hold me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father; but go to my brethren and say to them, I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God." Later notice that it was OK to touch him so he had accomplished His first ascention. Is there any indication of just when that took place? Peace and kindness, Fred revdauphinee answered on 08/09/05: i dont know the answer to this one however once or twice does it truly matter?he is now rissen arcura rated this answer

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bucker asked on 08/08/05 - The whale Did Noah really spend three days in the belly of the whale? And did Jesus really spend the same amount of time in Hell? revdauphinee answered on 08/09/05: No noah did neither he built an ark! bucker rated this answer

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ATON2 asked on 08/08/05 - Dennis? Has anyone heard from, or had a follow-up from Dennis??? revdauphinee answered on 08/09/05: whilst Aton and myself dissagree on just about everyone and everything under the sun!I will admit I to like him! despite himself! cant understand it !!!LOLI missed him when he was gone and am so glad hes back !his arguing with me daily reminds me im still alive and opinionated and i need that .LOL ATON2 rated this answer

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Erewhon asked on 08/07/05 - *** Christianity *** Look at it this way for a change ... As Christians, we are sometimes prone to denigrate the religious faith of others. This works equally at the denominational level. Professor Daniel Peterson, with whom I am acquainted, addresses this phenomenon. "The familiar language of prejudice [says of others]: "They are not like Us. They are lower, less rational, less spiritually sensitive. They don't think like normal people." In-groups always exalt themselves by degrading out-groups. Prejudice finds it hard to recognize individual variation; it judges whole classes, without nuance. It makes no real attempt to understand why others think or act or appear differently; it condemns them because of the sheer fact that they do. It is prejudice that leads to the notion that other groups need to be controlled, even enslaved, for their own good. It is prejudice that has led, in some extreme cases, to concentration camps, holocausts, and ethnic cleansings. [Anti-Mormons] John Ankerberg and John Weldon should be ashamed of themselves for resorting to such language [in their anti-Mormon book, Everything You Ever Wanted to Know about Mormonism]. "In Cairo some years ago, I [Peterson] spoke at length with a Muslim chemistry professor at the University of Cairo. He was astonished when he learned that I was a Christian. "Do you really," he asked, incredulously, "believe that God had a Son, and that he allowed that Son to be murdered in order to buy himself off?" After expressing some reservations about how he had expressed the doctrine of the atonement, I replied that, yes, I did believe precisely that. "Oh!" he exclaimed. "How can any intelligent person believe in such nonsense?" Well, the fact is that highly intelligent people have accepted Christianity. (Origen, Athanasius, Augustine, Aquinas, Pascal, and Kierkegaard are among those who come immediately to mind.) But it was thought-provoking to find that my most sacred beliefs seemed insanely ludicrous to a highly educated outsider. It was enlightening to find Christianity, for once, in the minority, and Christian assumptions questioned as less than self-evident. How many times have I heard people say things like, "How can any intelligent person believe in Islam?" or "How can any intelligent person be a Catholic?" Yet people like al-Ghazali and Iqbal and Ibn Khaldun have been Muslims, and the Catholic Church has claimed the loyalty of such people as Cardinal Newman and G. K. Chesterton and Jacques Maritain. Reflecting on this, and on my own experience as an Islamicist, I have come to formulate what might be termed Peterson's First Rule for the Study of Other Religions: If a substantial number of sane and intelligent people believe something that seems to you utterly without sense, the problem probably lies with you, for not grasping what it is about that belief that a lucid and reasonable person might find plausible and satisfying." Food for thought? revdauphinee answered on 08/08/05: ""If a substantial number of sane and intelligent people believe something that seems to you utterly without sense, "" what if you personaly dont consider them intelegent,for instance would intelegent folks truly desire to live a life style where women are considered second class citizens to say the least!What a waste of brain power> ATON2 rated this answer Erewhon rated this answer

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CeeBee2 asked on 08/07/05 - The Black Star Club................. A club is being formed for anyone here who has received at least one black star. Please list possible club activities that you think will help relieve upset and stress caused by this affront. revdauphinee answered on 08/07/05: black star red stars what does it matter they mean nothing! CeeBee2 rated this answer sarnian rated this answer

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Erewhon asked on 08/07/05 - THE MIRACULOUS ESCAPE OF ROBERT ALLAN, THE FIREMAN THE MIRACULOUS ESCAPE OF ROBERT ALLAN, THE FIREMAN by William McGonagall 'Twas in the year of 1858, and on October the fourteenth day, That a fire broke out in a warehouse, and for hours blazed away; And the warehouse, now destroyed, was occupied by the Messrs R. Wylie, Hill & Co., Situated in Buchanan Street, in the City of Glasgow. The flames burst forth about three o'clock in the afternoon, And intimation of the outbreak spread very soon; And in the spectators' faces were depicted fear and consternation; While the news flew like lightning to the Fire Brigade Station. And when the Brigade reached the scene of the fire, The merciless flames were ascending higher and higher, Raging furiously in all the floors above the street, And within twenty minutes the structure was destroyed by the burning heat. Then the roof fell in, pushing out the front wall, And the loud crash thereof frightened the spectators one and all, Because it shook the neighbouring buildings to their foundation, And caused throughout the City a great sensation. And several men were injured by the falling wall , And as the bystanders gazed thereon, it did their hearts appal; But the poor fellows bore up bravely, without uttering a moan, And with all possible speed they were conveyed home. The firemen tried to play upon the building where the fire originated, But, alas! their efforts were unfortunately frustrated, Because they were working the hose pipes in a building occupied by Messrs Smith & Brown, But the roof was fired, and amongst them it came crashing down. And miraculously they escaped except one fireman, The hero of the fire, named Robert Allan, Who was carried with the debris down to the street floor, And what he suffered must have been hard to endure. He travelled to the fire in Buchanan Street, On the first machine that was ordered, very fleet, Along with Charles Smith and Dan. Ritchie, And proceeded to Brown & Smith's buildings that were burning furiously. And in the third floor of the building he took his stand Most manfully, without fear, with the hose in his hand, And played on the fire through a window in the gable With all his might, the hero, as long as he was able. And he remained there for about a quarter of an hour, While from his hose upon the building the water did pour, When, without the least warning, the floor gave way, And down he went with it: oh, horror! and dismay! And with the debris and flooring he got jammed, But Charlie Smith and Dan. Ritchie quickly planned To lower down a rope to him, without any doubt, So, with a long pull and a strong pull, he was dragged out. He thought he was jammed in for a very long time, For, instead of being only two hours jammed, he thought 'twas months nine, But the brave hero kept up his spirits without any dread Then he was taken home in a cab, and put to bed. Oh, kind Christians! think of Robert Allan, the heroic man For he certainly is a hero, deny it who can? Because, although he was jammed, and in the midst of the flame, He tells the world fearlessly he felt no pain. The reason why, good people, he felt no pain Is because he put his trust in God, to me it seems plain, And in conclusion, I most earnestly pray, That we will all put our trust in God, night and day. And I hope that Robert Allan will do the same, Because He saved him from being burnt while in the flame; And all that trust in God will do well, And be sure to escape the pains of hell. revdauphinee answered on 08/07/05: interesting poem! Erewhon rated this answer

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Laura asked on 08/07/05 - Favor Could everybody please sign up as an expert in travel and tourism so that I may ask a question about plans for future travel? There are like 40 something unanswered questions there so posting another one would be kinda dumb without someone to answer.. I need advice about where to go for a once in a lifetime 14 day vacation that we are planning for next year around October. Will never be able to afford it again so this has to be "The place" for unforgettable memories.. revdauphinee answered on 08/07/05: as a christian where else but Israel??to walk where he walked what a priveledge! ATON2 rated this answer Laura rated this answer paraclete rated this answer Pete_Hanysz rated this answer

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Erewhon asked on 08/07/05 - Thoughts on God ... What are the essential differences between the Eastern and Western Churches' understanding of God? Black stars for off-subject or silly answers! revdauphinee answered on 08/07/05: were you refering just to Christian churches??? bucker rated this answer Erewhon rated this answer paraclete rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 08/07/05 - now that's going too far http://www.news.com.au/cartoons/?from=ninews_leftnav revdauphinee answered on 08/07/05: personaly I love it! shows the ideology of Islaam quite well in my oppinion(and for those who dont like my thoughts we are all allowed oppinions!) paraclete rated this answer

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sarnian asked on 08/07/05 - Krewton and his "black starring" me Krewton, last time I ask you friendly to stop "black starring" me just out of some sort of misplaced revenche. You really show here how low you go, and how thin your christian veneer really is. Next stop is blocking and report abuse. You're hereby warned. revdauphinee answered on 08/07/05: what do the stars mean?not much only tell you if someone agrees or dissagrees with you why do you place such value on them I dont!get a life and get over it if we are black stared for everything on here the world will go on! bucker rated this answer sarnian rated this answer

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Mathatmacoat asked on 08/07/05 - hey what happened to the site? I logged in here and thought I was in the wrong place revdauphinee answered on 08/07/05: dont you just love it??Much easier on the eyes Mathatmacoat rated this answer

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QueenChoux asked on 08/06/05 - Quirks or Ideosyncracies I was thinking a couple of weeks ago, people have unusual quirks whether Christianity related or not. I see Zambrano of the Cubs point to the sky whenever he makes a good play or retires the side. I see Carl Everett point to the sky whenever he gets a hit or drives in a run. Actually, there are other baseball related quirks, don't even mention Garciaparra! My quirk is that I don't like to look at electric cords in a decorated living room or any room whatsoever. They spoil the "look" for me. My computer table? Well, I have a wicker laundry basket with a hand-knitted afghan shoved under my computer table so I can't see any dreaded electric cords!!! I've been stewing for ages on how to cover up the coaxial cable that leads to my television. There are just some things I can't live with. I'm lucky those things are of no significance at all! Any interesting quirks or ideosyncracies you want to tell a story about? revdauphinee answered on 08/07/05: shades of Adrian Monk!!LOL QueenChoux rated this answer

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bucker asked on 08/06/05 - prejudices be honest now. Have any of you ever felt prejudiced against anyone at anytime. Being three different kinds of Indian, Irish, and English. There may be more, I don't know. I Never the less, I have felt prejudice toward others. I do not like this, and I refuse to do it now. This was many years ago. That was before I learned that we are all God's chilfren. revdauphinee answered on 08/07/05: yes if they were truthfull there are some small predudices in all of us .we may not show or act on them .I as it has been clearly stated on here and admited by myself am predudiced against islaam bucker rated this answer

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QueenChoux asked on 08/06/05 - Crucifixion I'd like you'r thoughtful comments on the following: Hollywood actor-director Mel Gibson has been asked to recreate the crucifixion of Jesus Christ in the streets of Sydney if the city is selected to host a major Catholic gathering in 2008, a newspaper reported Saturday. Gibson's staging of the Stations of the Cross, a live interpretation of Christ's final hours, would be part of a bid by the city to secure the Catholic Church's World Youth Day in 2008, the Sydney Morning Herald reported. Comments? revdauphinee answered on 08/07/05: why not if they allow it dont think it could ever happen here in the USA the Aclu would have a conniption fit! ATON2 rated this answer QueenChoux rated this answer

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CeeBee2 asked on 08/06/05 - Favorite books. Briefly.................... What is your favorite OT book, and why? What is your favorite NT book, and why? What are some favorite non-Biblical books, either fiction or non-fiction, and why? revdauphinee answered on 08/07/05: Not much of an old testament fan,I prefere the new although since I like prophecy I might say im partial to samuel CeeBee2 rated this answer

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STONY asked on 08/06/05 - HEY ANSWERWAY, YOU SCREWED UP!! HAVE YOU NOTICED IN YOUR NEW DESIGN THAT THERE IS NO WAY TO SIGN OUT OF THE WEBSITE? THAT MEANS ANYONE WHO STUMBLES ON THIS SITE AFTER I LEAVE WILL HAVE ACCESS THRU MY NAME AND ACC'T. I WILL RESTART THE COMPUTER BEFORE I LEAVE AND HOPE NO ONE ELSE FINDS THE DOOR LEFT OPEN. revdauphinee answered on 08/06/05: SOMEONE HAS ALREADY BEEN POSTING STUFF IN MY NAME ! ATON2 rated this answer bucker rated this answer Erewhon rated this answer sarnian rated this answer STONY rated this answer

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QueenChoux asked on 08/05/05 - An Apology in Order I apologize for my bad behavior over the last six months or so, whatever it is. Name calling and insulting.....We all gotta enjoy life each day! Take care, Mary Sue revdauphinee answered on 08/06/05: None of us are perfect if we were we would have no need for Christ MaggieB rated this answer QueenChoux rated this answer

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HANK1 asked on 08/05/05 - Psalms 8: What is man? HANK revdauphinee answered on 08/06/05: as a woman I never wanted equality with men !(why should we take a step down??) Bobbye rated this answer HANK1 rated this answer

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Laura asked on 08/05/05 - WELL!!! Aint this perrttty!!! I like it answerway!!!! revdauphinee answered on 08/05/05: like it somewhat but am going to have to adjust my screen size it comes up much larger than the old one! ladybugca rated this answer Laura rated this answer

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MaggieB asked on 08/05/05 - No racial profiling here, merely asking what your thoughts are on the following article. Are the Bri August 4, 2005 ...Since the deadly terror bombings in London, Italian authorities have deported eight extremist Muslim prayer leaders. France has expelled two clerics and plans to deport eight more. Britain, meanwhile, has put many Muslim clerics under close watch as officials re-examine their power to throw radical imams out of the country. Shaken by new terrorism on European soil, officials have stepped up a policy of deporting Islamic clerics accused of whipping up hatred and violence. Counter-terrorism teams and police are under orders to increase surveillance of suspected radicals by staking out mosques or secret prayer halls, monitoring mobile-phone traffic, and deploying hundreds more video surveillance cameras in suspected extremist hotbeds. [AP] ...The intense roundup of suspected terrorists continues in the United Kingdom, and one expert believes the reason for the high number of suspects is because Al-Qaeda has such a strong foothold in that country. More arrests were made over the weekend, and Nile Gardiner of the Heritage Foundation points out that it may have something to do with the fact that there are more than a million Muslims in the UK, with thousands considered radical. Gardiner says former London Metropolitan Police Commissioner John Stevens has revealed that 3,000 Britons "have in fact passed through Osama bin Laden's training camps in the past few years," and Stevens estimates that there are roughly 200 of what he describes as "hardened Islamic terrorists operating in the UK." The Heritage Foundation spokesman says government authorities claim Al-Qaeda has been "actively recruiting from British universities, targeting some of the best educated and most affluent among Britain's 1.6 million Muslim community." In light of this intelligence, Gardiner says the authorities believe more bombing attacks are planned. [Bill Fancher] � 2005 AgapePress all rights reserved. revdauphinee answered on 08/05/05: its about time Britain woke up and smelled the coffee!! Bobbye rated this answer MaggieB rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 08/04/05 - so now what was mandatory becomes optional? a very flexiable religion, this Islam Cleric advises against hijab August 5, 2005 Page Tools London: Muslim women have been urged by an Islamic cleric to stop wearing headscarves that could lead to them being attacked or verbally abused. Zaki Badawi, head of the Muslim College in London and chairman of the Council of Mosques and Imams, advised them to abandon the traditional hijab because of fears of a backlash against Muslims after the London bombings. His intervention on Thursday came as debate intensified over a call from the Conservative Party's shadow home secretary, David Davis, for Muslims to integrate into mainstream British society. Dr Badawi, regarded as a leading moderate voice, said a woman wearing the hijab could suffer aggression from "irresponsible elements" and "therefore she ought not to wear it". He said the preservation of life had a much higher priority than appearance, and the Koran justified the abandoning of the hijab in present circumstances. Telegraph, London I wonder does jihad become optional equally as quickly. It seems Islam is a religion you can make up as you go along, no wonder it has some fascination for those misguided people who know no better. What happened the Harem, those rules which say a woman must not be seen by men. If the Koran justifies the abandonment of the hijab becuase a few harmless Muslims have set off a few bombs and the general populance are somewhat annoyed, does it justify the abandonment of jihad for the same reason, perhaps our resident muslim supporters sarian and aton can put us straight? revdauphinee answered on 08/05/05: exelent question I am interested to be reading some of the answers to this one!! ATON2 rated this answer paraclete rated this answer

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arcura asked on 08/04/05 - Should Intelligent Design be taught in schools. President Bussh thinks so. So do others Look here. http://www.davidlimbaugh.com/mt/archives/2005/08/new_column_the_5.html I selected this one because Arom likes the author so much. :-) :-) :-0 Fred revdauphinee answered on 08/05/05: If we are going to present a ""theory"" as a fact (the theory of evelution)Then why not an alternative !intelegent design!Yes i do believe we should give our children both! arcura rated this answer

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arcura asked on 08/04/05 - What living things have a spirit? Do plants have a spirit? How about the birds and beast? Also bees and other insects? Some Shamans believe so. So do Druids and some other pagans including Wicca. But I think most Christian denominations do not. Do you believe that animals other than humans have spirits and perhaps souls? If so are the Neanderthals in heaven? Peace and kindness, Fred revdauphinee answered on 08/05/05: just my personal oppinion but I believe if it breaths and feels it has a soul!Maybee not on the same level as a human but neverthe less this is what i believe arcura rated this answer

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bucker asked on 08/04/05 - Did you remember to thank the Lord? THANK YOU LORD I dreamt that I went to Heaven and an angel was showing me around.We walked side-by-side inside a large workroom filled with angels. My angel guide stopped in front of the first section and said, "This is the Receiving Section. Here, all petitions to God said in prayer are received." I looked around in this area, and it was terribly busy with so many angels sorting out petitions written on voluminous paper sheets and scraps from people all over the world. Then we moved on down a long corridor until we reached the second section. The angel then said to me, "This is the Packaging and Delivery Section. Here, the graces and blessings the people asked for are processed and delivered to the living persons who asked for them." I noticed again how busy it was there. There were many angels working hard at that station, since so many blessings had been requested and were being packaged for delivery to Earth. Finally at the farthest end of the long corridor we stopped at the door of a very small station. To my great surprise, only one angel was seated there, idly doing nothing. "This is the Acknowledgment Section," my angel friend quietly admitted to me. He seemed embarrassed. "How is it that? There's no work going on here?" I asked. "So sad," the angel sighed. "After people receive the blessings that they asked for, very few send back acknowledgments. "How does one acknowledge God's blessings?" I asked. "Simple," the angel answered. "Just say, "Thank you, Lord." "What blessings should they acknowledge?" I asked. "If you have food in the refrigerator, clothes on your back, a roof overhead and a place to sleep .. you are richer than 75% of this world." "If you have money in the bank, in your wallet, and spare change in a dish, you are among the top 8% of the world's wealthy." "And if you get this on your own computer, you are part of the 1% in the world who has that opportunity." Also .... "If you woke up this morning with more health than illness......you are more blessed than the many who will not even survive this day." "If you have never experienced the fear in battle, the loneliness of imprisonment, the agony of torture, or the pangs of starvation.... you are ahead of 700 million people in the world." "If you can attend a church meeting without the fear of harassment, arrest, torture or death .. you are envied by, and more blessed than three billion people in the world." "If your parents are still alive and still married . you are very rare." "If you can hold your head up and smile, you are not the norm, you are unique to all those in doubt and despair." "Ok, what now? How can I start? " If you can read this message, you just received a double blessing in that someone was thinking of you as very special and you are more blessed than over two billion people in the world who cannot read at all. Have a good day, count your blessings, and if you want, pass this along to remind everyone else how blessed we all are. ATTN: acknowledge department Thank You Lord! "Thank you Lord, for giving me the ability to share this message and for giving me so many wonderful people to share it with." revdauphinee answered on 08/04/05: Its reached a point with me that if I can get out of bed each morning I give him thanks! bucker rated this answer Pete_Hanysz rated this answer

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arcura asked on 08/04/05 - What have you done to gain the pearl of great price? Matthew 13:45. `Again, the kingdom of Heaven is like a merchant looking for fine pearls; 46. when he finds one of great value he goes and sells everything he owns and buys it. +++ OR have you yet to do it? revdauphinee answered on 08/04/05: and the beauty of it is to us its free ! arcura rated this answer bucker rated this answer Pete_Hanysz rated this answer

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kindj asked on 08/04/05 - So tell me--where's the hope? Hello again friends, neighbors, or mortal enemies, depending on your point of view and opinion of me. Been gone for awhile. Actually, not gone, just not HERE on this board. Some of you may or may not know that things kinda came to a head in my life a few months ago, and I thought I would throw in an update, on the off chance that anyone's curious. After much poking, prodding, testing, blood-drawing, MRI-taking, and uncomfortable questioning by MD's, psychiatrists (I f***ing HATE psychiatrists--always have), and psychologists, and after being examined in all manner of clinics from my regular doc's office to the VA quacks, the final word (so far) is "Major Depressive Disorder Brought On By Insidious Recurrent Episodes of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder." Ain't that a freakin' hoot? I mean, what the hell? Sure, I went to Panama and Kuwait, plus a couple other little brushfires. But damn, those things were nothing like my grandfathers' experiences in WW2, or my uncles' experiences in Korea and Vietnam, and they're fine (well, both grandfathers are dead, and OK, there's the one uncle whom 'Nam hit pretty hard, but he's totally functional). So why me? Sure, I volunteered. Volunteered three times over, to be exact. I knew the possible ramifications of the career path I chose with Uncle Sam. And really, those things weren't a lot of fun and I sure was glad to come home, but really, I didn't think it was THAT bad, especially after hearing various instructors and relatives speak of THEIR experiences. Maybe I'm just a wuss...... So we're trying to get the meds on line and adjusted right. Talk about a shotgun approach: "Let's try this. Oh, you almost murdered an entire small town? Ok, let's try this. What do you mean, you haven't slept in 8 days? Guess we'll try this. What? Now you sleep all the time, including at work? Damn....guess we'll try this..." and on and on, until I think we've hit something that will eventually work, once we quit screwing around with the dosage level and find a good one that works ALL day, and not just until 5 or 6 in the evening. Even with insurance, this crap is expensive. Almost prohibitively so. However, I make like 14 cents a year too much to get any kind of temporary assistance with it. So I quit taking it for a week last month, to wait for payday to come. Let me tell you, THAT was a bad idea. In the meantime, everything's gone up except for my paycheck. I work for a non-profit agency that is totally dedicated to helping those less fortunate than me. HA!! Little secret: some of those "less fortunate" are doing better than I am. Anyway, it's been a financial struggle this year, to say the least. It's a long story, but suffice to say that it's been enough of a struggle that I have 16 days from today to cough up three thousand dollars or they're gonna take my house. I've filed all sorts of paperwork with the company and the VA (since it's a VA loan), but so far, no one's doing sh!t. Big surprise, since by my calculations, there are like four people on the face of the whole earth that care enough to do their job properly. So I've been sitting back, cursing virtually every choice I've made and characteristic that I have. I've wondered if I shouldn't chunk this drive in me, the one that demands that I do good for people and not screw them over just to make a buck. Maybe I need to forget about finishing up this ridiculous masters in counseling psychology and get an MBA instead. Maybe I should say to hell with what I want to do, what's gonna pay me? I have a wife and three kids. My wife's been working a bit, but it's not enough. We can't send her to work full-time, or whatever she made would be eaten up by daycare costs, clothing, lunches, gas, etc. I've done the math. No, it falls to me, and I have failed. Where's this "hope" that we speak of again? DK revdauphinee answered on 08/04/05: My friend I know from where you come I am on disability myself and have many ailment for wich medicine costs are ridiculous,however I also have my faith in my God who will take me through it ,consider your self lucky you have a wife and children as company and support I am alone with my situation ,my kids rarely call hardly ever visit and if not fot this computer and Aton who riles me up daily I dont think id make it .have faith God is still in controll! Erewhon rated this answer excon rated this answer Itsdb rated this answer kindj rated this answer MaggieB rated this answer

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bucker asked on 08/03/05 - Death gave me another task As I was picking up limbs in my yard to burn, I found a little dead Bird. I do not know how long it had been there. I thought, how sad, there are no other birds around to see it. Nobody to mourn for it. It is alone in this old world with nothing or no one to care. And then I remembered Matthew 10:29, "and one of them shall not fall on the ground without your father". I felt better about it then. I said, "little Bird, there are four that I know of who care about you. There's the Father, there's the Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, and there's the Holy Spirit. As I placed it in it's final resting place I said, "and there's me". Bucker. revdauphinee answered on 08/04/05: you did not find a bird you found its diacarded coat its spirit was already with its creator> arcura rated this answer bucker rated this answer

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bucker asked on 08/03/05 - The judgement Will there be two judgements? If so who will do the judging? Will God judge one, and Jesus judge the other? Or will God judge both, or will Jesus? Bucker revdauphinee answered on 08/04/05: since Jesus and God are but two aspects of one being they both will . ATON2 rated this answer bucker rated this answer

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Krewton asked on 08/03/05 - Time fer a real question What are the experts views on "The Doctrine of Sanctification?" I attended a church when I was first Saved that preached you could have "Entire Sanctification" here on earth. I now attend a church where "Progressive Sanctification" is preached. The latter makes more sense to me than the former, as I got the impression that it was "Perfectionism" I personally don't think we'll see that here on earth. But Jesus did tell us to be :Perfect as my Heavenly Father is perfect" so what gives say I? revdauphinee answered on 08/04/05: I agree perfection is not possible here on earth however we are to strive towards it (as Aton will no doubt agree I have a long way to go!)But I at least will freely admit this! Krewton rated this answer MaggieB rated this answer

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hOPE12 asked on 08/03/05 - Comparing the Bible to Secular facts: Hello Everyone, Some on this board will not like what I am about to say but I will say it anyway. We live in a world of those who do not give credence to the Bible, yet they do give credence to secular history and Science. Proven facts. Why do you think this is? Because there are those who out and out mix Bible facts with traditions and false teachings. I personally believe this is one of the reasons why there are those who do not believe or trust what the Bible says. That is the purpose of this post. I will attempt to give some secular proof of the Veracity of the Bible: Below are some secular facts that can not be disputed and what the Bible has to say about them and said these things before Science, History or Geologist or anyone else ever said it. How did the writers of the Bible know these things unless inspired by a powerful Creator? Let�s take a look at some of them. 1) Anatomy: The Bible accurately says that �all the parts� of a human embryo are �in writing.� Psalm 139:13-16 The brain, the heart, the lungs, the eyes�these and all the other body parts are �written down� in the genetic code of the fertilized egg in the mother�s womb. Contained in this code are internal timetables for the appearance of each of these parts in proper order. And just think! This fact about the development of the human body was recorded in the Bible almost 3,000 years before scientists discovered the genetic code. Makes a person wonder doesn�t it? 2) Did you know that The cobra can hear? The Bible did before Man did. (Psalm 58:4-5) The venom of theirs is like the venom of the serpent, Deaf like the cobra that stops up its ear, 5 That will not listen to the voice of charmers, Though someone wise is binding with spells. Since snakes lack surface ear openings and appeared to naturalists to be indifferent to sound, many have assumed that these reptiles are deaf. Commenting on this error, The New Encyclopedia Britannica (1987, Vol. 27, p. 159) states: �This supposition is incorrect; snakes are sensitive to some airborne sound waves and are able to receive them through a mechanism that serves as a substitute for the tympanic membrane. . . . Moreover, while the sensitivity of most snakes to the middle of the low-tone range is below that of most other types of ears, it is not seriously so. In a few snakes, however, the sensitivity is about as keen as in the majority of lizards with conventional types of ear openings and middle-ear mechanisms.� 3) That flesh differs by organism: (1 Corinthians 15:39) Not all flesh is the same flesh, but there is one of mankind, and there is another flesh of cattle, and another flesh of birds, and another of fish. Regarding the difference in the flesh of various earthly bodies, the 1942 edition of the Encyclopedia Britannica (Vol. 14, p. 42) says: �Another feature is the chemical individuality everywhere manifest, for each distinct type of organism seems to have some distinctive protein of its own, and some characteristic rate or rhythm of metabolism. Thus under the general quality of persistence amid unceasing metabolism, there are three facts: (1) the building-up that compensates for the breaking-down of proteins, (2) the occurrence of these proteins in a colloidal state. (3) their specificity from type to type.� 4)The Hare is a cud chewer: The Bible knew this before man did. Make one wonder how they knew this before Cowper in the 18th Century did! (Leviticus 11:6) Also the hare, because it is a chewer of the cud but it does not have the hoof split. It is unclean for YOU. (Deuteronomy 14:7) Only this sort YOU must not eat out of those that chew the cud or that split the hoof, cloven: the camel and the hare and the rock badger, because they are chewers of the cud but do not split the hoof. They are unclean for YOU. Though this was long attacked by some critics, the rabbit�s cud chewing was finally observed by Englishman William Cowper in the 18th century. The unusual way in which it is done was described in 1940 in Proceedings of the Zoological Society of London, Vol. 110, Series A, pp. 159-163. 5) Did you know that the rock badger is also a cud chewer? Zoologist Hubert Hendrichs, in observing rock badgers at the Hellabrunn Zoological Gardens near Munich, Germany, noticed that these creatures made peculiar chewing and swallowing movements. He found that rock badgers actually do chew the cud from 25 to 50 minutes a day, usually during the night. The German newspaper Stuttgarter Zeitung of March 12, 1966, commented on the discovery: �Although this fact was previously unknown to accepted zoology, it is not new. In the eleventh chapter of Leviticus . . . you can find it.� Leviticus 11:5: 5 Also the rock badger, because it is a chewer of the cud but does not split the hoof. It is unclean for YOU. (Psalm 104:18) The high mountains are for the mountain goats; The crags are a refuge for the rock badgers. (Proverbs 30:26) the rock badgers are a people not mighty, and yet upon a crag is where they put their house; Notice also how the scripture in Psalm and Proverbs state that the instinctive wisdom of this little creature. Although not �mighty,� the rock badger makes up for its seeming defenselessness by dwelling in inaccessible rocky places 6) Eagles believe it or not eat carrion together. (Matthew 24:28) Wherever the carcass is, there the eagles will be gathered together. (Luke 17:37) So in response they said to him: �Where, Lord?� He said to them: �Where the body is, there also the eagles will be gathered together.� Instead of learning from this illustration, some find fault with it. They say that eagles are solitary hunters that feed on live prey, not carcasses. Some Bibles use the word �vultures.� But the Greek word in question, a�e�tos�, is correctly translated �eagle.� One species found in Israel is the tawny eagle. �Like many birds of prey,� observe John Sinclair and John Mendelsohn, �the tawny eagle is not averse to carrion and is quite often among the first arrivals at a fresh kill.� Another observer reported a gathering of 60 bateleurs and tawny eagles in Africa�s Kalahari. He added: �The Tawny Eagle is dominant when they meet at carrion. In a number of cases two birds, presumably a pair, have been seen to share a kill.� Sea eagles are also common in lands of the Mediterranean. In past centuries, sea eagles and land eagles fed on the carcasses of horses slain in battle. �It is well known . . . that they follow armies for that purpose,� states McClintock and Strong�s Cyclopedia. Being swift and farsighted, eagles are sometimes the first birds to arrive at a fresh carcass. Jesus was familiar with the description in which God asked Job this humbling question: �Is it at your order that an eagle flies upward and that it builds its nest high up, .. upon the tooth of a crag and an inaccessible place? From there it has to search for food; far into the distance its eyes keep looking. . . Where the slain are, there it is.��Job 39:27-30. Jesus well illustrated that only those with a figurative eagle eye would benefit from the sign. How did the inspired writers know in advance these facts? Are they just guessing? 7) What are the proven secular facts about the earth that the Bible mentions before man found out? As early as the sixth century B.C.E., Greek philosopher Pythagoras theorized that since the moon and the sun are spherical, the earth must also be a sphere. Aristotle (fourth century B.C.E.) later agreed, explaining that the sphericity of the earth is proved by lunar eclipses. The earth�s shadow on the moon is curved. The notion of a flat earth ,with only its upper side inhabited, did not disappear completely. Some could not accept the logical implication of a round earth�the concept of antipodes. Lactantius, Christian apologist of the fourth century C.E., ridiculed the very idea. He reasoned: �Is there any one so senseless as to believe that there are men whose footsteps are higher than their heads? . . . that the crops and trees grow downwards? that the rains, and snow, and hail fall upwards? ,The concept of a spherical earth prevailed, and eventually it was widely accepted. Only with the dawn of the space age in the 20th century, however, has it been possible for humans to travel far enough into space to verify by direct observation that the earth is a globe. Yes. And where did the Bible stand on this issue? In the eighth century B.C.E., when the prevailing view was that the earth was flat, centuries before Greek philosophers theorized that the earth likely was spherical, and thousands of years before humans saw the earth as a globe from space, the Hebrew prophet Isaiah stated with remarkable simplicity: �There is One who is dwelling above the circle of the earth.� (Isaiah 40:22) The Hebrew word chugh, here translated �circle,� may also be rendered �sphere.� Other Bible translations read, �the globe of the earth� (Douay Version) and �the round earth.��Moffatt. The Bible writer Isaiah avoided the common myths about the earth. Instead, he penned a statement that was not threatened by the advances of scientific discovery. �How could men living so long ago make such scientifically accurate statements?� 8) Medical Science also gives secular evidence that the Bibles inspired words and facts are true: Lets take just a few facts: a) Circumcision: The American Academy of Pediatrics has had to reverse its position on the matter of circumcision. In 1971 the group held that there were �no valid medical indications� to warrant circumcising newborn males routinely. However, recent studies have shown that circumcision may help prevent kidney and urinary-tract infections, which can be quite dangerous. In one study, uncircumcised boys were 11 times more likely to suffer urinary-tract infections than circumcised boys. The pediatric academy now says that circumcision �has potential medical benefits and advantages.� Christians are not bound by the Mosaic law requiring circumcision, the new findings do suggest that the law was of practical benefit to the ancient Israelites who obeyed it. Circumcision was made a mandatory requirement of the Mosaic Law. �On the eighth day [after the birth of a male] the flesh of his foreskin will be circumcised.� (Le 12:2, 3) This was so important was it that, if the eighth day fell on the highly regarded Sabbath, circumcision was to be performed anyway. (John 7:22-23) For this reason Moses has given YOU the circumcision�not that it is from Moses, but that it is from the forefathers�and YOU circumcise a man on a sabbath. 23 If a man receives circumcision on a sabbath in order that the law of Moses may not be broken, are YOU violently angry at me because I made a man completely sound in health on a sabbath? Examples of parents under this Law who faithfully had their children circumcised on the eighth day include the parents of John the Baptizer, Jesus, and Paul. (Luke 1:59) And on the eighth day they came to circumcise the young child, and they were going to call it by the name of its father, Zech�a�ri�ah. (Luke 2:21) Now when eight days came to the full for circumcising him, his name was also called Jesus, the name called by the angel before he was conceived in the womb. (Philippians 3:4-5) though I, if anyone, do have grounds for confidence also in the flesh. If any other man thinks he has grounds for confidence in the flesh, I the more so: 5 circumcised the eighth day, out of the family stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew [born] from Hebrews; as respects law, a Pharisee; The Law also required aliens to be circumcised before they were allowed to eat the passover. (Exodus 12:43-48) And Jehovah went on to say to Moses and Aaron: �This is the statute of the passover: No foreigner may eat of it. 44 But where there is any slave man purchased with money, you must circumcise him. Then first he may share in eating it. 45 A settler and a hired laborer may not eat of it. 46 In one house it is to be eaten. You must not take any of the flesh out of the house to some place outside. And YOU must not break a bone in it. 47 All the assembly of Israel are to celebrate it. 48 And in case an alien resident resides as an alien with you and he will actually celebrate the passover to Jehovah, let there be a circumcising of every male of his. First then he may come near to celebrate it; and he must become like a native of the land. But no uncircumcised man may eat of it. In recent years man has learned some of the physical reasons why the eighth day was a good time to circumcise. Normal amounts of the blood-clotting element called vitamin K are not found in the blood until the fifth to the seventh day after birth. Another clotting factor known as pro-thrombin is present in amounts only about 30 percent of normal on the third day but on the eighth day is higher than at any other time in the child�s life�as much as 110 percent of normal. So, following God�s instructions would help to avoid the danger of hemorrhage. As Dr. S. I. McMillen observes: �From a consideration of vitamin K and pro-thrombin determinations the perfect day to perform a circumcision is the eighth day, the day picked by the Creator of vitamin K. Information taken from the secular publication �None of These Diseases�, 1986, p. 21. 9) What about mental health? Does the bible have anything to say on Mental Health? The Bible�s high standard of hygiene even involved mental health. A Bible proverb said: �A calm heart is the life of the fleshly organism, but jealousy is rottenness to the bones.� (Proverbs 14:30) In recent years, medical research has demonstrated that our physical health is indeed affected by our mental attitude. For example: Doctor C. B. Thomas of Johns Hopkins University studied more than a thousand graduates over a period of 16 years, matching their psychological characteristics with their vulnerability to diseases. One thing she noted: The graduates most vulnerable to disease were those who were angrier and more anxious under stress. 10) What about the Bible�s information and protection in the matter of our health and taking sanitation precautions? If an Israelite had a skin blemish suspected of being leprosy, he was put in isolation. �All the days that the plague is in him he will be unclean. He is unclean. He should dwell isolated. Outside the camp is his dwelling place.� (Leviticus 13:46) Even infected garments were burned. (Leviticus 13:52) In those days, this was an effective way of preventing the spread of the infection. Another important law had to do with the disposal of human excrement, which had to be buried outside the camp. (Deuteronomy 23:12, 13) This law no doubt saved Israel from many sicknesses. Even today, severe health problems are caused in some lands by the improper disposal of human wastes. If people in those lands would only follow the law written down thousands of years ago in the Bible, they would be much healthier 11) The orgin of living things, What does the Bible say that secular fact back up? �Jehovah God proceeded to form the man out of dust from the ground,� Genesis 2:7 The World Book Encyclopedia says: �All the chemical elements that make up living things are also present in nonliving matter.� So all the basic chemicals that make up living organisms, including man, are also found in the earth itself. This harmonizes with the Bible�s statement that identifies the material God used in creating humans and all other living things. 12) The Bible states that all living things were made according to their kinds, is it a secular fact of is it fiction? The Bible states that God created the first human pair and that from them all other humans descended. (Genesis 1:26-28; 3:20) It says that other living things, such as fish, birds, and mammals, did the same, coming forth �according to their kinds.� (Genesis 1:11, 12, 21, 24, 25) This is just what scientists have found in the natural creation, that every living thing comes from a parent of like kind. There is no exception. In this regard physicist Raymo observes: �Life makes life; it happens all the time in every cell. But how did nonlife make life? It is one of the biggest unanswered questions in biology, and so far biologists can offer little more than wild guesses. Somehow inanimate matter managed to get itself organized in an animate way. . Does the author of Genesis have it right, after all.? What do you say? 13) Where does the bible say races, culture and languages come from and do they agree with secular information? What the Bible says about races and languages of mankind is also true. All peoples, regardless of stature, culture, color, or language, are members of one human family. The threefold division of the human family into the Japhetic, Hamitic, and Semitic races, all descending from Adam through Noah, cannot be successfully disputed. (Genesis 9:18-19) And Noah�s sons who came out of the ark were Shem and Ham and Ja�pheth. Later Ham was the father of Ca�naan. 19 These three were Noah�s sons, and from these was all the earth�s population spread abroad. (Acts 17:26) And he made out of one [man] every nation of men, to dwell upon the entire surface of the earth, and he decreed the appointed times and the set limits of the dwelling of [men], Here is something interesting that was said by Sir Henry Rawlinson: �If we were to be guided by the mere intersection of linguistic paths, and independently of all reference to the Scriptural record, we should still be led to fix on the plains of Shinar, as the focus from which the various lines had radiated.� Taken from �The Historical Evidences of the Truth of the Scripture Records, by G. Rawlinson, 1862, p. 287; (Genesis 11:2-9) And it came about that in their journeying eastward they eventually discovered a valley plain in the land of Shi�nar, and they took up dwelling there. 3 And they began to say, each one to the other: �Come on! Let us make bricks and bake them with a burning process.� So brick served as stone for them, but bitumen served as mortar for them. 4 They now said: �Come on! Let us build ourselves a city and also a tower with its top in the heavens, and let us make a celebrated name for ourselves, for fear we may be scattered over all the surface of the earth.� 5 And Jehovah proceeded to go down to see the city and the tower that the sons of men had built. 6 After that Jehovah said: �Look! They are one people and there is one language for them all, and this is what they start to do. Why, now there is nothing that they may have in mind to do that will be unattainable for them. 7 Come now! Let us go down and there confuse their language that they may not listen to one another�s language.� 8 Accordingly Jehovah scattered them from there over all the surface of the earth, and they gradually left off building the city. 9 That is why its name was called Ba�bel, because there Jehovah had confused the language of all the earth, and Jehovah had scattered them from there over all the surface of the earth. 14) What about the Universe? Does the Bible agree with secular information? (Genesis 1:1) In [the] beginning God created the heavens and the earth. In 1978, astronomer Robert Jastrow wrote: �Now we see how the astronomical evidence leads to a biblical view of the origin of the world. The details differ, but the essential elements in the astronomical and biblical accounts of Genesis are the same: the chain of events leading to man commenced suddenly and sharply at a definite moment in time, in a flash of light and energy.� Taken from the book �God and the Astronomers. My Final comments: We can be very confident that what is contained in the Bible had to come from a much wiser and much higher intelligence than human scientists, Historians, Geologists, Biologists, or any other secular writings or intelligence. . Even though much of the world considers these educated humans to be all wise and consider them to be trustworthy. These few facts above which are among many other facts, just prove beyond any doubt in my mind that the Bible is writings that were inspired by a Creator who is far superior in knowledge and wisdom then any of man�s wisdom. Most of all, I feel that because of these facts, that are backed by secular facts, makes the Bible worthy of at least as much credence as secular writings, if not more. I challenge any who feel the Bible is not inspired by God and who feel that they can explain these facts mentioned above, wrong ,or disprove them, or explain how these writers knew these facts before modern Science, History, or Medical facts were proven, to please do so with facts not just that you do not believe it. Answer these questions: Why do you not believe it? What secular facts do you base your believing them to false on? Can you prove that God did not write the Bible according to any of these facts mentioned, with facts? Please stick only to the ones mentioned above, and let�s discuss this in an adult fashion and order. I look forward to hearing from you all, Hope12 revdauphinee answered on 08/04/05: hpe the words I quoted were Christs and not my own I stand by them ,he was not wishy washy in his oppinions as some would have us to believe neither shall I be I stand by what I said! I care for Aton as I have stated here before ,this board is richer for his presence however agreeing with his philosophy is a total other thing ,we can have dear friends and yeat not agree with thier life styles or beliefs can we not????I have several dear friends who are addicted to drugs and even a few who are gay am I to go allong with them just because we are friends or do I tell them when they are wrong ???what is the loving thing to do??? hOPE12 rated this answer

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arcura asked on 08/03/05 - Three questions...+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++. Which of these fit you? Which of them funny? Which could be viewed even remotely as Christian? +++ I was thinking about how a status symbol of today is those cell phones that everyone has clipped on. I can't afford one. So, I'm wearing my garage door opener. You know, I spent a fortune on deodorant before I realized that people didn't like me anyway. I was thinking about old age and decided that it is 'when you still have something on the ball, but you are just too tired to bounce it' I thought about making a fitness movie, for folks my age, and call it "Pumping Rust." I have gotten that dreaded furniture disease. That's when your chest is falling into your drawers! I know, when people see a cat's litter box, they always say, "Oh, have you got a cat?" Just once I want to say, "No, it's for company!" Employment application blanks always ask 'who is to be notified in case of an emergency?' I think you should write, "A Good Doctor!" Why do they put pictures of criminals up in the Post Office? What are we supposed to do -- write to these men? Why don't they just put their pictures on the postage stamps so the mailmen could look for them while they deliver the mail? Or better yet, arrest them while they are taking their pictures! I was thinking about how people seem to read the Bible a whole lot more as they get older. Then, it dawned on me, they were cramming for their finals. As for me, I'm just hoping God grades on the curve. "When I walked out here before, I saw all the screaming girls out here, and then I remembered -- oh, yeah, Al Gore is on the show!" --Jay Leno revdauphinee answered on 08/03/05: I know Im getting old cause my get up and go got up and went! arcura rated this answer

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arcura asked on 08/03/05 - Your answers may help me make up my mind...... In his book �New Seeds of Contemplation� Thomas Merton claims, �The root of war is fear.� I agree some wars are obviously rooted in fear. However, the reason for some wars, recorded in history, appear to be for conquest. Could there be a fear rooted somewhere in that endeavor? In other cases it appears that greed was the motivation factor for going to war. Could Then there were the wars that seemed to be caused by religious rage, and others that seemed to be motivated by the spread of religion, and even wars in attempt to quell or wipe out religion or a certain religion. Could there be a fear rooted somewhere in those endeavors? After much thought I have a tendency to agree that fear is the rooted of war and in some cases it is hidden. Even so I�m not sure. Your answers to the question, �Is fear the root of war?� may help me make up my mind. Peace and kindness, Fred revdauphinee answered on 08/03/05: Im more inclined to feel it is greed that causes most of them.. arcura rated this answer Erewhon rated this answer purplewings rated this answer

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bucker asked on 08/03/05 - Does God love Butterflies? Rachel. She ran to her mother. She was all excited and out of breath, �mommy, mommy!� She exclaimed. �Can I?� Her mother said �shut up! Can�t you see that I�m busy?� �But Mommy it�s very important�! Her mother became very angry and shouted, �I told you before to stay out of her, that I�m busy and I don�t have time for any of your foolishness!� After saying this, she spanked the little girl and put her out the door. Afterwards, she felt very ashamed. But she said to herself that Rachel had to learn to obey when she was told something. Later she called her little girl to come in. After she slowly came in, as if unsure whether to come close or not. She came closer and her mother reached out and held her close. She said that she hated to do that but when she told her something she meant for her to do it. �Now�, she said, �What can I help you with�? The little girl dropped her head and said that it was too late now. �Why is it too late�? �Cause it�s dead�, she sobbed. �What is dead�? She asked. �The little butterfly�! �Well! What did you want me to do�? �I wanted to know if I could pray to God for it�. �Of course, you can pray to God for anything!� Why didn�t you just go ahead and pray for it?� �I was afraid,� she said. �Afraid of what�? Well you spanked me for asking and I was afraid that God would too�! That night while on her knees, she asked God to forgive her, and show her how to explain to her little girl that she was sorry for what she had done, and how to explain why she should always trust God to never make mistakes like that. After her prayer, she went softly into her little girl�s room. She bent over and gently kissed her on the forehead, and wiping away the tears that fell on her face. She had her answer and tomorrow morning she would explain it all to her. It was a cold, dreary day. The clouds looked like more snow. Christmas was a short way off. It would never be the same though. Her baby wasn�t here to buy presents for. They called it crib death. I guess for a better explanation. She wanted to tell her that Mommas weren�t perfect like God. They sometimes didn�t see things until too late. God sees everything. God hears everything, He feels everything. And yes, God loves little butterflies too, and it�s all right to pray for them. Thank you Father, for Your revelations. p/s I wrote this. Bucker revdauphinee answered on 08/03/05: I cant believe this!!! I actualy agree with Aton on this one! ATON2 rated this answer bucker rated this answer sarnian rated this answer

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MaggieB asked on 08/03/05 - Thank you for your prayers: I did not know that Bobbye was posting re my husband's back surgery but I thank her for her kindness and my husband and I thank Bobbye and all who prayed for him and our family. He is recuperating very well, thanks be to God and his fantastic young neuro-surgeon who is also a Christian. God bless, MaggieB revdauphinee answered on 08/03/05: great dont we have an awsome God??? MaggieB rated this answer

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ladybugca asked on 08/03/05 - I Asked God I asked God for Strength... And He gave me difficulties to make me strong. I asked God for Wisdom... And He gave me problems to solve. I asked God for Prosperity... And He gave me brain and brawn to work. I asked God for Courage... And He gave me danger to overcome. I asked God for Love... And He gave me troubled people to help. I asked God for Favors... And He gave me opportunities. I received nothing I wanted... And I received everything I needed.... revdauphinee answered on 08/03/05: ive seen this before but its nice to read again thanks! ladybugca rated this answer

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hOPE12 asked on 08/03/05 - Comparing the Bible to Secular facts: Hello Everyone, Some on this board will not like what I am about to say but I will say it anyway. We live in a world of those who do not give credence to the Bible, yet they do give credence to secular history and Science. Proven facts. Why do you think this is? Because there are those who out and out mix Bible facts with traditions and false teachings. I personally believe this is one of the reasons why there are those who do not believe or trust what the Bible says. That is the purpose of this post. I will attempt to give some secular proof of the Veracity of the Bible: Below are some secular facts that can not be disputed and what the Bible has to say about them and said these things before Science, History or Geologist or anyone else ever said it. How did the writers of the Bible know these things unless inspired by a powerful Creator? Let�s take a look at some of them. 1) Anatomy: The Bible accurately says that �all the parts� of a human embryo are �in writing.� Psalm 139:13-16 The brain, the heart, the lungs, the eyes�these and all the other body parts are �written down� in the genetic code of the fertilized egg in the mother�s womb. Contained in this code are internal timetables for the appearance of each of these parts in proper order. And just think! This fact about the development of the human body was recorded in the Bible almost 3,000 years before scientists discovered the genetic code. Makes a person wonder doesn�t it? 2) Did you know that The cobra can hear? The Bible did before Man did. (Psalm 58:4-5) The venom of theirs is like the venom of the serpent, Deaf like the cobra that stops up its ear, 5 That will not listen to the voice of charmers, Though someone wise is binding with spells. Since snakes lack surface ear openings and appeared to naturalists to be indifferent to sound, many have assumed that these reptiles are deaf. Commenting on this error, The New Encyclopedia Britannica (1987, Vol. 27, p. 159) states: �This supposition is incorrect; snakes are sensitive to some airborne sound waves and are able to receive them through a mechanism that serves as a substitute for the tympanic membrane. . . . Moreover, while the sensitivity of most snakes to the middle of the low-tone range is below that of most other types of ears, it is not seriously so. In a few snakes, however, the sensitivity is about as keen as in the majority of lizards with conventional types of ear openings and middle-ear mechanisms.� 3) That flesh differs by organism: (1 Corinthians 15:39) Not all flesh is the same flesh, but there is one of mankind, and there is another flesh of cattle, and another flesh of birds, and another of fish. Regarding the difference in the flesh of various earthly bodies, the 1942 edition of the Encyclopedia Britannica (Vol. 14, p. 42) says: �Another feature is the chemical individuality everywhere manifest, for each distinct type of organism seems to have some distinctive protein of its own, and some characteristic rate or rhythm of metabolism. Thus under the general quality of persistence amid unceasing metabolism, there are three facts: (1) the building-up that compensates for the breaking-down of proteins, (2) the occurrence of these proteins in a colloidal state. (3) their specificity from type to type.� 4)The Hare is a cud chewer: The Bible knew this before man did. Make one wonder how they knew this before Cowper in the 18th Century did! (Leviticus 11:6) Also the hare, because it is a chewer of the cud but it does not have the hoof split. It is unclean for YOU. (Deuteronomy 14:7) Only this sort YOU must not eat out of those that chew the cud or that split the hoof, cloven: the camel and the hare and the rock badger, because they are chewers of the cud but do not split the hoof. They are unclean for YOU. Though this was long attacked by some critics, the rabbit�s cud chewing was finally observed by Englishman William Cowper in the 18th century. The unusual way in which it is done was described in 1940 in Proceedings of the Zoological Society of London, Vol. 110, Series A, pp. 159-163. 5) Did you know that the rock badger is also a cud chewer? Zoologist Hubert Hendrichs, in observing rock badgers at the Hellabrunn Zoological Gardens near Munich, Germany, noticed that these creatures made peculiar chewing and swallowing movements. He found that rock badgers actually do chew the cud from 25 to 50 minutes a day, usually during the night. The German newspaper Stuttgarter Zeitung of March 12, 1966, commented on the discovery: �Although this fact was previously unknown to accepted zoology, it is not new. In the eleventh chapter of Leviticus . . . you can find it.� Leviticus 11:5: 5 Also the rock badger, because it is a chewer of the cud but does not split the hoof. It is unclean for YOU. (Psalm 104:18) The high mountains are for the mountain goats; The crags are a refuge for the rock badgers. (Proverbs 30:26) the rock badgers are a people not mighty, and yet upon a crag is where they put their house; Notice also how the scripture in Psalm and Proverbs state that the instinctive wisdom of this little creature. Although not �mighty,� the rock badger makes up for its seeming defenselessness by dwelling in inaccessible rocky places 6) Eagles believe it or not eat carrion together. (Matthew 24:28) Wherever the carcass is, there the eagles will be gathered together. (Luke 17:37) So in response they said to him: �Where, Lord?� He said to them: �Where the body is, there also the eagles will be gathered together.� Instead of learning from this illustration, some find fault with it. They say that eagles are solitary hunters that feed on live prey, not carcasses. Some Bibles use the word �vultures.� But the Greek word in question, a�e�tos�, is correctly translated �eagle.� One species found in Israel is the tawny eagle. �Like many birds of prey,� observe John Sinclair and John Mendelsohn, �the tawny eagle is not averse to carrion and is quite often among the first arrivals at a fresh kill.� Another observer reported a gathering of 60 bateleurs and tawny eagles in Africa�s Kalahari. He added: �The Tawny Eagle is dominant when they meet at carrion. In a number of cases two birds, presumably a pair, have been seen to share a kill.� Sea eagles are also common in lands of the Mediterranean. In past centuries, sea eagles and land eagles fed on the carcasses of horses slain in battle. �It is well known . . . that they follow armies for that purpose,� states McClintock and Strong�s Cyclopedia. Being swift and farsighted, eagles are sometimes the first birds to arrive at a fresh carcass. Jesus was familiar with the description in which God asked Job this humbling question: �Is it at your order that an eagle flies upward and that it builds its nest high up, .. upon the tooth of a crag and an inaccessible place? From there it has to search for food; far into the distance its eyes keep looking. . . Where the slain are, there it is.��Job 39:27-30. Jesus well illustrated that only those with a figurative eagle eye would benefit from the sign. How did the inspired writers know in advance these facts? Are they just guessing? 7) What are the proven secular facts about the earth that the Bible mentions before man found out? As early as the sixth century B.C.E., Greek philosopher Pythagoras theorized that since the moon and the sun are spherical, the earth must also be a sphere. Aristotle (fourth century B.C.E.) later agreed, explaining that the sphericity of the earth is proved by lunar eclipses. The earth�s shadow on the moon is curved. The notion of a flat earth ,with only its upper side inhabited, did not disappear completely. Some could not accept the logical implication of a round earth�the concept of antipodes. Lactantius, Christian apologist of the fourth century C.E., ridiculed the very idea. He reasoned: �Is there any one so senseless as to believe that there are men whose footsteps are higher than their heads? . . . that the crops and trees grow downwards? that the rains, and snow, and hail fall upwards? ,The concept of a spherical earth prevailed, and eventually it was widely accepted. Only with the dawn of the space age in the 20th century, however, has it been possible for humans to travel far enough into space to verify by direct observation that the earth is a globe. Yes. And where did the Bible stand on this issue? In the eighth century B.C.E., when the prevailing view was that the earth was flat, centuries before Greek philosophers theorized that the earth likely was spherical, and thousands of years before humans saw the earth as a globe from space, the Hebrew prophet Isaiah stated with remarkable simplicity: �There is One who is dwelling above the circle of the earth.� (Isaiah 40:22) The Hebrew word chugh, here translated �circle,� may also be rendered �sphere.� Other Bible translations read, �the globe of the earth� (Douay Version) and �the round earth.��Moffatt. The Bible writer Isaiah avoided the common myths about the earth. Instead, he penned a statement that was not threatened by the advances of scientific discovery. �How could men living so long ago make such scientifically accurate statements?� 8) Medical Science also gives secular evidence that the Bibles inspired words and facts are true: Lets take just a few facts: a) Circumcision: The American Academy of Pediatrics has had to reverse its position on the matter of circumcision. In 1971 the group held that there were �no valid medical indications� to warrant circumcising newborn males routinely. However, recent studies have shown that circumcision may help prevent kidney and urinary-tract infections, which can be quite dangerous. In one study, uncircumcised boys were 11 times more likely to suffer urinary-tract infections than circumcised boys. The pediatric academy now says that circumcision �has potential medical benefits and advantages.� Christians are not bound by the Mosaic law requiring circumcision, the new findings do suggest that the law was of practical benefit to the ancient Israelites who obeyed it. Circumcision was made a mandatory requirement of the Mosaic Law. �On the eighth day [after the birth of a male] the flesh of his foreskin will be circumcised.� (Le 12:2, 3) This was so important was it that, if the eighth day fell on the highly regarded Sabbath, circumcision was to be performed anyway. (John 7:22-23) For this reason Moses has given YOU the circumcision�not that it is from Moses, but that it is from the forefathers�and YOU circumcise a man on a sabbath. 23 If a man receives circumcision on a sabbath in order that the law of Moses may not be broken, are YOU violently angry at me because I made a man completely sound in health on a sabbath? Examples of parents under this Law who faithfully had their children circumcised on the eighth day include the parents of John the Baptizer, Jesus, and Paul. (Luke 1:59) And on the eighth day they came to circumcise the young child, and they were going to call it by the name of its father, Zech�a�ri�ah. (Luke 2:21) Now when eight days came to the full for circumcising him, his name was also called Jesus, the name called by the angel before he was conceived in the womb. (Philippians 3:4-5) though I, if anyone, do have grounds for confidence also in the flesh. If any other man thinks he has grounds for confidence in the flesh, I the more so: 5 circumcised the eighth day, out of the family stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew [born] from Hebrews; as respects law, a Pharisee; The Law also required aliens to be circumcised before they were allowed to eat the passover. (Exodus 12:43-48) And Jehovah went on to say to Moses and Aaron: �This is the statute of the passover: No foreigner may eat of it. 44 But where there is any slave man purchased with money, you must circumcise him. Then first he may share in eating it. 45 A settler and a hired laborer may not eat of it. 46 In one house it is to be eaten. You must not take any of the flesh out of the house to some place outside. And YOU must not break a bone in it. 47 All the assembly of Israel are to celebrate it. 48 And in case an alien resident resides as an alien with you and he will actually celebrate the passover to Jehovah, let there be a circumcising of every male of his. First then he may come near to celebrate it; and he must become like a native of the land. But no uncircumcised man may eat of it. In recent years man has learned some of the physical reasons why the eighth day was a good time to circumcise. Normal amounts of the blood-clotting element called vitamin K are not found in the blood until the fifth to the seventh day after birth. Another clotting factor known as pro-thrombin is present in amounts only about 30 percent of normal on the third day but on the eighth day is higher than at any other time in the child�s life�as much as 110 percent of normal. So, following God�s instructions would help to avoid the danger of hemorrhage. As Dr. S. I. McMillen observes: �From a consideration of vitamin K and pro-thrombin determinations the perfect day to perform a circumcision is the eighth day, the day picked by the Creator of vitamin K. Information taken from the secular publication �None of These Diseases�, 1986, p. 21. 9) What about mental health? Does the bible have anything to say on Mental Health? The Bible�s high standard of hygiene even involved mental health. A Bible proverb said: �A calm heart is the life of the fleshly organism, but jealousy is rottenness to the bones.� (Proverbs 14:30) In recent years, medical research has demonstrated that our physical health is indeed affected by our mental attitude. For example: Doctor C. B. Thomas of Johns Hopkins University studied more than a thousand graduates over a period of 16 years, matching their psychological characteristics with their vulnerability to diseases. One thing she noted: The graduates most vulnerable to disease were those who were angrier and more anxious under stress. 10) What about the Bible�s information and protection in the matter of our health and taking sanitation precautions? If an Israelite had a skin blemish suspected of being leprosy, he was put in isolation. �All the days that the plague is in him he will be unclean. He is unclean. He should dwell isolated. Outside the camp is his dwelling place.� (Leviticus 13:46) Even infected garments were burned. (Leviticus 13:52) In those days, this was an effective way of preventing the spread of the infection. Another important law had to do with the disposal of human excrement, which had to be buried outside the camp. (Deuteronomy 23:12, 13) This law no doubt saved Israel from many sicknesses. Even today, severe health problems are caused in some lands by the improper disposal of human wastes. If people in those lands would only follow the law written down thousands of years ago in the Bible, they would be much healthier 11) The orgin of living things, What does the Bible say that secular fact back up? �Jehovah God proceeded to form the man out of dust from the ground,� Genesis 2:7 The World Book Encyclopedia says: �All the chemical elements that make up living things are also present in nonliving matter.� So all the basic chemicals that make up living organisms, including man, are also found in the earth itself. This harmonizes with the Bible�s statement that identifies the material God used in creating humans and all other living things. 12) The Bible states that all living things were made according to their kinds, is it a secular fact of is it fiction? The Bible states that God created the first human pair and that from them all other humans descended. (Genesis 1:26-28; 3:20) It says that other living things, such as fish, birds, and mammals, did the same, coming forth �according to their kinds.� (Genesis 1:11, 12, 21, 24, 25) This is just what scientists have found in the natural creation, that every living thing comes from a parent of like kind. There is no exception. In this regard physicist Raymo observes: �Life makes life; it happens all the time in every cell. But how did nonlife make life? It is one of the biggest unanswered questions in biology, and so far biologists can offer little more than wild guesses. Somehow inanimate matter managed to get itself organized in an animate way. . Does the author of Genesis have it right, after all.? What do you say? 13) Where does the bible say races, culture and languages come from and do they agree with secular information? What the Bible says about races and languages of mankind is also true. All peoples, regardless of stature, culture, color, or language, are members of one human family. The threefold division of the human family into the Japhetic, Hamitic, and Semitic races, all descending from Adam through Noah, cannot be successfully disputed. (Genesis 9:18-19) And Noah�s sons who came out of the ark were Shem and Ham and Ja�pheth. Later Ham was the father of Ca�naan. 19 These three were Noah�s sons, and from these was all the earth�s population spread abroad. (Acts 17:26) And he made out of one [man] every nation of men, to dwell upon the entire surface of the earth, and he decreed the appointed times and the set limits of the dwelling of [men], Here is something interesting that was said by Sir Henry Rawlinson: �If we were to be guided by the mere intersection of linguistic paths, and independently of all reference to the Scriptural record, we should still be led to fix on the plains of Shinar, as the focus from which the various lines had radiated.� Taken from �The Historical Evidences of the Truth of the Scripture Records, by G. Rawlinson, 1862, p. 287; (Genesis 11:2-9) And it came about that in their journeying eastward they eventually discovered a valley plain in the land of Shi�nar, and they took up dwelling there. 3 And they began to say, each one to the other: �Come on! Let us make bricks and bake them with a burning process.� So brick served as stone for them, but bitumen served as mortar for them. 4 They now said: �Come on! Let us build ourselves a city and also a tower with its top in the heavens, and let us make a celebrated name for ourselves, for fear we may be scattered over all the surface of the earth.� 5 And Jehovah proceeded to go down to see the city and the tower that the sons of men had built. 6 After that Jehovah said: �Look! They are one people and there is one language for them all, and this is what they start to do. Why, now there is nothing that they may have in mind to do that will be unattainable for them. 7 Come now! Let us go down and there confuse their language that they may not listen to one another�s language.� 8 Accordingly Jehovah scattered them from there over all the surface of the earth, and they gradually left off building the city. 9 That is why its name was called Ba�bel, because there Jehovah had confused the language of all the earth, and Jehovah had scattered them from there over all the surface of the earth. 14) What about the Universe? Does the Bible agree with secular information? (Genesis 1:1) In [the] beginning God created the heavens and the earth. In 1978, astronomer Robert Jastrow wrote: �Now we see how the astronomical evidence leads to a biblical view of the origin of the world. The details differ, but the essential elements in the astronomical and biblical accounts of Genesis are the same: the chain of events leading to man commenced suddenly and sharply at a definite moment in time, in a flash of light and energy.� Taken from the book �God and the Astronomers. My Final comments: We can be very confident that what is contained in the Bible had to come from a much wiser and much higher intelligence than human scientists, Historians, Geologists, Biologists, or any other secular writings or intelligence. . Even though much of the world considers these educated humans to be all wise and consider them to be trustworthy. These few facts above which are among many other facts, just prove beyond any doubt in my mind that the Bible is writings that were inspired by a Creator who is far superior in knowledge and wisdom then any of man�s wisdom. Most of all, I feel that because of these facts, that are backed by secular facts, makes the Bible worthy of at least as much credence as secular writings, if not more. I challenge any who feel the Bible is not inspired by God and who feel that they can explain these facts mentioned above, wrong ,or disprove them, or explain how these writers knew these facts before modern Science, History, or Medical facts were proven, to please do so with facts not just that you do not believe it. Answer these questions: Why do you not believe it? What secular facts do you base your believing them to false on? Can you prove that God did not write the Bible according to any of these facts mentioned, with facts? Please stick only to the ones mentioned above, and let�s discuss this in an adult fashion and order. I look forward to hearing from you all, Hope12 revdauphinee answered on 08/03/05: hope I love you and your faithfullness however scripture tells us -(Matt.7:6. "Do not give dogs what is sacred; do not throw your pearls to pigs. If you do, they may trample them under their feet, and then turn and tear you to pieces. ) bucker rated this answer Erewhon rated this answer hOPE12 rated this answer

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ATON2 asked on 08/03/05 - Who DID write the first five books of the Bible? Who DID write the first five books of the Bible The great Jewish philosopher Baruch Spinoza was excommunited from Judaism, and condemned by both Catholics and Protestants when he wrote: "It is ...clearer than the sun at noon that the Pentetuech (the first five books of the Bible) were not written by MOSES, but by someone who lived long after Moses." He offered texual proofs that the Penteteuch could NOT have been written by Moses: l. Moses could not have written about his OWN death and burial. 2. The author refers to Moses many times, in the third person. 3. The author refers to things (eg the Edomite king list) that were not in existence at the time of Moses. 4. The author has Moses visiting the Tabernacle in the Wilderness before it was built. 5. The author states that "Moses was the humblest man who ever lived." Is this the sort of thing Moses, if he were the humblest man who ever lived, would say about himself??? 6. Internal evidence shows that Deuteronomy is so textually differnt from the 4 preceding books that it could NOT have been written by the same author. 7. The Ultimate verse in Deuteronomy 34.."There never arose another prophet in Israel like Moses...TO THIS DAY...proves that it was written LONG after Moses purported death and secret burial. Since none of Spinoza's objections have been able to be refuted, why do Christians and Jews persist in the myth that MOSES wrote the Penteteuch???? Moral: If bible literalists are WRONG on this FIRST point of contradiction in the Bible, what else are they wrong about????? Answers will be rated on their relevance to the question..snide remarks will be judge accordingly :) For those of you who are afraid to answer, positivly, for fear of being branded "a friend of ATON" ....I respect your fear. LOL revdauphinee answered on 08/03/05: truth remains truth no matter who writes it down!! ATON2 rated this answer Krewton rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 08/02/05 - For Christians who might want hear what muslims say about violence and themselves http://jmm.aaa.net.au/articles/15566.htm You comments are sought, especially since these people are living among christians and no, Aton, this is not hate mail. revdauphinee answered on 08/03/05: paraclete i am with you on this and remembre the verse Gal.4:16; Have I now become your enemy by telling you the truth? ) som,e here do not want the truth! paraclete rated this answer

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CeeBee2 asked on 08/02/05 - Giving offense. St. Paul says in 1 Cor 10:31-11:1 -- Whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do everything for the glory of God. Avoid giving offense, whether to the Jews or Greeks or the church of God, just as I try to please everyone in every way, not seeking my own benefit but that of the many, that they may be saved. Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ. Are Christians to avoid giving offense only to other Christians, or should Christians avoid giving offense at times to someone who is taking offense? When can Christians give offense, and when shouldn't they? revdauphinee answered on 08/03/05: if the truth is offensive it is still truth ! Gal.4:16; Have I now become your enemy by telling you the truth? ) ATON2 rated this answer Bobbye rated this answer CeeBee2 rated this answer

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ATON2 asked on 08/02/05 - Is this the pesky little 'prophecy' that started the whole "Jesus was born IN Bethlehem Micah: 5:1..."But YOU, Bethelem-Ephrathah, too small to be among the CLANS of Judah. From you shall come forth for me one who is to be the ruler of Israel" Next to Isaiah, this is the verse most often used to "PROVE" that Jesus was the Messiah born IN Bethlehem. And yet Micah is obviously talking about a clan, not a city, or a town, or a village. Could this have been what led Luke to concoct a phony Census to get Joseph and Mary to Bethlehem for Jesus birth...so he could fulill Micah's misunderstood prophecy?????? And why the author of John seems never to have heard of the claim of a Bethlehem birth???? John 7:42 describes the argument about whether Jesus is the Messiah, and it is argued that he cannot possibly be, because the Messiah MUST come from Bethlehm. Which of the Bible writers is on the erroneous end of the stick here...Micah, Luke or John????? Just curious. revdauphinee answered on 08/02/05: my reply to you is to do as Jesus told us in -(Matt.7:6. ) arcura rated this answer ATON2 rated this answer Krewton rated this answer LTgolf rated this answer MaggieB rated this answer Pete_Hanysz rated this answer

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Erewhon asked on 08/02/05 - *** Christianity *** Separation of Church and State US Style The following is an article from the Salt Lake Tribune of yesterday's dats. Church and State: Government money a curse more than a blessing The letter from Thomas Jefferson that introduced into the American dialogue the phrase "wall of separation between church and state" was intended to ease the concerns of some deeply religious people who were worried about government interference in their lives of faith. Then, as now, the proper understanding of that principle is that any breach in that wall threatens church at least as much as it threatens state. Which is why the national response to President Bush's policy of moving more government money through faith-based charities has been, and should be, slow to catch fire. With government money rightly comes government limitations, and paperwork and oversight, to ensure that those limitations are observed. For religious organizations already geared up to provide social services with their own money, such as Utah's predominant Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, it would be an unproductive headache. For those that aren't big in the charity business, it would be scant incentive to begin. Gov. Jon Huntsman Jr., though, has made some supportive noises toward an idea to create a Utah Office of Faith-based and Community Initiatives. Such an office would match religiously based social service activities with the increased amount of federal money that has been made available for such groups to help the poor. Of course Huntsman is reluctant to leave any possible source of revenue on the table. But the last thing Utah needs is a reputation, deserved or not, for using taxpayers' money to promote religion. We must particularly avoid any use of public funds to press any particular religion upon people who are the most vulnerable and who might, even if the message is unintentionally sent, infer that allegiance to a particular faith is the price of admission to needed housing, food, training or treatment programs. Some religious organizations are able to discharge their holy duty of feeding the hungry, healing the sick and clothing the naked without simultaneously promoting their own religious beliefs. Other people of faith, though, consider it irresponsible to answer a needy person's material wants without also trying to fill the place in their soul that lacks, at least to the giver's understanding, a knowledge of the true God. People who feel that way should pursue their passion, but without either the blessing or the curse of government money cluttering everything up. ================ Should charity blow a hole the Wall of Separation, or should the wall remain intact in every detail, leaving churches to feed the needy by their own incentives and offerings? revdauphinee answered on 08/02/05: you quote "The letter from Thomas Jefferson that introduced into the American dialogue the phrase "wall of separation between church and state" At last the truth this was in a letter it is not in the constitution!!1 ATON2 rated this answer Erewhon rated this answer

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arcura asked on 08/02/05 - Petty, petty, petty............................. Pro-Life Monument at Catholic Church Vandalized 7th Time Bristol, Rhode Island (LifeNews.com) -- A pro-life monument at a local Catholic church mourning the loss of life to abortion has been vandalized for the seventh time. Now, officials at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic Church are looking for ways to protect the monument from perpetrators. The words "In Loving Memory of All Innocent Victims of Abortion" are etched in stone on the monument, and that's apparently offensive to someone or a group of people in the area who have toppled it seven times since May. "When it's the seventh time, I question whether this is some sort of desecration or hate crime," Father Henry Zinno told the Providence Journal newspaper. "When it's constant, obviously someone is making an effort to knock it down. By the seventh time there is a clear message," he said. Zinno has called the police each time and asked the 1,600 families to worship there to pay close attention any time they drive by. He's also had metal bars installed on the front and back of the memorial to protect it, but it keeps getting knocked down. revdauphinee answered on 08/02/05: Just like some try to knock down our faith ,it just wont happen arcura rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 08/02/05 - Golfing with Dad Moses, Jesus, and an older, bearded man were out playing golf one day. Moses pulled up to the tee and drove a long one. It landed in the fairway but rolled directly toward a water hazard. Quickly, Moses raised his club, the water parted and it rolled to the other side, safe and sound. Next, Jesus strolled up to the tee and hit a nice long one, directly toward the same water hazard. It landed directly in the center of the pond and kind of hovered over the water. Jesus casually walked out on the pond and chipped it up onto the green. The third guy got up and sort of randomly whacked the ball. It headed out over the fence and into oncoming traffic on a nearby street. It bounced off a truck and hit a nearby tree. From there it bounced onto the roof of a nearby shack and rolled down into the gutter, down the down spout, out onto the fairway, and right toward the aforementioned pond. On the way to the pond, it hit a little stone and bounced out over the water and onto a lily pad, where it rested quietly. Suddenly, a very large bullfrog jumped up on the lily pad and snatched the ball into his mouth. Just then, an eagle swooped down and grabbed the frog and flew away. As they passed over the green, the frog squealed with fright and dropped the ball, which bounced right into the hole for a beautiful hole-in-one. Moses then turned to Jesus and said, "I hate playing with your Dad." revdauphinee answered on 08/02/05: keep em comming they are great.A good laugh brightens my day> paraclete rated this answer

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Bobbye asked on 08/01/05 - Prayer for MaggieB's husband. MaggieB's husband was scheduled for back surgery today, which I assume went as scheduled. I have yet to receive a report from her. I'm sure they would appreciate your prayers, as he has had two heart transplants -- one in 1993 and one in 1997. (I intended to post this earlier, but I'm just getting to the Board since late Saturday.) Thank you. Bobbye revdauphinee answered on 08/02/05: consider it done not only will I pray for him but for her also Bobbye rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 08/01/05 - end times. here are some thoughts on the end times, I would be interested to hear you response to this site http://www.evangelicaloutreach.org/americarepent.htm revdauphinee answered on 08/02/05: AMEN On that!!!!!Paraclete> bucker rated this answer paraclete rated this answer

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Itsdb asked on 08/01/05 - Director wants kids to meditate David Lynch, who has visited Iowa's Maharishi Vedic City, urges schools to use the technique. August 1, 2005 Film director David Lynch, a longtime practitioner of transcendental meditation, has formed a foundation to encourage schools to use the technique in the classroom. "It's knowledge in terms of the self, and it works wonders in the kids," said Lynch, founder and chairman of the David Lynch Foundation for Consciousness-Based Education and World Peace. Students who practice transcendental meditation, or TM, are "self-sufficient, wide-awake, energetic, blissful, creative, powerfully intelligent and peaceful human beings," he said in his new book on the foundation. He met some of those students during a visit to Maharishi Vedic City in rural southeast Iowa, considered the spiritual center of the TM movement in the United States. "Meeting these students, for me, was the proof that 'consciousness-based' education is a profoundly good thing for our schools and for our world," he said. Lynch's foundation will raise money for TM peace groups and provide scholarships for students taking part in TM programs. However, a sociologist who has spent years studying the Maharishi movement and transcendental meditation said he's suspicious of the group's motives. "I am really, really skeptical about what they are trying to do and their motives for trying to do it," said Barry Markovsky, a sociologist at the University of South Carolina. "I don't necessarily think they have the best interests of children in mind so much as trying to, basically, spread the word of the Maharishi's teaching." He said the movement has many religious qualities, and a court ruling in New Jersey has already ruled that promoting it in schools violates the First Amendment. Lynch, who directed such films as "Mulholland Drive," "Elephant Man," "Blue Velvet" and "Wild At Heart," as well as the television program "Twin Peaks," plans a national tour this fall to talk with teachers, parents and students about the benefits of transcendental meditation in schools. "I'm convinced there are hundreds or thousands of kids who will see the truth of this and want to take part in one way or another," he said. Lynch said he has been "diving within" for 32 years and meditates twice a day. He said transcendental meditation can help children fend off illnesses, including high blood pressure, diabetes and depression. Transcendental meditation also helps students overcome stress, and helps them to think more clearly and perform better in the classroom by using their entire brain, rather than just a portion of it, Lynch contends. Markovsky said students can benefit from quiet time and meditating, but that's not exclusive to transcendental meditation. Scientifically, he said, the group's claims, especially that group meditation promotes world peace, are just "hokey." "The way they defend that research is what makes me so skeptical," he said. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ This is nothing new. TM was offered in many public schools in the 70's, until the U.S. Court of Appeals 3rd District ruled TM was a religious practice in Malnak v. Yogi, denying federal funds for and prohibiting the teaching of TM in public schools. Is TM a religion subject to the establishment clause? Will those who so vehemently protest all things Christian in public schools and government also protest Lynch's plan? revdauphinee answered on 08/01/05: practicing prayer would help the student also but thats not allowed .A student asked his pastor after columbine Why God allowed it to happen in a school his answer God is not allowed in there! bucker rated this answer Itsdb rated this answer ladybugca rated this answer

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Erewhon asked on 08/01/05 - For your thoughts and prayers ... ... I give you my heartfelt thanks. My diagnosis of Valley Fever has been confirmed by my pulmonologist. He says it could be three months, six months, or even longer before I recover. In the meantime, I am taking a massive daily dose of an antifungal medicine. There are times whene I feel reasonably well, but then I take a sharp downward spiral and have to take to my bed for several hours. As a consequence, my activity will be limited to how well I feel hour to hour [Cheering], and I will limit myself to whatever subjects tickle my fancy. With my sense of taste gone to the dogs, there might be little that tickles my fancy. Once again, thank you to you all for your kindheartedness and your good thoughts and prayers. They are greatly appreciated. Ronnie revdauphinee answered on 08/01/05: sory you are sick but remember with prayer this too will pass,May God bless you Dorothy Erewhon rated this answer

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bucker asked on 08/01/05 - For the birds If five birds should see themselves in a mirror. They had never seen themselves before. The first one turned and ran, the second one tried to fight it, the third one just stood and looked, the fourth one just ignored it, the fifth one tried to be friendly. Which one of these birds best describes you? Bucker. revdauphinee answered on 08/01/05: probably the third one I always was curious! bucker rated this answer

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arcura asked on 08/01/05 - How do you think of creation?........................ We humans create. Yes we create out of or with things God provided, but we bring into being something new or different such as a painting, a novel, a home made chair or cabinet. We dine on marvelous foods some chef has created out of simple cuts of meat and vegetables and spices. To me the mystery of God's created life is amazing, and the fact that life can create new life is yet another mystery. It is all a part of God's creation design, it's true, but creation goes on. It is in God's image that we have the ability to image, imagine, and bring into being that which we image whether it be a painting, a novel, a home made chair or cabinet or a new tool to use in doing some chore. Even out in the cosmos new stars a coming into being and in regard to the wee particle world scientists are amazed and puzzled about new particles seemingly coming from nothing. Creation continues. That's the way I look at it and believe. How do you think of creation? Fred revdauphinee answered on 08/01/05: as a gift from God ,if we screen out the bad stuff and look at the good then we know from whoom this comes! arcura rated this answer

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bucker asked on 07/31/05 - God lives under the bed. This is to everyone. Did I tell anyone that I wrote this? If you got that impression, then I am sorry. I did not mean for you to think that. Kevin is not my brother. I thought I explained that it was sent to me by my niece. Where she got it, I did not ask. I just thought it was a good message. Again I am sorry if you misunderstood me. Bucker revdauphinee answered on 08/01/05: It touched my heart anyway who cares who wrote it there are folks such as Kevin!and we should care bucker rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 07/31/05 - at late donation An IRS agent stepped into a synagogue looking for the rabbi. "Rabbi," he said when he found him," do you know a Mr. Morris Katz?" "Well, yes, I do," said the rabbi. "Is he a member of your congregation?" asked the agent. "Uh, yes, he is," said the rabbi, "why do you ask?" "I'm from the IRS. Can you tell me something? Did he make the $100,000 donation to the synagogue, that he claimed on his tax return?" asked the IRS agent. "I would have to check our records," replied the rabbi, "but if he hasn't, I can assure you that he will!" revdauphinee answered on 08/01/05: great one i love it paraclete rated this answer

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CeeBee2 asked on 07/31/05 - Satan. Where did he come from? How did he originate? (he, right? not she???) revdauphinee answered on 07/31/05: he was created as an angel of light but was thrown out of heaven when he desired to raise himself above God! (Isa.14:12. How you have fallen from heaven, O morning star, son of the dawn! You have been cast down to the earth, you who once laid low the nations! ) CeeBee2 rated this answer

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bucker asked on 07/31/05 - Satan I just have a simple question. Maybe someone can set me straight on this. As I am sure someone will try. :-) Satan believes in Jesus, why do so many people disbelieve. Is it possible that Satan has some inside information? Does he know something we do not? I decided not to let him out do me. I went to the source. and found the truth myself. Do you know what, I found out? He does have some inside information. He has been kicked right where it hurts by Jesus. He had his kingdom taken away, the keys to his home taken away and he cannot even get out if Jesus says no. And someday He will say just that. He will say "you cannot bother God's children anymore. You just go down there and be satisfied with the ones you have stolen." So brothers and sisters, just think, some day we will be free from him forever. That sure will be a wonderful time. Don't you think so? Bucker revdauphinee answered on 07/31/05: Rom.16:20; The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. The grace of our Lord Jesus be with you. ) bucker rated this answer

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bucker asked on 07/31/05 - Do you ever feel that you are worse off than anyone else? God lives under the bed Don't start reading this one until you've got more than 3 or 4 minutes to just "scan" over it. It deserves some time for reflection. I envy Kevin. My brother Kevin thinks God lives under his bed. At least that's what I heard him say one night. He was praying out loud in his dark bedroom, and I stopped outside his closed door to listen. "Are you there, God?" he said. "Where are you? Oh, I see. Under the bed." I giggled softly and tiptoed off to my own room. Kevin's unique perspectives are often a source of amusement. But that night something else lingered long after the humor. I realized for the first time the very different world Kevin lives in. He was born 30 years ago, mentally disabled as a result of difficulties during labor. Apart from his size (he's 6-foot-2), there are few ways in which he is an adult. He reasons and communicates with the capabilities of a 7-year-old, and he always will. He will probably always believe that God lives under his bed, that Santa Claus is the one who fills the space under our tree every Christmas and that airplanes stay up in the sky because angels carry them. I remember wondering if Kevin realizes he is different. Is he ever dissatisfied with his monotonous life? Up before dawn each day, off to work at a workshop for the disabled, home to walk our cocker spaniel, return to eat his favorite macaroni-and-cheese for dinner, and later to bed. The only variation in the entire scheme is laundry, when he hovers excitedly over the washing machine like a mother with her newborn child. He does not seem dissatisfied. He lopes out to the bus every morning at 7:05, eager for a day of simple work. He wrings his hands excitedly while the water boils on the stove before dinner, and he stays up late twice a week to gather our dirty laundry for his next day's laundry chores. And Saturdays-oh, the bliss of Saturdays! That's the day my Dad takes Kevin to the airport to have a soft drink, watch the planes land, and speculate loudly on the destination of each passenger inside. "That one's goin' to Chi-car-go!" Kevin shouts as he claps his hands. His anticipation is so great he can hardly sleep on Friday nights. And so goes his world of daily rituals and weekend field trips. He doesn't know what it means to be discontent. His life is simple. He will never know the entanglements of wealth of power, and he does not care what brand of clothing he wears or what kind of food he eats. His needs have always been met, and he never worries that one day they may not be. His hands are diligent. Kevin is never so happy as when he is working. When he unloads the dishwasher or vacuums the carpet, his heart is completely in it. He does not shrink from a job when it is begun, and he does not leave a job until it is finished. But when his tasks are done, Kevin knows how to relax. He is not obsessed with his work or the work of others. His heart is pure. He still believes everyone tells the truth, promises must be kept, and when you are wrong, you apologize instead of argue. Free from pride and unconcerned with appearances, Kevin is not afraid to cry when he is hurt, angry or sorry. He is always transparent, always sincere. And he trusts God. Not confined by intellectual reasoning, when he comes to Christ, he comes as a child. Kevin seems to know God - to really be friends with Him in a way that is difficult for an "educated" person to grasp. God seems like his closest companion. In my moments of doubt and frustrations with my Christianity, I envy the security Kevin has in his simple faith. It is then that I am most willing to admit that he has some divine knowledge that rises above my mortal questions. It is then I realize that perhaps he is not the one with the handicap. I am. My obligations, my fear, my pride, my circumstances -- they all become disabilities when I do not trust them to God's care. Who knows if Kevin comprehends things I can never learn? After all, he has spent his whole life in that kind of innocence, praying after dark and soaking up the goodness and love of God. And one day, when the mysteries of heaven are opened, and we are all amazed at how close God really is to our hearts, I'll realize that God heard the simple prayers of a boy who believed that God lived under his bed. Kevin won't be surprised at all! When you receive this, say a prayer. That's all you have to do. There is nothing attached. This is powerful. Just send this to four people and do not break this, please. Prayer is one of the best free gifts we receive. There is no cost, but a lot of rewards. FRIENDS ARE ANGELS WHO LIFT US TO OUR FEET WHEN OUR WINGS HAVE TROUBLE REMEMBERING HOW. revdauphinee answered on 07/31/05: dosent this speak to Kevin?? (Matt.18:4. Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. ) bucker rated this answer

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CeeBee2 asked on 07/31/05 - Believe the Bible? Someone mentioned if we "start disbelieving the Bible. This could cost [us our] very souls." What does that mean, to believe the Bible? In order to be saved: - must one believe every single word is inspired and infallible? - must one believe a literal Bible and that every word and verse and passage and story in it is true? - must one identify a chain of truths with no link in the chain broken by any manner of disbelief, or damnation will be the punishment? - may one believe only in Jesus' message of how He is the perfect example of God's love for each of us and that we are to share that love with others? or is that not enough? What's enough? revdauphinee answered on 07/31/05: salvation is outlined in Romans 10: 9. That if you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. 10. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved. this is all that he requires of you ! CeeBee2 rated this answer

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CeeBee2 asked on 07/30/05 - God's gender. Is God male or female - or neither? revdauphinee answered on 07/31/05: he has the atributes of both !this I do believe but since in the early days society was more patriachal he is referd to in the male gender! CeeBee2 rated this answer

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bucker asked on 07/30/05 - Keep on Keeping on... I am going to ask something here. Please be careful, expecially those who do not know much about the bible. Be careful and do not be misled by things which are being said here. God is real, Jesus is real, and the Holy Spirit is real. The Bible is truly the inspiered word of God. Just ignore the bickering going here. Cling to your faith. Read the bible, if you do not understand something, ask someong who you can trust. Just remember this. You do not need to know who begat who in the old testiment. The only thing you need to know is that Jesus loves you, He died to save you, and you can go to meet Him when He returns. Just accept Him into your heart and ask the Holy Spirit to lead and guide you. Do not let anyone confuse you. Keep on believing in God, Jesus, the Holy Spirit. And believe the bible. No matter what any body says, just do not pay any attention to them. Keep on keeping on. Bucker.. revdauphinee answered on 07/31/05: thank you so much for this it is past time we got back on to the real reason for being here! bucker rated this answer

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Bobbye asked on 07/30/05 - ATON, WHY DO YOU HATE JESUS AND HIS WORD? To know Him is to love Him! If you knew Him, you, too, would love him. Bobbye revdauphinee answered on 07/30/05: ATON DOSENT WANT TO KNOW HIM !!!TOO BAD> ATON2 rated this answer Bobbye rated this answer ladybugca rated this answer LTgolf rated this answer QuixoticChoux rated this answer sarnian rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 07/29/05 - Just to help Aton out Aton want's to disprove Jesus is the messiah. here is a list of fillfulled prophecies that aton can start disproving The Pre-Existence of the Messiah Subject Prophecy Fulfillment The Messiah would be eternal. Psalm 102:25-27a Colossians 1:17 The Messiah would be from everlasting. Proverbs 8:22-23 John 17:5 The Messiah would be from everlasting (the "Everlasting Father"). Isaiah 9:6e Revelation 1:8 The Messiah would be from everlasting. Isaiah 48:16a John 1:1-2 The Messiah would be from everlasting. Micah 5:2c John 8:58 The Messiah Would be God Incarnate Subject Prophecy Fulfillment The Messiah would be the creator of all. Psalm 102:25-27b John 1:3 The Messiah would be Lord. Psalm 110:1a Matthew 22:41-45 The Messiah would be holy. Daniel 9:24b Luke 1:35 The Messiah would be God. Psalm 45:6-7b Hebrews 1:8-9 The Messiah would be God. Isaiah 7:14c John 12:45 The Messiah would be God. Isaiah 40:3c John 10:30 The Messiah would be God. Jeremiah 23:5-6b John 13:13 The Messiah would be both God and man. Jeremiah 23:5-6c" 1 Timothy 3:16 The Messiah would be both God and man (the "Mighty God"). Isaiah 9:6d John 10:30 The Messiah would be God Zechariah 11:10-11b John 14:7 The Messiah would be God Zechariah 11:12-13d John 12:45 The Messiah would be both God and man. Zechariah 12:10b John 10:30 The Messiah would be both God and man Zechariah 13:7c John 14:9 The Messiah Would be the Son of God Subject Prophecy Fulfillment God would have a Son. Proverbs 30:4b Matthew 3:16-17 The Messiah would be the Son of God. Psalm 2:7a Luke 1:31-35 The Messiah would be the Son of God. Psalm 2:12a Matthew 17:5 The Messiah would be the Son of God. 2 Samuel 7:13-14 Matthew 3:16-17 The Messiah would be the Son of God. 1 Chronicles 17:13-14 John 12:28-30 The Messiah would be the Son of God. Isaiah 9:6b Luke 1:35 The Messiah would call God his Father. Psalm 89:26 Matthew 11:27 The Time of the Messiah's Coming Subject Prophecy Fulfillment The Jew's authority to administer capital punishment would be gone when the Messiah arrived. Genesis 49:10c John 18:31 The Messiah would be announced to his people 483 years, to the exact day, after the decree to rebuild the city of Jerusalem. Daniel 9:25 John 12:12-13 The Messiah would be killed before the destruction of the temple. Daniel 9:26c Matthew 27:50-51 The Genealogy of the Messiah Subject Prophecy Fulfillment The Messiah would be a descendant of Shem. Genesis 9:26 Luke 3:23-36 The Messiah would be a descendant of Abraham. Genesis 12:3 Matthew 1:1 The Messiah would be a descendant of Abraham. Genesis 18:17-18a Matthew 1:1 The Messiah would be a descendant of Abraham. Genesis 22:18a Galations 3:16 The Messiah would be a descendant of Isaac. Genesis 17:19 Luke 3:23-34 The Messiah would be a descendant of Isaac. Genesis 21:12 Luke 3:23-34 The Messiah would be a descendant of Isaac. Genesis 26:4 Luke 3:23-34 The Messiah would be a descendant of Jacob. Genesis 28:14a Luke 3:23-34 The Messiah would be a descendant of Judah. Genesis 49:10a Luke 3:23-33 The Messiah would be a descendant of Judah. 1 Chronicles 5:2 Luke 3:23-33 The Messiah would be a descendant of Boaz & Ruth. Ruth 4:12-17 Luke 3:23-32 The Messiah would be a descendant of Jesse. Isaiah 11:1a Luke 3:23-32 The Messiah would be a descendant of Jesse. Isaiah 11:10a Luke 3:23-32 The Messiah would be a descendant of David. 2 Samuel 7:12-13 Matthew 1:1 The Messiah would be a descendant of David. 2 Samuel 7:16 Matthew 1:1 The Messiah would be a descendant of David. 1 Chronicles 17:11-12a Luke 3:23-31 The Messiah would be a descendant of David. Psalm 89:3-4 Matthew 1:1 The Messiah would be a descendant of David. Psalm 89:29 Matthew 1:1 The Messiah would be a descendant of David. Psalm 89:35-36 Matthew 1:1 The Messiah would be a descendant of David. Psalm 132:11 Matthew 1:1 The Messiah would be a descendant of David. Psalm 132:17 Matthew 1:1 The Messiah would be a descendant of David. Isaiah 7:13-14 Matthew 1:1 The Messiah would be a descendant of David. Isaiah 9:7 Matthew 1:1 The Messiah would be a descendant of David. Jeremiah 23:5-6a Luke 3:23-31 The Messiah would be a descendant of David. Jeremiah 33:14-15 Luke 3:23-31 The Messiah would be a descendant of David. Ezekiel 17:22-24 Luke 3:23-31 The Messiah would be a descendant of David. Ezekiel 34:23-24 Matthew 1:1 The Messiah would be a descendant of Zerubbabel. Haggai 2:23 Luke 3:23-27 The Birth & Childhood of the Messiah Subject Prophecy Fulfillment The Messiah would be born of the "seed" of a woman. Genesis 3:15a Luke 1:34-35 The Messiah would be born of a virgin. Isaiah 7:14a Luke 1:34-35 The Messiah would be born of a virgin. Jeremiah 31:22 Matthew 1:18-20 The Messiah would be Immanuel, "God with us." Isaiah 7:14b Matthew 1:21-23 The Messiah would be called by his name before he was born. Isaiah 49:1c Luke 1:30-31 The Messiah would be born in Bethlehem. Micah 5:2a Matthew 2:1-2 The birth of the Messiah. Isaiah 9:6a Luke 2:11 The Messiah would be protected by God. Isaiah 49:2b Matthew 2:13-15 The Messiah would grow up in a poor family. Isaiah 11:1b Luke 2:7 The Messiah would grow up in a poor family. Isaiah 53:2a Luke 2:7 The Messiah would be aware of his Father from his youth. Psalm 22:9 Luke 2:40 The Forerunner of the Messiah Subject Prophecy Fulfillment The forerunner of the Messiah would live in the wilderness. Isaiah 40:3a Matthew 3:1-4 The forerunner would prepare people for the coming of the Messiah. Isaiah 40:3b Luke 1:17 A messenger would prepare the way for the Messiah. Malachi 3:1a Matthew 11:10 The Messiah's forerunner would come in the spirit of Elijah. Malachi 4:5 Matthew 3:1-2 The Messiah's forerunner would turn many to righteousness. Malachi 4:6 Luke 1:16-17 The Attributes of the Messiah Subject Prophecy Fulfillment The Messiah would be a Prophet. Deuteronomy 18:15-19a John 6:14 The Messiah would be a Priest in the order of Melchisedec. Psalm 110:4 Hebrews 6:17-20 The Messiah would be Priest and King. Zechariah 6:12-13 Hebrews 8:1 The Messiah would be a King. Genesis 49:10b John 1:49 The Messiah would be a King. Numbers 24:17 John 19:19 The Messiah would be a King. Psalm 2:6 John 12:12-13 The Messiah would be the "Wonderful Counselor." Isaiah 9:6c John 7:46 The Messiah would be the "Prince of Peace." Isaiah 9:6f Colossians 1:20 The Messiah would be the subject of angels' worship. Deuteronomy 32:43 Luke 2:13-14 The Messiah would be a witness. Isaiah 55:4 John 18:37 The Messiah would be as a shepherd. Isaiah 40:11 John 10:11 The Messiah would speak in parables. Psalm 78:2 Matthew 13:34-35 The Messiah would speak in parables. Isaiah 6:9-10b Matthew 13:13-15 The Messiah would speak with a message of grace. Psalm 45:2 Luke 4:22 The Messiah's words would be as a sharp sword. Isaiah 49:2a Revelation 2:12-16 The Messiah would speak with words of authority given to Him from God. Deuteronomy 18:15-19b John 12:48-50 The Messiah would minister in Galilee. Isaiah 9:1-2a Matthew 4:12-17 The Messiah would have the full Spirit of God upon him. Isaiah 11:2a Matthew 3:16-17 The Messiah would have the Spirit of God upon him. Isaiah 42:1b Matthew 3:16-17 The Messiah would have the Spirit of God upon him. Isaiah 61:1-2a Matthew 3:16-17 The Messiah would have the Spirit of Wisdom. Isaiah 11:2b Luke 2:40 The Messiah would have the Spirit of Understanding. Isaiah 11:2c Luke 2:40 The Messiah would have the Spirit of Counsel. Isaiah 11:2d Matthew 7:28-29 The Messiah would have the Spirit of Might. Isaiah 11:2e Matthew 8:27 The Messiah would have the Spirit of the Knowledge of God. Isaiah 11:2f John 7:29 The Messiah would have the Spirit of the Fear of God. Isaiah 11:2g Hebrews 5:7 The Messiah would have a quick understanding in the fear of the Lord. Isaiah 11:3a Luke 2:46-47 The Messiah would place his trust in God. Isaiah 50:8-10 John 11:7-10 The Messiah would be just. Zechariah 9:9c John 5:30 The Messiah would not judge on the basis of external representations. Isaiah 11:3b John 7:24 The Messiah would judge the poor with righteousness. Isaiah 11:4 Mark 12:41-44 The Messiah would have compassion for the poor and needy. Isaiah 42:3 Matthew 11:4-5 The Messiah would act with righteousness. Psalm 45:6-7c John 5:30 The Messiah would be responsible for the judgement of mankind. Isaiah 49:2c John 5:22-29 The Messiah would not draw attention to himself. Isaiah 42:2 Matthew 12:15-21 The Messiah would be humble. Zechariah 9:9e Matthew 11:29 The Messiah would have the appearance of an ordinary man. Isaiah 53:2b Philippians 2:7-8 The Messiah would be the cornerstone. Isaiah 28:16 1 Peter 2:4-6 The Messiah would be the cornerstone. Zechariah 10:4 Ephesians 2:20 The Messiah would be the "Rock." 2 Samuel 23:2-4a 1 Corinthians 10:4 The Messiah would be as the "light of the morning." 2 Samuel 23:2-4b Revelation 22:16 The Messiah would say the scriptures were written of him. Psalm 40:6-8b Luke 24:44 The Messiah would give gifts to men. Psalm 68:18b Matthew 10:1 The Messiah would have the key of David. Isaiah 22:22 Revelation 3:7 Events During the Messiah's Ministry Subject Prophecy Fulfillment The Messiah would preach the good news. Isaiah 61:1-2b Luke 4:17-21 The Messiah would declare that he was the Son of God. Psalm 2:7b John 9:35-37 Infants would give praise to the Messiah. Psalm 8:2 Matthew 21:15-16 The Messiah would be be greeted with rejoicing in Jerusalem. Zechariah 9:9a Matthew 21:8-10 The Messiah would be beheld as King. Zechariah 9:9b John 12:12-13 The Messiah would be presented to Jerusalem riding on a donkey. Zechariah 9:9f Matthew 21:6-9 The Messiah would visit the second Temple. Haggai 2:6-9 Luke 2:27-32 The Messiah would make a sudden appearance at the temple. Malachi 3:1b Mark 11:15-16 The Messiah would be angered by disrespect toward the temple. Psalm 69:9a John 2:13-17 The Messiah would be ministered to by God. Isaiah 42:6b John 8:29 The Messiah would ask God for His inheritance. Psalm 2:8a John 17:4-24 The Messiah Would Perform Miracles Subject Prophecy Fulfillment The Messiah would heal the blind. Isaiah 35:5a Mark 10:51-52 The Messiah would heal the deaf. Isaiah 35:5b Mark 7:32-35 The Messiah would heal the lame. Isaiah 35:6a Matthew 12:10-13 The Messiah would heal the dumb. Isaiah 35:6b Matthew 9:32-33 The Messiah would heal the blind. Isaiah 42:7 Matthew 9:27-30 The Messiah would have a healing ministry. Isaiah 53:4a Luke 6:17-19 The Messiah Would Come to do God's Will Subject Prophecy Fulfillment The Messiah would be called to God's service from the womb. Psalm 22:10 Luke 1:30-33 The Messiah would be called to God's service from the womb. Isaiah 49:1b Matthew 1:20-21 The Messiah would be sent by God. Isaiah 48:16b John 7:29 The Messiah would come to do God's will. Psalm 40:7-8 John 5:30 The Messiah would please God. Isaiah 42:1c Matthew 3:16-17 The Messiah's work would glorify God. Isaiah 49:3b Matthew 15:30-31 The Messiah would not conceal his mission from the congregation. Psalm 40:9-10 Luke 4:16-21 The Messiah would not be rebellious to God's will. Isaiah 50:5 John 12:27 The Messiah would steadfastly set his face toward his mission. Isaiah 50:7 Luke 9:51-53 The Messiah would be God's servant. Isaiah 42:1a John 4:34 The Messiah would be God's servant. Isaiah 49:3a John 17:4 The Messiah would be God's servant. Isaiah 49:5 John 6:38 The Messiah would be God's servant. Isaiah 49:6a John 12:49-50 The Messiah would be God's servant. Isaiah 52:13a John 9:4 The Messiah would be God's servant. Isaiah 53:11b Romans 5:18-19 The Messiah would be God's servant. Micah 5:2b John 15:10 The Messiah would be God's servant. Zechariah 3:8 John 17:4 The Messiah would bear reproach, for God's sake. Psalm 69:7 Matthew 26:65-67 The Messiah would bear reproach, for God's sake. Psalm 69:9b Romans 15:3 It was God's will that the Messiah would be the sin-bearer for all mankind. Isaiah 53:6b 1 John 4:10 It was God's will that the Messiah would die for all mankind. Isaiah 53:10a John 18:11 It was God's will that the Messiah would die for all mankind. Zechariah 13:7a John 18:11 God would be fully satisfied with the suffering of the Messiah. Isaiah 53:11a John 12:27 The Messiah would receive guidance from God. Isaiah 42:6a John 5:19-20 The Messiah would speak with knowledge given to him from God. Isaiah 50:4 John 12:49 The Messiah would come in the name of the Lord. Psalm 118:26 Matthew 21:9 The Messiah Would Come for All People Subject Prophecy Fulfillment The Messiah would come for all nations. Genesis 18:17-18b Acts 3:24-26 The Messiah would come for all nations. Genesis 22:18b Galatians 3:14 The Messiah would come for all people. Genesis 28:14b Galatians 3:26-29 The Messiah would come for all people. 2 Samuel 22:50 Romans 15:8-9 The Messiah would come for all people. Psalm 18:49 Ephesians 3:4-6 The Messiah would come for all people. Isaiah 11:10b Acts 13:47-48 The Messiah would come for all people. Isaiah 49:1a 1 Timothy 2:4-6 The Messiah would be a light to the Gentiles. Isaiah 9:1-2b Luke 2:28-32 The Messiah would be a light to the Gentiles. Isaiah 42:6d John 8:12 The Messiah would be a light to the Gentiles. Isaiah 49:6b Acts 13:47-48 The Messiah would provide "justice" to the Gentiles. Isaiah 42:1d Matthew 24:14 The Messiah Would Come to Provide Salvation Subject Prophecy Fulfillment The Messiah would be the messenger of the new covenant. Malachi 3:1c Luke 4:43 The Messiah would be the new covenant. Isaiah 42:6c Matthew 26:28 The Messiah would be the new covenant. Jeremiah 31:31 Matthew 26:28 The Messiah would come to make an end to sins. Daniel 9:24a Galations 1:3-5 The Messiah would provide freedom from the bondage of sin and death. Isaiah 61:1-2c John 8:31-32 The Messiah would proclaim a period of grace. Isaiah 61:1-2d John 5:24 The Messiah would die for the sins of the world. Isaiah 53:8d 1 John 2:2 The Messiah would die for the sins of the world. Daniel 9:26b Hebrews 2:9 The Messiah would give up his life to save mankind. Isaiah 53:12b Luke 23:46 The Messiah would be as a sacrificial lamb. Isaiah 53:7c John 1:29 The Messiah would be an offering for sin. Isaiah 53:10b Matthew 20:28 The Messiah's offering of himself would replace all sacrifices. Psalm 40:6-8a Hebrews 10:10-13 The Messiah�s blood would be shed to make atonement for all. Isaiah 52:15 Revelation 1:5 The Messiah would be the sin-bearer for all mankind. Isaiah 53:6a Galatians 1:4 The Messiah would be the sin-bearer for all mankind. Isaiah 53:11d Hebrews 9:28 The Messiah would be the sin-bearer for all mankind. Isaiah 53:12d 2 Corinthians 5:21 The Messiah would bear and carry upon himself the sins of the world. Isaiah 53:4b 1 Peter 2:24 The Messiah would bear the penalty for mankind's transgressions. Isaiah 53:5a Luke 23:33 The Messiah's sacrifice would provide peace between man and God. Isaiah 53:5b Colossians 1:20 The Messiah would justify man before God. Isaiah 53:11c Romans 5:8-9 The Messiah would be the intercessor between man and God. Isaiah 59:15-16b Matthew 10:32-33 The Messiah would intercede to God in behalf of mankind. Isaiah 53:12e Luke 23:34 The Messiah's atonement would enable believers to be his brethren. Psalm 22:22 Hebrews 2:10-12 The Messiah would come to provide salvation. Isaiah 59:15-16a John 6:40 The Messiah would bring salvation. Zechariah 9:9d Luke 19:10 The Messiah would have a ministry to the "poor," the believing remnant. Zechariah 11:7 Matthew 9:35-36 The Messiah would offer salvation to all mankind. Joel 2:32 Romans 10:12-13 The Messiah would come to bring Israel back to God. Isaiah 49:5b Matthew 15:24 The Messiah would come to Zion as their Redeemer. Isaiah 59:20 Luke 2:38 Those who refused to listen to the Messiah would be judged. Deuteronomy 18:15-19c John 12:48-50 The Messiah would reject those who did not believe in him. Psalm 2:12b John 3:36 The Messiah Would be Betrayed Subject Prophecy Fulfillment The Messiah's betrayer would be a friend whom he broke bread with. Psalm 41:9 Mark 14:17-18 The Messiah would be betrayed for thirty pieces of silver. Zechariah 11:12-13a Mathew 26:14-15 Thirty pieces of silver would be thrown into the house of the Lord. Zechariah 11:12-13c Matthew 27:3-5 The potter's field would be uninhabited. Psalm 69:25 Acts 1:16-20 The Messiah's betrayer would have a short life. Psalm 109:8a Acts 1:16-18 The Messiah's betrayer would be replaced. Psalm 109:8b Acts 1:20-26 The Messiah Would be Abandoned Subject Prophecy Fulfillment The Messiah would be abandoned by the disciples. Psalm 22:11 Mark 14:50 The Messiah's disciples would fail him in his time of need. Psalm 69:20b Mark 14:33-41 Men would hide from being associated with the Messiah. Isaiah 53:3d Mark 14:50-52 The Messiah Would be Despised Subject Prophecy Fulfillment The Messiah would be despised. Isaiah 49:7 John 10:20 The Messiah would be despised. Zechariah 11:8b Matthew 27:20 The Messiah would be despised. Isaiah 53:3a Luke 4:28-29 The Messiah would be hated by many without cause. Psalm 69:4 Luke 23:13-22 Political and religious leaders would conspire against the Messiah. Psalm 2:2 Matthew 26:3-4 The Messiah would be despised. Psalm 22:6 Luke 23:21-23 The Messiah Would be Judged Subject Prophecy Fulfillment The Messiah would be accused by false witnesses. Psalm 109:2 John 18:29-30 The Messiah would be judged. Isaiah 53:8b John 18:13-22 The Messiah would be silent before his accusers. Isaiah 53:7b Matthew 27:12-14 The Messiah would be innocent and had done no violence. Isaiah 53:9b Mark 15:3 The Messiah would have no deceit in his mouth. Isaiah 53:9c John 18:38 The Messiah Would be Rejected Subject Prophecy Fulfillment At the time of Messiah's coming, Israel would have unfit leaders. Zechariah 11:4-6a Matthew 23:1-4 The Messiah's brothers would disbelieve him. Psalm 69:8b John 7:3-5 The Messiah would be the "stone" rejected by the Jews. Psalm 118:22 Matthew 21:42-43 The Jews would have a hardened heart against the Messiah. Isaiah 6:9-10a John 12:37-40 The Messiah would be a "stumbling stone" for the Jews. Isaiah 8:14 Matthew 21:43-44 The unbelief of Israel's leaders would force the Messiah to reject them. Zechariah 11:8a Matthew 23:33 The Messiah would stop ministering to the those who rejected Him. Zechariah 11:9 Matthew 13:10-11 The Messiah would be distressed over the Jews unbelief. Isaiah 49:4a Luke 19:41-42 The Messiah's own people would not believe he was the Christ. Isaiah 53:1 John 12:37-38 The Messiah would be rejected. Zechariah 11:12-13b Matthew 26:14-15 The Messiah would be rejected. Isaiah 53:3b Matthew 27:21-23 The Messiah would be rejected by the Jews. Isaiah 49:4b John 5:43 The Messiah would be rejected by the Jews. Psalm 69:8a John 1:11 The Messiah would be rejected in favor of another king. Zechariah 11:4-6c John 19:13-15 The Messiah would be rejected. Zechariah 11:12-13b Matthew 26:14-15 The Messiah would be rejected by Gentiles. Psalm 2:1 Acts 4:25-28 The Messiah would be rejected. Zechariah 12:10c John 1:11 The Messiah's rejection would cause God to remove His protection of Israel. Zechariah 11:4-6b Luke 19:41-44 The Messiah's rejection would cause God to remove His protection of Israel. Zechariah 11:10-11a Luke 19:41-44 Israel would be scattered as a result of rejecting the Messiah Zechariah 13:7d Matthew 26:31-56 The Messiah Would Suffer Greatly Subject Prophecy Fulfillment The Messiah would suffer while reconciling men to God. Genesis 3:15c 1 Peter 3:18 The Messiah would have great sorrow and grief. Isaiah 53:3c Luke 19:41-42 The Messiah, anguished, would pray without ceasing. Psalm 22:2 Matthew 26:38-39 The Messiah would be oppressed and afflicted. Isaiah 53:7a Matthew 27:27-31 The Messiah would be confined and persecuted. Isaiah 53:8a Matthew 26:47-27:31 The Messiah's face would be beaten and spit upon. Isaiah 50:6b Matthew 26:67 The Messiah's back would be whipped. Isaiah 50:6a Matthew 27:26 The Messiah's back would be whipped. Isaiah 53:5c Matthew 27:26 The Messiah's face would be disfigured from severe beatings. Isaiah 52:14 Matthew 26:67-68 The Crucifixion of the Messiah Subject Prophecy Fulfillment The Messiah would be sacrificed upon the same mountain where God tested Abraham. Genesis 22:14 Luke 23:33 The Messiah would be grouped with criminals. Isaiah 53:12c Luke 23:32 The Messiah's hands and feet would be pierced. Psalm 22:16c Matthew 27:38 The Messiah would pray for his enemies. Psalm 109:4 Luke 23:34 The Messiah would be offered gall and vinegar. Psalm 69:20-21a Matthew 27:34 The Messiah's garments would be divided. Psalm 22:18a John 19:23-24 Lots would be cast for the Messiah's clothes. Psalm 22:18b John 19:23-24 The Messiah would be surrounded by Gentiles at his crucifixion. Psalm 22:16a Luke 23:36 The Messiah would be surrounded by Jews at his crucifixion. Psalm 22:16b Matthew 27:41-43 People would stare at the Messiah during his crucifixion. Psalm 22:17b Luke 23:35 The Messiah would be thought to be cursed by God. Isaiah 53:4c Matthew 27:41-43 The Messiah would be mocked by people shaking their heads. Psalm 22:7 Matthew 27:39 The Messiah would be mocked by people shaking their heads. Psalm 109:25 Mark 15:29-30 Mockers would say of the Messiah, "he trusted God, let him deliver him." Psalm 22:8 Matthew 27:41-43 The Messiah would be crucified. Psalm 22:14b Matthew 27:35 The Messiah would cry out to God. Psalm 22:1a Matthew 27:46 The Messiah would be foresaken by God. Psalm 22:1b Mark 15:34 The Messiah would be surrounded by evil spirits. Psalm 22:12-13 Colossians 2:15 The Messiah would thirst. Psalm 22:15a John 19:28 The Messiah would thirst. Psalm 69:20-21b John 19:28 The Messiah would thirst shortly before his death. Psalm 22:15b John 19:30 The Messiah would be killed. Isaiah 53:8c Matthew 27:35 The Messiah would be killed. Daniel 9:26a Matthew 27:35 The Messiah would die a violent death. Zechariah 13:7b Matthew 27:35 None of the Messiah's bones would be broken. Psalm 22:17a John 19:32-33 None of the Messiah's bones would be broken. Psalm 34:20 John 19:32-33 The Messiah's body would be pierced. Zechariah 12:10a John 19:34-37 The Messiah's heart would burst, flowing with blood & water. Psalm 22:14a John 19:34 The Messiah would be buried in a rich man's grave. Isaiah 53:9a Matthew 27:57 The Resurrection & Victory of the Messiah Subject Prophecy Fulfillment The Messiah's body would not be subject to decay. Psalm 16:8-10b Acts 13:35-37 The Messiah would be resurrected. Psalm 16:8-10a Matthew 28:6 The Messiah would be resurrected and live forever. Isaiah 53:10c Mark 16:16 The Messiah would be resurrected by God. Isaiah 55:3 Acts 13:34 Others would rise to life at the resurrection of the Messiah. Isaiah 26:19 Matthew 27:52-53 The Messiah would be God's "firstborn." Psalm 89:27 Mark 16:6 The Messiah would defeat death. Isaiah 25:8 Revelation 1:18 The Messiah would defeat death. Hosea 13:14 1 Corinthians 15:55-57 The Messiah would defeat Satan. Genesis 3:15b 1 John 3:8 The Messiah would be justified by his righteouness. Isaiah 50:8 1 Timothy 3:16 The Messiah would ascend into heaven. Psalm 68:18a Luke 24:51 The Messiah would ascend into heaven. Daniel 7:13-14a Acts 1:9-11 The Messiah would ascend and descend from heaven. Proverbs 30:4a John 3:13 The Messiah would be exalted to the presence of God. Psalm 16:11 Acts 2:25-33 The Messiah would be resurrected and crowned as King. Psalm 2:7c Acts 13:30-33 The Messiah would be exalted by God with power and strength. 1 Samuel 2:10 Matthew 28:18 The Messiah would be at the right hand of God. Psalm 80:17 Acts 5:31 The Messiah would be at the right hand of God. Psalm 110:1b Mark 16:19 The Messiah would be at the right hand of God. Psalm 110:5 1 Peter 3:21-22 The Messiah's throne would be everlasting. 1 Chronicles 17:11-12b Luke 1:32-33 The Messiah's throne would be everlasting. Psalm 45:6-7a Luke 1:31-33 The Messiah's dominion would be everlasting. Daniel 7:13-14c Luke 1:31-33 Because of his sacrifice, the Messiah would be greatly exalted by God. Isaiah 53:12a Matthew 28:18 The Messiah would be highly exalted. Isaiah 52:13b Philippians 2:9-11 The Messiah would be highly exalted. Daniel 7:13-14b Ephesians 1:20-22 The Messiah would prosper. Isaiah 53:10d John 17:1-5 The Messiah would receive authority over all. Psalm 2:8b Matthew 28:18 The Messiah would be given authority over all things. Psalm 8:6 Matthew 28:18 A vision of the Messiah in a glorified state. Daniel 10:5-6 Revelation 1:13-16 revdauphinee answered on 07/30/05: thank you so much for this!! paraclete rated this answer Pete_Hanysz rated this answer

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bucker asked on 07/29/05 - Interesting but true? Interesting but true? Most people got married in June because they took their yearly bath in May and still smelled pretty good by June. However, they were starting to smell so brides carried a bouquet of flowers to hide the body odor. Baths consisted of a big tub filled with hot water. The man of the house had the privilege of the nice clean water, then all the other sons and men, then the women and finally the children - - last of all the babies. By then the water was so dirty you could actually lose someone in it - - hence the saying, "Don't throw the baby out with the bath water." Houses had thatched roofs - - thick straw, piled high, with no wood underneath. It was the only place for animals to get warm, so all the dogs, cats and other small animals (mice rats, and bugs lived in the roof). When it rained it became slippery and sometimes the animals would slip and fall off the roof - - hence the saying "It's raining cats and dogs." There was nothing to stop things from falling into the house. This posed a real problem in the bedroom where bugs and other droppings could really mess up your nice clean bed. Hence, a bed with big posts and a sheet hung over the top afforded some protection. That's how canopy beds came into existence. The floor was dirt. Only the wealthy had something other than dirt, hence the saying "dirt poor." The wealthy had slate floors that would get slippery in the winter when wet, so they spread thresh on the floor to help keep their footing. As the winter wore on, they kept adding more thresh until when you opened the door it would all start slipping outside. A piece of wood was placed in the entry way - - hence, a "thresh hold." They cooked in the kitchen with a big kettle that always hung over the fire. Every day they lit the fire and added things to the pot. They ate mostly vegetables and did not get much meat. They would eat the stew for dinner, leaving leftovers in the pot to get cold overnight and then start over the next day. Sometimes the stew had food in it that had been there for quite a while - - hence the rhyme, "peas porridge hot, peas porridge cold, peas porridge in the pot nine days old." Sometimes they could obtain pork, which made them feel quite special. When visitors came over, they would hang up their bacon to show off. It was a sign of wealth that a man "could bring home the bacon." They would cut off a little to share with guests and would all sit around and "chew the fat." Those with money had plates made of pewter. Food with a high acid content caused some of the lead to leach onto the food, causing lead poisoning and death. This happened most often with tomatoes, so for the next 400 years or so, tomatoes were considered poisonous. Most people did not have pewter plates, but had trenchers, a piece of wood with the middle scooped out like a bowl. Often trenchers were made from stale Payson bread which was so old and hard that they could use them for quite some time. Trenchers were never washed and a lot of times worms and mold got into the wood and old bread. After eating off wormy moldy trenchers, one would get "trench mouth." Bread was divided according to status. Workers got the burnt bottom of the loaf, the family got the middle, and guests got the top, or "upper crust." Lead cups were used to drink ale or whiskey. The combination would sometimes knock them out for a couple of days. Someone walking along the road would take them for dead and prepare them for burial. They were laid out on the kitchen table for a couple of days and the family would gather around and eat and drink and wait and see if they would wake up-hence the custom of holding a "wake." England is old and small and they started out running out of places to bury people. So they would dig up coffins and would take the bones to a "bone-house" and reuse the grave. When reopening these coffins, one out of 25 coffins were found to have scratch marks on the inside and they realized they had been burying people alive. So they thought they would tie a string on the wrist of the corpse, lead it through the coffin and up through the ground and tie it to a bell. Someone would have to sit out in the graveyard all night (the "graveyard shift") to listen for the bell; thus, someone could be "saved by the bell" or was considered a "dead ringer" revdauphinee answered on 07/30/05: interesting post thanks! bucker rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 07/29/05 - Is Christian religion an oxymoron? Christian Religion is an Oxymoron So much of life goes right back to the garden. Remember how Eve was tempted? That fruit of death looked pretty tasty, didn't it? It was a way to "be like God"! It was a shortcut, a way to be somebody. That fruit was like a crystal ball, giving its partaker "power"--a way to do it ourselves, for ourselves, in the guise of "helping God". Religion started right there: we so often do not want God Himself. No, we want the power, knowledge, "depth", buzz, gifts, miracles, wonders, visions, etc., etc., etc., that He represents. We want to use Him as a power source, so we can get things done! Or, we gather together in a place to express some gigantic, corporate "gifts" explosion once a week! It's so exciting, isn't it?? So intoxicating to be in a mass of people, doing deep, mystical things! We get high as kites on it! Ah, it's better than heroin! Actually, organized religion is just a magnification of the religion in our own frustrated, restless selves, blown up to horrific proportions! Why are we so caught up in doing for God? Do we see this is a reaction of a fallen people who have eaten from the wrong tree? Religion forces us into a restless striving to do it ourselves, while Christianity insists that God has already done it all for us. That is the lesson of the garden. God provided for Adam and Eve the tree of Life, a tree they did not plant nor nurture into bearing fruit. It was entirely God who so wonderfully provided for them to partake of His Life, with no effort on their part whatsoever. Christianity is not a religion! It is Life�the Life of Christ being enjoyed in an intimate relationship with our Lover, Jesus Christ. Religion is a lifeless method for attaining our way to God. Religion is endemic, pandemic! "Christian religion" is a true oxymoron, it simply should not be. Actually, it really isn't... --By Wes and Kim Kurtenbach revdauphinee answered on 07/29/05: never have beeen a fan of "'Organised"religion! paraclete rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 07/29/05 - what would Jesus eat? for your culinary contemplation What would Jesus eat? Opinion by Ray Chesterton July 29, 2005 From: SOME of the best food I've eaten was in outback cafes where the meal of the day was whatever the chef ran over on his way to work. But I've never eaten fish eggs and called it caviar or tofu, which is a little-known delicacy tenderly created by boiling rubber bathroom mats for several days with pine needles and then cutting then into bite-size shapes like resilient canapes. So to each his own. I accept there are people with a greater sensitivity to wildlife than I and with more enlightened epicurean ideals. Like Jesus. In yet another reincarnation, someone has found a new way to use Jesus as a role model - this time as a dietician - while managing to create sufficient financial spin-off to cope with out-of-pocket and stay-in-the-pocket expenses. Just when you think Christianity doesn't have a prayer in a cynical world, Jesus is suddenly reborn and threatens to become another icon momentarily trivialised by the trendy. People around the world, well, at least in America, are drawing Jesus into their lives as a median of morality and ethical decision-making. As a fad it is expected to last longer than hula hoops, but may be challenged by the unending life-span of self-disfigurement aka personal vanity tattoos. The new concept is to run your life as close as possible to the Jesus template. Hence uttering the phrase: "What would Jesus do?" when confronted by a moral puzzle and deciding from there. For example, you are cut off by a tattooed, beer-bellied, singlet-wearing oaf in a battered, purple ute. Do you: (a) Scream obscenities; (b) Race to overtake him and return the favour; or (c) Give him the finger. It necessitates some caution. For a start, there is not one word in any translation of the Bible to suggest Jesus ever raised a finger in anger to a fellow camel driver. So if you choose (c), no amount of smooth talking will convince anyone you were merely pointing the way to heaven. Nonetheless, "What Would Jesus Do?" is now a touchstone of what passes for solidarity in some American households. American Dr Don Colbert, who is a Christian GP and whose wife Mary is a minister, has even published a diet in a book called What Would Jesus Eat? It advocates basically healthy food like lentils, salmon, brown rice, tuna, beans, fish and chicken with not much red meat and a few other items that taste like sweepings from a carpenter's floor. It is supposedly a diet that Jesus would have followed when he was living in the Middle East. Evidence may one day surface that Jesus went willingly to the cross after 30 years on that diet. It is also, experts say, almost a duplicate of the commercially successful Mediterranean Diet. Critics also say Dr Colbert's diet includes balsamic vinegar, which is not mentioned historically until 1046, which leaves a sour taste in your mouth. So does Dr Colbert, retailing a range of 50 Divine Health vitamins and minerals at close to $80 a time. Would Jesus Have Done That? revdauphinee answered on 07/29/05: I recently went on the atkins diet in order to lose weight (it worked)however before deciding on a diet plan I read the book the makers diet!that advocates such a diet ,how any modern person could stay on that diet is beyond me! paraclete rated this answer

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ATON2 asked on 07/28/05 - Have any of the Christians on this board really READ the Quran???? Tomder, and other anti-Islamists are quick to refer to Sura 4:89, as an order to Muslims to kill those who convert from Islam. Oddly, enough they NEVER quote the verse...but only allude to it, and NEVER quote the preceeding, or following verses that explain it. What the verse enjoins on Muslims is to fight against those 'renegades' who would attack Islam, once they sworn fealty to Muhammad. Sura 4:88-89-90. Why should you be divided into two parties about the HYPOCRITES? Allah has upset them for their evil deeds. Would you guide those whom Allah has thrown out of his WAY. For those whom Allah has thrown out of the Way, you will never find the Way. They but wish you should reject Faith, as they do, and thus be on the same footing as they: but do not take friends from their ranks until they flee in the way of Allah from what is forbidden. But if they turn renegades, seize them and slay them, and in any case take no friends from them. EXCEPT those who join a group between whom and you there is a treaty of peace, or those who approach you with hearts RESTRAINING THEM FROM FIGHTING YOU AS WELL AS FIGHTING THEIR OWN PEOPLE"!!!!!! There it is in a nutshell. Muhammad is NOT advocating the death of converts from Islam, but of those who signed a treaty of peace with him, but turned coat and fought against him. Specifically one of the largest of the Jewish tribes in Arabia. But if you want a REAL story of killing people so that their beliefs do not contaminate the 'tribe'...read the supposed words of Yahweh in Deuteronomy 7...."And when the Lord, your God, delivers themup to you and you defeat them, YOU SHALL DOOM THEM. Make no covenant with them, and show them no mercy. You shall not intermarry with them...for they would turn your sons from following me to serving other gods." Or what about Deuteronomy 20: 13ff "And when the Lord your God delivers it into your hand, put every male in it to the sword; but the women and children and livestock and all else in it that is worth plundering, you may take as booty...you must doom them all (the cities)...as the Lord your God, has commanded you; lest they teach you to make any such abominable offerings as they make to their gods, and you thus sin against the Lord, your God." Talk about an effective anti-conversion policy :) :) :) Makes Muhammad look like a pussy-cat!!! Love that Deuteronomy :) revdauphinee answered on 07/29/05: Aton being a MUSLIM YOU WOULD KNOW!!1 ATON2 rated this answer Pete_Hanysz rated this answer

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ATON2 asked on 07/28/05 - Do you like these any better??? For Tomder and the other Christian experts who are tired of being hit over the head with Deuteronomy....do you like these any better: Ex 12:29 The Lord kills all the first born of Egypt..(even little babies??????) Ex 32: 27 "Put every man his sword by his side, and go in and out from gate to gate througout the camp, and SLAY every man his brother, and every man his companion, and every man his neighbor." Ex 32: 29 With the Lord's approval, the Israelites slay 3,000 men. Nu: 16:35 A fire from the Lord consume 250 men Nu: 21:35 With the Lord's approval, the Israelites slay Og...and his sons and all his peole, until there was not one survivor left. Nu 25:9 Yahweh sends a plague to kill 24,000 men. Js 8: 22...With the Lord's approval Joshua utterly smites the people of Ai, killing 12,OOO men and women, so that there were none who escaped. Js 10-27 with the help of the Lord, Joshua utterly destroys the Gibeonites and the People of Makkadeh. ...also the Libnahites, the People of Lachish, the Eglonite, the Hebronites, the Debirites. So that "Joshua defeated the whole land...he left none remaining, but destroyed all that breathed, as the Lord God of Israel commanded." And if that wasn't enough we get to JGS llFF and see that Joshua utterly destroys the Anakim, catches Adoni-bezek and cuts off his thumbs and big toe...utterly destroys the Canaanites who inhabited Zephath. continuing on in Judges we see at 3:29, the Isrealites kill about 10,000 Moabites then on to Samson who kills 1,000 men with the jawbone of an ass. Then does the honorable thing and committs suicide by bringing a temple down on himself and incidentally killing 3,000 more people. Seems there is never enough blood and killing for Yahweh...for we then read that the Israelites 'smite 25,000 men of valor amongst the Benjamites, to avenge the death of a concubine who was ganged raped AFTER BEING THROWN TO HER ATTACKERS BY HER OWNER, A Levite!!!! Then in ISA 6:19 we see God himself KILL 70 men simply for looking into the ark. And we read that most horrific command ever issued by Yahweh..."This is what the Lord says: Now go and smite Amalek, and UTTERLY DESTROY all that they have; do not spare them, BUT KILL BOTH MAN AND WOMAN, INFANT AND SUCKLING, OX AND SHEEP, CAMEL AND ASS....and Saul utterly destroys all the people with the edge of the sword. BOY!!!! Talk about issuing a FATWA!!!!!! Seems that Yahweh was the 'FATHER OF FATWAS'...and he found thousand of willing dupes to carry out his wishes. And you know what??? There was not one MUSLIM in the bunch. I've got about 2,000 more of these...after all, we haven't even started on David, yet....but I'm sure you get the point. And I didn't once quote Deuteronomy! :) :) :) Now why doesn't one of you anti-Islamic rabble rousers go thru the Quran and see if you can find ANYTHING THAT MATCHES THIS LITANY OF GOD ISPIRED SLAUGHTER!!!! revdauphinee answered on 07/28/05: aton we all know you hate the christians God we dont need proof! ATON2 rated this answer LTgolf rated this answer MaggieB rated this answer

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CeeBee2 asked on 07/28/05 - Should a church body change its doctrines (teachings) or practices or rituals or policies or any part of what it is in order to attract non-members? If so, what should be changed and what should not be changed (if anything)? If no change at all, why not? revdauphinee answered on 07/28/05: depends on just how scriptural those doctrins are ?I know of more than a few that could use a few changes! CeeBee2 rated this answer Itsdb rated this answer

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excon asked on 07/28/05 - Cut and paste Hello Christians: Cutting and pasting someone elses viewpoint here isn't very interesting to me. If I wanted to read what THEY think, I would have subscribed to their publication. Besides, I'm interested in YOUR viepoint. That's why I come here. Do YOU have an opinion, or can you only recognize your ideas when somebody else has them first? excon revdauphinee answered on 07/28/05: if I find someone has a like minded oppinion and can put it cleared than I then whats wrong with cut and paste??i wouldnt do it for any other reson than to prove my own point! excon rated this answer Itsdb rated this answer ladybugca rated this answer

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ATON2 asked on 07/28/05 - Have any of the Christians on this board really READ the Quran???? Tomder, and other anti-Islamists are quick to refer to Sura 4:89, as an order to Muslims to kill those who convert from Islam. Oddly, enough they NEVER quote the verse...but only allude to it, and NEVER quote the preceeding, or following verses that explain it. What the verse enjoins on Muslims is to fight against those 'renegades' who would attack Islam, once they sworn fealty to Muhammad. Sura 4:88-89-90. Why should you be divided into two parties about the HYPOCRITES? Allah has upset them for their evil deeds. Would you guide those whom Allah has thrown out of his WAY. For those whom Allah has thrown out of the Way, you will never find the Way. They but wish you should reject Faith, as they do, and thus be on the same footing as they: but do not take friends from their ranks until they flee in the way of Allah from what is forbidden. But if they turn renegades, seize them and slay them, and in any case take no friends from them. EXCEPT those who join a group between whom and you there is a treaty of peace, or those who approach you with hearts RESTRAINING THEM FROM FIGHTING YOU AS WELL AS FIGHTING THEIR OWN PEOPLE"!!!!!! There it is in a nutshell. Muhammad is NOT advocating the death of converts from Islam, but of those who signed a treaty of peace with him, but turned coat and fought against him. Specifically one of the largest of the Jewish tribes in Arabia. But if you want a REAL story of killing people so that their beliefs do not contaminate the 'tribe'...read the supposed words of Yahweh in Deuteronomy 7...."And when the Lord, your God, delivers themup to you and you defeat them, YOU SHALL DOOM THEM. Make no covenant with them, and show them no mercy. You shall not intermarry with them...for they would turn your sons from following me to serving other gods." Or what about Deuteronomy 20: 13ff "And when the Lord your God delivers it into your hand, put every male in it to the sword; but the women and children and livestock and all else in it that is worth plundering, you may take as booty...you must doom them all (the cities)...as the Lord your God, has commanded you; lest they teach you to make any such abominable offerings as they make to their gods, and you thus sin against the Lord, your God." Talk about an effective anti-conversion policy :) :) :) Makes Muhammad look like a pussy-cat!!! Love that Deuteronomy :) revdauphinee answered on 07/28/05: more islamic rhetoric aton I knew where your sympathy lay! ATON2 rated this answer ladybugca rated this answer LTgolf rated this answer MaggieB rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 07/27/05 - so it's all about fear? Muslim clerics want curbs on conversions July 28, 2005 - 2:44PM Page Tools Indonesian clerics are calling for strong measures to prevent Muslims from converting to other religions, especially Christianity. Indonesia is the world's largest Islamic nation. But the influential Indonesian Ulema Council, which is holding its national congress, has expressed concern that the percentage of Muslims has dropped in some parts of the country. They said Christian preachers have penetrated some provinces at "an alarming rate," according to The Jakarta Post. "The phenomenon ... is most disturbing," it quoted a report presented at the conference. The council is expected to adopt edicts at the end of its congress on Saturday aimed at discouraging religious conversions, including statements against mixed marriages and television shows that promote mysticism. Indonesia recognises five religions including Christianity. But attacks against Christians, who comprise eight per cent of the 210 million-strong population, have increased since ex-dictator Suharto's downfall in 1998. AdvertisementAdvertisement Muslim groups say evangelical Christians are partly to blame for rising religious tensions, accusing them of trying to convert Muslims, which is illegal in Indonesia. Currently, three women from the West Java town of Indramayu are on trial for attempting to convert Muslim children to Christianity. � 2005 AAP The question is if their religion is so attractive and all inclusive, what do they have to fear from a few conversions? The reality is that, given the opportunity, people will seek something better than the bankrupt religion that is Islam. But a few conversions and they are up in arms, the sky is falling on their world. revdauphinee answered on 07/28/05: whilst this may be allarming to muslim clerics is it not what christ himself wanted for did he not tell us in Matthew 28: 18. And Jesus came to them and spake unto them, saying, All authority hath been given unto me in heaven and on earth. 19. Go ye therefore, and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them into the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit: 20. teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I commanded you: and lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. paraclete rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 07/27/05 - A defeatist attitude? Western churches a dying breed: Pope July 28, 2005 - 10:40AM * Pope Benedict ... "The so-called traditional churches look like they are dying." Mainstream churches in the West appear to be dying as societies that are increasingly secular see less need for God, says Pope Benedict. His outlook was even glummer than that of his predecessor John Paul, who lamented at the decline of faith in the developed world and said it explained the Catholic Church's struggle with falling attendance in the West in recent years. Pope Benedict said many developing countries were, by contrast, enjoying a "a springtime for faith". "It is different in the Western world, a world which is tired of its own culture, a world which is at the point where there's no longer evidence for a need of God, even less of Christ," he told a meeting of clergy in the Italian Alps where he is on holiday. "The so-called traditional churches look like they are dying," he said, according to a text published by the Vatican daily L'Osservatore Romano. Participation at Sunday Mass in some developed countries was as low as 5 per cent, a recent Vatican report said. A combination of an increasingly secular mentality and the lure of more simplistic sects was challenging the relevance of the church, especially in Europe, Australia and, to a lesser extent, the United States, the 78-year-old Pope said. "The Catholic Church is not doing as badly as the big Protestant Churches but naturally it shares the problem of this moment in history." The Pope blamed a change in social attitudes in the 1960s for the church's decline in the West, referring to what he termed a "second enlightenment" of 1968, the year of the "summer of love" and student and worker protests. There was no easy solution for the church, he said, but people needed to see that they could not turn away from God. "There's no system for a rapid change. We need to get through this tunnel with patience in the certainty that Christ is the answer and, in the end, he will shine his light once again." Reuters This is a very defeatist attitude, rather than looking to what fuels the growth of pentacostal churchs and churchs in the third world, here we have the attitude of a culture in decline, it's all too hard. If that's the attitude, the Catholic Church deserves to fade away with the rest to be replaced with what, hollow secular humanism or worse Islam. It's time for reform and reform needs to start at the top, with a fresh approach and the unthinkable, a change in culture. What do you think should be done to revive Christianity in Western society? revdauphinee answered on 07/28/05: Western churches a dying breed: Pope July 28, 2005 - 10:40AM this obit is wrong it may be happening in the catholic church but not in the rest here in the USA! Erewhon rated this answer paraclete rated this answer

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Erewhon asked on 07/27/05 - *** Christianity *** Can a person, child, infant, or adult, who has not demonstrated ecstatic unpretended glossolalia be saved? revdauphinee answered on 07/28/05: most definatly nowhere in scripture does speaking in tongues become a requirement for salvation.In fact I and many like me question the modern practice of what is known as glossolalia .If you will re read the passage in scripture refering to tongues you will find that they were not doing this but were speaking in actual earthly languages unknown to them but allowing foriegn listeners in the crowd to understand> acts 24. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance. 5. Now there were dwelling at Jerusalem Jews, devout men, from every nation under heaven. 6. And when this sound was heard, the multitude came together, and were confounded, because that every man heard them speaking in his own language. ((((7. And they were all amazed and marvelled, saying, Behold, are not all these that speak Galilaeans? 8. And how hear we, every man in our own language wherein we were born? )))) 9. Parthians and Medes and Elamites, and the dwellers in Mesopotamia, in Judaea and Cappadocia, in Pontus and Asia, 10. in Phrygia and Pamphylia, in Egypt and the parts of Libya about Cyrene, and sojourners from Rome, both Jews and proselytes, 11. Cretans and Arabians, we hear them speaking in our tongues the mighty works of God. Erewhon rated this answer

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arcura asked on 07/27/05 - Do you think or believe that many in the media.... are anti-christian? If so you are right. Take a look at the secular/religion war. Use the ULR below. +++ http://headlines.agapepress.org/archive/7/262005a.asp revdauphinee answered on 07/28/05: The real danger is that a growing campaign of hatred against traditional Christians by secular liberals will deepen an already dangerous conflict. were we not wanrned that in the later days we would be persecuted for our faith??is this not just more fullfiled prophecy? arcura rated this answer

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CeeBee2 asked on 07/27/05 - What is the meaning of "Christian"? Any of these? your definition?: - one whose life has been transformed by the Grace of God from a hellbound sinner to a heavenbound saint, this being made possible and accomplished by and through the Person of Jesus Christ and his efficacious sacrifice on the cross - one who has been "born again" i.e., has been filled with the Holy Spirit and lives a spirit-filled life by speaking in tongues, healing, or otherwise demonstrating gifts of the Spirit - one who thinks of Jesus as a friend - one who has been baptized with water in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit - one who believes that Jesus is the promised Messiah, the Son of the living God, and one's personal Savior - one who believes that God exists - one who adheres to a unbreakable chain of beliefs in the Trinity, the Virgin Birth, the Crucifixion, the Resurrection, and the Second Coming - one who believes Jesus was a historical person - a decent, respectable person who demonstrates love, kindness, humility, etc. - a monotheistic system of beliefs and practices based on the Old Testament and the teachings of Jesus as embodied in the New Testament and emphasizing the role of Jesus as Savior from sin revdauphinee answered on 07/27/05: - one who believes that Jesus is the promised Messiah, the Son of the living God, and one's personal Savior CeeBee2 rated this answer Erewhon rated this answer

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excon asked on 07/27/05 - Punishment Hello Christians: Should convicted prisoners be sentenced for what they did, or should they be given more time because they didn't cooperate (snitch)? Is refusal to cooperate with the cops a crime? If it isn't, why should someone do time for it? excon revdauphinee answered on 07/27/05: If not cooperating is an ""obstruction of Justice"" then it is a crime!!and can and should be punished.If a member of your family was murdered and someone knew who did it and refused to tell would you not want them punnished ??? arcura rated this answer excon rated this answer ladybugca rated this answer

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bucker asked on 07/27/05 - Trinity versus Oneness Many years ago, I was confused about this. We went to different churches. I am not sure if my folks didn't know, or didn't care which was which. I would hear some swear that there was only one, while others would swear there were three. So one day I just asked the question. I said Father, I am confused about the different views. Which one is right? He said they both were. Then He explained. He said there was one in three, and there were three in one. So from that Day on, I have never worried about it. What do you think about this? Bucker. revdauphinee answered on 07/27/05: the best way I have ever heard it explained is as follows to my spouse ----I am wife | To my child -----I am mother |-----Me To my Parent-----I am child | Yet I am still just one person with three aspects this is so with God father---------- | son-------------- |-------God! and holy spirit-- | bucker rated this answer Erewhon rated this answer MaggieB rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 07/27/05 - an interesting question? Is the term "Mormon Christian" an oxymoron? "What is it that inspires professors of Christianity generally with a hope of salvation? It is that smooth, sophisticated influence of the devil, by which he deceives the whole world" - Prophet Joseph Smith, Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, p.270 "...all the priests who adhere to the sectarian religions of the day with all their followers, without one exception, receive their portion with the devil and his angels." - Prophet Joseph Smith , The Elders Journal, Joseph Smith Jr., editor, vol.1, no.4, p.60 revdauphinee answered on 07/27/05: I have to agree with drgade on this one! ATON2 rated this answer paraclete rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 07/26/05 - Perhaps some cults have some weird rituals? Sore point From staff writers and wires July 26, 2005 THE Church of Scientology says it is not responsible for the sores on Katie Holmes' mouth seen back in May this year. The church has allegedly slammed reports one of its rituals was responsible for Holmes' sores. "Whatever is on Katie's face has nothing to do with us. It's insulting that you would ask such a thing," a spokesman for the church said. Shortly after Tom Cruise and Holmes 'broke out' in late April, the Batman Begins star was snapped with sores and a red rash around her mouth. Most critics thought Holmes had acquired the sores from her public displays of affection with Cruise, however several gossip columnists claimed the 26-year-old actress developed the sores after enduring a Scientology process, known as purification. Holmes has been studying the religion since she began dating her now-fiance Cruise. The alleged client of the church's purification ceremony is reportedly given vitamin B3, which helps to decrease cholesterol and boost circulation, which may have contributed to the blemishes, contactmusic.com claims. revdauphinee answered on 07/26/05: I dont understand scientology I once years ago tried to read the book by ron hubbard but found it boring,I have no desire to do any further study an it since I have never even heard a scientologist even mention God! paraclete rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 07/26/05 - God exists, here's the proof An atheist professor was teaching a college class and he told the class that he was going to prove that there was no God. He said, "God if you are real, then I want you to knock me off this platform. I'll give you 15 minutes!" Ten minutes went by. He kept taunting God, saying, "Here I am God, I'm still waiting." He got down to the last couple of minutes and a big 240-pound football player happened to walk by the door and heard what the professor said. The football player walked into the classroom and in the last minute, hit the professor full force, sending him flying off the platform. The professor got up, obviously shaken, and said, "Where did you come from, and why did you do that?" The football player replied, "God was busy; He sent me!" revdauphinee answered on 07/26/05: great we need more like that football player these days ATON2 rated this answer Chilloutinparis rated this answer Erewhon rated this answer paraclete rated this answer

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Erewhon asked on 07/25/05 - "Love your enemies" When Jesus said "Love your enemies," was he only stating an option? revdauphinee answered on 07/26/05: whilst yes we are told to love our enemies (there persons never their beliefs)we are also told Matthew 28: 18. Then Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20. and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." however we are also told 11. And whatsoever place shall not receive you, and they hear you not, as ye go forth thence, shake off the dust that is under your feet for a testimony unto them. ATON2 rated this answer Erewhon rated this answer

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excon asked on 07/25/05 - Safety in numbers??? Hello Christians: Tell me, please. If you, by yourself, say a prayer in school (courthouse, etc.), will God hear it? Or, does your God require more than one of you to pray before he hears it? How many does it take? Do you need the support of your friends before you can pray? Does it embarrass you to pray alone? Do YOU have a one on one relationship with God, or does it require a majority? Why do you need everybody around you to lip since with you? Really, I'm interested because you seem to think that if you can't make everybody pray with you, then your prayers won't work. What's up with that? excon revdauphinee answered on 07/25/05: (Matt.6:6. But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. ) excon rated this answer sapphire630 rated this answer

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hOPE12 asked on 07/25/05 - Fear Hello Everyone, We all know what fear is, but do you know that fear can kill you as well as others? Recently a child died of fear at a Disney park. What is your greatest fear? How do you handle that fear? Can you give some good ways to others in how they can handle their fears? Can ones belief in God help them with their fear? Take care, Hope12 revdauphinee answered on 07/25/05: My fear is that the future as predicted is fast approaching ( Rev.20:4. I saw thrones on which were seated those who had been given authority to judge. And I saw the souls of those who had been """beheaded"""" because of their testimony for Jesus and because of the word of God. They had not worshiped the beast or his image what is the favorite way of eliminating the enemies of Islaam ???Beheading .scripture is full of references to persecution of Christians and in many parts of the world today this is going on yet there are those among us who wish to appease these folks and allow this to go on without comment .I maintain that the islamic influence emerging these days is the beast!!And for anyone who wishes to say I am predudiced ,You betcha I am!! Erewhon rated this answer hOPE12 rated this answer ladybugca rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 07/24/05 - where are Muslim voices supporting terrorism Sheik calls Prime Minister's comments inflammatory July 24, 2005 - 9:30PM Page Tools * Email to a friend * Printer format * The Melbourne cleric singled out by John Howard for not doing enough to denounce terrorism has hit back. In an open letter to the Prime Minister, released late today to media, Sheik Mohammed Omran said it was Mr Howard who was being "inflammatory". The Brunswick-based cleric, who has taken a controversial stance over September 11, also accused the Prime Minister of launching an inaccurate and contradictory attack via the press. The nation's major newspapers today reported that Mr Howard was calling on Australia's Muslim leaders to do more to combat the threat of terrorism, and he also described recent comments by Sheik Omran as "appalling". The sheik has labelled Osama Bin Laden a great man and said there was no emphatic proof he masterminded the September 11 attacks. Sheik Omran today defended his views as not unreasonable, and he said it was Mr Howard's reported reference to "communities in whom potential suicide bombers might be part of" within Australia that would promote unnecessary fear. "Australia does not have a culture of suicide bombers, (Attorney General) Philip Ruddock himself has stated that the threat to Australia is minimal," the sheik's letter reads. "This statement does nothing but entice fear into the hearts of Australians. It is your statement which is 'inflammatory'." He also said a major study of the motivation of suicide bombers, taking in the past 25 years, had found they were typically motivated by disputes over land and not a hate of western values. "Most suicide bombers are not driven by religion but rather by secular and political goals," the Sheik said. Sheik Omran has courted controversy by continuing to deny there is certain proof Bin Laden was behind the September 11 attacks. He told the Nine Network the United States government - not Osama bin Laden - was responsible for the September 11 attacks. He has also publicly labelled the al-Qaeda leader as a "great" man. "It is true that I have reserved my judgement on the identity of those who committed these atrocities, however you have erred in claiming that I laid responsibility for the London bombings on the Americans," the sheik wrote to Mr Howard. "I have never made such a statement. Rather I am not satisfied that the individuals behind these evil acts have an Islamic agenda. "Events since September 11, through to the Bali Bombings, and now the recent London bombings, have mainly brought harm to Muslims worldwide." Sheik Omran's letter also said it was wrong of the Prime Minister to discount his views on September 11 as, he said, there were more than a million websites and 3000 books published: "discussing different opinions as to the perpetrators of this act." As head of the fundamentalist muslim group Ahlus Sunnah wal Jam'ah (Ahlus Sunnah wal Jam'ah) Association of Australia, Sheik Omran also said he had repeatedly denounced terrorist acts and that he was an advocate of peace. "In fact we have said such (terrorist) acts are strongly prohibited both in the media and in our sermons." "... We consider ourselves Australians working for the betterment of Australia. Those of us who came from other countries appreciate how the people of this country have accepted us with open arms. "Islam teaches us to appreciate kindness and we wouldn't do anything to betray this gesture." According to the news reports, Mr Howard said those in leadership roles in Muslim communities should show "proper denunciation" of terrorism. He said it was incumbent on nation's Muslim leaders: "firstly, not to encourage inflammatory attacks; not to encourage intolerance of the value system of the communities in which they live and that if people are exhibiting those tendencies they have an obligation to try to do something about it." The latest row comes after Sheik Omran made headlines for being implicated in Spanish court documents as a contact of the suspected leader of al-Qaeda in Spain. The sheik has also denied any links to terror cells overseas. Sheik Khalid Yasin, the executive director of the Islamic Teaching Institute which is dedicated to the work of promoting Islam, told a large gathering of young muslims at Bankstown Town Hall in Sydney last week that muslims could not be friends with anyone who did not share their faith. "They're not your friend because they don't understand your religious principles and they cannot because they do not understand your faith," he said. The sheik said young Muslims should not attend university because they would lose their direction. "University is a gateway for deviation," he said. "You forget your Islamic direction. Now you have become compromised through some kind of intellectuality." The sheik told the Nine Network men whose wives disobeyed them should be beaten. He quoted a verse from the Koran and translated it. "Now specifically, if you take that word literally, it means literally, beat them lightly," Sheik Yasin said. "Beat them, like I would my child." He also said homosexuals should be killed. "We don't make any excuses about that, it's not our law, it's the Koran," he said. AAP So there you have it. Muslims are divided on whether to denounce terrorism or not. This attitude isn't good enough, they come to a Christian country and continue their litany of hate, one has to wonder why did they come? revdauphinee answered on 07/25/05: So there you have it. Muslims are divided on whether to denounce terrorism or not. This attitude isn't good enough, they come to a Christian country and continue their litany of hate, one has to wonder why did they come? If you are still wondering why they come you missed it it happened on 9/11 in America, on 7/7 and 7/21 in England!this is why they come and they will continue comming as long as we hide our heads in the sand and make excuses for those who wish to overtake our world. Erewhon rated this answer paraclete rated this answer

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Erewhon asked on 07/24/05 - I found this ... it will be of interest to those who ask where Muslim voices are raised against terr Anti-terror promise Jul 22 2005 By The Huddersfield Daily Examiner MUSLIM leaders in Huddersfield are to sign a declaration vowing to beat extremism. In a show of unity they will be joined tomorrow by MPs Barry Sheerman, Shahid Malik and Kali Mountford, as well as Chief Supt Barry South, the head of police in Kirklees. Several guests will speak at the event, to be held at the Hanfia Institute in Bentley Street, Lockwood, from 1pm until 3pm. The institute's secretary, Mohammed Imran, who wrote the letter with the approval of other leaders, said the event was a show of solidarity. He said: "The programme will begin with the recitation of the Holy Koran, after which guest speakers will express their views on recent events. "This will be followed by a presentation on the Muslim community in Huddersfield." A brief talk on the Islamic perspective on the attacks will be followed by prayers. PEOPLE of all faiths will march in Huddersfield to declare: We're united for peace. Hundreds are expected to join the Interfaith Walk of Friendship through the town on Saturday, July 30. Organisers said their aim was to spell out how the silent majority want to live in love and peace with each other. Buddhists, Baha'is, Christians, Hindus, Jews, Muslims and Sikhs will be represented on the walk, which starts from the Muslim Community Centre, Clare Hill at 10am. Excellent, don't you think? revdauphinee answered on 07/25/05: Muslilms can stop the schooling of children to kill themselves. ' they can but will they when there holy writings tell them it is ok to kill? also it is ok to lie in order to further the faith! ATON2 rated this answer Erewhon rated this answer

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Erewhon asked on 07/24/05 - *** Christianity *** Does truth matter or can it be bent to serve private agendas? The origins of an earlier post were not stated, so in the interests of truth and justice I am posting it here. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Rolled Oaths It is claimed that a Daughter of murder victims decries the removal of "So help me God" from the oath trial witnesses are sworn by. Status: False. Example: [Collected on the Internet, 2004] This is by a daughter of a murdered couple in Raytown who had a Bible and Bookstore on 63rd street. Just one more example: When I had to testify at the murder trial of my parents a week ago, I was asked to raise my right hand. The bailiff started out "Do you swear to tell the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth?" I stood there and waited but she said nothing. She said "Do you?" I was so stunned I blurted out "What happened to "so help me God'?" She came back with "Do you?" I replied yes, but I was perplexed. Then the judge said "you can say that if you want to." I stopped, raised my right hand, and finished with "So help me God!" I told my son and daughter that when it came time for them to testify, they should do the same. It's no wonder we have so many problems in this country. If I'd had my wits about me I'd have told them that taking God out of the courtroom is only going to result in more criminals and murderers like him being in there! I don't know what can be done about it, but it's time we stepped up and did something. CNBC this morning had a poll on this question. They had the highest number of responses that they have ever had for one of their polls and the percentage was the same as this: 86% to keep the words, 14% against. That is a pretty commanding public response. I was asked to send this on if I agreed or delete if I didn't. Now it is your turn... It is said that 86% of Americans believe in God. Therefore I have a very hard time understanding why there is such a mess about having "In God We Trust" on our money and having God in the Pledge of Allegiance. Why don't we just tell the 14% to Sit Down and SHUT UP!!! If you agree, pass this on, if not simply delete.. This post has doubtful origins. Often entitled "Agree or Delete" or "In God We Trust," this story has been circulating on the Internet since December 2004. It is an odd piece to classify in that a real murder has been used to dress up a false story. Raytown, Missouri, has a population of 30,000 and lies about 8 miles southeast of Kansas City and 7 miles southwest of Independence. On 20 October 2004, an elderly couple who ran a Christian bookstore in that city was discovered murdered in their shop. Dead were John Caylor (79) and his wife Mildred Caylor (76). The couple had their throats cut by a robber who likely made off with less than $100, which was typically all that was carried in the cash drawer that was found empty. The victims had been married for 54 years and had run the store for 43 years. They were described by their friends as "old-time" Southern Baptists who focused on spreading the gospel and sometimes held tent revivals in their parking lot. One of their sons told how the pair would load up their van with musical instruments and visit nursing homes to perform. Their lives were about doing good, loving one another, and loving God. On 4 November 2004, Kellen C. McKinney (27) was charged with two counts each of first-degree murder and armed criminal action in the deaths of the Caylors. His DNA being found on a bloodstained bag left near the cash register was the evidence that broke the case. When run through a DNA database, the sample matched McKinney, whose DNA was on file by virtue of his having served a prison sentence in Kansas. However, that the murders were real does not mean the "daughter's" account of her experience in a courtroom is. News accounts refer to the Caylors as having three sons, but no mention surfaces of any daughter. Moreover, although there has been an arrest in the case, the suspect has yet to be tried, a fact that moves the "daughter's" account of her courtroom experience squarely into the fiction column. I suspect that a very real tragedy involving two highly sympathetic victims has been seized upon by some unknown person as the window dressing for his "mentions of God in the courtroom" soapboxing. Perhaps the anonymous author presumed if the crime were real, folks would assume the exchange between the daughter and the bailiff was also the truth. Well, it isn't. It is hogwash, and that's the way it is! Question: Is it acceptable for Christians to distort and lie, and what do you think God thinks about Christians who lie and distort? revdauphinee answered on 07/25/05: It is not acceptable for Christians the idea that God will punish us if we lie has a purpose! for if we have no fear of retaliation then we can do anything even lie!! Erewhon rated this answer

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arcura asked on 07/24/05 - Do you have a computer? These many be helpful... After all helping others is a Christian thing to do. +++ SERENE JAPANESE COMPUTER MESSAGES Here are 16 actual error messages seen on the computer screens in Japan; some are written in Haiku. Aren't these better than "your computer has performed an illegal operation"? -------------------------------------------- The Web site you seek cannot be located, but countless more exist. -------------------------------------------- Chaos reigns within. Reflect, repent, and reboot. Order shall return. -------------------------------------------- Program aborting: Close all that you have worked on. You ask far too much. -------------------------------------------- Windows NT crashed. I am the Blue Screen of Death. No one hears your screams. -------------------------------------------- Yesterday it worked. Today it is not working. Windows is like that. -------------------------------------------- Your file was so big. It might be very useful. But now it is gone. -------------------------------------------- Stay the patient course. Of little worth is your ire. The network is down. -------------------------------------------- A crash reduces your expensive computer to a simple stone. -------------------------------------------- Three things are certain: Death, taxes and lost data. Guess which has occurred? -------------------------------------------- You step in the stream, but the water has moved on. This page is not here. -------------------------------------------- Out of memory. We wish to hold the whole sky, But we never will. ------------------------------------------------ Having been erased, The document you're seeking must now be retyped. -------------------------------------------- Serious error. All shortcuts have disappeared. -------------------------------------------- Screen. Mind. Both are blank ----------------------- revdauphinee answered on 07/25/05: the one I like best "Yesterday it worked. Today it is not working. Windows is like that." arcura rated this answer ladybugca rated this answer

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ladybugca asked on 07/24/05 - The Visitor in Your Place One day, a man went to visit a church. He got there early, The Visitor in Your Place One day, a man went to visit a church. He got there early, parked his car, and got out. Another car pulled up and the driver got out and said,"I always park there! You took my place!" The visitor went inside for Sunday School, found an empty seat and sat down. A young lady from the church approached him and stated, "That's my seat! You took my place!" The visitor was somewhat distressed by this rude welcome, but said nothing. After Sunday School, the visitor went into the sanctuary and sat down. Another member walked up to him and said, "That's where I always sit! You took my place!" The visitor was even more troubled by this treatment, but still He said nothing. Later as the congregation was praying for Christ to dwell among them, the visitor stood up, and his appearance began to change. Horrible scars became visible on his hands and on his sandaled feet. Someone from the congregation noticed him and called out, "What happened to you?" The visitor replied, as his hat became a crown of thorns, and a tear fell from his eye, "I took your place." One day, a man went to visit a church. He got there early, parked his car, and got out. Another car pulled up and the driver got out and said,"I always park there! You took my place!" The visitor went inside for Sunday School, found an empty seat and sat down. A young lady from the church approached him and stated, "That's my seat! You took my place!" The visitor was somewhat distressed by this rude welcome, but said nothing. After Sunday School, the visitor went into the sanctuary and sat down. Another member walked up to him and said, "That's where I always sit! You took my place!" The visitor was even more troubled by this treatment, but still He said nothing. Later as the congregation was praying for Christ to dwell among them, the visitor stood up, and his appearance began to change. Horrible scars became visible on his hands and on his sandaled feet. Someone from the congregation noticed him and called out, "What happened to you?" The visitor replied, as his hat became a crown of thorns, and a tear fell from his eye, "I took your place." revdauphinee answered on 07/25/05: loved this so much ive saved it for future use! ladybugca rated this answer

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ladybugca asked on 07/24/05 - pledge of allegiance I PLEDGE ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG, OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, AND TO THE REPUBLIC, FOR WHICH IT STANDS, ONE NATION UNDER GOD, INDIVISIBLE, WITH LIBERTY AND JUSTICE FOR ALL! I was asked to send this on if I agree or delete if I don't. It is said that 86% of Americans believe in God. Therefore I have a very hard time understanding why there is such a problem in having "In God! We Trust" on our money and having "God" in the Pledge of Allegiance. Why don't we just tell the 14% to Shut Up and BE QUIET!!! revdauphinee answered on 07/24/05: because they make more noise than the rest of us!!! ATON2 rated this answer bucker rated this answer Erewhon rated this answer excon rated this answer Krewton rated this answer ladybugca rated this answer

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Krewton asked on 07/22/05 - What to do? Our Pastor has announced he is leaving to help Pastor a Non-Denominational church August 1st. The announcement has come as a shock to everyone in my little church. He was well liked and a good man of God. Anyway my situation is....God has given me the ability to Preach and Play Music. I have been doing alot of the latter, but none of the former for about 3 years. I was a Lay Minister in my former church but "Legalism" and "Formalism" turned me from that church to this one. I have been there for 3 years now. Most of the (Younger, 40 and under) know of my ability to preach the Word. But not to much was said until recently, and in the last few days, it has been mentioned more than once. My wife is a bit nervous about it, she seems to think that some of the older parishioners will get bent out of shape by my sterner way of preaching. Our former Pastor was more of a feel good kind of person. Not that I'm demeaning that, just that I am a bit more forthright in my approach. It doesn't particularly worry me that the old pew sitters would get bent out of shape because 1. I have a day job and 2. The truth may actually rattle them enough to know just because you occupy a pew 40 years doesn't mean you got an all expense paid pass to Heaven. So what do I do? Remain silent till they approach me, or tell them I'd be willing to help out occasionally? Sorry for the long winded post;) Peace and God Bless. revdauphinee answered on 07/22/05: If your asked then by all means go for it Krewton rated this answer

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Itsdb asked on 07/22/05 - One more time... ...with feeling. Not to beat a dead horse or pick on anyone, but this gift discussion has been a real eye opener to me. Never would I have expected to see some of the things I've seen people say about a "gift." The latest that has me puzzled, no offense intended, is this quote by Hope: "I believe that free gift of salvation is made available to all who wish to prove themselves worthy of receiving it." How does one "prove themselves worthy" of receiving a gift? Is anyone ever "worthy" of receiving a gift? Who bears the "cost" of a gift? revdauphinee answered on 07/22/05: if our good works can earn our way into heaven then what do we need Jesus for??? Itsdb rated this answer

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Itsdb asked on 07/22/05 - One more time... ...with feeling. Not to beat a dead horse or pick on anyone, but this gift discussion has been a real eye opener to me. Never would I have expected to see some of the things I've seen people say about a "gift." The latest that has me puzzled, no offense intended, is this quote by Hope: "I believe that free gift of salvation is made available to all who wish to prove themselves worthy of receiving it." How does one "prove themselves worthy" of receiving a gift? Is anyone ever "worthy" of receiving a gift? Who bears the "cost" of a gift? revdauphinee answered on 07/22/05: if our good works can earn our way into heaven then what do we need Jesus for??? Itsdb rated this answer

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ROLCAM asked on 07/22/05 - How true is this statement ? " I believe all religions are pathways to ultimate truth". revdauphinee answered on 07/22/05: this is for me most definatly false ! the God Of the christians and Jews is truth !all others are false Gods !anything that is not truth is lies. ATON2 rated this answer bucker rated this answer ROLCAM rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 07/21/05 - another one bites the dust US cleric taught jihad in Australia By Cameron Stewart and Patrick Walters July 22, 2005 RADICAL Australian Muslims were exposed to the extremist teachings of an American cleric who has been jailed for life in the US for inciting his followers to commit jihad against the West. The cleric, Sheik Ali al-Timimi, was invited to speak in Australia by this country's most senior fundamentalist cleric, Sheik Mohammed Omran, and gave lectures in Melbourne and also at the controversial Sydney prayer hall in Haldon St, Lakemba, which is run by Sheik Abdul Salam Zoud. Senior Islamic sources say some of Sheik Timimi's sermons, given during a visit in 2000, were recorded and continue to be sold at the bookstore in Sheik Omran's prayer hall in Brunswick - one of several bookstores that have come under scrutiny this week for selling radical Islamic texts. A US court last week sentenced Sheik Timimi to life in prison for his actions in 2001 in inciting Muslims to jihad against the West and, in particular, against Western forces in Afghanistan - only months before Australian troops are scheduled to arrive in that country to help fight the Taliban. Sheik Timimi's call was heeded by a group of followers in the US, 11 of whom were charged with conducting paramilitary training to prepare for "holy war" abroad. The case resulted in nine convictions, the largest number in a US terror case since the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. Prosecutors described Sheik Timimi as a "purveyor of hate and war" for his role in inciting his followers, and his hefty sentence has sparked debate in the US about the limits of free speech in an era of terrorism. A similar debate has broken out in Australia this week following calls by Australia's best-known Islamic leader, Sheik Taj Din al-Hilali, for bans on extremist Islamic literature and for the deportation of Islamic clerics who incite their followers to commit violent acts. Sheik Omran has flatly rejected Sheik Hilali's proposals. Attorney-General Philip Ruddock told The Australian yesterday the Government already had in place measures to ensure potential visitors who might incite violence could be refused a visa. "If you look at the visa arrangements in relation to character testing, we have a lot of people who might euphemistically be described as sheiks who are denied entry to Australia because they might bring discordant messages," Mr Ruddock said. Sheik Timimi enjoys a broad global following among radical Muslims, including in Australia. In an internet message in 2003, he described the destruction of the space shuttle Columbia as a "good omen" for Muslims in an apocalyptic conflict with the West. Sheik Timimi called on his followers to commit jihad against the West only five days after the September 11 terror attacks. Several of them then travelled to Pakistan, where they received military training from Lashkar-i-Taiba, an organisation that has since been branded a terrorist group by the US and Australia. Mr Ruddock said Australia already had laws relating to incitement to commit a terrorist act, but retained an open mind about whether further changes were necessary. "If you are talking jihad, does that constitute incitement to commit a terrorist act? It probably doesn't. Everything depends on the facts," he said. "Do you start trying to define what aspects of a sermon might constitute a criminal offence?" He said he would take a close look at the British Government's plans to create a new offence of "indirect incitement" to commit terrorist acts. But he cautioned that Canberra would not necessarily follow Britain's example. Mr Ruddock said that in some of its proposed counter-terrorism measures, Britain was playing "catch-up" with Australia. Additional reporting: Trudy Harris revdauphinee answered on 07/22/05: concerning islaamic hate preaching clerics why is everyone walking on eggs??Makes one wonder wonder how long a christian pastor who preached hatred and murder from the pulpit would last in these countries?not very long for his own congregation would see that he was removed. Why are muslims not doing this? because their holy book promotes it!thier religion my friends is not one of love but of domination! paraclete rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 07/21/05 - A Muslim conspiracy This is what happens when you allow Muslims into you community "They are probably the most violent, prolific gang rapists Sydney has known, with as many as 18 young victims. But until now the extent of the horrific crimes of four brothers from Pakistan has been kept secret. Yesterday, more than three years after they went on a six-month rampage, luring girls as young as 13 to their home in Ashfield to rape them, suppression orders forbidding publication of their trial details were lifted. They still cannot be named because two of the brothers were juveniles, aged 16 and 17, when they committed the first offences. But the crimes of the brothers MSK, MAK, MRK and MMK, and their friend RS, can now be made public. The brothers, who came to Australia from Pakistan around 2000, had claimed in the face of damning DNA evidence that they were the victims of an anti-Muslim conspiracy. The eldest brother feigned mental illness, they sacked numerous lawyers and aborted trials to ensure delays as they tried to wear down the victims who had agreed to testify. Yesterday the Director of Public Prosecutions, Nicholas Cowdery, QC, said the brothers took the rules that ensure a fair trial "to their limits" and they "may need to be re-examined to assess whether they are appropriate". "People from time to time test the operation of these rules. Some people call it game-playing, but if the rules are there to be tested and used, that is a legitimate part of the process," Mr Cowdery said. "It may be that a view can be taken that the rules are being abused and if that view is being taken it may be time for those rules to be changed." The rapes of at least eight girls took place mostly in the brothers' Ashfield home between January and July 2002. The girls were invited to a "party", but would arrive at the house, which was strewn with rubbish and plastered with posters of semi-naked girls, to find no other females there. Some victims were repeatedly raped at knifepoint and told they would be killed if they went to police. The brothers videotaped their rapes, and the tapes show another dozen possible victims. The police have not been able to find them all and some did not want to come forward. The victims who did make complaints breathed a sigh of relief on Monday, when the oldest brother, MSK, pleaded guilty to the aggravated sexual assault of a 13-year-old girl in July 2002. That spared the victim from having to give evidence and brought the series of trials to an end. The brutality of the crime, the last to go to trial, was typical. Before raping the girl, MSK told her he had strangled a girlfriend and hung her from a balcony in Iraq - though he was from Pakistan. In June this year MSK was found guilty of four counts of aggravated sexual assault against a 14-year-old. MAK pleaded guilty to one count of the same charge after the trial was aborted due to outbursts by MSK, who shouted details of their previous convictions at the jury. He also jumped the dock and threw broken glass at the victims' mothers. Under cross-examination, the girl was accused of coaxing MSK to have sex. She told the Herald: "It's always going to be terrible. In your mind you relive the experience over and over again. A smell will set it off or a word � but nothing was as hard as retelling the whole story � in detail while being accused of being a liar." All five men had already been sentenced in April last year to between 10 and 22 years in jail for gang-raping two other girls, aged 16 and 17. RS hanged himself a week before sentencing. For the first trial, in 2003, a new law was rushed through to prevent MSK and MAK personally cross-examining their victims. For the next two years MSK and MAK subjected their victims, the police, prosecutors, judges and even their own defence barristers to calculated ploys to avoid justice. An investigating police officer, Detective Leading Senior Constable Tony Adams, told the Herald this meant the victims continued to suffer long after the rapes. "It's been really trying at times but it's satisfying to see the end result and get the guilty verdicts." The victim who was spared giving evidence in the last trial told the Herald this week: "I am still angry but relieved. I was just nervous about everything and to face him - I was glad I didn't have to go through that." It is to be hoped these disgusting examples of the Muslim upbringing will be deported to that hell hole Pakistan when they have served their sentences revdauphinee answered on 07/21/05: yet the bleeding hearts insist islaam is a peacefull religion!Give me a break! LTgolf rated this answer MaggieB rated this answer paraclete rated this answer

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Erewhon asked on 07/21/05 - ***Christianity*** Mormons and Indian DNA There has been a tremendous flurry of media attention over the scientific study of human genetic inheritance and the Book of Mormon. That attention has swirled around declarations made by Thomas W. Murphy, a doctoral candidate in anthropology, and current chair of the anthropology department at Edmonds Community College in Washington. The storm clouds can be seen in a news article in the Los Angeles Times that says of Mr. Murphy: His conclusion is that "the Book of Mormon is a piece of 19th century fiction," said Murphy, a lifelong Mormon who calls himself a Latter-day skeptic. "And that means that we have to acknowledge sometimes Joseph Smith lied.ŕ It is no wonder that with such conclusions it would appear that dark clouds are forming on the horizon of the Book of Mormon. The clouds appear especially dark when Murphy asserts that his conclusions are supported by modern science. Could it really be that science is proving the Book of Mormon wrong? This is Murphy's conclusion, but it is a conclusion that does not flow from the evidence examined. Critics of the Book of Mormon have come to the same conclusion as Murphy since the book was first published. The difference is that Murphy is claiming a new basis for his conclusion. It is important to remember that Mr. Murphy is not citing his own original research in genetics, but rather library research into the work of others. He is synthesizing conclusions from his reading. This is a critical difference, for it helps us understand why the researchers can be right, but Mr. Murphy can be mistaken in his reading of those researchers. It will help us explain why Dr. Michael Whiting, an Evolutionary Biologist at Brigham Young University and "an authority on DNAŖ does not believe that Mr. Murphy has his science right.3 This is not a statement of fault in scientific method, because Murphy is not engaged in this type of work. It is rather a statement that his conclusions are not consonant with the science. When we examine the nature of the data available, we find that Murphy's particular conclusion does not flow from those data. He has asked the wrong questions of his data, and by asking the wrong questions, returns the wrong answers. It should be understood by the reader that this article is not intended to be a review of Murphy's media-attention-grabbing essay, but an assessment of the available genetic data and it's implications relative to the Book of Mormon, in light of claims made by Murphy and other critics of the Book of Mormon. To understand why Murphy's conclusions do not derive from the data, it is important that we understand what the DNA research can and cannot do. After we understand the science, we must correctly understand the Book of Mormon. Only with this foundation established, will we be able to make correct conclusions based on the data. What can historical genetics do? There are large numbers of different types of studies concerning DNA. To keep them straight, we will confine ourselves to discussing those aspects of DNA research that look at the historical ties of biology, or "historical genetics" as a shorthand description. The short response to the question of what historical genetics and DNA research can do is that it can do wonderful things. The uniqueness of various aspects of human DNA has led to the ability of DNA tests to positively identify the physical remains of unknown victims of accidents. Since we inherit our DNA from our parents (and they from theirs), DNA can be used to trace biological family ties.4 One of the more fascinating family connections came from the examination of a nine-thousand-year-old skeleton in England (known as Cheddar Man), whose direct genetic descendant was found living in that very vicinity.5 It is important to remember with this study, however, that it took a specific skeleton and matched it to a specific person through the use of multiple genetic "markers." It did not find the relationship by beginning with the modern man and tracing him back to the skeleton. Scientists have used the biological chemistry of genetic inheritance to trace certain sets of genetic materials that are shared widely through related populations. By examining particular pieces of DNA (markers) that are common, scientists may reconstruct the line of descent, or "umbilical line" that shows how that inherited marker traveled through time back to an early common ancestor.6 One study has traced mitochondrial DNA, which is inherited only from females, all the way back to a "genetic Eve." It is this type of research that Murphy is citing in his survey of the current research. These are remarkable new tools in our historical kit, and they do wondrous work. The real issue is to understand what they cannot do. What can historical genetics not do? Perhaps the most important caution about historical genetics is that it cannot yet say that all of the data have been collected and examined. For instance, in a recent radio interview, Dr. Scott Woodward, a professor of microbiology and head of the Molecular Genealogy Research Group at BYU,7 was asked about a study that indicated that the Ojibwa Indians possessed a genetic marker that was of unusual origin and appeared to indicate a possible European connection that was pre-Columbian. The study was published in 2001. That should be current science, shouldn't it? Dr. Woodward noted that more recent work has found that marker in Asia,8 highlighting the rapidly advancing and changing state of this particular science, and highlighting the difficulty of stating any conclusion as dramatically final as Murphy has. This is important not only because we should understand that our information is not complete, but because it also illustrates an important difference between researchers in a field and those who simply report on the research of others. Those who actually do the work typically show much more restraint in the types of conclusions they draw from the data. As witness to this caution, Dr. Woodward notes (speaking specifically of tracing back tot he Book of Mormon's Old World immigrants): Have we made an adequate survey of the ancient population from which these individuals derived? No, we haven't. We've been very limited in our observation of the population structure based on mitochondrial DNA because there have been a number that have gone extinct. Perhaps the sampling isn't large enough; it doesn't contain all of the mitochondrial DNA types in a population. So, there are some real challenges in trying to reconstruct the past genetic patterns based on modern, present day DNAs that are collected.9 Equally important, however, is that we must understand correctly what science is telling us. In the case of the "genetic Eve," the popular understanding of the science was that mankind had been traced back to a single woman, hence the "Eve." Similar to Murphy's work, that conclusion was not made by those doing original research, but by people reading that research and making spectacular (and unwarranted) conclusions. The reality of the science is slightly different. Rather than the image of this single progenitor of humanity, we have a single progenitor of a surviving line of mitochondrial DNA. It is a difference that is easy for the non-professional to miss. Dr. Stephen Oppenheimer discussed this misperception of what this line of genetic research could do in the context of the "genetic Eve:" The confusion is to see genetic lines too literally as representing individual humans. The so-called "genetic Eve" was the ancestral mitochondrial genetic line for all modern living humans. Obviously it was carried ultimately by one real woman over 150,000 years ago. But she was only the common ancestor for mitochondrial DNA. She did not carry all the rest of our ancestral genes. We have 30,000 functioning genes and they could each have had a different individual ancestor living at different times in different places. The mitochondrial Eve was therefore one woman among thousands living over 150,000 years ago. Our other genes derive from our members of that ancestral population. The real importance of the mitochondrial genetic tree is that it gives a clear line of descent that can be used as a trail marker of our spread round the world. But it is only one particular tiny part of our huge human genome.10 The scientific use of historical genetics is tracing the spread of humanity throughout the world. It can be used to discuss the flow of populations, but not the complete definition of populations. The "genetic Eve" can be used to discuss the direction of human migrations, but cannot be used to posit a single female ancestor. As Dr. Oppenheimer notes, there were thousands of other women living at the same time as this "Eve," whose mitochondrial line is the only one that survived to the present. The inherent problem with tracing historical lines is that they can only trace the information that survives. Dr. Woodward highlighted this very point in his discussion at the FAIR Conference in August of 2001: If you see a traditional genealogy chart as you would construct it, often we have the males on top and the females going down the bottom. You can see the Y chromosome line going across the top. We can identify the males in that line based on your Y chromosome because it will all be the same. Likewise, we can identify all of the females on the mitochondrial line that comes down across the bottom because they will all be the same. But at this level of, 16 individuals, we've only identified two of the 16 and we've only analyzed the contribution of 1/8 of the ancestors of that individual by looking at the Y chromosome and the mitochondrial DNA. You need to keep that in mind when you read and see a lot of the DNA studies that have been done, out there on mitochondrial DNA or on Y chromosomal DNA. Understand that the picture that you are getting with that alone, is a very small part of the picture. Because at the next generation ... it's 1/16. At the next generation it's 1/32 of the information that you have.11 The nature of the genetic research is necessarily reductive. To trace something back into the past one can match only the information that survives, and the information that reconstructs into the past becomes smaller and smaller. There is a parallel in the world of historical linguistics, which similarly works with present data to reconstruct historical information. Linguists can reconstruct some of the vocabulary of ancient populations based upon the survival of various words into the modern languages descended from that earlier language and population. However, the reconstructed vocabulary is in the hundreds of words if they are lucky. The actual vocabulary of that people would have been in the tens of thousands of words. Those other words existed, just as did all of the other women at the time of the "genetic Eve." The problem is that the traces of the other words and the other women have died out. Another aspect of the analogy to historical linguistics is that data are reconstructed to particular time levels. While reconstructions exist for many different times, it is inappropriate to make comparisons from widely different time depths without carefully correlating the data. Collapsing time periods leads to inaccurate conclusions. This type of interpretive error in reading the data is not unusual in the readers and second-hand interpreters of the data, not the original researchers. This same problem of "time depth" exists in the science of historical genetics. Dr. Woodward specifically cautions: I noticed in the conference last week that was referenced that there were some papers and some discussion on DNA. I think there were some very good things that were said there but I also have some concerns in that there was some mixing of the data across time scales that may not be appropriate. There is a lot of mitochondrial evidence that has to do with population structure very deep in the past; ten-, fifteen-, twenty-, thirty-, one hundred thousand years ago. The experiments that were set up to look at those were set up correctly to be able to answer those questions in those time frames. If we then extrapolate those to the very recent past, the last two- or three- or four thousand years, I think we have to be very careful in extrapolating some of those results.12 The science on which Mr. Murphy is basing his conclusions is valid in the same way that Dr. Woodward discussed the underlying data of the papers in the referenced conference. The problem is not the science that produced the data. The problem is in the way one uses the disparate data to come to conclusions. With this background we can now turn to the application of historical genetics to the Book of Mormon. What does historical genetics say about the Book of Mormon? At this point we should carefully examine Mr. Murphy's conclusions in the published article that provides the support for those conclusions. He says: Now that quantitative scientific methods can indeed test for an Israelite genetic presence in ancient America, we learn ...that virtually all Native Americans can trace their lineages to the Asian mi-grations between 7,000 and 50,000 years ago. While molecular an-thropologists have the technological capability to identify descen-dants of ancient Hebrews, no traces of such DNA markers have appeared in Central America or elsewhere among Native Americans... From a scientific perspective, the Book of Mormon's origin is best situated in early nineteenth-century America, and Lamanite gen-esis can only be traced historically to ca. 1828. The term Lamanite is a modern social and political designation that lacks a verifiable bio-logical or historical underpinning linking it to ancient American In-dians. The Book of Mormon emerged from an antebellum perspec-tive, out of a frontier American people's struggle with their god, and not from an authentic American Indian perspective.13 The problems begin with the very first phrase. He says, "Now that quantitative scientific methods can indeed test for an Israelite genetic presence in ancient America..." Murphy poses this as a given, a fact. It is a "fact" that Dr. Woodward, a researcher in the field, does not accept: What did the genes of Lehi look like? How do we find out today what the genes of Lehi look like? I think that's a valid question to ask. Second is, who would you compare them with in living populations today? Where would you go to make the comparison? Would you go to modern day Israel today? What is the genetic composition of Israeli Jews today? Is it the same as it was two thousand years ago? Three thousand years ago? I would argue that it's not. Do we understand the population dynamics? What kinds of selection factors have been involved?14 For his part, Murphy bases part of his "fact" on the kind of popular thinking that created a single "Eve" instead of the more accurate population of which that ancestor was one representative. In discussing one of the genetic markers used to identify "Israelites," he notes: "Researchers have uncovered distinctive genetic markers on the Y-chromosome that are useful in establishing linkages between ancient and contemporary Hebrew populations.ൗ The science was done correctly, but Murphy gives a dramatic reading of that science that suggests that we may now identify any possible remnant of an ancient Israelite population. That conclusion overreaches the data. What Murphy fails to make clear is that these are reconstructed markers. They go from the present to the past. They are not like the example of the Cheddar Man where the historical is compared to the present. Reconstructions are reductive. Finding one does not indicate that we have an ability to discern any Israelite heritage, hence the difference in the statements made by Murphy and Dr. Woodward. In this case, it should be clear that given the choice we should accept the caution of someone who does professional original research in the field over one who is simply extracting conclusions from written studies. Disproving the Book of Mormon or Mythology? Murphy's next statement in his conclusion is "that virtually all Native Americans can trace their lineages to the Asian mi-grations between 7,000 and 50,000 years ago." The implication is that since we are able to trace Asian migrations, and we haven't found distinctive Hebrew DNA, that therefore the Book of Mormon cannot be true. In this, Murphy comes close to a correct conclusion, but not quite. It is very common among long-time Latter-day Saints who were born into the Church to assume that the Book of Mormon describes the origin of all of the American Indians. That it is common, however, does not mean that it squares with what the Book of Mormon actually says. In fact, it does not. Additionally, this understanding among long-time Latter-day Saints does not indicate that this is a doctrine of the Church. Nevertheless, it provides an easy target for Murphy and anyone else who would attempt to apply "science" to the Book of Mormon. As opposed to Murphy disproving the foundation of the Book of Mormon claims, he has simply identified a mistaken assumption of some lay-members about the Book of Mormon, which is not a new discovery. LDS Book of Mormon scholars have held such a view for years, long before Murphy was even born. Is it true that, as Murphy writes, "...virtually all Native Americans can trace their lineages to the Asian mi-grations between 7,000 and 50,000 years ago." It is true enough. What does this tell us? We may correctly conclude from the evidence that the popular opinion long held among Latter-day Saints that the Book of Mormon explains the origins of all Native American populations is mistaken. We may not conclude from that same evidence, however, that the Book of Mormon is incorrect. What is the difference? Again, Mr. Murphy seems to present the results of his research as though this information about the hemispheric interpretation of the Book of Mormon is somehow new. The information about the Asian migrations into the New World is hardly new, and the faithful LDS scholars of the Book of Mormon have had that very understanding for a minimum of fifty years.16 The use of DNA evidence is new, but it doesn't tell us anything that was not already known about the Book of Mormon. In fact, a good result of this public attention will be that the general population of LDS will more rapidly come to understand the actual historical foundations of their sacred text rather than the mythology that has grown up around it. It is not surprising that the popular understanding of the Book of Mormon should come more from what people thought about it than what it said about itself. As Terryl L. Givens notes concerning the early use of the Book of Mormon in the Church: Looking at the Book of Mormon in terms of its early uses and reception, it becomes clear that this American scripture has exerted influence within the church and reaction outside the church not primarily by virtue of its substance, but rather its manner of appearing, not on the merits of what it says, but what it enacts. Put slightly differently, the history of the Book of Mormon's place in Mormonism and American religion generally has always been more connected to its status as signifier than signified, or its role as a sacred sign rather than its function as persuasive theology. The Book of Mormon is preeminently a concrete manifestation of sacred utterance, and thus an evidence of divine presence, before it is a repository of theological claims.17 This tendency of Church members, in general, to use the fact of the book rather than the text of the book has finally given way to an intense study of the text as a text. One of the earliest results of that research into what the book says about itself led to a reassessment of the relationship of the Book of Mormon to the geography, and therefore history, of the New World. That we should learn more through a concerted study of the Book of Mormon should be no surprise. The Church has never proclaimed that it possessed all truth, all at once. In the case of the Book of Mormon, recent research is anchored in the text itself. Dr. John E. Clark, an anthropologist at BYU, noted: From textual evidence, one can approximate some spatial relationships of various natural features and cities. Distances in the Book of Mormon are recorded in terms of the time required to travel from place to place.18 The results of careful study of what the Book of Mormon actually says about itself tells us that it covers an area dramatically smaller than the western hemisphere. John L. Sorenson notes: We can now be certain that the Book of Mormon story took place in a limited portion of the western hemisphere shaped roughly like an hourglass. The size of that territory was measured in hundreds, not thousands, of miles. The movements of peoples, the individual journeys, and the times involved in travels recorded in the scripture fit reasonably in a land southward around 350 miles long and not much more than half that wide at one point north of Zarahemla. The land northward is less well specified but seems not so long.19 That this more accurate understanding of the Book of Mormon may be seen as the more "official" understanding of the Church may be seen from both the publication of this information about the Book of Mormon in the Ensign in 198420 as well as in the article on "Book of Mormon Geography" in the Encyclopedia of Mormonism. This deeper understanding of the internal geography of the Book of Mormon tells us that when we learn that the traditional hemispheric interpretation of the text is incorrect, it has no relevance to the Book of Mormon itself, because the text never says that. Part of Murphy's conclusion is incorrect simply due to his mistaken assumption that the data contradict the Book of Mormon, when they really speak only to the mythology we have created around the Book of Mormon. Science does not prove the Book of Mormon wrong, because the science is not addressing the particular history of the Book of Mormon. Is the Lack of Evidence...Evidence? There is, of course, more to the story. Murphy's next error in his conclusion is to assume that the absence of evidence equates to the impossibility of existence of peoples described in the Book of Mormon. There are two important points to understand concerning this erroneous assumption. The first is the probable nature of the mixing of early populations in the Book of Mormon, and the second is that the reductive nature of the evidence cannot dismiss the possible presence of valid genetic lines that have been lost. It has been understood from the beginning of this serious study of the Book of Mormon that there were people here when the Lehites arrived; lots of people. When we remember the small numbers of people mentioned in any of the Book of Mormon immigrations into the New World,21 we have a picture of a much smaller population entering an existing population that is significantly larger.22 This more accurate picture of what the Book of Mormon says must now be compared to the correct understanding of the scientific data so that we can understand just what historical genetics does and does not say about the Book of Mormon. The first complication comes from the simple facts of inheritance. Steve Olson, a science journalist, reports the following: In a 1999 paper titled "Recent Common Ancestors of All Present-Day Individuals," Chang showed how to reconcile the potentially huge number of our ancestors with the quantities of people who actually lived in the past. His model is a mathematical proof that relies on such abstractions as Poisson distributions and Markov chains, but it can readily be applied to the real world. Under the conditions laid out in his paper, the most recent common ancestor of every European today (except for recent immigrants to the Continent) was someone who lived in Europe in the surprisingly recent past--only about 600 years ago. In other words, all Europeans alive today have among their ancestors the same man or woman who lived around 1400. Before that date, according to Chang's model, the number of ancestors common to all Europeans today increased, until, about a thousand years ago, a peculiar situation prevailed: 20 percent of the adult Europeans alive in 1000 would turn out to be the ancestors of no one living today (that is, they had no children or all their descendants eventually died childless); each of the remaining 80 percent would turn out to be a direct ancestor of every European living today.23 The mathematics of descent and mixing populations tell us two things. The first is that we seem to be related to virtually everyone else if we go back only 600 to 800 years. The second is that even though we are related, we can only trace a portion of that line of descent. The reductive nature of the research lops off huge branches of our ancestral tree and creates a simple ancestry out of what was, in reality, a tangled one. This should indicate the need for great caution in the way we understand historical genetics, particularly making conclusions on the absence of an "umbilical line." This caution becomes more relevant to the types of studies upon which Murphy is basing his conclusions because they also represent this streamlined view of genetic ancestry. When Murphy adamantly proposes the lack of non-Asian immigration before European contact, he is drawing a conclusion not supported by the data. The data actually say that the traceable origin is Asia. This flow of migration is the proper conclusion from the data, as Dr. Oppenheimer noted above. The data do not, and cannot, say anything about any peoples who did not come from Asia, but whose genetic lines cannot be traced because of the vicissitudes of genetic survival. The most important indication that there is important genetic material that has been lost comes from the recent analysis of skeletal remains from Mexico. Tests indicate that the remains are nearly 13,000 years old. What is most important is what they tell us about migration pattern: The two oldest skulls were "dolichocephalic" - that is, long and narrow-headed. Other, more recent skulls were a different shape - short and broad, like those from native American remains. This suggests that humans dispersed within Mexico in two distinct waves, and that a race of long and narrow-headed humans may have lived in North America prior to the American Indians. Traditionally, American Indians were thought to have been the first to arrive on the continent, crossing from Asia on a land bridge. Dr Gonzalez told BBC News Online: "We believe that the older race may have come from what is now Japan, via the Pacific islands and perhaps the California coast.24 The skull shapes tell us that there is a different genetic type making its migration into the New World. One of these types is more Caucasoid than Asian, as witnessed by the Kennewick Man.25 Similarly, a very Caucasian population existed in part of Asia where their well-preserved mummies clearly declare them distinct from the Asian populations that later inhabited that area.26 These findings complicate the genetic inheritance, as they either demonstrate how much genetic information may be lost, or that our definitions of Asian may have to be re-written to include populations that are not typically thought of as Asian. They also highlight that there is a difference in describing an Asian location and declaring "Asian" as a genetic type. The archaeological evidence tells us that these peoples existed in these places, but we appear to have lost their genetic inheritance. Conclusion The applicability to the Book of Mormon should be evident. The current state of historical genetics tells us what we already knew: the Book of Mormon does not explain the origins of all of the natives of the western hemisphere. However, it is no contradiction to the Book of Mormon, because that isn't what the Book of Mormon says. It is no contradiction of official Church doctrine, because the Church never had an official doctrine on Book of Mormon geography (or genetics), in spite of the rather obvious popular beliefs.27 Historical genetics cannot say anything about the current understanding of the text because the limited contributions of Book of Mormon Old World genetic material was both small and long enough ago that there are any number of reasons why it could have disappeared from the traceable genetic lines that have currently been discovered. There certainly are media storm clouds on the horizon, but they are more threat than real tempest. This media attention is really no more than a tempest in a teapot, and what rain comes from it may have the beneficial effect of washing away some traditional assumptions Mormons have held about their sacred volume that really do need to be replaced with a more solid understanding of what that text really says. Notes 1 William Lobdell and Larry B. Stammer, "Mormon Scientist, Church Clash Over DNA Test," Los Angeles Times (December 8, 2002), A21. 2 Ibid. 3 Ibid. Dr. Whiting responded to a statement by Maxine Hanks that Murphy was like Galileo. Dr. Whiting stated: "It's an inappropriate comparison. The difference is Galileo got the science right. I don't think Murphy has." It should also be noted that Whiting's DNA research has been featured in the weekly science journal, Nature (cover story, January 16, 2003). 4 The most powerful uses of DNA are to show biological relationships between an unknown and a known person. The issue of tracing biological families is the issue that will be discussed as we understand what DNA studies cannot do. 5 http://www.chattanooga.net/cita/mtdna.html 6 Thomas H. Roderick, PhD, uses the term "umbilical line," http://genealogy.about.com/library/blchattrans-roderick.htm. 7 Dr. Woodward is a professor of microbiology and faculty member of the Molecular Biology Program at Brigham Young University. He is also head of the Molecular Genealogy Research Group at BYU. While completing his postdoctoral work in molecular genetics at the Howard Hughes Medical Institute at the University of Utah, he discovered a genetic marker used for the identification of carriers and the eventual discovery of the gene for cystic fibrosis. He was also involved with the identification of other gene markers for colon cancer and neurofibromatosis. He joined the faculty at BYU in 1989 and has been involved with several excavation teams in Seila, Egypt. While in Egypt, he directed the genetic and molecular analysis of Egyptian mummies, both from a commoners' cemetery and from Egyptian Royal tombs. Dr. Woodward has been the Scholar in Residence at the BYU Center for Near Eastern Studies in Jerusalem and a visiting professor at Hebrew University. His work has been featured both nationally and internationally on numerous programs including Good Morning America and both the Discovery and Learning Channels. 8 KUER: Radio West. "Science & Foundations of the Book of Mormon." Interview: Terryl L. Givens, Thomas Murphy and Scott Woodward. Host: Doug Fabrizio. Salt Lake City, December 19, 2002. 9 Scott Woodward. "DNA and the Book of Mormon." Presented at the FAIR Conference, August 2001. Dr. Woodward continues: "There are some ways that we may be able to approach that. And this is one of the approaches that we have taken in our laboratory at BYU. I wish that I could say that this was the magic bullet, and that it was going to be able to answer all our questions concerning ancient populations, but it turns out that the ability to recover ancient DNA and get useful information out of it is extremely difficult. It can be done. We have been able to do that in a number of limited situations. But for the most part, its going to be very difficult to go back in the past a thousand years, two thousand, four, five, ten, twelve, and recover DNA from individuals and say something about their ancient population structures." 10 "The Real Eve." Answers to questions by Dr. Stephen Oppenheimer. DiscoveryChannel.com http://dsc.discovery.com/convergence/realeve/ask/ask.html. 11 Woodward, "DNA and the Book of Mormon." 12 Ibid. 13 Thomas W. Murphy, "Lamanite Genesis, Genealogy, and Genetics," American Apocrypha, edited by Brent Metcalfe and Dan Vogel (Salt Lake City: Signature Books, 2002), 68. 14 Scott Woodward, "DNA and the Book of Mormon." It is worth noting that when Woodward asks about Lehi's genetics, he is clearly referring to Lehi and his group (i.e. his wife, sons, daughters, their spouses and children) and not Lehi, the individual, only. Certainly, identifying Lehi's mitochondrial DNA would be useless, as it would not be passed down to his posterity. The mitochondrial DNA of his wife, daughters, and his son's wives would indeed be important. Dr. Woodward makes that distinction in his presentation. Dr. Woodward continues: "How much of Lehi's mitochondrial DNA would you expect to see in Native Americans? That's a trick question but you should know the answer because we just talked about it. Zero-right? It would be Sariah. Is that true? Why? Why is that true? Who were Sariah's children? Sariah's children were Laman, Lemuel, Nephi, Sam, Jacob, and Joseph. Do you see any mitochondrial carriers there? No, although in 2 Nephi, Chapter 5, Nephi mentions his sisters, so perhaps there were a couple of Sariah's daughters that survived and that then would produce a possibility but who would that be? Who would then be mitochondrial donors for these people who came from the Middle East? The wife of Ishmael, right? Who was the wife of Ishmael�So in reality, one of the questions we have to ask is, "What would we expect to see?" So how can we know whether or not we have Lehite DNA in Native Americans if we're not exactly sure what exactly it is that we're supposed to be looking for or if we could recognize it when we saw it?" 15 Murphy, "Lamanite Genesis, Genealogy, and Genetics," 60. 16 An introduction to some of this history from the perspective of John L. Sorenson's involvement in it may be read in a biographical review. Davis Bitton, "Introduction," Mormon, Scripture, and the Ancient World. Studies in Honor of John L. Sorenson (Provo, Utah: FARMS, Provo, 1998), xxxiii-xxxviii. 17 Terryl L. Givens, By the Hand of Mormon (New York: Oxford University Press, 2002), 63-64. 18 John E. Clark, "Book of Mormon Geography," Encyclopedia of Mormonism, edited by Daniel H. Ludlow (New York: Macmillan Publishing Company, 1992), 1:177. 19 John L. Sorenson, An Ancient American Setting for the Book of Mormon (Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Company, 1985), 22. 20 John L. Sorenson, "Digging into the Book of Mormon: Our Changing Understanding of Ancient America and Its Scripture," Parts 1 and 2. Ensign (September 1984): 26-37; (October 1984): 12-23. 21 Even being generous, it is difficult to identify more than thirty people in Lehi's party. Soon after their arrival they split into two groups, both of which would have been integrated into the larger populations in different regions of the country. Thus Murphy is suggesting that testing modern populations from all over the western hemisphere proves that these thirty people did not exist. There is no logic in such an assumption. 22 Dr. Woodward specifically notes that the smaller population would have an impact in the study of Lehite genetics, assuming that we knew what that meant. Continuing his list of important factors: "�The reduction of size�and the dynamics of the demographics of the population of America and what's happened to it; The huge bottlenecks that have happened; The selection factors that have been involved." 23 Steve Olson. "The Royal We," The Atlantic Monthly (May 2002), http://www.theatlantic.com/issues/2002/05/olson.htm. 24 "Human skulls are 'oldest Americans" Tuesday, 3 December 2002, 15:22 GMT. http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/sci/tech/2538323.stm 25 http://www.archaeology.org/found.php?page=/online/features/native/kennewick.html 26 http://sln.fi.edu/inquirer/mummy.html 27 See the discussion in Clark, "Book of Mormon Geography," 1:178. What was debunked is now REBUNKED! Scientific Christian comments? revdauphinee answered on 07/21/05: allong with acura may I say and I quote ""In my library is a book of Mormon, a copy of A marvellous work and a wonder, and Treasure Island. They and several others are in the fiction section where they belong. Fred "" I also own a quoran and a copy of peter pan but I regard neither as scripture! ATON2 rated this answer Erewhon rated this answer

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CeeBee2 asked on 07/21/05 - Of course the double post will help drive you crazy .............. revdauphinee answered on 07/21/05: cant drive someone to where they are already at!! LOL CeeBee2 rated this answer

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CeeBee2 asked on 07/21/05 - My attempt to drive you crazy............... arcura had told me: "Of course it is a gift. One can earn it." Must one earn a gift, or is it something that is free and unearned? Don't get into religion, but please just answer the above question as to your own experience with getting and giving gifts. revdauphinee answered on 07/21/05: If you earn it it is not a gift! it is wages! CeeBee2 rated this answer MaggieB rated this answer

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arcura asked on 07/21/05 - My turn to tell one.............................. Two North Dakota farmers, Jim and Emerson, are sitting in their favorite bar drinking beer. Jim turns to Emerson and says, "You know, I'm tired of going through life without an education. Tomorrow I think I'll go to the Community College and sign up for some classes." Emerson thinks it's a good idea, and the two leave. The next day Jim goes down to the college and meets the dean of admissions, who signs him up for the four basic classes: math, English, history, and logic. "Logic?" Jim says. "What's that?" The dean says, "I'll show you. Do you own a weed eater?" "Yeah." "Then logically because you own a weed eater, I think that you would have a yard." "That's true, I do have a yard." "I'm not done," the dean says. "Because you have a yard, I think logically that you would have a house." "Yes, I do have a house." "And because you have a house, I think that you might logically have a family." "I have a family." "I'm not done yet. Because you have a family, then logically you must have a wife." "Yes, I do have a wife." "And because you have a wife, then logically you must be a heterosexual." "I am a heterosexual. That's amazing, you were able to find out all of that because I have a weed eater." Excited to take the class now, Jim shakes the dean's hand and leaves to go meet Emerson at the bar. He tells Emerson about his classes, how he is signed up for math, English, history, and logic. "Logic?" Emerson says, "What's that?" Jim says, "I'll show you. Do you have a weed eater?" "No." "Then you're gay." revdauphinee answered on 07/21/05: I like that one thanks! arcura rated this answer

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Itsdb asked on 07/21/05 - Here we go again... Blair urges calm after explosions Prime Minister Tony Blair has urged Londoners to be calm and to get back to business as normal following a series of minor explosions on Thursday. Mr Blair said there appeared to be no casualties in the incidents at three underground stations and on a bus. He said the incidents were serious but stressed they were intended to scare, frighten and intimidate people. Earlier Mr Blair held a meeting of the Cobra civil contingencies committee. He is now resuming his planned schedule. 'No casualties' Cobra, named after the underground Whitehall room in which it meets, coordinates the UK response to crises. At his Downing Street news conference, alongside Australian prime minister John Howard, Mr Blair said: "I have just spoken to the Metropolitan Police Commissioner and his hope is that things can get back to normal as soon as quickly as possible. "We can't minimise incidents such as these, all I would like to say is this - we know why these things are done, to frighten people and make them anxious and worried. "Fortunately in this instance there appears to have been no casualties. We have just got to react calmly." 'London united' Mr Blair denied the attacks were a result of the Iraq war. He said the "roots of this are deep" and terror attacks went back more than a decade. Mr Blair again denied the London attacks were a result of the Iraq war and said terrorism would only be defeated by "going after the ideas of these people ... taking them on and defeating them". "It doesn't change us. It is not going to change what we do. To react in any other way is to engage in the game they want us to engage in." Mr Blair said he hoped it would quickly become apparent who was behind the latest attacks. Gunpoint arrest The prime minister went on to hail the spirit of Londoners whom he said were "canny enough" to know what "these people are trying to do". London was "united" he added. Mr Howard said: "Over a period of 20 to 30 years there were 300 IRA initiated incidents in the City of London. "Sadly the people of this city have had to deal with this sort of thing in the past." Shortly before the press conference armed police outside Downing Street were seen arresting a man at gunpoint, ordering him to remove a rucksack and open his shirt before he was led off. Warren Street, Oval and Shepherd's Bush Tube stations were evacuated and lines closed after three blasts in what Met Police chief Sir Ian Blair said was a "serious incident". In addition, a Number 26 bus in Hackney Road in Bethnal Green had its windows blown out by a blast. There were no injuries. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ London was fortunate today - who will be unfortunate next? Steve revdauphinee answered on 07/21/05: I have to agree with Howard on this one! Itsdb rated this answer paraclete rated this answer

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ladybugca asked on 07/21/05 - THIS IS WHAT LOVE IS ALL ABOUT It was a busy morning, approximately 8:30 am, when an elderly gentleman in his 80's, arrived to have stitches removed from his thumb. He stated that he was in a hurry as he had an appointment at 9:00 am. I took his vital signs and had him take a seat, knowing it would be over an hour before someone would to able to see him. I saw him looking at his watch and decided, since I was not busy with another patient, I would evaluate his wound. On exam it was well healed, so I talked to one of the doctors, got the needed supplies to remove his sutures and redress his wound. While taking care of his wound, we began to engage in conversation I asked him if he had a doctor's appointment this morning, as he was in such a hurry. The gentleman told me no, that he needed to go to the nursing home to eat breakfast with his wife. I then inquired as to her health.He told me that she had been there for a while and that she was a victim of Alzheimer Disease. As we talked, and I finished dressing his wound, I asked if she would be worried if he was a bit late. He replied that she no longer knew who he was, that she had not recognized him in five years now. I was surprised, and asked him. "And you still go every morning,even though she doesn't know who you are?" He smiled as he patted my hand and said. "She doesn't know me, but I still know who she is." I had to hold back tears as he left, I had goose bumps on my arm, and thought, "That is the kind of love I want in my life." True love is neither physical, nor romantic. True love is an acceptance of all that is, has been, will be, and will not be. With all the jokes and fun that are in e-mails, sometimes there are some that come along that have an important message, and this is one of those kind. Just had to share it with. revdauphinee answered on 07/21/05: this defines love (caring for another even when the other dosent know) ladybugca rated this answer

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tomder55 asked on 07/21/05 - Akbar Ganji Akbar Ganji is now in the 39th day of a hunger strike in Tehran's Evin Prison. Kofi Annan has this to say: "I have not enough information on this case and, thus, cannot comment on it." What a suprise ! President Bush had more to say last week, demanding Mr. Ganji's immediate release and adding, "Mr. Ganji, please know that as you stand for your own liberty, America stands with you." A journalist by trade, Mr. Ganji was arrested in 1997 for giving a lecture on "the theoretical foundations of Fascism," for which he spent three months in prison. Three years later, he was sentenced to 10 years in prison for attending a Berlin conference deemed "anti-revolutionary" and "anti-Islamic" by the Iranian authorities. An appellate court reduced Mr. Ganji's sentence to six months, but Tehran prosecutor Saeed Mortazavi intervened to impose a six-year sentence on other charges, such as his possession of photocopied foreign newspapers. As a prisoner, Mr. Ganji has been every bit as nettlesome to the mullahs as he was as a free man. His "Republican Manifesto," first published in 2002 and released in expanded form last May, called on his fellow citizens to boycott the country's sham elections as a way of achieving genuine democracy. During his current hunger strike, Mr. Ganji has written two letters addressed "to all free people," which can be found in English translation at http://freeganji.blogspot.com. "Let it be known that if learning my lesson is to denounce my previous opinions, Ganji will never learn his lesson. ... Today my broken face is the true face of the system in the Islamic Republic of Iran. I am now the symbol of justice. The justice that, if viewed correctly, puts on display the full extent of the oppression of the rulers of the Islamic Republic. ... "Mortazavi has told my wife: 'What will happen if Ganji dies? Dozens die every day in prisons; Ganji will just be one of them.' These are [Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali] Khamenei's words that are uttered through Mortazavi's lips. "Ganji dies, but the demand for freedom, democracy, political justice, hope, aspirations and ideals won't." In different times, these words could have been written by Natan Sharansky in the Soviet Union, Vaclav Havel in Czechoslovakia,or Mahatma Gandhi. It is remarkable how the experience of political oppression is always the same, wherever it takes place. Remarkable, too, is how similar are the aspirations of the oppressed: freedom, democracy, political justice, hope. One wonders if Gangi dies ,will he be welcome in the ranks of the martyrs also ? revdauphinee answered on 07/21/05: if Gangi dies ,will he be welcome in the ranks of the martyrs also ? probably but he wont find any islaamic terrorists where he goes! tomder55 rated this answer

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tomder55 asked on 07/21/05 - Knock Knock A new pastor was visiting in the homes of his parishioners. At one house it seemed obvious that someone was at home, but no answer came to his repeated knocks at the door. So, he took out a card and wrote Revelation 3:20 on the back of it and stuck it in the door. When the offering was processed the following Sunday, he found that his card had been returned. Added to it was this cryptic message, "Genesis 3:10." Reaching for his Bible to check out the citation, he broke up in gales of laughter. "A cheerful heart is good medicine" (Prov. 17:22a) revdauphinee answered on 07/21/05: keep them comming laughing beats arguing any time! tomder55 rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 07/21/05 - In God's Army A friend was in front of me coming out of church one day, and the preacher was standing at the door as he always was to shake hands. He grabbed my friend by the hand and pulled him aside. The Pastor said to him, "You need to join the Army of the Lord!" My friend replied, "I'm already in the Army of the Lord, Pastor." So the Pastor questioned, "Then how come I don't see you except at Christmas and Easter?" He whispered back, "I'm in the Secret Service." revdauphinee answered on 07/21/05: Great one must remember it! paraclete rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 07/21/05 - The Greek Priest A Greek priest is driving down to New York to see a show, and he's stopped in Connecticut for speeding. The state trooper smells alcohol on his breath, sees an empty wine bottle on the floor, and asks, "Sir, have you been drinking?" The minister replies, "Just water." The trooper asks, "Then, why do I smell wine?" The minister looks down at the bottle and exclaims, "Good Lord, He's done it again!" revdauphinee answered on 07/21/05: I live it but it would work with even a baptist preacher(and may be more apt) dont you think bucker rated this answer paraclete rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 07/21/05 - These are the people we are expected to accept into our society on equal terms? Muslim women in study ban By Trudy Harris July 21, 2005 FATWAS forbidding Muslim women from studying at university have been distributed in Sydney's south-western Muslim heartland, according to the country's highest-profile Islamic leader. Sheik Taj Din al-Hilali said the fatwas condemning aspects of Western society had been brought into Australia from Middle East countries, written in Arabic. He said the religious edicts, reflecting the fundamentalist strand of Islam originating from Saudi Arabia, had been distributed at mosques and prayer halls on pieces of paper. Other fatwas, which Sheik Hilali said were unwelcome in modern Western countries like Australia, included banning male and female Muslims from voting in democratic elections. "They have been given out, sometimes outside mosques like free handouts," he told The Australian this week. Sheik Hilali used the fatwas to highlight his concerns about Islamic fundamentalism in Australia, which he this week compared to a disease. He said he and other clerics needed to continue to work hard to capture the hearts and minds of a small number of young Muslims who were moving towards fundamentalism. While he did not consider these young Muslims dangerous or violent, he was concerned they were being manipulated by a handful of local fundamentalist clerics. In Britain, the Government is moving to mobilise moderate Islam in an attempt to stem fundamentalism, stop extremism and prevent any future attacks, such as the London bombings. Sheik Hilali's revelations about fatwas in Australia follow a Federal Police investigation this week into radical books for sale at an Islamic bookstore in the southwest Sydney suburb of Lakemba. While Sheik Hilali had not read the particular books under investigation, he said any that preached racism, violence or hatred against Australia and its citizens should be banned. "It's like someone selling poison, or like selling the poisoned Mars bars. They should be taken off the shelves. It's a free country but it's not free to poison people," he said. Sheik Hilali declined to name those who had circulated the fatwas or to say how long ago they were distributed. He said he no longer had copies of the fatwas. The Australian has previously reported on one edict that instructs fundamentalist Muslims on how they should respond to Christmas -- including refusing to return season's greetings to non-Muslims. That edict, issued several years ago, says Muslims must not greet anyone with the phrase "Merry Christmas" and must not return the season's greetings to anyone who offers them. It also says Muslims must not: * Offer or accept any food or drink linked with the celebration of Christmas. * Send greeting cards for or import or sell anything related to Christmas. You can be assured this type of behaviour is not confined to Australia. perhaps it's time for a papal Bull condemning all who associate with fundamentalist Muslims? Those who are not for you, ARE against you!!!!!!! revdauphinee answered on 07/21/05: Educated women are thinking women !Thinking women would rebell!So do not educate them!(typical islaamic truth?) bucker rated this answer paraclete rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 07/20/05 - Mormon teachings debunked by science Academic falls foul of Mormons By Linda Morris July 21, 2005 A molecular biologist at the CSIRO is facing excommunication from the Mormon Church after writing a book challenging its central teachings. Dr Simon Southerton was raised a believer but in 1998 abandoned the church of which he was a bishop - the equivalent of a parish priest - when he could not reconcile his faith with scientific research. A year ago he published a rebuttal of the Book of Mormon teachings which claim native American and Polynesians were descendants of Israelite tribes who had migrated to the Americas centuries before Christ. In Losing a Lost Tribe: Native Americans, DNA and the Mormon Church, Dr Southerton challenged the church to declare the Mormon scriptural text an "inspired fictional story". "The DNA evidence we have today clearly shows that native Americans and Polynesians are both descended from Asian ancestors," he told the Herald. He said more than 7000 native Americans had been DNA tested, proving 99 per cent of their DNA came from Asia. Last week Dr Southerton, who is from Canberra, was summoned to appear before a church disciplinary council on July 31. He has not been charged with heresy, but the lesser charge of adultery for which he could be disciplined or expelled. "It's very odd for the church to snoop on somebody who has not been in church for seven years and who hasn't had visitors from the church during that time, and to call them to the disciplinary council," Dr Southerton said. "This leads me to suspect that the motivation is my widely known apostasy. If that is the case, why isn't the church addressing the much more serious charge?" The church's founder and prophet, Joseph Smith, claimed to have translated the "golden bible", considered to be a companion text to the Bible, from the text inscribed on gold plates which were delivered by the angel Moroni and unearthed on a hillside in New York State. The religion, which has its headquarters in Utah, claims more than 100,000 adherents in Australia. A church spokeswoman, Jenny Harkness, referred questions on DNA to the church's official website, which claims attacks on the veracity of the Book of Mormon based on DNA evidence are ill-considered. Nothing in the Book of Mormon precluded migration to the Americas by peoples of Asiatic origin, the website says. Ms Harkness said the church was a voluntary association and membership came by "obedience to the laws and ordinances of the gospel". Church disciplinary councils could require counselling, limit participation in church activities - such as praying in church meetings - or in extreme cases, loss of membership. Resignation was an option, Dr Southerton said, but if the church did not "feel pressure from the outside world", it would not see any reason to face the flaws in its teachings. revdauphinee answered on 07/21/05: The church's founder and prophet, Joseph Smith, claimed to have translated the "golden bible", considered to be a companion text to the Bible, from the text inscribed on gold plates which were delivered by the angel Moroni and unearthed on a hillside in New York State. How did he(or those claimed to have helped him) translate when they had no language skills to do this and "WHERE are the so called plates now????(hence the phrase phoney morroni!?) ATON2 rated this answer Erewhon rated this answer paraclete rated this answer

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tomder55 asked on 07/20/05 - Bush nominates devout Catholic to the Supreme Court To make it even better ;Roberts wife was Vice President of Feminists for Life . See my other post about the Roberts nomination on the Politics Page revdauphinee answered on 07/20/05: if he did nothing else bush got the news away from the Rowe debacle tomder55 rated this answer

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Itsdb asked on 07/19/05 - Define please "For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast." Ephesians 2:8-9 "Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour" Titus 3:5-6 What is a gift? What is grace? What is mercy? What does "not" mean? Steve revdauphinee answered on 07/19/05: What is a gift? A)something given freely What is grace?A)its given from love What is mercy?A)Gods loving care for us What does "not" mean?a) it means we cannot earn nor deserve it! hOPE12 rated this answer Itsdb rated this answer Liz22 rated this answer MaggieB rated this answer

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imatease asked on 07/19/05 - Is it really a Christian thing Is it a Christian thing to be a cry baby and turn people in as obusive if they only speak the truth? When was or is it a sin to say out loud or write an honest question that is on your mind? HONEST answers will get 5 stars revdauphinee answered on 07/19/05: no it is not however you did say it was because of the truth!for it is most definatly not Christian to bear false witness! imatease rated this answer ladybugca rated this answer

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curious98 asked on 07/19/05 - Ben Stein A friend has sent me this excerpt. I thought you might like to read it! "For many years Ben Stein has written a biweekly column called "Monday Night At Morton's." (Morton's is a famous chain of Steakhouses known to be frequented by movie stars and famous people from around the globe.) Now, Ben is terminating the column to move on to other things in his life. Reading his final column is worth a few minutes of your time. Ben Stein's Last Column... ============================================ How Can Someone Who Lives in Insane Luxury Be a Star in Today's World? As I begin to write this, I "slug" it, as we writers say, which means I put a heading on top of the document to identify it. This heading is "eonlineFINAL," and it gives me a shiver to write it. I have been doing this column for so long that I cannot even recall when I started. I loved writing this column so much for so long I came to believe it would never end. It worked well for a long time, but gradually, my changing as a person and the world's change have overtaken it. On a small scale, Morton's, while better than ever, no longer attracts as many stars as it used to. It still brings in the rich people in droves and definitely some stars. I saw Samuel L. Jackson there a few days ago, and we had a nice visit, and right before that, I saw and had a splendid talk with Warren Beatty in an elevator, in which we agreed that Splendor in the Grass was a super movie. But Morton's is not the star galaxy it once was, though it probably will be again. Beyond that, a bigger change has happened. I no longer think Hollywood stars are terribly important. They are uniformly pleasant, friendly people, and they treat me better than I deserve to be treated. But a man or woman who makes a huge wage for memorizing lines and reciting them in front of a camera is no longer my idea of a shining star we should all look up to. How can a man or woman who makes an eight-figure wage and lives in insane luxury really be a star in today's world, if by a "star" we mean someone bright and powerful and attractive as a role model? Real stars are not riding around in the backs of limousines or in Porsches or getting trained in yoga or Pilates and eating only raw fruit while they have Vietnamese girls do their nails. They can be interesting, nice people, but they are not heroes to me any longer. A real star is the soldier of the 4th Infantry Division who poked his head into a hole on a farm near Tikrit, Iraq. He could have been met by a bomb or a hail of AK-47 bullets. Instead, he faced an abject Saddam Hussein and the gratitude of all of the decent people of the world. A real star is the U.S. soldier who was sent to disarm a bomb next to a road north of Baghdad. He approached it, and the bomb went off and killed him. A real star, the kind who haunts my memory night and day, is the U.S. soldier in Baghdad who saw a little girl playing with a piece of unexploded ordnance on a street near where he was guarding a station. He pushed her aside and threw himself on it just as it exploded. He left a family desolate in California and a little girl alive in Baghdad. The stars who deserve media attention are not the ones who have lavish weddings on TV but the ones who patrol the streets of Mosul even after two of their buddies were murdered and their bodies battered and stripped for the sin of trying to protect Iraqis from terrorists. We put couples with incomes of $100 million a year on the covers of our magazines. The noncoms and officers who barely scrape by on military pay but stand on guard in Afghanistan and Iraq and on ships and in submarines and near the Arctic Circle are anonymous as they live and die. I am no longer comfortable being a part of the system that has such poor values, and I do not want to perpetuate those values by pretending that who is eating at Morton's is a big subject. There are plenty of other stars in the American firmament...the policemen and women who go off on patrol in South Central and have no idea if they will return alive; the orderlies and paramedics who bring in people who have been in terrible accidents and prepare them for surgery; the teachers and nurses who throw their whole spirits into caring for autistic children; the kind men and women who work in hospices and in cancer wards. Think of each and every fireman who was running up the stairs at the World Trade Center as the towers began to collapse. Now you have my idea of a real hero. I came to realize that life lived to help others is the only one that matters. This is my highest and best use as a human. I can put it another way. Years ago, I realized I could never be as great an actor as Olivier or as good a comic as Steve Martin...or Martin Mull or Fred Willard--or as good an economist as Samuelson or Friedman or as good a writer as Fitzgerald. Or even remotely close to any of them. But I could be a devoted father to my son, husband to my wife and, above all, a good son to the parents who had done so much for me. This came to be my main task in life. I did it moderately well with my son, pretty well with my wife and well indeed with my parents (with my sister's help). I cared for and paid attention to them in their declining years. I stayed with my father as he got sick, went into extremis and then into a coma and then entered immortality with my sister and me reading him the Psalms. This was the only point at which my life touched the lives of the soldiers in Iraq or the firefighters in New York. I came to realize that life lived to help others is the only one that matters and that it is my duty, in return for the lavish life God has devolved upon me, to help others He has placed in my path. This is my highest and best use as a human. Faith is not believing that God can. It is knowing that God will. By Ben Stein" Any comments? Curious 98 revdauphinee answered on 07/19/05: we should all thank our God for the ""real"" stars in our lives curious98 rated this answer

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hOPE12 asked on 07/19/05 - Here is something to think about: Hello Everyone, I am really trying to understand how some feel about being saved just by placing faith in Jesus and accepting him as our savior? I was always under the understanding that we receive salvation when we are judged. I feel I am in a saved position because I try to serve God to the best of my ability, but I also feel I do not receive the blessing of my position until I am judged on judgement day as having proved myself worthy of salvations blessings. When we enter a race or contest the reward is given after the race or contest to the one that endured and won. Here is my thoughts and I really am trying to understand where some are comeing from who feel they are saved. Please give this some thought and reply from your hearts. I am in no way trying to antagonize anyone, so please be nice. There was a teen who was asked : �Young man, do you accept Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior?� That sounded like a rather strange question, since this teen had always believed in Jesus. So he answered, �Of course I do.� �Praise the Lord!� the man shouted for all to hear. �Another soul saved for Christ!� 1- Having said this is our salvation really that simple? 2-Was this teen saved from that moment on regardless of what he does with the rest of his life? 3-What does �accepting� Jesus really mean? 4-Is it a one-time act of faith, or is it a continuing way of life? 5- Must our belief be strong enough to motivate us to action? 6- Can we really accept the benefits of Jesus� sacrifice without the responsibility of following him? Many people want the blessings but not the responsibility of following and obeying Jesus. In fact, the word �obey� often disturbs them. Yet Jesus said: �Come be my follower.� Luke 18:18-23 And the Bible states: (2 Thessalonians 1:8-9) in a flaming fire, as he brings vengeance upon those who do not know God and those who do not obey the good news about our Lord Jesus. 9 These very ones will undergo the judicial punishment of everlasting destruction from before the Lord and from the glory of his strength, (Matthew 10:38) And whoever does not accept his torture stake and follow after me is not worthy of me. (Matthew 16:24) Then Jesus said to his disciples: �If anyone wants to come after me, let him disown himself and pick up his torture stake and continually follow me. (Matthew 10:22) And YOU will be objects of hatred by all people on account of my name; but he that has endured to the end is the one that will be saved. (1 Corinthians 9:24) Do YOU not know that the runners in a race all run, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way that YOU may attain it. (1 Peter 4:17) For it is the appointed time for the judgment to start with the house of God. Now if it starts first with us, what will the end be of those who are not obedient to the good news of God? (James 1:22) However, become doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves with false reasoning. The Bible says many things that raise serious questions about what has been taught about salvation. 7- What do you personally believe being saved involves? 8- Do we just say we believe in Jesus and then we are saved, or must we prove that we have accepted Jesus and follow him in order to be in a saved position? Something else to think about, 9- Does the reward of salvation come before we finish our proof of faith, or does the reward of salvation come after the job is done? Please elaborate on your answer. Thank you, Hope12 revdauphinee answered on 07/19/05: salvation is a gift !do you judge folk before giving gifts???all we need to do is to reach out to the giver ! Bobbye rated this answer hOPE12 rated this answer Itsdb rated this answer

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arcura asked on 07/18/05 - Is another bit of freedom about to go down the drain? DES MOINES, Iowa (AP)--Fees for a new driver's license could triple. Lines at motor vehicles offices could stretch out the door. Governors warned Monday that states and consumers would bear much of the burden for a terrorism-driven push to turn licenses into a national ID card. �It's a huge problem,� said Democrat Ed Rendell of Pennsylvania. �Trying to make this work, there will be hell to pay.� He said it would cost his state �$100 million-plus� to restructure motor vehicle offices to respond to a new federal law called the REAL ID Act. The law that passed in June as part of an $82 billion military spending bill goes beyond an earlier measure that sought to standardize state driver's licenses. By 2008, states must begin to verify whether license applicants are American citizens or legal residents of the United States. That deadline brought the first question in a closed-door session between governors and federal officials on homeland security Monday at the National Governors Association meeting. The two groups also talked about pressures on National Guard troops, and steps to better integrate state and local law enforcement with federal efforts to prevent terrorist attacks, governors said as they wrapped up their summer meeting. But the REAL ID Act prompted the strongest reaction. �It has become a national ID card. It's a terrible idea for the states to do it,� said Republican Mike Huckabee of Arkansas, chairman of the governors association. �They have created a national nightmare and they'll probably be driving up the cost of the driver's licenses by three- or four-fold.� After meeting privately with governors, Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff said the new law could create opportunities to protect people against identity theft. He also offered assurances that his agency would work cooperatively with states. �What we want is to find a common plan that works for everybody, but we'll also take into account the natural differences states have,� Chertoff said. The latest law--and an earlier version that had passed last year--have brought complaints from civil liberties advocates that the new cards' reliance on biometric identifiers such as fingerprints or retinal scans would threaten privacy. They have warned that the documents can be stolen or altered, making identity theft easier, and that the cards could let government track people's travels. But governors were more concerned about the bottom line, for their budgets and for their citizens. Huckabee's prediction: �Lines longer, price higher, frustration certainly greater.� The federal government is essentially demanding the skills of immigration officials and FBI agents from motor vehicle clerks whose starting pay, in Arkansas, is $8.27 an hour, he said. The logic of the law is also flawed, said Democrat Bill Richardson of New Mexico, because denying illegal immigrants a driver's license just makes it harder for government and law enforcement to keep track of them. New Mexico allows illegal immigrants to get licenses. That makes roads safer since licensed immigrants can get insured and give the state data about where they live, he said. It also helps immigrants integrate into society, he said. �It's working and now it could be dismantled by a shortsighted, federal unfunded mandate,� Richardson said revdauphinee answered on 07/19/05: one just needs to take alook at the false ids used by teenagers to realize how easy these are to duplicate . arcura rated this answer tomder55 rated this answer

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arcura asked on 07/18/05 - I've gotta tip the hat to the Brits again. In two different newspapers I read today were big headlines on the same story. They were about an English Muslim cleric. He condemned the recent bombings in London, said that killing innocent people was against the teachings in the Koran and that those who commit suicide will go to hell. Now if enough other Muslim clerics can muster enough courage to do the same, and say it publicly it might help slow down the suicide bombing insanity. Three cheers for the English cleric who set the example on an international basis. Comments anyone? Fred revdauphinee answered on 07/19/05: to bad we dont have more of that faith that will speak out! arcura rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 07/18/05 - And God created And God created... Peace Officers As God was creating peace officers, He was into His sixth day of overtime when an angel appeared and said, "You sure are spending a lot of time working on this one." God said... "Have you read the specifications on this order? A peace officer has to able to run five miles through alleys in the dark, scale walls, enter homes the health inspector wouldn't touch, and not wrinkle his uniform. "He has to be able to sit in an undercover car all day on a stakeout, cover a homicide scene that night, canvass the neighborhood for witnesses, and testify in court the next day. "He has to be in top physical condition at all times, running on black coffee and half-eaten meals. And he has to have six pairs of hands." The angel blinked in amazement and said, "Six pairs of hands? No way!" "It's not the hands that are causing me problems," said the Lord. "It's the three pairs of eyes that a peace officer has to have." "That's on the standard model?" asked the angel. The Lord nodded... "Yes. He needs one pair that sees through a bulge in a pocket before he asks, 'May I see what's in there, sir?' (when he already knows, and wishes he'd taken that accounting job.) "He needs another pair of eyes in the side of his head to watch after his partner's safety. And he needs another pair in front that can look reassuringly at a bleeding victim and say, 'You'll be all right ma'am,' when he knows it isn't so." "Lord," said the angel, touching His sleeve, "rest and work on this tomorrow." "I'll be finished with him in a minute or so," God said. "I've already endowed him with the ability to talk a 250 pound drunk into a patrol car without incident, and feed a family of five on a civil service paycheck." The angel circled the model of the peace officer very slowly. "Can he think?" she asked. "You bet," said the Lord. "He can tell you the elements of a hundred crimes; recite Miranda warnings in his sleep; detain, investigate, search, and arrest a gang member on the street in less time than it takes five learned judges to debate the legality of the stop -- and he still manages to keep his sense of humor. "This officer also has phenomenal personal control. He can deal with crime scenes painted in hell, coax a confession from a child abuser, comfort a murder victim's family, and then read in the daily paper how law enforcement isn't sensitive to the rights of criminal suspects." Just then the angel bent over and ran her finger across the cheek of the peace officer. "There's a leak!" she pronounced. "I told you that you were trying to put too much into this model." "That's not a leak," God said. "It's a teardrop." "What's the teardrop for?" asked the angel. God sadly shrugged His shoulders. "I didn't put it there," He said. revdauphinee answered on 07/19/05: since i am the daughter of a former police officer I can appreciate that one! paraclete rated this answer

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Bobbye asked on 07/18/05 - CHRISTIAN CHARACTER! What is the characteristic of a "Christian" that you deem most noteworthy? (1) Honesty (Whoops! There goes 3 of the 4 handles used here.) (2) Integrity (all-encompassing) (3) Truthfulness (An exercise in futility -- even with some Christians.) (4) Compassion (5) Joy (Why aren't most Christians "joyful?" We serve the God of the universe!) (6) Longsuffering (7) Gentleness (8) Mercy (9) Kindness (10) LOYALTY! (An era that is "gone with the wind!") (11) Steadfastness (12) Commitment (13) Love (14) Peace (15) Goodness? (16) ___________ (Your description.) Thanks. Bobbye revdauphinee answered on 07/18/05: answer) (10) LOYALTY! (An era that is "gone with the wind!") and (13) Love Bobbye rated this answer ladybugca rated this answer MaggieB rated this answer

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arcura asked on 07/17/05 - Vehicle shopping - just for the fun of it..... The couple had been debating the purchase of a new auto for weeks. He wanted a new truck. She wanted a fast little sports-like car so she could zip through traffic around town. He would probably have settled on any beat up old truck, but everything she seemed to like was way out of their price range. "Look !" she said. I want something that goes from 0 to 200 in 4 seconds or less. "And my birthday is coming up. You could surprise me." For her birthday, he bought her a brand new bathroom scale. Services are pending; I think the charge was justifiable homicide. revdauphinee answered on 07/17/05: HAVE TO AGREE arcura rated this answer ladybugca rated this answer

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MaggieB asked on 07/17/05 - I think this sort of explains what we are facing!!!!!!How does it Happen? The New York Times By THOMAS L. FRIEDMAN Published: July 15, 2005 A few years ago I was visiting Bahrain and sitting with friends in a fish restaurant when news appeared on an overhead TV about Muslim terrorists, men and women, who had taken hostages in Russia. What struck me, though, was the instinctive reaction of the Bahraini businessman sitting next to me, who muttered under his breath, "Why are we in every story?" The "we" in question was Muslims. The answer to that question is one of the most important issues in geopolitics today: Why are young Sunni Muslim males, from London to Riyadh and Bali to Baghdad, so willing to blow up themselves and others in the name of their religion? Of course, not all Muslims are suicide bombers; it would be ludicrous to suggest that. But virtually all suicide bombers, of late, have been Sunni Muslims. There are a lot of angry people in the world. Angry Mexicans. Angry Africans. Angry Norwegians. But the only ones who seem to feel entitled and motivated to kill themselves and totally innocent people, including other Muslims, over their anger are young Sunni radicals. What is going on? Neither we nor the Muslim world can run away from this question any longer. This is especially true when it comes to people like Muhammad Bouyeri - a Dutch citizen of Moroccan origin who last year tracked down the Dutch filmmaker Theo van Gogh, a critic of Islamic intolerance, on an Amsterdam street, shot him 15 times and slit his throat with a butcher knife. He told a Dutch court on the final day of his trial on Tuesday: "I take complete responsibility for my actions. I acted purely in the name of my religion." Clearly, several things are at work. One is that Europe is not a melting pot and has never adequately integrated its Muslim minorities, who, as The Financial Times put it, often find themselves "cut off from their country, language and culture of origin" without being assimilated into Europe, making them easy prey for peddlers of a new jihadist identity. Also at work is Sunni Islam's struggle with modernity. Islam has a long tradition of tolerating other religions, but only on the basis of the supremacy of Islam, not equality with Islam. Islam's self-identity is that it is the authentic and ideal expression of monotheism. Muslims are raised with the view that Islam is God 3.0, Christianity is God 2.0, Judaism is God 1.0, and Hinduism is God 0.0. Part of what seems to be going on with these young Muslim males is that they are, on the one hand, tempted by Western society, and ashamed of being tempted. On the other hand, they are humiliated by Western society because while Sunni Islamic civilization is supposed to be superior, its decision to ban the reform and reinterpretation of Islam since the 12th century has choked the spirit of innovation out of Muslim lands, and left the Islamic world less powerful, less economically developed, less technically advanced than God 2.0, 1.0 and 0.0. "Some of these young Muslim men are tempted by a civilization they consider morally inferior, and they are humiliated by the fact that, while having been taught their faith is supreme, other civilizations seem to be doing much better," said Raymond Stock, the Cairo-based biographer and translator of Naguib Mahfouz. "When the inner conflict becomes too great, some are turned by recruiters to seek the sick prestige of 'martyrdom' by fighting the allegedly unjust occupation of Muslim lands and the 'decadence' in our own." This is not about the poverty of money. This is about the poverty of dignity and the rage it can trigger. One of the London bombers was married, with a young child and another on the way. I can understand, but never accept, suicide bombing in Iraq or Israel as part of a nationalist struggle. But when a British Muslim citizen, nurtured by that society, just indiscriminately blows up his neighbors and leaves behind a baby and pregnant wife, to me he has to be in the grip of a dangerous cult or preacher - dangerous to his faith community and to the world. How does that happen? Britain's Independent newspaper described one of the bombers, Hasib Hussain, as having recently undergone a sudden conversion "from a British Asian who dressed in Western clothes to a religious teenager who wore Islamic garb and only stopped to say salaam to fellow Muslims." The secret of this story is in that conversion - and so is the crisis in Islam. The people and ideas that brought about that sudden conversion of Hasib Hussain and his pals - if not stopped by other Muslims - will end up converting every Muslim into a suspect and one of the world's great religions into a cult of death. revdauphinee answered on 07/17/05: have to aGREE ISLAM is a CULT OF DEATH MaggieB rated this answer paraclete rated this answer

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Laura asked on 07/17/05 - Grandson had a bad fall!! Yesturday my grandson Joey had a bad fall off of some monkey bars at the park.. Broke the big bone in his arm.. dislocated the other one.. Doc said it would have been better had he broke both bones, as the injury he sustained caused severe damage to his elbow.. Please say a little prayer for him.. I'm sure he will heal fine.. I think I hurt more than him.. He doesn't remember anything because of the drugs.. They had to drug him up pretty good to set the bone and all.. I still cringe at the thought of it all!!! Thanks ahead of time for your thoughts and prayers.. Laura revdauphinee answered on 07/17/05: will do!! dont we as grandparents often wish we could take the pain of the little ones on ourself and isnt this what Jesus did for us? Laura rated this answer MaggieB rated this answer

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Krewton asked on 07/17/05 - Truth........ What is Truth? revdauphinee answered on 07/17/05: what is not false! Krewton rated this answer ladybugca rated this answer

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HANK1 asked on 07/16/05 - Free-Will: Do human beings truly have a free will? HANK revdauphinee answered on 07/16/05: we sure do! too bad he didnt give some of us insrtructions on the best use of this gift! Bobbye rated this answer HANK1 rated this answer ladybugca rated this answer

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Itsdb asked on 07/16/05 - Facing hard facts By Diana West July 15, 2005 Only one faith on earth may be more messianic than Islam: multiculturalism. Without it � without its fanatics who believe all civilizations are the same � the engine that projects Islam into the unprotected heart of Western civilization would stall and fail. It's as simple as that. To live among the believers � the multiculturalists � is to watch the assault, the jihad, take place, unrepulsed by our suicidal societies. These societies are not doomed to submit; rather, they are eager to do so in the name of a masochistic brand of tolerance that, short of drastic measures, is surely terminal. I'm not talking about our soldiers, policemen, rescue workers and, now, even train conductors who bravely and steadfastly risk their lives for civilization abroad and at home. I'm instead thinking about who we are as a society at this somewhat advanced stage of war. It is a strange, tentative civilization we have become, with leaders who strut their promises of "no surrender" even as they flinch at identifying the foe. Four years past September 11, we continue to shadow-box "terror," even as we go on about "an ideology of hate." It's a script that smacks of sci-fi fantasy more than realpolitik. But our grim reality is no summer blockbuster, and there's no special-effects-enhanced plot twist that is going to thwart "terror" or "hate" in the London Underground, any more than it did on the roof of the World Trade Center. Or in the Bali nightclub. Or on the first day of school in Beslan. Or in any disco, city bus or shopping mall in Israel. Body bags, burn masks and prosthetics are no better protections than make-believe. But these are our weapons, according to the powers that be. These, and an array of high-tech scopes and scanners designed to identify retinas and fingerprints, to detect explosives and metals � ultimately, I presume, as we whisk through the automatic supermarket door. How strange, though, that even as we devise new ways to see inside ourselves to our most elemental components, we also prevent ourselves from looking full face at the danger to our way of life posed by Islam. Notice I didn't say "Islamists." Or "Islamofascists." Or "fundamentalist extremists." I've tried out such terms in the past, but I've come to find them artificial and confusing, and maybe purposefully so, because in their imprecision I think they allow us all to give a wide berth to a great problem: the gross incompatibility of Islam � the religious force that shrinks freedom even as it "moderately" enables, or "extremistly" advances jihad � with the West. Am I right? Who's to say? The very topic of Islamization � for that is what is at hand, and very soon in Europe � is verboten. A leaked British report prepared for Prime Minister Tony Blair last year warned even against "expressions of concern about Islamic fundamentalism" (another one of those amorphous terms) because "many perfectly moderate Muslims follow strict adherence to traditional Islamic teachings and are likely to perceive such expressions as a negative comment on their own approach to their faith." Much better to watch subterranean tunnels fill with charred body parts in silence. As the London Times' Simon Jenkins wrote, "The sane response to urban terrorism is to regard it as an avoidable accident." In not discussing the roots of terror in Islam itself, in not learning about them, the multicultural clergy that shepherds our elites prevents us from having to do anything about them. This is key, because any serious action � stopping immigration from jiahd-sponsoring nations, shutting down mosques that preach violence, expelling their imams, just for starters � means to renounce the multicultural creed. In the West, that's the greatest apostasy. And while the penalty is not death � as it is for leaving Islam under Islamic law � the existential crisis is to be avoided at all costs. Including extinction. This is the lesson of the atrocities in London. It's unlikely the 21st-century will remember that this new Western crossroads for global jihad was once the home of Churchill, Piccadilly and Sherlock Holmes. Then again, who will notice? The BBC has retroactively purged its online bombing coverage of the word "terrorist;" the spokesman for the London police commissioner has declared that "Islam and terrorism simply don't go together," and within sight of a forensics team sifting through rubble, an Anglican priest urged his flock, as the Guardian reported, to "rejoice in the capital's rich diversity of cultures, traditions, ethnic groups and faiths." Just don't, he said, "name them as Muslims." Their faith renewed, Londoners soldier on. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Comments? Still think those radical Christians are the real threat in America? revdauphinee answered on 07/16/05: the truest comment in this piece is as follows"the gross incompatibility of Islam � the religious force that shrinks freedom even as it "moderately" enables, or "extremistly" advances jihad � with the West"when are the blleding hearts going to admit that we are in a holy war??those who deny this do nothing less than give aid and comfort to an enemy that wants nothing less than the extiguishing of all that is christian!or jewish Itsdb rated this answer MaggieB rated this answer

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Itsdb asked on 07/16/05 - Court: U.S. Can Resume Detainee Tribunals By ROBERT BURNS, AP Military Writer Saturday, July 16, 2005 (07-16) 02:05 PDT WASHINGTON, (AP) -- A Guantanamo detainee who once was Osama bin Laden's driver can be tried by military tribunal, a federal appeals court ruled Friday, apparently clearing the way for the Pentagon to resume trials suspended when a lower court ruled the procedures unlawful. A three-judge panel of the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit ruled unanimously against Salim Ahmed Hamdan, a Yemeni. More broadly it said that the 1949 Geneva Convention governing prisoners of war does not apply to al-Qaida and its members. That supports a key assertion of the Bush administration, which has faced international criticism for holding hundreds of terror suspects at Guantanamo Bay without full POW protections. "I think pretty much the entire opinion would be welcomed by the administration. I think there's nothing in there that is adverse to the administration's positions," Carl Tobias, a professor of law at the University of Richmond, said in a telephone interview. "It's a very pro-administration decision." The Pentagon has argued that it is justified in using what it calls military commissions, or tribunals, to try terror suspects like Hamdan who were captured in the war in Afghanistan because they are "enemy combatants." Hamdan, who was captured in Afghanistan in November 2001, denies conspiring to engage in acts of terrorism and denies he was a member of al-Qaida. His lawyers say that by working as bin Laden's driver he simply wanted to earn enough money to return to Yemen, buy his own vehicle and support his family as a driver. Two lawyers representing Hamdan, Georgetown University law professor Neal Katyal and Navy Lt. Cmdr. Charles D. Swift, said the appeals court ruling "is contrary to 200 years of constitutional law." "Today's ruling places absolute trust in the president, unchecked by the Constitution, statutes of Congress and long-standing treaties ratified by the Senate of the United States," the two defense lawyers said in a statement. Katyal said in an interview that the detainee's legal team plans a further appeal. The Pentagon had no comment on the ruling, nor did it say whether or when it planned to resume the its commission proceedings against Hamdan and three other Guantanamo detainees. Attorney General Alberto R. Gonzales issued a brief statement praising the decision. "The president's authority under the laws of our nation to try enemy combatants is a vital part of the global war on terror, and today's decision reaffirms this critical authority," Gonzales said. Kenneth Roth, executive director of Human Rights Watch, a critic of the commissions, said the Pentagon would be better off using the normal courts-martial process under the Uniform Code of Military Justice. "By permitting trials before military commissions, the court gave the administration enough rope to hang itself," Roth said. "That's because, as currently conceived, the military commissions are deeply flawed." Hamdan's trial started last August but was halted when a district court ruled in November that Hamdan could not be tried by a U.S. military commission unless a "competent tribunal" determined first that he was not a prisoner of war under the 1949 Geneva Convention. In Friday's ruling, the three judges said the commission itself is such a competent tribunal, and that Hamdan could assert his claim to prisoner of war status at the time of his trial before a military commission. Hamdan's lawyers said President Bush violated the separation of powers in the Constitution when he established military commissions. The appeals court disagreed, saying Bush relied on Congress's joint resolution authorizing the use of force after the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, as well as two congressionally enacted laws. "We think it no answer to say, as Hamdan does, that this case is different because Congress did not formally declare war," said the decision by Judge A. Raymond Randolph, who was appointed to the appeals court by the first President Bush. He was joined in the ruling by Stephen Williams, a Reagan appointee, and Judge John Roberts, placed on the court by the current President Bush. One of the leading critics of the Pentagon's military commissions, the Center for Constitutional Rights, called Friday's ruling "misguided" and said it could have an impact beyond the status of Hamdan. "The ramifications of the decision may be enormous in terms of the danger created for U.S. soldiers stationed abroad," it said. "If the United States does not use fair and just procedures that guarantee military detainees due process protections in the 'war on terror,' no other country will feel the need to do so either." Just 15 of the 520 detainees at Guantanamo Bay have been designated by Bush for such prosecution by military tribunals and only four, including Hamdan, have been charged. The Pentagon has said it is developing charges against others, and it maintains that those not charged could be held indefinitely at Guantanamo Bay . Hamdan, a mechanic with a fourth-grade education, says he left his home country of Yemen looking for work and wound up in Afghanistan, working for bin Laden from 1997 until the U.S. attack in Afghanistan in 2001. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ What about that Gonzales memo now? revdauphinee answered on 07/16/05: are wqe or are we not at war ?the bleeding hearts who want this place demolished need to thank God for Guantanamo for if they were not in there they wiould be out planing more attacks on us! bucker rated this answer Itsdb rated this answer MaggieB rated this answer

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Krewton asked on 07/16/05 - Question for Hope Now let me git this straight. Accordin' to J.W. beliefs if I die and am not a believer I cease to exist? No hell? , and I get to be saved in the final resurection? So basically I can do anything I want and still be saved in the end!? WOW! yore doctine of Universalism sho beats the fire out of my doctrine of "Eternal Security") revdauphinee answered on 07/16/05: dont sound like biblical doctrine to me! Krewton rated this answer ladybugca rated this answer

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excon asked on 07/15/05 - Are sex offenders stupid or is it the government? Hello experts: Tracking sex offenders is one of the more stupid things our government does. In the first place, the government does NOT track sex offenders even though it says that it does. In the second place, assuming the government DOES know where certain sex offenders are, what good does it do for the victim who gets attacked by one, EVEN THOUGH THE GOVERNMENT KNEW WHERE HE WAS? If they shouldn�t be on the streets, then pass laws that keep them in the slam. Passing laws to track them is stupid, stupid, stupid. Go ahead, argue with me. excon revdauphinee answered on 07/15/05: I think there is a special place in hell for those who harm children ,there should be here!If you harm a child lock em up and lose the key! excon rated this answer

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MaggieB asked on 07/15/05 - SO, HAVE YOU TOLD GOD ABOUT IT? This is an e-mail that reflects on my previous postings re Praying for America and I apologize for not including other nations in that post, (it was not done intentionally) that have terrorists who bomb, kill, maim and destroy. Please forgive me. I very strongly believe in prayer, our Lord told us to ask and we shall receive. Prayer is the best way of talking to God and letting Him know what we need, although He already knows but He wants us to tell Him, which shows we trust Him. From Pastor Robert Adams: HAS ANYBODY TOLD GOD ABOUT ALL THIS? �This poor man cried . . . [�The world�s going to _ _ _ _ in a hand basket! Terrorists are everywhere: Spain, London, Birmingham, UK, and don�t forget 9/11! Then, we�re still in Iraq; when can our troops come home. The French and the Germans don�t like us, as a matter of fact � nobody likes us. And then, Iran�s going to have the bomb as well as North Korea and we can�t stop them. �Bubble, bubble, toil and trouble.� ��We can�t trust our allies, terrorists are crossing over our borders and they could come and get us in our beds, and our grandkids won�t be able to collect their Social Security, the �American Dream� is shot, and the bass aren�t biting like they used to. Mud slides, earthquakes, hurricanes, what�s going to happen to us? Yada, yada, yada.�] �and the LORD heard him, and saved him out of all his troubles.� (Psalm 34:6) Many of us, in the midst of difficulty, will go to the thousands of inspirational books of poetry and philosophy for strength, and while others pray for us, we continue to let worry cloud our minds, so that we can�t hear what God is telling us. He�s talking through his word, but we can�t hear. That�s a standard trick of the Devil; to keep God�s people out of the Bible. Do you tell God about issues and conditions that trouble you and do you describe them in detail? He already knows, of course, but he wants you to talk to him. He is your counselor, the mighty God. �In the day of my trouble I sought the Lord: my sore ran in the night, and ceased not: my soul refused to be comforted. I remembered God, and was troubled: I complained, and my spirit was overwhelmed. Selah. Thou holdest mine eyes waking: I am so troubled that I cannot speak. I have considered the days of old, the years of ancient times.� (Psalm 77:2-5) Try this; control your feelings of anxiety that are standard equipment with affliction, and you will notice five things in the Psalms, and a few other books in the Old Testament: 1) A cry for help . (Psalm 10:1) �Why standest thou afar off, O LORD? why hidest thou thyself in times of trouble? (Psalm 44:23, 24) �Awake, why sleepest thou, O Lord? arise, cast us not off for ever. Wherefore hidest thou thy face, and forgettest our affliction and our oppression? 2) A salutation of remembrance and praise. God likes to have his marvelous works remembered and our faith based upon past victories. Here the Psalmist acknowledges who God is and his plan for the universe: (1Chronicles 29:11) �Thine, O LORD, is the greatness, and the power, and the glory, and the victory, and the majesty: for all that is in the heaven and in the earth is thine; thine is the kingdom, O LORD, and thou art exalted as head above all.� 3) A complaint is always specific. (Daniel 9:18) �O my God, incline thine ear, and hear; open thine eyes, and behold our desolations, and the city which is called by thy name: for we do not present our supplications before thee for our righteousnesses, but for thy great mercies.� Daniel in exile with the tribe of Judah, looks back on a catalog of national sins of Israel, before he dares to ask God for anything. (Nehemiah 9:26) �Nevertheless they were disobedient, and rebelled against thee, and cast thy law behind their backs, and slew thy prophets which testified against them to turn them to thee, and they wrought great provocations.� As Nehemiah looks at the ruins of Jerusalem he cries to God because of the opposition he faces in his restoration project. (Job 30:20-22) �I cry unto thee, and thou dost not hear me: I stand up, and thou regardest me not. Thou art become cruel to me: with thy strong hand thou opposest thyself against me. Thou liftest me up to the wind; thou causest me to ride upon it, and dissolvest my substance.� Go ahead and pour it on, God can take it. Job just does not get it. Why does God afflict him with all his righteousness, so he is very direct with God � �Why, God?� He does not hesitate to let God know all about how he feels. 4) A repentance of sins, corporate or personal. (Daniel 9:5) �We have sinned, and have committed iniquity, and have done wickedly, and have rebelled, even by departing from thy precepts and from thy judgments:� (Daniel 9:8) �O Lord, to us belongeth confusion of face, to our kings, to our princes, and to our fathers, because we have sinned against thee.� It�s a sad time for the Jews in exile who look back over what could have been. They had everything, but forget who gave it to them. Righteous Daniel is interceding for the exiled Jews to which he belongs, and as part of them, he repents for all. 5) AN answer from God. (Job 42:12) �So the LORD blessed the latter end of Job more than his beginning: for he had fourteen thousand sheep, and six thousand camels, and a thousand yoke of oxen, and a thousand she asses.� (Jeremiah 33:3) �Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and shew thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not.� POETIC HELP FROM THE HEBREWS The Jews of the Old Testament composed Psalms (sacred songs) in the unique poetic form of the Hebrews. They did it under inspiration from God for they are God�s people to whom he trusted his oracles. Knowing this, that as branches grafted onto the wild olive tree, we can claim the same assurance that reached down to the Jew from Yahweh. In times of distress we should go to the Psalms for healing, inspiration and meditation and read them like the Jews did.. Briefly, Hebrew poetry in the Old Testament is called �parallelism.� It has many forms, but basically it has no rhyme or meter. Don�t try to understand it from a Western viewpoint. Try to think like the Jew during the times of trouble, of deliverance, and of elation. When you practice understanding the richness of the Psalms, you will be surprised how your heart will fill with gladness, and joy unspeakable and full of glory. Well, to me it�s better than Ralph Waldo Emerson or Dr. Seuse. Here�s how it works. The sacredness, sadness, or happiness is expressed in the first line, but the second line qualifies and expands on the first line in some way. (Psalm 36:5) �Thy mercy, O LORD, is in the heavens; [He goes on to state it stronger. The second line is synonymous with the first line. The Psalmist is so filled with God�s love, he expresses the same thing in different words.] . . . and thy faithfulness reacheth unto the clouds.� Can you identify with the Psalmist? It is not enough just to make one spiritual statement. His heart urges him to say more of the same as God is magnified in his heart. (Proverbs 10:1) "A wise son gladdens his father, [The second line antithetically opposes the expression in the first line, which gives great emphasis to the first line.] But a foolish son grieves his mother" A moral lesson is taught by the opposing lines in the same verse. Good is good and sin is worse than bad. (Psalm 19:8-10) This is one of the most beautiful, yet doctrinal hymns in the Old Testament. These three verses expand on each other and stair step our thoughts to the throne of grace in all its beauty and righteousness. (Vs. 8) �The statutes of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart; the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes.� (Vs. 9) �The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring for ever; the judgments of the LORD are true and righteous altogether.� (Vs. 10) �More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold: sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb." Parallelism is like building blocks of words fitly spoken as apples of gold in pictures of silver. (Proverbs 25:11) SO, HAVE YOU TOLD GOD ABOUT IT? It�s okay to gripe about conditions that we really don�t have any control over, but just don�t �live there.� Go to the second line. Practice by writing down a line of blessing from God that you have had. Write a second line that says the same thing, only with different words. Keep writing, it gets better and better. Now, pray what you have written back to God. Don�t get so overcome with concern about issues and conditions that you cannot read and understand God�s total message. Don't stop on the first verse. Paul told young Timothy, his son in the ministry to "study to show yourself approved of God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightfully dividing the word of truth.� .(2 Timothy 2:15) Remember to make sure that you have accepted Christ as your Savior or none of what we are saying will work for you. You cannot make an asuumption of God's salvation. You have to go directly to him and he will send his Spirit to abide with you and give you assurance that everything's okay in these uncertain times. And remember this, �. . . in his favour is life: weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning.� (Psalm 30:5) Isn�t that a beautiful little piece of Hebrew parallelism? revdauphinee answered on 07/15/05: sure we need to pray but upon reading prophecy in Daniel and revelation dont you think God knows????we were warned the things that are happening would! MaggieB rated this answer

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tomder55 asked on 07/15/05 - Free Akbar Ganji Statement on a Call for the Unconditional Releases of Akbar Ganji in Iran Akbar Ganji, an Iranian journalist who since 1999 has been routinely sentenced to prison by the Iranian government for advocating free speech, is again in jail because of his political views. Through his now month-long hunger strike, Mr. Ganji is demonstrating that he is willing to die for his right to express his opinion. President Bush is saddened by recent reports that Mr. Ganji's health has been failing and deeply concerned that the Iranian government has denied him access to his family, medical treatment, and legal representation. Mr. Ganji is sadly only one victim of a wave of repression and human rights violations engaged in by the Iranian regime. His calls for freedom deserve to be heard. His valiant efforts should not go in vain. The President calls on all supporters of human rights and freedom, and the United Nations, to take up Ganji's case and the overall human rights situation in Iran. The President also calls on the Government of Iran to release Mr. Ganji immediately and unconditionally and to allow him access to medical assistance. Mr. Ganji, please know that as you stand for your own liberty, America stands with you. ................................................... Iranian dissidents appealed to the United Nations to support calls for freedom for Akbar Ganji, the brave writer who is being tortured in Tehran for the sin of exposing the murderous activities of the theocratic regime of the Islamic republic. The top dog at the U.N., Kofi Annan, declined to take a stand, claiming he did not know enough to have an opinion. The U.N.�s lapdog at the U.S. Senate, Indiana�s Richard Lugar, similarly declined comment, thereby relegating himself to the honor roll of appeasers of terrorists, murderers, and torturers. With the exception of the New York Sun, no major newspaper has supported Ganji, nor, for that matter, the broader cause of Iranian freedom. Happily, President Bush unhesitatingly denounced Iran�s mullahcracy for its barbaric treatment of Ganji, and his forthright support of freedom has been echoed by Senators Sam Brownback, Rick Santorum, and Joe Biden. Even the European Union felt compelled to support Ganji in an usually blunt demand for his release. Others may well follow, as they should. Ganji is only one of a tragically lengthening list of brave Iranians who deserve our support. Despite recent crackdowns and executions � the leadup to the installation of new President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad � hundreds of Iranians demonstrated at Tehran University on Ganji�s behalf earlier this week. The regime�s response was remarkably vicious, even by their own low standards. Even before the demonstrations began, water and electricity had been cut off to the university dormitories, and security forces deployed throughout the area. The first wave of demonstrations celebrated the anniversary of the student uprisings of 1999, and tens of thousands of people marched quietly through the streets, defying the regime�s ban (even the Organization of Student Unity, which has official status, was denied a permit to commemorate the uprisings). Worried about the huge numbers, the regime arrested a few hundred leaders. During the days that followed dissidents demonstrated on behalf of all political prisoners, and carried banners reading "Death to Despotism" and "Long Live Liberty." The numbers were smaller, and the regime moved in, using clubs, chains, knives, and iron knuckles. Hashem Aghajari, the well-known writer who was imprisoned for years and has paid for his bravery with the loss of a leg, was attacked by security forces with such violence that his artificial limb was separated from his body. Leaders of the Student Unity Organization � Mohammed Hashemi, Mohammed Sedeghi, and Nasser Ashjari � were rounded up and jailed. Any student found with a banner or poster was arrested, and all cellular phone communication in the University area was jammed. And yet the protests continue, to the near-total indifference of the media of the so-called civilized world (the most notable exception being John Batchelor, whose late-night radio broadcasts have been a rare source of information on Iran). In the township of Mehabad in Kurdistan province, thousands of people demonstrated on July 11 against the murder of a Kurdish activist named Shovaneh Ghaderi. The demonstrators chanted "Death to the Islamic Republic," and "Death to Khamenei." The demonstrators were clubbed and beaten, at least one was killed, and significant numbers were arrested. (Michale Ledeen) ........................................... Please pray for the liberty loving people of Iran .With the "election" of Mahmoud Ahmadinejad as President ,the mullah's power have been consolidated.There can be no more reform from within the system. The people of Iran need our help ;they are asking for our help ;they should not be ignored . revdauphinee answered on 07/15/05: these folk definatly need our prayers and Gods intervention! ladybugca rated this answer tomder55 rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 07/15/05 - Christian's it's time we stood and said prayer does make a difference Prayer 'won't help sick' July 15, 2005 - 10:39AM Praying for people who are facing heart surgery does not raise their chances of a cure or of avoiding death, according to an unusual study published in the British medical weekly The Lancet. US doctors enrolled 748 patients with coronary artery disease who were about to undergo cardiac or arterial treatment using a catheter, a technique that can be done under local anaesthetic and is less invasive than open surgery but still carries a risk. The patients were assigned to two groups of roughly equal numbers. The first group had prayers said for them at a distance by Christians, Muslims, Jews, Buddhists and others; the second one had no prayers said for them. In addition to this, half of each group received bedside training in music, imagery and touch - practising relaxed breathing and listening to laid-back music to prepare for their operation - and half did not. At a six-month follow-up check, there was no significant difference in the outcome between the prayer and no prayer groups, in terms of mortality, the number of heart attacks or readmissions to hospital. But in both groups, the patients who received the "music, imagery and touch" treatment did get a perceptible benefit. They were less stressed and worried prior to the operation, and their death rate at six months was slightly lower when compared with patients who did not get this treatment. The study was led by Mitchell Krucoff of the Duke University Medical Centre in North Carolina. AFP so come on and tell us of your personal experiences where prayer has made a difference. I'll go first. about ten years ago I needed an operation which would break the spetum in my nose. My surgeon told me this would be painfull for a few days. Before I entered surgery I prayed committing myself to God. There was no pain at any time. I don't think my surgeon believed me when I told him there was no pain. revdauphinee answered on 07/15/05: sory! but in my experience prayer can always help ( in any situation) "ye have not because you ask not"applies to all we need even health! MaggieB rated this answer paraclete rated this answer

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MaggieB asked on 07/14/05 - Folks, this is serious. We as Americans need to be alert as to our neighbors and our surroundings! The Christians on this board should get on their knees and PRAY and thank God for His blessings. We should PRAY for guidance in all that we do; we should PRAY for our safety and the safety of our country. The following article was in our newspaper today. This is alarming that this student was studying here in the U.S. about WMD's (biochemical research) with which to kill, maim and destroy. This one in my back door and is not the first. Am I dismayed, yes? We have always been a country of freedom and we allow anyone (almost) to come and work, study, visit, etc. but the worm has to turn at some time and place: Posted on Thu, Jul. 14, 2005 Ex-N.C. State student linked to bombings Magdy el-Nashar spent semester at N.C. university Associated Press London identifies four suicide bombers RALEIGH, N.C. - An Egyptian-born academic being sought by London police as part of their investigation into last week's terrorist bombings spent a semester at North Carolina State University, school officials said Thursday. The Times of London, quoting unidentified police sources, said detectives were interested in locating Magdy el-Nashar, 33, who recently taught chemistry at Leeds University in northern England. The Times said he was believed to have rented one of the homes being searched in Leeds where at least two of the four suicide bombers lived. El-Nashar studied chemical engineering at N.C. State University beginning in January 2000, NCSU spokesman Keith Nichols said. Saad Khan, the chemical engineering department's director of graduate programs, said he remembered that el-Nashar applied for admission while living in Egypt. But by the end of the spring semester, el-Nashar had changed direction and decided to pursue a doctorate at Leeds instead, Khan said. "He came in and he decided to go somewhere else," Khan said. In a statement Thursday, Leeds University said el-Nashar enrolled in October 2000 to do biochemical research, sponsored by the National Research Center in Cairo, Egypt. It said he earned a doctorate May 6. "We understand he was seeking a postdoctorate position in the U.K.," the university said. "His visa was updated by the Home Office earlier this year. He has not been seen on the campus since the beginning of July." Neighbors said el-Nashar recently left Britain, saying he had a visa problem, The Times reported. Police have searched several homes in Leeds in their hunt for anyone who aided the July 7 subway and bus attacks that killed 52 and injured 700. Authorities suspect the bombers didn't work alone and that their collaborators or leader are still probably at large. The Daily Telegraph of London said police were trying to identify a man seen standing near the four suicide bombers on a railway station platform in Luton, where they apparently boarded a train for London on July 7. The Evening Standard of London reported that police spotted a fifth man on closed-circuit TV showing the group at London's King's Cross station about 20 minutes before the explosions. revdauphinee answered on 07/14/05: why should God care for a country whos courts are doing all they can to remove everything pertaining to him from life?? Bobbye rated this answer excon rated this answer MaggieB rated this answer

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MaggieB asked on 07/14/05 - We should pray for our government! Is it just me, or does anyone else find it amazing that our government can track a cow born in Canada almost three years ago, right to the stall where she sleeps in the state of Washington. And they tracked her calves to their stalls. But they are unable to locate 11 million illegal aliens wandering around in our country. Maybe we should give each one a cow. revdauphinee answered on 07/14/05: yeah and tell me why they cant find a 6"+ tall saudi who needs constant dialasis and medical care after so many days since 9/11??? ATON2 rated this answer Bobbye rated this answer excon rated this answer MaggieB rated this answer

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hOPE12 asked on 07/14/05 - 666, What does it mean? Hello Everyone, What is the meaning of the mark, or name, of �the wild beast��the number 666? This mark is mentioned at Revelation 13:16-18 Take care, Hope12 revdauphinee answered on 07/14/05: go to http://www.aloha.net/~mikesch/666.htm hOPE12 rated this answer

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hOPE12 asked on 07/14/05 - What say you? Hello Everyone, Many today claim that religion is bad, others say it is good. Many say it is the root of many of mankinds problems, Some claim we would be better off with no religion at all while others claim without religion the world would be worse than ever. What do you say? Takce care, Hope12 revdauphinee answered on 07/14/05: religions can be bad religion cannot save you it is a personal relationship with the risen Jesus we need and not religion .look what some muslims are doing in the name of religion!some Christians are no better dont ever rely on religion!! hOPE12 rated this answer

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hOPE12 asked on 07/14/05 - Does God live in your Church? Hello Everyone, Does God live in your building of worship? Please keep this scripture in mind when answering. (Acts 17:23-24) For instance, while passing along and carefully observing YOUR objects of veneration I also found an altar on which had been inscribed �To an Unknown God.� Therefore what YOU are unknowingly giving godly devotion to, this I am publishing to YOU. 24 The God that made the world and all the things in it, being, as this One is, Lord of heaven and earth, does not dwell in handmade temples. Take care, Hope12 revdauphinee answered on 07/14/05: God is not limited to any building he is omnipotent (everywhere) hOPE12 rated this answer

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hOPE12 asked on 07/14/05 - Is it true, onece we are saved we are always saved? Hello Everyone, Krewton has been asking questions about salvation. It made me remember the scripture in Matthew 24:13 which says: ��He that has endured to the end is the one that will be saved.� So my question is this: �If we need to to endure to the end to receive salvation (or be saved) doesn�t that mean that one is not saved until they have endured to the end. Also is baptism in itself a guarantee of salvation? Is my believing in Jesus only mean my salvation? What does the Bible say? My understanding is that there are requirements for salvation. Notice why I say this. I personally believe there are various things involved in getting saved. We must take in accurate knowledge of God�s purposes and his way of salvation. Then we must exercise faith in the Chief Agent of salvation, Jesus Christ, and do God�s will the rest of our lives (John 3:16) �For God loved the world so much that he gave his only-begotten Son, in order that everyone exercising faith in him might not be destroyed but have everlasting life. (Titus 2:14) who gave himself for us that he might deliver us from every sort of lawlessness and cleanse for himself a people peculiarly his own, zealous for fine works. Salvation is sure for those who follow this course. But it involves persevering right to the end of our present life or of this system of things. Only �he that has endured to the end is the one that will be saved.�Matthew 24:13. IMAGINE THIS: Imagine being rescued from a burning tower. Think of the relief you would feel as you were safely taken from the building and the rescuer said: �You are safe now.� Yes, you would have been saved from certain death. But what would happen if you decided to go back into the building for some foolish reason? Your life would again be in danger. SO OUR SALVATION ALSO DEPENDS ON OUR FULFILLING AND ADHERING TO ALL THE REQUIRMENTS THAT GOD HAS SET OUT FOR US IN THE BIBLE AND TO ENDURE UNTIL THE END. THAT MEANS WE CAN LOOSE OUR SALVATION. OUR SALVATION IS A GIFT FROM GOD AND WE WILL BE REWARDED THAT GIFT IF WE ENDURE TO THE END. r. Christians are in a saved condition. They have the prospect of everlasting life because they are in an approved position before God. As a group, their salvation from Adamic sin and all its consequences is sure. But individually they will be saved to eternal life only if they continue to adhere to all of God�s requirements. Jesus emphasized this when he likened himself to a vine and his disciples to branches in that vine. He said: �Every branch in me not bearing fruit [God] takes away . . . If anyone does not remain in union with me, he is cast out as a branch and is dried up; and men gather those branches up and pitch them into the fire and they are burned.� John 15:2, 6 (Hebrews 6:4-6) For it is impossible as regards those who have once for all been enlightened, and who have tasted the heavenly free gift, and who have become partakers of holy spirit, 5 and who have tasted the fine word of God and powers of the coming system of things, 6 but who have fallen away, to revive them again to repentance, because they impale the Son of God afresh for themselves and expose him to public shame. To my understanding of the scriptures, those losing faith in Jesus also lose everlasting life. If one has faith in Jesus they obey his commands and endure to the end and receive salvation. If one disobeys and does not obey Jesus� commands and becomes a murderer or a thief or commits gross sin, he can loose salvation unless before he dies he repents and gets back on the path to salvation. So having said this, my question is What do you believe? Does the scriptures say one can loose their salvation? According to the Scriptures is a person once saved always saved? If so, then why would we need to endure till the end and be saved? Matthew 24:13 I look forward to your answers; Take care, Hope12 revdauphinee answered on 07/14/05: If we are truly saved (ie we realy believe and accept the word then we will do nothing that would cause us to reject it!)therefore we will remain saved however since we were all given free will we can, and some do !reject our salvation,this is not Gods doing but our own!as for baptism it is an act of obedience for salvation however it of itself cannot save anyone,for instance a soldier in war at the time of his death can cry out to God and be saved while he has no opportunity for baptism,he is still accepting God as Lord is he not?So saying one must be baptised for salvation denies Gods love of those who have not this opportunity> hOPE12 rated this answer ladybugca rated this answer

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MaggieB asked on 07/13/05 - Little known facts about the Catholic Church Little known facts about the Catholic Church There are more churches in Las Vegas than casinos. During Sunday services at the offertory, some worshippers contribute casino chips as opposed to cash. Some are sharing their winnings - some are hoping to win. Since they get chips from so many different casinos, and they are worth money, the Catholic churches are required to send all the chips into the diocese for sorting. Once sorted into the respective casino chips, one junior priest takes the chips and makes the rounds to the casinos turning chips into cash. And he is known as .. Are you ready? You're going to love this- | | V | | V The Chip Monk Have a good day, MaggieB revdauphinee answered on 07/13/05: good one maggie thanks! MaggieB rated this answer

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Krewton asked on 07/13/05 - Salvation Continued, does John 6:37 mean you can't lose your Salvation? "All that the Father gives Me will come to Me, and the one that comes to Me, I will certainly not cast out" revdauphinee answered on 07/13/05: you cant "lose"It but like all gifts I believe you can give it up! Krewton rated this answer ladybugca rated this answer

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Itsdb asked on 07/13/05 - Religion: For Dummies? With credit to tomder for directing me to an article in which Oxford professor Richard Dawkins was quoted, I offer these excerpts from a Beliefnet interview with Dawkins for your commentary: Interviewer: "What about intelligent people who accept evolution and do marvel at scientific advances (and perhaps were raised without much religion), but who suddenly find themselves wanting more�wanting a specifically religious dimension to their lives that science can't fill?" Dawkins: "Well, I've never met one. I've met plenty of people who call themselves religious, but when you actually probe, when you ask them in detail what they believe, it turns out to be this very same awe and wonder that Wilson and Einstein talked about. If they're genuinely intelligent, it does not involve the supernatural. Unless they were brought up that way�but you were careful to say people who were not brought up religious. My suggestion is that you won't find any intelligent person who feels the need for the supernatural. What you will find is the need for a sense of transcendent wonder, which I share as well." Interviewer: "You've said that baptizing a child or saying "this is a Jewish child"�that is, pasting a religious label on a child�is child abuse. In your letter to daughter, you ask her to examine what she's told based on evidence. What do you hope the world would be like if all children were raised without religion, according to your theories?" Dawkins: "It would be paradise on earth. What I hope for is a world ruled by enlightened rationality, which does not mean something dull, but something of high artistic value. I just wish there were the slightest chance of it ever happening." Interviewer: "So if people lived according to rationalism, you envision, for example, no more war?" Dawkins: "That might be a little bit optimistic, but there would be a much better chance of no more war. Obviously [there would be] nothing like 9/11, because that's clearly motivated by religion. There would be less hatred, because a lot of the hatred in the world is sectarian hatred. For example, in Northern Ireland, India and Pakistan. You wouldn't have an awful lot of the prejudice and trans-generational vendettas that humanity suffers from. There would be less waste of time. People would concentrate on really worthwhile things, instead of wasting time on religion, astrology, crystal-gazing, fortune-telling, things like that." Interviewer: "You say religion is so ingrained in society that it's like a computer virus. Can it really be eradicated? Dawkins: "Only by education and reason. If people realize that it might be a virus, and saw its resemblance to a virus, they might say, "That's right. That's the way it feels." It's teaching people to think for themselves, rather than just believe and take things on faith." Can "genuinely intelligent" people believe in God? Is it "child abuse" to baptize or paste a "religious label on a child"? If there were no religion would there be "a much better chance of no more war"? Would there be less hatred? Is religion a "waste of time"? Can the religious think for themselves or is religion for dummies? Steve revdauphinee answered on 07/13/05: the following and I quote "you won't find any intelligent person who feels the need for the supernatural. "Is an absolute insult to every person both on here and off who are people of faith! Itsdb rated this answer

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arcura asked on 07/13/05 - Over a mile high and nearer to God's created heavens. I�m going to be gone for a few day, heading up high into the mountains were it is cooler and refreshing. I�m taking along some religious and secular reading material for evening mind and soul stimulation. Speaking of that, I�ll miss your questions and answers, but thank God for the people who invented and improved computers and the www I�ll be able to catch up when back down into the Jefferson river valley. I�m going to miss you all, but will continue to pray for you. In the mean time please keep working on peace and kindness, Fred revdauphinee answered on 07/13/05: have a great and peacefull time and you will be missed arcura rated this answer

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Itsdb asked on 07/13/05 - Followup to "Christians vs. Science" Study: What's Good Often Turns Out Bad By LINDSEY TANNER AP Medical Writer CHICAGO (AP) -- New research highlights a frustrating fact about science: What was good for you yesterday frequently will turn out to be not so great tomorrow. The sobering conclusion came in a review of major studies published in three influential medical journals between 1990 and 2003, including 45 highly publicized studies that initially claimed a drug or other treatment worked. Subsequent research contradicted results of seven studies - 16 percent - and reported weaker results for seven others, an additional 16 percent. That means nearly one-third of the original results did not hold up, according to the report in Wednesday's Journal of the American Medical Association. "Contradicted and potentially exaggerated findings are not uncommon in the most visible and most influential original clinical research," said study author Dr. John Ioannidis, a researcher at the University of Ioannina in Greece. Ioannidis examined research in the New England Journal of Medicine, JAMA and Lancet - prominent journals whose weekly studies help feed a growing public appetite for medical news. Experts say the report is a reminder to doctors and patients that they should not put too much stock in a single study and understand that treatments often become obsolete with medical advances. "The crazy part about science and yet the exciting part about science is you almost never have something that's black and white," said Dr. Catherine DeAngelis, JAMA's editor-in-chief. Editors at the New England Journal of Medicine added in a statement: "A single study is not the final word, and that is an important message." The refuted studies dealt with a wide range of drugs and treatments. Hormone pills were once thought to protect menopausal women from heart disease but later were shown to do the opposite, and Vitamin E pills have not been shown to prevent heart attacks, contrary to initial results. Contradictions also included a study that found nitric oxide does not improve survival in patients with respiratory failure, despite earlier claims. And a study suggested an antibody treatment did not improve survival in certain sepsis patients; a smaller previous study found the opposite. Ioannidis acknowledged an important but not very reassuring caveat: "There's no proof that the subsequent studies ... were necessarily correct." But he noted that in all 14 cases in which results were contradicted or softened, the subsequent studies were either larger or better designed. Also, none of the contradicted treatments is currently recommended by medical guidelines. Not by accident, this week's JAMA also includes a study contradicting previous thinking that stomach-lying helped improve breathing in children hospitalized with acute lung injuries. The new study found they did no better than patients lying on their backs. DeAngelis said she included the study with Ioannidis' report to highlight the issue. She said the media can complicate matters with misleading or exaggerated headlines about studies. Ioannidis said scientists and editors should avoid "giving selective attention only to the most promising or exciting results" and should make the public more aware of the limitations of science. "The general public should not panic" about refuted studies, he said. "We all need to start thinking more critically." ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ It was suggested I have "a virulent disagreement with science" - to which I responded in part "I will argue science, because it isn't perfect," and asked "How many health studies have you seen conflict over the years?" 1. Is it crazy to question "scientific" findings or is a little caution and/or skepticism prudent? 2. Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? Why or why not? "The crazy part about science and yet the exciting part about science is you almost never have something that's black and white" Steve revdauphinee answered on 07/13/05: 1. Is it crazy to question "scientific" findings or is a little caution and/or skepticism prudent? a) no!look at the medicine that after being promoted is not pulle for not being safe!!! 2. Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? Why or why not? "The crazy part about science and yet the exciting part about science is you almost never have something that's black and white" A)niether crazy nor exiting but true Itsdb rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 07/13/05 - Interpretation of a Stop Sign Suppose you're travelling to work and you see a stop sign. What do you do? That depends on how you exegete the stop sign. A postmodernist deconstructs the sign with his bumper, ending forever the tyranny of the north-south traffic over the east-west traffic. Similarly, a Marxist sees a stop sign as an instrument of class conflict. He concludes that the bourgeoisie use the north-south road and obstruct the progress of the workers on the east-west road. A serious and educated Catholic believes that he cannot understand the stop sign apart from its interpretive community and their tradition. Observing that the interpretive community doesn't take it too seriously, he doesn't feel obligated to take it too seriously either. An average Catholic doesn't bother to read the sign, but he'll stop if the car in front of him does. A fundamentalist, allowing the text to interpret itself, stops at the stop sign and waits for it to tell him to go. A suburban preacher looks up "STOP" in his lexicons of English and discovers that it can mean: 1) something which prevents motion, such as a plug for a drain, or a block of wood that prevents a door from closing; 2) a location where a train or bus lets off passengers. The main point of his sermon the following Sunday on this text is: when you see a stop sign, it is a place where traffic is naturally clogged, so it is a good place to let off passengers from your car. An orthodox Jew does one of two things: Take another route to work that doesn't have a stop sign so that he doesn't run the risk of disobeying the Law. Stop at the stop sign, say "Blessed art thou, O Lord our God, king of the universe, who hast given us thy commandment to stop," wait 3 seconds according to his watch, and then proceed. Incidently, the Talmud has the following comments on this passage: R[abbi] Meir says: He who does not stop shall not live long. R. Hillel says: Cursed is he who does not count to three before proceeding. R. Simon ben Yudah says: Why three? Because the Holy One, blessed be He, gave us the Law, the Prophets, and the Writings. R. ben Isaac says: Because of the three patriarchs. R. Yehuda says: Why bless the Lord at a stop sign? Because it says: "Be still, and know that I am God." R. Hezekiel says: When Jephthah returned from defeating the Ammonites, the Holy One, blessed be He, knew that a donkey would run out of the house and overtake his daughter; but Jephthah did not stop at the stop sign, and the donkey did not have time to come out. For this reason he saw his daughter first and lost her. Thus he was judged for his transgression at the stop sign. R. Gamaliel says: R. Hillel, when he was a baby, never spoke a word, though his parents tried to teach him by speaking and showing him the words on a scroll. One day his father was driving through town and did not stop at the sign. Young Hillel called out: "Stop, father!" In this way, he began reading and speaking at the same time. Thus it is written: "Out of the mouth of babes." R. ben Jacob says: Where did the stop sign come from? Out of the sky, for it is written: "Forever, O Lord, your word is fixed in the heavens." R. ben Nathan says: When were stop signs created? On the fourth day, for it is written: "let them serve as signs." R. Yeshuah says: ... [continues for three more pages] A Karaite does the same thing as an orthodox Jew, except that he waits 10 seconds instead of 3. He also replaces his brake lights with 1000 watt searchlights and connects his horn so that it is activated whenever he touches the brake pedal. A Unitarian concludes that the passage "STOP" undoubtably was never uttered by Jesus himself, but belongs entirely to stage III of the gospel tradition, when the church was first confronted by traffic in its parking lot. A divinity professor notices that there is no stop sign on Mark street but there is one on Matthew and Luke streets, and concludes that the ones on Luke and Matthew streets are both copied from a sign on a completely hypothetical street called "Q". There is an excellent 300 page discussion of speculations on the origin of these stop signs and the differences between the stop signs on Matthew and Luke street in the scholar's commentary on the passage. There is an unfortunately omission in the commentary, however; the author apparently forgot to explain what the text means. A tenured divinity professor points out that there are a number of stylistic differences between the first and second half of the passage "STOP". For example, "ST" contains no enclosed areas and 5 line endings, whereas "OP" contains two enclosed areas and only one line termination. He concludes that the author for the second part is different from the author for the first part and probably lived hundreds of years later. Later scholars determine that the second half is itself actually written by two separate authors because of similar stylistic differences between the "O" and the "P". A rival scholar notes in his commentary that the stop sign would fit better into the context three streets back. (Unfortunately, he neglects to explain why in his commentary.) Clearly it was moved to its present location by a later redactor. He thus exegetes the intersection as though the stop sign were not there. Because of the difficulties in interpretation, a later scholar ammends the text, changing "T" to "H". "SHOP" is much easier to understand in context than "STOP" because of the multiplicity of stores in the area. The textual corruption probably occured because "SHOP" is so similar to "STOP" on the sign several streets back that it is a natural mistake for a scribe to make. Thus the sign should be interpreted to announce the existence of a shopping area. revdauphinee answered on 07/13/05: Q) Suppose you're travelling to work and you see a stop sign. What do you do? A)STOP!!! ATON2 rated this answer paraclete rated this answer Pete_Hanysz rated this answer

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HANK1 asked on 07/12/05 - Salvation: Does Hebrews 6:4-6 mean we can lose our salvation? HANK revdauphinee answered on 07/12/05: sure anyone who after accepting the sacrifice of Gods Son then rejects it is throwing that gift away!I cant think of anything worse to do! HANK1 rated this answer

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HANK1 asked on 07/12/05 - Romance: What should be the Christian view of romance? HANK revdauphinee answered on 07/12/05: that true love is a gift from God. HANK1 rated this answer

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HANK1 asked on 07/12/05 - A Hard One: What does the Bible say about women in ministry? HANK revdauphinee answered on 07/12/05: who was it that Jesus told to take the good news of his resurection to his disciples??? a woman!read the following, sure paul may have been anti female however from the reading of the following we can clearly see that Jesus was not!!are we Paulites,or are we Christians?? JOHN 20:11. but Mary stood outside the tomb crying. As she wept, she bent over to look into the tomb 12. and saw two angels in white, seated where Jesus' body had been, one at the head and the other at the foot. 13. They asked her, "Woman, why are you crying?" "They have taken my Lord away," she said, "and I don't know where they have put him." 14. At this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing there, but she did not realize that it was Jesus. 15. "Woman," he said, "why are you crying? Who is it you are looking for?" Thinking he was the gardener, she said, "Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have put him, and I will get him." 16. Jesus said to her, "Mary." She turned toward him and cried out in Aramaic, "Rabboni!" (which means Teacher). 17. Jesus said, "Do not hold on to me, for I have not yet returned to the Father.(((( Go instead to my brothers and tell them,))) `I am returning to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.'" 18. Mary Magdalene went to the disciples with the news: "I have seen the Lord!" And she told them that he had said these things to her. Matthew 28: The angel said to (((the women,)))"Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. 6. He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay. 7. Then go quickly and tell his disciples: `He has risen from the dead and is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him.' Now I have told you." and finaly Galatians 3:26. You are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus, 27. for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. 28. There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free,(((( male nor female,)))) for you are all one in Christ Jesus. 29. If you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise. arcura rated this answer CeeBee2 rated this answer HANK1 rated this answer MaggieB rated this answer tomder55 rated this answer

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excon asked on 07/09/05 - Snitching Hello Christians: Snitching - tattling - ratting - kissing and telling, buring your sources, etc. What is the Christian/moral stand on the subject? Why? Do you keep secrets? Would you go to jail to keep a secret? Is it good or bad to do so? What do you teach your kids? If it's good, why are all the terms describing one who does so, so reviling? If it's good, we should call it kissing or loving. excon revdauphinee answered on 07/09/05: we as Christians are not perfect folks we are just forgiven ones! excon rated this answer

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ATON2 asked on 07/08/05 - Not a question. Just a point of information. Answerway DOES respond to legitimate requests. I asked that my blocking of Krewton be lifted....It has been. We can start knocking each other around again :) :) :) revdauphinee answered on 07/08/05: then why did they not respond weeks ago when I asked for the blocking of saladin to be removed??? ATON2 rated this answer FormerJesusHelper76 rated this answer Liz22 rated this answer powderpuff rated this answer

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FormerJesusHelper76 asked on 07/07/05 - The Coming Of Jesus! What does the bible say about the signs of the coming of Jesus and How do we prepare for this? Pete asked a question about not using the book and I am asking you to use the book. Thank you in advance. Joe revdauphinee answered on 07/08/05: Q)What does the bible say about the signs of the coming of Jesus A)Matthew 24:3. As Jesus was sitting on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to him privately. "Tell us," they said, "when will this happen, and what will be the sign of your coming and of the end of the age?" 4. Jesus answered: "Watch out that no one deceives you. 5. For many will come in my name, claiming, `I am the Christ, ' and will deceive many. 6. You will hear of wars and rumors of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come. 7. Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in various places. 8. All these are the beginning of birth pains. 9. "Then you will be handed over to be persecuted and put to death, and you will be hated by all nations because of me. 10. At that time many will turn away from the faith and will betray and hate each other, 11. and many false prophets will appear and deceive many people. 12. Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold, 13. but he who stands firm to the end will be saved. 14. And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come. Q) How do we prepare for this? 15. "So when you see standing in the holy place `the abomination that causes desolation,' spoken of through the prophet Daniel--let the reader understand-- 16. then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains. 17. Let no one on the roof of his house go down to take anything out of the house. 18. Let no one in the field go back to get his cloak. 19. How dreadful it will be in those days for pregnant women and nursing mothers! 20. Pray that your flight will not take place in winter or on the Sabbath. 21. For then there will be great distress, unequaled from the beginning of the world until now--and never to be equaled again. 22. If those days had not been cut short, no one would survive, but for the sake of the elect those days will be shortened. 23. At that time if anyone says to you, `Look, here is the Christ!' or, `There he is!' do not believe it. 24. For false Christs and false prophets will appear and perform great signs and miracles to deceive even the elect--if that were possible. 25. See, I have told you ahead of time. 26. "So if anyone tells you, `There he is, out in the desert,' do not go out; or, `Here he is, in the inner rooms,' do not believe it. 27. For as lightning that comes from the east is visible even in the west, so will be the coming of the Son of Man. 28. Wherever there is a carcass, there the vultures will gather. 29. "Immediately after the distress of those days "`the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light; the stars will fall from the sky, and the heavenly bodies will be shaken.' 30. "At that time the sign of the Son of Man will appear in the sky, and all the nations of the earth will mourn. They will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of the sky, with power and great glory. FormerJesusHelper76 rated this answer Pete_Hanysz rated this answer

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Pete_Hanysz asked on 07/07/05 - The Return of Christ I have to ask this question, as the subject has been touched upon recently in expert's responses. What do you expect will happen when Jesus returns to rule? How will I know? Answers from your mind ........not your book please!! Pete revdauphinee answered on 07/07/05: you will know because at that time "every head will bow and every knee will bend !even those who now claim not to believe will know they were wrong!!! Romans 14:For we will all stand before God's judgment seat. 11. It is written: "`As surely as I live,' says the Lord, `every knee will bow before me; every tongue will confess to God.'" 12. So then, each of us will give an account of himself to God. ATON2 rated this answer Liz22 rated this answer Pete_Hanysz rated this answer

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hOPE12 asked on 07/07/05 - Equality Hello Everyone, In todays society each culture or human being seems to fight for their eqauality. Some fight so hard they try to make themselves seem superior then others. This being the case, what are you personal feeling about the questions below? 1-Do you personally feel that some groups of humans inherently superior to other groups? If so, why? If not, Why? 2- Do you feel there any hope that some day there will be a society among the living where social class will not be important? If you do, Why do you feel that way? 3- Did the early Christians view themselves as equal? 4- Do you feel that equality allows for variety? Take care, Hope12 revdauphinee answered on 07/07/05: Do you personally feel that some groups of humans inherently superior to other groups? If so, why? If not, Why? no as a human they are not !however some of the ideas they cling to may be! 2- Do you feel there any hope that some day there will be a society among the living where social class will not be important? If you do, Why do you feel that way? of cource there will be! but It wont happen untill Jesus returns to rule! 3- Did the early Christians view themselves as equal? dont know I wasnt around then! 4- Do you feel that equality allows for variety not realy diversity does ,if we were all equal would we all be more alike? hOPE12 rated this answer

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arcura asked on 07/07/05 - Prayers said in Latin......................... I heard that our new pope asked that Catholics relearn the basic prayers in Latin. As a convert I was not bought up in the Latin Church. So please tell me what advantage there is in learning the prayers in Latin. Would they be better heard by God if in Latin? I doubt it, but if so then why not in Greeek or Hebrew? Apparently our new Pope, whom I highly respect, thinks there is an advantage at least to the Church in doing so. If so, what is it? Your philosophical and/or theological thoughts, please. Fred revdauphinee answered on 07/07/05: why not Aramaic since thats what Jesus spoke??? do you realy think it matters? God can hear in any language!heck he even hears our silent prayers! arcura rated this answer

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FormerJesusHelper76 asked on 07/07/05 - Prayers I ask all of you for your continued prayers for my wife and our new baby. Thank you in advance. God bless. Joe revdauphinee answered on 07/07/05: consider it done!! FormerJesusHelper76 rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 07/06/05 - Not directly Christian but? Is African poverty the result of Christian intervention? Are we trying to rescue african from the worst effects of a liberal european christian appraoch White mischief at play on a dark continent July 7, 2005 It is Africa that has fallen victim to the arrogant, polluting G8 nations, writes Madeleine Bunting. CALL me naive, but I thought it was possible 2005 could achieve even more than a historic breakthrough deal on debt relief and aid for Africa. The conjunction of this key political moment with a huge cultural festival, Africa 05, seemed to hold the promise of achieving one of those lasting shifts in public understanding of Africa. What seemed within grasp was the start of a new relationship, finally drawing a line under the colonial themes of "saving" and "civilising" the continent. The wealth of African creativity evident everywhere - art, music, sculpture, film - would reinject into the public sphere a perception of the immense ingenuity, resourcefulness and reflective inquiry of Africans. It would shatter the myth of Africans as powerless victims at the mercy of Western generosity and do-goodery. It would correct the media myth that the fate of millions of Africans is passively lying in the hands of eight men arriving in Gleneagles today, and make clear that, given half a chance, Africans can shape the circumstances of their daily lives - and their often-precarious survival - far more powerfully and effectively than the Group of Eight. The hope was people would get to see more of Africa on their screens than starving black babies. We would get to hear about Africans much like ourselves - with the same hopes, fears and aspirations; we would, finally, begin to identify with them as human beings. That shift of perception offered a radical potential for a more equal engagement between Europe and Africa. You may say that was ludicrously naive. I begin to fear that you are right. What we are seeing in this unprecedented media focus on Africa is an old theme. In 1787, the slogan of the Quaker abolitionists was "Am I not a man and a brother?" But the radicalism of this rallying cry was belied by the image on the Anti-Slavery Society's seal of the African slave - he was on his knees. His liberty and dignity was ours for the giving, not his for the taking. The relationship at this G8, 200 years later, is similarly framed: African as supplicant to the (mostly) white men. An entire continent has been reduced to a "scar on the conscience of the world", stripped of its dignity and left more powerless than at any time since 1787. The images we saw of Africans at Live 8 at the weekend were the dying, the starving and the desperately impoverished. Post-colonialism in a globalising economy is proving even more humiliating for Africa than colonialism: its huge wealth in natural resources sequestered in secret bank accounts; its commodities commanding ever-smaller prices; its vicious wars with the exported arms of the industrial world; its government policies dictated from Washington and Geneva. Tony Blair's Africa agenda is yet another expression of what Professor John Lonsdale, the Cambridge historian of Africa, described in a lecture last week as "the self-righteously civilising mission of the past two centuries" of Europe towards its neighbour. He concluded that "it is a construction that infantilises not only Africans, unable to fend for themselves, but us, too, like babies demanding the instant gratification of self-importance". What the past few weeks have reinforced in popular perception is the absurd simplification of an entire continent so that it is explicable in terms of just four adjectives: picturesque, pitiful, psychopathic and, above all, passive. This is the formula used by such interlocutors as Bob Geldof and Rolf Harris. Sumptuous maybe, but the programs were riddled with stereotypes - setting suns, smiling children, inexplicable crazed violence - and had little new to say. This kind of television reflects a profound lack of curiosity about Africa; a sharp contrast to the early 20th century, when Africa revolutionised Western art, or the 1960s, when a wave of new African leaders drew nervous respect across Europe. It is almost as if the West can't accept African agency: we want simplification of the four Ps because it so neatly caters to our fears, derived from the colonial history of the "dark continent" of Joseph Conrad fame. Is this the price that has to be paid for an instant of Western attention? Africa exposes - like no other continent - the hubristic arrogance of the Western industrialised countries that dominate the globe and are forcing an entire species into one model of human development - a model with catastrophic shortcomings. Now is precisely the point at which we need to learn about the genius of Africa's own history of development, which, Lonsdale suggests, lies in the extraordinary resilience and self-sufficiency to survive and adapt in habitats not always conducive to human life. The resilience is derived in part from an investment in relationships (rather than things); partly it lies in the qualities of self-disciplined willpower that sustains individuals against all the odds. These are skills we've forgotten or may never have had, but the coming centuries suggest we'll need to learn them from Africans. If we recognised the immensity of this achievement of human endeavour over thousands of years, it might help to dismantle the self-satisfied superiority by which the West lays claim to a monopoly on concepts of progress and development. We - Africans and Westerners - might begin to reframe the debate and ask ourselves if it isn't the grossly polluting G8 that is a scar on the conscience of the world. Madeleine Bunting is a columnist with The Guardian , London. revdauphinee answered on 07/07/05: a fellow pastor summed it up when he said most Christians trying to convert folks lead them to the cross,then leave them there!we put our selves out to gain them for Christ but what then,do we do anything more??? paraclete rated this answer

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arcura asked on 07/06/05 - Because sharing good things is the Christian thing to do. Very Interesting Stuff WD-40!!!!! I thought that you might like to know more about this well-known WD-40 product. When you read the "shower door" part, try it. It's the first thing that has cleaned that spotty shower door. If yours is plastic, it works just as well as glass. It's a miracle! Then try it on your stovetop... Viola! It's now shinier than it's ever been. You'll be amazed. The product began from a search for a rust preventative solvent and degreaser to protect missile parts. WD-40 was created in 1953 by three technicians at the San Diego Rocket Chemical Company. Its name comes from the project that was to find a "Water Displacement" compound. They were successful with the Fortieth formulation, thus WD-40. The Corvair Company bought it in bulk to protect their Atlas missile parts. The workers were so pleased with the product they began smuggling (also known as "shrinkage" or "stealing") it out to use at home. The executives decided there might be a consumer market for it and put it in aerosol cans. The rest is history. It is a carefully guarded recipe known only to four people. One of them is the "brew master." There are about 2.5 million gallons of the stuff manufactured each year. It gets its distinctive smell from a fragrance that is added to the brew. Ken East (one of the original founders) says there is nothing in WD-40 that would hurt you. Here are a few of the 1000s of uses: ~Protects silver from tarnishing ~Cleans and lubricates guitar strings ~Gets oil spots off concrete driveways ~Gives floors that 'just-waxed' sheen without making it slippery ~Keeps flies off cows ~Restores and cleans chalkboards ~Removes lipstick stains ~Loosens stubborn zippers ~Untangles jewelry chains ~Removes stains from stainless steel sinks ~Removes dirt and grime from the barbecue grill ~Keeps ceramic/terra cotta garden pots from oxidizing ~Removes tomato stains from clothing ~Keeps glass shower doors free of water spots ~Camouflages scratches in ceramic and marble floors ~Keeps scissors working smoothly ~Lubricates noisy door hinges on vehicles and doors in homes ~Gives a children's play gym slide a shine for a super fast slide ~Lubricates gear shift and mower - deck lever for ease of handling on riding mowers ~Rids rocking chairs and swings of squeaky noises ~Lubricates tracks in sticking home windows and makes them easier to open ~Spraying an umbrella stem makes it easier to open and close ~Restores and cleans padded leather dashboards and vinyl bumpers ~Restores and cleans roof racks on vehicles ~Lubricates and stops squeaks in electric fans ~Lubricates wheel sprockets on tricycles, wagons and bicycles for easy handling ~Lubricates fan belts on washers and dryers and keeps them running smoothly ~Keeps rust from forming on saws and saw blades, and other tools ~Removes splattered grease on stove ~Keeps bathroom mirror from fogging ~Lubricates prosthetic limbs ~Keeps pigeons off the balcony (they hate the smell) ~Removes all traces of duct tape ~I have even heard of folks spraying it on their arms, hands, and knees to relieve arthritis pain. ~Florida's favorite use was "cleans and removes love bugs from grills and bumpers ~The favorite use in the state of New York ~ WD-40 protects the Statue of Liberty from the elements. ~WD-40 attracts fish. Spray a LITTLE on live bait or lures and you will be catching the big one in no time. It's a lot cheaper than the chemical attractants that are made for just that purpose. Keep in mind though, using some chemical laced baits or lures for fishing are not allowed in some states. ~Keeps away chiggers on the kids ~Use it for fire ant bites. It takes the sting away immediately, and stops the itch. ~WD-40 is great for removing crayon from walls. Spray on the mark and wipe with a clean rag. ~Also, if you've discovered that your teenage daughter has washed and dried a tube of lipstick with a load of laundry, saturate the lipstick spots with WD-40 and re-wash. Presto! Lipstick is gone! ~If you sprayed WD-40 on the distributor cap, it would displace the moisture and allow the car to start. (If I knew what a distributor cap was, it might help) ~WD-40, long known for its ability to remove leftover tape smudges (sticky label tape), is also a lovely perfume and air freshener! Sprayed liberally on every hinge in the house, it leaves that distinctive clean fresh scent for up to two days! ~Seriously though, it removes black scuff marks from the kitchen floor! Use WD-40 for those nasty tar and scuff marks on flooring. It doesn't seem to harm the finish and you won't have to scrub nearly as hard to get them off. Just remember to open some windows if you have a lot of marks. ~Bug guts will eat away the finish on your car if not removed quickly! Use WD-40! revdauphinee answered on 07/07/05: ~I have even heard of folks spraying it on their arms, hands, and knees to relieve arthritis pain Hard to believe but ive tried it it works! arcura rated this answer

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arcura asked on 07/06/05 - I forgot who is was that coined these definitions. But I do recall it was a person involved with the so-called New Age movement. Now I know you either do not believe in magic or do believe magic exists but believe it is a no no to do. Do you think there is ANY valitity to the definitions? WHITE MAGIC is the science and art of causing change to occur in conformity with will, using means not necessarily understood by traditional western science, for the purpose of obtaining the knowledge and conversation of your holy guardian angel. BLACK MAGIC is the science and art of causing change to occur in conformity with will using means not currently understood by traditional western science, for the purpose of causing harm, either physical or non-physical, to yourself or others and done either consciously or unconsciously. GREY MAGIC is the science and art of causing change to occur in conformity with will using means not currently understood by traditional western science, for the purpose of causing physical or non-physical good to yourself or others, and is done either consciously or un consciously. revdauphinee answered on 07/07/05: these all imply the occult and scripture says Isaiah 47: 12. "Keep on, then, with your magic spells and with your many sorceries, which you have labored at since childhood. Perhaps you will succeed, perhaps you will cause terror. 13. All the counsel you have received has only worn you out! Let your astrologers come forward, those stargazers who make predictions month by month, let them save you from what is coming upon you. 14. Surely they are like stubble; the fire will burn them up. They cannot even save themselves from the power of the flame. Here are no coals to warm anyone; here is no fire to sit by. 15. That is all they can do for you-- these you have labored with and trafficked with since childhood. Each of them goes on in his error; there is not one that can save you. arcura rated this answer

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arcura asked on 07/06/05 - What is Success? A self analysis exercise. You may not want to do this, But if you do, be honest with yourself in answering, and in paying attention to that which you may not have done. The Testimonial Dinner Exercise Scene: It is one week before the end of your life, and everyone knows it. You are invited to dinner and to your great surprise this turns out to be a huge dinner, attended by everyone you value; they have secretly come in from all over the country and all over the world. It is to be a testimonial dinner, for You. At the dinner, to your great embarrassment, there is one testimonial after another about the good things you did, or the good person that you were, in your lifetime. No mention of any parts of your life that you don't want to have remembered. Just the good stuff So, this brings us to some questions. What would you hope to hear, at the dinner? What about you would you like to have remembered, after you are gone from this earth? What traits? What physical qualities, if any? What spiritual qualities? What skills or talents? What achievements? Here is a checklist to help you: 0 Served or helped those who were in need. 0 Impressed people with my going the second mile, in meeting their needs. 0 Was always a great listener. 0 Was always good at carrying out orders, or bring projects to a successful conclusion. 0 Mastered some technique, or field. 0 Did something that everyone said couldn't be done. 0 Did something that no one had ever done before. 0 Excelled and was the best at whatever it is I did. 0 Pioneered or explored some new technology. 0 Fixed something that was broken. 0 Made something work, when everyone else had failed or given up. 0 Improved something, made it better, or perfected it. 0 Influenced people and gained a tremendous response from them. 0 Had an impact, and caused change. 0 Did work which brought more information/truth into the world. 0 Did work which brought more beauty into the world through gardens, painting, decorating, designing, or whatever. 0 Did work which brought more justice, truth, and ethical behavior into the world. 0 Brought people closer to God. 0 Growing in wisdom and compassion was my great goal in all my life. 0 Had a vision of what something could be, and helped that vision to come true. 0 Developed or build something, where there was nothing. 0 Began a new business, or did some project from start to finish. 0 Exploited, shaped and influenced a situation, market, before others saw the potential. 0 Put together a great team, making a difference in its field, industry or community. 0 Was acknowledged by everyone as a leader. 0 Had status in my field, industry, or community. 0 Was in the spotlight, gained recognition, and was well-known. 0 Was able to acquire many possessions, things or much money. Last question: How many of these do you think are necessary to be a successfully good person? revdauphinee answered on 07/07/05: I realise I am far from perfect so the best thing I expect to hear is "in following Christ she tried her best!" arcura rated this answer

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Liz22 asked on 07/06/05 - Is God talking to himself? If God is God than while he was being tortured on the Cross, why would he had ask himself in Matthew 27-46 "And about the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani?" That is, My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me? Forsaken means Deserted Abandoned Empty For an example why did he not just say� myself, myself why did I forsake myself? Whom are we fooling here? Thus than he is the Son of God, a God sitting at the right hand of God, a God that God himself made the word, the one whom would save us from our sins and the second Adam? Because in the book of Genesis God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness:" (Us) meaning plural, two or more Gods here. But is God talking to himself, I very much doubt it, but I'm willing to try and to understand how you believe in just one God, and not two Gods here? I know that Jesus is the Word and the word became flesh, and the word was God, but perhaps God created Jesus before any of his other Creations, and perhaps God the Father want's to retire, thus Creating another God, which is Jesus? (Thank you very much, revdauphinee answered on 07/07/05: why cant he talk to himself? I do it all the time (sometimes its the only way to get an intelegent conversation)LOL Liz22 rated this answer

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arcura asked on 07/06/05 - The Necessity of Forgiveness����������������.. Matthew 6:12. And forgive us our debts, as we have forgiven those who are in debt to us. 13. And do not put us to the test, but save us from the Evil One. 14. `Yes, if you forgive others their failings, your heavenly Father will forgive you yours; 15. but if you do not forgive others, your Father will not forgive your failings either. NJB The way I see this is that if I forgive in a certain manner then that is how God will forgive me. As example if I forgive only those who ask to be forgiven a certain sin than that is the one I will forgive and not others that may have been made. Or I will forgive another only after they have been punished. Question 1. Have you forgiven ALL who have trespassed against you and if so how? Question 2. Is forgiveness of others by us mortals necessary for salvation? Question 3. Do you believe that a person who does not forgive and enter Paradise? revdauphinee answered on 07/06/05: A Christian does not wait to be asked for forgiveness "As example if I forgive only those who ask to be forgiven a certain sin than that is the one I will forgive and not others that may have been made." we forgive without being asked ,this is hard to do for some folks! myself being one of them ,I realy have to work at it! but since im a work in progress im getting better at it! scripture tells us we must forgive in order to be forgiven and so if we are not forgiven then how can we enter heaven??? arcura rated this answer ATON2 rated this answer hOPE12 rated this answer ladybugca rated this answer

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excon asked on 07/06/05 - Christians vs. Science Hello: There's science and there's religion. I don't see a conflict, but I detect a virulent disagreement with science from some of you (tomder; Itsb; the rev). I wonder why. Is it because science sometimes debunks religion? Do you think science has an "anti-religion" agenda? Do you think scientists manipulate their data to reach a pre-determined anti-religious idea? Personally, I've always been thrilled when science explains something to me - even when it destroyed some of my long held beliefs. I certainly never argued about it. Scientists don't "care" about what they discover. They only care about discovering something. Or, do you know something I don't? That�s �know�, not believe. excon revdauphinee answered on 07/06/05: ok !"I choose to believe scripture !"Over theory Having a background in Chemistry I know that a theory is nothing more than an idea if and when proven it becomes a law!at last checking I know of no Law of evolution! ATON2 rated this answer CeeBee2 rated this answer excon rated this answer hOPE12 rated this answer ladybugca rated this answer

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Pete_Hanysz asked on 07/05/05 - 40,000 year-old human footprints in Mexico British scientists unearth 40,000 year-old human footprints in central Mexico By CATHERINE MCALOON LONDON (AP) - British scientists claimed Tuesday to have unearthed 40,000 year-old human footprints in central Mexico, challenging previous studies that put the arrival of the first humans in the Americas at about 13,500 years ago. Scientists Silvia Gonzalez, from Liverpool John Moores University, and Matthew Bennett, of Bournemouth University, found the footprints in an abandoned quarry close to the Cerro Toluquilla volcano in the Valsequillo basin, near Puebla, south of Mexico City in 2003. Gonzalez said the footprints were preserved as trace fossils in volcanic ash along what was the shoreline of an ancient volcanic lake. "Climate variations and the eruption of the Cerro Toluquilla volcano caused lake levels to rise and fall, exposing the Xalnene volcanic ash layer," Gonzalez said. She said the footprints, which were preserved when water levels rose, were now hard as concrete and had been uncovered without excavation as quarry workers had already removed two to three metres of lake sediment that had been deposited on top of the volcanic ash layer. The footprints were analysed and dated by a team of international scientists using laser technology. The findings challenge previously held ideas about the settlement of the Americas. Scientists have long believed that the first humans came to North America after the last Ice Age ended about 13,500 years ago. According to that theory, they crossed a land bridge from Asia into what is now Alaska and spread quickly across the continent. The theory is supported by the stone tools they left behind - all less than 13,500 years old. Their tool technology was named Clovis for the New Mexico town where it was first described. "The existence of 40,000 year-old human footprints in Mexico means that the Clovis First model of human occupation can no longer be accepted as the first evidence of human presence in the Americas," said David Huddart, a professor at Liverpool John Moores University, and a collaborator on the discovery. Gonzalez said the findings supported a theory that the first colonies may have arrived by water, using the Pacific coast migration route, rather than by foot. "We think there were several migration waves into the Americas at different times by different human groups," she said. The findings are being exhibited as part of a summer exhibition at London's prestigious scientific academy, the Royal Society. Any comments? revdauphinee answered on 07/05/05: Just one more way proving that all theories are not facts! arcura rated this answer ATON2 rated this answer hOPE12 rated this answer ladybugca rated this answer Pete_Hanysz rated this answer queenybee rated this answer

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bluevision asked on 07/05/05 - This article (from gotquestions.org) would help ATON This article would help ATON understand that baptism is not a pre-reqisite for salvation, & being baptized is a public testimony that a Christian has committed himself/herself to a life of following Christ. Question: "Is baptism necessary for salvation? What is baptismal regeneration?" Answer: Baptismal regeneration is the belief that a person must be baptized in order to be saved. Christian baptism is an outward testimony of what has occurred inwardly in a believer�s life. It illustrates a believer�s identification with Christ�s death, burial, and resurrection. �Or don't you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life� (Romans 6:3-4 NIV). The action of being immersed in the water pictures being buried with Christ. The action of coming out of the water pictures Christ�s resurrection. Yes, there are some verses that seem to indicate baptism as a necessary requirement for salvation. However, since the Bible so clearly tells us that salvation is by faith alone (John 3:16; Ephesians 2:8-9; Titus 3:5) there must be a different interpretation of those verses. Scripture does not contradict Scripture. In Bible times, a person who converted from one religion to another was often baptized to identify conversion. Baptism was the means of making a decision public. Those who refused to be baptized were saying they did not truly believe. So, in the minds of the apostles, the idea of an un-baptized believer was unheard of. When a person claimed to believe in Christ, yet was ashamed to proclaim his faith in public, it indicated that he did not have true faith. If baptism is necessary for salvation, why would Paul have said, "I am thankful that I did not baptize any of you except Crispus and Gaius" (1 Corinthians 1:14)? Why would he have said, "For Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach the gospel - not with words of human wisdom, lest the cross of Christ be emptied of its power" (1 Corinthians 1:17)? In regards to Acts 2:38, the Greek word in this verse that is translated as "for" is "eis". The root meaning of "eis" is "into", but this word can have several different senses. It can mean "in order that." If this were the meaning here, it would mean "be baptized IN ORDER THAT you will be forgiven of your sins." However, this would be contrary to all of the rest of Scripture which never indicates that baptism is part of salvation. Read the Gospel of John. The reader is instructed over and over again to believe, and never once told to be baptized for salvation (John 1:12; 3:16; 3:18; 3:36; 5:24; 11:25-26; 12:44; 20:31). Another meaning for the word gar is "because of." If this is the correct meaning, and I believe it is because it agrees with the rest of Scripture, then Acts 2:38 is saying "be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ BECAUSE OF the forgiveness of your sins." Again, this agrees with all of the rest of Scripture where we are told that Faith alone in the person and work of Jesus Christ is what saves. First, it is important to remember that Mark chapter 16, verses 9-20 are questionable and should not be used as the basis of doctrine. Second, if Mark 16:9-20 is considered part of the inspired Word of God � and if it is understood as teaching baptism as necessary for salvation, it would be in contradiction to the many Scriptures which teach salvation by faith alone (John 3:16; Ephesians 2:8-9; Titus 3:5). I do not believe that is the correct understanding of Mark 16:16, however. It reads, �Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.� Please notice that the first half of the verse mentions belief and baptism, while the second half only mentions belief. It does not say, �but whoever does not believe or is not baptized will be condemned.� Baptism is an important step of obedience after a person believes in Jesus Christ. Mark 16:16 is saying that a person is saved by believing, and then that person should be baptized. If a person does not believe, they are condemned. 1 Peter 3:21 tells us, "and this water symbolizes baptism that now saves you also-not the removal of dirt from the body but the pledge of a good conscience toward God. It saves you by the resurrection of Jesus Christ." Baptism represents a complete break with one's past life. As the Flood wiped away the old sinful world, so baptism pictures one's break from his old sinful life and his entrance into new life in Christ. Peter now applied to his readers the principle he set forth in verses 13-17 and illustrated in verses 18-20. He exhorted them to have the courage to commit themselves to a course of action by taking a public stand for Christ through baptism. The act of public baptism would "save" them from the temptation to sacrifice their good consciences in order to avoid persecution. For a first-century Christian, baptism meant he was following through on his commitment to Christ, regardless of the consequences. In regards to John 3:5, baptism is not the meaning of �born of water� that passage. Baptism is nowhere referred to as �born of water� in Scripture. Jesus� explanation in verse 6 is that He is referring to physical birth. He declares, �Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit.� In other words, there are two types of birth � natural and spiritual. In Jesus� analogy, then, the natural birth refers to being born of water. During pregnancy the unborn child floats in amniotic fluid in the mother�s womb. During childbirth, this water is expelled. A child is literally born �out of water�. Therefore, the expression �born of water� is used as a figure for physical birth. Baptismal regeneration is not a Biblical concept. Baptism does not save from sin, but from a bad conscience. Peter clearly taught that baptism was not merely a ceremonial act of physical purification, but the pledge of a good conscience toward God. Baptism is the symbol of what has already occurred in the heart and life of one who has trusted Christ as Savior (cf. Romans 6:3-5; Galatians 3:27; Colossians 2:12). To make the source of salvation perfectly clear Peter added, by the resurrection of Jesus Christ (cf. 1 Peter 1:3). revdauphinee answered on 07/05/05: Christian baptism is an outward testimony of what has occurred inwardly TRUE WITHOUT THE INWARD CONVICTION all baptism will do is get you wet! ATON2 rated this answer bluevision rated this answer hOPE12 rated this answer Pete_Hanysz rated this answer sapphire630 rated this answer

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tomder55 asked on 07/05/05 - Live 8 I am sure the leaders of the G8 meeting today in Scotland were all moved by the Pink Floyd reunion and I'm sure the whole concert thingy will have a big impact on the decisions the G8 leaders reach this week . While highlighting the plight of starving Africa Stevie Wonder and Bon Jovi enjoyed a backstage gourmet menu of crispy calamari salad and salmon sushi;others ate char-grilled dry aged beef, tea-smoked spare ribs and chicken and ginger dumplings. Various artists were given expensive gratuities for their volunteer efforts including Hugo Boss suits, watches, satellite radio subscriptions, Gibson guitars, $125 ties, $330 sweat suits ;jewellery.Many of them accepted a $12,749 goody bag of gifts for their appearance .The concert had a real boosting effect on the sales of many over the hill performer . HMV has a full list of the artists on Live 8 who received an increase in album sales .Some of the listed acts are shown below. REM 'Reveal' - 50% The Beatles 'Number 1s' - 71% U2 'Best Of: 1990 �' - 116% The Killers 'Hot Fuss' - 131% Razorlight 'Up all Night' - 335% Dido 'Life for Rent' - 412% The Who 'Then & Now' - 863% Pink Floyd 'Echoes - Best Of' - 1,343% I guess this charity thing is good for business. Did the concerts actually raise any money? No. Did they come up with a solution to world hunger ? No. Did they at least tell those who might want to make a donation to some worthy charity where to send the money? No. In fact, the concert cost uncounted millions of dollars. Who paid for the hotel suites ;the limos ?Why couldn�t that money have been used to benefit the poor starving Africans ? The real point was convincing you to tell the government that it needs to take more of your weekly paycheck and send it to the corrupt leaders of African nations. In contrast ;Moammar Kadafi is beginning to resemble Gandhi . revdauphinee answered on 07/05/05: ""No. Did they at least tell those who might want to make a donation to some worthy charity where to send the money? No. In fact, the concert cost uncounted millions of dollars. "" DID YOU TRULY EXPECT IT WOULD??? Pete_Hanysz rated this answer tomder55 rated this answer

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ROLCAM asked on 07/05/05 - A New Challenge to each and every one of you !! Your soul and your body, are the living temple of God. Is your temple always open ? Is it spacious enough ? Open up that temple, make it spacious, give it height. revdauphinee answered on 07/05/05: also keep out of this temple all that dosent need to be there! arcura rated this answer ROLCAM rated this answer

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ATON2 asked on 07/05/05 - Once more into the 'baptismal' breech: Did Jesus baptize???? If not, Why not????? If baptism of water AND the Holy Spirit are necessary pre-requisites for Salvation..as the Gospel of John claims...why are the Evangelists so close-mouthed about Jesus baptizing anyone??? We are told that he taught, healed, cast out demons, but NEVER that he baptized anyone...a glaring ommission for a 'sacrament' that was necessary for salvation. It seems that in John 3:22, the author was ALMOST tempted to cast Jesus as a baptizer, but changed his mind: "After that Jesus came to the land of Galilee...and he baptized"....Yet almost immediatly in John 4:2, the author asserts "Though Jesus did NOT himself baptize, but his Apostles."!!!!! Why this about face???? Could it be that in Jesus day, the salvific nature of Baptism was NOT a tenet of the followers of Jesus...but that the author of John was simply antedating a 'doctrine' from his own time...long after Jesus death and glorification as the "Lord of Salvation" ???? revdauphinee answered on 07/05/05: christians need to remember that without a prior relationship with Jesus himself all baptism will do is get you wet! ATON2 rated this answer

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Bobbye asked on 07/04/05 - PRAYER! From this group of praying experts I ask that all who will please intercede in prayer for the situation in Aruba concerning the disappearance of Natalie Holloway. The grief of this family must be indescribable. Thanks. Bobbye revdauphinee answered on 07/05/05: I have been praying! one can only imagine the horror of these folks and the misshandling being done in aruba in the name of justice should make Americans think twice before going there! they are dragging thier feet on the justice front in hope she will be forgotten and this judges son can get away with what he obviously knows.Lets make sure it does not happen! Bobbye rated this answer

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Bobbye asked on 07/02/05 - LUCY: Lived 3.18 million years past. Re comments that dispel the "young earth theory" (I am not a proponent of the "young earth theory"), we were then pointed to "mother Lucy," whom the Arizona State University-Institute of Human Origins has dated as 3.18 million years past, based upon the Argon-Argon dating technique. http://www.asu.edu/clas/iho/lucy.html (1) WHAT ABOUT GENESIS 1:1 that covers the period at least 15 billion years prior to Genesis 1:2 (based upon carbon dating -- which some dispel; others accept)? (2) LUCY, AS WELL AS EVE, WOULD FIT INTO THE FIFTEEN-BILLION-YEARS-PAST ERA -- BUT ONLY A MERE 3 MILLION YEARS OLD ("young chick"). EVE, of course, APPROXIMATELY fourteen plus BILLION YEARS OLDER, SO BACK TO "MOTHER EVE." ("Time Magazine" ran an article re the fifteen billion year-theory' about 10 years ago. Many reports have been given on T.V. dating the earth as eight plus billion years.) Any comments? Thanks. Bobbye revdauphinee answered on 07/03/05: they caN SAY AND DO AS THEY WILL BUT AS FOR ME MY TRUTH IS THE bIBLES i NEED NO OTHER TRUTH! Bobbye rated this answer Liz22 rated this answer Pete_Hanysz rated this answer

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CeeBee2 asked on 07/02/05 - Asked by a Lutheran minister...................... who was very surprised by the answers he got: Suppose you were to die today and stand before God, and He asked you, "Why should I allow you into My Heaven?" What would you say? revdauphinee answered on 07/02/05: because you promiced to if I believed in your son! CeeBee2 rated this answer queenybee rated this answer

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Krewton asked on 07/02/05 - Pray for a good old boy;) Me and a buddy of mine are going down to a local store today to play a mixture of Gospel, Country, and Southern Rock. Pray that the Heathens don't laugh at us, and the Bible Thumpers don't lynch us fer blasphemy!!!!!;) revdauphinee answered on 07/02/05: will do!! Krewton rated this answer

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CeeBee2 asked on 07/02/05 - Practice Session #1 (for the coming debate).......... Let's sharpen our minds and pull together arguments pro and con. (More practice sessions will be posted during the next two days.) Please answer only Yes or No: Do you believe there a God? revdauphinee answered on 07/02/05: yes!! CeeBee2 rated this answer

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ATON2 asked on 07/02/05 - A Chronological Anachronism????? There are no reference to Baptism in the Old Testament...and none in the New Testament until Jesus is Baptized by John the Baptist. Yet the great commission, to baptize, given by Jesus was given LONG after the birth of John, or his (Jesus) own baptism. The Gospels caution: "Unless a man be born again of water and the Holy Spirt, he cannot enter the Kingdom of Heaven" e.g. John 3:5. Questions: Where did John the Baptist get the idea to baptize???? Was HE baptized??? By whom????? Or is the entire Baptism of Jesus scenario a pious fiction put forward by the Evangelists (long after the institution of Baptism was proclaimed by Jesus) to enforce their "SON OF GOD" agenda???? Merely as a prop to have the Father declare Jesus his 'beloved Son'???? If that is the case, has the 'un-born again' John the Baptist been refused entry to Heaven????? revdauphinee answered on 07/02/05: could not the practice of ritual bathing practiced by the Jews be a pecurser for baptism?? ATON2 rated this answer

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MaggieB asked on 07/01/05 - The Bible or the Koran? This is what is happening in North Carolina where I live: ...North Carolina judges are refusing a request by several Muslim organizations that want changes in the courtroom process. The Muslims want to replace the Bible with the Koran when a member of the Islamic faith is sworn in to give testimony. Judges in the Tar Heel state have refused -- and North Carolina Republican Representative Walter Jones likes that response. "I think this [request] is absolutely unacceptable," Jones says, "and I will encourage my friends who are judges in North Carolina -- and I'm sure they'll do this without my encouragement -- to resist any effort to allow the Koran to replace the Bible. It is absolutely unacceptable." The Muslim groups are expected to persist in their effort to replace the Bible. Has anyone on the board had this to happen in your state? revdauphinee answered on 07/02/05: since i live in the heart of the bibble belt I can hardly see it happening here but then who knew the ten commandments would become illegal in my lifetime!I would most definatly be against this But then I personaly regard the quoran to be A lie! ATON2 rated this answer Krewton rated this answer MaggieB rated this answer

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Liz22 asked on 07/01/05 - Science is finding Adam? Science is finding Adam, One Scientist doing this search for what he calls the "scientific Adam" the man who gave rise to all men today and the �trunk� of the human family tree. Wells a well known Scientist who has used DNA to trace Adams ancestors back to Africa? He also stated this is where the Garden Of Eden would had started, so now that Science is finding Adam, perhaps they will make the mistake in finding God? If there was a Adam like Science has said' Now would that not proove a Creator? What do you think about Science finding Adam? revdauphinee answered on 07/02/05: why not just accept Gods word???29 Then Jesus told him, "Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed." also as for the location of Eden it is told in scripture where it was and it was not in Africa! (Gen.2:8-17 8 Now the LORD God had planted a garden in the east, in Eden; and there he put the man he had formed. Genesis 9 And the LORD God made all kinds of trees grow out of the ground--trees that were pleasing to the eye and good for food. In the middle of the garden were the tree of life and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. 10 A river watering the garden flowed from Eden; from there it was separated into four headwaters. 11 The name of the first is the Pishon; it winds through the entire land of Havilah, where there is gold. 12 (The gold of that land is good; aromatic resin and onyx are also there.) 13 The name of the second river is the Gihon; it winds through the entire land of Cush. 14 The name of the third river is the Tigris; it runs along the east side of Asshur. And the fourth river is the Euphrates. the tigris and euphrates are I believe in Iraq not in Africa! Liz22 rated this answer MaggieB rated this answer

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hOPE12 asked on 07/01/05 - To Everyone posting or commenting on my questions: Please show respect. There is a discussion going on not comments that are rude and hateful. If you can not comment with dignity and respect please then do not comment at all. To ask questions such as "Do I believe horses can fly?" Is degrading and imature. If you disagree, just say you do and why. Follow Atons fine example. There is no need for sarcasm and hostility. I do not know everything and niether do you! I always try to be respectfull even if I disagree. Please try and act mature and just say you disagree and why. Not need to attack if you disagree. Show intellegence and state why without all the smart remarks. Thank you,Sincerely, Hope12 Take care, Hope12 revdauphinee answered on 07/01/05: I always say we can agree to disagree we dont have to be hatefull about it ! ATON2 rated this answer hOPE12 rated this answer

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Itsdb asked on 07/01/05 - Suicide attackers in Iraq are thought to be foreigners U.S., Iraqi officials say bombers recruited in gulf region, N. Africa Associated Press. Published July 1, 2005 BAGHDAD -- The vast majority of suicide attackers in Iraq are thought to be foreigners--mostly Saudis and other Persian Gulf Arabs--and the trend has become more pronounced this year with North Africans also streaming in to carry out deadly missions, U.S. and Iraqi officials say. The bombers are recruited from Sunni communities, smuggled into Iraq from Syria after receiving religious indoctrination and then quickly bundled into cars or strapped with explosive vests and sent to their deaths, the officials said. The young men are not so much fighters as human bombs, a small but deadly component of the Iraqi insurgency. "The foreign fighters are the ones that most often are behind the wheel of suicide car bombs, or most often behind any suicide situation," said U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. Don Alston, spokesman for the Multinational Force in Iraq. Officials have long believed that non-Iraqis infiltrating the country through its porous borders with Syria, Iran and Saudi Arabia were behind most suicide missions, and the wave of bloody strikes in recent months has confirmed that thinking... ...Progress against infiltration is crucial in reducing the number of suicide bombings. Authorities have found little evidence that Iraqis have been behind the near-daily stream of such attacks over the past six months, U.S. and Iraqi intelligence officials said, speaking on condition of anonymity. Since 2003, less than 10 percent of more than 500 suicide attacks have been carried out by Iraqis, according to one defense official. So far this year, there have been at least 213 suicide attacks--172 by vehicle and 41 by bombers on foot--according to an Associated Press count. Another U.S. official said American authorities believe Iraqis are beginning to look at suicide bombers as a liability. "Just as there is no shortage of people willing to do this, nor is there any shortage of targets, and they tend to be police," the official said. The trend does not mean Iraqis are not part of the bloody insurgency: On the contrary, Iraqi insurgents are thought to be responsible for much of the violence and fighting in the country, although most of those are non-suicide attacks. "I still think 80 percent of the insurgency, the day-to-day activity, is Iraqi--the roadside bombings, mortars, direct weapons fire, rifle fire, automatic-weapons fire," said Kenneth Katzman, a Middle East expert with the Congressional Research Service, which advises U.S. lawmakers. But he added: "The foreign fighters attract the headlines with the suicide bombings, no question." The key role of foreign fighters in suicide attacks is one reason many senior military officials, including the top U.S. general in the Middle East, tend to view the war in Iraq as slowly developing into an international struggle against militant Islam. The military brass say Islamic extremists like Abu Musab al-Zarqawi and his Al Qaeda in Iraq organization are determined to start a civil war by attacking Iraqi security forces and members of the country's Shiite majority. "It's not about one man. It's about his network," the top general in the region, U.S. Gen. John Abizaid, said recently. "His network exists inside Iraq. It's connected to Al Qaeda. It's got facilitation nodes in Syria. It brings foreign fighters in from Saudi Arabia and from North Africa..." ...Overall, the number of foreign fighters coming into the country seems to be increasing from what it was six months ago, Abizaid said. "There's probably about 1,000 foreign fighters and about somewhere less than 10,000 committed insurgents in the field," he said... ...In interviews while visiting prisons, militant groups and government officials, he was told that there were so many suicide bombers coming out of the Persian Gulf states that the loose networks that deploy them--many run through mosques--had to turn away potential attackers. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ In another version of the story... BAGHDAD, Iraq -- The majority of suicide attackers in Iraq are thought to be foreigners -- mostly Saudis and other Gulf Arabs -- and the trend has become more pronounced, U.S. and Iraqi officials say. "The foreign fighters are the ones that most often are behind the wheel of suicide car bombs, or most often behind any suicide situation," said U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. Don Alston, spokesman for the Multinational Force in Iraq. Since 2003, less than 10 percent of more than 500 suicide attacks have been carried out by Iraqis, according to one defense official. So far this year, there have been at least 213 suicide attacks -- 172 by vehicle and 41 by bombers on foot -- according to an Associated Press count. Authorities have found little evidence that Iraqis have been behind the near-daily stream of suicide attacks during the past six months, U.S. and Iraqi intelligence officials said, speaking on condition of anonymity because of the subject's sensitivity. There have been a few exceptions. On Jan. 30, Election Day in Iraq, an Iraqi boy, wearing a suicide vest, attacked a polling station. An attack on a U.S. military mess hall in the northern city of Mosul in December that killed 22 also was believed to have been carried out by an Iraqi, as was a June 11 attack on the Baghdad headquarters of the Interior Ministry's Wolf Brigade..." ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Just a note here, the version in my paper this morning read, "On election day Jan. 30, a mentally handicapped Iraqi boy, wearing a suicide vest, attacked a polling station." I guess the AP has had a partial recovery from their coma and realized what many of us have been saying for some time now. Oh yes, a question...isn't this why we're fighting the global war on terror? Add to this the new Iranian president's "wave of the Islamic revolution will soon reach the entire world" comment, is the picture getting any clearer? Perhaps some day we won't have to read about mentally ill children being turned into bombs? And people are worried about a Bush theocracy in America? Steve revdauphinee answered on 07/01/05: its not the mentaly ill boy that worries me it is the animals that make him doit! This is ""peacefull"" Islam?? Itsdb rated this answer MaggieB rated this answer

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keenu asked on 07/01/05 - Thinking out of the box Why do YOU think Jesus was unrecognizable at certain times? Example: (Luke 24:30-31) And as he was reclining with them at the meal he took the loaf, blessed it, broke it and began to hand it to them. 31 At that their eyes were fully opened and they recognized him; and he disappeared from them) Now, this is a question meant to make you think on your own, NOT to read NOR to quote scripture. I want you to think really hard about what you have learned and apply it to answering this question! Think of this as a learning exercise and PLEASE try to think "out of the box"! revdauphinee answered on 07/01/05: if you were at supper talking to others and not paying much attention would you then expect a dead friend to be amongst the company??I think not! ATON2 rated this answer keenu rated this answer

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hOPE12 asked on 07/01/05 - Was Jesus resurrected with a fleshly body or as a Spirit? Hello Everyone, In speaking of the fact as to if Jesus was raised to heaven in a fleshly body or a spirit, what is your believe and why do you so believe that way. First please allow me to show you why JW�s believe Jesus was raised as a spirit. King James version: 1 Corinthians 15:45,50 �45 And so it is written, The first man Adam was made a living soul; the last Adam was made a quickening spirit.� 50 Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; neither doth corruption inherit incorruption.� 2 Corinthians 5:1-5 � For we know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of God, an house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. 2 For in this we groan, earnestly desiring to be clothed upon with our house which is from heaven: 3 If so be that being clothed we shall not be found naked. 4 For we that are in this tabernacle do groan, being burdened: not for that we would be unclothed, but clothed upon, that mortality might be swallowed up of life. 5 Now he that hath wrought us for the selfsame thing is God, who also hath given unto us the earnest of the Spirit� NWT: (1 Corinthians 15:45) It is even so written: �The first man Adam became a living soul.� The last Adam became a life-giving spirit. (1 Corinthians 15:50) However, this I say, brothers, that flesh and blood cannot inherit God�s kingdom, neither does corruption inherit incorruption. (2 Corinthians 5:1-5) For we know that if our earthly house, this tent, should be dissolved, we are to have a building from God, a house not made with hands, everlasting in the heavens. 2 For in this dwelling house we do indeed groan, earnestly desiring to put on the one for us from heaven, 3 so that, having really put it on, we shall not be found naked. 4 In fact, we who are in this tent groan, being weighed down; because we want, not to put it off, but to put on the other, that what is mortal may be swallowed up by life. 5 Now he that produced us for this very thing is God, who gave us the token of what is to come, that is, the spirit. Even if some hoping in the Messiah once looked at Christ on the basis of his flesh, they were no longer to do so. He gave his body as a ransom and was resurrected as a life-giving spirit. Others raised to heavenly life would give up their fleshly bodies without ever having seen Jesus Christ in the flesh. Yet there are many who believe that Christ took his fleshly body to heaven, and that he will return in a flesh-and-blood body. They point to the fact that more than once the resurrected Jesus appeared to his disciples in a fleshly body to show them that he was alive. Once Jesus asked the apostle Thomas to put his hand into the hole in his side so that Thomas would believe that he had actually been resurrected. (John 20:24-27) But Thomas, one of the twelve, who was called The Twin, was not with them when Jesus came. 25 Consequently the other disciples would say to him: �We have seen the Lord!� But he said to them: �Unless I see in his hands the print of the nails and stick my finger into the print of the nails and stick my hand into his side, I will certainly not believe.� 26 Well, eight days later his disciples were again indoors, and Thomas with them. Jesus came, although the doors were locked, and he stood in their midst and said: �May YOU have peace.� 27 Next he said to Thomas: �Put your finger here, and see my hands, and take your hand and stick it into my side, and stop being unbelieving but become believing.� Does this not show that Jesus was raised from the dead in the same body that was nailed and killed? No, for Jesus simply materialized or took on a fleshly body, as angels had done in the past. In order to convince Thomas as to who he was, he used a body with wound holes. He appeared fully human, able to eat and drink, just as did the angels that Abraham once entertained (Genesis 18:8) He then took butter and milk and the young bull that he had got ready and set it before them. Then he himself kept standing by them under the tree as they were eating. Though Jesus appeared to Thomas in a body similar to the one in which he was put to death, he also took on different bodies when appearing to his followers. Thus Mary Magdalene at first thought that he was a gardener. At other times Jesus� disciples did not at first recognize him. In these instances it was not his personal appearance that served to identify him, but it was some word or action of his that they recognized (John 20:14-16) After saying these things, she turned back and viewed Jesus standing, but she did not discern it was Jesus. 15 Jesus said to her: �Woman, why are you weeping? Whom are you looking for?� She, imagining it was the gardener, said to him: �Sir, if you have carried him off, tell me where you have laid him, and I will take him away.� 16 Jesus said to her: �Mary!� Upon turning around, she said to him, in Hebrew: �Rab�bo�ni!� (which means �Teacher!�) (John 21:6-7) He said to them: �Cast the net on the right side of the boat and YOU will find [some].� Then they cast it, but they were no longer able to draw it in because of the multitude of the fishes. 7 Therefore that disciple whom Jesus used to love said to Peter: �It is the Lord!� Hence Simon Peter, upon hearing that it was the Lord, girded about himself his top garment, for he was naked, and plunged into the sea. (Luke 24:30-31) And as he was reclining with them at the meal he took the loaf, blessed it, broke it and began to hand it to them. 31 At that their eyes were fully opened and they recognized him; and he disappeared from them. Consider the manner in which Jesus left his apostles on his way to heaven. The Bible says: �While they were looking on, he was lifted up and a cloud caught him up from their vision.� ( (Acts 1:9) And after he had said these things, while they were looking on, he was lifted up and a cloud caught him up from their vision. So when Jesus began going into the sky, a cloud hid him from the literal eyesight of his apostles. The departing Jesus, therefore, became invisible to them. They could not see him. It was in a spiritual body that he went to heaven (1 Peter 3:18) Why, even Christ died once for all time concerning sins, a righteous [person] for unrighteous ones, that he might lead YOU to God, he being put to death in the flesh, but being made alive in the spirit. The resurrected Jesus was given a spirit body: �He being put to death in the flesh, but being made alive in the spirit.� (1 Pet. 3:18, NW) �Whom not one of men has seen or can see.� (1 Timothy 6:16) the one alone having immortality, who dwells in unapproachable light, whom not one of men has seen or can see. To him be honor and might everlasting. Amen. Once, in order to convince �doubting� Thomas, Jesus materialized a fleshly body that had wounds on it such as were on Christ�s body when he died. A careful reading of this account, though, confirms that it was an instance of a spirit creature�s materializing a body. How do we know? Jesus appeared to Thomas in a locked room, miraculously materializing right in the midst of the apostles (John 20:24-29) But Thomas, one of the twelve, who was called The Twin, was not with them when Jesus came. 25 Consequently the other disciples would say to him: �We have seen the Lord!� But he said to them: �Unless I see in his hands the print of the nails and stick my finger into the print of the nails and stick my hand into his side, I will certainly not believe. Now notice this: � 26 Well, eight days later his disciples were again indoors, and Thomas with them. Jesus came, although the doors were locked, and he stood in their midst and said: �May YOU have peace.� 27 Next he said to Thomas: �Put your finger here, and see my hands, and take your hand and stick it into my side, and stop being unbelieving but become believing.� 28 In answer Thomas said to him: �My Lord and my God!� 29 Jesus said to him: �Because you have seen me have you believed? Happy are those who do not see and yet believe.� Each one can read these same scriptures in their own Bible. It says the same thing. �Now this is what I believe as one of Jehovah�s Witnesses. What do you believe and why do you believe that way? Please show Scriptures because if it is not in the bible it is not from God. Thank you and I look forward to your replies. Take care, Hope12 revdauphinee answered on 07/01/05: he was resurected in a body of fles hbut changed as will we all be before going home to heaven does he not himself say "for a spirit hath not flesh and bones, as ye see me have." also the diciples were able to touch him ,and eat with him as is described in the following if he were not flesh would he eat?? Luke24: 38. And he said unto them, Why are ye troubled? and why do thoughts arise in your hearts? 39. Behold my hands and my feet, that it is I myself: ""handle me, and see; for a spirit hath not flesh and bones, as ye see me have."" 38. And he said unto them, Why are ye troubled? and why do thoughts arise in your hearts? 39. Behold my hands and my feet, that it is I myself: handle me, and see; for a spirit hath not flesh and bones, as ye see me have. 40. And when he had thus spoken, he shewed them his hands and his feet. 41. And while they yet believed not for joy, and wondered, he said unto them, Have ye here any meat? 42. And they gave him a piece of a broiled fish, and of an honeycomb. 43. And he took it, and did eat before them. 40. And when he had thus spoken, he shewed them his hands and his feet. 41. And while they yet believed not for joy, and wondered, he said unto them, Have ye here any meat? 42. And they gave him a piece of a broiled fish, and of an honeycomb. 43. And he took it, and did eat before them. ATON2 rated this answer hOPE12 rated this answer

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tomder55 asked on 07/01/05 - The UN The Washington Post reports on a United Nations request to have America bolster its authority. United Nations Secretary General Kofi Annan asked the United States this week to consider sending troops to Haiti to support a U.N. peacekeeping mission beset by mounting armed challenges to its authority, according to senior U.N. officials. ... He expressed hope that the United States would participate in a planned U.N. rapid reaction force, authorized by the Security Council earlier this month, that would have the firepower to intimidate armed gangs threatening the country's fragile political transition. Officials said that similar requests are being considered for other countries, including Canada and France. "We want scarier troops," one senior U.N. official said. Annan told Rice that the Haitians "respect the U.S. military," according to a senior U.N. diplomat familiar with the closed-door meeting. Annan added that the United Nations may make a formal request for troops later, the diplomat said. There are no suggestions by the Secretary General that the weapons carried the current Brazilian force are inoperative. So far as anyone can tell, their ordnance works just fine. So logically, what Kofi Annan really wants is someone, like the Americans, to relieve him of the onus of ordering someone to pull the trigger, though perhaps he hopes that the American reputation for 'scariness' will make that unnecessary. So Secretary Rice suggested to Kofi Annan that if he wanted scarier troops she would be more than glad to help him get the French and Canadians. The plea from Annan comes weeks after Rice questioned the need for U.S. military intervention in Haiti, saying that it would be a "mistake" to abandon confidence in the ability of the Brazilian-led peacekeeping force to do the job. Rice provided Annan with no pledges of military support, officials said, but offered to help persuade France and Canada to contribute to the mission. Not that there would be much wrong with Canadian or French weapons either. The worst form of demagoguery consisted in promising what you had no intention to deliver. Like 'Safe Havens' for Kosovars, safety for Rwandans, justice for the Darfur or an unswerving commitment to catch Mohammed Farah Aideed while withdrawing the armor and heavy weapons necessary to do it in the first place. Unable to deliver not because the peacekeeper's weapons are malfunctioning but because no one wants to take responsibility for using them. If America has any utility at all to transnational liberals it is as a garbage collector and checkwriter for all the dreams it peddles. revdauphinee answered on 07/01/05: after fiascos presented by former incursions of United nations troups why would any country want them in it?? arcura rated this answer tomder55 rated this answer

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hOPE12 asked on 06/30/05 - Methuselah's Grove! Hello Everyone, We all know from the Bible that Methuselah was the grandfather of Noah, lived 969 years longer than any other man mentioned in the Bible record.Genesis 5:27; Luke 3:36,�37. My question is, has anyone heard of a place call Methuselah's Grove? Where is it and what is it? Take care, Hope12 revdauphinee answered on 06/30/05: all I know is it has something to do with old trees and also is connected to a book called methuselahs children> hOPE12 rated this answer

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Krewton asked on 06/29/05 - What did Choux do to get the boot? ????????? revdauphinee answered on 06/30/05: did Saladin see eye to eye with anyone?? ATON2 rated this answer Krewton rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 06/29/05 - For Freethinker God help us - whose idea was this? June 30, 2005 Page Tools Email to a friend Printer format At its best the human body is beautiful. At its worst it's a mess, writes David Barash. IN 1829 Francis Henry Egerton, the eighth Earl of Bridgewater, bequeathed �8000 to the Royal Society of London to pay for publication of works on "the Power, Wisdom, and Goodness of God, as Manifested in the Creation". The resulting Bridgewater Treatises, published from 1833 to 1840, were classic statements of "natural theology", seeking to demonstrate God's existence by examining the natural world's "perfection". Believers in creationism, masquerading in its barely disguised incarnation, "intelligent design", argue similarly, claiming that only a designer could generate such complex, perfect wonders. But, in fact, the living world is shot through with imperfection. Unless one wants to attribute either incompetence or sheer malevolence to such a designer, this imperfection - the manifold design flaws of life - points incontrovertibly to a natural, rather than a divine, process, one in which living things were not created de novo, but evolved. Consider the human body. Ask yourself, if you were designing the optimum exit for a foetus, would you engineer a route that passes through the narrow confines of the pelvic bones? Add to this the tragic reality that childbirth is not only painful in our species but also downright dangerous and sometimes lethal, because a baby's head is too large for the mother's birth canal. Advertisement AdvertisementThis design flaw is all the more dramatic because a skeleton shows that there is plenty of room for even the most stubbornly large-brained, misoriented foetus to be easily delivered anywhere in that vast, non-bony region below the ribs. (In fact, this is precisely the route obstetricians follow when performing a Caesarean section.) Why would evolution neglect the simple, straightforward solution? Because human beings are four-legged mammals by history. Our ancestors carried their spines parallel to the ground; it was only with our evolved upright posture that the pelvic girdle had to be rotated (and thereby narrowed), making a tight fit out of what for other mammals is nearly always an easy passage. An engineer who designed such a system from scratch would be summarily sacked, but evolution did not have the luxury of intelligent design. Admittedly, it could be argued that the dangers and discomforts of childbirth were intelligently, albeit vengefully, planned, given Genesis' account of God's judgement upon Eve: as punishment for her disobedience in Eden, "in pain you shall bring forth children". (Might this imply that if she'd only behaved, vaginas would have been where bellybuttons reside?) On to men. It is simply deplorable that the prostate gland is so close to the urinary system that (the common) enlargement of the former impinges awkwardly on the latter. In addition, as human testicles descended - in evolution and in embryology - the vas deferens (which carries sperm) became looped around the ureter (which carries urine from kidneys to bladder), resulting in an altogether illogical arrangement that would never have occurred if, like a minimally competent designer, natural selection could have anticipated the situation. There's much more that the supposed designer botched: ill-constructed knee joints that wear out, a lower back that's prone to pain, an inverted exit of the optic nerve via the retina, resulting in a blind spot. And what about the theological implications of all this? If God is the designer, and we are created in His image, does that mean He has back problems, too? The point is that these and other incongruities testify to the contingent, unplanned, entirely natural nature of natural selection. We are profoundly imperfect, cobbled together rather then designed. And in these imperfections reside some of the best arguments for our equally profound natural-ness. Los Angeles Times Now FT you have the ideal material to commence the dabate on the existence or otherwise of the creator. What price intelligent design? Does God use the same creation process we do, incremental development? or is He content to leave well enough alone once the prototype has been put into production.? revdauphinee answered on 06/30/05: the article stated""childbirth is not only painful in our species but also downright dangerous and sometimes lethal, because a baby's head is too large for the mother's birth canal.""do you know why?? this was as apunishment to eve fro her sin! Genesis 3: 16. To the woman he said, "I will greatly increase your pains in childbearing; with pain you will give birth to children. Your desire will be for your husband, and he will rule over you." so you see even the pain was a design from God! paraclete rated this answer

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arcura asked on 06/29/05 - A message for Krewton from Aton thru my post..... P.S. I am trying to have Krewton unblocked. Until then, forgive me if I use your post to thank him for his 'welcome back' :) :) :))Aton. revdauphinee answered on 06/29/05: good luck ive been trying to unblock saladin for months to no avail arcura rated this answer ATON2 rated this answer chewy rated this answer

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Krewton asked on 06/29/05 - What did Choux do to get the boot? ????????? revdauphinee answered on 06/29/05: didnt know she had! ATON2 rated this answer Krewton rated this answer

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arcura asked on 06/29/05 - Please take a long look at this site......... And provide for us what you think about it. The comments could prove to be interesting for all to ponder. http://www.wnd.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=44961 revdauphinee answered on 06/29/05: seems like anything is ok as long as its not Christ centered dosent it however we are looking at prophecy as it happens John 15:20 Remember the words I spoke to you: 'No servant is greater than his master.' [ John 13:16] If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also. arcura rated this answer

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ATON2 asked on 06/29/05 - AVE ATQUE, but NOT VALE :) Not a question: just a quick greeting to my dysfunctional cyber family Missed you ALL...Too much personal stuff going on to explain. Will be posting sporadically...with new guidelines. No private postings (too much intrigue there, already). No more free rides...answers will be rated strictly on content, not INTENT!!! (EVEN IF I LIKE YOU) :) :) :) Fair warning: Though I still abhor censorship, I will use the abuse button more frequently...and leave it up to answerway to keep the site clean!!!!! Now!!! Can we get back to trying to EXPLAIN the ins and outs of Christianity...or do we persist in Anti-Mormon, Anti-Muslim, Anti-EVERYTHING that is NOT fundamentalist Christianity..rabble rousing??????? And for the sake of the Creator...NO MORE about Terry Schiavo or Michael Jackson!!!!!! That has become BORING to the point of Petrification!!!!! "Once more into the breach...." and devil take the hindmost (whatever THAT means) :) revdauphinee answered on 06/29/05: fine but try to remember one mans Petrification!!!!!is anothers interest we are all here and we need all to be heard nevertheless I love ya !welcome back Dorothy ATON2 rated this answer Liz22 rated this answer

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mytfinemama asked on 06/29/05 - <------ Look to the left side of the screen... And tell me... Is there anything new you notice? :) revdauphinee answered on 06/29/05: glad to see it!! ATON2 rated this answer mytfinemama rated this answer

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tomder55 asked on 06/29/05 - yes ;it's come down to this . Court Allows 10 Commandments on Seized Land by Scott Ott In a pair of rulings on the constitutionality of the 10 Commandments on government property, the Supreme Court today said the commandments may be displayed on public land if that property has been seized from private owners for 'public purposes' under eminent domain. The 5-4 decision comes on the heels of last week's court declaration that so-called "private" property is actually government land temporarily under private management until its eventual seizure. In a second ruling handed down today, the Supreme Court banned the 10 commandments from appearing in courtrooms unless the following disclaimer is included: "Display of this historically-significant collection of laws shall not be construed as an endorsement of the God who may, or may not, have spoken them, nor of the existence of such a God, nor of the legality of the laws. Citizens may observe and obey these commandments at their own risk. Please consult your family attorney before embarking on any law-abiding regimen." revdauphinee answered on 06/29/05: "of the existence of such a God, "" Oh he exists and it wont belong before he will prove it when Romans 14:11 New International Version (NIV) It is written: " 'As surely as I live,' says the Lord, 'every knee will bow before me; every tongue will confess to God.' " [ Isaiah 45:23] tomder55 rated this answer

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hOPE12 asked on 06/29/05 - How would you react? Hello Everyone, We live in a world where when one group differs from another, rather then take the time to get to know them and what they are really like, many have shown hatred and tell lies so as to turn others away from them. If this has happening to you or a group you belonged to, how would you react? Would you reacting just feed into that hatred? Would you trying to even correct their lies help the situation? Would you ignore them and hope they grow up one day? Would you even waste your time to try to correct the lies knowing that the person spreading such lies would not even listen? Take care, Hope12 revdauphinee answered on 06/29/05: Q)Would you even waste your time to try to correct the lies knowing that the person spreading such lies would not even listen? answer sometimes we are wasting our time and must do as Christ tells us in Matthew 10:14 New International Version (NIV) If anyone will not welcome you or listen to your words, shake the dust off your feet when you leave that home or town. hOPE12 rated this answer

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ROLCAM asked on 06/29/05 - Have you heard ?? Pope presents new summary of Catholic doctrine. [28/06/2005] Pope Benedict presented a new summary of the Roman Catholic Catechism, with a question-and-answer format aimed at making the doctrine "accessible to all". The 205-page "Compendium of the Catechism of the Catholic Church" lays down Church teaching on everything from the creation of man to the protection of embryos in a book that has already caused some controversy in Italy. revdauphinee answered on 06/29/05: sounds interesting !and for Aton we miss you good to hear from u again Dorothy ROLCAM rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 06/28/05 - Just to set the record straight Give us back our sacred sites. This is what it comes too. The Australian aboriginees will soon be claiming sacred sites in America, so say goodbye to your best real estate and no more mining. What we would like is all you "johnny come latelies" to make arrangements to go back where you came from. I want an investigation into the genocide of the original inhabitants of the America's Aust Aborigines 'first' Americans. Courier Mail - Wednesday, April 13th, 1996. SYDNEY: The first Americans were actually Australians, according to the latest anthropological research. Neither Columbus, the Vikings nor American Indians discovered America - the Australian Aboriginies did, a report in yesterday's Sydney Morning Herald said. Research conducted by Brazilian and US scholars showed that the first humans to enter the new world more than 14,000 years ago were people of the same race as the Australian Aboriginies. It was thought Aboriginies crossed the Bering Strait from Asia to the Americas, a discovery that would necessitate a reassessment of American pre-history. The conclusion was based on computer analysis of skulls dating from 10,000 and 14,000 years ago which were discovered on archaeolgical sites in Columbia and Brazil earlier this century. "We were very, very surprised by what we found," Brazilian Paleo-anthropologist and archaeologist from the University of Sao Paulo, Dr Walter Neves, said. revdauphinee answered on 06/29/05: you wrote "so say goodbye to your best real estate " no wories our own supreme court just took care of that for us! ATON2 rated this answer paraclete rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 06/28/05 - The problem that just won't go away Man handcuffs himself to chair during Mass Arrest follows protest of handling of abuse cases Monday, June 27, 2005 Posted: 1329 GMT (2129 HKT) (AP) -- A man was arrested Sunday after he handcuffed himself to Cardinal Roger Mahony's chair during a service to protest the church's handling of allegedly abusive priests. Several thousand people were attending Mass at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels when James Robertson walked toward the altar and handcuffed himself to the chair, police said. Mahony, who was delivering the homily about 15 feet away, continued with the service. Robertson did not speak with Mahony. Robertson, 58, was arrested without incident for misdemeanor investigation of disturbing a religious ceremony. He was released. Robertson said he disturbed the church service because he wanted "the people in the pews to listen to the victims' stories from the victims themselves, not from the people who put them in this position." About 200 members of the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests, a support group for victims of clergy abuse, were protesting outside the cathedral, but spokeswoman Mary Grant said Robertson handcuffed himself to the chair without the knowledge of the organization. Robertson said he is not a member of SNAP, but of a smaller group called Survivors of Silence. Critics of Mahony, who heads the nation's largest archdiocese, claim he has been stonewalling a county probe into abusive priests by failing to turn over personnel files. More than 500 sexual abuse claims have been filed against the archdiocese and settlement negotiations have been ongoing. Robertson's attorney, Katherine Freberg, said her client has a civil lawsuit pending in state court against the archdiocese that alleges he was abused by a priest when he was a minor. "Jim was a silent protester. He wanted the parishioners to understand that Catholic boys were abused, as children, by Catholic priests," Freberg said. Tod Tamberg, a spokesman for the Archdiocese of Los Angeles, said a church security guard watched over Robertson until police arrived. "We were very concerned for the Cardinal's safety and for all the people attending Mass, many of them children. It was very tense," he said. Copyright 2005 The Associated Press revdauphinee answered on 06/29/05: if he was hancuffed to a chair how would he harm the priest??and did not priests harm him??? paraclete rated this answer

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Krewton asked on 06/28/05 - Please pray for a family member I have a member of my wife's family who has battled a gambling addiction for as long as I can remember. He accepted Jesus as his Savior last week. That's the good news, the bad news is his gambling buddies have been nagging him nonstop to go gamble again. The old boy needs all the help he can get, including new friends;) Thanx and God Bless revdauphinee answered on 06/28/05: he needs new friends for sure I have an aquaintance who abuses prescription drugs and has the same problem . Krewton rated this answer

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Pete_Hanysz asked on 06/28/05 - JW: fact or fiction? Is this what Jehovah's witness's believe today? They believe that Jesus did not rise from the dead. Russell says His body either dissolved into gases or is still preserved somewhere. They believe that God is not triune (i.e., Father, Son, and Holy Ghost). They believe that there is no such thing as a hell of everlasting torment. Hell is just the grave. The wicked are simply annihilated. They believe that man has no spirit. They believe the Holy Ghost is not a person of the Godhead, just a "life force" of God. They exercise mind control over members. They believe that man must work to be part of "God's system of things". They believe that only the 144,000 mentioned in the book of Revelation will live in heaven with God. They believe all dead people will have a second chance for eternal life at the millennium. If you do not prove worthiness at this time, you'll be destroyed. The believe the blood of Christ does not forgive sins, it gives us a "chance" to live again. They have NO assurance of salvation as Jehovah's Witnesses who supposedly know the truth. They believe Jesus is the archangel Michael - Jesus is a created being. They believe Jesus is just an agent of God, nothing more. They believe that Jesus' second coming occurred invisibly in 1874. Russell's successor, Rutherford, says this was confirmed by the creation of the first labor organization in 1874. They believed Russell when he said that in 1914 the millennium would occur and righteousness would be restored to the earth. As 1914 approached, he, and his successor, changed the date to 1915, 1916, 1924, 1928, and on and on to the present day! When you ask a Jehovah's Witness about this, they'll give you the party line, "Well, the Watchtower is reaching different levels of enlightenment." Currious minds need to know! revdauphinee answered on 06/28/05: They believe that only the 144,000 mentioned in the book of Revelation will live in heaven with God. They do believe this but they believe that they will all be JW"S wich is nonesence since scripture clearly states they will be Jews and even states from wich tribe they will come! Rev 7: 3. "Do not harm the land or the sea or the trees until we put a seal on the foreheads of the servants of our God." 4. Then I heard the number of those who were sealed: 144,000 from all the tribes of Israel. 5. From the tribe of Judah 12,000 were sealed, from the tribe of Reuben 12,000, from the tribe of Gad 12,000, 6. from the tribe of Asher 12,000, from the tribe of Naphtali 12,000, from the tribe of Manasseh 12,000, 7. from the tribe of Simeon 12,000, from the tribe of Levi 12,000, from the tribe of Issachar 12,000, 8. from the tribe of Zebulun 12,000, from the tribe of Joseph 12,000, from the tribe of Benjamin 12,000. paraclete rated this answer Pete_Hanysz rated this answer

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Pete_Hanysz asked on 06/28/05 - JW: fact or fiction? Is this what Jehovah's witness's believe today? They believe that Jesus did not rise from the dead. Russell says His body either dissolved into gases or is still preserved somewhere. They believe that God is not triune (i.e., Father, Son, and Holy Ghost). They believe that there is no such thing as a hell of everlasting torment. Hell is just the grave. The wicked are simply annihilated. They believe that man has no spirit. They believe the Holy Ghost is not a person of the Godhead, just a "life force" of God. They exercise mind control over members. They believe that man must work to be part of "God's system of things". They believe that only the 144,000 mentioned in the book of Revelation will live in heaven with God. They believe all dead people will have a second chance for eternal life at the millennium. If you do not prove worthiness at this time, you'll be destroyed. The believe the blood of Christ does not forgive sins, it gives us a "chance" to live again. They have NO assurance of salvation as Jehovah's Witnesses who supposedly know the truth. They believe Jesus is the archangel Michael - Jesus is a created being. They believe Jesus is just an agent of God, nothing more. They believe that Jesus' second coming occurred invisibly in 1874. Russell's successor, Rutherford, says this was confirmed by the creation of the first labor organization in 1874. They believed Russell when he said that in 1914 the millennium would occur and righteousness would be restored to the earth. As 1914 approached, he, and his successor, changed the date to 1915, 1916, 1924, 1928, and on and on to the present day! When you ask a Jehovah's Witness about this, they'll give you the party line, "Well, the Watchtower is reaching different levels of enlightenment." Currious minds need to know! revdauphinee answered on 06/28/05: They believe that only the 144,000 mentioned in the book of Revelation will live in heaven with God. They do believe this but they believe that they will all be JW"S wich is nonesence since scripture clearly states they will be Jews and even states from wich tribe they will come! Rev 7: 3. "Do not harm the land or the sea or the trees until we put a seal on the foreheads of the servants of our God." 4. Then I heard the number of those who were sealed: 144,000 from all the tribes of Israel. 5. From the tribe of Judah 12,000 were sealed, from the tribe of Reuben 12,000, from the tribe of Gad 12,000, 6. from the tribe of Asher 12,000, from the tribe of Naphtali 12,000, from the tribe of Manasseh 12,000, 7. from the tribe of Simeon 12,000, from the tribe of Levi 12,000, from the tribe of Issachar 12,000, 8. from the tribe of Zebulun 12,000, from the tribe of Joseph 12,000, from the tribe of Benjamin 12,000. Pete_Hanysz rated this answer

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Pete_Hanysz asked on 06/28/05 - JW: fact or fiction? Is this what Jehovah's witness's believe today? They believe that Jesus did not rise from the dead. Russell says His body either dissolved into gases or is still preserved somewhere. They believe that God is not triune (i.e., Father, Son, and Holy Ghost). They believe that there is no such thing as a hell of everlasting torment. Hell is just the grave. The wicked are simply annihilated. They believe that man has no spirit. They believe the Holy Ghost is not a person of the Godhead, just a "life force" of God. They exercise mind control over members. They believe that man must work to be part of "God's system of things". They believe that only the 144,000 mentioned in the book of Revelation will live in heaven with God. They believe all dead people will have a second chance for eternal life at the millennium. If you do not prove worthiness at this time, you'll be destroyed. The believe the blood of Christ does not forgive sins, it gives us a "chance" to live again. They have NO assurance of salvation as Jehovah's Witnesses who supposedly know the truth. They believe Jesus is the archangel Michael - Jesus is a created being. They believe Jesus is just an agent of God, nothing more. They believe that Jesus' second coming occurred invisibly in 1874. Russell's successor, Rutherford, says this was confirmed by the creation of the first labor organization in 1874. They believed Russell when he said that in 1914 the millennium would occur and righteousness would be restored to the earth. As 1914 approached, he, and his successor, changed the date to 1915, 1916, 1924, 1928, and on and on to the present day! When you ask a Jehovah's Witness about this, they'll give you the party line, "Well, the Watchtower is reaching different levels of enlightenment." Currious minds need to know! revdauphinee answered on 06/28/05: They believe that only the 144,000 mentioned in the book of Revelation will live in heaven with God. They do believe this but they believe that they will all be JW"S wich is nonesence since scripture clearly states they will be Jews and even states from wich tribe they will come! Rev 7: 3. "Do not harm the land or the sea or the trees until we put a seal on the foreheads of the servants of our God." 4. Then I heard the number of those who were sealed: 144,000 from all the tribes of Israel. 5. From the tribe of Judah 12,000 were sealed, from the tribe of Reuben 12,000, from the tribe of Gad 12,000, 6. from the tribe of Asher 12,000, from the tribe of Naphtali 12,000, from the tribe of Manasseh 12,000, 7. from the tribe of Simeon 12,000, from the tribe of Levi 12,000, from the tribe of Issachar 12,000, 8. from the tribe of Zebulun 12,000, from the tribe of Joseph 12,000, from the tribe of Benjamin 12,000. Pete_Hanysz rated this answer

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Pete_Hanysz asked on 06/28/05 - JW: fact or fiction? Is this what Jehovah's witness's believe today? They believe that Jesus did not rise from the dead. Russell says His body either dissolved into gases or is still preserved somewhere. They believe that God is not triune (i.e., Father, Son, and Holy Ghost). They believe that there is no such thing as a hell of everlasting torment. Hell is just the grave. The wicked are simply annihilated. They believe that man has no spirit. They believe the Holy Ghost is not a person of the Godhead, just a "life force" of God. They exercise mind control over members. They believe that man must work to be part of "God's system of things". They believe that only the 144,000 mentioned in the book of Revelation will live in heaven with God. They believe all dead people will have a second chance for eternal life at the millennium. If you do not prove worthiness at this time, you'll be destroyed. The believe the blood of Christ does not forgive sins, it gives us a "chance" to live again. They have NO assurance of salvation as Jehovah's Witnesses who supposedly know the truth. They believe Jesus is the archangel Michael - Jesus is a created being. They believe Jesus is just an agent of God, nothing more. They believe that Jesus' second coming occurred invisibly in 1874. Russell's successor, Rutherford, says this was confirmed by the creation of the first labor organization in 1874. They believed Russell when he said that in 1914 the millennium would occur and righteousness would be restored to the earth. As 1914 approached, he, and his successor, changed the date to 1915, 1916, 1924, 1928, and on and on to the present day! When you ask a Jehovah's Witness about this, they'll give you the party line, "Well, the Watchtower is reaching different levels of enlightenment." Currious minds need to know! revdauphinee answered on 06/28/05: They believe that only the 144,000 mentioned in the book of Revelation will live in heaven with God. They do believe this but they believe that they will all be JW"S wich is nonesence since scripture clearly states they will be Jews and even states from wich tribe they will come! Rev 7: 3. "Do not harm the land or the sea or the trees until we put a seal on the foreheads of the servants of our God." 4. Then I heard the number of those who were sealed: 144,000 from all the tribes of Israel. 5. From the tribe of Judah 12,000 were sealed, from the tribe of Reuben 12,000, from the tribe of Gad 12,000, 6. from the tribe of Asher 12,000, from the tribe of Naphtali 12,000, from the tribe of Manasseh 12,000, 7. from the tribe of Simeon 12,000, from the tribe of Levi 12,000, from the tribe of Issachar 12,000, 8. from the tribe of Zebulun 12,000, from the tribe of Joseph 12,000, from the tribe of Benjamin 12,000. Pete_Hanysz rated this answer

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Pete_Hanysz asked on 06/28/05 - JW: fact or fiction? Is this what Jehovah's witness's believe today? They believe that Jesus did not rise from the dead. Russell says His body either dissolved into gases or is still preserved somewhere. They believe that God is not triune (i.e., Father, Son, and Holy Ghost). They believe that there is no such thing as a hell of everlasting torment. Hell is just the grave. The wicked are simply annihilated. They believe that man has no spirit. They believe the Holy Ghost is not a person of the Godhead, just a "life force" of God. They exercise mind control over members. They believe that man must work to be part of "God's system of things". They believe that only the 144,000 mentioned in the book of Revelation will live in heaven with God. They believe all dead people will have a second chance for eternal life at the millennium. If you do not prove worthiness at this time, you'll be destroyed. The believe the blood of Christ does not forgive sins, it gives us a "chance" to live again. They have NO assurance of salvation as Jehovah's Witnesses who supposedly know the truth. They believe Jesus is the archangel Michael - Jesus is a created being. They believe Jesus is just an agent of God, nothing more. They believe that Jesus' second coming occurred invisibly in 1874. Russell's successor, Rutherford, says this was confirmed by the creation of the first labor organization in 1874. They believed Russell when he said that in 1914 the millennium would occur and righteousness would be restored to the earth. As 1914 approached, he, and his successor, changed the date to 1915, 1916, 1924, 1928, and on and on to the present day! When you ask a Jehovah's Witness about this, they'll give you the party line, "Well, the Watchtower is reaching different levels of enlightenment." Currious minds need to know! revdauphinee answered on 06/28/05: They believe that only the 144,000 mentioned in the book of Revelation will live in heaven with God. They do believe this but they believe that they will all be JW"S wich is nonesence since scripture clearly states they will be Jews and even states from wich tribe they will come! Rev 7: 3. "Do not harm the land or the sea or the trees until we put a seal on the foreheads of the servants of our God." 4. Then I heard the number of those who were sealed: 144,000 from all the tribes of Israel. 5. From the tribe of Judah 12,000 were sealed, from the tribe of Reuben 12,000, from the tribe of Gad 12,000, 6. from the tribe of Asher 12,000, from the tribe of Naphtali 12,000, from the tribe of Manasseh 12,000, 7. from the tribe of Simeon 12,000, from the tribe of Levi 12,000, from the tribe of Issachar 12,000, 8. from the tribe of Zebulun 12,000, from the tribe of Joseph 12,000, from the tribe of Benjamin 12,000. arcura rated this answer Pete_Hanysz rated this answer

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Choux asked on 06/28/05 - Canada and Same Sex Unions June 28, 2005, 2:51 PM EDT TORONTO -- Canada is set to become the third country to legalize gay marriage, with Parliament likely to pass landmark legislation Tuesday despite strong opposition from Conservatives and religious leaders. Although gay marriage already is legal in seven provinces, the bill would grant all same-sex couples in Canada the same legal rights as those in traditional heterosexual unions. The Netherlands and Belgium already allow gay marriage. The legislation, drafted by Prime Minister Paul Martin's minority government, needs at least 155 members of the House of Commons to gain a majority of the 308-seat House. While some of his Liberal lawmakers have said they will not back the legislation, enough allies in other parties have indicated they would support the bill when it comes to a vote. There are an estimated 34,000 gay and lesbian couples in Canada, according to government statistics. "I think this is going to be a proud and exciting day to be a Canadian because we are, once again, affirming to the world that we are a country that is open, inclusive and welcoming," said Alex Munter, national coordinator of Canadians for Equal Marriage, a group that has led the debate for the legislation. "***This is a victory for Canadian values***." Martin, a Roman Catholic, has said that despite anyone's personal beliefs, all Canadians should be granted the same rights to marriage. "I rise in support of a Canada in which liberties are safeguarded, rights are protected and ***the people of this land are treated as equals under the law***," Martin told the House of Commons. Churches have expressed concern that their clergy would be compelled by law to perform same-sex ceremonies, with couples taking them to court or human rights tribunals if refused. The legislation, however, states that the bill only covers civil unions, not religious ones, and no clergy would be forced to perform same-sex ceremonies unless they choose to do so." What say you? revdauphinee answered on 06/28/05: "***This is a victory for Canadian values***." and a sad one for moral ones! Choux rated this answer

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Choux asked on 06/28/05 - Preserving Christian Heritage Within hours of yesterday's Supreme Court decision allowing a Ten Commandments monument on the grounds of the Texas Capitol, Christian groups announced a nationwide campaign to install similar displays in 100 cities and towns within a year. "We see this as an historic opening, and we're going to pursue it aggressively," said the Rev. Patrick J. Mahoney, director of the Washington-based Christian Defense Coalition. Comments? revdauphinee answered on 06/28/05: good for rev Mahoney Choux rated this answer

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Choux asked on 06/28/05 - Aggressive Christian Proseletizing The U.S. Air Force on Monday named a rabbi who has served as a senior military chaplain to help change the religious climate at the Air Force Academy amid concern over inappropriate proselytizing by evangelical Christians. Rabbi Arnold Resnicoff, previously the top chaplain in the U.S. military's European Command, will serve as a special assistant for "values and vision" to acting Air Force Secretary Michael Dominguez and Chief of Staff Gen. John Jumper, the Air Force said. Resnicoff is a retired U.S. Navy captain. Comments? revdauphinee answered on 06/28/05: great jewish cadets need their rabis but so do christian ones so why is it such a big deal???we as Christians are supposed to proseletize are we not ??read what jesus said we are to do! Matthew 28:18. Then Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20. and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." Choux rated this answer

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Choux asked on 06/28/05 - "GOD HATES AMERICA" A Marblehead soldier who was killed in Afghanistan is scheduled to be laid to rest Monday, but a church group from Kansas is expected to try to disrupt the services and police are on alert for any problems. NewsCenter 5's Gail Huff reported that Staff Sgt. Christoper Piper, 43, served in both Afghanistan and Iraq and was awarded a bronze star for his combat service. The Green Beret died when his convoy was bombed June 3 in Afghanistan and a right-wing Protestant Christian church group from Topeka, Kansas is planning to demonstrate at Piper's funeral services at the Old North Church. They claim U.S. soldiers like Piper are dying because the country is being punished for its tolerance of what they see as immoral behavior, such as homosexuality. The *radical Christians* are carrying signs one of which states that "God Hates America" at the place where Piper is going to be buried. So you thing this is appropriate? revdauphinee answered on 06/28/05: Most definatly no!!! Choux rated this answer

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MaggieB asked on 06/28/05 - RE: We have had a number of questions submitted to this board concerning standing up for religious r How many of you have really stood up for what you believe in? Have you written or called your Congressional rep or Senator? Have you written or called the local press or FOX, CNN, MSNBC, etc about how you feel on these matters? Have you written letters to the Supreme Court to voice your opinion? Have you joined any group who is working for the rights of religious beliefs? Do you let others know how you feel and not just go along with the crowd? Are you doing something about it or just hoping someway, somehow, it will all pass away? Are you earnestly praying daily for God to intervene? Do you really care what is going down? Last but not least, do you think we will be held accountable for not standing up forvGod when the ten commandments, prayer, devotions, etc are being removed from schools, public meetings, public places? Thanks, MaggieB revdauphinee answered on 06/28/05: How many of you have really stood up for what you believe in? Have you written or called your Congressional rep or Senator? a)YES to senators Cochran ,Lott,and anyone else I coul;d find an adress for! Have you written or called the local press or FOX, CNN, MSNBC, etc about how you feel on these matters? a)YES bill O Riley at fox Have you written letters to the Supreme Court to voice your opinion? a)had not thought about it but will Have you joined any group who is working for the rights of religious beliefs? a)YES Do you let others know how you feel and not just go along with the crowd? a)YES Are you doing something about it or just hoping someway, somehow, it will all pass away? a)YES Are you earnestly praying daily for God to intervene? a)YES Do you really care what is going down? a)YES Last but not least, do you think we will be held accountable for not standing up forvGod when the ten commandments, prayer, devotions, etc are being removed from schools, public meetings, public places? a)MOST DEFINATLY YES! MaggieB rated this answer

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MaggieB asked on 06/28/05 - Any comments? Commentary & News Briefs June 27, 2005 Compiled by Jody Brown OUR COLUMNISTS ...Rev. Billy Graham doesn't sound ready to stop preaching. In the final sermon of his three-day New York crusade, the evangelist said he hopes "to come back again someday." Graham said he has learned to "never say never" -- adding that he is considering an invitation to preach a crusade in London, perhaps around his 87th birthday in November. But he also said he could die anytime, and looks forward to seeing Jesus face-to-face. On a hot Sunday afternoon, Graham told tens of thousands in the outdoor park that they will join him in heaven someday if they confess their sins and trust Jesus as their Lord and Savior. Many did, as people have done at Billy Graham crusades for 60 years. But the crusade was not without controversy. The president of the National Clergy Council says he walked out on Billy Graham Saturday after the evangelist let former President Clinton speak at his New York crusade. Rev. Rob Schenck says he became even more upset when Billy Graham said Clinton "should be an evangelist" and "leave his wife to run the country." New York Senators Hillary Clinton and Charles Schumer were onstage at the crusade after taking part in the city's homosexual "pride parade" earlier in the day. Schenck says he "was stunned and appalled" at what he considered exploitation by the Clintons, and could not bear to stay and hear Billy Graham preach. [AP] revdauphinee answered on 06/28/05: If God can forgive Clinton why cant Schenck ?? MaggieB rated this answer

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MaggieB asked on 06/28/05 - I received this in an e-mail this morning. Am sending it along to all on the board, if you have com ____________________________________________________- I ask all of you for prayer for my country Canada. The passage of a same-sex marriage bill in parliament today seems most likely. May God forgive us and have mercy as we slide down the slope to destruction. I recognize that those sentiments are not politically correct in today's world but the truth is that I believe the passing of this legislation is part of God's judgment on our nation. The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of men who suppress the truth by their wickedness, since what may be known about God is plain to them, because God has made it plain to them. For since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities--his eternal power and divine nature--have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse. For although they knew God, they neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened. Although they claimed to be wise, they became fools and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images made to look like mortal man and birds and animals and reptiles. Therefore God gave them over in the sinful desires of their hearts to sexual impurity for the degrading of their bodies with one another. They exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshiped and served created things rather than the Creator--who is forever praised. Amen. Because of this, God gave them over to shameful lusts. Even their women exchanged natural relations for unnatural ones. In the same way the men also abandoned natural relations with women and were inflamed with lust for one another. Men committed indecent acts with other men, and received in themselves the due penalty for their perversion. Furthermore, since they did not think it worthwhile to retain the knowledge of God, he gave them over to a depraved mind, to do what ought not to be done. They have become filled with every kind of wickedness, evil, greed and depravity. They are full of envy, murder, strife, deceit and malice. They are gossips, slanderers, God-haters, insolent, arrogant and boastful; they invent ways of doing evil; they disobey their parents; they are senseless, faithless, heartless, ruthless. Although they know God's righteous decree that those who do such things deserve death, they not only continue to do these very things but also approve of those who practice them. Romans 1:18-32 NIV This nation has exchanged the God of the Bible for the idol of Tolerance. Tolerance of anything but Biblical truth. Many of you in other countries see this idol being bowed down to more and more. Pray for your nations to repent as well. The homosexual community is not our enemy. We still are called to love them. They are deceived and need the love of Jesus in their life. The fact that they have been able to lobby a government to pass legislation of this nature is only a symptom. A symptom of a lack of holding to biblical truth, even within various constituencies of the so called Christian church. Please pray for all nations that they not follow this one towards the abyss. Pray that we come to acknowledge the truth before it is too late for us. Be blessed Kevin revdauphinee answered on 06/28/05: "This nation has exchanged the God of the Bible for the idol of Tolerance. Tolerance of anything but Biblical truth." Unfortunatly this applies even more here in the USA we need all to pray FOR ALL THE WORLD for if God takes his hand of of us we will all perish! MaggieB rated this answer

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HANK1 asked on 06/28/05 - AMAZING: Do some decisions made by the Supreme Court concerning pornography give us the same protection as those who participate in religion? revdauphinee answered on 06/28/05: a resoundin NO!Pornography is protected as free speech !Christians are not! Bobbye rated this answer Choux rated this answer excon rated this answer HANK1 rated this answer

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CeeBee2 asked on 06/27/05 - Heard while shopping................................... "Raising a child in any religion is one of the worst crimes a parent can commit." Do you have any ideas why someone thinks this? What would be the advantages of raising a child without any religion? revdauphinee answered on 06/27/05: this is the mind set responsible for all the teen crimes we are seeing these days ,raise up a child in the way he should go and when he is grown he will not depart from it! CeeBee2 rated this answer

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Penny asked on 06/27/05 - The First Commandment "I am the Lord thy God, thou shalt have no false gods before me". (roughly translated). What are "false" gods? Can our pride be a false god? Our love of mammon? Can our notions of God be a false god? Tacit pride? When the Bible is used as a weapon to divide believers in God, is the Bible then a false god? Can our personal internal image of God, skewed as it must be considering the awe-ful nature of God, be a false god? revdauphinee answered on 06/27/05: Allah is a false God we as Christians worship Jesus the christ the son of our God whilst the Quoran tells the muslims allah has no sons so they cannot be the same God! Penny rated this answer

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Choux asked on 06/27/05 - Is this Immoral? Boffins create zombie dogs By Nick Buchan of NEWS.com.au June 27, 2005 From: Zombie dog Eerie ... boffins have brought dead dogs back to life, in the name of science. Advertisement: SCIENTISTS have created eerie zombie dogs, reanimating the canines after several hours of clinical death in attempts to develop suspended animation for humans. US scientists have succeeded in reviving the dogs after three hours of clinical death, paving the way for trials on humans within years. Pittsburgh's Safar Centre for Resuscitation Research has developed a technique in which subject's veins are drained of blood and filled with an ice-cold salt solution. The animals are considered scientifically dead, as they stop breathing and have no heartbeat or brain activity. But three hours later, their blood is replaced and the zombie dogs are brought back to life with an electric shock. Plans to test the technique on humans should be realised within a year, according to the Safar Centre. However rather than sending people to sleep for years, then bringing them back to life to benefit from medical advances, the boffins would be happy to keep people in this state for just a few hours, But even a this should be enough to save lives such as battlefield casualties and victims of stabbings or gunshot wounds, who have suffered huge blood loss. Duing the procedure blood is replaced with saline solution at a few degrees above zero. The dogs' body temperature drops to only 7C, compared with the usual 37C, inducing a state of hypothermia before death. Although the animals are clinically dead, their tissues and organs are perfectly preserved. Damaged blood vessels and tissues can then be repaired via surgery. The dogs are brought back to life by returning the blood to their bodies,giving them 100 per cent oxygen and applying electric shocks to restart their hearts. Tests show they are perfectly normal, with no brain damage. "The results are stunning. I think in 10 years we will be able to prevent death in a certain segment of those using this technology," said one US battlefield doctor." What say you? revdauphinee answered on 06/27/05: anyone volentiering for the trials???? Choux rated this answer

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Choux asked on 06/27/05 - Supreme Court Decision in Short "A sharply divided Supreme Court on Monday upheld the constitutionality of displaying the Ten Commandments on government land, but drew the line on certain renderings inside courthouses, saying they violate the doctrine of separation of church and state. Sending dual signals in ruling on this issue for the first time in a quarter-century, the high court said that displays of the Ten Commandments � like their own courtroom frieze � are not inherently unconstitutional. But each exhibit demands scrutiny to determine whether it goes too far in amounting to a governmental promotion of religion, the court said in a case involving Kentucky courthouse exhibits". Comments? revdauphinee answered on 06/27/05: dont make sence to me they can have it in the highest court of the land but not in an Alabama court house where is the reasoning here??? Its ok for us were educated enough to reject the meaning but those poor fools in the hinterland might actualy believe in this stuf?seems to me a little arrogant dont you think? Choux rated this answer

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Choux asked on 06/27/05 - Comet "Not all dazzling fireworks displays will be on Earth this Independence Day. NASA hopes to shoot off its own celestial sparks in an audacious mission that will blast a stadium-sized hole in a comet half the size of Manhattan. It would give astronomers their first peek at the inside of one of these heavenly bodies. If all goes as planned, the Deep Impact spacecraft will release a wine barrel-sized probe on a suicide journey, hurtling toward the comet Tempel 1 � about 80 million miles away from Earth at the time of impact". Comments? Mary Sue - can cut and paste, after all! revdauphinee answered on 06/27/05: sounds interesting but I cant help wondering hopw much this is going to cost?people are starving here on earth I'd personaly rather see the money spent on them Choux rated this answer

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Itsdb asked on 06/27/05 - "Twisted 'tolerance'" down under... By Diana West June 24, 2005 With guns pointed at his shaved and visibly battered head, Australian hostage Douglas Wood said things he didn't mean, parroting words his captors fed him. In a clip of film that has become a jihadist clich? -- masked gunmen, dehumanized captive, Al Jazeera logo -- Mr. Wood called for coalition forces to withdraw from Iraq, a jihadist goal he doesn't share with the thugs who imprisoned him for nearly seven weeks. After his rescue by American and Iraqi forces this week, the 64-year-old engineer made it clear he'd been coerced on tape, that he had not been speaking freely. "Frankly, I'd like to apologize to both President Bush and Prime Minister Howard for the things I said under duress," Mr. Wood said on arriving in Melbourne. He also sang out a jubilant chorus of "Waltzing Matilda," Australia's unofficial anthem. What a twist, then, that this same week, in that same corner of Australia, just as Mr. Wood was exulting in his renewed pursuit of life and liberty, two of his fellow Aussies, Christian pastors Danny Nalliah and Daniel Scot, were finding their own such pursuits derailed, not by vicious criminals in Iraq, but by civilized state statute. Mr. Wood could breathe freely in Australia and speak his mind once again; but Pastors Nalliah and Scot have been ordered by a tribunal in the state of Victoria to make public statements against their will, their conscience and their faith: namely, to apologize for their teachings on Islam, and to promise never to so teach again. As the first to be convicted of vilifying Islam under Victoria's ��"-style Racial and Religious Tolerance Act, these men have vowed to go to jail rather than surrender their freedom of speech. The cases of the kidnapped engineer and the "guilty" pastors are not really parallel. The Victoria state court is not a murderous gang of jihadis. But there's something similarly outrageous about the coercion brought to be bear on these men -- coercion at gunpoint in Iraq, or on pain of prison time in Australia -- to revoke the precious and essential Western liberty to speak freely. Such liberty is what compelled both pastors to flee their native Pakistan, where "blasphemy" against Islam can be a capital offense. And there's another connection: The Islamic doctrine of jihad that inspires the terrorists in Iraq is precisely what lies at the core of the Australian pastors' lectures and teachings, which are based directly on verses of the Koran and other Islamic texts. What is car-wreck fascinating here is Judge Michael Higgins' conclusion that simply pointing out what the Koran says now constitutes outlawed speech in Victoria. During court proceedings, when Mr. Scot began to read verses from the Koran that denigrate women, a lawyer for the Islamic Council of Victoria, the plaintiff, cut him off, explaining that reading such verses aloud is itself an act of vilification. "How," wondered Mr. Scot, can it be vilifying to Muslims in the room when I am just reading from the Koran?" How, indeed. As Robert Spencer has pointed out, at another point in the trial, the Australian judge was affronted that Mr. Scot had said that "the Koran promotes violence, killing and looting." Mr. Spencer writes: "In light of Koranic passages such as 9:5, 2:191, 9:29, 47:4, 5:33 and many others, this cannot seriously be a matter of dispute. Muslims have pointed to verses in the Bible that they would have us believe are equivalent in violence and offensiveness, or have claimed that the great majority of Muslims don't take such verses literally; but it takes a peculiarly strong resistance to reality not only to deny that such verses are there, but to charge one who pointed them out with religious vilification." Mr. Nalliah, who plans to visit Great Britain to campaign against a similar vilification law now under consideration in Parliament, calls Victoria's shockingly totalitarian statute "sharia law by stealth." And so it is. In outlawing criticism of Islam -- which, so far, is the effect of the law -- Victoria has not only codified a peculiarly strong resistance to reality, but it has also adopted the practice of sharia-ruled states. This makes for a startling spectacle of free people placing a muzzle on speech, a limit on faith and a damper on inquiry. Douglas Wood lost his freedom at gunpoint; Danny Nalliah and Daniel Scot lost theirs by court-ordered political correctness. We know who rescued Mr. Wood; who will save the pastors? ******************************************************* The UK next - U.S. to follow? revdauphinee answered on 06/27/05: Douglas Wood lost his freedom at gunpoint; Danny Nalliah and Daniel Scot lost theirs by court-ordered political correctness. We know who rescued Mr. Wood; who will save the pastors? the answer is God will James1:2. Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him. arcura rated this answer Itsdb rated this answer

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arcura asked on 06/27/05 - Here is more clearifcation on the story... By HOPE YEN, Associated Press Writer. In a narrowly drawn ruling, the Supreme Court struck down Ten Commandments displays in courthouses Monday, holding that two exhibits in Kentucky crossed the line between separation of church and state because they promoted a religious message. The 5-4 decision, first of two seeking to mediate the bitter culture war over religion's place in public life, took a case-by-case approach to this vexing issue. In the decision, the court declined to prohibit all displays in court buildings or on government property. In a stinging dissent, Justice Antonin Scalia worried publicly about "the dictatorship of a shifting Supreme Court majority." The justices voting on the prevailing side Monday left themselves legal wiggle room on this issue, however, saying that some displays � like their own courtroom frieze � would be permissible if they're portrayed neutrally in order to honor the nation's legal history. But framed copies in two Kentucky courthouses went too far in endorsing religion, the court held. "The touchstone for our analysis is the principle that the First Amendment mandates government neutrality between religion and religion, and between religion and nonreligion," Justice David H. Souter wrote for the majority. "When the government acts with the ostensible and predominant purpose of advancing religion, it violates that central Establishment clause value of official religious neutrality," he said. Souter was joined in his opinion by other members of the liberal bloc � Justices John Paul Stevens, Ruth Bader Ginsburg and Stephen G. Breyer, as well as Reagan appointee Sandra Day O'Connor, who provided the swing vote. In his dissent, Scalia argued that Ten Commandments displays are a legitimate tribute to the nation's religious and legal history. Government officials may have had a religious purpose when they originally posted the Ten Commandments display by itself in 1999. But their efforts to dilute the religious message since then by hanging other historical documents in the courthouses made it constitutionally adequate, Scalia said. In his dissent, Scalia blasted the majority for ignoring the rule of law to push their own personal policy preferences. "What distinguishes the rule of law from the dictatorship of a shifting Supreme Court majority is the absolutely indispensable requirement that judicial opinions be grounded in consistently applied principle," Scalia wrote. He was joined in his opinion by Chief William H. Rehnquist, as well as Justice Anthony Kennedy and Clarence Thomas. "In the court's view , the impermissible motive was apparent from the initial displays of the Ten Commandments all by themselves: When that occurs: the Court says, a religious object is unmistakable," he wrote. "Surely that cannot be." "The Commandments have a proper place in our civil history," Scalia wrote. The case was one of two heard by the Supreme Court in March involving Ten Commandments displays in Kentucky and Texas. That case asks whether the Ten Commandments may be displayed on the grounds outside the state capitol. The cases marked the first time since 1980 the high court tackled the emotional issue, in a courtroom boasting a wall carving of Moses holding the sacred tablets. A broader ruling than the one rendered Monday could have determined the allowable role of religion in a wide range of public contexts, from the use of religious music in a school concert to students' recitation of "under God" in the Pledge of Allegiance. It is a question that has sharply divided the lower courts in recent years. But in their ruling Monday, justices chose to stick with a cautious case-by-case approach. Two Kentucky counties originally hung the copies of the Ten Commandments in their courthouses. After the ACLU filed suit, the counties modified their displays to add other documents demonstrating "America's Christian heritage," including the national motto of "In God We Trust" and a version of the Congressional Record declaring 1983 the "Year of the Bible." When a federal court ruled those displays had the effect of endorsing religion, the counties erected a third Ten Commandments display with surrounding documents such as the Bill of Rights and Star-Spangled Banner to highlight their role in "our system of law and government." The Cincinnati-based 6th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeal subsequently struck down the third display as a "sham" for the religious intent behind it. Ten Commandments displays are supported by a majority of Americans, according to an AP-Ipsos poll. The poll taken in late February found that 76 percent support it and 23 percent oppose it. The last time the Supreme Court weighed in on the issue was 1980, when it struck down a Kentucky law requiring Ten Commandments displays in public classrooms. The case is McCreary County v. ACLU, 03-1693. revdauphinee answered on 06/27/05: "if they're portrayed neutrally in order to honor the nation's legal history.' why cant they see that the nations legal history is ""based"" on Judeo Christian values??? arcura rated this answer

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tomder55 asked on 06/27/05 - Supreme Court rules against the 10 Commandments Now will they just go home and retire and leave us alone ???? Ten Commandments Disallowed in Courthouses Supreme Court Rules, 5-4, That Such Religious Displays Violate the Separation of Church and State The Associated Press Monday, June 27, 2005; 10:11 AM A split Supreme Court struck down Ten Commandments displays in courthouses Monday, ruling that two exhibits in Kentucky cross the line between separation of church and state because they promote a religious message. The 5-4 decision was the first of two seeking to mediate the bitter culture war over religion's place in public life. In it, the court declined to prohibit all displays in court buildings or on government property. Justices left legal wiggle room, saying that some displays - like their own courtroom frieze - would be permissible if they're portrayed neutrally in order to honor the nation's legal history. But framed copies in two Kentucky courthouses went too far in endorsing religion, the court held. "The touchstone for our analysis is the principle that the First Amendment mandates government neutrality between religion and religion, and between religion and nonreligion," Justice David H. Souter wrote for the majority. "When the government acts with the ostensible and predominant purpose of advancing religion, it violates tha central Establishment clause value of official religious neutrality," he said. Souter was joined in his opinion by other members of the liberal bloc - Justices John Paul Stevens, Ruth Bader Ginsburg and Stephen G. Breyer, as well as Reagan appointee Sandra Day O'Connor, who provided the swing vote. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2005/06/27/AR2005062700416_pf.html revdauphinee answered on 06/27/05: Supreme Court Rules, 5-4, That Such Religious Displays Violate the Separation (((of))) Church and StateSupreme Court Rules, 5-4, That Such Religious Displays Violate the Separation of Church and State this court has changed this to Supreme Court Rules, 5-4, That Such Religious Displays Violate the Separation (((from))) Church and State the idea formed in the constitution was that no state sponcered church would be established(( such as The church of England in the UK)) wich was a good idea however the justices do not interpret this as it was intended , but now desire to say it meant to remove all vestiges of Christianity from our lives, next the preamble will be up for change since it refers to our Creator (and we cant have that!) tomder55 rated this answer

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tomder55 asked on 06/27/05 - The Baptist Cowboy A cowboy walks into a bar in Texas, orders three mugs of beer and sits in the back room, drinking a sip out of each one in turn. When he finishes them, he comes back to the bar and orders three more. The bartender approaches and tells him, "You know, a mug goes flat after I draw it so it would taste better if you bought just one at a time." The cowboy replies, "Well, you see, I have two brothers. One is in Australia, the other is in Dublin and I'm in Texas. When we all left Wyoming, we promised that we'd drink this way to remember the days we were together. So I drink one for each of my brothers and one for myself." The bartender admits that this is a nice custom and leaves it there. The cowboy becomes a regular in the bar, and always drinks the same way. He orders three mugs and drinks them in turn. One day, he comes in and orders only two mugs! All the regulars take notice and fall silent. When he comes back to the bar for the second round, the bartender says, "I don't want to intrude on your grief, but I wanted to offer my condolences on your loss." The cowboy looks quite puzzled for a moment, then a light dawns and he laughs. "Oh, no, everybody's just fine," he explains... "It's just that my wife and I joined the Baptist Church and obviously I had to quit drinking. Hasn't affected my brothers though." revdauphinee answered on 06/27/05: I love this one!But as is often said he should have gone behind the door! tomder55 rated this answer

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arcura asked on 06/26/05 - Regarding the recent taking of people's homes.... "Liberal" Justices Turn Back Clock ... To the Year 1215 Thomas M. Sipos You no longer own your own home or have the right to buy one. This is due to an amendment to the U.S. Constitution, approved June 23. No, this amendment didn't pass both houses of Congress and three fourths of the state legislatures, in what is whimsically termed "the amendment process." Rather, our Constitution was amended in the usual way, by judicial fiat. In essence, five Supreme Court justices -- John Stevens, David Souter, Ruth Ginsburg, Stephen Breyer, Anthony Kennedy -- voted that you no longer own your own home. revdauphinee answered on 06/27/05: was it kruchchev who once said you will bury yourselves??we dont need to the courts are doing it for us!when a house has been in a family for years and has been passed down for generations and then the state can step in and say we need to build a walmart here where are our freedoms?? arcura rated this answer

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HANK1 asked on 06/26/05 - GOSSIP: First and foremost, God considered gossip to be such a serious matter that He included the avoidance of it as one of the Ten Commandments. "Thou shall not bear false witness against your neighbor." (Exodus 20: ) When you repeat something you heard from someone else, or share a story where you're not 100% certain the facts are correct, or even share information about another person that will only bring them harm and not good, you are bearing false witness against them. Since the second greatest commandment is "Love your neighbor as yourself," you would be breaking that one as well by gossiping. Would you gossip about yourself to others? If not, then why commit that act against your neighbor? HANK revdauphinee answered on 06/26/05: I never say anything about someone I wont say to their face! HANK1 rated this answer MaggieB rated this answer

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CeeBee2 asked on 06/24/05 - Our Founding Fathers............................. Consider this: If the Founding Fathers were good and true Christians, there would never have been an American Revolution. I Sam. 15:23: For rebellion as is the sin of witchcraft. 1 Peter 2:13: For the Lord's sake accept the authority of every human institution, whether of the emperor as supreme, or of governors, as sent by him to punish those who do wrong and to praise those who do right. Romans 13:1: Let every person be subject to the governing authorities; for there is no authority except from God, and those authorities that exist have been instituted by God. Therefore whoever resist authority resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgment. None of the Founding Fathers were atheists, but many had little use for Christianity, were even strongly opposed to it. They were men of The Enlightenment, were Deists who did not accept the teachings of the Bible and of Christianity. The writers of the Constitution wanted to be sure that there would never be an official U.S. religion. The Constitution never mentions religion except to exclude. The Constitution never uses the words Jesus Christ, Christianity, Bible, and God. Despite what you were taught or wish to believe, the Constitution was not written by Christian men to establish a Christian nation. Can you prove otherwise, say, for instance, quotes to the contrary from any of the Founding Fathers? revdauphinee answered on 06/25/05: in the following statement you were orrect " The writers of the Constitution wanted to be sure that there would never be an official U.S. religion. '' they desired freedon ""of"" religion!they never desired freedom ""from"" religion wich seems to be the agenda of the ACLU (Anti- Christian-Lawyers -Union) CeeBee2 rated this answer

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Choux asked on 06/24/05 - Supreme Court Candidates The White House has quietly asked for recommendations for a Supreme Court potential vacancy from the Christian Legal Society. IN addition the White House Senior administration officials have quietly interviewed people they consider some of the top candidates for "any Supreme Court vacancy". Those included are Alberto Gonzales, Harriet Miers, White House counsel, Andere H. Card and Karl Rove. Comments? revdauphinee answered on 06/25/05: No matter who is picked the court is out of controll it was created to interprete the constitution !not to make laws themselves,wich they seem to be doing now! Choux rated this answer tomder55 rated this answer

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FormerJesusHelper76 asked on 06/24/05 - A New Life! How do you feel about bringing in a new life into todays world. Do you think things in society will get better or only get worse. It is very important how the child is raised and where and how. What factors do you think will effect a child. Thank you in advance! Joe revdauphinee answered on 06/24/05: since I am a christian I take my instructions from my creator who says in Genesis 1: 22. And God blessed them, saying, Be fruitful, and multiply, FormerJesusHelper76 rated this answer

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arcura asked on 06/24/05 - The latest Red Neck joke is.......................... The latest ploy to defeat the Iraqi Terrorists is to send in a team of Alabama Special Forces. Billy Bob, Butch, Bubba, Boo Boo, Scooter, Slick, Tex and Cooter are being sent in with their 1968 Ford four wheel drive pickup trucks. They will be given only the following information about the enemy: 1. There is no limit. 2. The season opened last weekend. 3. They taste like chicken. 4. They don't like women, beer, pickup trucks, country music, barbecue or Jesus. 5. They were responsible for Dale Earnhardt's death. It should be over in about a week. revdauphinee answered on 06/24/05: hon I live with them rednecks throgh in a few of our good ol Mississippi boys and it wont take that long!!!!LOL arcura rated this answer

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STONY asked on 06/24/05 - NEVER AT A LOSS FOR WORDS, GO PAUL HARVEY!! >Paul Harvey and Prayer > > > > >Paul Harvey says: > >I don't believe in Santa Claus, but I'm not going to sue >somebody for singing a Ho-Ho-Ho song in December. I >don't agree with Darwin, but I didn't go out and hire a >lawyer when my high school teacher taught his theory >of evolution. > >Life, liberty or your pursuit of happiness will not be >endangered because someone says a 30-second prayer >before a football game. > >So what's the big deal? It's not like somebody is up there >reading the entire book of Acts. They're just talking to a >God they believe in and asking him to grant safety to the >players on the field and the fans going home from the game. > >"But it's a Christian prayer," some will argue. > >Yes, and this is the United States of America, a country >founded on Christian principles. According to our very >own phone book, Christian churches outnumber all others >better than 200-to-1. So what would you expect-somebody >chanting Hare Krishna? > >If I went to a football game in Jerusalem, >I would expect to hear a Jewish prayer. > > >If I went to a soccer game in Baghdad, >I would expect to hear a Muslim prayer. > > >If I went to a ping pong match in China, >I would expect to hear someone pray to Buddha. > > >And I wouldn't be offended. >It wouldn't bother me one bit. >When in Rome .. > >"But what about the atheists?" is another argument. > >What about them? >Nobody is asking them to be baptized. We're not going to >pass the collection plate. Just humor us for 30 seconds. If >that's asking too much, bring a Walkman or a pair of ear >plugs. Go to the bathroom. Visit the concession stand. >Call your lawyer! > >Unfortunately, one or two will make that call. One or >two will tell thousands what they can and cannot do. >I don't think a short prayer at a football game is >going to shake the world's foundations. > >Christians are just sick and tired of turning the other >cheek while our courts strip us of all our rights. Our >parents and grandparents taught us to pray before >eating; to pray before we go to sleep. > >Our Bible tells us to pray without ceasing. Now a >handful of people and their lawyers are telling us >to cease praying. > >God, help us. >And if that last sentence offends you, >well ... just sue me. > >The silent majority has been silent too long. It's time we >let that one or two who scream loud enough to be heard >.... that the vast majority don't care what they want. It >is time the majority rules! It's time we tell them, you don't >have to pray; you don't have to say the pledge of allegiance; >you don't have to believe in God or attend services that >honor Him. That is your right, and we will honor your >right. But by golly, you are no longer going to take our >rights away. We are fighting back ... >and we WILL WIN! > >God bless us one and all ... especially those who denounce >Him. God bless America, despite all her faults. She is still >the greatest nation of all. > >God bless our service men who are fighting to protect >our right to pray and worship God. > > >May 2005 be the year the silent majority is heard >and we put God back as the foundation of our >families and institutions. > >Keep looking up revdauphinee answered on 06/24/05: who cares who wrote it I for one agree with it! I wrote this in an answer but clumsy me I pasted my answer to anothe rquestion along with it """sory"" STONY rated this answer

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STONY asked on 06/24/05 - NEVER AT A LOSS FOR WORDS, GO PAUL HARVEY!! >Paul Harvey and Prayer > > > > >Paul Harvey says: > >I don't believe in Santa Claus, but I'm not going to sue >somebody for singing a Ho-Ho-Ho song in December. I >don't agree with Darwin, but I didn't go out and hire a >lawyer when my high school teacher taught his theory >of evolution. > >Life, liberty or your pursuit of happiness will not be >endangered because someone says a 30-second prayer >before a football game. > >So what's the big deal? It's not like somebody is up there >reading the entire book of Acts. They're just talking to a >God they believe in and asking him to grant safety to the >players on the field and the fans going home from the game. > >"But it's a Christian prayer," some will argue. > >Yes, and this is the United States of America, a country >founded on Christian principles. According to our very >own phone book, Christian churches outnumber all others >better than 200-to-1. So what would you expect-somebody >chanting Hare Krishna? > >If I went to a football game in Jerusalem, >I would expect to hear a Jewish prayer. > > >If I went to a soccer game in Baghdad, >I would expect to hear a Muslim prayer. > > >If I went to a ping pong match in China, >I would expect to hear someone pray to Buddha. > > >And I wouldn't be offended. >It wouldn't bother me one bit. >When in Rome .. > >"But what about the atheists?" is another argument. > >What about them? >Nobody is asking them to be baptized. We're not going to >pass the collection plate. Just humor us for 30 seconds. If >that's asking too much, bring a Walkman or a pair of ear >plugs. Go to the bathroom. Visit the concession stand. >Call your lawyer! > >Unfortunately, one or two will make that call. One or >two will tell thousands what they can and cannot do. >I don't think a short prayer at a football game is >going to shake the world's foundations. > >Christians are just sick and tired of turning the other >cheek while our courts strip us of all our rights. Our >parents and grandparents taught us to pray before >eating; to pray before we go to sleep. > >Our Bible tells us to pray without ceasing. Now a >handful of people and their lawyers are telling us >to cease praying. > >God, help us. >And if that last sentence offends you, >well ... just sue me. > >The silent majority has been silent too long. It's time we >let that one or two who scream loud enough to be heard >.... that the vast majority don't care what they want. It >is time the majority rules! It's time we tell them, you don't >have to pray; you don't have to say the pledge of allegiance; >you don't have to believe in God or attend services that >honor Him. That is your right, and we will honor your >right. But by golly, you are no longer going to take our >rights away. We are fighting back ... >and we WILL WIN! > >God bless us one and all ... especially those who denounce >Him. God bless America, despite all her faults. She is still >the greatest nation of all. > >God bless our service men who are fighting to protect >our right to pray and worship God. > > >May 2005 be the year the silent majority is heard >and we put God back as the foundation of our >families and institutions. > >Keep looking up revdauphinee answered on 06/24/05: who cares who wrote it I for one agree with it! And Jesus said unto her, Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more. 12. Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not STONY rated this answer

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curious98 asked on 06/24/05 - Is is an exaggeration? My wife and I have been trying to prepare our suffering lungs for the heat wave happily announced by the weathermen�s forecasts for the next coming months. So we have spent a few days in Zermatt, where the air is still pure, uncontaminated and nobody seems to give a damn about politics, which is also good for our mental health. I�m sure most of you must have felt deeply sorry for my absence of this board and praying God for my quick comeback. Come on, don�t be ashamed and admit it! I can visualize big smiles all over the place, even with my friend Freethinker, who can now start sharpening his nails once more. The problem, however, is that it is me who is not so happy getting back to the real world. First thing I find is a transcript (one of my sons had separated for me to see) of a speech Ms. Cindy Sheehan, a member of Gold Star Families for Peace, delivered last month. She says nothing new, but her controlled rage is quite significative of a new state of opinion in the USA, now that even some previous Presidents are advising GWB to leave Iraq once and for all. The speech being rather long I will copy only some excerpts to strengthen her point of view: �My son was killed in Iraq on April 10th, one year ago, the same day of April on which Martin Luther King Jr. was killed. From a jail in Birmingham, on April 16 1963 Dr. King wrote these words: "We will have to repent in this generation not merely for the hateful words and actions of the bad people but for the appalling silence.......of the good people." ...end of quote� And the Apostle Paul said this: "...those who desire to be rich fall into temptation...into a snare that plunges men into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is the root of all evil.". �Thirty years ago, 1975, Gerald Ford was President of the United Sates. His Chief of Staff was Dick Cheney. His Secretary of Defense was Donald Rumsfeld. Paul Wolfowitz was heading-up the international arms-control end of things. All of these positions related directly to national security. While these men were looking after the nation's safety, they and President Ford concluded that Iran needed to supplement its energy system by adding nuclear power. The nuclear energy project that these men approved would have netted certain US corporations billions of dollars. Had the Shah of Iran...a blood-bought servant of US corporate interests...not soon been overthrown by his own countrymen, the big-wigs at Westinghouse or General Electric...or perhaps both...would have amassed personal fortunes from this one project, alone. Some of the stockholders would have also made bundles on the deal.� �1975 my son had not yet been born. Today he is in his grave. Dick Cheney, on the other hand, is now Vice President of the United States, and he is materially wealthy beyond what any of us would ever pray to be. This is the same Dick Cheney who during the months leading-up to the invasion of Iraq said that Saddam Hussein not only has stockpiles of Weapons of Mass Destruction...more than a hundred metric tons of the deadly stuff...but he also said that Saddam Hussein was well-advanced in developing nuclear weapons and that therefore the US must invade Iraq and dethrone Saddam Hussein. Clean, quick, and simple according to Dick Cheney. Yet for some time now he has changed his tune. He now says...as if he had said it all along...that the US occupation of Iraq will require years of difficult and sometimes bloody conflict before it will be stable enough to bring our loved ones home. And too, rather than speak of Weapons of Mass Destruction, he now uses the word "democracy" a lot.� �Is there yet an American who can not clearly see that Dick Cheney...whether it be 1975 or 2005...will say whatever he thinks is required to ultimately cause wealth and power to move to himself and to his friends? ...need I defile this holy place with words like "Haliburton" and "Kellog, Brown & Root" and "torture" and "US weapons industry"? Indeed, the Apostle Paul is correct in saying that, ultimately, the love of money leads to ruin and destruction.� �Donald Rumsfeld is again Secretary of Defense. Only yesterday, it seems, he told the whole world that Saddam Hussein has stockpiles of Weapons of Mass Destruction. He even announced to world that he and his generals know where Saddam's feared weapons are hidden. He announced this only days before our loved ones risked their lives searching those very areas where he so confidently said the weapons were hidden. Tell me, isn't it entirely reasonable for us to assume that those very places were being surveiled every second of every day and night until the very moment when our loved ones reached those areas and began their search? Donald Rumsfeld told us that the search would net more than a hundred metric tons. Are we to believe that Saddam quickly assembled a caravan of 18 wheelers and loaded all this stuff up and hauled it away to some new hiding place...and that US surveillance...the best in the world....didn't notice any of this happening? Are we to believe that this administration was, once again, asleep at the wheel...just as they would also have us to believe that they were innocently caught off-guard on the morning of September 11, 2001? � �I implore you to read some of Scott Ritter...write the name down if you need to: Scott Ritter. R..I..T..T..E..R. I'm certain that many of you have already read his work. His work can be found in book stores, or go to Amazon.com. Read him and you will finally begin to understand that the horrid price we and the people of Iraq have paid to discover that Saddam's Weapons Of Mass Destruction had already been destroyed is not due to any failure at the U.S. intelligence agencies, it is in fact a validation of U.S. intelligence agencies. Ritter will explain to you exactly how is was that Rumsfeld was well-informed, by knowledgeable people within the Intelligence community, that Saddam had been striped clean of such weapons, that Saddam's ability to reconstitute such weapons' programs had also been destroyed, and that any moves Saddam might have made in that direction would have been observed and stopped, forthwith. Is there anyone in America who cannot yet see that Donald Runsfeld is a liar...that he, as with Hitler and Stalin....will say anything so long as he thinks it will help shape the world to his own liking? Is there even one, sane adult among us who cannot see that Donald Rumsfeld is a threat to our nation's security and to peace on our beloved earth?� �Paul Wolfowitz, after months of not finding any Weapons of Mass Destruction....and after hundreds of US soldiers were killed....my son amongst them....and after tens of thousands of innocent Iraq citizens were killed....this same Paul Wolfowitz casually explained....with his kindly charade and his ever so soft voice...that a decision was made to put forth "Weapons of Mass Destruction" as the need for the invasion. Essentially, Paul Wolfowitz admitted that he and his fellow conspirators had decided amongst themselves "...let's just go with the bit about Weapons of Mass Destruction. It's the one thing that will scare the American people enough so as to cause them to get behind this invasion." As soft-spoken and sincere-sounding as Paul Wolfowitz is, is there yet any sane adult in this country who's skin does not crawl when this murderous liar opens his mouth and speaks? Am I the only person in this room who clearly sees that Paul Wolfowitz is a threat to our nation's security...and to peace on our beloved earth� 30 years ago these 3 men gave the green light to Iran so that Iran could hire US companies to go there and build a 6.4 billion dollar nuclear power facility. ...no doubt the final bill would have been at least three times that much. Yet Dick Cheney recently said this of Iran's current intentions to add nuclear power to their energy system: Quote...."They are already sitting on an awful lot of oil and gas. Nobody can figure why they need nuclear to generate energy"....end of quote. Did these men not notice, 30 years ago, while they and their cohorts were being wined and dined by the Shah, that his opulent surroundings were bought and paid for with oil and gas that was being taken from the ground beneath their feet? Yet these men agreed, clear back then, that Iran needed to add nuclear power to their energy system. It is now 30 years and God only knows how many tens of millions of barrels of oil, later. Why should we believe these men....who we know are liars....when they now say that Iran's primary motive for wanting nuclear power is so that they can make nuclear weapons with which to destroy us and our allies? Even now, the International Atomic Energy Agency reports that there is no evidence that Iran has a nuclear weapons program. The Bush administrations response? They are trying to oust the agency's lead inspector, Mohammed al-Baradei. But who can forget that it was Mr. al-Baradei and the International Atomic Energy Agency who, during the months prior to the invasion of Iraq, reported that Saddam no longer had a nuclear weapons programs. Our country has been overtaken by murderous thugs....gangsters who lust after fortunes and power; never caring that their addictions are at the expense of our loved ones, and the blood of innocent people near and far. We've watched these thugs parade themselves before the whole world as if they are courageous advocates for Christian moral values....and for the spread of democracy. Yet we all know that they are now putting in place, all across this country, a system of voting that provides no way to validate the accuracy of the counting of the votes. Our loved ones have been buried in early graves even as these arrogant thugs parade themselves before the entire world, insisting that democracy is worth dying for, killing for, and destroying entire cities for, all the while they are busy here at home overseeing the emplacement of an electronic voting system that invites fraud at every turn, an electronic vote-counting system that provides no way to validate the votes cast, and that, by it's very design, prohibits recounting the votes.� Copyright: Cindy Sheehan. All rights reserved Curious98 revdauphinee answered on 06/24/05: May I quote ""And the Apostle Paul said this: "...those who desire to be rich fall into temptation...into a snare that plunges men into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is the root of all evil.". No truer words were ever spoken and this is the problem in a nut shell the whole war is about oil(money)and lining the pockets of Bushes big corporate friends in that business it is sad that the sons of the poor are being sacrificed to enable this ! curious98 rated this answer

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ROLCAM asked on 06/24/05 - BEAUTY HINTS SERIES # 3. Original make-up that really makes you beautiful. FOR THE FINE AND DELICATE HANDS. The best cream that you can find:- GENEROSITY !! Make sure that have a big jar so that you can use it often and without fear. The more you use out of the jar the more you have left in it. revdauphinee answered on 06/24/05: generosity is fine unless it is abused by the one recieving it as it can and is often !I am presently finding this out ! ROLCAM rated this answer

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arcura asked on 06/23/05 - For your information in case you didn't see it.... In regard to the Thursday's 5-4 ruling represented a defeat for some Connecticut residents whose homes are slated for destruction to make room for an office complex. They argued that cities have no right to take their land except for projects with a clear public use, such as roads or schools, or to revitalize blighted areas. CNN just posted a poll asking if the people agreed with the Supreme Court's ruling. 99% said NO! 1% said yes. So much an indication it is for what the people think of the majority on that court. Grrr. Fred revdauphinee answered on 06/24/05: lest we forget America is not and never was a democracy it is a republic! arcura rated this answer

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sapphire630 asked on 06/23/05 - AMA redefining donor cards The AMA has decided they are doing donor cards all wrong and they should start presuming that when a person dies that they should presume they DO want their organs donated. They have decided this because they realize "all the organs they could be harvesting that are going to waste". So if it is something you do not want you will be needing to get a card saying that you do NOT want your organs donated. revdauphinee answered on 06/23/05: with my health I dont have to wory no one would want them! sapphire630 rated this answer tarot10 rated this answer

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arcura asked on 06/22/05 - What IS the will of our hevenly Father?......... Thursday 12th in Ordinary Time Today's Gospel (Mt 7:21-29): Jesus said to his disciples, �Not everyone who says to me: �Lord! Lord!� will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my heavenly Father. Many will say to me on that day, �Lord, Lord, did we not speak in your name? Did we not cast out devils and perform many miracles in your name?� Then I will tell them openly: �I have never known you; away from me, you evil people!� "So, then, anyone who hears these words of mine and acts accordingly is like a wise man, who built his house on rock. The rain poured, the rivers flooded, and the wind blew and struck that house, but it did not collapse because it was built on rock. But anyone who hears these words of mine and does not act accordingly, is like a fool who built his house on sand. The rain poured, the rivers flooded, and the wind blew and struck that house; it collapsed, and what a terrible fall that was!". When Jesus had finished this discourse, the crowds were struck by the way he taught, because he taught with authority unlike their teachers of the Law. +++ Is aborting children the will of our heavenly Father? Is same sex marriage the will of our heavenly Father? Is not acknowledging His existence His will? Is not loving our neighbor as our self? How about twisting His Holy Word to suit what we want it to say � do you think He likes that? +++ How do you read that passage to say? Praise God for all that is good and true, Fred revdauphinee answered on 06/23/05: for free thinler after reading his reply to you I quote him "As far as I know the existence of God is based on belief, not on hard evidence!"" Glad to hear him say as far as he knows !He knows so little about things of the spirit! arcura rated this answer

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FormerJesusHelper76 asked on 06/22/05 - God God is why we are all here on this board. May God bless each and everyone of you that join in on this board and participate with debates and discussion. Please remember to focus on Love towards others. To know God and God is love and creation. Joe revdauphinee answered on 06/22/05: it is a board to discuss our christianity NOT ONE WHERE DISS IT! FormerJesusHelper76 rated this answer paraclete rated this answer

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Choux asked on 06/22/05 - Great Day for Justice On the 41st anniversary of the murders of three young civil rihts workers, a jury Tuesday convicted an 80 yrear old former KKK leader fo manslaughter closing another chaper in the notion's sordid past of racial violence that haunted generations. Edgar Ray Killen too a deep breath then sat expressionless as the jusge pronounced him guilty...of the deaths of Michael Schwerner, James Chaney and Andrew Goodman....June 21, 1964..... We will never forget those boys sacrifice. Justice finally served. *tears* Comments? revdauphinee answered on 06/22/05: as a resident of the state of Mississippi Its about time my state proved we have changed ,I know we have its time for the rest of america to see it !Thank God justice finaly prevailed!these old hate filled folks days are finaly over< Choux rated this answer MaggieB rated this answer

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ROLCAM asked on 06/22/05 - BEAUTY HINTS SERIES # 2. Original make-up that really makes you beautiful. FOR THE LIPS. Use this miraculous lip-stick: SILENCE Very good indeed, especially for the lips that often utter words that hurt. revdauphinee answered on 06/22/05: if everyone remained silent there would be no music ,and no one could learn for no one would teach,Jesus did not tell us to be silent but rather to tell every one about him! ROLCAM rated this answer

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ROLCAM asked on 06/22/05 - BEAUTY HINTS SERIES # 1. Original make-up that really makes you beautiful. TO TAKE AWAY THE FACE LINES. Try the famous face cream: NICENESS & GOODNESS. This relieves tension, the face finds a new way of life, all the lines disappear and you become beautiful. revdauphinee answered on 06/22/05: Amen chew i earned every wrinkle i have! ROLCAM rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 06/22/05 - The miracle of the Lions? Lions 'rescue' girl June 22, 2005 - 11:52AM Three lions rescued a kidnapped 12-year-old girl, Ethiopian police claim. The kidnappers wanted to force her into marriage and had held her for seven days, repeatedly beating her, said Sergeant Wondimu Wedajo. Then the lions chased them away and guarded her until her family and police arrived, he said from Bita Genet, 560 kilometres south-west of Addis Ababa. "They stood guard until we found her and then they just left her like a gift and went back into the forest," Sergeant Wondimu said, adding that he did not know whether the lions were male or female. News of the rescue, which took place in a forest on the outskirts of Bita Genet on June 9, was slow to filter out from Kefa Zone in south western Ethiopia. "If the lions had not come to her rescue then it could have been much worse. Often these young girls are raped and severely beaten to force them to accept the marriage," he said. "Everyone thinks this is some kind of miracle, because normally the lions would attack people," Sergeant Wondimu said. AP revdauphinee answered on 06/22/05: Not the first time God has used lions in his miracles Danielƌ: 19 At the first light of dawn, the king got up and hurried to the lions' den. 20 When he came near the den, he called to Daneil in an anguished voice, "Daniel, servant of the living God, has your God, whom you serve continually, been able to rescue you from the lions?" 21 Daniel answered, "O king, live forever! 22 My God sent his angel, and he shut the mouths of the lions. They have not hurt me, because I was found innocent in his sight. Nor have I ever done any wrong before you, O king." paraclete rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 06/21/05 - Danny makes a stand! Pastor refuses to say sorry to Muslims June 22, 2005 - 2:46PM A Christian pastor ordered to apologise for vilifying Muslims says he is prepared to go to jail before saying sorry for his comments. Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) deputy president Michael Higgins ordered two pastors of the evangelical order, Catch the Fire Ministry, to apologise over statements made in a speech, comments on a website and in a newsletter. In a landmark ruling by the tribunal, it found comments including that Muslims were training to take over Australia, encourage domestic violence and that Islam was an inherently violent religion, had vilified Muslims. The case was the first to be heard by the VCAT since the Racial and Religious Tolerance Act took effect in Victoria at the start of 2002. Outside the tribunal, one of the pastors described himself as a martyr and said he would go to jail before apologising. "Right from the inception, we have said that this law (Racial and Religious Tolerance Act) is a foul law, this law is not a law which brings unity," Pastor Nalliah said. "It causes disunity and as far as we are concerned right from the beginning we have stated we will not apologise. We will go to prison for standing for the truth and not sacrifice our freedom and freedom to speak." He said the Evangelical group had nothing against Muslims and its comments were taken out of context. Judge Higgins said an apology was "appropriate" as the intention of the Victorian legislation was to protect freedom of speech, but to place limits upon such freedom by prohibiting the vilification of persons or classes of persons. He said he took into account the pastors were of good character, but their passionate religious beliefs caused them to transgress the law. Catch the Fire are appealing the VCAT decision at the Victorian Supreme Court. AAP It's good to know that some christians are passionate about their belief eh? revdauphinee answered on 06/22/05: ""But this post refers to some knuckelheads who's racism took the overhand, isn't it?"" then plese count me in with the pastors whos passionate religious beliefs caused them to transgress the law.Did jesus not say we would be persecuted for his cause?? paraclete rated this answer

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arcura asked on 06/21/05 - As has been said by many, the truth will come out.... Doctor: Schiavo Autopsy Conclusions Flawed NewsMax ^ | 6/19/05 | Carl Limbacher Dr. William Hammesfahr, nominated for a Nobel Prize for his work in Medicine, has been recognized by agents for Medicare, the federal government, and others for new approaches to helping the brain injured. Dr. Hammesfahr has been identified in helping patients with chronic brain injuries from many causes actually leave long term disability, and return to work. Dr. Hammesfahr was identified the first physician to restore deficits caused by stroke. Dr. Hammesfahr has released the following statement in response to the autopsy report on Terri Schindler Schiavo: We have seen a lot on the autopsy of Terri Schindler Schiavo in recent days, that I feel needs to be addressed. To ignore these comments will allow future 'Terri Schiavo's' to die needlessly after the wishes of clinicians and family are ignored. Considering that there were so many physicians and therapists who were willing to step forward to treat Terri Schiavo, from university based practitioners to those in private practice, it clearly shows that the mainstream medical community across the board, those involved in treating patients, knew that they could help Terri. The record must be set straight. As we noted in the press, there was no heart attack, or evident reason for this to have happened (and certainly not of Terri's making). Unlike the constant drumbeat from the husband, his attorneys, and his doctors, the brain tissue was not dissolved, with a head of just spinal fluid. In fact, large areas were "relatively preserved." The purpose of the therapies offered by so many, from major universities, brain injury centers, and from private practice physicians, is to improve and restore quality of life, and function, which the mainstream medical community clearly tried to get to her. I have had a chance to look at Dr. Nelson's analysis of the brain tissue, and essentially, as a clinician, these are my thoughts. The autopsy results confirmed my opinion and Dr. Maxfield's opinions, that the frontal areas of the brains, the areas that deal with awareness and cognition were relatively intact. To use Dr. Nelson's words, "relatively preserved." In fact, the relay areas from the frontal and front temporal regions of the brain, to the spinal cord and the brain stem, by way of the basal ganglia, were preserved, thus the evident responses which she was able to express to her family and to the clinicians seeing her or viewing her videotape. The Spect scan confirmed these areas were functional and not scar tissue, and that was apparently also confirmed on Dr. Nelson's review of the slides. Dr. Maxfield's estimates of retained brain weight were apparently accurate, although there may have been some loss of brain weight due to the last two weeks of dehydration. Dr. Maxfield and myself both emphasized that she was a woman trapped in her body, similar to a child with cerebral palsy, and that was born out by the autopsy, showing greater injury in the motor and visual centers of the brain. Obviously, the pathologists comments that she could not see were not borne out by reality, and thus his assessment must represent sampling error. The videotapes clearly showed her seeing, and even Dr. Cranfoed, for the husband, commented to her that, when she could see the balloon, she could follow it with her eyes as per his request. That she could not swallow was obviously not borne out by the reality that she was swallowing her saliva, about 1.5 liters per day of liquid, and the clinical swallowing tests done by Dr. Young and Dr. Carpenter. Thus, there appears to be some limitations to the clinical accuracy of an autopsy in evaluating function. With respect to the issue of trauma, that certainly does not appear to be answered adequately. Some of the types of trauma that are suspected were not adequately evaluated in this assessment. Interestingly, both myself and at least one neurologist for the husband testified to the presence of neck injuries. The issue of a forensic evaluation for trauma, is highly specialized. Hence the wish of the family to have observers which was refused by the examiner. Ultimately, based on the clinical evidence and the autopsy results, an aware woman was killed. s/Dr. W. Hammesfahr [Dr. Hammesfahr was nominated for the Nobel Prize in Medicine and Physiology in 1999. The Nomination was for work started in 1994. In 2000, this work resulted in approval for the first patent in history granted for the treatment of neurological diseases including coma, stroke, brain injury,cerebral palsy, hypoxic injuries and other neurovascular disorders with medications that restore blood flow to the brain. It was extended to treat successfully disabilities including ADD, ADHD, Dyslexia, Tourette's and Autism as well as behaviorally and emotionally disturbed children, seizures and severe migraines.] _ revdauphinee answered on 06/22/05: acura thank you for the posting but no one can ever convince me that her death was nothing more than state sponcered murder and it stands to reason the state of Florida is not going to do anything or release anything that will make it any different ! arcura rated this answer

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MaggieB asked on 06/22/05 - Some humor in this dog eat dog world, LOL!! Bush and Osama decided to settle the war once and for all. They sat down and decided to settle the whole dispute with one dog fight. They would have 5 years to breed the best fighting dog in the world and whichever side's dog won would be entitled to dominate the world. Osama found the biggest, meanest Doberman and Rottweiler female dogs in the world and bred them with the meanest Siberian wolves. They selected only the biggest and strongest puppy from the litter, and removed his siblings, which gave him all the milk. After 5 years, they came up with the biggest, meanest dog the world had ever seen. Its cage needed steel bars that were 5 " inches thick and nobody could get near it. When the day came for the dog fight, Bush showed up with a strange looking animal. It was a 9 foot long Dachshund. Everyone felt sorry for Bush because there was no way that this dog could possibly last 10 seconds with the Afghanistani dog. When the cages were opened up, the Dachshund came out of it's cage, and slowly waddled over towards Osama's dog. Osama's dog snarled and leaped out of its cage and charged the American Dachshund --- but when it got close enough to bite, the Dachshund opened its mouth and consumed Osama's dog in one bite. There was nothing left of his dog at all. Osama came up to Bush, shaking his head in disbelief, "We don't understand how this could have happened. We had our best people working for 5 years with the meanest Doberman and Rottweiler female dogs in the world and the biggest, meanest Siberian wolves." "That's nothing,", said Bush. "We had Michael Jackson's plastic surgeons working for 5 years to make that alligator look like a wiener dog." Have a good day, MaggieB revdauphinee answered on 06/22/05: thank you today ineeded a good laugh MaggieB rated this answer

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CeeBee2 asked on 06/21/05 - Mortem effugere nemo potest.* What would you do if you knew you had only a year to live? *No one can escape death. revdauphinee answered on 06/21/05: q)What would you do if you knew you had only a year to live? a) nothing different I have always known we are not promiced tommorow! CeeBee2 rated this answer

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arcura asked on 06/21/05 - It is said that alcoholism is a disease that effects� The Mind, Body, and Spirit of the victim. Can you see how the 12 steps of recovery for an alcoholic (As listed Below) can be of great help in treating the mind, body, and spirit of a person so afflicted? +++ The 12 Suggested Steps of Alcoholics Anonymous 1. We admitted we were powerless over alcohol--that our lives had become unmanageable. 2. Came to believe that a Power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity. 3. Made a decision to turn our will and our lives over to the care of God as we understood Him. 4. Made a searching and fearless moral inventory of ourselves. 5. Admitted to God, to ourselves and to another human being the exact nature of our wrongs. 6. Were entirely ready to have God remove all these defects of character. 7. Humbly asked Him to remove our shortcomings. 8. Made a list of all persons we had harmed, and became willing to make amends to them all. 9. Made direct amends to such people wherever possible, except when to do so would injure them or others. 10. Continued to take personal inventory and when we were wrong promptly admitted it. 11. Sought through prayer and meditation to improve our conscious contact with God, as we understood Him, praying only for knowledge of His will for us and the power to carry that out. 12. Having had a spiritual awakening as the result of these steps, we tried to carry this message to alcoholics, and to practice these principles in all our affairs. revdauphinee answered on 06/21/05: unfortunatly one cannot get help (even from God) untill we admit we need it!and remember alcoholics are no the only addicts!there are more folks who are adicted to and misuse prescription drugs in the USA and need help. I have friends who are in this tragic condition and I personaly feel that doctors are partialy to blame> arcura rated this answer

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arcura asked on 06/21/05 - The world is mine says the Lord and I give it to thee�.. The world is mine says the Lord and I give it to thee�.. +++ What Bible passages are you aware of that give indication that the above statement could have been said by the Lord through one of His prophets? Praise God for all that is good and true, Fred revdauphinee answered on 06/21/05: try john 3:15 he even gave his son! arcura rated this answer

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HANK1 asked on 06/21/05 - Jealousy: Unfortunately, it is all too common that jealous feelings get translated into actions. While I have the greatest sympathy for people who feel jealous in different situations, and while I understand that those feelings can be painful, I have little patience with people who use those feelings as an excuse for inappropriate, overly dramatic, or violent behavior. Such behavior is at best unacceptable, often unethical, and, when it becomes violent, illegal. In general, the pattern of such relationships is that they get worse. Are you jealous of someone? If you are, why? HANK revdauphinee answered on 06/21/05: why would anyone be jelous?a Christian is a child of the king of the universe what more could we possibly want?? arcura rated this answer HANK1 rated this answer ladybugca rated this answer

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ROLCAM asked on 06/21/05 - Who was the author of this quote ? "We got rid of Ali Baba but the 40 thieves remained." revdauphinee answered on 06/21/05: so true .and they are all in my family ,when they helped me move into this apartment Things mysteriously came up missing!LOL paraclete rated this answer ROLCAM rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 06/21/05 - everyone else got it wrong? in a speech in the Middle East Condaleeza Rice has said that previous american administrations were wrong in not insisting on democracy in the middle east. What arrogance! to suggest that america can tell these nations what their system of goverment should be, and to do it on a good will visit. I sincirely hope that america gets a grip soon and realises what it's place in the world really is. revdauphinee answered on 06/21/05: not a fan of ms rice or the present administration however if you have something good is it not good to wish everyone could have it??the American system may not be perfect (it isnt)however it remains the best one for people to live under that exists ! paraclete rated this answer tomder55 rated this answer

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arcura asked on 06/20/05 - I just got this message from Aton......... Fred: Thanks for your concern. Obviously the reports of my demise have been greatly exaggerated :) We have temporarily re-located to Florida. Mother-in-law has been diagnosed with inoperable cancer and is failing rapidly. There is too much going on here to get involved with web sites right now. I have not even had enough time to respond to any of my cyber friends...you are the first. In addition, I doubt I will return to answerway...I have a running battle going with Datheus over his failure to reign in Choux with her filthy sexual postings and her foul mouthed attacks against Saladin. I may have been overly abrasive in some of my responses, but I never crossed the line into the kind of filth she has been allowed to get away with on the Christianity board. It seems everyone is afraid to push the abuse button to end her nonsense. I think they take seriously her lies that she, and she alone is responsible for keeping ATON and Bradd off the board. I challenged Datheus to get the board back in shape...He did not take kindly to the suggestion :) At any rate, personal problems are more of a concern, now, than answerway. Please give my best regards to all my friends in our dysfunctional cyber family...expecially Pete and Saladin. Thanks, again, for your concern. Don't be surprised if I pop up when you least expect it :) :) :) revdauphinee answered on 06/20/05: I for one miss him I never (well hardly ever) agreed with him but he did keep it interesting! arcura rated this answer

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arcura asked on 06/20/05 - Here is an interesting "Christian" site......... What do you think of it? http://www.godhatesfags.com/main/index.html revdauphinee answered on 06/20/05: I refuse to go to this site!God may hate the sin but he loves the sinner! arcura rated this answer ladybugca rated this answer

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arcura asked on 06/20/05 - Do you think that Richard Lamm is correct about this? I HAVE A PLAN TO DESTROY AMERICA RICHARD D. LAMM (Note: Richard D. Lamm was a Democrat who served as governor of Colorado for twelve years from 1975 to 1987.)���������������������������... I HAVE A SECRET PLAN TO DESTROY AMERICA. IF YOU BELIEVE, AS MANY DO, THAT AMERICA IS TOO SMUG, TOO WHITE BREAD, TOO SELF-SATISFIED, TOO RICH, LETS DESTROY AMERICA. IT IS NOT THAT HARD TO DO. HISTORY SHOWS THAT NATIONS ARE MORE FRAGILE THAN THEIR CITIZENS THINK. NO NATION IN HISTORY HAS SURVIVED THE RAVAGES OF TIME. ARNOLD TOYNBEE OBSERVED THAT ALL GREAT CIVILIZATIONS RISE AND THEY ALL FALL, AND THAT "AN AUTOPSY OF HISTORY WOULD SHOW THAT ALL GREAT NATIONS COMMIT SUICIDE." HERE IS MY PLAN: I. WE MUST FIRST MAKE AMERICA A BILINGUAL-BICULTURAL COUNTRY. HISTORY SHOWS, IN MY OPINION, THAT NO NATION CAN SURVIVE THE TENSION, CONFLICT, AND ANTAGONISM OF TWO COMPETING LANGUAGES AND CULTURES. IT IS A BLESSING FOR AN INDIVIDUAL TO BE BILINGUAL; IT IS A CURSE FOR A SOCIETY TO BE BILINGUAL. ONE SCHOLAR, SEYMOUR MARTIN LIPSET, PUT IT THIS WAY: THE HISTORIES OF BILINGUAL AND BICULTURAL SOCIETIES THAT DO NOT ASSIMILATE ARE HISTORIES OF TURMOIL, TENSION, AND TRAGEDY. CANADA, BELGIUM, MALAYSIA, LEBANON-ALL FACE CRISES OF NATIONAL EXISTENCE IN WHICH MINORITIES PRESS FOR AUTONOMY, IF NOT INDEPENDENCE. PAKISTAN AND CYPRUS HAVE DIVIDED. NIGERIA SUPPRESSED AN ETHNIC REBELLION. FRANCE FACES DIFFICULTIES WITH ITS BASQUES, BRETONS, AND CORSICANS. II. I WOULD THEN INVENT "MULTICULTURALISM" AND ENCOURAGE IMMIGRANTS TO MAINTAIN THEIR OWN CULTURE. I WOULD MAKE IT AN ARTICLE OF BELIEF THAT ALL CULTURES ARE EQUAL: THAT THERE ARE NO CULTURAL DIFFERENCES THAT ARE IMPORTANT. I WOULD DECLARE IT AN ARTICLE OF FAITH THAT THE BLACK AND HISPANIC DROPOUT RATE IS ONLY DUE TO PREJUDICE AND DISCRIMINATION BY THE MAJORITY. EVERY OTHER EXPLANATION IS OUT-OF-BOUNDS. III. WE CAN MAKE THE UNITED STATES A "HISPANIC QUEBEC" WITHOUT MUCH EFFORT. THE KEY IS TO CELEBRATE DIVERSITY RATHER THAN UNITY. AS BENJAMIN SCHWARZ SAID IN THE ATLANTIC MONTHLY RECENTLY: ...THE APPARENT SUCCESS OF OUR OWN MULTIETHNIC AND MULTICULTURAL EXPERIMENT MIGHT HAVE BEEN ACHIEVED NOT BY TOLERANCE BUT BY HEGEMONY. WITHOUT THE DOMINANCE THAT ONCE DICTATED ETHNOCENTRICALLY, AND WHAT IT MEANT TO BE AN AMERICAN, WE ARE LEFT WITH ONLY TOLERANCE AND PLURALISM TO HOLD US TOGETHER. I WOULD ENCOURAGE ALL IMMIGRANTS TO KEEP THEIR OWN LANGUAGE AND CULTURE. I WOULD REPLACE THE MELTING POT METAPHOR WITH A SALAD BOWL METAPHOR. IT IS IMPORTANT TO INSURE THAT WE HAVE VARIOUS CULTURAL SUB-GROUPS LIVING IN AMERICA REINFORCING THEIR DIFFERENCES RATHER THAN AMERICANS, EMPHASIZING THEIR SIMILARITIES. IV. HAVING DONE ALL THIS, I WOULD MAKE OUR FASTEST GROWING DEMOGRAPHIC GROUP THE LEAST EDUCATED - I WOULD ADD A SECOND UNDERCLASS, UNASSIMILATED, UNDEREDUCATED, AND ANTAGONISTIC TO OUR POPULATION. I WOULD HAVE THIS SECOND UNDERCLASS HAVE A 50% DROP OUT RATE FROM SCHOOL. V. I WOULD THEN GET THE BIG FOUNDATIONS AND BIG BUSINESS TO GIVE THESE EFFORTS LOTS OF MONEY. I WOULD INVEST IN ETHNIC IDENTITY, AND I WOULD ESTABLISH THE CULT OF VICTIMOLOGY. I WOULD GET ALL MINORITIES TO THINK THEIR LACK OF SUCCESS WAS ALL THE FAULT OF THE MAJORITY - I WOULD START A GRIEVANCE INDUSTRY BLAMING ALL MINORITY FAILURE ON THE MAJORITY POPULATION. VI. I WOULD ESTABLISH DUAL CITIZENSHIP AND PROMOTE DIVIDED LOYALTIES. I WOULD "CELEBRATE DIVERSITY." "DIVERSITY" IS A WONDERFULLY SEDUCTIVE WORD. IT STRESSES DIFFERENCES RATHER THAN COMMONALITIES. DIVERSE PEOPLE WORLDWIDE ARE MOSTLY ENGAGED IN HATING EACH OTHER-THAT IS, WHEN THEY ARE NOT KILLING EACH OTHER. A DIVERSE," PEACEFUL, OR STABLE SOCIETY IS AGAINST MOST HISTORICAL PRECEDENT. PEOPLE UNDERVALUE THE UNITY IT TAKES TO KEEP A NATION TOGETHER, AND WE CAN TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THIS MYOPIA. LOOK AT THE ANCIENT GREEKS. DORF'S WORLD HISTORY TELLS US: THE GREEKS BELIEVED THAT THEY BELONGED TO THE SAME RACE; THEY POSSESSED A COMMON LANGUAGE AND LITERATURE; AND THEY WORSHIPED THE SAME GODS. ALL GREECE TOOK PART IN THE OLYMPIC GAMES IN HONOR OF ZEUS AND ALL GREEKS VENERATED THE SHRINE OF APOLLO AT DELPHI. A COMMON ENEMY PERSIA THREATENED THEIR LIBERTY. YET, ALL OF THESE BONDS TOGETHER WERE NOT STRONG ENOUGH TO OVERCOME TWO FACTORS . . . (LOCAL PATRIOTISM AND GEOGRAPHICAL CONDITIONS THAT NURTURED POLITICAL DIVISIONS . . .) IF WE CAN PUT THE EMPHASIS ON THE "PLURIBUS," INSTEAD OF THE "UNUM," WE CAN BALKANIZE AMERICA AS SURELY AS KOSOVO. VII. THEN I WOULD PLACE ALL THESE SUBJECTS OFF LIMITS - MAKE IT TABOO TO TALK ABOUT. I WOULD FIND A WORD SIMILAR TO "HERETIC" IN THE 16TH CENTURY - THAT STOPPED DISCUSSION AND PARALYZED THINKING. WORDS LIKE "RACIST", "XENOPHOBE" THAT HALTS ARGUMENT AND CONVERSATION. HAVING MADE AMERICA A BILINGUAL-BICULTURAL COUNTRY, HAVING ESTABLISHED MULTICULTURALISM, HAVING THE LARGE FOUNDATIONS FUND THE DOCTRINE OF "VICTIMOLOGY", I WOULD NEXT MAKE IT IMPOSSIBLE TO ENFORCE OUR IMMIGRATION LAWS. I WOULD DEVELOP A MANTRA - "THAT BECAUSE IMMIGRATION HAS BEEN GOOD FOR AMERICA, IT MUST ALWAYS BE GOOD." I WOULD MAKE EVERY INDIVIDUAL IMMIGRANT SYMPATRIC AND IGNORE THE CUMULATIVE IMPACT. VIII. LASTLY, I WOULD CENSOR Victor Davis Hanson�s BOOK MEXIFORNIA � THIS BOOK IS DANGEROUS � IT EXPOSES MY PLAN TO DESTROY AMERICA. SO PLEASE, PLEASE � IF YOU FEEL THAT AMERICA DESERVES TO BE DESTROYED � PLEASE, PLEASE � DON'T BUY THIS BOOK! THIS GUY IS ON TO MY PLAN. "THE SMART WAY TO KEEP PEOPLE PASSIVE AND OBEDIENT IS TO STRICTLY LIMIT THE SPECTRUM OF ACCEPTABLE OPINION, BUT ALLOW VERY LIVELY DEBATE WITHIN THAT SPECTRUM." � NOAM CHOMSKY, AMERICAN LINGUIST AND US MEDIA AND FOREIGN POLICY CRITIC. Snopes last updated: 16 June 2005 revdauphinee answered on 06/20/05: It sounds like it may be working to me! arcura rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 06/20/05 - Let's get real here Who do you think bears responsibility for the acts of Clergy? Only the clergy, or does the church to whom they belong also bear the responsibility for their wrongfull acts? We have seen recently some weirdo backwoods priest crucify a nun, but is this really any different than a priest who mollests a child, etc etc etc. I'm not saying that the church is necessarily responsible for the failings of their ordinary members but those they place in a position of trust is something else. But if those people deliberately do or are encourgaged to do something unlawfull where does the responsibility lie. revdauphinee answered on 06/20/05: Only when they condone and do nothing about it doesthe church to whom they belong also bear the responsibility for their wrongfull acts? paraclete rated this answer tomder55 rated this answer

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Choux asked on 06/19/05 - Jesus Taught Us to love our neighbors. Could he possibly have believed in moral absolutes? Anything absolute? All the people here who believe in moral absolutes only like to judge people and get sanctimonious, stereotype and condemn, don't they? Don't they, Gade? What do you think? revdauphinee answered on 06/20/05: Jesus Taught Us to love our neighbors. sometimes this is very hard to do isnt it?? Choux rated this answer

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lucpi asked on 06/19/05 - Is this madness? A Romanian Orthodox priest who ordered the crucifixion of a young nun because she was "possessed by the devil" and now faces murder charges was unrepentant as he celebrated a funeral mass for his alleged victim. "God has performed a miracle for her, finally Irina is delivered from evil,"said Father Daniel,29. He insisted that from the religious point of view, the crucifixion of Maricica Irina Cornici,23, was "entirely justified", but admitted that he faced excommunication as well as prosecution, and was seeking a "good lawyer". revdauphinee answered on 06/19/05: as i said in the previous post ,what part of thou shalt not kill does this man not understand! arcura rated this answer Geedubya84 rated this answer lucpi rated this answer

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lucpi asked on 06/19/05 - sexist? Do you think Lennart Johansson is a sexist? Lennart Johansson's claim that sponsors of women's football could cash in by promoting the players' physical attributes has provoked angry reaction. The Uefa president said on Friday: "Companies could make use of a sweaty, lovely looking girl playing on the ground, with the rainy weather. "It would sell," he told BBC Five Live. Ex-England star Sue Smith said: "It's disappointing someone high up in the game said something like that. You want people to watch for football reasons." Johansson did condemn his Fifa counterpart Sepp Blatter for his comments last year when he called for players to wear "tighter shorts". But Johansson himself is now the subject of criticism from several leading lights in the women's game, who feel his remarks are ill-advised and ill-timed on the back of a successful Euro 2005. Helen Donohoe, head of policy for the Women's Sports Foundation, said: "I cannot imagine some other president of another sport like swimming or athletics saying something so crass. "We're not prudes - we recognise that sex sells from stars like David Beckham to Freddie Ljungberg and Serena Williams - but it's not the grounds for a sustainable growth of the sport." Smith continued: "You don't want people just to watch us for aesthetic reasons. "Yes sex sells, and people buy things because Beckham promotes it and he's very good looking but that is up to the individual and should not be the way the whole of women's football is viewed. "There are much better ways of saying it rather than talk about girls coming off the pitch sweating and then looking lovely." Swedish international Frida Ostberg added: "I get really fed up with this sort of thing. "In a superficial world it is what is on the surface that sells, but we should be interesting for what we do on the pitch." The Football Association's Euro 2005 marketing campaign was partly designed to dispel the "old-fashioned view that women footballers cannot be feminine". "The promotion was around the game as a sport and the players as athletes," explained FA media officer Alex Stone. "And our catchphrase - 'a more beautiful game' - acknowledged their marketability as females. "But we see this as only one part of a broader strategy to widen the appeal, from grassroots to the elite game." Johansson's comments came during an interview in which he actually attacked Blatter and made clear promoting the players' physical attributes was only one way of helping to broaden the appeal of the game. "Some people are only happy if they have something being published about them every day in the newspapers, so I hope you understand I took his comments as a joke and not a clever one," Johansson added. He also praised the quality of the current European Championship which is being held in England. "I always enjoy ladies football because they perform better and better every year - compared to what it was 10 years ago it is quite something else," the Swede said. revdauphinee answered on 06/19/05: Q)Do you think Lennart Johansson is a sexist? A)dont know who the man is but by the comments posted then yess most definatly he is sexist.when are folks going to admit that woman are capable of more atributes than sexual ones.would we admire a black athlete because he was blacker ?no we would not so why place women in the category that they look better is not her personality and ability worth anything?? lucpi rated this answer

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STONY asked on 06/18/05 - FOR THE BLEEDING HEARTS CLUB... Fw: The Straight Scoop from Charlie Daniels [A TOTALLY UNBIASED OPINION.] Subject: The Straight Scoop from Charlie Daniels Worth reading and passing on� too bad there is not a way to pass to all of congress. Once again Charlie Daniels speaks his feelings and once again he is right on the money. Charlie needs to be writing for a major news magazine. The Straight Scoop from Charlie Daniels I've just returned from Guantanamo Bay, Cuba Naval Air Station base where we did three shows for the troops and toured several locations around the post visiting with some of the finest military personnel on planet earth. The kids seemed to really enjoy the shows and especially liked "This Ain't No Rag, It's A Flag" and "In America." We had a great time with them. We saw Camp X-Ray, where the Taliban detainees are being held only from a distance, but I picked up a lot of what's going on there from talking with a lot of different people. The truth of the matter is that this operation is under a microscope. The Red Cross has an on site presence there and watches everything that goes onvery closely. The media is not telling you the whole truth about what's going on over there. The truth is that these scumbags are not only being treated humanely, they are probably better off healthwise and medically than they've ever been in their lives. They are fed well, able to take showers and receive state of the art medical care. And have their own Moslem chaplain. I saw several of them in a field hospital ward where they were being treated in a state-of-the-art medical facility. Now let's talk about the way they treat our people. First of all, they have to be watched constantly. These people are committed and wanton murderers who are willing to die just to kill someone else. One of the doctors told me that when they had Taliban in the hospital the staff had to really be careful with needles, pens and anything else that could possibly be used as a weapon. They also throw their excrement and urine on the troops who are guarding them. And our guys and gals have shown great restraint in not retaliating. We are spending over a million dollars a day maintaining and guarding these nasty killers, and anyone who wants to see them brought to the U.S.A. for trial is either out of their heads, or a lawyer looking for money and notoriety. Or both. I wish that the media and the Red Cross and all the rest of the people who are so worried about these criminals would realize that this is not a troop of errant Boy Scouts. These are killers of the worst kind. They don't need protection from us, we need protection from them. If you don't get anything else out of this soapbox, please try to realize that when you see news coverage much of the time you're not getting the whole story, but an account filtered through a liberal mindset with an agenda. We have two fights on our hands, the war against terror and the one against the loudmouthed lawyers and left wing media who would sap the strength from the American public by making us believe that we're losing the war or doing something wrong in fighting it. Remember these are the same people who told us that Saddam Hussein's Republican guard was going to be an all but invincible enemy and that our smart bombs and other weapons were not really as good as the military said that they were. They also took up for Bill Clinton while he was cavorting around the Oval office with Monica Lewinsky while the terrorists were gaining strength and bombing our embassies and dragging the bodies of dead American heroes around the dusty streets of Somalia. It's a shame that we can't have an unbiased media who would just report the truth and let us make up our own minds. Here I must commend Fox News for presenting both sides much better than the other networks. They are leaving the other cable networks in the dust. People like being told the truth. Our military not only needs but deserves our support. Let's give it to them. The next time you read a media account about the bad treatment of the Taliban in Cuba, remember what I told you. Been there, done that. Footnote: I got an e-mail from a rather irate first cousin of mine the other day who has a daughter who's a lawyer, and she seemed to think that I was painting all lawyers with the same brush. Please understand that I'm not doing that at all. That would be like saying that all musicians are drug addicts. There are a lot of good and honest attorneys out there. I happen to have one of them. But it seems that they never get any airtime. It's always the radicals who get their opinions heard, who fight the idea of the military tribunals and cite the Constitution and the integrity of America as their source of justifying their opinions. Well, first of all the Constitution says, "We the people of the United States," it doesn't mention any other country. And secondly, as far as integrity is concerned, I don't think some of these folks would know integrity if it bit them in the posterior. What do you think? God Bless America. Charlie Daniels P.S. send this to everyone you can...the truth needs to be told. THE REASON A DOG HAS SO MANY FRIENDS IS THAT HE WAGS HIS TAIL - NOT HIS TONGUE revdauphinee answered on 06/18/05: dont people realise we are at war?where can anyone tell me would a christian prisoner of war be given acsess to a bible?we give these folks quorans we tell them where the direction is they pray to! would they do the same ?no they would behead christians on tv.all in the name of allah!who is not the same God we worship for as the quoran tells us Allah has no sons !do we not worship Jesus the son of Yaweh our God? therefore they have toi be different Gods MaggieB rated this answer LTgolf rated this answer STONY rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 06/18/05 - Now this is taking penance too far Priest who crucified nun unrepentant From correspondents in Tanacu, Romania June 18, 2005 From: Agence France-Presse A ROMANIAN Orthodox priest who ordered the crucifixion of a young nun because she was "possessed by the devil" and now faces murder charges was unrepentant today after he celebrated a funeral mass. "God has performed a miracle for her, finally Irina is delivered from evil," Father Daniel, 29, the superior of the Holy Trinity monastery in north-eastern Romania, said. He insisted that from the religious point of view, the crucifixion of Maricica Irina Cornici, 23, was "entirely justified", but admitted that he faced excommunication as well as prosecution, and was seeking a "good lawyer". Sister Cornici was found dead on Thursday, gagged and chained to a cross after fellow nuns called an ambulance, according to police, who said she had entered the monastery just three months before, after visiting a friend who was a nun there. Mihaela Straub, spokeswoman for the police in the province of Vaslui, said Father Daniel and four other nuns had claimed she was possessed and should be exorcised. Before being crucified she had been kept shut up for several days, her hands and feet tied and without food or drink. Vitalie Danciu, the superior of a nearby monastery at Golia, called the crucifixion "inexcusable", but a spokesman for the Orthodox patriarchate in Bucharest refused to condemn it. "I don't know what this young woman did," Bogdan Teleanu said. revdauphinee answered on 06/18/05: What part of thou shalt not kill dont they understand?? ladybugca rated this answer paraclete rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 06/18/05 - So much for the Da Vinci code, now it's the Michaelangelo code Michelangelo's body of work seen in new light By Carlos DeJuana in Sao Paulo, Brazil June 18, 2005 Two Brazilian doctors and amateur art lovers believe they have uncovered a secret lesson on human anatomy hidden by Michelangelo in the Sistine Chapel's ceiling. Completed almost 500 years ago, the brightly coloured frescoes painted on the Vatican's famous sanctuary are considered some of the world's greatest works of art. They depict biblical scenes such as the Creation of Adam in which God reaches out to touch Adam's finger. But Gilson Barreto and Marcelo de Oliveira say in their book The Secret Art of Michelangelo that the artist also scattered his detailed knowledge of internal anatomy across 34 of the ceiling's 38 panels. They say a tree trunk is not just a tree trunk, but also a bronchial tube. And a green bag in one scene is really a human heart. The key to finding the numerous organs, bones and other human parts is to first crack a code they believe was left behind by the Florentine artist. Essentially, it is a set of sometimes subtle, sometimes overt clues, like the way a figure is pointing. "Why wasn't this ever seen before? First, because very few people have the sufficient anatomical knowledge to see these pieces like this," said Dr Barreto, a surgeon in the Brazilian city of Campinas. Dr Barreto and his friend Dr Oliveira are not the first physicians to see depictions of human organs in the Sistine Chapel. Fifteen years ago Frank Meshberger, an American, pointed out that the figure of God and his surrounding angels in the Creation of Adam panel resembled a cross-section of the human brain. Dr Barreto came across Dr Meshberger's theory when packing up to move house, and decided that if there was a brain there had to be other organs. He searched through books and pictures of the chapel and found five or six other anatomical depictions which he showed Dr Oliveira. The pair then spent the next three months looking for further evidence. They discovered another US doctor, Garabed Eknoyan, had found the figure of a kidney in the panel titled Separation of the Earth from the Waters. The pair came to believe Michelangelo had put coded messages in each panel to help viewers find the hidden body part. Some clues are thematic, such as Creation of Adam or Creation of Eve, in which a tree trunk looks like a bronchial tube and God's purple robe is a representation of a lung when seen from the side. One could say God was imparting the "breath of life" into Eve in the scene, Dr Barreto said. In the scene Cumaean Sibyl a bag with a red frilly border and white rolled up scrolls inside hanging beside the Sibyl was a depiction of a heart, the diaphragm and the aorta, the doctors said. Faced with the paintings and photographs of the anatomical body part side-by-side, the theory is conceivable, although some matches require a a bit of creativity. Dennis Geronimus, a specialist on Renaissance art at New York University who examined some of Dr Barreto's and Dr Oliveira's "decoded" matches, said: "The problem, and art historians too are certainly often guilty of this, is simply that we often see what we want to see." Reuters So what does it all mean? revdauphinee answered on 06/18/05: So what does it all mean? to me nothing! paraclete rated this answer

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tomder55 asked on 06/17/05 - I wonder If Terri Schiavo had been dehydrated to death at the Guantanamo Bay detention camp,would Dick Durbin read her autopsy report from the Senate floor ? revdauphinee answered on 06/17/05: since the esteemed coroner said they had no reliable cause for death (at least this is what was said on tv,I could help them here ("State sponsered MURDER!) tomder55 rated this answer

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arcura asked on 06/16/05 - Do you agree with this - all or part or not?????? Transform lust through prayer Look at a woman with eyes of love, advises author Lust is at the root of most societal problems and Christians must turn to God to overcome it, an American theologian told a packed men's conference May 4. "The only way we can live a life of integrity, the only way we can be men of integrity, is if we overcome lust," Christopher West told about 250 men from across Alberta and BC who attended the Catholic men's conference at the Mayfield Inn. "Lust disorients our whole being, not only sexually; it disorients the way we see the whole world." Like hell, lust is the absence of God's love and the only way to overcome it is to allow God to transform our sexuality, he said. West, an author and father of two who serves as director of marriage and family life for the Archdiocese of Denver, Col., was keynote speaker at the May 3-4 conference. The conference is an annual event put together by Catholic Family Ministries, an organization committed to strengthening marriages and families. West, the holder of a masters degree from the John Paul II Institute for Studies on Marriage and Family in Washington, focuses his ministry on the pope's 'Theology of the Body' and has written several books, catechetical programs and articles on the subject. He said in the beginning, both men and women were filled with the love of God and they were therefore able to share that love with one another. But when they denied the love of the Father, love died in their hearts and lust set in. And that's what is at the root of it all, he said. "The deepest root of the problem, gentlemen, is that we have denied the love of God and this has disoriented us at the deepest level of our being. "The deepest root of the problems in our culture, the root cause of the culture of death is the denial of the love of the father and the first manifestation of it is lust and it all goes downhill from there. This is why our pope says that liberation from lust is the indispensable foundation of all life together in truth." Men of lust are not men who receive the love of God and share it with others. They are men who don't believe really and surely that God loves them and who therefore live a life of taking, a life of grasping and a life of using other people for their own gratification, West said. "If we cannot control ourselves and our own appetites and desires, we will inevitably seek to control others in order to satisfy our desires and appetites." "Gentlemen, God gave us the sexual urge as a vector of aspiration along which our whole being is meant to grow and perfect itself from within. "God gave us sexual desire, you might say, as the fuel of a rocket that is meant to launch us into eternity because it's meant to be the very power to love as God loves. But because we have denied the love of the father these rocket engines have become inverted." West said if men allow Christ to slay the lizard of lust, "we will rise" and "become the men we are meant to be." How do we do this? West used scriptures to provide the answer, reminding his audience that in the Sermon of the Mount, Jesus had warned against adultery, saying "Even if you look at a woman lustfully you have already committed adultery in your hearts." West acknowledged women also play a role in adultery but warned men against looking at women to blame them. "This is what Adam did and we are not going to do the same," he said. "Yes, women have a particular responsibility to help us in our weakness not to lust, but even if a woman is inciting us to lust, we are obligated to look at her with eyes of love and never treat her as a thing for our selfish gratification." The end result of lust is hell, he warned, noting that the two "are intimately connected because both are the constant state of the absence of God's love." revdauphinee answered on 06/17/05: ""If we cannot control ourselves and our own appetites and desires, we will inevitably seek to control others in order to satisfy our desires and appetites." Truer words were never spoken!! arcura rated this answer

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sapphire630 asked on 06/16/05 - somewhat relating this to Choux's post on Black history in school I thought the controversy over paying Afro American's for how the slaves were treated had ended. I am hearing it all over again. I do not get it because many white people helped the slaves escape and who can say who owes who exactly. Like if one family helped and another family had ancestors that were poorly treated slaves..... I could go on about all the history and why I don't think it is right; but my point is why the Afro Americans and not the Native Americans or the Jews or other ethnic groups? I saw a documentary on how we treated the Chinese and made them build our railroads and made them work to literal death and left many of them starving to death. I think we wronged the Native Americans way far more worse than any others! I say give it equally to the Native Americans and others if we are going to go this route. revdauphinee answered on 06/17/05: since the past cannot be relived(not that anyone would want to)the best thing for all to do is let it rest and vow to never repeat it> Matthew6: Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.therefor lets take care of todays problems and let the past be past! sapphire630 rated this answer tarot10 rated this answer

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bluevision asked on 06/16/05 - most important verse Which verse in the Bible is an epitome of the great truth taught all through the preceding chapters or those that follow? By Divine Design, it is the middle or central verse of the entire Bible. revdauphinee answered on 06/16/05: the most important verse in the bible is John 3:16 "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. bluevision rated this answer

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Choux asked on 06/15/05 - Want to Express Your Comedic Talent? On a comedy show last night, the comics were called upon to give a humorous answer to the following question. What is your humorous response? WHAT WOULD BE HEARD ON THE LOUDSPEAKER IN HELL??? Let's laugh out loud! revdauphinee answered on 06/15/05: the ice machine is broken! Choux rated this answer excon rated this answer Itsdb rated this answer

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kindj asked on 06/15/05 - Revised Bible headlines PC Biblical Headlines If Biblical Headlines were written by Today's Liberal Media On Red Sea crossing: WETLANDS TRAMPLED IN LABOR STRIKE Pursuing Environmentalists Killed On David vs. Goliath: HATE CRIME KILLS BELOVED CHAMPION Psychologist Questions Influence of Rock On Elijah on Mt. Carmel: FIRE SENDS RELIGIOUS RIGHT EXTREMIST INTO FRENZY 400 Killed On the birth of Christ: HOTELS FULL, ANIMALS LEFT HOMELESS Animal Rights Activists Enraged by Insensitive Couple On feeding the 5,000: PREACHER STEALS CHILD'S LUNCH Disciples Mystified Over Behavior On healing the 10 lepers: LOCAL DOCTOR'S PRACTICE RUINED "Faith Healer" Causes Bankruptcy On healing of the Gadarene demoniac: MADMAN'S FRIEND CAUSES STAMPEDE Local Farmer's Investment Lost On raising Lazarus from the dead: FUNDAMENTALIST PREACHER RAISES A STINK Will Reading to be Delayed revdauphinee answered on 06/15/05: this would be funny if it was not so true! kindj rated this answer

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Choux asked on 06/14/05 - Lesson from Michael Jackson Verdict Yesterday, I spent some time listening to the Jurors talking about how they reached verdicts on all the counts in the Michael Jackson child molestation trial. One woman said that she couldn't believe that a woman would do that to her child. Two women didn't like the fact that the Mother of the molested kid looked directly at them during her testimony and snapped her fingers at the jury. The man who was the foreman didn't really say anything at all directly on subject to the questions asked of him. All these people were adults, and they really couldn't think straight. They couldn't focus on one fact and REASON through the arguments on each side, and reach their decision based on the facts! It is very important that Americans learn how to think straight. What an embarrassment. revdauphinee answered on 06/15/05: I feel due to his profile I do believe him to be a pedophile but due to his celebraty and ability to hire the best atourneys he walked.the thing is I find the parents of anyone who allows a young boy(all boys)to sleep with a 40 yr old man! Choux rated this answer tarot10 rated this answer

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FormerJesusHelper76 asked on 06/14/05 - Micheal Jackson? Who here believes Jackson is guilty and who thinks he is innocent. Please give your reasons why you feel that way. Joe revdauphinee answered on 06/15/05: everything in his profile tells me he is guilty the reason he was founfd not guilty is because of reasonable doubt due to the present accusers families predisposition to false hood>I dont think even this jury feels he is not a child abuser.but having served on a jury if there is any doubt you must say not guilty> My personal oppinion (and we all have them)this man is guilty not of this one occassion but of many ,and so are any parents who allowed thier kids (all young boys) to sleep with a 40 yr old man! FormerJesusHelper76 rated this answer

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FormerJesusHelper76 asked on 06/14/05 - O.J. Simpson? All those who think the police lie and cover up things. Who here believes that O.J. is innocent and give the reasons why? As well the ones who believe O.J. is guilty and give the reasons why? Thank you in advance! Joe revdauphinee answered on 06/15/05: There are those who stretch the truth in all walks of life ,so yes even in the police excon rated this answer FormerJesusHelper76 rated this answer

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lglynn5 asked on 06/14/05 - Bushs' Betrayal... Dear Family, Hello, Two weeks ago, when Abbas and Bush met..Bush told Abbas..that the Israelies would have to revert back to the 1949 Armistice lines. Do you see a temple being built NEXT..to the dome of the rock? Or a war..against Jordon, Syria, Leb, for the whole Temple Mount? BEFORE.. the invasion of Russia, and the Arab Federations. Have a good day, all. In Christ, Lynn revdauphinee answered on 06/14/05: I dont claim to know how but the new temple will be on the temple mount believe it! lglynn5 rated this answer Toms777 rated this answer

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kindj asked on 06/14/05 - A ? for our fine English folks on here: Not related to Christianity really, but feel free to sue me... There is an Irish song (I know, not the same thing) that I heard not too long ago, and would really like to find the band and the CD, if possible. All I remember is what was most likely the chorus: "...be strong, me brave Irish laddies. We'll not be broken, downhearted, or sad." I know, it's not much to go on. Just wondering if it rang a bell with anyone. DK revdauphinee answered on 06/14/05: I was born in England and my grandfather always told me the reason God made whiskey was so the Irish would not rule the world(by the way his wife was from county cork) kindj rated this answer

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kindj asked on 06/14/05 - Mark Fuhrman investigates... For those who are interested: ------------------------------- We all watched Terri Schiavo die. Now former LAPD homicide detective and New York Times bestselling author Mark Furhman investigates to find out what really happened. Later this month, Furhman's newest book, Silent Witness: The Untold Story of Terri Schiavo's Death, will be released. It will prove the controversy over Terry Schiavo's death is far from over. And it's not over yet. Despite her death, the controversy lingers. In Silent Witness, Mark Fuhrman applies his highly respected investigative skills to examine the medical evidence, legal case files, and police records. With the complete cooperation of Terri Schiavo's parents and siblings, as well as their medical and legal advisers, he conducts exclusive interviews with forensics experts and crucial witnesses, including friends, family members, and caregivers. Fuhrman's findings will answer these questions: What was Terri and Michael Schiavo's marriage really like? What happened the day Terri collapsed? What did Michael Schiavo do when he discovered Terri unconscious? How long did he wait before calling 911? What do medical records show about her condition when she was first admitted to the hospital? What will the autopsy say? The legal issues and ethical questions provoked by Terri Schiavo's extraordinary case may never be resolved. But the facts about her marriage, her condition when she collapsed, and her eventual death fifteen years later can be determined. With Silent Witness, Fuhrman goes beyond the legal aspects of the case and delves into the broader, human background of Terri Schiavo's short, sad life. Mark Fuhrman is a retired LAPD detective. He is the author of the New York Times bestsellers Murder in Brentwood and Murder in Greenwich, as well as Murder in Spokane and Death and Justice. He lives in Idaho. --------------------------------------------- OK, I'm not one hundred percent sure about Fuhrman's investigative skills, especially if Cochran's team was even partially right. However, this could be an interesting read when it comes out. DK revdauphinee answered on 06/14/05: this is a book I definatly want to read!thank you ! kindj rated this answer

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MaggieB asked on 06/13/05 - Something for Christians to think about: In the Fight Desecrate the Koran -- Riots; Desecrate the Bible -- Yawn By Matt Friedeman, PhD June 13, 2005 (AgapePress) - Observers of the printed page, the White House, and anyone interested in responsibility in the media were rightly outraged that Newsweek recently botched a report about Koran desecration by the U.S. military and started rioting in Afghanistan that ended lives and injured many. It has long been known, but apparently not often reported by the mainstream media, that in places like Saudi Arabia, Bibles are not flushed at airport customs but are shredded. And if you are carrying enough of them, you may well receive 70 lashes if not execution. Little is heard publicly about such contempt. The reason? It is likely what Newsweek and its media elite friends choose to report, and not report. The largely irreligious corps of reporters and their disrespect of Christianity obviously comes into play. But Danny Nalliah, a Sri Lankan-born pastor now based in Australia, presents a slightly different perspective: "The Muslims respect the Koran far more than Christians respect the Bible." So, then, when a Koran is reportedly destroyed, it is really big news. When a Bible is shredded -- yawn. No outrage, no tears, no human rights organizations rising to champion a cause. Just -- yawn. A denominational executive just informed one of my friends that if a young missionary with a relatively weak view of Scripture is sent into a Muslim country, he will be broken in that country. Muslims aren't playing games with their holy book in most parts of the world. Christians who mean to take them on at an ideological and spiritual level must think at least as highly of the Bible as the Muslims do of the Koran. How will we know when this happens? - Christians accept a theological position that their Bible is fully authoritative and without error. A weak position here leads to weak positions on other consequential teachings. For instance, George Barna reports that in 2005, 46 percent of born-again Christians deny Satan's existence. A majority (52 percent) of all born-again Christians in 2001 rejected the existence of the Holy Spirit. - Christians spend significant time in daily Bible study. Combined with significant hours of prayer per week, this makes Spirit-filled Christians most likely to have a powerful impact on their world and in their wooing of the Muslim to their faith. - Christians not only affirm Scripture as authoritative and read it, but are informed by it. In short, they intellectually grasp the details of the Word. Be mindful that Barna found in 2000 that three-quarters of Americans believed that the Bible teaches that God helps those who help themselves. It doesn't. - Christians recognize that knowing means more than intellectual assent. It means acting on that Truth. To know Scripture means to do Scripture. There is power in truth released in the daily lives of believers. No one is stimulated to riot or even care much when a Bible is desecrated and shredded, or when people with Bibles are persecuted. But flush a Koran, and protests break out and people are killed or injured. It would be understandable for the Evangelical to attribute the difference to the fact that the Bible has a civilizing effect and the Koran -- believed in or destroyed -- agitates the soul. Is that the case? Or is it that Christians have long ago ceased to be a people of the Book and, frankly, it is not sacred enough in our daily lives to make it much of a consideration when it is shredded? The people of the Koran -- seems they mean business. Have we grown to lax about the Bible and just consider it another book to read? MaggieB revdauphinee answered on 06/14/05: chritians are admonished to place the word in thier heart so if you are a christian you shoud know enough to carry you throught no matter what .But i agree would such a to do be made if it had been a bible and not a quoran .however what other country makes holy books available to prisoners?? MaggieB rated this answer

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tarot10 asked on 06/13/05 - What should happen to parents in the future? What should happen to parents in the future who let their children sleep over at Michael Jackson's House? My question is also posed to those who support the Registry of sexual abusers and rapists? What good does it do to be warned that someone might be a child abuser or a rapist, or a killer? What kind of parent allows his children to spend the night at some grown man's house anyway? And a man who might be a child molester? I heard that the prosecution has been eyeing Michael Jackson carefully for the past 10 years. They have been trying very hard to get him. We appear to be a society of blamers and not of people who take responsibility. revdauphinee answered on 06/14/05: Q)What should happen to parents in the future who let their children sleep over at Michael Jackson's House? A) they should be charged with child endangerment. tarot10 rated this answer

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Liz22 asked on 06/13/05 - Is going on the Internet wrong? Please help me out here, my Sister whom I love Dearly has told me tonight that as a Jehovah Witness they are not allowed to go on the internet, but she has a PC and just called for my e-mail address. I confided in her that I know two on here that are dedicated, and she told me to beware because they are probably Dis fellowship Is this true? Plus I know for a fact they are on Pal-Talk, my Sister is always right so I feel intimidity and worthless for I am always wrong in her eyes, Perhaps she is right? Can Jehovah Witness's go on the Internet if not why is it wrong? Thank you, revdauphinee answered on 06/13/05: there are several of them that come on here ,I seee nothing wrong with that it is their beliefs that i disagree with . hOPE12 rated this answer Liz22 rated this answer

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tarot10 asked on 06/13/05 - What should happen to parents in the future? What should happen to parents in the future who let their children sleep over at Michael Jackson's House? My question is also posed to those who support the Registry of sexual abusers and rapists? What good does it do to be warned that someone might be a child abuser or a rapist, or a killer? What kind of parent allows his children to spend the night at some grown man's house anyway? And a man who might be a child molester? I heard that the prosecution has been eyeing Michael Jackson carefully for the past 10 years. They have been trying very hard to get him. We appear to be a society of blamers and not of people who take responsibility. revdauphinee answered on 06/13/05: HAVE TO AGREE with free thinker on this look at the system lately! Simpson Not guilty! the guy that played Baretta not guilty!cobe Bryant Not guilty!now Jackson not guilty tarot10 rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 06/13/05 - any one want to hunt moby dick White whale spotted off coast June 13, 2005 WHALE watchers off the New South Wales mid-north coast were "blessed" to catch a glimpse of a rare albino humpback whale today. The whale, known as Migaloo, passed by Port Macquarie this morning as it migrated to warmer waters in the Whitsundays, off the north Queensland coast. Carol Hunt, who runs a Port Macquarie charter boat company, said it was the first time Migaloo had been sighted off that part of the coast. "He was sighted in Sydney at four o'clock on Friday and I've been tracking him since," Ms Hunt said. "We watched him for about an hour and a half. He was heading north to Coffs Harbour. "He had three other whales with him and they were quite active. They were rolling over and slapping their fins." Ms Hunt said the whales were about a mile (1.6km) offshore, delighting those on board with their antics. "Everybody on the boat was just beside themselves," she said. "We are blessed to see this. It is just a million to one chance. "It was just magic � we were very, very lucky." Ms Hunt said Migaloo was travelling to the Whitsundays to mate. "He had other whales with him, so his mate might be among them," she said. "He may very well be taking a mate with him that might be pregnant. "He'll stay up in the Whitsundays and hopefully when he comes back he might come into Port Macquarie again on his southern migration." Named Migaloo, or white fella, by an Aboriginal elder in Hervey Bay, the whale is believed to be the only one of its kind in the world. It is expected to pass the coast of Coffs Harbour tomorrow. revdauphinee answered on 06/13/05: Just because we are christians does not mean we are not interested in things going on in his creation ,so than you for the informative posting it is the diversity of what I can read here thT KEEPS IT INTERESTING! DOROTHY paraclete rated this answer

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excon asked on 06/11/05 - Black or White Hello: If Michael Jackson is convicted, who is gonna riot? Black people, or white? excon revdauphinee answered on 06/11/05: Not me I think he should be commited ,he could avoid this by claiming insanity (who could argue with that!)as some one said black or white dont matter in this case he was born a Black male and grew up to be what he always wanted to be a "white woman" excon rated this answer MaggieB rated this answer

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carnitin asked on 06/11/05 - Some facts about Marijuana Why The US Should Not Legalize Marijuana For Medical Or Recreational Use Wednesday, March 30, 2005 -by Roger Morgan Legal Ramifications Article VI of the United States Constitution states ��This Constitution, and the Laws of the United States which shall be made in Pursuance thereof; and all Treaties made, or which shall be made, under the Authority of the United States, shall be the supreme Law of the Land; and the Judges in every State shall be bound thereby, any Thing in the Constitution of Laws of any State to the Contrary notwithstanding. The Senators and Representatives before mentioned, and the Members of the several State Legislatures, and all executive and judicial Officers, both of the United States and of the several States, shall be bound by Oath or Affirmation, to support this Constitution.� (Form and spelling as originally stated in Article VI, United States Constitution, adopted Sept. 17, 1787). States that already have passed laws authorizing the possession and distribution of marijuana for medical purposes are in conflict with federal law that prohibits such possession and distribution of this controlled substance. State legislators, having taken an Oath or Affirmation to support the U.S. Constitution, should carefully consider the ethical and legal considerations for enacting a statue in conflict with the U.S. Constitution. Marijuana As a Medicine The Federal Drug Administration (FDA) is the clearing house for drugs in the United States. They employ scientifically validated methods to ascertain the medical efficacy and safety of all new drugs and medical devices submitted for approval. They have not approved smoked marijuana for medical use, but they have approved at least two pharmaceutical forms of cannabinoids, Dronabinol and Nabilone, synthetic versions of the active therapeutic agent, THC, found naturally in botanical marijuana. Both have been approved for a decade or more. In 1999, at the request of the federal government, the prestigious Institute of Medicine (IOM) conducted a review of medical marijuana. The IOM review concluded that, although marijuana contains substances that appear to provide therapeutic benefits, the risks imposed by the toxic delivery system i.e., smoking, outweigh the benefits. They concluded also that additional research should be undertaken to develop safer and more effective methods for delivering the therapeutic benefits of cannabinoids, such as in pill form. This is fully consistent with the evolution of most drugs which had their humble beginning in a plant or animal species. No elected official or public servant can ignore the enormous social and health consequences that marijuana use imposes on the people of this country, particularly children, who are much more vulnerable to harm and addiction. Marijuana ranks third, after alcohol-in combination with cocaine, in numbers of persons admitted to hospitals each year as a result of drug-induced acute emergency episodes. Nearly 88,000 of the over 195,000 people in treatment for marijuana are children, and more young people are in treatment for marijuana that any other drug. (2001 CASA study, Shoveling Up, Columbia University). Smoked marijuana has no medicinal value. Those who promote it to assist desperately ill people reveal their true intent to legalize marijuana for recreational use by opposing the further development of safe and effective cannabinoids-based, laboratory engineered medicines, that would reduce or eliminate the dangerous hallucinogenic side effects of crude marijuana. There are medicines already on the market that are FDA approved that are considered safe and more effective. Legislators and public opinion are ill equipped to circumvent medical science. The Pure Food and Drug Act, passed by legislative action in the year 1906, was established as a result of bogus medicines or nostrums purporting to cure just about every illness. Many of these so called medicines contained large amounts of opium, morphine, coca, and/or alcohol. Unregulated testimonials by patients, phony doctors and professors provided spurious claims of cures and false hopes based on the intoxicating effects of these mixtures, and not on their medical efficacy. The same holds true today for those who claim smoked marijuana is a medicine, offering no scientific evidence to support the claim. The FDA has served our country well, evaluating drugs with the best known science, to determine what is and is not an acceptable drug. Legislators and/or public opinion should not circumvent the experts. Because marijuana is not an FDA-approved drug, it carries no authorized labeling. States that have passed these unconstitutional acts often are unable to prevent physicians from recommending the drug for certain off label uses, such as stress, that are little more than subterfuges for sanctioned recreational use. Suggesting marijuana has medicinal value sends the wrong message to young people. Perception of harm is a big reason why children do not use drugs. Suggesting marijuana is a medicine implies to young people that it is good, not bad, and therefore encourages its use. Who Is Pushing For Legalization Anyway? In all probability, it isn�t people from within the states where the legalization effort is being pushed. The billionaires, which we refer to as the domestic Axis Of Evil, George Soros, Peter Lewis and John Sperling are behind the effort to legalize drugs in this country. The provide a major part of the funding for the Medical Marijuana Project, The Drug Policy Alliance and other organizations whose sole aim is to legalize drugs. Referring to marijuana cigarettes as medicine is a cruel hoax, as it has does not have any medicinal value and causes more harm than good. Promoting smoked marijuana to relieve the pain and suffering of the chronically ill, when there are FDA approved alternatives that don�t cause harm, is a marketing ploy that appeals to the compassion of Americans. In almost all states where medical marijuana has been approved, it has been because of substantial financial investments by the Axis and because of political contributions to legislators. Be careful it doesn�t happen in your state. The Harmful Effects of Marijuana Marijuana stifles motivation; retards the maturation process; adversely affects short term memory and one�s ability to learn; enhances the onset of mental illness; is very high in cancer causing agents; adversely affects reproductive organs and has a multitude of other negative physiological effects. The scientific explanations for the effect of marijuana include the following: Marijuana causes changes in brain chemistry, by hindering the neurotransmitter chemical that triggers various signals throughout the nervous system. Marijuana alters mood and behavior. It leads to difficulty in concentration, attention to detail and learning. It also impairs true perception as well as short term memory. Recent studies suggest that what people learn while they are using marijuana is forgotten when the person is not using marijuana. Marijuana increases the work of the heart. The changes in heart rate and blood pressure are the same as those found in a person under high stress. Marijuana is much higher in tar and carcinogens, and is much more detrimental to the lungs, than tobacco. It has a much more adverse affect on the upper airways (i.e. sinuses and larynx) and can cause lung, head and neck cancer. Marijuana decreases blood flow to the limbs, which in extreme cases may require amputation. Marijuana reduces the number and quality of sperm and may damage their mobility, thus adversely affecting fertility. Marijuana is a carcinogen and adversely affects the immune system. (Which should be of concern to an AIDS patient.) Marijuana stays in one�s system for up to thirty days, and is a contributing factor to many vehicular accidents caused by drugged driving. The level of marijuana use by children and adolescents is very alarming, and certainly a barrier to academic achievement in our middle and high schools. Responsibility To Protect; To Manage Tax Dollars The federal government has the primary responsibility to protect its citizens from harm, but governments at all levels share that responsibility. Currently, over 24,000 people die per annum from drug-induced causes, and an approximately 60,000 die from drug-induced and drug related causes. 9.4% of the adult population is drug or alcohol dependent; over 5 million Americans are raising their grandchildren; approximately one-third of high school students use alcohol and drugs regularly; and on the average, states spent $81.3 billion on substance abuse, 99% of which was spent on the aftermath of substance abuse in justice, health care, education, welfare, child/family care and mental health (CASA 2001 Shoveling Up Study), and only 1% on prevention. This is horrible economic policy and leaves the role of States to protect its people unfulfilled. Almost all problems of substance abuse originate with children and adolescents, 11 to 17 years old, starting with alcohol, tobacco and marijuana. All three are considered gateway drugs, and all three are extremely dangerous in their own right. Approving marijuana for any use will escalate its use by young people, which in turn will escalate the down stream levels of death, destruction and economic. revdauphinee answered on 06/11/05: Not that i support smoking pot but where in the American constitution does it say anything about it???If I was suffering from a disease (and I have a few,none that i believe it would help)that it gave relief from chronic pain I would certaily try it.does it not grow naturaly as a plant given by God ?why not outlaw oregano if it helps someone lets get real folks if it were legalised how many folk who are making a killing selling it would be put out of business! carnitin rated this answer excon rated this answer powderpuff rated this answer

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arcura asked on 06/10/05 - What is the Goal of the ACLU??????..................... What is the Goal of the ACLU? By Jack Ward June 1, 2005 The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) sounds like an organization that protects American values. Many people believe that the ACLU is the nation's guardian of liberty, and great protector of the U.S. Constitution. Unfortunately, the ACLU was never a promoter, or protector of American values or the Constitution. In fact, ACLU might as well stand for the American Communist Lawyers Union. The ACLU has created the facade that it is a champion of the oppressed, but it uses the powers of the government to coerce all members of our society into accepting a socialist existence. Don't believe me, just read what Roger Baldwin, the co-founder of the ACLU said: "I am for socialism, disarmament, and ultimately, for abolishing the state itself... I seek social ownership of property, the abolition of the properties class, and sole control of those who produce wealth. Communism is the goal. I don't regret being part of the communist tactic. I knew what I was doing. I was not an innocent liberal. I wanted what the communists wanted, and I traveled the United Front road to get it." In spite of Baldwin's Communist leanings, President Jimmy Carter awarded him the Presidential Medal of Freedom on January 16, 1981. Baldwin didn't create the ACLU in a vacuum, he had plenty of help. A group of Communist Party officials, fellow travelers, anarchists, and radicals joined Baldwin to found the ACLU in 1920. Former chairman of the Communist Party USA, William Z. Foster was also an ACLU co-founder. Foster said, "The establishment of an American Soviet government will involve the confiscation of large landed estates in town and country, and also, the whole body of forests, mineral deposits, lakes, rivers, and so on." The ACLU's official policy statement reveals that the intent of the ACLU (like the Communist Manifesto) is to undermine the moral foundation, and weaken the fabric of our society. For example, according to the ACLU's Policy Guide, the ACLU supports the legalization of all drugs (including "hard" drugs, like crack and PCP), public drunkenness, pornography (including "kiddie porn"), sexual perversion, (including sodomy, bestiality, pedophilia, and necrophilia), prostitution (including child prostitution), euthanasia, and infanticide. Policy numbers 62 and 75 reveal that the ACLU is also opposed to a parent's role in educating their children, including home schooling and vouchers. Obviously, they believe the education of our youth is too important to be left to parents. Policy numbers 239 and 242 state that the ACLU is opposed to the death penalty, even for the most heinous murderers. What is worse, the ACLU demands that all criminals (except murderers) be given suspended sentences, and released back into the community. We already know that most convicted criminals are prone to resume their life of crime, once released from prison. The ACLU policy of leniency is on display, everyday. These are examples of ACLU Policies that are designed to weaken the fabric of our society. The ACLU mirrors Lenin's Rules for Revolution. Lenin's rules were revealed after a 1919 raid in Dusseldorf, Germany. The files marked Communist Rules for Revolution, included corrupt the young, control all means of publicity, divide people into hostile groups, destroy people's faith, preach democracy, but seize power, encourage government extravagance and discontent, foment strikes and civil disorder, breakdown moral values, and create a pretext to control all firearms. These were Lenin's plans to undermine a society and create chaos, in order to successfully overthrow a government. And all this time, you thought that the ACLU was really concerned with your civil liberties. Now, you know that the goal of the ACLU was, and continues to be, to promote Communism. Baldwin and his Communist buddies ran the ACLU for thirty years promoting the goals of the Communist Manifesto, and little has changed since he left. While it is true that not all ACLU members or supporters are Communists, all must be sympathetic to the ACLU goals, or they wouldn't be associated with the ACLU. Once created, the ACLU provided legal protection to Communist infiltrators in the U.S. Since then, the ACLU has been the legal arm of the Collective Left (Communists, Socialists, Progressives, and Liberals) anarchists, radicals, and members of the Ku Klux Klan and NAMBLA (North American Man Boy Love Association). Former ACLU Southern California staff attorney, Rees Lloyd is now working to expose the ACLU. Lloyd describes the ACLU as, "the Taliban of American liberal secularism." I guess that the ACLU's goal must be to create anarchy, and destroy our society. http://www.eco.freedom.org/el/20050601/ward.shtml revdauphinee answered on 06/11/05: American Communist Lawyers Union is a great name for these folks.Any organisation that promotes and protects "" NAMBLA (North American Man Boy Love Association)."" Is not one any professing Christian should entertain or support! arcura rated this answer LTgolf rated this answer

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arcura asked on 06/10/05 - Scottish Cardinal Warns Against Homosexual Parenting... EDINBURGH, Scotland, JUNE 10, 2005 (Zenit.org).- Allowing same-sex partners to adopt children would not be in the best interest of Scotland, or its children, says the archbishop of Saint Andrews and Edinburgh. Cardinal Keith O'Brien, commenting on a proposal made by Scotland's Adoption Policy Review Group to allow unmarried and same sex couples to adopt, said today in a press release that the policy is "clearly not in the best interests of children." "The proposals to permit homosexual couples to adopt are contrary to the common good," the cardinal added. "Such a measure would distort the understanding of the family, cause harm to children and promote the status of homosexual relationships. "The demands for parental rights for homosexual partners are more to do with fulfilling their wish for status rather than meeting needs of children. It is the view of the Catholic Church that to place children in such a situation is to put them in an environment that is not conducive to their full human development." The cardinal continued: "This is gravely immoral and in open contradiction to the principle, recognized in the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, that the best interests of the child, as the weaker and more vulnerable party, are to be the paramount consideration in every case." Do you agree with this Cardinal? Fred revdauphinee answered on 06/11/05: I have seen homosexual couples wh love and are raising great kids ,I have also seen more than a few heretosexuals who should never have had children they are doing such a bad job.we cannot generalise and also we need to remember that while God may despise a sin he still loves the sinner. arcura rated this answer CeeBee2 rated this answer

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Ccl471 asked on 06/10/05 - William F. Albright Was the Biblical archaeologist Dr. William F. Albright a born-again Christian? I don't know why I am under the impression that he was not. I may have heard that on the radio program of a certain Christian apologetics ministry. Many thanks, C.L. revdauphinee answered on 06/11/05: I believe he was a christian but from what denomination I do not know Ccl471 rated this answer

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Lazlow asked on 06/10/05 - Is Stem Cell research really immoral? As christians, what do you all think? Many positive things can come out of it all, like treating diseases, but do you think that will only encourage people in our society to live even more unhealthy lifestyles? I'm curious about knowing more about how it all works. If any of you can give me helpful websites, I'll give you five stars. If cloning was legal, who would you rather see thousands of clones of, Lazlow, or Saladin? revdauphinee answered on 06/11/05: since I suffer from some of the diseases that this would help I am not against it exept it should depend on where they get the stem cells !they can be taken from umbilical cord blood and i see nothing wrong in such a case CeeBee2 rated this answer

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Itsdb asked on 06/10/05 - Philly requires black studies class Friday, June 10, 2005 By MARYCLAIRE DALE ASSOCIATED PRESS PHILADELPHIA - Three decades after students demanding African-American studies in city schools clashed with police, the district will require all high schoolers to take a full-year course on the subject. Philadelphia, whose public schools are two-thirds black, may be the first U.S. school district to require the class. "I think it's a promise that we are many, many years late in filling," said Cecilia Cannon, an assistant superintendent for curriculum. "We have the opportunity ... to do something under our watch that is really going to do right by our students. To say, 'We've come from some pretty great places.'�" The course in African and African-American studies, now offered as an elective at 11 of the city's 54 high schools, has captivated students who have taken it, teachers say. At nearly all-black Strawberry Mansion High School, a top student in the African-American studies class was chosen as the subject of a $360 genetic test designed to help blacks trace their roots back to Africa. James Sullivan, a senior, learned the bittersweet news that his maternal family descends from the Ibo tribe in Nigeria, and that they came to the United States as slaves. "There were tears in his eyes, but joy also," said Principal Lois Powell Mondesire. National education groups said they did not know of other districts that require black studies, now a high-profile academic field on college campuses such as Harvard and Cornell. But urban school leaders will no doubt be watching the Philadelphia experiment. Districts in California, Massachusetts and elsewhere have called to ask for details, Philadelphia officials said. "School districts all across the country try all kinds of different things to engage the kids and improve student performance," said Michael Casserly, executive director of the Council of the Great City Schools, which represents 65 large districts. "So this will be of interest, but it won't necessarily create a stampede in this direction." ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Keyword = require. Comments? Steve revdauphinee answered on 06/11/05: I think teaching this is great and is long comming,Its much harder to forment hate where there is better understanding Itsdb rated this answer

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STONY asked on 06/10/05 - I WAS LOOKING ON THE NET FOR FL.LAWS CONCERNING CERTAIN CHEMICALS.... THIS ARTICLE APPEARED ON THE SAME PAGE. The Jehovah's Witness organization began in 1872 under the leadership of Charles Taze Russell. Russell disagreed with several Christian doctrines, including the belief in eternal hell fire and punishment, as well as the Trinity and the deity of Christ and the Holy Spirit. Today, Jehovah's Witnesses deny most of the basic doctrines of Christianity: the belief in Hell, the presence of an eternal soul, the Trinity and man's place in Heaven (only 144,000 Witnesses will achieve Heaven). Currently, the group has over 4 million members worldwide, with nearly 200,000 new members joining every year. The Jehovah's Witnesses are currently involved in a major molestation scandal similar to what the Catholic Church has been facing for over a year. The situation first came to light in July 2002 when two Minnesota women filed lawsuits against the organization alleging a member of their congregation sexually abused them. The plaintiffs, Heidi Meyer, 22, and another victim who wishes to remain anonymous, allege they informed leaders of the abuse, which occurred before the women were teenagers, but congregation elders dismissed their pleas and instead told them to "keep quiet." A police investigation was never conducted. Because, according to the faith, an elder's views are perceived as the word of God and should never be refuted (you can reportedly be excommunicated for questioning an elder), the women say they did nothing. An April 2003 CBS News feature on misconduct inside the Jehovah's Witness organization revealed the prevalence of alleged sexual abuse in the church. A former Jehovah's Witness elder, Bill Bowen, told reporters that the problem was "of global proportions." According to Bowen, "tens of thousands of children" were molested in the last ten years. One problem, revealed Bowen, may lie in the procedure a member must follow when making an accusation. A victim must have two eyewitnesses to any incident or a confession, both of which may be difficult to obtain. Bowen said he expects dozens of lawsuits to be filed against the faith by the end of 2003. Jehovah's Witnesses Headquarters in Brooklyn, New York disputes the high incidence of sexual misconduct but admits, in a letter published in the summer of 2002, that elders have always been instructed to report "allegations of child abuse to the authorities where required by law to do so, even when there is only one witness." If you or a family member has been abused by a Jehovah's Witness member, it may be important to contact an attorney who can help you protect your legal rights. Please keep in mind that there may be time limits within which you must commence suit. Attorneys associated with InjuryBoard.com will evaluate your case free of charge. In addition, you will not pay any fees or costs unless your attorney recovers money for you. Please click on the free Ask An Attorney button to take advantage of this valuable service. PLEASE I DON'T NEED A SERMON. I DON'T CARE IF YOU THINK YOGI BEAR IS YOUR SAVIOUR AND JELLYSTONE PARK IS THE ENTRANCE TO HEAVEN. COMMENTS OR OBSERVATIONS? revdauphinee answered on 06/10/05: all I have to say to this article is a big AMEN! STONY rated this answer

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arcura asked on 06/09/05 - Have any here have pulled out a eye...... or cut off a hand? +++ Friday's Gospel (Mt 5:27-32): Jesus said to his disciples: �You have heard that it was said: `Do not commit adultery�. But I tell you this: anyone who looks at a woman to lustfully has in fact already committed adultery with her in his heart. So, if your right eye causes you to sin, pull it out and throw it away! It is much better for you to lose a part of your body than to have your whole body thrown into hell. If your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away! It is better for you to lose a part of your body than to have your whole body thrown into hell. �It was also said: `anyone who divorces his wife must give her a written notice of divorce�. But what I tell you is this: If a man divorces his wife except in the case of unlawful union, he causes her to commit adultery. And the man who marries a divorced woman commits adultery�. revdauphinee answered on 06/10/05: try as I can I just cant see the God I worship wanting a woman to stay with a man who beats her or mistreats her.He does not condone divorse however I do feel he understands! arcura rated this answer

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Lazlow asked on 06/09/05 - Who introduced Christianity to America? Was it the Dutch? The Spaniards? The French? or the Italians? Send back up info too if you can revdauphinee answered on 06/09/05: the pilgrims who landed in Plymouth I think. arcura rated this answer

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Choux asked on 06/09/05 - Update The cost to the US Catholic Church of sexual predators in the priesthood has climbed past ONE BILLION DOLLARS according to tallies by the Ameridan Bishops and Associated Press' reviews of known settlements. Do you think that the American Catholic Church will break away from Rome? There is lack of quality men in the priesthood. Americans care more about children than the recent Pope John Paul or the new Pope Benedict who in his last job was responsible for covering up for predator priests. Is Reformation in the future for the Church? revdauphinee answered on 06/09/05: I seriously doubt ther will be a breakaway. Choux rated this answer

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STONY asked on 06/09/05 - TRHIS TOTALLY GOT OVER MY HEAD.... BECAUSE I DO NOT WATCH CARTOONS ON TV OR THE MOVIES. BUT CHECK THIS REPORT OUT AS I WAS HUMBLED. Subject: The Little Mermaid and her longing for Heaven Date: Wed, 08 Jun 2005 13:16:41 -0700 What You Probably Didn't Know About The Little Mermaid Charles W. Colson once observed the following: The success of the 1989 film, The Little Mermaid, is credited with single-handedly saving the Walt Disney company from ruin. Millions saw the movie, and tens of millions purchased the video. But few people know that the original Hans Christian Andersen fairytale is � unlike the Disney version � a profound Christian allegory of love, immortality, and the true meaning of life. In the animated Disney version, the Little Mermaid is a careless, immature girl who becomes obsessed with winning the heart of a handsome human prince. But in Andersen�s original, the Little Mermaid is a thoughtful and sensitive creature whose desire for the love of a human is only a part of a deeper longing for heaven. In Andersen�s story, mermaids don�t have souls. Instead, they live 300 years and then vanish, becoming mere foam on the waves. But the Little Mermaid�s grandmother tells her that if she wins the love of a human and marries him, she will receive a soul just like his, and be allowed to live forever in the Kingdom of Heaven. Andersen�s use of the term �Kingdom of Heaven� is just one of many Christian references in his story. In his book, Tending the Heart of Virtue, Vigen Guroian explains that the �rose-red willow� in the Little Mermaid�s garden symbolizes �blood and tears and the passion of the Cross.� The sun high above the surface of the water represents God. Guroian says that Andersen�s description of the sun looking like �a purple flower with . . . light streaming out from its center,� evokes an �otherness� and a �numinous reality� that points toward heaven. In fact, at the story�s end, when the Little Mermaid at last begins her journey toward immortality, Andersen makes the connection explicit, saying �she lifted her bright arms up towards God�s sun.� Disney�s little mermaid is obsessed with romantic love. But in the Andersen version, winning the heart of the prince is just part of the mermaid�s deeper longing for heaven. At one point she exclaims: �I would give the 300 years I have [in order to] be a human girl for just one day and then to receive my part in the Kingdom of Heaven.� Guroian says the Disney version �betrays the original and exploits our society�s obsessions with physical beauty and romantic love,� making the latter into an idol. Those who are familiar only with the film ought to read the original story, which, Guroian says, warns �about the harm that such an idol can bring upon its worshiper.� In the end, Andersen�s Little Mermaid gets her wish for immortality through a Christlike act of self-sacrifice. Guroian says that �In this great and profound fairy tale, Andersen challenges every reader to contemplate his or her fate if love does not endure and personal immortality is just an illusion.� Hans Christian Anderson's 1836 version: http://www.fairytalescollection.com/Hans_Christian_Anderson/The_Little_Mermaid.htm ~~~~~~~~~ �Why have not we an immortal soul?� asked the little mermaid mournfully; �I would give gladly all the hundreds of years that I have to live, to be a human being only for one day, and to have the hope of knowing the happiness of that glorious world above the stars.� ~ The Little Mermaid - by Hans Christian Andersen (1836) revdauphinee answered on 06/09/05: Lord help us from having to teach salvation through Disney!Hardly a company with a religious image! STONY rated this answer

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STONY asked on 06/09/05 - ANOTHER PRAYER REQUEST THAT CAME TO ME... "PRAYER REQUEST FOR APRIL, PLEASE".......+ In a message dated 6/8/2005 7:47:21 AM US Mountain Standard Time, GWoo777 writes: Talked to April on the phone yesterday and she had to have on of those colon tests and also had to have a tube run down her throat and they found that Reflux problem, she's been having alot of extreme pain in her stomach, so please hold her up in prayer, thanking you in advance...April is my Granddaughter's Mother and is only 33.......God Bless you all abundantly and thank you for standing in the gap.......Glenda in Phoenix THIS IS FAMILY FOLKS SO LET'S KEEP THEM IN ALL OUR PRAYERS. THANKS, T. revdauphinee answered on 06/09/05: will do! STONY rated this answer

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Itsdb asked on 06/09/05 - Clearing the environmental air... For all you who think Bush is an environmental disaster and his sole reason for rejecting Kyoto is to help his business buddies... Did you know that on July 25, 1997, the United States Senate voted 95-0 to reject the Kyoto protocol as long as "the exemption for Developing Country Parties is inconsistent with the need for global action on climate change and is environmentally flawed"? "(1) the United States should not be a signatory to any protocol to, or other agreement regarding, the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change of 1992, at negotiations in Kyoto in December 1997, or thereafter, which would-- (A) mandate new commitments to limit or reduce greenhouse gas emissions for the Annex I Parties, unless the protocol or other agreement also mandates new specific scheduled commitments to limit or reduce greenhouse gas emissions for Developing Country Parties within the same compliance period, or (B) would result in serious harm to the economy of the United States; and (2) any such protocol or other agreement which would require the advice and consent of the Senate to ratification should be accompanied by a detailed explanation of any legislation or regulatory actions that may be required to implement the protocol or other agreement and should also be accompanied by an analysis of the detailed financial costs and other impacts on the economy of the United States which would be incurred by the implementation of the protocol or other agreement." I reckon the objection was overwhelming long before Bush arrived at the White House... ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Did you know U.S. "forest area has been stable for nearly a century," and in fact have expanded over the last decade? The 2005 Index of Leading Environmental Indicators reports, "Expanding forestland in both the United States and Europe is important because the trend runs counter to popular perception. The National Report on Sustainable Forestry noted that �Surveys have indicated that Americans often have misperceptions about the current status and trends for forests in the U.S. For example, many think our forests are declining, while in reality the total area of forests nationally has been fairly stable since about 1920 and actually increased slightly between 1990 and 2002. Also, many think we are harvesting more trees than we are growing, while in reality net growth in U.S. forests exceeds removals by a large margin." Interestingly, it also reports "Relative to the difference in overall land area between the two continents, forestland is growing about four times faster in the United States than in Europe." Somebody tell Europe they need to plant more trees... ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Did you know air quality in the U.S. is improving? "Amidst all the sound and fury surrounding national policy toward air pollution, one fact should be kept in mind: 2004 recorded the lowest levels of ozone air pollution in U.S. history...The EPA�s own emissions models project that emissions from the auto fleet will decline by more than 80 percent over the next 25 years." The Core Air Quality Indicators , reported by the EPA in December 2004: National Ambient Air Pollution Levels, 1976-2003 Ozone (1-hour standard) -31% Sulfur Dioxides -72% Nitrogen Dioxide -42% Carbon Monoxide -76% Particulates (PM 10)* -31% Lead -98% (*1988-2003) Source: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Did you know that Air Quality Indicators in ten of the most polluted areas has improved by 53.9% since 1980, including an 85.1% improvement in Orange County, Ca.? "Air pollution fell again in the United States, but hot air over the subject continued to increase." Steven Hayward of the pacific Research Institute "has offered a standing wager of $1,000 that air quality measures in 2009 will be better than in 2001." Any takers? ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Water quality is still an issue. There is progress but who knows how much since even the EPA admits there are too many variants in monitoring and reporting to establish trends. We do know for instance the Great Lakes have shown "dramatic improvements over the last 30 years" and that wetlands are increasing. But did you know "the U.N.�s 2002 Global Mercury Assessment, more than half of the mercury in the earth�s atmosphere comes from sources in Asia; North America accounts for only nine percent of global mercury emissions." ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ By the way Clete, when will Australia get on board with Kyoto? "The clock is ticking. If global industry�s greenhouse gas emissions do not begin to be significantly and rapidly reduced within decades, humanity faces potentially catastrophic consequences. Yet, confronted with the world�s most pressing environmental problem, the Australian government has brazenly thrown its weight (and subsidies) behind the corporate polluters� efforts to stall the measures necessary to avert the crisis." I guess I need a question here, so how do they know "Current CO2 levels are the highest for more than 420,000 years"? Steve revdauphinee answered on 06/09/05: speaking only for myself I think Bush is a Global and national disaster !if he has his way in 40 years seniors will be on the streets begging for food.He is about to destroy social security by allowing young folks to gamble with their security for the future If the stock market is not gambling then what is he might as well tell them to take the money and go to the casinos with it! Itsdb rated this answer paraclete rated this answer

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excon asked on 06/09/05 - Your DEA and Medical Pot Criminals Hello Christians: How do you feel about your federal government fighting (and winning) the battle that allows them to prosecute and jail sick people? That, plus the fact that the voters in those states voted (up or down), and they voted up. Is that what he calls compassionate conservatism? excon revdauphinee answered on 06/09/05: so in effect if you are sick its ok for you to break the law??? excon rated this answer

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arcura asked on 06/09/05 - Applying Holy Scripture to our individual lives����� Romans 13:8-10 �The only thing you should owe to anyone is love for one another, for to love the other person is to fulfill the law. All these: You shall not commit adultery, You shall not kill, You shall not steal, You shall not covet, and all the other commandments that there are, are summed up in this single phrase: You must love your neighbor as yourself. Love can cause no harm to your neighbor, and so love is the fulfillment of the Law. (From the NJB) How do you apply this to your neighbors including Saddam Hussein and Asamah Bin Lauden? revdauphinee answered on 06/09/05: with regards to Saddam Hussein and Asamah Bin Lauden!let me quote from St Paul in 1st Corinthians 16: 22. If anyone does not love the Lord--a curse be on him. Come, O Lord ! I may be wrong but as Paul said this then I feel I am in good company arcura rated this answer paraclete rated this answer

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hOPE12 asked on 06/09/05 - Matthew 24:14 Hello Everyone, We are told at Matthew 24:14 �And this good news of the kingdom will be preached in all the inhabited earth for a witness to all the nations; and then the end will come." Then in Matthew 28:19,20 19�Go therefore and make disciples of people of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the holy spirit, 20�teaching them to observe all the things I have commanded YOU. And, look! I am with YOU all the days until the conclusion of the system of things.� As a Jehovah's Witness I try to fulfill this commission by preaching door to door. I then also take time to go and give free home bible studies to those interested in knowing the bible and God's laws and ways. I spend time helping those that wish to learn by giving my time and effort to teach them. I find this way of teaching and preaching effective because I go to the people no matter where they are, at home, in the street, market place, train stations, even in their place of businesses. Wherever people are found there is where I share with them the hope of the Kingdom and the blessings of it. This is how I try to fulfill this commision give to me as Jesus's follower. How do you personally feel we should go about fulfilling these commissions given to all those following Christ? Take care, Hope12 revdauphinee answered on 06/09/05: respectfully then hope why do you ignore people who may love the Lord but dissagree with you and the witnesses?I answered you with scriptures on a previous occasion and since i dissagree with the doctrine of the jws you choose to ignore my answer!Is it as I presume that in your eyes only the jws have the truth and the rest of are of no avail??My God gives me the intelegence to discriminate and find the truth for myself the Jehovas witness do not have a private licence to truth.he did not intend for us to blindly follow anyone who closed mindedly shuts out any way but their own! chewy rated this answer hOPE12 rated this answer

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hOPE12 asked on 06/09/05 - Inner Peace Hello everyone: What do you believe inner peace to be? Will pursuing wealth, power, or education give us true inner peace? If so, how? If not then what willA? Take care, Hope12 revdauphinee answered on 06/09/05: No! a relationship with our creator is the only way hOPE12 rated this answer

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arcura asked on 06/08/05 - Statewide Safety Campaign!!!!.....????......... An Arizona State Trooper pulled a car over and told the driver that because he had been wearing his seat belt, he had just won $5,000 dollars in the statewide safety campaign. "What are you going to do with the money?" asked the policeman. "Well, I guess I'm going to get a driver's license," he answered. "Oh, don't listen to him," yelled a woman in the passenger seat. "He's a smart aleck when he's drunk." This woke up the guy in the back-seat, who took one look at the cop and moaned, "I knew we wouldn't get far in a stolen car." At that moment, there was a knock from the trunk and a voice said in Spanish, "Are we over the border yet?" revdauphinee answered on 06/08/05: someone has been watching the blue collar comedy show! arcura rated this answer

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Choux asked on 06/08/05 - The Beautitues "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn... Blessed are the meek.... Blessed are those who hunger and thurst for righteousness... Blessed are the merciful... Blessed are the pure of heart... Blessed are the peacemakers... Blessed are those who are persecuted... I think that time has proven that a couple of these are totally incorrect and we should cross them out. First, blessed are the poor in spirit. It makes no sense to anyone. Blessed are the meek....totally incorrect. The boastful and powerful own everything in every culture on earth. Comments? revdauphinee answered on 06/08/05: they make sence if you know the man that said them! Choux rated this answer

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arcura asked on 06/08/05 - A little something to put things in perspective... After a forest fire in Yellowstone National Park. The forest rangers began their trek up a mountain to assess the inferno's damage. One ranger found a bird literally petrified in ashes, perched statuesquely on the ground at the base of a tree. Somewhat sickened by the eerie sight, he knocked over the bird with a stick. When he gently struck it, three tiny chicks scurried from under their dead mother's wings. The loving mother, keenly aware of impending disaster, had carried her offspring to the base of the tree and had gathered them under her wings, instinctively knowing that the toxic smoke would rise. She could have flown to safety but had refused to abandon her babies. Then the blaze had arrived and the heat had scorched her small body. The mother had remained steadfast. She had been willing to die, so those under the cover of her wings would live. "He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge." (Psalm 91:4) Being loved this much should make a difference in your life. Remember the One who loves you, and then be different because of it. To realize the value of a sister Ask someone who doesn't have one. To realize the value of ten years: ask a newly divorced couple To realize the value of four years: Ask a graduate. To realize the value of one year: Ask a student who has failed a final exam. To realize the value of one month: Ask a mother who has given birth to a premature baby. To realize the value of one week: Ask an editor of a weekly newspaper. To realize the value of one hour: Ask the lovers who are waiting to meet. To realize the value of one minute: Ask a person who has missed the train, bus or plane. To realize the value of one-second: Ask a person who has survived an accident. To realize the value of one millisecond: Ask the person who has won a silver medal in the Olympics. Time waits for no one. Treasure every moment you have. You will treasure it even more when you can share it with someone special. To realize the value of a friend: Lose one. The origin of this letter is unknown Good Luck, Peace, Love and Prosperity�God Bless revdauphinee answered on 06/08/05: great posting when one remebers we are not promiced tomorrow! arcura rated this answer MaggieB rated this answer

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STONY asked on 06/08/05 - A PRAYER REQUEST IN MY EMAIL 2DAY... Date: Sun, 5 Jun 2005 21:05:11 -0700 (PDT) From: Randi Fass Subject: Prayer Request Well, now what?! For the last 18 months I have been treated for a severe muscle spasm around my left hip. Two 10-week periods of physical therapy, injections of pain killer & steroids. Short term relief. I went back to the surgeon last week and saw a new doctor. When I asked about another shot, he said I didn't need a shot, I needed a neurosurgeon. It's not a muscle spasm, it's a "mass" - probably a benign fatty tumor - that has grown across my lower back. I had regular x-rays last week and am having an MRI Tuesday morning. (I'm deathly claustrophobic so I'll be sedated.) That will give me a clue as to what has to be done. Of course, Ashley is being married in July, so timing is lousy, but it is so painful, I can't go much longer without treatment. So please pray for: proper diagnosis my sanity pain relief skilled doctors/surgeons and above all God's timing and outcome. Thanks! Also Martin is in the MidEast until 1 July. Prayers for his safety and salvation encouraged! xoxox Randi Choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve... as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord. Joshua 24:15 YA'LL HAVE THE POWER INSIDE OF YOU, SHARE IT WITH SOMEONE ELSE IN NEED....................LOVE, TONY revdauphinee answered on 06/08/05: be assured you will be in our prayers and remember he is still in the miracle working business Dorothy MaggieB rated this answer STONY rated this answer

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FormerJesusHelper76 asked on 06/08/05 - Prayer I ask you for your prayers for God's will to be done in a family members surgery. THank you in advance! Joe revdauphinee answered on 06/08/05: consider it done and may his blessings be on them FormerJesusHelper76 rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 06/08/05 - So now GWB has got the message Once again demonstrating how thick he is, GWB has decided that climate change is a serious problem. He has gone from denial to admitting a problem, but he still takes the advice of the oil industry about what should be done. Please get rid of this idiot soon, so the real issues in the world can be dealt with. Not the issue of making his friends rich, but the issue of preserving the lives of the little people. I wonder who told George it is a serious problem, Laura, Tony or God. revdauphinee answered on 06/08/05: I wonder who told George it is a serious problem, Laura, Tony or God. what makes you think he would listen to them??there name is not on the ownership of any oil companies are they Even God the CEO of the universe would have trouble getting his full attention!No monetary gain involved paraclete rated this answer

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Choux asked on 06/07/05 - Police Chases How do you feel about police chases? Today, a man alone and with a criminal record, who tried to abduct a woman in a van was chased on the California Freeways by helicopter, police ca,r armored vehicle, K-9. stopped and held a couple of guns to his head. A crisis intervenion unit was then called. Meanwhile, traffic was at a standstill. Should criminals be allowed to cause so much havoc for citizens? revdauphinee answered on 06/08/05: Its easy to say "dont chase"however if the person fleeing had one of your family held hostage or had harmed them and was getting away would you be so fast to say this?? Choux rated this answer tarot10 rated this answer

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katiy asked on 06/07/05 - Prayer & Meditation You are another great expert. We are lucky to have you on this site. What do you know about prayer and meditation. revdauphinee answered on 06/07/05: only what I learn from scripture that we are to pray believing that our prayers will be answered. 1 st thessalonians 5 16. Be joyful always; 17. pray continually; 18. give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. James 5:16. Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective. Im afraid the only meditation I believe in is to meditate on the word of God katiy rated this answer MaggieB rated this answer paraclete rated this answer

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CeeBee2 asked on 06/07/05 - The Mark of the Beast? It was a pleasant evening last night, so, around 9:30, while driving home from work, I stopped to fill up my car's gas tank. The amount turned out to be 6.66. Should I be worried? (Good thing yesterday wasn't 6/6/06...) revdauphinee answered on 06/07/05: you ought not be worried you ought to be thankfull you got by so cheap CeeBee2 rated this answer

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Choux asked on 06/07/05 - Police Chases How do you feel about police chases? Today, a man alone and with a criminal record, who tried to abduct a woman in a van was chased on the California Freeways by helicopter, police ca,r armored vehicle, K-9. stopped and held a couple of guns to his head. A crisis intervenion unit was then called. Meanwhile, traffic was at a standstill. Should criminals be allowed to cause so much havoc for citizens? revdauphinee answered on 06/07/05: what is the alternative??? tarot10 rated this answer Choux rated this answer

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katiy asked on 06/06/05 - thanks for everything You are a great person. You have been through a great deal of strife lately, you tend not to let it show though. You have healthier ways of dealing with stress than most. I just filled out a huge question here, and it disappeared. revdauphinee answered on 06/07/05: I dont know about 'Great'but there are for sure many good folks on here!However remember no matter who helped on line it is Gods work that provides the true help!so give him the glory! HANK1 rated this answer katiy rated this answer

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kindj asked on 06/06/05 - Interview with Satan Got this from another place I check in with from time to time. Pretty good. MAGNUM OPUS INTERVIEWS SATAN Magnum Opus: Thank you, Satan, for taking the time to answer a few questions. I�m sure you�re quite busy. Satan: You�re welcome. Magnum Opus: You have been called by many names--Satan, Beelzebub, The Great Deceiver, Devil, Lucifer, etc. Which do you prefer? Satan: I�m fond of Old Scratch, which I noticed you didn�t mention. Magnum Opus: So what have you been doing lately? Satan: Not much. I mostly just sit back, watch, and smile. Magnum Opus: At what? Satan: At you guys. I don�t need to spread evil and hatred. You guys do that quite well without me having to intervene. I prefer to leave well enough alone. Magnum Opus: What do you believe is the cause for all of this hatred and such? Satan: Religion. So long as the Christians hate the Muslims who hate the Hindus who hate Buddhists, and everyone hates the Jews, there isn�t much I need to do except to work on my golf game. Magnum Opus: Speaking of that, could you clarify once and for all who is right--the Christians, Muslims, etc., regarding God. Satan: No. That would be giving away a trade secret. You shouldn�t try to trick me. I�m very sly and on to you. Magnum Opus: What do you mean? Satan: Come now Opus. Answering that question would put an end to the violence and mayhem--the very things I enjoy the most. Magnum Opus: You mean if the world knew which religion was right as it pertained to God, the others would have to fall in line? Satan: That�s the extent of it. Magnum Opus: What did you think of 9-11? Satan: I thought it was must see television. Beautiful stuff. I haven�t been that entertained since Hitler fired up the ovens and tried to barbecue the Jews into extinction. Magnum Opus: Did you have a hand in 9-11? Satan: I helped steer the plane slightly because the morons flying it were amateurs. Other than that, I had no involvement. Don�t blame me. Magnum Opus: Do you know God personally? Satan: Yes, we play golf together on Tuesdays and discuss world events and such. Magnum Opus: What does He have to say about the state of world? Satan: He�s thinking about another flood, which I endorse�laughter. No, seriously He�s been depressed lately. Magnum Opus: Depressed about what? Satan: How its all turned out--the hypocrisy, hatred, kicking Him out of public schools, killing in His name and such. But I must admit He�s quite the golfer. He always beats me. I think He�s playing in Palm Springs today. Magnum Opus: What do people need to do to keep from going to Hell? Satan: Quit asking trade secret questions. Magnum Opus: Okay. Why do bad things happen to good people? Satan: That�s got nothing to do with me. You�ll have to ask God that one. I�m more into creating global mayhem or at least picking good people like Hitler, Stalin, Manson and Idi Amin to do my bidding for me. Magnum Opus: Are there many people in Hell? Satan: I�ll only say that the ones who are there don�t believe they should be there�that there was some grand mistake or that there is someone else to blame for them being in my living room. Magnum Opus: What do you think of television evangelists? Satan: Not much. Magnum Opus: Is Hell as horrible as its been described? Satan: Well, its no Sunday picnic if that�s what�s you�re wondering. Magnum Opus: The floor is yours. Do you have anything last things you would like to say? Satan: Stay the course. I couldn�t be more pleased when I visit your churches on Sunday mornings and you look down on each other, talk behind each other�s backs. I couldn�t be more proud. revdauphinee answered on 06/06/05: "Silly to think of "Satan" as a real person." in the interview I wished theyd asked him what he thought about that comment ?He would be delighted by it for it is when we dibelieve in him he is at his most powerfull! kindj rated this answer

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kindj asked on 06/06/05 - On Sheep, Wolves, and Sheepdogs Read all the way through, then I want to know if you see the spiritual warfare applications of this as well. On Sheep, Wolves and Sheepdogs By LTC(RET) Dave Grossman, US Army Ranger, Ph.D. and author of "On Killing." Honor never grows old, and honor rejoices the heart of age. It does so because honor is, finally, about defending those noble and worthy things that deserve defending, even if it comes at a high cost. In our time, that may mean social disapproval, public scorn, hardship, persecution, or as always, even death itself. The question remains: What is worth defending? What is worth dying for? What is worth living for? - William J. Bennett - in a lecture to the United States Naval Academy November 24, 1997. One Vietnam veteran, an old retired colonel, once said this to me: "Most of the people in our society are sheep. They are kind, gentle, productive creatures who can only hurt one another by accident." This is true. Remember, the murder rate is six per 100,000 per year, and the aggravated assault rate is four per 1,000 per year. What this means is that the vast majority of Americans are not inclined to hurt one another. Some estimates say that two million Americans are victims of violent crimes every year, a tragic, staggering number, perhaps an all-time record rate of violent crime. But there are almost 300 million Americans, which means that the odds of being a victim of violent crime is considerably less than one in a hundred on any given year. Furthermore, since many violent crimes are committed by repeat offenders, the actual number of violent citizens is considerably less than two million. Thus there is a paradox, and we must grasp both ends of the situation: We may well be in the most violent times in history, but violence is still remarkably rare. This is because most citizens are kind, decent people who are not capable of hurting each other, except by accident or under extreme provocation. They are sheep. I mean nothing negative by calling them sheep. To me it is like the pretty, blue robin's egg. Inside it is soft and gooey but someday it will grow into something wonderful. But the egg cannot survive without its hard blue shell. Police officers, soldiers, and other warriors are like that shell, and someday the civilization they protect will grow into something wonderful. For now, though, they need warriors to protect them from the predators. "Then there are the wolves," the old war veteran said, "and the wolves feed on the sheep without mercy." Do you believe there are wolves out there who will feed on the flock without mercy? You better believe it. There are evil men in this world and they are capable of evil deeds. The moment you forget that or pretend it is not so, you become a sheep. There is no safety in denial. "Then there are sheepdogs," he went on, "and I'm a sheepdog. I live to protect the flock and confront the wolf." If you have no capacity for violence then you are a healthy productive citizen, a sheep. If you have a capacity for violence and no empathy for your fellow citizens, then you have defined an aggressive sociopath, a wolf. But what if you have a capacity for violence, and a deep love for your fellow citizens? What do you have then? A sheepdog, a warrior, someone who is walking the hero's path. Someone who can walk into the heart of darkness, into the universal human phobia, and walk out unscathed. Let me expand on this old soldier's excellent model of the sheep, wolves, and sheepdogs. We know that the sheep live in denial, that is what makes them sheep. They do not want to believe that there is evil in the world. They can accept the fact that fires can happen, which is why they want fire extinguishers, fire sprinklers, fire alarms and fire exits throughout their kids' schools. But many of them are outraged at the idea of putting an armed police officer in their kid's school. Our children are thousands of times more likely to be killed or seriously injured by school violence than fire, but the sheep's only response to the possibility of violence is denial. The idea of someone coming to kill or harm their child is just too hard, and so they chose the path of denial. The sheep generally do not like the sheepdog. He looks a lot like the wolf. He has fangs and the capacity for violence. The difference, though, is that the sheepdog must not, can not and will not ever harm the sheep. Any sheep dog who intentionally harms the lowliest little lamb will be punished and removed. The world cannot work any other way, at least not in a representative democracy or a republic such as ours. Still, the sheepdog disturbs the sheep. He is a constant reminder that there are wolves in the land. They would prefer that he didn't tell them where to go, or give them traffic tickets, or stand at the ready in our airports in camouflage fatigues holding an M-16. The sheep would much rather have the sheepdog cash in his fangs, spray paint himself white, and go, "Baa." Until the wolf shows up. Then the entire flock tries desperately to hide behind one lonely sheepdog. The students, the victims, at Columbine High School were big, tough high school students, and under ordinary circumstances they would not have had the time of day for a police officer. They were not bad kids; they just had nothing to say to a cop. When the school was under attack, however, and SWAT teams were clearing the rooms and hallways, the officers had to physically peel those clinging, sobbing kids off of them. This is how the little lambs feel about their sheepdog when the wolf is at the door. Look at what happened after September 11, 2001 when the wolf pounded hard on the door. Remember how America, more than ever before, felt differently about their law enforcement officers and military personnel? Remember how many times you heard the word hero? Understand that there is nothing morally superior about being a sheepdog; it is just what you choose to be. Also understand that a sheepdog is a funny critter: He is always sniffing around out on the perimeter, checking the breeze, barking at things that go bump in the night, and yearning for a righteous battle. That is, the young sheepdogs yearn for a righteous battle. The old sheepdogs are a little older and wiser, but they move to the sound of the guns when needed right along with the young ones. Here is how the sheep and the sheepdog think differently. The sheep pretend the wolf will never come, but the sheepdog lives for that day. After the attacks on September 11, 2001, most of the sheep, that is, most citizens in America said, "Thank God I wasn't on one of those planes." The sheepdogs, the warriors, said, "Dear God, I wish I could have been on one of those planes. Maybe I could have made a difference." When you are truly transformed into a warrior and have truly invested yourself into warriorhood, you want to be there. You want to be able to make a difference. There is nothing morally superior about the sheepdog, the warrior, but he does have one real advantage. Only one. And that is that he is able to survive and thrive in an environment that destroys 98 percent of the population. There was research conducted a few years ago with individuals convicted of violent crimes. These cons were in prison for serious, predatory crimes of violence: assaults, murders and killing law enforcement officers. The vast majority said that they specifically targeted victims by body language: slumped walk, passive behavior and lack of awareness. They chose their victims like big cats do in Africa, when they select one out of the herd that is least able to protect itself. Some people may be destined to be sheep and others might be genetically primed to be wolves or sheepdogs. But I believe that most people can choose which one they want to be, and I'm proud to say that more and more Americans are choosing to become sheepdogs. Seven months after the attack on September 11, 2001, Todd Beamer was honored in his hometown of Cranbury, New Jersey. Todd, as you recall, was the man on Flight 93 over Pennsylvania who called on his cell phone to alert an operator from United Airlines about the hijacking. When he learned of the other three passenger planes that had been used as weapons, Todd dropped his phone and uttered the words, "Let's roll," which authorities believe was a signal to the other passengers to confront the terrorist hijackers. In one hour, a transformation occurred among the passengers -athletes, business people and parents - from sheep to sheepdogs and together they fought the wolves, ultimately saving an unknown number of lives on the ground. There is no safety for honest men except by believing all possible evil of evil men. - Edmund Burke Here is the point I like to emphasize, especially to the thousands of police officers and soldiers I speak to each year. In nature the sheep, real sheep, are born as sheep. Sheepdogs are born that way, and so are wolves. They didn't have a choice. But you are not a critter. As a human being, you can be whatever you want to be. It is a conscious, moral decision. If you want to be a sheep, then you can be a sheep and that is okay, but you must understand the price you pay. When the wolf comes, you and your loved ones are going to die if there is not a sheepdog there to protect you. If you want to be a wolf, you can be one, but the sheepdogs are going to hunt you down and you will never have rest, safety, trust or love. But if you want to be a sheepdog and walk the warrior's path, then you must make a conscious and moral decision every day to dedicate, equip and prepare yourself to thrive in that toxic, corrosive moment when the wolf comes knocking at the door. For example, many officers carry their weapons in church? They are well concealed in ankle holsters, shoulder holsters or inside-the belt holsters tucked into the small of their backs. Anytime you go to some form of religious service, there is a very good chance that a police officer in your congregation is carrying. You will never know if there is such an individual in your place of worship, until the wolf appears to massacre you and your loved ones. I was training a group of police officers in Texas, and during the break, one officer asked his friend if he carried his weapon in church. The other cop replied, "I will never be caught without my gun in church." I asked why he felt so strongly about this, and he told me about a cop he knew who was at a church massacre in Ft. Worth, Texas in 1999. In that incident, a mentally deranged individual came into the church and opened fire, gunning down fourteen people. He said that officer believed he could have saved every life that day if he had been carrying his gun. His own son was shot, and all he could do was throw himself on the boy's body and wait to die. That cop looked me in the eye and said, "Do you have any idea how hard it would be to live with yourself after that?" Some individuals would be horrified if they knew this police officer was carrying a weapon in church. They might call him paranoid and would probably scorn him. Yet these same individuals would be enraged and would call for "heads to roll" if they found out that the airbags in their cars were defective, or that the fire extinguisher and fire sprinklers in their kids' school did not work. They can accept the fact that fires and traffic accidents can happen and that there must be safeguards against them. Their only response to the wolf, though, is denial, and all too often their response to the sheepdog is scorn and disdain. But the sheepdog quietly asks himself, "Do you have and idea how hard it would be to live with yourself if your loved ones attacked and killed, and you had to stand there helplessly because you were unprepared for that day?" It is denial that turns people into sheep. Sheep are psychologically destroyed by combat because their only defense is denial, which is counterproductive and destructive, resulting in fear, helplessness and horror when the wolf shows up. Denial kills you twice. It kills you once, at your moment of truth when you are not physically prepared: you didn't bring your gun, you didn't train. Your only defense was wishful thinking. Hope is not a strategy. Denial kills you a second time because even if you do physically survive, you are psychologically shattered by your fear helplessness and horror at your moment of truth. Gavin de Becker puts it like this in Fear Less, his superb post-9/11 book, which should be required reading for anyone trying to come to terms with our current world situation: "...denial can be seductive, but it has an insidious side effect. For all the peace of mind deniers think they get by saying it isn't so, the fall they take when faced with new violence is all the more unsettling." Denial is a save-now-pay-later scheme, a contract written entirely in small print, for in the long run, the denying person knows the truth on some level. And so the warrior must strive to confront denial in all aspects of his life, and prepare himself for the day when evil comes. If you are warrior who is legally authorized to carry a weapon and you step outside without that weapon, then you become a sheep, pretending that the bad man will not come today. No one can be "on" 24/7, for a lifetime. Everyone needs down time. But if you are authorized to carry a weapon, and you walk outside without it, just take a deep breath, and say this to yourself..."Baa." This business of being a sheep or a sheep dog is not a yes-no dichotomy. It is not an all-or-nothing, either-or choice. It is a matter of degrees, a continuum. On one end is an abject, head-in-the-sand-sheep and on the other end is the ultimate warrior. Few people exist completely on one end or the other. Most of us live somewhere in between. Since 9-11 almost everyone in America took a step up that continuum, away from denial. The sheep took a few steps toward accepting and appreciating their warriors, and the warriors started taking their job more seriously. The degree to which you move up that continuum, away from sheephood and denial, is the degree to which you and your loved ones will survive, physically and psychologically at your moment of truth. revdauphinee answered on 06/06/05: to freethinker my daughter ownes ostriches and no they do not bury thier heads in the sand, but when truly scared they often feignt wich isnt much help either!I am in total agreement with the posted article we need the sheepdogs and they deserve our respect! kindj rated this answer

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FormerJesusHelper76 asked on 06/06/05 - Food, Take out and Gluttony. The choices of food in our life can effect everything from our energy, from our behaviour, from our reactions and emotions and so much more. How important is it for you to eat properly for we are a temple of God. Every aspect of our life is important to God including how we eat and what we eat. Should we go by the new testament, the old testament or just what our culture teaches us? Is take out food okay as long as we make healthy choices or should we all be learning to stay at home with making home made meals. The reason for obesity problems in North America do you believe it is because of lazier lifestyles and more take out and a lot more food? What can we as a society and individuals do to change the trend of this type of lifestyle which goes against the teachings of the bible? Thanks in advance. Joe revdauphinee answered on 06/06/05: I have a personal testemony as to the value of eating correct foods For years I have been diabetic with blood sugar so erratic I even have developed neurapathy in my legs (I suffer from other diseases also)However 3 months ago I was commenting to my doctor that it was getting hard for me to afford my medicines!He sarcasticly said (I by the way am overwieght)If youd lose weight id be able to take you off of some of them!I dont know what got hold of me but I think it must have been God because i snapped back "Your on!"it is now almost 3 months later on my new diet I have lost 40lbs and 3 days after going on the diet my blood sugar has stayed within normal limits!Im going back to the doc this month and im claiming a cure!so dont tell me what you eat does not affect your health im living proof that it does>and I believe that behind the above scenerio God was working his will . paraclete rated this answer FormerJesusHelper76 rated this answer

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FormerJesusHelper76 asked on 06/06/05 - Cults, Hank brought up what do you think a cult is? What is your definition of a cult or how to reco My question is what religions or denominations that you personally feel is a cult? Thank you in advance! revdauphinee answered on 06/06/05: cults are wolves in sheeps clothing,the often hide behind a form of Godliness but have to intention of furthering Christs true cause !There are a few religious organisations that for me qualify as cults however for the purpose of not starting a small war on line here I will decline to name them!God knows who they are and he will take care of it in his good time. Mathew 7: 21. "Not everyone who says to me, `Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. 22. Many will say to me on that day, `Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?' 23. Then I will tell them plainly, `I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!' FormerJesusHelper76 rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 06/06/05 - It seems the Catholic Church is not as universal as you might think Priests call in police By Andrew Stevenson June 6, 2005 Catholic priests in Redfern have called in the police in an attempt to quell disruptions to their services, only days after the funeral of the suburb's much-loved priest, Father Ted Kennedy. Yesterday, parishioners were handed a letter from Bishop Anthony Fisher, the Auxiliary Bishop of Sydney, warning them he had directed the parish priests to seek police help in the event of any further disruptions. Having to resort to police intervention was very disappointing, Bishop Fisher said. "For a small inner-city parish it's a very distressing step to have to take but I wouldn't imagine it's unprecedented," he said. "It is rare, very sad and very disturbing for most of the parishioners." The policy was put into force after yesterday's morning service, when Father Gerry Prendiville spoke with police and passed on the bishop's letter. The conflict began in 2003 when Father Ted stepped down. The first priest who replaced him withdrew from the parish; the second, Father Prendiville, a member of the conservative grouping, Neocatechumenal Way, has sought to take the church in a new direction. The current conflict centres on a small wooden table, topped by a red, black and gold wooden cross. Bishop Fisher said he had been told the table had been used as an "additional altar" by disgruntled parishioners who he acknowledged remained profoundly upset over Father Kennedy's death last month. "They have been pretending to say Mass at the same time as the priest is saying Mass. It is a very divisive thing to do. "They have also been calling out loudly through the homily and prayers," he said. However, Peter Manning, a parishioner and friend of Father Kennedy, said the situation was most extraordinary. While his friend had opened the church up to lives of the community it served, experiencing their suffering and poverty, the "current lot want to turn them into God-fearing Catholics", Mr Manning said. The table, which stands only 50 centimetres high, had been smashed inside the church a week ago, Mr Manning said, but was returned, bandaged, to a position beside the altar yesterday. The parishioners who returned the table did not wish to speak to the Herald yesterday. "It seems pathetic that such a symbolic item should be bringing the wrath of the Sydney Diocese down on a small church," Mr Manning said. revdauphinee answered on 06/06/05: this is sad but is it new?if infighting had not being going on in christian circles for centuries would we now have as many denominations and divisions even amongst those denominations that we have?? paraclete rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 06/05/05 - what do you think? one of my erstwhile activities is to collect for a Christian Charity, What do you think of persons who steal donations intended for charities? This time I found six containers had mysteriously disappeared, some of them known to be full. What do you think such actions say about society today? revdauphinee answered on 06/06/05: to steal is a sin But to steal from a thing such as thhis is to steal from God! Malachi 3: 8. "Will a man rob God? Yet you rob me. paraclete rated this answer

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FormerJesusHelper76 asked on 06/05/05 - Freedom What does the word free mean to you. Can you give examples of freedom that you have had and experianced. What are definitions of freedom. Joe revdauphinee answered on 06/05/05: Main Entry: free�dom Pronunciation: 'frE-d&m Function: noun Date: before 12th century 1 : the quality or state of being free: as a : the absence of necessity, coercion, or constraint in choice or action b : liberation from slavery or restraint or from the power of another : INDEPENDENCE c : the quality or state of being exempt or released usually from something onerous my greatest freedom is the fact that unlike many in this world today I am free to worship the God I choose in the way I choose! FormerJesusHelper76 rated this answer

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powderpuff asked on 06/05/05 - Is the difference worth quibbling about? Main Entry: know Pronunciation: 'nO Function: verb Inflected Form(s): knew /'n� also 'ny�/; known /'nOn/; know�ing Etymology: Middle English, from Old English cnAwan; akin to Old High German bichnAan to recognize, Latin gnoscere, noscere to come to know, Greek gignOskein transitive senses 1 a (1) : to perceive directly : have direct cognition of (2) : to have understanding of (3) : to recognize the nature of : DISCERN b (1) : to recognize as being the same as something previously known (2) : to be acquainted or familiar with (3) : to have experience of 2 a : to be aware of the truth or factuality of : be convinced or certain of Main Entry: believe be�lieve Pronunciation: b&-'lEv Function: verb Inflected Form(s): be�lieved; be�liev�ing Etymology: Middle English beleven, from Old English belEfan, from be- + lyfan, lEfan to allow, believe; akin to Old High German gilouben to believe, Old English lEof dear -- more at LOVE intransitive senses 1 a : to have a firm religious faith b : to accept as true, genuine, or real 2 : to have a firm conviction as to the goodness, efficacy, or ability of something 3 : to hold an opinion : THINK transitive senses 1 a : to consider to be true or honest b : to accept the word or evidence of 2 : to hold as an opinion : SUPPOSE Main Entry: faith Pronunciation: 'fAth Function: noun Inflected Form(s): plural faiths /'fAths, sometimes 'fA[th]z/ Etymology: Middle English feith, from Old French feid, foi, from Latin fides; akin to Latin fidere to trust -- more at BIDE 1 a : allegiance to duty or a person : LOYALTY b (1) : fidelity to one's promises (2) : sincerity of intentions 2 a (1) : belief and trust in and loyalty to God (2) : belief in the traditional doctrines of a religion b (1) : firm belief in something for which there is no proof (2) : complete trust 3 : something that is believed especially with strong conviction; especially : a system of religious beliefs? synonym see BELIEF - in faith : without doubt or question : VERILY People who believe in God, have faith. Their faith gives them the sense that they KNOW. According to the dictionary definition of knowing, proof is not necessary; being convinced is enough. revdauphinee answered on 06/05/05: (Ps.5:5 The arrogant cannot stand in your presence; you hate all who do wrong. ) (Ps.14:1 The fool says in his heart, "There is no God." powderpuff rated this answer

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powderpuff asked on 06/05/05 - Is the difference worth quibbling about? Main Entry: know Pronunciation: 'nO Function: verb Inflected Form(s): knew /'n� also 'ny�/; known /'nOn/; know�ing Etymology: Middle English, from Old English cnAwan; akin to Old High German bichnAan to recognize, Latin gnoscere, noscere to come to know, Greek gignOskein transitive senses 1 a (1) : to perceive directly : have direct cognition of (2) : to have understanding of (3) : to recognize the nature of : DISCERN b (1) : to recognize as being the same as something previously known (2) : to be acquainted or familiar with (3) : to have experience of 2 a : to be aware of the truth or factuality of : be convinced or certain of Main Entry: believe be�lieve Pronunciation: b&-'lEv Function: verb Inflected Form(s): be�lieved; be�liev�ing Etymology: Middle English beleven, from Old English belEfan, from be- + lyfan, lEfan to allow, believe; akin to Old High German gilouben to believe, Old English lEof dear -- more at LOVE intransitive senses 1 a : to have a firm religious faith b : to accept as true, genuine, or real 2 : to have a firm conviction as to the goodness, efficacy, or ability of something 3 : to hold an opinion : THINK transitive senses 1 a : to consider to be true or honest b : to accept the word or evidence of 2 : to hold as an opinion : SUPPOSE Main Entry: faith Pronunciation: 'fAth Function: noun Inflected Form(s): plural faiths /'fAths, sometimes 'fA[th]z/ Etymology: Middle English feith, from Old French feid, foi, from Latin fides; akin to Latin fidere to trust -- more at BIDE 1 a : allegiance to duty or a person : LOYALTY b (1) : fidelity to one's promises (2) : sincerity of intentions 2 a (1) : belief and trust in and loyalty to God (2) : belief in the traditional doctrines of a religion b (1) : firm belief in something for which there is no proof (2) : complete trust 3 : something that is believed especially with strong conviction; especially : a system of religious beliefs? synonym see BELIEF - in faith : without doubt or question : VERILY People who believe in God, have faith. Their faith gives them the sense that they KNOW. According to the dictionary definition of knowing, proof is not necessary; being convinced is enough. revdauphinee answered on 06/05/05: (Ps.5:5 The arrogant cannot stand in your presence; you hate all who do wrong. ) (Ps.14:1 The fool says in his heart, "There is no God." powderpuff rated this answer

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powderpuff asked on 06/05/05 - Is the difference worth quibbling about? Main Entry: know Pronunciation: 'nO Function: verb Inflected Form(s): knew /'n� also 'ny�/; known /'nOn/; know�ing Etymology: Middle English, from Old English cnAwan; akin to Old High German bichnAan to recognize, Latin gnoscere, noscere to come to know, Greek gignOskein transitive senses 1 a (1) : to perceive directly : have direct cognition of (2) : to have understanding of (3) : to recognize the nature of : DISCERN b (1) : to recognize as being the same as something previously known (2) : to be acquainted or familiar with (3) : to have experience of 2 a : to be aware of the truth or factuality of : be convinced or certain of Main Entry: believe be�lieve Pronunciation: b&-'lEv Function: verb Inflected Form(s): be�lieved; be�liev�ing Etymology: Middle English beleven, from Old English belEfan, from be- + lyfan, lEfan to allow, believe; akin to Old High German gilouben to believe, Old English lEof dear -- more at LOVE intransitive senses 1 a : to have a firm religious faith b : to accept as true, genuine, or real 2 : to have a firm conviction as to the goodness, efficacy, or ability of something 3 : to hold an opinion : THINK transitive senses 1 a : to consider to be true or honest b : to accept the word or evidence of 2 : to hold as an opinion : SUPPOSE Main Entry: faith Pronunciation: 'fAth Function: noun Inflected Form(s): plural faiths /'fAths, sometimes 'fA[th]z/ Etymology: Middle English feith, from Old French feid, foi, from Latin fides; akin to Latin fidere to trust -- more at BIDE 1 a : allegiance to duty or a person : LOYALTY b (1) : fidelity to one's promises (2) : sincerity of intentions 2 a (1) : belief and trust in and loyalty to God (2) : belief in the traditional doctrines of a religion b (1) : firm belief in something for which there is no proof (2) : complete trust 3 : something that is believed especially with strong conviction; especially : a system of religious beliefs? synonym see BELIEF - in faith : without doubt or question : VERILY People who believe in God, have faith. Their faith gives them the sense that they KNOW. According to the dictionary definition of knowing, proof is not necessary; being convinced is enough. revdauphinee answered on 06/05/05: (Ps.5:5 The arrogant cannot stand in your presence; you hate all who do wrong. ) (Ps.14:1 The fool says in his heart, "There is no God." powderpuff rated this answer

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ROLCAM asked on 06/05/05 - "Is Christ always your sole model?. "Is Christ always your sole model?. Today we have other models, which we sometimes follow blindly, models which arouse and strengthen religious indifference: relativism, laicism, unrestrained consumerism, and other models." revdauphinee answered on 06/05/05: 1 Timothy 4:10 (and for this we labor and strive), that we have put our hope in the living God, who is the Savior of all men, ROLCAM rated this answer

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arcura asked on 06/04/05 - About the book �Infiltration� by Paul Sperry....... I just got several replies via e-mail about that book. Here are a couple of the reviews. 5 star A well-documented expose of a serious threat that too few take seriously. It affects both political parties as well as many agencies of government. As a conservative activist, I have been working to make Grover Norquist (one of the Islamic enablers in the book) unwelcome in conservative activist circles. I am sorry to say that it has been an uphill battle, with few of my fellow activists putting their principles first over the lure of a powerful political connection. It is up to us to make these people unacceptable for our political and social organizations. I hope serious prosecutions are being developed. Now many can see who is really behind undermining our national security and damaging the USA Patriot Act. 5 star Freedom of religion? Sure. It's American as apple pie. But what happens when a religion mandates the destruction of America? Would pious Muslims follow the dictates of the Koran, Haddiths Bukarri and Muslim, Ishaq and Tabarri? You bet they would...and do. [If you don't know who these folks are, you've much, MUCH more reading to do.] Sperry spells out the mere baby steps being taken now. It gets worse from here. As for those who suspect Sperry et al of religious "bigotry" or "hatred", know that Islam teaches that when advancing the "faith", it's OK to lie to and deceive lowly infidels. It's called "al-taqiyya". For starters, why not look it up. +++ Friends in Australia and Spain have said that the Muslims are causing serious problems throughout their society including government. I guess I might go ahead and get that book. Fred revdauphinee answered on 06/05/05: while you in the book store try "silent no more" by Rod Parsley:and read chapter 5 on Islam It is very interesting ,as for those who continue to preach tollerance of islaam remember as Christ followers we are told that darkness and light cannot walk together ! arcura rated this answer

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FormerJesusHelper76 asked on 06/04/05 - E.V.P. Phenomenom? Has anybody ever heard of the EVP Phenomenom? What it is? What research has been done about it and have anybody know anything about it and or has had any experiance with the subject? Thank you in advance! revdauphinee answered on 06/05/05: even without looking further I can give you my oppinion It is demonic and I want no part of it! FormerJesusHelper76 rated this answer

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HANK1 asked on 06/04/05 - Let This End It: Even if the existence of God can be proven, how can any of the various conceptions of God be shown to be the right one? If we are persuaded that God exists, then how can we decide which of the fertility gods, the Roman pantheon, the Judaeo-Christian God, and the many other alternatives to believe in? Something else to think about. Did God come to us in the form of Jesus or are they one and the same? There is no proof that God exists. There is no proof that God doesn't exist. Thus, an offset. So, why make fools of ourselves by arguing one way or the other? It's a matter of something PHYSICAL vs something MENTAL! Science vs fantasy and speculation. Give me your thoughts! HANK revdauphinee answered on 06/05/05: look at a rose !study its form ,smell its aroma delight in its color !then tell me it happened by accident!to me this is all the proof of God I need. HANK1 rated this answer

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arcura asked on 06/04/05 - How would a person check out the accuracy......... of this book. I suspect that it is fairly accurate, but it would be noce to know for sure. Fred +++++++ How radical Muslims masquerading as "moderates" are infiltrating our government, our military, our prisons, our schools -- and even the Department of Homeland Security Infiltration by Paul Sperry The most dangerous Muslim radicals won't be sneaking through our borders from the Middle East -- they're already here. That's the alarming message of Washington-based investigative reporter Paul Sperry's new book, Infiltration: How Muslim Spies and Subversives Have Penetrated Washington. Using access to classified documents as well as exclusive interviews with FBI agents, Customs officers, and military intelligence officials, Sperry reveals how the top levels of our government, armed forces and intelligence agencies have been compromised by radical Muslims -- many of them trained, supported, and inserted into their positions by the so-called "moderate" Muslim establishment in America. Cleverly exploiting "diversity," "religious freedom," and tax-exemption laws, these subversives have gained firm footholds in key American institutions, including public schools and universities, the federal and state prison system, law enforcement, the military, nuclear weapons laboratories, the Department of Homeland Security -- even the White House. The ultimate goal of these subversives, according to Sperry -- quoting verbatim from some of the most respected and "mainstream" Muslim leaders in America -- is to replace the U.S. Constitution with sharia (Islamic) law and turn America into an Islamic state. And, as Sperry details point-by-point, they have been aided and abetted in their sinister aims by tireless champions of spiritual and cultural relativism in the media and academia, who have mitigated the threat in the public's mind by "mainstreaming" Islam. Infiltration, at bottom, is a story of mass deception -- a disturbing tale of how the American people have been played for fools, victims of an elaborate fraud orchestrated by the "mainstream" Muslim establishment to protect a faith from due scrutiny, while concealing an underworld that secretly plots to infiltrate and overturn the American system of government. A small sampling of Paul Sperry's disturbing revelations: * "One Nation Under Allah": how some of the most respected American Muslim leaders -- the so-called "moderates" who have broken bread in the White House, prayed in Congress, advised the Pentagon, and even lectured cadets at the FBI academy -- are harboring a secret dream about the future of American culture * The influential American Muslim leader who has repeatedly told Muslim audiences that their goal is to turn the U.S. into an Islamic state, even if it takes "a hundred years" * How an Islamic activist obtained a sensitive intelligence post at the Department of Homeland Security even though he failed to disclose his past association with a confessed terrorist -- an omission overlooked by a federal personnel agency he happened to previously advise as one of its top internal lawyers * The senior White House official who once lobbied Congress and federal agencies to make it harder for federal law enforcement to deport Middle Eastern immigrants with suspected terror links * The FBI's translator program: a den of deceit and dual loyalties, where mistranslation of al Qaeda intercepts by Muslim and Arab linguists is commonplace, say agents and translators who have worked there * How the FBI is putting its agents through "Muslim sensitivity training," which includes inviting Muslim clerics and leaders to preach about the allegedly peaceful attributes of Islam * The growing threat posed by the more than 20,000 Muslims in America's armed forces -- and by the estimated 200,000 Muslim prison inmates in America, many of whom have been converted by radical chaplains sympathetic to al Qaeda * The Arabic translator in the Minneapolis field office of the FBI who had a relationship with an al Qaeda suspect for seven years -- and was quietly let go only recently * How, in their rush to recruit Arabic translators after 9/11, both the FBI and Pentagon cut corners on background checks and hired Muslim translators in spite of their ties to military and intelligence agencies in Syria, Egypt, Pakistan, and Turkey * How laptops with classified intelligence about al Qaeda investigations have gone missing from the translation unit in the Washington field office of the FBI * The Muslim FBI agent who refused to wear a wire to secretly record a Muslim target of a counterterrorism investigation -- and his friendship with the bookkeeper of the target * How Arabic instructors at the Defense Language Institute, where U.S. Army translators are trained, gloss over Arab terrorism and focus instead on Arab arts and culture * The deal the White House struck with Muslim-rights groups to avoid describing terrorism as "Islamic" * How a Republican-tied Islamic institute has been running influence operations against the federal government * The "moderate" Muslim advocacy group that, according to IRS financial records, has donated money to terrorist front groups, while also employing three officials recently arrested for terrorist-related activities * How the same group has received substantial foreign support for its operations, despite public denials by its officials * The Saudi-bankrolled American social studies teacher who is educating public-school children about Islam through sugarcoated textbooks and role-playing exercises in which kids "become Muslims" for weeks * The Saudi-funded Washington-area mosque that ministered to at least two of the 9/11 terrorists. How at least four leaders of the mosque have come under federal investigation or scrutiny for terrorist ties * How the tenants of a Pentagon-area apartment building popular with diplomats working for the Saudi Embassy in Washington cheered the 9/11 attacks, according to a leasing agent and former residents * Why one former top FBI agent says the Bureau's knowledge about the growing threat of Muslim fanatics in America still ranks about 20 on a scale of 1 to 100 * How, according to the former head of the FBI's Washington field office, that office is home to a number of Muslim moles * How the "moderate" Council on American Islamic Relations (CAIR) is backed by a radical Middle Eastern foundation that supports Palestinian terrorists, according to tax and land records * The "Wahhabi Corridor": how an area in Northern Virginia, just outside Washington, D.C., that is heavily populated by Muslims is serving as a base of operations for Islamic terrorists * The Muslim art of telling "white lies" to defend the faith and further the cause of Allah, as instructed in the hadiths, the sacred supplements to the Quran * The deceptive methods used by Muslim leaders to conceal the dark underbelly of Islam in an effort to gain wider acceptance in Washington -- and how Washington's politicians and pundits, even after 9/11, buy into Muslim leaders' hype about the peaceful, non-threatening nature of Islam revdauphinee answered on 06/04/05: go to other sources to verify it !at the risk of being called a bigot I do not believe in peacefull islam !I do not trust any of its practitioners and for those who will dissagree with me im sory but my oppinions will not change !might I recomend you read "silent no more "a book by rod Parsley especialy chapter 5 arcura rated this answer

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ROLCAM asked on 06/04/05 - TAKE HEED !! Except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish. (Luke 13:3). Is time running out? revdauphinee answered on 06/04/05: you dont know if your time is running out for we are not promiced tommorow so ahy take a chance??? ROLCAM rated this answer

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ROLCAM asked on 06/04/05 - Have you had any angel's encounter ? Angels cannot be seen by man with his bodily eyes, but only with the eyes of the spirit which is with him. - Emanuel Swedenborg revdauphinee answered on 06/04/05: Hebrews 13 1. Keep on loving each other as brothers. 2. Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some people have entertained angels without knowing it. ROLCAM rated this answer

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ROLCAM asked on 06/04/05 - Candid views series # 3. Should we cut out a few Commandments ? revdauphinee answered on 06/04/05: NO!! but we already have hsvent we?? Exodus 20: 8 "Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy. 9 Six days you shall labor and do all your work, 10 but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the LORD your God. where in scripture is this commandment changed??It isnt mankind has taken it upon himself to replace the sabath with sunday >Jesus kept the sabath and as his followers why should we not folow his example?? ROLCAM rated this answer

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ROLCAM asked on 06/04/05 - Candid views series # 2. After death.....what happens ? revdauphinee answered on 06/04/05: (Jb.14:12 so man lies down and does not rise; ""till the heavens are no more,"" men will not awake or be roused from their sleep. Untill Revelation 21 1. Then I saw a ""new heaven and a new earth,"" for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea. when (Dn.12:2 Multitudes who sleep in the dust of the earth will awake: some to everlasting life, others to shame and everlasting contempt. ) ROLCAM rated this answer

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ROLCAM asked on 06/04/05 - Candid views series # 1. Is true happiness possible ? revdauphinee answered on 06/04/05: certainly it is I am happier today than I have ever been and when the Lord finaly calls me home I will be extatic! ROLCAM rated this answer

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arcura asked on 06/03/05 - Part of this I agree with, part I do not. Please go to this news site and tell me what you think about what the author said. What parts of what she said to you agree or disagree with? Thanks, Fred. +++ http://www.techcentralstation.com/060305B.html revdauphinee answered on 06/03/05: disagreeing is not the point here they execute by beheading people on tellevision and its aceptable but a book is more important to them than a human life I say destroya ll there books they RE FULL OF LIES ANYWAY!sory if this offends folks but are we not at war ??when did an enemy have so many rights?? arcura rated this answer

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Itsdb asked on 06/03/05 - U.N.: Weapons Equipment Missing in Iraq 6/3/05 By EDITH M. LEDERER, Associated Press Writer UNITED NATIONS -- U.N. satellite imagery experts have determined that material that could be used to make biological or chemical weapons and banned long-range missiles has been removed from 109 sites in Iraq, U.N. weapons inspectors said in a report obtained Thursday. U.N. inspectors have been blocked from returning to Iraq since the U.S.-led war in 2003 so they have been using satellite photos to see what happened to the sites that were subject to U.N. monitoring because their equipment had both civilian and military uses. In the report to the U.N. Security Council, acting chief weapons inspector Demetrius Perricos said he's reached no conclusions about who removed the items or where they went. He said it could have been moved elsewhere in Iraq, sold as scrap, melted down or purchased. He said the missing material can be used for legitimate purposes. "However, they can also be utilized for prohibited purposes if in a good state of repair." He said imagery analysts have identified 109 sites that have been emptied of equipment to varying degrees, up from 90 reported in March. The report also provided much more detail about the percentage of items no longer at the places where U.N. inspectors monitored them. From the imagery analysis, Perricos said analysts at the U.N. Monitoring, Verification and Inspection Commission which he heads have concluded that biological sites were less damaged than chemical and missile sites. The commission, known as UNMOVIC, previously reported the discovery of some equipment and material from the sites in scrapyards in Jordan and the Dutch port of Rotterdam. Perricos said analysts found, for example, that 53 of the 98 vessels that could be used for a wide range of chemical reactions had disappeared. "Due to its characteristics, this equipment can be used for the production of both commercial chemicals and chemical warfare agents," he said. The report said 3,380 valves, 107 pumps, and more than 7.8 miles of pipes were known to have been located at the 39 chemical sites. A third of the chemical items removed came from the Qaa Qaa industrial complex south of Baghdad which the report said "was among the sites possessing the highest number of dual-use production equipment," whose fate is now unknown." Significant quantities of missing material were also located at the Fallujah II and Fallujah III facilities north of the city, which was besieged last year. Before the first Gulf War in 1991, those facilities played a major part in the production of precursors for Iraq's chemical warfare program. The percentages of missing biological equipment from 12 sites were much smaller -- no higher than 10 percent. The report said 37 of 405 fermenters ranging in size from 2 gallons to 1,250 gallons had been removed. Those could be used to produce pharmaceuticals and vaccines as well as biological warfare agents such as anthrax. The largest percentages of missing items were at the 58 missile facilities, which include some of the key production sites for both solid and liquid propellant missiles, the report said. For example, 289 of the 340 pieces of equipment to produce missiles -- about 85 percent -- had been removed, it said. At the Kadhimiyah and Al Samoud factory sites in suburban Baghdad, where the report said airframes and engines for liquid propellant missiles were manufactured and final assembly was carried out, "all equipment and missile components have been removed." UNMOVIC is the outgrowth of a U.N. inspections process created after the 1991 Gulf War in which invading Iraqi forces were ousted from Kuwait. Its staff are considered the only multinational weapons experts specifically trained in biological weapons and missile disarmament. The report noted that the commissioners who advise UNMOVIC again raised questions about its future. Iraq has called for its Security Council mandate to be terminated because UNMOVIC is funded from past Iraqi oil sales and it wants to be treated like other countries, but the council has not taken up the issue. France's U.N. Ambassador Jean-Marc de La Sabliere said Thursday the commission's expertise "should not be lost for the international community." ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ If 'proscibed' materials in Iraq didn't exist, how can they be missing? Steve revdauphinee answered on 06/03/05: those that are wondering where thids stuff is dont need to look far try Iran,for instance!or syria! Itsdb rated this answer

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arcura asked on 06/03/05 - The divine Trinity as caratin's excellent post biblically show it to be.... But also says some have trouble understanding it. +++ I understand the Trinity quite well. You see you and I and others are all a trinity, a refection of the image of God in which we were made. All people are a trinity of Mind, Body, And Spirit. All three in ONE person working together in all tasks. If your mind does something it's you. If your spirit does something it's you. If your body does something it's you, all working together as one being. If God the Father does something it's God. If the Holy Spirit does something it's God. If God the Son does something it's God, all working together as one being. +++ Now my questions are, 1. "Many claim that IF a denomination's teaching (dogma that is) is that there is no Triune God then it is not truly Christian - is that true? and... 2. "If not why not" and ... 3. "if so why so?" +++ Praise god for all that is good and true, Fred revdauphinee answered on 06/03/05: I agree and as I answered to carnatin the concept of the trinity is not hard to understand at all the easiest way to explain the trinity is by looking at oneself myself to my husband I was wife to my parents I am child to my children I am mother three personalities but im still me one person.So it is with God he is father He is son he is holy spirit three personalities yet just one God!( arcura rated this answer hOPE12 rated this answer

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chewy asked on 06/03/05 - Deep Throat As a Christian or non-Christian, do you think "Deep Throat" did the right thing about "Watergate"? Do you think it is right for him to reveal who he is now? revdauphinee answered on 06/03/05: Yes and Yes it it ones duty if one sees something is being done in government that is wrong to make the ones who are being governed by that government aware! chewy rated this answer

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CeeBee2 asked on 06/03/05 - Embryonic stem cells. Few couples approve the donation of their stored and unused embryos because they don't want strangers raising their biological children. They choose, instead, to destroy the embryos. Why, then, not offer them the option of donating these embryos to science, for use in stem-cell research? These embryos are potential lives, yes, but they are never going to reach that potential. No one has yet adequately answered the question why it is morally superior to destroy embryos rather than use them to possibly save or at least enrich the lives of people who are already here - and suffering. revdauphinee answered on 06/03/05: helping to cure disease (including 2 that I myself suffer from)is far superior to them being discarded! CeeBee2 rated this answer

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Itsdb asked on 06/03/05 - Let's hear it for Planned Parenthood Or rather, Kansas and Indiana as opposed to those purveyors of perversion, Planned Parenthood. In Kansas, Attorney General Phil Kline subpoenaed medical records of 90 women earlier this year in an effort to prosecute child rape cases. Indiana's Marion Superior Court Judge Kenneth Johnson "ruled Tuesday that Planned Parenthood must turn over to the state the medical records of its patients under 14. As Rich Lowry asked, "Why would a feminist organization not be eager to cooperate in a fight against the sexual exploitation of young girls?" Why indeed? Steve revdauphinee answered on 06/03/05: if planed parenthood does not want to notify parents of these girls why would they want the courts to know ?Many or most of the pregnancys of these young girls will result in the taxpayers having to bear the cost of raising the children so I feel the courts of the land have every right to this knowledge> Itsdb rated this answer

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arcura asked on 06/03/05 - Will you join me in starting this day.... with this? +++ PRAISE GOD FROM WHOM ALL BLESSINGS FLOW. PRAISE HIM ALL CREATURES HERE BELOW. PRAISE HIM ABOVE YEA HEAVENLY HOSTS. PRAISE FATHER, SON, AND HOLY GHOST. +++ Fred revdauphinee answered on 06/03/05: when I was in school in England many years ago we often began our day (in assembly)singinf this lovely hymn! arcura rated this answer

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ROLCAM asked on 06/03/05 - WHAT A STORY !! A Secretary of State's Lesson in Faith Condoleezza Rice's defining moment as a child carried her through difficult times as an adult. By Denise Marie Siino "Condi, honey, come take a look at this dress. Do you want to try it on?" Seven-year-old Condoleezza Rice nodded eagerly. It wasn't often that her mother took her shopping in the downtown Birmingham, Alabama department stores. Angelena Rice took the dress off the rack and handed it to her daughter. The pair strolled toward the fitting room, then stopped as a store clerk barred their entrance. "I'm sorry, ma'am, but you'll have to use the storage room in the back of the store. These rooms are for whites only." Angelena stared coolly at the clerk. "My daughter will change in one of your dressing rooms, or I will take my business, and your commission, elsewhere." The clerk's cheeks blushed. "Well, let me see, maybe your little girl can use this room, here at the end of the hallway. I'll just stand here and make sure you have everything you need." Upon entering the remote dressing room, Angelena chattered idly to her daughter while buttoning up the back of the dress. All the while, Condoleezza wondered why the lady was standing outside their dressing room door. Is she afraid we'll steal the dress or that someone will see us? It was a frozen moment in time in 1961 that Condoleezza would never forget. She realized that being black meant being mistrusted or receiving second-rate treatment. From her mother's response to the store clerk and her patient determination, Condoleezza also learned she could stand her ground. Condoleezza Rice has spent the rest of her life doing just that. Born on November 14, 1954, Condoleezza (which means to play "with sweetness" in Italian musical notation) grew up in a Birmingham still crippled from decades of black oppression under the Jim Crow laws. Beginning with her grandfather, John Rice Sr., who was the son of house slaves, education became a crucial component of the heritage that would be passed down through the Rice family. Recognizing that "book learning" was the key to a brighter future, Granddaddy Rice, as Condoleezza affectionately calls the man who died two years before her birth, attended Stillman College in Tuscaloosa in 1918, eventually becoming a Presbyterian minister. John Rice Jr., Condoleezza's father, also a Presbyterian minister, went on to serve as dean of Stillman College as well as vice chancellor of the University of Denver. Condoleezza's mother, Angelena Rice, was also well educated, and taught science and music in an all-black high school. While John and Angelena felt strongly about the emerging civil rights movement, they were not activists. They believed in fighting racial prejudice of the mind. Within the church and public school settings, they inspired many young blacks to see themselves as equals, and they left nothing to chance with their only child. Condoleezza could read at an age when most children were just beginning to walk. By the time she was three, she was learning to figure skate, dance ballet, speak French, and play what became the love of her life-the piano. Condoleezza's parents initiated these pastimes into their daughter's life to overcome the racism that would surely confront her as she grew up. Perhaps, if she excelled at the activities prized by white society, she would be accepted on her own terms and not judged simply because of the color of her skin. But with all her parents' efforts, nothing could completely shield Condoleezza from the racial hatred that at times permeated Birmingham. In September 1963, two years after her department store "awakening," a dynamite blast at the Sixteenth Street Baptist Church killed four little black girls, including Condoleezza's childhood friend, Denise McNair. After that Condoleezza's personal drive began to take her where her parents' efforts could not. Due to a tireless work ethic and staunch self-discipline, at fifteen she entered the University of Denver as a music student, intent on becoming a concert pianist. Surrounded by what she considered more capable musicians, she decided her skills would likely land her a position as an accompanist at best, or perhaps a piano instructor, "teaching thirteen-year-olds to murder Beethoven." A political science professor who specialized in Soviet studies wooed Condoleezza away from music to her graduate major, international politics. At age nineteen, she graduated cum laude. A year later, in 1975, she graduated from the University of Notre Dame with her master's degree. By age twenty-six she had a doctorate from the School of International Studies at the University of Denver and had begun to serve as an assistant professor at Stanford University. But education and hard work are only half the story of Condoleezza's upbringing. Being the child of a minister, she grew up holding hands with prayer and Scripture, resulting in a deep faith in God. However, there comes a time in each person's life when she must either reject or claim for herself what she was taught as a child. Condoleezza's defining moment came when, as a twelve-year-old, she was visiting her grandmother along with several other family members. During the visit her Uncle Alto became sick and needed immediate medical attention. While the rest of the family ran anxiously about the house, Condoleezza's grandmother sat calmly praying on the edge of the bed beside her son. "Grandmother, aren't you worried about Uncle Alto?" Condoleezza asked. "God's will be done." Seeing her grandmother's trusting spirit, Condoleezza realized that God really could be trusted with any crisis, no matter how great. Little did she know then that this lesson in faith would carry her through many turbulent times in the future. Leaving Politics aside. Do you admire this LADY ? revdauphinee answered on 06/03/05: so far for me the worst mistake this lady has made is to align herself with Bush and the republican party !republicans have done little for her race! Choux rated this answer kindj rated this answer ROLCAM rated this answer

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carnitin asked on 06/02/05 - more info on The Trinity The Trinity By: Charles T. Buntin , M.S., M.A.R. The doctrine of the Trinity has these elements: (1) The is only One True God (monotheism); (2) There is a plurality of persons within God, and this plurality is not imaginary, pretended, or temporary; (3) The Father is God (4) The Son is God (5) The Holy Spirit is God. Being somewhat of an amateur mathematician, I have learned to express this as a mathematical formula that has no real meaning in human math: 1 + 1 + 1 = 1 (3). That is, the sum of the three is still only one, yet there is a �threeness� that the Bible expresses clearly without ever attempting to explain. Monotheism: There is Only One True God Many of the enemies of Christianity, including Muslims, Jews, and cults such as the Jehovah�s Witnesses, have charged that the Trinity constitutes paganism, polytheism, the worship of more than one �god.� However, the foundation of the doctrine of God�s tri-unity is that there is only One God. It is emphatically taught in both the Old and New Testaments. The statement of faith of Israel was (and is) �hear oh, Israel, the LORD our God is one LORD.� (Deut 6:4). When asked, Jesus said more than once that this was the most important of all the commandments (Mark 12:28-34). The absoluteness of this monism of God is stated again and again in the Old Testament: �. . . there is no god with me� (Deut 32:39); �. . . I am the LORD, and there is none else� (Isa 45:18) �. . . before me there was no God formed, neither shall there be after me� (Isa 43:10). Similarly, the New Testament expresses the oneness of God: �There is one God and one mediator between God and man (1 Tim 2:5); �. . . and this is eternal life, that they might know thee, the only True God, and Jesus Christ, whom Thou hast sent . . .� (John 17:3). In the Old Testament, God proclaimed Himself under many names, each expressing different attributes of Him, but the characteristic name He used with His covenant people was YHWH (or JHVH, depending on how you express the Hebrew letters in English), a word with no vowels. This has been transliterated into English as either Jehovah or Yahweh. The reliable English Bible translations universally translate it in English as either LORD or GOD, using all capital letters to indicate that it is the NAME. Jehovah defined His Name to Moses in Exodus 3:14: � . . . I AM THAT I AM: and He said: Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, I AM hath sent me to you.� �I AM THAT I AM� . . . Jehovah owes His existence to no one or nothing--He is the self-existent One, The Only True God. Plurality: Within the One True God Exists a Plurality of Persons In light of the strong declarations the Bible makes on monotheism, this is a perplexing assertion. However, the Bible is just as plain on this point. There is most definitely only One God, however, there is also a plurality, a �threeness� about God that the Bible expresses, which we cannot define in human terms in light of His one-ness. First, there are plural terms and names applied to God. The most prevalent in the Bible is the Hebrew Elohim. The Cults have invented all sorts of spurious reasons why the Bible might use such a plural term to describe the One God, but a few words from that old saint John Gill should put them to rest: �Now Moses might have made use of other names of God, in his account of the creation; as his name Jehovah, by which he made himself known to him, and to the people of Israel; or Eloah, the singular of Elohim, which is used by him (Deut. 32:15-16) and in the book of Job so frequently; so that it was not want of singular names of God, nor the barrenness of the Hebrew language which obliged him to use a plural word; it was no doubt of choice, and with design . . .� (Body of Divinity, vol. 1, pp. 187-88). Other plural terms used for God in the Old Testament include panim (equivalent to the Greek prosopa, for �faces,� �persons,� or �presence,�) which is found in Exodus 33:14-15, Psalm 27:8-9, and Deuteronomy 4:37; the literal Hebrew for Maker in Job 35:10, Psalm 149:2, and Isaiah 54:5, is the plural, Makers; for creator in Ecclesiastes 12:1, the literal Hebrew is Creators. God also is described with plural pronouns, as in �. . . Let us make man in our image.� (Gen 1:25), see also Genesis 11:6-8 and Isaiah 6:8. Finally, in Isaiah 48:16-17 is a statement that, read in the light of the New Testament, is as plain a statement of the Trinity as anywhere in the Bible, as the Lord GOD (Adonai Jehovah) the Spirit, and the Redeemer are mentioned in the same context as separate persons. Of course, there are many Scriptures in the New Testament which speak of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit in the same context, and with an obvious view to distinction between them. In John chapters 14-16, there are repeated references to this distinction. The most striking is the Baptism of Jesus in Matthew 3:16-17, where we hear the Father�s voice, see the Spirit descend in the form of a dove, and see also the Son standing there in the water. The Father is God This should go without saying, but for those modalists who reject the permanence of the first person of the Trinity, we say (a) Jesus is repeatedly called the Son of God, therefore God is a Father, and the Father is God. (b) There is no Scripture that even hints that the Father ever ceases to be a separate person. (c) There are many Scriptures which establish that there is a distinction between the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. The problem here, as pointed out decisively by Gregory A. Boyd in his book, Oneness Pentecostals and the Trinity, is that when people approach Scripture with a preconceived idea (such as the false doctrine that there is no distinction between Father and Son), they find things in the Bible which are not there! Another difficulty (prominent among Arian-type cults--those who deny that Jesus is God) is that many people misunderstand the relationship of the Father to Jesus Christ. The reason for the confusion among some is that they concentrate on statements made by and about Jesus during His period of humiliation on earth. The eternal relationship between Father and Son is one between equals (John 17:1-5, see how He talks to the Father, and Heb 1:1-14, where the Father orders the angels to worship Him. Such statements as �. . . my Father is greater than I.� (John 14:28) must be understood in the light of Jesus� purpose in His earthly ministry. In Hebrews, after beginning by expounding on the exalted and absolute divinity of the Son (1:1-14) the apostle states, �but we see Jesus, who was made a little lower (or, for a little while lower) than the angels for the suffering of death . . .� (see also Phil. 2:5-11). Jesus came to earth to accomplish eternal redemption. His essential Godhood was veiled, hidden, in flesh. But, as our next point states: Jesus Christ is God He is not just the Son of God, but He is God the Son. This is the foundation doctrine of Christianity--Jesus Himself said �. . . If you believe not that I AM he, you shall die in your sins.� (John 8:24) (Note: the word �he� is not in the original.) This is not just a speculative, philosophical teaching--unless God redeems us Himself, we cannot be redeemed (see Psa 49:7, 15)! First, we know He is God because He is called God. (John 1:1) Indeed, in John 20: 28, where Thomas calls Jesus �My Lord and my God , . . .� the literal Greek rendering is �. . .the Lord of me, and the God of me.� Hebrews 1:4-14 is a most remarkable Scripture passage, as Old Testament prophets are quoted to show (1) God calls Christ His Son, (b) He tells angels to worship Christ, an honor belonging to Jehovah alone (Isa 42:8), (c) He calls the Son, God. He declares that the kingdom of Christ is eternal. The next reason we know that the Son is eternal God Himself, is that He is worshipped. Isaiah 42:8, Exodus 20:3, and many other Old Testament passages forbid the worship of anyone but Jehovah God Himself--yet we see in many passage that Christ is worshipped (examples--Phil. 2:9-10, Acts 7:59-60, Rev. 5:6-14, which is worship in heaven itself. Another reason we know He is God is that the works of God are ascribed to Him. Creation (John 1:3, Heb 1:2) Preservation of the universe (Col. 1:17, Heb 1:2-3), the sending of the Spirit of God (John 16:7) the forgiveness of sins (Acts 5:30-31) and the giving of eternal life (John 17:2-3) are just a few examples of the divine works He did. He demonstrated His power over nature, over disease, demon powers, even over death, and on two occasions, he let the veil of His humanity up a bit. On the mount of Transfiguration, He allowed the disciples with Him to see His Glorious being as it really was, and when the soldiers came to get Him in the Garden, He knocked them to the ground by saying . . . �I AM.� (The word he, which follows �I AM� in most translations is not in the original) (John 18:4-6). Truly He did the works of God. Yet another reason we know that The Son is God is He possesses divine attributes. The Bible says He has Self existence (John 5:26), Eternity (John 1:2), Omniscience (John 1:48), Omnipresence (Matt 18:20--note that He was on earth, and in the flesh, and used the present tense, showing that He had this attribute even in His earthly ministry), Immutability (Heb 13:8), Sovereignty (Matt 11:27), and Omnipotence (Matt 28:18-20). There is a strong statement of the absolute Deity of Messiah in Jeremiah 23:5-6: �. . . Behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that I will raise unto David a righteous Branch, and a King shall reign and prosper, and shall execute judgment and justice in the Earth. In His days Judah shall be saved, and Israel shall dwell safely: and this is his name whereby He shall be called, THE LORD OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS.� Here we have Jehovah God clearly speaking, and just as plainly speaking of Messiah, and the Name He gives Messiah is Jehovah-Tsidkenu-- the sovereign Jehovah calls the Messiah Jehovah! The Holy Spirit is God (Many of the notes for this part of the lesson come from the excellent book The Holy Spirit by A.W. Pink.) Included in this statement is the assumption that the Holy Spirit is a Person, not a force, influence, etc. Many cults and sects deny His personality. He is turned into some kind of �divine electricity,� a sort of impersonal force for God and good in the world. This, of course, goes along with their denial of the Trinity. However, when we look at the Bible, we find that He has personal qualities ascribed to Him by Scripture--such as understanding and knowledge (1 Cor 2:10-11), will (1 Cor 12:11), love (Rom 15:30), and grief (Eph 4:30). Furthermore, He can be lied to (Acts 5:3); He can be tempted, put to the test (Acts 5:9). We also see personal actions ascribed to Him by Scripture: He speaks (1 Tim 4:1; Rev 2:7); He teaches (Luke 12:12; John 14:26); He commands (Acts 13:2); and, He intercedes (Rom 8:26). The Bible applies personal characterizations to Him--He is called Comforter (John 14:16), Witness (Heb 10:15, Rom 8:16), Justifier and Sanctifier (1 Cor 6:11). Finally, in many places in Scripture, personal pronouns are used of Him (John 14:26; John 16:7). Not only is the Holy Spirit a person, but the Holy Spirit is God, just as the Father is God, and the Son is God, in some way One True God, but also in a way unfathomable to our human minds, a separate person within the Trinity. In the Bible, the Holy Spirit is called God (Acts 5:3-5; 1 Cor 3:16--Compare with 2 Cor 6:16). The Holy Spirit is also called Jehovah--It was Jehovah who spoke by the prophets (Luke 1:68-70) yet Peter says it was the Holy Spirit (2 Pet 1:20, also compare 2 Sam 23:2-3 with Acts 1:16). It was Jehovah that Israel rebelled against in the wilderness (Psa 78:4, 17-18), but Isaiah says it was the Holy Spirit (Isa 63:10). In Deuteronomy 32:12, Jehovah led Israel, but in Isaiah 63:14, It says the Holy Spirit led them. Jehovah commissioned Isaiah the prophet (Isa 6:6-8), but Paul says (under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit) that it was the Holy Spirit who commissioned the prophet (Acts 28:25-26). Throughout the Scriptures, the Holy Spirit demonstrates the attributes of God in His actions, major and minor holiness (Rom 1:4; cf. Ex 15:11), Eternality (Heb 9:14), Omnipresence (Psa 139:7), Omniscience (1Cor 2:10-11) Omnipotence ( Luke 1:35; Mic. 3:8; Isa 40:28), and Sovereignty (Matt 4:1--He led Jesus!) (John 3:8; 1 Cor 12:11; Acts 13:2-4; 20:28). Finally, the Holy Spirit does the works of God.: He performed the works of Creation (Job 26:13; 33:4; Gen 1:2), Providence (Isa 40:13-15; Acts 16:6-7), Inspiration ( 2 Pet 1:20-21), Anointing the Savior (Isa 61:1; John 3:34), and Raising the Savior ( Rom 8:11). The doctrine of the Trinity reveals to us a God that is vastly different from the �gods� of the pagans, but also very different from the traditional God of modern day Judaism, Islam, and of the Arian and Sabellian cults that flourish today. (The historic term for antitrinitarian monotheism is �Monarchian.� Whatever else the similarities between them and Christianity, at least two things are is missing from Monarchian religions--relationship and redemption. 1. Relationship--The austere, alone, �god� that these groups worship is really incapable of relationship. He has no peer to relate to, and there is no way he can relate to mankind except as judge, benefactor, or object of worship. The Triune God, on the other hand, has experienced fellowship within Himself eternally--relationship comes naturally to Him. Through the God-man, Christ Jesus, mankind actually enters in to fellowship and relationship with the Almighty God. The Father is our Father; Christ is our adopted Brother, and the Spirit is our Comforter. We are loved, we walk in fellowship with God, who is the expert in true fellowship. 2. Redemption--The Monarchian religions have no way to accomplish bona fide (real) redemption. Their god forgives or offers mercy arbitrarily, he bypasses judgment simply because he wants to, or because he has agreed to, based on a certain set of conditions. Sin is really not dealt with in this way--there is no payment for it, their god just disregards it. There is no justice in this type of system. In Biblical Christianity, however, every sin is paid for (see Chapter 6 ), because an infinite Being, the God-man, died as a substitute for sinners. All those who become His by faith partake in His price of redemption. Those who do not become His pay their own penalty--eternally. The mystery of the Cross (see Chapter 5) is that God (The Father) poured out His wrath on God (The Son), yet there is only one God. It is a paradox to our minds, but it is the only way redemption could be carried out with justice. Every wrong that has ever been done by anyone against God or people is avenged, justice is settled, and the accounts of the universe are balanced. No Trinity--no redemption. Christian, we worship a Triune God. We cannot understand it; we marvel at it; there is no explanation for it--but it is the Truth. Anything less is not Christianity. revdauphinee answered on 06/02/05: the easiest way to explain the trinity is by looking at oneself myself to my husband I was wife to my parents I am child to my children I am mother three personalities but im still me one person.So it is with God he is father He is son he is holy spirit three personalities yet just one God!( carnitin rated this answer

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FormerJesusHelper76 asked on 06/02/05 - Drinking! What does God say about Drinking? What are you personal thoughts about drinking? Thank you again in advance for your thoughts and opinions. Joe revdauphinee answered on 06/02/05: drinking is ok if it is just a drink for did not Jesus drink?his first miracle was turning water into wine(not grape juice )he was a Jew wine is drunk at the seder meal,It is drinking to excess that is a sin,when one looses capacity to think and act this is sinfull.and Jesus was even accused of thsi though falsley. (Matt.11:19 The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, `Here is a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and "sinners." ' But wisdom is proved right by her actions." Lk.7:34. The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and you say, `Here is a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and "sinners." ' ) would a person who drank only grape juice be accused thus??? however getting intoxicated is another thing entierly and so is overeating Prov.23:20-21 20 Do not join those who drink too much wine or gorge themselves on meat, 21 for drunkards and gluttons become poor, and drowsiness clothes them in rags. ) How many preachers grosley overweight have you heard berating people who drink but they do not see there own sin! (Matt.7:3-5 3 "Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother's eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? 4 How can you say to your brother, `Let me take the speck out of your eye,' when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? 5 You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother's eye. FormerJesusHelper76 rated this answer tomder55 rated this answer

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sapphire630 asked on 06/01/05 - sunshine and vacation sunshine & vacation 2 words I do not know I am STILL wearing sweat shirts and freezing; so much for global warming...BTW scientists are now saying that there is a NEW layer of ice forming over the South Pole...how can they say that and not conflict it with their global warming theory? I guess global warming is only partial globe...need to know WHERE! For the vacation thing... so far I have gotten to run to West Virginia with my boss to pick up her work truck. 1hrs 45mins I went to Warren, Ohio to see my daughters graduate with their GED and hear my one daughter say she is enlisting in the air force reserves. 6hrs 35min I guess I am doing better at the vacation thing Unlike Choux I hope the after-life has plenty of both! :) revdauphinee answered on 06/02/05: dont wory there is a vacation comming Revlation 21: 21:1: And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea. 21:2: And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. 21:3: And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God. 21:4: And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away. sapphire630 rated this answer

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sapphire630 asked on 06/01/05 - Just MORE curious Just curious:) than Pete_Hanysz 05/31/05 Quote from hOPE12 "Any and all who disobey God's laws and principles are part of Christendom. Anyone who does not obey God's laws are part of Christendom or also refered to in the Bible as Babylon the Great" I need some help on this please. Pete I want to know exactly what laws are followed? How can these laws be followed without the warning in the New Testament about following the letter of the law over God's grace? If you do not keep the WHOLE law you are guilty of breaking it all...so where do you draw the line....you can't....so you should be sacrificing animals and everything it says in Leviticus. How and where does one justify otherwise? And remember Jesus said render unto Cesar what is cesars. I think maybe we should live in money free or be guilty of living in the 'Christiandom' How can anybody say they escape the Babylon system when as long as we live and breath we ARE part of it to some extent no matter how much we are against it. revdauphinee answered on 06/01/05: "Any and all who disobey God's laws and principles are part of Christendom doesent that cover all of us for none of us are perfect? Romans 3: 20. Therefore no one will be declared righteous in his sight by observing the law; rather, through the law we become conscious of sin. 21. But now a righteousness from God, apart from law, has been made known, to which the Law and the Prophets testify. 22. This righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference, 23. for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24. and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus. sapphire630 rated this answer

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arcura asked on 06/01/05 - Subject: Jesus and the Redneck Jesus and the Redneck An Irishman in a wheelchair entered a restaurant one afternoon and asked the waitress for a cup of coffee. The Irishman looked across the restaurant and asked, "Is that Jesus sitting over there?" The waitress nodded "Yes," so the Irishman told her to give Jesus a cup of coffee on him. The next patron to come in was an Englishman with a hunched back. He shuffled over to a booth, painfully sat down, and asked the waitress for a cup of hot tea. He also glanced across the restaurant and asked, "Is that Jesus over there?" The waitress nodded, so the Englishman said to give Jesus a cup of hot tea, "My treat." The third patron to come into the restaurant was a Redneck on crutches. He hobbled over to a booth, sat down and hollered, "Hey there, sweet thang. How's about gettin' me a cold glass of Coke!" He, too, looked across the restaurant and asked, "Is that God's boy over there?" The waitress once more nodded, so the Redneck said to give Jesus a cold glass of Coke, "On my bill." As Jesus got up to leave, he passed by the Irishman, touched him and said, "For your kindness, you are healed." The Irishman felt the strength come back into his legs, got up, and danced a jig out the door. Jesus also passed by the Englishman, touched him and said, "For your kindness, you are healed." The Englishman felt his back straightening up, and he raised his hands, praised the Lord and did a series of back flips out the door. Then Jesus walked towards the Redneck. The Redneck jumped up and yelled, ."Don't touch me...I'm drawin' disability!" revdauphinee answered on 06/01/05: might be funnier if it wernt true! arcura rated this answer

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Pete_Hanysz asked on 06/01/05 - Sun soakin' time! Off to spend a couple of weeks on the island of Formentera...I will give you a wave Claude!! Pete revdauphinee answered on 06/01/05: GOOD FOR YOU! ALL WE HAVE HERE TODAY IS RAIN Pete_Hanysz rated this answer

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carnitin asked on 06/01/05 - Watchtower Hypocrisy: "The word Trinity is not found in the Bible"? Watchtower Hypocrisy: "The word Trinity is not found in the Bible"? So what! That does not make the concept of the Trinity a false doctrine! Examples of Jehovah�s Witness hypocrisy: Jehovah's Witnesses often say, "The word trinity is not in the Bible" Jehovah's Witnesses often describe God as being "Omnipotent immutable", (so do we) yet these words are not found in the English Bible any more than Trinity! Some JW's argue that Omnipotent is used in Latin, in the Latin Vulgate, however the fact it is a mistranslation is proven by the fact that the New World Translation doesn't follow the use of the word Omnipotent. Although Jehovah's Witnesses call themselves "monotheists" and believers in "monotheism", these words are not found in the Bible. So the concept is found in the Bible and we use a non-biblical word to describe it! Same as with Trinty: The concept is found in the Bible, not the word. (Sadly, JW's do not believe God is omnipresent, or omniscient.) The Bible talks about "atheism" in Ps 14:1, "The fool has said in his heart, 'There is no God.'" So although the word atheism is not found in the Bible, JW's have no problem using the word, since the concept is taught in the Bible. Same as with Trinty: The concept is found in the Bible, not the word. The Bible also fails to mention the baptism of the Apostles, but JW's say that they were. (and we agree) In fact, Jehovah's Witnesses are notorious for employing words that are not found in the Bible to teach their false doctrine. Here are a few of the favorite JW words,: "theocracy, millenium, rapture, centralized world organization, Watchtower organization, Kingdom hall, ministerial servants, Circuit Assemblies, Theocratic, Ministry School". Remember, all these words not only convey false doctrine, they are also not found in the Bible anywhere, not even the concept behind the words! Saying, "The word trinity is not in the Bible" is therefore as irrelevant as it is illogical and quite meaningless. Jehovah's Witnesses are hypocrites for using the false argument that since the word Trinity is not found in the Bible, this must mean it is a false doctrine! --By Steve Rudd revdauphinee answered on 06/01/05: the word may not be in the scripture but let me assure you the concept most certaily is! Matthew 28:18. Then Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them (((in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,)) If it was good enough for Jesus then its good enough for me!! arcura rated this answer carnitin rated this answer

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Itsdb asked on 06/01/05 - Christendom? Who or what is Christendom according to the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society? There seems to be some confusion as to what is meant here. Hope says she understands Christendom to be "those lands where people claim to be Christian." What does the Watchtower say? "Christendom" is defined as that part of the world where Christianity prevails. It is largely the Western world with its church systems, which from about the fourth century C.E. became prominent." (Christendom Has Betrayed God and the Bible) The Watchtower's 1986-99 index, under the heading of "Christendom" says: "See also Churches; Clergy; Eastern Orthodox Church; Evangelists; Interfaith; Priests; Protestantism; Reformation; Religion; Roman Catholic Church; Sunday Schools; individual doctrines and religions by name" Their 1930-85 index, under the heading of "Christendom" says: "See also Antichrist; Apostasy; Churches; Clergy; Collections; Creeds; Heathendom; Interfaith; Paganism; Priests; Protestantism; Religion; Roman Catholic Church; Sects; Shepherds; Sunday Schools; War; Worship; individual doctrines and religions by name" Now we see that "Christendom" is more than just the lands where Christianity prevails, it is its "church systems" including Roman Catholics, Protestants and anyone who attends "Sunday School." What does the Watchtower say about "Christendom"? "Christendom has had the Bible for centuries, and its clergy claim to teach it and to be God's representatives. But do the clergy and missionaries of Christendom teach the truth? Do their actions really represent God and the Bible? Does Christianity really prevail in Christendom? No. Since its religion came to the forefront in the fourth century, Christendom has proved to be an enemy of God and of the Bible. Yes, the facts of history show that Christendom has betrayed God and the Bible. (Christendom Has Betrayed God and the Bible) "The truth of the matter is, these are all contributing factors-evolution, modern atheism, pagan doctrines taught by both the Catholics and the Protestants, the hiding of the Bible under the creeds and traditions of men, the rejection of the Bible as God's inspired Word of Truth, the gross blindness of the clergy, and the woeful indifference of the people themselves toward reading and studying the Bible-all these elements combined have produced a wild generation of hypocrites! They draw near to God with their lips in prayer, but their hearts are far from Him and their minds are so far removed they know not even the simplest things about the Bible. In vain they do worship, teaching and believing the commandments of men and the philosophies of the pagans.-Matt. 15:1-9." (WT 8/15/50) "The people of good will are fleeing the famine-stricken churches of Christendom. They can no longer be held in those false religious prison houses by soft pews, professional singers, organ music, or by a claim of respectability. The people are spiritually starved. They are hungry. They want to be fed. They do not want to die a death of slow starvation." (WT 7/15/52) "The apostle Paul specifically stated that Jesus Christ will destroy "the man of lawlessness"-the apostate clergy of Christendom, a prominent part of "Babylon the Great." (WT 9/15/98) "The apostasy blossomed particularly from the second century to the fifth century C.E., resulting in the emergence of a corrupt imitation of the pure Christian religion. Such Babylonish doctrines as the immortality of the soul, a burning hell, and the Trinity were incorporated into the teachings of apostate Christianity. The Catholic, the Orthodox, and later the Protestant churches all adopted these false dogmas and, therefore, became a part of Babylon the Great, the Devil's world empire of false religion." (WT 12/1/91) I could go on all day... Now a disclaimer, I do not hate or even dislike Jehovah's Witnesses, some of my best friends have been Witnesses and I have long time neighbors who are Witnesses today. But that does not mean I should sit idly by while their organization denigrates my faith and my church. Most Witnesses probably don't understand what the Watchtower means by "Christendom", but what they say publicly and what the Watchtower says about "Christendom" doesn't necessarily agree. Is there any doubt that the Watchtower considers you, the Catholic, the Baptist, the Lutheran, etc. a member of apostate Christianity, Babylon the Great? Steve revdauphinee answered on 06/01/05: q)Is there any doubt that the Watchtower considers you, the Catholic, the Baptist, the Lutheran, etc. a member of apostate Christianity, Babylon the Great? answer NO!But then who cares I aim to please my God and not the watchtower! Itsdb rated this answer arcura rated this answer queenybee rated this answer

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ROLCAM asked on 06/01/05 - What is the recipe ? Would you like to live your life fully human, fully alive ? What then is the recipe ?? Example to what this means:- The mind**********Right Intention. Try all the parts of your body, your soul and belongings. revdauphinee answered on 06/01/05: depends on you definition of alive !! the human existance is temparary I look forward to graduating someday! ROLCAM rated this answer

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hOPE12 asked on 05/31/05 - Hey you guys, You are a Christian, then answer these questions useing the Bible? Then what are "God's laws, not the laws of your church but God's laws on: Killing another person? What developed in Christendom regarding Mary? �According to the Bible, who alone can intercede with God for us? What does the Bible say at Dueteronomy 20:4,5 about bowing down to idols? What does the Bible say about love of neightbor? How then can a relgion bless their members who go to war to kill that neighbor they are to love? If Eccl. 9:5 says the dead are conscious of nothing at all, how can a soul die and suffer tourment taught by some religions? Matt. 7:22,�23: �Many will say to me [Jesus Christ] in that day, �Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and expel demons in your name, and perform many powerful works in your name?� And yet then I will confess to them: I never knew you! Get away from me, you workers of lawlessness.� (Even professing to be a Christian is not a guarantee that we are acceptably serving the true God.) The politicians of this world are given prominent positions and considerations in the church systems. What a contrast this to the example of Jesus Christ, who refused to be made a king on earth by men! To the Roman governor, Pontius Pilate, he said: �My kingdom is no part of this world. If my kingdom were part of this world, my attendants would have fought that I should not be delivered up to the Jews. But, as it is, my kingdom is not from this source.� (John 18:36) To the contrary of this, Christendom insists that it is the duty of her church members to engage in politics. At times and in some places, she endeavors to dictate to them as to the political candidates for whom they shall cast their election ballots. Members of her clergy have even acted as political rulers, as president, or prime minister, and so on. You all can give me a hard time but you know what? You are giving me a hard time because you do not have a good reply in return for what I say to you The bible condemms some of what som religions get involved with such as war, and politics and yet the Bible condemns it. Jesus himself said that a Christian is not involved in the matter of this world and yet how many who claim to be Christian go to war and vote and even run for office in the worlds political arena? So as I said before, you all can be your own judge on the matter, just know that you can never say, you didn't know, because God's word the Bible is very clear on these matters. Hope12 revdauphinee answered on 06/01/05: sory but I was interupted while answering your questions so here is the rest (as paul Harvey would say) the story Q4)What does the Bible say about love of neightbor? How then can a relgion bless their members who go to war to kill that neighbor they are to love? lEVITICUS19:18. "`Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against ""one of your people,"" but love your neighbor as yourself. I am the LORD but then he also says that if they do not believe as our present enemies do not (Exo.23:24 Do not bow down before their gods or worship them or follow their practices. You must demolish them and break their sacred stones to pieces. ) so you see he does not condem us for war! Q5) If Eccl. 9:5 says the dead are conscious of nothing at all, how can a soul die and suffer tourment taught by some religions? A0 the dead sleep however there is an awakeing to c (Daniel.12:2 Multitudes who sleep in the dust of the earth will awake: some to ""everlasting"" life, others to shame and ""everlasting"" contempt. ) so you see at the return of Christ they will awaken !and be judged! as to the last you realy need to remember this as a witness for it speaks to those who worship in his name but not in his word! Matt. 7:22, 23: �Many will say to me [Jesus Christ] in that day, �Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and expel demons in your name, and perform many powerful works in your name?� And yet then I will confess to them: I never knew you! Get away from me, you workers of lawlessness.� (Even ""professing"" to be a Christian is not a guarantee that we are acceptably serving the true God.) hOPE12 rated this answer

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hOPE12 asked on 05/31/05 - Hey you guys, You are a Christian, then answer these questions useing the Bible? Then what are "God's laws, not the laws of your church but God's laws on: Killing another person? What developed in Christendom regarding Mary? �According to the Bible, who alone can intercede with God for us? What does the Bible say at Dueteronomy 20:4,5 about bowing down to idols? What does the Bible say about love of neightbor? How then can a relgion bless their members who go to war to kill that neighbor they are to love? If Eccl. 9:5 says the dead are conscious of nothing at all, how can a soul die and suffer tourment taught by some religions? Matt. 7:22,�23: �Many will say to me [Jesus Christ] in that day, �Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and expel demons in your name, and perform many powerful works in your name?� And yet then I will confess to them: I never knew you! Get away from me, you workers of lawlessness.� (Even professing to be a Christian is not a guarantee that we are acceptably serving the true God.) The politicians of this world are given prominent positions and considerations in the church systems. What a contrast this to the example of Jesus Christ, who refused to be made a king on earth by men! To the Roman governor, Pontius Pilate, he said: �My kingdom is no part of this world. If my kingdom were part of this world, my attendants would have fought that I should not be delivered up to the Jews. But, as it is, my kingdom is not from this source.� (John 18:36) To the contrary of this, Christendom insists that it is the duty of her church members to engage in politics. At times and in some places, she endeavors to dictate to them as to the political candidates for whom they shall cast their election ballots. Members of her clergy have even acted as political rulers, as president, or prime minister, and so on. You all can give me a hard time but you know what? You are giving me a hard time because you do not have a good reply in return for what I say to you The bible condemms some of what som religions get involved with such as war, and politics and yet the Bible condemns it. Jesus himself said that a Christian is not involved in the matter of this world and yet how many who claim to be Christian go to war and vote and even run for office in the worlds political arena? So as I said before, you all can be your own judge on the matter, just know that you can never say, you didn't know, because God's word the Bible is very clear on these matters. Hope12 revdauphinee answered on 06/01/05: Then what are "God's laws, not the laws of your church but God's laws on: Q1)Killing another person? the NIV study bible a) Exodus20:13: Thou shalt not murder (note Murder: the hebrew for this verb usualy translates to refer to a premeditated and deliberate act) a)What developed in Christendom regarding Mary? note(if you believe in Christ then you are a part of Christendome) According to the Bible, who alone can intercede with God for us? A) not anyone other than Jesus himself can intecede !However he also tells us to Exodus20:12: Honour thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee. as adopted brothers and sisters in the family of God should we not then honor and revere Mary??his mother!Im sure he does! this is refered to as Honor:- to prize highly,to value, to show respect for !also it is something most"protestant" "organised religion fails to do! hOPE12 rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 05/31/05 - A crisis of Faith I found this on the web and I wonder would experts like to comment on the issues found here? Simple Religion Wednesday, May 18, 2005 Simple Religion This is my simple religion: I believe in God; I believe in prayer; I believe in love. Very simple. That�s why I decided to call it Simple Religion. It is something I can say that I truly believe in. This Simple Religion was the conclusion of a long search trying to answer this question: What do I really believe in. I hope that my experience can help others who are also seeking for something they can really and wholeheartedly believe in. It all started about four years ago while I was in church just at the beginning of The Creed or Profession of Faith, the part of the mass where all the Catholics say aloud the principles of the catholic religion. As everyone was saying what they as Christians believed in I realized that I could not, with all honesty, agree with all what they were saying. It was quite a disturbing moment since I consider myself a religious person and enjoyed going to church. I looked around the church wondering: Am I the only one who does not believe in all these principles or perhaps there are others who like me practice the catholic religion but deep down do not really agree with all what the church says? So I asked myself, what do you really believe in? I realized that this was a very important question, perhaps one of the most important questions a man could ever ask so I committed myself to find an answer. The first thing was to decide if I believed in God or not. I spent a long time trying to find something conclusive that I could say, yes, because of this, I can say that I believe in God. As you know men have tried since the beginning of time to find that answer but nobody ever did. It�s very interesting to see how so many bright men tried to find a proof of the existence of God but I knew I would not be able to find what no other men ever found. But I did find something that I can say is a good explanation, at least to me, why I believe in God: I believe in God because I intuit there is a God. To intuit something is to believe it or to know it beyond reason. In other words, deep down, I feel there is a God. I can�t prove it but I strongly feel there is a God. So I can really say that I believe in God. I know it is not a valid scientific or philosophical reason but it is good enough for me. This was relatively an easy part. The hard part was to define this God that I believe in. By defining I mean, how is this God like, what can he do and not do, where is he, where did he come from, and so many other questions anyone would like to have an answer for when you are talking about God. My answer to all these questions is: I do not know. I believe that we, as humans, can not possibly define God. I�d like to be able to say, like many religions have done so beautifully and poetically, that he is the creator of heaven and earth, the One, the beginning, the end, infinite, loving, eternal, caring, good, omnipresent, just, and everything else you can possibly think of. But I believe that any attempt to define God we are doing it using our small human minds. As humans we can only feel him, intuit him, love him, but not describe him. If we try we can�t help it but to project our own ideas of what a God should be. My best answer then is I do not know. Many will not like it, I don�t even like it myself, but is the only answer I have and believe in. Not being able to define God became a big problem as soon as I started to ask myself about all the major questions that every religion has answered or tried do answer for us in the past: Where do we come from? How did all begin? How is it going to end? What happens after death? Why do bad things happen? I tried and tried to find an answer to these questions but the only answer I could really accept was, again, I do not know. I believe the moment we start to try to answer these questions we must build a series of beliefs, one leading and supporting the next and in so doing we are building a house of cards based on nothing more than assumptions. So here I am, saying yes, I believe in God but I do not know anything about this God and I do not have an answer for the most important questions that religions deal with. I know this sounds crazy, stupid or both but is still the only answer I have. It was precisely all the answers that other religions use to explain these things, which I could not believe, that lead me to ask myself what did I really believe in. If I could accept and believe what any of the other religions have to say about these matters, I would not be here trying to find the answers. I know that one of the most important functions of the established religions is precisely to answer these questions for us, even perhaps one of their main reasons of being. We as men need to have answers to all the important questions of life but in trying to find the answers, and not finding them, we lean on religion. For me came the time where I could no longer believe in the answers provided by my religion and had to start to find new ones. The only one that I could find is that I do not know and that it�s better not to know than to build new false creeds. I have many times a hard time accepting this position but I think about some of the things I read about Zen, where the masters would simply hit their students with a stick when they were asked about God. I also think about the sermon of the lotto flower given by Buddha in front of many followers when he simply held up a flower and did not say a single word. It may be hard but it gives me an open mind that I may not have if I believed in something from the start. If you believe in God, if you truly believe in God, you also by definition trust God, and if you trust God you know that one day you�ll find all the answers you were looking for. I kept thinking what else I really believed in and the next thing was prayer. I do not mean prayer like in asking God for things but as a way to communicate with God. You may call it meditation if you prefer. Prayer is the way we have to get in touch with God, to know him better, to feel him and to learn from him. Prayer will help us to lift ourselves higher in the spiritual world. It�s good for us to make praying part of our daily lives. There are many books that have good advice on how to pray so there is no need to expand about it here. The next thing was love. Love is the most powerful force we humans have. I do not mean the love of lovers, the sexual love, but the greater love that we can experience when we are tuned with God. Love of God, love of yourself, of your neighbor, love of life. Like St Augustine said: Love and do what you want. If you believe in God and you pray, love will manifest in you and your life and it will change the way you live. So I was finally able to find three things that I could really say that I believe in: I believe in God; I believe in prayer, I believe in love. Seeing that is really simple I decided to call it Simple Religion. No books to read, no commandments. It�s so simple that I hope you can also say with me I believe in God, in prayer and in love; I believe in the Simple Religion. Email comments to: jmdsimple@gmail.com � 2:55 PM revdauphinee answered on 06/01/05: in answer to ther following "This is my simple religion: I believe in God; I believe in prayer; I believe in love." this sentence sounds ok, but it is not! even satan himself believes in all of those for he knows they exist!what is needed is not just simple belief but a knowlege of and relationship with Jesus the son of God !and an acceptance that he gave his life just for you ,If you had been the only person on earth he would have still died for you ! belief will not save you !prayer alone will not save you,love cannot save you !only Jesus can do that! MaggieB rated this answer paraclete rated this answer

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MaggieB asked on 05/31/05 - OK, I'm a little curious also! Hope, why all the posts, one after the other, when you don't respond to all answers you receive? What is your purpose? If you want to debate, why not go to the Discussion Forum? MaggieB revdauphinee answered on 06/01/05: Hope ,sory to say but this is the way I feel!I wont lie about my feelings, I do not agree with a lot of JWS doctrine! but have been told every time I have pointed that out to one of them that I hate them! I do not hate anyone! however I do believe Jehovas witnesses are brainwashed into wrong thinking.I also believe tehy are told that if others do not conform then they hate!this could not be further from the truth it is out of love we try to show them the error they are in and never out of any other emotion. However due to the fact that jesus told those who take his message to others Matthew 10:14 And whosoever shall not receive you, nor hear your words, when ye depart out of that house or city, shake off the dust of your feet. MaggieB rated this answer

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MaggieB asked on 05/31/05 - OK, I'm a little curious also! Hope, why all the posts, one after the other, when you don't respond to all answers you receive? What is your purpose? If you want to debate, why not go to the Discussion Forum? MaggieB revdauphinee answered on 05/31/05: Jws do not debate they are right in thier own minds and the rest of us are wrong! arcura rated this answer hOPE12 rated this answer MaggieB rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 05/31/05 - Attack of the Clones I see we have to enjure another attack of the clones, but I wonder when they will advance their thinking beyond the tired arguments they continually put forward. Afterall, Paul tells us he was advanceing in Judaism beyond that of his fellows, so it must be possible for a JW to also advance into the glorious light of Jesus Christ. If Paul could find Jesus in the old testament why can't the Watchtower Society? revdauphinee answered on 05/31/05: because they are brainwashed into thinking anyone who tries to teach them the right path hates them! MaggieB rated this answer paraclete rated this answer

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MaggieB asked on 05/31/05 - Pray for people of Iraq I am (xing) out the name of this soldier and his parents for safetys sake on the internet. He is a local soldier from my community and very well known. Tue, May 31, 2005 Rowan soldier - Pray for people of Iraq By XXXXXXXXXX Salisbury Post Last week Jeff xxxxxxx, the son of Donald and Carol xxxxxx of xxxxxxx, shared his experiences on an "escort detail" in a letter from Camp Taji, Iraq, where he's stationed with the 3rd Infantry Division. Not that he escorted anyone anywhere. That "detail," he explained, was "Army-speak, for watching two Iraqi citizens while they built a fence here at the camp." And the week he spent with them "was worth every bit of what I've done to this point." He broke bread with the two Iraqis and talked to them about their lives. "A lot of people back home have this idea that Iraq is overrun with people out to kill us, get us out at all costs, and generally hate us," he wrote, but instead, he had made friends � and felt like his experience was not unique. But another letter followed, and by then he had returned to his regular job in satellite communications. Gobble is a good writer, who says: "It just so happened that some orders came down that they needed people to man the gate guard positions on the outskirts of the post we live and work on. "The life of a soldier is not that difficult," he added. They get up, take a shower, shave, check their haircut, go to work, follow orders, go home, go to sleep. But his orders for May were different. He was scheduled to guard the main gate for this post with several of his fellow soldiers. "And at first," he wrote, "it was terrible." The temperature was going up to 125 degrees here now during the day, "and, of course, we are wearing our full battle rattle (DCU- Desert Combat Uniform, helmet, a flack vest that adds 40 pounds to me and a full load of ammunition.) "On top of all this, not only is it hot, but the wind is not even cool... It feels like I'm stuck in a sandy hair dryer." But he's has the opportunity of working with the new Iraqi Army soldiers. Some had to serve in the Iraqi army under Sadaam Hussein. "And," he wrote, "they have some of the greatest and worst stories to tell. Others are young but still remember what life was like under that terrible man." For instance, they told him, under Sadaam, punishment for having a cell phone that he did not give them or authorize was 10 years in jail. For having the Internet, you could get 20 years. For making any negative remark about the government or positive remark about an Iraqi enemy was death. The soldiers who served in the Army were forced to be there. Armed men, Saddam's men, would come to their home, he was told, and demand that they join or they and their entire family would die. "Anyone who scored a certain percentage on tests in college or held a degree in physics, language, psychology, biology, etc. would be forced to join as well," he has been told. "Refusing meant certain death. If these things alone aren't enough to show some sort of picture of how bad this place was before, I just can't imagine what would be. The Iraqi men I serve beside, although they themselves are still learning to be free, are starting to show pride in themselves and in their country. "I feel that one day soon, their Army will be ready, and their country will be ready to stand on its own. I just read that 54 percent of the people don't have good water or sewers." The children, too, he writes, have "been on my heart. I've been wanting to do something to help them and just recently found out that people back home can help through the U.S. State Department," which works with the Iraqi Ministry of Culture. "Those are the people responsible for giving clothes and food to needy children over here," he writes. "I urge anyone who can to help. Let them know we are their friends, and together, we can be strong. Wow, there is so much I see and hear about here that sometimes it is overwhelming. If I could, I'd give a hand to every one that was outstretched to me. "... But still, continue to pray for the people of Iraq, that they can find peace. Pray for the military men and women... my brothers and sisters, that we come home together. Even pray for Zarqawi, the mastermind terrorist. Pray that we find him before he destroys another life, another family. "I'll keep praying for you all, and I love you and can't wait to get home. Thanks for listening to a now, more understanding soldier." Contact xxxxx xxxxx at: xxxxxxsalisburypost.com. Thanks, Please pray for all concerned. MaggieB revdauphinee answered on 05/31/05: why cant our press report this???instead of just horror stories?? MaggieB rated this answer

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Pete_Hanysz asked on 05/31/05 - Just curious:) Quote from hOPE12 "Any and all who disobey God's laws and principles are part of Christendom. Anyone who does not obey God's laws are part of Christendom or also refered to in the Bible as Babylon the Great" I need some help on this please. Pete revdauphinee answered on 05/31/05: Jesus did not die for just some sins he died for all sins so if a person accepts thes fact and asks for that forgiveness he will recieve it and thus becomes a christian! denomination has nothing whatsoever to do with it!! Pete_Hanysz rated this answer

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carnitin asked on 05/31/05 - Should You Believe in the Trinity"(Watchtower booklet) Should You Believe in the Trinity" Top 10 List of Watchtower Satanic Quoting:(bible.ca) When a Jehovah�s Witness reads this top ten list, they either conclude the Watchtower organization engages is satanic quoting practices, or become dishonest themselves! This list is so powerful and irrefutable, that Jehovah's Witnesses have no idea how to deal with it! Their usual response is to quietly withdraw back into the shadows of anonymity from which they came. The Top 10 List: "Worst of the worst" of Watchtower satanic quoting in their booklet: "Should you believe in the Trinity?". This Satanic little booklet is used by Jehovah�s Witnesses to deceive the public into thinking that Trinity is a pagan doctrine. The booklet quotes close to 100 sources in total. We have included here a small sampling of their quotes. First, we have included Watchtower quotes from 8 unbelieving Christianity Trashers to prove trinity is pagan, who don't even believe the Bible! Had the Watchtower told you that these eight men also said that the entirety of Christianity was of pagan origin, we would withdraw our criticism! But the Watchtower makes it appear that these are eight men reject Trinity as pagan false doctrine, but believe the rest of the Bible doctrines as true. It is actually quite shocking, so fasten your seatbelt and make sure you are sitting down! We have also included two examples of how the Watchtower deliberately misquotes Bible believing Trinitarians and makes them say stuff that is opposite to what they intended. We strongly recommend you read the "Hostile witness approach" misused by the Watchtower as proof of satanic quoting practices. Top 10 List: #1 Bulletin of The John Rylands Library The author is a Christianity Trasher! "the fact has to be faced that New Testament research ... has been leading an increasing number of reputable New Testament scholars to the conclusion that Jesus ... certainly never believed himself to be God." Quoted by Watchtower In one of the most incredibly satanic examples of deceptive quoting, look what they left out with their ellipses (...) in the same continuous sentence below: "the fact has to be faced that New Testament research over, say, the last thirty or forty years has been leading an increasing number of reputable New Testament scholars to the conclusion that Jesus himself may not have claimed any of the Christological titles which the Gospels ascribe to him, not even the functional designation 'Christ', and certainly never believed himself to be God." So these "scholars" not only reject that Jesus claimed to be God, but that he also never claimed to be the messiah! We simply cannot understand why the Watchtower loves quoting these Christianity Trashers! Top 10 List: #2 E. Washburn Hopkins: Origin and Evolution of Religion Hopkins is a Christianity Trasher! "To Jesus and Paul the doctrine of the trinity was apparently unknown; . . . they say nothing about it." Quoted by Watchtower Look at the rest of the sentence: "The beginning of the doctrine of the Trinity appears already in John " (c. 100). To Jesus and Paul the doctrine of the trinity was apparently unknown" So while Hopkins believes Jesus and Paul rejected trinity, he says one sentence before, that the Gospel of John clearly teaches it! Of course Hopkins is another flaming Christianity Trasher who also said: "Finally, the life, temptation, miracles, parables, and even the disciples of Jesus have been derived directly from Buddhism." So Hopkins thinks that Trinity AND most of the Watchtower doctrines were derived from Buddhism! Wow! A very convincing proof indeed! Top 10 List: #3 Siegfried Morenz: Egyptian Religion Morenz is a Christianity Trasher! "trinity was a major preoccupation of Egyptian theologians. ... three gods are combined and treated as a single being, addressed in the singular. In this way the spiritual force of Egyptian religion shows a direct link with Christian theology" Quoted by Watchtower Look at the sentence below that they left out. In a most perplexing paradox, Morenz, who doesn�t believe the Bible, actually says the Bible teaches trinity. He is not saying Trinity is of pagan origin, but the entire Bible itself! "trinity was a major preoccupation of Egyptian theologians. ... three gods are combined and treated as a single being, addressed in the singular. In this way the spiritual force of Egyptian religion shows a direct link with Christian theology. In order to avoid any gross misunderstanding, we must at once emphasize that the substance of the Christian Trinity is of course Biblical: Father, Son and Holy Ghost. The three are mentioned alongside one another in the New Testament, probably for liturgical reasons." Morenz, is a Christianity Trasher! Not only does he say trinity is pagan, but notice that he also says that the expressions, 'second death' in the Revelation [chapter 20:14] 'crown of life' [James 1:12], 'crown of righteousness' were borrowed from the pagans! Having said this, Morenz actually says that the Bible clearly teaches the trinity! He doesn't Believe the Bible, thinks the Bible itself is of pagan origin, but that the Bible teaches trinity! What utter satanic deception the watchtower uses! Top 10 List: #4 Will Durant: The Story of Civilization Durant is a Christianity Trasher! "Christianity did not destroy paganism; it adopted it. . . . From Egypt came the ideas of a divine trinity." Quoted by Watchtower Look at the full sentence in red below that they left out. "Christianity did not destroy paganism; it adopted it ... From Egypt came the ideas of a divine trinity, the Last Judgment, and ... reward and punishment" So not only is trinity pagan, but also judgement day! Durant actually accuses the apostles of borrowing their doctrine from Paganism in the same sentence! Top 10 List: #5 Arthur Weigall: The Paganism in Our Christianity. Weigall is a Christianity Trasher! "The origin of the [Trinity] is entirely pagan." Quoted by Watchtower We call Weigall, the Watchtower's "star witness" in the case to prove trinity is pagan. He is used in the introduction and twice more in the booklet. Yet, Weigall trashes all of Christianity and also says that the Lord's Supper, Baptism and the virgin birth and trinity are all of pagan origin! Top 10 List: #6 Lyman Abbott: Dictionary of Religious Knowledge Abbot is a Christianity Trasher! Trinity "is a corruption borrowed from the heathen religions, and ingrafted on the Christian faith." Quoted by Watchtower It is dishonest for the Watchtower to not tell you the author also trashes all church organization, baptism, the Lord�s supper and the doctrine of blood atonement, and trinity in the same breath! Top 10 List: #7 Edward Gibbon: History of Christianity Gibbon is a Christianity Trasher! "If Paganism was conquered by Christianity, it is equally true that Christianity was corrupted by Paganism. The pure Deism of the first Christians . . . was changed, by the Church of Rome, into the incomprehensible dogma of the trinity." Quoted by Watchtower What Gibbon is saying, is that the Bible itself was of pagan origin, not just 4th century Trinitarian doctrine! "Gibbon was an infidel, and his unbelief lurks in every page of his work where Christianity is nearly or remotely touched upon. His skepticism leads him into manifold displays of unfairness and even into inaccuracies." (Cyclopedia of Biblical, theological and ecclesiastical literature, John McClintock and James Strong, Vol 3, p847 "Gibbon") Top 10 List: #8 Adolf Harnack: Outlines of the History of Dogma Harnack is a Christianity Trasher! "By the end of the third century C.E. ... church doctrine became "firmly rooted in the soil of Hellenism [ie. pagan doctrine] Quoted by Watchtower Here is what Harnack said a few sentences before: "The Christian religion in the 3rd century made no compromise with any of the pagan religions" But Harnack is a Christianity Trasher. "Harnack started with anti-Christian and anti-supernaturalistic presuppositions . . . Harnack's methods and assumptions forced him to reject major doctrines of Christianity such as the Virgin birth, the deity and pre-existence of Jesus, the Resurrection of the body, the possibility of miracles, the existence of demons, exorcism and Jesus as the promised Messiah." Harnack says that the church up to the 3rd century, was NOT AFFECTED by paganism. This the Watchtower did not want you to see, because it contradicts what they believe! So here is an example of the Watchtower twisting even what a Christianity Trasher says! Top 10 List: #9 Edmund Fortman: The Triune God Fortman is a Bible believing Trinitarian "There is no evidence that any sacred writer even suspected the existence of a [Trinity] within the Godhead." Quoted by Watchtower The Watchtower deliberately fails to tell you that Fortman's comment is specifically directed at only Old Testament writers to the exclusion of New Testament writers. The Watchtower makes it sound like Fortman is making a comment on the entire Bible! Top 10 List: #10 James Hastings: Encyclopedia of Religion and Ethics Hastings is a Bible believing Trinitarian "At first the Christian faith was not Trinitarian" Quoted by Watchtower Look at the complete sentence! At first the Christian faith was not Trinitarian in the a strictly ontological reference. The watchtower makes it sound like Hastings rejects trinity and agrees with the JW's when all he is really saying is in strict ontological terms. This is a huge deception! All Trinitarians would agree with Hastings. Hastings is discussing "Economic vs ontological trinity". (JW's have never even heard about this, much less understand it!) revdauphinee answered on 05/31/05: Jesus himself taught on the trinity in Matthew 28:18: And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. 28:19: Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: carnitin rated this answer

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hOPE12 asked on 05/31/05 - Apologetics Hello Everyone, What is Apologetics and should we believe what they teach? I personally do not respect any information that Apologetic organizations or any books written by anyone who is an Apologetic. I do not believe they have the truth. I will just name one teaching that Apologetics teach that is false. �The Trinity.� Is the Trinity a clear Bible teaching? The Bible says NO, it is not! IF THE Trinity were true, it should be clearly and consistently presented in the Bible. Why? Because, as the apostles affirmed, the Bible is God�s revelation of himself to mankind. And since we need to know God to worship him acceptably, the Bible should be clear in telling us just who he is. First-century believers accepted the Scriptures as the authentic revelation of God. It was the basis for their beliefs, the final authority. For example, when the apostle Paul preached to people in the city of Beroea, �they received the word with the greatest eagerness of mind, carefully examining the Scriptures daily as to whether these things were so.��Acts 17:10, 11. What did prominent men of God at that time use as their authority? Acts 17:2, 3 tells us: �According to Paul�s custom . . . he reasoned with them from the Scriptures, explaining and proving by references [from the Scriptures].� Jesus himself set the example in using the Scriptures as the basis for his teaching, repeatedly saying: �It is written.� �He interpreted to them things pertaining to himself in all the Scriptures.��Matthew 4:4, 7; Luke 24:27. Thus Jesus, Paul, and first-century believers used the Scriptures as the foundation for their teaching. They knew that �all Scripture is inspired of God and beneficial for teaching, for reproving, for setting things straight, for disciplining in righteousness, that the man of God may be fully competent, completely equipped for every good work.��2 Timothy 3:16, 17; see also 1 Corinthians 4:6; 1 Thessalonians 2:13; 2 Peter 1:20, 21. Since the Bible can �set things straight,� it should clearly reveal information about a matter as fundamental as the Trinity is claimed to be. But do theologians and historians themselves say that it is clearly a Bible teaching? Testimony of the Hebrew Scriptures WHILE the word �Trinity� is not found in the Bible, is at least the idea of the Trinity taught clearly in it? For instance, what do the Hebrew Scriptures (�Old Testament�) reveal? The Encyclopedia of Religion admits: �Theologians today are in agreement that the Hebrew Bible does not contain a doctrine of the Trinity.� And the New Catholic Encyclopedia also says: �The doctrine of the Holy Trinity is not taught in the O[ld] T[estament].� Similarly, in his book The Triune God, Jesuit Edmund Fortman admits: �The Old Testament . . . tells us nothing explicitly or by necessary implication of a Triune God who is Father, Son and Holy Spirit. . . . There is no evidence that any sacred writer even suspected the existence of a [Trinity] within the Godhead. . . . Even to see in [the �Old Testament�] suggestions or foreshadowings or �veiled signs� of the trinity of persons, is to go beyond the words and intent of the sacred writers.��Italics ours. An examination of the Hebrew Scriptures themselves will bear out these comments. Thus, there is no clear teaching of a Trinity in the first 39 books of the Bible that make up the true canon of the inspired Hebrew Scriptures. Testimony of the Greek Scriptures WELL, then, do the Christian Greek Scriptures (�New Testament�) speak clearly of a Trinity? The Encyclopedia of Religion says: �Theologians agree that the New Testament also does not contain an explicit doctrine of the Trinity.� Jesuit Fortman states: �The New Testament writers . . . give us no formal or formulated doctrine of the Trinity, no explicit teaching that in one God there are three co-equal divine persons. . . . Nowhere do we find any trinitarian doctrine of three distinct subjects of divine life and activity in the same Godhead.� The New Encyclop�dia Britannica observes: �Neither the word Trinity nor the explicit doctrine appears in the New Testament.� Bernhard Lohse says in A Short History of Christian Doctrine: �As far as the New Testament is concerned, one does not find in it an actual doctrine of the Trinity.� The New International Dictionary of New Testament Theology similarly states: �The N[ew] T[estament] does not contain the developed doctrine of the Trinity. �The Bible lacks the express declaration that the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit are of equal essence� [said Protestant theologian Karl Barth].� Yale University professor E. Washburn Hopkins affirmed: �To Jesus and Paul the doctrine of the trinity was apparently unknown; . . . they say nothing about it.��Origin and Evolution of Religion. Historian Arthur Weigall notes: �Jesus Christ never mentioned such a phenomenon, and nowhere in the New Testament does the word �Trinity� appear. The idea was only adopted by the Church three hundred years after the death of our Lord.��The Paganism in Our Christianity. Thus, neither the 39 books of the Hebrew Scriptures nor the canon of 27 inspired books of the Christian Greek Scriptures provide any clear teaching of the Trinity. DID the early Christians teach the Trinity? Note the following comments by historians and theologians: �Primitive Christianity did not have an explicit doctrine of the Trinity such as was subsequently elaborated in the creeds.��The New International Dictionary of New Testament Theology. �The early Christians, however, did not at first think of applying the [Trinity] idea to their own faith. They paid their devotions to God the Father and to Jesus Christ, the Son of God, and they recognised the . . . Holy Spirit; but there was no thought of these three being an actual Trinity, co-equal and united in One.��The Paganism in Our Christianity. �At first the Christian faith was not Trinitarian . . . It was not so in the apostolic and sub-apostolic ages, as reflected in the N[ew] T[estament] and other early Christian writings.��Encyclop�dia of Religion and Ethics. �The formulation �one God in three Persons� was not solidly established, certainly not fully assimilated into Christian life and its profession of faith, prior to the end of the 4th century. . . . Among the Apostolic Fathers, there had been nothing even remotely approaching such a mentality or perspective.��New Catholic Encyclopedia. The ante-Nicene Fathers were acknowledged to have been leading religious teachers in the early centuries after Christ�s birth. What they taught is of interest. Justin Martyr, who died about 165 C.E., called the prehuman Jesus a created angel who is �other than the God who made all things.� He said that Jesus was inferior to God and �never did anything except what the Creator . . . willed him to do and say.� Irenaeus, who died about 200 C.E., said that the prehuman Jesus had a separate existence from God and was inferior to him. He showed that Jesus is not equal to the �One true and only God,� who is �supreme over all, and besides whom there is no other.� Clement of Alexandria, who died about 215 C.E., called Jesus in his prehuman existence �a creature� but called God �the uncreated and imperishable and only true God.� He said that the Son �is next to the only omnipotent Father� but not equal to him. Tertullian, who died about 230 C.E., taught the supremacy of God. He observed: �The Father is different from the Son (another), as he is greater; as he who begets is different from him who is begotten; he who sends, different from him who is sent.� He also said: �There was a time when the Son was not. . . . Before all things, God was alone.� Hippolytus, who died about 235 C.E., said that God is �the one God, the first and the only One, the Maker and Lord of all,� who �had nothing co-eval [of equal age] with him . . . But he was One, alone by himself; who, willing it, called into being what had no being before,� such as the created prehuman Jesus. Origen, who died about 250 C.E., said that �the Father and Son are two substances . . . two things as to their essence,� and that �compared with the Father, [the Son] is a very small light.� Summing up the historical evidence, Alvan Lamson says in The Church of the First Three Centuries: �The modern popular doctrine of the Trinity . . . derives no support from the language of Justin [Martyr]: and this observation may be extended to all the ante-Nicene Fathers; that is, to all Christian writers for three centuries after the birth of Christ. It is true, they speak of the Father, Son, and . . . holy Spirit, but not as co-equal, not as one numerical essence, not as Three in One, in any sense now admitted by Trinitarians. The very reverse is the fact.� Thus, the testimony of the Bible and of history makes clear that the Trinity was unknown throughout Biblical times and for several centuries thereafter. What Does the Bible Say About God and Jesus? If people were to read the Bible from cover to cover without any preconceived idea of a Trinity, would they arrive at such a concept on their own? Not at all. What comes through very clearly to an impartial reader is that God alone is the Almighty, the Creator, separate and distinct from anyone else, and that Jesus, even in his pre-human existence, is also separate and distinct, a created being, subordinate to God. Those who follow the Apologetic organizations are always putting others down claiming they do not have the teachings of the bible and yet look who is talking about others not having the truth. Many books have been written on Apologetics, what is your personal opinion on Apologetics? Take care, Hope12 revdauphinee answered on 05/31/05: if the trinity is not!then why did Jesus teach Matthew 28:18: And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. 28:19: Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: hOPE12 rated this answer tomder55 rated this answer

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FormerJesusHelper76 asked on 05/31/05 - Thank You! Thank you Joy for your prayers and Thank you everybody for your prayers for our safety. The safety was in question a few times and there were a few times we were not sure if we were going to come back safely. We are home safe and sound thanks to God. It was a good experiance for the most part. God Bless! Joe revdauphinee answered on 05/31/05: glad you had a good and safe trip FormerJesusHelper76 rated this answer

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hOPE12 asked on 05/31/05 - Do you find this confusing. Hello Everyone, We live in a world where parents will not allow their child to eat a piece of candy off a dirty floor because they wish to protect them from sickness and hurting their bodies. This being the case why then do parents allow their children to polute or dirty their bodies and minds with video games, dirty music, smoking, fornication, drinking, going our without supervision of an adult, and things that not only can harm them but bring total destruction on them? Don't you find that confusing? A parent can see that dirty candy off the floor is dnagerous but allows their children to do things that can be deadly to them. Why do you feel that some parents allow their children to do such things and yet realize that dirty candy can make them sick and harm them? Take care, Hope12 revdauphinee answered on 05/31/05: because a lot of them have reprobate minds themselves hOPE12 rated this answer

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hOPE12 asked on 05/31/05 - Prayers Hello, What three qualities do you think we need to have in order for God to hear our prayers? Mark 11:24 Take care, Hope12 revdauphinee answered on 05/31/05: faith .trust ,belief hOPE12 rated this answer

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hOPE12 asked on 05/31/05 - What do you think??? Hello Everyone, Here is something to think about! When God created Adam and Eve, He made them peerfect in body and mind. He put them in a paradise garden and gave them satisfying work to do. The Bible states, "God saw that everthing he had made and look! it was very good."Genesis 1:31. If they had obeyed God, they would ohave produced, perfect5 children, and the earth would have become a global paradis, where people would live forever in peace and happiness. God implanted in Adam and Ever the wonderful gift of free will as part of the human makeup. They were not to be mindless robots. Their continued happiness depended upon their using free will in the right way, that was to obey God's laws. God himself says: "I Jehovah, am your God, the One teaching your to benefit yourself, the One causing you to tread in the way in which you should walk." Isaiah 48:17. Misuse of free will would result in catastrophe, since humans were not created to be successful independent of God. The Bible says, "To earthling man his way does not belong. It does not belong to man who is walking even to direct his step." Jeremiah 10:23 It is really sad that our first parents felt that they could be independent of God and still be successful. But when they pulled away from God's rulership, he no longer sustained them in perfection. So they began to degenrate until finally they got old and died. Consistent with the laws of genetics, we have inherited that imperfection and death. Romans 5:12 God could had detroyed Adam and Eve and start over with another human pair. But he didn't, Why? Because God's universal sovereignty, his right to rule, had been challenge, The issue is, who has the right to rule? Could humans have done a better job if not ruled by God? God has allowed time for man to see for themselves if they could do better, trying all types of political, social, economical and religious systems apart from God's guidance. What have we seen happening? Are we truly better off? Thousands of year of human history tell us that there has been more amd more suffering. In the past century, the human family has experienced the worst suffering ever. Millions were murdered during the Holocaust. Over a 100 million have been slaughtered in wars. Crime and violence are everywhere. Drug abuse is epidemic. Sexually transmitted dieases continue to spreadd Moral values have become almost nothing. Aging, sickness, and death are what each of us face each day. Some blame God for the problems humans suffer. Yet, is it really God's fault? What do you think? Man has been trying to rule themselves independent of God, but has is been worth it? What do you think? Will this suffering ever end? What does Bible prophecy tell us will happen to mans suffering and will we return obedience to our Creator? How does Psalm 37:10,11,29 ; Revelation 21:4 ; Acts 24:15 and Luke 23:42 fit into the answer to the above questions. What do you think? Take care, Hope12 revdauphinee answered on 05/31/05: question: Will this suffering ever end? What does Bible prophecy tell us will happen to mans suffering Answer: Revelation 21:2: And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. 21:3: And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God. 21:4: And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away hOPE12 rated this answer

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hOPE12 asked on 05/30/05 - Luke 21:20,21 Hello Everyone, Jesus gave us a warning about fleeing to the first century followers, why is it even more urgent to heed the Bibles warning about the end of this present syestem and what shoue we flee from? Take care, Hope12 revdauphinee answered on 05/30/05: sin! hOPE12 rated this answer

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hOPE12 asked on 05/30/05 - Love for us: Hello Everyone, We know God loves us because he gave His son, Jesus Christ so we could live. What though are some indications that you personally love God? Take care, Hope12 revdauphinee answered on 05/30/05: that knowing full well how inperfect I am I keep on trying ! hOPE12 rated this answer Liz22 rated this answer

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hOPE12 asked on 05/30/05 - Are you Convinced?? Hello Everyone, What convinces you personally that the Bible is really God's Word? Take care, Hope12 revdauphinee answered on 05/30/05: the prophecies in it that have come to pass! hOPE12 rated this answer

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hOPE12 asked on 05/30/05 - Suffering! Hello Everyone, Since God purposed for humans to have such a marvelours future if obedient to him, why did he permit suffering to start in the first place? Why has he allowed it to continue for so long? What is the purpose of allowing humans to suffer? Take care, Hope12 revdauphinee answered on 05/30/05: we caused our own suffering back in eden!he allowes it because we chose it,he never intended us to suffer but when we make the choise to sin then he allows it ! hOPE12 rated this answer

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HANK1 asked on 05/30/05 - Heaven & Earth: Why do SOME people think MORE about SURVIVING after death than they do about SURVIVING before death on Earth? Is the former psychologically healthy? HANK revdauphinee answered on 05/30/05: age has a lot to do with it !as one gets older we realize how fragile this life is and as death aproaches (none of us life in this life forever) we look for hope in the hereafter! HANK1 rated this answer

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HANK1 asked on 05/30/05 - Speaking of Angels ... "Prayer for Fallen Soldiers" Dear Lord Jesus and Mary, Mother of God, Hold all these brave souls in the palm of your hand, comfort them and their families. Send ANGELS of protection, love, and comfort to all the service men and women still at war, bring them home safely and comfort their families. We ask all our prayers in Jesus' name. Amen." Citation: Beliefnet HANK revdauphinee answered on 05/30/05: while the prayer is well intended we need not ask Mary because while she should be venerated as his mother , 1 Timothy 2:5 For there is one God, and ""one"" mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus; HANK1 rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 05/29/05 - For those who haven't made a decision yet Christianity wins hands down in the best religion stakes http://www.fadetoblack.com/consumerreport/religion/index1.html revdauphinee answered on 05/30/05: I have never understood why some folks differenciate Christians and catholicity!Do Catholicsnot worship Christ?then of cource they are Christian!to me its just another example of "My faith is better than yours""promoted by some organised religions.and its wrong!we are all doing our best to follow his teachings and if your faith is based on belief in Jesus and his death to forgive sin then you should be included as a christian .It seems to me that many of the organised churches are doing more to spread disent than they are to spreading the word! paraclete rated this answer

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HANK1 asked on 05/29/05 - Communication: How do you speak to an angel? (One of God's messengers) Can an angel be identified tangibly? HANK revdauphinee answered on 05/29/05: Keep on loving each other as brothers. Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some people have entertained angels without knowing it. (Heb 13:1-2 NIV) HANK1 rated this answer

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hOPE12 asked on 05/29/05 - What is the End? Hello Everyone, Do you know what the end is mentioned at Matthew 24:14: ൖ�And this good news of the kingdom will be preached in all the inhabited earth for a witness to all the nations; and then the end will come." What is the end that this scripture speaks about? What is the good news about the kingdom that this scripture mentions? Take care, Hope12 revdauphinee answered on 05/29/05: the good news is the word og God and the forgiveness of sin by Christ the end is found in the book of revelation 21:2: And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. 21:3: And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God. 21:4: And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away. Pete_Hanysz rated this answer Krewton rated this answer hOPE12 rated this answer

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hOPE12 asked on 05/29/05 - God's right to Rule humans! Hello everyone, Do you personally feel that the creator of the universe has the right to rule man? If so, why do you feel that way? If not, why do you feel that way? How is God's right to rule balanced with the free will God gave us? Does free will mean complete indepedence? Take care, Hope12 revdauphinee answered on 05/29/05: have to agree with stoney on that one .however he does rule the universe for who else could keep order in it!he has the right to rule his own creation. hOPE12 rated this answer

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CeeBee2 asked on 05/28/05 - "The Last Supper" by Andy Warhol. Advertising logos for Wise Potato Chips, Mr. Peanut, Dove Soap, and General Electric are superimposed on the figures of Christ and the Apostles. Artistic license...or heresy? revdauphinee answered on 05/28/05: in my eyes heresy !but thats just my oppinion. CeeBee2 rated this answer

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Choux asked on 05/28/05 - Deep Depression I have fallen into a very deep depression. I anticipated being able to read books with my new glasses, and I can't. I was not aware that cataracts disrupted all vision; don't ask me why. Because I have a cataract on my left eye, my vision cannot be corrected enough for me to read or see clearly at any distance (except better at compurter). I'm going to see an opthamologist for help, but of course, I have no resources to get another pair of glasses should I get help from him. Doris, my friend, is working on stuff to see what can be done. Consequently, I'm taking a vacation from AW until I'm able to function better. Mary Sue revdauphinee answered on 05/28/05: have you concidered talking books? my mom loved to read and after she lost her sight we got her some and she enjoyed them imensly all the best sellers are recorded for the sight impared.I will pray your sight be restored. Choux rated this answer Liz22 rated this answer

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Choux asked on 05/28/05 - Deep Depression I have fallen into a very deep depression. I anticipated being able to read books with my new glasses, and I can't. I was not aware that cataracts disrupted all vision; don't ask me why. Because I have a cataract on my left eye, my vision cannot be corrected enough for me to read or see clearly at any distance (except better at compurter). I'm going to see an opthamologist for help, but of course, I have no resources to get another pair of glasses should I get help from him. Doris, my friend, is working on stuff to see what can be done. Consequently, I'm taking a vacation from AW until I'm able to function better. Mary Sue revdauphinee answered on 05/28/05: have you concidered talking books? my mom loved to read and after she lost her sight we got her some and she enjoyed them imensly all the best sellers are recorded for the sight impared.I will pray your sight be restored. Choux rated this answer

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Pamela asked on 05/26/05 - From the New Catholic Encyclopedia - the holy grail poem of Chrestien, regarded by many as the oldest known Grail romance, tells of Perceval's visit to the Grail castle, where he sees a Graal borne in by a damsel. Its accompaniments are a bleeding lance and a silver plate. It is a precious vessel set with jewels, and so resplendent as to eclipse the lights of the hall. All the assembled knights show it reverence. Mindful of an injunction not to inquire too much, Perceval does not ask concerning the significance of what he sees, and thereby incurs guilt and reproach. Undoubtly Chrestien meant to relate the hero's second visit to the castle, when he would have put the question and received the desired information. But the poet did not live to finish his story, whether the explanation of the Graal, offered by the continuators, is that which Chrestien what the Graal signifies; in his version it has no pronounced religious character. On the other hand, in the Early History versions it is invested with the greatest sanctity. It is explained as the dish from which Christ ate the Paschal lamb with his disciples, which passed into possession of Joseph of Arimathea, and was used by him to gather the Precious Blood of Our Saviour, when His body was taken from the Cross. It becomes identified with the Chalice of the Eucharist. The lance is explained as the one with which Longinus pierced Our Lord's side, As you can see the Church stated that the same cup used in the last supper was filled with Christ's blood fby Joseph of Arimithea. I stand correcetd on that. But the PAINTING - the Virgin on the Cross depicted Mary Magdalene as collecting the blood with her hair. There is no discrepancy and that is what the Catholic boss of channel 9 showed very clearly when he wshowed the two paintings by Da Vinci while debunking the Da Vinci Code. There is no way that Mr Packer would put accross theidea that Da Vinci's Last Supper was portraying homosexuality. Especially not since it was compared with the Virgin on the Cross. I repeat - the grail is a legend, the paintings are REAL. revdauphinee answered on 05/27/05: King Arthur .sir percival .and lancelot are legends and are not authenticated facts Legends Pronunciation: 'le-j&nd Function: noun Etymology: Middle English legende, from Middle French & Medieval Latin; Middle French legende, from Medieval Latin legenda, from Latin, feminine of legendus, gerundive of legere to gather, select, read; akin to Greek legein to gather, say, logos speech, word, reason Date: 14th century 1 a : a story coming down from the past; especially : one popularly regarded as historical although ((((not verifiable))))) b : a body of such stories a popular (((myth))) of recent origin d : Pete_Hanysz rated this answer Pamela rated this answer

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john4321 asked on 05/26/05 - IQ Qualifications To Post Here Like 80 or below? Pamela, how often do they let you out of the home? Weekends? Or once a month? revdauphinee answered on 05/27/05: but she is doing little to promote the JW cause if this is her aim>Not that i would ever go for their doctrine anyway .she has a right to her beliefs and that much I respect but please do not expect others to agree with it!her agrssiveness is a put off to me personaly not an invitation to have discource chewy rated this answer

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Pamela asked on 05/26/05 - Ive tried posting this as a clarification - To Cee Bee et al. In answer to CeeBee - the red haired "young man" seen cuddling an apostle in Da Vinci's mural is the same as in his painting the Virgin on the Cross where Mary Magdalene is seen soaking up Jesus' blood with her hair. This was the basis for the legend of the holy grail. She is said to have squeezed the blood into a cup. The holy grail the Knight's Templar searched for was not the cup used at the last supper. revdauphinee answered on 05/27/05: Pamela I cant believe you believe all you see on tv.have to agree with chewy that most of it is sensational nonesence. katiy rated this answer Pamela rated this answer

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Itsdb asked on 05/26/05 - Pentagon says detainee retracts Koran allegation Thu May 26, 2005 04:18 PM ET By Will Dunham WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The Guantanamo detainee who told an FBI agent in 2002 that U.S. personnel there had flushed a Koran in a toilet retracted his allegation when questioned this month by military investigators, the Pentagon said on Thursday. "We've gone back to the detainee who allegedly made the allegation and he has said it didn't happen. So the underlying allegation, the detainee himself, within the last two weeks, said that didn't happen," chief Pentagon spokesman Lawrence Di Rita told a briefing. An FBI document, dated Aug. 1, 2002, contained a summary of statements made by the detainee in two interviews with an FBI special agent at the prison for foreign terrorism suspects at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. The names of the detainee and the agent were redacted. "The guards in the detention facility do not treat him well. Their behavior is bad. About five months ago, the guards beat the detainees. They flushed a Koran in the toilet," the FBI agent wrote. Di Rita told reporters on Wednesday the U.S. military, as part of an inquiry into Koran treatment at the U.S. naval base at Guantanamo, interviewed the same detainee on May 14, and that the man did not corroborate the earlier allegation. But Di Rita at the time said he did not know whether the man actually had recanted his earlier statement. During his news conference on Thursday, Di Rita said he changed his account of what the detainee had said after getting more information from the commander of the Guantanamo prison, Brig. Gen. Jay Hood. NOT KNOWLEDGEABLE Di Rita did not identify the detainee or release his exact words. Another senior Pentagon spokesman, Bryan Whitman, said the detainee "indicated, when asked about the desecration, that he was not knowledgeable of anything." The American Civil Liberties Union released the FBI document and a series of others it obtained from the government through the Freedom of Information Act. In other documents, FBI agents stated that Guantanamo detainees also accused U.S. personnel of kicking the Koran and throwing it to the floor, and described beatings by guards. The Bush administration has denounced as wrong a May 9 Newsweek article that stated U.S. interrogators at Guantanamo had flushed a Koran down a toilet to try to make detainees talk. The magazine retracted the article. The ACLU on Thursday released another FBI document that stated that Defense Department personnel at Guantanamo impersonated State Department and FBI officials during prisoner interrogations at the jail. Most of the document is redacted. Asked whether Defense Department personnel did this, Di Rita said, "I don't know the answer," but that the matter was part of an ongoing military investigation. � Reuters 2005. All Rights Reserved. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Can we now drop the Koran flushing non-issue and stop trying to equate the U.S. with kidnapping, head chopping, suicide bombing, Islamic terrorists that think nothing of desecrating our flag, eliminating Jews, Christians and yes, children in the name of Allah? Steve revdauphinee answered on 05/27/05: why all the fuss about a book when they are beheading folks on film !!!It didnt happen I have a quran its bound very well and i care to much about my plumbing to try that>How many bibles have they burned are we rioting(maybee we should!) Itsdb rated this answer

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Choux asked on 05/26/05 - Illegal Aliens I was just typing an answer to a question and went off into non-sequetors as I saw on Fox News what was said to be a film of Hispanics crossing a river in a boat to get to America, and how the film was of them drowning! I had to close my eyes quickly I was so upset. Any comments about Fox News? revdauphinee answered on 05/27/05: I like fox it tells it as it is not how it might be. Choux rated this answer

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Pamela asked on 05/25/05 - Let's play spot the difference. The original mural of Leonardo Da Vinci's the Last Supper is different to the canvas painting in the Louvre by Philippe de Champaigne. Can you tell me what the differences are and why the original mural does NOT prove that Mary Magdalene was Jesus' wife. revdauphinee answered on 05/27/05: and if he were already married when he dies on the cross does that make his death any less value??marriage is not a sin.was he not said to have experience all that man did then would not mariage be one of those things///Im not saying he was i dont know !but for me he still died for my sin and married or not he still did what he came to earth to do so for me it makes no difference. Pamela rated this answer

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arcura asked on 05/25/05 - Have you seen the latest Star Wars movie? I haven't seen it yet, but I intened to look for this when I do see it. Star Wars III and The Church If you intend on seeing Star Wars Episode III you might want to be aware of this theology������.. Editor's Note: This article contains explanations of scenes from Star Wars: Episode III: Revenge of the Sith � so if you want to be surprised, archive this article and read it when you return from the cinema. No one who is remotely theologically grounded would ever equate the Jedi of the "Star Wars" films with the Church � but since, in the Star Wars mythology, they are the agents of good, Christians attending these films naturally identify with them. And why not? They are dedicated to peace and are, as old Ben Kenobi told young Luke Skywalker, the guardians of peace in the Old Republic. But as the Star Wars legend unfolds, viewers discover that instead of continuing the clear good-versus-evil theme of the first film, the later films demonstrate that the Jedi operate heavily in what some might call the "gray areas." The Jedi are ascetics, but not in the mold of the Christian ascetics who subdued their bodies in order to get closer to God and become more holy. The Jedi are more closely aligned with the pagan ascetics who used self-mastery to gain power. (A detailed explanation of this similarity is available on the MovieMinistry website). The latest installment, Revenge of the Sith, details Anakin Skywalker's descent from prospective Jedi Master to Sith Lord, Darth Vader. And while George Lucas' characters like to talk a lot about "destiny," it seems clear that the actions of the Jedi were more than mere coincidental factors in Anakin's transformation. What I saw in the film could be a primer in how to turn an apostle to an apostate. For Christians willing to use a fictional movie as a mirror to examine their own behaviors, Revenge of the Sith can serve as a cautionary tale, particularly about how some churches treat their young members. When the Church feels like a hostile place, acts hypocritically, is insensitive, and avoids dogma, it, like the Jedi, can contribute toward pushing people to an embracing, waiting Dark Side. Kept at Arm's Length A slave since birth, Anakin is forced to leave his mother on Tatooine because he is going to be made part of something bigger than himself � the Jedi order. But once he is presented to the Jedi Council, their initial inclination is to reject the boy as too old and full of anger (never mind all of the things he might have to be angry about). But by Revenge of the Sith, Anakin has proven his worth on many occasions, including saving his master Obi-Wan ten times. That Anakin is a powerful Jedi is without question, but other than Obi-Wan, none of the other Jedi actively befriend the young man. When Chancellor Palpatine tells Anakin that the Jedi Council are afraid of Anakin's power and are keeping him down because they fear they will be unable to control him, the accusation has a ring of truth to it � and not simply because Anakin is liable to pride. Hypocrisy Anakin commits a serious sin � slaying the evil Count Dooku on the order of Chancellor Palpatine. As soon as he does it, he feels regret, saying that to kill an unarmed prisoner is "not the Jedi way." Palpatine tries to assure Anakin that the desire for revenge is natural � but Anakin is troubled by his own actions. He wants to believe in, and follow, the way of the Jedi. But soon after, he discovers that even the guardians of the Jedi order lack the purity he seeks. His own mentor, Obi-Wan, asks him to spy on the chancellor, to use his position of friendship as a means to funnel information to the Jedi Council. Anakin balks at this treachery, citing it as a violation of the Jedi Code, but Obi-Wan tells him that the ongoing war justifies this breach of the rules. Later, after Anakin discovers the true identity of Chancellor Palpatine, that he is a Sith lord, he does what is right and reveals it to the Jedi Council. But when Anakin arrives at the scene of what is supposed to be an arrest, he finds Jedi Master Mace Windu about to execute the Chancellor in direct violation of the Jedi Code which demands that the unarmed prisoner be brought to trial. Again, Windu makes an excuse � it is the same excuse the chancellor gave Anakin for killing Count Dooku � and attempts to follow through on his threat until Anakin stops him, and mayhem ensues. It is the Jedi�s abandonment of their own principles that leads to Anakin's abandonment of the Jedi way. Hypocrisy leads to disillusionment. The old joke is that a man says that he doesn't want to go to church because it is filled with hypocrites, to which his friend replies, "Then you'll feel right at home!" As long as there are humans involved in churches, there will always be sin issues. It is how we handle those sins, particularly among leadership, that is important. When young people hear adults say one thing, yet do another, it causes them to question the veracity of other teachings. We are on dangerous ground when the Church does not appear to have any more claim to holiness than the world. The young are watching, looking for examples to follow. nsensitivity Anakin is troubled by what he perceives to be unfair treatment at the hands of the Jedi Council. He is also plagued by premonitions of his wife's death in childbirth. What he seeks are justice and understanding. What he gets are platitudes and indifference. His friend and master teacher, Obi-Wan, advises patience � eventually the Jedi Council will come around. Never does Obi-Wan commiserate with Anakin or explain, let alone defend him against, the perceived injustice. Troubled, Anakin tells his dreams of Padme's death to Yoda, who advises detachment rather than care for loved ones in danger. Feeling abandoned and ill-advised, it is not surprising that Anakin seeks aid and comfort from his friend, the Chancellor. Young Christians have problems, doubts, and insecurities. Even if older believers think them unwarranted, they are real to those experiencing them. Dismissing the problems of young Christians as "phases" � something the young will "grow out of" is insensitive, even if true. Additionally, sometimes advisors do not know how to act when faced with tragedy. When Yoda tells Anakin that death is a natural part of life and should be embraced, I thought of the many platitudes that people use when discussing death � "well, they've gone to a better place," "death can be a blessing," etc. As someone who sat in the hospital room as my mother died from lung cancer, I can attest to the hollowness of such words. Death is the enemy � we should hate it. When people have loved ones who die, and want to sob, Scripture says we are to cry with them (Rom. 12:15). This generation is marked by people desperate for understanding and community. One way or another, they will find it. Abandoning Dogma From Obi-Wan's brief hesitation in explaining the death of Luke's father in the original Star Wars, to his denunciation of absolutes (while, I might add, making an absolute statement himself) in Revenge of the Sith, I have been bothered by the loose sense of the truth exhibited by the Jedi. Considered to be teachers, custodians of the Jedi way and the Jedi temple, whenever they are caught in a lie, or in a compromise of their principles, they are quick to say that their explanations or actions are true "from a certain point of view." Anakin is a quick study. He comes to believe that whatever is convenient to move your agenda forward can be justified by identifying it as your point of view. And yet, when there is a final clash between Anakin's point of view and Obi-Wan's, Obi-Wan wastes no time in judgmentally accusing Anakin of being "lost" � as if there actually is a way. When assertions of truth serve convenience, we cannot complain when others find them inconvenient. The Role of Cautionary Tales The prequels to the original Star Wars Trilogy are nearly a primer on how to create an environment conducive to loss of faith. And lest this look simply like a "blame the Church" screed, I admit that Anakin's arrogance and pride were the primary factors that led to his fall. Individual rebellion is still the hallmark of those who stray from the path. Nevertheless, those in the Church should be willing to examine themselves to see if they are inadvertently creating a culture hostile to the growth of young believers. Fictional stories have the tremendous capacity to enable us to look at ourselves by looking at others. But they work only to the extent that we are willing to change. By making our houses of worship inviting to all, by nurturing the gifts of our members, seeking forgiveness when we act inconsistently with our preaching, being sensitive to people who are hurting, and by bravely speaking the truth we can show the world the love of Christ. And in doing so, perhaps even those who have apparently abandoned their faith can turn around, as Anakin eventually does, and see embodied in the Church something to believe in. revdauphinee answered on 05/25/05: havent seen this as yet but I do intend to > arcura rated this answer

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arcura asked on 05/25/05 - Are you aware of these myths? I just got these myths from Grassfire Net. I think they are interesting. What do you think about them? Fred ++Myth #1--Illegal aliens pay taxes that benefit our economy Not true. Most illegals are paid in cash and therefore pay no taxes. Even in instances where they do pay taxes (only possible if they use a fraudulent social security number or tax ID) they don't pay enough to cover their expenses. A visit to any L.A. County maternity ward will give you ample proof of this. There thousands of women each year have babies free of charge (and many return to have more). Additionally, the vast majority learn who to use the system to acquire food stamps and financial assistance. ++ Myth #2--Illegals come to the U.S. for jobs to support their families back in their homeland. This is partly true. However record numbers of those illegally crossing the borders are women and children! What's more, there are also record numbers of dead-beat dads who simply abandon their families. ++ Myth #3--Illegals don't affect politics because they can't vote Not true. The fact that they are counted in the census gives them political power. Since representatives in Congress are fixed, it creates a situation in state's that have a heavy influence of illegals. Those "illegals" will likely be represented. As such, it takes away representation from people in other states--people who are here legally. ++ Myth #4--Illegals do the work that Americans won't do Not true. Americans will do the work provided they are paid a reasonable wage. But profit-greedy employers and corporations are increasingly favoring cheap labor. Their profits soar, but at the expense of American taxpayers who have to subsidize the labor costs by supplying the illegal workforce (and their families) with welfare, education, medical, housing assistance. Employers of these people simply turn a deaf ear. ++ Myth #5--Illegal Immigration doesn't really affect me Not true. As we have reported in the past, in non-border states like Connecticut, North Carolina, Georgia and New Jersey, illegal immigration is rampant. That means in each of these states, benefits allocated to citizens are being taxed and stressed by illegal infiltration. If the problem becomes severe enough (as in California and Arizona) those services dry up. In both L.A., and Tucson, AZ hospitals have been forced to close due to the incredible strain of illegals. revdauphinee answered on 05/25/05: as a legal imigrant it anoyes me to know that I went through the propper chanels to come here and they do not ! arcura rated this answer kindj rated this answer Pamela rated this answer tomder55 rated this answer

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Pamela asked on 05/25/05 - Let's play spot the difference. The original mural of Leonardo Da Vinci's the Last Supper is different to the canvas painting in the Louvre by Philippe de Champaigne. Can you tell me what the differences are and why the original mural does NOT prove that Mary Magdalene was Jesus' wife. revdauphinee answered on 05/25/05: afraid I dont know the differences would Like you to enlighten me,however what difference would it make if Jesus were married? marriage is not a sin! we cannot "prove"anything that Jesus did we have to believe by faith.But I was always told he experienced all that mankind experienced and is not marriage one of those experiences??I do not know if he was or not but to me it would change nothing! Chilloutinparis rated this answer Pamela rated this answer

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hOPE12 asked on 05/25/05 - Changes you personally would make. Hi, If you had the ability and the authority to change all the things you don't like in this world, what would you change and how would you go about changing them? Take care, Hope12 revdauphinee answered on 05/25/05: to begin with the whole world would be christian! when every ione believes in him he can take care of the rest> hOPE12 rated this answer

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hOPE12 asked on 05/25/05 - Hate and love! Hello Everyone, In the Bible we are told to love our neighbor and to hate what is bad. How does a God fearing person balance the two qualities of love and hate? Should we hate a person? Should we hate the bad conduct and love the person? How do you balance the two in your personal life? Take care, Hope12 revdauphinee answered on 05/25/05: do as God does he hates the sin while loving the sinner! hOPE12 rated this answer

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arcura asked on 05/25/05 - When you were a teenager were there books likr this? May 25, 2005 "Educational" Smut For Kids By: Michellen Malkin Here's a rich irony: I'm writing today about a new children's book, but I can't describe the plot in a family newspaper without warning you first that it is entirely inappropriate for children. The book is "Rainbow Party," by juvenile fiction author Paul Ruditis. The publisher is Simon Pulse, a kiddie lit division of the esteemed Simon & Schuster. The cover of the book features the title spelled out in fun, Crayola-bright font. Beneath the title is an illustrated array of lipsticks in bold colors. The main characters in the book are high school sophomores -- supposedly typical 14- and 15-year-olds with names such as "Gin" and "Sandy." The book opens with these two girls shopping for lipstick at the mall in advance of a special party. The girls banter as they hunt for lipsticks in every color of the rainbow: "Okay, we've got red, orange, and purple," Gin said. "Now we just need yellow, green, and blue." "Don't forget indigo," Sandy said as she scanned the row of lipstick tubes. "What are you talking about?" "Indigo," Sandy repeated as if that explained everything. "You know. ROY G. BIV. Red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, violet." "That's seven lipsticks. Only six girls are coming. We don't need it." What kind of party do you imagine they might be organizing? Perhaps a makeover party? With moms and daughters sharing their best beauty secrets and bonding in the process? Alas, no. No parents are invited to this get-together. A "rainbow party," you see, is a gathering of boys and girls for the purpose of engaging in group oral sex. Each girl wears a different colored lipstick and leaves a mark on each boy. At night's end, the boys proudly sport their own cosmetically sealed rainbow you-know-where -- bringing a whole new meaning to the concept of "party favors." In the end, the kids in the book abandon plans for the event and news of an epidemic of sexually transmitted diseases rocks their school. But the front cover and book marketing emphasize titillation over education, overpowering any redeeming value the book might have. Indeed, according to Publisher's Weekly, the bound galleys sent to booksellers carried the provocative tagline, "don't you want to know what really goes down?" The author and publisher of the book seem to have persuaded themselves that they are doing families a favor. Simon & Schuster did not return my call seeking comment, but Bethany Buck, Ruditis' editor, told USA Today the intention was to "scare" young readers (uh-huh), and Ruditis told Publisher's Weekly: "Part of me doesn't understand why people don't want to talk about [oral sex]," he said. "Kids are having sex and they are actively engaged in oral sex and think it's not really sex. I raised questions in my book and I hope that parents and children or teachers and students can open a topic of conversation through it. Rainbow parties are such an interesting topic. It's such a childlike way to look at such an adult subject -- with rainbow colors." Teenage group orgies are "an interesting topic"? Is Ruditis out of his mind? We can only pray Simon & Schuster keeps him away from the preschool "Rubbadubbers" books. In a small sign that decency and common sense still survive in the marketplace, a number of children's book sellers are refusing to stock "Rainbow Party." But as Ruditis' comments indicate, it's just a matter of time before the book ends up on public school library shelves in the name of "educating" children and helping them "deal with reality." The teen lit market is now awash in sexually explicit books that would require brown-paper wrapping if sold at 7-11; their authors are being hailed as "edgy." For once, radio shock jock Howard Stern has my sympathy. When Oprah Winfrey aired a show last year in which a guest joked bawdily about teenage "rainbow parties" under the guise of enlightening parents, Stern pointed out the regulatory double standards. Why should he be punished for indecent broadcasts while Oprah escaped scrutiny for equally explicit -- and exploitative -- content? Stern is in the wrong line of work. If you want to peddle smut with society's approval, children's books and sex ed is where it's at. revdauphinee answered on 05/25/05: heard about this on the shaun Hammity show on the radio on my way home this evening personaly I think it is disgusting < arcura rated this answer

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Pamela asked on 05/24/05 - Rock spiders About 20 years ago a friend of mine reported a child abuse case to the elders in our congregation. She had been babysitting some children who complainde to her about being molested. The wife would do nothing so she phoned the elders who immediately went to the police. This low life form spent 8 years in prison and died in a car accident soon after his release. No one cries when a rock spider dies. revdauphinee answered on 05/24/05: because of the spiders future location Jesus may weep! Pamela rated this answer

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Pamela asked on 05/24/05 - Equality Pope John Paul II arrived at the pearly gates. Peter said to him: "Welcome brother. Please remember we are all equal here. No more titles. Please come with me to join the queue for dinner." So Peter and JPII joined the queue but JPII was suprised when someone wearing a white coat and a stethoscope walked straight to the front of the queue. "I thought you said we are all equal here" JPII said to Peter. Peter replied: "Oh that was God. Sometimes he likes to play doctor" revdauphinee answered on 05/24/05: I once asked my doctor what was the difference between him and God ,when he said he didnt know I told him God didnt think he was a doctor! Pamela rated this answer

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excon asked on 05/24/05 - Horrifficness!! Hello Christians: Well, there you have it. Just as we were discussing it, some lousy 17 year old pedophile had his way with an 8 year old, stuck her in a dumpster, buried under a bunch of rocks and left her for dead. 17 or not, first offender or not, eventually certified as rehabilitated or not; this guy should never see the light of day again. And of course, being listed in a "sex offender registry" in the future is an affront to the children of the world. Harsh?? Yup!! However, I'm willing to listen. excon revdauphinee answered on 05/24/05: I agree at 17 this man (he is not a child)is more than old enough to know wrong from right and if one chooses to do wrong then punishment,not listing on some registry is needed! excon rated this answer paraclete rated this answer

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STONY asked on 05/24/05 - A PRAYER REQUEST FROM A FRIEND. Would you please pray for my grandkids - Samantha (18 mos) and Zachary (4-1/2) Samantha is on her third round of antibiotics - this time for an ear infection and she is having a bad reaction to the antibiotics (they'll try a new one tonight.) She just recovered from an severe bronchitis that required two rounds of antibiotics. She is also getting her molars and is in quite a bit of pain and is very fussy. Zachary has a bad ear ache that developed tonight. He also just finished antibiotics for a throat and bronchial infection. I decided it was time to call on some prayer support as this has been ongoing for about 3 months; please pray for their total healing, comfort and for some rest for both kids and mom. In Christ, Sharyn revdauphinee answered on 05/24/05: consider it done and remember the little ones have a special place in Jesus heart! STONY rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 05/24/05 - helping the pastor There are 566 members in our church, but 100 are frail and elderly. That leaves 466 to do all the work. However, 80 are young people away at college. That leaves 386 to do all the work. However, 150 of them are tired businessmen, so that leaves 236 to do all the work. 150 are housewives with children. That leaves 86 to do all the work. There are also 46 members who have other important interests. Which leaves 40 to do all the work, but 15 live too far away to come regularly. So that leaves 25 to do all the work. And 23 of them say they've done their part. So, Pastor, that leaves YOU and ME and, frankly, I'm exhausted. Good luck to you. revdauphinee answered on 05/24/05: someone needs to remind all 566 of the phrase god will make a way.If someone truly wants to help it dosent matter how busy they are how far away they live or how old they may be GOD can find a way> paraclete rated this answer

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Liz22 asked on 05/23/05 - Prayers asked? Our Dear Friend Joe whom is also known as (Jesus helper) has went on a trip to Mexico Could you say a little Prayer that all will be okay and he will return to us safe and sound? It was a surprise for his Wife, I love Joe and since he has left yesterday Sunday, I already miss his sweetness and kindness, please keep him in your thoughts and Prayers. Thank you all very much, Joy, revdauphinee answered on 05/23/05: he will be in my prayers Liz22 rated this answer

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STONY asked on 05/23/05 - ANOTHER EXPERIENCE FROM A BROTHER IN PHOENIX... Once I attended a prayer breakfast in Niagara Falls with hundreds of believers. It was at the convention center there. As we were leaving I spotted two old women on the sidewalk across from the entrance. The had their suitcases on the sidewalk. To make conversation I asked them if they were resting. Then I said, "where are you going," because I couldn't see any large buildings in the direction that they were heading. They said, "the bus station." I looked and said, "where is it?" They said, "a few blocks away." But they were very long blocks, so I suggested that they leave their bags were they were, and offered to drive them to the bus station. They had left the hotel were all of us were staying and my car was parked 100 yards away. I said, "my friends can wait for me." I picked them up a few moments later. After they got in the car, I asked the older one, "how old are you?" She said, ච years old." When we got to the bus station I helped them inside with their luggage. They thanked and hugged me. On the way back I felt like the Lord told me the following. "Everyone is looking for blessings. I have them all over the place. But I have them disguised as needs. If people would stop looking for blessings and start looking for needs, they would find them everywhere." As I have often related this story, something always comes to mind. Why didn't anyone else see the need? And if they saw the need, why didn't they do anything about it? Hundreds of Christians were walking past these two old women and apparently I was the only one who noticed. But I am glad that I not only saw it but did something about it. Why don't you start looking for the needs and help see them be met? Then you too will see blessings all around. "TO THOSE WHO HAVE EYES LET THEM SEE." THIS CERTAINLY WAS TRUE IN THIS INSTANCE..........T. revdauphinee answered on 05/23/05: How true its needs that matter! STONY rated this answer

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hOPE12 asked on 05/23/05 - Baby Criminals! Hello Everyone, More children not yet in their teens are committing adult crimes. Last year a nine-year-old boy robbed a New York City bank and spent the money on hamburgers, French fries, a watch and other items. Under a modified probation plan, he had to report regularly to a probation officer, attend school regularly and �commit no act which would be a crime if he were an adult.� However, he was arrested again on charges of stealing from two little boys at knife point. Police sources said that the boy, now ten, had two accomplices, one aged nine and the other ten. The Bible mentions another feature of the sign: �Men will be . . . without self-control, fierce,� and �because of the increasing of lawlessness the love of the greater number will cool off.� 2 Timothy 3:2, 3; Matthew 24:12 The Greek word translated �fierce� means, among other things, �lacking human sympathy and feeling.� Today ever younger children are showing themselves to be �fierce� and are committing increasingly violent crimes. Furthermore, fast-paced technical and economic developments, and the greed these have brought with them, have caused more and more people to throw aside old values. Without regard for others, they use any available means, even dishonest ones, to grab as much as they can to satisfy their selfish desires. The huge increase in gambling is another evidence of selfishness, and the crime statistics of the past few decades speak loudly and clearly about this. Today�s children are become criminals, not because they are born that way, but they have learned criminal behavior from what they see around them. What can we as responsible adults do to keep our children from being among the throngs of baby bandits? Take care, Hope12 revdauphinee answered on 05/23/05: because two workers are often trying to keep up with the jonses instaed of a mother raising the children at home .latch key kids have little to do but get into trouble .we as a society need to seperate our wants from our needs a good father can ussualy supply the needs it is often the wants that takes the mom out of the home. hOPE12 rated this answer

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hOPE12 asked on 05/23/05 - Cyber Sex! Hello Everyone, A female police detective specializing in Internet crime shows the dangers of Internet chat rooms. She entered a chat room, posing as a 14-year-old girl. After just a few seconds, a number of individuals made contact. The strangers asked such questions as: �Where are you from?� �Are you a girl or a boy?� �Can we talk?� Several responses were from suspected sexual predators that the police were tracking. That shows how easily a pedophile can get into a chat room with your child! Some parents think that children are safe when using chat rooms because their conversations are accessible by everyone in the chat room while the discussion is taking place. However, once in a chat room, you can be invited to have a one-on-one conversation. Referring to this practice, sometimes called whispering, the United Kingdom�s Internet Taskforce on Child Protection warns: �This is like stepping out of a party full of people into a private room and having a separate conversation with a stranger.� It is also important for parents to understand that most pedophiles want to do more than chat with a child. A paper prepared by the Internet Crime Forum reports: �Contact initiated in chat rooms may well be developed through other media, such as email and cell phone.� A report from the U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation states: �While talking to a child victim on-line is a thrill for a computer-sex offender, it can be very cumbersome. Most want to talk to the children on the telephone. They often engage in �phone sex� with the children and often seek to set up an actual meeting for real sex.� To accomplish this, computer-sex offenders will give out their phone number. Should your child call them, caller ID will reveal the child�s phone number. Other predators have toll-free numbers or tell the child to call collect. Some have even sent the child a cell phone. Offenders may also send letters, photographs, and gifts. Children are not the only ones succumbing to the dangers of chat rooms. Using smooth speech to tell women what they wanted to hear, one man recently made six women in the United Kingdom fall in love with him at the same time. One of the victims, Cheryl, an attractive 27-year-old postgraduate student, said: �I just can�t explain it now. It became so intense it took over my whole life.� �Women find cyberspace comforting because they are not being judged by their looks,� said Jenny Madden, the founder of Women in Cyberspace. �But they also leave themselves very open to manipulation because there is a tendency, in chat rooms particularly, to give away a lot about yourself very quickly.� �All I have to do is turn on my computer and I have thousands of women to choose from,� said one man questioned for a University of Florida research study conducted by Beatriz Avila Mileham. She stated: �The internet will soon become the most common form of infidelity, if it isn�t already.� �We are hearing from therapists around the country reporting online sexual activity to be a major cause of marital problems,� said Dr. Al Cooper, editor of the book Sex and the Internet: A Guidebook for Clinicians. In view of these sobering facts, it is wise to take sensible precautions when using the Internet. Talk to your children, and teach them how to protect themselves from danger. Equipped with proper knowledge, you can avoid the dangers of the Internet. Ecclesiastes 7:12. 12 For wisdom is for a protection [the same as] money is for a protection; but the advantage of knowledge is that wisdom itself preserves alive its owners.� Do you have good internet habits? Is a chat room and a forum such as this one the same, similar or different, and why do you so say? Take care, Hope12 revdauphinee answered on 05/23/05: solution! install child protective software and keep the computer in a family room (not the kids bedroom)where you can see what they are doing!Nothing is better than a parent looking over the shoulder. hOPE12 rated this answer

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hOPE12 asked on 05/23/05 - Society and sex offenders. Hello Everyone, �PLEASE HELP US FIND HER. PLEASE, PLEASE HELP SARA!� This impassioned cry from two anguished parents was televised across the United States in an effort to recover their 12-year-old daughter, Sara Ann Wood. She had been kidnapped three weeks earlier as she bicycled home along the country road where she lived. In the United States, each year, families will experience the horrifying nightmare of having a child kidnapped and then perhaps never seeing the child alive again. CAN SOCIETY ALSO TAKE PART OF THE BLAME FOR SEX OFFENSES? It might seem strange to think that society may be responsible for, or at least may contribute to, this tragedy, since most people find the exploitation of and the murder of children to be horrendous acts. Yet, industrialized societies, and even many less-developed ones, are saturated with films, TV productions, and reading material that glorify sex and violence. There are now more and more hard-core pornographic films featuring children and even adults dressed up to resemble children. These depict explicit sex and violence involving children How large an audience do sadistic violence and pornography have? It is a multibillion-dollar industry! Graphic violence and pornography have a tremendous impact on the lives of those who exploit children. A convicted sex offender who had murdered five young boys confessed: �I am a homosexual pedophile convicted of murder, and pornography was a determining factor in my downfall.� Professor Berit �s, of Oslo University, explains the effect child porn has: �We made a big mistake at the end of the 1960s. We believed that pornography could replace sex crimes by providing an outlet for sex offenders, and we took the lid off. Now we know we were wrong: such pornography validates sex crimes. It leads the offender to think, �If I can watch this, it must be okay to do it.�� How many children are not supervised by an adult and allowed to wonder off by themselves, or even parents who allow little girls to dress and model sexy clothes and allowing makeup to be put on a child who is only 3-6 years old? Is the sex offender the only one that needs to change, or could our communities make changes also? Can parents take better care of their children? Can schools better protect our children? Could authorities stop all the porn and x rated films? Could the way people dress their children or allow their children to dress, help stop sex offenders? Can society stop allowing films and television programs that exploit such behavior? Can parents teach better morals to their children? Comments: I personally feel that sex offences are horrible and the offender should rightly be punished. I hate such things. Yet, when we really stop and thing about the matter of a sex offender registry after a sex offender has paid their dept to society, is not fair nor does it work. It is not fair because just maybe this sex offender has really tried to change. Should he/she not be given the chance to do so? When making the sex offenders address or id known to society, that leaves this person open to all kinds of harassments and even threats on their life. Anyone claiming to serve God and to be a Christian would not treat another person this way. God forgives and give us second and third and fourth chances, why can�t we forgive as a society? Yes sex offenses are horrible but society is just as much to blame as the actual offender. Until society cleans up their communities and parents watch their children and what kind of television, movies, recreation, and reading material and music they allow in their homes, sex offenders will exist. Society has bread these sex offenders and until society cleans up their own back yards, they are at fault also. They allow porn in the community; they allow movies that make sex crimes appealing. What society has done is equivalent to dangling a carrot before a rabbit. If we dangle in sex movies, music, porn magazines, porn internet, and other things that bread sex offenders, then society needs to clean up their own act before they can stop sex offenders. A registry is not going to stop them. If children are allowed to grow up with all kinds of �recreational sex activities in their society,� then sex offenders will continue to offend, that is what they grew up on. Please do not misunderstand my comments. I in no way condone the sex offenders acts of violence, but the purpose of my post is to show that society is at fault also for such behavior. Now children of 6,7 years of age are sexually molesting other children. Why? It is what they see in society and they act out. Opinions? Take care, Hope12 revdauphinee answered on 05/23/05: when we stop these stupid pagents and things and when we cease to allow 12 yr olds to wear makeup and dress as if they are 25 then maybee some of this (I realise there are sick folks and not all will stop)will stop also .today parents allow kids under 14 to go around like little adults then when trouble strikes they wnt no part of the blame!I know of at least one case where a 14 yr old was in a bar drinking with a false id (where are the parents??)Parents should stop bein g freinds to thier kids and go back to being authority figures (PARENTS) hOPE12 rated this answer

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Pamela asked on 05/22/05 - Cremation or burial? I would like your views on this, please. revdauphinee answered on 05/22/05: to me my body is no more than a coat ,when I am throught with it (at death)it truly wont matter what is done since i wont need it anymore. arcura rated this answer Pamela rated this answer

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Krewton asked on 05/22/05 - What's next? I have been married almost 17 years, have two great kids, and am currently living the American dream I guess you could say. Only problem is it's beginning to be a nightmare. My wife and I have been growing steadily apart the last few years. She does her thing with the kids, and basically ignores me. I attend as many functions with my family as I can, but sometimes my job stops me from going to all of them. Lately though, our gulf seems to be widening. We never talk, then when we do, it's a errand we have to run or a function we have to attend. Most of the time all I get is criticism. My wifes Grandmother was a very mean and bitter person, and this seems to be the path she's heading down. I also used to have alot of zeal for serving the Lord, but that kind of seems to be going down the drain too. I still attend church and go through the motions, but it seems that God has abandoned me. Is this all there is? At 42 are my best years behind me? Please pray for this good old boy, he shore could use it. Peace and God Bless. revdauphinee answered on 05/22/05: You are in my prayers >Life often lets us down ,our dreams seem so great when we dream them but leave much to be desired when accomplished !but remember God is still in controll and he still wants the best for us .I never thought that when i was old I would be so alone but you know what ,he has so much in store for us we cannot even imagine so hang in there you are special in his eyes and he wants so much for you if you will but put in in his hands let go and let God! Krewton rated this answer Pamela rated this answer

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arcura asked on 05/22/05 - Why actions by others do you allow..... to get your attention and offend you? +++ A just recieved a picture of a large pumpin hollowed out with a light insise and carved ti appear as if the pumpin was mooning observers. A mooning person might be offensive to some, but a mooning pumpkin that's hilarious. . It's what I think of the devil on his night out before All Saints Day. Mooning is like streaking. It's a small minded attempt to grab attention and offend. If we do not give it to them their efforts fail. My first lesson in that was when I was in the Army on weekend pass in Tacoma, Washington. My friend and I were walking a narrow street behind our dates who were leading the way to a cafe they wanted us to take them to. A man in t trench coat was coming the other way meeting us. He suddenly opened his coat to reveal his naked body. The girls, both student nurses, starter pointing at his nakedness and laughing hysterically. Of course we did the same because their reaction was so funny. The guy turned red, stomped his foot like a spoiled child, closed his coat and ran across the street. Years later I gave a bid different lesson and got one. I was in Boise, Idaho. It was a chilly evening. Several of us had just left a meeting and were headed across an open park. The out of the bushes came a streaker. I kept walking not watching the guy. My associates asked if I had not seen that. I said the stupid jerk wanted to get our attention and I refused to give him my attention. My friends agreed that was the thing to do so we started on. Then there was some barking and people were laughing. I had to turn to see what was up. It turned out that the streaker was up a cold steel flag pole with two big doges barking and snapping at his heels. It was funny so we all laughed. But no one called the dogs off until a police officer came and took command of HIS dogs. He handcuffed the streaker and lead the streaker and the dogs away. The lesson I learned from that was that if you are going to act like a naked ass be prepared for unexpected consequences. Praise God for all that is good and true, Fred What gets your attention and offends you? revdauphinee answered on 05/22/05: doing this kind of thing offends me since out in public children could be present and I personaly dont like that ,I also feel people who do such as this are sick individuals and dont think it ay all funny/ arcura rated this answer

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HANK1 asked on 05/22/05 - MEDIA: Most of us are familiar with what's going on in the Middle East. So, no detail necessary. I have one worry about our presence there: Could the news media's YELLOW JOURNALISM put the United States right in the middle of a Holy War that might just lead to World War III? HANK revdauphinee answered on 05/22/05: we already are in one! the muslim ideal is a muslim world! HANK1 rated this answer paraclete rated this answer

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STONY asked on 05/22/05 - ON THE QUESTION OF MARY, JESUS' MOTHER.. THE WORD WE ARE DEALING WITH HERE IS "FIRSTBORN." Luke 2:7 (King James Version) King James Version (KJV) Public Domain 7And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn. NOW CORRELATE THAT WITH NUMBERS 3:46 & ROMANS 8:29. Numbers 3:46 (King James Version) King James Version (KJV) Public Domain 46And for those that are to be redeemed of the two hundred and threescore and thirteen of the firstborn of the children of Israel, which are more than the Levites; Romans 8:29 (King James Version) King James Version (KJV) Public Domain 29For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren. IN EACH INSTANCE YOU WILL NOTICE THAT IT IS ALWAYS THE FIRSTBORN OF MANY, THAT MEANS JESUS WAS NOT MARY'S ONLY CHILD. SHE HAD OTHER CHILDREN WITH JOSEPH. COMMENTS, QUESTIONS OR OBSERVATIONS....... revdauphinee answered on 05/22/05: I totaly agree Matthew 1:24. When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife. 25. But he had no union with her until she gave birth to a son. And he gave him the name Jesus. this implies he did later and no jewish man in those days woule have a wife who did not!where in scripture does it say she remained perpetualy a virgin .???? paraclete rated this answer STONY rated this answer

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curious98 asked on 05/22/05 - It is an act of faith I would advise you to have a look at this web site: http://64.233.183.104/search?q=cache:Zr0KEGDSeVkJ:www.citynoise.org/article/732+*cathedral+built+justo+gallego*&hl=es Would you agree that this is an act of faith? Curious98 revdauphinee answered on 05/22/05: I have but one word :awsome!!! curious98 rated this answer

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arcura asked on 05/21/05 - Would you wait this long????????????????????? Faithful Waited 70 Years for Confirmation in Azerbaijan Apostolic Nuncio Recounts Story of Clandestine Community BAKU, Azerbaijan, MAY 20, 2005 (Zenit.org).- Catholics of Azerbaijan received the sacrament of confirmation on Pentecost, a grace some of them had to wait seven decades for. Archbishop Claudio Gugerotti, the apostolic nuncio to Azerbaijan, visited the former Soviet Republic -- where Catholicism was swept away by Stalin's persecutions -- and found a group of elderly believers who had kept the faith alive for more than 70 years without the sacraments. "It was an indescribable emotion," said the archbishop to the Italian newspaper Avvenire, "to see the elderly ladies, with the traditional veil on their heads and the elderly men full of wrinkles come forward and again pronounce their baptismal name -- Teresa, Anselm, Francis -- after decades of using other names of Azerbaijani roots, and then ask for confirmation." "I was amazed to see that most of the people confirmed were elderly," said the archbishop. The prelate explained that at the start of the 20th century there was a flourishing Catholic community in the Azerbaijani capital, made up of Polish, German, and Russian immigrants who had built a neo-Gothic church dedicated to the Immaculate Conception. "In the ཚs, Stalin had the only priest killed and the church demolished. Since then, Catholics have been in clandestinity," he said. For the Azerbaijanis, this meant that they had to give up using their baptismal name, and some were not able to be baptized or confirmed. As "many were not even able to be baptized, they waited until today to receive baptism," continued the apostolic nuncio. For many years, the Catholics had no place to meet for prayer and no priest. In 1997, a young Polish priest arrived, one of the many pioneers in the post-communist East. When Pope John Paul II visited Azerbaijan in 2002, then President Heider Aliev placed at his disposal a plot of land in the center of Baku for the construction of a Catholic church. The return to freedom has enabled Azerbaijani Catholics to rebuild, little by little, their community under the guidance of four Slovak Salesians, and to receive the sacraments only at the end of their lives. There are fewer than 1,000 Catholics in the country, though young converts are entering the Church. ZE05052008 revdauphinee answered on 05/22/05: what a testament of faith these folks must have !this is a wonderfull story we all need such faith! arcura rated this answer

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Choux asked on 05/21/05 - Follow-Up re: Excon's Question How many adults here were approached *when they were children* by an adult intent of molestation or worse? What was the outcome? A semi-random survey....may be interesting to show the magnitude of the problem of childmolesters in society. I'll go first. A man tried to get me into his car while I was walking on the sidewalk on Ogden Ave in an upscale suburban neighborhood in about 1951. I immediately became aware of the danger as appaprently my mother had indoctrinated me very well. I ran away as fast as I could. However, I didn't tell my mother. revdauphinee answered on 05/22/05: I guess i was lucky I never had such an encounter but it all goes to show that it behoves us to educate our children to the fact that all adults may not be thier friends> Choux rated this answer

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STONY asked on 05/21/05 - AN ANGELIC ENCOUNTER FROM MY BROTHER IN PHOENIX................. Subject: emailing: Love Note from the Lord.wpd Date: Thu, 19 May 2005 10:19:40 -0700 Love Note from the Lord I have often described the following scene, in regard to how the Lord likes to encourage us. "You go on a trip to a place that you have never been to before. You go into a room, and on a table you find a card that is addressed to you. You open it and find a �love note� from the Lord. It tells you, "I was just thinking about you, and wanted to encourage you." Signed, "love, Jesus." I believe that I received just such a �love note� from the Lord, during a trip to Arkansas. It happened at the furthest point out or halfway point of a roundtrip from Arizona. It happened at the head-quarters of Endtime Handmaidens, in Engeltal, Arkansas. Engeltal means "valley of angels." After dinner in the dining hall, they were reading portions of Gwen Shaw�s book about encounters with angels. I was thinking about one of my own that had happened in a dream that I had in 1980. In it an angel told me the following. "Your mother wanted me to tell you that she is proud of you." This message as related to me by this angel was profoundly significant in two ways. It told me that my mother knew that I was saved the year before, and that she was proud that I decided to serve the Lord Jesus Christ. The second way was in this choice of words in the message. It seemed to me to be a continuation of the last words that she spoke to me shortly before her death in 1966. That day in her hospital room was miraculous in itself. I believe with all my heart she had made one last prayer request of the Lord. That being that she asked Him to see all the members of our family together one more time. The chance of the six members of our family being together in one place was rare. It truly was a miracle on that day, when we all converged in her hospital room. Then she spoke to each one of us individually as if to say goodbye to us. I�ll never forget the words that she said to me. "Steve, you are a good boy." With those few words was so much encouragement, forgiveness, and love. So, all those years later the words as relayed by an angel in a dream, seemed to be related. That it completed a thought or a sentence. "Steve, you are a good boy, and I am proud of you." Within a week I had another dream about my mother. This dream started with her seated at a dinner table in a small cabin or house. I noticed her immediately, and she simply said, "Jesus could you pass the gravy, please." Until that moment I hadn�t noticed that He was seated across the table from her. Then there was another scene in this dream. The Lord Jesus Christ and my mother were standing across from each other beside an open door which looked out across cloud tops. There was a line of people coming up to the door. They had canes, crutches, and wheelchairs. When they arrived at the door, they would be greeted by the Lord. I somehow knew that then was when they would be made completely whole. How did I know this? Because my own mother was standing there at the door with the Lord. Because she was healed and made whole again. Because she also had used a cane, crutches, and a wheelchair during her long battle with Multiple Sclerosis. In fact, during her last six months she was totally bedridden. These thoughts and memories were going on in my mind during this discussion about these encounters with angels. I started to leave the dining room, and noticed a painting on the wall near the door. This had a scene that was virtually identical to my dream about my mother having dinner with Jesus. In this painting, the woman of the house was standing in same place where my mother was seated. And Jesus was standing across from her, in the same place that He was in the dream. All of this happened on a trip to a place that I�d never been to before. In a room where I believe that I discovered a �love note� from the Lord. What an encouragement! Thank God for His mercy and grace. P.S: I shared this story on a local Christian TV program. My prayer was that it would give at least one person hope. A woman called because the "mother-son" relationship caught her ear. She lost her 27 year old son within three weeks due to cancer. This story helped her with her grief about her loss. And that still is my hope for everyone that hears this story, no matter what the circumstance is. Don�t lose hope. Start looking for your �love note� from the Lord. You just may find one waiting for you in the most unexpected place. Or within the pages of your Bible which are full of just such �love notes� from the Lord. In Christ�s love and in His service, Steve [ISRAEL TOUR 1991] revdauphinee answered on 05/22/05: Isnt our God amazing?he speaks to us in so many ways all we need to do is listen! STONY rated this answer

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excon asked on 05/21/05 - The Sexual Offender Registry! Hello experts: Bal got me to thinking, and I wondered what you think. I am a citizen too, who wishes to be left alone. As such, why would I only be interested in the sex offenders who lived near by? I don�t have children at home, but I have a car. They should post where all the car thieves live too, shouldn�t they? Why just sex offenders? Because they�re the worst? They�re the sickest, for sure, but not the worst. I have a house, so I�m very interested in where all the burglars live. Wouldn�t you? I walk the streets, so I�d definitely want to know where all the muggers live. Why not? And yes, sometimes I find myself inside a bank lobby. How come I don�t know where all the bank robbers live - so I can protect myself? Drunk drivers??? I�d certainly like to know where they live. Wouldn�t you? And, why stop there? Why not tell us where every single bad guy is and what they�re capable of? Don�t you want to know? But then, where would we live? At the rate people have been locked up, I�ll bet there�s at least one or two bad guys living on your block. And, where would they live? On the streets? That�s where MOST sex offenders live, because they�ve been driven out of our neighborhoods. That doesn�t make us any safer - maybe even less safe. Maybe we should just round them up and put them in camps. excon revdauphinee answered on 05/22/05: I want sex offenders off the streets not on a registry ,If they have proved them selves cured(not possible in my oppinion )and have done thier time then what good is my knowing where they live going to do ?If not then they have no business out and therefore no registry is needed excon rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 05/21/05 - do it again Lord? Sometimes women are overly suspicious of their husbands. When Adam stayed out very late for a few nights, Eve became upset. "You're running around with other women," she charged. "You're being unreasonable," Adam responded. "You're the only woman on earth." The quarrel continued until Adam fell asleep, only to be awakened by someone poking him in the chest. It was Eve. "What do you think you're doing?" Adam demanded. "Counting your ribs," said Eve. revdauphinee answered on 05/22/05: Now thats a new one for me I love it! paraclete rated this answer

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Pamela asked on 05/20/05 - It's an ill wind that blows no good. About two years ago I accidently opened an email from a site called Pet Lovers. It turned out to be a porn site so I returned it telling them to unsubscribe me even though I had never subscribed to it. From then I received emails from every porn site in the known universe. Last year I received a child porn site email sent to mutiple adressees including me. So I forwarded it to Optus with the request that it be sent on to the NCIS (internet crime branch of the Australian Federal Police) Not long after there was a big bust, with hundreds of hard drives being siezed. revdauphinee answered on 05/22/05: Oh How I wish we could put a stop to this problem altogether One is reluctant to even open e mail if you dont know the source of it> Pamela rated this answer

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Choux asked on 05/20/05 - FYI For all the snickering nitpickers, the tv program is coming up shortly, not the Resurrection of Jesus!! lol My apologies for not agonizing over syntax. :D revdauphinee answered on 05/22/05: The reserection of Jesus would have to be a rerun since it has already happened! Choux rated this answer

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Choux asked on 05/20/05 - Saddam Hussein in Tighty-Whities What was your first thought? Do you think these pictures were leaked on purpose? revdauphinee answered on 05/22/05: "I wonder if it was done to embarass America?" what other purpose could it have??It certaily dosent qualify as news!dont these media hogs care that this kind of stuff(such as the one about the quoran being flushed) are gettin folks killed Choux rated this answer

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Choux asked on 05/20/05 - Catholic Church and the Resurrection Yesterday, I was listening to an intervies on television with the anchorwoman who is hosting a program on Jesus' Resurrection from the Dead, etc. coming up shortly. There was a brief discussion included in which was the statement that some theologians believe in the metaphorical resurrection, not a literal resurrection of Jesus. Does anyone have any info about this? revdauphinee answered on 05/22/05: I saw thins program also it was interesting but had much doubt in the divinity of Jesus was apparent> Choux rated this answer STONY rated this answer

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HANK1 asked on 05/20/05 - FOR ALL DENOMINATIONS: Mary Day, who was an extra in the filming of "Joseph Smith: Prophet of the Restoration," offers an opinion of the Church of Latter Day Saints, also known as the Mormom Church, and its founder. The production is scheduled for release in December to mark the 200th anniversary of Smith's birth: " I have a lot of respect for Joseph Smith and the love he had for all people no matter who they were, his desire to share the gospel and the sacrifices he made, his family made and the saints made." (End of Quote) Let this be a lesson for all of us including yours truly! Have a great weekend! HANK revdauphinee answered on 05/22/05: sory but i dont accept the gospel he spread (the part he got from the so called golden plates )Just a personal quirk but they are not gospel to me! HANK1 rated this answer paraclete rated this answer

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Laura asked on 05/20/05 - Lordy...Give me patience!! What did we do before air conditioning?? Ours went out day before yesturday. Today is supposed to be a record high. It's already 95 degrees. I know that air conditioner guys have alot of people to help but why do I always have to be last in line. Then they'll come, say they don't have the parts and it'll be next week before they can get them!! Ugg! Just griping! LOL don't take me seriously.. :-) I hope everyone has a nice COOL weekend..Me included!! revdauphinee answered on 05/20/05: Laura I dont know where you live but if anywhere near as hot as it is today in Mississippi you have my sympathy.I just told my neighbour i dont know what I am going to do when it sure enough gets to be summer,I already wait till almost dark to go to the grocery store Laura rated this answer

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Itsdb asked on 05/20/05 - WTC Survey OK folks, check out the following images and give us your vote: Twin Towers II Freedom Tower Please also explain the reasoning behind your vote...and I consider your opinion of the Donald to be irrelevent for the purpose of this survey. Steve revdauphinee answered on 05/20/05: I am of two minds on this on the one hand i agree with Laura a nice memorial park dedicated to the folks who died their ,but then again the new twin towars would send a message that the Americans a re a resiliant bunch and when you knok us down we will rise from the rubble.(only thing i wory about is wont that then be a target for ruther attacks??) Itsdb rated this answer

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FormerJesusHelper76 asked on 05/20/05 - Judging! Are you judging me because you do not like that type of comedy? By the way I enjoy once in a while listening to Eminem music. Does this make me a bad person, an evil person? revdauphinee answered on 05/20/05: It is not my place to judge but if you like filth then all Im saying is I dont and neither do I thinnk it belongs on tv and radio where imprassionable folks and kids can be exposed to it .if you buy a video and watch it in the privacy of your own home thats your business however if me and mine have it forced on us on public airways then it becomes my business FormerJesusHelper76 rated this answer Krewton rated this answer LTgolf rated this answer

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bal317 asked on 05/20/05 - Sexual Profiler's Home Residence??? With all that is coming up in the New's, about these individual's that have a criminal record due to some form of inappropriate sexual misconduct. Yes, I feel neighborhoods need to know if someone of such is living next to you. But. These individual's have to work in order to support themselve's. So, what is to protect the innocent in that situation? Example: I was watching a commercial on TV, this resturant was advertising, how Family friendly they were. How they are noted for being this great truck stop, being so clean and all. Then towards the end of the commercial, they show a trucker standing by his truck reaching his hand out to welcome a child with an adult, and the voice of the commercial say's, many come here to meet good friends. Well, I noticed who the trucker was. He is listed in our area as a sexual offender. He exposes himself, and knowing his back ground he often dresses as a woman. And this is not the first guy that I am framiliar with being a truck driver, and having a bad criminal background, that goes from State to State, doing God know's what. But many not knowing their back ground of being this type of person, doesn't know this person could be a harm to them or their children. So, how do these people get through like this? They are literly given the key to society. Seems people don't realize, it's not just being worried about where they live, but being in a job that one knows various area's all about in and out of our Country should be a big red sign as well. On the sexual registry, you have to say, you won't cause a problem for these people. It's hard to set back and see such slime being exploited as such a kind person, when in reality they are who they are. What do you all think? Thank you, bal317 revdauphinee answered on 05/20/05: I live in a very small rural town in Mississippi and after all the problems on the tv about missing children,out of curiousity I decided to check out the web site on registered offenders.I was stunned and amazed to find 13 of these folks living here I can just imagine what a large city has!It is scary ! bal317 rated this answer

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Choux asked on 05/19/05 - Howard Stern vs. Decent People That smut purveyor, Howard Stern, had a real shock when the results of a poll of potential subscription radio customers revealed that they would chose the competetor to Sirius, the new radio concept that Stern signed on by an overwhelming margin!! Do you think that this means we have turned the corner on indecency on the public airways?? That there is less public interest? More control? What do you think? revdauphinee answered on 05/19/05: just my oppinion we all have then but I think Howard stern is disgusting Choux rated this answer FormerJesusHelper76 rated this answer MaggieB rated this answer purplewings rated this answer

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CeeBee2 asked on 05/19/05 - How to influence people. (from Mr. Blue by Myles Connolly): "No printed word shall wring the new masses as did the printed words in the past. They have not time for the printed word. The day when a pamphlet distributed at a street corner could start a revolution or a new religion is over. The printed word is too common to be any longer compelling and too slow to be any longer dynamic. If you want to reach the masses, you can reach them through _______________." I won't type in what Mr. Blue said would reach the masses, to influence people, even, as he said, "to save the soul of a civilization." The book was written in 1928; times have changed. What do you think it could be today? revdauphinee answered on 05/19/05: media CeeBee2 rated this answer

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CeeBee2 asked on 05/19/05 - God's intervention/involvement in our lives - how much do we really want? For the sake of argument, let's say something is about to happen that will cause many, many deaths (a tsunami across Hawaii? much of California breaks off and falls into the ocean during an earthquake?). God decides to act, prevents the tragedy from happening. 1. How would we know He has done this if it hasn't happened? (So.....maybe He has intervened in the past, but since He doesn't publicize it, we don't know about it.) 2. If God is active in human life (as in OT stories) to save us from the bad things, shouldn't we then expect Him to punish us immediately and directly for the sinful things we do? As curious98 had answered in this same question, "if God should have to step in once more, Sodom and Gomorrah would just be children's play, and then we would criticize God for his lack of mercy..." Can we have it both ways, have our cake and eat it too? - God saves us from bad things but refrains from punishing us when we are bad? revdauphinee answered on 05/19/05: I KNOW he has intervened in my life this is why I believe in prayer >(ye have not because ye ask not) CeeBee2 rated this answer

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hOPE12 asked on 05/19/05 - Why does God not intervene? Hello Everyone, We look around us and see many horrible things taking place. Little children being killed, wars, high crime and violence, all kinds of injustice. Why does God not intervene and stop the things that hurt us? Why? What is your explaination on the matter that God has the power to stop these things and yet the exist? Take care, Hope12 revdauphinee answered on 05/19/05: God allows it because he created man with free will why would he want a bunch of puppets ?If we dont choose to love him it is upon us not him!he allows us a way out its up to us to take it. hOPE12 rated this answer

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hOPE12 asked on 05/19/05 - Intense Love: Hello Experts, The scripture tell us at 1 Peter 4:7,8 to have intense love for one another. 1-What does it mean to have intense love for one another? 2- Who are we to have intense love for? 3- How can one demonstrate that they have intense love for others? Take care, Hope12 revdauphinee answered on 05/19/05: 43 "You have heard that it was said, `Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' 44 But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45 that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. 46 If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? hOPE12 rated this answer

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tomder55 asked on 05/19/05 - Why Islam is disrespected Why Islam is disrespected By Jeff Jacoby , Globe Columnist | May 19, 2005 IT WAS front-page news this week when Newsweek retracted a report claiming that a US interrogator in Guantanamo had flushed a copy of the Koran down a toilet. Everywhere it was noted that Newsweek's story had sparked widespread Muslim rioting, in which at least 17 people were killed. But there was no mention of deadly protests triggered in recent years by comparable acts of desecration against other religions. No one recalled, for example, that American Catholics lashed out in violent rampages in 1989, after photographer Andres Serrano's ''Piss Christ" -- a photograph of a crucifix submerged in urine -- was included in an exhibition subsidized by the National Endowment for the Arts. Or that they rioted in 1992 when singer Sinead O'Connor, appearing on ''Saturday Night Live," ripped up a photograph of Pope John Paul II. There was no reminder that Jewish communities erupted in lethal violence in 2000, after Arabs demolished Joseph's Tomb, torching the ancient shrine and murdering a young rabbi who tried to save a Torah. And nobody noted that Buddhists went on a killing spree in 2001 in response to the destruction of two priceless, 1,500-year-old statues of Buddha by the Taliban government in Afghanistan. Of course, there was a good reason all these bloody protests went unremembered in the coverage of the Newsweek affair: They never occurred. Christians, Jews, and Buddhists don't lash out in homicidal rage when their religion is insulted. They don't call for holy war and riot in the streets. It would be unthinkable for a mainstream priest, rabbi, or lama to demand that a blasphemer be slain. But when Reuters reported what Mohammad Hanif, the imam of a Muslim seminary in Pakistan, said about the alleged Koran-flushers -- ''They should be hung. They should be killed in public so that no one can dare to insult Islam and its sacred symbols" -- was any reader surprised? The Muslim riots should have been met by outrage and condemnation. From every part of the civilized world should have come denunciations of those who would react to the supposed destruction of a book with brutal threats and the slaughter of 17 innocent people. But the chorus of condemnation was directed not at the killers and the fanatics who incited them, but at Newsweek. From the White House down, the magazine was slammed -- for running an item it should have known might prove incendiary, for relying on a shaky source, for its animus toward the military and the war. Over and over, Newsweek was blamed for the riots' death toll. Conservative pundits in particular piled on. ''Newsweek lied, people died" was the headline on Michelle Malkin's popular website. At NationalReview.com, Paul Marshall of Freedom House fumed: ''What planet do these [Newsweek] people live on? . . . Anybody with a little knowledge could have told them it was likely that people would die as a result of the article." All of Marshall's choler was reserved for Newsweek; he had no criticism at all for the marauders in the Muslim street. Then there was Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, who announced at a Senate hearing that she had a message for ''Muslims in America and throughout the world." And what was that message? That decent people do not resort to murder just because someone has offended their religious sensibilities? That the primitive bloodlust raging in Afghanistan and Pakistan was evidence of the Muslim world's dysfunctional political culture? No: Her message was that ''disrespect for the Holy Koran is not now, nor has it ever been, nor will it ever be, tolerated by the United States." Granted, Rice spoke while the rioting was still taking place and her goal was to reduce the anti-American fever. But what ''Muslims in America and throughout the world" most need to hear is not pandering sweet-talk. What they need is a blunt reminder that the real desecration of Islam is not what some interrogator in Guantanamo might have done to the Koran. It is what totalitarian Muslim zealots have been doing to innocent human beings in the name of Islam. It is 9/11 and Beslan and Bali and Daniel Pearl and the USS Cole. It is trains in Madrid and schoolbuses in Israel and an ''insurgency" in Iraq that slaughters Muslims as they pray and vote and line up for work. It is Hamas and Al Qaeda and sermons filled with infidel-hatred and exhortations to ''martyrdom." But what disgraces Islam above all is the vast majority of the planet's Muslims saying nothing and doing nothing about the jihadist cancer eating away at their religion. It is Free Muslims Against Terrorism, a pro-democracy organization, calling on Muslims and Middle Easterners to ''converge on our nation's capital for a rally against terrorism" -- and having only 50 people show up. Yes, Islam is disrespected. That will only change when throngs of passionate Muslims show up for rallies against terrorism, and when rabble-rousers trying to gin up a riot over a defiled Koran can't get the time of day. ...................................... I would add that when the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem was occupied by Arafat's thugs ;and they ripped up Bibles to use as toilet ;the world hardly noticed. revdauphinee answered on 05/19/05: why Islam is disrespected?? Because muslim fundametalists kill people in the name of Allah! Christianity teaches Matthew 5: 43 "You have heard that it was said, `Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' 44 But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45 that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. 46 If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? paraclete rated this answer tomder55 rated this answer

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hOPE12 asked on 05/19/05 - if you knew, would it make a difference? Hello Everyone, 1-If you knew when the impending execution of judgement would not come for a few more years, would that change how you use your life? 2-The fact that we do not know the day of judgement, is that good or bad? 3-Do you truly put God first in your life? 4-If so, how does one go about putting God first in their life? Take care, Hope12 revdauphinee answered on 05/19/05: my answer is why ?why would knowing when you are to die should make a difference we none of us are promiced tomorow so live each day as if it were your last and when you stand before the final judge you will have nothing to be ashamed of! hOPE12 rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 05/19/05 - Now that's not fair play? A man convicted of murdering Australian missionary Graham Staines and his two sons in India six years ago has had his death sentence reduced to life imprisonment. Seven other men convicted of the murders in January 1999 were ordered released during the appeal court hearing in Bhubaneshwar. Staines and his sons, Timothy, 10, and Philip, 8, were killed by a mob as they slept in a car outside a church in eastern India. After a trial lasting nearly 2� years, a court convicted 13 men in September last year. The alleged ringleader, Dara Singh, was sentenced to death and the others to life imprisonment. Appeal court judges Chief Justice Sujit Burman and Justice Lakshmi Kant Mahapatara reduced Singh's death sentence, and ordered the release of seven others for lack of evidence. The judges reconfirmed the life sentence of another man, Mahendra Hembram, and rulings on the four others were pending. Prosecution attorney S.K. Padhi said his office was deciding whether to appeal against the decisions in the Supreme Court. The murder of Staines and his sons was one of the worst hate crimes against Christians in recent years in India, where more than 80 per cent of the 1 billion-plus population are Hindus and 2 per cent are Christians. AP revdauphinee answered on 05/19/05: (Exo.21:23-25 23 But if there is serious injury, you are to take life for life, 24 eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot, 25 burn for burn, wound for wound, bruise for bruise. ) paraclete rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 05/18/05 - A short english lesson 1. Verbs HAS to agree with their subjects. 2. Prepositions are not words to end sentences with. 3. And don't start a sentence with a conjunction. 4. It is wrong to ever split an infinitive. 5. Avoid cliches like the plague. (They're old hat) 6. Also, always avoid annoying alliteration. 7. Be more or less specific. 8. Parenthetical remarks (however relevant) are (usually) unnecessary. 9. Also too, never, ever use repetitive redundancies. 10. No sentence fragments. posted in the interests of universal understanding revdauphinee answered on 05/19/05: were on line folks it dosent matter as long as you get the point across> paraclete rated this answer

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ROLCAM asked on 05/18/05 - Religious Leaders ?? Do most religious leaders prate about Christianity ? revdauphinee answered on 05/18/05: certainly they do untill it comes to the part where they part you from your money!what God needs friends is not your money but your souls may I direct you to the following site> http://www.bible-truths.com/tithing.html ROLCAM rated this answer

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curious98 asked on 05/18/05 - Is that what you also think? I have just received from an American friend this funny short analysis of the current USA international policy. " > > Q: Daddy, why did we have to invade Iraq? > A: Because they had Weapons of Mass Destruction, honey. > > Q: But the inspectors didn't find any weapons of mass destruction. > A: That's because the Iraqis were hiding them. > > Q: And that's why we invaded Iraq? > A: Yep. Invasions always work better than inspections. > > Q: But after we invaded them, we STILL didn't find any Weapons of Mass > Destruction, did we? > A: That's because the weapons are so well hidden. Don't worry, we'll find > something, probably right before the 2004 election. > > Q: Why did Iraq want all those Weapons of Mass Destruction? > A: To use them in a war, silly. > > Q: I'm confused. If they had all those weapons that they planned to use in a > war, then why didn't they use any of those weapons when we went to war with > them? > A: Well, obviously they didn't want anyone to know they had thoseweapons, so > they chose to die by the thousands rather than defend themselves. > > Q: That doesn't make sense Daddy. Why would they choose to die if they had > all those big weapons to fight us back with? > A: It's a different culture. It's not supposed to make sense. > > Q: I don't know about you, but I don't think they had any of those weapons > our government said they did. > A: Well, you know, it doesn't matter whether or not they had those weapons. > We had another good reason to invade them anyway. > > Q: And what was that? > A: Even if Iraq didn't have weapons of mass destruction, Saddam Hussein was > a cruel dictator, which is another good reason to invade another country. > > Q: Why? What does a cruel dictator do that makes it OK to invade his > country? > A: Well, for one thing, he tortured his own people. > > Q: Kind of like what they do in China? > A: Don't go comparing China to Iraq. China is a good economic competitor > where millions of people work for slave wages in sweatshops to make U.S. > corporations richer. > > Q: So if a country lets its people be exploited for American corporate gain, > it's a good country, even if that country tortures people? > A: Right. > > Q: Why were people in Iraq being tortured? > A: For political crimes, mostly, like criticising the government. People who > criticized the government in Iraq were sent to prison and tortured. > > Q: Isn't that exactly what happens in China? > A: I told you, China is different. > > Q: What's the difference between China and Iraq? > A: Well, for one thing, Iraq was ruled by the Ba'ath party, while China is > Communist. > > Q: Didn't you once tell me Communists were bad? > A: No, just Cuban Communists are bad. > > Q: How are the Cuban Communists bad? > A: Well, for one thing, people who criticize the government in Cuba are sent > to prison and tortured. > > Q: Like in Iraq? > A: Exactly. > > Q: And like in China, too? > A: I told you, China's a good economic competitor. Cuba, on the other hand, > is not. > > Q: How come Cuba isn't a good economic competitor? > A: Well, you see, back in the early 1960s, our government passed some laws > that made it illegal for Americans to trade or do any business with Cuba > until they stopped being Communists and started being capitalists like us. > > Q: But if we got rid of those laws, opened up trade with Cuba, and started > doing business with them, wouldn't that help the Cubans become capitalists? > A: Don't be a smart-ass. > > Q: I didn't think I was being one. > A: Well, anyway, they also don't have freedom of religion in Cuba. > > Q: Kind of like China and the Falun Gong movement? > A: I told you, stop saying bad things about China. Anyway, Saddam Hussein > came to power through a military coup, so he's not really a legitimate > leader anyway. > > Q: What's a military coup? > A: That's when a military general takes over the government of a country by > force, instead of holding free elections like we do in the United States. > > Q: Didn't the ruler of Pakistan come to power by a military coup? > A: You mean General Pervez Musharraf? Uh, yeah, he did, but Pakistan is our > friend. > > Q: Why is Pakistan our friend if their leader is illegitimate? > A: I never said Pervez Musharraf was illegitimate. > > Q: Didn't you just say a military general who comes to power by forcibly > overthrowing the legitimate government of a nation is an illegitimate > leader? > A: Only Saddam Hussein. Pervez Musharraf is our friend, because he helped us > invade Afghanistan. > > Q: Why did we invade Afghanistan? > A: Because of what they did to us on September 11th. > > Q: What did Afghanistan do to us on September 11th? > A: Well, on September 11th, nineteen men, fifteen of them Saudi Arabians > hijacked four airplanes and flew three of them into buildings, killing over > 3,000 Americans. > > Q: So how did Afghanistan figure into all that? > A: Afghanistan was where those bad men trained, under the oppressive rule of > the Taliban. > > Q: Aren't the Taliban those bad radical Islamics who chopped off people's > heads and hands? > A: Yes, that's exactly who they were. Not only did they chop off people's > heads and hands, but they oppressed women, too. > > Q: Didn't the Bush administration give the Taliban 43 million dollars back > in May of 2001? > A: Yes, but that money was a reward because they did such a good job > fighting drugs. > > Q: Fighting drugs? > A: Yes, the Taliban were very helpful in stopping people from growing opium > poppies. > > Q: How did they do such a good job? > A: Simple. If people were caught growing opium poppies, the Taliban would > have their hands and heads cut off. > > Q: So, when the Taliban cut off people's heads and hands for growing > flowers, that was OK, but not if they cut people's heads and hands off for > other reasons? > A: Yes. It's OK with us if radical Islamic fundamentalists cut off people's > hands for growing flowers, but it's cruel if they cut off people's hands for > stealing bread. > > Q: Don't they also cut off people's hands and heads in Saudi Arabia? > A: That's different. Afghanistan was ruled by a tyrannical patriarchy that > oppressed women and forced them to wear burqas whenever they were in public, > with death by stoning as the penalty for women who did not comply. > > Q: Don't Saudi women have to wear burqas in public, too? > A: No, Saudi women merely wear a traditional Islamic body covering. > > Q: What's the difference? > A: The traditional Islamic covering worn by Saudi women is a modest yet > fashionable garment that covers all of a woman's body except for her eyes > and fingers. The burqa, on the other hand, is an evil tool of Patriarchal > oppression that covers all of a woman's body except for her eyes and > fingers. > > Q: It sounds like the same thing with a different name. > A: Now, don't go comparing Afghanistan and Saudi Arabia. The Saudis are our > friends. > > Q: But I thought you said 15 of the 19 hijackers on September 11th were from > Saudi Arabia. > A: Yes, but they trained in Afghanistan. > > Q: Who trained them? > A: A very bad man named Osama bin Laden. > > Q: Was he from Afghanistan? > A: Uh, no, he was from Saudi Arabia too. But he was a bad man, a very bad > man. > > Q: I seem to recall he was our friend once. > A: Only when we helped him and the mujahadeen repel the Soviet invasion of > Afghanistan back in the 1980s. > > Q: Who are the Soviets? Was that the Evil Communist Empire Ronald Reagan > talked about? > A: There are no more Soviets. The Soviet Union broke up in 1990 or > thereabouts, and now they have elections and capitalism like us. We call > them Russians now. > > Q: So the Soviets, I mean the Russians, are now our friends? > A: Well, not really. You see, they were our friends for many years after > they stopped being Soviets, but then they decided not to support our > invasion of Iraq, so we're mad at them now. We're also mad at the French and > the Germans because they didn't help us invade Iraq either. > > Q: So the French and Germans are evil, too? > A: Not exactly evil, but just bad enough that we had to rename French fries > and French toast to Freedom Fries and Freedom Toast. > > Q: Do we always rename foods whenever another country doesn't do what we > want them to do? > A: No, we just do that to our friends. Our enemies, we invade. > > Q: But wasn't Iraq one of our friends back in the 1980s? > A: Well, yeah. For a while. > > Q: Was Saddam Hussein ruler of Iraq back then? > A: Yes, but at the time he was fighting against Iran, which made him our > friend, temporarily. > > Q: Why did that make him our friend? > A: Because at that time, Iran was our enemy. > > Q: Isn't that when he gassed the Kurds? > A: Yeah, but since he was fighting against Iran at the time, we looked the > other way, to show him we were his friend. > > Q: So anyone who fights against one of our enemies automatically becomes our > friend? > A: Most of the time, yes. > > Q: And anyone who fights against one of our friends is automatically an > enemy? > A: Sometimes that's true, too. However, if American corporations can profit > by selling weapons to both sides at the same time, all the better. > > Q: Why? > A: Because war is good for the economy, which means war is good for America. > Also, since God is on America's side, anyone who opposes war is a godless > un-American Communist. Do you understand now why we attacked Iraq? > > Q: I think so. We attacked them because God wanted us to, right? > A: Yes. > > Q: But how did we know God wanted us to attack Iraq? > A: Well, you see, God personally speaks to George W. Bush and tells him what > to do. > > Q: So basically, what you're saying is that we attacked Iraq because George > W. Bush hears voices in his head? > A. Yes! You finally understand how the world works. > Now close your eyes, make yourself comfortable, and go to sleep. Good night. > > Good night, Daddy. > Any comments Curious98 revdauphinee answered on 05/18/05: for those of you who believe in the quoran here is a prophecy I found in it with added parenthasis my own< Quran (9:11) -- For it is written that a son of Arabia9Bin Laden) would awaken a fearsome Eagle.WHat county is represented by the Eagle??) The wrath of the Eagle would be felt throughout the lands of Allah and lo, while some of the people trembled in despair still more rejoiced; for the wrath of the Eagle cleansed the lands of Allah; and there was peace. so even while as a Christian I do not accept allah it seems obvious he was correct on this one point> arcura rated this answer curious98 rated this answer FormerJesusHelper76 rated this answer Pamela rated this answer paraclete rated this answer Pete_Hanysz rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 05/17/05 - Is there a grass roots revolt taking place in America? Mayors cut out Bush and sign up to Kyoto anyway By Paul Brown in London May 18, 2005 George Bush does not believe the US can meet the targets of the Kyoto accord, but dozens of American mayors do. They are signing up to an initiative to get US cities to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 7 per cent by 2010. The response has astounded the scheme's founder, the Mayor of Seattle, Greg Nickels, who persuaded eight other mayors to write on March 30 to 400 colleagues across the country. Dozens of cities have since contacted his office, with the total reaching 134 in 35 states. The cities on board represent 29.3 million people. Most of the mayors are Democrats, but 12 are Republicans in charge of big cities, including New York. Mr Nickels himself is a Democrat but he said his campaign was non-partisan. "This campaign has clearly touched a nerve with the American people," he said. "The climate affects Democrats and Republicans alike. Here in Seattle we rely on the winter snow for our drinking water and hydro-electricity but it is disappearing; in Florida they have had hurricanes; in California they have had unseasonally heavy rain. Our weather patterns are changing." Mr Nickels said each mayor would choose "a different path" to reach the Kyoto target. "Conditions in Hurst, Texas, are different to here in Seattle but we both think we can do it. "Climate change is happening and causing a lot of problems already. This can only get worse, and we have to start doing something about it now. Lots of other Americans appear to agree." Each city has signed up to produce a greenhouse gas inventory and a plan on how to reduce it. Among the proposals are running municipal vehicles on gas or electricity, investment in renewable energy, planting trees, promoting car pooling, improving public transport and providing cycle lanes. Seattle's move is the latest popular revolt against the Bush Administration's failure to take action on climate. The White House believes technology will solve the problem while at the same time maintaining that taking action now would lead to higher energy prices and the loss of 5 million jobs. The Guardian revdauphinee answered on 05/17/05: if he signed on to this accord it would cost his corporate friends too much money and that he can never agree to.Its all about the money!as is everything he does paraclete rated this answer

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Pamela asked on 05/17/05 - The Crusades The temple site and possession of the "holy" land was the main reason for all that bloodshed in the name of Christ. Do you think that Jesus would approve of that? King David, who fought only defensive wars, was denied the priviledge of building the first temple because his hands were full of blood. Human life is sacred to God. Some Muslims believe that America's push to get rid of autocratic Islamic rule - Iran, Syria etc is another crusade and also more than one Israeli leader has been quoted as saying they want the temple site because it is their FIRST holy site, which makes it seem like another crusade. Can you understand why Muslims feel that way? revdauphinee answered on 05/17/05: I cant even understand why Muslims believe anything they do why would they think they will be rewarded with seventy virgins for killing christians ??dont they know there will be no need for sex in heaven??? 30. At the resurrection people will neither marry nor be given in marriage; they will be like the angels in heaven. arcura rated this answer Pamela rated this answer tomder55 rated this answer

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Choux asked on 05/17/05 - Church of Oprah I heard an interesting discussion about Oprah Winfrey's effect on middle-class American women. Oprah is a spiritual leader, and a powerful one at that. She has great influence over women, she espouses spiritual principles(Mind, Spirit, Body), and she is a charismatic leader. Look at loving attention. She made Dr Phil a media star and now he has the same loving devoted fans. Women go to these two media gurus for answers to all their life's problems. Metaphorically, aren't they the real Second Coming of a Messiah? I think so. Comments? revdauphinee answered on 05/17/05: choux get a life I am one woman who wont worship at her shrine.the second coming get real!!!! arcura rated this answer Choux rated this answer Krewton rated this answer Liz22 rated this answer Pamela rated this answer paraclete rated this answer

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arcura asked on 05/17/05 - What is the history of the Dome of the Rock? I have read that the original structure of the Dome of the Rock was built as a Christian Church by the Crusaders using some of the remains of the Jewish temple. Then it was later refurbish by the Arabs. What is the history of that? Peace and kindness, Fred revdauphinee answered on 05/17/05: AT THE HEART OF JERUSALEM is the Noble Sanctuary, Al-Haram al-Sharif, enclosing over 35 acres of fountains, gardens, buildings and domes. At its southernmost end is Al-Aqsa Mosque and at its centre the celebrated Dome of the Rock. The entire area is regarded as a mosque and comprises nearly one sixth of the walled city of Jerusalem. The Noble Sanctuary is one of the three most important sites in Islam, and a showcase for Islamic architecture and design from Umayyad to Ottoman times that continues as an important religious and educational centre for Muslims to the present day. arcura rated this answer Pamela rated this answer

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Itsdb asked on 05/17/05 - Condi "unspun" Yesterday we had a nice spin by Paraclete on Condoleeza Rice's visit to Baghdad: "Condi Rice dropped into Baghdad and told the locals what a nice place it was and she just loved how they had fixed it up. You have to ask, has reality krept into the leadership of the US lately, Does the tourist industry in Irag really need the US Secretary of State doing a tourist promo just yet, See Baghdad and die! it's really bad taste or a promo for army recruiting." So what did Rice really say? "First, just let me say what a thrill to be in Baghdad. I can�t even tell you how excited I�ve been about coming, how delighted I am to be here. I just took the helicopter ride in -- this is a spectacular city, it really is." Never been there, but I'd say Baghdad probably is a spectacular city. What should she have said, Baghdad is the armpit of the world? She also said, "When you think about what they have achieved over the last year, it is really quite remarkable. Sovereignty has not even been transferred for one year yet. We forget that. And yet, they have had elections on time despite the fact that many people thought they could not do it by January 30th. Iraqis voted in large numbers. They then put together a government which had broad representation of all groups and they are now about to embark on a constitutional process." Rice also acknowledged the difficulties still faced in Iraq, but I found nothing embarrassing or outrageous in her comments. She had an admirable "diplomatic" visit to Iraq. Isn't that her job? And isn't it the duty of Christians to represent the truth? Steve revdauphinee answered on 05/17/05: Must a diplomat wear blinders?? Im sure the city before the war and insurgency was spectacular,but today after all the bombing lets face it I lived in Liverpool England during and after ww2 and bombed out buildings and suffering people are by no means a spectacular vision I care to witness again in this lifetime.rose coulored glasses may change the colour but the reality stayes the same War is never pretty! Itsdb rated this answer

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Pamela asked on 05/17/05 - Choux (2) I was once suspended and tried coming back with my original username, bioharmony, but the sign-up form would not let me use that name as it was "already taken". So I had to use another. SoI can't see how anyone else would get away with signing on with her username, unless they hacked into her account. revdauphinee answered on 05/17/05: Hackers abound on the internet yesterday I was bumped off aol because someone else had signed on in my name! arcura rated this answer FormerJesusHelper76 rated this answer Pamela rated this answer

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ROLCAM asked on 05/17/05 - FIG TREE LESSON ?? What lesson was Jesus imparting when he cursed the fig tree? revdauphinee answered on 05/17/05: that he has no time for that wich bears no fruit! ROLCAM rated this answer

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CeeBee2 asked on 05/16/05 - Being open-minded. Are dangerous precedents being set? Will Benedictine University lose its identity as Catholic? Should other religious colleges be as open-minded? (In deference to Chou, I put the most important parts in boldface, but pasted the entire article for context.) EMPHASIS ON BOTH SCIENTIFIC AND SPIRITUAL PURSUITS MAKES MUSLIM STUDENTS FEEL AT HOME AT CATHOLIC BE Different faiths, same spirit By John Biemer Chicago Tribune staff reporter Published May 16, 2005 Mohammed Ahmed and Abrar Anwar draw curtains to cover the wooden altar, the pulpit and stained-glass images of St. Benedict and Jesus carrying the cross. Faruk Rahmanovic helps them move plastic chairs to the sides of the room and unroll colorful prayer rugs stashed in a cabinet. Minutes later, about 50 young men and women drop their backpacks near the bookcase full of hymnals, slip off their sneakers and flip-flops and kneel on the rugs. Bader Almoshelli, a sophomore wearing wire-rim glasses and a blue-striped Polo shirt, stands before them to lead Friday prayers that, in part, beseech Allah to help them through exams. At most Catholic universities, this would be an unusual sight, but it's an everyday occurrence in the student center chapel at Benedictine University in west suburban Lisle. The school's location, science-heavy curriculum and moral foundation have attracted one of the largest Muslim student bodies of any Catholic university in the nation. "It's definitely ironic," Almoshelli, 19, of Woodridge, said later, with a laugh. "Muslim prayers in a Christian chapel. I guess it's something you wouldn't have expected 50 years ago." In a survey of 250 members of this year's freshman class at Benedictine, 13.5 percent of the students identified themselves as Muslim--almost 17 times the national average at Catholic universities and colleges nationwide. The 118-year-old college, which has about 3,000 students, has conducted the survey since 1999, when just 6 percent of the freshmen identified themselves as Muslim. "The people are very nice and the school is Catholic, but it's very, very accommodating and open-minded. Muslim kids feel very much at home over there," said Inamul Haq, who has taught an introductory course on Islam at the university for the last decade. Muslim students say they appreciate the steps Benedictine has taken to make them feel more comfortable, including the use of the chapel. Basketball courts and the swimming pool are set aside at certain hours to allow Muslim women to exercise in modesty. The student center's snack bar, the Eagle's Nest, sells hamburgers and chicken nuggets that are halal, or prepared in accordance with Islamic law. The school's location partly explains the phenomenon. Asian-American populations in DuPage County have exploded in recent years--growing by 80 percent from 1990 to 2000--and as of 2000 made up almost 8 percent of the county's population, according to the U.S. Census. Many of those residents are of Pakistani and Indian descent, which helps explain Benedictine's sizable Hindu student population as well--5.5 percent of this year's freshman class. By attending Benedictine, largely a commuter school, students from those families can continue to live at home, a priority in some socially conservative households. Both students and faculty members point out that many students raised in Indo-Pakistani and Middle Eastern families are drawn to the sciences, particularly those who plan to become doctors, dentists or pharmacists. Benedictine emphasizes preparing students to enter those fields. But students say they're also comfortable with the moral and theological aspect of Catholic teachings. Aisha Ahmed, 20, marvels at how people from vastly different backgrounds can sometimes arrive at the same conclusions. "The religions may differ, but I think the essence is the same," she said. "Once they have a religious tradition they hold on to so strongly, they can understand why you feel so strongly about your own religion." Zeina Abusoud, a Jordanian-born Muslim who is director of residence life, said it's more specific than Catholicism. She ticks off the values of the Benedictine religious order--founded by St. Benedict, the father of Western monasticism--such as hospitality, community, education and an active prayer life. "All the Benedictine values are easily implemented to other people from other religions, not necessarily just Muslims," Abusoud said. It's not unusual for non-Catholics to attend Catholic colleges; more than a third of students at Catholic institutions are non-Catholic, according to the Association of Catholic Colleges and Universities. For example, at Trinity University in Washington, D.C., most undergraduates are African-American women, who often are not Catholic. On the other end of the spectrum is the University of Notre Dame, where 82 percent of surveyed freshmen this year said they were Catholic. Fifty-three percent of Benedictine's freshmen are Catholic, according to the school survey. Michael James, vice president of the Association of Catholic Colleges and Universities and a former faculty adviser to Muslims at Notre Dame, said Benedictine does not surprise him. "I think as Muslims increase in their numbers in the United States, they are going to be looking for places where they can be fully American, but be able to practice their faith lives," James said. Student diversity has enriched classroom learning at Benedictine, said Vincent Gaddis, chairman of the history, philosophy and religious studies department. Preconceived notions and stereotypes are often challenged firsthand, such as the Sikh student who spoke up in a discussion about the sense of community in the United States, saying he has felt discrimination since the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks even though he isn't Muslim. However, Gaddis has concerns about whether the school, in its effort to appeal to people of all faiths, will lose part of its identity as a Catholic institution. Interreligious speakers and activities are important, he said, but they may sometimes substitute for those that promote the Catholic message of Christ's teaching. "How do you strike the proper balance of being open to all and yet not sacrifice the core of who you are?" he said. " But Abbot Hugh Anderson, who is in charge of campus ministry at Benedictine, said student body diversity hasn't watered down the school's Catholic identity. "Personally, I don't think the Muslim students would want that," he said. "They have things they stand for and we have things we stand for. And they respect that, and we respect them." revdauphinee answered on 05/17/05: "Muslim prayers in a Christian chapel. I guess it's something you wouldn't have expected 50 years ago." what ever happened to thou shalt have no other Gods before me!! Allah is not the God of Christians for in the quoran it clearly states that God has no sons!How then can this be our God when we are worshipers of Jesus the accepted(by the Christian faith wich even bears his name) son of God?this is demonic and should never happen to worship a false God in a place set out for Christian worship is sacreladge CeeBee2 rated this answer MaggieB rated this answer paraclete rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 05/16/05 - The one eyed idol from the back of.............. The Tribal Mind By David Dale May 17, 2005 On this planet there are 1.1 billion Catholics, 1.3 billion Muslims, 900 million Hindus and 2.7 billion regular viewers of television. This last group worship their flickering god for, on average, three hours and seven minutes every day. If they had a mantra, along the lines of Hail Mary, Allah akbar or Hare Krishna, it would be "Is that your final answer?" And their prophet would be the New York entrepreneur Donald Trump. The Paris-based research organisation Eurodata has just published its annual report on the way the world uses the box. It found the new show that spread to the most countries over the past year was Trump's The Apprentice, while the world's most watched format was Who Wants To Be A Millionaire, with versions in 106 countries. Isn't it sad that in reality there may be more regular television watchers than churchgoers in any form. Perhaps television is the anti christ after all? revdauphinee answered on 05/16/05: it would be "Is that your final answer?"yes and my final answer is 5 For there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, ) paraclete rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 05/16/05 - well I'm glad they cleared that up? Official: Mary not a saviour By Linda Morris May 17, 2005 After decades of bickering, an international ecumenical body devoted to bridging the gulf between the Anglican and Catholic churches has reached a historic agreement about the role of Mary, Mother of Jesus: she is the Lord's handmaiden and sinless, but not the source of eternal salvation. The committee of 18 bishops, clergy, religious and laypeople from 10 countries has found common ground in reconciling the place of Mary in Christian devotion, a critical issue of disagreement between the faiths. In a long-awaited statement, issued in Seattle early today Sydney time, the committee says certain papal teachings governing the Assumption - Mary's ascension to heaven "body and soul" - and the Immaculate Conception - Mary's state of original sinlessness - can be seen as consistent with scriptural teachings. Mary is Christ's foremost disciple, with a distinctive place in the history of salvation. She is the mother of God incarnate, a model of holiness, faith and obedience for all Christians and a prophetic figure of the church. But while she can be asked to pray for us she is not a way to salvation in her own right, according to the Anglican-Roman Catholic International Commission, whose agreement, Mary: Grace and Hope in Christ, represents the first international bilateral dialogue between the two churches on this contentious aspect of Christian devotion. Historically, Anglicans have seen Mary as an inspiration and disciple but say Catholics excessively exalt Mary's role and powers, giving her an honour they say is Christ's alone. The commission has sought to reconcile the portrayal of Mary in the scriptures with ancient Christian traditions that saw her evolve as God-bearer and a worker of miracles and gave rise to feast days, and with that of the Reformation of the 16th century, which aimed to reduce her influence. It says the practice of asking Mary and the saints to intercede does not divide churches. However, it stops short of endorsing "private revelations", the most famous of which are the apparitions at Fatima, in Portugal, and Lourdes, in France. Devotional expression enriches worship of God and should be respected provided it does not undermine the pre-eminent place of Jesus in the church and is not compulsory. "The crowds gathering at some places where Mary is believed to have appeared suggest that such apparitions are an important part of this devotion and provide spiritual comfort," it says. "We agree that doctrine and devotion which focuses on Mary � must be moderated by carefully expressed norms which ensure the unique and central place of Jesus Christ in the � church and that Christ alone together with the Father and the Holy Spirit is to be worshipped in the church." The commission's findings appear consistent with Catholic teachings and practices but may departs from some of the emphases of Pope John Paul II, who encouraged devotion to Mary The commission admits the agreement does not resolve all differences, and there remains lingering questions about the authority and force of papal dogma and its relevance to scriptural teaching. The dialogue was officially sponsored by the Anglican Consultative Council and by the Vatican's Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity but is not binding. The retired Australian Anglican Primate, Dr Peter Carnley, who co-chaired the commission, hopes it will be a starting point for reconciliation. "We are breaking new ground, and I hope, myself, it will trigger quite a lot of interest because its a popular topic and people in the pews are conscious of the difference in approach," he said. Strange it has taken so long to state what is obvious in the first place to all who read Scripture. Jesus got the job done, and it is faith in Him, not anyoneelse by which we are saved. So now the way may be open for what? A church which accepts homosexual ministry to combined with one who opposes homosexuality, I don't think so some how, do you? revdauphinee answered on 05/16/05: "It says the practice of asking Mary and the saints to intercede does not divide churches." yes it does for it is writen 1st Timothy 2:5 For there is ""one God and one mediator"" between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, ) mary cannot mediate for us nor can the so called saints but only one mediator that being Jesus himself! MaggieB rated this answer paraclete rated this answer

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sapphire630 asked on 05/16/05 - BRRRRRRR PLEAZ send me all the global warming you can!!! I am freezing and I just want to go home and blast my furnace....I sure would rather have 90 degrees and sunshine. I have to look at a picture of the sun to remember what it looks like. Please help! Please send me all the HOT HOT weather! revdauphinee answered on 05/16/05: oh but if I could its so hot here in Mississippi and its not even summer yet sapphire630 rated this answer

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Choux asked on 05/16/05 - News in America "News" in America is either entertainment or propaganda. What a sorry state of affairs! Where do you go to get your facts? revdauphinee answered on 05/16/05: here !or at least on line Choux rated this answer

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Choux asked on 05/16/05 - Shocking American Abuse at Gitmo Just on Fox cable news, a shocking story of abuse at Guantanamo Base in Cuba. The news reader stated that an American, "Flushed a Korean down the toilet". I say, "How is this going to make Islamic terrorists talk"??? Comments? PS True story. revdauphinee answered on 05/16/05: why was a korean a Korean at guantanamo? if you meant a quran try it if you want plumbing problems !what if they flushed a bible would anyone care??? Choux rated this answer paraclete rated this answer

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hOPE12 asked on 05/16/05 - Cars and Safety Hello Experts, Please think about this for a few minutes before answering it. Here are two hypothetical senerios, what could you have done to avoid such an accident, or could you have done anything at all?? How serious before God is your personal responsiblity for the accident? 1) Two people are in the front seat of the car, one is talking and says something that the driver didn't like. They start to argue and the driver loses control of the car, hits another care where a person is killed. 2) A person is driving the car and soon from no where a child runs out and is hit and killed by the car. Who is at fault the driver, the child, the parents of the child, or no one. Was it just an accident or was it carelessness on someone elses part? Take care, Hope12 revdauphinee answered on 05/16/05: the driver is at fault in both cases hOPE12 rated this answer

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hOPE12 asked on 05/16/05 - Shoplifting: Hello Experts, Shoplifting is a crime and yet how does this passive crime affect you personally? What would you say the solution might be? Take care, Hope12 revdauphinee answered on 05/16/05: **Shoplifting** doesn't affect me personally. I don't own a shop. yes it does ,in higher prices for goods and services someone has to pay the companies are not going to loose!Choux get a life! hOPE12 rated this answer

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arcura asked on 05/16/05 - Do you fit Christ's definition of a disciple? Mark 14:26. "If anyone comes to Me and does not hate his father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters, yes, and his own life also, he cannot be My disciple. Please answer the question from your heart and explain it. Peace and kindness, Fred revdauphinee answered on 05/16/05: how can we "hate his mother and father and still keeep the commandment to honor them??the answer is we are to place no one not even our parents above the love of God.we are not literaly to hate them! arcura rated this answer

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hOPE12 asked on 05/16/05 - Communication: Hello Everyone, Communication is vital in a relationship. Knowing this do you converse with those you love? In today's family, many do not communicate. Good commuication skills are learned, they do not just happen. Knowing this how can we improve in our ability to communicate with those we love? When we communicate with our children, do we communicate or do we interrogate? You know, those ussual quesitons: "How was school? Sometimes we are lost for words, what then can we do to communicate and not sound like a robot? When is a good time to communicate with those we love? Take care, Hope12 revdauphinee answered on 05/16/05: the main thing we need to comunicate is that no matter what we will love them! hOPE12 rated this answer

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excon asked on 05/16/05 - Words Hello experts: When I was a kid, the words bastard and sonofabitch were worse than hell and damn. How come they use those words on the 5 o'clock news now? Was I sheltered, or have times changed? excon revdauphinee answered on 05/16/05: times they are a changing my friend (and sadly not for the better) Jesus and prayer and bible reading are out and cussing nudity and self agranisment are in! excon rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 05/16/05 - Baghdad is such a nice place to visit Condi Rice dropped into Baghdad and told the locals what a nice place it was and she just loved how they had fixed it up. You have to ask, has reality krept into the leadership of the US lately, Does the tourist industry in Irag really need the US Secretary of State doing a tourist promo just yet, See Baghdad and die! it's really bad taste or a promo for army recruiting revdauphinee answered on 05/16/05: with bobmings daily insugency everywhere and no peace in sight dont you think ms rice needs to get her head out of the sand??? paraclete rated this answer

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Pamela asked on 05/16/05 - Discipline can be grievous. Discipline can cause pain and hurt to those receiving it but if like the man in Corinth of whom Paul spoke it results in a change for the better then surely it is an act of love. Taking this to within the family, parents are to discipline their children. What would you do if you caught your child doing drugs? If he was being investigated would you cover for him or turn him in? What would be the loving thing to do? revdauphinee answered on 05/16/05: I can answer this one from experience It happened to me,sometimes disipline wont worl but love will!I took my drug addicted teen age daughter and turned her in (to no avail)I spent my life savings on rehab since there was no insurance coverage for this.(to no avail).I asked for prayer from the folks on Ask Me !then praise God she fell in love with a man who would have none of it! he broke my heart when he took her and my baby grandson far away from home to a small town in west virginia away from her drugie freinds and home to his christian parents and I must admit that at the time I hated him for it. this man my friends was God answering my prayers she is now straight 3 yrs living a good healthy life and my grandson has a christian father who loves him(his birth father shot himself in the head while high on drugs. Thank God for scott (my new son on Law) and dont anyone ever tell me that our God does not answer prayer !!I KNOW he does MaggieB rated this answer Pamela rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 05/15/05 - Important Questions? Carrying on the theme from yesterday What do you think the differences between the churches are? Are these differences real, imaginary, or illusionary? revdauphinee answered on 05/16/05: they not only have differences in thier dogma they also (many) have sifferences from scripture this is why I do not affiliate with any organised religion .In my oppinion most of them worship the almighty dollar more than they worship Almighty God!I remember sitting here in a large popular local church ,and looking up from my padded pew to observe a larger chrystal chandellier thn I had ever seen! even in palaces in europe,and at the time (This church is located not far from an overpass of a major highway)I was thinking that under this bridge I personaly had often seen homeless folks trying to get out of the weather.my thoughts on that day was when Jesus said ""feed my sheep"" is this what he had in mind?Seems like many are fleecing his sheep to pay for such nonesence< wouldnt the cost of this light fixtue have fed so many of his sheep???that was the day I left organised religion behind to seek what Jesus would have done. paraclete rated this answer

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arcura asked on 05/15/05 - The Passover�s Fourth Cup. Are you aware of this? +++ After the beginning of Jesus' Last Passover Supper (Seder) Judas Iscariot left to do what he had to do. The twelve left in the room were at the point where the second of four traditional cups was about to be drunk. (The first is at the beginning of the seder meal.) Jesus took the cup and gave thanks and gave it to them and said, "Take this and divide it among you. For I tell you I will not drink of the fruit of the vine until the Kingdom of God comes." More of the lamb meal was consumed. During that He took a loaf of unleavened bread, gave thanks, broke it and gave it to His disciples saying, "This IS my body given for you; do this to recall me." ("Recall" is a better translation of the Greek "anamnesis" than "remember".) After the supper He took the third cup saying, "Drink from it, all of you. This IS my blood of the NEW and everlasting covenant which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins." A hymn was sung, which is a combination of several psalms called The Great Hillel, and they went out to the Mount of Olives. What happened? The passover ceremony and ritual was not complete. There was no fourth cup. There was no announcement that it was finished. Could it be that Jesus was so upset with what He knew was about to happen that He forgot? Doubtful. Not only Jesus, but also the 11 others had participated in the Passover Seder every year of their lives. No, this was done on purpose. The last supper of Jesus was not over. On the Mount of Olives, in the Garden of Gesthemane, the disciples slept while Jesus prayed, "Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will but yours be done." He prayed that three times. Then Jesus was arrested, illegally put on trial by the Sandedrin, then by Pontius Pilate, sentenced and crucified. While on the cross He wept. Jesus, who was in excruciating agony, was so merciful that He prayed for the forgiveness of His executioners. He was offered some wine with a pain killer, myrrh, in it. He refused it. "Later, knowing that all was now complete, and so that the Scripture would be fulfilled and the kingdom established, Jesus said, 'I am thirsty.'" A man dipped a sponge into sour wine, he placed it on a hyssop branch and lifted it up to Jesus lips. He drank. (We recall that it was the hyssop branch which was used to paint lambs blood around the Hebrew's door for the passover of the angel of death.) It was then that Jesus said, "It is finished." He then bowed His head and gave up the spirit to His Father. The fourth cup now represented the lambs blood of the first Passover, a saving signal to the angel of death. The lamb of God was now sacrificed. The last Passover supper of Jesus Christ was now complete with the fourth cup. It was finished. revdauphinee answered on 05/15/05: good posting thanks! arcura rated this answer

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arcura asked on 05/15/05 - The Passover�s Fourth Cup. Are you aware of this? +++ After the beginning of Jesus' Last Passover Supper (Seder) Judas Iscariot left to do what he had to do. The twelve left in the room were at the point where the second of four traditional cups was about to be drunk. (The first is at the beginning of the seder meal.) Jesus took the cup and gave thanks and gave it to them and said, "Take this and divide it among you. For I tell you I will not drink of the fruit of the vine until the Kingdom of God comes." More of the lamb meal was consumed. During that He took a loaf of unleavened bread, gave thanks, broke it and gave it to His disciples saying, "This IS my body given for you; do this to recall me." ("Recall" is a better translation of the Greek "anamnesis" than "remember".) After the supper He took the third cup saying, "Drink from it, all of you. This IS my blood of the NEW and everlasting covenant which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins." A hymn was sung, which is a combination of several psalms called The Great Hillel, and they went out to the Mount of Olives. What happened? The passover ceremony and ritual was not complete. There was no fourth cup. There was no announcement that it was finished. Could it be that Jesus was so upset with what He knew was about to happen that He forgot? Doubtful. Not only Jesus, but also the 11 others had participated in the Passover Seder every year of their lives. No, this was done on purpose. The last supper of Jesus was not over. On the Mount of Olives, in the Garden of Gesthemane, the disciples slept while Jesus prayed, "Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will but yours be done." He prayed that three times. Then Jesus was arrested, illegally put on trial by the Sandedrin, then by Pontius Pilate, sentenced and crucified. While on the cross He wept. Jesus, who was in excruciating agony, was so merciful that He prayed for the forgiveness of His executioners. He was offered some wine with a pain killer, myrrh, in it. He refused it. "Later, knowing that all was now complete, and so that the Scripture would be fulfilled and the kingdom established, Jesus said, 'I am thirsty.'" A man dipped a sponge into sour wine, he placed it on a hyssop branch and lifted it up to Jesus lips. He drank. (We recall that it was the hyssop branch which was used to paint lambs blood around the Hebrew's door for the passover of the angel of death.) It was then that Jesus said, "It is finished." He then bowed His head and gave up the spirit to His Father. The fourth cup now represented the lambs blood of the first Passover, a saving signal to the angel of death. The lamb of God was now sacrificed. The last Passover supper of Jesus Christ was now complete with the fourth cup. It was finished. revdauphinee answered on 05/15/05: good posting thanks! arcura rated this answer

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arcura asked on 05/15/05 - Could you have used this prayer years ago? Can you use it now? +++++ LITANY OF HUMILITY By Cardinal Merry del Val O Jesus! meek and humble of heart, hear me From the desire of being esteemed, From the desire of being loved, From the desire of being extolled, From the desire of being honored, From the desire of being praised, From the desire of being preferred, From the desire of being consulted, From the desire of being approved, Deliver me, Jesus, From the fear of being humiliated, From the fear of being despised, From the fear of suffering rebukes, From the fear of being calumniated, From the fear of being forgotten, From the fear of being ridiculed, From the fear of being wronged, From the fear of being suspected, Deliver me, Jesus, That others may be loved more than I, That others may be esteemed more than I, That in the opinion of the world, others may increase, and I may decrease, That others may be chosen and I set aside, That others may be praised and I unnoticed, That others may be preferred to me in everything, That others become holier than I, provided that I may become as holy as I should, Jesus, grant me the grace to desire it revdauphinee answered on 05/15/05: I wouldnt use it because I personalybelieve prayer should be in ones own words since it is a conversation with God and not repetative (what others have writen)but I see nothing wrong with it,If others feel comfortable with it> arcura rated this answer

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arcura asked on 05/14/05 - Pentecost - The birthday of The Church........ Liturgical day: Pentecost Sunday Today's Gospel (Jn 20:19-23): On the evening of that day, the first day after the Sabbath, the doors were locked where the disciples were, because of their fear of the Jews, but Jesus came and stood in their midst. He said to them, �Peace be with you�; then He showed them his hands and his side. The disciples kept looking at the Lord and were full of joy. Again Jesus said to them, �Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you�. After saying this He breathed on them and said to them, �Receive the Holy Spirit; for those whose sins you forgive, they are forgiven; for those whose sins you retain, they are retained�. Commentary: Mons. Josep �ngel Saiz i Meneses, Bishop of Terrassa (Catalonia) �Receive the Holy Spirit� Today, the day of Pentecost, the fulfillment of the promise Christ made the Apostles is finally accomplished. The evening of that Easter day He breathed on them and said to them: �Receive the Holy Spirit� (Jn 20:22). The Holy Spirit's arrival on the Day of Pentecost renews and brings this gift to plenitude in a solemn way and with external manifestations. Thus culminates the paschal mystery. Jesus conveys the Spirit into the disciples to create a new human condition while producing unity. When man's arrogance made him think he could defy God by building the Babel tower, God mixed their languages so they could not understand each other any more. With the Pentecost it just happens the contrary: on the grace of the Holy Spirit, people from the most varied origins and languages can understand the Apostles. The Holy Spirit is the intimate and personal Master who guides the disciple towards the truth, who motivates him to do good, who consoles him in the pain, who transforms him intimately, while giving him a new strength and capacity. The first day of the Pentecost of the Christian era, the Apostles were gathered around the Virgin Mary, while praying. The recollection, and the praying attitude, are necessary to receive the Spirit. �And suddenly there came from the sky a noise like a strong driving wind, and it filled the entire house in which they were. Then there appeared to them tongues as of fire, which parted and came to rest on each one of them� (Acts 2:2-3). They remained full of the Holy Spirit and, bravely, they started to preach. Those fearful men had been transformed into courageous preachers unafraid of gaol, torture or martyrdom. Which should not surprise us, for the Holy Spirit�s strength dwelt within them. The Holy Spirit, the Third Person of the Blessed Trinity, is my soul's soul, the life of my life, the entity of my entity; it is my sanctifier, the guest in my deepest interior. To reach maturity in a life of faith our relation with Him must be, time and again, more conscientious, more personal. In this celebration of the Pentecost we must have the doors, deep down us, wide open revdauphinee answered on 05/15/05: thank you for correcting me I freely admit I was wrong and appologise to you! Dorothy arcura rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 05/15/05 - important questions? Is is possible we have lost a generation Today, as I travelled, I picked up a hitchhiker and we fell to talking about God. This fellow, an aboriginal man, told me that he was a catholic and then he asked me, what is the difference between the catholic church and the other churches. He also asked me whether the Muslims believed the same as the Christians. Lastly, he told me he didn't go to church because there are no young people there. I had the opportunity to sow many seeds, which I hope will germinate, but it became obvious to me that if his generation thinks that way, we have lost a generation, and the question is; who is responsible for this? revdauphinee answered on 05/15/05: we are!!! for did not jesus tell us ""feed my sheep""I think they are not getting the spiritual food they so badly need.and for this the blame lies with us who claim to have that ! paraclete rated this answer Pete_Hanysz rated this answer

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Krewton asked on 05/15/05 - Eternal Security vs Conditional Salvation I realize there are arguments supporting both sides of this doctrinal issue, but after attending a Baptist Church for the last two years and reading the scriptures, Eternal Security makes much more sense than Conditional Salvation. I know this is a hot potato, but any thoughts by the experts on this? revdauphinee answered on 05/15/05: can a person who was once saved then reject his salvation and loose it ??Not if he was truly saved and not just paying lip service as many do!but it is writen Matthew 4:7 Jesus answered him, "It is also written: `Do not put the Lord your God to the test.' " Krewton rated this answer

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Pamela asked on 05/15/05 - Michael Jackson's white skin. Some of the experts here believe that MJ has changed his skin color because he does not like his own race. In today's newspaper here it tells a story of a woman who has vitiligo, "the same as Michael Jackson." Vitiligo causes the body to slow down the production of melanocytes resulting in large areas of white patches on the skin. Isn't it a pity that we humans are so quick to judge others without knowing all the facts? I would like to hear from you if you have had the experience of being misjudged over a medical condition or any other reason. revdauphinee answered on 05/15/05: dont feel he was missjusdged for this can also be accomplished chemicaly! so I do not jump to either conclusion It is not his outward appearance that concerns me it is what is in his heart that matters, and if he is guilty of mollesting children then no punnishment will be enough .He is not being misjudged over a medical condition he is being tryed for sexual misconduct with children.In the end the Lord will judge him and many others> Matthew 18: 6 But if anyone causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him to have a large millstone hung around his neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea. ) Pamela rated this answer

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arcura asked on 05/14/05 - Please think long and hard and tell me..... What you think of this...Fred +++ The issue of "gay rights" is all about forcing the Catholic Church, indeed all of Christianity itself, into non-existence by means of a systematic effort to categorize and legally declare her ancient faith, morality and teachings, her ethics and principles, all firmly based in God-given Sacred Scripture and Tradition, to be "hate crimes" and therefore unlawful, punishable to the fullest extent of the law. With such legislation in effect, as Canada is about to inaugurate, we will see ominous parallels between contemporary events and those that happened in the French Revolution some 200 years previous, in which laws were manipulated, transgressed and obliterated by a select minority with the singular purpose of bringing Christianity itself to extinction, in order to drive all visible remnants of God's Divine Laws, even His very Presence on Earth, into utter oblivion. Satan's strategy has long been one of divide and conquer. He attacks Christianity from without and from within, seeking nothing less than its utter and complete destruction. Catholicism is not the only object of his malevolence and hatred. Our Constitution today stands in tatters from years of relentless attacks launched upon it from both internal and external forces. So far, this demonic strategy has proven to be extremely effective and successful when considered within the context of the tremendous headway made of late in eliminating religion and its influence from contemporary society and the minds and hearts of men. What happened so many years ago? � A Synopsis of a very complex Revolution * A small but daring and vocal political minority was able, over time and with very little resistance, to enforce its will ostensibly as that of "the people," by working to assume ever greater political and legal power and influence. Their revolutionary goal was a tactical upset of the status quo of the legitimate authority in order to achieve this very purpose. * Social, moral and religious decay proliferated throughout all segments of society as a consequence of weak leadership. (There are many similarities here to what we saw happen in the U.S. in the decades that followed the assassination of JFK.) * Secularists gained a foothold in using this newfound platform for furthering their atheistic agenda and in exerting their new philosophy and moral mindset upon the general public � in the halls of government, in the schools and even from the pulpit. * Responsible people in positions of legitimate and influential power and authority, legislative, judicial and religious, who could have done something to thwart this offensive, did nothing. (As a reward for his weakness in the face of evil, the King eventually lost everything, including his head, along with the heads of his family.) * A reorganization of the government took place, with the predictable re-distribution of power in favor of the disruptive but well prepared secularist minority. Don't worry, it only gets worse � The Age of Enlightenment (NOT!) * The "Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen" was anything but, as this illicit document was intended rather to deny natural and inalienable human rights to a great number of the people, in particular the clergy and anyone remaining faithful to their religious heritage, resulting in random and arbitrary imprisonment, exile or, in some cases, summary execution. What were considered universal rights and privileges in ages past, and rooted in the natural law, were consistently denied to people at practically every political and social level. The only article relating to religion was worded as follows: "No one shall be disturbed for his opinions, even religious, provided their manifestation does not disturb the public order established by law." * Once in full control of the government, the Assembly voted with extraordinary enthusiasm to abolish all privileges and feudal rights, thus, in effect, implementing martial law. The government effectively fell under complete control of the revolutionary mob under the pretext of an "Assembly." * The Assembly declared that the property of the clergy belonged to the nation. * In the discussions relating to the Civil Constitution of the clergy, the Assembly explicitly expressed a desire that the Catholic Church, to which the majority of the French people belonged, should be subject to the State and really organized by the State. (This was the inception of what would become state-run religion.) * Both Church-owned and personal property of clerics began to be summarily confiscated by the government and put up for sale. * The Assembly charged its ecclesiastical committee to prepare the reorganization of the clergy resulting in the issuance of the "Civil Constitution on the Clergy," giving the government free reign to exercise full control of churches, clerics and the contents and doctrines of worship. * All clerics were obliged to swear an oath of loyalty to this new constitution or face deportation or imprisonment. Any priest or cleric who refused the oath was forbidden to publicly exercise their ministry. * Bishops who remained faithful, organized and issued a rebuttal to the Assembly in which they rejected the Constitution and called upon the faithful to do the same. * In response, the Legislative Assembly openly declared to "stamp out the rebellion which disguises itself under the pretended dissidence in the exercise of the Catholic religion." * Mobs were organized and gathered to specifically target, physically harass, attack and persecute nuns and other pious women and religious. * Many members of the assembly openly championed a complete separation of Church and State. (Sound familiar?) * The Assembly passed a decree which suspended the king's powers and convoked a national convention. King Louis XVI was thus imprisoned. * By the opening of the National Convention in 1792, the majority of the Convention declared open hostility to Christianity itself. * The Convention voted a prize to whosoever should denounce any priest liable to criminal prosecution and who remained in France despite the law. * The Constituent Assembly created a "Cult of the Fatherland," rooted in paganism, in an effort to re-focus public religious sentiments away from traditional Christianity. * The leaders of the Convention perpetuated abominable massacres. In Paris the Revolutionary Tribunal, carrying out the proposals of the Public Accuser, inaugurated the Reign of Terror. (The office of "Public Accuser" was actually an official governmental position. The person occupying this office held absolute life and death power over all citizens, without recourse to trial or appeal. Thousands were arbitrarily sentenced and executed by guillotine at the hands of the Public Accuser and his henchmen.) * The Convention passed the Law of Suspects, (1793), which authorized the imprisonment of almost anyone for any reason. * Full religious persecution was in force. The Convention sent "missionary representatives" to the provinces with the specific mandate to close churches, hunt down citizens suspected of religious practices, endeavor to constrain priests to minister, and threaten with deportation for lack of citizenship priests who refused to abandon their posts. * Informing on others became a profitable trade in France. * Following the trial of Louis XVI, on 21 January, 1793 the Assembly "hurled a king's head at Europe." The King's last words, "I die innocent of all the crimes laid to my charge; I Pardon those who have occasioned my death; and I pray to God that the blood you are going to shed may never be visited on France." * Queen Marie Antoinette (who, contrary to the malignment her name has been subjected to by historical revisionists, was a good and holy Catholic Christian woman), was beheaded 16 October, 1793. * Sixteen Carmelite Nuns, who came to be known as the Martyrs of Compiegne, were guillotined on 17 July, 1794. (An excellent, well researched and very readable book detailing their story has been recently published entitled, "To Quell the Terror.") * Measures were taken by the Convention to replace the universal Christian calendar with the radically deviant Revolutionary calendar, renaming the months and substituting the traditional 7-day week with a 10-day week known as the "decadi." Only one day off was allowed during this new 10-day week, and this day was specifically intended to replace the Lord's day of rest on Sunday. * Decrees were issued ordering the municipalities to seize and melt down bells and other treasures of the churches. * Regarding education, the Convention commissioned a collection of works detailing the heroic actions of the Republicans to replace the "Lives of the Saints," which had traditionally been taught in the schools for centuries. Persecution, denunciation and suppression of all religious ideas continued in earnest. * All churches were closed to Catholic worship. The Convention offered a prize for the abjuration of priests by passing a decree which assured a pension to Priests who abjured, and the most painful day of that sad period was 20 November, 1793, when men, women, and children dressed in Priestly garments taken from the Church of St. Germain des Pr�s marched through the hall of the Convention. A man named Laloi, presiding over the convention, congratulated them saying they had "wiped out eighteen centuries of error." * One of the key instigators and authors of the Reign of Terror, Robespierre, outlined in a long speech his plan for a new religion. He explained that from the religious and Republican standpoint the idea of a Supreme Being was advantageous to the State, but religion should dispense with a priesthood, and that priests were to religion what charlatans were to medicine, emphasizing that the true priest of the Supreme Being was Nature. * Robespierre made the mistake of putting to vote in June the terrible Law of 22 Prairial, (the name given to one of the new months of the Revolutionary calendar), which still further shortened the summary procedure of the Revolutionary tribunal and allowed sentence to be passed almost without trial even on the members of the Convention. This move backfired, resulting in the arrest and execution of Robespierre and his compatriots in 1794. * Coincident with these events, another pagan, neo-religious venture of this period made inroads. Known as the "Theophilanthropists," these people wished to create a spiritualist church without dogmas, miracles, priesthood or sacraments, resulting in only a sort of vague religiosity so as not to offend anyone while still appealing to the person's innate, natural desire to worship a supreme being. Fortunately for France, following the death of Robespierre and his partisans, the reign of terror quickly came to an end, a new, more moderate government formed and the previous liberties and freedoms slowly crept back into the pattern of daily existence for the average citizen, though religion continued to be subject to some form of governmental scrutiny and control, a restriction on the natural, God-given freedom of religion which continues there even to this present day. It is a direct, negative commentary, indeed a condemning mark on our society that historical revisionists around the world should still hold the Age of Enlightenment and the fathers of the French Revolution in so positive a light and in such high regard, in spite of the sea of blood that was shed by their hands under the guise of "Liberty, Equality, Fraternity," which was the motto and rallying cry of the French Revolution. To draw a conclusion, it can be said that within the larger panorama of the historical stage, a sad repetition of the events of those troubled times may well occur, as we may come to experience many of these same terrible, despotic atrocities in our own time, having failed to learn from the painful lessons that history and our fallen human nature collectively have to offer. It is not at all beyond the realm of possibility that a like scenario could be construed in which we might witness Church property assimilated, confiscated and sold off in payment of debt, both real and contrived. The sermons of priests and pastors might well soon be closely scrutinized and monitored by special interest groups and governmental agencies seeking to first discredit, then prosecute. Those who remain courageous enough speak in defense of traditional, conservative morality, teaching of the dangers of sin and the consequences thereof, or otherwise work to shepherd their flocks as our Lord Jesus commissioned them, will be jailed for "hate speech" or other contrived civil abrogations against the perverse, man-made idol that has come to be known as "separation of church and state." Organized religion in any form other than the "official, state-sanctioned" government regulated services, will be banned and outlawed. As was in the heyday of the Roman Empire, it will once more be a crime to be Christian. Lacking any means of public worship, God's people will be driven underground. We Christians will head back to the catacombs, as were the faithful in the early Church, forced to worship God in secret. Mere possession of a Bible might constitute a capital offense. Clergy and many of the faithful will be arrested, tried and sentenced to forced labor camps � or worse. We will be hunted once again for imaginary crimes against society, and punished, when found, with all contrivance of torture, even unto death. Scripture will be fulfilled, and the roll of the martyrs will be made complete. I'm afraid that it's coming. It's only a matter of time. But do not despair, however, for our God is the Lord of history. All things are in His hands and under His dominion and control. His Divine Providence reigns supreme. His enemies, as Sacred Scripture records, will be given only the briefest illusion of victory before our Savior returns in triumph. These evil ones will be eternally vanquished to the nether regions of hell to join their despotic predecessors, and His Kingdom, the new Heavens and the new Earth, will be firmly established forever. This, too, is coming. It's only a matter of time. So be watchful and pray that you, too, may remain faithful and persevere to the end � because only God knows who among us will be put to the ultimate test. "Then they will hand you over to persecution, and they will kill you. You will be hated by all nations because of my name. And then many will be led into sin; they will betray and hate one another. Many false prophets will arise and deceive many; and because of the increase of evildoing, the love of many will grow cold. But the one who perseveres to the end will be saved." � Matthew 24:7 RESOURCES: 1. The Catholic Encyclopedia, 2005 Edition, Article by GEORGES GOYAU Transcribed by Jeffrey L. Anderson On-line at: http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/13009a.htm 2. "To Quell the Terror," by William Bush 3. The Execution of Louis XVI, 1793," EyeWitness to History, www.eyewitnesstohistory.com (1999). Paul Rasavage is a freelance author living in the Cascades of the Pacific Northwest, a lifelong Catholic and devoted husband of 26 years, and father of three, including a Carmelite Nun. Paul and his wife Jennifer are members of the Secular Order of Discalced Carmelites (OCDS). revdauphinee answered on 05/15/05: do not be surprised were we not told (Mk.13:11-13 13 All men will hate you because of me, but he who stands firm to the end will be saved. ) (Matt.24:8-10 8 All these are the beginning of birth pains. 9 "Then you will be handed over to be persecuted and put to death, and you will be hated by all nations because of me. 10 At that time many will turn away from the faith and will betray and hate each other, ) (Jn.15:18-19 18 "If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first. 19 If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you. ) arcura rated this answer

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arcura asked on 05/14/05 - Pentecost - The birthday of The Church........ Liturgical day: Pentecost Sunday Today's Gospel (Jn 20:19-23): On the evening of that day, the first day after the Sabbath, the doors were locked where the disciples were, because of their fear of the Jews, but Jesus came and stood in their midst. He said to them, �Peace be with you�; then He showed them his hands and his side. The disciples kept looking at the Lord and were full of joy. Again Jesus said to them, �Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you�. After saying this He breathed on them and said to them, �Receive the Holy Spirit; for those whose sins you forgive, they are forgiven; for those whose sins you retain, they are retained�. Commentary: Mons. Josep �ngel Saiz i Meneses, Bishop of Terrassa (Catalonia) �Receive the Holy Spirit� Today, the day of Pentecost, the fulfillment of the promise Christ made the Apostles is finally accomplished. The evening of that Easter day He breathed on them and said to them: �Receive the Holy Spirit� (Jn 20:22). The Holy Spirit's arrival on the Day of Pentecost renews and brings this gift to plenitude in a solemn way and with external manifestations. Thus culminates the paschal mystery. Jesus conveys the Spirit into the disciples to create a new human condition while producing unity. When man's arrogance made him think he could defy God by building the Babel tower, God mixed their languages so they could not understand each other any more. With the Pentecost it just happens the contrary: on the grace of the Holy Spirit, people from the most varied origins and languages can understand the Apostles. The Holy Spirit is the intimate and personal Master who guides the disciple towards the truth, who motivates him to do good, who consoles him in the pain, who transforms him intimately, while giving him a new strength and capacity. The first day of the Pentecost of the Christian era, the Apostles were gathered around the Virgin Mary, while praying. The recollection, and the praying attitude, are necessary to receive the Spirit. �And suddenly there came from the sky a noise like a strong driving wind, and it filled the entire house in which they were. Then there appeared to them tongues as of fire, which parted and came to rest on each one of them� (Acts 2:2-3). They remained full of the Holy Spirit and, bravely, they started to preach. Those fearful men had been transformed into courageous preachers unafraid of gaol, torture or martyrdom. Which should not surprise us, for the Holy Spirit�s strength dwelt within them. The Holy Spirit, the Third Person of the Blessed Trinity, is my soul's soul, the life of my life, the entity of my entity; it is my sanctifier, the guest in my deepest interior. To reach maturity in a life of faith our relation with Him must be, time and again, more conscientious, more personal. In this celebration of the Pentecost we must have the doors, deep down us, wide open revdauphinee answered on 05/15/05: there is no mention of Jesus mother in the scriptural description of this day.wich was and is a Jewish feast day known as described below Exo.34:22 "Celebrate the Feast of Weeks with the firstfruits of the wheat harvest, and the Feast of Ingathering at the turn of the year. women were often absent during such times so I am currious as to where you obtained the account you quoted?also this is where I get my objections to what is now known as glossalallia or speaking in tounges.the disciples did not use this jibberish as is clearly told in the last part ,they spoke in understandable ancient languages to people who where present ,such as greek Latin ect>< Acts 2 1. When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. 2. Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. 3. They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. 4. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them. 5. Now there were staying in Jerusalem God-fearing Jews from every nation under heaven. 6. When they heard this sound, a crowd came together in bewilderment, because each one heard them speaking in his own language. 7. Utterly amazed, they asked: "Are not all these men who are speaking Galileans? (((( 8. Then how is it that each of us hears them in his own native language? ))) 9. Parthians, Medes and Elamites; residents of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, 10. Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya near Cyrene; visitors from Rome 11. (both Jews and converts to Judaism); Cretans and Arabs--we hear them declaring the wonders of God in our own tongues!" arcura rated this answer

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drgade asked on 05/14/05 - Too quiet Has it really been that nice a day that no one has been on this site?...or have I messed up my computer that I can't receive new questions? revdauphinee answered on 05/14/05: your computer is fine there just hasnt been much activity here today I came on earlier and nothing new! drgade rated this answer

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Pamela asked on 05/13/05 - A contradiction? Jesus often ate with "tax collectors and harlots" and was even denounced by the holier-than-thou scribes and Pharasees because of this. Yet with respect to godless people today, Paul advises Timothy to "have nothing to do with them" ( 2 Tim 3:1-5 NIV) Is this a contradiction or do we follow Jesus' example and associate with such ones for the purpose of helping them, not to follow their ways? revdauphinee answered on 05/14/05: we are not Paulites nor John ites we are Christians who claim to follow Christ Jesus so I think we need to follow what he tells us an even for those who persecute us and intend us harm let alone not agreeing with what some denomination tells us to do ! Matt.5:43-48 43 "You have heard that it was said, `Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' 44 But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45 that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. MaggieB rated this answer Pamela rated this answer

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Pamela asked on 05/13/05 - In answer to Queenybee I tried posting this as a clarification but it repeatedly wont come up, so I have to post it as a question. It is true that John said not to welcome an apostate into your home or say a greeting to him. (2 John 10,11), but Jehovah's witnesses have published several Watchtower magazines that deal with disfellowshipped family memebers, spouses and employees in our place of work and it states repetedly that our connversations must be limited to family or work matter and not to have spiritual fellowshiop with them. Spiritual fellowship is described as agreeing with their immoral lifestyle or apostate teachings. In context John was clearly not referring to spouses, familt members or fellow employess but to those who "come to you not having this teaching...never receive him inot your home or say a greeting to him.." (2John10,11) His warning was timely because the gnostic Christians were actively trying to get others to follow them. They had rejected the gospels and were writing their own. Of course if a workmate, family member or spouse does take the initiative to raise issues, would would politely decline to discuss it with them. Just as the instruction on dealing with excommunicated ones does not overrule the marriage vow it does not overrule the command to honor your father and mother. Hence a WT (or KM) stated that if a disfellowshipped parent becomes old and frail and needs our care, then we must provide that care, even thaking them in if necessary. I cant quote the specific articles because the search button on my WT CD Rom doesnt work. revdauphinee answered on 05/14/05: No matter what a person says or does are we not commanded to forgive?not just once or twice but seventy times seven??your attitude does not follow this teaching wich is not the word of John but of jesus himself how can a person repent lest we allow him ??? (Prov.19:11 A man's wisdom gives him patience; it is to his glory to overlook an offense. ) so we should not shun those who offend us ,nor even those that wish us harm (our enemies)we were commanded not to accept or like but to love ,yes ""love"" even our enemies! Matt.5:43-48 43 "You have heard that it was said, `Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' 44 But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45 that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. Pamela rated this answer

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CeeBee2 asked on 05/13/05 - Heard on the radio this afternoon, on the "New Life" (Christian) station (no, Penny, I didn't listen to Nina - it was a short trip to and from Wendy's): Christianity isn't about action as much as it is about reaction. The Christianity board is the perfect venue for reacting. Have you reacted today? (Maybe we should sell bumper stickers...like, "Have you hugged your kid today?") revdauphinee answered on 05/13/05: cee bee hope u didnt find any fingers??LOL CeeBee2 rated this answer

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Itsdb asked on 05/13/05 - Speaking of fingers... Wendy's finger fraud solved... By GREG SANDOVAL Associated Press Writer The Associated Press SAN JOSE, Calif. May 13, 2005 � The finger that a woman said she found in a bowl of Wendy's chili came from an associate of her husband who lost the digit in an industrial accident, police said Friday. "The jig is up. The puzzle pieces are beginning to fall into place," Police Chief Rob Davis said. The man is from Nevada and lost a part of his finger in an accident last December, Davis said. His identity was traced through a tip made to Wendy's hot line, he said. He said authorities "positively confirmed that this subject was in fact the source of the fingertip." Anna Ayala, the woman who said she found the finger, was arrested last month at her suburban Las Vegas home. Ayala said she bit down on a 1 1/2 inch-long finger fragment while dining with her family in March at a San Jose Wendy's. But authorities had said they believed the story was a hoax. Ayala's husband, Jaime Plascencia, was arrested earlier this month on a fugitive warrant at the couple's home to face charges unrelated to the Wendy's case. San Jose police had said he used his children's personal information in a fraudulent manner for personal gain, and he was charged with identity theft, fraudulent use of official documents, failure to pay child support and child abandonment. The man who lost the finger, whose name was not released, had given the finger fragment to Plascencia, Davis said. A phone call to Ayala's attorney on Friday was not immediately returned. Wendy's has offered a $100,000 reward and has said it has lost millions in sales since Ayala made the claim. Dozens of employees at the company's Northern California franchises also have been laid off. "There are victims in this case that have suffered greatly," Davis said. Wendy's had said all the employees at the San Jose store were found to have all their fingers, and no suppliers of Wendy's ingredients have reported any hand or finger injuries. revdauphinee answered on 05/13/05: saw that on aol start up page tody. Itsdb rated this answer

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kindj asked on 05/13/05 - Sorry 'bout that. Maybe my finger shook or something... revdauphinee answered on 05/13/05: he i do that at times also LOL! kindj rated this answer

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kindj asked on 05/13/05 - Christians and depression Just curious what y'all think. Can a Christian fall victim to depression (clinical, not just the blues) just like non-Christians? Perhaps a better question would be: Should a Christian feel guilty if they do, in fact, suffer from depression? You know, guilty that they must've done something wrong for God to not "heal" them, not enough faith to have the joy that is described, etc? Just curious. Been having a few doc appointments lately, trying to find any other reason, maybe something physical. So far, no go. Not sure what to make of all this. Damn near done with my Master's in counseling psychology, and now I may need my own services! How freakin' ironic is that? So I'm sure meds will be on the lineup. Nifty thing is, pretty much all of them that I'm aware of have their side effects, impotence being chief among them. Ain't THAT super? Late thirties is a bit too soon to take away the joys of mattress dancing. Take the one thing in life that I can actually look forward to happening, say once a month or so, and take it away, too. What a great cure for depression THAT is!! Ah, well. Like my boys in Montgomerey Gentry sing: "Hard times, bad luck. Sometimes life sucks. That's allright, that's OK, It ain't nothin' but another day." But back to the original question, pre-psychotic rambling: Christians and depression: What's YOUR take? DK revdauphinee answered on 05/13/05: I am a christian and suffered fro years with chemical depression we Christians are humans too and we still have chemical imballances .But we also have the fith to know "this too will pass" kindj rated this answer queenybee rated this answer

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tomder55 asked on 05/13/05 - Newsweek lied people died Read this about riots in Afghanistan triggered by a report in Newsweek about flushing Korans down the toilet. The problem is that It comes from an anonymous source! Will someone please take a book the size of a soft cover Koran or Bible and flush it down a toilet for me .....then grab a mop and call a plumber. I hope Newsweek is pleased . They incited a riot that is spreading based un unsubstantiated charges from an anonymous source ! revdauphinee answered on 05/13/05: I own a copy I dont think it can be done! MaggieB rated this answer tomder55 rated this answer

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Choux asked on 05/13/05 - Freakonomics I ordered it last night to fulfill the last requirement in one of my book clubs. It is just too interesting to pass up! revdauphinee answered on 05/13/05: personaly I think Im going to skip that one got better stuff to read! Choux rated this answer MaggieB rated this answer paraclete rated this answer

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CeeBee2 asked on 05/13/05 - For Chou -- Your earlier post was very timely. Outsmugging the smug: Don't try this at home May 13, 2005 BY DEBRA PICKETT Chicago Sun-Times Columnist I've been reading Freakonomics: A Rogue Economist Explores the Hidden Side of Everything (William Morrow, $25.95), the best-selling book in which University of Chicago economist Steven Levitt takes a look at the hidden factors -- such as incentive systems, economic and otherwise -- that make life work the way it does. It's a very dangerous book for someone like me, whose grasp of economics is not exactly firm, because its tone -- the voice of Levitt's co-author, writer Stephen J. Dubner -- is incredibly friendly and approachable. Like Malcolm Gladwell's The Tipping Point (Little, Brown: $24.95), Freakonomics makes me think I understand a lot more about the world than I actually do. So, walking around this week, I've been keeping a keen eye out for truths that expose the often lazy and flawed thinking behind conventional wisdom. Every time I saw someone in my baby-ridden neighborhood struggling with a $300 car seat, I felt a smug satisfaction at understanding, thanks to Levitt, that car seats really don't do much to keep kids safe. It's having the kid in the back seat, rather than on your lap up front, that makes the big difference. The "extra" safety of the 19-point restraint system in the 80-pound carrier is, statistically speaking, nominal at best. It's a rare joy to be able to out-smug the obsessive parents in the Strollerville section of Lincoln Park. And I could barely contain the urge to photocopy the "What Makes a Perfect Parent?" section of Levitt's book and distribute it to a few well-chosen mailboxes. It would only take a minute to highlight the passage in which a regression analysis of the Early Childhood Longitudinal Study demonstrates that neither having a stay-at-home mother nor visiting museums on a regular basis significantly improves a child's performance in school. But, really, who I am to point out to my Bugaboo-owning neighbors that all their child-rearing angst might be for naught? They're fine people, after all, and shouldn't have to suffer just because I read a book that has me convinced -- for the moment, until the next big book comes along -- that I have a deep and sophisticated understanding of the world. How I'll win my Nobel prize Reading Freakonomics has me convinced that the entire universe works in an understandable way -- just not in exactly the way most of us think it can be understood. So I've been trying to apply Levitt's rigorous logic to my own life, to get a better handle on why I make certain choices. (Incidentally, this is not an exercise I would recommend to anyone who happens to be planning a wedding. It's really best not to try to comprehend why a champagne toast costs $25 per person. Or why you feel, despite the cost, that you absolutely must have one.) I started with some of the basic features of my daily routine, like the electric toothbrush I use. Is it really that much more effective than a regular toothbrush or do I just like its little humming sound? And how about the little "stored value" cards I use to pay my CTA fare and to buy my tall soy latte? I feel, somehow, like they're supposed to be a good deal -- or at least that they should help me stick to my budget and keep track of what I'm spending -- but they must also be a good deal for the businesses issuing them. What's in it for them? And is having a Starbucks card actually making me spend more money there? Is that even possible at this point? My imagination quickly moved to more esoteric questions, like why it costs so much more to get a manicure in Chicago than it does in New York. Life is full of "freakonomic" conundrums. And I'm going to get right to work on exposing them. Just as soon as I call the caterer to order that champagne. revdauphinee answered on 05/13/05: Thanks be to God the price of Champagne is not one of the things I wory about! CeeBee2 rated this answer MaggieB rated this answer

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STONY asked on 05/13/05 - A PRAISE REPORT!!! AT THE END OF FEB. MY DR. TOLD ME THERE WAS A GOOD CHANCE I WAS GOING TO LOSE MY RIGHT KIDNEY. IN MARCH I HAD SOME SURGERY DONE TO REMOVE THE HUGE CHUNK OF TRASH FROM THE KIDNEY. THE HUGE HOLE IN MY BACK HAS FINALLY CLOSED AND HEALED UP AND YESTERDAY I SAW THE DR. FOR A FINAL REPORT ON THE SITUATION. I STILL HAVE SOME STONES IN EACH KIDNEY BUT HE WAS AMAZED THAT THERE WAS NO DAMAGE TO THE KIDNEY ITSELF. HE WAS EXPECTING IT TO DIE ON ME AND HAVE TO BE REMOVED. I WANT TO SINCERELY THANK ALL OF YOU WHO KEPT ME IN YOUR PRAYERS, AS THEY WERE ANSWERED. AFTER HEARING THE DR.'S ANSWER, I TOLD HIM; "DOC, NEVER UNDERESTIMATE THE POWER OF PRAYER!!" revdauphinee answered on 05/13/05: I say Amen to that ,Isnt our God awsome?? STONY rated this answer

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hOPE12 asked on 05/13/05 - For the boards information: For all of those who had kind words and love in their comments to my post on leaving, thank you very much and I have decided to remain on the board but to spend less time on it. I hope I receive a warm welcome back. I have gotten use to waking and looking on the board and I miss doing that for a few days. Well I will be back but I also am concentrating on my work outside the board. For Pete and others who feel I have used other names on Answerway.com., you are wrong and all you need to do is check answerway records. I have always been "Hope12" on Answerway. Also Pete, why did you apologize if you didn't mean it? As to you letting "others know when Anna's back, " Don't bother, I am staying so as to prove you wrong and to show you I am who I say I am and that is Hope12, Anna. You should not apologize to others unless you are really sorry. Now who is being the fraud? Time proves all things Pete, my post on leaving proved you to be phoney in your heart. You were not sorry for treating me rude and nasty. If I have fifty screen name in the past, what difference does it make, I have only had one screen name on Answerway since I have been here. Well guess what Pete, I am back, you had better warn people. L0L Anna revdauphinee answered on 05/13/05: I for one am glad to see you here and for those who act otherwise "get over it!" hOPE12 rated this answer

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Pamela asked on 05/12/05 - Excommunicating unrepentant sinners 1 Cor 5:13 and 2 John 11 both advise Christians not to associate with people who have proved to be unrepentant sinners or apostates. What does your church do in the event that someone repeatedly commits a sin ( in the case of 1 Cor 5:13 it was a man who committed adultery) or who has abandoned his faith ( 2 John 11) and tries to take others with him? Is it a sin to speak to such ones at all? What if the person is your marriage partner? Does this mean you have grounds for divorce? Also what if it is someone who works with you, or a family member? revdauphinee answered on 05/13/05: scripture tells us that would be wrong !we as Christians are not to shun anyone ,for is it not written> 15 But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins. ) (Matt.18:21-35 21 Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, "Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother when he sins against me? Up to seven times?" 22 Jesus answered, "I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times. (Prov.19:11 A man's wisdom gives him patience; it is to his glory to overlook an offense. ) (Matt.5:7 Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy. ) (Matt.5:43-48 43 "You have heard that it was said, `Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' 44 But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45 that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. 46 If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? MaggieB rated this answer Pamela rated this answer

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Mathatmacoat asked on 05/12/05 - Christianity in action? Report paints grim picture of Iraqi life Thursday, May 12, 2005 Posted: 4:56 PM EDT (2056 GMT) (CNN) -- In the wake of the U.S.-led invasion of Iraq in 2003, the country still struggles with high unemployment, inconsistent utility services and widespread poverty, a joint survey from the Iraqi government and United Nations indicates. Released Thursday, the report from Iraq's Ministry of Planning and Development Cooperation and the U.N. Development Program in Iraq surveyed nearly 22,000 households in the country's 18 provinces during 2004. Staffan de Mistura, the U.N. program's resident representative for Iraq, said Thursday that the "Iraqi people are suffering. They are going through a very difficult time. We knew it, but now it's been proven." While there has been progress since Saddam Hussein's fall, "these data depict a very tragic picture of the quality of life," Iraqi transitional Planning Minister Barham Salih said. Salih said the mismanagement of Saddam's government and his regime's internal conflicts and those with its neighbors took a toll that spared no sector of the country's infrastructure. "Saddam Hussein has left us a wasteland," Salih said. "This country could have been the economic powerhouse of the Middle East." The survey estimated that the minimum number of war-related deaths ranges from 18,000 to 29,000 and is probably higher. The report said the survey didn't attempt to count entire families who died and therefore underestimates the total number of people killed. Children under 18 accounted for 12 percent of the deaths, the report said, while the information on infant mortality and malnutrition shows that "the suffering of children due to war and conflict in Iraq is not limited to those directly wounded or killed by military activities." The information about deaths was "derived from a question posed to households concerning missing and dead persons during the two years prior to the survey. Although the date was not asked for, it is reasonable to suppose that the vast majority of deaths due to warfare occurred after the beginning of 2003." Children also are affected by widespread malnutrition. About 43 percent of boys and girls between the ages of 6 months and 5 years suffer from some form of the condition -- chronic, general or acute malnutrition. High unemployment While Iraq's unemployment figures were high, the survey found that most eligible workers -- excluding the military -- were able to keep the jobs they had held since before March 2003. Iraq's unemployment rate was 10.5 percent of a population of 27 million people, the report found. When the figure of workers who had given up looking for a job -- discouraged workers -- was included, the unemployment number increased to 18.4 percent. Most of the unemployed were people who were looking for their first jobs, the report found. De Mistura, the U.N. representative, said Iraqis have done well to maintain services, but he said delivery of utilities such as water, sewage, sanitation and electricity hasn't been consistent. "Although a large percentage of the population in Iraq is connected to water, electricity and sewage networks, the supply is too unstable to make a difference to their lives," he said in a news release. According to the survey, 98 percent of Iraqi households are connected to the national electricity grid, but only 15 percent find the supply stable. As for water availability, the figures were 78 percent (had water) and 66 percent (had problems). Household income falls More than a fourth of Iraqis surveyed described themselves as being poor and 96 percent said they receive monthly food rations under the public food system set up through the oil-for-food program. The median income in Iraq was equivalent to about $255 (366,000 dinars) in 2003 and decreased in the first half of 2004 to about $144 (207,000 dinars). The report indicated it was difficult to come up with concrete numbers from prior years to indicate the movement of wages. "However, most observers agree that, due to a combination of wars, sanctions and economic mismanagement, the average Iraqi household probably has lower real income today than in 1980," the report said. The survey said the largest declines were in the central Iraqi provinces, including Baghdad. In terms of poverty, the survey looked at subjective measures. About one in six respondents to the survey said they were unable to buy one of six items listed (new clothes, heating, etc.) De Mistura said the survey should help the Iraqi government develop a plan to improve living conditions. So here is the outcome of George Bush's christian crusade on terror. I wonder if George would like to feed his family on $144? revdauphinee answered on 05/13/05: this is also evident here in America I know of people who are trying to live on $65 per week try that on one day.Poverty is not limited to any one country. And if G.Bush has his way with social security he will put hundreds on the streets in a few years begging for food.to put money in the stock market set aside for retirement is tantamount to playing it at the casinos! Mathatmacoat rated this answer

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grayeagle_50 asked on 05/12/05 - ok,I need help here... Where is it in the bible that Moses??? is told to steer clear/avoid the Ethiopian's ??? revdauphinee answered on 05/13/05: It is nowhere in scripture that he was told this !the only thing mentioned is the predudice of Miriam and Aaron in Numbers 12:1. Miriam and Aaron began to talk against Moses because of his Cushite wife, for he had married a Cushite. grayeagle_50 rated this answer

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Ccl471 asked on 05/12/05 - Number of Christians in the World I heard in a sermon this week that there are 2 billion Christians in the world. Are there really that many? That's one third of the world population! Many thanks, C.L. revdauphinee answered on 05/13/05: Major Religions of the World Ranked by Number of Adherents Christianity: 2.1 billion Islam: 1.3 billion Secular/Nonreligious/Agnostic/Atheist: 1.1 billion Hinduism: 900 million Chinese traditional religion: 394 million Buddhism: 376 million primal-indigenous: 300 million African Traditional & Diasporic: 100 million Sikhism: 23 million Juche: 19 million Spiritism: 15 million Judaism: 14 million Baha'i: 7 million Jainism: 4.2 million Shinto: 4 million Cao Dai: 4 million Zoroastrianism: 2.6 million Tenrikyo: 2 million Neo-Paganism: 1 million Unitarian-Universalism: 800 thousand Rastafarianism: 600 thousand Scientology: 500 thousand Ccl471 rated this answer

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CeeBee2 asked on 05/12/05 - Follow-up on the image in the Chicago underpass. This was in today's Chicago Sun-Times, at the beginning of the daily column by Richard Roeper (of Ebert and Roeper fame): All in all, it's just another spot on the wall May 12, 2005 BY RICHARD ROEPER SUN-TIMES COLUMNIST After Tuesday night's hard rain, I made a Wednesday morning pilgrimage to Our Lady of the Underpass to see if the salt stain/icon had been washed away or had been transformed into something resembling, say, an outline of Corey Clark and Paula Abdul making out. Nope. Still there. Not that it looks like anything resembling any image of the Virgin Mary that anyone other than Picasso might draw. It's just a gray blob framed in brown. There was no one around at noon Wednesday, though a flickering candle indicated a recent visitor. Police barricades were still in place, as well as a crucifix, holy cards, rosaries, dead flowers and burned-out candles. On the wall: dozens of graffiti messages, most of them memorializing a departed loved one. Also a small cross made from palms, and a bad painting of the Virgin Mary. The underpass was damp, pocked with puddles, chilly and utterly free of any spiritual vibe. Apparently there's an expiration date on these kinds of "miracles." *** revdauphinee answered on 05/12/05: dont you think satan has a good laugh at this silly stuff? CeeBee2 rated this answer MaggieB rated this answer

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Liz22 asked on 05/12/05 - Missing hope, For my friend Hope, whom I miss very much, and wish so much she would return to us, she touched my heart in ways she does not know. Just in case someone wants to keep in touch and talk about the bible and Jehovah God. You may contact hope at this address autismhlelpnow@homelink.co.nz revdauphinee answered on 05/12/05: thank you liz! Liz22 rated this answer

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arcura asked on 05/12/05 - Here's a site that everyone interested in..... politics should be aware of. Take a look. Notice all the facts and figures. I'm a memeber and recommend it highly. Fred. http://www.democratsforlife.org/ revdauphinee answered on 05/12/05: thanks its an interesting site arcura rated this answer

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Liz22 asked on 05/11/05 - Spiritual Food? On The Subject: Talking to God, I was taken by surprise by some of the answers I have read. Without hurting feelings what is your Church feeding you? Are you getting your Spiritual food so you know God as a personal friend and someone whom to confide in, which is your Chief in command? Jesus once taught us how to Pray but my question is, are Churches and Pastors giving you your Spiritual food? For example I never found the Lord Jesus or his Father, he found me at a very early age, and I loved reading the Bible when I was young at the tender age of eight, it was than that he came to me, when I needed him the most, not of man, but of the Father Jehovah and his Son Jesus and even Angels I have over heard, helping me when no one was around. revdauphinee answered on 05/12/05: some do some dont! that is why I no longer affiliate myself with denominational religion so many of them are buisy furthering thier own agenda rather than the commision given us by Christ. Liz22 rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 05/11/05 - What do you believe? In the beginning, yes you can belive that after all even science confirms it but are they speaking about the same event...God. Now here we have a problem, .. Elohim.. the plural one God of the Hebrews. In the beginning was the Word and the Word was with God and the Word was God. Who is the Word who was God, why, Jesus Christ! Now this is a big problem to most of the world's people You see there is no inconsistancy between Genesis (Moses) and John but there are a lot of people who just don't believe it. Moses describes a God by his name, Elohim, that allows for John's statement. So, Chou was looking for a discussion, here's your opportunity, what do you believe? revdauphinee answered on 05/12/05: Jesus himself said he peexisted John17: 5. And now, Father, glorify me in your presence with the glory I had with you before the world began. colossians1: 16. For by him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by him and for him. 17. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. paraclete rated this answer

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arcura asked on 05/11/05 - If you had the chance to do this, would you? British TV Captures Monastic Life 5 Men Live 40 Days in Benedictine Abbey LONDON, MAY 11, 2005 (Zenit.org).- A TV series recounting the experience of five men who spend 40 days in a Benedictine Abbey will show England what monastic life can offer the modern person. A three-part series, the first part airs today on BBC 2, "The Monastery" follows five participants of different backgrounds in a spiritual journey as they experience life according to the 1,500-year-old Rule of St. Benedict. The series was filmed at Worth Abbey, near Crawley, West Sussex, a community of 22 monks, explained the Catholic Communications Network, of the office of the bishops' conference of England and Wales. The five participants had a point in common -- the desire to see if life holds any greater meaning. All agreed to abide by the monastery's rules, with a strict timetable of instruction, study, prayer, reflection and routine work duties. The program was meant to reveal if the lessons learned have the power to transform their everyday lives. Among the participants is Tony Burke, 29, without faith or religious formation. Single, he lives in London. He works in advertising, and has lived and partied hard in recent years, but is re-thinking his approach to the world. He hopes going into the monastery will help him to discover what is right and wrong and give him a firm grounding for the next 29 years of his life, explained the promoters. Gary McCormick, 36, single, is a painter and decorator from Cornwall. Originally from Belfast, he was involved in the UDA (Ulster Defense Association, a paramilitary group of Northern Ireland) in his youth and got caught up in the troubles during the 90s. He spent much of his early life in prison where he discovered faith but, 12 years on, still carries emotional scars. He hopes to repair the damage of years spent in prison, learn to deal with the pain of the past, and move on with his life. Nick Buxton, 37, another single participant, is studying for a Ph.D. in Buddhism at Cambridge University. He has been on a spiritual search for the last 10 years. Recently he has returned to his Anglican roots, but part of him doesn't believe in what he is doing and he is struggling to make the leap of faith. Anthony Wright, 32, from London, is a high-earning, high-energy bachelor who works for a legal publishing company. Brought up by his grandmother, he is looking to deal with issues surrounding his upbringing and, for him, the monastery offers a unique opportunity to search for inner peace. Peter Gruffydd is seeking an answer to the ultimate question: "What is the meaning of life?" Married, a published poet, and a retired teacher living in Bristol, he hopes to gain spiritual guidance while in the monastery, having originally rejected religion in his youth. Father Christopher Jamison, Abbot of Worth, commented: "We saw in this project an opportunity to discover what our way of life offers to people today who do not share our beliefs." "We had distinct hopes for the participants and for the viewers," he added, as quoted by the BBC. "For the participants, we hoped that they would discover hidden depths in their lives and in those hidden depths encounter God," said the abbot. "This hope was fulfilled to an extent that took us all by surprise and the story of their development is movingly portrayed in the programs," he stated. "They introduced themselves in the life of the monastery rather rapidly. Although the rule of silence was difficult at first, the five entered into the rhythm of life rather rapidly. The first episode of the series was transmitted today by BBC 2. The next episodes will be transmitted May 17 and 24. ZE05051105 revdauphinee answered on 05/11/05: I hope it will be aired on BBc america I would like to see this I feel it would prove to be very interesting! arcura rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 05/11/05 - are we completely mixed up? Why do we use the Latin AD, but the English BC? Edited by Tony Kleu May 7, 2005 Why do we use the Latin AD (anno Domini), but the English BC (before Christ). What do non-English speaking countries call BC? AD is an abbreviation of anno Domini Nostri Jesu Christi, Latin for "in the year of our Lord Jesus Christ". The era we now call BC used to be known as "a.C.n.", an abbreviation of "Ante Christum Natum", which is Latin for "before the birth of Christ". Why the terminology changed from Latin to English is a matter of speculation. In non-English speaking countries, they tended to use the local language: in French, "avant J.C." (before Jesus Christ); in German, "v. Chr. Geb.", an abbreviation of "vor Christi Geburt" (before Christ's birth). As with most things these days there is also a politically correct version of AD and BC. The years we know of as AD are now to be known as CE, "Common Era", and the years we know of as BC are to be known as BCE, "Before Common Era". How a mere change of abbreviation can be deemed politically correct, when the underlying concept of a time-system based on a minority religion remains the same, is anybody's guess!" revdauphinee answered on 05/11/05: POLITICAL CORRECNESS!I abhore it we replace BC (before Christ )with before the common era! and AD (ANO DOMINO) with in the common era >Its just another attempt to remove Christ from our lives and I refuse to conform to this >! arcura rated this answer LTgolf rated this answer paraclete rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 05/11/05 - overruling religious foolishness Court orders further transfusion against boy's wishes By Leonie Lamont May 12, 2005 A Jehovah's Witness teenager felt "violated, raped" after he was given a life-saving blood transfusion against his and his parents' wishes, the Supreme Court has heard. The Children's Hospital at Westmead sought the court's approval yesterday to administer a further transfusion today, saying the 16-year-old cancer patient was at imminent risk of a fatal stroke if he did not receive it. Two weeks ago the court authorised transfusion treatment after hearing the teenager had only a 50:50 chance of surviving the night. The teenager, whom the court ordered be known as "Jay", and his parents, opposed the blood transfusion because it violated their religious beliefs. Jay's father told Justice Clifford Einstein his son had a strong faith. "Last time when he had the treatment, he doesn't want it, he cried, he feels emotionally depressed," the father said. "We dearly love our son and want the best for him � Jay is not a baby. He fully understands the position he's in and feels that having blood given to him against his wishes is a violation of conscience. He believes that what is happening is not just a medical matter, he is being stripped of his right to be obedient and faithful to his God." He said the family appreciated the help of the doctors, but could "never consent" to the transfusion. Jay's mother said her son told her he felt "violated, raped" and that his privacy had been invaded. "It is like a nightmare at home because they have violated him," she said. She detailed how she had sat up half the night comforting her crying son. He had been distressed by a document prepared for yesterday's court hearing, in which one of his doctors said he had the "intellectual age of a much younger teenager". "He said, 'No matter what I say or do they have no consideration � they treat me as a little child'." Justice Einstein was concerned that Jay was not represented in court, but Ian Harrison SC, for the hospital, said the urgent need for a transfusion should override that concern. He said Jay had undergone two transfusions, and neither he nor his parents had attempted to stop them. He had responded well, and been released home, but his condition had deteriorated and he required the transfusion today. Justice Einstein said even though Jay was 16 and his wishes should be given serious consideration, he was still a child and his best interests lay in the treatment proposed by the hospital. "His life ought to be spared. He may well die in the absence of an order," the judge said. He approved the hospital's application, and ordered a legal tutor be appointed to represent the teenager." There are some interesting points here to consider, why does the JW family continue to consult doctors if they are prepared for the Lord to take their son? Does this tell us that we need to be protected from ourselves by the state? revdauphinee answered on 05/11/05: it is my belief that God dave the doctors the knowledge to extend life and that if the doctors sAY THIS WILL DO SO THEN IT SHOULD BE DONE> paraclete rated this answer queenybee rated this answer

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Krewton asked on 05/11/05 - Whatever happened to................................................................................ Aton? Guess I kinda owe him an apology fer needlin' him so much, looks like either he didn't come back or 'Ol father Time finally caught up wit 'im!;) revdauphinee answered on 05/11/05: To bad he's gone I never agreed with him however I do miss him!I dont have to agree with someone to like them.At least he stood behind his oppinions Krewton rated this answer Pamela rated this answer

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Choux asked on 05/11/05 - DEBATE NUMBER TWO ??? Would anyone be interested in having another debate or discussion on the Christianity Board? Perhaps, a discussion about One God versus a Trinity? Anyone have any ideas about a topic? Who to represent each viewpoint? Who to be moderator? Whaddaya think? revdauphinee answered on 05/11/05: wouldnt it be better in a forum set for debates and not this one??since its supposed to be for questions.Personaly I would not be intereste as my beliefs are set in stone and no maner of discussion is going to change them I believe in the trinity since Jesus said in Matthew 28: 18. Then Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of (((the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,))) 20. and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." arcura rated this answer Choux rated this answer Pete_Hanysz rated this answer

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STONY asked on 05/11/05 - A PRAYER HEARD... Subject: Talking to God Date: Tue, 10 May 2005 16:30:57 -0400 Our Father Who Art In Heaven. Yes? Don't interrupt me. I'm praying. But -- you called ME! Called you? No, I didn't call you. I'm praying. Our Father who art in Heaven. There -- you did it again! Did what? Called ME. You said,"Our Father who art in Heaven" Well, here I am. What's on your mind? But I didn't mean anything by it.I was, you know, just saying my prayers for the day. I always say the Lord's Prayer. It makes me feel good, kind of like fulfilling a duty. Well, all right. Go on. Okay, Hallowed be thy name . . Hold it right there. What do you mean by that? By what? By "Hallowed be thy name"? It means, it means . . . good grief, I don't know what it means. How in the world should I know? It's just a part of the prayer. By the way, what does it mean? It means honored, holy, wonderful. Hey, that makes sense. I never thought about what 'hallowed' meant before. Thanks. Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done, on earth as it is in Heaven. Do you really mean that? Sure, why not? What are you doing about it? Doing? Why, nothing, I guess. I just think it would be kind of neat if you got control, of everything down here like you have up there. We're kinda in a mess down here you know. Yes, I know; but, have I got control of you? Well, I go to church. That isn't what I asked you. What about your bad temper? You've really got a problem there, you know. And then there's the way you spend your money -- all on yourself. And what about the kind of books you read? Now hold on just a minute! Stop picking on me! I'm just as good as some of the rest of those people at church! Excuse ME. I thought you were praying for my will to be done. If that is to happen, it will have to start with the ones who are praying for it. Like you -- for example. Oh, all right. I guess I do have some hang-ups. Now that you mention it, I could probably name some others So could I. I haven't thought about it very much until now, but I really would like to cut out some of those things. I would like to, you know, be really free. Good. Now we're getting somewhere.We'll work together -- You and ME. I'm proud of You. Look, Lord, if you don't mind, I need to finish up here. This is taking a lot longer than it usually does. Give us this day, our daily bread. You need to cut out the bread. You're overweight as it is. Hey, wait a minute! What is this? Here I was doing my religious duty, and all of a sudden you break in and remind me of all my hang-ups. Praying is a dangerous thing. You just might get what you ask for. Remember, you called! ME -- and here I am. It's too late to stop now. Keep praying. ( . . . pause . . . ) Well, go on. I'm scared to. Scared? Of what? I know what you'll say. Try ME. Forgive us our sins, as we forgive those who sin against us. What about Ann? See? I knew it! I knew you would bring her up! Why, Lord, she's told lies about me, spread stories. She never paid back the money she owes me. I've sworn to get even with her! But -- your prayer -- What about your prayer? I didn't -- mean it. Well, at least you're honest. But, it's quite a load carrying around all that bitterness and resentment isn't it? Yes, but I'll feel better as soon as I get even with her. Boy, have I got some plans for her. She'll wish she had never been born. No, you won't feel any better. You'll feel worse. Revenge isn't sweet. You know how unhappy you are -- Well, I can change that. You can? How? Forgive Ann. Then, I'll forgive you; And the hate and the sin, will be Ann's problem -- not yours. You will have settled the problem as far as you are concerned. Oh, you know, you're right. You always are. And more than I want revenge, I want to be right with You . . (sigh). All right . . . all right . . I forgive her. There now! Wonderful! How do you feel? Hmmmm. Well, not bad. Not bad at all! In fact, I feel pretty great! You know, I don't think I'll go to bed uptight tonight. I haven't been getting much rest, you know. Yeah, I know. But, you're not through with your prayer are you? Go on. Oh, all right. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Good! Good! I'll do that. Just don't put yourself in a place where you can be tempted. What do you mean by that? You know what I mean. Yeah. I know. Okay. Go ahead. Finish your prayer. For Thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory forever. Amen. Do you know what would bring me glory -- What would really make me happy? No, but I'd like to know. I want to please you now. I've really made a mess of things. I want to truly follow you. I can see now how great that would be. So, tell me . . . How do I make you happy? YOU just did. revdauphinee answered on 05/11/05: that was great thanks for posting it! STONY rated this answer

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excon asked on 05/11/05 - Religion in Public Schools Hello experts: Do you believe that there is bias against religion in our public schools? If you answered yes, how would you rectify that? Allow �organized� prayer? If you answered yes, what if the prayers were �organized� Moslem prayer? Do you believe that present day law prevents you or your kids from praying in school (or any public place for that matter)? Do you think "Intelligent Design" is creationism re-packaged? Do you think there should be a political litmus test in order to join a church? Would you accept money in payment for services if it did not say "In God We Trust" on it? Did you know that there was a time not long ago when "Under God" was NOT part of the Pledge of Allegiance? Enough for now. That should keep you scrambling. excon revdauphinee answered on 05/11/05: i was educated in England and at that time we studied what was caled divinity as a class .we prayed read from and studied the bible.If any students were of different faiths a room was provided where they could study material assigned by their own rabi or immam no one was coerced into anything .It worked for us why could it not work here?? excon rated this answer tomder55 rated this answer

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ROLCAM asked on 05/11/05 - FACING REALITY !! We are all a heart beat away from death. Sometimes death comes naturally as a consequence of aging; increasingly often it is the outcome of an event when life is cut off abruptly, tragically. 1) Are you personally afraid from death? 2) As a Christian have you prepared to face it? revdauphinee answered on 05/11/05: 1) Are you personally afraid from death? a) no not of death however am afraid of a painfull one ,death itself to me is nothing more than passing throu a door !but i have hd enough pain in this life thqat I do not desire for more. 2) As a Christian have you prepared to face it? A) as much as possible however as I am human I feel I still have much to answer for,but thanks to Jesus sacrifice I know I am forgiven. ROLCAM rated this answer

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hOPE12 asked on 05/10/05 - My Goodbye to All! Hello Everyone, I am leaving Answerway for good. I enjoyed being with everyone on Answerway, however, now I need to spend my time in helping others in person. Between my Autism group and my Ministry, I have hardly anytime for the board. I needed to simplify my life and it was either the time I spend with my ministry, which I would never cut, or the ones I so love who have autism or the board. I decided it is the board that I must take the time from. I hope everyone understands that I have great affection for you all but I must leave for good. I will always remember you guys and hope you continue to show love to all you meet in this world. My best wishes and hopes are with you always. Sincerely with warm affection and love, Hope12 (Anna) revdauphinee answered on 05/10/05: i am sad to hear this ,please dont abandon us completly drop in once in a while just so we can know your ok! Dorothy hOPE12 rated this answer

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ROLCAM asked on 05/10/05 - Do you find solace in Religion ? The unbearable heaviness of being. The human psyche has always sought a way to alleviate the sometimes unbearable weight of living. Some seek it and find it in relatively harmless ways like overworking or in religion. Others, who are unable to attain the happy medium of simply soldiering on, resort to artificial means like alcoholism and drug abuse to escape from the disillusions that fill our lives; unable to accept the fact that in life one must struggle and cope with disappointments, problems, loneliness, bereavement, disillusion and, above all, death. How do you struggle and cope ? revdauphinee answered on 05/10/05: religion offers nothing! it is a relationship(with Jesus )that will lift you up.Ill take the relationship over religion anyday ROLCAM rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 05/10/05 - Debate or Discussion? I found this little gem today, and we may like to consider it in the light of the failed great debate of not so long ago. The truth of a matter should not be open to debate May 10, 2005 Debating is evil. It is a virus that has entered the bloodstream of society and the only antidote is commonsense and thoughtfulness. I don't want to debate this, of course. I wish to discuss it. Debating in schools should be banned and be replaced by compulsory discussion. And debating in parliament must be outlawed if we are to work towards what is best for Australia. Yes, I know that it is argued that debating sharpens the mind. And I am aware that it is said that in a formal school or university debate you do not have to agree with the side you're espousing. Some go further, suggesting that to take a side that you personally disagree with shows your great facility with playing with ideas. How hideous! Truth and wisdom are mere toys to the debater. It quickly reaches the point that it is impossible to know what a debater does hold dear. Pontius "What-is-truth?" Pilate was obviously a debater. Debaters don't know what they believe. In politics this means following the party line. In law it means entirely condemning or only exonerating. Debating is black and white while life is a dirty grey. In discussion, however, the premise is that there are many points of view that must be thoughtfully aired and weighed before working towards a conclusion. Debaters begin with their conclusion and strive to muster only arguments that support it while part of the game is to heap witty ridicule on any suggestions to the contrary. While the purpose of discussion is to find the most truthful or the wisest answer, wisdom and truth are not the first concern of debaters. Their concern is winning. Our adversarial system in law is hardly concerned with truth. One side is concerned with bringing arguments and evidence to bear to reach a conviction while the other seeks to be do the opposite to lead to an acquittal. The central concern is not what happened and why, or who is culpable. Bold symptoms of this terrible disease show themselves in phrases such as "The Abortion Debate". And what is implied by the rare allowance of a "conscience vote" in parliament? In the future there should be inter-school discussion competitions. Marks will be awarded for raising all points of view. Points will be scored for such phrases as, "I like your point but I fear you underestimate the importance of..." And great merit will attach to courtesy and the art of listening: listening to understand, not to immediately rebut. And evidence of sensitivity to talking for too long and hogging the floor will gain high regard. Then the law would try to find the truth, parliament would attempt to chart the wisest course and in schools and personal relationships there would be practice in seeing all points of view before reaching a mutually agreeable conclusion. When I mentioned this idea to a friend, he said, "I think that's a wonderful topic for a debate!" I think he meant it as a joke. revdauphinee answered on 05/10/05: have to agree its much more fun to discuss than to debate! paraclete rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 05/10/05 - Prayer request I am asking for prayer support for my son and in particular, a friend of his. My son messaged me today asking for prayer, he has friend who has attempted suicide, the second time in two weeks. My son is a theological student and a youth leader and he is taking this hard, as he has been working with this person for a while. Appearently it was he who today called the police in an effort to protect this person from himself. Please pray that my son will not be depressed by this, he is already depressed regarding his study load and failing to cope with the demands of his course and his church committments. revdauphinee answered on 05/10/05: YOUR SON AND HIS FREIND WILL BOTH BE IN MY PRAYERS! paraclete rated this answer

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arcura asked on 05/09/05 - Ah but do you agree with this???? George Carlin's Views On Aging .. Do you realize that the only time in our lives when we like to get old is when we're kids? If you're less than 10 years old, you're so excited about aging that you think in fractions. "How old are you?" "I'm four and a half!" You're never thirty-six and a half. You're four and a half, going on five! That's the key. You get into your teens, now they can't hold you back. You jump to the next number .. or even a few ahead. "How old are you?" "I'm gonna be 16!" You could be 13, but hey, you're gonna be 16! And then the greatest day of your life you become 21. Even the words sound like a ceremony . . . YOU BECOME 21. YESSSS!!! But then you turn 30. Oooohh what happened there? Makes you sound like bad milk. He TURNED; we had to throw him out. There's no fun now. You're just a sour-dumpling. What's wrong? What's changed? You BECOME 21, you TURN 30, then you're PUSHING 40. Whoa! Put on the brakes . it's all slipping away. Before you know it, you REACH 50 and your dreams are gone. But wait!!! You MAKE IT to 60. You didn't think you would! So you BECOME 21, TURN 30, PUSH 40, REACH 50 and MAKE IT to 60. You've built up so much speed that you HIT 70! After that it's a day-by-day thing; you HIT Wednesday! You get into your 80s and every day is a complete cycle; you HIT lunch; you TURN 4:30; you REACH bedtime. And it doesn't end there Into the 90s, you start going backwards ... "I Was JUST 92." Then a strange thing happens. If you make it over 100, you become a little kid again. "I'm 100 and a half!" May you all make it to a healthy 100 and a half!! .HOW TO STAY YOUNG 1. Throw out nonessential numbers. This includes age, weight and height. Let the doctors worry about them. That is why you pay "them!" 2. Keep only cheerful friends. The grouches pull you down. 3. Keep learning. Learn more about the computer, crafts, gardening, whatever. Never let the brain idle. "An idle mind is the devil's workshop." And the devil's name is Alzheimer's. .. 4. Enjoy the simple things. .5. Laugh often ... long and loud. Laugh until you gasp for breath. .. 6. The tears happen. Endure, grieve, and move on. The only person who is with us our entire life, is ourselves. Be ALIVE while you are alive. .. 7. Surround yourself with what you love .. whether it's . family, pets, keepsakes, music, plants, hobbies, whatever. Your home is your refuge. .. 8. Cherish your health. If it is good, preserve it. If it is unstable, improve it. If it is beyond what you can improve, get help. .. 9. Don't take guilt trips. Take a trip to the mall ... even to the next county . to a foreign country, but NOT to where the guilt is. 10. Tell the people you love that you love them . at every opportunity. AND ALWAYS REMEMBER: Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away. revdauphinee answered on 05/10/05: doint usualy care for carlin but this one was right on.Fols told when I was younger life begins at forty,and now im here several decades pAST 40 AND STILL WONDERING WHEN ITS GOING TO START?lol arcura rated this answer

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arcura asked on 05/09/05 - Do Christans you agree with this? The Ascension of Christ means that he no longer belongs to the world of corruption and death, which conditions our life. It means that he belongs completely to God. He, the eternal Son, has taken our human being to the presence of God; he has taken with him flesh and blood in a transfigured form. Man finds a place in God through Christ; the human being has been taken into the very life of God. And, given that God embraces and sustains the whole cosmos, the Lord's Ascension means that Christ has not gone far away from us, but that now, thanks to the fact he is with the Father, he is close to each one of us forever. Each one of us may address him familiarly; each one may turn to him. The Lord always hears our voice. We may distance ourselves inwardly from him. We can live with our backs turned to him, but he always awaits us, and is always close to us. Part of yesterday's the sermon by Pope Benedict XVI. revdauphinee answered on 05/10/05: i didnt hear it it but sounds right to me! arcura rated this answer

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Krewton asked on 05/09/05 - If I'm lyin' I'm dyin' sugar pants! When I try to reply to you Pete it says expert has blocked your contact. Can't get any more blocked than that! revdauphinee answered on 05/09/05: i think when u block someone you are also blocked from them? Krewton rated this answer

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Krewton asked on 05/09/05 - Pete the coward! Hey I tried to respond to you and you blocked me too! Guess we is both wuss's huh?:) revdauphinee answered on 05/09/05: easier said than done.ive tried to have blocks removed but it didnt happen. Krewton rated this answer

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Pete_Hanysz asked on 05/09/05 - KREWTON: THE COWARD? I just tried to welcome you back...& I see am blocked!! What are you afraid of??... you wus!! LOL Pete revdauphinee answered on 05/09/05: blocking is an option but ive tried to unblock people after a while but didnt acomplish it .this is to saladin I tried they didnt acnowledge my request. Pete_Hanysz rated this answer Liz22 rated this answer

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Krewton asked on 05/09/05 - It's me! It's me! it's Ernest T!!!!!!!!!! I say did y'all miss me?! For those that did, well......I'm back, fer those that didn't, well......Im back!:) revdauphinee answered on 05/09/05: glad to see your back you were missed> Krewton rated this answer

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Itsdb asked on 05/09/05 - The Perfect Child By George Neumayr Published 5/5/2005 12:08:09 AM The slogan, Every Child a Wanted Child, always gave off a eugenic chill, implying that unwanted children weren't fit for life. But it didn't quite spell out what makes a child unwanted. Were the meaning of the slogan unpackaged and given more eugenic precision, it would read: Every Child a Perfect Child. Imperfect children aren't wanted children -- this is the logical terminus of a society obsessed with choice and control, and the culture is hurtling towards it. If you doubt this, note the growing impatience with imperfection in children, both unborn and born, that increasingly dominates the culture of reproductive choice and control. The New York Times ran a story earlier this week titled, "Ugly Children May Get Parental Short Shrift." The article doesn't even mention the shortest shrift they receive: eugenic abortion. To the extent that the numbers are known, most unborn children deemed ugly by virtue of a disability detected through prenatal screening are aborted, and research surveys have shown that many parents will choose abortion once doctors become able to diagnose nothing more than "obesity" prenatally. The every-child-a-wanted-child sloganeers ludicrously promised a culture of greater sensitivity to children. What it actually produced was a culture of habitual cruelty toward children, mainstreaming abuse against them, starting in the womb, and implicitly conferred upon parents a right to abuse or neglect children who didn't live up to expectations or proved inconvenient in some way. That child abuse rates climbed after the legalization of abortion is no accident. According to pro-life writer Karen Gordon, after "New York legalized abortion in 1968, it experienced a rise in child abuse of 44% per year. Washington state legalized abortion in 1970. Within 28 months, incidents of child abuse in Seattle, its largest city, rose 379%." If unwanted children could be abused before birth, why not afterwards too? One child abuse expert, Philip Ney, had the guts to say that in the Canadian Journal of Psychiatry in 1979: "When we are so careful not to tamper with the delicate balances of plant and animal ecology, one wonders why we do not at least study the far-reaching effects that killing unborn infants may be having on the human species. We may have disrupted a very delicate balance....The abortion of unborn infants may diminish the value of all children. When the destruction of the unborn is socially sanctioned and even applauded, children cannot have much value." The every-child-a-wanted-child concept elevated the rejection of imperfect children to an enlightened choice, and pumped life into a discredited eugenics movement. That eugenics drive has brought American society to the threshold of the total eugenics of designer children. Germline genetic engineering, which allows scientists to manipulate the genes of an embryo, has begun, and preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD), which gives scientists the power to select the most desirable embryos for in vitro fertilization, is becoming more common. "These are grown-up people expressing their reproductive choices. We cherish that in the United States," Jeffrey Steinberg, a director of fertility clinics that use PGD, has said. "These people are really happy when they get what they want." PGD is so dubious most decadent European countries won't even touch it. But in America, where Roe v. Wade has given fertility merchants total immunity, PGD is used for "family balancing," as the Washington Post put it in a story last year. This means parents are using PGD for the most basic form of design: to screen out either male or female embryos. "If you ask couples coming in what they will do if they get the wrong sex, these couples say very frankly they will terminate the pregnancy," Mark Sauer, director of the division of reproductive endocrinology at Columbia University, told the Post. For all of this culture's talk about "unconditional love" of children, its tolerance of them is baldly conditional: It permits them to live on the condition that they possess wanted traits. It is not a culture of love but a culture of control, and woe to the children who don't meet its solipsistic expectations. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Sigh... Is this progress??? revdauphinee answered on 05/09/05: every child IS a wanted child!wanted by God!otherwise they would not have been concieved! Itsdb rated this answer

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excon asked on 05/09/05 - One's own body Hello experts: "Nobody is going to tell me what to do with my own body." What's wrong with that statement? What's right with that statement? excon revdauphinee answered on 05/09/05: Not even your doctor??boy you dont trust anyone do you!If I had said that i would be dead long ago! excon rated this answer

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STONY asked on 05/09/05 - PRAYER REQUEST... Could you please put this on your prayer list a friend sent it to me... thanks....blessings... From: Vicky Field Subject: My son has been shot in Fallujah. I wanted to get everyone to pray for my son Chad. Today, Sunday, I got a call from the Army, that my son had been shot in the head. I am asking for all your prayers. He was in a Humvee going through Fallujah fighting and a gang of militia fighters fired on the Humvee and hit Chad in the head. The driver got him out of the city and took him to Baghdad. He was in fatal condition, but now has been upgraded to stable critical. His dad and I are on standby to fly to Washington then on to Germany as soon as the military calls us to go. The Army is trying to stabilize him enough to fly to Germany and at that time, we will leave. Please pray that my son will not have brain damage and that he will be restored and healed by the blood of Jesus, and the grace of God. I ask for you to pass this prayer request on so there will be many prayer warriors praying for him. Thank you so much and I will keep you updated on his condition. God Bless, Vicky Field "Little by Little" Isaiah 33:2 "O Lord, be gracious unto us; we have waited for thee; be thou their arm every morning; our salvation also in the time of trouble" revdauphinee answered on 05/09/05: Iwill surely remember this family in prayer. STONY rated this answer

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hOPE12 asked on 05/09/05 - Exercise????? Hi, A lack of sufficient exercise can put us at risk of many serious health problems? Good and sufficient exercise can help us in many ways: MENTAL ALERTNESS BALANCE AND FLEXIBILTY EMOTIONAL HEALTH BONE DENSITY ENERGY LEVEL These are just some of the benefits. Lack of exercise can cause": OBESITY HIGH BLOOD PRESURE HEART AILMENTS NERVEOUSNESS AXIENTY BOREDOM CANCER MENTAL AND EMOTIONAL STRESS DIABETES AND MANY OTHER AILMENTS. Knowing all this, what do you do to get your proper exercise each day? Can this play a part in how you treat others and your spiritual health? Take care, Hope12 revdauphinee answered on 05/09/05: some folks just cant exersise like myself I try but due to arthritus my movements are limited. hOPE12 rated this answer Pamela rated this answer

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hOPE12 asked on 05/09/05 - Spiritually clean and physically clean: Hello Everyone, I was reading an article and found what it said interesting and thought I might share it with you all. Today, on the Oprah show, the lady who kept a dirty, dirty home. Have you seen that and if so what do you think about it? When it comes to keeping ones house clean, can that have any effect on our relationship with our Creator? Why? How can how we keep our home, benefit or hurt others? Take care, Hope12 revdauphinee answered on 05/09/05: I like a clean home to reside in but as I told my neighbour the other day ,when the rapture comes ill let someone else worry about the dishes still in the sink! hOPE12 rated this answer

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powderpuff asked on 05/09/05 - Lilith? Was Lilith Adam's first wife or was Lilith an owl? revdauphinee answered on 05/09/05: to the best of my knowledge this was an old Jewish legend> powderpuff rated this answer

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hOPE12 asked on 05/09/05 - Bible principles: When conversing with those you love, do you apply Bible principles? Do you converse or communicate with those you love and live with every day? What benefits does good communication and applying Bible principles in the family have? Is communication with those we say we love, increasing or decreasing, and why do you so say? Take care, Hope12 revdauphinee answered on 05/09/05: living alone I do not comunicate with too many folks but those I do speak with know where I stand. hOPE12 rated this answer

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hOPE12 asked on 05/09/05 - On what foundation are you building/ Jesus likened his hearers to two kinds of builders, one of which built his personality and way of life on the rock-mass of obedience to Christ and was, therefore, able to withstand the storms of opposition and tribulation. The other, building on sand, was unable to stand when pressure came. Mt 7:24-27 On what kind of foundation are you building you life on? I(s it on the unstable sands of godless human philosophy, that can result in collapse? Or are you building on a solid rock-mass of obedience to the sayings of Jesus Christ? Can what we build on effect our daily life? What do you think? Take care, Hope12 revdauphinee answered on 05/09/05: I cant imagine my life without Christ !I do know i wouldnt want it! hOPE12 rated this answer

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ROLCAM asked on 05/09/05 - What do you think of this quotation ? An ounce of mother is worth a pound of clergy. -Spanish Proverb revdauphinee answered on 05/09/05: depends a lot on the mother not all mothers unfortunatly are good mothers!However this also applies to the clergy! ROLCAM rated this answer

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Pamela asked on 05/08/05 - Debunking the Da Vinci Code. Just as well I wantched the Australian 60 minutes last night as it featured a segment debunking the theories of the Da Vinci Code. Today I visited my nephew's wife who recently had a baby and she brought it up. She had not seen the program last night but had read the book and was quite convinced it was true. I pointed out that many of these modern day theories contradict the plain fact that Jesus died at Calvary and that a descendant of the Knight's Templar, an historian, described the book as a lot of rubbish. The holy grail itself, only a legend anyway, was definately referring to a cup. This historian had tried digging through the paving on the floor of the church at Roslin in Scotland to get to the vaults of the Knight's Templars' tombs but all he encountered was rock. The Jewish historian Josephus mentions it and also there were upward of 800 people who saw him after he was raised. The Bible contains eyewitness accounts of his death too, so why should anyone thousands of years later know the truth? I was able to leave with her a book on teaching children about Jesus. Jesus was sent to earth as the greatest of all expressions of God's love. John 3:16. Satan, who blinds the minds of unbelievers wants to detract from that by inspiring these theories. revdauphinee answered on 05/08/05: the book is fiction why cant people remember this.and if Jesus was married what would it change marriage is not a sin! Pamela rated this answer tomder55 rated this answer

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arcura asked on 05/08/05 - Benedict XVI: Media Can Promote Solidarity...... On World Day of Social Communications VATICAN CITY, MAY 8, 2005 (Zenit.org).- Benedict XVI appealed to communicators to help bring down walls of hostility, and to overcome prejudices and contempt for individuals and nations. The Holy Father dedicated his address, delivered from the window of his study today before praying the Regina Caeli, to the World Communications Day. His predecessor, Pope John Paul II, had chosen this year's theme: "The Media at the Service of Understanding Among Peoples." Addressing thousands of pilgrims gathered in St. Peter's Square, Benedict XVI said: "In the present age of the image, the media effectively constitute extraordinary resources to promote the solidarity and understanding of the human family." As proof of this, he mentioned the worldwide coverage of John Paul II's death and burial. Benedict XVI cautioned, however: "These important instruments of communication can favor reciprocal knowledge and dialogue or, on the contrary, fuel prejudice and contempt among individuals and peoples; they can contribute to spread peace or to foment violence. "For this reason, people must always be reminded of their responsibilities; it is necessary that all do what corresponds to them to ensure objectivity, respect for human dignity and attention to the common good." "In this way a contribution is made to bring down the walls of hostility that still divide humanity and to consolidate bonds of friendship and love which are signs of the kingdom of God in history," the Pope said. Benedict XVI decided to grant one of his first audiences as Pope to journalists, on April 23, to thank them for their service and to continue the "fruitful dialogue" his predecessor had between the media and the Church during his 26-year pontificate. revdauphinee answered on 05/08/05: its amazing how much predudice is caused by media ! arcura rated this answer

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arcura asked on 05/08/05 - He might not have lived to serve so many....... We Knights of Columbus in my home town once again put on a nice Mother�s Day breakfast after Mass. But I have more startling news. Today I got a surprise about an old friend. He is now a retired priest whom I�ve known for many years. He has served many different parishes and was a chaplain in the Viet Nahm War. He was the priest that officiated my daughter�s wedding. As a result he is a man who has been of great service to thousands of people and our nation. Our regular pastor was gone so Father Richard Sodja came to fill in for him. His homily was, of course, on mothers. Included in that talk was information about his mother. During pregnancy with him she lost her mind and was judged to be crazy. So she was placed in a mental institution. The poor lady still lives there with her metal affliction at the age of 92 years. Back in those years doctors would terminate the pregnancy of a woman who was in such a severe mental condition. But because Father Sodja�s dad was Catholic he would not allow that to take place. And now we know the rest of a story about someone who came close to being aborted but lived a full very useful life to tell about it. Praise God. Fred revdauphinee answered on 05/08/05: who can tell how many geniouses have been aborted?? arcura rated this answer

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Pamela asked on 05/07/05 - An unrated answer Question Details Asked By Asked On Judgementday freethinker 01/23/05 Just follow the link and read this article on Judgementday. Then post me your reaction to the essence of the article, please. . http://www.abarnett.demon.co.uk/atheism/judgmentday.html . Clarification/Follow-up by Pamela on 05/05/05 3:27 pm: From the Encyclopedia Britannica The origin of life Hypotheses of origins Perhaps the most fundamental and at the same time the least understood biological problem is the origin of life. It is central to many scientific and philosophical problems and to any consideration of extraterrestrial life. Most of the hypotheses of the origin of life will fall into one of four categories: The origin of life is a result of a supernatural event; that is, one permanently beyond the descriptive powers of physics and chemistry. Life�particularly simple forms�spontaneously and readily arises from nonliving matter in short periods of time, today as in the past. Life is coeternal with matter and has no beginning; life arrived on the Earth at the time of the origin of the earth or shortly thereafter. Life arose on the early Earth by a series of progressive chemical reactions. Such reactions may have been likely or may have required one or more highly improbable chemical events. Hypothesis 1, the traditional contention of theology and some philosophy, is in its most general form not inconsistent with contemporary scientific knowledge, although this knowledge is inconsistent with a literal interpretation of the biblical accounts given in chapters 1 and 2 of Genesis and in other religious writings. Clarification/Follow-up by Pamela on 05/05/05 6:33 pm: Even the devout atheist, Richard Dawkins admits: "It is blindingly, creakingly, crashingly obvious that if Darwinism was a theory of chance, it would not work" From "Climbing Mount Improbable" There are many scientists who believe in evolution who see the need for an intelligence to give purpose and direction to evolution, and that cannot be random as the odds are against it. Check out: http://www.arn.org/ Answered By Answered On Pamela 05/05/05 About three years ago the Australian Atheists asked David Suzuki if he would join up. He declined and responded with the comment that you cant prove that God does not exist any more than you can prove evolution. An Australian sceptic made similar comments in an interview with Prof. Paul Davies, author of the book "The Fifth Miracle". He commented that priests and clergy have been replaced by scientists and we have to put as much faith in scientists' interpretation of the evidence as people did in the clergy. I beleive in God because of the cause an effect argument. We know from science that the universe had a beginning. Had the Big Bang not been a controlled Big Bang there would be nothing but chaos - no order. The presence of laws such as gravity, E=mc2 and valency all testify to an Intelligence. In addition the creation of a living organism by human scientists has always eluded them. Even the nucleic acids made in the laboratory did not contain any genes. My faith can be summed up as follows: "I walk along a beach one day No human was in sight I saw some pebbles in the sand Arranged from left and right They spelt a name so then I knew Those pebbles in the sand Were put there not by wind nor waves But by a human hand" It takes intellegence to arrange nucleotide codons - 100 or more - in our genes in the correct sequence to make a useful, functional protein rather than an useless protein or enzyme. Any alteration in the sequence ( mutation) causes cancer and fetal abnormalities. eg HbS or sickle cell results from only one such change in codon sequences. Physicist and astronomer Fred Hoyle says: �There is not a shred of objective evidence to support the hypothesis that life began in an organic soup here on the Earth.� He also states: �As biochemists discover more and more about the awesome complexity of life, it is apparent that the chances of it originating by accident are so minute that they can be completely ruled out. Life cannot have arisen by chance.� Hoyle adds: �Biologists indulge in unsubstantiated fantasies in order to deny what is so patently obvious, that the 200,000 amino acid chains, and hence life, did not appear by chance.� In effect, he asks, �Just how could the accidental coupling of chemicals in an organic ooze alone produce the 2,000 enzymes essential to life?� He says the possibilities are one in 1040,000, or �about the same as the chance of throwing an uninterrupted sequence of 50,000 sixes with unbiased dice!� (The Intelligent Universe, F. Hoyle, 1983, pages 11-12, 17, 23) He adds, �If one is not prejudiced either by social beliefs or by a scientific training into the conviction that life originated [spontaneously] on the Earth, this simple calculation wipes the idea entirely out of court.��Evolution From Space, Fred Hoyle and Chandra Wickramasinghe, 1981, page 24 revdauphinee answered on 05/07/05: 1:1 In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth. 2 And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness [was] upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters. 3 And God said, Let there be light: and there was light. 4 And God saw the light, that [it was] good: and God divided the light from the darkness. 5 And God called the light Day, and the darkness he called Night. And the evening and the morning were the first day. 6 And God said, Let there be a firmament in the midst of the waters, and let it divide the waters from the waters. 7 And God made the firmament, and divided the waters which [were] under the firmament from the waters which [were] above the firmament: and it was so. 8 And God called the firmament Heaven. And the evening and the morning were the second day. 9 And God said, Let the waters under the heaven be gathered together unto one place, and let the dry [land] appear: and it was so. 10 And God called the dry [land] Earth; and the gathering together Pamela rated this answer

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arcura asked on 05/06/05 - Exclusively for those who are mothers or who have one. If you never were a mother or had a mother this does not apply to you. Please enjoy a happy, loving, caring, delightful, and much blessed MOTHER�S DAY. Fred (arcura) revdauphinee answered on 05/07/05: please explain how one can be human without having a mother ??even Jesus had to have one to become human!we may not all have had the best of mothers but we had one! arcura rated this answer MaggieB rated this answer

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ROLCAM asked on 05/06/05 - APPLE ? Where does it say in the Bible that the "forbidden fruit" was an apple? revdauphinee answered on 05/07/05: Nowhere! ROLCAM rated this answer

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CeeBee2 asked on 05/06/05 - Abstinence. This, at the end of a regular column in today's Chicago Tribune, caught my eye (it's part of a letter from a woman who had stayed in a 16-year marriage "with too little sex, and what there was of it was not satisfying"): "It's my absolute belief that the notion of waiting until marriage was conceived by a patriarchy that wanted to suppress and control women's sexuality. Notice that the pressure to remain a virgin has always been greater for women. A woman who's a virgin when she gets married might never know that there could be anything better out there than the lame lover that she's stuck with. Just think of the pressure that takes off the men. They never have to worry about women comparing their lazy efforts to a man schooled in the ways of the Kama Sutra." My question is, what's the value of abstinence until one's wedding night? revdauphinee answered on 05/06/05: anything worth having is worth waiting for ! Ccl471 rated this answer CeeBee2 rated this answer excon rated this answer Pamela rated this answer

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Itsdb asked on 05/06/05 - A Shrine no more Man charged with defacing Virgin Mary �image� By Nancy Ryan Tribune staff reporter Published May 6, 2005, 10:20 AM CDT A Kennedy Expressway underpass stain that had drawn hundreds of pilgrims who considered it an image of the Virgin Mary was painted over early today after being defaced late last night. Police arrested a man shortly after witnesses said they saw him use black shoe polish around 11:30 p.m. to write "Big Lie" over the Fullerton Avenue site, said police spokesman David Banks. The suspect, Victor Gonzalez, 37, of Chicago, was arrested riding a bicycle at Diversey and California Avenues, just a few blocks northwest of the underpass He was charged with misdemeanor criminal damage to state-supported property, police said. Gonzalez was released on bond this morning and was assigned a June 21 court hearing. Police were initially reluctant to release Gonzalez's name because of concerns outrage over the defacement might jeopardize his safety. "This could be a nasty thing," Banks said. State highway crews early this morning used brown paint to cover the graffiti and the purported image. All that remained was a freshly painted outline, surrounded by the flowers and candles of what had become a makeshift shrine. Word of the incident spread quickly, and people started showing up to look and pray as early as 4 a.m., CLTV reported. Several, like Gonzalo Izurieta, were upset. "There's a lot of people in this country that are Catholic, that believe in the Virgin Mary. It was wrong what they did. It was wrong," Izurieta said. Another passerby, Corey Higgs, told CLTV, "They found the Virgin in the grilled cheese (sandwich), they found Jesus in some French fries, whatever, you know, that's great. If that's what people want to believe in, if they want to say that's something significant, that's fine." The large yellow-and-white stain on the concrete wall drew national attention after pilgrims began gathering at the site in mid-April to look at what they believe was the image of the Blessed Mother. They came alone or in large groups, leaving behind flowers and candles. Believers said the stain showed the outline of the Virgin Mary's face wearing a cloak. Some said it more closely resembled a chess pawn -- if not just grime. Even Cardinal Francis George commented on the shrine April 25: "If it's helpful in reminding people of the Virgin Mary's care for us and love for us, that's wonderful." ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Sigh... revdauphinee answered on 05/06/05: visions can bee seen anywhere if you have such a vivid imagination .do you truly think these things are of God??come on now a grilled cheese sandwich??God would rather the hungry eat the sandwich than have his mother apear on it dont you think? arcura rated this answer Itsdb rated this answer

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CrimeLab asked on 05/06/05 - Now it makes sense... May 6, 2005 -- Bolting bride Jennifer Wilbanks was chaste away � by her fianc�'s insistence on abstinence, friends of the sex-deprived couple claim. "She told people the fact that she and [husband-to-be John Mason] were not having sex was upsetting," a friend of Wilbanks' told People magazine, which hits newsstands today. Mason was once a "wild" guy who "dated a lot," his running pal Ted King said. But he became a born-again virgin � eschewing premarital sex � five years ago after pledging himself to his Baptist faith, friends said. "He's been saving himself for the right woman," Mason's friend Andy Parsons told the magazine. And friends say that likely drove the marathon enthusiast to run � from the altar. In Wilbanks' hometown of Gainsville, girlfriends told The Post the 32-year-old woman had once enjoyed a very active social life � regularly dating men from a local gym as well as firemen. Wilbanks � who got breast implants before meeting Mason � "had lots of boyfriends," a friend told People. Yesterday, Wilbanks admitted her cross-country jaunt had "nothing to do with cold feet." "I cannot fully explain what happened to me last week," the runaway bride wrote in a rambling statement read by her pastor at a press conference. There were "a host of compelling issues which seemed out of control." Some of Wilbanks' pals said she grew increasingly anxious as her wedding approached, complaining the plans were "frustrating." But in her statement, Wilbanks said her friends knew "how excited I was about the spectacular wedding we planned, and how I could not wait to be Mrs. John Mason." Wilbanks, whom authorities said planned her getaway in advance by buying a bus ticket and cutting her hair, added: "In my mind, it was never about the timing, however unfortunate. I was simply running from myself and from certain fears controlling my life." Pastor Tom Smiley said Wilbanks is undergoing "professional therapy" and has "postponed" her wedding. She and Mason, he said, "are extremely together." Meanwhile, it was revealed yesterday the runaway bride claimed to have been raped during her "kidnapping." "She made accusations she had been sexually assaulted during the course of her abduction," Albuquerque Police Sgt. Trish Ahrensfield told reporters. Wilbanks reportedly submitted to a rape exam even though investigators did not request one. She later recanted both the rape and kidnapping claims. Additional reporting by Josh Williams http://www.nypost.com/news/nationalnews/43576.htm So if we are to believe this article, she was terrified that he'd find out she wasn't a virgin and that's why she jetted... Fake her rape, and there ya go. A perfect explanation for not being a virgin. I mean, she was the one insisting on a rape kit, not the police... So he can be born again and therefore conveniently forget that he ain't a virgin either, but she can't? And she went for all that BS? My question: who's a bigger nut, he or she? revdauphinee answered on 05/06/05: your obsesion with the subject of sex is insane !if as you say he was such a Christian he wanted to wait (wich I for one admire him for !then he is enough of a christian to forgive her as he obviously has done!! Choux rated this answer excon rated this answer

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arcura asked on 05/06/05 - Moral stories teach a lesson...................... The teacher gave her fifth grade class an assignment. It was to get their parents to tell them a story with a moral at the end of it. The next day the kids came back and one by one began to tell their stories. Ashley said, "My father's a farmer and we have a lot of egg-laying hens. One time we were taking our eggs to market in a basket on the front seat of the pickup when we hit a big bump in the road and all the eggs went flying and broke and made a mess." "And what's the moral of the story?" asked the teacher. "Don't put all your eggs in one basket!" Very good," said the teacher. Next little Sarah raised her hand and said, "Our family, are farmers too. But we raise chickens for the meat market. We had a dozen eggs one time but when they hatched we only had ten live chicks, and the moral to the story is, don't count your chickens until they've hatched." That was a fine story, Sarah." "Michael, do you have a story to tell?" "Yes, ma'am, my daddy told me this story about my Aunt Vickie. Aunt Vickie was a flight engineer in Desert Storm and her plane got hit. She had to bail out over enemy territory, and all she had was a bottle of whiskey, machine gun and a machete. She drank the whiskey on the way down so it wouldn't break, and then she landed right in the middle of 100 enemy troops. She killed seventy of them with the machine gun until she ran out of bullets. Then she killed twenty more with the machete. And then she killed the last ten with her bare hands." "Good heavens," said the horrified teacher, "what kind of moral did your daddy tell you from that horrible story?" "Stay the away from Aunt Vickie when she's drinking." Question........... Do you have a good short moral lesson story to tell? Fred revdauphinee answered on 05/06/05: yeah a drunken woman is a thing to beware of!!! arcura rated this answer Choux rated this answer

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Itsdb asked on 05/06/05 - U.N. Sex Abuse Allegations Double in 2004 By LEYLA LINTON The Associated Press Thursday, May 5, 2005; 7:46 PM UNITED NATIONS -- Sex abuse allegations against U.N. peacekeepers and other staff more than doubled last year, U.N. Secretary-General Kofi Annan said in a report released Thursday, calling the increase "deeply troubling." There were 121 allegations in 2004 compared with 53 allegations reported in 2003, Annan said in a report to the U.N. General Assembly. Annan said the rise in allegations could be partly due to new measures put in place by the U.N. to encourage alleged victims to come forward. He added that the figures collected for last year may not reflect the extent of the abuse because some victims may still be unwilling to file complaints. The vast majority of allegations of sexual abuse and exploitation _ 105 out of the total 121 _ were leveled at U.N. peacekeepers. Forty-five percent of allegations against peacekeepers involved sex with minors and 15 percent involved rape or sexual assault. Thirty-one percent involved prostitution with adult women and the rest involved other forms of sexual exploitation and abuse. Allegations against 53 uniformed personnel were substantiated. Abuses have been reported in peacekeeping missions ranging from Bosnia and Kosovo to Cambodia, East Timor, West Africa and Congo. While allegations of abuse have dogged peacekeeping missions since their inception 50 years ago, the issue was thrust into the spotlight after the United Nations found earlier this year that peacekeepers in Congo had sex with Congolese women and girls, usually in exchange for food or small sums of money. The remaining charges include: _UNICEF, the U.N. children's agency, reported two allegations against its personnel of sex with a minor. _The World Food Program was investigating one allegation of sexual exploitation which the report characterized as "sex for food." _The Office of Internal Oversight Services, the U.N.'s internal watchdog, reported one allegation of sex with a prostitute but closed the case after the staff member resigned. _The U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees reported 10 cases, including six that were either unsubstantiated or closed and four that were pending further investigation. _The U.N. Volunteers Program reported two cases, including one which was dismissed and another which was pending further investigation. In March, a report by Prince Zeid Al Hussein, Jordan's U.N. ambassador on peacekeeper sex abuse, said the U.N.'s military arm was deeply flawed and recommended withholding salaries of the guilty and requiring nations to pursue legal action against perpetrators. � 2005 The Associated Press ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ The report also states, "The majority of all allegations, or 105 of the total 121, are from the Department of Peacekeeping Operations. Forty-five per cent of those allegations involve sex with minors and 15 per cent involved rape or sexual assault." Shouldn't this deserve more outrage than the nomination of John Bolton? (Isn't this exactly why Bolton should be confirmed?) Shouldn't this deserve more outrage than Tom DeLay's travel? Shouldn't this deserve more outrage than Rumsfeld saying "you go to war with the army you have?" Shouldn't this deserve more outrage than "the nuclear option"? People are going spastic over "the nuclear option" while UNICEF workers face allegations of sex with minors and other UN workers are trading sex for food...where's the outrage? revdauphinee answered on 05/06/05: shouldnt this get us away from the un altogether??? Itsdb rated this answer

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tomder55 asked on 05/06/05 - Thatcher endorses Bolton for U.N. envoy WASHINGTON - Margaret Thatcher, who gained a reputation for outspokenness as (the best post World War II) Britain's prime minister, endorsed John R. Bolton for U.S. ambassador to the United Nations largely for his "capacity for straight talking rather than peddling half-truths." In a letter made available Thursday by Bolton's office, Thatcher said she wrote to tell her longtime friend ,"how strongly I support your nomination." "To combine, as you do, clarity of thought, courtesy of expression and an unshakable commitment to justice is rare in any walk of life. But it is particularly so in international affairs," Thatcher wrote in her letter dated Wednesday. "A capacity for straight talking rather than peddling half-truths is a strength and not a disadvantage in diplomacy. Particularly in the case of a great power like America, it is essential that people know where you stand and assume that you mean what you say." Opposition to Bolton's abrupt manner - bluntness, President Bush called it - is one reason his nomination has run into trouble. Last month, the Senate Foreign Relations Committee postponed until next Thursday its vote to send Bolton's name to the full Senate for confirmation.[For another possible reason why his nomination is opposed see here ] http://www.macon.com/mld/macon/news/world/11571852.htm revdauphinee answered on 05/06/05: Please be aware that not all agree with he post " Margaret Thatcher, who gained a reputation for outspokenness as (the best post World War II) Britain's prime minister," I have many relatives still living in the Uk who do not ! I also do not think a man with such a reputation for mistreating employees has the right stuff to act as a diplomat. Itsdb rated this answer tomder55 rated this answer

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Liz22 asked on 05/05/05 - Thy kingdom come Been out Gardening most of yesterday, and when I sat down on my swing, and looked at the wonders of the earth, only a God could make such beautiful works. I find myself asking for his Kingdom and seeing the Paradise earth someday. Jesus told us how we should Pray, do we ask for God for his Kingdom to come as Jesus asked of us? Mt 6:10 Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, as in heaven, so on earth." I know the Kingdom of heavens have already came about, because Satan was thrown down to earth, but where will this New Earth and this New Kingdom take place? I believe it will be here on this very planet as the Heavens are still where they are. Do you ask for his Kingdom to come? Thank you, Joy. revdauphinee answered on 05/06/05: but where will this New Earth and this New Kingdom take place? right here on earth for it is written Revelation 21:21:1 And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea. 2 And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. 3 And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God [is] with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, [and be] their God. Liz22 rated this answer

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curious98 asked on 05/05/05 - speaking of coincidences What about these, Fred? Abraham Lincoln was elected to Congress in 1846. John F. Kennedy was elected to Congress in 1946. Abraham Lincoln was elected President in 1860. John F. Kennedy was elected President in 1960. The names Lincoln and Kennedy each contain seven letters. Both were particularly concerned with civil rights. Both wives lost their children while living in the White House. Both Presidents were shot on a Friday. Both were shot in the head. Lincoln's secretary, Kennedy, warned him not to go to the theatre. Kennedy's secretary, Lincoln, warned him not to go to Dallas. Both were assassinated by Southerners. Both were succeeded by Southerners. Both successors were named Johnson. Andrew Johnson, who succeeded Lincoln, was born in 1808. Lyndon Johnson, who succeeded Kennedy, was born in 1908. John Wilkes Booth was born in 1839. Lee Harvey Oswald was born in 1939. Both assassins were known by their three names. Both names are comprised of fifteen letters Booth ran from the theater and was caught in a warehouse. Oswald ran from a warehouse and was caught in a theater. Booth and Oswald were assassinated before their trials. Claude revdauphinee answered on 05/05/05: I also have read it before but it remains interesting. curious98 rated this answer

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arcura asked on 05/05/05 - I do not believe in what many say is a coincidence. There is a reason for my belief. It is what you hear and say in Church, that God is the "Creator of all things visible and invisible" As such God created all the laws of the universe of which science has been struggling for millennia to discover and they are finding that there is much more than what they have so far uncovered. Though man has free will it still operates within those various laws. We were created in God's image and that covers a great area of what we do and what happens because of our choices that affect ourselves and others. That does not mean that everything we do is preordained but it does mean that we operate right along with all the laws of the universe which includes the birth and death of stars and galaxies. Looking at it that way it is a colossal enterprise of tremendously varied proportions. On another scale the latest religious study report is out that people who attend church services regularly are happier, healthier, longer lived and have a more stable family life than do others. Some could say that's a coincidence, and in the strictest definition of the word it is, BUT it also reflects the grace of God. Get this, everything does. Praise God from whom all blessing flow because that's the way it is curtsey of the King of the Universe. Do you understand this as I do? Fred revdauphinee answered on 05/05/05: people are happier with faith because they know that they are in his hands and that he is able to take care of them no matter what comes along> arcura rated this answer

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curious98 asked on 05/05/05 - FRANK WILCZEK FRANK WILCZEK, Professor of Physics, at the MIT; 2004 Nobel Laureate. Professor Frank Wilczek is considered one of the world's most eminent theoretical physicists. He is known, among other things, for the discovery of asymptotic freedom, the development of quantum chromodynamics, the invention of axions, and the discovery and exploitation of new forms of quantum statistics (anyons). This Long Islander has been giving some lectures in Madrid, on the subject of his most recent discoveries in Physics. I had the chance to assist to one of them, though I must say, beforehand, that I could understand his English but not his ideas. Too much for my body. However, I could understand very well his closing remarks, when he said that we, in Europe, should not judge the USA for their rulers and presidents, which, lately have a mediocre and second-rate level that is much inferior to that of the average American. Do you agree? Any comments? Curioous98 revdauphinee answered on 05/05/05: I have to agree with him on that! curious98 rated this answer

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ROLCAM asked on 05/05/05 - Tell us all about it. Have you ever experienced theurgy ? revdauphinee answered on 05/05/05: no not according to the dictionary definition the�ur�gy Pronunciation: 'thE-(")&r-jE Function: noun Etymology: Late Latin theurgia, from Late Greek theourgia, from theourgos miracle worker, from Greek the- + ergon work -- more at WORK : the art or technique of compelling or persuading a god or beneficent or supernatural power to do or refrain from doing something do you truly feel we can change the mind of God??we can pray but we dont persuaDE HIM from doing something we ask we do not persuade! ROLCAM rated this answer

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ROLCAM asked on 05/05/05 - Attending Church ?? Is attending Church Good for Your Health? revdauphinee answered on 05/05/05: a relationship with Jesus may be better for I dont think any building is going to help a church is not a building it is the peoplr themselves so yes fellowshiping with like minded people may be good for health .But we need to remember Christ is not confined to any one place !In the gnostic gospel of Thomas he said 77 Jesus said, "I am the light that is over all things. I am all: from me all came forth, and to me all attained. Split a piece of wood; I am there. Lift up the stone, and you will find me there." ROLCAM rated this answer

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arcura asked on 05/04/05 - Mute to the world for 10 years � the HELLO! Do you wonder about the timing of this momentous event when a severely injured man come our of his inability to speak for tem years and than starts a conversation so shortly after courts order a severely injured woman who could not speak to be starved to death? Do you think that this is just a coincidence? Or do you think it might be something else? For the guy who woke up to speak, Praise and thank God, Fred revdauphinee answered on 05/05/05: Could God be sending a message here ?I seriously feel that he is! arcura rated this answer

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hOPE12 asked on 05/04/05 - Here is Something Remarkable! Quote taken from Abc News ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. May 3, 2005 � Nearly 9 1/2 years after a firefighter was left brain-damaged and mostly mute during a 1995 roof collapse, he did something that shocked his family and doctors: He asked for his wife. Staff members of the nursing home where Donald Herbert has lived for more than seven years raced to get Linda Herbert on the telephone. It was the first of many conversations the patient had with his wife, four sons and other family and friends Saturday during a 14-hour stretch, Herbert's uncle Simon Manka said. Researchers Tested Drugs on Foster Kids Weighing God in the Pharmacy Polio Spreads From Nigeria After Claims "How long have I been away?" Herbert asked. "We told him almost 10 years," the uncle said. "He thought it was only three months." Herbert, who will turn 44 Saturday, was fighting a house fire Dec. 29, 1995, when the roof collapsed, burying him under debris. After going without air for several minutes, Herbert was comatose for 2 1/2 months and has undergone therapy ever since. News accounts in the days and years after his injury describe Herbert as blind and with little, if any, memory. Video shows him receiving physical therapy but apparently unable to communicate and with little awareness of his surroundings. Manka declined Monday to discuss his nephew's current condition, or whether the apparent progress was continuing this week. The family was seeking privacy while doctors evaluated Herbert, he said. "He's resting comfortably," the uncle said. As word of Herbert's progress spread, a steady stream of visitors arrived at the Father Baker Manor nursing home in this Buffalo suburb. "He stayed up 'til early morning talking with his boys and catching up on what they've been doing over the last several years," firefighter Anthony Liberatore told WIVB-TV. Herbert's sons were 14, 13, 11 and 3 when he was injured. Staff members at the nursing facility recognized the change in Herbert, Manka said, when they heard him speaking and "making specific requests." "The word of the day was `amazing,'" he said. Dr. Rose Lynn Sherr of New York University Medical Center said when patients recover from brain injuries, they usually do so within two or three years. Any comments as to this remarkable recovery. Take care, Hope12 revdauphinee answered on 05/05/05: does this give you a thought about terry schrivo what if she had began to talk !maybee this was in her husbands mind? If he had nothing to hide what was wrong with allowing her parents to take over her care.I believe God allowed this man to recover to make a point.! hOPE12 rated this answer

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HANK1 asked on 05/04/05 - IS THIS UTOPIAN? "When wealth is lost, nothing is lost; when health is lost; something is lost; when character is lost, all is lost, wealth lost can be recovered or re-earned." "Health lost can also be recouped. But a loss of character can never be made up by any other worldly possession. The richest men of the world are not those who possess millions of gold and silver coins. The richest are those who have a spotless career from beginning to end. It is these that pass a happy and enjoyable life here, and find the doors of heaven open for them when they go here." Source: The Hindu.com HANK revdauphinee answered on 05/04/05: The richest are those who have a spotless career from beginning to end. and few there be! HANK1 rated this answer Laura rated this answer

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CrimeLab asked on 05/04/05 - The Bride with a Bad Hair Day So far the evidence: Ms. Wilbanks has planned the whole thing well in advance. She had purchased the bus ticket to Albuquerque a week prior to "kidnapping", she had arranged for a taxi to take her to Atlanta bus stop, she had cut her hair prior to hopping the bus and she had lied to her boss on the day of disappearing to get a day of "cuz the wedding dress wasn't ready"... Sure it was a spur of the moment thing... She left the house with a bus ticket and some $150 cash. (Who goes jogging with that much money? Must be some damn expensive lemonade stand in the 'hood) And she still hasn't apologized to the people that spent days looking for her. She still doesn't think she had done anything wrong. "She didn't think the police or family would be looking for her." That must be why she had a bad hair job. So what should happen to her? I say make her pay all the expenses (40-60K, hey looks like she's getting the tabloid deal already) to the last penny and throw her to jail to teach people that it was enough of victim mentality around here and that we need to accept responsibility for our actions. Filing a false police report = misdemeanor, lying to police and the FBI = felony. Both = jail sentence. (Oh and I won't even ask if he should still marry her. He has got to be the biggest loser in the country) revdauphinee answered on 05/04/05: $150 is not a lot of money the woman went to Reno at first didnt she??Ever tried to get far in Reno on $150 never happen friend> CrimeLab rated this answer

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ethical_reason asked on 05/04/05 - This board is so peacful This is the first time I think I've ever seen the board both active and not fighting at the same time since before askme.com revdauphinee answered on 05/04/05: it does happen but it is admitedly a rare occurence. ethical_reason rated this answer

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ethical_reason asked on 05/03/05 - Hillary beat Laura on a Christianity board Is that wierd or what? revdauphinee answered on 05/04/05: what is so wierd that folks chose a seasoned polititian over a librarian??? ethical_reason rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 05/03/05 - Here's some more Bush Humour! . . . . http://www.mining-australia.com/milkem.htm revdauphinee answered on 05/03/05: just mildly humerous paraclete rated this answer

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arcura asked on 05/02/05 - IF these 2 ladies ran for president of the USA� Two Questions�.. Which one would you vote for? ____Hillary Clinton ____Laura Bush Why her and not the other? revdauphinee answered on 05/03/05: have to hilary at least she has experience in the political arena Bush may be a lady but this is not what is needed you cant run a country on just good manners and niceties politics is a dirty business at all levels I know ive been there here in Miss arcura rated this answer

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Choux asked on 05/02/05 - Relativism vs. Absolutism What are some examples of beliefs of Absolutists as opposed to Relativists? For example: 1. An absolutist believes that murder is always wrong, a relativist believes sometimes it if called for. 2. An absolutist believes that stealing is always wrong, a relativist beleives that stealing is sometimes ok. 3. An absolutist believes that female genital mutilation is wrong, a muslim man believes it is OK. What are spme modern issues concerning relativism and absolutism? revdauphinee answered on 05/02/05: then absolutists are right and relativism is wrong It is as simple as that . murder is always wrong,stealing is always wrong,genital mutilation is not only wrong it is evil and abusive>, arcura rated this answer Choux rated this answer

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Itsdb asked on 05/02/05 - Dominionist Domination The Left runs with a wild theory. Stanley Kurtz May 02, 2005, 9:44 a.m What is the real agenda of the religious far Right? I�ll tell you what it is. These nuts want to take over the federal government and suppress other religions through genocide and mass murder, rather than through proselytizing. They want to reestablish slavery. They want to reduce women to near-slavery by making them property, first of their fathers, and then of their husbands. They want to execute anyone found guilty of pre-martial, extramaritial, or homosexual sex. They want to bring back the death penalty for witchcraft. But aren�t extremists like this far from political power? On the contrary, the political and religious movement called "Dominionism" has gained control of the Republican party, and taken over Congress and the White House as well. Once they take over the judiciary, the conversion of America to a theocracy will be sealed. The Dominionists are very close to achieving their goal. Once they have the courts in their hands, a willing Dominionist Republican-controlled Congress can simply extend the death penalty to witchcraft, adultery, homosexuality, and heresy. The courts will uphold all this once conservatives are in control, since Scalia himself appears to be a Dominionist. Shocking as it seems, Dominionists have gained extensive control of the Republican party, and the apparatus of government throughout the United States. Yet Dominionists continue to operate in secrecy. It is estimated that 35 million Americans who call themselves Christian adhere to Dominionism, although most of them are unaware of the true nature of their own beliefs and goals. Dominionism has met its timetable for the complete takeover of the American government. It would be a mistake, by the way, to think of Dominionists as fundamentalist Protestants alone. Dominionism has stealthily swept over America, incorporating conservative Roman Catholics and Episcopalians within its ranks. And of course, Dominionists are allied with the neoconservative followers of the political philosopher, Leo Strauss. The quest of these neoconservatives for power and world domination is a self-conscious program of pure, unmitigated evil. You don�t believe me? Well, consider the fact that on December 24, 2001, Pat Robertson resigned his position as president of the Christian Coalition. Religious conservatives understood very well that Robertson had stepped aside to allow the new president of the United States to take his rightful place as the head of the true American Holy Christian Church. Robertson openly revealed at least a portion of his Dominionist plans on The 700 Club on May 13, 1986, when he clearly stated: �We can change the government, we can change the court systems, we can change the poverty problem, we can change education...We can make a difference.� For Dominionists, possibly the single-most-important event of the last half of the 20th century occurred when Jim Jones proved that religious people would follow a leader, even to their deaths. Lest we all end up like the followers of Jim Jones, it�s time for Americans to take a leaf from those rare, brave souls, like George Soros. Following Soros, we�ve got to stand up to the Dominionist menace. There is an infection, a religious and political pathology that has corrupted our churches. Those we have trusted have embraced evil. Let us pray that Americans will go to the voting booth and finally free this country from the Republican Dominionist menace. But They're Serious O.K., it�s me again. I�m back from the fever swamps of the Left, which I�ve been exploring ever since I discovered a wild conspiracy theory about conservative Christians in the latest cover story of Harper�s Magazine. You want political paranoia? You want guilt by association? You want flat-out looniness? Well, Joe McCarthy�s got nothing on the good liberal folks who are warning us about a takeover by �Dominionist� Christians. What you've just read is a composite I've created (often word for word) by drawing on a couple of web-sites I'll link you to in a moment. The disturbing thing is that this sort of conspiratorial nonsense is being taken seriously by real media and political players. There is, in fact, a fringe Christian group of �Dominionists� or �Reconstructionists,� who really would like to see an American theocracy, and a return to the death penalty for blasphemy, adultery, sodomy, and witchcraft. The dystopian political program of this utterly marginal, extremist sect has absolutely no traction with anyone of significance. But that hasn�t stopped conspiracy mongers on the Left from imagining a murderous Christian plot to destroy America. I�ve found a number of Lefty sites that link to the following description of Dominionism at religioustolerance.org. This description includes the claim that Dominionists �advocate genocide for followers of minority groups and non-conforming members of their own religion.� I�m not sure this is accurate, even for the minuscule number of actual Dominionists. But the disturbing thing is the way this and other Left-leaning sites use logical sleight-of-hand to tar ordinary evangelicals with the madcap musings of a few fevered �Dominionists.� You can see the basic technique of the conspiracy mongers in this 1994 report on the Dominionists for Public Eye Magazine. All you have to do is quote a fringe Dominionist desperate to prove that his radical ideas are catching on. Dominionists have a long-term political strategy to establish a full-blown American theocracy based on Old Testament law. And look! Some other Christians want to participate in the political process, too. They even believe in developing a long-term political strategy! Ah ha! That must mean that, even though they are �unaware of the original source of their ideas,� conservative Christians are in fact under the influence of authentic Dominionists. Voila. By quoting a pathetic Dominionist extremist�s desperate efforts to prove his own influence, clever liberals can now argue that the ultimate goal of all conservative Christians is the re-institution of slavery, and execution for blasphemers and witches. This theory reminds me of the poor kid who thought he�d caused the great New York City blackout of 1965 because he happened to throw a rock at a transformer the moment the lights went out. Conservative Christians didn�t turn to politics because they were egged on by wild-eyed Dominionists. They were goaded into defensive action by the post-sixties secularist challenge to their way of life. Christians would have taken up politics whether a silly Dominionist fringe existed or not. In fact, Dominionism itself is nothing but a hapless and hopeless response to the secular social changes of the past forty years. But the Left has decided that it�s in their interest to buy into the Dominionists� own bogus and pathetic claims of influence � and to exaggerate even those bogus claims beyond recognition. The champion of this approach appears to be Kathryn Yurica, whose piece, �The Despoiling of America,� was the source for much of the account at the beginning of this piece. (Unlike religoustolerance.org, Yurica does not use the word "genocide" and does not talk about re-instituting slavery. She speaks only of extending the death penalty to things like adultery, rebelliousness, homosexuality, witchcraft, effeminateness, and heresy.) Yurica�s article is so wild-eyed and strange that it would barely be worth mentioning, were Yurica not a featured speaker at a recent conference called, �Examining the Real Agenda of the Religious Far Right.� That conference, held this past weekend, was supported by the National Council of Churches, People for the American Way, The Nation, The Village Voice, and United Americans for Separation of Church and State. (You can read a Washington Times report on the conference here.) I noted last week that Dominionist conspiracy theory broke into the mainstream with the latest cover story of Harper�s Magazine. (Yurica herself now supplements her own account of the Dominionist conspiracy with a link to one of those Harper�s articles.) The notion that conservative Christians want to reinstitute slavery and rule by genocide is not just crazy, it�s downright dangerous. The most disturbing part of the Harper�s cover story (the one by Chris Hedges) was the attempt to link Christian conservatives with Hitler and fascism. Once we acknowledge the similarity between conservative Christians and fascists, Hedges appears to suggest, we can confront Christian evil by setting aside �the old polite rules of democracy.� So wild conspiracy theories and visions of genocide are really excuses for the Left to disregard the rules of democracy and defeat conservative Christians � by any means necessary. In the wake of their big New York City conference, we�ll see what, if anything, The Nation, The Village Voice, and People for the American Way actually do with this newly fashionable Dominionist conspiracy theory. I hope a little sunlight suffices to put a stop to these ill-advised attack on conservative Christians. I guess we�ll soon enough learn what the real agenda of the irreligious far Left actually is. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ So who is the real threat here, the left or conservative Christians? Any dominionists out there? Steve revdauphinee answered on 05/02/05: whoever wrote this had obviously never done a true study of Jesus ! Itsdb rated this answer tomder55 rated this answer

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Choux asked on 05/02/05 - Hobbits Last night on 60 Minutes, there was a segment about humanoids nicknamed "Hobbits". On an island in Indonesia, an Australian anthropologist came across skeletons in a dig in a magnificant cave of human-like beings about three feet tall, but with about 1/3 the brain capacity of human biengs. They went extinct about 18,000 years ago. Human beings and "Hobblits" co-existed. These Hobbits used tools, may have had a rudimentary form of language, were covered with hair. IN the dig they also found a very small elephant which had been slaughtered and eaten. How do you feel about these "Hobbits" having lived at the same time as us human beings? What if "Hobbits" were alive today? If you had the power, would you have them killed off? Would you love them? Comments? revdauphinee answered on 05/02/05: If they were humanoids wouldnt killing them be murder???? Choux rated this answer

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curious98 asked on 05/02/05 - White House Correspondents Association dinner At the White House Correspondents Association dinner, last night, I understand that Mrs. Laura Bush made a great hit out of making her husband look like a fool, with several remarks like when he retires early at 09:30 pm, while she stays until late watching the �Desperate Housewives� series, or when she wondered how she managed to ever meet George when she used to spend 12 hours at the Library� She seems to have also mentioned that the reason why her husband, Dick Cheney and Don Rumsfeld understand each other so well is that they discuss their problems over with George�s power saw� Is that supposed to be a new way to increase Bush�s popularity? revdauphinee answered on 05/02/05: could it be the truth has finaly dawned on her???/ curious98 rated this answer MaggieB rated this answer

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curious98 asked on 05/01/05 - A new biblical plague? HAMBURG � Hundreds of toads have met a bizarre and sinister end in Germany in recent days, it was reported: they exploded. According to reports from animal welfare workers and veterinarians as many as a thousand of the amphibians have perished after their bodies swelled to bursting point and their entrails were propelled for up to a meter. It is like "a science fiction film", according to Werner Smolnik of a nature protection society in the northern city of Hamburg, where the phenomenon of the exploding toad has been observed. "You see the animals crawling on the ground, swelling and then exploding." He said the bodies of the toads expanded to three and a half times their normal size. "I have never seen such a thing," said veterinarian Otto Horst. So bad has the death toll been that the lake in the Altona district of Hamburg has been dubbed "the pond of death." Access to it has been sealed off and every night a biologist visits it between 2 a.m and 3 a.m., which appears to be peak time for batrachians to go bang. Explanations include an unknown virus, a fungus that has infected the water, or crows, which in an echo of the Alfred Hitchcock movie "The Birds," attack the toads, literally scaring them to death. (Wire reports from Int.l Press 5/1/2005) Are we going to face a new Biblical plague or is it a new terrorist weapon? Comments? Curious98 revdauphinee answered on 05/02/05: we are told in revelation 22 v 19 "Words of the prophecy of this book, if any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book: And if any man shall take away from the Words of the book of this prophecy,... do we not add our own interpretations of the word and since many nonebelievers deny his word is that not taking away from it??Yes I believe these things are more signs of the end not of the world but of this age!! curious98 rated this answer

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Ccl471 asked on 05/01/05 - China or India? I hear a lot of prophecy teachers saying that where the book of Revelation talks about "the kings of the east" with their army of 200 million going to war in the Middle East in the end times that that is the Chinese army. Well, did you know that currently in India there are about 220 million men of military age (fit for service)? (Source: CIA World Factbook) So how do we know that it won't be India coming to the Middle East with a 200 million man army? But wait a minute: the Revelations passage says "the kings of the east." Notice that it is "kings," meaning a plural form. That sounds like a coalition of nations, so that vast army should be a combined force of a plural number of nations. So it won't be just China, or just India, but a number of nations from the east. Any thoughts on this? Thanks and God bless. C.L. revdauphinee answered on 05/02/05: since it speaks in the plural it is probabl,y going to be a coalition of different nations>I after much study do believe in the prophecy in scripture how can one watch the word news and not??it is happening before our very eyes.do you not think Babylon will rise again ?where is Babylon? in Iraq wich is definatly going to be rebuilt. A new leader will arise out of the UN or the European union.could this not be soon?with the problems of the leaders.in the last days many will be decieved are ther nt many who fall into this category ect,ect,ect,. Ccl471 rated this answer

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FormerJesusHelper76 asked on 05/01/05 - God will show his will to all of us! Do you believe in this statement that God will show his will to all of us. Is it just a matter of opening our hearts and hearing his will for our life. FJH revdauphinee answered on 05/01/05: yes i do believe this! FormerJesusHelper76 rated this answer

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FormerJesusHelper76 asked on 05/01/05 - God's Plan? If you live out your life without knowing God's purpose? What do you think will happen? Will we be punished in anyway or messed up our lives. Will God forgive us and take the broken pieces and help us put them together? Thank you in advance! FJH revdauphinee answered on 05/01/05: if we accept forgiveness !he did not die just for some sin but for all sin so all we must do is accept that forgiveness and repent> FormerJesusHelper76 rated this answer

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FormerJesusHelper76 asked on 05/01/05 - Gods will? How do you know what is God's will in your life? How do you discover his will? Does he reveal it to you or is there a struggle to find it? What are your thoughts and personal experiances? Thank you in advance FJH revdauphinee answered on 05/01/05: it is my belief that he does reveal it to us in his own way we just have to be open to the word! FormerJesusHelper76 rated this answer

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arcura asked on 05/01/05 - Secular Relativism - What does your church say about it? Here us what Cadinal Razinger (Now Pope Benedict XVI) has said about it. What does your church say? ROME, APRIL 30, 2005 (Zenit.org).- Upholding the value of moral principles against the modern tendency to relativism could be among the priorities of Benedict XVI. In a homily April 18, during the Mass celebrated before the start of the conclave, the then Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger referred to the ever-changing trends in contemporary thought. "How many winds of doctrine we have known in these last decades, how many ideological currents, how many fashions of thought?" he asked. "Every day new sects are born and we see realized what St. Paul says on the deception of men, on the cunning that tends to lead into error." At the same time, for believers to uphold the values of their faith "is often labeled as fundamentalism," he noted. As a result, "relativism, that is, allowing oneself to be carried about with every wind of 'doctrine,' seems to be the only attitude that is fashionable." Against what Cardinal Ratzinger termed "a dictatorship of relativism that recognizes nothing as absolute and which only leaves the 'I' and its whims as the ultimate measure," the Church offers Christ as the true measure. Moreover, the Church offers its followers an adult faith that does not follow the latest trend and is, instead "profoundly rooted in friendship with Christ." And on the basis of this friendship we have "the measure to discern between what is true and what is false, between deceit and truth." This criticism of relativism met with hostility in some circles. Writing in the Guardian newspaper in Britain on April 20, Julian Baggini stated: "The black-and-white choice Ratzinger offers us is, therefore, a bogus one. The absolute moral certainty he claims the church offers is hollow." And on April 19 the New York Times described the pre-conclave homily as "uncompromising," and the cardinal himself as "an ultraconservative" who "is in favor of a smaller church, but one that is more ideologically pure." Freedom in truth However, the importance of preserving perennial truths and values was defended by others. In a commentary written for the Scotsman newspaper, John Haldane, professor of philosophy at the University of St. Andrews, noted that a key element in Cardinal Ratzinger's thought has been the conviction that the revealed truths of Christianity "set us free on earth and save us in eternity." The fallacy in modern thinking that the cardinal is warning against, explained Haldane, is the idea "that truth is manufactured rather than discovered." In part, he noted, this stems from the reaction modern man feels when confronted with the idea that we are sinners and that this may lead to eternal punishment. In these circumstances, the professor said, "it is more comfortable to deny that there is sin than to repent and reform." Benedict XVI also received support in an interview with former Italian Prime Minister Giuliano Amato, published last Monday in the newspaper La Repubblica. Amato, a defender of secularist principles, noted that Cardinal Ratzinger's homily had prompted many to comment that the Church now has a conservative, or even reactionary, Pope. But, he continued, the criticism of relativism is firmly in the line of what John Paul II had taught on many occasions when he warned of the dangers of a society without ideals. Amato argued that our freedom to choose is always a moral choice between good and evil, and not just simply of a good in itself. Hence we cannot avoid confronting our free will with the question of values. And even in Europe, Amato noted, there is an upsurge in religious sentiments and the search for values. The former prime minister also affirmed that society cannot be based merely on an empty procedural basis that sidelines values in the name of liberty. Amato also pointed out that we need to take into account what Benedict XVI said in his homily during the inaugural Mass of his pontificate -- namely, that the Christian message is not imposed by force, but is a testimony to values based on love. For this reason, he added, we should not fear a new Crusade that evokes memories of violence, since the only weapon of Benedict XVI will be reason combined with love. Subiaco insight A more detailed idea of what the new Pope has in mind regarding the contrast between relativism and perennial values can be gleaned from his speech made just before the death of John Paul II. On April 1 Cardinal Ratzinger went to the monastery of St. Scholastica in Subiaco to receive the St. Benedict prize for the promotion of life and the family in Europe. During a conference Cardinal Ratzinger observed that scientific advances have given us the power to alter even our own genetic code and that we now view the world and ourselves not as a gift coming from God, but as a product of our own making. Yet our capacity to make moral decisions has not kept pace with technical progress, he warned. Rather, it has diminished, because the scientific and technical mentality that now dominates thinking in contemporary society confines morality to the purely personal and subjective realm. The divorce between our technical capacities and any moral norms that could limit the choices we face in utilizing this power, however, places us in a situation of grave risk, given the destructive potential of modern technologies. The world today, urged Cardinal Ratzinger, more than ever needs the aid of a morality that influences the public sphere, to help us cope with the grave risks and challenges facing society. In the final analysis, he observed, the secure conditions which are a necessary precondition for the exercise of our liberty do not depend on a series of technical means, but on moral forces. And when morality is lacking, man's power is transformed into a destructive force. We now have the capacity to clone humans, use people as organ banks for others, and make military weapons of mass destruction. And the prevailing philosophy of rationalism and positivism, which rejects any moral or religious beliefs, rejects attempts to put any limits on our liberty to put into practice what our technical capacity permits us to do. Cardinal Ratzinger also noted that even though ideas such as peace and justice are common in public discourse today they are not based on moral values, but on a vague conception that is reduced to the level of party politics. Only too often these terms remain at the level of speeches, and is not translated into a personal commitment to these values in our everyday life. In his conference at Subiaco, the cardinal did acknowledge the important contributions of modern thought in today's society. But the secularist mentality that often accompanies it should not ignore the profound Christian roots of society, he argued. The real culture clash in today's world, he said, is not between different religious cultures, but between those who seek a radical emancipation of man from God and the major religions. Eliminating any reference to God or religion in public life is not an _expression of tolerance that is a protection for nonbelievers, but is rather the _expression of a viewpoint that wants to see God permanently barred from public life and set aside like some kind of cultural leftover from the past. In this sense, Cardinal Ratzinger concluded, relativism, which is the starting point of this secularist mentality, becomes a kind of dogmatism that believes it has reached the definitive stage of awareness of what human reason really is. But, he warned, if we banish God, human dignity will also vanish. revdauphinee answered on 05/01/05: whilst I am not against anyones faith I do think the Catholic stand an women in the priesthood is wrong .for who was it that jesus first gave the message of his resurection to ?a woman so it is obvious their banning women from bringing the message is not based on Jesus himself Mark 16:9 Now when [Jesus] was risen early the first [day] of the week, he appeared first to Mary Magdalene, out of whom he had cast seven devils. Mar 16:10 [And] she went and told them that had been with him, as they mourned and wept. arcura rated this answer

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arcura asked on 05/01/05 - From your Christian point of view...... What do you think about this? Minuteman Project Draws to Close in Ariz. By ARTHUR H. ROTSTEIN, Associated Press Writer1 hour, 20 minutes ago Volunteers recruited over the Internet to monitor illegal immigrant activity along a stretch of Arizona's border ended their monthlong campaign this weekend as they began � peering through binoculars along a dusty border road. Members of the Minuteman Project hailed the program as a success, and organizers said they plan to expand the mission to the other states bordering Mexico, and parts of the Canadian border. "This could not have been done without all of you. You did this together � you the people," co-organizer Chris Simcox told some 150 Minutemen and supporters gathered Saturday outside a church at Palominas. Organizers said nearly 900 volunteers � some of them armed � had spent at least one eight-hour shift in the field through Friday, working mostly stationary patrols along a 23-mile stretch of border in Cochise County. The final eight-hour shift was scheduled to end at 6 a.m. Sunday. Organizers said volunteers' calls to the Border Patrol resulted in the arrests of 335 illegal immigrants. Project organizers had ordered volunteers not to detain any illegal border crossers they encountered, and no major incidents were reported. An Army reservist was arrested on charges of holding seven Mexicans at gunpoint at a rest stop in southern Arizona earlier this month, though he was not affiliated with the Minuteman Project. Critics of the program, including Border Patrol officials, have said the group was little more than a nuisance that attracted significant attention from the media and civil rights groups watching volunteers for possible rights violations. President Bush expressed his opposition to "vigilantes," and many people on the Mexican side of the border referred to the Minutemen as "migrant hunters." But Jim Gilchrist, founder of the program, said the group's efforts brought nationwide attention to the problem of illegal immigration. He warned, however, that unless the work continues, "it's going to be viewed as just a monthlong dog and pony show." Mike Minatrea, a ham radio operator who was stationed near Naco for a week with his wife, Kristi, said the Minuteman Project "has told the rest of America what they can do to get something done" by protesting in a calm, orderly and productive fashion. Ed Whitbred, a Minuteman supervisor, said the project shows that the American people have the will and desire to secure the border even if the government doesn't. "I'm afraid we're on a slippery slope if we don't solve this (illegal immigration) problem," he said. revdauphinee answered on 05/01/05: in answer to your statement "An Army reservist was arrested on charges of holding seven Mexicans at gunpoint at a rest stop in southern Arizona earlier this month, though he was not affiliated with the Minuteman Project. as Paul harvey used to say did you hear ""the rest of the story""this reservist (I heard him speak recently) held these folks becuase they attacked him whilst he was walking his dog at a rest stop what else was he supposed to do let them beat him up??? arcura rated this answer

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CrimeLab asked on 05/01/05 - Book of Mormon TV Commercial Yesterday I saw a very well directed and produced commercial for the Book of Mormon. (Think it was on Lifetime) Two young ladies are meeting up in a cafe, one is reading a book. The other asks what she is reading, the first responds that it's fiction and same old, same old. Then the second lady says that she has a book to recommend, takes out the Book of Mormon from her handbag and says that she finds it a wonderful addition to the Bible, uplifting, calming and peaceful. The commercial then tells you where to call/write to the Church of LDS to get your free copy. All in all very nicely done, prime time stuff. I have never seen commercials like this before. Not aggressive, not asking to convert, just inviting to read. Cool. I only found it a little out of the ordinary to see it advertised as any other product... So I just don't know what to think. Should things such as the Bible or the Book of Mormon or Quran be commercialized on TV? ***Note: No Mormon bashing please, 1 star for that. :) revdauphinee answered on 05/01/05: why not they advertise every thing evil so its about time we spoke out for good once in a while.however without bashing anyone I would (since I admit predudice ) prefer it be the holy Bible! CrimeLab rated this answer

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ROLCAM asked on 04/30/05 - Special Series. # 2. Special Series relating to the different departments of a Christian Person's life:- 2. possessions. Please comment. revdauphinee answered on 05/01/05: putting much emphasis on material possesions is making them our God.and the commandments say we should have but one God! ROLCAM rated this answer

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ROLCAM asked on 04/30/05 - Special Series. # 1. Special Series relating to the different departments of a Christian Person's life:- 1)appearance and personality. Please comment. revdauphinee answered on 05/01/05: we need to remember that what we do and how we appear to the lost will always impress them more than anything we may say to them.many words fall on deaf ears however acts of kindness impress even mere observers> ROLCAM rated this answer

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Choux asked on 04/30/05 - Worrying and Acceptance I'm thinking if we *accept reality*, we cut down on our worrying a whole lot. Christian-"Thy will be done" Four Agreements-"Don't take anything personally" 12 Step-"Turn it over to your higher power." Serenity Prayer-Ask the Lord for the wisdom to know the difference between what we can control and what we cannot control. The lesson we must learn is that we *WE CAN ONLY CONTROL AND MANAGE OURSELVES*. We must have a realistic understanding that we are of little importance in the world. What do you think? revdauphinee answered on 05/01/05: Christian-"Thy will be done" this is how a Christian should think ,worry is telling God up front that we dont have enough confidence that he can take care of the situation! Choux rated this answer

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Choux asked on 04/30/05 - Have Wondered I have always wondered why people like movies and tv shows with gore:: bloody corpses, decapitations, shoot outs(ala The Sopranos), hangings, the more creative the better. Even in realilty. Sitting around the guillotine in France during the Reign of Terror. Slowing doen and staring at car accidents in hops of "seeing something". Do you think it is in our genetic make-up? Why? revdauphinee answered on 05/01/05: did you go to see the passion of the Christ movie?? you didnt find it gory??? Choux rated this answer

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hOPE12 asked on 04/30/05 - Bullying! Hello All, There are Three kinds of Bully: 1- Physical Bullies: These are the easiest to identify. They act out their anger by hitting, shoving, or kicking their chosen target by damaging their victim�s property. 2- Verbal Bullies: They use words to hurt and humiliate their target, through either name-calling, insults, or persistent, harsh teasing. 3- Relationship Bullies: They spread nasty rumors about their target. This behavior is predominantly adopted by female bullies. What exactly constitutes bullying? It is not quite the same as harassment or assault. Psychologist Dan Olweus, a pioneer in the systematic study of bullying, identifies common elements of this behavior, such as deliberate aggressiveness and a marked inequality in terms of power. Perhaps no single definition covers all aspects of bullying, but it has been called �a wilful, conscious desire to hurt another and put him/her under stress. The bullies tactics may include harsh teasing, constant criticism, insults, gossip, and unreasonable demands. What can a person do if they are bulled by a person/persons? Keep cool. Don�t give in to rage. The Bible wisely advises: �Let anger alone and leave rage.� Psalm 37:8 When your temper is out of control, you give the bully power over you, and you are likely to do things you will only regret. Proverbs 25:28 � Try to put thoughts of revenge out of your mind. Vengeance often backfires. At any rate, revenge is not really satisfying.. Remember the Bible�s wise words: �Return evil for evil to no one.��Romans 12:17. � When things appear to be getting heated, get away quickly. The Bible says: �Before the quarrel has burst forth, take your leave.� Proverbs 17:14 In general, try to steer clear of those who tend to bully. Says Proverbs 22:3: �Shrewd is the one that has seen the calamity and proceeds to conceal himself, but the inexperienced have passed along and must suffer the penalty.� � If bullying persists, you may need to speak up for yourself. Choose a moment when you are calm, look the bully in the eye, and speak in a firm, level voice. Tell him that you don�t like what he is doing�that it is not funny and that it hurts. Do not resort to insults or challenges.�Proverbs 15:1. � Remember that you have value as a person. The bully might want you to think that you don�t matter, that you deserve to be treated badly. But he is not your judge. God is, and he looks for the good in each of us. It is the bully who becomes less worthwhile by resorting to such conduct. Pete, CrimeLab: and any others who wish to continue this issue of a stupid screen name and any who wish to keep bullying me I am telling you now I do not like it and I also will not stoop to your level. How do you like it if someone bullies you? It hurts don�t it? Well as of this moment this needs to stop and as to who I am or who I ever was, it does not matter. The only reason those who bully others is because they like to insult, degrade and belittle those around them. That is wrong and if you all continue to bully me, I will report you and I will block you. I am hoping it does not amount to that because since I have been on Answerway.com I have been as loving as I possibly can be to all I speak with. I at no time curse or speak harshly to others. I do not wish to be mean to you Pete, CrimeLab and any others on this board. I also do not wish to be angry with you guys. So let us end this garbage now and stop bullying me please and no matter what you all think about me, �I STILL LOVE YOU GUYS.� :0) Take care and peace be with you all, Hope12 revdauphinee answered on 05/01/05: to acura ,who spoke of equality ?I dont want equality im not taking a step down for anyone? LOL hOPE12 rated this answer

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hOPE12 asked on 04/30/05 - Bullying! Hello All, There are Three kinds of Bully: 1- Physical Bullies: These are the easiest to identify. They act out their anger by hitting, shoving, or kicking their chosen target by damaging their victim�s property. 2- Verbal Bullies: They use words to hurt and humiliate their target, through either name-calling, insults, or persistent, harsh teasing. 3- Relationship Bullies: They spread nasty rumors about their target. This behavior is predominantly adopted by female bullies. What exactly constitutes bullying? It is not quite the same as harassment or assault. Psychologist Dan Olweus, a pioneer in the systematic study of bullying, identifies common elements of this behavior, such as deliberate aggressiveness and a marked inequality in terms of power. Perhaps no single definition covers all aspects of bullying, but it has been called �a wilful, conscious desire to hurt another and put him/her under stress. The bullies tactics may include harsh teasing, constant criticism, insults, gossip, and unreasonable demands. What can a person do if they are bulled by a person/persons? Keep cool. Don�t give in to rage. The Bible wisely advises: �Let anger alone and leave rage.� Psalm 37:8 When your temper is out of control, you give the bully power over you, and you are likely to do things you will only regret. Proverbs 25:28 � Try to put thoughts of revenge out of your mind. Vengeance often backfires. At any rate, revenge is not really satisfying.. Remember the Bible�s wise words: �Return evil for evil to no one.��Romans 12:17. � When things appear to be getting heated, get away quickly. The Bible says: �Before the quarrel has burst forth, take your leave.� Proverbs 17:14 In general, try to steer clear of those who tend to bully. Says Proverbs 22:3: �Shrewd is the one that has seen the calamity and proceeds to conceal himself, but the inexperienced have passed along and must suffer the penalty.� � If bullying persists, you may need to speak up for yourself. Choose a moment when you are calm, look the bully in the eye, and speak in a firm, level voice. Tell him that you don�t like what he is doing�that it is not funny and that it hurts. Do not resort to insults or challenges.�Proverbs 15:1. � Remember that you have value as a person. The bully might want you to think that you don�t matter, that you deserve to be treated badly. But he is not your judge. God is, and he looks for the good in each of us. It is the bully who becomes less worthwhile by resorting to such conduct. Pete, CrimeLab: and any others who wish to continue this issue of a stupid screen name and any who wish to keep bullying me I am telling you now I do not like it and I also will not stoop to your level. How do you like it if someone bullies you? It hurts don�t it? Well as of this moment this needs to stop and as to who I am or who I ever was, it does not matter. The only reason those who bully others is because they like to insult, degrade and belittle those around them. That is wrong and if you all continue to bully me, I will report you and I will block you. I am hoping it does not amount to that because since I have been on Answerway.com I have been as loving as I possibly can be to all I speak with. I at no time curse or speak harshly to others. I do not wish to be mean to you Pete, CrimeLab and any others on this board. I also do not wish to be angry with you guys. So let us end this garbage now and stop bullying me please and no matter what you all think about me, �I STILL LOVE YOU GUYS.� :0) Take care and peace be with you all, Hope12 revdauphinee answered on 04/30/05: hope I love you but here is where we part company and I quote "- Relationship Bullies: They spread nasty rumors about their target. This behavior is predominantly adopted by female bullies.' this is so clearly a sexist quote wich I cannot condone! arcura rated this answer hOPE12 rated this answer

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hOPE12 asked on 04/30/05 - For all those interested in facts: Hello Experts, This is the link to my website: http://www.homelink.co.nz/autism No matter what others may say. This is my website and has been for some time. Thank you, Hope12 revdauphinee answered on 04/30/05: children please get over it this is so childish ,and after all is said and done who realy cares? bluevision rated this answer hOPE12 rated this answer Pete_Hanysz rated this answer purplewings rated this answer

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arcura asked on 04/30/05 - Here is an oldie - have you seen it before? Bill Clinton was visiting an elementary school, and he visited a 4th grade class during a discussion of words and their meanings. The teacher asked the President if he would like to lead the class in their discussion of the word "tragedy." So, our illustrious leader asked the class for an example of a tragedy. One little boy stood up and offered, "My best friend, who lives next door, was playing in the street, and a car came along and ran over him. That would be a tragedy." "No," said Clinton, "that would be an accident." A little girl raised her hand. "If a school bus carrying 50 children drove off a high cliff, killing everyone in the bus, that would be a tragedy." "I'm afraid not," said the President, "that's what we would call a great loss." The room grew silent. No other children would volunteer an answer. President Clinton searched the room. "Isn't there someone here who can give me an example of a tragedy?" Finally, in the back of the room, a small boy raised his hand. In a quiet voice, he said, "If Air Force One, carrying you and Mrs. Clinton were struck by a missile and blown to smithereens, that would be a tragedy." "Fantastic," said Clinton. "That's right. And can you tell me why that would be a tragedy?" "Well," said the boy, "because it wouldn't be an accident, and it certainly wouldn't be a great loss!" revdauphinee answered on 04/30/05: not funny~ arcura rated this answer purplewings rated this answer

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Pete_Hanysz asked on 04/30/05 - Public Service Anouncment Any user or expert who needs advice on Bible studies can contact hOPE12 at the email address below. mailto:judona2004@peoplepc.com Taken from the website below, published on this site, as posted by hOPE12 in her Answerway profile. http://hometown.aol.com/jwaw7343/myhomepageprofile.html revdauphinee answered on 04/30/05: why all this nonsence? why dont you folks just let her be! is she harming anyone no matter who she claims to be.this is getting childish. MaggieB rated this answer Pete_Hanysz rated this answer

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hOPE12 asked on 04/30/05 - Is there a difference? Hello Experts, In your knowledge of the scriptures, is there a difference between: 1) The healing Jesus performed? 2) The healing of the touch of someone we love or the touch of another human? 3) The touch many refer to as the "laying on of hands?" Take care, Hope12 revdauphinee answered on 04/30/05: the only difference is the power was in Jesus! while laying on of hands uses a human as a conduit the power is still the Lords the human is just the instrument he uses. hOPE12 rated this answer MaggieB rated this answer

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ROLCAM asked on 04/30/05 - QUOTATION !! Grace keeps us from worrying because worry deals with the past, while grace deals with the present and future. -Joyce Meyer Do you believe in the state of grace ? revdauphinee answered on 04/30/05: My personal belief is that wory is a sin,it is telling the Lord you dont have faith he is in control of the situation. ROLCAM rated this answer

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HANK1 asked on 04/30/05 - THIS IS THE PITS: ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. - A Georgia bride-to-be who vanished just days before her wedding turned up in New Mexico and fabricated a tale of abduction before admitting Saturday that she got cold feet and "needed some time alone," police said. Jennifer Wilbanks, 32, was in police custody more than 1,420 miles from her home on what was supposed to be her wedding day Saturday. HANK revdauphinee answered on 04/30/05: is this woman backward or something ,at 32 she should have learned to say no if she got cold feet! But at least we can look at it this way her parents prayers for her safe return were answered wernt they? HANK1 rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 04/29/05 - Quick thinking in Iraq A plane was shot down over Iraq and Saddam Hussain captured a Scotsman,an Englishman and an Australian. Saddam says "I'm not as cruel as George Bush says I am You will be given 50 lashes each but you can have whatever you want on your back" The Australian goes first and asks for the finest Kangaroo hide there is to cover his back. This is granted and he receives the kangaroo hide before he receives 50 lashes. His back is all torn and bleeding but he survives. The Englishman says "I will take it as it comes I will have nothing on my back and will be proud to bear the scars" he shouts defiantly"Stiff upper lip you know eh what" His wish is granted and he receives his 50 lashes, his back torn and bleeding, his ribs fractured and protruding, a terrible mess to behold. "Now Jock It's your turn you have the same choice as the other two what would you like on your back" says Saddam. Jock replies quickly and without hesitation "I'll have the Englishman" revdauphinee answered on 04/30/05: accura as someone who was born an english woman i resent that comment!LOL paraclete rated this answer

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hOPE12 asked on 04/29/05 - Pete and others. For all who are interested in knowing: To all Experts, Some here think I am a person called jadona. Well if I was or wasn't what difference does it make to you Pete or anyone else who is interested in this matter. On answerway I have always been with the ID "Hope12" and I continue to be just that person. If any expert has a problem with that or thinks I am someone else, please take it up with Answerway. They know who I am and who I have always been. Now that I have said that, Pete and whom ever else wishes to be rude or disrespectful so as to give one star because they don't like me or my religion, I say to them, GET A LIFE! If you have something against me that you wish to bring out do so with Answerway. I have always been respectful of all people I speak with one this board. There is now reason to hate me because of my religion. There is also no reason to be rude with giving one star just because you don't like me or my religion Steve. The post I replied to was not from you and therefore if you can't stand me, stay away. I have never done anything to you, so why are you so rude to me? Does it make you feel superior? Stop calling me Jadona, my name here on answerway is Hope12. Whoever I have been in the past or have not been gives you Pete no right to be so rude and disrespectful. Please act as a mature adult and not like a baby, who bullies others to make themself look and feel important. If you really want to know who I am here on Answerway ask them, I give them permission to tell you. Cut and paste this post. You can give it to them and they will tell you who I am seeing that you give me black stars and make rude remarks, it must really bug you. There now you don;t need to be so rude, you can know who I am. I am hope12. Take care, Hope12 revdauphinee answered on 04/30/05: what does it matter what our name was or is ?fact is we are all semi anonamous on here so what !I personaly am more interested in the comments made than who the person issuing them is.I use my real name but if I didnt whos business would that be? hOPE12 rated this answer

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HANK1 asked on 04/29/05 - MARRIAGE: What does the Bible say about divorce and remarriage? HANK revdauphinee answered on 04/30/05: On marriage genesis 2: 23 And the man said, This now at last is bone from my bones, and flesh from my flesh. For this shall be called Woman, because this has been taken out of man. 24 Therefore, a man shall leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave to his wife and they shall become one flesh. on divorce Matthew 19:5 And He said, "For this reason a man shall leave father and mother, and shall be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh." Gen. 2:24 6 So that they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore, what God has joined together, let not man separate. 7 They said to Him, Why then did Moses command to "give a bill of divorce," "and to put her away"? Deut. 24:1 8 He said to them, In view of your hardheartedness, Moses allowed you to put away your wives. But from the beginning it was not so. 9 And I say to you, Whoever shall put away his wife, if not for fornication, and shall marry another, that one commits adultery. And the one who marries her who was put away commits adultery. HANK1 rated this answer

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arcura asked on 04/29/05 - Do you like jokes like this for better or worse? The teacher of the earth science class was lecturing on map reading. After explaining about latitude, longitude, degrees and minutes the teacher asked, "Suppose I asked you to meet me for lunch at 23 degrees, 4 minutes north latitude and 45 degrees, 15 minutes east longitude...?" After a confused silence, a voice volunteered, "I guess you'd be eating alone." revdauphinee answered on 04/30/05: just me but i didnt find it all that funy. arcura rated this answer

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tomder55 asked on 04/29/05 - Social Security means testing turns the program into just another welfare program. Anyway I look at the President's proposal yesterday about "progressive indexing " ;all I can see is benefit cutting [of middle class workers ] and tax increases (raising the income ceiling for wealthier workers).The people who pay the most into the system will get the least out of it, and the ones that pay the least into the system get the most out? If that isn't welfare I don't know what is . Am I wrong ? Bush failed to mention that this plan he floated was a Democrat plan (he mentioned a Democrat economist but did not elaborate ) The plan is called the "Pozen approach";named after Robert Pozen Here is what I have been able to find .According to the liberal Center on Budget and Policy Priorities : Progressive price indexing would impose substantial benefit reductions on average workers. Progressive price indexing would reduce annual benefits for an average wage-earner who is 25 today and retires in 2045 by 16 percent or $3,523 (in inflation-adjusted 2005 dollars), relative to the benefits that the worker would receive under the current benefit structure. For an average-earner who retires in 2075, the benefit reduction would be 28 percent or $7,629 in today�s dollars. These are much larger benefit reductions than those included in alternative plans that achieve sustainable Social Security solvency through a mix of revenue increases and benefit reductions (as the 1983 Social Security legislation did). * Progressive price indexing would use benefit reductions to close about 70 percent of the 75-year shortfall. The Social Security Trustees projected in March 2004 that the Social Security system has a deficit of 1.89 percent of taxable payroll over the next 75 years.[1] According to an analysis of the Pozen proposal recently conducted by the Social Security actuaries, progressive price indexing would reduce the deficit by 1.36 percent of taxable payroll and thus close 72 percent of the shortfall. (The remaining deficit would have to be closed by additional benefit reductions, tax increases or general revenue transfers.) * Progressive price indexing would transform Social Security over time from a retirement program to more of a welfare system that provides a modest retirement benefit largely unrelated to income. Because progressive price indexing produces very large reductions in benefits over time for high earners, substantial benefit reductions for average earners, and no reductions for low earners, it eventually eliminates most differences in benefit levels. Ultimately, most beneficiaries would get the same monthly benefit, despite having paid in very different amounts in payroll taxes. Under current law, �high earners� (those whose earnings are 60 percent above the earnings of the average earner) receive Social Security benefits that are 33 percent higher than the benefits that average earners get. Under progressive price indexing, this difference would shrink to only 7 percent for workers retiring in 2075, and the difference would be eliminated entirely by 2100. This raises the question of whether broad political support for Social Security can be sustained if workers pay very different amounts of payroll taxes but most workers receive the same level of benefits. * Combining progressive price indexing with private accounts carved out of Social Security would make the system unattractive to high-earners. Making Social Security�s benefit formula this progressive could risk undermining some of the broad-based political support that Social Security enjoys. If progressive price indexing is combined with �carve-out� private accounts, and Social Security benefits are reduced further for those who elect the accounts, the problem could become severe. Low earners would rely primarily on traditional Social Security benefits, while higher earners would receive only a tiny Social Security benefit or no Social Security benefit at all and would rely mainly on their private accounts. * Progressive price indexing is poorly designed to respond to contingencies; the benefit reductions it engenders would grow deeper if the economy performed well, even though the Social Security shortfall would have narrowed on its own, and would grow smaller if the economy performed poorly and the Social Security deficit widened. The stronger that economic growth and real wage growth were, the bigger the benefit reductions would become under progressive price indexing. This would be a perverse effect; stronger growth would lessen Social Security�s financing problems and lower the amount of benefit cuts needed. Conversely, if economic growth slowed, the benefit reductions that progressive price indexing delivered would decrease in size even as the Social Security shortfall widened. It may be that the problems of Social Security are so severe that this is the best we can get . But I can't help that feeling that most Americans get screwed by this plan . ................................................ Last night Bush said By providing more generous benefits for low-income retirees, we'll make this commitment: If you work hard and pay into Social Security your entire life, you will not retire in poverty. A "sliding-scale benefit formula� that would mean lower Social Security payments for future middle and upper-income retirees than they are currently guaranteed.That would seem to be right up the Democrat ally right ? The thing is ;since the Democrats are obstructing for obstruction sake they have already come out opposed to the plan.Nancy Pelosi and Harry Reid immediately released a statement saying the President�s were no good and they will continue their opposition. Too funny . revdauphinee answered on 04/30/05: the social security system is not George Bushes to fool with! the money paid into it belongs to the folks that put it ther! the one thing they wont tell you is the problem would not have happened had not the government used that money (wich was not thiers in the first place for other purposes and that is why we no longer have the funding available. tomder55 rated this answer

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hOPE12 asked on 04/29/05 - Getting older and yet not giving up. Hello Experts, There are those of us who are getting older and so I thought, "What can we each offer as a way of keeping our life, active, exciting, and alive as we grow older? What do you personally do to make your life, exciting and not boring and at the same time give you satisfation of being useful and helpful to others, as well as for yourself? Take care, Hope12 revdauphinee answered on 04/30/05: we can remember we are not alone I love answerway because I never feel alone when i can come here ,God can always find us something to do if we truly have a desire to serve him. hOPE12 rated this answer

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Dark_Crow asked on 04/29/05 - WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE A CHRISTIAN? When people have told me what one needs to do to become a Christian the answers are most often very ambiguous and range from adhering to the Bible to just plane nothing. There are evangelical Christians as well as Catholic and the difference seems to be very great. Then there are those who say both paths lead to God and all that is necessary to be a Christian is to Claim Christ as there savior and Love everyone. Frankly the latter sounds more secular than religious; its like �do your thing� and leave others alone in them �doing their thing.� There is then too the, �born again Christian�who in their heart realizes--a spiritual transformation. New birth, being born again, is an act of God whereby eternal life is imparted to the person who believes (2 Corinthians 5:17; Titus 3:5; 1 Peter 1:3; 1 John 2:29; 3:9; 4:7; 5:1-4, 18). John 1:12,13 indicates that "born again" also carries the idea "to become children of God" through trust in the name of Jesus Christ. But does being born again mean a person falls from the Grace of God and is no longer guided by the Holy Spirit�? that God has �shaken the dust from his feet� and forgets the sinner? What is it about you that makes (you personally)a Christian revdauphinee answered on 04/29/05: John 20:29 Then Jesus told him, "Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed." Dark_Crow rated this answer

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hOPE12 asked on 04/29/05 - Near death expeience, are the scriptual, are they real? Hello Experts, What about those who claim to have had�near-death experiences? Does that not�prove�that the spirit or soul leaves the body at death? George Gallup,�Jr., U.S.�public-opinion pollster, investigated this subject and published the results in Adventures in Immortality. Doctors and scientists who were interviewed were skeptical about the validity of the near-death accounts. Said a Maryland biophysicist: �These are the experiences of a mind in an abnormal state physiologically .�.�. The brain is a very complex organ and it can play a lot of tricks when you mistreat it�look at the experiences with hallucinogenic drugs.� An Ohio psychiatrist: �These reports are fantasies or hallucinatory phenomena.� A Michigan scientist: �These are trauma-induced fantasies.� Gallup came to the conclusion that near-death accounts do not �by any means constitute what might be considered proof of immortality or the afterlife.� He adds: �They may be simply dramatic internal scenarios that are played out entirely in the minds of those who undergo physical traumas.� He also suggests that some religious thinkers would explain such experiences as being �part of a demonic strategy to trick human beings.� What Jehovah God said long ago still stands: �The dead know nothing.��Ecclesiastes 9:5. What are you comments on the matter of near death experiences, are they real, and are they proof of Immortality of the soul? Take care, Hope12 revdauphinee answered on 04/29/05: I definatly believe in them! arcura rated this answer hOPE12 rated this answer

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hOPE12 asked on 04/29/05 - What does all of this mean for you and your family? Hello Experts, There is no denying that religious passions today still can move people to hatred, killing and war. Yet alongside this there is evidence of increasing dissatisfaction with religion. Many have a spiritual hunger or a desire to worship but are confused and uncertain about religion. They may be embarrassed to appear religious or they may feel that religion is too confusing for them. 1- Is that how you feel? Or, perhaps you do consider yourself quite religious. You may care about your religion, being convinced that it is correct. In any case, there is good reason for you to accept an invitation to give some thought to the matter of right religion. The book The Great Religious Leaders made this observation: �When we actually know what religion does for and to the individual, and how a person�s powers are increased by an intelligent understanding and appropriation of religion, life ought to be infinitely more worth living.� Not only should true religion make �life more worth living,� but we can assure you that the facts prove that it does! But before you agree or disagree with that statement, I invite you to think further about the matter of true religion. 2- Is there just one true religion? 3- If so, how could you identify it? 4- And what can it mean for you? Take care, Hope12 revdauphinee answered on 04/29/05: religion has nothing to offer! it is not a religion that we need it is a "relationship" with Christ! hOPE12 rated this answer

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hOPE12 asked on 04/29/05 - Religons of the world. Hello Experts, Will the religions of the world every unite? If so why do you say they will? If not why do you say they won't? Take care, Hope12 revdauphinee answered on 04/29/05: many will for during the tribulation time there will be a one world church !However it will decieve many for it will be a false faith and will eventualy end up worshiping the antichrist and not God .this is prophecied and I see folks working for such a unity ,they should remember the prophecy and beware for many bad things are started with good intentions. hOPE12 rated this answer paraclete rated this answer

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excon asked on 04/29/05 - Polygraph Hello experts: Knowing that a polygraph is not reliable, if your wife disappeared, would you take one? The obvious being, that if you fail, you will be charged whether or not you are guilty. Or is it not obvious to you? Am I being cynical? excon revdauphinee answered on 04/29/05: those who have nothing to hide should fear nothing. excon rated this answer MaggieB rated this answer

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hOPE12 asked on 04/29/05 - Elderly and life? Hello Experts, We know God care for all people, young, old, sick and healthy. Knowing this, why is it that many of the elderly lose the will to live? What is your opinion and what is your religion doing that will help these elderly ones, and how can we personally encourage them to want to live? Take care, Hope12 revdauphinee answered on 04/29/05: As one of those elderly I can tell you there are many things that cause us to desire to go home One of the worst things for an elderly person (myself included) is loneliness I have 4 children who all (I know) have busy lives but I spend hours and often days without seeing or at least speaking to another human ( thank God for you folks at answerway) so my answer to what can someone do religious or otherwise is to go visit.You will never know how it is appreciated.Another thing the young may not understand is that the Lord I guess prepares us for the day that comes when we will go home to be with him we begin to realise the life here is not the best that there is much more waiting for us on the otherside aqnd many of us begin to desire that rather than the worries and problems that this life presents> CeeBee2 rated this answer hOPE12 rated this answer

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bal317 asked on 04/29/05 - Prayer Request Please Hello Dear Experts: I have had yet another death in my family. For the last month, I have been trotting back and forth approx. 80miles 3-4 times a week to the hospital. My cousin who's Mother raised me and my baby brother, and he always treated us as his sister/brother, not an intruder, has died. We had his funeral today. He had a 2nd marriage, children and grandchildren from his first marriage. Shared step children with his second wife. We were never mention'd in anything, obit. or otherwise. Time came in the Service for anyone who had anything to say please come forward. As I sat there and listen to 2 other's I then went before about 300 people and told our story. I had made a collection of youthful pictures to present of his life, as I had the only photo's from our past. Well, I told our connection and you could hear a pin drop. Actually, when I was deceiding to go up and speak, I had not seen the Church was packed, standing room only, until I turned to speak did I see so many. Something came down inside of me, and by the Grace of God what and how I said it, was taken in kind and I got much Blessings for sharing a huge missing piece. So, as I ask Prayer's for us, I would also like it if any of you have family/friends that you have let slide out of your life. Just because you have not called and thought they might call you. Please do so, and share your past memories. They are very precious. With the deepest of sincerity, God Bless you All. Thank you, bal317 revdauphinee answered on 04/29/05: Loss for us is such a painfull thing but we need to remember for the one who passed over it is much different just imagine they are now in the presence of our Lord and saviour,and will never more have to endure the pain and worries of this life.while we mourn our own loss we should also reserve a small part to clebrate thier gain! bal317 rated this answer

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CeeBee2 asked on 04/28/05 - Humor and religion.................... Is humor ever allowed in religion? I found Chou's comment about laying on of hands to be surprisingly funny. Perhaps nothing is too sacred to poke fun at (otherwise we are taking life much too seriously)? Is it irreverent to laugh when someone makes a clever joke about something in religion? revdauphinee answered on 04/28/05: If you dont think God has a sence of humor go look in the mirror! CeeBee2 rated this answer

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Dark_Crow asked on 04/28/05 - �Judge not, lest ye be judged� �Judge not, lest ye be judged� is an all too often cliche I find distasteful as the other common cliche; �its all relative.�. Both of these cliches are just plain bad advice for anyone to take give or take. Many people would judge a convicted serial rapist as deserving of punishment because the crime offends their sense of right and wrong, while condemning others as being judgmental concerning their stands on other forms of sexual immorality; including pre-martial and extra-marital relationships. So what standards are we to use in making judgements? The phrase, "Any text without a context is a pretext", is valid of Scriptures as well as in philosophy; so please, answer the question in context. revdauphinee answered on 04/28/05: So what standards are we to use in making judgements? THE SAME STANDARDS that God will judge you by one day! Dark_Crow rated this answer

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STONY asked on 04/28/05 - ON THE EXISTENCE OF GOD... JUST A LITTLE PRAISE REPORT HERE. A WEEK AGO I ACCIDENTALLY INHALED A FEW AIRBORNE PARTICLES OF POTASSIUM PERCHLORATE...ROCKET FUEL!! I COULD NOT BREATHE FOR 4 DAYS THRU MY NOSE. I SKIPPED CHURCH ON SUNDAY MORNING BUT DID ATTEND THE EVENING SERVICE. A BUNCH OF THE LADIES AT MY CHURCH WHO KNOW HOW TO PRAY GATHERED AROUND ME AND BEGAN PRAYING FOR MY COMPLETE HEALING. LONG-TO SHORT OF IT, BEFORE THE SERVICE ENDED I WAS BREATHING NORMALLY THRU MY NOSE AGAIN. ON MONDAY NIGHT I EXPELLED A SMALL AMOUNT OF BLOOD INTO A TISSUE AND I HAVE BEEN FINE EVER SINCE. THE MORAL HERE IS, "EVEN WHEN I SCREW UP GOD STILL WATCHES OUT OVER ME." AND THAT IS A FACT!! revdauphinee answered on 04/28/05: stony I worked for morton thyocol manufacturing solid rocket fuel for 22 yrs and he watched over me the whole time so it surprises me not that he protected you from one sniff! MaggieB rated this answer paraclete rated this answer STONY rated this answer

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ROLCAM asked on 04/28/05 - DEFINITION of EVIL. I have come across this statement:- In ordinary English, something is evil if it is particularly repugnant and very, very harmful. Genocide, torture and paedophilia are evil. Shoplifting, minor lies and pre-marital sex are not evil - even if you still disapprove of them. Do you agree with the above statement?. ROLCAM. revdauphinee answered on 04/28/05: most definatly not! sin is sin! "Shoplifting, minor lies and pre-marital sex "are all violations of God law.and any violation is evil Choux rated this answer paraclete rated this answer ROLCAM rated this answer

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ROLCAM asked on 04/27/05 - Prayers Required !! To all Christians. Angele is a wonderful six year old girl who has always been full of life and love. She has been diagnosed with a brain stem tumor on the 23rd February, 2005 and has gone to through so much since then (including a major operation to remove to pressure building up in the brain). Unfortunately the tumor is inoperable and the only hope we�ve been given is radiotherapy. We believe that there are things stronger than medicine and are thus are asking you to join us in praying for our little baby girl�s full recovery. As Jesus has said �Truly I say to you, ask and it will be given you, seek and you will find, knock and it will be opened � if you ask anything of the Father in my name, He will give it to you�. Please join us in asking the Father in Jesus� name for the full recovery of our beautiful little angel. Thank you in advance, Louise and Robert (Angele�s Parents) revdauphinee answered on 04/28/05: consider it done and remember God is still in the miracle business! ROLCAM rated this answer

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Choux asked on 04/27/05 - Constantine Voted Off! How shocking, and that crybaby, no-talent Scott is still in contention. There is no God!!! :D Just a little Christian humor. revdauphinee answered on 04/28/05: sory I never watch the show ! Choux rated this answer

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Laura asked on 04/27/05 - What do you think of this statement?? The first century and twenty first century versions of the church may have precious few similatarities, but one fact remains: While we may not be united in our opinions about every single doctrine, we remain united as believers. You may not agree with that other denomination across the street about how to worship, when to worship, what to expect in the end times, or any number of other specifics. But if both you and that group of people have placed your faith in Jesus for your ultimate salvation, you share an eternal connectedness. It's now time for us to improve that connectedness as much as we can. In our shortsighted thinking, we may come to believe the battle lines are drawn between Protestant and Catholic, Baptist and Church of Christ, Lutheran and Pentecostal, Methodist and Mennonite. Wrong! Nor are the battle lines formed between Christians and non-Christians! (How quickly we tend to forget that we all start as non-Christians!) Rather, the battle lines are drawn between God and Satan, Christians and forces of evil. Satan's army is united and looking for victims. Isn't it a shame that God's army is using so much ammunition to face off and shoot at each other?? From "The No brainers guide to what Christians believe" by James Bell and Stan Campbell. revdauphinee answered on 04/28/05: the main reason we are not together is becuase of the following Matthew 7:22Many will say to me on that day, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?' 23 And then I will declare to them ,"I never knew you depart from me. However during the tribulation period there will be a one world church but it will not be of Christ but will be led by the beast who decieves many Laura rated this answer

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Dark_Crow asked on 04/27/05 - Is there Propaganda going on here? The right to be heard does not automatically include the right to be taken seriously. If you don't know the other point of view, you don't know anything. The essential element of an unbiased position is whether it speaks to an opposing view accurately. Propaganda, on the other hand, often ignores or mischaracterizes the other view, or gives weak, watered-down renditions of their position. If reasonable people hold different views, then we are dealing with opinion, not fact. In the language of relativity, everyone is correct--- from their own point of view--- but of course we know this cannot always be the case; especially when it comes to Values. Everyone does have (or should have) the freedom to hold their own beliefs and the freedom to try to persuade others of the truth of those beliefs. But not all beliefs can in fact be equally true; so it is that not only must we approach beliefs with an open mind, those beliefs must be according to knowledge. What we firmly believe, if it is true, is called knowledge. The right to have one�s opinion respected requires that one is deemed competent. Only when an individual has proven that they are educated and informed can their opinion ever be appreciated or accepted. Comments? revdauphinee answered on 04/27/05: one can only speak from what they percieve as truthand many of us have differing perspectives here. Dark_Crow rated this answer

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Itsdb asked on 04/27/05 - For the benefit of humanity? Yesterday, Alex Sanger, grandson of Margaret Sanger, delivered a "message of change" to our local Planned Parenthood crowd. He reportedly said Planned Parenthood will "need to rephrase its message if the organization is to survive." Of his work he said, "this is all for humanity's benefit." Planned Parenthood has already redefined abstinence (parents you should know this). Their disturbing website for teens, Teenwire, defines two types of abstinence, one of which asks teens the question "How about a little mutual masturbation that ends with orgasm?" The abortion crowd will no longer refer to someone as pro-lifer, they are now "anti-choice." How do you think Planned Parenthood will continue to rephrase their message? What new ways will they find to spread the gospel of abortion any time, anywhere for any reason? How is the work of an organization which boasts of 244,628 abortions in 2003 alone, not counting referrals, "all for humanity's benefit?" Steve revdauphinee answered on 04/27/05: if it walks like a duck and quacks like a duck its usualy a duck. Itsdb rated this answer

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hOPE12 asked on 04/27/05 - Spiritual discernment and understanding Hello Everyone, I realize that others here on the board are not Christians and I welcome them. I sometimes though feel that many loss fact of the point that this is a Christianity board and therefore there are many questions and comments made concerning Christianity and spiritual matters that may take spiritual discernment and understanding in order to understand the question or comments being made, fully. Having said this, each persons spirituality is at a different level because we all learn, and grow spiritually at a different level and at different pace. I bring this matter up here on the board because there are so many pokes and jabs at some of us experts when we ask a question or comment, and I feel it is because of lack of understanding what the question is asking or what a person intended to ask or say. Knowing this, wouldn't it be much more loving to ask an expert what they meant by their question or if they intended to imply a certain matter, then to just assume what another person feels, or thinks or intends? Also as to asking questions, please know that if anyone uses spiritual discernment and understanding when it comes to Christian matters, the questions asked by me are just what any spiritual minded Christian would ask. They are not special or intellectually fantastic. Just common to all Christians. Could the problems on this board be: That those who are not Christians don't fully understand the question being asked because of different beliefs? Can a question be misunderstood as to how, or why, or what was inteded by the one asking the question? If so, what do you feel is the proper thing to do? How would you handle it in a kind and loving way? Wouldn't it show maturity and respect on the part of the person not understanding the question or comments to ask the person asking or commenting to explain? After all we are all "adults" and wouldn't that show maturity? Isn't it better to be polite than assume what may not be a fact and at the same time keep peace on the board? Using spiritual discernment and understanding, do you personally feel that there are those who come to the Christian board just to disrupt it and make fun of others? What do you personally feel should be done about that? Please feel free to comment. Take care, Hope12 revdauphinee answered on 04/27/05: problem here is while you feel they do not understand they however are of the oppinion they fully understand so you can never get through to them in the manner you sugest .juat as say prince charles can see the plight but never fully understand the feelings and experiences of a street person.So a lost person can not fully understand a child of the king of the univerce!pitty though for all we have is freely available to them if they would but reach out and take the gift being offered by our father! CeeBee2 rated this answer hOPE12 rated this answer

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curious98 asked on 04/27/05 - murder in afghanistan A woman has been stoned to death in Afghanistan, reportedly for committing adultery. The killing is said to have taken place in the Urgu district of north-eastern Badakhshan province. A local Afghan government official confirmed the death, and said the government would investigate the case. The Afghanistan Independent Human Rights Commission said the woman had been sentenced to death by a decree from the local religious scholar. Under Afghan law, cases such as this should go through the local courts. A reporter for the BBC Pashto service in Afghanistan said the woman's husband recently returned from Iran after five years away. The wife asked for a separation on the grounds that her husband could not support her. However, he said she was having improper relations with another man. It is not known if the couple had any children. Correspondents say this is the second time a woman has been stoned to death since the ousting of the Taleban in 2001. Both events happened in the same area. During the Taleban's rule, women were regularly stoned to death for adultery. Some time ago I had a debate in this same Board with some one who was claimed that the US had managed to consolidate Democracy in Afghanistan, while I insisted that Democracy (as we know it) would take several generations to be accepted in some of the Asian Theocracies and Monarchies. Unfortunately, I think I�m closer to my theory than he was to his. Democracy seems to be still a little far away in the Country as it is in Iraq. Any comments Curious98 revdauphinee answered on 04/27/05: And this surprises you??? islamic justice looks on women as being no more valuable than a dog!And some claim our God and allah are one and the same !What utter nonesence!!! curious98 rated this answer MaggieB rated this answer

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arcura asked on 04/26/05 - What's next in the world of secular immorality? THIS!!!!! Soon pornography will be available to our children over their cell phones. Playboy hopes to make their porn available to the 170 million cell phone subscribers throughout North America. No doubt scores of other pornographers will follow Playboy's lead. An independent study by IDC revealed that 33.2% of cell phone users in America, more than 55 million, are between the ages of 5 and 19. Talk show host Paul McGuire of Los Angeles says of the Playboy effort: "�soon cell phones will open a tsunami of porn images�" He went on to say "just like the Internet, it will be hard to keep [this] sexual perversion from young people." We can expect our children to have pop-up ads on their cell phones pushing Playboy's pornography. Playboy says their new venture will allow more people to experience "the sexiness of the classic Playboy lifestyle." Unfortunately many of these people will be our children. Pornographers are going after our children at a younger and younger age. Contact the Federal Communications Commission and ask them to set heavy fines for pornographers who send their porn to our children. TAKE ACTION NOW! CLICK HERE TO SEND YOUR LETTERS TO ALL FOUR FCC COMMISSIONERS. And please forward this to your friends and family. We don't need pornographers targeting our children. Sincerely, Donald E. Wildmon, Chairman OneMillionMoms.com revdauphinee answered on 04/27/05: While I am certaily against this In my oppinion giving a child under the age of reason a cell phone is also immoral they dont need them and to me this is giving carried to exess,A child this young needs personal supervision not a cell phone! arcura rated this answer

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ETWolverine asked on 04/26/05 - Leave of Absense To all my friends at Answerway. Due to circumstances beyond my control, specifically computer-access related issues, I will be going on a long-term leave of absense. I've enjoyed the past few years here with you all. We've had some great conversations and I've learned a lot. And I'm going to miss being here. Hopefully this isn't a permanent situation. Maybe I'll be able to come back at some point, even on a limited basis. But for now, I have to say goodbye to you all. Best wishes, and keep the faith. Elliot revdauphinee answered on 04/27/05: I am so sory to hear this ,I look on most of the folks as dear friends and you will be missed ,I know what not having access to a computer is like I hate it!But if you are ever in a librARY THEY HAVE THEM SO PLEASE TAKE A MOMENT AND CHECK IN WITH US !yOU WILL BE MISSED! ETWolverine rated this answer

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Laura asked on 04/26/05 - I know that this board is for Q@A about Christianity but..... This is for a Christian sister and her family. Our son is moving back to Oklahoma from New York. He got an honerable discharge from the service and is moving back here. He doesn't have too much choice as job opportunities are here for him. As you may know, he got custody of his kids about a year ago. He and the children have been in continuious counseling since and are now stable and well adjusted. His ex calls the kids about once every other month and hasen't taken advantage of her opportunities to visit with them at Christmas and spring break. She didn't call our son to tell him that she didn't plan on visiting with them, nor did she call her daughter on her birthday. About a two weeks ago and after he had already been discharged from the Army, his ex called his commanding officer and told him that she had reliable info that our son was going to go AWOL and run away with the kids to Canada and that he was abusing them. She didn't know he was out of the Army. About a month before that he had recieved a letter from her saying that she knew he was abusing the kids and he turned the letter over to the kids counselor. Now that he is coming back here, it is obvious that she will no doubt will attempt to cause him and the kids grief. He is getting the kids into continuing couseling just as soon as he gets here and he is debating whether he wants to get DHS involved as they can really be a pain but he wants desperately to protect his kids. They have gone through so much and he doesn't want a repeat of a year ago. Please put him on your prayer list along with his children and us. We have the tape recorder set up (sad isn't it) and we are sleeping with one eye open. I wish personally that he could move to Siberia to keep his kids safe but he misses his family and our support. He can't do it on his own. Please keep him and his kids in your prayers. God bless. Laura revdauphinee answered on 04/26/05: consider him ND HIS FAMILY IN OUR PRAYERS ANDand give him advice to keep the dhs out of it if at all posible they do not always work in the best interest of the children Laura rated this answer

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arcura asked on 04/26/05 - Someone with way too much time on their hands! DID THIS...... DORMITORY: When you rearrange the letters: DIRTY ROOM PRESBYTERIAN: When you rearrange the letters: BEST IN PRAYER ASTRONOMER: When you rearrange the letters: MOON STARER DESPERATION: When you rearrange the letters: A ROPE ENDS IT THE EYES: When you rearrange the letters: THEY SEE GEORGE BUSH: When you rearrange the letters: HE BUGS GORE THE MORSE CODE: When you rearrange the letters: HERE COME DOTS SLOT MACHINES: When you rearrange the letters: CASH LOST IN ME ANIMOSITY: When you rearrange the letters: IS NO AMITY ELECTION RESULTS: When you rearrange the letters: LIES - LET'S RECOUNT MOTHER-IN-LAW: When you rearrange the letters: WOMAN HITLER SNOOZE ALARMS: When you rearrange the letters: ALAS! NO MORE Z 'S A DECIMAL POINT: When you rearrange the letters: IM A DOT IN PLACE THE EARTHQUAKES: When you rearrange the letters: THAT QUEER SHAKE ELEVEN PLUS TWO: When you rearrange the letters: TWELVE PLUS ONE AND FOR THE GRAND FINALE: PRESIDENT CLINTON OF THE USA: When you rearrange the letters (With no letters left over and using each letter only once): TO COPULATE HE FINDS INTERNS revdauphinee answered on 04/26/05: cute but being a motherin law several times over I resent the one MOTHER-IN-LAW: When you rearrange the letters: WOMAN HITLER! lol arcura rated this answer Itsdb rated this answer

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Choux asked on 04/26/05 - Truth Is being true the same as not being false? revdauphinee answered on 04/26/05: would that not depend on to what you are being true?? if you personaly believed in something that at its core was false the could you not be true to it? Choux rated this answer

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Choux asked on 04/26/05 - April 26-Hazeldon Meditation I guess everyone understands that 12 Step Programs are based on Christian Principles(and Buddhist, too). "Everything has its wonders, even darkness and silence, and I learn, whatever state I amy be in, therein to be content"- Helen Keller "There is wonder in the moment, if we look for it, let it touch us, believe in it. And with the recogition and celebration of the wonder, comes the joy we desire and await. Being wholly in tune with the present moment is how we come to know the spiritual essence that connects all life. We search for peace, happiness, and contentment outside of ourselves. We need instead to discover it within us, now and always, in whatever we are experiencing". Do you live in the moment? Are you spontaneous? Any comments you want to make? revdauphinee answered on 04/26/05: do you live in the moment? its all we can do the last one is in the past and cant be changed,the next one is not promiced to us! are you spontainious ? too much so ,I strive to wait till I get all the facts before I act however I am not good at this! Choux rated this answer

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CeeBee2 asked on 04/26/05 - Ecclesiastical infallibility.................. Is the Church (not a particular church body, but the Christian Church as a whole) infallible in any way? revdauphinee answered on 04/26/05: only in matters of scriptural value and only if the paticular church is truly following Christ (many do not) CeeBee2 rated this answer

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CeeBee2 asked on 04/26/05 - Papal infallibility........................... Someone had commented (negatively) last week about papal infallibility. Is every word that comes out of a pope's mouth supposed to be infallible (to Catholics? to others also?). If not, what are the conditions needed for papal infallibility to occur? revdauphinee answered on 04/26/05: the pope is infallible only on matters of the faith,he has no infallibility for everything he says.If he says mary was a virgin then he is infallable on that for instance but if he just comments on the weather he is as fallible as the rest of us! CeeBee2 rated this answer Pete_Hanysz rated this answer

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hOPE12 asked on 04/26/05 - Superiority, do you have it? Hello Experts, In today�s world if a person has money or seems to be in a position of superiority they flaunt it to the max. 1-What does God say about superiority of one over another? 2- When all material and positional matter are dissolved, what is left, and does that tell us something about one feeling superior to another? 3- As a human being, what do you personally feel about being superior to others, is it a good thing or a bad thing? Please feel free to speak what you really feel. Take care, Hope12 revdauphinee answered on 04/26/05: we come into this world with no possesions or money and we will leave it in the same conditions why would material things give anyone the idea of superiority?? hOPE12 rated this answer Liz22 rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 04/25/05 - do you pay your taxes? Pay your taxes, 'Jesus says' April 26, 2005 - 8:38AM Pay your taxes, 'Jesus says' April 26, 2005 - 8:38AM Tax officials in Sierra Leone have infuriated Christians by publishing newspaper advertisements saying Jesus Christ supported the paying of taxes. The half-page advertisements said that when Jesus was asked if he was against a law requiring the payment of taxes to the Roman emperor he replied: "Pay the emperor what belongs to the emperor and pay to God what belongs to God," quoting from the Gospel of Matthew (chapter 22, verses 17-21). It continued: "All Christians should follow the teachings and example of Jesus Christ. This week: pay your taxes." The advertisements provoked the anger of Christians, who make up 30 per cent of the population of the west African nation. Anglican priest Thomas Carew said he could not "believe his eyes" while the Methodist pastor Cyril William described it as a "blasphemy" and called on the tax department to drop the ads. A tax department spokesman said the initiative "was to encourage people to pay their taxes as soon as possible". AFP revdauphinee answered on 04/26/05: they are correct in this for Jesus himself paid taxes are we as his followers not told to do as he did? paraclete rated this answer

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HANK1 asked on 04/25/05 - OSCAR WILDE: "Anything worth knowing can't be taught in a classroom." Comments? HANK revdauphinee answered on 04/25/05: after quite a long life I find much truth in that statement! HANK1 rated this answer

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arcura asked on 04/25/05 - THIS SIGN IS POSTED AT A GOLF CLUB in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan 1. Back straight, knees bent, feet shoulder width apart. 2. Form a loose grip. 3. Keep your head down. 4. Avoid a quick back swing. 5. Stay out of the water. 6. Try not to hit anyone. 7. If you are taking too long, please let others go ahead of you. 8. Don't stand directly in front of others. 9. Quiet please .. while others are preparing to go. 10. Don't take extra strokes. Well done! Now flush the urinal, go outside, and tee off. revdauphinee answered on 04/25/05: acura I FIND IT HARD TO BELIEVE THIS IS YOU? CrimeLab rated this answer arcura rated this answer

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arcura asked on 04/25/05 - Just for laughs�.. Tom did like he always does, he kissed his wife, crawled into bed and feel asleep. All of a sudden, he woke up with an elderly man dressed in a white robe standing in front of his bed. "What are you doing in my bedroom and who are you?" he asked. "This is not your bedroom," the man replied, "I am St. Peter and you are in heaven." "WHAT! Are you saying I'm dead? I don't want to die! I'm too young," said Tom. "I want you to send me back immediately." "It's not that easy," said St. Peter. "You can only return as a dog or a hen. The choice is yours." Tom thought about it for a while, and figured that being a dog is too tiring; but a hen probably has a nice and relaxed life. Running around with a rooster can't be that bad... "I want to return as a hen," Tom replied. And in the next second, he found himself in a chicken run, really nicely feathered. But, now he felt like his ass was gonna blow. Then along came the rooster. "Hey, you must be the new hen St. Peter told me about, how do you like being a hen?" "Well, OK I guess, but it feels like my ass is about to explode." "Oh that!" said the rooster. "That's only the ovulation going on. You need to lay an egg." "How do I do that?" "Cluck twice, and then you push all you can." Tom clucked twice and pushed and pushed; then 'plop,' an egg was on the ground. "Wow" Tom said. "That felt really good!" So he clucked again and squeezed. And plop, out came another egg on the ground. The third time he clucked, he heard his wife shout: "Tom! Wake up! You're crapping all over the bed!" revdauphinee answered on 04/25/05: acura that was hardly a joke for a christian agenda ! arcura rated this answer

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Dark_Crow asked on 04/25/05 - faith without works is dead Without Law there would be no need of grace. So how is it that some Religions say that you may be saved by Grace alone? Even as faith without works is dead (James 2:20), so grace without law is dead! And dead grace will not save a single soul! It is useless -- worthless empty! revdauphinee answered on 04/25/05: Grace is a gift of God,so is salvation ,without the grace if God one could not be saved! the phrase faith without works refers to the fact that once saved (bt his grace)you have a desire to do the works! arcura rated this answer Dark_Crow rated this answer

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Choux asked on 04/25/05 - Meditation "In the 16th Century one has only to consider the difficulties involved in feeding a baby if the mother's mild ran dry." - Philippe Aires "Scietific progress has brought our society to the point where such a natural disaster as a milkless mother need have no consquences for her or her infant. Clean water, sewage disposal, immunization, and a widely availabe varied diet ensures relatively good health for millions. Sometimes it tempts us to look at the past as if it were another planet or the history of another species. People had the same feelings four hundred years ago as we have today. Life was brutally hard; no families expected that all the chirdren born would survive to maturity; people were old at 35 and often dead at 45. But they loved, feared, raged, and sought spiritual peace as we do. Imagining myself into the difficulties of the past can broaden my sympathies for the prsent." Hazeldon 12 SAtep Meditation Book April 25th. Do you Romanticize the past? Do you scorn the advances of science? Any comments? revdauphinee answered on 04/25/05: those who called them the good old days wouldnt go back if they could. Imagine a woman getting up before dailight to heat the water to wash the family clothing by hand over a wash board and have one of the kids turn the mangle by hand to get the water out of them before hangin out on a clothes line to dry,Ironing then by use of an iron heated on the stove, no electric,homes lit by gas mantles,only radio opperated by a huge battery,tv unheard of!homemade bread left by the open fire to rise(the smell is one of the good things,but my modern bread machine still smells good)walking 4 miles to school then back in the evening oh yess I am old enough to remember but go back ??Not on your life! Choux rated this answer madima rated this answer

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hOPE12 asked on 04/25/05 - Knowledge, just how much is too much? Hello, A couple sitting on the beach in West Africa were watching the silvery moon above. "How much does man know about the moon, and how much is there to know?" the husband stated. His wife responded: "Imagine that we could observe the earth driffting byy like this, how much knowledge is there already on earth, and how much more there is to learn? And just think! not only is the earth rotating around the sun but our whole solar system is in motion. This means that we will probably never again be here at this eaxact point in the universe. In fact, we know our p9resent location only in relation to familiar heavenly bodies. We posses so much knowledge about some things, but in a sense, we don't even know where we are?" We today are able to comunicate information almost beyond our comprehensions. Rotary presses run at incredible speeds, turning out newspapers, magazines, and books. For someone using the Internet, endless amaounts of information are just a click away. In these and many other ways, dissemination of information is increasing faster than anyone can assimilate it. The sheer quantity of it, forces us to be selective. 1_ Why should we be selective in taking in this knowledge? 2- Can some knowledge be beyond our personal capacity of understanding? John 17:3 States: "This means everlasting life their taking in knowledge of you, the only true God, and of the one whom you sent forth, Jesus Christ." 3-Is taking in knowledge of God and Christ beyond our capcity? 4- Whill the day ever come when we know everthing? 5- How can taking in knowledge about something become a danger to us? 6- Why can Bible knowledge become pleasurable to us? 7- What kind of knowledge will benefit us for all eternity? Take care, Hope12 revdauphinee answered on 04/25/05: increase of Knowledge lets see didnt a Daniel prophecy tell us about that .moer info that tells me we are in the end of times Daniel 12:4 But you Daniel;shut up the words,and seal the book untill the time of the end;when many shall run to and fro (more travel?)and knowledge shall increase. bracketed comment my own! hOPE12 rated this answer

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hOPE12 asked on 04/25/05 - How would you keep your Christian attitude? Hello Everyone, If a person has an employer who yells, curses, and keep doing this all day long, how would you personally handle such a person? He dosn't yell at anyone in particular but is constantly yelling all day long. What can a person do to deal better with this type of behavior and still keep their Christian personality? Take care, Hope12 revdauphinee answered on 04/25/05: realise this person has problems that cause him to do this ,(and buy some ear plugs!) hOPE12 rated this answer

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Choux asked on 04/24/05 - Republican Agenda in Shambles FACT: 1. President Bush's Social Security Reform initiative is dead in the water. 2. The Bolton nomination to the position of Ambassador to the United Nations appears to be death by a thousand cuts. 3. Rep Tom Delay, House Rep leader, is criticized by Santorum and other Republicans for his unethical behavior. Dems hope he stays to draw negative attention to Repubs 4. Senator Frist (R Tenn) is making an appearance with radical right to shore up their support for the nomination of US Federal judges. 210 of Bush's judicial nominations have passed, the last few are unacceptable. Time to compromise. 5. Iraq is very violent on a daily basis. Will Bush be able to overcome the spreading consensus that he is a Lame Duck? **HOW can he recover**?? Mary Sue This question may set some people's hair on fire, but I'm just asking. revdauphinee answered on 04/24/05: hate to say I told u so but, I for one did not help vote this man in!I was against most of his agenda and still am.I dont think he can recover unless the terrorists help him by pulling some other stunts in thier bag of tricks ,in a time of diversity he may be able to draw some support if he acts in a right way but look what the cost of his recovery might be! FormerJesusHelper76 rated this answer Choux rated this answer

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FormerJesusHelper76 asked on 04/24/05 - God created everything, including letting sin happen! Teachings today, did God let sin happen? If he did does it work for the Good of people? God created everything! His will, will be done. What do you think about this? Joe revdauphinee answered on 04/24/05: Gods gift to men of free will alowed sin to happen ,more than he allowing it, was mankinds choosing it!So where then does the blame lay? certainly not with God !If he had not given us free will we would not have been humans made in his image but rather a bunch of robots.He created humans because of his capacity for love ,he wanted us so he could love us if we did not have the choice of deciding to love him back or to reject him what would that do? One cannot show love to a machine and have it retaiate back! FormerJesusHelper76 rated this answer

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ROLCAM asked on 04/23/05 - Do you wish you were Gerry ? Subject: Baseball Two ninety year old men, Gerry and Sam, have been friends all their lives. It seems that Sam is dying of cancer, and Gerry comes to visit him every day. "Sam," says Gerry, "You know how we have both loved baseball all our lives, and how we played minor league ball together for so many years. Sam, you have to do me one favor. When you get to Heaven, and I know you will go to Heaven, somehow you've got to let me know if there's baseball in Heaven." Sam looks up at Gerry from his death bed, and says, "Gerry, you've been my best friend many years. This favor, if it is at all possible, I'll do for you." And shortly after that, Sam passes on. It is midnight a couple of nights later. Gerry is sound asleep when he is awakened by a blinding flash of white light and a voice calls out to him, "Gerry.... Gerry...." "Who is it?" says Gerry sitting up suddenly. "Who is it?" "Gerry, it's me, Sam." "Come on. You're not Sam. Sam just died" "I'm telling you," insists the voice. "It's me, Sam!" "Sam? Is that you? Where are you?" "I'm in heaven," says Sam, "and I've got to tell you, I've got really good news and a little bad news." "So, tell me the good news first," says Gerry. "The good news," says Sam "is that there is baseball in heaven. Better yet, all our old buddies who've gone before us are there. Better yet, we're all young men again. Better yet, it's always spring time and it never rains or snows. And best of all, we can play baseball all we want, and we never get tired. "Really?" says Gerry, "That is fantastic, wonderful beyond my wildest dreams! But, what's the bad news?" "You're pitching next Tuesday". revdauphinee answered on 04/23/05: good one I needed that ! ROLCAM rated this answer

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CrimeLab asked on 04/23/05 - Most Interesting After reading Penny's answer, I went to MSNBC.com to see if they have the video. And what? Yes they do, but heavily edited. They are showing the cops cuffing the girl as she is sitting in the chair, they are showing loads of the mother's attorney, but all they have of the actual incident is when the child starts ripping the papers off the board. No show of what I saw on TV last night and that is when she, in utter hysteria, screams and hits one of the school staff... So if it's "abuse" why don't they show the whole unedited video from beginning to end and let us decide what really happened? Is this liberal media spinning or what? It's somehow always the police's fault... The criminals are somehow never to blame and their civil rights are more important than the victims'... Oh and... this is the second incident with the same child in 10 days. That would explain why everything was videotaped to begin with... revdauphinee answered on 04/23/05: Is this liberal media spinning or what? It's somehow always the police's fault... The criminals are somehow never to blame and their civil rights are more important than the victims'... I hardly think a child of that age can be considered a criminal,and as I said previously some children cannot help the way they act my twin grandaughters for instance have brain missfunction ,they throw tantrums out of frustration because there bodies wont do what they try to do ,they are neither bad and certainly not criminals at 3 yrs old and anyone trying to hurt them would have to go through me & I guarantee youd rather have a childish tantrum than that! arcura rated this answer CrimeLab rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 04/23/05 - never trust a Muslim Veiled threat an insult to all By Miranda Devine April 24, 2005 The Sun-Herald Muslim cleric: women incite men's lust with 'satanic dress' At Bankstown Town Hall last month, just three kilometres from the scene of one of the most horrific of the gang rapes of 2000, a young and popular Lebanese Muslim sheik told a packed audience that rape victims have "no one to blame but themselves". These are the words of Sheik Faiz Mohamad, 34, to more than 1000 people squeezed into the hall on March 18, as recorded digitally by a concerned citizen. "A victim of rape every minute somewhere in the world. Why? No one to blame but herself. She displayed her beauty to the entire world. She degraded herself by being an object of sexual desire and thus becoming vulnerable to man who looks at her for gratification of his sexual urge." There was much more about women's responsibilities and the sins of the "kaffir" (infidel) that night from the charismatic former boxer and Liverpool Global Islamic Youth Centre teacher. But there was nothing about the responsibility of men to exercise self-restraint, even though most of the audience was male. Sheik Faiz declined requests on Friday to be interviewed, so we don't know if he is aware of the implications of what he said. But in a community still reeling from the spate of racially motivated gang rapes by Lebanese Muslim males from Bankstown and surrounds, it was extraordinarily impolitic. "Strapless, backless, sleeveless, nothing but satanic skirts, slit skirts, translucent blouses, miniskirts, tight jeans," he shouted into the microphone. "All this to tease man and appeal to his carnal nature." Mostly he appealed to Muslim women to wear the hijab (head covering), which, incidentally, has become fashionable on global catwalks since France banned it in public schools last year. Born in Sydney of Lebanese parents, Faiz embraced Islam at 19 and spent several years studying in Saudi Arabia. On the one hand, he numbers among his friends and students such positive role models as Bulldogs league star Hazem El Masri and boxing champion Anthony Mundine, testament to the clean-living discipline of Islam. On the other hand, the centre at which he teaches has attracted controversy over the actions of two former students. Supermarket shelf-stacker Zaky Mallah, 21, was last week sentenced to two years' jail for threatening to kill Commonwealth officials and Muslim convert Jack Roche, 51, was convicted last year of plotting to blow up the Israeli embassy in Canberra. Many in Sydney's Lebanese Muslim community reject Faiz's comments but are reluctant to speak on the record. "Islam teaches that a woman could walk in front of you naked and you are supposed to be strong enough to say no," said one Muslim leader. "It is a test of your faith." Faiz could be a good influence on young people, "if he calms down and gets rid of his anger . . . and understood the impact of his words. It's not what he would do [that's a problem]. It's what he says; he colours the minds of young people." A non-Muslim who lives in Auburn and attended Faiz's lecture said: "My biggest concern is that the Muslims who come to our country and just want to mind their own business, get a job, have a family and a home life with freedom, are progressively being pressured by their own community leaders to conform. The mould [they] are being pressed into is not good for them and not good for Australian society." Faiz's view that unveiled women invite rape does Muslims a disservice by promoting an image which is repugnant to the majority of his fellow citizens. After all, when a judge feels so strongly that he would stand in front of a group of strangers, as one did in recent weeks, and make the comment that Lebanese Muslim men are a "cancer", you know the community has an image problem which Faiz isn't helping. Faiz may not care but his words are a slap in the face to the brave young woman, known to the courts as Miss C, who was raped 25 times by 14 men over six hours outside the Bankstown Trotting Club and elsewhere in 2000. At worst, his words sanction the kind of contempt for non-Muslim women that led those gang rapists to regard 18-year-old Miss C, dressed in her best suit for a job interview, sitting on a train reading The Great Gatsby, as an "Aussie pig" and slut. "I looked in his eyes. I had never seen such indifference," Miss C testified." and they wonder why we don't trust them? revdauphinee answered on 04/23/05: another reason for me to say Allah and the God I worship are not one and the same!some may argue with me but I will never change my mind! arcura rated this answer paraclete rated this answer

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powderpuff asked on 04/23/05 - Out of control What do you think of the police handcuffing a 5 yr old kindergartener? Sometimes children in this age group will have temper tantrums. When adults fail to calm a tantrum throwing 5 yr old child, is it okay for the police to come in and arrest her? I don't think some 5 yr olds are ready for kindergarten and I think using the police and handcuffs for a child that age is rather extreme and abusive. What are your thoughts about it? revdauphinee answered on 04/23/05: one of my daughters has twins who were preemies and had brain bleeds at birth and one had a cyst on the brain,both are quite intelegent 3 yr olds now but often throw tantrums out of frustration because of the inability to do certain things .this is a medical problem and no fault of thier own should they be punnished?we dont think so!this is ridiculous and whoever the police were they should be reprimanded> excon rated this answer powderpuff rated this answer

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Lazlow asked on 04/22/05 - Paraclete is a homo, Purplewings is a barren ugly woman, And stony is just a weird person. You guys bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla 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bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla ............... BLAH!!! revdauphinee answered on 04/23/05: AND WHO?IS WEIRD?????? NONE of the aforementioned people act this childish!Lazlo go get a life! Liz22 rated this answer

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Choux asked on 04/22/05 - Daily Meditation From a non-denominational 12 Step Program meditation book I have come across; opened to this page: "It is only when there is nothing but praise that life loses its charm, and I begin to wonder what I should do about it." "We lose our appreciation for joyful times when they become a matter of course. Compliments lose their delicious quality with overuse. Balance in all things offers the greatest satisfaction. It's not likely that we realize the full value of variety in our lives. Probably we long for easy times, the absence of struggle, and certainty regarding outcomes. Were life to treat us in such a manner, we'd soon lose our zest for the day ahead. The sense of accomplishment that we hunger for is nestled within the day's rough ripples. Our experience in this life is purposeful, which means there are matters we'll be asked to attend to. Not every involvement will provide pleasure. Some, in fact, will inflict pain, but we'll discover elements that will enhance our self-awareness. Through this knowledge we'll find lasting fulfilllment. "*Today* will be a mixture of joy, boredom, perhaps both pain and sorrow. Each element will give me reason for growth". What do you think of this meditation for your stage in life, ie, senior citizen, middle aged, youth??? Is there anything of specific value here in your opinion? revdauphinee answered on 04/23/05: after meditating on your comment ""It is only when there is nothing but praise that life loses its charm"I find I must disagree with it for my life is fullest when I have nothing to do but praise the Lord ,for it is then that no worries ,no problems ,nor earthly matters are able to invade my soul! Choux rated this answer

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Mathatmacoat asked on 04/22/05 - The meaning of Easter I couldn't resist letting you in on this one. Three blondes went to Heaven on the same day and showed up at the pearly gates. St. Peter looked them over and said, "Well, before you can enter the gates you have to answer one simple question, to show you know something about why you're here." The first blonde stepped up to the gates, and St. Peter said, "Now, explain to me, what is Easter?" The woman replied, "Oh, that's easy. That's the holiday in November, when everybody gets together to give thanks, and eats turkey, and..." "Wrong," replied St. Peter, "You'll have to wait." He turned to the second blonde and said, "What is Easter?" The second blonde replied, "I know, Easter is about Jesus. In December, when we put up a nice tree, exchange presents, and celebrate His birthday." St. Peter shook his head in disgust at the second woman and sighed. He turned to the third blonde and said, "You look a little smarter than the other two... Now, WHAT IS EASTER?" The third blonde smiled and said, "I know what Easter is. Easter is the Christian holiday that takes place in the spring. Jesus and his disciples were eating at the last supper, and He was deceived and turned over to the Romans by one of his disciples. Then the Romans took Him to be crucified and stabbed Him in the side, made Him wear a crown of thorns, and crucified Him. He died, and was buried in a cave sealed off by a large boulder." St. Peter smiled and nodded. The blonde continued, "And every year the boulder is moved aside so that Jesus can come out, and if He sees His shadow there will be six more weeks of winter." St. Peter fainted... revdauphinee answered on 04/23/05: good one! and remember blonds dont realy have more fun !They just talk more about it! Mathatmacoat rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 04/21/05 - It's the truth If this is true for you replace xxxxxx with teh name of your country Only in xxxxxxx...can a pizza get to your house faster than an ambulance... Only in xxxxxxx...are there handicap parking places in front of a skating rink... Only in xxxxxxx...do Supermarkets make the sick people walk all the way to the back of the store to get their prescriptions while healthy people can buy cigarettes at the front. Only in xxxxxxx...do people order double cheeseburgers, large fries, and a diet coke. Only in xxxxxxx...do banks leave both doors open and chain the pens to the counters. Only in xxxxxxx...do we leave cars worth thousands of pounds on the drive and put our junk in the garage. Only in xxxxxxx...do we use answering machines to screen calls and then have call waiting so we won't miss a call from someone we didn't want to talk to in the first place. Only in xxxxxxx...do we buy hot dogs in packs of ten and buns in packs of eight. Only in xxxxxxx...do we use the word "politics" to describe the process of Government. "Poli" in Latin meaning "many" and "tics" meaning "bloodsucking creatures." revdauphinee answered on 04/22/05: America !as Jacob smirnov says "what a country!" paraclete rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 04/21/05 - just a reminder of what it's all about The Most Important Event in History There is one Designer, Engineer and Creator of the universe and all it contains, including you and me. He created us to love us. Unfortunately, we have not loved Him in return. Rebellion... In fact, you and I have not only failed to acknowledge Him as our Maker and Father, we have actively rebelled against Him. Through many immoral and amoral acts, thoughts and attitudes, we continue to grieve the One Who cares for us most. There is a word for this rebellion. The word has been misused so often, its meaning has been perverted, sometimes even to mean something good. But rebellion against our Creator is anything but good. It is what has traditionally been called "sin," and it has caused a split between us and the One Who designed us and loves us. God's "dilemma" Because He loves us, He cannot stand to allow this split to remain. Unlike human love, his love is perfect. But unlike human justice, His justice is also perfect. And a perfectly just God cannot allow sin to go unpunished without ceasing to be perfectly just. Perfection is His nature and He simply cannot go against His nature without ceasing to be God. So he cannot allow us do whatever we want and just say, "Oh I can let this one slide." The guilty being allowed to carry on doing evil is not justice. But because of His perfect love, He cannot stand to be apart from us either. Now He has a dilemma. (That is, for you and I it would be a dilemma. But God knows exactly what He's going to do). Perfect justice demands a penalty but perfect love demands reconciliation. So He decided to pay the price Himself. He came to Earth in the form of a Man. He came fully man - able to feel pain, hunger and all we feel, even experience death - and yet fully God, for only God would not have His own debt to pay. And He willingly went to the cross, allowing Himself to be executed to pay the price for our sin. The Man is Jesus Christ. He gave His life for our sakes and rose from the dead to prove His Godhood and show how we too can be raised to eternal life. Now, all who will accept His sacrifice can actually enjoy a relationship with Him here and now, as well as enjoy eternal life with Him in Heaven. As one time-honored document puts it, "The chief end of man is to glorify God and enjoy Him forever." This is not a philosophy of life, but a series of facts... Traditional biblical Christianity has always been presented as a series of facts, not merely as a philosophy of life. The fact that there is one God, Creator of the universe, Who has always existed in three Persons; the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. The fact that mankind was separated from God by sin; the historical fact of Jesus' birth, life on Earth, death, and resurrection and the fact that this was God's plan to close that separation; the fact that faith in Jesus Christ alone is what is needed to heal the separation for each individual. Being good is not enough No amount of good deeds will suffice, it is the faith that saves you from eternal separation with your Maker. Good deeds are a result of your faith in Christ, not the condition for entrance to Heaven. Then there is the fact that Jesus promised another Counselor, the Holy Spirit, to live in the hearts of all who seek a relationship with Him. All these are facts, but they have no relevance to us unless we embrace them through faith by beginning a relationship with the One who paid your ransom for you... revdauphinee answered on 04/22/05: A big AMEN to that ! paraclete rated this answer

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arcura asked on 04/21/05 - Once popular were joke about North Dakota. Now it's East Texas. East Texas Jokes. The owner of a golf course in East Texas was confused about paying an invoice, so he decided to ask his secretary for some mathematical help. He called her into his office and said, "You graduated from the University of Texas and I need some help. If I were to give you $20,000, minus 14%, how much would you take off? " The secretary thought a moment, then replied, "Everything but my earrings." You gotta love those East Texas women. ======================================= A group of East Texas friends went deer hunting and paired off in twos for the day. That night, one of the hunters returned alone, staggering under the weight of an eight-point buck. "Where's Henry?" the others asked "Henry had a stroke of some kind. He's a couple of miles back up the trail," the successful hunter replied. "You left Henry laying out there and carried the deer back?" they inquired. "A tough call," nodded the hunter. "But I figured no one is going to steal Henry!" ======================================= A senior at the Texas A&M was overheard saying .. "when the end of the world comes, I hope to be in East Texas." When asked why, he replied he'd rather be in East Texas because everything happens in Texas 20 years later than in the rest of the civilized world. ======================================= The young man from East Texas came running into the store and said to his buddy, "Junior, somebody just stole your pickup truck from the parking lot!" Junior replied, "Did you see who it was? "The young man answered, "I couldn't tell, but I got the license number." ======================================= East Texas's worst air disaster occurred when a small two-seater Cessna 150 plane, piloted by two Texas Aggie students, crashed into a cemetery earlier today. Search and rescue workers have recovered 300 bodies so far and expect the number to climb as digging continues into the evening. The pilot and copilot survived and are helping in the recovery efforts. ======================================= A Texas State trooper pulled over a pickup on US-59. The trooper asked, "Got any ID?" The driver replied, "Bout whut? ======================================= A bottle collector had been on a several state traveling vacation. When he go back to home in Butte, Montana he showed what he had found on the trip to his neighbor. As they were looking at the bottles he was mentioning from where he got them. The neighbor had picked up a bottle of Sorghum Root Beer and said "I know where this comes from. The soda was made in Louisiana and was bottled in East Texas". "Interesting," said the collector. "I bought it in East Texas. How could you tell?" His friend said,. "Molded into the glass on the bottom is the message 'Open the other end'." ============================================. A man in East Texas had a flat tire, pulled off on the side of the road, and proceeded to put a bouquet of flowers in front of the car and one behind it. Then he got back in the car to wait. A passerby studied the scene as he drove by and was so curious he turned around and went back. He asked the fellow what the problem was. The man replied, "I have a flat tire. "The passerby asked, "But what's with the flowers?" The man responded, "When you break down they tell you to put flares in the front and flares in the back! I never did understand it either." revdauphinee answered on 04/22/05: U sure that was about texas?sounds a lot like here in Mississippi! arcura rated this answer paraclete rated this answer

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Choux asked on 04/21/05 - Re-Doing my Apartment This isn't an easy project, cheer me on, please! I am going to get rid of at least half my books and I find I'm on dead center...inertia...and, get rid of my wedding pictures and some stuff just collecting dust....it is difficult. My friend Doris helped me with the heavy work, she took many of my clothes and donated them, and other stuff like furniture, she kept what she wanted and donated the rest. Soon, I hope, I will have a lovely simple but beautiful in a (minimalistic way) living space, just the basics, easy to clean, keep the cat hair and dander at bay. Even poor Nick has allergies!! :):):) I gotta get this done!! I hate living in a messy pit. Cheer me on!! Old lady in need of cheery encouragement!! revdauphinee answered on 04/22/05: Oh how I need to do that for years I have been a pack rat even to keeping some of my moms stuff and she has been dead 5 years now I just havent been able to give them up , Choux rated this answer

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ETWolverine asked on 04/21/05 - Is this fair? In the past week, there have been 5 cases that have come to light in NYC of sexual abuse of students by teachers. Joanna Hernandez, a middle-school teacher, was arrested after kissing a 15-year-old 8th grader at IS 55 in Brownsville. Rhianna Ellis, a social studies teacher, got pregnant by her 18-year-old student at the HS for Health Professions and Human Services in Manhattan. Samantha Solomon, a guidance counselor at the same school as Ellis is said to have had a 2-week affair with a 17-year-old boy. Joseph Morales, a Staten Island middle school teacher was arrested for flashing school girls. Investigators say they are probing an unnamed 27-year-old male teacher from Richmond Hills HS in Queens for having an affair with an 18-year-old student. What we have here is a pattern of abuse by teachers. We also have a pattern of these teachers being protected and defended by their respective unions (mostly the UFT). These are not the only cases by far. They are just the ones that have popped up within the past week. There are grave similarities between these allegations and patterns, and the patterns of child sex abuse within the Roman Catholic Church. The major difference between them is that nobody is calling for punitive action against the teachers unions. For years of perusing this board, I have watched people attack the church (legitimately) over the clergy sex abuse issue. They have called for the punishment of the Church, for people to leave the church, for the church to come clean, for the church to be overhauled, for the church to be investigated... etc. Over and over again, members of this board (experts and questioners) have called for action against the church for protecting predator clergy. Why haven't we heard a call for action against the teachers union for protecting predator teachers? What's different? Absolutely nothing. So why the tough talk against the church, but not against the UFT and other teacher unions? I'm not Catholic. I have no great love for the RCC. I have no need to defend them on religious grounds. But I see an anti-Catholic bias taking place, intentional or not, and I feel the need to speak up about it. I'm not defending the church for protecting predatory clergy. I think the church is dead wrong for doing so. That isn't my issue. My issue is that I see two similar situations, both in the media, both widely reported, but only ONE of them is receiving the attention of the public. Why is the public so fixated on crucifying the church, but ignoring the teachers' union? Is there a bias against the church? Elliot revdauphinee answered on 04/22/05: just my oppinion but I feel anyone missusing a child be it priest, teacher or parent should be mandatoraly jailed ! ETWolverine rated this answer

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CeeBee2 asked on 04/21/05 - How has Christianity changed................... for the good and for the ill since the 1940s and 1950s? revdauphinee answered on 04/22/05: How has Christianity changed...................It hasent but people have for the worst! CeeBee2 rated this answer

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CeeBee2 asked on 04/21/05 - Why Do We Feel So Bad When We Have It So Good? Today's standard of living that you and I share is better than almost all the men and women of history. (The U.S. and EU middle class or above lives better than 99.4 percent of the human beings who have ever existed and better than most of the royalty in history.) We have easy access to a huge variety of foods at affordable prices. (We used to buy fresh only when fruits or vegetables were "in season" or harvested from our gardens.) Our average lifespan has almost doubled since the beginning of the 20th century (77 years compared to 41). Deadly diseases such as polio, smallpox, measles, and rickets have been defeated. Even croup could be fatal. Our houses are more than double the size of the past generation, plus we have forced-air heat (not a coal or wood stove/furnace) and ac that was unheard of by our grandparents. Most of us have health insurance. The "jet set", a term that once described people of rare affluence, now describes 200 million Americans who regularly travel by land, air, and water. Crime is down, our environment is cleaner, we are more educated, and we experience greater equality. In real dollars almost everything costs less today than it did during the 1950s, health care is light-years better, three times as many people now make it to college, communication is nearly instantaneous, and no one thinks twice when women and blacks go to the polls to vote. (paraphased from http://www.theocentric.com/theoarchives/000298.html) I remember the 1940s and 1950s with great affection, but if you had a choice, would you really prefer to live back then instead of now? revdauphinee answered on 04/22/05: every time I begin to feel sory for myself I remember that somewhere one this earth people are living in mud huts with none of the priveledges I have and I imediatly give God thanks for who I am and where I live!there but for his grace could I be! CeeBee2 rated this answer

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STONY asked on 04/21/05 - AN INTRESTING SCENARIO... How old is grandma? Very Scary One Evening a Grandson was talking to his Grandmother about current events. The Grandson asked his Grandmother WHAT she thought about the shootings at schools, the computer age, and just things in general. The Grandma replied, " Well, let me THINK a minute, I was born BEFORE: Penicillin, Frozen foods, Xerox, Frisbees, and The Pill. There was NO radar, No credit cards, No laser beams, Man had NOT invented pantyhose, air-conditioners, dishwashers, clothes dryers, and the clothes were HUNG OUT to dry in the fresh air and man hadn't yet walked on the moon. Your Grandfather and I got married FIRST and then lived together. EVERY family had a Father and a Mother Until I was 25, I called every man, older than I , "Sir", and AFTER I turned 25, I still called policemen and every man with a title, " Sir.." We were born before gay-rights: computer-dating, dual careers, daycare centers, and group therapy. Our lives were governed by the Ten Commandments, good judgments and common sense. We were taught to know the difference between right and wrong and to stand up and TAKE responsibility for our actions. Serving your country was a privilege, living in this country was a bigger privilege. We THOUGHT fast-food was WHAT people ate during lent. Having a meaningful relationship meant getting along with your cousins. Draft dodgers were people WHO closed their front doors when the evening breeze started. Time-sharing meant time the family spent together in the weekends. We NEVER heard of FM radios, tape decks, CD's, electric typewriters, yogurt, or guys wearing earrings. We listened to the Big Bands, Jack Benny, and the President's speeches on our radios. And I DON'T EVER remember, ANY kids blowing his brains out JUNK. The term 'making out' referred to HOW you did on your school exam. Pizza Hut, McDonald's, and instant coffee were un-heard of. We had 5 &10-cent stores where you could actually buy things for 5 and 10 cents: Ice cream cones, phone calls, rides on a streetcar,and a Pepsi were ALL a nickel. And if you didn't want to splurge, you could spend >your nickel on enough stamps to mail 1 letter and 2 postcards. You could buy a new Chevy Coupe for $600., but WHO could afford one?? Too bad... because gas was only 11 cents a gallon. In my days, "grass" was mowed, " coke" was a COLD drink, pot was something your mother cooked in, and " rock music" was your Grandmother's lullaby. "Aids" were helpers in the Principal's office. "Chip" meant a piece of wood. " Hardware" was found in a hardware store. and "software" wasn't EVEN a word. And we were the LAST generation to actually believe that a lady needed a husband to have a baby. NO WONDER, people call us " OLD and CONFUSED" and say there is a generation gap. And HOW old do you THINK I am?? Read on... pretty scary IF you think about it and pretty sad at the same time. This woman would be only 58 years old. revdauphinee answered on 04/22/05: she sounds like me however a woman who will tell you her age will tell you anything! STONY rated this answer

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ETWolverine asked on 04/20/05 - Seen on Mallard Fillmore One of my favorite political cartoons. For 4/19/05: This just in... numerous state legislature are rumored to be considering an end to lethal injections for death row inmates... in favor of starvation, which we have all been hearing lately is such a "beautiful, peaceful, humane way to die". Mallard Fillmore Elliot revdauphinee answered on 04/22/05: remember we cannot do that to criminals it is cruel and inhumane (unless the victim is disabled) ETWolverine rated this answer

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hOPE12 asked on 04/20/05 - A question of concern: The world finds satisfaction in speaking with loud, authoritative bluster�interrupting, proud of being domineering, boisterous, condescending, provocative, challenging. It used to be that rude behavior was frowned upon by the community at large, and the perpetrator was ostracized. In today�s society a rude act can be committed without stigma being attached to the offender. And if anyone objects, he may come under verbal or physical assault! Some youths traveling in noisy groups fill the air with foul language, obscene gestures, offending observers with their crude conduct, all deliberately designed to attract attention to their defiant rebelliousness and to shock adults by their blatant display of rudeness. However, as it has been said, �rudeness is a weak man/women�s IMMATATION OF STRENGTH.� The laws men have compiled to manage the conduct of humanity would fill a library, yet they have not resulted in the guidance humanity needs. Do we need still more? Or maybe fewer? It has been said that the better a society is, the less law it needs. How about just one law? This one, for example: �All things, therefore, that you want men to do to you, you also must likewise do to them; this, in fact, is what the Law and the Prophets mean.��Matthew 7:12. Some people view kindness as weakness. They feel that a person must be hard, even rude, at times, so that others will be impressed by his strength. But it has well been said that �rudeness is a weak man�s imitation of strength.� Actually, it takes real strength both to be truly kind and to avoid mistaken kindness. The kindness that is a fruit of God�s spirit is not a weak, compromising attitude toward wrong conduct. Rather, mistaken kindness is a weakness that causes one to condone wrongdoing. That is the purpose of this post. Some have been rude and loud thinking it makes them important. They even have tried to tell others on the board where they can comment and where they can not. No one has the right to speak to others in this manner and I would like to know everyone�s opinion on this kind of behavior on the Christian board or in the Christianity Discussion Forum. No one has the right to tell another expert to go away or leave a discussion. What do you think about this and if you were told to �go away� when you replied to a discussion, how would you feel? Do you personally feel this to be rude behavior? Does this kind of behavior make one an adult or show their Immature actions? Take care, Hope12 revdauphinee answered on 04/22/05: this kind of behavious tells who is truly a follower of christ here,would Jesus ever have acted in such a way? hOPE12 rated this answer

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CeeBee2 asked on 04/20/05 - A morality tale. The Chicago image of the Virgin Mary and a homeless man... Since Monday, hundreds of people have stopped and gathered at the Fullerton Avenue underpass on the Kennedy Expressway in Chicago to see what they say is the image of the Virgin Mary. Obdulia Delgado said she was driving home from work last week when she saw what she believed to be an image of the Virgin Mary. She quickly pulled over and examined the salt- and water-stained underpass wall, and then began praying. Word-of-mouth and newspaper stories have brought crowds to the site. Traffic in both directions along the Kennedy Expressway has been backed up. Flowers, lighted candles, and gifts have collected below the image which form is being compared to the image of Our Lady of Guadaloupe [Patroness of the Americas], who first appeared in 1531 to an Indian "and left an image of herself imprinted miraculously on his tilma, a poor quality cactus-cloth, which should have deteriorated in 20 years but shows no sign of decay 469 years later and still defies all scientific explanations of its origin." In his Chicago Sun-Times column today, film critic Richard Roeper ended with this thought: "I stop taking digital photos and observing the crowd for a few moments, and I focus on the image itself. Sure, it sorta-kinda looks like the Virgin Mary. At any given moment, there are about 100 million stains forming on walls and on shower floors and in refrigerators. Occasionally you'll get one that looks like Jesus or the Virgin Mary; just as often, you'll get one that looks like Cedric the Entertainer or Kelly Clarkson. Just a few steps west of the holy image, leaning against a streetlight pole on Fullerton, there is a homeless man, holding up a small cardboard sign that says: HELP I'M HUNGRY You'd chastise a screenwriter for such easy symbolism, but there the man sits, squinting against the sun and holding up his sign. In clusters of two and three and four, the faithful who are flocking to and from the image of the Virgin Mary -- they walk right past the homeless man. They walk right past him, as if he's not even there." revdauphinee answered on 04/22/05: pass a hungry human to look at salt stains on a wall ,those folks need to ask themselves wwjd? CeeBee2 rated this answer

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powderpuff asked on 04/16/05 - Are there any facts that could change your position? How many here will accept the findings of 89 investigations from the Department of Children and Family Services of Florida as proof that Terri Schiavo was not abused by her husband? Add to that the autopsy (results soon to be released) which may shed light on her PVS condition, (proving no chance for recovery) and may also demonstrate the degree of osteoporosis that resulted from her eating disorder which lead to her multiple bone fractures. --Are there those among us that will still insist Michael abused her, strangled her, and broke her bones? After rejecting court testimonies of doctors, family and friends, and court orders, will you be able to accept any form of proof? revdauphinee answered on 04/16/05: after what Florida did to terry and the judges who refused to even listen to her anguished parents,also the many child molestors let out on the street who are abducting Floridas children I am afraid I have little respect or acceptance of anything comming out of that state .sory??but this is how I feel> Liz22 rated this answer MaggieB rated this answer powderpuff rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 04/15/05 - Do mirales come in plastic bottles? For the benefit of the people on the North American continent who have become alive to a new phenonemon http://www.smh.com.au/news/National/Mystery-of-the-magic-water/2005/04/15/1113509924283.html revdauphinee answered on 04/16/05: Doesent our government do this by adding Chlorine??? paraclete rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 04/15/05 - Do mirales come in plastic bottles? For the benefit of the people on the North American continent who have become alive to a new phenonemon http://www.smh.com.au/news/National/Mystery-of-the-magic-water/2005/04/15/1113509924283.html revdauphinee answered on 04/15/05: in my personal oppinion miracles can come in any form God has no boundaries !to a man dying of thirst a bottle of water is a miracle is it not?? MaggieB rated this answer paraclete rated this answer

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tomder55 asked on 04/15/05 - Happy Tax Day "There is no virtue in compulsory government charity, and there is no virtue in advocating it. A politician who portrays himself as caring and sensitive because he wants to expand the government's charitable programs is merely saying that he is willing to do good with others people's money. Well, who isn't?" P.J. O'Rourke revdauphinee answered on 04/15/05: Even Jesus did not escape the paying of taxes! (Matt.17:24-27. 24 After Jesus and his disciples arrived in Capernaum, the collectors of the two-drachma tax came to Peter and asked, "Doesn't your teacher pay the temple tax ?" 25 "Yes, he does," he replied. tomder55 rated this answer

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arcura asked on 04/15/05 - For information on prophets..... and other Christian infomation Go here from a joint Lutheran and Catholic bible study project. www.aboutbibleprophecy.com/p19.htm This is but one of many things that can be found there. "The Da Vinci Code" - the hoax behind the code This article is a response to the novel, The Da Vinci Code, by Dan Brown. The novel was published in 2003 and has sold millions of copies. The novel, which is fiction, claims that the New Testament of the Bible is false and that Christianity, as we know it today, is radically different from the "original" Christianity. This article seeks to explain that the theory behind The Da Vinci Code, is false. 1. Fiction: Mary Magdalene was married to Jesus. This claim is the backbone of Brown's novel. The The Da Vinci Code claims that Jesus and Mary Magdalene were married, that they had children, and that their descendants included a line of kings in France, as well as some of the main characters in Brown's novel. Despite Brown's claims, however, there are no historical documents that claim that Jesus was married - not even the "Gnostic gospels" that Brown mentions in his novel. The only specific evidence that Brown cites to support this claim of a marriage is a passage from one of the Gnostic texts - the so-called "gospel of Phillip." And that lone piece of evidence actually undermines Brown's claim. The main problem with the "Phillip" passage is that it clearly shows that even in the context of this Gnostic text, Mary Magdalene and Jesus could not have been married. If you read the passage, as shown on page 246 of The Da Vinci Code, you'll see for yourself: "the companion of the Savior is Mary Magdalene. Christ loved her more than all the disciples and used to kiss her often on her mouth. The rest of the disciples were offended by it and expressed disapproval. They said to him, 'Why do you love her more than all of us?'" If, in the context of this Gnostic text, the Savior and Mary Magdalene were supposedly married, then why would the disciples bother to ask their leader why he loved his her more than them? Can you imagine a scenario in which a group of men would ask a married man, "Why do you love her (your wife) more than us?" Such a question doesn't make any sense if the two are supposed to be married. In fact, it wouldn't make any sense if the two were merely engaged, or even if they were simply dating. The only way that the question would make sense in the Gnostic text is if there was no reason for Mary Magdalene to be treated any differently. And the only way that this could be true is if Mary Magdalene was supposed to have the exact same relationship with the "Savior" as did the "other disciples." In other words, only if she was not married, or otherwise intimately involved. There are other problems with Brown's marriage theory: � Despite Brown's "translation" of that key passage from the Gnostic gospel of Phillip, the word "mouth" doesn't actually appear in the original text. According to page 49 of The Da Vinci Deception, by Erwin W. Lutzer: "You should know that because of the poor quality of the papyrus, a word or two is missing in the original. The text reads, 'Jesus kissed her often on the [blank].' So scholars fill in the blank with the word mouth, face, or forehead, etc. Actually, for all we know the text might have said 'the hand' or even 'the cheek' since the statement implies that he also kissed his other students � presumably on the cheek as is still done in the Middle East." � Brown claims that the Aramaic word for "companion" literally meant "spouse." That is not true according to various Aramaic scholars. And, even more importantly, the Gnostic gospel of Phillip was not written in Aramaic. It was written in Coptic. � None of the Gnostic gospels ever claimed that Jesus and Mary Magdalene were married. Even the so-called Gnostic gospel of Mary Magdalene fails to makes such a claim. � Finally, consider this from page 41 of The Truth Behind The Da Vinci Code, by Richard Abanes, in regards to the Gnostic Phillip text: Ironically, if this text does anything, it cuts out the very heart of any assertion about Mary and Jesus being wed. It does so by adhering to one of the basic tenets of ancient Gnosticism, which declares that all physical matter was inherently evil. Consequently, sexual relations were intrinsically debasing! The Gospel of Phillip goes so far as to say that marital relations defile a woman. 2. Fiction: The Gnostic gospels and the Dead Sea Scrolls are "the earliest Christian records." The The Da Vinci Code claims that the New Testament is a forgery and that the Gnostic gospels and the Dead Sea Scrolls are the original Christian texts. This claim, however, is flatly contradicted by an overwhelming amount of scholarship by Christians and non-Christians. Many scholars believe that the New Testament was written during the first century and that the Gnostic texts were written no sooner than the second century. And, the Dead Sea Scrolls don't contain any gospels of any kind. In fact, the Dead Sea Scrolls do not contain any Christian writings of any kind. There are four New Testament Gospels, which are named Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. Many scholars believe that these were written during the century in which Jesus lived. The Gnostic gospels are generally believed to have been written later � about 100 to 300 years later. These Gnostic texts borrow some elements from Christianity, including the names of Jesus and his apostles, but these writings are not Christian. There are major differences between the New Testament Gospels and the Gnostic gospels. The New Testament Gospels contain details about life in the land of Israel during the first century. They also contain several references to Old Testament passages, prophecies and theological concepts. For Christians, the New Testament presents itself as a continuation of the Old Testament. In contrast, the Gnostic texts contain very little detail to suggest that their authors had ever been to the land of Israel, or that they were even alive during the first century. And the theological concepts of the Gnostic texts sharply contradict those that are found in the Old Testament. It is for these reasons, and others like them, that the Gnostic texts were rejected by early Christians as being divinely inspired. In fact, there is evidence that early Christian church leaders were rejecting Gnostic writings as early as the middle of the second century, which is when some scholars believe that the Gnostic texts first began to appear. Consider this from pages 26 and 27 of The Truth Behind the Da Vinci Code, by Richard Abanes: "But were the Gnostic gospels written prior to the books of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John? Most scholars, Christian and non-Christian, would answer no. They date the Gnostic gospels (for example, those in the Nag Hammadi collection) to about A.D. 150 to 250. Although many of these texts are Coptic translation of earlier Greek texts (that are no longer extant), most scholars agree that the material itself still does not date previous to the mid 100s to the early 200s. "In other words, the Gnostic texts were written after the books of Matthew (about 65 to 100), Mark (about 40 to 75), Luke (about 60 to 80), and John (about 90). They [the Gnostic texts] were late arrivals, which is one reason why church leaders rejected them. ... These Gnostic gospels not only disagreed with the older [New Testament] Gospels, which were already accepted by Christians, but they lacked authority since their authors were neither a) apostles of Jesus nor b) persons associated with apostles of Jesus. ... No one really knows who wrote the [Gnostic] texts." As for Brown's claim about the Dead Sea Scrolls - these scrolls were found in 1947, not in the 1950s as Brown mistakenly claims on page 234 of The Da Vinci Code. The Dead Sea Scrolls contain copies and fragments of Old Testament books and various religious and secular writings. But they do not contain any gospels, and they do not contain any references to Jesus. In fact, many of the Dead Sea Scrolls were written centuries before the time of Jesus. 3. Fiction: Christianity stole its ideas and concepts from paganism. The Da Vinci Code, on page 232: claims: "Nothing in Christianity is original. The pre-Christian god Mithras - called the Son of God and the Light of the World - was born on December 25, died, was buried in a rock tomb, and then resurrected in three days. By the way, December 25 was also the birthday of Osiris, Adonis, and Dionysus. The newborn Krishna was presented with gold, frankincense, and myrrh." This sequence of claims has puzzled many critics of Brown's book as to their possible origin, if indeed they have an origin outside of the author's imagination. Serious scholars who have studied the Mithraic traditions, including Franz Cumont, paint a very different portrayal. They don't mention any death of Mithra, and they certainly don't mention any type of resurrection for Mithra. Some Christians do celebrate Christmas on December 25 as a time of year to commemorate the birth and life of Jesus. But that doesn't mean that they believe that Jesus was born on that particular date. In fact, the Bible does not mention a specific birth date for Jesus. For comparison, consider the American holiday called "Presidents Day." The holiday occurs on a day in February, but that doesn't mean that Americans believe that all presidents were born on that particular day in February. Of course not. It is simply a day that is set aside to commemorate American presidents. As for the claim that the myths known as Osiris, Adonis and Dionysus were born on December 25, I have been unable to track down any scholarly source that actually makes that claim. In regards to some of the other claims involving Mithra and Christianity, consider the following from page 87 of de-coding Da Vinci: The facts behind the fiction of The Da Vinci Code by Amy Welborn: "Mithras was a god with many forms. By the centuries after Christ, his cult was primarily a mystery religion, popular among men, especially soldiers. Mithraic studies do not find any attribution of the titles 'Son of God' or 'Light of the World,' as Brown claims. There is also no mention of a death-resurrection motif in Mithraic mythology. Brown seems to have picked this up from a discredited nineteenth-century historian, who provided no documentation for his assertion. The same historian is the source for the Krishna connection to which Brown alludes. There is not a single story in actual Hindu mythology of Krishna being presented with gold, frankincense, and myrrh at his birth (see Miesel and Olsen, Cracking the Anti-Catholic Code)." 4. Fiction: The sacred name for God has a paganistic origin. The Da Vinci Code, on page 309, claims: "The Jewish Tetragrammaton YHWH - the sacred name of God - in fact derived from Jehovah, an androgynous physical union between the masculine Jah and the pre-Hebraic name for Eve, Havah" This is perhaps one of the most embarrassing errors within Dan Brown's The Da Vinci Code. The word Jehovah isn't the name for God. In fact, that word doesn't appear in the Bible in either the Hebrew text of the Old Testament or in the Greek text of the New Testament. The word Jehovah is a made-up English word. The ancient Jews began a tradition that they would not pronounce the name of God (YHWH), as a way of showing respect. Instead, when they read aloud from the Hebrew Scriptures (Old Testament), and they came across the name for God (YHWH), they would substitute another word � the Hebrew word for "Lord," which is "Adonah." This is similar to the practice of addressing a king as "Lord," rather than as "king." Over time, the vowel sounds for the Hebrew word "Adonah" were fused with the consonants for the name of God (YHWH), and a new word was created - "Yehovah." (This hybrid word, which didn't exist until roughly 500 years ago, was often mistakenly pronounced by English speakers as "Jehovah," even though there is no J sound in the Hebrew language). Therefore, any theory, however ill-intentioned or well-intentioned, that involves either the word "Jehovah" or the word "Yehovah" is completely meaningless, because there is no such word in the Hebrew text of the Old Testament or in the Greek text of the New Testament. Brown, however, isn't the first person to mistakenly think that Jehovah was an actual word. And given the popularity of his novel, he won't be the last. 5. Fiction: The Vatican killed an "astounding 5 million women" during the witch hunts This is important to Dan Brown's The Da Vinci Code, because in order for novel's storyline to work, the Catholic Church must be portrayed as an evil, oppressive institution that hates, oppresses and feels threatened by women. But, despite Brown's claims that there were 5 million women burned to death by the Vatican, the fact is many scholars, including those who are not Christian, say that the witch hunts were generally done by local governments and individuals. Many scholarly sources estimate that the number of people killed by the witch hunts is between 20,000 to 100,000. And, some sources estimate that 20 to 25 percent of the victims were men. Here are some additional details from page 36 of The Truth Behind the Da Vinci Code: It also should be noted that these persecutions were actually "a collaborative enterprise between men and women at the local level." Adam Jones, professor of international studies at the Center for Research and Teaching Economics (Mexico City), has cited many sources showing that most of the accusations of witchcraft "originated in 'conflicts [that] normally opposed one woman to another.'" For instance, Jones quotes Robin Briggs (author of Witches & Neighbours: The Social and Cultural Context of European Witchcraft) as saying that "most informal accusations were made by women against other women." In Malevolent Nurture, Deborah Willis of the University of California, Riverside, confirms that "women were actively involved in making witchcraft accusations against their female neighbors." She adds, "To a considerable extent, then, village-level witch-hunting was women's work." 6. Fiction: Emperor Constantine shaped the New Testament. This is essential to the plot in The Da Vinci Code because it requires that the reader can believe that Constantine replaced the Gnostic writings with what we now call the New Testament. But, Constantine could not have had a hand in shaping the New Testament for two reasons: He wasn't born soon enough and he didn't live long enough. Based on writings from early church leaders, which date from A.D. 96 through 112, 24 of the 27 books that are part of today's New Testament were already regarded by early Christians as being authoritative, a full 213 years before Constantine convened the Council of Nicea. And, the Council of Nicea did not canonize anything. The canonization process occurred a full 70 years later, on a different continent. In addition, there were several writings by early church leaders, who died long before Constantine was even born, that collectively quote thousands of New Testament passages. It would have been extremely difficult for Constantine to have altered, shaped or otherwise influenced the New Testament. 7. Fiction: The Vatican demonized pagan worship. The Da Vinci Code, page 37: "As part of the Vatican's campaign to eradicate pagan religions and convert the masses to Christianity, the church launched a smear campaign against the pagan gods and goddesses, recasting their divine symbols as evil.... Venus' pentacle became the sign of the devil." Many people might not realize this, but there is a great deal of historical evidence that shows that pagans tried to eradicate Christianity and that pagans copied Christian symbols and ceremonies in the hopes of surviving the rapid spread of Christianity, especially during the first three centuries after the time of Jesus. During that era, the pagans had tremendous resources, including the support of emperors, who by default, where designated as high priests of pagan religions. Their efforts to eradicate Christianity were remarkably unsuccessful, and Christianity was able to become the first religion to spread to followers worldwide. Even today, it can be argued that Christianity is still the only worldwide religion. As for Brown's claim about the pentacle, even that contradicts historical evidence. The fact is, many Christians actually embraced the pentacle! "The truth is, during the later medieval era (the 1100s to the 1500s), Christians used the pentagram and pentacle as a reminder of Christ's five wounds (hands, feet, side, back, head). They also used it as a symbol for "the five books of Moses" and "the five stones used by David against Goliath," according to page 32 of The Truth Behind the Da Vinci Code. There is nothing about a symbol, such as the pentacle or pentagram, that is inherently good or evil. Its meaning depends on who is using it and for what purpose they are using it. Some school teachers will mark a student's homework assignment with a star (a pentacle) to show that the student did excellent work. In this context, there is nothing demonic about the pentacle, it simply represents "stellar" work. But, when the founder of the Church of Satan needed a symbol for his religion during the 1960s he chose to use a pentacle, which he turned upside down. A pentacle, then, is what one makes of it. So who "demonized" the pentacle? According to some scholars, and according to some modern pagan sources, it was a French occultist who lived during the 1800s. In other words, it was a pagan who "demonized" the symbol. 8. Fiction: Constantine and the Vatican demonized Mary Magdalene and sought to degrade women as part of a "power grab." These claims are very important to Dan Brown's storyline. The historical evidence, however, strongly contradicts Brown's claim. Mary Magdalene is held in special regard by the Catholic Church, in part because she was the first person to witness the resurrection of Jesus Christ. If the Catholic Church wanted to tarnish the image of Mary Magdalene, and if it was willing to rewrite scripture to do it, then why would it allow Mary Magdalene to be the first person to have witnessed the most important event in all of Christianity, which is the resurrection? Another problem for Brown's theory is that the Vatican exalts Mary Magdalene � as a saint! In fact, several churches are named in honor of Mary Magdalene, who is also honored with an annual celebration by Catholics. And if someone can still think that Brown's theory is somehow true, that the Vatican allegedly hates women, then consider its regard for another woman named Mary � the mother of Jesus. And when you're finished contemplating that, apologize to yourself if you even momentarily thought that Dan Brown was on to something. 9. Fiction: "Christianity's weekly holy day was stolen from the pagans." Da Vinci Code, pages 232-233: "Christianity's weekly holy day was stolen from the pagans. Christianity honored the Jewish Sabbath of Saturday, but Constantine shifted it to coincide with the pagan's veneration day of the sun." Actually, long before Constantine was even born, there were Christian writings that made it clear that there was a Sabbath, which corresponds to Saturday, and a "Lord's Day," which corresponds to Sunday. Since the early beginnings of Christianity, Christians had an affection for the first day of the week (Sunday) because this is the day on which Jesus was resurrected. Early references to the "Lord's Day" include Acts 20:7 and 1 Corinthians 16:2, which are books in the New Testament. These were written during the first century and predate the birth of Constantine by more than 200 years! Outside of the New Testament, there are early Christian writings that confirm that Christians celebrated a "Lord's Day" (Sunday). These writings include those by Justin Martyr and Melito of Sardis. Both lived during the Second Century (during the 100s), and both had already died before Constantine was even born. revdauphinee answered on 04/15/05: ""The novel, which is fiction,"" its a work of fiction why cant people understand this???? arcura rated this answer

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arcura asked on 04/15/05 - For information on prophets..... and other Christian infomation Go here from a joint Lutheran and Catholic bible study project. www.aboutbibleprophecy.com/p19.htm This is but one of many things that can be found there. "The Da Vinci Code" - the hoax behind the code This article is a response to the novel, The Da Vinci Code, by Dan Brown. The novel was published in 2003 and has sold millions of copies. The novel, which is fiction, claims that the New Testament of the Bible is false and that Christianity, as we know it today, is radically different from the "original" Christianity. This article seeks to explain that the theory behind The Da Vinci Code, is false. 1. Fiction: Mary Magdalene was married to Jesus. This claim is the backbone of Brown's novel. The The Da Vinci Code claims that Jesus and Mary Magdalene were married, that they had children, and that their descendants included a line of kings in France, as well as some of the main characters in Brown's novel. Despite Brown's claims, however, there are no historical documents that claim that Jesus was married - not even the "Gnostic gospels" that Brown mentions in his novel. The only specific evidence that Brown cites to support this claim of a marriage is a passage from one of the Gnostic texts - the so-called "gospel of Phillip." And that lone piece of evidence actually undermines Brown's claim. The main problem with the "Phillip" passage is that it clearly shows that even in the context of this Gnostic text, Mary Magdalene and Jesus could not have been married. If you read the passage, as shown on page 246 of The Da Vinci Code, you'll see for yourself: "the companion of the Savior is Mary Magdalene. Christ loved her more than all the disciples and used to kiss her often on her mouth. The rest of the disciples were offended by it and expressed disapproval. They said to him, 'Why do you love her more than all of us?'" If, in the context of this Gnostic text, the Savior and Mary Magdalene were supposedly married, then why would the disciples bother to ask their leader why he loved his her more than them? Can you imagine a scenario in which a group of men would ask a married man, "Why do you love her (your wife) more than us?" Such a question doesn't make any sense if the two are supposed to be married. In fact, it wouldn't make any sense if the two were merely engaged, or even if they were simply dating. The only way that the question would make sense in the Gnostic text is if there was no reason for Mary Magdalene to be treated any differently. And the only way that this could be true is if Mary Magdalene was supposed to have the exact same relationship with the "Savior" as did the "other disciples." In other words, only if she was not married, or otherwise intimately involved. There are other problems with Brown's marriage theory: � Despite Brown's "translation" of that key passage from the Gnostic gospel of Phillip, the word "mouth" doesn't actually appear in the original text. According to page 49 of The Da Vinci Deception, by Erwin W. Lutzer: "You should know that because of the poor quality of the papyrus, a word or two is missing in the original. The text reads, 'Jesus kissed her often on the [blank].' So scholars fill in the blank with the word mouth, face, or forehead, etc. Actually, for all we know the text might have said 'the hand' or even 'the cheek' since the statement implies that he also kissed his other students � presumably on the cheek as is still done in the Middle East." � Brown claims that the Aramaic word for "companion" literally meant "spouse." That is not true according to various Aramaic scholars. And, even more importantly, the Gnostic gospel of Phillip was not written in Aramaic. It was written in Coptic. � None of the Gnostic gospels ever claimed that Jesus and Mary Magdalene were married. Even the so-called Gnostic gospel of Mary Magdalene fails to makes such a claim. � Finally, consider this from page 41 of The Truth Behind The Da Vinci Code, by Richard Abanes, in regards to the Gnostic Phillip text: Ironically, if this text does anything, it cuts out the very heart of any assertion about Mary and Jesus being wed. It does so by adhering to one of the basic tenets of ancient Gnosticism, which declares that all physical matter was inherently evil. Consequently, sexual relations were intrinsically debasing! The Gospel of Phillip goes so far as to say that marital relations defile a woman. 2. Fiction: The Gnostic gospels and the Dead Sea Scrolls are "the earliest Christian records." The The Da Vinci Code claims that the New Testament is a forgery and that the Gnostic gospels and the Dead Sea Scrolls are the original Christian texts. This claim, however, is flatly contradicted by an overwhelming amount of scholarship by Christians and non-Christians. Many scholars believe that the New Testament was written during the first century and that the Gnostic texts were written no sooner than the second century. And, the Dead Sea Scrolls don't contain any gospels of any kind. In fact, the Dead Sea Scrolls do not contain any Christian writings of any kind. There are four New Testament Gospels, which are named Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. Many scholars believe that these were written during the century in which Jesus lived. The Gnostic gospels are generally believed to have been written later � about 100 to 300 years later. These Gnostic texts borrow some elements from Christianity, including the names of Jesus and his apostles, but these writings are not Christian. There are major differences between the New Testament Gospels and the Gnostic gospels. The New Testament Gospels contain details about life in the land of Israel during the first century. They also contain several references to Old Testament passages, prophecies and theological concepts. For Christians, the New Testament presents itself as a continuation of the Old Testament. In contrast, the Gnostic texts contain very little detail to suggest that their authors had ever been to the land of Israel, or that they were even alive during the first century. And the theological concepts of the Gnostic texts sharply contradict those that are found in the Old Testament. It is for these reasons, and others like them, that the Gnostic texts were rejected by early Christians as being divinely inspired. In fact, there is evidence that early Christian church leaders were rejecting Gnostic writings as early as the middle of the second century, which is when some scholars believe that the Gnostic texts first began to appear. Consider this from pages 26 and 27 of The Truth Behind the Da Vinci Code, by Richard Abanes: "But were the Gnostic gospels written prior to the books of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John? Most scholars, Christian and non-Christian, would answer no. They date the Gnostic gospels (for example, those in the Nag Hammadi collection) to about A.D. 150 to 250. Although many of these texts are Coptic translation of earlier Greek texts (that are no longer extant), most scholars agree that the material itself still does not date previous to the mid 100s to the early 200s. "In other words, the Gnostic texts were written after the books of Matthew (about 65 to 100), Mark (about 40 to 75), Luke (about 60 to 80), and John (about 90). They [the Gnostic texts] were late arrivals, which is one reason why church leaders rejected them. ... These Gnostic gospels not only disagreed with the older [New Testament] Gospels, which were already accepted by Christians, but they lacked authority since their authors were neither a) apostles of Jesus nor b) persons associated with apostles of Jesus. ... No one really knows who wrote the [Gnostic] texts." As for Brown's claim about the Dead Sea Scrolls - these scrolls were found in 1947, not in the 1950s as Brown mistakenly claims on page 234 of The Da Vinci Code. The Dead Sea Scrolls contain copies and fragments of Old Testament books and various religious and secular writings. But they do not contain any gospels, and they do not contain any references to Jesus. In fact, many of the Dead Sea Scrolls were written centuries before the time of Jesus. 3. Fiction: Christianity stole its ideas and concepts from paganism. The Da Vinci Code, on page 232: claims: "Nothing in Christianity is original. The pre-Christian god Mithras - called the Son of God and the Light of the World - was born on December 25, died, was buried in a rock tomb, and then resurrected in three days. By the way, December 25 was also the birthday of Osiris, Adonis, and Dionysus. The newborn Krishna was presented with gold, frankincense, and myrrh." This sequence of claims has puzzled many critics of Brown's book as to their possible origin, if indeed they have an origin outside of the author's imagination. Serious scholars who have studied the Mithraic traditions, including Franz Cumont, paint a very different portrayal. They don't mention any death of Mithra, and they certainly don't mention any type of resurrection for Mithra. Some Christians do celebrate Christmas on December 25 as a time of year to commemorate the birth and life of Jesus. But that doesn't mean that they believe that Jesus was born on that particular date. In fact, the Bible does not mention a specific birth date for Jesus. For comparison, consider the American holiday called "Presidents Day." The holiday occurs on a day in February, but that doesn't mean that Americans believe that all presidents were born on that particular day in February. Of course not. It is simply a day that is set aside to commemorate American presidents. As for the claim that the myths known as Osiris, Adonis and Dionysus were born on December 25, I have been unable to track down any scholarly source that actually makes that claim. In regards to some of the other claims involving Mithra and Christianity, consider the following from page 87 of de-coding Da Vinci: The facts behind the fiction of The Da Vinci Code by Amy Welborn: "Mithras was a god with many forms. By the centuries after Christ, his cult was primarily a mystery religion, popular among men, especially soldiers. Mithraic studies do not find any attribution of the titles 'Son of God' or 'Light of the World,' as Brown claims. There is also no mention of a death-resurrection motif in Mithraic mythology. Brown seems to have picked this up from a discredited nineteenth-century historian, who provided no documentation for his assertion. The same historian is the source for the Krishna connection to which Brown alludes. There is not a single story in actual Hindu mythology of Krishna being presented with gold, frankincense, and myrrh at his birth (see Miesel and Olsen, Cracking the Anti-Catholic Code)." 4. Fiction: The sacred name for God has a paganistic origin. The Da Vinci Code, on page 309, claims: "The Jewish Tetragrammaton YHWH - the sacred name of God - in fact derived from Jehovah, an androgynous physical union between the masculine Jah and the pre-Hebraic name for Eve, Havah" This is perhaps one of the most embarrassing errors within Dan Brown's The Da Vinci Code. The word Jehovah isn't the name for God. In fact, that word doesn't appear in the Bible in either the Hebrew text of the Old Testament or in the Greek text of the New Testament. The word Jehovah is a made-up English word. The ancient Jews began a tradition that they would not pronounce the name of God (YHWH), as a way of showing respect. Instead, when they read aloud from the Hebrew Scriptures (Old Testament), and they came across the name for God (YHWH), they would substitute another word � the Hebrew word for "Lord," which is "Adonah." This is similar to the practice of addressing a king as "Lord," rather than as "king." Over time, the vowel sounds for the Hebrew word "Adonah" were fused with the consonants for the name of God (YHWH), and a new word was created - "Yehovah." (This hybrid word, which didn't exist until roughly 500 years ago, was often mistakenly pronounced by English speakers as "Jehovah," even though there is no J sound in the Hebrew language). Therefore, any theory, however ill-intentioned or well-intentioned, that involves either the word "Jehovah" or the word "Yehovah" is completely meaningless, because there is no such word in the Hebrew text of the Old Testament or in the Greek text of the New Testament. Brown, however, isn't the first person to mistakenly think that Jehovah was an actual word. And given the popularity of his novel, he won't be the last. 5. Fiction: The Vatican killed an "astounding 5 million women" during the witch hunts This is important to Dan Brown's The Da Vinci Code, because in order for novel's storyline to work, the Catholic Church must be portrayed as an evil, oppressive institution that hates, oppresses and feels threatened by women. But, despite Brown's claims that there were 5 million women burned to death by the Vatican, the fact is many scholars, including those who are not Christian, say that the witch hunts were generally done by local governments and individuals. Many scholarly sources estimate that the number of people killed by the witch hunts is between 20,000 to 100,000. And, some sources estimate that 20 to 25 percent of the victims were men. Here are some additional details from page 36 of The Truth Behind the Da Vinci Code: It also should be noted that these persecutions were actually "a collaborative enterprise between men and women at the local level." Adam Jones, professor of international studies at the Center for Research and Teaching Economics (Mexico City), has cited many sources showing that most of the accusations of witchcraft "originated in 'conflicts [that] normally opposed one woman to another.'" For instance, Jones quotes Robin Briggs (author of Witches & Neighbours: The Social and Cultural Context of European Witchcraft) as saying that "most informal accusations were made by women against other women." In Malevolent Nurture, Deborah Willis of the University of California, Riverside, confirms that "women were actively involved in making witchcraft accusations against their female neighbors." She adds, "To a considerable extent, then, village-level witch-hunting was women's work." 6. Fiction: Emperor Constantine shaped the New Testament. This is essential to the plot in The Da Vinci Code because it requires that the reader can believe that Constantine replaced the Gnostic writings with what we now call the New Testament. But, Constantine could not have had a hand in shaping the New Testament for two reasons: He wasn't born soon enough and he didn't live long enough. Based on writings from early church leaders, which date from A.D. 96 through 112, 24 of the 27 books that are part of today's New Testament were already regarded by early Christians as being authoritative, a full 213 years before Constantine convened the Council of Nicea. And, the Council of Nicea did not canonize anything. The canonization process occurred a full 70 years later, on a different continent. In addition, there were several writings by early church leaders, who died long before Constantine was even born, that collectively quote thousands of New Testament passages. It would have been extremely difficult for Constantine to have altered, shaped or otherwise influenced the New Testament. 7. Fiction: The Vatican demonized pagan worship. The Da Vinci Code, page 37: "As part of the Vatican's campaign to eradicate pagan religions and convert the masses to Christianity, the church launched a smear campaign against the pagan gods and goddesses, recasting their divine symbols as evil.... Venus' pentacle became the sign of the devil." Many people might not realize this, but there is a great deal of historical evidence that shows that pagans tried to eradicate Christianity and that pagans copied Christian symbols and ceremonies in the hopes of surviving the rapid spread of Christianity, especially during the first three centuries after the time of Jesus. During that era, the pagans had tremendous resources, including the support of emperors, who by default, where designated as high priests of pagan religions. Their efforts to eradicate Christianity were remarkably unsuccessful, and Christianity was able to become the first religion to spread to followers worldwide. Even today, it can be argued that Christianity is still the only worldwide religion. As for Brown's claim about the pentacle, even that contradicts historical evidence. The fact is, many Christians actually embraced the pentacle! "The truth is, during the later medieval era (the 1100s to the 1500s), Christians used the pentagram and pentacle as a reminder of Christ's five wounds (hands, feet, side, back, head). They also used it as a symbol for "the five books of Moses" and "the five stones used by David against Goliath," according to page 32 of The Truth Behind the Da Vinci Code. There is nothing about a symbol, such as the pentacle or pentagram, that is inherently good or evil. Its meaning depends on who is using it and for what purpose they are using it. Some school teachers will mark a student's homework assignment with a star (a pentacle) to show that the student did excellent work. In this context, there is nothing demonic about the pentacle, it simply represents "stellar" work. But, when the founder of the Church of Satan needed a symbol for his religion during the 1960s he chose to use a pentacle, which he turned upside down. A pentacle, then, is what one makes of it. So who "demonized" the pentacle? According to some scholars, and according to some modern pagan sources, it was a French occultist who lived during the 1800s. In other words, it was a pagan who "demonized" the symbol. 8. Fiction: Constantine and the Vatican demonized Mary Magdalene and sought to degrade women as part of a "power grab." These claims are very important to Dan Brown's storyline. The historical evidence, however, strongly contradicts Brown's claim. Mary Magdalene is held in special regard by the Catholic Church, in part because she was the first person to witness the resurrection of Jesus Christ. If the Catholic Church wanted to tarnish the image of Mary Magdalene, and if it was willing to rewrite scripture to do it, then why would it allow Mary Magdalene to be the first person to have witnessed the most important event in all of Christianity, which is the resurrection? Another problem for Brown's theory is that the Vatican exalts Mary Magdalene � as a saint! In fact, several churches are named in honor of Mary Magdalene, who is also honored with an annual celebration by Catholics. And if someone can still think that Brown's theory is somehow true, that the Vatican allegedly hates women, then consider its regard for another woman named Mary � the mother of Jesus. And when you're finished contemplating that, apologize to yourself if you even momentarily thought that Dan Brown was on to something. 9. Fiction: "Christianity's weekly holy day was stolen from the pagans." Da Vinci Code, pages 232-233: "Christianity's weekly holy day was stolen from the pagans. Christianity honored the Jewish Sabbath of Saturday, but Constantine shifted it to coincide with the pagan's veneration day of the sun." Actually, long before Constantine was even born, there were Christian writings that made it clear that there was a Sabbath, which corresponds to Saturday, and a "Lord's Day," which corresponds to Sunday. Since the early beginnings of Christianity, Christians had an affection for the first day of the week (Sunday) because this is the day on which Jesus was resurrected. Early references to the "Lord's Day" include Acts 20:7 and 1 Corinthians 16:2, which are books in the New Testament. These were written during the first century and predate the birth of Constantine by more than 200 years! Outside of the New Testament, there are early Christian writings that confirm that Christians celebrated a "Lord's Day" (Sunday). These writings include those by Justin Martyr and Melito of Sardis. Both lived during the Second Century (during the 100s), and both had already died before Constantine was even born. revdauphinee answered on 04/15/05: acura just a question would it make a difference to you if Jesus had married??what would it change about his life did it not tell us in scripture he experienced everything man experiences .so what difference would it make Personaly I see none> arcura rated this answer

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hOPE12 asked on 04/15/05 - A Real tough Question: Hello Experts, Now here a good question for you guys. If after getting married a husband or a wife become slow mentally and does not have the mature understanding to make family choices, can he still remain the head of his household? Does God's laws expect a wife to be in subjection even though a man's ability to make choices is mentally impaired? Take care, Hope12 revdauphinee answered on 04/15/05: first who says the man has become mentaly impared??I know many wives who feel there husbands are bur with no medical support on this!LOL the bit about subjection to the male is often thrown at women so they will know thier place however if we read further it also says men should love thier wives as God loves the church!so if he loves you in that way then you are to be in submission for God would never harm or be disloyal to his church nor would he ask her to do so either.however if the many is truly medicaly disabled in such a way then it is the wifes duty to take care of him since do not the marriage vows say in sickness and in health??one cannot let oneself be subjective to a person with a mental disorder !God is well aware of this! hOPE12 rated this answer

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Laura asked on 04/15/05 - Matthew 7 21�Not everyone who says to me, �Lord, Lord,� will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. 22Many will say to me on that day, �Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?� 23Then I will tell them plainly, �I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!� According to your studies of scripture, what is the Father's will? God bless. Laura revdauphinee answered on 04/15/05: to study scripture and do his will and not just follow the traditions of men! Matthew 15:3 Jesus replied, "And why do you break the command of God for the sake of your tradition? Mark7:6 He replied, "Isaiah was right when he prophesied about you hypocrites; as it is written: "`These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. 7 They worship me in vain; their teachings are but rules taught by men.' 8 You have let go of the commands of God and are holding on to the traditions of men." 9 And he said to them: "You have a fine way of setting aside the commands of God in order to observe your own traditions! Laura rated this answer

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hOPE12 asked on 04/15/05 - Hypothetical question? Hello Everyone, How would you balance your choice if you had to choose between your child and your mate? Another words suppose someone said that if you to choose your child's life or your mates life. Which loved one would be let go? Could you choose? What thoughts would enter your mind as you must choose between the two most loved ones in your life? Now lets take it even further. What if you had to choose your worship to God or your loved ones life? Could you choose? What would you base your choice on? I bring this up because throughout history many have had to make that choice. Some world rulers have killed those who have choose to worship God. Some children where even killed in front of the parent because they choose to serve God, when given that choice. Once again, what would your choice be??? Take care, Hope12 revdauphinee answered on 04/15/05: the answer should be to choose God! however unless and untill one is confronted with such a situation this cannot be answered. even Paul had difficulty making a choice ' Phillipians 1:22. If I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me. Yet what shall I choose? I do not know! 23. I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far; hOPE12 rated this answer

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hOPE12 asked on 04/15/05 - Parents� Moral Responsibility? Hello Experts: By all the evidences this system of things is hastening to its final confrontation with the God of justice at Armageddon. Parents and children who fail to gain the �mark on their foreheads,� that is, an adequate appreciation of God�s moral standard, are sure to suffer. Parents will be held accountable for their children, and children will suffer for the failure of their parents. The prophet overheard the instruction issued to the angelic executioners: �Do not feel any compassion. Old man, young man and virgin and little child and women you should kill off�to a ruination. . . . Their way I shall certainly bring upon their own head.� Ezek. 9:4-6, 10. There is truly much to do to discharge successfully these responsibilities that rest upon God-fearing parents. It is a huge job. But, then, there are so many joys and satisfactions to be gained along the way as you see your children develop into fine, upright, God-honoring men and women. And what a thrill for parents to know that they have indeed helped their children to comply with the command that bears a promise: �Honor your father and your mother�! Worldly parents often make it very difficult for their children to honor them in harmony with God�s requirement. But Christian parents have the joy of knowing that they did what was humanly possible, and, with Jehovah�s help, ensured for their children �a long time on the earth��yes, so long a time that it may well reach into Everlasting life, after the destruction of the wicked. Eph. 6:2, 3. 1- How serious is the responsibility of Christian parents to teach their child about God? 2- If a child who is to young to understand, do you feel that God will render the same judgment upon the child as He gives the parent? If the parent is judged as wicked or bad in God�s eyes, will the child suffer from the parents judgment? Why do you so answer and what scriptural prove do you have to back your answer? Take care, Hope12 revdauphinee answered on 04/15/05: (Prov.22:6 Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it. ) hOPE12 rated this answer

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whobewho asked on 04/15/05 - public response to private comments before i get suspended for posting vulgarities i want all to know...it was paraclete who posted the vulgarity that is listed under my name, not me. i would not like to offend all the experts here, it was he who wanted the offense made public and it was he who made it public. i will not apologise for this, i meant the response i sent to him and will not take it back. how many here have never told anyone to do what i told him to do. i am not asking for supporters in fact i am going on an extended vacation and my not be back in a long while and if i am suspended , i could care less. i just wanted all to know i did not send the offending message to anyone but paraclete after he called me a hypocrtite and i know i am not. i thrive in honesty and that is the only way i live my life. if i do or say something i own it. darlene revdauphinee answered on 04/15/05: how many here have never told anyone to do what i told him to do. Myself for one! that is a term I never use nor do I allow it used in my presence.And fyi I am not a prude I just respect the people arround me when I speak ! MaggieB rated this answer whobewho rated this answer

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Ccl471 asked on 04/14/05 - Billy Graham's Education Does anybody on this board know what Dr. Billy Graham's educational background is? Many thanks, C.L. revdauphinee answered on 04/15/05: I dont, however I do feel he was called by God to teke the word to the masses,and God has no need of PHD's he can use anyone!So to me personaly it does not matter> MaggieB rated this answer

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HANK1 asked on 04/14/05 - SION: Are any of you familiar with the Grand Masters of the Priory of Sion? revdauphinee answered on 04/15/05: read about it but find it irelevant to my personal faith! HANK1 rated this answer

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Penny asked on 04/14/05 - Curious about this board Since no one commented on the Seinfeld post (not on topic), and some other things I've observed here, are there rules as to what is allowed to be posted? Rather, I should say, are rules enforced? I also note there are very few questions from users (if any) and most of the activity seems to be chit-chat among experts. Is this true of AW in general, or is it just an ordinary symptom of religion being discussed? Also, can anyone recommend a site that is more of a question and answer site? Thanks. revdauphinee answered on 04/15/05: the only reason I did not answer the sienfeild post is I didnt personaly find it to my interest sory !I dont feel qualified to answer in something I have no interest in! paraclete rated this answer Penny rated this answer

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whobewho asked on 04/14/05 - where do you get off fuck you revdauphinee answered on 04/15/05: dont feel such colorfull lanquage is appropriate for a category called christian> whobewho rated this answer paraclete rated this answer MaggieB rated this answer

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arcura asked on 04/15/05 - Proper church going attire? One Sunday morning an old cowboy entered a church just before services were to begin. Although the old man and his clothes were spotlessly clean, he wore jeans, a denim shirt and boots that were very worn and ragged. In his hand he carried a worn out old hat and an equally worn out bible. The Church he entered was in a very upscale and exclusive part of the city. It was the largest and most beautiful church the old cowboy had ever seen. The people of the congregation were all dressed with expensive clothes and accessories. As the cowboy took a seat, the others moved away from him. No one greeted, spoke to, or welcomed him. They were all appalled at his appearance and did not attempt to hide it. The preacher gave a long sermon about Hellfire and brimstone and a stern lecture on how much money the church needed to do God's work. As the old cowboy was leaving the church, the preacher approached him and asked the cowboy to do him a favor. "Before you come back in here again, have a talk with God and ask him what He thinks would be appropriate attire for worship." The old cowboy assured the preacher he would. The next Sunday, he showed up for the services wearing the same ragged jeans, shirt, boots, and hat. Once again he was completely shunned and ignored. The preacher approached the man and said, "I thought I asked you to speak to God before you came back to our church." "I did," replied the old cowboy. "If you spoke to God, what did he tell you the proper attire should be for worshiping in here?" asked the preacher. "Well, sir, God told me that He didn't have a clue what I should wear. He says He's never been in this church! revdauphinee answered on 04/15/05: AMEN!!! a thousand times! God has no interest in what we wear !How many folks have these archaic dress codes kept away from worshiping???God is more interested in the content of our heart than the fashions on our back!!! arcura rated this answer

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STONY asked on 04/14/05 - HAS ANYONE HEARD FROM HOPE LATELY? I THOUGHT SHE WAS IGNORING MY ANSWERS BUT NOW I SEE THAT SHE HAS NOT RESPONDED TO ANYONE. OTHER PARTICIPANTS ARE DELIVERING THESE RATINGS AND NOT THE QUESTION'S AUTHOR. IT IS UNUSUAL FOR HOPE TO BE GONE FOR DAYS AT A TIME, JUST CURIOUS. revdauphinee answered on 04/14/05: she has made about 4 postings this week > STONY rated this answer

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STONY asked on 04/14/05 - I DON'T KNOW YOUR INTENT.... BUT WHEN OTHERS TAKE THEIR TIME TO ANSWER YOUR QUESTIONS IT IS JUST COMMON COURTESY TO REPLY TO THEM . YOU SEEM LATELY TO PICK AND CHOOSE WHO YOU WILL RESPOND TO IN FINDING ANSWERS TO YOUR QUESTIONS. IN A WORD, THAT IS "RUDE." ENOUGH SAID, YOU ARE THE ONE WHO HAS TO LIVE WITH YOU, NOT ME. MAYBE I WAS JUST BROUGHT UP IN A DIFFERENT GENERATION.......STONY revdauphinee answered on 04/14/05: stony while I agree with you to a point, and try to answer the postings and answers .Sometimes the best answer is not to answer at all for many on here give such outrageous answers one simply cant relate ! STONY rated this answer

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STONY asked on 04/14/05 - A DEEPER LOOK AT EX. 20:13 "THOU SHALL NOT KILL." A BAD INTERPRETATION AT BEST. IT SHOULD READ, "THOU SHALL NOT COMMITT MURDER." FOR A VERIFICATION OF THIS PLEASE EXAMINE EX. 4:10. "THE VOICE OF THY BROTHERS BLOOD CRIETH UNTO ME FROM THE GROUND." CONSIDER THIS, GOD HEARD ALL THE GENERATIONS OF ABEL THAT HAD JUST BEEN MURDERED BY HIS BROTHER CAIN. HE DIDN'T KILL ONE PERSON, HE KILLED A BLOOD-LINE OF GENERATIONS TO COME. THOUGHT YOU JUST MIGHT FIND THIS INTRESTING. revdauphinee answered on 04/14/05: agreed!my version says exodus 20:13. "You shall not murder. that is the new international version STONY rated this answer

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Mathatmacoat asked on 04/13/05 - Earthquakes and Volcanos Have you noticed what is happening in Indonesia? First earthquakes and now an active volcano springs to life near the last earthquake. Do you think God might be trying to get someone's attention? revdauphinee answered on 04/14/05: does the following sound familiar? 4. Jesus answered: "Watch out that no one deceives you. 5. For many will come in my name, claiming, `I am the Christ, ' and will deceive many. 6. You will hear of wars and rumors of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come. 7. Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. ((((There will be famines and earthquakes in various places.))) 8. All these are the beginning of birth pains. 9. "Then you will be handed over to be persecuted and put to death, and you will be hated by all nations because of me. 10. At that time many will turn away from the faith and will betray and hate each other, 11. and many false prophets will appear and deceive many people. 12. Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold, 13. but he who stands firm to the end will be saved. paraclete rated this answer Mathatmacoat rated this answer

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arcura asked on 04/13/05 - Here are a few approriate signs. What's your favorite? Sign over a Gynecologist's Office: "Dr. Jones, at your cervix." +++++++++++++++++++++++++++ In a Podiatrist's office: "Time wounds all heels." ************************** On a Septic Tank Truck in Oregon: Yesterday's Meals on Wheels On a Septic Tank Truck sign: "We're #1 in the #2 business." ************************** At a Proctologist's door "To expedite your visit please back in." ************************** On a Plumber's truck: "We repair what your husband fixed." ************************** On a Plumber's truck: "Don't sleep with a drip. Call your plumber.." ************************** Pizza Shop Slogan: ś days without pizza makes one weak." ************************** At a Tire Shop in Milwaukee: "Invite us to your next blowout." ************************** On a Plastic Surgeon's Office door: "Hello. Can we pick your nose?" ************************** At a Towing Company: "We don't charge an arm and a leg. We want tows." ************************** On an Electrician's truck: "Let us remove your shorts." ************************** In a Nonsmoking Area: "If we see smoke, we will assume you! are on fire and take appropriate action." ************************** On a Maternity Room door: "Push. Push. Push." ************************** At an Optometrist's Office "If you don't see what you're looking for, you've come to the right place." ************************* On a Taxidermist's window: "We really know our stuff" ************************** On a Fence: "Salesmen welcome! Dog food is expensive." ************************** At a Car Dealership: "The best way to get back on your feet - miss a car payment." ************************** Outside a Muffler Shop: "No appointment necessary. We hear you coming." ************************** In a Veterinarian's waiting room: "Be back in 5 minutes Sit! Stay!" ************************** At the Electric Company: "We would be "de-lighted" if you send in your payment. However, if you don't, you will be." ************************** In a Restaurant window: "Don't stand there and be hungry, Come on in and get fed up." ********! ****************** In the front yard of a Funeral Home: "Drive carefully. We'll wait." ************************** At a Propane Filling Station, "Thank heaven for little grills." ************************** And don't forget the sign at a Chicago Radiator Shop: "Best place in town to take a leak." revdauphinee answered on 04/14/05: those were all good !My daughter has a sign in her kitchen that says "If your smoking in here you better be on fire!" arcura rated this answer

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Geedubya84 asked on 04/13/05 - Kwo vaddis? I kicked the Mormons out when they said no blood for my sick baby. Where is truth? revdauphinee answered on 04/14/05: Mormons last I heard do not forbid transfusions !Jehovas witnesses do !Kicking someon out is not a very loving way to do anything the thing to do was to tell them the Lord gave doctors the knowledge to save you child and that it was a gift you intended to accept ,what others do is thier way not yours. Geedubya84 rated this answer

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Geedubya84 asked on 04/13/05 - Kwo vaddis? I kicked the Mormons out when they said no blood for my sick baby. Where is truth? revdauphinee answered on 04/14/05: Mormons last I heard do not forbid transfusions !Jehovas witnesses do !Kicking someon out is not a very loving way to do anything the thing to do was to tell them the Lord gave doctors the knowledge to save you child and that it was a gift you intended to accept ,what others do is thier way not yours. Geedubya84 rated this answer

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hOPE12 asked on 04/13/05 - I wish to get your honest and direct opinion. Hello Experts, Hank brought out that an expert should be able to contemplate both sides of an issue. I wish for each of you experts to think before you answer and give your honest opinion on sex before marriage and the issue of Aids. Thanks, Hope12 revdauphinee answered on 04/13/05: to contemplate to me means to think about and this I can do !However accepting a side of any issue that is moraly wrong before my God is something I cannot do !I can understand it but never accept it! hOPE12 rated this answer

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hOPE12 asked on 04/13/05 - Do you count your days? Hello Everyone, Psalm 90:12 says: "Show us just how to count our days in such a way that we may bring a heart of wisdom in." Should we personally count our day also and how can we do this? Take care, Hope12 revdauphinee answered on 04/13/05: many people say treat this day as if it were the first day of our life and we get a new start !However personaly I think if we live it as if it were the last we may be kinder and make the day matter more !to count my days for me at my age would maybee depressing I feel I have so much to do here before I go home! hOPE12 rated this answer

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hOPE12 asked on 04/13/05 - Bought with a price. Hello, At 1 Corinthians 6:20 we read: "You were bought with a price. By all means glorify God." What does this mean? Thanks, Hope12 revdauphinee answered on 04/13/05: it s means are explained in John 3:16 "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. what greater price could be paid??? hOPE12 rated this answer

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hOPE12 asked on 04/13/05 - The Leassons Jesus taught. Hello Everyone, Jesus when on earth taught many lessons to his disciples. What lesson is the most practical one for you? Take care, Hope12 revdauphinee answered on 04/13/05: the one most practical but sometimes hard to do is "love thy neighbour "some folks are truly hard to love" but I even in my humanity try .Loving someone covers a lot of ground for if you love them then You do not lie to them ! You do not covet their belongings! you do no physical or mental harm to them! you definatly will not kill them ! you do not steal from them ! so you see love covers all the law! Geedubya84 rated this answer hOPE12 rated this answer Liz22 rated this answer

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Laura asked on 04/12/05 - I'll live!! Got the results of my tests today. I have something called Hashimoto's Thyroiditis. I go back to the doctor on Thursday to talk about medication. Thanks to all who kept me in their thoughts and prayers. God bless all of you. Laura P.S. If any of ya'all have thyroid problems and want to give me advice you are welcome to. I've heard it can really be a roller coaster ride until they get the meds just right. revdauphinee answered on 04/12/05: great news isnt our God wonderfull? Laura rated this answer

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bluevision asked on 04/12/05 - Royal family Do you think it is good for countries like England to have their Royal family? Do you think it is right for the members of the Royal family to have the priviledge to be born with a silver spoon in their mouth? Both Christian & non-Christian views are appreciated. revdauphinee answered on 04/12/05: since you asked for it here is my oppinion and as a former Brit I think they have inbread to one chromasome from insanity .Never was much of a royalist! bluevision rated this answer

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bluevision asked on 04/12/05 - Speculation All of you think that Christians shouldn't gamble. What about speculation then? Do you think it's alright for Christians to speculate in stocks & shares? I understand that some Christians don't buy shares because it is a form of gambling to them. revdauphinee answered on 04/12/05: In my oppinion the stock market is gambling,this is what scares me about bushes new plan for social security ,might as well tell youngsters to take thier money to the casino! bluevision rated this answer

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HANK1 asked on 04/12/05 - HONESTY: I am one of the few honest people that I have ever known. If you're an honest person, I'll add you to my list! Are you? HANK revdauphinee answered on 04/12/05: I am one of the ones you can add to your list !Not for any alturistic reason but rather that it takes a good memory to be an effective liar I do no have that ability hence it is much easier for me to tell the truth .If one lies one needs to remember the lie so you can defend it if chalenged ,Too much truble for me! Liz22 rated this answer HANK1 rated this answer Geedubya84 rated this answer

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HANK1 asked on 04/12/05 - SOME ADVICE: The test of a first-rate Expert is the ability to hold two opposed ideas in the mind at the same time, and still retain the ability to function. Are you one of these Experts? HANK revdauphinee answered on 04/12/05: Pete_Hanysz I have to agree with you on that! HANK1 rated this answer

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HANK1 asked on 04/12/05 - Culture vs Cultures: To be an effective citizen, you have to understand something about the history and background of our culture and other cultures. Could this be the main reason people don't 'get along' in the United States? HANK revdauphinee answered on 04/12/05: people in the US come from diverse cultures the main reason may be a missunderstanding of each other however predudice also playes a great part> HANK1 rated this answer

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HANK1 asked on 04/12/05 - Doctrine Of The Lutheran Church: The following is what Lutherans believe. By reading this, it might save you time re: asking me questions about my religion: The Lutheran Doctrine "Luther�s major departures from Roman Catholic doctrine rest on these beliefs: the Scriptures contain the one necessary guide to truth, and it is the right of the individual to reach God through them with responsibility to God alone; salvation comes through faith alone, available to humanity through the redeeming work of Christ; and the sacraments are valid only as aids to faith. The principal statements of faith are found in Luther�s two catechisms, the unaltered Augsburg Confession, the Apology of the Augsburg Confession, the Schmalkald Articles, and the Formula of Concord. These are all included in the Book of Concord (1580). Baptism was necessary for spiritual regeneration, but no form was specified. The sacrament of the Lord�s Supper was retained, but the doctrine of transubstantiation was rejected. As to the manner of worship, Luther chose to retain altars and vestments; he prepared an order of liturgical service, but with the understanding that no church was bound to follow any set order. There is today no uniform liturgy belonging to all branches of the Lutheran body; characteristically, however, an important place is given to preaching and congregational singing. Because of Luther�s conservatism and the political conditions of 16th-century Germany, the Lutheran churches originated as territorial churches, subject to the local princes. The local organization still has the most important place in church polity, but there is a growing tendency toward a more organized church. Lutheranism has traditionally stressed education, and there are many Lutheran schools, colleges, and seminaries throughout the world. Since the mid-18th cent., Lutherans have had a program of Christian service for women called the Deaconess movement. The world membership of Lutherans is about 61 million." Source: The Columbia Encyclopedia (Sixth Edition - 2001) HANK revdauphinee answered on 04/12/05: Interesting thank you ! HANK1 rated this answer

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arcura asked on 04/11/05 - When were the books of the Bible written? When were the books of the Bible written? According to accredited Bible scholars the books of the New Testament were written much earlier then what heterodox �experts� want us to believe. They were written between 50 and 65 A.D. with the exception of the gospel of John. It was written a last as 95 A.D. The authors of the four gospels were closer to the subject of there biography that were they authors of the biographies of the caesars such as Tacitus and Suetonius. The documents about the caesars are widely accepted as historically accurate. However, those who strive for sensationalism such as The Jesus Seminar use a supposed document they call �Q� (a copy of which does not exist) to promulgate unrealistic propaganda about who wrote the gospels and when. They also go so far as to try to tell us that Jesus did not say and do what is written in those eye witness accounts. Then there are those who have written bogus history concerning Jesus and his disciples using spurious works such as the gospel of Thomas which was found in Egypt. It�s a Gnostic text not written by St. Thomas whose ministry was in India areas. It was written my some gnostic person much later than were the biblical gospels. Of course the gnostic heresy claims that Almighty God did not create the universe but some lesser being. Thus it is claimed that all including the human body is evil. The Da Vinci Code is one such novel. Amazingly it has sold four million copies to date. The sad part of it is that it is pure imaginative fiction and many people believe it. Even the potion of the book in which the author claims to be fact is riddled with fiction. Much of the book deals with Da Vinci�s Mona Lisa painting which is obviously wrong to anyone who views that art work, and Mary Magdalene. Not only does the author claim that Mary id in that painting but also was married to Jesus and the mother of his children. Some of this information has been posted here before. But I want to ask 1. Have you have read it? 2. Did you believe it? 3. Did you spot any errors � how many? 4. If so -What were they? The book �The Da Vinci Hoax� list (and documents) about a thousand historical and factual errors. I recommend all to read that expose. Peace and kindness, Fred revdauphinee answered on 04/11/05: 1. Have you have read it? Yes! 2. Did you believe it? It was sold as fiction why would one believe it but if one did it changes nothing! 3. Did you spot any errors � how many? was a novel wasnt looking for any,only can say ita a good read! 4. If so -What were they? didnt look for any ,I read grisham dont look for errors there either it is fiction! arcura rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 04/11/05 - why it's so difficult Well, most enjoyable things are either illegal, immoral or fattening... In the beginning God populated the earth with broccoli and cauliflower and spinach, green and yellow and red vegetables of all kinds, so Man and Woman would live long and healthy lives. Then using God's great gifts, Satan created Ben and Jerry's and Krispy Creme. And Satan said, "You want chocolate with that?" And man said "Yea." and woman said, "And another one with sprinkles." And they gained 10 pounds. And God created the healthful yogurt that woman might keep the figure that man found so fair. And Satan brought forth white flour from the wheat, and sugar from the cane, and combined them. And woman went from size 2 to size 6. So God said, "Try my fresh green salad." And Satan presented Thousand-Island Dressing and garlic toast on the side. And man and woman unfastened their belts following the repast. God then said, "I have sent you heart healthy vegetables and olive oil in which to cook them." And Satan brought forth deep fried fish and chicken-fried steak so big it needed its own platter. And man gained more weight and his cholesterol went through the roof. God then brought running shoes so that his children might loose those extra pounds. And Satan gave cable TV with a remote control so Man would not have to toil changing the channels. And man and woman laughed and cried before the flickering light and gained pounds. Then God brought forth the potato, naturally low in fat and brimming with nutrition. And Satan peeled off the healthful skin and sliced the starchy center into chips and deep-fried them. And man gained pounds. God then gave lean beef so that man might consume fewer calories and still satisfy his appetite. And Satan created McDonald's and it's 99-cent double cheeseburger. Then said, "You want fries with that?" and man replied, "Yea! And super size 'em." And Satan said "It is good." and man went into cardiac arrest. God sighed and created quadruple bypass surgery. And Satan created HMOs. revdauphinee answered on 04/11/05: have to agree with bit about HMOs paraclete rated this answer

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powderpuff asked on 04/10/05 - what are your thoughts on gambling? My little sister loves to gamble. She plays the lottery every week (or is it every day?) and makes several trips to Las Vegas every year. Often she tries to talk me into going with her. She says it is lots of fun. I'm sure that seeing all the lights and all the people are a lot of 'fun'. But the gambling ?, I have my doubts. Plus, I've heard that you don't really 'sleep' while you are there. I don't have a clue about how to buy a lottery ticket and I'm not even curious. I might consider buying a lottery ticket if I got a free candy bar or something with it. But to pay money for a piece of paper with numbers on it in the hopes that I was going to win money seems like a waste of money to me. And I really hate it when I happen to be unfortunate enough to get in line at a check-out behind a lottery player..... Really, I wouldn't even know what to say in order to buy a ticket, it looks like there are so many choices. In order to experience the excitement of 'winning', I like to go to a bill changer and put in a $20 dollar bill. As soon as it starts to spit out $20 worth of quarters, I scream, "I WON, I WON!!!" and jump up and down clapping my hands. Other people who see me seem to be happy for me and, smile. What do you think about gambling? Is it against your religious beliefs? Does the Bible tell us anything about gambling? Here is What Salt Lake religious leaders think about visiting Las Vegas LDS President Gordon B. Hinckley The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints "As it has been throughout its history, the church is against gambling in any form." Baptist The Rev. Mike Gray Senior pastor of Southeast Baptist Church "I think (Las Vegas visitors) need to protect their spiritual life." Jehovah's Witnesses Elder Richard Wolf North Salt Lake congregation of Jehovah's Witnesses "It is probably a matter of personal conscience." Methodist The Rev. Steve Goodier Christ United Methodist Church "We (Methodists) see gambling as a social problem." Protestant The Rev. Art Ritter First Congregational Church "Those who have gambling addictions should stay away." Catholic Bishop George H. Niederauer Catholic Diocese of Salt Lake City "Las Vegas is portrayed as 'a free zone for misbehavior.'" source: http://deseretnews.com/dn/view/0,1249,600124742,00.html revdauphinee answered on 04/10/05: for once in my life im with the witnesses "It is probably a matter of personal conscience." If it dosent bother you then I see no wrong in it !that is untill it takes finasnces away from needs in your life like feeding the family or paying the rent then it becomes a sin.there is evidence of gabling or casting lots in scripture Joshua14: 2. Their inheritances were assigned by lot to the nine-and-a-half tribes, as the LORD had commanded through Moses. isnt this gambling? Judges 14: 12. "Let me tell you a riddle," Samson said to them. "If you can give me the answer within the seven days of the feast, I will give you thirty linen garments and thirty sets of clothes. 13. If you can't tell me the answer, you must give me thirty linen garments and thirty sets of clothes." "Tell us your riddle," they said. "Let's hear it." -(Prov.16:33 The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the LORD. Prov.18:18 Casting the lot settles disputes and keeps strong opponents apart. powderpuff rated this answer

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HANK1 asked on 04/10/05 - Hmmm ... Can a REALIST believe in God? HANK revdauphinee answered on 04/10/05: if he is a true realist then he must! can it be real that the universe was created by accident? A realist has to accept that there is intelegent design involved in some way! HANK1 rated this answer

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bal317 asked on 04/10/05 - Pope Paul's Remain's At one time, I thought I heard. The people of Poland wanted Pope Paul's heart so they could bury it in his homeland. Does anyone know if this was done? Or did Poland do anything in his homeland to mark his passing? Thank you, bal317 revdauphinee answered on 04/10/05: he himself would have liked to be burried in his native country however his will stipulated that he would leave the final desision to the Church! bal317 rated this answer

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powderpuff asked on 04/09/05 - another polygamy question If polygamy was permitted and even encouraged (once upon a long time ago), and even approved by God, for what ever reason, (the reason does not really matter), would it be true that men can love more than one woman at a time? Or do you think the capacity for man to love more than one woman at a time went away once the reason for polygamy was gone? revdauphinee answered on 04/09/05: while I do not think God creaTED US FOR POLIGAMY.when my husband was alive I might have gone for itjust think help with the children ,help cleaning the house ,help putting up with his idiosycracies,just plain help !However one woman could not survive more than one man!Men in my oppinion are similar to dogs I like to pet them dont mind playing with them but sure dont want one up in the house! arcura rated this answer Choux rated this answer powderpuff rated this answer

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curious98 asked on 04/09/05 - John Paul II's funeral John Paul II's funeral 60 years ago, in Yalta spa, Stalin threw a question at Mr. Churchill disguised as �boutade�. He asked, �How many armored divisions had the Vatican? Power has always been this: armored divisions, not Swiss guards armed with spears� But, now 60 years later, the Vatican still has no armored divisions and yet, only a power focus, spiritual or material, POWER with capital letters, can assemble and gather such a concentration of kings, king makers, presidents, first ministers and spiritual heads such as it did last Friday, in St. Peter�s square. Kings and Princes from Spain, Belgium, Denmark, United Kingdom, Jordania, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Lesotho, Morocco, Norway, Qatar and Sweden. Presidents and/or Prime Ministers of: Afghanistan, Albania, Germany, Algeria, Australia, Armenia, Austria, Palestine, Azerbaijan, Bangladesh, Belgium, Benin, Bolivia, Bosnia, Brazil, Bulgaria, Cameroon, Canada, Chile, Cyprus, Colombia, South Korea, Costa Rica, Croatia, Cuba, Denmark, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, United Arab Emirates, Eslovaquia, Slovenia, Spain, United States, Estonia, Finland, Philippines, France, Georgia, Ghana, Guatemala, Equatorial Guinea, Haiti, The Nederland�s, Honduras, Hungary, India, Indonesia, Iran, Ireland, Mauritius, Israel, Italy, Japan, Kenya, Kosovo, Kuwait, Leetonia, Liban, Lithuania, Luxemburg, Macedonia, Madagascar, Malaysia, Mauritania, Mexico, Montenegro, Mozambique, Nicaragua, Nigeria, Norway, New Zealand, Pakistan, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Poland, Portugal, United Kingdom, Tchekia Republic, Congo Republic, Dominican Republic, Rumania, Russia, Rwanda, Senegal, Serbia, Serbia and Montenegro, Seychelles, Sierra Leona, Singapore, Syria, Sri Lanka, South Africa, Taiwan, Tanzania, Switzerland, Turkey, Uganda, Ukraine, Uruguay, Venezuela, Zimbabwe. Religious Leader: Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople. Spiritual Head of the Anglican Church General Director of Rabbis, Mr. Oded Viner, Head of the Orthodox Greek Church Head of the Orthodox Armenian Church Patriarch of the Turkish Armenian Church Metropolitan of Abjazia, Maronite Patriarch Head of the Protestant Church or Norway, Head of the Lutheran Church of Sweden, Sunni Community of Albania Albania Orthodox Archbishop Patriarch of the Orthodox Church of Ethiopia. International Organizations. European Union United Nations (Mr. Kofi Annan) Arab League (Mr. Amr Mussa) Nato These are, of course, the important ones, for in total there were 200 foreign delegations, an unprecedented number ever, 4 million plus, foreigners, of which 1 million plus mourners. For the USA citizens in this board. You would like to know that your representation, headed by Mr. Bush Jr., were the first ones to arrive and the first ones to kneel down before John Paul II�s body. Mr. Bush Sr. declared, shortly afterwards, that he had been on the verge of tears, which was not true, for he was seen on TV actually crying� Congratulations to all! Curious98 revdauphinee answered on 04/09/05: remember who has the real power! THE KING OF THE UNIIVERSE! our God arcura rated this answer curious98 rated this answer

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cliff_dweller asked on 04/09/05 - God in real life Do you think that God is present in your life? How does He make Himself real to you? revdauphinee answered on 04/09/05: If he was not in my life I would have no life !he is present even in the lives of those who dont believe they just refuse to see! Genesis 2: 7. the LORD God formed the man from the dust of the ground and (((breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living being.))) cliff_dweller rated this answer paraclete rated this answer

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arcura asked on 04/09/05 - There will be NO pre-conclave Catholic potitics.... That's the rules. What percentage of the Cardinals will abide? See here..... http://www.ewtn.com/holysee/Interregnum/before.asp revdauphinee answered on 04/09/05: I dont believe that casting a balot on anything can truly be devoid of politics arcura rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 04/09/05 - A funny little country? United States of Abnormality: it's like a foreign country By Richard Hinds April 9, 2005 This week I stumbled into a strange little country between the Atlantic and Pacific oceans, just to the south of Canada and the north of Mexico. It is called the United States of America. For those who have not embarked on the lengthy journey from the civilised world to this U-S-A - as its residents like to call it, often in loud voices at sporting and political events - it is an unusually isolated nation whose lack of contact with the outside world has produced many quaint idiosyncrasies. You are struck immediately by the fact that people, many in peculiarly large utes, drive on the wrong side of the road. National flags wave not just outside government buildings, but also on the front of suburban houses. This, you are told, is to support soldiers who are attempting to give the people of some other land - no one can point it out on a map, but it is definitely filled with evil - the same democratic right to call a piece of chicken covered in thick batter and a pile of greasy fried potatoes "food". But it is the manifold irregularities of American sporting competitions that strike you as being most absurd. For instance, the occupants of the bar to which I gravitated were glued to the TV screen watching a basketball game. If this was not strange enough, the match was between teams of college boys who were being shouted at by two men in sharp suits. It turned out these men were coaches on lucrative contracts - which seems a far cry from home, where university coaches traditionally drive the minibus to away games and take their turn throwing up in the stairwell on the way back after the post-match drinks, just like the players. On Wednesday, a sport that is described by the occupants of this far-flung land as their "national pastime" began its 162-game season. Baseball is a game in which, by a combination of brutal hurling and almost constant expectoration, the "pitcher" attempts to get out the "batter" (although apparently not the sort of batter in which the food at the venue is usually encrusted). It is an entertaining game celebrated by some wonderful writing in local chronicles. Lately, though, it has been immersed in scandal. Decades after steroids were discovered elsewhere, it has come to the attention of the U-S-A that the reason their baseballers were able to smash small balls into orbit with a stick was that they contained more juice than an orange grove. This revelation has led to government hearings and, belatedly, the imposition of new penalties. Before the season opened, the first steroid offender, Alex Sanchez, of the Tampa Bay Devil Rays, was struck with the full weight of the law. He was banned for 10 full days - which will cost him more than you might think. Also this week, Major League Baseball released the pay rolls of its teams. It was disclosed that the New York Yankees will pay their players $US200 million ($261m) this year and that 13 of the 28 on its roster would "earn" more than $US5 million each - per season! Hearing this, the nation's editors did some calculations, made hasty comparisons and agreed this was about the correct market rate. This, you see, is a country which believes its home-grown sportsmen are superhuman beings whose capabilities take them beyond the worth of so-called "regular people". Which is strange given the man voted as the best basketballer to be shouted at by men in sharp suits was an Australian, and we have a wicketkeeper who can slug the ball as far as any of these roid-chuggin' millionaires. But, lest this be seen as an unprovoked attack on a relatively harmless and insignificant sporting backwater, there are many good things about this America. For example, in nominating Lleyton Hewitt as the "Most Ornery Man in Sports" in a recent edition of the magazine Sports Illustrated, respected tennis writer L Jon Wertheim observed: "Hewitt's fury is so conspicuous and so jarring that his matches double as a sort of product placement for bile." Double credit to Wertheim. He not only correctly identified Hewitt was from Adelaide, not Alabama, he nailed a killer line. But my favourite product of American sport is the 24-hour Golf Channel which, unable to fill its schedule with minor league tournaments and instructional videos, has produced a golfing version of Survivor. Immunity can be won with a clever wedge or a tricky downhill six-footer, while a case of the yips is sure to get you voted out of the clubhouse. What a concept. What a funny little country. rhinds@smh.com.au I wonder what passes for religion in this funny little country? revdauphinee answered on 04/09/05: you forget that as of this month it is also a country where state sponsered murder is allowed! paraclete rated this answer

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arcura asked on 04/08/05 - For your information.................................. Check out this beautiful site. http://www.wtv-zone.com/Mary/forsakenroots.html revdauphinee answered on 04/09/05: the founders of this nation must be turning in thier graves at what it is becoming> arcura rated this answer

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Laura asked on 04/08/05 - Medical problem. I went to the doctor the other day because I have been feeling just generally bad. I was beginning to think I was just a big hypochondriac because I have so many weird symptoms. The doctor found a lump in the area of my thyroid and did some blood tests. He called today and said that I am hypothyroid and that the lump needs to be investigated further. I have an ultrasound sceduled for Monday. Please keep me in your thoughts. I'm nervous about all this and alittle scared. Thanks ahead of time. Laura revdauphinee answered on 04/09/05: You will be in my prayers laura but remember God is still in the mirracle business and I pray the tests bring you good news> Laura rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 04/08/05 - You have to Be Irish I know this has little to do with christianity but I thought I'd share it with you FINALLY, bad news from Ireland, where cattle exports fell by 200 per cent during 2004, according to the Irish Independent. So, I want to know, were they exporting negative cows by the end of the year? revdauphinee answered on 04/09/05: one of my Irish relatives used to say that the reason God made whiskey was so the Irish wouldnt rule the world! paraclete rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 04/08/05 - The Devil's work? Devil�s Work by Bill Melton The Devil made him do it. At least that�s what he said. It happened back when Jacob was in the first grade. I came home from work one night to find him in bed a little earlier than usual. His mother said, �Go ask your son what he did at school today.� Ain't it funny how ownership of children shifts from one parent to the other in such situations? Not one for cloak and dagger routines at home, I inquired as to what he had done. His mother said, �He cut holes in his new pants with a pair of safety scissors and his teacher caught him.� So I eased into his bedroom, turned on the lights, and found Jacob with the covers pulled up over his head. I pulled them down and found he wasn�t really asleep, just playing possum. �Son, how was your day at school?� �Just fine, Daddy.� �Is there anything that happened today you�d like to share with me?� �No, Daddy.� �Then,� I said, my voice rising and demeanor turning to that of R. Lee Ermey in his role as the drill instructor in the movie Full Metal Jacket, �who cut your pants?� And the crying started. And no, I didn�t make him get down on his knees and choke himself like R. Lee would�ve done. I told him to get out of bed and stand by for a spanking. As I began the usual line of questioning common to most parents who are preparing to give a beating, I continued in a manner that would make Gunnery Sergeant Ermey proud. �Why did you cut your pants?� �Sir, I don�t know, sir!� �You knew I would spank you, right?� �Sir, yes, sir!� �Then you wanted a spanking, didn�t you?� �Sir, no, sir!� �Then tell me why you cut your pants!� And with that Jacob stuck his bottom lip out, looked up at me, and then pointed at the floor and said, �The devil.� And I had to leave the room. Parents and drill instructors can�t laugh in front of their children or privates. Jacob also didn�t get a spanking. This time he got points for creativity. But nobody blames the devil anymore. Not directly anyway. Folks always blame their evilness on somebody or something other than themselves, but nobody gives the devil his due anymore. To even speak of the devil isn�t politically correct these days. Most preachers don�t even mention him, and some don�t even think he�s real. This is funny, too, since I've been a Christian all my life and learned early on that while most Christians don�t make it to church every Sunday, the devil doesn't miss a one. And the Devil is real. He stays busy too. Right now he�s having a ball in Iraq stirring up stinks on both sides of the track. But if you are still a skeptic about the reality of the devil, here are a few real life examples, direct from modern society, that prove beyond a shadow of a doubt the devil is real. Cell phones are of the devil. I actually carry two. There is nothing like never being able to get to a place where you can be left alone. There is also nothing like being in the middle of church or other function just to have some fool�s phone go off loudly to the tune of Popeye the Sailorman or some other obnoxious sound. Computers are of the devil. It�s amazing that a thing I didn�t own or possess ten years ago is the thing I now spend most of my life staring at. The devil also appears to have controlling interest in the Internet. Bonus cards are of the devil. There is nothing more aggravating than being asked by some cashier for a card I don�t have or want. They always point out how it will save me money, but that�s a crock. All I know is, if I had a store I wouldn�t have a card but I�d dang sure take everybody else�s. And finally, store bought tomatoes are a sure sign of the devil. If you haven�t planted at least one tomato plant by now, you should. I find it hard to believe that a nation that put a man on the moon over thirty years ago still can�t produce one measly store bought tomato that�s fit to eat. It could only be the work of the devil. revdauphinee answered on 04/09/05: this is the reason the devil is so effective these days,with such thinking he has free reign I quote from one of your answers May God help us all! "these "devil" stories should be reserved till Haloween. It's children's material, unworthy of serious attention here. Get real, man! paraclete rated this answer

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Choux asked on 04/08/05 - Finger in Chili a Hoax? Investigators now think that the finger in the cup of Wendy's Chili was a hoax perpetrated by the woman who bit into the finger. They think that she got the finger from a dead relative, put it into the chili in order to get a large settlement. The relative may be exhumed. revdauphinee answered on 04/08/05: as i said before it puts a nes slant on the term finger food doesnt it? Choux rated this answer Geedubya84 rated this answer

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arcura asked on 04/08/05 - One more opportunity to laugh. The we'll get serious again. I think. Well, maybe....... A golfer is in a competitive match with a friend, who is ahead by a couple of strokes. The golfer says to himself, "I'd give anything to sink this next putt." A stranger walks up to him and whispers, "Would you give up a fourth of your love life?" The golfer thinks the man is crazy and that his answer will be meaningless but also that perhaps this is a good omen and will put him in the right frame of mind to make the difficult putt and says, "OK.," then sinks the putt. Two holes later he mumbles to himself, "Boy, if I could only get an eagle on this hole." The same stranger moves to his side and says, "Would it be worth another fourth of love life?" The golfer shrugs and says, "Sure." And he makes an eagle. They are down to the final hol e. The golfer needs yet another eagle to win. Though he says nothing, the stranger moves to his side and says, "Would you be willing to give up all of your love life to win this match?" The golfer says, "Certainly," and makes the eagle. As the golfer walks to the club house, the stranger walks alongside and says, "You know, I've really not been fair with you because you don't know who I am. I'm the devil and from now on you will have no love life." "Nice to meet you," says the golfer. "My name's Father O'Malley." revdauphinee answered on 04/08/05: that one I had not heard good one though arcura rated this answer

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tony052071 asked on 04/08/05 - PETER IS THE BODY OF PETER BURIED IN ISRAEL OR ROME. WHO KILLED HIM? DIDN'T HE DIE BEFORE THE CATHOLIC CHURCH WAS EVEN FORMED? revdauphinee answered on 04/08/05: St. Peter laboured in Rome during the last portion of his life, and there ended his earthly course by martyrdom. As to the duration of his Apostolic activity in the Roman capital, the continuity or otherwise of his residence there, the details and success of his labours, and the chronology of his arrival and death, all these questions are uncertain, and can be solved only on hypotheses more or less well-founded. The essential fact is that Peter died at Rome: this constitutes the historical foundation of the claim of the Bishops of Rome to the Apostolic Primacy of Peter. St. Peter's residence and death in Rome are established beyond contention as historical facts by a series of distinct testimonies extending from the end of the first to the end of the second centuries, and issuing from several lands. tomder55 rated this answer tony052071 rated this answer

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FormerJesusHelper76 asked on 04/08/05 - A Cute Joke Subject: Fw: Baptist Dog -Thought this was cute enough to pass along ----- Ever mindful of the congregation, the Baptist preacher and his wife decided to get a new dog, and knew that the dog also had to be a Baptist. They visited kennel after kennel and explained their needs. Finally, they found a kennel whose owner assured them he had just the dog they wanted. The owner brought the dog to meet the pastor and his wife. "Fetch the Bible," he commanded. The dog bounded to the bookshelf, scrutinized the books, located the Bible, and brought it to the owner. "Now find Psalm 23," he commanded. The dog dropped the Bible to the floor, and showing marvelous dexterity with his paws, leafed through and finding the correct passage, pointed to it with his paw. The pastor and his wife were very impressed and purchased the dog. That evening, a group of church members came to visit. The pastor and his&nbs p;wife began to show off the dog, having him locate several Bible verses. The visitors were very impressed. One man asked, "Can he do regular dog tricks, too?" "I haven't tried yet," the pastor replied. He pointed his finger at the dog. "HEEL!" the pastor commanded. The dog immediately jumped on a chair, placed one paw on the pastors forehead and began to howl. The pastor looked at his wife in shock and said, "Good Lord! "He's Pentecostal!" revdauphinee answered on 04/08/05: I guess i am old I had heard this also but t is funny FormerJesusHelper76 rated this answer

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arcura asked on 04/08/05 - Does your denomination embrace the Aposltle's Creed? If so what are the words you say? Here is what the Catholics say. The Apostle's Creed I believe in God the Father Almighty, Creator of Heaven and earth, and in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord Who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried. He descended into Hell; the third day He arose again from the dead; He ascended into Heaven and is seated at the right hand of God the Father Almighty, from thence He shall come to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the Holy Catholic Church, the Communion of Saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and life everlasting. Amen. Thanks for your answers on this, Fred revdauphinee answered on 04/08/05: so do the anglicans and episcopalians I see nothing amis in believing this arcura rated this answer

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hOPE12 asked on 04/08/05 - What is this talking about? Hello Everyone, The Bible book of Revelations speaks of a �great city,� a �kingdom� that rules other kings. Rev. 17:18 Like a city, it would have many organizations within it; and like a kingdom that includes other kings in its domain, it would be international in scope. It is described as having relations with political rulers and contributing much to the wealth of men in commerce, while itself being a third element that �has become a dwelling place of demons� and a persecutor of �prophets and of holy ones.�Rev. 18:2, 9-17, 24. Can someone please explain to me what this is speaking about? Thanks, Take care, Hope12 revdauphinee answered on 04/08/05: ever hear of the European Union???think about it hOPE12 rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 04/08/05 - Papal trivia New Pope will be assassinated: Nostradamus April 8, 2005 The Pope elected to succeed John Paul II will be assassinated and his death will spark a Muslim invasion of the West that will split the Catholic church, according to an interpretation of Nostradamus's prophecies by a leading Colombian author. "The next Pope elected will be subsequently murdered in central Italy. Then comes Pope number 112, who will flee Rome because of an attack by Muslims," Gonzalo Echeverri, a Colombian investigating judge and author of a book on Nostradamus told AFP. Echeverri said the Pope would base himself in Avignon, France and another pontiff would take control in Italy, splitting the Catholic church in two. "There is a very clear prophecy that says the holy father will move to another place, even warning that the French Pope will not be able to stay in Avignon due to the Muslim invasion and will flee again to Lyon, where he will be attacked, according to Nostradamus," Echeverri said. Avignon was a base for Popes for much of the 14th century, another time of grave divisions in the church and Europe. Nostradamus was a 16th-century scholar who made prophecies. His supporters say he predicted the French Revolution, the rise of Hitler and the assassination of President John F Kennedy. AFP This would be serious but the authour didn't took the trouble to realise that the next Pope will be the 240 sum Pope and therefore he doesn't qualify as number 112. Also we have done the Avignon and Muslim thing already. They Invaded the West already. So what say you will history repeat itself? revdauphinee answered on 04/08/05: fortunatly I rely on God for my prophecy and not Nostradamus however time will tell wontit? paraclete rated this answer

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Choux asked on 04/07/05 - Being Correct Is there a misconception that the Holy Spirit of Christianity is about *being correct*??? Comments please about the nature of the Holy Spirit. revdauphinee answered on 04/08/05: in my previous answer I commented that you said The Pope is only infallable on matters of *faith and morals*. In my oppinion the acts of the holy spirit are a mater of faith! Choux rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 04/07/05 - On the leadership of the Holy Spirit #3 A number of our good catholic experts have suggested that I have been less that truthfull in my questioning of Cardinal George Pells statement. They say they can't read the transcript Here is what was said on this subject on the April 6 program Dateline "GEORGE NEGUS: Cardinal, I don't mean this in a facetious or a sacrilegious way, but how does the Holy Spirit guide people like yourself in the conclave when there has to be politics involved, there has to be ideology involved, there has to be numbers involved, is the Holy Spirit a good political numbers man? " CARDINAL GEORGE PELL: No, sometimes He gets it right, sometimes He gets it wrong. But the Holy Spirit always works through free individuals. We try to listen to one another, we try to think, we try to discern what the church needs and to come to some consensus. The Holy Spirit only works through humans and through natural means generally. I've received no special inspiration. GEORGE NEGUS: It's interesting though you said sometimes the Holy Spirit can get it wrong? CARDINAL GEORGE PELL: Yes, well there have been bad popes in history. " What I would like to know is how can a Church be led by an infalliable Pope being counselled by a falliable Holy Spirit? Something is terribly wrong with the doctrine here, or that Church is being led by the wrong people. revdauphinee answered on 04/08/05: question choux!You quote ''The Pope is only infallable on matters of *faith and morals*.'' are not he actions of the holy spirit part of faith?? they are in my book! paraclete rated this answer

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sapphire630 asked on 04/07/05 - Choux: Why we like these ideas According to the Bible the afterlife is far more glorious and unimaginable than the best life anyone could ever dream of here on earth. Everyone help me out here: What do verses you see in the Bible to affirm this? revdauphinee answered on 04/08/05: at the right time heaven will be on earth and there will be no more problems here revelation 21:2. I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. 3. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, "Now the dwelling of God is with men, and he will live with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. If heaven is where God resides and God is coming to dwell with Man would that not sugest earth will become heaven??? sapphire630 rated this answer

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bal317 asked on 04/07/05 - Why can't Carter go? Can someone please tell me. What was the conflict(I think,I heard something), behind the problem, that. Former President Jimmy Carter could not attend Pope John Paul II's funeral. I thought if it was setting. Then out of respect should'nt Mrs. Bush of stayed home and allowed the men to of gone, like the rest of the wives? Thank you, bal317 revdauphinee answered on 04/08/05: simple if your not invited you dont go! bal317 rated this answer ETWolverine rated this answer

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Choux asked on 04/07/05 - Follow-Up to Hope's Question Hope asked if we beleive in an afterlife, and if so or not, reasons for our opinions. I would like to ask, why would a person want to "live" without a body? To me, that sounds like a horror! Why want to have an afterlife at all? Isn't death peace at last? revdauphinee answered on 04/08/05: you will have a body ,one without aches pains or worries I can hardly wait! Choux rated this answer

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excon asked on 04/07/05 - Context Hello again, experts: It occurs to me that many of my beliefs about life were made in a scientific context. In other words, I believe science first and foremost. Do you? The answer is either yes or no. I don't believe you can pick and choose. Let's not be coy, here. I mean specifically, do you believe the earth is around 11 billion years old or only around 6,000 years? Do you believe we evolved from monkies? Can you believe both science and religion? Why are they opposites? excon revdauphinee answered on 04/08/05: for me it poses no problems since science gives a different time line for creation ,and scripture says a day is as a thousand yeard to the Lord why do we have to put everything in human time lines they happened and even if things evolved there has to be somewhere in there intelegent design!that intelegence is God! excon rated this answer

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excon asked on 04/07/05 - Terri Hello experts: I don't have the answers. Terri's case only raised more questions for me. Those would be: 1. If one's final wishes aren't written, can we take someone's word? 2. Who's word? Husband? Parents? Friend (witnesses)? 3. If someone doesn't like what someone�s final wishes are, can they change them? 4. Who can? Husband? Parents? Preacher? Congressman? President? 5. Is food medical care? 6. Does a state operate as a state anymore? 7. Can congress pass a law relating to only one individual? 8. Can congress pass a law that requires a federal court to intervene in a State court's decision just because the don't like the decision the state court made? 9. Should the congressional leaders threaten those very federal judges because they didn't toe the party line? 10. Should those congressional leaders be allowed to ram through their choices for federal judges (by killing the filibuster), in spite of the Constitutional safeguards? I have more, but these'll do for now. excon revdauphinee answered on 04/08/05: food is not medical care it is an essential for sustaining life this woman would not have died when she did had it not been removed!sh was not dying she was disabled.this was murder. excon rated this answer

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STONY asked on 04/07/05 - FOR YA'LL FLA. RESIDENTS.... YOU NO LONGER NEED TO QUIVER IN FEAR OF CRIMINALS OR CARJACKERS IN OUR STATE. YESTERDAY THE GOV. SIGNED INTO LAW THE RIGHT TO FIGHT BACK WITH FORCE AND IT GOES INTO EFFECT ON OCT.1, 2005. WHAT IT BASICALLY SAYS IS THIS, BREAK INTO MY HOUSE AND YOU CAN LEAVE WITH THIRTY SLUGS YOU DID NOT BRING WITH YOU WHEN YOU ENTERED. ATTEMPT TO JACK MY CAR AND YOU WILL GET A FREE RIDE IN THE AMBULANCE AS THEY CART YOUR BODY AWAY BECAUSE THIS CITIZEN IS ARMED AND DANGEROUS. I REMEMBER THE COCAINE COWBOYS OF THE 80'S AND THE LAW IS NOT ON THE SIDE OF THE CRIMINAL ANYMORE. IT AIN'T FREE REIGN ON FLORIDIANS ANYMORE. CRIMINALS TAKE NOTICE BECAUSE AN OLD TEXAS SAYING IS COMING TO PASS HERE IN THIS STATE, "IF YOU [MESS] WITH THE BULL YOU GET THE HORNS ALSO." JUST SLIGHTLY CLEANED UP. revdauphinee answered on 04/08/05: I wouldnt live in florida if i could go there and live for free!they may alow you to kill a burgular this is not a great surprice since this state also sponsered killing inocents by starvation! STONY rated this answer

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Itsdb asked on 04/07/05 - Non-Terminal Patients Should Not be Denied Food We all heard how a CBS poll said 66% of Americans sided with Michael Schiavo and said "do not re-insert" the feeding tube for Terri. Are they sure about that? Try this Zogby poll... "A poll completed after the controversial death of Terri Schiavo finds that eight-in-ten (80%) likely voters say that a disabled person who is not terminally ill or in a coma, and not being kept alive by life support should not, in the absence of a written directive to the contrary, be denied food and water. By a three-to-one (44% to 14%) margin, likely voters say that, when there is conflicting evidence on the wishes of a patient, elected officials should order that a feeding tube remain in place. The survey, conducted by Zogby International on behalf of the Christian Defense Coalition, was conducted March 30 to April 2, 2005 and has a margin of error of +/-3.2 percentage points. The same poll also finds a majority (56%) agree that Schiavo�s husband Michael should have turned guardianship for the severely-disabled woman over to her parents based on his decision to have a long-term serious relationship with another woman. By a two-to-one (44% to 24%) margin, with one-in-three (32%) undecided, the survey finds that an incapacitated person should be presumed to want to live in the absence of written instructions such as a �living will.� Likely voters in the survey are closely divided on a number of other issues, including whether it is proper for the federal government to intervene in a case similar to Schiavo�s. When asked if it is proper for federal officials to intervene when disabled people are denied food and water by a state court judge, respondents were deadlocked, with 44% favoring such intervention, and 43% opposed. The survey did find overwhelming consensus, however, when the question turned to government intervention in cases where basic civil rights were being denied. Three-quarters (74%) of likely voters say that it is proper for the federal government to intervene in such a case; just one-in-five (19%) disagree. Zogby International conducted interviews of 1019 likely voters nationwide on behalf of the Christian Defense Coalition. All calls were made from Zogby International headquarters in Utica, N.Y., March 30 through April 2, 2005. The margin of error is +/-3.2 percentage points. Slight weights were added to region, party, age, race, religion, and gender to more accurately reflect the voting population. Margins of error are higher in sub-groups." Why the difference? revdauphinee answered on 04/08/05: the bottom lint in this case is terry schrivo was by no means terminal she was living breathing without assistance and had she no been Murdered she could have lived without any machines help she was disabled she was no more dying than are the rest of us (will all die sometime )if she could have lived had nourishment not been denoed then by definition this was state sponsered murder,and if you are dissabled beware! Itsdb rated this answer

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powderpuff asked on 04/07/05 - polygamy, Did God or Jesus ever speak against it? Our laws are not necessarily the same as God's divine laws. For the sake of law and order, yes (1 Peter 2:13-14), we should submit to our government's authority because it has the task of keeping orderliness and peace over the people it governs, but government does not decide on what is holy and what is not. Man's laws can be changed according to what the government or the people see as good or beneficial at any particular point in time. Did God or Jesus ever speak against polygamy? Are there any scriptures against it? Will God be judging people according to His Law? Or will God judge us to man's laws that changes from time to time and are sometimes inconsistent with His law? What about when man's law does not measure up to God's standard of holiness, by which law will be we judged? Polygamy was never outlawed in Biblical times, was it? If we want to claim that polygamy is immoral because it was outlawed by man, can we be sure God will not throw us into Hell just because we violate man's law when we litter or jay walk? revdauphinee answered on 04/08/05: do we not worship the God of the old testament?the god who is creator?did he not create one woman for Adam?or did he give him many?this shoul answer your question! also he said in Deuteronomy 17:17. He must not take many wives, or his heart will be led astray. Titus1: 6. An elder must be blameless, the husband of but one wife, powderpuff rated this answer

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arcura asked on 04/06/05 - In a comment I made to another Christian group.... Some Catholics said that they though Momon's were not Chrisitans. I thought you mind be interested in my point of view on that. Here is what I offered. "If we are to claim that those the do not baptize as Catholics do are not Christians How about those do not that consecrate the Eucharist, or hold Mary in high esteem, or pray to the saints, or have icons in their buildings of worship, or use holy water, or chant, or the clergy wear seasonal vestments or have a pope. Are they who do not do all that not Christian? There is said to be the five basic fundamentals of Christianity. They are all mentioned in the Apostles Creed. Many denominations claim that those hold those five to be the truth are the only Christians. Personally I disagree. Those the Baptize in the name of Jesus only are said to be non Christian. Yet the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit is another name for God. AS IS EACH ONE OF THOSE THREE. The Father is God, The Son is God, The Holy Spirit is God, Therefore we hold that Jesus the son of God is God and to call on his name we address GOD. How about the Independent Baptist Church. They claim to believe in no creed. They do not say the Apostle's creed. Are they not Christian? Yet they are said to be strong fundamentalists. They are also quick to claim that some other denominations are not Christian. Does that make them not Christians? Some claim that the Jesus is not God, but they believe He is the Son of God. Does that make them not Christians? Where do we draw the line? Or should we not do so and let God do that? Should we not be charitable As is God and Jesus? God is Love. To be charitable is an act of Love. To Love with charity is to emulate God. Isn't that something we are supposed to do? I think those sects, groups, churches, that teach and hold Jesus to be the Son of God who suffered, died, and rose from the dead to be the Saviour; the promised Messiah should be fairly called Christian. Now, What do YOU PERSOALLY think about that?" Peace and kindness, Fred revdauphinee answered on 04/06/05: what I personaly think is no denomination has predominance in Gods eyes ,and to say so is wrong!there are true believers in all of them and we should not put others down we may agree to disagree with certain doctrines and tenets however God loves all his people and he tells us in John 10:16. I have other sheep that are not of this sheep pen. I must bring them also. They too will listen to my voice, and there shall be one flock and one shepherd. so if we belong to a different pasture (or denomination )we should not dispute their ability for him to love them as much as we! arcura rated this answer Pete_Hanysz rated this answer paraclete rated this answer

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hOPE12 asked on 04/06/05 - Have you thought about this: Hello Everyone, With the large amount of people in Rome at this time and with more crowds to come, even leaders, and President Bush and his father and President Clinton and others, what do you think can happen? Don't you feel that this is a prime target for terrorists? After all most of the leaders from different countries will be there. Wow, I am sure glad not to be there, for if the terrorists really want to get revenge, people are just asking for it then. What you think? Take care, Hope12 revdauphinee answered on 04/06/05: could be! however I think possibly, not as there will be people of various faiths attending and the major target is mostly christian westerners. hOPE12 rated this answer Liz22 rated this answer

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hOPE12 asked on 04/06/05 - Many opinionos, what is yours? Hello Experts, This being a board of experts from all walks of life, do you feel personally that the dead will, or will not, live again? Please state why you feel the way you do, and have you always felt that way? Take care, Hope12 revdauphinee answered on 04/06/05: I believe they will since I am abeliever in the word of God (Dn.12:2-3 2 Multitudes who sleep in the dust of the earth will awake: some to everlasting life, others to shame and everlasting contempt. (Isa.26:19 But your dead will live; their bodies will rise. You who dwell in the dust, wake up and shout for joy. Your dew is like the dew of the morning; the earth will give birth to her dead. ) 5 This is what the Sovereign LORD says to these bones: I will make breath enter you, and you will come to life. 6 I will attach tendons to you and make flesh come upon you and cover you with skin; I will put breath in you, and you will come to life. Then you will know that I am the LORD.'" 13 Then you, my people, will know that I am the LORD, when I open your graves and bring you up from them. 14 I will put my Spirit in you and you will live, hOPE12 rated this answer paraclete rated this answer

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Liz22 asked on 04/06/05 - What makes you a true Christian expert? Jesus helper made an excellent post, may I ask are you a Christian? This also brings up the question, why are non-Christians Experts here, and how can they help others whom are looking for answers related in the Lord Jesus Christ in answering questions? revdauphinee answered on 04/06/05: Just my oppinion but I personaly do not feel that none believers quailfy as experts on Christianity .How can you be an expert on something you simply dont believe in??? arcura rated this answer Liz22 rated this answer STONY rated this answer

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curious98 asked on 04/06/05 - John Paul II's funeral This is really unheard of. More than 4 million people are expected in Rome next by Friday for the funeral of Pope John Paul II. Roman authorities are afraid the city will be collapsed by such huge mass of people. Only from Poland two million are expected. 250.000 from Spain. Travel agencies and tour operators all over Europe are going cracy trying to find plane tickets and accomodation for thousands of customers. 200 foreign official delegations led by kings, princes, presidents, prime ministers. Thus Mr. George W. Bush, will attend the funeral along with all the presidents of the USA still alive. Mr. Koffi Anan. Even Fidel Castro has confirmed his arrival. And a most extraordinary religious and spiritual delegation led, for the first time in history, by Monsignor Rowan Williams, Archbishop of Canterbury, as spiritual head of the Anglican Church of England� It is as if a wave of hysterics would be spreading over the whole world. Can anyone boast of a larger assistance to any funeral of any personality anywhere, anytime? And the future conclave has just now been announced for Monday 18th. Any guess as to his nationality and colour? Rumors are that American Cardinals (from both North and South America would see with good ayes a color Pope like Cardinal Francis Arinze, Archbishop of Onitsha (Nigeria) Curious98 revdauphinee answered on 04/06/05: "all the presidents of the USA still alive" incorrect Jimmy Carter will not!!! curious98 rated this answer tomder55 rated this answer

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FormerJesusHelper76 asked on 04/06/05 - Would you Run??????? This is good!!! Ask yourself the question of "would you run" after you read this!!! Would you run? Imagine this happening to you... One Sunday morning during service, a 2,000 member congregation was surprised to see two men enter, both covered from head to toe in black and carrying submachine guns. One of the men proclaimed, "Anyone willing to take a bullet for Christ remain where you are." Immediately, the choir fled... the deacons fled... and most of the congregation fled.... Out of the 2,000 there only remained around 20. The man who had spoken took off his hood... He then looked at the preacher and said "Okay Pastor, I got rid of all the hypocrites... Now you may begin your service. Have a nice day!" And the two men turned and walked out. TOO DEEP TO NOT PASS ON.. *Funny how simple it is for people to trash God .... and then wonder why the world is in the condition it is today.... *Funny how we believe what the newspapers say... but question what the Bible says... *Funny how everyone wants to go to heaven... provided they do not have to believe, think, say, or do anything the Bible says. or is it scary? *Funny how someone can say "I believe in God"... but still follow Satan (who, by the way, also "believes"in God). *Funny how you can send a thousand 'jokes' through e-mail and they spread like wildfire... but when you start sending messages regarding the Lord, you think twice about sharing. *Funny how the lewd, crude, vulgar and obscene pass freely through cyberspace... but the public discussion of Jesus is suppressed in the school and work place. *Funny, isn't it? Funny how someone can be so fired up for Christ on Sunday... but be an invisible Christian the rest of the week. Are you laughing? *Funny how when you go to forward this message... you will not send it to many on your address list because you're not sure what they believe... or what they will think of you for sending it to them. *Funny how I can be more worried about what other people think of me... ... than what God thinks of me. Are you thinking? Will you share this with people you care about? Or not? I picked you~ May the Lord bless you and keep you, May the Lord make His face to shine upon you, And be gracious to you; May the Lord lift up His favour upon you And give you His peace. revdauphinee answered on 04/06/05: sory to burst you bubble but I wouldnt run! My physical condition prevents my running! FormerJesusHelper76 rated this answer Liz22 rated this answer

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Choux asked on 04/05/05 - Terri Schiavo has been buried in Pennsylvania. Final thuoghts? revdauphinee answered on 04/06/05: depends on your personal defination of love.If it is self serving love i guess it is possible however if it is truly love then it is not !his last act of removing her body to a state not easily accesable to her parents in my oppinion was a further act of cruelty.In my own personal oppinion (aND WE ALL HAVE OPPINIONS)I feel this man has something to hide and should be investigated > Choux rated this answer Liz22 rated this answer tomder55 rated this answer

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FormerJesusHelper76 asked on 04/05/05 - Sensitivities Do you believe that being sensitive is a gift or a curse? Or could it be both depending on the situation? Some people are able to pick up on others energies and emotions. How does this effect everybody? How do we when we are emotional or sensitive learn how not to bring us to a point of not enjoying life, or being upset and depressed? Joe revdauphinee answered on 04/05/05: both depending on the situation? FormerJesusHelper76 rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 04/05/05 - Feeling a little depressed? This will give you a lift www.cse.unsw.edu.au/~geoffo/humour/flattery.html revdauphinee answered on 04/05/05: liked it so much sent in to some friends thanks! paraclete rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 04/05/05 - How do you remove rhetoric from reality? I'm greatly disturbed by a statement I just witnessed on the PBS program "newshour" An american female was being interviewed regarding the Late Pope and she said "we know he will always be there and we can pray to him" Surely catholics dont equate the Pope to God, to Christ, don't think he now has any ability to answer prayer, surely the catholic church has moved on from this nonsense of saints as intercessors revdauphinee answered on 04/05/05: this is one point where I depart from Catholic dogma they believe a saint or even Mary can hear prayers and mediate with the father on there behalf,The Bibble clearly states that we have but one mediator . (Jn.14:6 Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. ) paraclete rated this answer Pete_Hanysz rated this answer

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Choux asked on 04/04/05 - Time Line I was looking for a timeline such as the following. Can anyone fill in any dates from Ŕ" to say 蕦 CE"??? 33 CE -Joshua Dies ?? Paul on the Road to Damascus ?? Epistle to the Corinthians ?? What's going on?? Peter died probably in, say he lived 72 years, about 72 CE. Where are these events listed in history books? 400 something-Constantine makes Christianity the religion of the Roman Empire. Just Curious revdauphinee answered on 04/05/05: Im not sure since it has been a while since I read it but you may get an answerin the works of Josephus Choux rated this answer

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Choux asked on 04/04/05 - St Peter On of the apostles, Peter, is said to be the first leader of the Catholic Church, the first Pope. Wsn't he long gone before the Catholic Church was officially founded? Weren't there scattered Christian sects like the gnostics, etc first? What is a credible timeline? revdauphinee answered on 04/05/05: Matt.16:18 And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it. Choux rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 04/04/05 - Philosophical questions # 1 Where does religion begin, and how are you to distinguish it from mere superstition? revdauphinee answered on 04/05/05: how many times does it need to be said Christians need no proof!If you do then its up to you to find it we wont we know! (Heb.11:1-39 1 Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. (Jn.20: 29 Then Jesus told him, "Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed." paraclete rated this answer

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Choux asked on 04/04/05 - Dead Pope 24/7 I can't take it anymore!! The Funeral isn't until Friday!! I rely on cable TV for entertainment, and all this coverage of the dead Pope is a downer!! revdauphinee answered on 04/05/05: a great man has died what is wrong with a few days of recognition and as others have said last time I checked my tv had 200 plus chanels .Maybee youd rather watch the playboy chanel? Chilloutinparis rated this answer Choux rated this answer

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Pete_Hanysz asked on 04/04/05 - Semi Royal Wedding Prince Charles has postponed his wedding to Camilla Parker-Bowles. The marriage was due to take place on Friday, the same day as the Pope�s funeral. Bearing in mind what the English royal family got up to in the 16th century, could the Vatican be finally seeking it�s gentle revenge? revdauphinee answered on 04/05/05: dont you think the revenge would be his having to look at camilla evey morning!!! Pete_Hanysz rated this answer

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sapphire630 asked on 04/04/05 - Here is some of what it is coming to "Should a child who was born handicapped due to a genetic defect that should have been detected by his mother's doctor, be allowed to sue for damages, claiming *wrongful life*, i.e., that he would have been better off not being born at all?" answer this here and at www-hsc.usc.edu/~mbernste/ethics.wrongful_life.html revdauphinee answered on 04/04/05: No since God has a purpose for him! if he was born! even disabled people are of value to our God!I say this even if there are those on here that would not agree ,Some folks have mental disabilities that are not as obvious are they not valuable to someone??? sapphire630 rated this answer

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ETWolverine asked on 04/04/05 - Living wills Hello everyone. The Terri Schiavo case has increased the number of people who are asking their legal counsel about living wills. As a courtesy, a number of legal websites, newspapers, etc. have printed templates of living wills that people can use as the basis for creating their own living wills. I happen to think this is a good thing, and a service that everyone should take advantage of. However, every version of the living wills that I have seen call for doctors to STOP giving life-saving care at a certain point... whatever that point may be (incapacitation, coma, PVS, brain-death, whatever). But I have not seen a single living will form that says "In the event of my incapacitation, I wish to LIVE, and have the doctors continue to administer care until my death occurs. I do not want the plug to be pulled or care to be interrupted until my natural death occurs." First, why is there no such form on file? Second, how can I make such a form for myself, those being my wishes? Elliot revdauphinee answered on 04/04/05: I got one at Legaldocs.com try there ETWolverine rated this answer

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hOPE12 asked on 04/04/05 - Here is something that we should all think about: Hello Everyone, We live in a world that gives the most honors to those who have prestige and money or popularity. I for one mourn those who are not popular to the people and those who are thrown away as garbage after their death. I do not mourn those with neither prestige, nor honor or give worship to any man. We see people all over the world blown up and little babies starving to death, people dying of all kinds of dreadful causes, such as Aids and other horrible conditions. Yet, who is given the most notice and honor and pomp? The world has lost the balance of what true love for all mankind really is. Jesus Christ himself did not honor any man, but was always seeker of the poor and helpless and only gave honor to the one who deserves of honor alone, his heavenly Father. I guess that is why Jesus himself said �he is no part of the world.� Neither would his followers be part of this world. John 17:16 "They are no part of the world, just as I am no part of the world." The world balance on what is important has lost it�s balance. The rich and famous and the powerful receive much honor and thousands of dollars are spent in showing honor and tribute to them, while the poor baby or child in this world are thrown in a ditch at the side of the road in some countries. How sad, when one who looses their life is given honor and dignity and respect at much coast, while another is thrown away as if their life had no meaning. just as we would throw awaya garbage. Is there something wrong with this? I am sure having trouble understanding it. In my religion, we do not regard funerals as sacraments, but we do recognize that these sad events offer occasion for giving consolation. By attending them, we know we can give evidence of the love and respect that we had for our fellow Christian. We do not pray for the dead for they are dead, but we do give them a proper burial and we pray for the family left behind. We do not pray for the dead because we believe that their future is now in God's hands and there is nothing more we can do for them. We can though help the family memebers of the one who died to deal with their loved ones death. And we may be moved to think more seriously on the meaning of life, about how we each should be using our own life before God. And how that all human beings are precious in God�s sight. We therefore would keep our balance when mourning. The rich, the powerful, those with prestige and the poor are all equally precious to God. we do not show one more respect then the another and we feel that all persons should be thought of as a life that we love being gone until God sees fit to resurrect them. One persons life is not more important then another. Oh, if only we could have God�s thoughts on the matter of all life being precious to him. If our accomplishements are greater then anothers, we should not receive any greater respect or be honored. For what we do is what we should do, for without the strength of God, we can do nothing at all. The apostle Paul wrote that �a large door that leads to activity� had been opened to him. 1 Corinthians 16:9. Our circumstances may permit us to enter a door to spiritual activity. Engaging in the ministry, for example, involves much effort and sacrifice. These full time servants are appreciated by fellow Christians for their faithful service. But the fact that they spend more time in the ministry does not make them feel superior to others Christians. Instead all Christians should cultivate the attitude encouraged by Jesus: Luke 17:7-10 :� 7 �Who of YOU is there that has a slave plowing or minding the flock who will say to him when he gets in from the field, �Come here at once and recline at the table�? 8 Rather, will he not say to him, �Get something ready for me to have my evening meal, and put on an apron and minister to me until I am through eating and drinking, and afterward you can eat and drink�? 9 He will not feel gratitude to the slave because he did the things assigned, will he? 10 So YOU, also, when YOU have done all the things assigned to YOU, say, �We are good-for-nothing slaves. What we have done is what we ought to have done.�� Yes, those with special privileges of spiritual activity, should be grateful and those around them should not pay tribute and great honor to them , for what a slave of God does in that ministry is what they should have done. In our religion we treat all those that die equally for they will all stand before their maker and in what better hands could they be in. "We also use whatever means we have, to help those who are still alive and in need of help. The dead are just that dead and we can not do a single thing for them. Eccl. 9: 5 For the living know that they will die, but the dead know nothing, and they have no more reward; but the memory of them is lost. 6 Their love and their hate and their envy have already perished, and they have no more for ever any share in all that is done under the sun." This shows that there life on earth is over and there is nothing we can do for them they are in God's memory or hands. Take care, Hope12 revdauphinee answered on 04/04/05: hope you know I care for you but there is no wrong in feeling sad (not for them for they go to BETTER PLACE )but for ourselves as they will be missed by us .we are (Many of us)mourning the present situation concerning the late Pope .I am not a Catholic my self but I know this was a good man who will be greatly missed here on earth and welcomed home by his father in heaven.I look at him not as a Catholic prelate but rather as a truly good human and he will be hard to replace> hOPE12 rated this answer

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hOPE12 asked on 04/04/05 - Here is something that we should all think about: Hello Everyone, We live in a world that gives the most honors to those who have prestige and money or popularity. I for one mourn those who are not popular to the people and those who are thrown away as garbage after their death. I do not mourn those with neither prestige, nor honor or give worship to any man. We see people all over the world blown up and little babies starving to death, people dying of all kinds of dreadful causes, such as Aids and other horrible conditions. Yet, who is given the most notice and honor and pomp? The world has lost the balance of what true love for all mankind really is. Jesus Christ himself did not honor any man, but was always seeker of the poor and helpless and only gave honor to the one who deserves of honor alone, his heavenly Father. I guess that is why Jesus himself said �he is no part of the world.� Neither would his followers be part of this world. John 17:16 "They are no part of the world, just as I am no part of the world." The world balance on what is important has lost it�s balance. The rich and famous and the powerful receive much honor and thousands of dollars are spent in showing honor and tribute to them, while the poor baby or child in this world are thrown in a ditch at the side of the road in some countries. How sad, when one who looses their life is given honor and dignity and respect at much coast, while another is thrown away as if their life had no meaning. just as we would throw awaya garbage. Is there something wrong with this? I am sure having trouble understanding it. In my religion, we do not regard funerals as sacraments, but we do recognize that these sad events offer occasion for giving consolation. By attending them, we know we can give evidence of the love and respect that we had for our fellow Christian. We do not pray for the dead for they are dead, but we do give them a proper burial and we pray for the family left behind. We do not pray for the dead because we believe that their future is now in God's hands and there is nothing more we can do for them. We can though help the family memebers of the one who died to deal with their loved ones death. And we may be moved to think more seriously on the meaning of life, about how we each should be using our own life before God. And how that all human beings are precious in God�s sight. We therefore would keep our balance when mourning. The rich, the powerful, those with prestige and the poor are all equally precious to God. we do not show one more respect then the another and we feel that all persons should be thought of as a life that we love being gone until God sees fit to resurrect them. One persons life is not more important then another. Oh, if only we could have God�s thoughts on the matter of all life being precious to him. If our accomplishements are greater then anothers, we should not receive any greater respect or be honored. For what we do is what we should do, for without the strength of God, we can do nothing at all. The apostle Paul wrote that �a large door that leads to activity� had been opened to him. 1 Corinthians 16:9. Our circumstances may permit us to enter a door to spiritual activity. Engaging in the ministry, for example, involves much effort and sacrifice. These full time servants are appreciated by fellow Christians for their faithful service. But the fact that they spend more time in the ministry does not make them feel superior to others Christians. Instead all Christians should cultivate the attitude encouraged by Jesus: Luke 17:7-10 :� 7 �Who of YOU is there that has a slave plowing or minding the flock who will say to him when he gets in from the field, �Come here at once and recline at the table�? 8 Rather, will he not say to him, �Get something ready for me to have my evening meal, and put on an apron and minister to me until I am through eating and drinking, and afterward you can eat and drink�? 9 He will not feel gratitude to the slave because he did the things assigned, will he? 10 So YOU, also, when YOU have done all the things assigned to YOU, say, �We are good-for-nothing slaves. What we have done is what we ought to have done.�� Yes, those with special privileges of spiritual activity, should be grateful and those around them should not pay tribute and great honor to them , for what a slave of God does in that ministry is what they should have done. In our religion we treat all those that die equally for they will all stand before their maker and in what better hands could they be in. "We also use whatever means we have, to help those who are still alive and in need of help. The dead are just that dead and we can not do a single thing for them. Eccl. 9: 5 For the living know that they will die, but the dead know nothing, and they have no more reward; but the memory of them is lost. 6 Their love and their hate and their envy have already perished, and they have no more for ever any share in all that is done under the sun." This shows that there life on earth is over and there is nothing we can do for them they are in God's memory or hands. Take care, Hope12 revdauphinee answered on 04/04/05: hope all human life is valuabl however we cannot know all people therefore we can only miss ones we either know or at least know about,I fully understand your point I just wanted to give a little insight into why people mourn>actualy we should not feel sad but rather rejoice for the departed believers since they are going home to a far better place 1 hOPE12 rated this answer

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hOPE12 asked on 04/04/05 - Idolatry, just what is it? Hello Everyone, Christians must guard against all forms of idolatry. Jehovah demands exclusive devotion. The three faithful Hebrews provided a fine example in refusing to idolize the great image set up by Babylonian king Nebuchadnezzar. In the universal court case recorded by the prophet Isaiah, God alone was shown to be the true and living God. His early Christian witnesses had to keep abstaining from things sacrificed to idols. The many loyal ones among them did not succumb to pressure to perform even a single idolatrous act that would constitute denial of Jehovah. Are you personally guarding against idolatry? Are you giving God exclusive devotion? Do you support God�s sovereignty and extol him as the true and living God? If so, it should be your determination to continue standing firm against idolatrous practices. What Are Your Thoughts? What are some forms of idolatry?� What is idolatry? � Why is God opposed to all idolatry? � What position did the three Hebrew take regarding idolatry? � Why should we guard against idolatry? Take care, Hope12 revdauphinee answered on 04/04/05: we can and do make idols out of most anything some folks make idols of money others marerial things >Idols are not just statues> hOPE12 rated this answer

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curious98 asked on 04/04/05 - John Paul II So far, I have witnessed the passing away of Pius XII, John XXIII, Paul VI, John Paul I and, now, of John Paul II. Never before have I seen such overwhelming and intense demonstrations of affection, deep respect, admiration, esteem, as shown by the countless institutional declarations of practically all the world political and religious leaders, and even from some who openly express their agnosticism. From Ariel Sharon, to Mahmoud Zahar, alleged new Hamas leader; from Fidel Castro to Hugo Chaves; from Putin to Taliban�s representative, in Europe; from the Dalai Lama, to Chinese Prime Minister Wen Jiabao; from Hosni Mubarak to Dr Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono; all Western 1st world presidents and heads of state, etc. etc. Never had I seen such splendid manifestation of solidarity and sincere praise and commend of the person of any one as of John Paul II, no matter the political tendencies or religious beliefs. To-day Tony Blair is attending a mass at the Westminster Cathedral for John Paul II, and, for the first time that I can remember, a president of the United States has deemed it necessary to appear on TV, only a couple of hours after the official announcement by the Vatican of John Paul II�s death, to inform the people of the USA of this circumstance. I must say I was watching the CNN news, as I usually do, at night GMT time, when I saw Mr. Bush appearing on TV to tell me that John Paul II had died! Useless to say that I immediately switched over to the Spanish chains. But the first one to inform me was none other but the preseident of the USA!! Fantastic and unheard of!! People the world over are mourning the death of Pope John Paul II. He was leader of the Catholic Church, an ambassador of peace, a teacher of compassion, and a man that has made an indelible mark upon the world. Feelings of grief are being strongly felt in every nation across the globe. While many were familiar with the Holy Father�s struggle with illness, his spirit was strong and his death comes as tragic news. The loss of this spiritual leader brings fresh pain to a world that seems fraught with grief and tragedy. Yet, the remarkable life of Pope John Paul II reminds us of the grace that humankind can achieve. The decision of the Pope to remain at his home at the Vatican surrounded by those dearest to him reflects a wish shared by people of many faiths and cultures. There is a certain solace and peace that can come from reflecting upon the Holy Father�s many achievements and gifts. His service to the church and to all people has brought an abundance of love and conciliation to our world. May his lessons continue to serve as a source of strength and guidance to all those in need of solace and renewal. But the upmost lesson I think we can all learn out of the world unanimous reaction to his death is that John Paul II strongly believed that we all share the same GOD, no matter our religions or our faith. Thus, he spoke with religious and spiritual leaders of all denominations and religions. He was, what I would call, strongly ecumenicist at heart. He begged the Jews, while in Jerusalem, to forgive the Church for the harm it had brought to Judaism throughout the centuries, and to the whole world, in general, to forgive Catholicism for the atrocities committed by the Inquisition. He was a remarkable man, even for those who hated him. Let�s pray he is now in peace! Curious98 revdauphinee answered on 04/04/05: Isnt it wonderfull that all these can forget thier differences to mourn his loss we should Pray they could also do it in the name of world peace! curious98 rated this answer

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arcura asked on 04/03/05 - Just got this from a AoG minister. What do you think??? A minister decided that a visual demonstration would add emphasis to his Sunday Sermon. Four worms were placed into four separate jars. The first worm was put into a jar of alcohol. The second worm was put into a jar of cigarette smoke. The third worm was put into a jar of sperm. The fourth worm was put into a jar of good clean soil. At the conclusion of the Sermon, the Minister reported the following results: The first worm in alcohol - Dead. The second worm in cigarette smoke - Dead. Third worm in sperm - Dead. Fourth worm in good clean soil - Alive. So the Minister asked the congregation, "What can you learn from this demonstration?" A little old woman in the back quickly raised her hand and said, "As long as you drink, smoke and have sex, you won't have worms." revdauphinee answered on 04/04/05: I love you but I hate to tell you that joke is even older than I am nd Im old!! arcura rated this answer

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bluevision asked on 04/03/05 - It's not over yet! Terri Schiavo's case is not over yet. The shameful murder in the name of mercy killing has made people realize that the rights of the seriously disabled persons must be protected & their lives should be valued. If you ever become seriously disabled (touch wood!) I am sure that you wouldn't like to see your spouse commit adultery & plan to have you murdered. There are indeed many important lessons to be learned from Terri's case. So, freethinker, don't think that it's over. Pete, don't just say "leave it". & all supporters of the murder, don't think that Terri's life should be ended & that's it. You have a lot to learn from Terri's case, so read on: Apr 3, 1:20 PM (ET) By ROBERT TANNER The arguments surrounding Terri Schiavo will live on in statehouse debate and new laws if an emerging coalition of disability rights activists and right-to-lifers succeed in turning the national agony over her case into a re-examination of when and how our lives come to an end. So far, only a few legislators in a handful of states have sought significant changes to their laws, which define the fundamental elements at stake - how a person can set limits on their medical care, who gets to decide what their wishes are, what evidence is needed to prove it. None have yet become law and the chances for most, if not all, are slim this year, with some legislatures finished and many far along in their work for this session. But both Republicans and Democrats say the arguments aren't going away. The debate is an effort to strike a new balance between one stance that argues that medical care and morality mean life must be pursued in nearly all cases, and another stance, crafted over decades of changing views about death, that some may choose to end drastically damaged lives that depend on artificial means. "I really wanted to make sure we gave a default for life and not for death," said Kansas state Rep. Mary Pilcher-Cook, a Republican who helped revive a measure that would give courts a greater chance to review decisions to end life-sustaining care, lessening the role of guardians or doctors. "Our most vulnerable citizens are in fact in the most danger of losing their life without any recourse." She was joined in her effort by disability activists, many aligned with liberal causes, and Democrats in the state House. The measure stalled in the Kansas Senate, however, as the session ended for the year last Friday. "We don't want to get into the politics of the right or the left or whomever," said Michael Donnelly at the Disability Rights Center of Kansas. "This isn't about politics, this is about how we value or don't value the lives people with disabilities have." His group had been working for years to revisit the issue, and came together with several conservative legislators to move the bill forward. Elsewhere, the National Right to Life Committee has produced model legislation and is working with legislators in several states. Legislation has also been introduced in Alabama, Hawaii, Louisiana, Minnesota and South Dakota. The Louisiana bill is called the "Human Dignity Act" Alabama's is the "Starvation and Dehydration Prevention Act." Many measures predate recent weeks of attention to Schiavo, though some drew their inspiration directly from the agonized public debate over the 41-year-old woman's death - like one in Missouri introduced last Thursday, the day Schiavo died. "I was gripped by what I was watching and couldn't believe the state of Florida would let this woman die in this manner," said GOP state Rep. Cynthia Davis. Her bill would bar anyone from directing that artificial food and water be withheld or withdrawn without a specific written directive from the patient. There's also a slew of legislation around living wills and other end-of-life issues that wouldn't further the aims of this emerging group - like a Nevada measure that would let a guardian end life-sustaining measures even if it's against a patient's known wishes, as long as it's in their best interests. The views of medical care and ending life have shifted over the past 30 years as the country grappled with brain-damaged or coma-bound patients whose families said they shouldn't be forced to live a life they wouldn't want, starting with Karen Ann Quinlan in 1975, then to Nancy Cruzan in 1990 and now to Schiavo. Critics say the medical community and society have gone too far. "When original advance directives were created, nobody contemplated that hospitals would refuse to treat ... It was usually just the opposite, doctors refusing to pull the feeding tube," said Burke Balch, director of the National Right to Life Committee's medical ethics center. Now, he says, the presumption in the hospitals, the courts and in too much state legislation, is to go ahead and pull life-sustaining treatment when there is not enough evidence that the patient wanted it. Doctors and bioethicists say that overwhelmingly, safeguards exist in hospitals and in courts to ensure that patients' and families' wishes and best interests are protected. "Are they going to go out and undo all the hard work that people have done to make sure they can die without having to go to court?" said Dr. Jean Teno, associate director at Brown University's Gerontology and Health Care Research Center. Most decisions, unlike the portrayal of critics, are made by doctors and families working together, she said. "My sense is that this approach is working." Political agendas are hard to discount, as congressional leaders raise dire warnings against judges in Florida and Washington over their Schiavo decisions. That meshes with GOP efforts to put more conservatives in the judiciary. But political stereotypes fell, too, with traditionally liberal leaders like Iowa Sen. Tom Harkin, the Rev. Jesse Jackson and Ralph Nader supporting Terri Schiavo's parents efforts to keep their daughter alive. Advocates vow that the questions of civil rights and morality are going to win out. "If there's any doubt, than life trumps death," said Donnelly, in Kansas. "I'm a quadriplegic, been that way for 28 years. I would hate for somebody else to decide my life is not worth living." revdauphinee answered on 04/03/05: thank God some people are acting on this !some folks even on here just want to fortget it but if we do it will happen again.As a disabled person myself it has been very frightening to me.I have people in my life who I most definatly would notwant making this desision for me this is why I made out a living will and I intend to have it placed in my medical records not just given to a family member> bluevision rated this answer freethinker rated this answer Liz22 rated this answer

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freethinker asked on 04/03/05 - What more now in the Terri Schiavo case? Terry Schiavo has been cremated, the news told us. Mr. Schiavo has promissed to store her ashes on the Schiavo burial ground, so that the Schindlers can get access to her ashes, preferably without making another media circus out of it. I hope for the US that herewith the Terri Schiavo circus will go home, and focus their attention on the clear innerneed for telling the truth and only the truth, and for open their heart to reality. If you disagree with existing laws, with existing rules, with existing enforcement of justice, NOW is the time to contact your representative and ask for improvement. Comments? revdauphinee answered on 04/03/05: yopu quote "herewith the Terri Schiavo circus will go home" I must disagree ith you for as I said previously history forgoten is history repeated ,I dont want to observe any other mother go through this.In my oppinion the final ((act of cruelty)) is not alowing a Christian burial in a place accesable to her folks Just have to wonder how he would feel were it one of his children.But then he is so heartless it probably wouldnt matter! freethinker rated this answer tomder55 rated this answer

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arcura asked on 04/02/05 - Do you think illegal immigrants should be stopped? Armed Volunteers Plan to Patrol Border Take a look at this. What do you think? VOLUTEERS TO PLAN TO PATROL BOARDER By ARTHUR H. ROTSTEIN TOMBSTONE, Ariz. (AP) - Hundreds of volunteers, some of them armed, are expected to take up positions along the Mexican border Friday and begin patrolling for illegal immigrants - an exercise some fear could attract racist crackpots and lead to vigilante violence. Organizers of the Minuteman Project said the civilian volunteers, many of whom were recruited over the Internet, will meet first for a rally in this one-time silver mining town, then fan out across 23 miles of the San Pedro Valley to watch the border for a month and report sightings of illegal activity to Border Patrol agents. Minuteman field operations director Chris Simcox described the project as "the nation's largest neighborhood watch group" and said one of the goals is to make the public aware of how porous the border is. Jim Gilchrist, a retired accountant from Aliso Viejo, Calif., who organized the project, said that some volunteers will carry handguns, which is allowed under Arizona law, but are being instructed to avoid confrontation, even if shot at. Still, law enforcement officials and human rights advocates are worried about the potential for bloodshed. Critics contend the project may attract anti-immigrant racists and vigilantes looking to confront illegal immigrants. At least one white supremacist group has mentioned the project on its Web site. "They are domestic terrorists that represent a danger to the country and could promote a major border conflict that will have serious ramifications and consequences," said Armando Navarro, a University of California-Riverside political science professor and coordinator of the National Alliance for Human Rights, made up mostly of Hispanic activists. Michael Nicley, chief of the U.S. Border Patrol's Tucson sector, said the volunteers are "not the kind of help the Border Patrol is asking for." Cochise County Sheriff Larry Dever said he fears immigrant smugglers might open fire on the volunteers. "I wouldn't anticipate that people of that persuasion would act or react any differently to anybody, citizen or law enforcement alike, if they were confronted and felt like their cargo was in jeopardy," he said. The project's organizers gave assurances the volunteers will be closely monitored. "If it gets to a situation where someone's life is in danger," said David Helppler, Minuteman security coordinator, "I will end the project." Project organizers said they expect 800 to 1,000 volunteers. How many might actually show is unclear; similar efforts in the past few years flopped. One of them drew only about a half-dozen people. The Homeland Security Department planned to announce Wednesday that is is assigning more than 500 additional patrol agents to the porous Arizona border to help keep out potential terrorists and illegal immigrants, The Associated Press learned. About 155 agents will be immediately sent to Arizona, according to department officials who spoke on condition of anonymity. The 370-mile Arizona border is considered the most vulnerable stretch of the 2,000-mile southern border. Of the 1.1 million illegal immigrants caught by the Border Patrol last year, 51 percent crossed into the country at the Arizona border. Some people in this town nearly 30 miles north of the Mexican border, best known as the site of the 1881 shootout at the OK Corral, are eagerly awaiting the volunteers' arrival. Tombstone Mayor Andree De Journett thinks of the volunteers as tourists and said they could boost the local economy. "I've met five or six of them, they haven't been too bad so far," he said, estimating that 500 extra visitors for a month could mean $10,000 or more spent locally. Marilynn Slade, Tombstone's city clerk, said the more attention drawn to illegal immigration, the better. "The vast majority of the people feel that the feds should be dealing more aggressively with the problem," she said. "There's a huge, huge cry down here." revdauphinee answered on 04/02/05: yes as a person who is an imigrant who came here legaly I do feel ilegals shoud be stoped. arcura rated this answer tomder55 rated this answer

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cliff_dweller asked on 04/02/05 - Prayer Seems like a highly debated topic, even though Jesus told us to spend time in prayer and the Word daily. My question is: Do you pray? Why or why not? revdauphinee answered on 04/02/05: yes I talk to my God many times daily cliff_dweller rated this answer

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powderpuff asked on 04/02/05 - False witnessing? The act of bearing false witness has become common. Does God have all the facts? Is it okay to bear false witness in the Terri Schiavo situation? For those of you who are sure Michael Schiavo committed murder, are there any facts that could come to light that would change your minds? False witnessing in the Schiavo case will add to the emotional stress on the Schindlers and Michael Schiavo with enormous consequences. And no amount of false witnessing will help any of them come to terms with the loss of Terri. False witnessing is harmful to the Schindlers and Michael, and will impact their quality of life for a long time to come. Thousands of people suffer in this country because of the false witness of others, daily. The bitter fruit of false witness causes financial loss, loss of reputation, and, in many cases, loss of health as a result of the stress involved. In spite of that, false witness has become a lifestyle for some. Sadly the time has come, that just about any societal problem (real or imagined) can be used as a pretext for a government power grab. Malicious people and special interest groups, intent on destroying other people�s lives, can use any pretext to force others into costly legal battles. Often, the accused, even after being cleared, can never recover from the emotional and financial devastation wreaked by legal costs and damaged reputations. Those who accuse others falsely, bringing about heartache, stress and financial crisis in the lives of the accused. False accusations never help the ones who are identified as the victims. As a Christian, what is your responsibility, if and when you realize you have participated, in an act of false witnessing? revdauphinee answered on 04/02/05: thou shalt not comit adultery If M schiver is sinless please define adultery??? Liz22 rated this answer powderpuff rated this answer

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HANK1 asked on 04/02/05 - Did God Have A Wife? "When Pres.Hinckley was asked on a prime -time Australian TV broadcast if his church taught that God the Father has a wife, he replied, "I don't know, but I suppose so. As we have a Father I assume we have a mother." The interviewer David Ransom pressed him further. It was then Hinckley acknowledged: "Yes. Well we...Yes, we have a mother in heaven."' Similarly, when Time magazine in their 1997 cover story asked Hinckley if his church teaches that "God the Father was once a man," the Mormon president waffled: "I don't know that we teach it. I don't know that we emphasize it ..I understand the philosophical background behind it, but I don't know a lot about it, and I don't think others know a lot about it." (From a transcript of the 9 November 1997 Compass TV program, 1997 Australian Broadcast Company.)" "Why would someone who is the head of the Church waffle on this? Because he knows what it sounds like. Especially if they want to appear like they have the veneer of Christianity." Source: Let Us Reason Awesome! Any comments? HANK revdauphinee answered on 04/02/05: No God has no wife why would he?did he not say Mark 12: they will neither marry nor be given in marriage; they will be like the angels in heaven. HANK1 rated this answer

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FormerJesusHelper76 asked on 04/02/05 - Pope John Paul 11 Died Pope John Paul 2 passed away at 9:37 pm. Many people are mourning his death. Many of us should always remember what he taught and what accomplishments in the world had because of his life. We should celebrate a well lived life. He was an excellant example of how we should live our lives. May he enjoy his new life in the presence of God almighty. Joe revdauphinee answered on 04/02/05: this was truly a great man of God and will be missed by people f all faiths. FormerJesusHelper76 rated this answer

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arcura asked on 04/02/05 - It's official - Pope John Paul II has died!....... May he pray for us at the throne of God as well as he did for mankind while here on earth. I tearfully say goodbye and bon voyage, but in joy that he is with Jesus. And may God help The Church elect another like JPII, please. Fred revdauphinee answered on 04/02/05: My condolences to all Catholics he is going to be hard to replace no mater what your beliefs this was a truly good man! arcura rated this answer

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powderpuff asked on 04/02/05 - False witnessing? The act of bearing false witness has become common. Does God have all the facts? Is it okay to bear false witness in the Terri Schiavo situation? For those of you who are sure Michael Schiavo committed murder, are there any facts that could come to light that would change your minds? False witnessing in the Schiavo case will add to the emotional stress on the Schindlers and Michael Schiavo with enormous consequences. And no amount of false witnessing will help any of them come to terms with the loss of Terri. False witnessing is harmful to the Schindlers and Michael, and will impact their quality of life for a long time to come. Thousands of people suffer in this country because of the false witness of others, daily. The bitter fruit of false witness causes financial loss, loss of reputation, and, in many cases, loss of health as a result of the stress involved. In spite of that, false witness has become a lifestyle for some. Sadly the time has come, that just about any societal problem (real or imagined) can be used as a pretext for a government power grab. Malicious people and special interest groups, intent on destroying other people�s lives, can use any pretext to force others into costly legal battles. Often, the accused, even after being cleared, can never recover from the emotional and financial devastation wreaked by legal costs and damaged reputations. Those who accuse others falsely, bringing about heartache, stress and financial crisis in the lives of the accused. False accusations never help the ones who are identified as the victims. As a Christian, what is your responsibility, if and when you realize you have participated, in an act of false witnessing? revdauphinee answered on 04/02/05: as a christian we are to keep Gods commandments 2 of them state 13. Thou shalt not kill. 14. Thou shalt not commit adultery. he is definatly guilty og breaking both > bluevision rated this answer FormerJesusHelper76 rated this answer Liz22 rated this answer powderpuff rated this answer purplewings rated this answer

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arcura asked on 04/02/05 - The Vatican has called it murder. Has any other denomination done so? Thursday, March 31, 2005 11:22 p.m. EST Vatican Calls Terri's Death 'Murder' A spokesman for Pope John Paul II called Terri Schiavo's death Thursday morning a "murder." In quotes picked up by the Associated Press, top Vatican official Cardinal Renato Martino said: "When you deprive somebody of food and water, what else is it? Nothing else but murder." Martino said that he was speaking on the case "according to the teaching of the pope," who was informed of Schiavo's death shortly after it happened. The cardinal made a direct comparison between the pope's frail health and Terri Schiavo's condition. The "comparison is easy," Martino said, while noting one important difference: "Everybody will do all the best to keep him alive, to feed him the way it can be done." Asked who should be held responsible for Schiavo's death, Cardinal Martino replied: "The judges, her husband, whoever denied access" to feeding The Vatican has called it murder. Has any other denomination done so? revdauphinee answered on 04/02/05: in this statement my respect for catholisism has increased for it most definatly was a state sponsered Murder!God definatly said in exodus 20: 13. Thou shalt not kill. 14. Thou shalt not commit adultery. her husband is guilty of both arcura rated this answer

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arcura asked on 04/02/05 - Mel Gibson has spoken out about a bishop...... Thursday, March 31, 2005 10:47 p.m. EST Mel Gibson: Florida Bishop Lynch Deserted Terri "Passion of the Christ" producer-director Mel Gibson is blasting St. Petersburg, Fla., Bishop Robert Lynch for "being quite indifferent" to the plight of Terri Schiavo. Not only was Lynch silent while Terri Schiavo was forcibly starved to death � he issued a statement directly at odds with Church teaching that food and water is basic sustenance and can not be withheld by private choice. The bishop conveniently left the country on a trip just days before she died Thursday. "I think there will be repercussions from this," Gibson told ABC Radio host Sean Hannity on Wednesday. "For a start, I mean, there's a faith community down there in Florida and they have that Bishop Lynch, who is being quite indifferent to the whole thing." "He should be sticking up for this woman's rights and her family's rights," Gibson said. "I think he's left the country at the moment so he doesn't have to deal with it." Bishop Lynch is currently in Indonesia surveying damage from December's tsunami. But in a statement posted to the Web site of his St. Petersburg diocese before Easter, he didn't sound particularly upset over Schiavo's death sentence. "At the end of the day the decision to remove Terri�s artificial feeding tube will be that of her husband, Michael," he explained. "It is he who will give the order, not the courts or certainly the governor or legislature or the medical personnel surrounding and caring for Terri. In other words, as I have said from the beginning of this sad situation, the decision will be made within a family." Bishop Lynch called for "mediation" between Michael Schiavo and Terri's parents, saying that the 41-year-old woman's plight is a "complex and tragic situation." The Vatican's position on Schiavo's starvation death was far stronger. Cardinal Renato Martino, president of the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace in Rome, blasted the decision to kill her, in a March 7 statement: "Without the tube, which is providing life-giving hydration and nutrition, Terri Schiavo will die. But it is not that simple. She will die a horrible and cruel death. She will not simply die; she will have death inflicted upon her over a number of terrible days, even weeks. How can anyone who claims to speak of the promotion and protection of human rights � of human life � remain silent?" Hours after Schiavo's death was announced on Thursday, Cardinal Martino called it "murder." "When you deprive somebody of food and water, what else is it? Nothing else but murder." He was speaking on the case "according to the teaching of the pope." The pope has written that food and water is not extraordinary support for life and that it cannot morally be withheld from a dying or incapacitated person. revdauphinee answered on 04/02/05: good for Mel I agree with him and unlike some folks on here I do not think this tradgedy should just be forgotten! since history forgotten is often repeated !makes on afraid who wqill be next????? arcura rated this answer FormerJesusHelper76 rated this answer

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FormerJesusHelper76 asked on 04/02/05 - April 2nd. Just a reminder that for those who observe this, that Sunday at 2 am, clocks are being pushed foward, not literlly pushed but you know what I mean. By one hour. We are having a snowstorm up in canada way. Ontario Canada, mixture of rain and snow. Wow, everybody thought winter was over. Fooled again. Up to 20 centimetres could fall. In American language that is 8 inches of snow. Hope all are enjoying there day. I am praying for the Pope to peacefully go back into God's arms. God's will, will be done. It is awsome how many people around the world are joining in prayer for the Pope... Joe revdauphinee answered on 04/02/05: thanks for the info I had forgotten > FormerJesusHelper76 rated this answer

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FormerJesusHelper76 asked on 04/02/05 - Subway Sandwhiches Ad!(Here is Good Advertising) Mcdonald has recently introduced healthier eating menus. Just having a few light discussions for today amongst all of the serious thought. Yah Right. They introduced in my area Healthy choice Subs. Oh my God, Are they awful. Went to Subway lastnight and they stuck a flyer in the bag. They said We do not try to make fries, so why are they trying to make subs. They did not mention any names. Perfect advertisement. Give subway a handshake. revdauphinee answered on 04/02/05: since i dont eat fast food i have to take your word on this one! FormerJesusHelper76 rated this answer

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Choux asked on 04/01/05 - Wendy's Chili Scandal Last week while a woman was eating a bowl of Wendy's Chili, she bit into a human finger. Good thing it wasn't a whole hand or the right wing congressmen would have put it on life support. -Bill Mayer Mary Sue :D revdauphinee answered on 04/02/05: This gives a whole new meaning to the term "finger food"does it not? Choux rated this answer freethinker rated this answer

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arcura asked on 04/01/05 - Here is another view of the Terri Schiavo episode... by Terry Burkhardt In all the reporting and commentary I have read regarding the contentious life and death battle which continues to keep the life of Terri Schindler-Schiavo in a state of unresolved indignity, no one has had the courage and decency to point out the fact that Michael Schiavo relinquished his spousal right of waiving medical treatment AT THE TIME OF HER ACTUAL "MEDICAL" TREATMENT! By allowing an extraordinary series of mechanical interventions to sustain Terri's life in the months which followed her collapse, Michael Schiavo gave tacit approval to overruling any end of life wishes he claims Terri may have previously expressed. If Michael Schiavo is telling the truth about Terri's wish to not be kept alive under artificial circumstances, than he did a grave injustice to prolong her agonies in 1990. During those initial months, according to the discharge record from attending physicians, Terri was often unstable, subject to seizures, developed pneumonia, was on a ventilator, rejected the initial food tube, had an irregular heart rhythm, had problems with catheterization, and a host of other medical conflicts which made her fight for life an uphill and gruesome battle. In fact, most of us would have easily supported her husband's decision to stop the heroic means being ventured in face of so many setbacks. But we can't rewrite history. That was then and this is now. We have a new set of parameters. Terri has been living in a state of relative serenity without need of "medical treatment" per se for many years. Michael Schiavo was supportive of those first invasive measures back in 1990, presumably because Terri was an otherwise healthy 26 year old woman at the time of her inexplicable collapse. And records show that, at the time of her initial hospital discharge in May of 1990, not only had Terri been stabilized, but she was in a state of improvement. So wrote the presiding doctors in black and white on her record. Terri survived and was, in fact, making positive strides. Michael then launched a successful malpractice suit and he promised to use the funds for Terri's ongoing care and rehab. Surely it doesn't cost a million dollars to carry out your wife's 'wish' of being removed from a food tube? So why is it that Michael Schiavo needed a settlement for her ongoing care? Instead of continuing Terri's progress with enhanced therapy, Michael Schiavo withdrew all rehabilitative efforts; he denied her access to fresh air and mobility; he banned video cameras; and, in a supreme show of audacity, had the nerve to insist that Terri had a death wish all along which he was suddenly committed to carrying out on her behalf. How ignorant can you be to blow past the obvious conflict of interest in Michael developing a delayed "spousal promise" after monies were awarded, and after he had moved on to a new common-law wife with whom he has children. How can you declare Michael Schiavo to be a viable guardian? Judge Greer has not acknowledged the blatant problems posed by Michael Schiavo's self-serving timeframe here. You ask what business Congress has in this case? Ask yourself first if Terri and The Schindler Family have had an ounce of true judicial equity by way of the Florida courts who haven't deemed it prudent to call for current medical evaluations when deciding a disabled woman's capacity for brain activity. Without knowing her present state, why would any of us be willing to have an opinion about Terri's future? If Judge Greer is willing to be in Contempt of Congress rather than reconsider his rulings, what hope could Terri have in expecting him to give her a balanced trial? I applaud the Members of Congress who have faced a cavalcade of criticism for taking unique steps to prevent a unique, slow-motion murder from taking place before our eyes. It is the dissenting voters in the capitol who have politicized the issue by their willingness to see Terri sacrificed rather than unite with their largely conservative colleagues in crafting responsible legislation which would benefit any and all incapacitated persons whose wishes are unknown at the time of their disability. Spouse abuse is not a private family issue. Neither is medical malpractice. Neither is judicial injustice. Why consider the Schindler-Schiavo Case to be a private affair when no one can remember the last time a non-dying person was starved to death under court order? Maybe it would attract the feminists' ire if Michael Schiavo dared to buy a "real fur" coat for Jody Centonze, the woman he has been living with for the last 9 years and by whom he has had two children (he only lived with Terri for 5 yrs!). Maybe we could have a larger swell of picketers and protesters at that point. Terry Burkhardt Delray Beach March 19, 2005 revdauphinee answered on 04/02/05: If I were Jody Centonze, I would take my children and run how can she live with such cruelty.she needs to pray God protect her from illness se could be next.to become of no value to him.If this was love he showed then God lies.for is it not writen 1st Corinthians 13: 4. Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5. It is not rude, ((it is not self-seeking,)) it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7. (((It always protects,))) always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. 8. Love never fails. applical italics my own! arcura rated this answer

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cliff_dweller asked on 04/01/05 - 2nd thing If we all prayed more I think that there would be great breakthroughs in our lives. So I challange each and every member to pray more and see how much better life can be when we are constantly in converstion with the Lord.... revdauphinee answered on 04/02/05: VIB qoute"I'm sure the good Lord would appreciate it more to see you volunteer in the nearest children's hospital than listen to endless yapping.' says it all none believers will pay moreattention to how you live than what you say ! cliff_dweller rated this answer Liz22 rated this answer

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cliff_dweller asked on 04/01/05 - Two things that arised from ROLCAM'S questions If we were to share our faith with one person per week what would the results be? I challange everyone to share their faith with one person this week. Please document what the results are. remember Christ wasn't ashamed, embarrased when He went to the cross for us revdauphinee answered on 04/02/05: as Chrsitians our actions speak louder than words my own conversion was brought about by watching a good christian who lived what he believed who I worked with.None believers will pay more attention to what we do than anything we say.preaching at folks is quite often tuned out im afraid> cliff_dweller rated this answer

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arcura asked on 04/01/05 - Pope Suffers Septic Shock, Heart Failure +++++++++++ Pope Suffers Septic Shock, Heart Failure by John Thavis Catholic News Service VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Pope John Paul II remained in grave condition after suffering septic shock and heart failure, but was able to concelebrate Mass and pray with top aides, the Vatican said. The pope's condition was "stationary" but "of considerable seriousness," Vatican spokesman Joaquin Navarro-Valls said at a midday briefing April 1. Although the pope was still conscious, his blood pressure was unstable and his other vital signs were impaired, the spokesman said. The 84-year-old pontiff suffered the setback March 31, when he developed a high fever after a urinary tract infection. Treatment with antibiotics stabilized the situation temporarily, but "in the hours that followed there was a negative evolution," the Vatican said. The pope received cardiorespiratory assistance, it said. Navarro-Valls said the pope woke early April 1 and concelebrated Mass from his bed. During the morning, the pope asked aides to read him the 14 Stations of the Cross, a devotion he has followed every Friday, and the liturgy of the hours and passages of Scripture. Navarro-Valls said the pope had immediately been informed of the seriousness of the situation and had asked if hospitalization were absolutely necessary. When doctors said it was possible to care for him in the Vatican, the pope decided to stay in his apartment, the spokesman said. Navarro-Valls said he visited the papal apartment the morning of April 1 and saw the pope. The spokesman, holding back tears, later told reporters: "Certainly, it was an image I have never seen in these 26 years. He was lucid and serene, but obviously having trouble breathing." The papal spokesman said the Vatican press office would remain open all day and all night. The Vatican said that on March 31 Pope John Paul received "holy viaticum," a formal reference to the Eucharist when it is given to someone approaching death. The spokesman did not say whether the pope also received the sacraments of reconciliation and anointing of the sick, which usually are part of the last rites. revdauphinee answered on 04/01/05: I am not a Catholic myself however this is a good man and will be remembered in my prayers. arcura rated this answer

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ROLCAM asked on 04/01/05 - What say you ?? "The bible had to be written once, science and its books and journals more than once". Please may I have your comments on the above statement. revdauphinee answered on 04/01/05: because once writed it was said and did not need repetition. Geedubya84 rated this answer ROLCAM rated this answer

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ROLCAM asked on 04/01/05 - The Suicide Problem ? Why is suicide becoming more prevalent with teen agers? As Christians what should we be doing to reduce this waste of life? revdauphinee answered on 04/01/05: this is happening because of the reality of the world we have created they do not wish to live in it! ROLCAM rated this answer

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ROLCAM asked on 04/01/05 - Do you pray ?? This is the answer I got when I asked a devout Muslim:- I pray before sunrise, in the early afternoon, again in the late afternoon, after sunset, and late in the evening. On a good day, I also pray during the morning and late at night. I offer supplications when I awaken, when I leave the house, before and after I eat, before I begin to do things, during the morning, during the evening, and before I go to sleep. I'm Muslim. How can Christians match this type of devotion to prayer? revdauphinee answered on 04/01/05: Matthew 6: 7. And in praying use not vain """repetitions,""" CeeBee2 rated this answer Choux rated this answer ROLCAM rated this answer

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Liz22 asked on 04/01/05 - Another Angel going home? Breaking News is that the Pope is now Very seriously ill with heart failure, and may be dying as we talk What is happening? I have heard the Pope talk about Terri's Condition and was completely against it, could this had been to much stress on the Pope? God Bless the Pope. revdauphinee answered on 04/01/05: the Pope is criticaly Ill and has a feeding tube inserted my question is what would happen if someone even sugested removing it? One human life is no more valuable than another in my eyes. Liz22 rated this answer purplewings rated this answer

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arcura asked on 03/31/05 - Choux, I went to the Christian forum and....... answered your ridiculous charges. You'll have to do better that than to PROVE the Catholic Church is evil. Peace and kindness, Fred revdauphinee answered on 04/01/05: I personaly do not agree with much of the Catholic churches dogma, and I am sure catholics would notagree with mine however people who live in glass houses should not through stones! arcura rated this answer curious98 rated this answer

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arcura asked on 03/31/05 - OK, CHOUX it�s time to get back to the challenge�. You said that you were raised Catholic but you found that the Catholic Church was evil. I took exception to that and asked you to prove it. So far you have not even attempted to do so. I cannot leave such a charge rest unchallenged. Get on with it. Prove what said or retract the statement Fred revdauphinee answered on 04/01/05: Nothing to say about the catholic church however was wondering what would happen if someoneeven sugested removing his feeding tube??? arcura rated this answer

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HANK1 asked on 03/31/05 - QUIBBLE: Chou used a word a week or so ago that really fits my vocabulary and one that I haven't heard for many a moon. (Thanks, Mary Sue) The word is QUIBBLE! As a verb, it can mean NAG. As a noun, it can mean a PETTY DISTINCTION or a TRIVIAL OBJECTION. A person who uses this modus operandi is known as a QUIBBLER! There are a couple of clowns on this Board who are QUIBBLERS? How should we react to this activity ... as adults? HANK revdauphinee answered on 04/01/05: there are but a few thinking feeling adults on here > HANK1 rated this answer purplewings rated this answer

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Choux asked on 03/31/05 - Starvation and Pain I will post something personal to help ease the minds of those who think that Terri was in any kind of pain while dying. In the mid 1980's, I went on the fad diet of the time, Optifast. Optifast was a *complete fast*. Of course, I drank water or diet pop. I ate no food or any liquid with calories. I was on the fast for approximately three months. After three days, I didn't miss food, and in fact, a kind of well being set in for some reason. I felt very good. There are chemical reactions that happen in the body of a person who eats no calories. I have no doubt that there was no pain for Terri, and remember, I had the pain receptors in my head for sure. No pain. Love Life! Mary Sue revdauphinee answered on 04/01/05: Bull Ask the survivers of the German death camps if it were painfull or not those folks I might be tempted to believe! Choux rated this answer

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kindj asked on 03/31/05 - The Emporer's New Robes THE EMPEROR'S NEW ROBES March 30, 2005 On the bright side, after two weeks of TV coverage of the Terri Schiavo case, I think we have almost all liberals in America on record saying we can pull the plug on them. Of course, if my only means of entertainment were Air America radio, Barbra Streisand albums and reruns of "The West Wing," I too would be asking: "What kind of quality of life is this?" There are a few glaring exceptions. On the anti-killing side, to one extent or another, are: former Clinton lawyer Lanny Davis, former Gore lawyer David Boies, former O.J. lawyer Alan Dershowitz, Democratic Sen. Joe Lieberman, McGovern and Carter strategist Pat Caddell, liberal blogger Mickey Kaus, Green Party presidential candidate Ralph Nader and Rainbow Coalition leader Jesse Jackson, as well as several of my friends who are pro-abortion and pro-gay marriage but not Pro-Adulterous Husbands Who, After Taking Up With Another Woman, Suddenly Recall Their Wives' Clearly Stated Wish to Die. Opinions about the Schiavo case seem to break down less on morals than on basic knowledge of the facts of the case. There are a lot of telling facts, but two big ones are: � The only family member lobbying for Terri's death is her husband, who is affianced to a woman he's been living with for several years and with whom he already has two children. (Today's brain twister: Would you rather be O.J.'s girlfriend or Michael Schiavo's fiancee?) � Terri's husband has refused to allow her to be given either an MRI or a PET scan, which are also known as: "The tests that could determine whether Terri is even in a permanent vegetative state." (I believe his exact words were, "PET scan? MRI? What do I look like, a guy who just won a $1 million malpractice settlement?") On the basis of these facts, Pinellas County Judge George Greer found that it was Terri's wish to be starved to death. She requires no life support; all she needs is food and water. If being (a) on a liquid diet, and (b) unresponsive to one's estranged husband are now considered grounds for a woman's execution, wait until this news hits Beverly Hills! Despite the media's idiotic claims that scores of courts have made painstaking findings of fact over 15 years that Terri is in a permanent vegetative state and would have wanted to die, only one judge made such a finding. Other courts have not made any factual findings whatsoever. They simply refused to overturn Greer's findings of fact as an abuse of discretion. Greer made his finding based on the testimony of Terri's husband that Terri said she wouldn't want to live like this � a rather important fact the husband only remembered many years after Terri was first injured, but one year after he won a million-dollar malpractice award and began living with another woman. (Maybe when Terri said, "I wouldn't want to live like that" she was referring to being married to Michael Schiavo.) Supporting the idea that positions on the Schiavo case are correlated with IQ, on the pro-killing side is Rep. Chris Shays, R-Conn., who denounced the legislation granting federal courts jurisdiction over Terri's case, saying the Republican Party "has become a party of theocracy." Yes, you remembered correctly: The House passed the bill overwhelmingly in a 203-58 vote, and the Senate passed it in a voice vote also with overwhelming support. (Surely, if anyone would defend the practice of being on a liquid diet, you'd think Ted Kennedy would.) Also on the pro-killing side are conservatives still pissed off about the Civil Rights Act of 1964 who are desperately hoping to be elected "most consistent constitutionalist" by their local Federalist Society chapters. You can't grow peanuts on your own land or install a toilet capable of disposing two tissues in one flush because of federal government intervention. But Congress demands a review of the process that goes into a governmental determination to kill an innocent American woman � and that goes too far! It's not a radical extension of current constitutional doctrines � even the legitimate ones! � for the federal government to assert a constitutional right to life that cannot be denied without due process of law under the Fifth and 14th Amendments. Congress didn't ask for much, just the same due process John Wayne Gacy got. But people even stupider than lawyers have picked up on the vague rumblings from "most consistent constitutionalist" aspirants and begun to claim that Congress' action is an affront to "limited government." Of course, the most limited of all possible governments is a king. We don't have that sort of "limited government." What we have is divided government: three branches of government at the federal level and 50 states with their own versions of checks and balances. Or at least that was the government designed for us by men smarter than we are. We haven't had that sort of government for decades. Alexander Hamilton's famous last words in "The Federalist" described the judiciary as the "least dangerous branch," because it had neither force nor will. Now the judiciary is the most dangerous branch. It doesn't need force because it has smoke and mirrors and a lot of people defending the moronic scribblings of any judge as the perfect efflorescence of "the rule of law." This week, an indisputably innocent woman will be killed by the government for one reason: Judge Greer of Pinellas County, Fla., ordered it. Polls claim that a majority of Americans objected to action by the U.S. Congress in the Schiavo case as "government intrusion" into a "private family matter" � as if Judge Greer is not also the government. So twisted is our view of the judiciary that a judicial decree is treated like a naturally occurring phenomenon, like a rainbow or an act of God. Our infallible, divine ruler is a county judge in Florida named George Greer, who has more authority in America than the U.S. Congress, the president and the governor. No wonder the Southern Baptist Church threw Greer out: Only one god per church! It's a good system if you like monarchy and legally sanctioned murder. But spare me the paeans to "strict constructionism" and "limited government." COPYRIGHT 2005 ANN COULTER revdauphinee answered on 04/01/05: what truly sickened me is his laywer standing and telling us how much michael loved Terry !a loving husband does not afeince himself to another woman and have two children by her!he does not starve her to death !he does not precvent her mother and father from being at her bed side when she passes .If I werre his new woman this would make me run for the hills to get away as fast as I could does she not realise when he tires of her she will be the next to go??? kindj rated this answer

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Choux asked on 03/31/05 - Pope Deteriorating Rapidly He is running a high temp, Vatican official said the situation is "grim". revdauphinee answered on 04/01/05: I bet you they dont remove his feeding tubes! Choux rated this answer

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VisionsInBlue asked on 03/31/05 - Prayer Requests All of you feeding tube removing people... Next time you get sick, or your loved one has tummy aches, or your cat can't spit out the hairball, or your plants won't grow fast enough... Please think twice before coming here to plead for prayers. It may be considered terribly hypocritical. Because your tune would have been totally different had Terri been YOUR loved one. And your prayer cries might very well be answered with a short reminder, in form of a certain name. Compassion, as I know it, has left this building. Sad. revdauphinee answered on 04/01/05: Amen it is so often people can be so calous towards strangers but are imediate activists when it concernes one of thier own. VisionsInBlue rated this answer

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hOPE12 asked on 03/30/05 - What we really need to pray for: Hello Everyone: We on the forum can continue to call each other names and try to make our opinions facts on matters, OR, we can pray for the Supreme Court in GA to hear this case in full, once and for all. If each person involved gets their time to speak and a full investigation is conducted on this case, all accusations and facts being presented in front of the 12 Supreme Court judges, the truth will come out. I personally feel that this is the only way to put an end to all the different stories out there. There are two sides to every story, which side is telling the truth. I really don't know and neither does anyone else on this board know. We were not there when this situation took place. We do not know all the facts. We assume we do, and that is what is happening in this situation. That is why I encourage all to pray and hope there is a full investigation in this case, so once and for all the public knows the truth about what really happened. Until that takes place, I can report on what so and so says, and you can report on what another person has said, but what I realize now and wish to help you all to realize, none of us, not one of us, knows the facts Soooo, what we all need to really pray for is that the Supreme Court does a full investigation of facts so that if Michael is being accused falsely, then he will be vindicated once and for all. On the other side of the issue if Terri has been abused, wouldn't that also be important to find out? For all concerned, even for Terri, I pray a full investigation is conducted by the Federal Supreme Court. Then and only then will this issue be put to rest. May God Almighty have mercy on each one of us as we all seem to be really searching for the truth! Take care, Hope12 revdauphinee answered on 03/30/05: sory hope but it was just denied ,we need now to pray terry has a smooth passing I know I will never forget this it has moved me so much! Dorothy hOPE12 rated this answer MaggieB rated this answer

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arcura asked on 03/29/05 - Are you aware of the Christian Underground?..... HERE IS SOME OF WHAT IT DOES..... The Christian Underground http://www.christian-underground.com READ IT - LEARN FROM IT - PRAY OVER IT - SHARE IT Coalition Asks Gov. Bush Priorities: Governorship or Terris Life? March 29, 2005 Paul Schenck, L.H.D., has issued the following statement on behalf of the 11th Hour Coalition to Save Terri Schiavo's Life: "It is unconscionable that Gov. Bush has not taken executive action to save the life of Terri Schiavo, an innocent woman being brutally murdered in a manner not witnessed publicly since the Nazis in World War II. Frankly, we are baffled by the governor's recent assertion to the Associated Press that, '(he has) not seen any means by which the executive branch can get involved.' "This is particularly confusing given the contents of a letter sent to the governor by the Thomas More Law Center at his request. In response to Gov. Bush's query of the law center as to whether he had the executive authority to take Terri Schiavo into protective custody, the Thomas More Law Center stated, '...we conclude that you do have that authority. As the Governor of the State of Florida, you are vested with the supreme executive power.' The letter goes on to detail, statute by statute, how and why Gov. Bush can and should take custody of Terri Schiavo. The response concludes, '...you should take immediate custody of Ms. Schiavo, provide for her life support needs, including food and hydration, and medical care, (and) direct the Florida Department of Law Enforcement to conduct a full investigation of the facts and circumstances of this case...' "Given this compelling information, Gov. Bush's claim seems disingenuous. He is the chief executive officer of the Florida state government, and therefore does not need the permission of the judiciary-especially one so blatantly out of control-or of the legislative branch to protect the innocent life of a citizen. Are we really to believe that the governor can commute the death sentence of a hardened criminal, but cannot stop the dehydration and starvation of a disabled American? "We all appreciate the work that Gov. Bush has done to this point to help Terri, but this is not a situation when half measures or political maneuvers will suffice. This is literally a matter of life and death, and the governor has the power and authority to defend life. "In the end, the governor is faced with this question: Would he prefer to maintain his power as governor at the expense of an innocent woman's life, or is he willing to ascend to the highest level of leadership, integrity and courage by saving Terri's life no matter what the personal consequence?" COALITION MEMBERSHIP: Dr. Paul Schenck, National Pro-Life Action Center on Capitol Hill; Stephen G. Peroutka, Esq., Face the Truth TV & Radio; Fr. Thomas Euteneuer, Human Life International; Joe Scheidler, Pro-Life Action League; Michael A. Peroutka, Esq., Institute on the Constitution; Rev. Greg Cox, Faith and Action; Chris Slattery, The Evergreen Association, Inc.; Fr. Frank Pavone, Priests for Life; Rev. Stephen Cox, Gospel of Life Ministries; Rev. John Vandenberge, National Clergy Council; Pat Monaghan, Catholics United for Life. Contact: Joe Giganti,for the 11th Hour Coalition to Save Terri Schiavo's Life, 703-928-9695 revdauphinee answered on 03/30/05: unfortunatly he cares more about his chances for reelection than he does for anything else! arcura rated this answer

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arcura asked on 03/29/05 - Are you aware of the Christian Underground?..... HERE IS SOME OF WHAT IT DOES..... The Christian Underground http://www.christian-underground.com READ IT - LEARN FROM IT - PRAY OVER IT - SHARE IT Coalition Asks Gov. Bush Priorities: Governorship or Terris Life? March 29, 2005 Paul Schenck, L.H.D., has issued the following statement on behalf of the 11th Hour Coalition to Save Terri Schiavo's Life: "It is unconscionable that Gov. Bush has not taken executive action to save the life of Terri Schiavo, an innocent woman being brutally murdered in a manner not witnessed publicly since the Nazis in World War II. Frankly, we are baffled by the governor's recent assertion to the Associated Press that, '(he has) not seen any means by which the executive branch can get involved.' "This is particularly confusing given the contents of a letter sent to the governor by the Thomas More Law Center at his request. In response to Gov. Bush's query of the law center as to whether he had the executive authority to take Terri Schiavo into protective custody, the Thomas More Law Center stated, '...we conclude that you do have that authority. As the Governor of the State of Florida, you are vested with the supreme executive power.' The letter goes on to detail, statute by statute, how and why Gov. Bush can and should take custody of Terri Schiavo. The response concludes, '...you should take immediate custody of Ms. Schiavo, provide for her life support needs, including food and hydration, and medical care, (and) direct the Florida Department of Law Enforcement to conduct a full investigation of the facts and circumstances of this case...' "Given this compelling information, Gov. Bush's claim seems disingenuous. He is the chief executive officer of the Florida state government, and therefore does not need the permission of the judiciary-especially one so blatantly out of control-or of the legislative branch to protect the innocent life of a citizen. Are we really to believe that the governor can commute the death sentence of a hardened criminal, but cannot stop the dehydration and starvation of a disabled American? "We all appreciate the work that Gov. Bush has done to this point to help Terri, but this is not a situation when half measures or political maneuvers will suffice. This is literally a matter of life and death, and the governor has the power and authority to defend life. "In the end, the governor is faced with this question: Would he prefer to maintain his power as governor at the expense of an innocent woman's life, or is he willing to ascend to the highest level of leadership, integrity and courage by saving Terri's life no matter what the personal consequence?" COALITION MEMBERSHIP: Dr. Paul Schenck, National Pro-Life Action Center on Capitol Hill; Stephen G. Peroutka, Esq., Face the Truth TV & Radio; Fr. Thomas Euteneuer, Human Life International; Joe Scheidler, Pro-Life Action League; Michael A. Peroutka, Esq., Institute on the Constitution; Rev. Greg Cox, Faith and Action; Chris Slattery, The Evergreen Association, Inc.; Fr. Frank Pavone, Priests for Life; Rev. Stephen Cox, Gospel of Life Ministries; Rev. John Vandenberge, National Clergy Council; Pat Monaghan, Catholics United for Life. Contact: Joe Giganti,for the 11th Hour Coalition to Save Terri Schiavo's Life, 703-928-9695 revdauphinee answered on 03/30/05: thank you for pointing the site out to me I have joined! arcura rated this answer

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Choux asked on 03/29/05 - Jerry Fawell on Ventilator Jerry Fawell, age 71, is in critical condition on a ventilator. He had been recently discharged from the hospital having suffered a bout of pneumonuia. Thoughts? revdauphinee answered on 03/29/05: while I do not always agree with rev Fallwell I wish him well! Choux rated this answer

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freethinker asked on 03/29/05 - And the seal killing goes on again In Canada the yearly seal killing has started again. 300.000 young seals will be killed within days. Within hours the first 12.000 seals were killed. With steel pipes they are hit on the head, to prevent their skins from damaging. Within minutes they will be skinned, often still alive. We all have seen the pictures before. I know, I know, there is money to be made. But how do you feel about this, as a member of humanity ? revdauphinee answered on 03/29/05: it is wrong to bad people will however respond to this but not to a starving woman ,how inhuman is that?? freethinker rated this answer MaggieB rated this answer FormerJesusHelper76 rated this answer

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arcura asked on 03/29/05 - For your information - New Stem Cell Source. ........ Hair Provides New Stem Cell Source By Jennifer Viegas, Discovery News March 29, 2005 �Any being with hair or fur might be able to supply his or her own stem cells for medical treatments, according to a new study that found stem cells in hair follicles can develop into nerve, skin, muscle and pigment cells. Medical applications have not yet been fully determined, but researchers suspect that a minimally invasive follicle pluck could allow burn victims to regenerate skin, hair loss sufferers to regrow natural locks, and people with neurological disorders to reconstruct damaged nerve tissues. The new stem cell source, while not a replacement for the myriad of cells that scientists have generated from embryos, also presents an avenue of stem cell research that likely will prove to be less controversial than other stem cell studies. Hair follicles, the bag-like structures that rest just below the skin and are responsible for hair growth, have been probed as a source for stem cells since 1990, but the new developments have put follicles into the stem cell limelight. "We were able to recently make the hypothesis that hair-follicle stem cells could form neurons and other non-follicle cell types when we observed that hair-follicle stem cells expressed the protein nestin, which is also expressed in neural stem cells," said Robert Hoffman, professor of surgery at the University of California at San Diego and president of AntiCancer, Inc. "This gave us the idea and impetus to make our discovery that the hair-follicle stem cells could actually differentiate to neurons (nerve cells)." Hoffman and his colleagues made the determination after they isolated and cultured bulge stem cells that are found on the side of a hair follicle. For the study, the hair follicle stem cells came from mouse whiskers. The study's results are published in this week's Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. After just one week from the time of the culture, the hair follicle stem cells developed into neurons when researchers placed them in a medium that contained beta fibroblast, which is a protein-producing connective tissue. After two weeks in this same medium, the stem cells developed into keratinocytes. These are cells that result in the fibrous protein that makes up fur, hair, whiskers, claws, hooves and fingernails. After one month, smooth muscle cells developed. The researchers then changed the growth medium to a fetal bovine serum, a fluid derived from a cow fetus. After two months in this medium, the hair follicle stem cells developed into melanocytes, which are color-producing skin cells. Like cooks whipping up different cellular recipes, the researchers found they could produce desired cells based on time and the ingredients in the growing medium. "Perhaps the components of the medium are inducers of the natural propensity of the hair-follicle stem cells to differentiate into other cell types," Hoffman told Discovery News. In addition to the lab dish creations, the scientists implanted some of the hair follicle stem cells under a mouse's skin, where the cells matured into neurons. Hoffman and his colleagues suspect that similar results could occur in humans and other hairy or furry mammals. "Although we do not know for sure, we assume that hair-follicle stem cells obtained from hair follicles from any part of the body should have the capability to form other cell types," he said. "The hair follicles can be plucked relatively simply and noninvasively." Angela Panoskaltsis-Mortari, assistant professor in the Department of Pediatrics at the University of Minnesota who conducts studies on stem cells derived from bone marrow, thinks stem cells from hair follicles could have many potential therapeutic uses. "I think the obvious medical applications of these hair follicle bulge stem cells would be for the repair/replacement of skin and its vascular and neuronal elements in the treatment of damaged skin in burn victims, in patients with large wounds, and in those with skin destroyed by disease," Panoskaltsis-Mortari told Discovery News. "The capacity of these stem cells to form melanocytes also indicates their potential application to the treatment of albinism and vitiglio." She added that it is important for scientists to continue studying stem cells from many sources, including embryonic stem cells, which she called "the gold standard" when it comes to the ability to grow into any number of parts of the body. Many researchers believe embryonic and bone marrow stem cells have the potential to restore lung, liver, brain, blood cells and more in individuals with inherited disorders or in those who have experienced damage from chemotherapy or radiation treatments for diseases, such as cancer. Stem cells derived from bone marrow or peripheral blood already have been used to successfully treat leukemia and other cancers. Hoffman said he hopes other stem cell therapies, including those involving hair follicle stem cells, will be available to patients within five to ten years revdauphinee answered on 03/29/05: too bad my lupus is making my hair fall out! arcura rated this answer

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Choux asked on 03/29/05 - Something Wonderful Happened Something really great happened to me. About two months ago, I remembered something I forgot for years!!! :D I did a little research, talked to a social worker, and voila! somethng good will happen in a week. I can't tell you now in case something goes wrong in the meantime, but next week I can tell you what happened. In honor of the occasion, I want to make a pledge to be the happier side of Mary Sue on the Board. Think positive thoughts, REALLY make an effort to discontinue being critical, even of my pet peeves. Something wonderful can happen when you least expect it! Question:: What is the last wonderful thing that happened to you that you didn't expect at all?? revdauphinee answered on 03/29/05: finding a diet to lose some wieght wich also lowered my blood suger (i am diabetic) Choux rated this answer

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MaggieB asked on 03/29/05 - Another Article of a Lady in Simliar Condition as Teri Schiavo Music stirred her damaged brain By Dr. S. Allen Counter | March 29, 2005 Judging normal brain function in a neurologically impaired person is never an easy task. The case of Terri Schiavo illustrates this challenge in a dramatic way. A Boston-area patient I first saw when she was 32 also proved the point. The woman had been born without the portions of her brain associated with thought and awareness -- a condition called hydranencephaly that's usually fatal prenatally or in infancy. But she had somehow survived, mainly through good custodial care, including being fed pureed foods by a caretaker all of her life. Her eyes were open wide, and she could move her head from side to side, and make groaning sounds, similar to Terri Schiavo. A quadriplegic, the woman was bedridden or strapped to a wheelchair for several hours each day. She weighed 77 pounds and was 4� feet tall. She could swallow and breathe on her own. The neurological evaluation revealed that the woman failed to blink in response to objects rapidly approaching her eye, indicating blindness; she had abnormal reflexes, and no clear sensitivity to touch. A bright light shone on one side of her slightly enlarged head revealed a bright red fluid-filled cranium. A subsequent MRI revealed the absence of cerebral hemispheres, with only small remnants of cerebral tissue, and a small brain stem. The conclusion by the attending doctors was that this woman was unresponsive to sensory stimuli, devoid of any intellectual function, and in a persistent vegetative state. To confirm these conclusions, she was referred to me for an objective, noninvasive evaluation of her brain's electrical activity and her response to sensory stimulation, including sound, sight and touch. In summary, I found that, although her eyes were open and moving from side to side with her head, there was no brain response to visual input. Similarly, mild electrical stimulation in the fingers and toes traveled up the spinal cord to the brain stem, but no farther in the absence of the cerebral hemispheres. I was astounded, however, that when I turned on a child's music box in the room, I observed that this hydranencephalic patient turned toward the musical device and began to smile and make sounds, as if she were enjoying the experience. I then tested this observation several times and found a consistent response to sound stimulation. When I conducted a test of electrical activity in her brain stem, the portion of the brain that controls bodily functions like breathing, I was surprised to find that the neurons of the brain stem involved with hearing were normal. Several more advanced electrophysiological brain measures showed that she had normal hearing response waves, reflecting neural activity in the higher brain stem. She was aware at some level of the sounds and people noises in her environment, and responded to these sounds with the appearance of joyfulness. I immediately brought her other doctors back into the room, where they began to interact with her in a totally different manner, in some cases holding her hand and trying to speak with her, and treating her more like a normally functioning human being. I was so emotionally moved by her struggle for human definition through the single modality of hearing that I went down to a local electronics shop and bought her an audio cassette player, and some modern and classical music. She continued to appear to enjoy the audio cassette player and her music until her death some years later. This patient demonstrated the dilemma we face in determining whether people in an apparent persistent vegetative state, who by all objective measure have little or no function in the cerebral hemispheres, have any residual human capacity that would persuade us to sustain their lives, even by artificial means. Her case was a reminder of how much we do not understand about the brain, and that even people in an apparent vegetative state may have ways of connecting to the world around them. Dr. S. Allen Counter is professor of neurology and neurophysiology at Harvard Medical School and the Massachusetts General Hospital. revdauphinee answered on 03/29/05: one quote from this says it all "even people in an apparent vegetative state may have ways of connecting to the world around them." I myself have been for a very short time in a position where I was aware of everything going on around me but was unable to comunicate or even move it is a terrifing experience that i would wish on no one! MaggieB rated this answer

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Pete_Hanysz asked on 03/29/05 - This is what Christianity seems to be about. http://welcome.to/tomsmith Search & enjoy the freedom of thought!! revdauphinee answered on 03/29/05: after resding others comments I admit I had no desire to visit the site !Christianity is simple its about loving Crist! MaggieB rated this answer Pete_Hanysz rated this answer

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MaggieB asked on 03/29/05 - Copied from an article written by a minister of the Gospel Jesus Christ. ********************************************** And the LORD God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul" (Genesis 2:7). ********************************************** Think about this; It is God who gives life by His breath, but before God breathes life into man's nostrils and he becomes a living soul, that functioning living form in the mother's womb IS ON LIFE SUPPORTS! Judges are using Teri Schiavo to set precedents that give weight to the liberal stand on abortion. Already, judges make decisions on who dies and who lives; and women, finding themselves pregnant, find that it as easy to get an abortion as it is to get a quickie marriage at Las Vegas or to buy a Big Mac at McDonalds. Later it can become euthanasia. And not far into the future, full reign can be given for cloning people. And think about this; If a body is cloned, whose image and whose likeness is it? Are scientists and Judges so ignorant of God's laws that they believe that God would accept their "Frankenflesh?" Jesus told unbelievers, "You are of your father, the Devil." The grotesque consequences for that are unimaginable. Impossible? No, not impossible at all (Genesis 6:4). Godless men, priding their intellectual capabilities above the knowledge of God are about to open a Pandora's box. Praise God for the promise for us to be caught up and out of here. ********************************************** And many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt (Daniel 12:2). ********************************************** Is there anyone that has not heard all the facts; both hearsay, from which judgments were settled; and testimonies of professional caregivers and friends of Teri, from which de novo review was denied? From this one ordeal of an innocent young comatose woman comes all sorts of moral issues including adultery and murder What ever happened to "ADULTRY?" It's glossed over as "live-in," "common law," "significant other"? Where is the outrage? Where is the shame? Where are the judges that understand the moral laws of God and have the conviction (guts) to observe them? And why should a judge take the word of an adulterer whose wife lies comatose for years without appropriate treatment? When it come to the protest of Pastors, the Apostle Peter said it with authority when threatened with prison, "� We ought to obey God rather than men" (Acts 5:29). So who has the divine authority to "pull the plug" that will cause a person to die a slow death by starvation? I do not fear death. I fear God (Reverence Him, Hold Him in awe), but I tremble at the thought of someone, other than our sons and loved ones, presuming the quality of my life to be so bad that they would call for "pulling the plug." They say that I will not have any pain in a comatose state. How do they know what I will feel unless they are in my body? According to the head of a hospice organization, a physician, it is a SUPPOSITION that they feel no pain. Please don't kill me on a supposition, but let God administer grace. revdauphinee answered on 03/29/05: I agree with you completly that is why I have just put my wishes on paper in a living will and I feel like writing in red right across it "feed Me"" MaggieB rated this answer

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ETWolverine asked on 03/29/05 - My reasoning in the Terry Shiavo case. There are a number of people who have wondered how I could be so "cruel" as to want Terri Schiavo to continue to suffer. I spent a couple of hours thinking the issue over last night. This case has really been bothering me, and I was going over and over it in my head. I think the bottom line of why I favor reinsertion of her feeding tube comes from my EMT days. My training as an EMT was that you NEVER EVER EVER give up on a patient. Even if their heart has stopped, even if they are not breathing, even if you KNOW they are going to die, you never EVER give up on the patient. I have worked on gun shot victims with their heads blown half away, and never stopped compressions or ambu bagging the patient. I've seen trauma from MVAs that you would not believe, and never stopped working on the patient. I even worked on a girl, a young teen, maybe 14 or 15, who had 3rd at 4th degree burns over 90% of her body. (4th degree burn are bone burns, where the bones of the victim have been charred by the flames.) There was no way this girl was going to survive. If she didn't die of the traumatic injury caused by the flames, her lungs would have probably collapsed. And if that didn't happen, then her dead skin was going to poison her to death. And the agony she was in... if ever a patient NEEDED to die, she was it. But we never stopped working on her. Even in the emergency room, I stuck around and kept working on her until the doctor called TOD. I quit EMS a month later. I couldn't get the picture of that kid's arm out of my head... I could see the charred bones, and that vision messed me up pretty bad. And I can still remember the smell... That case destroyed my ability to do my job. And my ability to eat (especially meat) and sleep. So I quit. Maybe I should never have been an EMT in the first place. I was always too close to the patients and took the cases to personally. But that girl was the worst. But the point is that my training says to never quit on the patient, never stop fighting for the patient. Every patient deserves every opportunity, every chance, no matter how miniscule, to live. Where I come from, we don't give up and say "that person would be better off dead, so let's stop working on them." My brother is a medical student (in May people start calling him "doctor", and if you are anywhere near Maimonides Medical Center in Brooklyn, try not to get sick,:)) and he and I disagree strongly on this issue. He, like many of you, agrees that removing the feeding tube was the correct thing to do. But his training is different than mine. Doctors get to call TOD, EMTs don't. Doctors get to call when to stop working on the patient. EMTs don't. Part of a doctor's training is in recognizing when there is nothing else they can do. EMT's don't get to make that decision. I come from a place that says "don't stop". My brother comes from a different place. I guess that my feelings with regard to Terri Schiavo are all tied in to that training. As long as Terri lives, my own training is to keep her alive, to do everything in my power to save her. Its instinctual and it is a moral issue for me... to me, there is no morality in stopping patient care. The morality is in fighting for them beyond what is possible, an making that imposibility a reality. I've seen the dead come back to life with proper medical care and if not too much time has passed from when death occured. So even death doesn't deter me from continuing to work on the patient. I don't believe in DNRs. DNRs are for doctors to deal with, not EMTs. EMTs bag and boogie, we don't refuse medical care. So the idea of removing Terri Schiavo's feeding tube is, to me, a betrayal of trust, and I take it personally. I hope that in the discussions about Terri Schiavo on this board that I have not offended anyone. I have tried not to. But if I have, then I apologize. I hope this post will give you all a better understanding of why I am so against the idea of letting Terri Schiavo starve to death. It just goes so much against the grain. And I hope you all get the idea of WHY it does. It's not about my conservative stances... or at least not mostly about my conservativism. It's about right and wrong for me. Elliot revdauphinee answered on 03/29/05: I wish more folks felt as you do I also believe in what you wrote'never quit on the patient, never stop fighting for the patient. Every patient deserves every opportunity, every chance, no matter how miniscule, to live. Where I come from, we don't give up and say "that person would be better off dead, so let's stop working on them." I just wish if I get sick I have folks who think as you and dont give up life is precious and should be cherished no matter what. ETWolverine rated this answer

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STONY asked on 03/29/05 - ARE YOU A "BAD" AMERICAN ALSO? YES, I'M A BAD AMERICAN by George Carlin I Am Your Worst Nightmare. I am a BAD American. I am George Carlin. I believe the money I make belongs to me and my family, not some mid level governmental functionary be it Democratic or Republican! I'm in touch with my feelings and I like it that way, damn it! I think owning a gun doesn't make you a killer, it makes you a smart American. I think being a minority does not make you noble or victimized, and does not entitle you to anything. I believe that if you are selling me a Big Mac, try to do it in English. I think fireworks should be legal on the 4th of July. I think that being a student doesn't give you any more enlightenment than working at Blockbuster. In fact, if your parents are footing the bill to put your pansy ass through 4 years plus of college, you haven't begun to be enlightened. I believe everyone has a right to pray to his or her God when and where they want to. My heroes are John Wayne, Babe Ruth, Roy Rogers, and whoever canceled Jerry Springer. I don't hate the rich. I don't pity the poor. I kno w wrestling is fake and I don't waste my time arguing about it. I think global warming is a big lie. Where are all those experts now, when I'm freezing my ass off during these long winters and paying, paying, paying? I've never owned a slave, or was a slave, I didn't wander forty years In the desert after getting chased out of Egypt. I haven't burned any witches or been persecuted by the Turks and neither have you! So, shut-the-Hell-up already. I want to know which church is it exactly where the Reverend Jesse Jackson practices, where he gets his money, and why he is always part of the problem and not the solution. Can I get an AMEN on that one? I think the cops have every right to shoot your sorry ass if you're running from them. I also think they have the right to pull your ass over if you're breaking the law, regardless of what color you are. And, no, I don't mind having my face shown on my drivers license. I think it's good.....and I'm proud that "God" is written on my money. I think if you are too stupid to know how a ballot works, I don't want you deciding who should be running the most powerful nation in the world for the next four years. I dislike those people standing in the intersections trying to sell me crap or trying to guilt me into making "donations" to their cause. These people should be targets. I believe that it doesn't take a village to raise a child, it takes two parents. And what the hell is going on with gas prices... again? If this makes me a BAD American, then yes, I'm a BAD American. If you are a BAD American too, please forward this to everyone you know. We need our country back revdauphinee answered on 03/29/05: carlin also feels its ok to use vulgarity are we supposed to agree with him on that???? STONY rated this answer

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arcura asked on 03/29/05 - And what do you think of this view?................ Unwitting Disciples Of Death March 29, 2005 There is a perverted, sinister sickness in Michael Schiavo's attorney, George Felos, glamorizing Terri Schiavo's death, saying she looks "beautiful" and is "resting comfortably." Felos' statement is presumptuous, extraordinarily insensitive and powerfully offensive, especially in view of the contrary accounts of Terri's family and their lawyers. They say she is emaciated, her eyes are sunken, her skin is flaking, she's bleeding from the eyes and mouth, and she's desperately trying to cry out for help. Terri's sister, Suzanne Vitadamo, said, "It's like someone who is coming out of a bunker in Auschwitz." Brother Bobby Schindler said, "This is heinous what's happening, absolutely heinous -- this is absolutely barbaric. If she is in fact dying so peacefully and easily, why not allow a camera in there to videotape it?" I offer Felos' gratuitous observation as Exhibit A to the assertion others and I have made that there is an element in our society that doesn't just want to promote so-called privacy, but affirmatively pushes the "death option." There is just something eerily repugnant in Felos' glow about Terri's plight. I realize that many, including some who believe Terri's life ought to be spared, believe this "pro-death" characterization is over the top, but all things considered, I truly don't. Of course I'm not saying that everyone who believes Terri's feeding tube ought not to be restored are death-worshippers. I'm not saying that even those as callous as Felos appears to be, deliberately genuflect at the altar of death. But I am saying that all too many have become unwitting disciples of a pagan death cult, which romanticizes death and the death process, and disturbingly discounts the universal human will to live. At the very least they are blind agents in the incremental, inexorable devaluation of sacred human life. They would have you believe, just as the pro-abortionists, that they are primarily interested in vindicating the choice, freedom and intent of the patient. Yet they don't seem remotely interested in inquiring into what Terri's choice really is, just as the pro-abortionists do their level best to deprive pregnant women contemplating an abortion of information that might militate against making a choice for life. They seem completely untroubled by the fact that Terri left no written declaration of her intention not to be kept alive, much less via feeding tube. They are unfazed that the only evidence she wants to die is the testimony of an estranged husband who somehow didn't remember to mention it during the first years of her disability when he was pursuing a malpractice award. Why wasn't he trying to honor "her wishes" then? They appear entirely impervious to statements from Terri's parents and siblings, and from some of her medical providers, that Terri does want to live, which, if true, would cancel out any past expression to the contrary made, if at all, many years before. They are so incurious about the plethora of irregularities in this case and especially Terri's reported current will to live that one has to conclude they have a bias against keeping severely brain-damaged people alive, regardless of their intent, past or present. If Terri doesn't want to live, then why did she make loud noises when told that all she needed to do to stay alive was to express her will to live? Even forgetting everything else, if there is any chance she was trying to express her desire to live, then we have no moral authority to permit her to be killed. The fact that Michael's defenders are turning a deaf ear to Terri's cries and casually dismissing the very real possibility that she possesses a will to live that transcends her brain damage proves it isn't her intent they seek to honor, but their superior opinion that she doesn't need to be kept alive in these circumstances. Rationalize if you must, but they are resolving all doubts against life and making their decision based on subjective quality of life assessments. Some doubtlessly will respond that the courts have painstakingly considered all the evidence. While I am skeptical about that, I don't believe courts should have the authority to authorize the killing of an otherwise healthy woman in these circumstances, especially when she left no written directive. I hope state legislatures promptly address this travesty. The enlightened among us pride themselves in rejecting the idea of slippery slopes, but it hardly takes a Nostradamus to see what our approach to the Schiavo case could lead to in the near future. As long as we presume to place ourselves in the decision of playing God by sanctioning the killing of a physically healthy, sometimes-conscious woman today, who very well might want to live, there is no reason to believe that other vulnerable individuals will be spared down the road. When that time comes, people will be even more sophisticated in characterizing their destruction of humanity as humane. "There is a way that seems right to a man, but in the end it leads to death." All pages copyright David Limbaugh 1994-2005 revdauphinee answered on 03/29/05: all I can say is I agree with this quote "As long as we presume to place ourselves in the decision of playing God by sanctioning the killing of a physically healthy, sometimes-conscious woman today, who very well might want to live, there is no reason to believe that other vulnerable individuals will be spared down the road. When that time comes, people will be even more sophisticated in characterizing their destruction of humanity as humane. "There is a way that seems right to a man, but in the end it leads to death." arcura rated this answer

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MaggieB asked on 03/28/05 - LIFE AFTER DEATH/THOUGHT YOU MIGHT ENJOY THE FOLLOWING Since the question was posted on the board recently: LIFE AFTER DEATH: "DO YOU BELIEVE IN LIFE AFTER DEATH?" THE BOSS ASKED ONE OF HIS EMPLOYEES. "YES, SIR," THE NEW EMPLOYEE REPLIED. "WELL, THEN, THAT MAKES EVERYTHING JUST FINE," THE BOSS WENT ON. "AFTER YOU LEFT EARLY YESTERDAY TO GO TO YOUR GRANDMOTHER'S FUNERAL, SHE STOPPED IN TO SEE YOU! revdauphinee answered on 03/29/05: Most of us have at least two grandmothers and with divorce and remariage in this country many have more!so he may have been telling the truth! MaggieB rated this answer

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Choux asked on 03/28/05 - Stem Cell Research The most vehement on the side of mandating that "brain dead" people must live on "any kind" of life support are against any research in the area of stem cell reseach which might lead to progress in curing many neuological diseases. Do you think we should do medical research involving stem cells? Why or why not? revdauphinee answered on 03/28/05: since I am a sufferer of lupus and diabetes yes I am for stem cell research but this can be acheived without abotrtion! Choux rated this answer freethinker rated this answer

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ROLCAM asked on 03/28/05 - The Sandrehin ?? Was this band of people ever considered to be a political party ? revdauphinee answered on 03/28/05: it was as far as the Roman ocupation would allow it > ROLCAM rated this answer

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ROLCAM asked on 03/28/05 - The Twelve ?? Apostles, in the New Testament, are the 12 men chosen by Jesus Christ to be His close companions. Do the different Gospels agree who these twelve people were? ROLCAM revdauphinee answered on 03/28/05: (Matt.10:2-4 2 These are the names of the twelve apostles: first, Simon (who is called Peter) and his brother Andrew; James son of Zebedee, and his brother John; 3 Philip and Bartholomew; Thomas and Matthew the tax collector; James son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus; 4 Simon the Zealot and Judas Iscariot, who betrayed him. Mk.3:16-19 16 These are the twelve he appointed: Simon (to whom he gave the name Peter); 17 James son of Zebedee and his brother John (to them he gave the name Boanerges, which means Sons of Thunder); 18 Andrew, Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Thomas, James son of Alphaeus, Thaddaeus, Simon the Zealot 19 and Judas Iscariot, who betrayed him. Lk.6:13-16 13 When morning came, he called his disciples to him and chose twelve of them, whom he also designated apostles: 14 Simon (whom he named Peter), his brother Andrew, James, John, Philip, Bartholomew, 15 Matthew, Thomas, James son of Alphaeus, Simon who was called the Zealot, 16 Judas son of James, and Judas Iscariot, who became a traitor. Ac.1:13 When they arrived, they went upstairs to the room where they were staying. Those present were Peter, John, James and Andrew; Philip and Thomas, Bartholomew and Matthew; James son of Alphaeus and Simon the Zealot, and Judas son of James. ROLCAM rated this answer

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freethinker asked on 03/28/05 - Chosen Death In a very impressive documentary on the Belgium Television the subject was Chosen Death. In november 2003 Jean Aebisscher (58) from the Swiss Canton Vaud is informed that he has a brain tumor with metastatis. Jean still looks quite well, is still mobile, but realises that he is terminal ill. Jean decides that it is better to end his life now, than being consumed by his illness, and deteriorate into some form of plant-like life, and die from the disease with lots of pain. In Switzerland - like in so many other countries in Europe - euthanasia is allowed undere specific conditions. One of these conditions is that the assistent in the procedure has no (financial) interest in the procedure, and that there is a proper legal and medical support for the entire procedure. That's why the organisation �Exit Suisse Romande� is asked to assist, an organisation that yearly assist many people in ending the lives. Another of the Swiss conditions is that the patient is completely aware of his/her condition, clearly state his/her wish to end life, and is able to drink the potion that will cause the end. The documentary accompanies Jean and his girlfriend through his last days, and shows his grief to die, to end a life that is so much valued by Jean. The program is a clear plea for the possibility of an intentional and decent departure based on human dignity, when all hope is finished for a normal natural life, and all that is left is pain and fear. We saw Jean make an appointment with �Exit� for the 6th of Januari 2004. That day the �Exit� representative visited Jean at home, where he was waiting with his nearest friends. The camera registered the final moments of Jean, and show how peaceful he dies, without fear, without pain. I'm NOT asking if you agree with Jean's decision to end life. I'm NOT asking if you would do the same. All I ask is if you agree that people in a similar situation like Jean can make use of the possibility of euthanasia. Maybe you can also let me know if - if you were able to do so - you would try to talk such a person out of taking his/her own life, and - if so - WHY you would do that. revdauphinee answered on 03/28/05: only God giveth only he should take away! arcura rated this answer freethinker rated this answer

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freethinker asked on 03/28/05 - Chosen Death In a very impressive documentary on the Belgium Television the subject was Chosen Death. In november 2003 Jean Aebisscher (58) from the Swiss Canton Vaud is informed that he has a brain tumor with metastatis. Jean still looks quite well, is still mobile, but realises that he is terminal ill. Jean decides that it is better to end his life now, than being consumed by his illness, and deteriorate into some form of plant-like life, and die from the disease with lots of pain. In Switzerland - like in so many other countries in Europe - euthanasia is allowed undere specific conditions. One of these conditions is that the assistent in the procedure has no (financial) interest in the procedure, and that there is a proper legal and medical support for the entire procedure. That's why the organisation �Exit Suisse Romande� is asked to assist, an organisation that yearly assist many people in ending the lives. Another of the Swiss conditions is that the patient is completely aware of his/her condition, clearly state his/her wish to end life, and is able to drink the potion that will cause the end. The documentary accompanies Jean and his girlfriend through his last days, and shows his grief to die, to end a life that is so much valued by Jean. The program is a clear plea for the possibility of an intentional and decent departure based on human dignity, when all hope is finished for a normal natural life, and all that is left is pain and fear. We saw Jean make an appointment with �Exit� for the 6th of Januari 2004. That day the �Exit� representative visited Jean at home, where he was waiting with his nearest friends. The camera registered the final moments of Jean, and show how peaceful he dies, without fear, without pain. I'm NOT asking if you agree with Jean's decision to end life. I'm NOT asking if you would do the same. All I ask is if you agree that people in a similar situation like Jean can make use of the possibility of euthanasia. Maybe you can also let me know if - if you were able to do so - you would try to talk such a person out of taking his/her own life, and - if so - WHY you would do that. revdauphinee answered on 03/28/05: I apreciate that you do not agree with me and those like me but I am by no means dumb and do not appreciate you calling me that .I dissagree with you that does not mean I am dumb it just meant we have differing outlooks on life !I wopuld appreciate it if since I do not call you names you would kindly refrain from doing so also > Dorothy freethinker rated this answer

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hOPE12 asked on 03/28/05 - Whoever can speak the loudest is the one heard: We live in a world where there are those who wish to be always at the forefront of matters. Never speaking the facts softly and with care and concern for all involved. These one speak loudly and with false authority and this pushes the truth of matters down where it can not be heard. The loudness of the voice of the one with no morality or care or real concern for another is heard because they know how to drown out the smaller humble one from being heard. Does this make them right? No it does not. They call others names for speaking out but because they want the world to think their way, they start calling names and trying to make themselves look important. The same person on this board keeps speaking out as if they know everything and yet have proven how little they do know. They make statement without backing up those statements, and they feel that is okay because they have the loudest voice. I say this to those who feel they can constantly speak to others as if they know everything, "You do not know everything Mr, you just think you do." Now many posts have been on this board about Terrie Schiavo. But those who disagree that she should be allowed to live, have made statements and hostile comments and said them in Michael Schiavo's behalf without prove of where they get their information. But these same ones are the persons who demand proof from those who feel differently then they do. They just can be ruder and louder so they seem to always get away with their nasty comments. I say to these ones, "put a sock in your mouth before you degrade others for speaking their mind. What gives you guys the right to call other experts names, just because their points of view is different from yours? "Gossip Mongers." false tongues" and other such names? You have no right to do that, just as no other person should take the life of another. If those with loud mouths can't except that others have a right to their moral opinions also, they really don't need to be on this board. When names are called and disrespect is shown because others disagree with your mighty opinion, then it just proves that the rights of other can be taken away by the person/persons that speak the loudest. Yes, as you have quessed this post is about the comments made by those who have disagreed with those who feel that Terries Moral rights are being stepped on and ignored. If you disagree with that, that is fine, just don't call names because someone differs from your most precious opinion! Just because you speak the loudest and have the biggest mouth, don't make your opinions right. Now if you want you can give me a big old black star,or report me if you would like, I really don't care. I am sick of the same ones trying to make themselves look so important by stepping on others. When you start attacking others, such as Liz22, and Dorthy and others with disrespect than that is when my voice will become loud and you WILL hear me. SHAME ON THOSE WHO HAVE DONE THIS. YOU NEED TO GROW UP AND HAVE A DISCUSSION, STATE YOUR OPINION BUT DO SO WITH RESPECT FOR THE OTHER PERSONS RIGHTS. That is what is wrong with this world, we all seem to have rights, but some of us only get to practice those rights if given permission to do so, by those with the biggest mouths and loudest voice. BTW: If the shoe fits, WEAR IT! Hope12 revdauphinee answered on 03/28/05: thank you hope ,howebver they can call me whatever they wish when I see wrong being done i will speak out.I believe God alone gives life and he alone should be the one to take it !if these folks dont like what i say that is there problem and calling names wont help anything!Nor will it stop me! Liz22 rated this answer hOPE12 rated this answer

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Choux asked on 03/28/05 - Indonesia heading into God's Judgement? Another severe eathtquake. People fleeing their homes. Chance of tsunami. Is Indonesia heading into God's judgement? revdauphinee answered on 03/28/05: The whole earth is !not just Indonesia, Matthew 24: 4. Jesus answered: "Watch out that no one deceives you. 5. For many will come in my name, claiming, `I am the Christ, ' and will deceive many. 6. You will hear of wars and rumors of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come. (((7. Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in various places. 8. All these are the beginning of birth pains. ))) 9. "Then you will be handed over to be persecuted and put to death, and you will be hated by all nations because of me. 10. At that time many will turn away from the faith and will betray and hate each other, 11. and many false prophets will appear and deceive many people. 12. Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold, 13. but he who stands firm to the end will be saved. Choux rated this answer

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Choux asked on 03/28/05 - Indonesia heading into God's Judgement? Another severe eathtquake. People fleeing their homes. Chance of tsunami. Is Indonesia heading into God's judgement? revdauphinee answered on 03/28/05: The whole earth is !not just Indonesia, Matthew 24: 4. Jesus answered: "Watch out that no one deceives you. 5. For many will come in my name, claiming, `I am the Christ, ' and will deceive many. 6. You will hear of wars and rumors of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come. (((7. Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in various places. 8. All these are the beginning of birth pains. ))) 9. "Then you will be handed over to be persecuted and put to death, and you will be hated by all nations because of me. 10. At that time many will turn away from the faith and will betray and hate each other, 11. and many false prophets will appear and deceive many people. 12. Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold, 13. but he who stands firm to the end will be saved. Choux rated this answer

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hOPE12 asked on 03/28/05 - THE COURTS ARE WRONG ON THIS ONE! Michael Schiavo has only been married to Terrie in paper only. He has committed adultery with another women and has two children with those women. He is really not in love with Terrie or acting as a husband should. Why can't the courts see this? When a husband commits adultery with a wife she can divorce the husband. Do you think Terrie would want to be with her husband after he has committed aduultery on her? His love for Terrie was not very strong to start with. One year after Terrie illness he shacked up with this women he is with now. Where is the love? Most mates wait at least a few years. Michael was cheating during that first year and then decided to stay with this one women. How can he make descions for Terrie when he is really not acting as a husband in faithfulness. Michael cheats and Terrie gets codemmed to death while Michael moves on to marry this other women. You guys don't see anything wrong with this situation? And the courts to boot, stick up for Michael without any full investagation. This isn't justice that comes from God but mans injustice. I hope that the parents and brother and sister hire an attorney to find out what really took place in 1990. I think Michael Schiavo has a deep dark secret and that is why he want to cremeate the body so no evidence will be found. If that is not true why would he not allow the parents to bury their child? He carried his wishes through and claims they are from Terrie and that they are her wishes. Why then the burning of the body? What does he have to hide? Sounds real fishy to me that someone who claims to love another also took 15 years to decide what Terrie "said." Why did he not mention this prior to this time. Please do tell me he mentioned it before unless you have it in writting on a website. To many lies are being told and they will not get away with it. We all must answer for our actions and Michael will answer for any lies he has told. I bet if asked under a lie dectector if Terrie said she wanted to die, he would fail. This case will have an effect on others in the future and unless new laws are made, people will be killed without a second thought given to them. Anyone in the way of another, they won't need a divorce, just kill them. That is what we have to look forward to in the future and Terrie is just the beginnig. How sad for all of us. Hope12 revdauphinee answered on 03/28/05: I feel he has much to hide ,however he needs to know he cannot hide from God .and scripture covers this in 1st john 3:12. Do not be like Cain, who belonged to the evil one and murdered his brother. And why did he murder him? Because his own actions were evil and as for the judge who was removed from his church scripture also speaks to him removal from the congregation is not what he needs to be concerned with if he has one iota of belief in him he should fear for his very soul Psalms 58 1. Do you rulers indeed speak justly? Do you judge uprightly among men? 2. No, in your heart you devise injustice, and your hands mete out violence on the earth. Daniel 4: 27. Therefore, O king, be pleased to accept my advice: Renounce your sins by doing what is right, and your wickedness by being kind to the oppressed. It may be that then your prosperity will continue." Micah 6: 8. He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God. He did none of these so he will be judged one day as he judged "without mercy"remember we are to do as we would be done by! purplewings rated this answer freethinker rated this answer hOPE12 rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 03/27/05 - On the existence of God Here is a web site with a partiicular point of view. What do you think http://www.meant4more.com/ revdauphinee answered on 03/27/05: seems like a good site to me! paraclete rated this answer

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freethinker asked on 03/27/05 - And the Terri Schiavo infighting continues .... Even before Terri Schiavo has died (and I mean Terri as she is at this moment - please no debate if she already is dead or not) the regretable infighting already took another step. The parents of Terri seem to have accepted that continuing courtcases for re-attaching the feeding tubes have no chance of succeeding. So they have already announced their next step, a step that involves the remains of Terri Schiavo after her demise. Mr. Schiavo as legal guardian of Terri has decided that her body will be cremated. One of his reasons is that this will stop making her grave some form of remembrance point. The courts have already debated this, and the unanimous decision was that the final decision on burial or cremation is to mr. Schiavo, and not Terri Schiavo's family. So the despute continues, even before Terri actually dies. Courtaction is planned to actually change the decision on burial or cremation away from Mr. Schiavo towards Terri's family. I really find this rather distasteful, and it shows a lack of respect of the parents for their own daughter. It's no longer a case of fighting for Terri Schiavo, it's now a case of revenge, a "let's make it as difficult for mr. Schiavo as possible". It only backs-up the thought many people have about this entire dispute: We all regret what happened to Terri Schiavo, but the majority of people regrets even more the play by the family, and the consequences and impact this case had on the American people (and not only on them), and the (mis)-use of it by a small but aggressive religious group representing the ultra right in the religious american society. Will they now run amok over the intended cremation of Terri? Will the US government get involved too, and make new laws to prevent the intended cremation of Terri? Where will this unfortunate spectacle end? How sad that an entire nation got entangled into what seems more and more to become a regretable family infighting. revdauphinee answered on 03/27/05: go without food or water for 8 days then return here and tell me it is not painfull! executive priveledge can free a prisoner on death row well surley she is on death row> freethinker rated this answer

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Pete_Hanysz asked on 03/27/05 - I need educating! You must excuse my naivety but with all the discussions on Terri Schiavo , coupled with the Christian belief of the afterlife, why should a person in distress not be allowed to move on to a better place? I quote drgade ��.but I really am looking forward to the next life...when this body is 6 foot under.� Pete revdauphinee answered on 03/27/05: Nothing wrong with moving on we all will one day but do you realy want to be forced before your time??? Pete_Hanysz rated this answer

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freethinker asked on 03/27/05 - A Happy Easter to all ! A happy Easter to all ! Remember, how old you are, how physically limited you may be, how financial challenged your situation is, it always beats 6 foot under ! In every life there will be pain and sorrow, but there is also so much to enjoy from. Welcome to the next summertime in your life ! revdauphinee answered on 03/27/05: glad you are happy !I will not be 6 ft under my body will! but my soul will soar!the body is like coat one outgrows eventualy freethinker rated this answer

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ROLCAM asked on 03/27/05 - Religion and politics. Religion and politics are mixing as never before!!. What are your current views on this subject? ROLCAM. revdauphinee answered on 03/27/05: both are part of life we have to deal with why should we sepperate them? ROLCAM rated this answer

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Toms777 asked on 03/26/05 - Is America heading into Judgement? This is an interesting article written in the wake of what is going on with respect to Terri Schriavo. http://www.geocities.com/backstreet_1999/judgement.html What do you think? revdauphinee answered on 03/27/05: I think those who are the wrongdoers will pay as will those who support them America is in trouble I quote from the article "Most people reading this article will no doubt be seething by now for such harsh accusations against America, but when one steps back and takes a good hard look at this nation the honest person will have no choice but to face the facts - that America is quickly going downhill, and God is not going to stand for it much longer." this may have been Gods test and we failed it misserablyGod does test his people. Deteronomy 13:3The LORD your God is testing you to find out whether you love him with all your heart and with all your soul. 8:2Remember how the LORD your God led you all the way in the desert these forty years, to humble you and to ""test"" you in order to know what was in your heart, whether or not you would keep his commands.thou shalt not kill)people. america has been tested and found lacking .our only hope lies in @ 2nd Chronicles7: 14. if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land. 15. Now my eyes will be open and my ears attentive to the prayers offered in this place. Liz22 rated this answer Toms777 rated this answer

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LTgolf asked on 03/26/05 - The Bible If the Bible ( both old and new ) was never written, would we even think or believe there is a God, or a creater as some would have it. Leon revdauphinee answered on 03/26/05: I believe we would seek one as there is a need in humans for n explanation of life? LTgolf rated this answer

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LTgolf asked on 03/26/05 - The Bible If the Bible ( both old and new ) was never written, would we even think or believe there is a God, or a creater as some would have it. Leon revdauphinee answered on 03/26/05: I truly believe so because mankind has a need for one LTgolf rated this answer

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Ccl471 asked on 03/26/05 - Video Series There's an end-times video series with the movies "Apocalypse," "Revelation," and "Tribulation." Is there another sequel after "Tribulation?" Or is "Tribulation" the last video in the series? Many thanks, C.L. revdauphinee answered on 03/26/05: these were movies made not as a series there are many christian movies available such as "the mark of the beast " "escape from Hell"and lots more

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Choux asked on 03/26/05 - Does God Want You To Be Happy? I'm repeating the question because there is some kind of glitch on my computer or at AW, and I can't answer the question or make clarifications. My Answer:: The "Real God" which is a mystery, gave us our life, our greatest gift. We must all make the best of our lives, that is our responsibility, but we have the help of others. :):):) revdauphinee answered on 03/26/05: yes he wants us to be happy he came to give life and it more abundantly.(and not to take it away from others as is presently being done in Fla0 Choux rated this answer

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cliff_dweller asked on 03/26/05 - Old Testament There are a lot of pictures of Christ in the Old testament. How many can you name? revdauphinee answered on 03/26/05: what do you mean by pictures do you mean he was prophecied?? cliff_dweller rated this answer

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HANK1 asked on 03/26/05 - SEVEN DEMONS! Who was the woman from whom Jesus cast out seven demons? What were the demons? HANK revdauphinee answered on 03/26/05: many people believe it was Mary Magdeline.If she did as much as she is credited with she must have been a very buisy woman! HANK1 rated this answer

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hOPE12 asked on 03/26/05 - New evidence not listened too, why? Hello Everyone, Why is the new evidence presented to the authorities not listened too. On fox news the nurse who took care of Terrie was on this morning stating that Terrie's husband was cruel to her. He stopped all her rehabilatation as well as when she had a urinary tract infection he withheld antibiotics. Why? He would visit and she would become very withdrawn and irratated and when he would leave Terrie would just stare out the window for a few hours. She was the nurse who would bath Terrie and rub lotion on her skin at the parents request and this nurse said she would give Terrie apple juice and jello and she was able to eat it without aspirating on it, the feeding tube was added for extra norishment. Terrie husbans would not allow anyone to test her further stating it was not helping. This nurse who cared for Terrie said that he would bring his dates to see Terrie and that he did so to prove to them that she was still alive. Then they would hold hands and leave. He didn't sit with Terrie or speak with her, just show them and leave. If this is true why won't Judge Greer listen to these people. They just can't accuse without proof or this nurse could loose her job and be sued. What is wrong with these courts? Take care, Hope12 revdauphinee answered on 03/26/05: one reason is because he is a friend of michaels lawyer another is again he is power mad and wishes to show hios power over even life or death these judges will have a special place reserved in hell CeeBee2 rated this answer hOPE12 rated this answer

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curious98 asked on 03/26/05 - Why the mystery? Although this post does not belong in here, I have decided to post it here after all, because it also deals with human lives, and may be an alternative to the Terry case. In Rome, Italian Justice Minister Roberto Castelli, last Wednesday, sent an official request to Washington asking why the USA authorities in Iraq are not the Italian police to inspect and analyze the Sgrena�s car that is still in US military hands. The Italian scientific police just want to carry out (along with their American counterparts) ballistic checks of the car, including amount of impacts, trajectories of the bullets as well as the engine to determine the speed of the car when it was shot. Mr. Castelli does not understand why the US command has told the Italian Ambassador in Baghdad to differ, for the time being, any inspection by Italian police or reporters, particularly when, as one of the allied nations with 3000+ soldiers in Iraq, they feel they are as entitled to anyone else to examine the car in question. Information provided by the Italian newspapers La Repubblica and Il Corriere de la Sera. Other Italian sources are today advancing the theory that there is a strong likelihood that the garage where the car is kept maybe be destroyed by some �eventual� terrorist attack� Curious98 revdauphinee answered on 03/26/05: as for the car being destroyed or lost !it more than likely will! curious98 rated this answer freethinker rated this answer

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ROLCAM asked on 03/26/05 - Simple question ?? Does God want you to be happy? revdauphinee answered on 03/26/05: of cource he does or why would he tell us in John 10: (I have come that they may have life,) and have it to the full. if we are not happy then life is not full The words in parenthasis needs desperatly to be remembered in America today ROLCAM rated this answer

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ROLCAM asked on 03/26/05 - Easter Traditions in Different Countries. 1) In English - Happy Easter traditionally has its own meaning. 2) In Italian - Happy Easter (Buona Pasqua) has a different traditional meaning. Questions:- 1)Can anyone explain the two above traditions? 2)Do you know of any other Country's tradition? Please explain it to us. ROLCAM. revdauphinee answered on 03/26/05: Mark 7:"`These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. 7 They worship me in vain; their teachings are but rules taught by men.' 8 You have let go of the commands of God and are holding on to the traditions of men." 9 And he said to them: "You have a fine way of setting aside the commands of God in order to observe your own traditions! ROLCAM rated this answer

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ROLCAM asked on 03/26/05 - Idolatry ?? According to scripture, those who worshipped before the idol of the golden calf were guilty of idolatry. Is idolarty still practiced in this day and age? revdauphinee answered on 03/26/05: yes indeed today we worship the Almighty Dollar instead of the Almighty GOD! freethinker rated this answer ROLCAM rated this answer

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ROLCAM asked on 03/26/05 - Essential Debate ?? PRO-CHOICE campaigners criticised the Anglican Church on Sunday for joining the debate on abortion, arguing that their real motive was to make the practice illegal. The Archbishop of Canterbury said medical advances and the "rising number of abortions" made a debate essential. Is debate essential ? revdauphinee answered on 03/26/05: how can something be corrected if it is not talked about first??? freethinker rated this answer ROLCAM rated this answer

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Choux asked on 03/25/05 - American Birth Rate is 2.1 America has a birth rate that is only replacing the Americans that die off per "The McLaughlin" show last Saturday night. Any increase in the American population comes from immigrants both legal and illegal. I have been thinking of this fact off-and-on for the last week, and wondering, if the Bush Administration policy of ignoring illegal aliens somehow fits in with capitalism's need to grow continually? revdauphinee answered on 03/26/05: American Birth Rate is 2.1 Choux 03/25/05 America has a birth rate that is only replacing the Americans that die off could it be that is because of our killing off our progeny by abortion im sure this has some bearing on these stats! Choux rated this answer paraclete rated this answer tomder55 rated this answer

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Choux asked on 03/25/05 - Conservative Judge Greer at the center of all the controversy in the Terri Schiavo case has been asked to leave his Southern Baptist Congregation along with his immediate family members. Judge Greer a lifelong Southern Baptist a Conservative has not been interviewed. revdauphinee answered on 03/26/05: Christians as a rule are pro life this judge obviously is not!to be truthfull I wouldnt want him in my congregation sory if this offends anyone but I will be truthfull no matter what If your not with Jesus you are against him Job 12: 5. Men at ease have contempt for misfortune as the fate of those whose feet are slipping. Zechariah 1:15. but I am very angry with the nations that feel secure. I was only a little angry, but they added to the calamity.' we need to pray for our nation +because I truly believe this applies to us! Choux rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 03/25/05 - What's a nation going to do? What is a Christian nation going to do when it's leading international representative has been insulted. What will the US do now that Condie Rice has been insulted by China. Does this mean China has been elevated in the Axis of Evil stakes to top target? Definate racist slurs have eminated from China, who it appears are a little phobic when it comes to dealing with dark skinned people. revdauphinee answered on 03/25/05: let me apologise but today i cannot concern my self with condi rice Please forgive me! paraclete rated this answer

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Choux asked on 03/25/05 - How Will You Die? How will you die? Just like every *natural death* since the beginning of time. I have watched two people die, and seen others in various stages of death. We all lie on our death bed(home, hospital, hospice) and we are made as comfortable as possible, and we take day or days to die. Relatives give their last visit, and then at some point, we are gone. In America, brain damaged people(strokes, oxygen deprivation, accidents, and some diseases) and Alzheimer's sufferers are routinely allowed to die by withholding food and water. Do you think that this practice should continue? Do you think that new laws should be written to cover all cases of severe brain damage? revdauphinee answered on 03/25/05: Do you think that this practice should continue? NO! NO! a thousand times NO! Choux rated this answer freethinker rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 03/25/05 - what happened? While you are being agony aunt's over the fate of one woman,deplorable though that may be, spare a thought for the hundred of thousands of tsunami victims who are now the victums of a tidal wave of red tape and governmental bungling. Thanks for nothing March 26, 2005 UN agency forced to abandon Aceh Bypassing the bureaucrats Look what the tsunami's dragged in Billions of dollars have been promised and help has poured in from around the world. But the tsunami-devastated Acehnese can't live on kindness. It's time they saw the colour of our money, writes Matthew Moore. Faisal thought he had a reasonable chance of getting a typewriter. But the government official in charge of Punge Jurong village in Banda Aceh learnt that getting any of the billions of dollars of reconstruction aid promised after the Boxing Day tsunami was much harder than he thought. It was certainly harder than getting emergency help in the frantic days after the disaster. Faisal is responsible for one of the scores of villages that make up Banda Aceh, the capital of Aceh Province, where up to 200,000 of the region's 4.5 million people died and up to 500,000 were made homeless. He inherited the job after his boss and two others of 10 staff members disappeared in the tsunami, along with the office equipment and records. Faisal wanted a typewriter, a desk and a chair, to speed up his work writing some of the thousands of new identity cards, death certificates and other official papers that locals queue for each morning. He sought help from Aswar Hassan, a passionate, energetic young Acehnese man who was living in Jakarta when the tsunami hit. Hassan came home to search for family members and ended up setting up his own organisation to help overcome bottlenecks in delivering reconstruction aid. Hassan organised a meeting of 16 local government officials in the Meraksa subdistrict of Banda Aceh and found they were all in the same position as Faisal. They thought the British-based charity Oxfam might pay for 16 typewriters, chairs and desks. The charity was keen to assist, but Faisal says he had neither the skills nor the time to fill in a six-page form to outline the reasons for the request. With his constant work helping survivors, Hassan says he didn't have the time to get the three separate purchase orders Oxfam also needed. So Faisal went back to his office - and furniture scavenged from the remains of a school down the road - to continue writing in longhand. Three months after the tsunami, the massive international aid effort is changing focus from emergency assistance to the far more complex task of helping to reconstruct the shattered society. Aid groups, the Indonesian Government and the Acehnese are finding it is going to be difficult to make this second phase as successful as the emergency relief operation. It requires co-ordination at a deeper level than did the delivery of emergency aid (a complex task in itself, with more than 300 agencies involved). And despite the flood of donations - the Red Cross alone has raised about $2 billion internationally, half of which might go to Aceh - much of this money is on hold as aid agencies and the Government try to agree on how and where it should be spent. The World Bank estimates that the cost of rebuilding Aceh's infrastructure will be a relatively modest $1.5 billion, so the region is, on paper at least, awash with money. But the Government will not allow the agencies to begin major infrastructure works until it has decided where it most wants them. Many of the agencies will not hand over money to the Government, insisting they control distribution of their own funds. Scores of agencies are ready to build schools but, until the central government decides where it wants them, what sort it wants and how many children will be in them, real work cannot begin. Meanwhile, many Acehnese are building houses with timber and corrugated iron salvaged from the wreckage. The wealthier are buying materials and building their own houses, while others have left the emergency camps and are staying in tents where their houses stood, using generators, tools, food and medicine provided by the aid groups. Today marks the three-month deadline the Indonesian Government set for the release of the blueprint that everyone hopes will answer many of the questions. But there are increasing signs that the document being prepared by the Minister for Planning, Sri Mulyani Indrawati, may be only a general plan devoid of many of the decisions donors are waiting for. A statement last week from the minister responsible for co-ordinating relief in Aceh, Alwi Shihab, hinted that more patience may be needed. "Although an initial master plan is targeted for completion by March 26, 2005, the Government believes that more time needs to be allowed for further consultation with donor countries, agencies and humanitarian organisations," it said.But the Acehnese are saying they cannot wait for this, or any other, plan. They want to go back to their villages, or kampungs, the communities that form the building blocks for all Indonesian towns and cities, and which hold Aceh society together. They are leaving their emergency camps, houses of friends and relatives, and even some of the semi-permanent barracks the Government is building. On March 7, the heads of 14 kampungs, representing several thousand villagers in Banda Aceh, signed a declaration stating their intention to return to their villages to begin rebuilding. In preparing the declaration, they worked with a Jakarta-based organisation called the Urban Poor Consortium, which is best known for defending squatters facing eviction from their slums in Jakarta. With materials from the consortium, the villagers build open timber structures in the kampungs, where they meet, cook and sometimes sleep while they rebuild houses on or near original sites. The director of the consortium, Wardah Hafidz, says there's no point waiting for a master plan. It is best to allow people to go back to their villages and start rebuilding as soon as possible. She dismisses talk of a building-exclusion zone by the coast and says no government will attempt to stop people returning to their kampungs. "This is to show the Government how to do it; to show them they should trust the people. The people have the spirit and the energy and they know best what they want to do." While the consortium and other Indonesian aid groups can help people build houses, the big international agencies must wait for decisions from Jakarta before spending their huge reconstruction budgets. An Oxfam spokesman, Kim Tam, says his organisation cannot help people build permanent houses until the Government has said where it wants them. "For the local people, it's a big issue, as well, with all sorts of rumours around about a buffer zone and where you can and cannot build." Like several of the big agencies, Oxfam has put a lot of money and effort into "livelihood support" - paying villagers to clean up rubble, replant mangroves and start businesses. Tam says Oxfam uses community development officers for these projects, and no forms are required before money is disbursed. He says Oxfam wants to form a partnership with Hassan and has given him a four-page form they hope he will complete so they can work together. Purchasing orders are required for applications for money. "We have a serious responsibility of accountability to our donors." While donors expect such accountability, Acehnese villagers, and even their community leaders, are not equipped to deal with such requirements, and distributing help to those who need it will be tricky. On the outskirts of Banda Aceh, Junaedi and his wife, Aidiyani, stop collecting old wood long enough to explain they have received no help from their local government officials, so are building a house from whatever they can find. "The Lurah [local government official] refused to give us a stamp on a form we needed to get aid from Obor Berkat [a charity] and said the stamp was lost ... And he told us it's embarrassing for the village to ask for aid." To reach communities in need, donors need relationships with local Acehnese groups with a record of performance. There are not many of them. "We know the whole conflict environment in Aceh is one where civil society did not have much room to develop and was being constantly undermined," says a senior aid adviser. Distributing aid might be a problem, but a shortage of money is not. Aid organisations have been swamped with donations and most have stopped collecting. As a senior Western official planning the Aceh relief effort puts it: "The aid groups have a bit of a paradox; they probably have more money than they will ever be able to spend." The spokesman in Jakarta for the International Committee of the Red Cross, Martin Unternahrer, admits the difficult part is working out how to spend it. "The fact you have the money does not mean anything. At the beginning it was easier - there was a huge need to cover food, shelter, access to water - but now it's becoming much more complicated and it [the money] has to be part of a bigger plan." The Indonesian Red Cross has given the Government a two-page outline of where an initial $520 million could be spent. It touches almost everything, from building and equipping schools and installing environmentally friendly toilets, to developing programs for reducing discrimination against HIV/AIDS sufferers. Scores of organisations are putting up similar proposals, and Unternahrer says it is "difficult to not have duplication". For some projects, such as rebuilding the road on the west coast, the competition among donors is fierce. Indonesia's Co-ordination Minister for the Economy, Aburizal Bakrie, says Australia, the US and Japan are all so keen to build that the Government will probably give them a section each. With many organisations insisting they control their own funds, Indrawati has warned that co-ordinating all the different proposals could become impossible. While the amount of money pledged to Aceh is huge, the Indonesian Government has not had a lot to spend, says Joel Hellman, a World Bank official working on the project. "Obviously there's a lot of money, but, actually, money available for public spending is quite small. It's a bit like water, water everywhere but not a drop to drink." When the money does start to flow, it is hard to think of one who might appreciate it more than Irwansyah, who lost his brothers, sisters and parents, but came back to his kampung a month ago to help the others, who are his only family now. He is grateful for a tent provided by the International Organisation for Migration, which also gave him a shovel and a wheelbarrow, which he is using to plant a vegetable garden. He would love one of the 11,000 relocatable houses it has been asked to produce but would be just as happy to build a permanent house himself. "If we had a house like that one," he says, pointing to one in the distance, "we could bring the rest of the families back from the camps. I don't want to live in camps or barracks. I want to be here, to catch prawns and crabs. I want to work. I don't want to wait any more." What can you do? A few good christian prayers aimed at unplugging the bottleneck. revdauphinee answered on 03/25/05: I pray for all who are in need and vervently hope things will improve for them but for a government to alow state sponcered murder especialy in the country in wich I live frankly scares me to death paraclete rated this answer

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ETWolverine asked on 03/25/05 - Did you know... That the ban against cruel and inhuman punishment in the Constitution only applies to people convicted of a crime? I hadn't known that. But apparently it is true: that was Judge James Whittemore's ruling in the Terry Schiavo case. Terri's parents appealed earlier rulings on the basis of 4 items: -That Michael Schiavo violated the Americans with Disabilities Act by refusing to provide her rehabilitation. The judge said that applies to "public entities" and Michael Schiavo isn't one. -That the hospice caring for Terri Schiavo violated federal rehabilitation law by failing to reinsert the food and water tubes. The judge said the hospice wasn't discriminating, it was complying with an earlier court order. -That clear and convincing evidence of her wishes wasn't presented in earlier court action. Whittemore said such evidence was presented. and this one is the kicker: -That state Judge George Greer violated the Constitution's ban on "cruel and unusual punishment" by withholding nutrition. Whittemore said that applies only to people convicted of a crime. Based on that ruling, there is nothing in the Constitution that bans cruel and unusual treatment of people NOT convicted fo a crime. Therefore, on the basis of Judge Whittemore's ruling, it would seem that the Abu Ghraib abuses do not fall under the heading of "cruel and unusual punishement" since the Abu Ghraib prisoners have not been convicted of any crime... they haven't even had a trial, much less been convicted of anything. We can torture them all we want under the constitution, and nobody has the right to use constitutional arguments to stop it. Judge Whittemore said so. Elliot revdauphinee answered on 03/25/05: I am so sad and the only comfort is knowing both her husband and these judges will one day have to stand before ther maker and try to justify there awfull actions! ETWolverine rated this answer

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arcura asked on 03/25/05 - In about an hour I'll be gone...................... We are going to vist our Grand Children and other relatives over Easter. Will be back next week, the good Lord willing. Please pray for the safety of all those traveling this weekend? Thanks and God bless all here all year with His Holy Spirit and His infinite and perfect love and mercy, Fred revdauphinee answered on 03/25/05: have a great visit and a safe trip> arcura rated this answer

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arcura asked on 03/25/05 - What is your take on the GOOD of Good Friday? What is your interpretation of the "GOOD" of Good Friday? revdauphinee answered on 03/25/05: on this good friday I am dwelling on the passion of both Jesus and the poor woman starving in fla.It has not been a good day for me! arcura rated this answer

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arcura asked on 03/25/05 - Something to SERIOUSLY think about!!!................ A Thin View of 'Life' By E. J. Dionne Jr. Friday, March 25, 2005; Page A19 FORT MYERS, Fla. -- What does it mean to be pro-life? The label is thrown around in American politics so blithely that you'd imagine it refers to some workaday issue such as a tax bill or a trade agreement. Might the one good thing to come out of the rancid politics surrounding the Terri Schiavo case be a serious discussion of the meaning of that term? To begin with, why did Congress feel an obligation to turn Schiavo's tragedy into a federal case? President Bush's answer was compelling: "In a case such as this, the legislative branch, the executive branch ought to err on the side of life." You don't have to be a religious conservative to agree with that or to worry about prematurely allowing someone to die. But what, exactly, does "a case such as this" mean? Does it refer to one that received widespread publicity and became a major national cause for the right-to-life movement? Does it refer to one in which the parents and the spouse disagree? There are countless decisions made every week when a family member removes someone they love from life support. Just over a week ago, a 5 1/2-month-old baby named Sun Hudson died after doctors at Texas Children's Hospital removed the breathing tube that had kept him alive. It was removed over his mother's opposition under the provisions of the 1999 Texas Advance Directives Act signed by then-Gov. George W. Bush. Democrats such as Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz of Florida have been arguing that Bush's decision to sign the bill aimed at protecting Schiavo's life is inconsistent with his earlier decision to sign a law designed to rationalize the way end-of-life decisions are made. But leave that aside and just ask why Schiavo's case was a national cause and Sun Hudson's wasn't. I am sure there are medical and moral distinctions to be made, but honestly: How many bills would Congress have to pass to ensure that in every close medical call around the country, we "err on the side of life"? How many courts would have to be involved? That's why it's not surprising the Supreme Court decided yesterday to stay out of this controversy. Whether or not signing that Texas bill puts the 1999 Bush at odds with the 2005 Bush, the act of approving it was an acknowledgment that end-of-life issues in an age of advanced medical technology must be confronted, however wrenching they are. Facing up to those questions and drawing distinctions is especially important for those -- and I'm one of them -- who oppose doctor-assisted suicide. How has Terri Schiavo's care been financed? The available information suggests that some of the money came from one of those much-derided medical malpractice lawsuits and that the drugs she needs have been paid for by Medicaid. The irony has not been lost on Democrats. Just a few days after most Republicans in both houses of Congress had supported cuts in federal funding of Medicaid, here they were erring "on the side of life" in a single case. The same issue has come up here in Florida, where Gov. Jeb Bush, a strong supporter of keeping Schiavo alive, has been proposing cuts in Medicaid spending. Republicans cry foul when any link is made between the Schiavo question and the Medicaid question. "The fact that they're tying a life issue to the budget process shows just how disconnected Democrats are to reality," harrumphed Dan Allen, a spokesman for House Majority Leader Tom DeLay. Forgive me, Mr. Allen, I know you're just doing your job, but what's disconnected from reality is refusing to accept the idea that health care is about life issues and money issues. People who lack access to health care because they can't afford insurance often die earlier than they have to -- with absolutely no national publicity and with no members of Congress rising up at midnight to pass bills on their behalf. What is the point of standing up for life in an individual case but not confronting the cost of choosing life for all who are threatened within the health care system or by their lack of access to it? What does it mean to be pro-life? As far as I can tell, most of those who would keep Schiavo alive favor the death penalty. Most favored allowing the assault weapons ban to expire and oppose other forms of gun control. The president makes an excellent point when he says we "ought to err on the side of life." It's a shame how rarely that principle is put into practice revdauphinee answered on 03/25/05: even prisoners on death row get fed! arcura rated this answer

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freethinker asked on 03/25/05 - The United Banana Republic I just received the following information about the changes from the USA into the UBR : The new National Flag : a full bunch of bananas next to a bible against a purple background. The Terry Schiavo singers (including the two Bush brothers) have promissed to compose the new National Anthem. Remains the renewal of the political system : both Republican and the Democratic party will be replaced by the New Creationist Party, god's own boys in Washington at last. For those who object to these small changes more space has been made available at the Guantanamo Bay resort. Any comments? revdauphinee answered on 03/25/05: Last I heard the prisoners at guantanamo were being fed! freethinker rated this answer

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sapphire630 asked on 03/25/05 - more on Terri's loving husband TRYING to protect her right to die Not only did she never receive adequate rehab and never needed 'life-support'. She can not swallow her food so she was tube fed. He is controlling the medical and judical system as to what he wants them to know. I beleive he had records forged, falsified and so forth. Some of his ex-girlfriends have given depositions that he was controlling and abusive. He tried to run one off the road. He would check their odometer every time they would go anywhere. Nurses have been fired for saying that she would go sit at the nurses station and inner act with them. That her reports are being concealed even in court. Micheal Schaivo has a medical degree and the nurses have reason to believe he was doing to her medically to worsen her condition. Judge Greer has a record for pulling the plug on anyone and everyone he has the oportunity to that he does not deem to have a quality of living up to his standards. Micheal Schaivo's lawyer was the Head of the chairman of the board of the hospice. He is also a member of the Hemlock Society (a right-to-die organization. He resigned from the hospice board just weeks before he became Micheals lawyer. He also got over 1/3 of the money Micheal benefited from that he was suppose to use for her care for the rest of her life. Once she is dead they stand to gain even more money. I definitely believe he wants her dead and cremated as a cover up. As well I believe the doctors and Judges are going along with it---possibly, maybe because if they have an inkling of a clue and have caught on to his scheming manipulating they are covering it up because they know they will be in just as much deep trouble as he could be in if the real truth ever did come to light. So even though it is now most likely too late for Terri I think that the whole thing needs to be fully investigated including an autopsy. revdauphinee answered on 03/25/05: thank God he will stand before the ultimate Judge with terry thier as a witness in her new body His machinations will mean nothing then.The man is a controll friek and the whole thing is to show everyone how much power he has! sapphire630 rated this answer

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sapphire630 asked on 03/25/05 - more on Terri's loving husband TRYING to protect her right to die Not only did she never receive adequate rehab and never needed 'life-support'. She can not swallow her food so she was tube fed. He is controlling the medical and judical system as to what he wants them to know. I beleive he had records forged, falsified and so forth. Some of his ex-girlfriends have given depositions that he was controlling and abusive. He tried to run one off the road. He would check their odometer every time they would go anywhere. Nurses have been fired for saying that she would go sit at the nurses station and inner act with them. That her reports are being concealed even in court. Micheal Schaivo has a medical degree and the nurses have reason to believe he was doing to her medically to worsen her condition. Judge Greer has a record for pulling the plug on anyone and everyone he has the oportunity to that he does not deem to have a quality of living up to his standards. Micheal Schaivo's lawyer was the Head of the chairman of the board of the hospice. He is also a member of the Hemlock Society (a right-to-die organization. He resigned from the hospice board just weeks before he became Micheals lawyer. He also got over 1/3 of the money Micheal benefited from that he was suppose to use for her care for the rest of her life. Once she is dead they stand to gain even more money. I definitely believe he wants her dead and cremated as a cover up. As well I believe the doctors and Judges are going along with it---possibly, maybe because if they have an inkling of a clue and have caught on to his scheming manipulating they are covering it up because they know they will be in just as much deep trouble as he could be in if the real truth ever did come to light. So even though it is now most likely too late for Terri I think that the whole thing needs to be fully investigated including an autopsy. revdauphinee answered on 03/25/05: thank God he will stand before the ultimate Judge with terry thier as a witness in her new body His machinations will mean nothing then.The man is a controll friek and the whole thing is to show everyone how much power he has! Liz22 rated this answer sapphire630 rated this answer

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hOPE12 asked on 03/25/05 - Mercy or Murder????? Hello Everyone, I personally feel that if this so called loving man really loved Terrie, he would have not went a year after Terrie got sick and had sex and lived with another women. That is not true love, for when one takes marriage vows, it is for better or worse, good times and bad times, sickness and in health, till death do us part. That last part "till death do us part" is what the husband now wants, thier is no prove that is what Terrie wants. The friends that state Terrie said this it was after her grandmother died and in 1988. Most people never want to be disabled but after suffering a sickness or accident will fight for every bit of life they have. She most likely made that statement at a time when she was sad and depressed from her grandmothers death. It was not in writting and the friends who make these statements are friends of the husband. All Terrie's friends say the Terrie loves life. My personal view on this matter is if her loved his wife he would have used the money that he recieved for Terries care, on Terrie. He never did. The last ct scan was done in 1994. The last physical therapy was ended by the husband two years after her situation. Why? The parents want to take more tests on Terrie to see if there is anything that will help her. They want take a new cat scan and the husband will not allow them too. The parents wanted to do these test after the accusation that the husband caused the problem in the first place. The husband said no. Why? If he truly loves her and some of the doctors say she has options open to her they could try that may just help her, if he is truly the loving husband that some claim he is, wouldn't he want to try these? If he truly loves her then why are he and the parents so far apart. What about the nurses who claim on national television in fron of many witnesses, that the husband used to come to see Terrie, not out of love, but would ask "did the Bi___ch die yet?" They also claim that he would talk about how he was spending the money that Terrie received. Why would these nurses go on television and place their life and jobs in jepordy. They can be seued by Michael Schiavo. What also of the fact and the worse thing of all. We can go to jail for not feeding an animal and yet the law will allow a human to starve to death. Where is the sanity in all of this? Fianlly I personal feel this is murder. Why? Because even if and when Terrie dies, I believe it will not end this issue. I feel that after Terrie dies, which she probably will, the parents will receive much counsel and then that is when all the truth will come out. As one expert has already said, "You can fool the people some of the time, but you can not fool the people all of the time." I say this "You can fool some of the people some of the time, but you can never fool God because he sees and know all things that we think we can hide, but from him, we can not hide anything. May God have mercy on Terrie and remember that the real in-human one is the husband who is suppose to love Terrie, who without any question could have found a better way to end to life of someone he is suppose to love! Parents who neglect their children or pets will get arrested for neglect. Why can Michael Schiavo neglect his wife for so long and get away with it? Each one of us must decide the moral issues brought up with the Terrie Schiavo situation, however we decide on this issue, will determine if what is taking place is either mercy or murder. Which way will you decide? Take care, Hope12 revdauphinee answered on 03/25/05: the only comfort i get is that michael schavo will one day stand before his maker and explain his actions to someone who will not be taken in by his lies.and along with the judges who denied her life will recieve apt punishment for thier crimes against Gods legal system remember 13 "You shall not murder. 14 "You shall not commit adultery. (he has 2 children with another woman while is wife suffers) 15 "You shall not steal.(he stole her lifeand the honor to her parents Terry as a Christian would want) 16 "You shall not give false testimony against your neighbor.(or your wife!) hOPE12 rated this answer

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sapphire630 asked on 03/24/05 - Just some of many sites exposing the truth about Terri and what her husband doesn't want known. http://www.operationrescue.org/schiavo/ Lies, Myths, and Misconceptions About Terri If you�ve heard about Terri only through the news media, you�ve probably been led to believe that Terri is in a coma� that she�s brain dead� that she�s a vegetable� that she�s on extraordinary life support� or that she wants to die but her parents stubbornly won�t let it happen. Let me state categorically that nothing could be further from the truth! Terri is NOT brain dead. She is NOT in a coma. She is NOT in a �persistent vegetative state.� And she is not on ANY life-support system. She merely receives food and liquid through a gastro feeding tube because her brain injury prevents her from being able to swallow. In other words, Terri depends on food and water to stay alive�just like you and me! Yes, her brain injury left her disabled. But there are tens of thousands of disabled people who depend on gastro feeding tubes every day, and they live otherwise normal lives. Terri can breathe for herself. She is not on a ventilator. Her vital organs are working fine, which means she is not hooked up to a machine. Furthermore, she is not dying or being �kept alive� by artificial means. She does not have a terminal disease, and she will be able to feel pain if she is starved to death. And that could start to happen in the next few days. If her husband, Michael Schiavo, finally gets his way, he will force the medical staff at the hospice to remove Terri�s feeding tube so that she dies a horrible, painful death. Why Does Michael Want Terri To Die? It�s hard to say. When Terri suffered her brain injury in 1990 (which, by the way, occurred under very suspicious circumstances involving possible physical violence), Michael filed a malpractice lawsuit and was awarded $1.2 million in damages�blaming Terri�s condition on something the hospital staff did wrong when they were treating her. In the malpractice trial, Michael told the jury that he dearly loved his wife and wanted to take care of her for the rest of his life. The $1.2 million was awarded specifically so that he could afford to give her the therapy and rehabilitation she required. But then, soon after the money came in, Michael did an about-face and immediately terminated all of Terri�s therapy and rehab. And in 1998, he suddenly �remembered� that she once told him that she wouldn�t want to be �kept alive� artificially. So for the last 7 years, he has sought to get her gastro tube removed so that she would die by starvation and dehydration. But being fed by a gastro tube does not qualify as �being kept alive artificially�! If you asked all the people who depend on their gastro tube if they would prefer to die because they�re being fed by a gastro tube, they would respond with a resounding �NO!� But due to her brain injury, Terri can�t speak for herself. She has difficulty communicating. So she really can�t say if Michael is telling the truth or not�and whether or not she wants to die. But we believe Terri does not want to die. When her parents visit her, Terri laughs� she cries� she moves� and she makes child-like attempts at speech with her mother and father. Sometimes she will say �Mom� or �Dad� or �yeah� when they ask her a question. And when they kiss her hello or goodbye, she looks at them and �puckers up� her lips. She�s able to sit in a chair� she loves to listen to her favorite music� and she recognizes her brother and sister when they come to visit. She is definitely not in a �persistent vegetative state� (PVS). In fact, four board-certified neurologists� two board-certified internists� numerous other doctors� two speech pathologists� and a neuro-psychologist all say that Terri is not in PVS. Several of her nurses came forward to say this, too. Other experts long ago confirmed that Terri could achieve significant recovery and lead a long, happy life if she were given proper rehab. But Michael refused to allow proper rehab. He also put a �Do Not Resuscitate� order on Terri�s chart. He tried to prevent the nurses from treating Terri�s infections�expecting her to develop sepsis and die. He did not allow her to be given speech or swallow therapy. He did not allow her to be given a �system� for communicating. He wouldn�t even let the nurses in the hospice put a rolled-up washcloth in her hand so that her fingers wouldn�t curl in! And get this: Soon after the malpractice money came in, Michael had Terri�s cats put to death� he stopped all her antibiotics� and he melted down her wedding ring for cash! What�s more, he wouldn�t let her receive visits from the cute little doggies that they take through the hospices to cheer up the patients. He put her in a tiny windowless room by herself, and she�s not allowed to have any contact with other patients. She can�t go outside and see the sun. Plus, he turns family photos toward the wall so she can�t see them! As anyone can see, Michael wants Terri to die � not get better. In fact, even though he and Terri are still technically married, he�s been living with another woman. In fact, he has already fathered two children with her. Even Larry King�when he interviewed Bob and Mary Schindler several months ago (September 27, 2004)�couldn�t figure out why Michael insists that Terri must die� especially when the Schindlers have begged him to let them take care of her for the rest of her life. Michael has repeatedly told the Schindlers, �This is my wife. I will make the decisions, and you have nothing to say about it!� But WHY?!? Suspicions grew when the Schindlers found out about a bone scan that Terri underwent back in 1991. The doctors conducted this scan because Terri would cry out in pain during the little bit of therapy she had early on, and it turned up many shocking facts. For instance, the physician who conducted the bone scan, Dr. W. Campbell Walker, wrote in his report, �This patient has a history of trauma.� He listed apparent injuries (mostly fractures) to Terri�s ribs, her lumbar vertebrae, her sacroiliac joints (which are near the hip), both her ankles, and both her knees. Famed New York forensic pathologist Dr. Michael Baden � who was contacted by the news media, not the Schindlers � looked at this report last year and concluded, �It shows evidence that there are bone fractures that are in a healing stage� The trauma could be from some kind of beating that she obtained from somebody somewhere. It�s something that should have been investigated in 1991.� But of course, Michael Schiavo never allowed the Schindlers to see the bone scan report. And when they sought to have it investigated after they found out about it three years ago, the courts refused to permit it. All of this might lead you to ask� How Could Someone Do All This To Another Human Being?!? We don�t know. We honestly don�t know. If you tried to starve your dog to death, you�d feel the full force of the law and the wrath of every decent person in society. But these days, if you want to get rid of someone because they�re �inconvenient,� you can do it �legally.� Euthanasia and abortion, you see, are two sides of the same evil coin. In order for society to justify killing an innocent person, we must first view them as being �sub-human.� Unborn babies, for instance, are not �persons� in the eyes of the law, ever since Roe v. Wade. Therefore, if you don�t want the baby, you can kill it. And thanks to the euthanasia movement, disabled patients such as Terri are deemed �unfit to live� and given �death with dignity.� But all the compassionate rhetoric in the world can�t disguise one simple fact: Deliberately ending the life of an innocent human being who could easily live with ordinary care is murder, plain and simple. Terri is a Catholic and the Catechism of the Catholic Church defines euthanasia as, �An action or an omission which, of itself or by intention, causes the death of handicapped, sick, or dying persons � sometimes with an attempt to justify the act as a means of eliminating suffering.� The Catechism states that euthanasia �violates the fifth commandment of the law of God.� �The error of judgment into which one can fall in good faith does not change the nature of this murderous act, which must always be forbidden and excluded,� it adds. Many Americans don�t realize that Terri is NOT being kept alive against her will. She is NOT being kept alive by �extraordinary means.� And she is NOT in a �persistent vegetative state.� She�s simply disabled, and needs proper care just like any other severely disabled person. That�s why fourteen disability-rights organizations have filed �friend-of-the court� briefs to keep Terri alive. They know what this case means for other disabled persons. Board-certified neurologist Dr. Jacob Green of Jacksonville, Florida, who examined Terri, said unequivocally: �She is not in a vegetative state.� When asked if it would be ethical to remove her feeding tube, he said, �I�d call it murder. They�re taking away any chance.� http://hometown.aol.com/wbflegal/page15.html http://www.jewsforlife.org/Article_Summaries.cfm?category=8 revdauphinee answered on 03/25/05: Choux try going without food or water for a few days then tell me you felt no pain.are you so narrow minded that you can never admit you could nbe wrong?? sapphire630 rated this answer

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sapphire630 asked on 03/24/05 - What ALL proof is there that Terri is brain dead and living by artifical means? & What proof is there to the contrary? Her family says she responds to her environment. She is excited when she gets to see them. She is depressed after a visit with her husband. She lived with no artifical means other than food until she was deprived of even that. She was denied therapy so how can anybody really evaluate what progress she may have been able to achieve. Why is he so anxious to have her die and cremated with no autopsy? I heard one medical report says she did not have a heart attack because the enzyme people that had heart attacks is not present in her. That she is where she is because she was deprived oxygen for too long. This doesn't even begin cover all that he has done to sabatoge Terri and her family efforts. I for one think he wants her dead and cremated to cover up that he did something that caused her to be this way when he found out she wanted a divorce. revdauphinee answered on 03/25/05: And maybee he hates her parents so much he just wants to let them know who has the power here!I also think he needs to be investigated since he wants her dead so badly seems like there is definatly an ulterior motive hidden here somewhere yesterday I saw a woman on fox news who had evidence she had been in almost the same state for 7 yrs yet today she can sit on tv and talk about it ,yes she is still partialy paralised but she can sit and talk .maybee he is afraid of what terry might say should this kind of miracle happen to her . purplewings rated this answer sapphire630 rated this answer

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Choux asked on 03/24/05 - GOVERNMENT TRYING TO TAKE CUSTODY of a private citizen. Jeb Bush in a frenzy of trying to pander to the Radical Religious Right has set in motion a path for a Florida government agency to take custody of a private citizen. Isn't this a dangerous precident to set? revdauphinee answered on 03/25/05: the goverment should definatly step in if an american citisen were in danger in a foriegn country or were held hostage here they would step in to help>This woman is being held hostage by the judiciary its time to help!!! Choux rated this answer purplewings rated this answer

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STONY asked on 03/24/05 - IT IS WELL, WITH MY SOUL, IT IS WE IT IS WELL IT IS WELL!! THE GIANT STONE HAS CRUMBLED UNDER THE EXPERTISE OF THE SURGEON WITH THE LASER SCALPEL. I HAVE A BULLET SIZED HOLE IN MY BACK, BUT THIS SHALL ALSO HEAL. ALL CATHODERS HACE BEEN REMOVED AND IN A FEW MORE DAYS I FILL START TO FEEL NORMAL AGAIN. THE WORST PART OF THE OPERATION WAS WHEN THEY ROLLED ME OVER ON MY SIDE TO INSERT THE LASER. ABSOLUTELY NO ONE BOTHERED TO TAKE NOTICE OF WHERE THE SACK WITH THE "FAMILY JEWELS" WAS LOCATED, SO THEY PINCHED THEM BETWEEN MY LEGS FOR AT LEAST 3 HRS. THE NEXT MORNING I FELT LIKE I'D BEEN KICKED IN THE GROIN AND IT HURT ALL THE WAY TO MY BELLY BUTTON. I THANK GOD FOR MY BOTTLE OF PERCOCET AT HOME. THE BLEEDING FROM 2 CATHODERS STOPPED ON TUESDAY AND EVERYTHING IS GETTING BACK TO NORMAL. I PRAISE GOD, THE DISTANCE OF 1" AND I COULD HAVE LOST THE WHOLE KIDNEY. WE DO HAVE AN AWESOME GOD!! revdauphinee answered on 03/25/05: good to hear you are healing! STONY rated this answer

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Laura asked on 03/24/05 - Why is it important? Why is an advanced directive so important? When I filled mine out my daughter read it and disagreed with my wishes. Though she said that she would honor them, I am glad that I have it in writing now. She can not stand the thought of losing me and though my wishes are that if I was in the same condition (for example, as Terri, assuming that she is truly in a vegetative state)I would not want to be kept artificially alive by any means, my daughter finds that difficult to accept. But her desires to keep her mother around no matter what are NOT my wishes. Whatever your wishes, here is a website where you can get state specific advanced directives. They are free. Go to advance directive forms, choose your state, copy and paste to wordpad and print it out. http://www.uslivingwillregistry.com/ God bless. Laura revdauphinee answered on 03/25/05: unconcievable as it may seem to you if it is not what your daughter wants what (when you are no longer able to speak for yourself)could she not deny the existance of this document??we have no proof of what terry wanted other than that of a husband who clearly wants her gone.all I can say is God protect me from the legislature since I to am dissabled> Laura rated this answer

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hOPE12 asked on 03/24/05 - What of people's Rights, can they also be discarded in other cases? Hello Everyone, The Supreme Court is considering whether to take up the Terri Schiavo case. It's a final appeal by Schiavo's parents to have her back on the feeding tube. Many serious questions go through my mind. With all due respect to the courts, many issues are represented in this situation. Here are just a few; 1- Will anyone now be able to force death on someone, if there is no written will or medical directive? 2- Has Michael Schiavo been investigated to see if the allegations against him wanting to get rid of his wife are true or false? 3- What happened to all the money that was give to Terries husband when all this started in 1990>? 4- There have been some doctors who have stated on the news that Terrie is not in a complete vegetative state, but in a minimal conscious state. Shouldn�t the courts allow that to be looked at in order to have full knowledge about Terrie and her rights? 5- What about the nurses who heard Michael Schiavo ask each time he would visit Terrie in the past before all this, if she was dead yet? 6- Why did Michael withhold therapy and needed medication from Terrie when the doctors where willing to give it to her with the understanding it would help her? 7- Terri Schiavo's wishes in this regard were not written down. The only "word" we have on what she (MIGHT) have wanted, comes from her husband, who may actually be guilty of causing her condition in the FIRST place. We should take the word of this "husband"? This man who is LIVING with another woman, has two children by her, and stands to BENEFIT from his wife's death? This man who WITHHELD medical treatment, that could be argued, MIGHT have helped with some degree of rehabilitation? 8- Terri Schiavo is not out of medical options. But that�s the �fact� her husband wants you to believe. This was taken from a report given by a Rev. Johansen: �Terri Schiavo lies in a Florida hospice, subject to a judge�s order that will cause her to die of starvation and dehydration commencing this Friday, March 18, at 1:00 P.M. Her parents, Bob and Mary Schindler, have fought for over a decade to prevent her death. They have repeatedly gone to court in their efforts to stop Terri�s husband, Michael, from removing the tube that provides her with food and water. The court battle has gone largely against the Schindlers. Last week, Pinellas County Circuit Court judge George Greer issued a steady stream of rulings denying almost every motion the Schindlers raised. He denied some of them summarily, without hearing arguments or evidence. Among the motions Judge Greer denied was a request for new testing and examination of Terri by independent and qualified specialists. David Gibbs, attorney for the Schindlers, submitted 33 affidavits from doctors and other medical professionals contending that Terri�s condition should be reevaluated. About 15 of these affidavits are from board-certified neurologists. Some of these doctors also say that Terri could benefit from therapy. Judge Greer was unmoved. Many people believe that Terri Schiavo has had �the best of care,� and that everything has been tried by way of rehabilitation. This belief is false. In fact, Terri has had no attempts at therapy or rehabilitation since 1992, and very little had been done up to that point. Terri has not even had the physical therapy most doctors would regard as normative for someone in her condition. The result is that Terri suffers from severe muscle contractures, which have caused her body to become contorted. Physical therapy could remedy this, but husband Michael has refused to provide it. Terri has also suffered from what many professionals would regard as neglect. She had to have several teeth extracted last year because of severe decay. This decay was caused by a lack of basic dental hygiene, such as tooth-brushing. She also developed decubitus (skin) ulcers on her buttocks and thighs. These ulcers can be prevented by a simple regimen of regular turning: a basic nursing task that any certified nurse�s aide can perform. The presence of these easily preventable ulcers is a classic sign of neglect. Bob and Mary Schindler have repeatedly complained of Terri�s neglect, and have sought to remove Michael as guardian on that basis. Judge Greer was unmoved by those complaints as well. And, quite apart from the question of Terri�s therapy and care, it is entirely likely that Terri has never been properly diagnosed. Terri is usually described as being in a Persistent Vegetative State (PVS), and indeed Judge Greer ruled as a finding of fact that she is PVS; but this diagnosis and finding were arrived at in a way that has many neurologists expressing surprise and dismay. I have spent the past ten days recruiting and interviewing neurologists who are willing to come forward and offer affidavits or declarations concerning new testing and examinations for Terri. In addition to the 15 neurologists� affidavits Gibbs had in time to present in court, I have commitments from over 30 others who are willing to testify that Terri should have new and additional testing, and new examinations by unbiased neurologists. Almost 50 neurologists all say the same thing: Terri should be reevaluated, Terri should be reexamined, and there are grave doubts as to the accuracy of Terri�s diagnosis of PVS. All of these neurologists are board-certified; a number of them are fellows of the prestigious American Academy of Neurology; several are professors of neurology at major medical schools. So how can Judge Greer ignore the opinions of so many qualified neurologists, some of whom are leaders in the field? The answer is that Michael Schiavo, his attorney George Felos, and Judge Greer already have the diagnosis they want. Terri�s diagnosis was arrived at without the benefit of testing that most neurologists would consider standard for diagnosing PVS. One such test is MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging). MRI is widely used today, even for ailments as simple as knee injuries � but Terri has never had one. Michael has repeatedly refused to consent to one. The neurologists I have spoken to have reacted with shock upon learning this fact. One such neurologist is Dr. Peter Morin. He is a researcher specializing in degenerative brain diseases, and has both an M.D. and a Ph.D. in biochemistry from Boston University. In the course of my conversation with Dr. Morin, he made reference to the standard use of MRI and PET (Positron Emission Tomography) scans to diagnose the extent of brain injuries. He seemed to assume that these had been done for Terri. I stopped him and told him that these tests have never been done for her; that Michael had refused them. There was a moment of dead silence. �That�s criminal,� he said, and then asked, in a tone of utter incredulity: �How can he continue as guardian? People are deliberating over this woman�s life and death and there�s been no MRI or PET?� He drew a reasonable conclusion: �These people [Michael Schiavo, George Felos, and Judge Greer] don�t want the information.� Dr. Morin explained that he would feel obligated to obtain the information in these tests before making a diagnosis with life and death consequences. I told him that CT (Computer-Aided Tomography) scans had been done, and were partly the basis for the finding of PVS. The doctor retorted, �Spare no expense, eh?� I asked him to explain the comment; he said that a CT scan is a much less expensive test than an MRI, but it �only gives you a tenth of the information an MRI does.� He added, �A CT scan is useful only in pretty severe cases, such as trauma, and also during the few days after an anoxic (lack of oxygen) brain injury. It�s useful in an emergency-room setting. But if the question is ischemic injury [brain damage caused by lack of blood/oxygen to part of the brain] you want an MRI and PET. For subsequent evaluation of brain injury, the CT is pretty useless unless there has been a massive stroke.� Other neurologists have concurred with Dr. Morin�s opinion. Dr. Thomas Zabiega, who trained at the University of Chicago, said, �Any neurologist who is objective would say �Yes�� to the question, �Should Terri be given an MRI?� But in spite of the lack of advanced testing, such as an MRI, attorney George Felos has claimed that Terri�s cerebral cortex has �liquefied,� and doctors for Michael Schiavo have claimed, on the basis of the CT scans, that parts of Terri�s cerebral cortex �have been replaced by fluid.� The problem with such contentions is that the available evidence can�t support them. Dr. Zabiega explained that �a CT scan can�t resolve the kind of detail needed� to make such a pronouncement: �A CT scan is like a blurry photograph.� Dr. William Bell, a professor of neurology at Wake Forest University Medical School, agrees: �A CT scan doesn�t give much detail. In order to see it on a CT, you have to have massive damage.� Is it possible that Terri has that sort of �massive� brain damage? According to Dr. Bell, that isn�t likely. Sometimes, he said, even patients who are PVS have a �normal or near normal� MRI. So why hasn�t an MRI been done for Terri? That question has never been satisfactorily answered. George Felos has argued that an MRI can�t be done because of thalamic implants that were placed in Terri�s skull during the last attempt at therapy, dating back to 1992. But Felos�s contention ignores the fact that these implants could be removed. Indeed, the doctor who put them in instructed Michael to have them removed. Michael has never done so. The most obvious possible explanation for what would otherwise be inexplicable behavior is that Michael Schiavo, George Felos, and Judge Greer don�t want to admit any information that would upset the diagnosis they already have. Dr. Morin, when told that Michael had refused an MRI, and that Judge Greer had confirmed the decision, said: �He refused a non-invasive test? People trying to do the right thing want the best and most complete information available. We don't have that in Terri�s case.� Dr. Bell agreed with this assessment, saying, �It seems as though they�re fearful of any additional information. PLEASE READ FOR YOURSELF FURTHER INFORMATION. DON�T IGNORE WHAT ARE FACTS. http://www.nationalreview.com/comment/johansen200503160848.asp Rev. Robert Johansen is a Catholic priest of the Diocese of Kalamazoo, Michigan. Take care, Hope12 revdauphinee answered on 03/24/05: where are terries rights to life liberty and pusuit of happiness???the constitution means little or nothing anymore it seems to be at the mercy of the judges .The Judicial branch was intended to enforce the constitution not step on it>we all need to pray for pour country it is in dire trouble! hOPE12 rated this answer purplewings rated this answer tomder55 rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 03/23/05 - God is watching The children were lined up in the cafeteria of a Catholic elementary school for lunch. At the head of the table was a large pile of apples. The nun made a note, and posted on the apple tray, "Take only one. God is watching." Moving further along the lunch line, at the other end of the table was a large pile of chocolate chip cookies. One child whispered to another, "Take all you want. God is watching the apples." How well does this typify you attitude to God. Is He watching you, or is he watching someone or something more important? revdauphinee answered on 03/23/05: Right noe he is watching America and its new found adiction to death! paraclete rated this answer

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arcura asked on 03/23/05 - Do you believe the resurrection of Jesus Christ is important to the faith? The resurrection of Jesus Christ is a cornerstone of the Christian faith. Skeptics have denied it, heretics have obscured it, even believers have debated its nature. What does the Church teach about it? Q. Some people conclude that it�s unimportant whether Jesus actually rose bodily from the tomb. It�s His message that counts, they insist. Why exactly is the resurrection of Jesus so central to Christian faith? A. St. Paul put it most bluntly: �If Christ has not been raised, then empty [too] is our preaching; empty, too, your faith. Then we are also false witnesses to God, because we testified against God that He raised Christ� (1 Cor 15:14�15). The resurrection of Jesus isn�t separate from His message; it�s an essential aspect of that message, of one piece with the rest of the Gospel. Deny it, and we might as well deny all the rest as an unreliable fabrication. Christ�s rising from the dead is integral to the testimony of the Church about who Jesus is, what He said, and what He did, a seal of authenticity on everything else. �The Resurrection above all constitutes the confirmation of all Christ�s works and teachings. All truths, even those most inaccessible to human reason, find their justification if Christ by his Resurrection has given the definitive proof of his divine authority, which he had promised. Christ�s Resurrection is the fulfillment of the promises both of the Old Testament and of Jesus himself during his earthly life. . . . The truth of Jesus� divinity is confirmed by his Resurrection� (Catechism, nos. 651�53). At the same time, Christ�s resurrection is the source of our present life with God, which came about after the death of our old life trapped in sin. �The Paschal mystery has two aspects: by his death, Christ, liberates us from sin; by his Resurrection, he opens for us the way to a new life . . . and a new participation in grace� (no. 654). Finally, Christ�s resurrection is essential to Christian faith because, as St. Paul went on to say, without it �those who have fallen asleep in Christ have perished� (1 Cor 15:18). Our own hope of resurrection is based on the reality of His. �Christ, �the first-born from the dead� (Col 1:18), is the principle of our own resurrection, even now by the justification of our souls (cf. Rom 6:4), and one day by the new life He will impart to our bodies (cf. Rm 8:11)� (Catechism, no. 658). Q. Skeptics claim that the Resurrection was just a hoax, hallucination or superstition. How should we respond? A. If we affirm the essential historical reliability of the Gospel accounts (and there are many good reasons to do so, even aside from the requirements of Christian faith), we must conclude that none of these suggested alternatives are plausible. �The mystery of Christ�s resurrection is a real event, with manifestations that were historically verified, as the New Testament bears witness� (Catechism, no. 639). Three kinds of historical evidence confirm the reality of the event: the reality of the empty tomb; the post-Resurrection appearances of Christ to more than 500 witnesses; and the consequent faith and life of the apostles, who were convinced by those appearances that He was indeed alive. �The first element we encounter in the framework of the Easter events is the empty tomb. In itself it is not a direct proof of Resurrection; the absence of Christ�s body from the tomb could be explained otherwise [cf. Jn 20:13; Mt 28:11-15]. Nonetheless the empty tomb was still an essential sign for all� (no. 640). If the crucified body of Christ had remained in the tomb, there could have been no credible claims of a resurrected Lord; the enemies of the Gospel could simply have produced a dead body to quash the rumor. But they could not. Second, we cannot discount the testimony of so many eyewitnesses as some kind of mass hallucination produced by shared faith expectations. Rather, �He presented himself alive to them by many proofs� (Acts 1:3). Consider: � The encounters with the risen Christ occurred in a variety of times and places. � The reported details of the encounters differ significantly, and the people who had the encounters were of various backgrounds, with differing dispositions toward belief (see Mt 28:9-10; Lk 24:13-49; Jn 20:11-30; 21:1-23; Acts 1:1-9; 1 Cor 15:3-8). � Some of them actually touched His body and watched Him consume food they had given Him (Lk 24:36-43). � Meanwhile, since their faith in Jesus had been shattered rather than confirmed by the crucifixion, many were startled or doubting when He appeared to them. Taken together, these circumstances prevent us from reasonably concluding that we are dealing here with mass hallucination caused by ecstatic faith. Third, the possibility of a hoax or conspiracy to cover up the truth is ruled out by the subsequent behavior of the apostles and other witnesses. They dedicated the rest of their lives to proclaiming that Christ had been raised from the dead, and they willingly endured imprisonment, torture and even death for the sake of that declaration (see Mt 28:11-15; Acts 12:1-5). Is it reasonable to think that these men and women would be willing to live and die in this way for what they knew to be a lie? �Given all these testimonies, Christ�s Resurrection cannot be interpreted as something outside the physical order, and it is impossible not to acknowledge it as an historical fact� (Catechism, no. 643). Finally, as the scriptural account shows, first-century people were no more likely than we are to be superstitious or gullible about claims of returning from the grave. The apostles themselves reacted with skepticism, not to mention others (see Lk 24:9-11; Jn 20:24-25; Acts 17:32). �Therefore the hypothesis that the Resurrection was produced by the apostles� faith (or credulity) will not hold up. On the contrary their faith in the Resurrection was born, under the action of divine grace, from their direct experience of the reality of the risen Jesus� (Catechism, no. 644). Q. The Jehovah�s Witnesses and certain other religious groups teach that Jesus was only �spiritually� resurrected. Is that true? A. As we have noted, the Gospel accounts show otherwise. The tomb was empty, and the disciples encountered Jesus alive in His physical body � the same body they themselves had laid there: �While they were still speaking about this, he stood in their midst and said to them, �Peace be with you.� But they were startled and terrified and thought that they were seeing a ghost. Then he said to them, �Why are you troubled? And why do questions arise in your hearts? Look at my hands and my feet, that it is I myself. Touch me and see, because a ghost does not have flesh and bones as you can see I have.� And as he said this, he showed them his hands and his feet. While they were still incredulous for joy and were amazed, he asked them, �Have you anything here to eat?� They gave him a piece of baked fish; he took it and ate it in front of them� (Lk 24:36-43). Clearly, then, Our Lord�s entire human nature was resurrected � not just His spirit, but also His physical body. The Catechism concludes: �By means of touch and the sharing of a meal, the risen Jesus establishes direct contact with his disciples. He invites them in this way . . . to verify that the risen body in which he appears to them is the same body that had been tortured and crucified, for it still bears the traces of His passion [cf. Lk 24:30, 39-40, 41-43; Jn 20:20, 27; 21:9, 13-15]� (Catechism, no. 645). Q. Was Jesus� resurrection the same, then, as the raising of Lazarus from the dead? A. Not at all. �Christ�s Resurrection was not a return to earthly life, as was the case with the raisings from the dead that he had performed before Easter: Jairus� daughter, the young man of Naim, Lazarus. These actions were miraculous events, but the persons miraculously raised returned by Jesus� power to ordinary earthly life. At some particular moment they would die again. Christ�s Resurrection is essentially different. In his risen body he passes from the state of death to another life beyond time and space. At Jesus� Resurrection his body is filled with the power of the Holy Spirit: he shares the divine life in his glorious state� (Catechism, no. 646). Jesus will never die again (see Rom 6:9). Indications of this transformation are clear in the Gospel accounts. Christ�s resurrected body now has new capabilities: He can appear and reappear suddenly; He can pass through locked doors; He can conceal His identity even from those who know Him well (see Lk 24:13-37; Jn 20:11-19). Then, at the appointed time of His last appearance, He is able to ascend into heaven in this transformed body (see Lk 24:50-51), bringing about �the irreversible entry of his humanity into divine glory� (Catechism, no. 659). How thrilling, then, to realize that, one day, Christ �will change our lowly body to conform with his glorified body� (Phil 3:21)! In Our Lord�s resurrection, we behold the destiny of all those who will take up their cross and follow Him � through death to new life to everlasting glory. Q: WHAT DO YOU BELIEVE ANOUT THE RESURRECTION? revdauphinee answered on 03/23/05: I believe in the resurection of Christ arcura rated this answer

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ETWolverine asked on 03/23/05 - Just a thought. For the past several days we have been bombarded in the media with "experts" who say that the removal of Terri Schiavo's feeding tube will allow her a death with dignity. Specifically, The New York Times said that "Experts Say Ending Feeding Can Lead To Gentle Death". Well, if that's the case, I think we should stop feeding the hungry in Africa. After all, letting them starve to death is "gentle". So why do they need our help? What's all this talk of the tragedy of human poverty in the thrid wold countries. Let them starve: its gentle. Does anyone else here see the hypocracy taking place in the Terry Schiavo case? Elliot revdauphinee answered on 03/23/05: aNY WAYyou look at this it is state sponcered Murder who of us will be next???I pray Lord keep me out of Florida ETWolverine rated this answer freethinker rated this answer

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FormerJesusHelper76 asked on 03/22/05 - Financial Renewel! In the bible days, The law was after certain amount of years. All debt was erased and land given back and so on. If we did not have forgiven debt and processes for this to take place. The financial system over many many years will see a collapse. Do you think that would work in our society. After certain amount of time have all debt forgiven and start over again. Would that not help the severe financial concerns we all have? Joe revdauphinee answered on 03/23/05: that was Gods plan why wouldnt it work?? maybe not in this society where all we see is shades of the movie soilent green!and life means nothing FormerJesusHelper76 rated this answer

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Choux asked on 03/22/05 - Ignoring Real Problems In America, we are facing a financial crisis of huge proportions in a few years becasue of the huge costs of funding Medicare and Medicaid. Much sooner than the coming crisis in Social Security. Neither the Dems or the Reps will talk about the issue of exploding medical costs. Here in front of us we have the sad story of Terri Schiavo, who is in a permanent vegetative state and cared for by the State of Florida at a cost of $80,000 a month. How are we going to make decisions in the future about who gets healthcare money? There are not unlimited resources. Will we have to declare a state of healthcare emergency? revdauphinee answered on 03/23/05: with what is happening now in Florida it seems maybee in the future if you reach a certain age you will become dispensable and Chouxs system could be implanted in our society especialy if in addition to being old you become sick ,if you arnt a productive member of society there are those who would consider this!God help us at this junctor I am begining to reconsider my oppinion of this country!the televisin coverage of this travesty made me literaly sick this morning please pray for terry she dosent seem to have a chance in a world where judges rule! tomder55 rated this answer Choux rated this answer

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arcura asked on 03/22/05 - Why should or can we personally do about Terri???? My hear goes out to Terri Schiavo and her family - More so perhaps that many. Why? Because Bonnie and I have been there! Here�s our story in brief. Our 12 year old son, Shem, began vomiting much. He appeared to be dehydrating. We took him to the hospital in Butte, Montana. In a short time he went into a coma, but by then the doctor�s had determined that Shem had contracted Reye�s Syndrome. It was recommended that we take him to a neurologist specialist in Reye�s Syndrome in Missoula. So we followed the ambulance there. Shem�s brain had swollen so badly that the Doctor said they would have to open his skull so that his brain would not crush itself. This was done. They split his skull down the top middle to open like a book. But Shem�s kidneys fail from the shock of the surgery and that disease. With his kidneys not working his blood was filling up with body waste poisons, mainly ammonia. So he was put on a dialysis machine to clean his blood. It did not do the job. Shem was brain dead; a flat liner. His body was still alive. If we took his hand his fingers would lightly close around ours a normal body learned reaction. His eyes did not open, but with the help of a machine he breathed. We were told that he would never awaken - that if left on the machines he might live a few more days, perhaps a week. What do you? Come visit him several time a day or let him die completely. We decided the latter. It was the most difficult decision either Bonnie or I had ever made. It still is. I weep now writing this. My last words to my son were, �We love you son, but go with God now, go with God.� I don�t know if Shem heard me. But God did. Granted - our situation is different than that of Terri and her family. But the similarities are apparent. We�ve been there. We know what it�s like. It�s a situation where one cannot even imaging the pain, concern, and confusion involved if they have not directly, personally experience it. AND SO, in Terri�s case all I can do � the best I can do � is pray that the Lord�s will be done as best for all those involved. The Terri Schiavo case has had great effect on much of the nation. Some good and some bad will come of it. I just pray that the Lord helps us all make the best of it and learn from the worst. God�s peace and kindness to all, Fred revdauphinee answered on 03/22/05: however im sure you did all you could for your son,this is not being done in the case of terry arcura rated this answer Liz22 rated this answer

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Laura asked on 03/22/05 - Is it a requirement Is it neccesary for a person to be a member of any particular faith IE Catholic, Baptist, etc? Can a person simply profess Jesus as Lord without associating with a particular faith? Also, if a person is a member of a particular faith, must he/she believe everything that faith teaches? IE That Mary was without sin, or once saved always saved?? Your opinions!! Laura revdauphinee answered on 03/22/05: no it is not nececary a person who professes faith in Jesus to belong to an organised religion I dont anymore !I love the lord I believe in him but am in conflict with most organised religion as they seem more interested in the almighty dollar then in the Almighty himself! Laura rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 03/21/05 - Come and have a drink with me A minister was completing a temperance sermon. With great emphasis he said, "If I had all the beer in the world, I'd take it and pour it into the river." With even greater emphasis he said, "And if I had all the wine in the world, I'd take it and pour it into the river." And then finally, shaking his fist in the air, he said, "And if I had all the whiskey in the world, I'd take it and pour it into the river." Sermon complete, he sat down. The song leader stood very cautiously and announced with a smile, nearly laughing, "For our closing song, let us sing Hymn #365, "Shall We Gather at the River." revdauphinee answered on 03/22/05: it is not drinking that is sin it is getting drunk! (1Tim.5:23. Stop drinking only water, and use a little wine because of your stomach and your frequent illnesses. ) (Matt.26:27-29 27 Then he took the cup, gave thanks and offered it to them, saying, "Drink from it, all of you. (Prov.31:6-7 6 Give beer to those who are perishing, wine to those who are in anguish; 7 let them drink and forget their poverty and remember their misery no more. Isa.25:6 On this mountain the LORD Almighty will prepare a feast of rich food for all peoples, a banquet of aged wine-- the best of meats and the finest of wines. paraclete rated this answer

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ROLCAM asked on 03/21/05 - Humour on this Board !! Did you hear about the dyslexic Agnostic? He refused to acknowledge the existence of Dog. ROLCAM. revdauphinee answered on 03/22/05: seems like there may be a few of those here! ROLCAM rated this answer

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tomder55 asked on 03/22/05 - Schiavo case matters in symbol and substance Why does Terri Schiavo matter? Why has Congress made a federal case out of her situation? Why did the president of the United States return to Washington from Texas in order to sign a bill created for the express purpose of inviting a federal court to review the case and likely requiring her feeding tube restored while the judge gathers information? She matters, not only because she has an endowed, inalienable right to life, but also because she is a symbol - like Rosa Parks was a symbol when she refused to sit in the back of that Montgomery, Ala., bus; like Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn, who symbolized freedom by defying Soviet authorities and chronicling the inhabitants and victims of the gulags; like astronauts who brave death to explore space. Symbols have meaning. Terri Schiavo is a symbol in the battle over life-and-death issues that inconveniently, but necessarily, confront us. Opponents of federal intervention cry "hypocrisy" because conservatives pushing for a federal court review claim to support states rights on issues such as abortion and same-sex marriage and think these matters should be left to the states under the 10th Amendment. But the hypocrisy label can be turned around. Didn't liberals reject states rights when it came to civil rights for African-Americans four decades ago, and didn't they make federal cases out of such things as integrated restrooms and universities? They supported sending federal troops to force integration on unwilling states. They were right to do so then, and conservatives are right to ask the federal government to intervene when a Florida judge has, in effect, ordered the murder of Terri Schiavo by denying her food and water. Then, as now, when an individual's civil and constitutional rights are denied by a state, there are instances when federal action is required. This is such an instance. Terri Schiavo's life matters as symbol and substance. Her case is only the latest in a long series that forces us to choose between two philosophies of life. One philosophy says we are mere material and energy shaped by pure chance in a random universe, evolving from slime with no Author of life, no purpose for living beyond what gives us pleasure and no destination after we die but the grave. The other philosophy of life says we are created by an infinite, personal God who has a plan for every life in every situation and circumstance and that no one should take a life except under the most extreme circumstances and only through due process or in self-defense. The Schiavo case should not be viewed in isolation. It is part of a flow that began in modern times with abortion-on-demand and will continue, if not stopped, with euthanasia. Once a single category of life is devalued, all other categories quickly become vulnerable. Girls who became pregnant by a drunken father and sought abortions were the symbolic beginning of a process that has resulted in abortion for any reason at any stage. Now we are targeting the infirm, and soon the elderly will be in our sights because of the pressure on Social Security and Medicare. The "reasoning" will be: rather than raise taxes, reduce benefits or raise the retirement age, let's eliminate those who are the biggest "drain" on retirement resources - that is, the elderly and infirm. Having been conditioned to accept killing, even killing by the state according to an arbitrary standard of who is "fit" to live and who is not, it will be a short step to killing Grandma and Grandpa in their "assisted living" centers, which quickly will be transformed into centers for assisted dying. Someone will produce a document or hearsay testimony that the elderly person would have "wanted to die" in such circumstances and never intended to be a "burden" to their children. The lawyer will be called, the will read and the inheritance distributed. It will be larger than what would have remained had it been spent on the recently departed. These are the stakes, and how the Schiavo case is decided will determine what many of us will face in the future. Cal Thomas revdauphinee answered on 03/22/05: what would happen in florida if you refuse to feed and water your Dog???would not (in most states)you be arrested for animal cruelty??Yet the state of Florida obviously puts human life lower since the state sponsered murder that is going on there now is as bad as the natzi regime practice of killing the dissabled during ww2.I never was much for G.Bush untill now but what he did over the last weekend has gained him points in my estimation.starvation is not an easy death ,we dont do it to animals we shouldnt do it to humans freethinker rated this answer MaggieB rated this answer powderpuff rated this answer tomder55 rated this answer

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HANK1 asked on 03/20/05 - A MYSTERY: Did Jesus go to hell between His death and resurrection? HANK revdauphinee answered on 03/20/05: yes HANK1 rated this answer

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HANK1 asked on 03/20/05 - UTOPIA & RELIGION: "UTOPIA" by SIR THOMAS MORE BOOK II: OF THE RELIGIONS OF THE UTOPIANS (An Excerpt) "THERE are several sorts of religions, not only in different parts of the island, but even in every town; some worshipping the sun, others the moon or one of the planets: some worship such men as have been eminent in former times for virtue or glory, not only as ordinary deities, but as the supreme God: yet the greater and wiser sort of them worship none of these, but adore one eternal, invisible, infinite, and incomprehensible Deity; as a being that is far above all our apprehensions, that is spread over the whole universe, not by His bulk, but by His power and virtue; Him they call the Father of All, and acknowledge that the beginnings, the increase, the progress, the vicissitudes, and the end of all things come only from Him; nor do they offer divine honors to any but to Him alone." Looks as though More was a Liberal with an open mind. Good for him. Any comments! HANK revdauphinee answered on 03/20/05: I particulaly liked the following quote " yet the greater and wiser sort of them worship none of these, but adore one eternal, invisible, infinite, and incomprehensible Deity; " HANK1 rated this answer

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Choux asked on 03/19/05 - FATAL ERROR IN THINKING BELIEVING/HAVING FAITH IN THE GODALMIGHTY OF CHRISTIANITY AND HIS MANY CHARACTERISTICS AS DESCRIBED IN THE BIBLE IS AN EMOTIONAL DECISION NOT A LOGICAL DECISION. GOD RESIDES IN OUR EMOTIONAL CENTERS. THERE IS NO WAY TO PROVE THAT GODALMIGHTY EXISTS. FAITH IS EMOTIONAL. THERE IS NOTHING WRONG WITH THAT, NECESSARILY...ONLY IF LEADERS OF YOUR FAITH OR YOU DECIDE TO DO HARMFUL THINGS TO OTHERS OR YOUR COMMUNITY AND ENVIRONMENT. WHAT WONDERFUL THINGS DO YOU DO FOR OTHERS? revdauphinee answered on 03/19/05: THERE IS NO WAY TO PROVE THAT GODALMIGHTY EXISTS. I agree but for a believer proof is no longer needed.true Christianity is based on faith and needs no "PROOF" for did not Jesus ((from whoom we get the very name Christianity))say himself 29 Then Jesus told him, "Because you have seen me, you have believed; ((blessed are those who have not seen))) and yet have believed." arcura rated this answer freethinker rated this answer Choux rated this answer

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FormerJesusHelper76 asked on 03/19/05 - Please Pray! My uncle was brought into the hospital by ambulance yesterday. Please pray for his healing, and for proper care by the hospital and staff. Thank you in advance. Joe revdauphinee answered on 03/19/05: consider it done! FormerJesusHelper76 rated this answer

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Liz22 asked on 03/19/05 - Terri Schiavo May I ask what do you think when it comes to removing the feeding tube from Terri Schiavo who is only 39, even Gov. Jeb Bush still could intervene and order the feeding tube re-inserted. Starvation is a slow death by dehydration and starvation -- is not a death we would wish for a dog. If the patient has any conscious awareness (as many doctors have said Terri Schiavo does), such a death can be agonizing. Patients may feel pangs of hunger and thirst. Their skin, tongue, and lips may crack. They may suffer nosebleeds, heaving, and vomiting. In A Christian view should not we do something, and how do you yourself feel about this? As for me, I am against this, if this really happens why don't they let Dr. Devorkian released from jail here in Michigan, at least he is fast and she wouldn't have to suffer for the two weeks or even longer. Sounds to me like the Husband just wants to get on with his New Wife and his own life, and forget about Terri's. We feed our babies when they can't feed themselves and it is said from Terris Parents there may be improvement. And if one did this to a dog, you would be in jail for a year with a 5,ooo fine, and what is next? Cancer the Disabilty? Thank you, Joy. revdauphinee answered on 03/19/05: My oppinion id dont get sick in florida ! this is state condoned murder! freethinker rated this answer Liz22 rated this answer

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arcura asked on 03/19/05 - Jesus prayed the those who followed could be in Him and the Father. John 17:20. "My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, 21. that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. 22. I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one: 23. I in them and you in me. May they be brought to complete unity to let the world know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me. How do you believe you can bring youself to be im Him and He in you? Can it be done physically Or only spiritually? revdauphinee answered on 03/19/05: it must be through faith(belief) 29 Then Jesus told him, "Because you have seen me, you have believed; ((blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.")) arcura rated this answer

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freethinker asked on 03/19/05 - On the matter of proving claims : . Cause : Arcura (Fred) asked me recently to prove a negative claim. Despite numerous articles on this subject available on the internet, creationists still submit essays demonstrating a profound misunderstanding of the reasoning process. Recently a creationist' article even started with this statement : "It is true that a person who defends the truth of a debated proposition must present convincing evidence to support its truth. But the person who denies the truth of the proposition has the burden to convincingly disprove the proposition-- that is the real burden of proof. The proof of a proposition is in the failure to prove the denial.... Why should the burden of proof be one-sided?" The first portion of this statement is technically correct, but there is no need to accept that position as true. Simply say that you won't buy the goods unless you're convinced of their value. Not that we know beyond a shadow of a doubt that the goods are rotten. The burden of proof is clearly on the creationist's shoulders. The second portion of the statement is, of course, absurd. A proposition is not proven by a failure to disprove it! It is not my job to prove that giant, green spiders are not hiding out in San Diego! The great, green-spider conspiracy does not become acceptable public knowledge just because I can't disprove it! Wake up and smell the coffee! Thus, all that one needs to do is to show that the claim or thesis is far from compelling. Strong disproof is hardly necessary. The reason that the burden of proof is one-sided is that reliable public knowledge must be safeguarded against nonsense. If we are to weed out the giant-green-spider theories, then we must insist upon positive, compelling evidence--and not the lack of strong disproof--as the criteria. Otherwise, public knowledge becomes a total joke where anything goes. One can ask how extraordinary a proof must be before it is accepted. In matters of science, we must ask whether it is more probable that a thoroughly tested law, which has successfully explained a great deal of nature, has failed or whether claims of its failure, which can often be traced to lies, confusion, distorted third-hand information, etc., are unsound. In that case, the proof must be so extraordinary that it is easier to believe that the law of science has failed than that a lie, confusion or faulty report has been involved. Clearly, that means the kind of scientific documentation that is available for all to see, one that forcefully rules out the alternatives. Historical claims involving miracles, in the full supernatural sense of the word, are claims that scientific law has failed. Generally, the circumstances involved in those claims are beyond investigation, making extraordinary proof impossible. Rather than saying that such claims are clearly false, the skeptic need only note that scientific law is far more believable. That is, we reject the miracle because it is very likely a false or distorted claim. Accumulating sound public knowledge means rejecting claims that, in principle, might be right. We must accept the probable over the very improbable, and that's the bottom line. Consequently, the skeptic will continue to demand that extraordinary claims be accompanied by extraordinary proof. There is no alternative if we seek to accumulate sound knowledge. The standards of reasonable proof are much lower. Do strange oddities occur in nature? Absolutely! Thus, the real question is whether data was accurately recorded. Miraculous prediction, as in biblical prophecy, does not necessarily violate scientific law, but it does involve the acquiring of knowledge in a manner that has never been verified. Nor has science given us a theoretically sound framework to explain how such prophecy might reasonably occur. To the extent that mediums have been competently investigated, in the past as well as the present, the claim of miraculous prophecy has always proven false or unconvincing. Thus, we have neither the theoretical groundwork nor a single, proven example of miraculous prophecy. We must ask what is more probable: that a few individuals in the Mideast had special powers during biblical times, men associated with a particular religious cult, or that the usual, faulty claims, lies, misunderstandings and later manipulations of history have occurred. Clearly, the odds are heavily in favor of the latter. Any proof of miraculous prophecy must be so strong, so extraordinary, as to make the latter the less likely case. Not only is such proof lacking, but in many cases we have good evidence that biblical "prophecies" were written down after the event in question! There is also good evidence that many of the events and characteristics attributed to Jesus have been lifted from the Old Testament by New Testament authors! Thus, it is hardly surprising that there are f.i. some parallels between the Old Testament and the Jesus story. Often people attempt to give the principle of extraordinary proof some strange twist: "To those who believe in an omniscient God, the idea of fulfilled prophecy attributed to Him is not a fabulous claim, but what one would reasonably expect. To them an instance of such fulfilled prophecy requires only ordinary, not extraordinary, evidence as sufficient reason to believe it." The principle of extraordinary proof has nothing to do with what some individual or group believes! Believers in the great, green-spider conspiracy may find claims that giant, green spiders have been spotted in San Diego to be the expected, ordinary thing. However, they are not exempt from the need to present extraordinary proof. Similarly, just because someone belongs to a group that views the Bible as God-breathed does not exempt him/her from the need to present extraordinary proof for miraculous prophecy. The criteria that determines whether an argument needs extraordinary proof or not is that old question: "Which is more probable, given actual track records and the results of careful investigation?" The less probable an event, compared to the alternatives, the more extraordinary the required proof. No unreasonable presupposition is involved here, only a straightforward application of good reasoning. Arguments involving supernatural miracles, whether in the Bible or elsewhere, require extraordinary proof. Miraculous prophecy is in a similar position. In both cases the burden of the proof is squarely on the shoulders of the believer. To reject them one only needs to show that the arguments in its favor are not compelling. One does not have to disprove such claims. The logical claim is that supernatural miracles and miraculous prophecy should presently be rejected as extremely unlikely, not that they have been proven false beyond any possible doubt. (With thanks to the Internet Infidels for the concept of this post) Any comments? revdauphinee answered on 03/19/05: true Christianity is based on faith and needs no "PROOF" for did not Jesus ((from whoom we get the very name Christianity))say himself 29 Then Jesus told him, "Because you have seen me, you have believed; ((blessed are those who have not seen))) and yet have believed." freethinker rated this answer MaggieB rated this answer

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HANK1 asked on 03/18/05 - CAN YOU EXPLAIN THIS: "Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father in Heaven is perfect". (Matthew 5:48) Would God give us a command that cannot be followed? HANK revdauphinee answered on 03/18/05: first it was given by jesus as a goal for us to aim for> HANK1 rated this answer

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ROLCAM asked on 03/18/05 - A question to all members of this board !! Is everything copacetic on this board ? roland. revdauphinee answered on 03/18/05: most definatly not In my oppinion (and we all have them)it has deteriated greatly in the last few months! HANK1 rated this answer Pete_Hanysz rated this answer ROLCAM rated this answer

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Lazlow asked on 03/18/05 - I am the Jesus of Suburbia -------- If Christianity didnt exist, what religion would you be a part of? .... Me, I'd go with judaism. The Cabbalah is one of the most intriguing things. I've heard there was a christian version of it, hmm. If any of you know of a good christian cabbalah web address, give me a link and I'll give you five stars. Laura, you traitorous scum Anyway, really though. If god told you all christians go to hell and you had to choose a different religion what would it be? Do any of you support/encourage any other religions? Do you believe only christians inherit god's kingdom? I think thats strange, there are many good people on this planet that give so much, what will god say to them in the end? the hell with you anyway? Where's Harmony? Angry Black Guy wants to talk to her revdauphinee answered on 03/18/05: in my oppinion and it is "my" oppinion !yes only Christians will go to heaven (bet that opens a can of worms!)) I beleive in Jesus I also believe in what he said and that heaven is the abode of God the father! Jn.14:6 Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through ""me."" ) Lazlow rated this answer MaggieB rated this answer

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arcura asked on 03/17/05 - Happy Saint Patrick's Day to all. And may the great Saint take a liking to you and bring you many blessings from God, our Father. arcura revdauphinee answered on 03/17/05: thank you Ill eat a green bagel in celebration! arcura rated this answer

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STONY asked on 03/17/05 - WILL BE GONE FOR A FEW DAYS... KIDNEY SURGERY SCHEDUALED FOR 2 P.M. EST TODAY. SEE YA'LL WHEN IT'S OVER. revdauphinee answered on 03/17/05: My prayers go with you STONY rated this answer

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kindj asked on 03/16/05 - Something to reflect on... It's lunchtime where I'm at. 12:28, to be exact. Due to some unusual scheduling, I wasn't able to go home and eat lunch with my wife and kids today like I usually do. So here I sit, after running down the street for a heart attack in a sack, looking over emails and such. The following story caught my attention, and it should catch yours, too. >>I envy Kevin. My brother Kevin thinks God lives under his bed. At least that's what I heard him say one night. He was praying out loud in his dark bedroom, and I stopped outside his closed door to listen. "Are you there, God?" he said. "Where are you? Oh, I see. Under the bed." I giggled softly and tiptoed off to my own room. Kevin's unique perspectives are often a source of amusement. But that night something else lingered long after the humor. I realized for the first time the very different world Kevin lives in. He was born 30 years ago, mentally disabled as a result of difficulties during labor. Apart from his size (he's 6-foot-2), there are few ways in which he is an adult. He reasons and communicates with the capabilities of a 7-year-old, and he always will. He will probably always believe that God lives under his bed, that Santa Claus is the one who fills the space under our tree every Christmas and that airplanes stay up in the sky because angels carry them. I remember wondering if Kevin realizes he is different. Is he ever dissatisfied with his monotonous life? Up before dawn each day, off to work at a workshop for the disabled, Home to walk our cocker spaniel, return to eat his favorite macaroni-and-cheese for dinner, and later to bed. The only variation in the entire scheme is laundry, when he hovers excitedly over the washing machine like a mother with her newborn child. He does not seem dissatisfied. He lopes out to the bus every morning at 7:05, eager for a day of simple work. He wrings his hands excitedly while the water boils on the stove before dinner, and he stays up late twice a week to gather our dirty laundry for his next day's laundry chores. And Saturdays-oh, the bliss of Saturdays! That's the day my Dad takes Kevin to the airport to have a soft drink, watch the planes land, and speculate loudly on the destination of each passenger inside. "That one's goin' to Chi-car-go!" Kevin shouts as he claps his hands. His anticipation is so great he can hardly sleep on Friday nights. And so goes his world of daily rituals and weekend field trips. He doesn't know what it means to be discontent. His life is simple. He will never know the entanglements of wealth of power, and he does not care what brand of clothing he wears or what kind of food he eats. His needs have always been met, and he never worries that one day they may not be. His hands are diligent. Kevin is never so happy as when he is working. When he unloads the dishwasher or vacuums the carpet, his heart is completely in it. He does not shrink from a job when it is begun, and he does not leave a job until it is finished. But when his tasks are done, Kevin knows how to relax. He is not obsessed with his work or the work of others.. His heart is pure. He still believes everyone tells the truth, promises must be kept, and when you are wrong, you apologize instead of argue. Free from pride and unconcerned with appearances, Kevin is not afraid to cry when he is hurt, angry or sorry. He is always transparent, always sincere. And he trusts God. Not confined by intellectual reasoning, when he comes to Christ, he comes as a child. Kevin seems to know God - to really be friends with Him in a way that is difficult for an "educated" person to grasp. God seems like his closest companion. In my moments of doubt and frustrations with my Christianity, I envy the security Kevin has in his simple faith. It is then that I am most willing to admit that he has some divine knowledge that rises above my mortal questions. It is then I realize that perhaps he is not the one with the handicap. I am. My obligations, my fear, my pride, my circumstances - they all become disabilities when I do not trust them to God's care. Who knows if Kevin comprehends things I can never learn? After all, he has spent his whole life in that kind of innocence, praying after dark and soaking up the goodness and love of God. And one day, when the mysteries of heaven are opened, and we are all amazed at how close God really is to our hearts, I'll realize that God heard the simple prayers of a boy who believed that God lived under his bed. Kevin won't be surprised at all!<< So I'm reading that, while at the same time thinking about yet another decision that needs to be made by me that could have an enormous impact on me and my family, either good or bad. Then I stop to think that perhaps I shouldn't approach such things in life with my education first, my reason and logic second, and so forth. Perhaps I should act as a child--or like Kevin--and lead with my faith in a loving God who only wants what's best for His Kingdom, me, and my family. I can't help but envy Kevin a little bit myself. Who among us wouldn't love to be free of our financial worries, our family worries, our job stresses, our jealousies, our bitter spots, and our wounds? We can be. We just have to be willing to trust God as a child trusts and give them up. God can't do it for us, or He won't. They're OURS, and WE have to be the ones to give them up. But I bet Kevin already knew that. Everyone have a wonderful day, and may you somehow, someway see God today. DK revdauphinee answered on 03/17/05: kevins child like faith has given him an advatage over sophisticated folk He believes (No matter where he thinks God resides )In God Matthew11:25. At that time Jesus said, "I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children. Matthew 18: 3. And he said: "I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. 4. Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. "I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children. kindj rated this answer

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Lazlow asked on 03/16/05 - God is an American -- not a bloody foreigner Who here believes that Jesus was white? Do you think that it's wrong for commercials and movies to portray him as caucasion? His hair was made of wool, does that mean he's black? But aren't people brown in that area of the earth, where Jesus lived? What about Noah, Abraham or Isaac or Adam, were they white? If someone here has a strong conviction that Jesus was white PLEASE say so. I think Jesus wasnt white, and anyone who knows anything about him should believe he wasnt, so why do they hang paintings and crosses of a white guy??? Does it make sense to you? revdauphinee answered on 03/16/05: who cares what color he was or for that mater what anyone is we all bleed red anyway! Jesus was a jew he certainly probably wasent the blond ive seen him portraid as in some pictures pbs had a good program on a while back showing what he probably realy looked like It was called I think "the real Jesus " and i found it most interesting dont know why the artists always presented the femine looking one we see so often I feel he probably lookes nothing like that ! arcura rated this answer Lazlow rated this answer paraclete rated this answer

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tomder55 asked on 03/16/05 - Revised 10 Commandments (in an effort to make them relevent to the hip-hop generation) 1. I am the cool mack daddy of the dope hype flow. Give me props and mad respect. 2. Don't be kneeling for some bling bling. 3. Don't be throwing my name around, be it J. Hovah or Yah Diddy. 4. Yo, Sunday is "funday", ya dig? 5. Respect your moms, your pops, or whoever it was raised you, unless they whack. 6. Thou shalt not bust a cap in someone's ass. 7. Don't be running around on people like they don't know. 8. No five-finger discounts. 9. Don't front. 10. If your neighbor's got a fly crib or a pimped-out set of wheels, that's they bidness, not yours. revdauphinee answered on 03/16/05: did God not make them clear enough??? tomder55 rated this answer

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freethinker asked on 03/16/05 - Paraclete, what's your problem? In reply to Lazlow's question on the "truth" of the book of Daniel I popsted : "just as true and as untrue as the rest of all the books that make up the Bible. Part "borrowed" history, part Jewish history, part "borrowed" culture, part Jewish culture, part myth, and part Jewish religion. True? What do you expect from a story 2000+++ years old?" Paraclete rated this a "grey star" with the following comment : "And where do you place the story of Jesus the Apostles and Paulin all that? The books we call the New Testament? You cannot explain Christianity away however much you would like to" To which I state here : Dear Paraclete, what's your problem? Why this neurotic reaction? Why do you suggest that I want to explain christianity away? Where did I do that? If you think that your reaction improves communication on and around this board : IT'S KILLING ALL FORMS OF OPEN COMMUNICATION HERE ON THIS BOARD IF YOU "GREY-STAR" POSTS JUST BECAUSE YOU DON'T LIKE THEM, EVEN THOUGH THEY ARE CLEAR AND RESPECTFUL RESPONSES, AND REFER TO THE QUESTION. Any comments? revdauphinee answered on 03/16/05: What do you expect from a story 2000+++ years old?" iF IT HAS LASTED THAT LONG THEN SURLEY THERE MUST BE SOMETHING TO IT!!! freethinker rated this answer paraclete rated this answer

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ROLCAM asked on 03/16/05 - BIBLE HELP !!( LIMITED TO NT). SERIES # 2. In life there are many different needs. What reading in the NT Bible would you suggest to a person who feels that he is being shunned by others ? Please quote the exact reference. ROLCAM. revdauphinee answered on 03/16/05: Romans 8:31. What, then, shall we say in response to this? If God is for us, who can be against us? 32. He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all--how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things? ROLCAM rated this answer

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Lazlow asked on 03/16/05 - The Book of Daniel True? revdauphinee answered on 03/16/05: a good part of daniel is prophecy for instance many believe DANIEL 7: 24. The ten horns are ten kings (((the european union)) who will come from this kingdom. After them another king will arise, different from the earlier ones; he will subdue three kings.(ruled by the antichrist) 25. He will speak against the Most High and oppress his saints ((we see the begining s of this here in the USA where anything of a Christian origin is being chalenged)) and try to change the set times ((there are those who wish to chage Christmas to just a winter celebration )) and the laws.(doing aWAY WITH THE TEN COMMANDMENTS)) The saints will be handed over to him for a time, times and half a time. comments are my own> Lazlow rated this answer

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soulfoodsista asked on 03/15/05 - IS THERE REALLY A GOD? I have a conspiracy theory that we were put on this planet by alien beings. I think that's why people claim they have been abducted. I also think that's why we see UFO's. Because they come back to check on us. revdauphinee answered on 03/16/05: are you one of them??? soulfoodsista rated this answer

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STONY asked on 03/15/05 - SO LONG HUBBLE TELESCOPE... THE GREATEST SCIENTIFIC EXPERIMENT IN HISTORY IS IN THE WRONG ORBIT FOR REPAIR WORK AS THE SHUTTLE CANNOT MATE UP WITH THE SPACE STATION FROM THE TELESCOPE. DUHHH, WHY NOT PUT THE TELESCOPE IN ANOTHER ORBIT MORE COMPATIBLE TO THE SPACE STATION? ANOTHER EXAMPLE OF HAVING ALL THE RIGHT TOOLS TO WORK WITH AND NOT THE COMMON SENSE TO USE THEM. revdauphinee answered on 03/15/05: or maybee the money ,with all the waste in this country we could use a complete reassesment of where we should be spending and where not! arcura rated this answer STONY rated this answer tomder55 rated this answer

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ROLCAM asked on 03/15/05 - BIBLE HELP !!( LIMITED TO OT). SERIES # 1. In life there are many different needs. What reading in the NT Bible would you suggest to ease a person's sadness? Please quote the exact reference. ROLCAM. revdauphinee answered on 03/15/05: Psalms 23 1. The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want. 2. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, 3. he restores my soul. He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake. 4. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. 5. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. 6. Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever. ROLCAM rated this answer

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Lazlow asked on 03/15/05 - Liz22 is a terrorist! Get back evildoer! I shoot at thee swine! revdauphinee answered on 03/15/05: friend i think you forgot your meds this morning. Lazlow rated this answer Liz22 rated this answer

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Choux asked on 03/14/05 - Heaven We live in a huge Universe in which our planet Earth is but a small dot or as grain of sand on a huge beach. There is a great probability that there are other planets in other galaxies on which life had developed. I wonder, if there is an afterlife, will we meet creatures from other galaxies? revdauphinee answered on 03/14/05: I feel that we probably will and I am sure there are others besides us who reside on planet earth since scripture clearly tells us John 10: 16. I have other sheep that are not of this sheep pen. I must bring them also. They too will listen to my voice, and there shall be one flock and one shepherd. arcura rated this answer Choux rated this answer

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arcura asked on 03/14/05 - A bit of humor to help break the tension here. Montana Cowboy Logic. A cowboy at a bar in Great Falls, MT. orders three mugs of beer and sits in the back room, drinking a sip out of each one in turn. When he finishes them, he comes back to the bar and orders three more. The bartender tells him, "You know, a mug goes flat after I draw it. It would taste better if you bought one at a time." The cowboy replies, "I know. But that's OK. I have two brothers. One is in Billings, the other in Helena. I'm in Great Falls. When we left home, we promised that we'd drink this way to remember the days we drank together. I drink one for each of my brothers and one for myself." The bartender tells him it is a nice custom. The cowboy becomes a regular, and always orders three mugs and drinks them in turn. One day he comes in and orders two mugs. All the regulars take notice and fall silent. When he comes back to the bar for the second round, the bartender says, "We don't want to intrude on your grief, but we wanted to offer our condolences on your loss." The cowboy looks quite puzzled for a moment, then a light dawns and he laughs. "Oh, no, everybody's just fine," he explains. "It's just that my wife and I joined the Mormon Church and I had to quit drinking. Hasn't affected my brothers though." revdauphinee answered on 03/14/05: good one !tried mormonism once giving up beer was never a problem for me,coffee however was! arcura rated this answer

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CeeBee asked on 03/13/05 - Back to the spanking debate (groan). As a librarian, I found the following letter to the editor very fascinating and enlightening [I added the bold]: VOICE OF THE PEOPLE (LETTER) 'Spare the rod, spoil the child' isn't biblical Guida C. Eldorado Chicago Tribune Published March 13, 2005 Woodridge -- This letter is in response to the story in the March 6 edition about the mother who pulled her son out of the Christian school rather than spank him at the school's demand ("School orders mom to spank son--or else," Page 1). I am a social worker and have also taught Sunday school in two different denominations of the Christian religion. The phrase, "spare the rod and spoil the child," is not a Christian phrase and is not in the Bible. That phrase actually comes from a narrative poem written in the 1600s titled "Hudibras" by Samuel Butler. Two of the main characters are planning on starting a love affair, and one of the characters asks the other to engage in sadomasochism and flagellation before she will go to bed with him. The actual quote is: "If matrimony and hanging go/By dest'ny, why not whipping too?/What med'cine else can cure the fits/Of lovers when they lose their wits?/Love is a boy, by poets styl'd/Then spare the rod, and spoil the child." How this phrase got mixed up with the Bible is a mystery. I found the book when I did a library search several years ago while training parents involved with DCFS to use methods other than corporal punishment. Corporal punishment does not have its basis in the Bible. When one examines the verse, "He that spareth the rod hateth his son," one needs to understand the tools shepherds used in tending their sheep. They used a crook to lift sheep out of holes they had fallen into, and they used the rod, a straight stick, to guide them. The sheep were not beaten with the rod. "Sparing the rod" in that sense, means that a parent must guide his or her child and teach the child right from wrong. The word "discipline" comes from the same root word as "disciple," and discipline is teaching, training, setting an example of proper behavior, and giving consequences that help a child learn how to behave better. The word "punish" comes from a root word that means to inflict physical pain. Furthermore, nowhere in the New Testament does Jesus tell parents to use corporal punishment with their children. Spanking is not discipline; it does not teach a child how to be a better person. It is punishment, and teaches that the method of dealing with people who don't do what you want them to is to hit them. It creates fear, and children do not learn in an atmosphere of fear. The mother in the Tribune story is correct in taking her son out of the punishing atmosphere. Instead of helping a bright youngster adjust to the social and learning environment and deal with changes at home, the school officials want him paddled. The only thing that will accomplish is make him hate learning and hate school. If paddling was done to an adult, it would be assault and battery. This mother deserves a medal for courage for standing up to the ignoramuses who distort Scripture meaning for the purpose of preserving a sadistic practice on a defenseless child. Copyright � 2005, Chicago Tribune ************************* Has that Bible verse been misunderstood, misinterpreted all these years? revdauphinee answered on 03/14/05: who told you it was not biblical??they should go back and read Proverbs 13-24 ... "He that spareth his rod hateth his son." hOPE12 rated this answer CeeBee rated this answer

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ken123 asked on 03/13/05 - So...(just a follow-up to my previous question) 1) Are there any verses that have the word 'marriage' in it? 2) Are there any verses that actually condemn homosexuality? revdauphinee answered on 03/14/05: 1) Are there any verses that have the word 'marriage' in it? a)there are too many of these to even try to recount here! 2) Are there any verses that actually condemn homosexuality? A)a few but the most quoted one is Leviticus 18: 22. "`Do not lie with a man as one lies with a woman; that is detestable. ken123 rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 03/13/05 - Does God have a way of cleaning up Does God have a way of cleaning up after His children and should we take warning from this. What would it take to clean upthe pollution of a New York or a Sydney? As you read this article,contemple that thought Tsunami repairs what Hollywood ruined By Connie Levett, Herald Correspondent, Phi Phi Island March 14, 2005 Maya Beach, Phi Phi Leh. Leonardo DiCaprio put Maya Bay on the global tourist radar with his film The Beach, but that fame came at a cost. The film crew remodelled and flattened the beach, making it unstable. When the monsoon rains came, the dunes were swept away. Now Thailand's Boxing Day tsunami, in a rare act of reconstruction, has put it back. The dunes have returned. And yet as locals quietly celebrate nature's grace, it may be short-lived. That very act will place fresh tourism pressure on the beach's fragile ecosystem. Maya Bay is tucked into Phi Phi Leh, the small, uninhabited island adjacent to the main resort island, Phi Phi Don. In 1999, the film's producers cleaned the bay of accumulated rubbish, stripped the vegetation, replanted the national park beach with a grove of coconut palms and levelled the sand dunes. Locals say the beach never recovered. "The sand dunes were damaged during filming because there is a scene where the actor had to play soccer on the beach and the beach did not have a wide enough space so they brought in a tractor to widen it," said Nattawuth Kaenthong, a Phi Phi resident who did not oppose the filming but objected to remodelling the dunes. All but one of the coconut palms, not native to Phi Phi Leh, were removed after filming because there is no fresh water source at the bay. With the first monsoonal storms, Mr Nattawuth said, all the sand was washed away. The Government had to use sacks of sand to replace the flattened dunes. "Before the tsunami hit there were no sand dunes at all. But afterwards, everything came back just like the old times," Mr Nattawuth said via an interpreter. Maya Bay is not the only natural beneficiary of the tsunami. At Phuket's Patong Beach, the water and sand quality is markedly improved. People can now swim without risk of eye infections and skin rashes, say residents. "The beach is like it was at the beginning of tourism 30 years ago," said Somchai Silapananon, of the Phuket Tourism Association. The improved water quality could be due in part to the current closure of damaged beachfront hotels and the reduced waste water output. Fishermen have also noted rises in catches of up to 100 per cent and the return of fish species that had not been seen in reef areas for years because of declining water quality. The concern is to ensure the improved water quality is maintained. One Patong hotelier, Lily Udomkunatum, told the Bangkok Post: "Once all the businesses return, it will be hard to maintain the pristine quality." While the revival of Maya Bay is a rare piece of good news for Phi Phi islanders,the tsunami has intensified pressure on the beach. When the Herald visited last week there were 150 swimmers, five speed boats, five long-tailed boats, four inter-island ferries, seven fishing boats and a small cruise boat in and around the bay. revdauphinee answered on 03/14/05: Of cource God can clean up his childrens messes and he will for it is writen in Revelation21: 1. Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, hence he will remove all polution and the rest of the mess we have made! paraclete rated this answer

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arcura asked on 03/13/05 - Forget the past? How do YOU do that?............ 11. So, whatever it takes, I will be one who lives in the fresh newness of life of those who are alive from the dead. Phil. 3:12. I don't mean to say I am perfect. I haven't learned all I should even yet, but I keep working toward that day when I will finally be all that Christ saved me for and wants me to be. 13. No, dear brothers, I am still not all I should be but I am bringing all my energies to bear on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, 14. I strain to reach the end of the race and receive the prize for which God is calling us up to heaven because of what Christ Jesus did for us. So how do you forget the past? Peace and kindness, arcura revdauphinee answered on 03/14/05: A nun once taught me how God forgets our sins ,I believe this also applies here .take a small vial of water and an eye dropper to the beach.then take the eyedropper and drop one drop of the water in the ocean! that drop represents our sin (or the past) could you ever find that precice drop again??no!It still exists however it cant be found.so it is with sin given up to God! arcura rated this answer

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ken123 asked on 03/13/05 - Gay marriage Is there anywhere in the Bible where it says marriage should be only between a man and a woman? revdauphinee answered on 03/14/05: Genesis 2:21. So the LORD God caused the man to fall into a deep sleep; and while he was sleeping, he took one of the man's ribs and closed up the place with flesh. 22. Then the LORD God made a ((woman)) from the rib he had taken out of the man, and he brought her to the man. 23. The man said, "This is now bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh; she shall be called (((`woman,))) ' for she was taken out of man." 24. For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and they will become one flesh. ken123 rated this answer

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CeeBee asked on 03/13/05 - Joe's question led me to another one. What could a priest or minister do to provide a special way for children to receive God's blessing during a church service? Our ministers take time during the church service and invite all the children present to sit on the chancel steps to participate in a short children's sermon (usually related to the sermon/homily to come) or a short presentation that includes visual aids. Also, during Communion, parents may carry babies and smaller children to the altar to receive a blessing during the distribution of the bread and wine. Some churches have Sunday School and a special children's service while the adults have their own. (I prefer the former, as it allows the entire family to worship together in one place.) What does your church do for children during a service and especially during Holy Communion? revdauphinee answered on 03/14/05: blessings can be bestowed on the children without use of the host wich should be contained to the use of belivers some children are mature enough to know what this means others are not! FormerJesusHelper76 rated this answer CeeBee rated this answer

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FormerJesusHelper76 asked on 03/13/05 - Host(Bread)Catholic Church! Hello! At church today near the end of the sermon. The priest gave a very serious and stern warning to all members. He was angry. There were some points I understood but others I did not. He was talking about how serious the Host celebration is and that in the past they have found The Host in the pews. I do not agree with that. If you are taking bread it should be put in your mouth and eaten. That is very unrespectful. He also gave parents that this bread should not be broken and given to or shared with their children. There was one time this young girl was given the whole thing and almost choked on it. I think there is nothing wrong with breaking it and sharing it. Jesus broke the bread and shared it with his disciples. What do you think about this? As soon as you get the host, put it in your mouth right away and do not show it to your children, do not wait untill you sit down and etc.... For some reason today I was going to sit this one out and I said to my wife that what is more important to God is prayer. It is the prayer that is important and is the better thank you to Jesus for his sacrifice. I did not sit it out and received it but now after that angry speech from the priest I wished I sat it out. Please let me know what you think. God bless and thank you in advance for all your answers. Joe revdauphinee answered on 03/14/05: catholic doctrine believes the host actualy becomes the flesh of Jesus would you think that it should then not recieve the respect the priest asked for??I do! FormerJesusHelper76 rated this answer

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Bobbye asked on 03/12/05 - ACCURA: (Can't get a response through, so I'll post.) I have reported Paraclete many times, but nothing was done about it. THUS MY POST REGARDING THE SITUATION. Others were removed, but nothing has been done about Paraclete. (Removal was management's prerogative. I'm discussing Clete.) Also, Clete doesn't push me around. If you'll hang around on these Boards, you'll find that Maggie and I can handle our own. Maggie and I accept your comments in the spirit intended. (I know her heart; she's like family to me and my family, so I can speak for her. I'm sure she'll post again.) Blessings, bobbye revdauphinee answered on 03/14/05: on this I must agree with freethinker getting folks taken off the board is no answer unless the demise of the whole thing is your aim .If you dont care for a person then dont read or answer them!I have done this in the past why spoil the whole pie just cause the bite you took dosent agree with you? Bobbye rated this answer

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freethinker asked on 03/12/05 - GOING TO HEAVEN MaggieB posted elsewhere on this board in some reply: QUOTE The Jewish idea is that the Torah of Moses is a truth for all humanity, whether Jewish or not. The Torah (as explained in the Talmud - Sanhedrin 58b) presents seven mitzvot for non-Jews to observe. These seven laws are the pillars of human civilization, and are named the "Seven Laws of Noah," since all humans are descended from Noah. They are: Do not murder. Do not steal. Do not worship false gods. Do not be sexually immoral. Do not eat the limb of an animal before it is killed. Do not curse God. Set up courts and bring offenders to justice. Maimonides explains that any human being who faithfully observes these laws earns a proper place in heaven. So you see, the Torah is for all humanity, no conversion necessary. UNQUOTE ~~ So all the christians seem to be exceeding these requirements by far !!!!! Better to be a non-jew than a christian, don't you think ? And as I follow the 7 rules also, I'm going too? :))) revdauphinee answered on 03/12/05: to where are you going??Heaven!that is the dwelling place of God and you dont believe in God! 2Chr.6:30,33,35,39 30 then hear from heaven, your dwelling place. and even if you did you could only get there through Jesus since he is the only mediator between God and man (Jn.14:6 Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. ""No one"" comes to the Father except through me. ) arcura rated this answer ETWolverine rated this answer freethinker rated this answer MaggieB rated this answer

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Pete_Hanysz asked on 03/12/05 - Re.Fred's post. What was Jesus's stance on excommunication?? without www.newadvent.org/cathen/05678a.htm Please!!! revdauphinee answered on 03/12/05: I dont know about excomunicating but its clear he thought there are those who we are not to waste time on (Matt.7:6. "Do not give dogs what is sacred; do not throw your pearls to pigs. If you do, they may trample them under their feet, and then turn and tear you to pieces. ) paraclete rated this answer Pete_Hanysz rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 03/12/05 - This is rediculous We have allowed this Board to degenerate into a debate on whether there should be a debate. At no point in this process of pure diatribe is any valid Christian point made. We have become like the philosopers of Athens, encountered by Paul, debating the existance of an unknown God. If you want a debate, why do debate the issue that God is unknown, this embraces the Question does God exist. Some of you might actually find Godin the process revdauphinee answered on 03/12/05: I am of the understanding this board was designed for questions and answers and not for debates anyhow! Bobbye rated this answer MaggieB rated this answer paraclete rated this answer

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arcura asked on 03/12/05 - Marriage - what do you think about this?..... Marriage is a sacred state for it was instituted by God. The first marriage was celebrated in the earthly paradise between Adam and Eve, when yet they were innocent. It was God Himself who dictated the conditions of marriage. Unity was to be its very basis; in other words the wife was to have but one husband, the husband was to have but one wife. It was the type of a still more glorious unity, which was not to be revealed till a later period. The mystery of unity typified by marriage being part of the Christian revelation, we deem it a duty to put it before our readers by the following considerations. The angels were all created at one and the same time: but the members of the human race were to be born, each indeed from their respective parents, but yet so as that Adam and Eve were to be the common parents to whom all were to owe their origin. Such was our Creator's design, and the marriage was the means He selected for its fulfillment. An immense multitude of the angels having fallen, the places destined for them in heaven were to be filled up by the elect of earth; again, it was marriage that was to provide these citizens for heaven. Hence, God blessed marriage at the very commencement of the world, and with a blessing which was to be permanent, for, as the Church teaches us in the Liturgy, 'it was not recalled, either by the punishment inflicted on original sin, or by the sentence which destroyed the world in the deluge.' (Missale Romanum: Praefatio super Sponsam) Marriage Restored by Christ Even before this second great chastisement came upon the earth, all flesh had corrupted its way (Gen 6:12) and marriage had fallen from the elevated dignity given to it by the Creator. The end for which he instituted in was forgotten; it was debased into a mere sensual ratification; it lost the sacred unity, which was its glory. Polygamy and divorce destroyed its primitive character, and two rightful evils ensued: family ties were at an end, and woman's position was degraded into that of a being which must minister to man's passions. The lesson intended to be conveyed by the Deluge was soon lost sight of; the world again became depraved, so much so indeed, that when Mosaic Law came with its reforms, it had not power to restore marriage to its first institution. To effect this, it was requisite that God himself should descend upon the earth. When the miseries of humanity had reached their height, the Word, the second Person of the blessed Trinity, assumed our human nature and dwelt among us. He called himself the Bridegroom. (Matthew 9:15) The prophets and the Canticle of Canticles had foretold that He would take to Himself a Spouse from among the mortals. This Spouse is the Church -that is, the human race purified by baptism and enriched with supernatural gifts. As a dowry, He gave her His own precious Blood and merits; and then united her to Himself for ever. This Spouse is One: He affectionately calls her His Only One. (Cant 6:8) On her part, she has no other but Him. Here we have revealed to us the divine type of which marriage was formed, which, as the Apostle teaches us, derives its holiness and dignity from its resemblance to the union existing between Christ and His Church. (Eph 5:32) The two unions are for the same end, and bear a mutual relation to each other. Jesus loves His Church with the tenderest affection; but His Church is the issue of human marriage, for it is marriage that provides the Church with her children, and thus perpetuates her existence upon the earth. Let us not be surprised therefore, that Jesus restored marriage to its primitive condition, and that He honors it as being His powerful aid in the accomplishment of His designs. They Shall be One We have already seen, on the second Sunday after the Epiphany, how He selected the nuptial feast at Cana as the occasion of His working His first public miracle. By His accepting the invitation to assist, in company with His blessed Mother, at the marriage, it is evident that He wished to honor by His divine presence, the sacred engagement which was to unite the two spouses; it is evident that He intended to renew, in their persons, the ancient blessings given in Paradise. Having, by His miracle at Cana, proved himself to be truly the Son of God, He began His public life and preaching. His object being to reform fallen man to the noble end for which he had been create, He frequently made marriage the subject of His instructions. He spoke of its being divinely instituted on the basis of unity. He authoritatively repeated the command given at its first institution: They shall be two in one flesh (Matthew 19:5) two and only two. Speaking of the indissolubility of the marriage tie, He told His hearers that no power on earth, not even the unfaithfulness, however criminal of the husband or wife, could sever the bond. These were His words: What God hath joined together, let no man put asunder. (Matthew19:6) Thus did He restore marriage to its normal state; thus did He abrogate the degrading liberty, or more correctly, the libertinism of polygamy and divorce-those sad proofs of the hardness of man's heart, and the need he had of a Redeemer. Thus did the New Law bring back to marriage its primal blessing and make it once more a holy state, which, so far from being an obstacle, is a means to virtue, and peoples both earth and heaven with the elect. But our Risen Lord would do more than repair the injuries brought upon marriage by human frailty. He raised to the dignity of a sacrament the solemn and irrevocable contract whereby a man and a woman take each other for husband and wife. The moment that two Christians are thus irrevocably united, a sacramental grace descends upon them, and cements their union, which there and then becomes a sacred thing. The Apostle, speaking of Christian marriage, says: It is a great sacrament; but I speak in Christ and in the Church (Eph 5:32). The meaning of these words is that marriage is the type of the union which exists between Christ and His Spouse the Church. There is one and the same object and end in the two unions-in that of Christ with the Church, and in that of the husband with his wife: this object, this end, is to people heaven with the elect. Hence it is that the Holy Ghost puts His divine seal upon both these unions. The Grace of the Sacrament But the grace of the seventh sacrament does more than cement the indissoluble union of husband and wife. It gives them every help they stand in need of for the fulfillment of their sacred mission. First of all, it infuses into their hearts a mutual love, which is strong as death and which many waters cannot quench (Cant. 8: 6, 7) so long as the make religion the ruling principle of their lives. This love is mingled with a sentiment of chaste respect, which serves as a check upon evil concupiscence. It is a love which time, far from impairing makes purer and stauncher. It is a love calm like that which is found in heaven. When sacrifices are to be made, it makes them almost without an effort, and is intensified by the making. The sacramental grace also fits the husband and wife for the great duty of educating their children. It gives them an untiring devotedness for their welfare; and affectionate patience with their faults; a supernatural discernment for treating them according to their age and dispositions; a ceaseless remembrance of the fact that these dear ones were created for heaven; and finally, a deep-rooted sentiment that they belong to God more truly than to the parents, through whom He gave them life. Thus was the married state transformed by the grace of the sacrament of matrimony. The Christian Law restored to it the dignity of which the vile egotism of pagan passion had deprived it. After so long a period of degradation, mankind was again brought to the knowledge of what marriage really is-namely, love surrounded by sacrifice, and sacrifice prompted and aided by love. Truly a sacrament was needed for bringing about such as change as this! The change came, and admirable indeed it was. Two centuries had not elapsed since the promulgation of the Gospel, and paganism was still powerful; and yet we find a writer of those days giving the following description of a Christian husband and wife. 'How shall I find the words to describe the happiness of a marriage whose tie is formed by the hands of the Church, which is confirmed by the sacred oblation, sealed by the blessings proclaimed by the angels, and ratified by the Heavenly Father? How wonderful a yoke is that which taken up by two of the faithful united together in the same hope, in the same law, in the same duty! They have the same God for their Father, they serve the same Master, they are two in one flesh, they are one heart and soul. They pray together, they prostrate together and they fast together; they instruct each other. You see them together in the Church and at the Holy Table. They share in each other's trials, persecutions and joys. There are no secrets between them; and no such thing a shunning each other, or being wearied of each other's company. They have not to hide from each other, in order to visit the sick or the needy. Their alms excite no disputes; they approve each other's sacrifices; they interfere not with each other's practices of piety. They have no need to make the sign of the cross stealthily; neither are they afraid to give way, in each other's presence, to feelings of love and gratitude for their God. They sing together the psalms and canticles: and if there be any rivalry between them, it is which of them shall best sing the praises of God. Oh these are the marriages which gladden the eyes and ears of Christ. These are the marriages to which He imparts His blessing of peace. He therefore, He is in such a House as the one we are describing and the enemy of man is not there. What a picture! And how great must be the sacrament which can bring about such results as this! Here is the secret of the world's regeneration: it was our Lord Jesus Christ Himself who created the beautiful existence of a Christian family, and implanted it on our earth. Long ages passed, and this was the type which, in spite of human frailty, was the only one acknowledged either by the conscience of individuals or by the public laws of nations. But the pagan element, which may be repressed but which never dies, strove to regain what it had lost and at length the time came when it succeeded in falsifying, in the majority of Christian countries the notion of marriage. Marriage Can Save Modern Society Faith teaches us, that the contract, now become a sacrament comes under the jurisdiction of the Church, in what regards the bond, which constitutes its very essence: but the modern world looks on the Church as a power incompatible with the progress of liberty and enlightenment: and therefore the State takes the Church's place, as often it is deemed good for society! And marriage has been debased into a civil act. The immediate consequence of this has been that the State can legalize divorce, and therefore paganize Society. The influence exercised over the world by the long predominance of the Christian spirit has not been entirely removed by this iniquitous secularization of marriage; still, from the principles laid down by our modern Governments we have this logical and practical result: that a marriage may be indissoluble and sacramental in the eyes of the Church, and null in the eyes of the civil power; and again; a marriage held to be legal by the State may be counted as invalid by the Church, and therefore not binding on the conscience. The rupture between Church and State is therefore, consummated. And yet that which Christ has joined cannot be effaced by man. What Jesus has instituted is to last to the end of time. Therefore let Christians fear not: let them continue to receive from their mother, the Church the doctrine of the sacraments; let them continue to look upon marriage as a divine institution, such as we have been describing it to be; and thus, they may save Society and re-Christianize it, or, if that cannot be, they will save their own and their children's souls. The close of this week, and these reflections upon the divine sacrament of matrimony, lead us to think of thee, dear Mother of Jesus! The marriage feast at Cana, which was honored by thy presence and blessing, is one of the great facts of the holy Gospel. Why, O thou purest of Virgins, who wouldst have refused the dignity of being Mother of God had it called for the sacrifice of the reassure already conferred on thee - why wast thou present at these nuptials, if not to teach the sublime lesson? This lesson is that holy and prefect continence is a state far superior to that of marriage. It is a lesson which exercises an immense influence upon the married life, inasmuch as it secures to it its Christian dignity and happiness. Who, then, could have been more appropriately chosen by God than thou, to bless a union which is so holy in itself, and instituted for so sublime an end? Shield it with they protection now more than ever, for the world's laws have legislated for its ruin, and sensualism has destroyed in thousands of Christians the sense of right and wrong. There are exceptions: there are some who receive this sacrament with the holiest of dispositions: upon these O Mary, lavish thy blessing. They are the inheritance of thy divine Son; they are the salt of the earth, to keep it from universal corruption; they are the pledge of a better future. They are thy children, sweet Mother, then watch over them, add to their number, that so the world may not perish. Abbot Dom Prosper Gueranger revdauphinee answered on 03/12/05: flowery reading and one must agree mariage can be a rewarding institution,however it was created by God mainly for procreation and will have no place in heaven ,read Mark 12: 24. Jesus replied, "Are you not in error because you do not know the Scriptures or the power of God? 25. When the dead rise, they will neither marry nor be given in marriage; they will be like the angels in heaven. arcura rated this answer

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STONY asked on 03/12/05 - TO ALL MY PRAYER WARRIORS... I SPOKE TO SARA YESTERDAY AND HER VOICE WAS CRISP AND CLEAR AND SHE SOUNDED JUST LIKE SHE DID WHEN SHE WAS 17. SHE IS LEARNING TO TAKE ONE STEP AT A TIME AND NOT GET OVERWHELMED BY WHAT TOMORROW MAY BRING. THANK YOU ALL FROM THE BOTTOM OF MY HEART FOR YOUR PRAYERS. revdauphinee answered on 03/12/05: great news God is still on the throne! STONY rated this answer

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HANK1 asked on 03/12/05 - NO ANSWER NEEDED: I've been 'looking over the Board' this morning and feeling great about what I've been reading. You know somethin'? We have a great, great bunch of 'guys and dolls' participating on this Board. I've been grinning for at least an hour. I'm quite sure the guy up above is damn proud of us all ... no matter how we feel about anything! Go Cubs! Go Illini! HANK revdauphinee answered on 03/12/05: I agree thats why I love comming here! HANK1 rated this answer

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hOPE12 asked on 03/12/05 - In all Fairness: Hello Everyone, Here is something to really think about. This was taken from the UNION-TRIBUNE ASSOCIATED PRESS March 12, 2005 TAMPA, Fla. � The husband of brain-damaged Terri Schiavo yesterday rejected a $1 million offer from a Rancho Santa Fe businessman to drop efforts to remove her feeding tube. Other such offers � one for $10 million � already have been made and rejected during Michael Schiavo's legal battle for permission to stop his wife's artificial feedings so she can die, said his attorney, George Felos. The woman's parents are trying to keep their 41-year-old daughter alive, but Michael Schiavo says he once promised his wife before she suffered a heart attack and severe brain damage 15 years ago that he would not keep her alive by artificial means. She has lived in what court-appointed doctors call a persistent vegetative state since then. Businessman Robert Herring, founder of WealthTV, offered the money to Michael Schiavo if he transfers the legal right to decide his wife's treatment to her parents, Bob and Mary Schindler. Herring and the parents said they believe medical advances could eventually help her. The offer will remain until Monday, Herring said in a statement released by high-profile attorney Gloria Allred. Herring has said he does not know Terri Schiavo. Felos said that even if the husband did walk away, there is still a court order in place requiring removal of Terri Schiavo's feeding tube at 1 p.m. Friday. The Schindlers, in a statement yesterday, said they were gratified by the offer but weren't surprised it was rejected. ***************************************************** My question is this, if this husband really loves his wife or even cares about her why is he so set on killing her? She is not dead and she is breathing on her own. We live in a world where those with eating disorders are given feeding tubes to keep them from killing themselves, and yet there is so much hoopla about keeping this wormen alive by a feeding tube. Does that make sense? Is not her life precious also? She smiles and responds to her mothers touch. Why didn't the husband if he loved his wife take this mans offer and then use some of the money to see if there is anything they could do further to help his wife? Also to remove the tube is cruel because she would have to starve to death which is a horrible and painful way to die and could take a few days, or weeks. If this was your loved one would you want to do what this man wants to do to his wife, who by the way he claims to love? What is your take on all this? Take care, Hope12 revdauphinee answered on 03/12/05: Could it be he just wants to get on with his own life but why should he kill her to do so??why not take the offer divorce then let her parents take over?? hOPE12 rated this answer

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hOPE12 asked on 03/12/05 - In all Fairness: Hello Everyone, Here is something to really think about. This was taken from the UNION-TRIBUNE ASSOCIATED PRESS March 12, 2005 TAMPA, Fla. � The husband of brain-damaged Terri Schiavo yesterday rejected a $1 million offer from a Rancho Santa Fe businessman to drop efforts to remove her feeding tube. Other such offers � one for $10 million � already have been made and rejected during Michael Schiavo's legal battle for permission to stop his wife's artificial feedings so she can die, said his attorney, George Felos. The woman's parents are trying to keep their 41-year-old daughter alive, but Michael Schiavo says he once promised his wife before she suffered a heart attack and severe brain damage 15 years ago that he would not keep her alive by artificial means. She has lived in what court-appointed doctors call a persistent vegetative state since then. Businessman Robert Herring, founder of WealthTV, offered the money to Michael Schiavo if he transfers the legal right to decide his wife's treatment to her parents, Bob and Mary Schindler. Herring and the parents said they believe medical advances could eventually help her. The offer will remain until Monday, Herring said in a statement released by high-profile attorney Gloria Allred. Herring has said he does not know Terri Schiavo. Felos said that even if the husband did walk away, there is still a court order in place requiring removal of Terri Schiavo's feeding tube at 1 p.m. Friday. The Schindlers, in a statement yesterday, said they were gratified by the offer but weren't surprised it was rejected. ***************************************************** My question is this, if this husband really loves his wife or even cares about her why is he so set on killing her? She is not dead and she is breathing on her own. We live in a world where those with eating disorders are given feeding tubes to keep them from killing themselves, and yet there is so much hoopla about keeping this wormen alive by a feeding tube. Does that make sense? Is not her life precious also? She smiles and responds to her mothers touch. Why didn't the husband if he loved his wife take this mans offer and then use some of the money to see if there is anything they could do further to help his wife? Also to remove the tube is cruel because she would have to starve to death which is a horrible and painful way to die and could take a few days, or weeks. If this was your loved one would you want to do what this man wants to do to his wife, who by the way he claims to love? What is your take on all this? Take care, Hope12 revdauphinee answered on 03/12/05: Could it be he just wants to get on with his own life but why should he kill her to do so??why not take the offer divorce then let her parents take over?? hOPE12 rated this answer

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Choux asked on 03/11/05 - Interest in Christian Debates? I think that there is an interest in debates; why not Christian debates on the Christianity Forum? The "GodAlmighty Exists?" debate has been removed to another site due to emotional upset. I agree, this is the wrong forum. Perhaps, if anyone is interested, over the weekend, there could be a Christian Debate on the Christianity Forum. I would like to see Catholic v. Lutheran. Lots of options. Debates are good because they are not emotional. Any other debate that interests anyone. I would not participate. revdauphinee answered on 03/11/05: personaly I am disinterested in this so called debate since I need no proof of the existence of God !In fact those who need proof bore me arcura rated this answer Choux rated this answer Pete_Hanysz rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 03/11/05 - all I can say! The fishing is good today! No comment needed revdauphinee answered on 03/11/05: been years since i have wet a hook but today seems like just the day for it! paraclete rated this answer

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freethinker asked on 03/11/05 - Now for a fair and real debate : The last two days have proven that this board is not properly set-up for a one to one debate. It also has been proven that people on this board can not be prevented from intervening in the debate, in the rules, in the subject at hand, etc. etc. The participants and the moderator together will set the debate agenda, not the current frenzy mob of yelling, screaming, and insulting "christians". The moderator will open a secret location (suggestion : email via hotmail.com) where the debate will take place, to ensure that the debate runs properly, and remains controled by the moderator. Together with the participants the moderator sets the subject of the agenda. As I never claimed anything else on this board, for me that subject is : "Is there proof for god's existence". Before the start of the debate of course the participants have to agree what type of proof will suffice. From my atheistic point of view proof means scientific proof. As I live in Europe (with a time difference of 6 to 8 hours) both participants should get at least 24 hours to react on the instructions of the moderator. After a preset time (or when the moderator feels this needed) the debate is opened up to all to see. This either by opening up from the actual locaqtion, or by posting the various emails to a new "question" on the Christianity board. I strongly suggest to use the hotmail.com service. But I leave it to Choux to follow up on this in any way she feels correct. Any rude reactions will be awarded a black star. Ronnie Bray Saladin is requested to stay out of it. I do not need his advice nor his intervention, and surely not him inciting others. Over to you, Mary Sue ! revdauphinee answered on 03/11/05: why not do your debating elsewher since for me this takes away from this as an open forum and I ceace to enjoy my visits freethinker rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 03/10/05 - What nonsense? what nonsense we are given to in the slack moments. a debate on the existance of God by a Jew and an atheist moderated by an agnostic for the amusement of christians revdauphinee answered on 03/11/05: as Queen Victoria used to say "we are not amused" paraclete rated this answer

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HANK1 asked on 03/10/05 - WHO AM I? I am the typical hero of English medieval popular romance, "open-handed, brave, merciful, given to archery and venery, good-humoured, jocular, loyal, woman-protecting, priestcraft-hating, Mary-loving, God-fearing, some-what rough withal, caring little for the refinements of life, and fond of a fight above all things." Who am I? HANK revdauphinee answered on 03/10/05: has to be the Earl of Loxley (Robin Hood) ETWolverine rated this answer HANK1 rated this answer

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HANK1 asked on 03/10/05 - DO NOT BEWARE THE IDES OF MARCH: "As far as Caesar knew, the Ides were just another day. The soothsayer's warning to Julius Caesar, "Beware the Ides of March," has forever imbued that date with a sense of foreboding. But in Roman times the expression "Ides of March" did not necessarily evoke a dark mood�it was simply the standard way of saying "March 15." Surely such a fanciful expression must signify something more than merely another day of the year? Not so. Even in Shakespeare's time, sixteen centuries later, audiences attending his play Julius Caesar wouldn't have blinked twice upon hearing the date called the Ides." Citation: Borgna Brunner revdauphinee answered on 03/10/05: Not afraid thats the day my check is due im kinda looking forward to it personaly HANK1 rated this answer

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Itsdb asked on 03/09/05 - For freethinker... To set the record straight...and this won't be short. On your post With all that killing going on ...., you bemoaned "the illegal war that is based on non-existing arguments (the existence of weapons of mass-destruction)." I furnished evidence, facts, that WMD's were not the sole, or even main reason for the US invasion of Iraq. In the manner of most good liberals, you just moved the goal post instead of acknowledging the facts. Since you moved those goal posts to the world view, I then presented the same facts from the UN viewpoint. You responded graciously with "Keep your clarifications short and to the point. I'm not going to read this even." In response, Elliot and myself simplified and shortened things, to which you now say: >>All you two are doing is wasting my time. I'm not interested into both your aggressive and negative positions towards anyother but the US view. Imagine why most of the word don't like your country. It's NOT because of it's wealth. It's NOT because of it's power. It's NOT because of it's people. It's simply because of the arrogance of your position and your deeds. Here on this board as well as in the entire world. Last time (upon the US Iraqi invasion) almost the entire world dropped you guys from the list of civilised countries. With GWB at both knees two weeks ago in Europe we gave him the benefit of the doubt. Till next time, I guess - which I'm sure will come. You two better don't apply for diplomatic functions. Or may be with the current inhabitant of the White House ... he can use people like you. I'm no longer wasting my time on you two here. Question closed<< ****************************************************** The truth is not a waste of time. You wanted a world view, I presented it...factually. Why "most of the word don't like your country" wasn't the issue. The arrogance of your position is to refuse to acknowledge the facts. Your idea of 'diplomatic' is to insult, refuse to "grant any lattitude" while demonstrating complete obstinacy, and "promisse" to answer on our behalf as to what we know to be true. I made an offer, asked if you'd care to try again, to be a part of the community, to engage in civil discourse, show a little respect to other experts and their answers. Your response? We're wasting your time. What is it you're doing? You ask questions, but condemn the answers, ignore the facts that YOU demand and show contempt for the experts. If you aren't interested in even considering the answers to the questions you ask, who is wasting who's time here? Steve revdauphinee answered on 03/09/05: seems to me all the dbates about why we went to war are now moot and a waste of time ,we are now in one so lets spend our time figuring out how to get out of it and not why we are in it ,(I am not a bush fan and was againt this war) but we have it and all the oppinions in the world wont change that fact !so why waste our time beating a dead horse>we need to be looking for a remount! ETWolverine rated this answer jeremy_hobbs rated this answer Itsdb rated this answer

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ROLCAM asked on 03/09/05 - HEAVEN !! The Bible calls HEAVEN by these phrases:- the kingdom of heaven (Matt., v, 3), the kingdom of God (Mark, ix, 46), the kingdom of the Father (Matt., xiii, 43), the kingdom of Christ (Luke, xxii, 30), the house of the Father (John, xiv, 2), city of God, the heavenly Jerusalem (Hebr., xii), the holy place (Hebr., ix, 12; D. V. holies), paradise (II Cor., xii, 4), life (Matt., vii, 14), life everlasting (Matt., xix, 16), the joy of the Lord (Matthew 25:21), crown of life (James, i, 12), crown of justice (II Timothy iv, 8), crown of glory (I Peter, v, 4), incorrupt crown (I Cor., ix, 25), great reward (Matthew 5:12), inheritance of Christ (Eph., i, 18), eternal inheritance (Hebr., ix, 15). Do you accept all these descriptions of HEAVEN ? revdauphinee answered on 03/09/05: My ninterpretation of heaven is being in the presence of God it matters not the where! ROLCAM rated this answer

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ROLCAM asked on 03/09/05 - Foreign preachers face tests !! Religious leaders from abroad working in Britain will have to prove their understanding of civic life under proposals announced. What are the proposals announced? revdauphinee answered on 03/09/05: dont know need clarification ROLCAM rated this answer

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ethical_reason asked on 03/08/05 - The idea that the belief of the christian is as valid as the atheist's is... The idea that the belief of the christian is as valid as the atheist's is FALSE!!! The belief of a christian is MORE valid even if POSSIBLY less sound than the belief of the athiest. A Christian is asserting a positive which IS logically possible. While an atheist is insisting on a negative which is NOT EVER LOGICALLY POSSIBLE. revdauphinee answered on 03/09/05: My question has always been if something dosent exist why is there a need to assert that! why not just accept the fact?disbelief needs no support you just disbelieve ! ethical_reason rated this answer

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MaggieB asked on 03/08/05 - Being an atheist... Can an atheist get insurance against acts of God? revdauphinee answered on 03/09/05: If anyone can then so can they since God is no respecter of persons and he loves the nonebeliever along side the believer ,If they dont accept him it is there fault not his! MaggieB rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 03/08/05 - Just as we prayed for Florida Please now pray for the people in Northern Australia as a killer cyclone bears down on them http://www.smh.com.au/news/National/Evacuations-underway-as-Ingrid-creeps-closer/2005/03/09/1110316044524.html revdauphinee answered on 03/09/05: consider it done! paraclete rated this answer

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Laura asked on 03/08/05 - Prove that God exists??? Prove that He doesn't!!!!! The "Belief" of the Christian is just as valid as the "Belief" of the Athiest. Though I believe there is more evidence of God's existence than not! All I have to do is look around....It's called creation..Can't be just chance. Impossible!! Laura revdauphinee answered on 03/09/05: prove from where you sit right now that I exist ?you cant does that make it so??? Laura rated this answer

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arcura asked on 03/08/05 - Freethinker provides our faith with a blessing. I believe that. His challenges to our faith, our Holy Scripture, and our belief system give us the opportunity to exercise of faith and thus makes it stronger. To me that is an unintended blessing from him. Do you agree? If not why not? Peace and kindness, arcura revdauphinee answered on 03/09/05: I am in total agreement with you on this ,I also feel he is searching (maybee he himself dosent even know this)or why would he even come here?Most folks who come here want answers hence the name answerway!If I dont believe in something I dont deliberatly go to a place daily where I know I am in the minoraty unless I want something from them! arcura rated this answer

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ethical_reason asked on 03/08/05 - atheism has one meaning "The Atheism Web" is and always has been wrong about the definition of atheism. They need to use a dictionary instead of reinventing a word. Atheism IS a belief Atheism IS NOT a lack of a belief There is no such thing as strong or weak atheism, those are made up ideas. revdauphinee answered on 03/09/05: from a statement you made in a previous post you are not truly an atheist !an atheist does not believe God exists however you stated you simply did not care if he existed this is not stating thet he dosent!it is stating thet it is imaterial to you if he does,wich is something very different.My query is what brought you to this place ?? ethical_reason rated this answer freethinker rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 03/08/05 - When is an athiest not an athiest? when he is an agnostic An athiest says there is no God. Categorically, undoubtedly, emphatically An agnostic says there might be a God or there might not be, he is just waiting to be convinced either way. Freethinker our selfstyled athiest says the following; "I do not say that there is no god. Maybe there is, maybe not." So, here is an athiest who is not an athiest. Once you cease to be an athiest and are willing to admit the possibilty of the existance of God, you admit that your former beliefs were wrong. You may not actually say so, but that is what has happened. So now we view things from a new perspective, there might be a God. The reality, freethinker, is that there is a God. His name is Jesus (Yeshua) also known as YHWH. This person, for He is a person, loves you freethinker, and that message of love is contained within the Bible. He doesn't mind skeptics, He wants you to know Him because you want to, not because He has forced you. revdauphinee answered on 03/09/05: I beleive!!that God does not care if you believes in him or not he still believes in you and guess what he loves you in spite of your not caring! paraclete rated this answer

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arcura asked on 03/08/05 - We are all rulers of our castle as it is. WHAT DOES THIS PSALM MEAN TO YOU? Psalm 100 (101) The declaration of a just ruler I will sing of kindness and justice � to you, Lord, will I sing. My thoughts shall follow the way of perfection: when will you come to me, Lord? I will walk with an innocent heart through the halls of my palace. I will allow no evil thing in my sight. I will hate the man who retreats from perfection: he may not stay near me. The wicked of heart must leave me; the plotter of evil I will not acknowledge. The man who plots against his neighbour in secret: I will suppress him. The haughty of eye, the puffed-up and proud � I will not support them. I will turn my eyes to the faithful of the land: they shall sit with me. Whoever walks in the way of perfection � he shall be my servant. The haughty shall not live in my palace; the slanderer shall not stand in my sight. Each morning I will suppress all the wicked of the land. I will rid the city of the Lord of all that do evil. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. revdauphinee answered on 03/08/05: unfortunatly many folks neither believe or do this I will hate the man who retreats from perfection: he may not stay near me. The wicked of heart must leave me; the plotter of evil I will not acknowledge. The man who plots against his neighbour in secret: I will suppress him. The haughty of eye, the puffed-up and proud � I will not support them. and if you do they will condem you for it!! arcura rated this answer

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freethinker asked on 03/08/05 - Why are most people here pulling their own legs? This is the christianity board, so this is the board you can post questions on christianity and all related matters. Now, you may believe from me whatever you want, but your posts have to make some sense. If you post : "God wants this or that from us" you actually say : "I BELIEVE that God wants this or that from us". That is because so far nobody ever has provided proof for God's existence, and for the bible being God's word. Many people post here as if this board is reserved for christians only, and that is NOT TRUE. So please think about the many people participating on this board who have different opinions, and post as clearly as you can. No more "God's this" but "I believe that God this". Thank you, and your comments are welcome. revdauphinee answered on 03/08/05: Ok you win "I believe'' God exists! freethinker rated this answer

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freethinker asked on 03/08/05 - What's wrong with pointing out, Ronnie / Saladin ? I refer to Ronnie Saladin's post on grammar on the board. Personally, with English being my third language, I frequently will make spelling and grammar faults. But ANYONE who reads my posts (whatever they think about the content) will KNOW I do my best to write the English as good as I can. Now : what is Ronnie's post about? I reacted to one of the experts here on the board who managed to type in two different posts the word BELIEVE as BELEIVE 7+ times in total. You ALWAYS get a correction page before posting questions and clarifications. Are experts here too lazy to use these? The INTERNET GUIDELINE about spelling correction is there because foreigners OF COURSE make spelling mistakes when typing English. But Americans/Australians/English people who are TOO LAZY to correct their spelling and grammar mistakes? If one may not react to that, WHY not? And who is actually NITPICKING here? I or Ronnie Saladin? Why does Ronnie Saladin not remove his blocking on my posts, if he so dearly wants to communicate with and about me? revdauphinee answered on 03/08/05: I was educated in England but live here in the US and one needs to remember there are words that are spelled differently here than there However my problem on line is not just spelling my biggest problem is my typing ,it stinks!and I admit im just to lazy to correct every mistake I make however if the point made comes across who cares??Not me! freethinker rated this answer

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Choux asked on 03/07/05 - Problems, Problems Today I'm a little annoying today because I have had sciatica for two days running now, little sleep, and I went out of the house for the second time in a year with the help of my dear homemaker and friend Doris, and was terrified if I could handle just average stuff. I apologize, and Wings, thanks for alerting me to my being too obnoxious. :):):) If anyone can offer suggestions, please help me. Regards, Mary Sue revdauphinee answered on 03/07/05: I can understand I also have several diseases that plague me however I put my trust in my maker he has never let me down in over 60+years I dont think he will start to now I know our belief systems may be different however prayer has worked for me why not give it a try> Choux rated this answer MaggieB rated this answer

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arcura asked on 03/07/05 - What part of the soul is the spirit? Or it is separate? Ecc 12:7 the dust returns to the ground it came from, and the spirit returns to God who gave it. Math 17:1. After six days Jesus took with him Peter, James and John the brother of James, and led them up a high mountain by themselves. 2. There he was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and his clothes became as white as the light. 3. Just then there appeared before them Moses and Elijah, talking with Jesus. Luke 20:37. But in the account of the bush, even Moses showed that the dead rise, for he calls the Lord `the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.' 38. He is not the God of the dead, but of the living, for to him all are alive." I ask: 1. What part of the soul is the spirit? 2. Is the spirit separate from the soul? 3. Is the soul at rest until Judgment day? 4. Is the spirit at rest until judgement day? 5. Is the spirit judge with or separate from the soul? 6. Jesus made the statement �I will raise him up on the last day� What will he raise up, the soul, the spirit, our glorified body � all or what par? Please answer the questions as asked. You know my rules. Peace and kindness, arcura revdauphinee answered on 03/07/05: I ask: 1. What part of the soul is the spirit? Genesis 2: 7. the LORD God formed the man from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living being. (the breath of life is the spirit0 2. Is the spirit separate from the soul? Yes 3. Is the soul at rest until Judgment day? after death yes 4. Is the spirit at rest until judgement day? no it returnes to whence it came GOD 5. Is the spirit judge with or separate from the soul?the soul is the life breath the soul will be judged arcura rated this answer

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HANK1 asked on 03/07/05 - ATHEISM ... F.Y.I. -- "Atheism is characterized by an absence of belief in the existence of gods. This absence of belief generally comes about either through deliberate choice, or from an inherent inability to believe religious teachings which seem literally incredible. It is not a lack of belief born out of simple ignorance of religious teachings. Some atheists go beyond a mere absence of belief in gods: they actively believe that particular gods, or all gods, do not exist. Just lacking belief in Gods is often referred to as the "weak atheist" position; whereas believing that gods do not (or cannot) exist is known as "strong atheism". Regarding people who have never been exposed to the concept of 'god': Whether they are 'atheists' or not is a matter of debate. Since you're unlikely to meet anyone who has never encountered religion, it's not a very important debate... It is important, however, to note the difference between the strong and weak atheist positions. "Weak atheism" is simple scepticism; disbelief in the existence of God. "Strong atheism" is an explicitly held belief that God does not exist. Please do not fall into the trap of assuming that all atheists are "strong atheists". There is a qualitative difference in the "strong" and "weak" positions; it's not just a matter of degree. Some atheists believe in the non-existence of all Gods; others limit their atheism to specific Gods, such as the Christian God, rather than making flat-out denials." Source: "The Atheism Web" HANK revdauphinee answered on 03/07/05: If something or someone (GOD) does not exist why is there a need to prove it???? HANK1 rated this answer

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HANK1 asked on 03/07/05 - ON BEHALF OF FREETHINKER: In all fairness, the following: "Many religious followers often refer to examples of morality and ethics in religious people (e.g.. Mother Teresa, volunteers helping poor farmers in third world countries, people helping the poor in our own country, etc.). They use this as their justification that you must be religious to be moral and ethical. This is an argument which fails basic logic. It ignorantly assumes that moral and ethical individuals do NOT exist outside of religion. Yet, there are many non-religious people who help the poor, help educate our children, strive for peace in the world, and so on. Just as morality and ethics is not solely owned by religion, corrupt and abhorrent behavior falls on both sides as well. Religious individuals are guilty of discrimination, raping our children, stealing funds from the Church, covering up crimes, murdering others in our society and abroad, etc. Yet, so are non-religious people. Both sides are guilty. It is not our intention to prove which side is more guilty of these actions. We only emphasize that their is good and bad behavior on both sides. Therefore, morality and ethics are concepts that exist within religion AND in the absence of religion." Source: "The Ethical Atheist" I concur! HANK revdauphinee answered on 03/07/05: like I often say I have never seen the pyramids that in no way proves they dont exist!However I personaly can not prove they do HANK1 rated this answer jeremy_hobbs rated this answer

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sapphire630 asked on 03/07/05 - Spongebob and Dr Dobson I was reading an article by someone defending Dr. Dobson saying the media twisted what Dr. Dobson was saying. He claims Dr. Dobson was not saying that spongebob is gay, but that the gay rights organizations will be using spongbob and other characters to promote gay rights to the young people. Can someone explain how in any way, shape or form this is suppost to make any sense? I mean that sounds like it would be a stupid idle speculative assumption that wouldn't even be worth mentioning....and look how that said that about the teletubby! revdauphinee answered on 03/07/05: some folks cant stand for attention going to anyone but themselves even to copeting with a cartoon charector its ridiculous .and while I dont condone the act of homosexuality we must remember God still loves the sinner while he rejects the sin!folks who seek evil everywhere will surely find it! sapphire630 rated this answer

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FormerJesusHelper76 asked on 03/07/05 - Toronto, Ontario. Man and Daughter of five years old. Man dropped daughter off bridge and then jumped to his own death. The daughter survived which is amazing as to traffic not hitting them. The father died. What do you think would drive someone to this kind of desperate end? Revenge, hatred, extreme depression. He made several threats to his ex wife that he was was to kill his daughter and himself. The police were called in but had no idea where to find him. Joe revdauphinee answered on 03/07/05: sometimes life just becomes too much for folks they do not realise that suicide is a permanent solution to a temperary problem! FormerJesusHelper76 rated this answer

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Bishop_Chuck asked on 03/07/05 - Are there some that can't find the answer button I have noticed repeatedly that some people almost never acutally answer a question, they merely add answers in the clarifiction or follow up. Is it that they are scared to be rated and see what the majority of people beleive about thier answers. Is it that they beleive they don't have a real answer but merely like to see they BS posted with the question. ( My personal opinion on most of the clarrifications I see) Why can they not merley just answer a question, when it is obious the follow up is just that an answer. revdauphinee answered on 03/07/05: maybee like myself it is because ratings dont matter to them! Bishop_Chuck rated this answer freethinker rated this answer Geedubya84 rated this answer

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freethinker asked on 03/07/05 - Nobel price for Ali al Sistani ? ? ? Christian Iraqi exiles in the US have started a signature support campaign to nominate the sjiitic GreatAyatollah Ali al Sistani for the Nobel Peace Price. Would you sign? Why, or why not? revdauphinee answered on 03/07/05: would I---No why_______he is muslim and they do not want peace! ETWolverine rated this answer freethinker rated this answer

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ROLCAM asked on 03/07/05 - Spiritual Peace !! We need God in order to attain spiritual completeness and peace. Can one attain spiritual peace any other way? ROLCAM. revdauphinee answered on 03/07/05: I truly dont thinkl so! ROLCAM rated this answer

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ROLCAM asked on 03/06/05 - Three major events !! Jesus foretold three major events after the tribulation: great heavenly signs in the sun, moon etc as we saw in Revelation, and the appearance of false Christs and false prophets, and the actual return of Christ and the gathering of the elect. What are your own personal views on these three major events ? ROLCAM. revdauphinee answered on 03/07/05: since I wont be here during the tribulation I dont have to wory about it But when we return after the tribulation Christ will rule the earth and no one will need to wory anymore ROLCAM rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 03/06/05 - what is your life journey? Amanda Millar tells smug, life-journey bores to open their eyes. If one more person starts trying to tell me about their personal life journey I will hit them. Hard. Does that sound a tad mad, aggressive, slightly off kilter? Well, I am and I'm proud of it. It seems the possession of a life journey is the new accessory to go with the white dog in the handbag and the mobile phone with the annoying ring tone. Some would suggest that it is a result of an enlightenment of the group conscience and our reconnection as people with who we are rather than with what we own. Codswallop. It started with the human resources guy at work asking me why I exist, as part of a group session on company strategy. He frowned when I answered, "Because I had no choice." Then a girl I was seeing said she was going through a transitional phase of her personal journey. It looked very much to me that she was unemployed. Next, my personal trainer had a go, suggesting that the reason that I failed to understand her life-journey concepts was that I was not evolved enough as a person and, if I tried hard, I too would understand. It is not the personal journeys that bother me so much. I have a five-year life plan; I have a will; I am a grown-up. And if someone wants to spend their time banging on about how they plan to be nicer to animals and small children and stop judging the teller behind the counter at the bank, well, good on them. What really annoys me is how they react when you question their methods. So if you don't judge people, how can you ever be sure about who you like and who you don't? If you live in the present, how can you plan for the future? If you are nice to everyone all the time, how will you stop becoming a boring sod? The moment you start asking these questions you get the "One day you too will understand; you're just not evolved enough." That's where I start to get angry. When I was a kid one of my favourite stories was The Emperor's New Clothes. For the uninitiated, the story goes that some swindlers convince everyone that they have made the emperor beautiful new clothes and that anyone who cannot see them is a fool. In fact, the emperor is naked and it takes a small child to point it out. I loved this story because it demonstrated the power of a small voice of truth over a chorus of idiots. So, personal life-journey freaks, I do understand. I am an intelligent, university-educated, professional, high-income earning, well-read, articulate person. Could I suggest to you that your smug, live-in-the-present, unjudging theories are fundamentally flawed? Could it all possibly be codswallop, serving only to make you feel like your life has purpose when it does not? Could it be that the emperor has no clothes on? revdauphinee answered on 03/06/05: a journey is something to enjoy sounds like these folks are too buisy figuring out the rout to enjoy the scenery! arcura rated this answer paraclete rated this answer

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arcura asked on 03/06/05 - Freethinker you keep making this wild statements.... These are things you said do not exist. Please give us acceptable scientic proof that there is no: 1. Heaven 2. Hell 3. Soul Also detail the scietific exeriments that brought foth such proofs and the scientific journals in which they are written up. Thanks for you efforts. arcura revdauphinee answered on 03/06/05: again what do you tell God if he proves you wrong one day??? arcura rated this answer

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arcura asked on 03/06/05 - Freethinker, you said there is no afterlife.... In one of your clarification comments on salvation. Please provide acceptable sientific proof of that. Or is it something you just believe? Which? or both please? Peace and kindness, arcura revdauphinee answered on 03/06/05: there is evidence of those who have experienced near death experiences ,where is your evidence to the contrary.And what if you find out one day you were wrong how are you going to explain it to your maker??just curious! arcura rated this answer freethinker rated this answer

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freethinker asked on 03/06/05 - With all that killing going on .... 1504 US young boys have lost their lives already in the illegal war that is based on non-existing arguments (the existence of weapons of mass-destruction). How many more young US boys have to get killed before the US Christians start anti-war actions all over the US? Is the New Testament not read by US christians? revdauphinee answered on 03/06/05: for one thing for a Christian death is a begining not an end!the Lord does not look on death as we might so this question is moot however I also am no friend of Mr Bush and personlay not in favour of this war .there have been deaths on both sides that were unnecesary and yes I do feel that we were lied to in order to get in this war .however if we had not got into it this way it would eventualy have come about in some other way for the Muslims are not our friends and even thier holy book tells them to kill those who do not worship Allah sura 9 verse 29 You shall fight against those who do not believe in Allah,Nor do they prohibit that which Allah and his Messenger have prohibited,nor do they abide in the religeon of truth. the dinner table 5.51O you who believe! do not take the Jews and the Christians for friends; they are friends of each other; and whoever amongst you takes them for a friend, then surely he is one of them; surely Allah does not guide the unjust people. sura 2 The heifer 2/191 you may kill those who wage war against you,and you may evict them whence they evicted you .oppression is worse than murder.if they attack you you may kill them.This is the just retribution for those disbelievers. Pete_Hanysz rated this answer SamIAm rated this answer freethinker rated this answer

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freethinker asked on 03/06/05 - And Rolcam forgot this one too : Two very pertinent questions !! ROLCAM asked on 03/04/05 A)What does God want from us? B)Should we keep the Ten Commandments? The following discussion developed : Clarification/Follow-up by freethinker on 03/04/05 6:06 am: Dear Rolcam : "GOD" does not speak / communicate / want anything from us. The BIBLE - a book written by human beings (claimed to be inspired by "God") - states he does. You should keep to the Ten Commandments if you believe the bible is what it claims to be. It's wise to keep to some of the Ten Commandments anyway. Your neighbour could get angry otherwise .... :) Clarification/Follow-up by ROLCAM on 03/04/05 6:13 am: Again, a very uninspired answer. Clarification/Follow-up by freethinker on 03/04/05 6:23 am: It's not uninspired at all. It allows an answer from your christian viewangle AND for a realistic one. Clarification/Follow-up by ROLCAM on 03/04/05 6:29 am: We are not in fairyland !! We are on the Christian Board. From what other angle are we supposed to look at? Clarification/Follow-up by freethinker on 03/04/05 6:32 am: It's a board for questions on Christianity and christian matters. I follow-up on your question on christianity from another angle. Also : I allowed for answering your question positively. Are you afraid for comments from a non-theistic direction? WHY? Clarification/Follow-up by ROLCAM on 03/04/05 6:37 am: I am not afraid to state clearly what my beliefs are. They are always eminating from what JESUS has taught us. Clarification/Follow-up by freethinker on 03/04/05 6:41 am: Are they? Do you agree than that a christian should live a life based on socialism (not communism), and surely not on capitalism, on "me, myself, and I" ? Do you agree that the views as expressed in the NT are more important to Christians than those from the OT? Do you support the death penalty, or don't you? Do you REALLY protect and support the poor and the needing? (These queries are all found in teachings by JC) Well, do YOU agree? revdauphinee answered on 03/06/05: what does God want from us?---Our love should we obey the ten commandments ?--of cource they are commandments not sugesstions! jeremy_hobbs rated this answer freethinker rated this answer

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freethinker asked on 03/06/05 - Rolcam forgot this one : On Rolcam question "Please, tell me ! the following discussion developed : ROLCAM What does God promise us? Clarification/Follow-up by freethinker on 03/04/05 6:01 am: Dear Rolcam : "GOD" does not promise anything. "GOD" does not speak / communicate. The BIBLE - a book written by human beings (claimed to be inspired by "God") - does. Clarification/Follow-up by ROLCAM on 03/04/05 6:10 am: A very negative answer!! Clarification/Follow-up by freethinker on 03/04/05 6:21 am: That's NOT a very negative answer. It leaves the option that your question makes sense. It's an answer that clearly shows reality. Clarification/Follow-up by ROLCAM on 03/04/05 6:28 am: Eternal life is one of God's promises to the faithful, to those who know and love God and persevere in overcoming. Clarification/Follow-up by freethinker on 03/04/05 6:29 am: Not true. The bible states that, but nobody can prove that the bible indeed represents the word of god. It's all a question of belief. If you believe that the bible is god's word, than you are correct. Clarification/Follow-up by ROLCAM on 03/04/05 6:34 am: I do believe that the Bible is GOD's Word. It is actually referred to THE WORD!! Thank you Clarification/Follow-up by freethinker on 03/04/05 6:40 am: Precisely: you BELIEVE that. But is it? Well, is it? What are your views? revdauphinee answered on 03/06/05: yes it is and much has been done to prove it correct there are other sources where the things in it have been proved such as archaeology,and other books such as Josepus ,the dead sea scrolls ,and many others !So yes I believe it !can you prove it erronious??? jeremy_hobbs rated this answer freethinker rated this answer

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ROLCAM asked on 03/06/05 - What is Salvation ? Series # 7. Do we have immortal souls that continue our consciousness after we die? revdauphinee answered on 03/06/05: some part of us continues on ever read any after death reports from folks who have clinicaly died then were revived?it make one think they are all almost the sameSo something is there .I am not woried about not knowing for Jesus said he was going to prepare a place for me and I believe him! jeremy_hobbs rated this answer ROLCAM rated this answer

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ROLCAM asked on 03/06/05 - What is Salvation ? Series # 6. What about those who are not saved: will they suffer eternal torment in hell? revdauphinee answered on 03/06/05: THIS is for God to decide not us! ROLCAM rated this answer

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ROLCAM asked on 03/06/05 - What is Salvation ? Series # 5. How do faith, grace, repentance, redemption and conversion, relate to each other and to salvation? revdauphinee answered on 03/06/05: they are all required to partake of salvation. ROLCAM rated this answer

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ROLCAM asked on 03/06/05 - What is Salvation ? Series # 4. . What are faith, grace, repentance, redemption and conversion? revdauphinee answered on 03/06/05: faith --is believing without proof ! grace --is the favour of God repentance --is aknowledging our wrong doings and vowing to try not to repeat them also to endeaver to right what we have done thaT MAy have harmed others! conversion--is turning from nonebelief into belief! ROLCAM rated this answer

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ROLCAM asked on 03/06/05 - What is Salvation ? Series # 3. How do you know if you are born again? revdauphinee answered on 03/06/05: you accept and believe in Jesus ! ROLCAM rated this answer

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ROLCAM asked on 03/06/05 - What is Salvation ? Series # 2. How do you know when you have been saved? revdauphinee answered on 03/06/05: How do you lnow you will take another breath??You just know! SamIAm rated this answer ROLCAM rated this answer

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ROLCAM asked on 03/06/05 - What is Salvation ? Series # 1. Just what does it mean to be saved? revdauphinee answered on 03/06/05: to be saved means you believe Jesus is the son of God who was sent to forgive all your sins so you can be with him in paradice someday and need never fear death ! ROLCAM rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 03/05/05 - can you tell me? There seems to be a distinct feeling of de jarvue on the Board. Does any one know why? revdauphinee answered on 03/06/05: probably cause someone still needs an answer! paraclete rated this answer

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ROLCAM asked on 03/05/05 - Unbelievable? Why is Jesus' message about the Kingdom of God unfamiliar and unbelievable to many Christians today? ROLCAM. revdauphinee answered on 03/06/05: In responce to free thinkers clarification we worship but one God they are one and the same in both testaments!also the reason we need the old testament is told in Jesus own words (Matt.5:17 "Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them. ) too bad so many of us forget that ,we presently in this country are debating the ten commandments we need to remember that if we truly worship God the father (as Jesus did)that they were not ten sugestions but commandments! arcura rated this answer ROLCAM rated this answer

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arcura asked on 03/05/05 - Reasons or excuses why go to war? History indicates that there are many reasons why nations go to war. Forget the distant past for this. But in the last 600 years how many different reasons can you think of that nations have gone to (that is started a) war with another nation or nations? Peace and kindness, arcura revdauphinee answered on 03/06/05: the only valid reason is defence however most wars are caused by Greed ! arcura rated this answer

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hOPE12 asked on 03/04/05 - Finders Keepers? Hello Everyone, the finders-keepers mentality has made thieves out of potentially honest people. The Bible, though, told God�s people in ancient times: �When you see a fellow-countryman�s ox or sheep straying, do not ignore it but take it back to him. If the owner is not a near neighbour and you do not know who he is, take the animal into your own house and keep it with you until he claims it, and then give it back to him. Do the same with his ass or his cloak or anything else that your fellow-countryman has lost, if you find it.��Deuteronomy 22:1-3, The New English Bible. My question is this, you have found a bag with $25,000 in a taxi you just got into. What should you do with the money? Now everyone, be honest, what would you really do? Take care, Hope12 revdauphinee answered on 03/05/05: turn it in to the police!there is no option hOPE12 rated this answer

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hOPE12 asked on 03/04/05 - Stolen Goods, possible stolen goods???? How do God fearing people view the purchasing of stolen goods? Many of us have most likely come across those selling watches at very cheap rates, or other truck loads of goods. Do you even though you know they are probably stolen, buy them anyway? Or maybe just say, I didn't see them stealing those items so it's okay. What do you do in this type of situation? Take care, Hope12 revdauphinee answered on 03/05/05: we should not buy them since this is encouraging them and pomoting criminality hOPE12 rated this answer

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ROLCAM asked on 03/04/05 - Please, tell me !! What does God promise us? revdauphinee answered on 03/05/05: God promices us mutch . for instance look at the state of our country right now with crime and poverty rampant !Now go read 2 Chronicles 7:14. if my people, who are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land. this is a promice we should think seriously about! ROLCAM rated this answer STONY rated this answer

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ROLCAM asked on 03/04/05 - Thou shalt make a decision ! JUDGES at the US Supreme Court in Washington have begun their latest attempt to decide whether to ban displays of the Ten Commandments on government premises. May I have your personal views on this. ROLCAM. revdauphinee answered on 03/05/05: How is the monuments display construed as an establishment of a religion ? are we forced at gunpoint to read them ? No! we read them only if we desire to !someone could display sayings from the quoran and I personaly would walk right by it ,If they are going to remove this display then better go get some stone masons to work on the supreem court building .Like it or not our fore fathers were for the most part Christians and they wrote nothing to evade these displays so lets just leave em alone!! ROLCAM rated this answer

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MaggieB asked on 03/03/05 - Answer to Choux's post re Martin Luther 2005 Muslim woman defies mosque 24-07-2004 By Allison Barker CHARLESTON, W.Va. Associated Press� During Ramadan last year, Asra Nomani took a deep breath and entered the front door of the Islamic Center in Morgantown, shunning tradition and the women�s balcony to pray on the main floor. The 38-year-old single mother had no intention of praying right next to the men � an act that would seem shocking to the congregants. But she did want to see and hear the prayer leader, and was willing to break down gender barriers to do it. She hopes her simple act will be the first step toward improving Muslim women�s rights at mosques across the nation. �To deny women access to space is to deny access to participation,� Nomani said. �We want voice and we want leadership.� Although there was never an official policy at the Morgantown mosque, it had become custom that women would pray in the balcony and enter through a separate door to protect their privacy, said Christine Arja, a Fairmont lawyer, who is a spokeswoman for the mosque�s executive committee. �Many people don�t understand the manner in which Muslims pray,� Arja said. �We pray in a line with our shoulders touching and our backsides do go up in the air. Many women don�t want to be shoulder-to-shoulder with men.� Still, in June � less than a month after a new executive committee was elected, including the mosque�s first woman � leaders clarified that women can pray behind men in the main prayer space. The mosque�s small membership is largely made up of West Virginia University students and staff members. �Less than a year ago, they told me, �Sister, please use the back entrance,� � Nomani said. �Now, they�re talking about greeting us at the door. This is an important victory toward removing the barriers that keep women from full participation.� Since Nomani started praying in the main hall, along with her mother and 13-year-old niece, few female mosque members have joined her. Many women, she said, �still feel like they�re breaking the rules.� And some who supported Nomani in the beginning feel alienated by the spotlight she shined on their once peaceful mosque, Arja said. A small contingent has even sought to have her banned from the mosque. Nomani, an author and journalist, was born in India but moved to the United States when she was 4 and to Morgantown when she was 10. After traveling throughout the world as a reporter, she returned to West Virginia last year to raise her son near family. Her father, a retired WVU professor, was one of the founding members of the mosque built 23 years ago. Today, he apologizes to his daughter for not recognizing women�s rights from the beginning, saying he didn�t know better. Islam teaches there is only one God and Muhammad was his messenger. Muslims place importance on prayers, charity, fasting, pilgrimage and reading Islam�s holy text, the Quran. But worship practices vary. Even in the United States, some mosques ban women altogether and a growing number put up a partition have another room for the women to pray, according to the Council on American-Islamic Relations. In 1994, 52 percent of mosques separated men and women, while in 2000, 66 percent did so, according to the council. Some Muslims, like Arja, say separation prevents sexual distractions for both genders and keeps the focus on God. Nomani counters that �sexuality is often used as an excuse to deny us rights.� The practice of separating men and women has both religious and cultural origins, but Muslims disagree dramatically over how Quranic verses on segregating the sexes should be interpreted. Regional cultural influences are a major factor in how U.S. mosques handle the issue. �Many men simply do not want women participating,� Nomani said. �In the workplace, we call that a hostile work environment.� Still, gender segregation is not universal. Many mosques across the world allow women and men to pray in the same space, including Islam�s holiest mosque in Mecca, Saudi Arabia. That prompted Nomani and a few other like-minded women to form a group, Daughters of Hajar, to fight for gender equality in worship. The organization is named for the second wife of Abraham and mother of Ismail, whose lineage produced Islam�s founding prophet, Muhammad. revdauphinee answered on 03/05/05: whilst I admire the womans bravery lets not fall for muslim doctrine "The organization is named for the second wife of Abraham and mother of Ismail, whose lineage produced Islam�s founding prophet, Muhammad." Hagar was never maried to Abraham she was the maidservant of Sarai his wife,I canr legitamise that wich is ilegitamate. MaggieB rated this answer

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FormerJesusHelper76 asked on 03/03/05 - A quick call! Hello God, >I called tonight >To talk a little while >I need a friend who'll listen >To my anxiety and trial. >You see, I can't quite make it >Through a day just on my own... >I need your love to guide me, >So I'll never feel alone. >I want to ask you please to keep >My family safe and sound. >Come and fill their lives with confidence >For whatever fate they're bound. >Give me faith, dear God, to face >Each hour throughout the day, >And not to worry over things >I can't change in any way. >I thank you God for being home >And listening to my call, >For giving me such good advice >When I stumble and fall. >Your number, God, is the only one >That answers every time. >I never get a busy signal, >Never had ! to pay a dime. >So thank you, God, for listening >To my troubles and my sorrow. >Good night, God, I love You too, >And I'll call again tomorrow! > >Send this to all your friends and family. >Including the person who sent it to you. >Anyone that you love and care about. >Let them know God is there for them always >even when everyone else has betrayed you >and left you. > > > >Many "friends" will walk in and out of your life but only true friends will leave footprints in your heart. Know the difference between a "friend" and a friend...... > >THANKS TO GOD revdauphinee answered on 03/03/05: thanks for this ,I printed it our for a friend who realy needs to read it today FormerJesusHelper76 rated this answer Pete_Hanysz rated this answer jeremy_hobbs rated this answer

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Choux asked on 03/03/05 - Martin Luther ala 2005 Today, I saw an interview on cable of a Muslim woman, A. Norami(sp?)who went to her Mosque in West Virginia and taped a list of improvements REFORMS needed in Islam. She addressed the poor treatment of women as her main concern. She went into the main worship room of her mosque sometime ago and was shouted out by the men. She has stated she is starting a movement to reform Islam of the evil(my word) practices toward women and the evil of terrorism that it generates. Comments? revdauphinee answered on 03/03/05: this is a very brave women women have lost thier lives going against Islaamic teachings Choux rated this answer

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hOPE12 asked on 03/03/05 - What are your thoughts? Hello Everyone, We all have our own little private thoughts. Some of these thoughts are not always good, while some are pleasant. Does our private thoughts in any way reflect on our relationship with God? Does it matter even if we think bad thoughts or is it just bad if we act upon them? Why do you so answer? Take care, Hope12 revdauphinee answered on 03/03/05: I think we all occasionaly have bad thoughts the test of Christ is not to act on them !if we were perfect in thought and deed we would have no need of a saviour! hOPE12 rated this answer

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hOPE12 asked on 03/03/05 - Are you Grateful? Hello Everyone, On Niacin 14 Jesus gave his life for all of us. If Jesus came to your house, what would be the thing you would do to show Jesus you really appreciate what he has done for you? Take care, Hope12 revdauphinee answered on 03/03/05: fall to my knees in praise ! even with my arthritus LOL hOPE12 rated this answer Pete_Hanysz rated this answer

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hOPE12 asked on 03/03/05 - Christ's death or Christ's Ressurection! Hell Everyone, This is a question that will require thought. Christ's death and ressurection are both important but which one event do you feel is of greater value to us all, and why? Take care, Hope12 revdauphinee answered on 03/03/05: his resurection of cource for he is still alive !this is the whole basis for my faith hOPE12 rated this answer

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Terance asked on 03/03/05 - I cannot believe Hi Experts I find it hard to believe in Christianity or any other religion, is this condition permanent or does anyone know of a cure for it? Please help me to understand because I really need guidance. :( Thank you Tel revdauphinee answered on 03/03/05: take an hour alone and sit with a rose in your hands look at it in all its beauty and glory then tell me it came about by accident,that it has no intelegence behind its design,that it just happened ,if you cant, then answer this who made it??you will have your answer if you are truthfull with yourself! jeremy_hobbs rated this answer

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bal317 asked on 03/02/05 - Easter With Easter coming, and all the recent impact that the movie Passion of the Christ, has had on many. Are any of you thinking of this month a little different? If so how? I have always felt the month of Easter seemed like the one time many were more focus'd on the actual event's of Jesus, the one Holiday that has held it's true meaning. revdauphinee answered on 03/03/05: we need to remember Gods great gift every day not just on the ones adapted from pagan ones such aS CHRISTMAS (Jesus was not born on the 25th of december)And easter a derivative of the pagan rights of fertility (hence the bunny and eggs) Gods gift was not given for "special days" but for all days! bal317 rated this answer

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bal317 asked on 03/02/05 - Getting down on knees I was just going through the unfortunate stack of obit's I have acquired, as many knows our Family seems to of loss several this last year. Anyway, I ran across my 90 yr. old Uncle's, and remembered his daughter saying at his funeral, what she loved and did not realize her Father still did, and that was at night he would get down on his knees by his bed and Pray with her Mother. She later told him she was surprised he still Prayed like that, specially at his age. He said, there is no one so big, or old that they should not get down on their knees being humble to Pray to God. My question is, When is the last time any of you got down on your knees to Pray? Do you feel this is the way to show being humble? I must admit, it's been a while for me, even tho I do Pray, just not on my knees. So I am going to start. revdauphinee answered on 03/03/05: My arthritus doesnt allow that for me anymore but those that can, should! the rest of us can be content in knowing he will still hear us when we are calling on him no matter what position we are in!these days I pray he can restore this board to its orriginal intent and aid us to ceace all the infighting that produces nothing! bal317 rated this answer

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HANK1 asked on 03/02/05 - TO CHOU: You and I are friends and have been for many a moon. So, I want you to take the following the way it is meant: I just read Pete's post re: ATON. I just have one question: Why do you think you're right about ATON? I feel that you need to apologize to both ATON and your fellow Experts if you were just 'shooting the breeze' because of your dislike for ATON. In turn, I'm quite sure ATON will apologize to all of us re: some of his 'descriptive prose' that he's been 'biting us with' over the months. If you are wrong, Chou, I feel that you should tell us and also write Vijay and Daetheus IF you were the one who reported him for abusing his privileges at Answerway. Only YOU know what you did ... or didn't do! HANK revdauphinee answered on 03/02/05: I totaly agree for after reading the list of so called wrong doings I saw nothing that merits banning anyone from this forum. Aton and I have had many dissagreements but thereis the old addage to be considered if one cant take the heat why not get out of the kitchen??? CeeBee2 rated this answer HANK1 rated this answer jeremy_hobbs rated this answer sapphire630 rated this answer

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Pete_Hanysz asked on 03/02/05 - ATON As a result of allegations made by choux, ATON2 has asked me to post the following on his behalf: l. I have never been friends with Choux/Mary Sue, at any time, anywhere. 2. I have never been ill or in financial difficulty: I have been independently wealthy since I retired at the age of 48. Have always been in perfect health. 3. I was NEVER an expert in 'Emotional Wellbeing'. 4. I was NEVER a Hindu/Catholic. 5. I do not NOW, nor have I ever had a BROTHER in Oklamhoma. 6. I am not NOW, nor have I EVER been a MUSLIM 7. I am not Gay....and I do not have, nor have I EVER had Aids. 8. I have never posted anywhere, anytime as MARKY. I intend to report the lies to Datheus, but I do want the board to KNOW she is lying. revdauphinee answered on 03/02/05: I have to agree with vissions in blue on this one and as for the list posted Ididnt see even one reason in it to ban anyone from posting here.So why was he ??? l. I have never been friends with Choux/Mary Sue, at any time, anywhere. who cares? 2. I have never been ill or in financial difficulty: I have been independently wealthy since I retired at the age of 48. Have always been in perfect health. What business is our fananciaL status to do with anyone here??? 3. I was NEVER an expert in 'Emotional Wellbeing'. so? 4. I was NEVER a Hindu/Catholic. how can one be hindu and catholic ? 5. I do not NOW, nor have I ever had a BROTHER in Oklamhoma. me either but if one does so what? 6. I am not NOW, nor have I EVER been a MUSLIM Must admit I also have had this as a question but if so again so what? 7. I am not Gay....and I do not have, nor have I EVER had Aids. are we so homophobic here we cant even talk to gays??? 8. I have never posted anywhere, anytime as MARKY. I have used several names on line that had nothing to do with the one I use here!(my real name) I intend to report the lies to Datheus, but I do want the board to KNOW she is lying. lies are abundant in here at times! CeeBee2 rated this answer darkstar rated this answer Pete_Hanysz rated this answer powderpuff rated this answer

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Graham3 asked on 03/01/05 - Mgr Ronald Knox Hi I hope this will prove interesting to you regarding one mans journey to Rome. It may well answer your questions. Also do any of you know of this man? Monsignor Ronald Knox (1888-1957) was the son of the Anglican Bishop of Manchester and it appeared that he, being both spiritually perceptive and intellectually gifted, would also have a successful life as an Anglican prelate. But while in school in the early 1900s Knox began a long struggle between his love for the Church of England and his growing attraction to the Catholic Church. He was particularly drawn to ritual and ceremony, writing years later that �long before I had ever seen a ritualistic service I became a Ritualist.� For many years he harbored the hope that somehow, by God�s providential working, the Church of England would be reunited with Rome. But in 1917, four years after being ordained in the Church of England, Knox became a Catholic; two years later he was ordained a priest. Upon being received into the Catholic Church he expressed his great relief and sense of joy: I have been overwhelmed with the feeling of liberty � the �glorious liberty of the Sons of God;� it [is] a freedom from the uncertainty of mind; it was not until I became a Catholic that I became conscious of my former homelessness, my exile from the place that was my own. (Quoted in Fr. Charles B. Connor�s Classic Catholic Converts [Ignatius Press, 2001],150). Knox was a prose stylist of immense talent whose sharp wit and biting satire poked holes in the smug secularism of his day. In books such as Essays in Satire and Caliban in Grub Street he mocked the dogma-lite Christianity, shallow agnosticism and glib atheism so popular among the elite classes of England. A superb spiritual director, he led many retreats and wrote a number of books about retreats and the spiritual life for both religious and laity. He also wrote murder mysteries (as did G.K. Chesterton and Dorothy Sayers), translated the entire Bible over a nine years period and wrote Enthusiasm, a fascinating and sympathetic history of enthusiast movements (such as Montanism and Quietism) in Christianity. Like all great preachers and teachers, Knox had a gift for distilling complex matters into understandable and compelling language, and his wry humor makes his lucid writing that much more enjoyable. This was certainly true of his greatest apologetic work, The Belief of Catholics, written in 1927 (and recently republished by Ignatius Press). In it he addressed modernism and the growing skeptism in England about the claims of Christianity; he also took on arguments made against the Catholic Church by various Protestants, many of which are still commonly used by certain Fundamentalists and Evangelicals today. One of these is the faulty claim that a Christian is not dependant, whether historically or practically, upon the Catholic Church for correct doctrine, but that all a believer needs is the Bible. In The Belief of Catholics, in a chapter titled �Where Protestantism Goes Wrong,� Knox demonstrated that how one views the Church will either make or break the basis of their view of Christ, the Bible and authority: � a proper notion of the Church is a necessary stage before we argue from the authority of Christ to any other theological doctrine whatever. The infallibility of the Church is, for us, the true induction from which all our theological conclusions are derived. The Protestant, stopping short of it, has to rest content with an induction of the false kind; and the vice of that false kind of induction is that all its conclusions are already contained in its premises. Perhaps formal logic is out of date; let me restate the point otherwise. We derive from our apprehension of the living Christ the apprehension of a living Church; it is from that living Church that we take our guidance. Protestantism claims to take its guidance immediately from the living Christ. But what is the guidance he gives us, and where are we to find it? The claim of many Christians that it is the Bible which fully guides them and provides the final say in matters of their faith is inconsistent and cannot stand in the face of reason: In fact � the Protestant had no conceivable right to base any arguments on the inspiration of the Bible, for the inspiration of the Bible was a doctrine which had been believed, before the Reformation, on the mere authority of the Church; it rested on exactly the same basis as the doctrine of Transubstantiation. Protestantism repudiated Transubstantiation, and in doing so repudiated the authority of the Church; and then, without a shred of logic, calmly went on believing in the inspiration of the Bible, as if nothing had happened! Did they suppose that Biblical inspiration was a self-evident fact, like the axioms of Euclid? As Knox indicates, not only does the Bible itself not teach that it is the final and sole authority in the Christian life, this belief ignores the historical facts as to how we received the Bible and by whose authority the canon of Scripture has been set. The Catholic Faith is a seamless garment which demands �all or nothing�; if someone accepts the authority of Scripture, it is logical that they, like Ronald Knox, must also accept the authority of the Catholic Church � it is both necessary and consistent. God Bless Graham revdauphinee answered on 03/02/05: seems this is a promotional add for the Catholic faith.! arcura rated this answer Graham3 rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 03/01/05 - Prompted by cute purple dinosaurs A little research into the possible meanings of 666 brings some startling results and at the same time one develops the feeling that almost any set of words can be manipulated to yield the numerals 666 when converted to numerals. The mistake is in using roman numerals which although prevelent at the time of the prophesy are not the language used. consider the following if greek not roman numerals are used. The ancient Greek word for "the Latin speaking man" is LATEINOS L = 30 lambda A = 1 alpha T = 300 tau E = 5 epsilon I = 10 iota N = 50 nu O = 70 omicron S = 200 sigma ------------ 666 For those inquiring minds more at http://www.aloha.net/~mikesch/666.htm revdauphinee answered on 03/01/05: anyone who is looking for evil can find it anywhere the thing is to reject even looking for it ! excon rated this answer jeremy_hobbs rated this answer paraclete rated this answer

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kindj asked on 03/01/05 - The latest on Barney Here�s the latest on Barney! Start with the given: 1. CUTE PURPLE DINOSAUR 2. Change all the U�s to V�s (which is proper Latin anyway) CVTE PVRPLE DINOSAVR 3. Extract all the Roman Numerals C V V L D I V 4. Convert these to Arabic values. 100 5 5 50 500 1 5 5. Add them up. Total = 666 There you have it! Proof that Barney is the Antichrist. Please pass this on to every prophecy student you know. It is imperative that the truth gets out before it is too late! revdauphinee answered on 03/01/05: carfull there are those that will believe this and run with it such as Jerry falwell who said tinki winki of the telletubies was gay! ETWolverine rated this answer kindj rated this answer paraclete rated this answer

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arcura asked on 03/01/05 - Saint Patrick's Day soon. What's your favorite Irish blessing? One of mine is this one for all here: "May the Good Lord warm your spirit and fill your heart with good nature and laughter." What is your favorite for us to enjoy? "Be blessed with thine own given blessings" arcura revdauphinee answered on 03/01/05: My grandmother(who was from county cork) used to say "may you be an hour in heaven before the devil knows your dead!" arcura rated this answer

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freethinker asked on 03/01/05 - Death penalty I heard that the US Supreme Court has suspended the death penalty for youngster permanently. CONGRATULATIONS, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA! Now suspend the death penalty for everyone else too, and you're part of the civilised world. Any comments? revdauphinee answered on 03/01/05: for believers in the scripture read ' (Exo.21:23-25 23 But if there is serious injury, you are to take life for life, 24 eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot, 25 burn for burn, wound for wound, bruise for bruise. ) this is Gods punishment can you believe God and still reject the death penalty ???Just asking) freethinker rated this answer

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MaggieB asked on 03/01/05 - This is a short article I picked up from the media. I am not a fan of Rev. Falwell but thought this Earlier this month Dr. Jerry Falwell announced that Dr. Ergun Caner, a converted Sunni Muslim and son of a Muslim scholar, was to become the dean of Liberty Baptist Theological Seminary (LBTS). Falwell noted that this appointment makes the 38-year-old Caner the first former Muslim to become dean of an evangelical seminary in the United States. The Turkish immigrant, who converted to Christianity in 1982, has a Master of Divinity from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary as well as a Master and Doctor of Theology degree from Southeastern and the University of South Africa, respectively. Prior to joining the faculty of Liberty University as Professor of Theology and Church History in 2003, Dr. Caner taught for two years at the Criswell College in the same field. He came to national attention in 2002, when his book Unveiling Islam (Kregel Publications) became a best-seller and eventually a Christian Booksellers Association Gold Medallion Award winner. Writing in collabor ation with his brother, Dr. Emir Caner, Ergun Caner has co-authored 11 books in the areas of apologetics and history. In describing his vision for LBTS, the newly appointed dean says, "We will develop the seminary into the leading evangelical institution for training Christians for a new generation." He says it is no longer sufficient to train seminary graduate students in abstract theory; instead they must be challenged to "reach a world with 140 major religions, many of whom inhabit our shores." Caner says he is committed to seeing the seminary set the standard for global apologetics. Comments are welcome!!!! MaggieB revdauphinee answered on 03/01/05: I am no fan of dr Falwell, I myself heard from a muslim Girl who was converted to Christianity This teenage girl wrote me when Ask Me was going ,she told me her father was going to have her killed because she became a christian ,he did !any muslim who converts risks much and while we are to spread the word of Christ do we truly understand what these brave souls are doing it is so easy for us here in the west but to suffer death for Christ sake surely there is a special place in heaven for those who dare! MaggieB rated this answer

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arcura asked on 02/28/05 - Do you think congress should pass this bill? Free Speech in Church By Rev. Frank Pavone If a priest or minister is preaching the Word of God, would you agree that he should be free in this country to say what needs to be said in order to apply that Word of God to the circumstances of our times? That's exactly what Martin Luther King, Jr. thought, and he said this the night before he was assassinated: "It's alright to talk about the new Jerusalem, but one day, God's preacher must talk about the new New York, the new Atlanta, the new Philadelphia, the new Los Angeles, the new Memphis, Tennessee." The Second Vatican Council also defended the freedom of the preacher in these words in the Pastoral Constitution on the Church in the Modern World: "...At all times and in all places, the Church should have the true freedom to teach the faith, to proclaim its teaching about society, to carry out its task among men without hindrance, and to pass moral judgment even in matters relating to politics, whenever the fundamental rights of man or the salvation of souls requires it" (GS 76). But in 1954, this freedom was threatened when Lyndon Johnson introduced an amendment into the tax code to protect himself from anti-communist groups that were threatening his re-election. Johnson was not targeting Churches, but his action affected them, because the amendment said that tax-exempt groups could not intervene in political campaigns. This amendment to the tax code was inserted without hearings or debate; it was done literally within a few minutes. Now, many bishops, priests, and ministers are confused and intimidated about "preaching about politics," to the point that some Church attorneys even gave legal advice in the last election cycle saying that Churches should not quote the President talking about the "Culture of Life," because, after all, he was running for re-election. Now, a piece of legislation has be re-introduced in Congress to restore some sanity to the situation. The Houses of Worship Free Speech Restoration Act (HR 235) will protect the contents of the sermons and religious teachings delivered in our nation's Churches by insuring that such content does not become the basis for challenging a Church's tax-exempt status. Freedom of speech is a bedrock of our Republic. It takes on an even greater dimension when considered in the context of Churches. Those who preach and teach the Word of God are carrying out a mission not given to them by an earthly authority, but rather entrusted to them by the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. The content of a sermon or religious teaching, therefore, has to be protected in order to insure that religion can be freely and properly exercised, that the preacher can fulfill the sacred duties to which he is solemnly committed, and that the congregation can receive the clear and robust teaching of their religion, free of distortion, dilution, or apology. That's why each of us should contact our Representative in Congress and urge support for HR 235, the Houses of Worship Free Speech Restoration Act. revdauphinee answered on 03/01/05: this gives cause for thought yes we should be free to promote our faith but I have been to (Yes)churches that preached hate for others and there is no room for such in the faith Jesus promoted ,I dont feel we can stand in the pulpit and cause people to hate others such as homosexuals ,(God hates the act not the person)those of othe denominations (I have heard derogotary comments made against catholics come from a pulpit(I got up and walked out mid sermon))Or any others ,I personaly am not in favour of many thinngs but i should not have the right to preach my idiosyncracies from a pulpit! arcura rated this answer freethinker rated this answer

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HANK1 asked on 02/28/05 - HOLD ME UP! Is Christianity just a crutch? HANK revdauphinee answered on 02/28/05: depends on you do you need a crutch?or do you need a saviour? HANK1 rated this answer MaggieB rated this answer

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arcura asked on 02/28/05 - The once secret tapes of several presidents...... If you have the time here are many hours of once secret tapes of presidents from Rooseveldt on. Some are very interesting. http://www.whitehousetapes.org/ revdauphinee answered on 02/28/05: If they are secret that means they wernt meant for public consumption so I guess ill pass! arcura rated this answer tomder55 rated this answer

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HANK1 asked on 02/28/05 - Who's right and who's wrong? How do you make sense of the different denominations with everybody saying their way is right? HANK revdauphinee answered on 02/28/05: you dont !most of them are more interested in promoting the "God business" than Gods business !You read scriptue study jesus words then follow them irregardless of organised religion! HANK1 rated this answer

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Pete_Hanysz asked on 02/28/05 - ATON ATON has been suspended. Do you want him back? ..or do you want this board to turn into a meaningless page of pasted prose. Yes or no No comments please. Pete revdauphinee answered on 02/28/05: dont know if it is true he was suspended but I for one would like him back !While I almost never agreed with him he did keep this site interesting ! CeeBee rated this answer Chilloutinparis rated this answer Pete_Hanysz rated this answer

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bluevision asked on 02/28/05 - Who sends the tsunami? This is an analysis of what ATON said. Please view it as a matter of interest & give your comments. ATON said this in his answer to a question:" Is there a different God who wakes you up in the morning, and one who sends a tsunami to kill you in the afternoon??????" Obviously ATON means that the recent tsunami was sent by God & Christians should blame their God, Jehovah, for it. But if ATON believes that the tsunami was sent by God & the only God he believes in is his Universal Creator, then to him the tsunami must be sent by his loving Universal Creator. To him, the tsunami can't be sent by other Gods like Jehovah, Allah etc because he doesn't even believe that they exist. However, ATON didn't say that his Universal Creator sent the tsunami, but instead he implied that the Christians should blame their God, Jehovah, for it. The point I want to put across to you is that he can't put the blame on Jehovah if he doesn't even believe that Jehovah exists & has the power to do it. ATON believes that the only God that exists in the universe is his loving Universal Creator, but whenever something bad happens, he tries to blame other gods for it. I can't figure out his logic, can you?????? revdauphinee answered on 02/28/05: Gos tells us we should have no other Gods before him!"""He never said there were none ""!The implication being we are nort to worship others> bluevision rated this answer

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arcura asked on 02/25/05 - Another view of Hillary. What's yours, moral saint or sinner? Hillary The Chameleon by David Limbaugh February 25, 2005 I have always considered Hillary Clinton a formidable politician, but I haven't really feared a Hillary presidency because I haven't thought she was electable. I'm not quite as sure anymore. Hillary, in her true skin, is too stridently liberal and unlikable to be electable in a national election. But who says she has to show her true skin? Hillary is polarizing, but that's hardly a disqualifying attribute. So are her husband and President Bush, both of whom were elected twice. Indeed, in today's partisan climate, almost any strong leader of either party will ultimately be deemed polarizing. Hillary's polarizing nature will energize Republicans to work to defeat her, but it will also motivate Democrats to support her because the qualities that alienate you from your opposition are the same ones that endear you to your own party. Yet contrary to the conventional wisdom, mainstream liberals are far less electable than mainstream conservatives in nationwide elections. Bill Clinton knew that, which is why he attached himself to the "moderate" Democratic Leadership Council. John Kerry also knew that, which is why he ran from the liberal label, despite his unambiguously liberal credentials. Howard Dean doesn't know that or doesn't care, which is one reason he tanked as a presidential candidate as fast as he rose. Nor does the Democratic Party know that (or can't otherwise mollify its base), which is why it has elevated the liberal, vigorously anti-war, anti-Bush Dean to be its party chairman. The key for a Democrat to be elected president is to be liberal enough in reality to satisfy the base, but not so obviously liberal as to scare swing voters. The shrewd and calculating Hillary has been in the process of a public makeover for years. She has been doing a masterful job of toning down her liberalism a little dose at a time. Even so, her metamorphosis has been so transparent that even the perennially apathetic and ignorant should be able to see through it. But many don't. She's even polling well -- or much better -- among New York Republicans. Hillary's apparent strategy is to present herself as hawkish on defense, including Iraq, moderate on abortion and other social issues, and Clintonesque on economic issues. She's already abandoned the party line by praising the Iraqi elections and opposing a date certain for American withdrawal. (Notice that Hillary sounds wiser in direct proportion to the extent she emulates the conservative position.) She'll continue to be hawkish unless and until she perceives the war to have become unpopular with voters, at which point she'll switch her position as quickly as a liberal spends federal money. Hillary has also been depicting herself as a devout Christian who only reluctantly supports abortion. But at heart she is a radical feminist who, while claiming to want to make abortion safe, legal and rare, will fight like a feline to preserve it as a holy sacrament of feminism and liberalism. On the economy, Hillary will have a couple of advantages, the main one being that a wave of economic prosperity accompanied the Clinton presidency. Another is that on domestic spending, especially education, President Bush hasn't exactly been conservative. Also, with his enthusiastic expansion of the prescription drug entitlement, Mr. Bush has made Hillary Care seem less ominous, by contrast, than it used to be. And if the president mistakenly accedes to the "compromise" of raising the payroll tax ceiling in exchange for getting private Social Security accounts, he'll do even more to erode the GOP's comparative position on economic and entitlement issues going into 2008. Unfortunately, the president has also virtually forfeited the natural advantage Republicans should have on the immigration issue, unless he achieves meaningful reform this term. Hillary has done a far better job than I expected in faking her "centrism." She'll only get better in her "performances" as time rolls on. Look for her to pull Sister Souljah moments (dissing those of her own party or principles) every other month during the next three and a half years. Hillary will never be a conservative; she'll never be a moderate; she'll never be anything other than a liberal. But she is getting quite accomplished at making it appear otherwise. In 2008, it will be about time for the presidential pendulum to swing back toward Democrats, and Hillary is plotting and maneuvering every day to exploit that possibility. The question is whether she'll be able to fool enough of the people enough of the time to pull it off. While my gut still says she's going to have a very hard time fooling that many people, I'm not nearly as sanguine about it as I used to be, which is a sobering thought. revdauphinee answered on 02/25/05: heres my prediction for the next election Clinton Vs Rice both women !who will you vote for ? arcura rated this answer ATON2 rated this answer Krewton rated this answer tomder55 rated this answer

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arcura asked on 02/25/05 - God is perfection. Therefore the Perfect parent. God is the Mother and Father of all. He's perfect in all things in all ways. Thus the perfect parent. Treat you kids as God does His. What's wrong or right with that picture. Explain please. Peace and kindness, arcura. revdauphinee answered on 02/25/05: and does God nor correct his children whan they do wrong??? arcura rated this answer hOPE12 rated this answer

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hOPE12 asked on 02/25/05 - Is spanking a child good or bad? Hello Everyone, Is spanking a child good or bad? This question has been asked for centuries and yet many still wonder. Could the fact that since the time of Spock's ideas about spanking our children would harm them psychologically, have a lot to do with the high rate of crime among society�s youth today? Parents also need to now worry that if they just spank the child that the Child protection agencies will arrest then for abuse. What is your opinion and if you agree with Spock�s opinion, how do you discipline children today? When I speak of spanking I do not mean beating or harming a child. I am speaking of a smack on the bottom and to first explain the the child what they did wrong and why it was wrong. That is how I have disciplined my children and they are doing just fine. I look forward to your answers and if you wish to include scriptures, that would be fine. Take care, Hope12 revdauphinee answered on 02/25/05: if there are otherways to correct then use them first however for some reason God made ones hand a perfect fir for a kids behind.I do not advocate violence for all that teaches is more violence but as you said a good swat on the behind sometimes is the only way It was used on me and I dont think Im scard by it ! hOPE12 rated this answer ETWolverine rated this answer ATON2 rated this answer excon rated this answer

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ROLCAM asked on 02/25/05 - A lovely quotation ! To me every hour of the day and night is an unspeakable perfect miracle. -Walt Whitman Do you agree with Walt ? Has God anything to do with these miracles? ROLCAM. revdauphinee answered on 02/25/05: God has everything to do with everything to a believer! arcura rated this answer freethinker rated this answer ROLCAM rated this answer

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freethinker asked on 02/25/05 - One on every seven people is non-religious Division of religion related groups (ad 2000) 1.Christianity: 2 billion = 33,3% 2.Islam: 1.3 billion = 21,7% 3.Hinduism: 900 million = 15% 4.Secular/Nonreligious/Agnostic/Atheist: 850 million = 14,2% (actually a non-religious group) 5.Buddhism: 360 million = 6% 6.Chinese traditional religion: 225 million = 3,75% 7.primal-indigenous: 150 million = 2,5% 8.African Traditional & Diasporic: 95 million = 1,6% 9.Sikhism: 23 million = 0,38% 10.Juche: 19 million = 0,31% 11.Spiritism: 14 million = 0,23% 12.Judaism: 14 million = 0,23% 13.Baha'i: 6 million = 0,1% 14.Jainism: 4 million = 0,06% 15.Shinto: 4 million = 0,06% 16.Cao Dai: 3 million = 0,05% 17.Tenrikyo: 2.4 million = 0,04% 18.Neo-Paganism: 1 million = 0,016 19.Unitarian-Universalism: 800 thousand = 0,013% 20.Rastafarianism: 700 thousand = 0,011% 21.Scientology: 600 thousand = 0,01% 22.Zoroastrianism: 150 thousand = 0,0025% Source : http://www.adherents.com/Religions_By_Adherents.html I could not get the split in the christian group between those who follow JC and those who follow the US Dollar. Anyone? revdauphinee answered on 02/25/05: wonder where I fit in Im a nonreligious follower of Jesus! Religion cant save you he can! freethinker rated this answer Krewton rated this answer

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STONY asked on 02/24/05 - "APOLOGY to the WORLD" FW: WOW....THIS GUY SAYS IT ALL!!!!! "j" Date: Thu, 24 Feb 2005 08:27:13 -0700 Subject: WOW....THIS GUY SAYS IT ALL!!!!! "j" "APOLOGY to the WORLD" -Doug Perry. Dear Members of the World, I'm just a guy, nobody really. Son of a preacher and missionary. Years and years of Vacation Bible Schools, summer camps, youth ski trips, revivals, choir trips - you name it. Even went to a Christian college and got a degree in religion. I ended up in the business world, but I've spent two decades tithing, sitting on committees, teaching Sunday School, going to seminars and conferences, etc. I even met my wife in the single's class at church. But just lately I've been trying to understand Jesus more, and stuff I never noticed before has really started to bug me. I've been taking a look around and I'm having a hard time making sense of what it is we've built. So, it just seemed like I need to take responsibility for the part I played. I know you think that Christians are a big bunch of hypocrites. We say we're more "religious" and we're going to heaven and you're not, and then we drive our big shiny cars with little fishies on the trunk and cut you off in traffic as we race by the homeless guy on the corner. We average just 2% of our money to church and charity, despite that we say the Bible is the word of God and it says we're supposed to give everything. On average, we buy just as many big screen TVs and bass boats and fur coats and makeup and baseball cards and online porn as anybody else. Maybe more. You've seen leader after leader end up in jail or court or a sex scandal of one sort or another. Well ... you're right. We're guilty of all of it. We've done it all. And, I'm really sorry. You see our cheesy TV shows and slick guys begging for money and you get that there's something seriously sneaky and wrong here. A high-pressure call for money so they can stay on the air? Were we supposed to use Jesus as just another form of entertain- ment? Who do we think we're kidding? Where's Jesus in all this? What happened to sacrifice and suffering and helping the poor? I'm just sick about this. I mean, the church leaders, they're not all bad guys, there are lots and lots of really hard-working well-meaning folks who love and care and are meeting real needs in the community. But I'm just real sure those pastors don't drive Bentley's, have multi- million dollar homes and their own lear jets! I mean, what "god" are we worshipping? Money? Ego? Power? You see our massive shiny new buildings all over the place. Heck, maybe we even kicked you out of your house so we could expand our parking lots. You can't figure out why we need four different Christian churches on four corners of the same intersection. We've got playgrounds and bowling alleys and basketball leagues. We've got Starbucks coffee in the sanctuary. We've got orchestras and giant chandeliers and fountains out front. We've got bookstores full of "jesus junk" with every imaginable style and flavor of religious knick-knack. But where's Jesus? Is this what HE wanted? Oh, sure, there are good folks all over and not every church is such a mess, but we've got 33,000 denominations and most of them won't talk to the other ones. We lose over $5 million a day to fraud from "trusted" people inside the church! We spend 95% of all our money on our own comforts and programs and happy family fun time shows and we let 250 MILLION Christians in other countries live on the very edge of starvation. Not to mention the billion or so that have never even once heard of Jesus - or the homeless guy downtown we almost ran over when we cut you off. Even the good churches are guilty of not putting a stop to all this sooner. We're as guilty as we can be. All of us. Nobody is exempt. But I can't apologize on behalf of anyone else. This is about me. I know that you might have gone to church as a kid and stopped going as soon as you could. I know that you might even have been abused by somebody in the church! Maybe we got you all fired up and then just let you drift off like we didn't really care. Maybe you just don't fit our "profile." You might have piercings and purple hair or tattoos or been in jail -- and somewhere inside you just know that even if you wanted to go to church one Sunday, it would not go well. I'm sorry for that. Jesus loves you. He always hung out with the most unexpected people. He had the biggest heart for the folks everybody else tried to ignore. What have we done? We've told you to put on a sweater and some loafers or you can't go to heaven. I just want to throw up. Look, I know you're mad. And you have a right to be. We've done you wrong for a LONG time now. There's some things about Jesus that people need to hear, but we've buried a beautiful masterpiece under hundreds of layers of soft pink latex paint. If you have a Bible handy, look up Matthew 23. Read it carefully. The Pharisees were the "religious" people of the day, the leaders of the faith. In this chapter Jesus SEVEN times says how pitiful and wretched and cursed they are for what they're doing to the people they're supposed to be leading. He even calls them "white washed tombs" and a "brood of vipers"! Read it and see if we are not doing EVERY single one of those things. Jesus can't possibly be happy about what we've done to you. Sure, we like to kid ourselves and pretend everything is OK - but it's not. We're hated because we're a giant pack of hypocrites that say one thing and do something else altogether. If we were hated because we were like Jesus, that would be one thing, but that's not it at all. You see right through our happy music and fluffy services and you can tell there's something desperately wrong here. We're no different than anybody else - except that we say we're better than you. It was never supposed to be like this. Jesus asked us to care for the widows and orphans, to feed the hungry, care for the sick, visit those in prison, reach the lost. He wanted us to love our enemies and pray for them. He cared about human justice and suffering, the lost and lonely. He never once said to go into all the world and build big buildings and divide up into factions and buy Bentleys. Just the opposite! I get that you're mad at us and I think you have a right to be, but please understand, you're mad at what we've made under our own power, you're mad at "Churchianity." That's different than Christ and what he wanted. Don't be mad at Jesus! This mess wasn't His idea! Look, I'm really sorry. I accept responsibility for my part in having hurt you. But I'm not going to do it any more. Not one penny more. God wants and expects more of us than this. And I'm not helping anybody that's not fully committed to the same thing. It took centuries to build this monster, so it's not like it's going to just turn around overnight. But the times are changing and we're way overdue for something new. I'm sorry for all the time and money I've wasted. But Jesus saves. Really. The church itself isn't even the point. Jesus is the real deal. Please don't think all Christians are just posers. Some of them really mean it when they say they belong to Christ. The problem is mostly in the West where we're all comfy and complacent and seem to like it that way. The Christians in China and other places are deadly serious. There's no room for anything but Jesus when you're on the run from the government. They are dying every day for their faith and doing crazy hard things because they're absolutely committed to Christ. These are martyrs. People willing to crucify little pieces of themselves every day to be more like Christ. People willing to set aside everything they want to do what Christ wants. People willing to rot in prison or take a beating or die if that's what it's going to take. People that act in pure love and never back down. I'm not worthy to tie their shoes. And there are some like that here, too, and I hope we can get a lot more people to start living that way. It's way overdue. If you're talking to someone and they tell you they're a Christian, ask them if they're the kind of Christian that really means it all the time or the kind that just means it on Sunday. The Bible says we'll know them by their "fruits" - by the faith and purity and love in their deeds and words. When you find one that proves Christ is in them by how much they love you, ask them to tell you all about Jesus. If you know one of those fearless martyrs that speaks nothing but pure, clean, hard Truth - ask lots of questions. Truth is a lot more rare than you would think. But don't settle for soft, fluffy and comfortable anymore - that's not in the Bible. As for me and my house, we're really sorry. From now on, we're going to serve the Lord, not "Churchianity." If I run into you someday, please give me a chance to shake your hand and apologize in person. I'm going to try harder from now on, I promise. I think there are lots of others feeling the same way, so don't be surprised if you start hearing stuff like this more often. Thanks for your time. I hope it helps. -Please send any feedback to Doug Perry: -His email- -His website- http://www.FellowshipOfTheMartyrs.com [-Kansas City, USA]. NOW HERE'S SOMEBODY WHO HAS SOMETHING TO SAY!! revdauphinee answered on 02/24/05: I thank god for people such as this he says it so well .when we get out of the ""God business"" and into Gods business we can see where we have gone wrong.I believe when Jesus looks at much that is done in his name today he truly weeps! Romans 3: 23. for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, MaggieB rated this answer STONY rated this answer

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hOPE12 asked on 02/24/05 - As A "Christian is it right to Putting others down, is it "Christian?" Hello Everyone, We live in a society where some need to feel important and above others. Is it a proper for a Christian to put others down so as to make themself look high and mighty, and the other person stupid? How do you as a non Christian or Christian view this kind of conduct? Take care, Hope12 revdauphinee answered on 02/24/05: It is never right to belittle another.God created us all we came into the world naked we will leave it with nothing how can we assume we are better than another?? hOPE12 rated this answer MaggieB rated this answer

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arcura asked on 02/23/05 - The guy that sent this said it's funny. Is it? Give me a Job A guy walks into the local welfare office, marches straight up to the counter and says, "Hi....you know, I just HATE drawing welfare. I'd rather have a JOB". The social worker says' "your timing is excellent. We just got a JOB opening from a very wealthy old man who wants a chauffeur/bodyguard for his nymphomaniac daughter. You'll have to drive her around in his Mercedes, but he'll supply all your clothes. Because of the long hours, meals will be provided. You'll be expected to escort her on overseas holiday trips. You'll have a two bedroom apartment above the garage. And.... the starting salary is $200,000 a year!" The guy says ......."You're bullshitting me!" The Social Worker says, "Yeah, well, you started it.� revdauphinee answered on 02/24/05: might depend on your employment status as to if you find it funny or not! arcura rated this answer Choux rated this answer

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MaggieB asked on 02/23/05 - What are your thoughts and comments on the following situation? A judge in Florida has extended for another 48 hours the emergency stay that keeps a feeding tube attached to Terri Schiavo. The order was supposed to expire at 5:00 p.m. (Eastern time) today (February 23), but the parents of the severely brain-damaged woman asked that it be extended while their court fight to keep her alive continues. Yesterday, an appeals court cleared the way for the feeding tube to be removed, but Circuit Judge George Greer imposed a one-day stay for her parents to present yet another legal argument. Randall Terry, who is supporting efforts to keep Schiavo alive, says her parents are praying for a miracle -- perhaps another last-ditch intervention by Governor Jeb Bush. An attorney for Michael Schiavo, who insists that his wife would rather die than be kept alive artificially, says it is time for the courts to stop the delays. Thanks, MaggieB revdauphinee answered on 02/24/05: when it is a fact that just last week someone came out of a coma and also medical discoveries are occuring almost daily I feel that the parents should prevail in this case. ATON2 rated this answer MaggieB rated this answer

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sapphire630 asked on 02/23/05 - Seriously curious Do JW's get vaccinations? Since vaccinations are from animal tissue and injected into a human body wouldn't that be considered as much a wrong as blood transfusions? revdauphinee answered on 02/23/05: dont know the answer to this one, but this I do know God gives inteligence to those who promote modern medicine ,if not for them we would still be plagued by diseases from the dark ages ,to fail to avail oneself of that knowledge is to deny a gift from God! Liz22 rated this answer MaggieB rated this answer sapphire630 rated this answer

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Liz22 asked on 02/23/05 - Did Jesus do away with miracles? Have heard it said' That Jesus did away with miracles when the apostles died I can't find that in my Bible, Can anyone show me scriptures where Jesus did away with miracles? Would deeply appreciate it. revdauphinee answered on 02/23/05: No he has not !I can attest to it ,in my life I have seen many miracles even ones in my own life.With my health and at my age the very fact that i wake up each morning is in itself a miracle. ATON2 rated this answer Liz22 rated this answer MaggieB rated this answer

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VisionsInBlue asked on 02/23/05 - Christianity Board -- Best Of Omigod, omigod... I must still be in Albuquerque, which is NOT in Kansas... I'd rub my eyes if only I wouldn't smudge my makeup and there isn't anyone around to pinch me. This board is FUNNY AS HELL! Therefore I wish to start a Greatest Hits collection. Like this: 1. "What are unforeseen occurrences and how do you understand this scripture?" 2. "[Smallpox] is a Christian question." 3. Apparently there was a smallpox epidemic in NYC in 2002. 4. "Does God give Christians guidelines so as to protect themselves from such things as Aids? If so what are those guidelines." 5. "All I know is that anyone who can support a child melestor is not a Jehovah's Witness." Please submit your nominations here. We'll vote later. I'll count the votes. According to math known only to me, of course. revdauphinee answered on 02/23/05: 1. "What are unforeseen occurrences and how do you understand this scripture?" a)to what scripture are you refering?? 2. "[Smallpox] is a Christian question." a)anything that may affect me as a Christian is relevant to ask me! 3. Apparently there was a smallpox epidemic in NYC in 2002. a) so? 4. "Does God give Christians guidelines so as to protect themselves from such things as Aids? If so what are those guidelines." A) we should abstain fromunprotected sex however if you (I assume you are a jw )are speaking of blood transfusions, then to allow ones child to die rather than accept what modern medicine has to offer is to me no better than euthanasia> 5. "All I know is that anyone who can support a child melestor is not a Jehovah's Witness." a) this im sure has happened somewhere!(just my oppinion!) VisionsInBlue rated this answer hOPE12 rated this answer

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hOPE12 asked on 02/23/05 - Stress: Hello again, We all face many things each day that cause us stree and anxiety. 1- My question is what causes you stress and anxiety and and what do you do to relieve it? Children experience stress in school, older people experience stress due to getting older. As one wise person once said: "When I was young, I could handle everything. Now that I am older, it is more difficult. The hectic life I have led has begun to take its toll on me." How do you reduce the stress in your life and in your childrens life? What are some things that help you t relax? Take care, Hope12 revdauphinee answered on 02/23/05: You hit the nail on the head when you said growing older, I hate it !It causes me more distress than anything else (I guess i should be thankfull for it But im not!) since I got older Im the life of the party --even if it lasts till 8 PM Im very good at opening childproof caps on my medicine--with a hammer Im usualy interested in going home --before I get to where im going Im awake for hour before my body alowes me to get up! I smile all the time --cause I cant hear a thing your saying Im so good at telling stories--over ,and over ,and over! Im well aware that other folkses granchildren are not as cute as mine and finaly I fell so cared for --Long term care ,eye care,private care,denTAL CARE ECT ,ECT, ECT let me assure you getting old is not for wimps! Choux rated this answer hOPE12 rated this answer jeremy_hobbs rated this answer

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hOPE12 asked on 02/23/05 - The Aids situation/ Hello everyone, The Aids cases are at Record high, and yet no cure is in sight. Five million people were infected with the Aids virus in 2003, the highest level of infected persons since the epidemic began two decades ago. 20 million people have died from Aids since the first diagnosis of the disease in 1981. Many cases are young people aged 15 to 24. 1) Having these statistics, as a parent or if you were a parent what would you tell your child so as to protect them from this disease? 2) As a concerned adult what do you feel is the main cause of the spread of Aids? 3) Do you feel there will ever be a cure for this horrible disease? 4) Does God give Christians guidelines so as to protect themselves from such things as Aids? If so what are those guidelines. Please be polite in you answers, if you have nothing constructive to add to the conversation the adult think to do is refrain from commenting. Thank you and Take care, Hope12 revdauphinee answered on 02/23/05: we have the duty to educate our children of all dangers However do not forget that aids is not just a sexual desease it can be contracted from other ways we should be carefull to also educate our children not to forget this!! So that the tragic treatment given to Ryan White by his peer group not be repeated .This poor child not only suffered from a devastating desease ( transfered from a blood transfusion)he was also forced to undergo horrible social scorn! hOPE12 rated this answer

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hOPE12 asked on 02/23/05 - Constitutional Rights and God's laws and Standards. Hello Everyone, We have all not wanted to step on others constitutional rights but when it comes to standing up for constitutionsl rights verses God's will, Standards and Laws, is there a difference? If so what? Where do you personally stand on the issue of constitutional Rights and God's laws, standards, and His will? Take care, Hope12 revdauphinee answered on 02/23/05: here is Gods answer Romans 13: 5. Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also because of conscience. 6. This is also why you pay taxes, for the authorities are God's servants, who give their full time to governing. 7. Give everyone what you owe him: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor. ATON2 rated this answer hOPE12 rated this answer

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FormerJesusHelper76 asked on 02/23/05 - PolyGraph experiment! Heard about an experiment done. The question that was asked is do you believe in God. Yes or No. The Athiests and the people who did not believe and answered no, the polygraph said they were lying. Does this mean that every single soul believes in God deep inside their spirit? What do you think about this? Joe revdauphinee answered on 02/23/05: I have never seen the great wall of China !If i say it does not exist does that make it so??? FormerJesusHelper76 rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 02/23/05 - Telling it like it is? Pope calls gay marriage part of 'ideology of evil' February 23, 2005 - 3:30PM Homosexual marriages are part of "a new ideology of evil" that also cover abortion, Pope John Paul says in a new book. In Memory and Identity, the pontiff says abortion is a "legal extermination" comparable to the Nazi Holocaust against Jews and other groups in the 20th century. He also reveals that he is convinced the Turkish gunman who shot him in 1981 did not act alone and suggests that the former Communist Bloc may have been behind the plot to kill him. The 84-year-old Pontiff's book, a highly philosophical and intricate work on the nature of good and evil, is based on conversations with philosopher friends in 1993 and later with some of his aides. In one section about the role of lawmakers, the Pope takes another swipe at gay marriages when he refers to "pressures" on the European Parliament to allow them. "It is legitimate and necessary to ask oneself if this is not perhaps part of a new ideology of evil, perhaps more insidious and hidden, which attempts to pit human rights against the family and against man," he writes. The Pope's fifth book for mass circulation, issued by Italian publisher Rizzoli, sparked controversy in Germany and elsewhere after Jewish groups protested against leaked excerpts comparing the Holocaust to abortion. In at least two sections of the book, the Pope talks about the Nazi attempt to exterminate Jews and the wholesale slaughter of political opponents by Communist regimes after World War Two. In following paragraphs he says that legally elected parliaments in formerly totalitarian countries were today allowing what he called new forms of evil and new exterminations. "There is still, however, a legal extermination of human beings who have been conceived but not yet born," he writes. "And this time we are talking about an extermination which has been allowed by nothing less than democratically elected parliaments where one normally hears appeals for the civil progress of society and all humanity," he writes. In Germany, a leader of the country's Central Council of Jews called the comparison unacceptable. At a news conference presenting the book, Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, the Vatican's top doctrinal official, dismissed the Jewish charges. Ratzinger said the Pope "was not trying to put the Holocaust and abortion on the same plane" but only warning that evil lurked everywhere, "even in liberal political systems". In another section, the Pope describes at length the assassination attempt on May 13, 1981, when Turkish gunman Mehmet Ali Agca shot and nearly killed him in St Peter's Square. Of Agca, the Pope writes the assassination attempt was "not his initiative, someone else masterminded it and someone else commissioned it". Two trials in the early 1980s failed to prove prosecutors' suspicions that Bulgaria's secret services had masterminded a plot to kill the Pope on behalf of the Soviet Union. At the time the Polish Pope was a strong supporter of the Solidarity trade union in his native Poland and the Soviet Union saw Solidarity as a threat to the stability of the communist bloc. The Pope says the assassination attempt against him was perhaps "the last convulsion" of the ideologies of the 20th century -- a clear reference to the Communist bloc. Reuters revdauphinee answered on 02/23/05: I have often stated that I was against homosexual mariage ,quoting leviticus as to the act being abomination to the lord.wich it is ,however one must not forget that it is the act that is the problem and not the person God still loves that person even while hating the act!.As persons who cohabit the thing my gay friends( and I do have them )tell me it is not merly about a sexual mariage, that they want this right but mostly because if it were alowed they could then have access to insurance on thier partners work record, and other medical things or even rights of survival should one partner die ,things they do not presently have ,for instance two lesbians who have been cohabiting for many years have a child who gets sick and is in critial condition at a hospital only the birth mother could go in to visit him,this child loved and missed the partner but she was denied access is this right ?do we even though we condem the act of homosexuality have a right to deny the parent of either sex to see thier child?were gay marriage allowed this would not be a problem !so you see we may have to look deeper than our own predudices ,I am endeavering to do this. ATON2 rated this answer Choux rated this answer paraclete rated this answer

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tomder55 asked on 02/22/05 - Eminent Domain The 5th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution says : No person shall be held to answer for a capital, or otherwise infamous crime, unless on a presentment or indictment of a Grand Jury, except in cases arising in the land or naval forces, or in the Militia, when in actual service in time of War or public danger; nor shall any person be subject for the same offence to be twice put in jeopardy of life or limb; nor shall be compelled in any criminal case to be a witness against himself, nor be deprived of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor shall private property be taken for public use , without just compensation. Today the Supreme Court is hear 'Kelo vs. City of New London 'a case involving the plaintiff's property ;and other properties in the neighborhood ;being seized by the City of New London for the purpose of handing it over to a private developer to make room for a 90-acre private development. This is not a case of property being used as easements to put in sewer lines ;or to build hiways. This is taking private property from one person against their will ,and giving it to another private person/business ;something that has happened over 10,000 times in the last decade nationwide. It doesn't matter that the city feels it will be in the interest of the community .and it doesn't matter that the city feels they are offering a just compensation. The owner does not want to sell ;and is being forced to do so in my opinion in clear violation of the intent of the 5th amendment . revdauphinee answered on 02/22/05: i JUST HEARD ABOUT THIS on the radio coming home!Its wrong anyway you look at it and no ammount of compensation is enough if you dont want to sell! tomder55 rated this answer

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Geedubya84 asked on 02/22/05 - Taking study lessons Our family is in study lessons with Witnesses. Is that good? revdauphinee answered on 02/22/05: thaT DEPENDS ON THE PERSPECTIVE OF THE PERSON ANSWERING YOUR QUESTION i PERSONALY HAVE TO SAY NO! arcura rated this answer ATON2 rated this answer Geedubya84 rated this answer queenybee rated this answer

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hOPE12 asked on 02/22/05 - Christian Faith Hello Again, We speak of Christian Faith and my question is that if one claims to have faith, how does your faith make you sure that God has individual compassion and affection for you personally? What make you feel God has love for who you are on the inside? Take care, Hope12 revdauphinee answered on 02/22/05: Cause God loves us in spite of our selves not because of us! ATON2 rated this answer hOPE12 rated this answer jeremy_hobbs rated this answer MaggieB rated this answer

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arcura asked on 02/21/05 - This - according to Donald Wildmon...... HBO's Bill Maher Says Christians Have Neurological Disorder, Are Crazy Bill Maher, host of HBO's Real Time With Bill Maher, says that all Christians are crazy and are unenlightened because of their faith. Maher made the comments on MSNBC's Scarborough Country. Maher said: "We are a nation that is unenlightened because of religion�I think that religion stops people from thinking. I think it justifies crazies. I think that flying planes in a building was a faith-based initiative. I think religion is a neurological disorder. If you look at it logically, it's something that was drilled into your head when you were a small child." "When you look at belief in such things--as do you go to heaven, is there a devil--we have more in common with (Muslin countries) Turkey and Iran and Syria than we do with European nations and Canada and nations that, yes, I would consider more enlightened that us." Maher said he wasn't speaking only of evangelicals, but included all religious people. He said he agreed with Jesse Ventura "who had that quote about religion is a crutch for weak-minded people who need strength in numbers." Because of their neurological disorder, he said Christians "do not believe in science and rationality." He went on to say the future does not belong to religion. One recalls the famous quote from the Beatles in the 60's that they "were more popular than Jesus." According to Maher, the Bible is a book of fairy tales, calling the account of Jonah a fairy tale the same as Jack in the Beanstalk. What do you think of Mr. Politically Incorrect's claims? revdauphinee answered on 02/22/05: whilst I lay claim to the Christian faith and also as my religion is important to me I can however see where he is comming from since there are fanatics in our faith who seem to have put brain function on hold when they converted!the true teachings of Jesus has little in common with some church teaching and if you faith forces you to be unable to think for yourself then my friend it is not of Christ! arcura rated this answer ATON2 rated this answer Choux rated this answer jeremy_hobbs rated this answer

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Choux asked on 02/21/05 - Two Headed Baby Today, in Egypt, surgeons removed a second head from a two-headed 9 month old girl. The second head did not have a body attached to it like conjoined twins. The second head smiled and blinked her eyes. Of course, the head is dead. The baby is doing well and all her vital signs are normal. Do you think that the surgeons did the ethical/moral thing?? revdauphinee answered on 02/22/05: in a word yes! Choux rated this answer excon rated this answer jeremy_hobbs rated this answer

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Choux asked on 02/21/05 - Concern for Pandemic There is a growing concern that the disease that is killing so many chickens in Asia will soon mutate and become transferable to human beings. The situation is on the verge of becoming out of control per CNN Cable News story. If this happens, the disease could spread quickly and result in the deaths of millions of people. Comments? revdauphinee answered on 02/21/05: to those who feel this cant happen ever hear of west nile virus it is passed from birds through mosquitos to humans ! Choux rated this answer FormerJesusHelper76 rated this answer MaggieB rated this answer

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FormerJesusHelper76 asked on 02/20/05 - Jesus! History! There are some authors who claim that churches are hiding the real truth about Jesus and his life. They also claim that Jesus fathered a baby with claim that Jesus had a child with Mary Magdalene and the Holy Grail is their bloodline. What do you think about this? Would this change the way people feel about Jesus, or does it matter whether he fathered a child or not to a known prostitute? Joe revdauphinee answered on 02/21/05: if this were true why would it make a difference??It would not take a thing away from Jesus ministry isnt it said he experienced all the things we experience .If the early church hid some aspects of his life (i dont know that they did but it is hightly possible given the attitude sex)what real difference does it make ?being married is no sin ,having children s no sin !he would still be the son of God he would still be sinless.! ATON2 rated this answer FormerJesusHelper76 rated this answer

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Choux asked on 02/20/05 - Blocking Someone? How do you know someone has blocked you??? Say...you answer a *Board* post of someone who has blocked you . Does something pop up? Say... you post a question. Can that person you blocked answer? Does something pop up? Or something else entirely? revdauphinee answered on 02/20/05: another reason for blocking is when a person does not want a dialogue with you but instead wants merly to argue and demean you .I have one person blocked .I swore id never do it but sometimes this type of persons rhetoric simply gets old! ATON2 rated this answer Choux rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 02/20/05 - In the interests of International understanding? Just to help you you poor sinners from the other side out, so you can understand what I'm talking about. JAPAN LITE Sussing Aussie English -- it's a bugger By AMY CHAVEZ When I found out I'd be spending a month accompanying two Australians around Japan, I thought, "Easy -- we speak the same language." Bloody wrong! "Aussie English" is completely different from the English used on my planet, the United States. Australian English has an errant "r," which can be added or discarded at will. "R" can be added to select words ending in vowels, such that "America" becomes "Ameriker" and a "koala" becomes a "koaler." If you are a cartoonist, you're good at "drawring." Discarding the "r" is just as rampant, as seen in the favorite Australian slang term, "bugger!" (correctly pronounced "bugga!"), a term that transcends all parts of speech but is most often used to express surprise when something doesn't turn out as one thought it would. Words with three or more syllables can freely be slimmed down to two, usually by adding a "y" or "ie" at the end of the word. Thus the word "Australian" is trimmed to "Aussie" (pronounced "Ozzie"). Long, cumbersome nouns will find nowhere to hide in Aussie English: a chocolate is a "chockie" and a mosquito is what else but a "mozzie"? The word "barbecue" is entirely too burdensome with three syllables, thus any good Australian would put steaks on the "barbie" instead. Bugger that in the U.S., though, because if you put steaks on a Barbie, you'll have a sexual harassment case. People can be slimmed down as well: A brick layer is a "brickie," a postman a "postie" and the milkman is a, umm, "milko." Even some two-syllable words are cut down to two shorter syllables. If you were to ask someone if they'd like "breakfast," for example, you'd say, "Would you like some brekkie?" Sure, what the hecky. "Sunnies" are what you put on your head to protect your eyes from the, um, sunny? And how do you know if a "telly" is a television or a telephone? Ah, bugger it! While many things are measured in metric in Australia, most things are still measured in the unofficial units of "heaps" and "stacks." Since Americans associate a heap with something the shape of a hill, as in a "heap of garbage," the Aussies create a stunning image for us when they say, "We've got heaps of kangaroos in Australia." Likewise on my planet, a stack is a tall tower of something flat like boxes, magazines or bricks. When I heard an Australian say, "We've got stacks of mangoes in Australia," I thought that perhaps they had discovered a new type of flat mango. Bugger the singular and plural in Aussie English as well. You go out to "the shops" even if you're only going to one. Your mate who has invited you over for "snags" (sausages) on the barbie lives ൔ mile" down the road. Leave it to the Australians to come up with quaint phrases to make English more colorful. Children are referred to as "ankle biters," new surfers are "shark biscuits" and if you've gone crazy, you've gone "troppo" (from "tropical madness"). When taking your camera somewhere, would you take regular, boring old photos? Of course not! You'd take "happy snappys." Lunch is served in the "arvo" (afternoon) and the evening meal is called "tea." Morning tea or afternoon tea, on the other hand, is the hot liquid stuff served with bickeys (biscuits). All these teas will assure frequent stops at the "dunny" (toilet). Bugger! Australian English has so many twists that even the Aussies call it "speaking Aussie." It's no wonder then, that the sport formally called "Australian football" is shortened to merely "Aussie rules." If you're Australian and would like to "take the mickey out of" American English, then go ahead, it's your "shout." e-mail: amychavez2000@yahoo.com The Japan Times: July 3, 2004 revdauphinee answered on 02/20/05: all countries have thier own idiosycracies in language ,Many american women visiting England are shocked when a hotel employee asks what time they would like to be knocked up in the morning!(in England this simply means awakening!= paraclete rated this answer

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HANK1 asked on 02/20/05 - RACING WITH THE MOON: The statement, which appeared in a two-page article by Oliver B. Huntington entitled "The Inhabitants of the Moon" in the Young Woman's Journal, is as follows: "As far back as 1837, I know that he (Joseph Smith) said the moon was inhabited by men and women the same as this earth, and that they lived to a greater age than we d~that they live generally to near the age of a 1,000 years. He described the men as averaging nearly six feet in height, and dressing quite uniformly in something near the Quaker style." Source: "Young Woman's Journal," Vol.3, p.263). What a guy! Are there people on the moon? HANK revdauphinee answered on 02/20/05: If the prophet said so it must be true(NOT!) arcura rated this answer HANK1 rated this answer paraclete rated this answer

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ATON2 asked on 02/20/05 - Clalrification! Can someone solve the mystery? According to my statistics, I have been blocked by 'darkstar', 'krewton' and 'powerpuff' whom we all know as the 'twins' Darlene and Sharlene and 'the guy who does multiple ratings'....Yet when I try to answer a post from CEEBEE..(NOT CeeBee2)...I am told that this expert has 'blocked' me. Does this indicate that the new CEEBEE is actually one of the ONLY three members who have blocked my responses, signing on with another moniker??????? And would this be considered an attempt to disparage CeeBee2 ??????? revdauphinee answered on 02/20/05: Aton I have only blocked one person (I swore I never would )and it would never be you! your input is a part of what makes this site so interesting as you are able to dissagre without (at least to me) letting it become personal.I wont say who I blocked but it was due to the fact that the person definatly made me feel he disliked me on a personal basis,you have never made me feel that way , and since as I often said on here we dont even know each other why???I feel that you and I can always agree to disagree and what a dull world it would be if we all thought alike! Dorothy ATON2 rated this answer darkstar rated this answer Krewton rated this answer

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FormerJesusHelper76 asked on 02/20/05 - Purpose In Life! Do you believe that every single person in this life has a purpose? A purpose to fulfill? A drunk, A Homeless person, A Addiction to drugs, A person who is abusive, A person who is less desirable, A Gay person, A Single person, A Married Person, A Death, A Life. And the list could go on!!!!!!! Do you believe everybody with every experiance and type of lifestyle or situation has a purpose to fulfill? revdauphinee answered on 02/20/05: certainly they do for it is writen Hebrews 13 2. Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some people have entertained angels without knowing it. could be one of these! FormerJesusHelper76 rated this answer

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FormerJesusHelper76 asked on 02/20/05 - Angel! Have you been touched by an angel? Joe revdauphinee answered on 02/20/05: Hebrews 13 1. Keep on loving each other as brothers. 2. Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some people have entertained angels without knowing it. FormerJesusHelper76 rated this answer

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ROLCAM asked on 02/19/05 - Inspired by Pete Hansyz. I had to share with all of you, seeing it is Sunday. For accompanying music see:- http://www.cyberhymnal.org/htm/a/l/allthing.htm Refrain All things bright and beautiful, All creatures great and small, All things wise and wonderful: The Lord God made them all. Each little flower that opens, Each little bird that sings, He made their glowing colors, He made their tiny wings. Refrain [Most hymnals omit the following verse] The rich man in his castle, The poor man at his gate, He made them, high or lowly, And ordered their estate. Refrain The purple headed mountains, The river running by, The sunset and the morning That brightens up the sky. Refrain The cold wind in the winter, The pleasant summer sun, The ripe fruits in the garden, He made them every one. Refrain The tall trees in the greenwood, The meadows where we play, The rushes by the water, To gather every day. Refrain He gave us eyes to see them, And lips that we might tell How great is God Almighty, Who has made all things well. Refrain ROLCAM revdauphinee answered on 02/19/05: used to sing this in school in the UK (and read the bible !didnt hurt us dont know why folks here in the usa are so against it arcura rated this answer MaggieB rated this answer ROLCAM rated this answer

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Choux asked on 02/18/05 - Absolute Truth Some members alluded to "absolute truth" in their answers to Maggie's question about absolute truth. Will any who care please explain what *absolute truth* is? Why absolute truth is *more truthful* than pointing to a chair and saying that is a chair. Or, citing the Law of Gravity as truth and noting you are not flying off into space. I will make no comments to your responses, just give you five stars. revdauphinee answered on 02/19/05: unfortunatly like beauty truth is more than not in the eye of the beholder. Choux rated this answer

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CeeBee2 asked on 02/18/05 - Pedophile. I can't stand it anymore. Nearly everywhere within my hearing that word is pronounced "PED ah file". The word pedophile is correctly pronounced "PEED ah file". Pedophile is from the Latin "ped" child and "phil-" love. Think of how you pronounce pediodontist (children's dentist), pediatrician (children's doctor), pediatrics (medical specialty dealing with the development, health, and diseases of children). You say PEED-something. In hospitals and clinics, medical people use the short word Peds - PEEDS - to refer to the children's section. Ped- is Latin for foot. PED. You can be a pedestrian. You can step on the pedal. (Yes, yes, I know there are variations such as pedagogue and pedantic, but pedophile is not one of them.) Ok, now I feel better. revdauphinee answered on 02/19/05: all pronunciation aside only when the word is no longer needed will I feel better> CeeBee2 rated this answer

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Choux asked on 02/18/05 - Associated Press 2-18-05 The nations Roman Catholic bishops said Friday that over the last year they received 1,092 NEW allegations of sexual abuse against 756 Catholic priests and deacons. One half of the priests named had prreviously been accused of abuse. Seventy-Two percent of the priests are either dead or defrocked. Most of the alleged incidents occurred decades ago. The information came as the bishops released a new national audit of US dioces to determine how well they have complied with the *child protection policy* American prelates instituted nearly 3 years ago at the height of the clergy molestation crisis. My question is: Is a religion "of God" if children have to be protected from the clergy by special internal policing??? revdauphinee answered on 02/19/05: question is: Is a religion "of God" if children have to be protected from the clergy by special internal policing??? my answer is NO!!! KJV Matthew 19:14. But Jesus said, Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven. Choux rated this answer

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FormerJesusHelper76 asked on 02/18/05 - Appeals Court keeps Infant on life support! HOUSTON, Texas (AP) -- A mother fighting to keep a hospital from removing her infant son from the ventilator that has kept him alive since birth has won another temporary restraining order. The 1st Court of Appeals reinstated the order keeping 4-month-old Sun Hudson on life support Wednesday, just hours after a probate court judge lifted the order. A hearing was set for Tuesday. The dispute centers on the legal standard over hospital care in Texas. Under state law, a hospital must continue care if there is a reasonable probability that another hospital will admit the patient. Texas Children's Hospital officials have said no treatment can save Sun, and they want to remove him from life support. Hospital lawyers said state officials have contacted almost 40 facilities and none have been willing to care for the infant. But the boy's mother, Wanda Hudson, believes her son will recover. Her attorney argued there is a reasonable chance another hospital would take the child. Sun suffers from thanatophoric dysplasia, a genetic condition characterized by extremely short limbs, a narrow chest, small ribs and underdeveloped lungs. Infants usually are stillborn or die shortly after birth from respiratory failure. There have been rare documented cases of survivors, however. "He is slowly suffocating to death because his lungs lack the capability to support his body," the hospital said. Hudson hasn't seen her son in more than a month, but says she believes she communicates with him telepathically. "Sun is going to live forever," she said. "As long as the Sun is in the sky he will live. I don't believe in death." Who is right? Should the mother have the right to keep you baby alive in every way possible? Or should the doctors have the right to say enough is enough that there is nothing else to do? Should this have even went to court in the first place? Is it not the parents right to chose what is best for their child? Your opinions please! Thank you in advance! Joe revdauphinee answered on 02/19/05: would it be different if this mother had chosen to end this childs life before he were born??since she didnt then no court on earth should force her to end it! FormerJesusHelper76 rated this answer

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arcura asked on 02/17/05 - For your infromation - gays are out........... Diocese of York rules out pro-gay primate By Jonathan Petre and Jonathan Wynne-Jones (Filed: 17/02/2005) Pro-gay liberals have been virtually ruled out of the running to become the next archbishop of York, the second most senior post in the Church of England, The Telegraph has learned. Speculation about a successor to Dr David Hope has been rife in the Church since he announced plans last year to retire and return to the simple life of a parish priest in Ilkley, West Yorks. The appointment comes at a highly sensitive time for the Church, which is facing serious splits over homosexuality and is still reeling from the row over the celibate homosexual cleric Dr Jeffrey John. Many in the Church would like the next archbishop to come from the liberal wing and to advance radical ideas. Several speakers at a recent public meeting in the diocese insisted that he should be "inclusive". But a "statement of needs" has been drawn up by senior representatives of the diocese which is understood to favour a more mainstream or conservative candidate. Insiders say that the official statement, which carries great weight with the Crown Nominations Commission, calls for the next archbishop to be theologically orthodox. Observers believe that it could dent the prospects of several senior bishops who have been tipped for the post, such as the Bishop of Chelmsford, the Rt Rev John Gladwin, and the Bishop of Leicester, the Rt Rev Tim Stephens. The latter was among nine bishops who signed a letter supporting Dr John as bishop of Reading in the summer of 2003, an appointment that provoked such a conservative backlash that the cleric was forced to step down. The York statement could enhance the chances of more mainstream figures. Other names mentioned include the Bishop of Manchester, the Rt Rev Nigel McCulloch, and the Bishop of Liverpool, the Rt Rev James Jones. An insider said the diocese was broadly conservative and would not welcome an archbishop who was out of step with the majority of his flock. The confidential statement of needs was drawn up after widespread consultations by the York diocese's vacancy-in-see committee and reflects the qualities that the committee would like to see in the next archbishop. Six committee members are seconded to the Crown Nominations Commission, the 14-strong body that will recommend two names, normally in order of preference, to the Prime Minister. It has held a preliminary meeting and is due to convene again this month. But the appointment is not expected before the summer. The commission, whose members include clergy and laity, has compiled a list of about 20 names. It will make its final choice at its last meeting, due in May. Tony Blair can chose the second of the two names or reject both and request a further submission. But such a decision would be very rare and could cause a crisis in the delicate relationship between Church and state. Although the commission includes liberals and one openly gay member, there is a strong evangelical presence. The appointment to such a senior post could have a significant impact on the direction of the Church at a time when the war between liberal and conservative factions threatens to tear it apart. It is already the subject of gossip in the corridors of the Synod, which is meeting in London this week and which will formally bid farewell to Dr Hope today. The divisions over homosexuality will also emerge today when the Synod debates the Windsor report. This was commissioned by the Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr Rowan Williams, to avert schism in the worldwide Church. An even more critical meeting of the primates, the heads of the Church's 38 self-governing provinces, is to be held in a remote retreat in Northern Ireland next week. The storm has been caused by the consecration of Anglicanism's first openly gay bishop, Canon Gene Robinson, in the American Episcopal Church. Conservatives in Africa and Asia are threatening to walk out and set up a rival Church if the liberals fail to comply revdauphinee answered on 02/19/05: wasnt all this settled in scripture if they are serving God then why be an abomination to him??( (King James version) Leviticus 18:22 22. Thou shalt not lie with mankind, as with womankind: it is abomination. (New international) 22. "`Do not lie with a man as one lies with a woman; that is detestable. (American standard) 22. Thou shalt not lie with mankind, as with womankind: it is abomination. (Romanised version) 22. w'et-zaakaar lo' tishkab mishkbeey 'ishaah tow`eebaah hiy'* different versions given for those who may dissagree with the one i usualy read as happened lately arcura rated this answer

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MaggieB asked on 02/17/05 - Truth???????????????????? What is truth? What does truth mean to you, what is it's definition as far as you are concerned? MaggieB revdauphinee answered on 02/19/05: seems to me that to a lot of folks truth can be whatever they see it as!At lest to some folks on here! MaggieB rated this answer

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Choux asked on 02/17/05 - Mormonism and Salvation Can a Mormon switch to another Christian denomination and still have salvation? revdauphinee answered on 02/17/05: most definatly for then they will maybe finaly have true salvation!however the mormon church would not recognise that fact! arcura rated this answer Choux rated this answer

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ATON2 asked on 02/17/05 - The Cross as symbol?? Passages in Matthew present Jesus as telling his disciples they must 'take up your cross and follow me' (e.g. Matt 16:24)....Since the Cross had not yet become a symbol of Christian persecution, and since Christ had not yet died on a CROSS, how could his hearers have possibly been made to understand the symbolism of the CROSS???? Were these not, simply, after-the-fact utterances put in Jesus mouth by Matthew....long after the Crucifixion????? revdauphinee answered on 02/17/05: since at the time many folks met thier end on a cross and it was customary for them to be made to cary the cross why wouldnt he refer to it???/ ATON2 rated this answer Krewton rated this answer

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arcura asked on 02/17/05 - Worried about the devil? For you information.... Vatican University Debuts Satanism Classes By ANGELA DOLAND, Associated Press Writer ROME - Worried about the lure of the devil, a Vatican linked university on Thursday debuted its latest course offering: a class on Satanism, black magic and exorcism. The class for clergy and seminarians at Rome's Pontifical Academy "Regina Apostolorum" arose from alarm about what some religious officials see as Satanic practices among young people, especially in Italy. In one case in Italy in January, members of a heavy metal band called "Beasts of Satan" were ordered to stand trial for their alleged role in three ritual killings. One of the victims was a 19-year-old stabbed to death in 1998. She may have been targeted because her killers believed she was a personification of the Virgin Mary, prosecutors contend. A major theme of the first day's course was how to differentiate between a person who is possessed and someone who is simply suffering psychological problems. Rome exorcist Francesco Bamonte described how he works with a team of priests and psychologists to make the distinction before deciding whether to go through with an exorcism. "If not, I would be inundated with requests from people who don't need me," said Bamonte, who said he performs about 20 exorcisms a year. The Vatican is also concerned about a growing number of young people who develop what instructors called personal forms of Satanism, outside the sects that are closely monitored by police. They often learn about the devil through the Internet. "It's a more spontaneous and hidden phenomenon, a problem of loneliness and isolation, a problem of emptiness, that is fulfilled by the values of Satanism," said one of the teachers, Carlo Climati, a specialist on youth culture and Satanism. Climati said concerned parents had been asking for a special course for priests. The pontifical academy is run by the Legionaries of Christ, a conservative order, and teachers for the class include exorcists and psychiatrists. In 1999, the Vatican issued its first new guidelines since 1614 for driving out devils, offering cautions to exorcists about taking psychiatric problems into account. The updated exorcism rite, first issued in Latin and contained in a red, leather-bound book, was a reflection of Pope John Paul II's efforts to convince the skeptical that the devil is very much in the world. At the time, he gave a series of homilies denouncing the devil as a "cosmic liar and murderer." Among the signs of possession by the devil, according to church teaching, are speaking in unknown tongues and demonstrating physical force beyond one's natural capacity. revdauphinee answered on 02/17/05: best way to fight your enemy is to know him dont you think??? (2Cor.11:14-15 14 And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light. arcura rated this answer ATON2 rated this answer kindj rated this answer Krewton rated this answer

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FormerJesusHelper76 asked on 02/17/05 - Scientists! Scientists say that they may have found the oldest human skull found. The skull in tests date back to 200,000 years ago. Can this human dating of bones be wrong. How can we humans really truely measure time and age? What about earth being estimated at only 6,000 years old by the church. Can scientist and church ever work together? What is your personal opinion about this. Thank you in advance for answering. Joe revdauphinee answered on 02/17/05: if a day is as a thousand years unto the Lord then how can we apply human time to his deeds???? ATON2 rated this answer FormerJesusHelper76 rated this answer freethinker rated this answer

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FormerJesusHelper76 asked on 02/17/05 - Scientists! Scientists say that they may have found the oldest human skull found. The skull in tests date back to 200,000 years ago. Can this human dating of bones be wrong. How can we humans really truely measure time and age? What about earth being estimated at only 6,000 years old by the church. Can scientist and church ever work together? What is your personal opinion about this. Thank you in advance for answering. Joe revdauphinee answered on 02/17/05: if a day is as a thousand years unto the Lord then how can we apply human time to his deeds???? ATON2 rated this answer FormerJesusHelper76 rated this answer freethinker rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 02/16/05 - Jesus was a standup comic? Hear the one about Jesus and the tax collector? February 17, 2005 It's not a book known for inducing belly laughs, but look beyond the death, disease and destruction of the Bible and, lo, you will find a joke or two. Theological scholars have gathered in Italy to try to dispel the idea that ancient Christians were a po-faced lot who struggled hard for a sense of humour. At a three-day conference at Turin University, "Laughter and Comedy in Ancient Christianity", experts have been presenting papers on themes such as Laughter in the Old Testament and Comedy in the Bible Today. Some say they have found indications that Jesus Christ had a sense of humour and references to laughter and comic moments in the scriptures. "There is a prejudice that states that humour and Christianity are incompatible," said Clementina Mazzucco, the conference organiser. "On the contrary, there are many episodes and dialogues in the Scriptures where irony and sarcasm are being used." She cited the example of a disciple who, referring to Jesus's home town, asked: "How could anything good ever come from Nazareth?" Another example is in Luke's gospel, when Zaccheus, a short man and a despised tax collector, has to climb a tree to see Jesus. Jesus picks Zaccheus out of the crowd and asks if he will put him up for the night. The scholars also note that the Old Testament patriarch Isaac's name means laughter in Hebrew, and was chosen because of the joy his parents Abraham and Sarah experienced when he was born. Ms Mazzucco said these signs of humour may have been suppressed when the church adopted a strict interpretation of the gospels' discouragement of exaggerated laughter and derision. But increasing numbers of scholars now believe Jesus had a distinct sense of humour. "People liked Christ," said Beppe Grillo, one of Italy's leading satirical comedians. "If he had been too serious a man he wouldn't have had such a following. "Nowadays though, the only thing that makes Italians laugh is when you say something good about Italy." The Guardian revdauphinee answered on 02/17/05: Psalms 2:4. The One enthroned in heaven laughs; If God can laugh and we are made in his image why cant we? paraclete rated this answer

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Choux asked on 02/16/05 - Plates of Gold What was written on the Mormon "Plates of Gold"? Was Joseph Smith the only person to see these plates? revdauphinee answered on 02/16/05: EVER HEAR THE EXPRESIOM pHONY MORONI??? Choux rated this answer paraclete rated this answer darkstar rated this answer ATON2 rated this answer

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hOPE12 asked on 02/16/05 - Sorry! Can someone tell me why when I post a quesiton it goes on the board twice or more then twice? Thanks, Hope12 Sorry Everyone, I don't know how this happens but if you do I will try to correct it. :0( revdauphinee answered on 02/16/05: it occasionaly happens to me also prob a slow computer (mine is) hOPE12 rated this answer

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hOPE12 asked on 02/16/05 - Politics and Jesus' Ministry Hello Experts: I notice a lot of posts about politics and faithfullness to the country one lives in. My question though is this: What did Jesus' Ministry and teachings tell us about politics and religion? Should we as Christians be mixing the two according to John 6:15, John 18:36, John 15:19?? Take care, Hope12 revdauphinee answered on 02/16/05: since both faith and politics are a part of my life I see no problem talking about either,untill he calls me home I have to live inthe world and how things affect me and mine do interest me! hOPE12 rated this answer

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arcura asked on 02/15/05 - Sharing is the Christian thing to do ............ I went to the drug story today for some meds. The druggist had this article on the healthiness of cinnamon. It's great - so thot I should share it. Cinnamon - A very good Health Food Although available throughout the year, the fragrant, sweet and warm taste of cinnamon is a perfect spice to use during the winter months. Cinnamon has a long history both as a spice and as a medicine. It is the brown bark of the cinnamon tree, which is available in its dried tubular form known as a quill or as ground powder. The two varieties of cinnamon, Chinese and Ceylon, have similar flavor, however the cinnamon from Ceylon is slightly sweeter, more refined and more difficult to find in local markets. Health Benefits Cinnamon�s unique healing abilities come from three basic types of components in the essential oils found in its bark. These oils contain active components called cinnamaldehyde, cinnamyl acetate, and cinnamyl alcohol, plus a wide range of other volatile substances. Anti-Clotting Actions Cinnamaldehyde (also called cinnamic aldehyde) has been well-researched for its effects on blood platelets. Platelets are constituents of blood that are meant to clump together under emergency circumstances (like physical injury) as a way to stop bleeding, but under normal circumstances, they can make blood flow inadequate if they clump together too much. The cinnaldehyde in cinnamon helps prevent unwanted clumping of blood platelets. (The way it accomplishes this health-protective act is by inhibiting the release of an inflammatory fatty acid called arachidonic acid from platelet membranes and reducing the formation of an inflammatory messaging molecule called thromboxane A2.) Cinnamon's ability to lower the release of arachidonic acid from cell membranes also puts it in the category of an �anti-inflammatory� food that can be helpful in lessening inflammation. Anti-Microbial Activity Cinnamon�s essential oils also qualify it as an �anti-microbial� food, and cinnamon has been studied for its ability to help stop the growth of bacteria as well as fungi, including the commonly problematic yeast Candida. In laboratory tests, growth of yeasts that were resistant to the commonly used anti-fungal medication fluconazole was often (though not always) stopped by cinnamon extracts. Cinnamon�s antimicrobial properties are so effective that recent research demonstrates this spice can be used as an alternative to traditional food preservatives. In a study, published in the August 2003 issue of the International Journal of Food Microbiology, the addition of just a few drops of cinnamon essential oil to 100 ml (approximately 3 ounces) of carrot broth, which was then refrigerated, inhibited the growth of the foodborne pathogenic Bacillus cereus for at least 60 days. When the broth was refrigerated without the addition of cinnamon oil, the pathogenic B. cereus flourished despite the cold temperature. In addition, researchers noted that the addition of cinnamon not only acted as an effective preservative but improved the flavor of the broth.(October 1, 2003) Blood Sugar Control Cinnamon may significantly help people with non-insulin dependent (Type 2) diabetes improve their ability to respond to insulin, thus normalizing their blood sugar levels. Both test tube and animal studies have shown that compounds in cinnamon not only stimulate insulin receptors, but also inhibit an enzyme that inactivates them, thus significantly increasing cells� ability to use glucose. Studies to confirm cinnamon�s beneficial actions in humans are currently underway with the most recent report coming from researchers from the US Agricultural Research Service, who have shown that less than half a teaspoon per day of cinnamon reduces blood sugar levels in persons with NIDDM. Their study included 60 Pakistani volunteers with NIDDM who were not taking insulin. Subjects were divided into six groups. For 40 days, groups 1, 2 and 3 were given 1, 3, or 6 grams per day of cinnamon while groups 4, 5 and 6 received placebo capsules. Even the lowest amount of cinnamon, 1 gram per day (approximately � to � teaspoon), produced an approximately 20% drop in blood sugar; cholesterol and triglycerides were lowered as well. When daily cinnamon was stopped, blood sugar levels began to increase. (December 30, 2003) Test tube, animal and human studies have all recently investigated cinnamon�s ability to improve insulin activity, and thus our cells� ability to absorb and use glucose from the blood. On going in vitro or test tube research conducted by Richard Anderson and his colleagues at the USDA Human Nutrition Research Center is providing new understanding of the mechanisms through which cinnamon enhances insulin activity. In their latest paper, published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, Anderson et al. characterize the insulin-enhancing complexes in cinnamon�a collection of catechin/epicatechin oligomers that increase the body�s insulin-dependent ability to use glucose roughly 20-fold.. Some scientists had been concerned about potentially toxic effects of regularly consuming cinnamon. This new research shows that the potentially toxic compounds in cinnamon bark are found primarily in the lipid (fat) soluble fractions and are present only at very low levels in water soluble cinnamon extracts, which are the ones with the insulin-enhancing compounds. A recent animal study demonstrating cinnamon�s beneficial effects on insulin activity appeared in the December 2003 issue of Diabetes Research and Clinical Practice. In this study, when rats were given a daily dose of cinnamon (300 mg per kilogram of body weight) for a 3 week period, their skeletal muscle was able to absorb 17% more blood sugar per minute compared to that of control rats, which had not received cinnamon, an increase researchers attributed to cinnamon�s enhancement of the muscle cells� insulin-signaling pathway. In humans with type 2 diabetes, consuming as little as 1 gram of cinnamon per day was found to reduce blood sugar, triglycerides, LDL (bad) cholesterol, and total cholesterol, in a study published in the December 2003 issue of Diabetes Care. The placebo-controlled study evaluated 60 people with type 2 diabetes (30 men and 30 women ranging in age from 44 to 58 years) who were divided into 6 groups. Groups 1, 2, and 3 were given 1, 3, or 6 grams of cinnamon daily, while groups 4, 5, and 6 received 1, 3 or 6 grams of placebo. After 40 days, all three levels of cinnamon reduced blood sugar levels by 18-29%, triglycerides 23-30%, LDL cholesterol 7-27%, and total cholesterol 12-26%, while no significant changes were seen in those groups receiving placebo. The researchers� conclusion: including cinnamon in the diet of people with type 2 diabetes will reduce risk factors associated with diabetes and cardiovascular diseases.(January 28, 2004) The latest research on cinnamon shows that by enhancing insulin signaling, cinnamon can prevent insulin resistance even in animals fed a high-fructose diet! A study published in the February 2004 issue of Hormone Metabolism Research showed that when rats fed a high-fructose diet were also given cinnamon extract, their ability to respond to and utilize glucose (blood sugar) was improved so much that it was the same as that of rats on a normal (control) diet. Cinnamon is so powerful an antioxidant that, when compared to six other antioxidant spices (anise, ginger, licorice, mint, nutmeg and vanilla) and the chemical food preservatives (BHA (butylated hydroxyanisole), BHT (butylated hydroxytoluene), and propyl gallate), cinnamon prevented oxidation more effectively than all the other spices (except mint) and the chemical antioxidants. (May 6, 2004) Cinnamon's Scent Boosts Brain Function Not only does consuming cinnamon improve the body�s ability to utilize blood sugar, but just smelling the wonderful odor of this sweet spice boosts brain activity! Research led by Dr. P. Zoladz and presented April 24, 2004, at the annual meeting of the Association for Chemoreception Sciences, in Sarasota, FL, found that chewing cinnamon flavored gum or just smelling cinnamon enhanced study participants� cognitive processing. Specifically, cinnamon improved participants� scores on tasks related to attentional processes, virtual recognition memory, working memory, and visual-motor speed while working on a computer-based program. Participants were exposed to four odorant conditions: no odor, peppermint odor, jasmine, and cinnamon, with cinnamon emerging the clear winner in producing positive effects on brain function. Encouraged by the results of these studies, researchers will be evaluating cinnamon�s potential for enhancing cognition in the elderly, individuals with test-anxiety, and possibly even patients with diseases that lead to cognitive decline. (May 9, 2004) Calcium and Fiber Improve Colon Health and Protect Against Heart Disease In addition to its unique essential oils, cinnamon is an excellent source of the trace mineral manganese and a very good source of dietary fiber, iron and calcium. The combination of calcium and fiber in cinnamon is important and can be helpful for the prevention of several different conditions. Both calcium and fiber can bind to bile salts and help remove them from the body. By removing bile, fiber helps to prevent the damage that certain bile salts can cause to colon cells, thereby reducing the risk of colon cancer. In addition, when bile is removed by fiber, the body must break down cholesterol in order to make new bile. This process can help to lower high cholesterol levels, which can be helpful in preventing atherosclerosis and heart disease. For sufferers of irritable bowel syndrome, the fiber in cinnamon may also provide relief from constipation or diarrhea. A Traditional Warming Remedy In addition to the active components in its essential oils and its nutrient composition, cinnamon has also been valued in energy-based medical systems, such as Traditional Chinese Medicine, for its warming qualities. In these traditions, cinnamon has been used to provide relief when faced with the onset of a cold or flu, especially when mixed in a tea with some fresh ginger. Description Cinnamon is the brown bark of the cinnamon tree, which when dried, rolls into a tubular form known as a quill. Cinnamon is available in either its whole quill form (cinnamon sticks) or as ground powder. While there are approximately one hundred varieties of Cinnamonum verum (the scientific name for cinnamon), Cinnamonum zeylanicum (Ceylon cinnamon) and Cinnamomun aromaticum (Chinese cinnamon) are the leading varieties consumed. Ceylon cinnamon is also referred to as �true cinnamon�, while the Chinese variety is known as �cassia�. While both are relatively similar in characteristics and both feature a fragrant, sweet and warm taste, the flavor of the Ceylon variety is more refined and subtle. Ceylon cinnamon is more rare in North America than the cassia, the less expensive variety, which is the most popular in the United States. History Cinnamon is one of the oldest spices known. It was mentioned in the Bible and was used in ancient Egypt not only as a beverage flavoring and medicine, but also as an embalming agent. It was so highly treasured that it was considered more precious than gold. Around this time, cinnamon also received much attention in China, which is reflected in its mention in one of the earliest books on Chinese botanical medicine, dated around 2,700 B.C. Cinnamon�s popularity continued throughout history. It became one of the most relied upon spices in Medieval Europe. Due to its demand, cinnamon became one of the first commodities traded regularly between the Near East and Europe. Ceylon cinnamon is produced in Sri Lanka, India, Madagascar, Brazil and the Caribbean, while cassia is mainly produced in China, Vietnam and Indonesia. How to Select and Store Cinnamon is available in either stick or powder form. While the sticks can be stored for longer, the ground powder has a stronger flavor. If possible, smell the cinnamon to make sure that it has a sweet smell, a characteristic reflecting that it is fresh. Oftentimes, both Ceylon cinnamon and Chinese cinnamon (cassia) are labeled as cinnamon. If you want to find the sweeter, more refined tasting Ceylon variety, you may need to shop in either a local spice store or ethnic market since this variety is generally less available. Just like with other dried spices, try to select organically grown cinnamon since this will give you more assurance that it has not been irradiated (among other potential adverse effects, irradiating cinnamon may lead to a significant decrease in its vitamin C and carotenoid content.) Cinnamon should be kept in a tightly sealed glass container in a cool, dark and dry place. Ground cinnamon will keep for about six months, while cinnamon sticks will stay fresh for about one year stored this way. Alternatively, you can extend their shelf life by storing them in the refrigerator. To check to see if it is still fresh, smell the cinnamon. If it does not smell sweet, it is no longer fresh and should be discarded. How to Enjoy For some of our favorite recipes, click Recipes. A Few Quick Serving Ideas: Enjoy one of the favorite kids� classics � cinnamon toast - with a healthy twist. Drizzle flax seed oil onto whole wheat toast and then sprinkle with cinnamon and honey. Simmer cinnamon sticks with soymilk and honey for a deliciously warming beverage. Adding ground cinnamon to black beans to be used in burritos or nachos will give them a uniquely delicious taste. Healthy saut� lamb with eggplant, raisins and cinnamon sticks to create a Middle Eastern inspired meal. Add ground cinnamon when preparing curries. Safety Cinnamon is not a commonly allergenic food, is not included in the list of 20 foods that most frequently contain pesticide residues, and is also not known to contain goitrogens, oxalates, or purines. revdauphinee answered on 02/16/05: Acura I for one thank you for this posting I can verify the help cinamon gives in maintaining good bloosd sugar in a diabetic since I was advised to use it several months ago and feel it has helped me (I have type 2 diabetes)If this article helps anyone suffering from diabetes it is a good posting so take no notrice to any nay sayers,help is always good! ATON2 rated this answer jeremy_hobbs rated this answer arcura rated this answer

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FormerJesusHelper76 asked on 02/15/05 - Learning! This is what I am learning. I have had run ins with certain experts in the past, we all have. When I brought it up what I thought I was told that I was wrong and should not mention anybody by name. So I now know what is the best thing to do. If there is an issue with anybody you try to deal with it one on one privatly first. Try to work it out instead of bringing other people into it. If eventually it does not work then bring it out in the open with others who know about the situation and clear it up and move on. Just to let everybody know that I think everybody on this board is important and everybody should be welcomed no matter their beliefs or opinions. Just because I may not agree with somebody or stand up for myself does not mean I am aligning with any group. We are all a family here. Like all families sometimes we do have our problems. We work them out and move on. We are are learning from each other and we all created by the same creator. We are all family. God bless everybody. I will agree and disagree at certain times depending on what happens or what is said. I will not hide. I will learn better to discern what to answer, what not to answer. Joe revdauphinee answered on 02/15/05: I agree wholeheartedly with you just because I may disagree does not mean im looking for a fight ,though it seems some folks do!I can disagree even with people I love dearly and I often do ask my kids!LOL Choux rated this answer FormerJesusHelper76 rated this answer jeremy_hobbs rated this answer Krewton rated this answer

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Bradd asked on 02/14/05 - Saladin - The Irish Saladin - why did you ask the question? You had a long answer all ready. What's your game? Both Paraclete and myself answered you, and we get this interminable thing that answers nothing. I'm only posting a new question here because no one in their right mind is going to wade through you to get to me and Paraclete. Much of what you said is simply not true. I especially liked the part about the Irish being "a gentle people". If ever a statement was bullshit condescending, that was it. Have you ever met an Irishman? One who would gladly move your nose to the other side of your noggin? Get off your high horse, you pompous ass! revdauphinee answered on 02/15/05: the posting prompt one to ask if you know why God created whiskey??? so the Irish couldnt rule the world! Bradd rated this answer Choux rated this answer ETWolverine rated this answer

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MaggieB asked on 02/14/05 - 10 things to celebrate Why I'm an anti-anti-American Cut and paste, yes, but this is the America that I believe in and love as Dinesh D'Souza has stated in the following long article! Your comments are welcome although I may not agree with them: The San Francisco Chronicle 10 things to celebrate Why I'm an anti-anti-American Dinesh D'Souza Sunday, June 29, 2003 America is under attack as never before -- not only from terrorists but also from people who provide a justification for terrorism. Islamic fundamentalists declare America the Great Satan. Europeans rail against American capitalism and American culture. South American activists denounce the United States for "neocolonialism" and oppression. Anti-Americanism from abroad would not be such a problem if Americans were united in standing up for their own country. But in this country itself, there are those who blame America for most of the evils in the world. On the political left, many fault the United States for a history of slavery, and for continuing inequality and racism. Even on the right, traditionally the home of patriotism, we hear influential figures say that America has become so decadent that we are "slouching towards Gomorrah." If these critics are right, then America should be destroyed. And who can dispute some of their particulars? This country did have a history of slavery and racism continues to exist. There is much in our culture that is vulgar and decadent. But the critics are wrong about America, because they are missing the big picture. In their indignation over the sins of America, they ignore what is unique and good about American civilization. As an immigrant who has chosen to become an American citizen, I feel especially qualified to say what is special about America. Having grown up in a different society -- in my case, Bombay, India -- I am not only able to identify aspects of America that are invisible to the natives, but I am acutely conscious of the daily blessings that I enjoy in America. Here, then, is my list of the 10 great things about America. -- America provides an amazingly good life for the ordinary guy. Rich people live well everywhere. But what distinguishes America is that it provides an impressively high standard of living for the "common man." We now live in a country where construction workers regularly pay $4 for a nonfat latte, where maids drive nice cars and where plumbers take their families on vacation to Europe. Indeed, newcomers to the United States are struck by the amenities enjoyed by "poor" people. This fact was dramatized in the 1980s when CBS television broadcast a documentary, "People Like Us," intended to show the miseries of the poor during an ongoing recession. The Soviet Union also broadcast the documentary, with a view to embarrassing the Reagan administration. But by the testimony of former Soviet leaders, it had the opposite effect. Ordinary people across the Soviet Union saw that the poorest Americans have TV sets, microwave ovens and cars. They arrived at the same perception that I witnessed in an acquaintance of mine from Bombay who has been unsuccessfully trying to move to the United States. I asked him, "Why are you so eager to come to America?" He replied, "I really want to live in a country where the poor people are fat." -- America offers more opportunity and social mobility than any other country, including the countries of Europe. America is the only country that has created a population of "self-made tycoons." Only in America could Pierre Omidyar, whose parents are Iranian and who grew up in Paris, have started a company like eBay. Only in America could Vinod Khosla, the son of an Indian army officer, become a leading venture capitalist, the shaper of the technology industry, and a billionaire to boot. Admittedly tycoons are not typical, but no country has created a better ladder than America for people to ascend from modest circumstances to success. -- Work and trade are respectable in America. Historically most cultures have despised the merchant and the laborer, regarding the former as vile and corrupt and the latter as degraded and vulgar. Some cultures, such as that of ancient Greece and medieval Islam, even held that it is better to acquire things through plunder than through trade or contract labor. But the American founders altered this moral hierarchy. They established a society in which the life of the businessman, and of the people who worked for him, would be a noble calling. In the American view, there is nothing vile or degraded about serving your customers either as a CEO or as a waiter. The ordinary life of production and supporting a family is more highly valued in the United States than in any other country. America is the only country in the world where we call the waiter "sir," as if he were a knight. -- America has achieved greater social equality than any other society. True, there are large inequalities of income and wealth in America. In purely economic terms, Europe is more egalitarian. But Americans are socially more equal than any other people, and this is unaffected by economic disparities. Alexis de Tocqueville noticed this egalitarianism a century and a half ago and it is, if anything, more prevalent today. For all his riches, Bill Gates could not approach the typical American and say, "Here's a $100 bill. I'll give it to you if you kiss my feet." Most likely, the person would tell Gates to go to hell! The American view is that the rich guy may have more money, but he isn't in any fundamental sense better than anyone else. -- People live longer, fuller lives in America. Although protesters rail against the American version of technological capitalism at trade meetings around the world, in reality the American system has given citizens many more years of life, and the means to live more intensely and actively. In 1900, the life expectancy in America was around 50 years; today, it is more than 75 years. Advances in medicine and agriculture are mainly responsible for the change. This extension of the life span means more years to enjoy life, more free time to devote to a good cause, and more occasions to do things with the grandchildren. In many countries, people who are old seem to have nothing to do: they just wait to die. In America the old are incredibly vigorous, and people in their seventies pursue the pleasures of life, including remarriage and sexual gratification, with a zeal that I find unnerving. -- In America the destiny of the young is not given to them, but created by them. Not long ago, I asked myself, "What would my life have been like if I had never come to the United States?" If I had remained in India, I would probably have lived my whole life within a five-mile radius of where I was born. I would undoubtedly have married a woman of my identical religious and socioeconomic background. I would almost certainly have become a medical doctor, or an engineer, or a computer programmer. I would have socialized entirely within my ethic community. I would have a whole set of opinions that could be predicted in advance; indeed, they would not be very different from what my father believed, or his father before him. In sum, my destiny would to a large degree have been given to me. In America, I have seen my life take a radically different course. In college I became interested in literature and politics, and I resolved to make a career as a writer. I married a woman whose ancestry is English, French, Scotch-Irish, German and American Indian. In my twenties I found myself working as a policy analyst in the White House, even though I was not an American citizen. No other country, I am sure, would have permitted a foreigner to work in its inner citadel of government. In most countries in the world, your fate and your identity are handed to you; in America, you determine them for yourself. America is a country where you get to write the script of your own life. Your life is like a blank sheet of paper, and you are the artist. This notion of being the architect of your own destiny is the incredibly powerful idea that is behind the worldwide appeal of America. Young people especially find irresistible the prospect of authoring the narrative of their own lives. -- America has gone further than any other society in establishing equality of rights. There is nothing distinctively American about slavery or bigotry. Slavery has existed in virtually every culture, and xenophobia, prejudice and discrimination are worldwide phenomena. Western civilization is the only civilization to mount a principled campaign against slavery; no country expended more treasure and blood to get rid of slavery than the United States. While racism remains a problem, this country has made strenuous efforts to eradicate discrimination, even to the extent of enacting policies that give legal preference in university admissions, jobs, and government contracts to members of minority groups. Such policies remain controversial, but the point is that it is extremely unlikely that a racist society would have permitted such policies in the first place. And surely African Americans like Jesse Jackson are vastly better off living in America than they would be if they were to live in, say, Ethiopia or Somalia. -- America has found a solution to the problem of religious and ethnic conflict that continues to divide and terrorize much of the world. Visitors to places like New York are amazed to see the way in which Serbs and Croatians, Sikhs and Hindus, Irish Catholics and Irish Protestants, Jews and Palestinians, all seem to work and live together in harmony. How is this possible when these same groups are spearing each other and burning each other's homes in so many places in the world? The American answer is twofold. First, separate the spheres of religion and government so that no religion is given official preference but all are free to practice their faith as they wish. Second, do not extend rights to racial or ethnic groups but only to individuals; in this way, all are equal in the eyes of the law, opportunity is open to anyone who can take advantage of it, and everybody who embraces the American way of life can "become American." Of course there are exceptions to these core principles, even in America. Racial preferences are one such exception, which explains why they are controversial. But in general, America is the only country in the world that extends full membership to outsiders. The typical American could come to India, live for 40 years, and take Indian citizenship. But he could not "become Indian." He wouldn't see himself that way, nor would most Indians see him that way. In America, by contrast, hundreds of millions have come from far-flung shores and over time they, or at least their children, have in a profound and full sense "become American." -- America has the kindest, gentlest foreign policy of any great power in world history. Critics of the United States are likely to react to this truth with sputtering outrage. They will point to long-standing American support for a Latin or Middle Eastern despot, or the unjust internment of the Japanese during World War II, or America's reluctance to impose sanctions on South Africa's apartheid regime. However one feels about these particular cases, let us concede to the critics the point that America is not always in the right. What the critics leave out is the other side of the ledger. Twice in the 20th century, the United States saved the world -- first from the Nazi threat, then from Soviet totalitarianism. What would have been the world's fate if America had not existed? After destroying Germany and Japan in World War II, the United States proceeded to rebuild both countries, and today they are American allies. Now we are doing the same thing in Afghanistan and Iraq. Consider, too, how magnanimous the United States has been to the former Soviet Union after its victory in the Cold War. For the most part America is an abstaining superpower; it shows no real interest in conquering and subjugating the rest of the world. (Imagine how the Soviets would have acted if they had won the Cold War.) On occasion the United States intervenes to overthrow a tyrannical regime or to halt massive human rights abuses in another country, but it never stays to rule that country. In Grenada, Haiti and Bosnia, the United States got in and then it got out. Moreover, when America does get into a war, as in Iraq, its troops are supremely careful to avoid targeting civilians and to minimize collateral damage. Even as America bombed the Taliban infrastructure and hideouts, U.S. planes dropped food to avert hardship and starvation of Afghan civilians. What other country does these things? -- America, the freest nation on Earth, is also the most virtuous nation on Earth. This point seems counterintuitive, given the amount of conspicuous vulgarity, vice and immorality in America. Some Islamic fundamentalists argue that their regimes are morally superior to the United States because they seek to foster virtue among the citizens. Virtue, these fundamentalists argue, is a higher principle than liberty. Indeed it is. And let us admit that in a free society, freedom will frequently be used badly. Freedom, by definition, includes the freedom to do good or evil, to act nobly or basely. But if freedom brings out the worst in people, it also brings out the best. The millions of Americans who live decent, praiseworthy lives desire our highest admiration because they have opted for the good when the good is not the only available option. Even amid the temptations of a rich and free society, they have remained on the straight path. Their virtue has special luster because it is freely chosen. By contrast, the societies that many Islamic fundamentalists seek would eliminate the possibility of virtue. If the supply of virtue is insufficient in a free society like America, it is almost nonexistent in an unfree society like Iran's. The reason is that coerced virtues are not virtues at all. Consider the woman who is required to wear a veil. There is no modesty in this, because she is being compelled. Compulsion cannot produce virtue, it can only produce the outward semblance of virtue. Thus a free society like America's is not merely more prosperous, more varied, more peaceful, and more tolerant -- it is also morally superior to the theocratic and authoritarian regimes that America's enemies advocate. "To make us love our country," Edmund Burke once said, "our country ought to be lovely." Burke's point is that we should love our country not just because it is ours, but also because it is good. America is far from perfect, and there is lots of room for improvement. In spite of its flaws, however, American life as it is lived today is the best life that our world has to offer. Ultimately America is worthy of our love and sacrifice because, more than any other society, it makes possible the good life, and the life that is good. Dinesh D'Souza's "What's So Great About America" has just been published in paperback by Penguin Books. He is the Rishwain Fellow at the Hoover Institution at Stanford University. revdauphinee answered on 02/15/05: I also love America but recently recieved an answer that I took offense to, was I wrong to ?? from Saladin ( Well, Dottie, So you like everything about America and you don't want to change a thing! You are happy with: - gang violence - the drug scene, - homosexual marriage, - the rise of atheism, - the reduction in the quality of education, - lower spending on assistance to the poor, - the increasing cost of Medicare for fewer benefits, - the rising tide of the unemployed, - the daily deaths of US soldiers in Iraq, - the possibility of US invading Iran, N Korea, Saudai Arabia, Egypt, Lebanons, Syria, etc., - the Mafia, - graft and corruption among politicians, - the high murder rate, - the rate of child sexual abuse, - the rise in domestic violence, etc., etc., etc. Listenhard! If you koive a country, you do not run away with your tail between your legs. You stay and dop all you can to make it better. If you think that AZmerica is eityher thje gretest dmeocracy in the world, or that it has no probl;ems, then you need to open your eyes and educate yourself about what is going on aorund you and in the rest of the world. I resent your continual accusatin that I hate America. I DO NOT! But neityher do I beleive that it is the nearest place to heaven on erath. I do not believe that the USA has no problems, and neither do the vast majority of Americans. If you do, then you must live in a cocooned world where news from the nextgouses to you do not reacdh you, or else it is filtered to keep is 'safe' for you to hear lest your sensitivities are offended at hearing that America is not the paradiose that you have painted it, and your dream crumbles under the weight of reality. If you are fortunate enough to deceive yourself so completely that you can find no fault in this nation, then your delusion is cokmplete and the harsh shafts and torubles of real life will never touch you. kindj rated this answer MaggieB rated this answer FormerJesusHelper76 rated this answer ATON2 rated this answer

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CeeBee asked on 02/14/05 - They (whoever "they" is) say confession is good for the soul. I have returned to say I'm sorry for leaving so abruptly. I also want to exonerate Bradd; he did not offend me. I was the one who had offended someone with one of my posts. This has now been resolved; I have been forgiven by that person. After I had thrown my brownie-batter-stained, red gingham-checked apron over my head and disappeared off this board, Bradd, who knew what was going on, tried with a humorous post to allay worries and concerns about me. Thank you for reading this. After being an expert here on Answerway for over two years, I'm glad to be back. revdauphinee answered on 02/14/05: glad to have you back! ATON2 rated this answer CeeBee rated this answer

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arcura asked on 02/14/05 - Ok Ronnie, I've got to try it................... I've looked but cannot find Marmite in the super markets around here. It is in health food stores? Maybe I'm looking in the wrong place. Is it in the refrierated or frozen foods section? I didn't look there. Where please where? Thanks, Fred revdauphinee answered on 02/14/05: there are several on line sites to get this i(why one would want to (its awfull)is beyond me)do a search fro british foods! arcura rated this answer Pete_Hanysz rated this answer

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Saladin asked on 02/13/05 - More on Ward Churchill ... Seeing the brouhaha widen, I took myself to the web to figure out the context of the Eichmann story and see if the ocntext gave a different meaning other than the direct human one about the Philipino at the WTC. I noted that Churchill did not individualise his statement, but used it as a telling metaphor. I find it odd (Do I? No, not really), that his detractors have not taken the context of what he said into account and seen the connection he draws. It is also odd, that the howling right (pardon me, for being outspoken, but I am a freeman) did not pick up on Ann Coulter's wish that Timothy McVeigh did not choose to blast the Times Building in New York and its employees into smithereens. Why is she being spared? Anyway, some questions will always go unanswered, and that's American politics. I didn't make it that way. It was like that when I arrived. Thanks a bunch! Read this I pray thee: =================================================== Killing the Messenger: Ward Churchill�s Sins Against the Empire By Steven Best �The gross distortions of what I actually said can only be viewed as an attempt to distract the public from the real issues at hand and to further stifle freedom of speech and academic debate in this country.� -Ward Churchill Academic free speech and the First Amendment once again are under intense fire in the midst of a political and mass media witch hunt on Ward Churchill, Professor of Ethnic Studies at the University of Colorado, Boulder. The controversy erupted over objection to Churchill�s participation on a panel at Hamilton College in upstate New York once a controversial essay he published on the Internet the day after 9-11, entitled �Some People Push Back: On the Justice of Roosting Chickens,� was unearthed and transformed into fodder for a lurid media spectacle. Churchill was tarred and feathered as demands for termination of his tenured position grew to a roar. The attack shifted from the words of his essay to the body of his writings and even to scrutiny of his professed Indian heritage. It immediately became clear that the Right was hunting far larger game than just a radical critic of US imperialism named Ward Churchill. They were exploiting the controversy in an effort to advance their ongoing Culture Wars whereby they seek to demolish free speech rights, liberal and left values, and the academic tenure system which in their view protects an army of crazed radicals corrupting the minds of youth. Churchill�s essay argued that 9-11 was inevitable blowback in response to US global terrorism and imperialist policies against Islamic nations. Harking back to Malcolm X�s quip that the assassination of President Kennedy was an example of �chickens coming home to roost,� such that leaders of a violent system themselves are victims of violence, Churchill applied the same analogy to the US system as a whole. According to Churchill, 9-11 was the long-delayed but inexorable moment when the US paid a small fraction of the political costs it has incurred in its ruthless assault on nations and peoples around the globe. Churchill emphasized that unless it drastically changes its imperialist policies, the US will be struck again, likely in a bigger and more destructive way. Churchill underscored the contradictions and hypocrisies in the thinking of the US government and citizenry, whereby the nation mourns the victims of the September 11 attacks, but sheds no tears for: the half million children killed in the US economic blockade of Iraq during the 1990s, the 100,000 innocent citizens killed in the US bombing and invasion of Iraq, or the countless others who died as a result of US invasions of: Grenada, Panama, Nicaragua, Chile, East Timor, and elsewhere. The nation condemns 9-11 as a heinous act, but it is no less despicable than the terrorist violence the US directs against peoples throughout the globe. One can read similar critiques of US imperialism in Left critics such as Noam Chomsky, but Chomsky is ignored not demonized. So why the national furor over Ward Churchill? Whereas Chomsky condemned 9-11 and viewed it as a terrorist attack, Churchill argued that the World Trade Center, like the Pentagon, was a military not a civilian target, and thus flying planes into the twin towers was not an act of terrorism. In imprecise language at best, Churchill declared that the 2,977 people killed in the �sterile sanctuary of the twin towers� were not innocent victims, but rather �little Eichmanns.� Without nuance or qualification, Churchill argued that those killed in the World Trade Center were as culpable for US violence as top Nazi bureaucrat Adolf Eichmann was for Hitler�s �final solution.� In his now infamous words, Churchill said, �those in the World Trade Center ... were civilians of a sort. But innocent? Gimme a break. They formed a technocratic corps at the very heart of America�s global financial empire�the �mighty engine of profit� to which the military dimension of U.S. policy has always been enslaved�and they did so both willingly and knowingly.� Electronic Lynching and Right-Wing Jihad Churchill�s essay was flawed in numerous senses and was sharply criticized by critics from both the Right and the Left. Churchill rightly condemned the barbaric history of US imperialism, but he offered no critique of fundamentalist Islamic movements rooted in fanaticism, intolerance, and violence. He failed to articulate the fundamental differences between two forms of opposition to US policy: 1. a secular, pro-modern Left critique that is progressive, emancipatory, and radically democratic, and 2. an atavistic, fundamentalist, anti-modern critique that is reactionary, theocratic, puritanical, and repressive. Numerous liberals and Leftists have defended Churchill�s First Amendment rights, while offering more thoughtful and nuanced analyses of 9-11 attentive to these distinctions. The critique from the Right went far beyond addressing the substance of Churchill�s essay, however, to launch vicious ad hominem attacks on his character and ethnic background, to distort his intention and meaning, and to demand that he be fired from a tenured position designed to protect academics from ideological persecution. Conservative politicians and media pundits demonized Churchill as a �madman� and �cheerleader for terrorists� who spews vile �hate speech� tantamount to treason. Gleefully pouncing on their favorite target�the alleged hegemony of the �academic Left� (an absurd myth as any vulnerable and marginalized progressive professor can attest to)�right-wing pundits like Bill O�Reilly, Rush Limbaugh, and Joe Scarborough exhorted their benighted media flocks to flood Hamilton College, the University of Colorado, and Colorado politicians with vociferous letters of complaint demanding that Churchill be fired. Right-wing pundits whipped up such an Orwellian hate fest that Churchill received 140 death threats within a four-day period after the story broke on national media. Politicians eagerly took the bit to promote their Culture War against liberal and left values. Along with a bevy of republican and democrat state lawmakers, Colorado Governor Bill Owens excoriated Churchill and demanded termination of his tenure. The Colorado House of Representatives released a Joint Resolution in support of the 9-11 victims� families and vilified Churchill for striking �an evil and inflammatory blow against America�s healing process.� Within the Colorado university community, reaction was mixed. Outraged Board of Regent members such as Tom Lucern demanded that Churchill be fired. The Board held a special meeting on February 3rd to determine his fate, and decided to postpone the decision for a month while they scrutinize every word he has written. The interim chancellor at Colorado University and Boulder Faculty Assembly declared Churchill�s ideas to be �repugnant,� �offensive,� and �odious,� but nonetheless supported his right to express them, while his colleagues in the Ethnic Studies department provided �full and unconditional support� for his free speech rights. While College Republicans denounced Churchill and organized a petition drive for his dismissal, student supporters denounced the furor as a McCarthyesque witch hunt engineered to silence a progressive member of their community. Showing logical fidelity to their philosophy of freedom, some College Republicans chastised their right-wing peers and formed the organization Republicans for Churchill in support of his First Amendment rights. As the mob�s furor grew, the American Union of University Professors and the American Civil Liberties Union came out strongly in favor of controversial speech and Churchill�s First Amendment rights. Free Speech�Except for You Churchill�s critics from the Right apparently never read his essay, or if they bothered have seriously misinterpreted it. A cursory reading of �Some People Push Back� reveals that Churchill was not applauding the 9-11 attacks. Rather, as he clarified in a written statement after the media frenzy broke, he was �simply pointing out that if U.S. foreign policy results in massive death and destruction abroad, we cannot feign innocence when some of that destruction is returned.� Churchill insists that he �never said that people `should� engage in armed attacks on the United States, but that such attacks are a natural and unavoidable consequence of unlawful U.S. policy.� Churchill insists that his real point was that �if we want an end to violence, especially that perpetrated against civilians, we must take the responsibility for halting the slaughter perpetrated by the United States around the world.� Whereas Bush is perpetuating his violent policies in Iraq and doing everything he can to increase rather than lessen terrorism around the world and against the US, Churchill was arguing that if the US government and citizenry truly want peace, then they must end the violence against the victims of US ambition and aggression. Nowhere in his essay does Churchill advocate violence against anyone, and nothing in his analysis falls outside of the range of constitutionally protected speech. The fatwas demanding his termination are baseless. To give an example of a tendentious and decontextualized misreading of Churchill, consider his statement from an April 2004 interview in Satya magazine where he stated that �More 9-11s are needed.� Glibly interpreting this statement in a vacuum, the fulminating pundit could easily uphold Churchill as pro-terrorism and anti-American. Read in its proper context, however, it is clear that Churchill is only saying that it may take more 9-11s before the American people wake up to the real causes of such attacks and realize if they want peace they have to promote justice. As of yet, there has been no serious debate of the various causes of 9-11 and the American people apparently learned little but how to revert to a blind jingoism. The methodology of Churchill�s persecutors is to seize on the inflammatory sound bite about little Eichmanns, pump it up into alleged �hate speech� against America, and scrub it from its context where he analyzes some of the root causes of terrorist attacks against the US. The doublespeak strategy of Churchill�s right-wing critics is to affirm his right to free speech, but then argue that it doesn�t apply to him because (1) taxpayers fund his position and (2) he is incompetent, morally irresponsible, and lacks integrity. The first argument is wholly nonsensical. Taxpayers might have the right to ensure that those people whose occupations they pay for do their job, but they do not have the right to enforce the content of their speech and thought. A professor is doing his or her job when the professor publishes and teaches students in a professional and responsible way. The terms �professional and responsible� do not mean that the professor holds no views of his or her own, even controversial and radical ones, but rather that the professor respects the students� own views and fosters critical thinking and learning processes within the classroom. As Ward Churchill is a prolific writer who is immensely popular with his students, there seems to be no credible case to assail him for being unprofessional or irresponsible. Such a charge would have to be substantiated on the evidence of his meeting professional teaching standards, and not on his political views and writings. Moreover, who are these �taxpayers� conservatives insist that professors like Churchill are so beholden to? There is no monolithic bloc of people against or for someone like Churchill. Some taxpayers are conservatives who would detest his views and support his dismissal, but others are liberals and radicals who defend his views and his right to state them. I am a professor and taxpayer in Texas and unavoidably fund viewpoints and research projects with which I strongly disagree. But I am under no illusion that I have a right to tell other professors and state employees what to say or to silence them when I disagree. The second argument is agreeable in principle, but applying it to Churchill smacks of academic fascism. Among the most vocal of Churchill�s opponents is Colorado Governor Bill Owens. Reveling in the media spotlight, Owens has lost no opportunity to defame Churchill on every level. Appearing more frequently on national TV than Viagra commercials, Owens argues that Churchill should be fired from his tenured position because he is �incompetent� as a scholar and teacher and �lacks integrity� as a human being. Although tenure grants a professor permanent job status, a professor can nonetheless be fired for things such as criminal activity, sexual harassment, plagiarism, or incompetence. Except within the boundaries of following professional academic rules and social laws, the concept of �integrity� is not directly applicable to assessing whether or not a professor should keep a position. No doubt, universities employ professors who are liars, alcoholics, drug addicts, poor parents, and so on, but their faults as persons and �lack of integrity� have no direct relevance to their academic job performance. Owens and other persecutors see Churchill�s radicalism not as a valid political position but rather as a fatal character flaw (as they no doubt would like to see a uniform America devoid of dissent) that warrants termination from his tenured position. But this politicization of moral categories is as arbitrary as it is repressive. Similarly, the concept of �incompetence� certainly is vague and open to conflicting interpretations. If a professor plagiarized his or her work or lacked rudimentary knowledge and skills in his or her field, he or she could rightly be declared as incompetent and justly fired. Unfortunately, many tenured professors are horrible teachers and never publish or keep up with the research in their field. Such professors might justifiably be branded as incompetent, although, for better or worse, they are protected by the tenure system. But those who brand a productive scholar and inspiring teacher like Ward Churchill as incompetent because he made controversial or �offensive� Constitutionally protected remarks reveal nothing but their own political motivations and incompetence as citizens who should be cognizant of First Amendment rights. As Governor of Colorado, Bill Owens took an oath to protect the Constitution. By persecuting Ward Churchill for an essay he wrote under the protection of the Constitution, Owen reveals his own incompetence and lack of integrity as a governor and shows himself to be the one who should be fired from his job. Churchill�s critics self-destruct in their own contradictions. It is a blatant inconsistency for someone to say that they support the First Amendment, but then want to punish someone for exercising First Amendment rights for ideas that they do not like. Whereas Churchill has said nothing that amounts to hate speech, his vituperators routinely spew hate speech against him in the national media. Being a critical and independent thinker rather than a Pavlovian jingoist, Churchill exemplifies what it is to be an American, whereas those trying to silence him and trample on his constitutional rights shame themselves as the real anti-Americans traitors. The First Amendment equally protects morally �responsible� and �irresponsible� speech, and the Bill Owens and Pat Buchanans of the world are not God-like enough to set the standards of speech for all. The hysterical attack on Churchill eerily evokes the tyranny of the McCarthy era where acts were blacklisted and professors were fired for having even liberal views or showing dissent against state repression. It demonstrates the repressive and hegemonic logic of �US democracy� whereby elites and mass media establish and police the parameters of acceptable discourse. Churchill has become America�s own Salman Rushdie terrorized by the fatwa of the Right. Clarifying Churchill It is not a matter of defending Churchill�s views or not, but rather of separating a few objectionable or poorly worded statements (in his hastily written essay) from a political context that gives a legitimate critique of US imperialism. Churchill wrongly viewed the World Trade Center as a military target and absurdly judged everyone killed in the twin towers as �little Eichmanns.� Unlike the October 2002 attack on the USS Cole and perhaps even the 9-11 strike against the Pentagon, flying fully loaded passenger planes into the World Trade Center was a textbook example of terrorism which involves causing physical injury or death (�violence�) to innocent people (�non-combatants�) to further an ideological cause. Those killed in the twin towers included members of the US military and intelligence agencies directly involved in US imperialism, in addition to men, women, and children who had nothing to do with the military and at best were remotely connected to the US war machine. Churchill indiscriminately labeled every victim a �little Eichmann� to advance the following fallacious argument: (1) social systems of violence and aggression like Nazi Germany cannot run efficiently without the support of bureaucrats and functionaries like Adolph Eichmann; (2) everyone in the WTC worked for the US military or financial regime in some manner, therefore (3) they are all equally as culpable as Eichmann. The problem with the argument clearly lies in the totalizing term �equally,� the universalization of guilt and blame for US policies, and the untheorized and overly broad interpretation of �non-combatants.� In a strict sense, any citizen of the US, any taxpayer, contributes to the nation�s imperialist and genocidal policies. No one is perfectly pure, innocent, or outside the system�including well-paid, anti-imperialist Colorado Ethnic Studies professors who pay taxes and work for the State. But they do not equally serve the war machine, either in their occupational capacities or in their knowledge about US policies and how their work may potentially serve those ends. Unlike the majority or perhaps all of the victims who perished in the twin towers, Eichmann played a direct, not indirect, role in the Nazi bureaucracy and he had immediate, not dim, knowledge of his role. To see everyone from Bush and Rumsfeld to twin tower janitors, tourists, and passersby as equally culpable combatants is to abandon all powers of moral and logical discrimination. Left unqualified, Churchill�s words can be read as an endorsement of terrorism and mass murder; thus, they had obvious inflammatory potential that the Right exploited to full advantage to launch a new round of Culture Wars. Whereas Churchill�s ultimate meaning was not always clear in the brevity and rhetoric of his original essay, in a subsequent statement he has attempted to clarify his view and prevent further misunderstanding of many points that were easily misunderstood. Churchill insists he used the �little Eichmanns� epithet to apply only to the �technicians� who, like Eichmann, did not directly kill people but kept the infrastructure of the killing machine working smoothly. �Thus,� he says, �it was obviously not directed to the children, janitors, food service workers, firemen and random passers-by killed in the 9-11 attack.� Whether clarifying or back-peddling, the more limited application remains inaccurate to the extent that the US is not killing its own citizens as German Nazis were, its genocidal policies unfold abroad rather than in at home or bordering countries, and unlike Eichmann US technocrats may be genuinely oblivious to the violent nature of the system for which they work Right-Wing Nation �The �Ward Churchill controversy� should not have become a blip on the conservative blogs, let alone a national media story as prominent as the Michael Jackson trial for two weeks. As a part of their ongoing culture wars, the right has vociferously attacked Churchill in order to advance large agendas that include their hostility to radical ideas, the �academic Left,� liberal values, and free speech. The Churchill controversy will soon be resolved one way or the other, but the Right will undoubtedly continue to exploit the issue to go after its real targets: �liberal� or �left� academia and the tenure system that protects free (read: radical) speech. It is no exaggeration to say that within the second act of the reign of Bush, US society has entered a neo-McCarthyist period based on militant hostility to progressive values. Under the guise of a �war of terror,� Bush has initiated a war on democracy. The Patriot Act; the hysterical reaction to Janet Jackson�s �wardrobe malfunction�; FCC attacks on �obscenity� in the media; assaults on gay rights; state surveillance of and repression against animal rights, environmental, and anti-war activists; drives to overturn Roe v. Wade; and now the campaign to fire Churchill are some indications of a frightening turn toward tyranny, puritanical restriction, and repression. The Right has a heart attack over Churchill�s essay, but there was no outrage or talk of firing when the media aired the shocking remarks of three star marine general James Mattis, who commanded Marine expeditions in Afghanistan and Iraq. Before a panel audience in San Diego, Mattis said of Iraqi citizens: �Actually it�s quite fun to fight them, you know. It�s a hell of a hoot. It�s fun to shoot some people.� Similarly, Alberto Gonzalez, the close friend of Bush and attorney who drafted the policies justifying torture of Iraqi prisoners at Abu Ghraib and elsewhere, not only was not fired for his callous violations of international law and humanitarian policies, he was promoted to the highest legal office in the land, Attorney General. And where is the rabid reaction to snarling pro-violence right-wing commentator Ann Coulter whenever she spouts inanities such as, �My only regret with Timothy McVeigh is he did not go to the New York Times Building�? Churchill�s essay made numerous important points and this country ignores him at its own peril. For his logical transgressions Churchill can be publicly criticized, but they do not warrant being drawn and quartered and losing a tenured position for exercising First Amendment rights. Churchill�s fate will be decided soon enough, but the demise of the Constitution will take a bit longer and will depend on how citizens respond to cases such as this. ------------------------------------------------------- Author, Dr. Steven Best, who is the chair of philosophy at the University of Texas at El Paso. His latest book, co-edited with Anthony J. Nocella, is Terrorists or Freedom Fighters: Reflections on the Liberation of Animals. ======================================================= That is the best essay I have read on the subject, and I agree that the US people and Constitution are under greater threat from the right wing than they are from liberal-minded people who seek justice and liberty for all. Happy Saint Valentines Day :) Ronnie revdauphinee answered on 02/13/05: one can only ask if you dislike America and her policies why you stay here ??I stay cause I think it the greatest place in the world if I didnt id leave! 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arcura asked on 02/13/05 - Main stream media claims that France is a Catholic County. Is it? What do you think? Recently Zenit.org reported that less than 50% of French children are baptized and 12% of French Catholics practice their faith, states the 2005 Guide to the Catholic Church in France. Of the 295,882 civil marriages that took place in France in 2001, less than half, 118,087 married in the Church, down from 137,567 in 1992. Mixed marriages accounted for 12% of all marriages. Approximately 62% of the French are Catholic. But, of these, 12% practice their religion regularly and 15% sporadically. Also, there are twice as many Muslims than Protestants and Jews combined - 6% are Muslim, 2% Protestant and 1% Jewish. Interesting, Eh? revdauphinee answered on 02/13/05: I was raised in Europe and none of the countries they do much in religious practice.someone made a comment that america is not christian however when compared to other countries she is most definatly a Christian nation! arcura rated this answer

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darkstar asked on 02/13/05 - safer enviornment i sure miss ceebee and it seems most of us here at aw are begining to starve to dead without all the goodies ceebee always brought to the board. and it seems things have quieted down alittle; the offenders seemed to have crawled back to their rocks to hide under. so i hope you are well ceebee and aw just isn't the same without you. does anyone know, is ceebee sick? or just missing in action? darkstar revdauphinee answered on 02/13/05: Its when it Is quiet I worry the most could it be the calm before the storm???LOL Calminthestorm04 rated this answer darkstar rated this answer Bradd rated this answer Choux rated this answer ATON2 rated this answer

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FormerJesusHelper76 asked on 02/13/05 - Miracles! What miracles have you heard of or experianced in your life? Some people do not believe in miracles! Why do you think this is? When miracles happen around us in our daily lives everyday? Miracle to me is being able to wake up daily. To be alive is a miracle. Seeing other people, family, friends, interact on a daily basis. Seeing how far people will go to rescue and save a stranger. There are so many miracles I can mention. It seems to me it is all in how your outlook in life is. Do you believe? Joe revdauphinee answered on 02/13/05: At my age and in my health I concider each day a miracle! FormerJesusHelper76 rated this answer

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FormerJesusHelper76 asked on 02/13/05 - Bible classes in school! Education Parents challenge weekly Bible classes Saturday, February 12, 2005 Posted: 6:19 PM EST (2319 GMT) Image Jack Hinton helps third graders Brian Smith, left, and Noah Balsley during their religious education class. STAUNTON, Virginia (AP) -- When Heather and Logan Ward's son entered public kindergarten this fall, they were shocked to discover that pupils were taken from class to a nearby church for weekly Bible lessons. The Wards moved to Virginia's Shenandoah Valley from New York four years ago, and were unaware of the tradition that has remained in Staunton and other rural schools for more than 60 years. "My reaction is exactly like the reaction of those who come here from a different place -- shock and disbelief that we have Bible classes in public schools," Heather Ward said. Now the Wards and other parents are asking the school board to eliminate or modify the program, which shuttles first-, second- and third-graders to churches during class time for voluntary half-hour Christian lessons and activities. But the would-be reformers have run into staunch resistance. More than 400 people showed up to weigh in on the issue at a contentious school board meeting in December, and more than 1,000 signed a petition urging the school board to keep the classes. The six-member school board is scheduled to decide the issue Monday. Jack Hinton, president of the local private group that offers the lessons, attributes the opposition to a small minority, many of them newcomers to the valley. Without religious classes, he said, "kids get into trouble and have no moral structure on which to combat drugs, sex, pornography and all that." But many opponents are Staunton natives. They argue that children who opt out are stigmatized and have little to do while their classmates are in Bible classes, taking away precious time for academics in the age of standardized testing. The Bible classes began in Virginia in 1929 after a majority of students failed a simple Bible test. The lessons were conducted inside public school classrooms until 1948, when the Supreme Court ruled that the lessons violated the principle of separation of church and state. A few years later, the court revisited the issue and approved classes held away from school premises. Most towns have done away with the classes, but the 20 school divisions that have kept the classes generally stretch along Interstate 81 in western Virginia, known to some as the state's "Bible Belt." In the Staunton area, more than 80 percent of first-, second- and third-graders participate. "The people in those communities still have strong Christian faith and want their children to learn this," said JoAnne Shirley, state director of Weekday Religious Education, the private group that offers the lessons. Although no lawsuits have been filed, the local chapter of the group has hired a lawyer, Gil Davis, who once represented Paula Jones in her sexual harassment lawsuit against President Clinton. The group also is working with the Rutherford Institute, a Charlottesville center that defends Christian rights. Rutherford President John Whitehead said the classes "are wholly consistent with the First Amendment and this nation's religious heritage." But opponents argue the classes are divisive, and the schools already have character-education classes, which teach children about right and wrong without religion. "Christians don't have a monopoly on morality," says Renee Staton, a Staunton native whose husband is Jewish. Beverly Ridell, who grew up going to the Staunton schools, teaches first- and second-grade Sunday school at church and opposes religious classes during school time. "I asked them whether Jesus was a Christian and they said 'yes.' When I said, 'Jesus was a Jew,' one girl said, 'But Jesus was a good person,"' Ridell said. "If Christians are good people, what are Jews? These are 6- and 7-year-old kids. This is an age where what's right and what's wrong are clear and unambiguous." In nearby Waynesboro, 71 percent of pupils in the second through fourth grades participated in the classes last year, learning the Bible's take on the creation of the world and the parable of the Good Samaritan. "From a complete-education aspect, it's important to have a basic Biblical knowledge of what some of the stories are from literature you read when you're older," said local WRE President Pam Stoneburner. Hinton acknowledged that the struggle to keep the Bible classes might be partly based on a desire to cling to tradition in the face of a changing community. "Tradition has the ability to make you a better person, make you a better citizen, make you involved with the positive aspects of a community," he said. But parent Heather Ward thinks tradition must evolve. "Unless we build a wall around our city, we're going to have to deal with the changing demographics," she said. "That's just part of modern life." What are your thoughts on this article. Should the bible be taught in our schools? Bible and State have long been seperated and we have seen what has been happening to the morals in this country. Should we continue to change certain places that have this in place or leave it be? I personally feel it is good that certain places teach the bible in the school. At the same time the parents who do not want their children to be taught have every right to say No. There are religion schools that focus teaching on students that are enrolled their to learn with their fellow peers with the same background. What do you think about this and God bless! Joe revdauphinee answered on 02/13/05: when I was in school in England we had bible study (I dont know if they still do cause that was yrs ago)If a child was of another faith all they had to do was bring a note from aparent and they were excused !why cant they do that here??? FormerJesusHelper76 rated this answer

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arcura asked on 02/12/05 - This is long but well worth the read...... Intellectual Poison How Thomas Hobbes Ruined Biblical Studies. By Benjamin D. Wiker Granting all the wonderful, important things modern scriptural scholarship has given us, it bears within it something dreadfully wrong. If you have had the misfortune of coming into earshot of all too many of our contemporary scriptural scholars, they will assure you that scholarship, properly speaking, must strip both the Old an d New Testaments of any and every miracle, of angels and demons, of prophecies and visions, of divine appearances, the incarnation, the resurrection, and of all but the most wan and obsequious theological content. The damage to the faithful by such �scholarship� is all too evident. If you ask such scholars if Jesus actually rose from the dead, you�ll receive something like the following answer: �No. If we go back to a study of the Old Testament, we realize that the notion of resurrection was really a rather late occurrence arising mainly from a literal interpretation of a passage from Ezekiel that was originally meant only metaphorically. Alas, the Pharisees�who were a bit loose in their application of the Mosaic Law�became the historical bearers of this misplaced metaphor. Adding to Ezekiel a dash of the alien Greek belief in the immortality of the soul, the Pharisees became the party of the resurrection, ever more eagerly awaiting the arrival of the Messiah in the second and first centuries B.C. Some members of this party took Jesus to be the anointed one, but the anointed one was arrested, tried, and executed by the Romans. Deluded and disappointed by the Messiah�s actual death, the Pharisees foisted upon the plain, sad fact of the crucifixion the scientifically impossible and hence unhistorical doctrine of the resurrection.� You may receive this answer with a condescending scowl or with a patronizing, �Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus� smile. But in either case, the result is much the same: the denial of the resurrection as a historical fact, the very fact upon which Christianity was built. If you press these scholars�and you don�t have to press very hard�you�ll find that the denial of the resurrection is part of their larger a priori rejection of anything miraculous and supernatural. How did scriptural scholars (at least those considered �academically respectable�) come to define their proper task as attacking what they should preserve? That is a complicated story�too complicated to present in any detail in so short an article. Yet we can gain a general understanding of the problem by taking a closer look at some of the key assumptions, especially if we see how and why these assumptions were set forth at the origin of modern scriptural scholarship. Three False Assumptions The one thing that all modern scriptural scholarship shares is the assumption that miracles are impossible. I call this an assumption because it does not arise from Scripture. How could it, given the number of miracles reported in the Bible? Rather, it is an extra-scriptural principle borrowed indiscriminately from modern science. The logic of the assumption goes something like this: Modern science informs us that miracles are impossible, and indeed, that the denial of the miraculous is the very essence of science; therefore, if scriptural scholarship is to be scientific, it must begin with the rejection of the miraculous. We can call this assumption indiscriminate because it rests wholly on the unquestioned acceptance of a particular view of science (what may be called modern scientific materialism). A second assumption is that faith�especially orthodox faith�distorts rather than illuminates the analysis of Scripture. We can see how this assumption follows upon the first. Orthodox faith rests on the reality of the miraculous; if the miraculous is impossible, then obviously nothing good or true can come from someone who approaches the biblical text under the irrational illusion that Jesus turned water into wine, raised Lazarus from the dead, and rose from the dead Himself. A third assumption arises directly from the second. If orthodoxy is unscientific in relying on the miraculous as central to its interpretation of the text, then a scientific exegesis of the text must proceed by removing the miraculous and carefully sifting through what remains to figure out what really happened. Thus, scriptural exegesis must be defined primarily as a historical science (history being defined, again, by what scientists say can or cannot occur). From these three assumptions flow a variety of methods and approaches to scriptural analysis that, however innocent and meritorious they may be in and of themselves, all too often serve merely to reinforce the assumptions. What scriptural scholars don�t do, however, is question those very assumptions, especially the first upon which all the others rest: that modern scientific materialism is an adequate account of reality. To do so would obviously take them far outside their discipline�and hence, far outside their competence�into the history and philosophy of science, into the diverse sciences themselves, from chemistry and biology to physics and astronomy, and finally into metaphysics. This would be an enormous undertaking, one obviously beyond the reach of this article. But we can get an inkling of why such an undertaking would be necessary if we briefly examine the origins of modern scholarship. Back to the Beginning If you open up any of a number of histories of scriptural scholarship, you will find the great bulk of what is considered definitively modern occurring in both a specific time and place�19th-century Germany. Pushing farther back in search of origins, you�ll then be led to a shorter section on the 18th-century Deists. Finally, you�ll be drawn into the 17th century, through an even shorter section on Baruch Spinoza, John Locke, and a handful of other proto-Deists, to the father of them all, the Englishman Thomas Hobbes. Interestingly enough, Hobbes was modernity�s first thorough-going materialist and likely an atheist as well. He was born in 1588, pushed into the world prematurely by his mother, who was frightened by news of the approach of the Spanish Armada. Soon to follow were the bloody religious and political Thirty Years War (1618-1648) and, in England, the religious and political civil wars (1642-1648) and the execution of Charles I (1649). All of this before Hobbes published his great treatise, the Leviathan (1651), outlining his materialist account of human nature and society. A surprising proportion of the Leviathan is taken up in scriptural exegesis�a quarter to a third, by rough estimate. Why so much time devoted to Scripture? As Hobbes himself declared in the very last paragraph, the writing of Leviathan was �occasioned by the disorders of the present time.� For Hobbes, the �disorders� had two sources: first, that political life was not grounded in true science; and second, that religion, especially Christianity, was a continual source of political confusion and turmoil. For political life to be well-ordered, it must be built on the rock-solid foundation of the new materialism. This same materialism could take care of the problem of Christianity as well. According to the tenets of the new materialism, all that existed was brute matter in motion. Since all that existed was matter (and the void within which it could move), there could be no immaterial beings (such as human souls, angels, or deities). Further, since matter moved according to brute and inexorable necessity, there was no room for miracles. Finally, given that there was also no extra-material reality, heaven and hell were likewise jettisoned. Obviously, if the new materialism were correct, then there was no room for Christianity at all. For Hobbes, this was certainly good news. But as a devoted disciple of materialism, Hobbes couldn�t simply preach the �good news.� Even divided against itself, Christianity was still a seemingly insuperable cultural and political force in the 17th century. An astute reader of Machiavelli, Hobbes realized that the only way to remove the obstacle was to devastate it from within. In this regard, we should note that even with all of Hobbes�s Machiavellian circumspection, his piling of pious phrases, and his continual appeals to scriptural evidence to support his position, the Leviathan was immediately, continually, and directly charged with undermining Christianity, and Hobbes himself was charged with atheism. Small wonder when we examine Hobbes�s approach to Scripture. Denying the Word Hobbes�s devotion to materialism defined both his approach and the results. It follows then, that if later exegetes applied his approach, they would generate the same results even if they didn�t share his materialist assumptions. Take, for example, Hobbes�s treatment of the miraculous. Again, miracles don�t fit into a materialist cosmos, and so Hobbes hoped that the new science of matter in motion would ensure by its ever greater successes that notions of miracles would eventually disappear. In the meantime, however, Holy Writ was replete with miracles, and something had to be done. He was up to the task. Miracle means something that causes wonder, Hobbes pointed out. But wonder is often caused by ignorance of natural causes, so that �ignorant and superstitious men� take for miraculous those things �which other men, knowing to proceed from nature�admire not at all.� To the ignorant, for example, an eclipse or a rainbow is a great wonder, and are therefore taken to be supernatural portents. But ignorance of science isn�t the only cause of the belief in miracles, Hobbes hastened to inform. Many apparent miracles are actually instances of magic�that is, the art of illusion. In Exodus, for example, we see the �magicians� of Egypt change their rods into serpents, turn water into blood, and conjure up frogs. Hobbes also cleverly noted that the art of the ventriloquist can make it appear that there is a �voice from Heaven,� and further that �two men conspiring, one to seem lame, the other to cure him with a charm, will deceive many.� In sum, alleged miracles are nearly always the result of ignorance or chicanery, and since Hobbes deftly but offhandedly introduced the possibility that many miracles in the Bible could have such ignoble origins, the notion that faith can rest on biblically reported miracles becomes dubious. While God may have performed miracles, Hobbes reluctantly admitted, it certainly wasn�t common (and occurred solely for the sake of obedience to God�s law as interpreted by His earthly minister, the civil sovereign). In any case, he noted, the age of miracles is over, especially since the age of true science has begun. Obviously, legitimate scriptural analysis cannot take them seriously. It is no accident that the 18th-century Deists, in rejecting orthodox Christianity, took up Hobbes�s assumptions and method and wrote a nearly endless spate of books ridiculing the belief in miracles as reported in the Old and New Testaments. The predictable result was either the complete dismissal of the Bible as ignorant and irredeemable superstition or the complete dissection of the Bible in an effort to sort fact from fiction. But it wasn�t enough for Hobbes to eliminate the miraculous. He wanted Scripture to support materialism so that it could become a rather obsequious handmaid to secularism. The materialism Hobbes championed defined the universe so as to eliminate spiritual reality, specifically the human soul. In Hobbes�s words, �the universe, being the aggregate of all bodies, there is no real part thereof that is not also body.� Thus, for Hobbes, the notion of an immaterial substance was �without meaning, that is to say, absurd.� Yet, the Bible contained countless references to the soul. In order to �purify� Scripture, Hobbes invented a kind of methodological assumption that eventually became an unquestioned method for modern scriptural scholars. Hobbes first asserted that the belief in the immaterial soul was �built on the vain philosophy of Aristotle,� a pagan. Since the immortal soul was a Greek contagion, then the original, pure beliefs of the Hebrews and first Christians must be that human beings are purely bodily creatures. Voil�! True faith supports materialism. But what about the innumerable references to the soul and eternal life in the Bible? If Holy Writ is inspired, how did they get in there? By infinitely ingenious exegetical acrobatics, Hobbes tried to show that, appearances to the contrary, they really weren�t there at all. According to Hobbes, �soul and life in the Scripture� signify the same thing,� therefore, by implication, �soul� only means �life,� bodily life, not some ghostly existence after death. Death means complete annihilation. And so, for example, when Jesus seems to prove the existence of the immortal soul in His dispute with the Sadducees (Luke 20:34-38), He�s really only arguing for the resurrection of the body. Since there is no soul, Jesus (so Hobbes assured the reader) is actually teaching that when we�re dead, we�re dead, and therefore God must recreate us ex nihilo on the day of judgment. Hobbes thereby revived, for his own purposes, the ancient heresy of Annihilationism (condemned at the Fifth Lateran Council in 1513), and added a materialist twist. In so doing, he set a pattern: The plain meaning of the text is denied so that a heresy may be affirmed. As for heaven, Hobbes simply materialized it by a method that reversed orthodox exegesis. Taking Christ to be the fulfillment and transformation of the law and the prophets, orthodox exegetes from St. Paul forward interpreted the Old Testament in light of its fulfillment in the New. Hobbes turned orthodoxy on its head, interpreting the New in terms of the Old. Since the Old Testament concerns this-worldly existence, focusing more on the body than the spirit, this approach proved to be a handy tool for the materialist. Hobbes achieved this effect by first showing that all the Old Testament references to the Kingdom of God were earthly. Because the New Testament is based on the Old, it must be referring to an earthly kingdom as well. And so, contrary to orthodoxy, the righteous man, re-created by God for final judgment, shall not �ascend to his happiness any higher than God�s footstool the earth.� Heaven was no more than a secular kingdom. But how to finesse the many scriptural references to hell? Hobbes�s method was quite simple: If the literal meaning of a word is bothersome, then it must be a mere metaphor. By this method, Hobbes demonstrated that all the references to hellfire were �spoken metaphorically,� not at all signifying �any certain kind or place of torment.� Rather, the fires of hell, referred to repeatedly by Christ, were to be understood merely in the most general way, �for destruction.� Thus, while the fires themselves may be eternally burning, as with all merely material things, those newly re-created bodies cast into them at the final judgment will be immediately consumed, suffering a quick and nearly painless �second death.� Not a bad end�certainly nothing to compare with what a civil sovereign could mete out for disobedience. Having seen Hobbes�s materialist assumptions at work, it should be clear that the results were deleterious to the Faith. Of course, that was the entire point. Hobbes wanted to ruin the Faith. But we can also understand that if later scholars shared his assumptions or even just his methods, then they too would contribute mightily to the corruption of scriptural scholarship. And so they did. The Floodgates Open David Friedrich Strauss stood at the head of 19th-century German biblical scholarship, and German scholarship defined the liberal approach to scriptural exegesis that still reigns today. Strauss was an apple that did not fall far from the Hobbesian tree. In his enormously influential Life of Jesus Critically Examined (1835), Strauss assumed, in accordance with materialism, that miracles were impossible. He therefore declared that an �account is not historical� if the �narration is irreconcilable with the known and universal laws which govern the course of events.� Since miracles are not historical, they must be merely mythological. Hence the goal of the exegete becomes first the separation of the historical from the mythological and then an analysis of the real causes of the myth. Thus, to take a particular application, Jesus could not have been born of the Virgin Mary, miraculously conceived by the Holy Spirit, since �such a conception would be a most remarkable deviation from all natural laws.� It must, then, be a myth. �In the world of mythology,� explained Strauss, �many great men had extraordinary births, and were called sons of the gods.� Since Jesus was an extraordinary man, the logic goes, the first Christians felt that He couldn�t be one-upped by the Greek and Roman semi-deities, and so they fabricated a myth accordingly. But, argued Strauss, there was another reason for the deification of Jesus, a confusion of the metaphorical with the literal. The earlier Jews, by and large, knew that a metaphor was a metaphor. But �it was a daily occurrence, especially among the later Jews, to attach a sensible signification to that which originally had merely a spiritual or figurative meaning.� Following the sweep of later Judaism, the first Christians erroneously attributed a literal meaning to the merely metaphorical title of �Messiah� understood as the �Son of God.� By these and similar means, Strauss systematically �demythologized� the entire New Testament, scrubbing away every �alleged� miracle right up to and including the resurrection. What was left after Strauss�s �cleansing� of Scripture? As with Hobbes, so also with Strauss. The vacuum left by removing all of orthodoxy was filled by his favored ideology. Just as Hobbes�s exegetical manipulations had allowed him to assert that Scripture really supported his materialism, Strauss�s exegesis cleared the way for his favored secularist ideology, a species of Hegelianism that allowed the march of history to end in a this-worldly kingdom. For Strauss, whereas Jesus was certainly not divine, He manifested a powerful �God-consciousness� that faintly prefigured the philosophy of the great early 19th-century German philosopher Georg Wilhelm Friedrich Hegel. As with Strauss, so also with the whole panoply of 19th-century liberal biblical scholars. Out with miracles (and hence orthodoxy) and in with the latest philosophies, using variations of Hobbes�s approach as refined by Strauss. Albert Schweitzer, summing up the entire century of scholarship in his Quest of the Historical Jesus (1906), wryly noted that all the cavalier stripping away of the text to get at the �historical Jesus,� the mere man behind the myth, resulted only in the creation of a Jesus made after the particular image of each scholar. A different Jesus for each exegete. By the time we travel halfway through the 20th century, the attempt to separate myth from historical fact had been given up, and all was taken to be myth. So announced the great scholar Rudolf Karl Bultmann in his landmark essay �New Testament and Mythology.� Given that we no longer have any access to a historical kernel, we are left, Bultmann argued, with milking our meaning from the myth alone�the meaning for us, that is. For Bultmann, that meant the attempt to understand the myth in terms of existentialism as enunciated by the 20th-century philosopher Martin Heidegger. The same pattern is repeated in the second half of the 20th century, when other pet philosophies filled the vacuum created by the elimination of miracle, and hence the elimination of orthodoxy. When I was in graduate school in the early 1980s, Marx and liberation theology had taken the place of Heidegger and existentialism. A new philosophy with yet another version of a purely secular utopia�but the exegetical acrobatics used to obtain the desired result had not changed much. With the currently fashionable Jesus Seminar, the ruin continues right on into contemporary scriptural scholarship. But it doesn�t end there. Postmodern scholarship prides itself in giving up everything�not just miracles and orthodoxy, not just the historical Jesus, not just myth�but giving up any truth. This is, of course, the great opposite�the most extreme rejection of orthodoxy possible. Yet, into this greater vacuum rush the latest philosophical fancies fashioned after Michel Foucault, Jacques Derrida, Fran�ois Lyotard, and others. Reversing the Ruin In setting all of this before the reader, I�m not pressing for the rejection of every method or result of modern or contemporary biblical scholarship�far from it. Rather, I�m calling first of all for a clearer understanding of assumptions and secondly for a more careful analysis of methods. For example, to engage in textual criticism, it�s necessary to sort through the various readings of particular passages in extant manuscripts, given the number of variants. To decide, however, that variant A is to be preferred over all others because A is the least tinged by belief in the miraculous, or because the others are Greek ideas, is quite another thing entirely. To engage in historical criticism, studying the text�s original historical, geographical, and cultural settings is most helpful. Using such criticism to demonstrate that a this-worldly, earthly reading taken from the Old Testament supercedes a next-worldly, supernatural reading of the New Testament is unwarranted. Literary and form criticism rightly attend to literary contexts and types found in various passages and books of the Bible. But assuming that certain literary forms convey only myths and metaphors oversteps the bounds of literary criticism. It seems to me that the heart of the problem is the continued assumption that materialism is correct. The question that must be settled, then, is this: Is materialism an adequate philosophy? The answer will determine the merit of particular methods of scriptural scholarship. If scriptural scholars, for example, were introduced to the actual philosophical controversies in regard to the adequacy of materialism, they�d realize very quickly that they couldn�t rely on the truth of a view of nature and science that�s both debatable and hotly debated. The same would be true in regard to their indiscriminate use of this or that current philosopher. A clearheaded introduction to the history of philosophy would reveal that most philosophers and their systems, especially in modernity, are here today and gone tomorrow. Another point, and perhaps stranger to our ears: If any of a number of scholars would actually experience a miracle or something supernatural, or sit in on an especially troublesome exorcism, they�d find themselves having to reassess their entire approach. Recall the famous materialist-atheist A. J. Ayer, who was declared clinically dead for four minutes on June 6, 1988, after choking on a bit of salmon. Happily, he was revived, and the experienced transformed him. In the words of the attending physician, Dr. Jeremy George, �I came back to talk to him. Very discreetly, I asked him, as a philosopher, what it was like to have had a near-death experience? He suddenly looked rather sheepish. Then he said, �I saw a Divine Being. I�m afraid I�m going to have to revise all my various books and opinions.�� Under pressure of a long career as Britain�s village atheist-philosopher, Ayer later hedged his stark reassessment, but if he had been asked at that time to pick up the Bible and read it, he would surely have seen it with new eyes. While I certainly don�t wish near-death experiences upon scriptural scholars, I do hope that they�ll remove those assumptions that have so long blinded them, so that they may see what is truly before their very eyes. Only then will ruin turn to restoration. Author and lecturer Benjamin D. Wiker is a senior fellow at the Discovery Institute and teaches at Franciscan University of Steubenville. He is the author most recently of Architects of the Culture of Death with Donald DeMarco (Ignatius, 2004). His Web site is www.benjaminwiker.com. revdauphinee answered on 02/13/05: sory at my age my attention span is too short for such postings. arcura rated this answer

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FormerJesusHelper76 asked on 02/12/05 - After 20 years of silence, brain-damaged woman begins talking Do you feel this is a miracle. This lady started talking and new everybody and was knowledgable. All she wanted to do was talk to her mother. This is an example of a true miracle. Joe revdauphinee answered on 02/13/05: saw this on tv!God is still in the miracle business isnt he! FormerJesusHelper76 rated this answer Pete_Hanysz rated this answer ATON2 rated this answer MaggieB rated this answer

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Bobbye asked on 02/12/05 - PROFESSOR WARD CHURCHILL: Your thoughts, please, re the "big Indian." I can't imagine his rationale in his controversial essay re the victims of 911. WHAT WAS HE THINKING? WHAT IS HE SAYING? The obvious is not the answer. What is his underlying purpose of such remarks? If he's involved in terrorism, why is it being debated in the news media; among college administration; the world? WHAT IS HOMELAND SECURITY'S POSITION IN THIS MATTER -- IF THEY HAVE A POSITION? Curious minds appreciate thoughts from those who are given to pondering such actions. Bobbye revdauphinee answered on 02/13/05: he should be tried for giving aid and comfort to an enemy! Bobbye rated this answer

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FormerJesusHelper76 asked on 02/12/05 - New HIV STRAIN FOUND IN NEW YORK. HIV has developed into a new strain of the virus which are not treatable with the normal HIV medication. This has been found in two men in new york who have multiple partners and unprotected sex with other man. Why is this happening? Why are these viruses more prominant in gay people. Is this a sign of an punishment for that type of lifestyle? What are your thoughts and opinions? Joe revdauphinee answered on 02/13/05: Not just homosexual lifestyes but human lifestyles cause this If one continues to think anything goes and that you are indestuctable living a promescuse lifestyle these things will continue to plague us God did not do it we humans did!so who is punishing who?? FormerJesusHelper76 rated this answer Liz22 rated this answer paraclete rated this answer tomder55 rated this answer

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arcura asked on 02/12/05 - After 10 years she's still weeping............ Many hav tried to prove it's a fraud and failed. Do you believe it? A "Weeping Image" of the Virgin, 10 Years On Interview With Bishop Girolamo Grillo of Civitavecchia CIVITAVECCHIA, Italy, FEB. 9, 2005 (Zenit.org).- When asked about an image of the Blessed Virgin that allegedly wept tears of blood, Bishop Girolamo Grillo recalls a famous line from Scripture. "A tree is known by its fruits," says the prelate, 10 years after the tears were first reported in the town of Pantano, near Civitavecchia, some 60 kilometers (37 miles) from Rome. The phenomenon was first manifested on Feb. 2, 1995. The bishop of Civitavecchia was a direct witness of the lacrimation on March 15 of that year. In this interview with the Italian newspaper Avvenire, he assesses its effects. Q: What has happened in these 10 years? Bishop Grillo: Judge for yourself. Since then the presence of pilgrims has not only not diminished, but it has been purified from all obstacles of sensationalism. The people who go to Pantano are impelled by a great need for conversion. And it is demonstrated by the fact that I have had to arrange for the continual presence of five confessors. They have told me that they have been able to reconcile many people with God who have been estranged for many years; not rarely, also offenders. Close to 1,000 broken families, due to divorce or separation, have been reunited, and today this is anything but usual. Many women have been granted their desired maternity and then they come to have their children baptized here. Finally, many have asked for baptism, including former Muslims. So why not make these fruits known to the world? Q: Are you planning any special initiative for the 10th anniversary? Bishop Grillo: A dossier has been prepared which will soon be published at the national level. Moreover, there are 44 visitors books, full of visitors' signatures and thoughts, which in my opinion reflect all the anxieties of our time, but also all the hopes of those who turn to Mary. Q: And is a special celebration planned for these days? Bishop Grillo: Every year, on the night of February 1-2, the faithful leave from the city center and arrived in the town of Pantano, walking the 12 kilometers of the trajectory. This year there were 1,500, who weathered intense cold. Don't forget that up to 20 years ago, Civitavecchia was considered "the Stalingrad of Latium" -- 60% communist, an anti-clerical and anarchic city. Today I think this event has left its mark. Of course, if it is true that the Virgin wept, I don't think she wept only for Civitavecchia. Q: What has this event meant from the pastoral point of view? Bishop Grillo: As bishop I am very happy because St. Augustine's Parish in Pantano has become a center of evangelization not only for the city, but for Italy and the whole world. In the last registry, relative to the months of November and December 2004, I counted 12 foreign pilgrimages, from Sri Lanka to Latin America. We make every effort to indicate true devotion to Mary, that which leads to Christ. And I think this teaching is amply received. As for the rest, I think these things need time to settle, a period of waiting, and great patience. The supernatural, especially in a world that doesn't believe in God and that has lost values, cannot be demonstrated if it doesn't bear fruits. Q: And what fruits has it borne for Bishop Grillo? Bishop Grillo: After that morning of March 15, I was under shock for two or three years. The Virgin unsettled my life and drove me to greater inwardness. On my part, the effort has increased to be attentive and open to the needs of the faithful. Because of this, I am much more dedicated to spiritual direction, in addition to pastoral work. Q: Has the Blessed Virgin ever spoken to John Paul II? Bishop Grillo: In the course of the last "ad limina" visit, the Holy Father asked me about the eventuality of building a shrine. I told him that I was willing to do so but I also asked him to help me open a house for the Sisters of Mother Teresa of Calcutta, in Civitavecchia. In fact, I would like the spiritual and material fruits of a shrine to be also and above all in favor of the poor. revdauphinee answered on 02/13/05: ever hear of condensation???? arcura rated this answer ATON2 rated this answer

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Saladin asked on 02/12/05 - Bush Budget cuts will bite ... Suggestions from Congress have highlighted some of the cuts that will be necessary under Bush's Budget, if it is implemented as presented. 1. Medical - Ambulances will be fitted wiht taxi meters. 2. History - Teachers will teach either Lewis or Clark, but not both. 3. Mathematics - Textbooks will stop at chapter eleven. 4. Biology - one frog to every thirty students. 5. Physical Education - Finger exercises only. 6. Music - see No. 5 above. 7. Geography - The ancient flat earth model will be taught because globes are expensive. 8. Geometry - Pre-Euclidean forms will be taught because nothing was known about the subject before his time. 9. Astronomy - See Patriotism. 10. Patriotism - coupled with astronomy to produce a new discipline - Patrimony - in which the only stars studied will be those on Old Glory. 11. Civics - Abandoned in favour of the Biblical teaching of the pre-eminence of a non-meritorious aristocracy. Hence, no need to vote. 12. Current Affairs - Dedicated to vindication of unilaterally attacking foreign countries so that the Mafia, Drug Gangs, Drive-by Shootings, Child Abuse, Wife Beating, and other social values can be outsourced. 13. Business and Industry - see China. 14. Information Technology - See India. 15. Religious Education - No longer taught in schools. Students will be bussed to courthouses to read the Ten Commandments. 16. Criminology - Studies in this discipline will be restricted to the "The Life and Works of GW Bush". 3:13 :) Ronnie Any more? revdauphinee answered on 02/13/05: I lke it! for once you and I seem to be in sinc ATON2 rated this answer Saladin rated this answer

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arcura asked on 02/12/05 - Just for laughs - do YOU think it's funny????? Evolution Theory By Arnold Schwarzenegger While one shouldn't generalize, I find the following wonderful food for the soul and like to recirculate it periodically. I know that some of you may take offense at aspects of the following but, Chuck Karnolt Evolution Division of the human family into 2 distinct political groups began some 12,000 years ago. Humans existed as members of small bands of nomadic hunter/gatherers. They lived on deer in the mountains in the summer and would go to the beach and live on fish and lobster in winter. The two most important events in all of history were the invention of beer and the invention of the wheel. The wheel was invented to get man to the beer. These were the foundation of modern civilization and together were the catalyst for the splitting of humanity into two distinct subgroups: Liberals and Conservatives. Once beer was discovered, it required grain and that was the beginning of agriculture. Neither the glass bottle nor aluminum can were invented yet, so while our early human ancestors were sitting around waiting for them to be invented, they just stayed close to the brewery. That's how villages were formed. Some men spent their days tracking and killing animals to B-B-Q at night while they were drinking beer. This was the beginning of what is known as "the Conservative movement." Other men who were weaker and less skilled at hunting learned to live off the conservatives by showing up for the nightly B-B-Q's and doing the sewing, fetching and hair dressing. This was the beginning of the Liberal movement. Some of these liberal men eventually evolved into women. The rest became known as 'girleymen.' Some noteworthy liberal achievements include the domestication of cats, the invention of group therapy and group hugs, and the concept of Democratic voting to decide how to divide the meat and beer that conservatives provided. Over the years, conservatives came to be symbolized by the largest, most powerful land animal on earth, the elephant. Liberals are symbolized by the jack ass. Modern liberals like imported beer (with lime added), but most prefer white wine or imported bottled water. They eat raw fish but like their beef well done. Sushi, tofu, and French food are standard liberal fare. Another interesting revolutionary side note: most of their women have higher testosterone levels than their men. Most social workers, criminal defense attorneys, personal injury attorneys, journalists, dreamers in Hollywood and group therapists are liberals. Liberals invented the designated hitter rule because it wasn't "fair" to make the pitcher also bat. Conservatives drink domestic beer. They eat red meat and still provide for their women. Conservatives are big-game hunters, prosecuting attorneys, rodeo cowboys, lumberjacks, construction workers, medical doctors, police officers, corporate executives, soldiers, athletes, and generally anyone who works productively outside government. Conservatives who own companies hire other conservatives who want to work for a living. Liberals produce little or nothing. They like to "govern" the producers and decide what to do with the production. Liberals believe Europeans are more enlightened than Americans. That is why most of the liberals remained in Europe when conservatives were coming to America. They crept in after the Wild West was tame and created a business of trying to get MORE for nothing. Here ends today's lesson in world history. And now you know the rest of the story. revdauphinee answered on 02/13/05: "Modern liberals like imported beer (with lime added), but most prefer white wine or imported bottled water. They eat raw fish but like their beef well done. Sushi, tofu, and French food are standard liberal fare."" I guess that makes me a liberal (but I already knew that)since I just love sushi! arcura rated this answer

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ATON2 asked on 02/12/05 - How does one review the reponses of 'members' who have not listed themselves as experts in a In trying to follow the thread of the Brouhaha over Bradd and CeeBee, I learn that CeeBee is NOT listed as an expert in any category...so I reached a dead end. Anyway to pick it up????? I would not bother except for the inordinate amount of vituperation direceted at Brad, from the failed psychics and pseudo Christians, for something that Bradd claims was an attempt at humour. Strange that none of it came from CeeBee!!! Well, not so strange, knowing CeeBee's reticence when it comes to 'un-Christian' conduct. As for Bradd: "What shallow friends we lose, When first we practice to amuse." LOL revdauphinee answered on 02/13/05: I never ceace to be amazed at the way folks on here react,what the folks on here think of me doesnt bother me a bit since none of us truly knows each other the oppinions we form are anything but real.so why wory about those who we dont know? and probably never will! there are characters on here whose vitrol may cause them to think they have some effect however its all a problem they themselves create I personaly dont care what they think of me since they dont know me at all why let things get this personal??? ATON2 rated this answer

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HANK1 asked on 02/11/05 - FOR AND AGAINST! If God is for us, who can be against us? HANK revdauphinee answered on 02/12/05: Many can be against us! the thing is they cant succed if we put our trust in God!for greater is he that is in me than he that is in the world HANK1 rated this answer

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HANK1 asked on 02/11/05 - PERFECTION: How do you feel about the idea revealed through the scriptures that the perfection expected of us is not flawlessness, but the ability to accomplish a job? HANK revdauphinee answered on 02/12/05: since I dont believe perfection is reachable for humans on this plane the constant reaching towards it is an acheivement in itself! HANK1 rated this answer

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Pete_Hanysz asked on 02/11/05 - Desert Island Discs I would be fascinated to read what twelve pieces of music you would choose to have with you, if you were marooned on a desert island, with a CD player of course. You would also be allowed a book (The Bible & the complete works of Shakespeare are already there) & an item of no practical use. Please indulge me:) Pete revdauphinee answered on 02/12/05: as for music any clasical pieces however a cd player with no electricity wouldnt be of much use and bateries wouldnt last long>so I d forsake the music for more reading material Pete_Hanysz rated this answer

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Choux asked on 02/11/05 - Woman Made Up Baby Throwing Story The woman who reportedly saved a baby that was thrown out a car window admitted she is the baby's mother. Comments?? revdauphinee answered on 02/12/05: sounds like she needs help Choux rated this answer

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Choux asked on 02/11/05 - Lynne Stewart Lynne Stewart, an attorney for Sheik Abdel-Rahman(serving a prison term in Minnesota) spiritual leader of the terrorist organization the Islamic Group was found guilty of helping terrorists and lying to the US Government among other charges last week. She faces up to 20 years in prison. Ms Stewart, a grandmother and activist is 63 years old. After visiting Rahman, Ms. Stewart gave a *press conference* saying thet the imprisoned Sheik *no longer* supported a cease fire he had previously supported. Soon, a terrorist attack on a site in the ease fire region ended the lives of many people. The terrorist leader is prohibited with contacting his followers according to provisions of his sentence. Comments?? revdauphinee answered on 02/12/05: this woman was commiting treason by aiding and abeting an enemy she deserves whatever punishment she gets! at her age she ought to have known better! Choux rated this answer

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hOPE12 asked on 02/11/05 - What is going on with People in this World? Yesterday, here in South Florida, a infant baby boy was thrown out of a car that was traveling 5 miles per hour. The baby was thrown to the side of the road, rapped in a towel and still attached to the cord and placenta. What is going on with people's minds? When these people are found, what should be done with them? Is there anything that can be done to protect such helpless infants? What is your feeling on this matter? Take care, Hope12 revdauphinee answered on 02/12/05: hearing of these things make me more aware of the fact we are in the end days for it is written 2nd Peter 2:12. But these men blaspheme in matters they do not understand. They are like brute beasts, creatures of instinct, born only to be caught and destroyed, and like beasts they too will perish. 13. They will be paid back with harm for the harm they have done. Their idea of pleasure is to carouse in broad daylight. They are blots and blemishes, reveling in their pleasures while they feast with you. 14. With eyes full of adultery, they never stop sinning; they seduce the unstable; they are experts in greed--an accursed brood! hOPE12 rated this answer

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hOPE12 asked on 02/11/05 - TO ANY WHO ABUSE ANSWERWAY Hello Experts, I recently was rated with 9 five star ratings in a row, and even though that is nice of you krewton, it is abuse. I feel that this being a Christian board and the fact that we are to conduct ourselves as adults, Christians or not Christian, abuse of Answerway owners for allowing us to be on this board is definitely wrong. Having said this I ask that Krewton and any others who wish to abuse this board to please keep me out of it. If you wish to abuse this board then please do not respond or rate my answers. I wish to be no part of any abuse. I am an adult and believe in conducting myself as such. For any who wish to disrubt this board or comments or questions that are done in a decent and honest way, you are not being fair to others and I will report without any hesitation any who continue to abuse. Sincerely, Hope12 revdauphinee answered on 02/11/05: Hope I totaly agree with you. hOPE12 rated this answer

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powderpuff asked on 02/11/05 - best way to convert someone? Kudos to those who show due respect. Eric McHenry of Standing Together, an Evangelical ministry devoted to sharing Christ's love, has made a significant effort among other street preachers to be respectful toward members of the LDS Church attending general conference. �We felt that the actions of the street preachers has not reflected the greater heart [of the Evangelical community],� McHenry said. He said some of these actions, such as rudeness, name-calling and stomping and spitting on temple garments do not reflect Christ�s love in any way. He also referred to 1 Corinthians 13:1 in describing the futility of these people�s efforts. KJV: 1 Corinthians 13 1 Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal. �The thing we�ve been criticized for is criticizing other Christians to make ourselves look good,� McHenry said. This is why he felt a good-faith effort to find similarities rather than differences, and to build civility rather than discord was so necessary. He said there are four types of Christians: First is the kind that will �clack�em over the head with the Bible and show them the truth.� He believes this is overkill. Second are those who feel there are just two things to avoid in conversation: politics and religion. Next are those that have Mormon friends, but think they just can�t talk to them about faith. Finally, he described the group he belongs to as those with �convictive civility,� which he regards as a better representation of faith. These are those who recognize differences between religions courteously. To read more info, visit: http://newsnet.byu.edu/story.cfm/54288 My questions: Are you so moved by your own denominational or private belief, that you feel a need to straighten false believers out (those who dont' share your belief), set them straight? After all, you might believe it is a matter of saving a soul.... If so, would it be best to attempt by being an example of your belief or by coercion? Would coversion by coercion be genuine? If you were trying to convert someone, what method do you think would work best? revdauphinee answered on 02/11/05: the method I know works is to be ANexample the lost will pay much more attention to what you do than they will to what you say!!! powderpuff rated this answer

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MrBlack asked on 02/10/05 - 1300 people Could you please give me a list of famous/important people in the 14th century like Marco Polo, i cant find any more and i need help, thanks revdauphinee answered on 02/11/05: sory i dont do homework assignments MrBlack rated this answer

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arcura asked on 02/10/05 - More information,I just got this from a Holland guy Euthanasia in Holland. Yes, it�s legal in Holland but they have been doing it here for years. Now they are having problems with people who signed living wills when they were healthy now wanting too change their minds when they lose their health! It seems that now the legislation is in place the doctors are killing patients whether they have signed or not! In other words like with abortions doctors and nurses find the next one easier and so on! God Help us. The UN is looking into it. More info on that can be found at this site. http://www.un.org/search/ Oremus revdauphinee answered on 02/10/05: If the UN is looking into it then we truly will need Gods help!!!!! arcura rated this answer Krewton rated this answer Saladin rated this answer

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Saladin asked on 02/10/05 - Baptism ... Aspersion - sprinkling water on the head of the candidate. Affusion (or Infusion) - pouring water on the head of the candidate. Immersion - putting the candidate under the water. "One Lord, one faith, and "one baptism." But, which one? :) Ronnie revdauphinee answered on 02/10/05: the one that jesus patook of imersion! Krewton rated this answer Saladin rated this answer

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STONY asked on 02/10/05 - DON'T KNOW IF THIS MADE THE NAT'L NEWS... A FEW WEEKS AGO I SHARED SOMETHING WITH BAL137. WHAT HIT THE NEWS HERE LOCALLY IN FLA. IS THIS REPORT. A 22 YR. OLD PSYCHIATRIC PATIENT WAS ARRESTED AT HIS MOTHERS HOME WITH RICIN IN HIS POSSESSION. FOR YOUR INFORMATION, THE AMOUNT OF RICIN TO FIT ON THE POINT OF A PIN WOULD KILL A MAN. IT IS A VERY HAZARDOUS BIO-WARFARE AGENT. WHERE IN HELL DID SOME PSYCHO PATIENT COME INTO POSSESSION OF SUCH A THING? AND ONLY 50 MILES AWAY FROM MY HOUSE. IF HE'D HAVE PUT IT IN A COMMON CLASS C SKYROCKET AND BLOWN IT INTO THE AIR, HE COULD HAVE MURDERED THOUSANDS. TAKE COMFORT BAL137, THE WEIRDO'S DON'T JUST LIVE IN YOUR AREA...THEY ARE EVERYWHERE. revdauphinee answered on 02/10/05: kinda scary isnt it? ETWolverine rated this answer STONY rated this answer

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STONY asked on 02/10/05 - SOME MORE OF THAT SOUTHERN HUMOR... Subject: Bubba and Billy Bob A couple of rednecks are out in the Tennessee woods hunting when Bubba suddenly grabs his chest and falls to the ground. He doesn't seem to be breathing; his eyes are rolled back in his head. Billy Bob whips out his cell phone and calls 911 He gasps to the operator, "I think Bubba is dead! What should I do?" The operator, in a calm soothing voice says, "Just take it easy and follow my instructions. First, let's make sure he's dead." There is a silence.......and then a shot is heard. Billy Bob's voice comes back on the line,"Okay, now what???" revdauphinee answered on 02/10/05: funy unless you live here in the south !why are all who live here supposedly dumb?ever hear of euadora welty,truman capote or any of the other intelegent folks from her (even myself LOL) STONY rated this answer

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Saladin asked on 02/09/05 - ABUSE reported ... To AW Management via "ABUSE" button: http://www.answerway.com/viewans.php?pgtitle=&expid=LTgolf&category=633&msection=&quesid=36732&ansid=144954 Krewton has taken to multiple ratings by repeated keying or by hitting 'back' and then re-sending. Could you give him the gypsies warning? Regards, Ronnie ========================= If you feel stringly about his shenanigans, why not drop management a line yourself? If he returns under another name, he will be easy to spot. Ah me, back to sleep! :) revdauphinee answered on 02/10/05: ive written to management several times on different issues never got the first responce ,leaves one to ask do they care?? Krewton rated this answer Saladin rated this answer

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HANK1 asked on 02/09/05 - IS IT TIME ... ... to report our problem child? The following is Krewton's rating(s) of Chou's answer to my HOMOPHOBIA question: Krewton Here's 5 the hard way! Krewton Here's 5 the hard way! Krewton Here's 5 the hard way! Krewton Here's 5 the hard way! Krewton Here's 5 the hard way! Krewton Here's 5 the hard way! Krewton Here's 5 the hard way! ... and, as some of you know, it doesn't stop there! Could this be another Khoral, the Beezlebub of AskMe? Could this be Khoral ... reincarnated? HANK revdauphinee answered on 02/10/05: dont think reporting to answerway does much good ,when I couldnt get on a few days ago I wrote them 5 times and didnt get even one responce!wonder if they realy care?? HANK1 rated this answer Liz22 rated this answer

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Saladin asked on 02/08/05 - Paul and the Law ... Thinking caps on, chaps. It seems to me to be clear that Paul considered only the ceremonial parts of the Law were cancelled by the New Covenant, such as circumcision and dietary requirements, but he believed the commandments and religious duties of the Decalogue, for example, to be still binding on Christians. Like Jesus, he makes love the supreme command and cites love of neighbour as the epitome of the second group of the commandments, not a substitute for it. The commandments: "You shall not commit adultery You shall not kill You shall not steal You shall not covet," and any other commandment are summed up in this sentence, "You shall love your neighbour as yourself." (Romans 13.9) This is not even the contrast between between love and justice which some purport to find. Paul continued this passage by saying that love and justice are united: "Love does no wrong to a neighbour; Therefore, love is the fulfilling of the Law." (Romans 13.10) In the light of Paul's statement, do Christians need to reconsider which Law was cancelled and which Law continues to be a requirement for Christians so that they can continue to be obedient to God? revdauphinee answered on 02/08/05: what about the one about keeping the sabath (saturday)when did God cancell that one???and if he did where is it written?? eilyeld rated this answer Liz22 rated this answer paraclete rated this answer Saladin rated this answer

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Pete_Hanysz asked on 02/08/05 - Why did God kill Onan? While we are still in the 'silly question season' Do you, as Christians, consider male masturbation to be a sin? revdauphinee answered on 02/08/05: In scripture it is considered unclean and a defilement so that tells me it is wrong in the eyes of God! Genesis 49:4you will no longer excel, for you went up onto your father's bed, onto my couch and defiled it. Deuteronomy 23:10. If one of your men is unclean because of a nocturnal emission, he is to go outside the camp and stay there. 11. But as evening approaches he is to wash himself, and at sunset he may return to the camp. Pete_Hanysz rated this answer

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Choux asked on 02/08/05 - R&B Star Houston Houston an R&B Star gouged out his eye in London last week. Today, speaking on the incident he stated that "the devil made him do it." Comments? revdauphinee answered on 02/08/05: isnt he a rock star??ever consider drugs ,but then since these are tools of the devil maybee he was on target! ATON2 rated this answer Choux rated this answer Krewton rated this answer

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ETWolverine asked on 02/08/05 - Response to Aton, re: Sexual Abuse in the clergy You wrote: >>>In addition...a study released Feb. 27, in Washington, commissioned by the National Review Board (Catholic Bishops) and conducted by the John Jay College of Criminal law in N.Y....found that from 1950 through 2002, more than 10,000 people claimed to have been childhood victims of sex abuse (substantiated allegations) by nearly 4,400 priests of the (roughly) 110,000 priests who served in U.S. diocese and religious orders during that time. This seems like a staggering number of victims from such a small number of priests until you read some of the reports...with one priest molesting more than 100 boys before being expelled. <<< Let's look at your numbers, shall we: 4400 priests accused out of 110,000 who served. That's 4%. WHICH JIVES EXACTLY WITH THE NUMBERS I QUOTED YESTERDAY!!! I said that this effects perhaps 5% of the total clergy. It is NOT an epidemic. It is 4%. Looking at it from another point of view: how many Catholic kids went to Catholic schools between 1950 and 2002, the period covered by the John Jay College study? A million? Two million? I don't know the real number, but let's assume that in a 52-year period throughout the USA, there have been half a million kids who went to Catholic schools. I personally think that that number is very low, given the number of religious people in the USA. But lets assume half a million. That would make the 10,000 incidents claimed by the John Jay College out to be 2% of the total Catholic School student body for that time. Only 2%. No matter how you look at it ATON, there is no "epidemic" of clergy sexual abuse. Not in the USA and not anywhere else. 2-4% is not an epidemic. Even the numbers from the John Jay College study you cited proves that. Each event is tragic, and should be punished to the full extent of the law. But that does not constitute an epidemic that we must condemn the Church for. Sorry, Aton, but that boat don't float. There is no epidemic. The numbers do not exceed 5%, as I said yesterday. They never have, and people claiming that they do are distorting the figures. But you haven't asked me the most important question in this entire argument... the one that you and I would almost certainly agree on. But you are so busy arguing figures that don't compute that you have gotten away from the most important part of the topic. And no, I have no intent to tell you what it is. Figure it out for yourself. Elliot revdauphinee answered on 02/08/05: while I do believe thier is a special place in hell for those who claim to be vicars of Christ and do these things ,lets not be decieved it is not just priests this perversion is rampant in every aspect of society I fear all the attention we are giving to catholic clergy is taking attention away from other areas where this is also going on> ATON2 rated this answer ETWolverine rated this answer jeremy_hobbs rated this answer Krewton rated this answer tomder55 rated this answer

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Geedubya84 asked on 02/08/05 - Why Texas baby six mos bones broke foot to head sexial assault from parents. Why. revdauphinee answered on 02/08/05: there is nothing lower than a person who abuses children they are also cowards for they choose the ones least able to defend themdselves.Then if the courts get hold of it it takes years for punishment too be given look at michael Jackson case ,and while I think the man is guilty I would be willing to be he may at the most get a slap on the hand> excon rated this answer Geedubya84 rated this answer Krewton rated this answer

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ATON2 asked on 02/07/05 - Perverting the rating system????? Over the past week, our retired expert, Krewton, who left claiming his only purpose was to cause trouble...is back causing more trouble. Perverting the rating system. Starting with 2/5/05 he has been multiple-rating the same answers.... 2/5/05 Rated Paraclete 5 stars..three times for the same answer. 2/5/05 Again rated Paraclete 5 stars...three times for the same answer. 2/6/05 Rated Paraclete 5 starst...three times for the same answer 2/6/05 Rated Arcura 5 stars...three times for the same answer. 2/7/05 Rated Arcura 5 stars...twice for the same answer. 2/7/05 Rated revdauphinee 5 stars...SEVEN times for the same answer. 2/7/05 Rated drgade 5 stars...TEN times for the same answer. Is this the sort of mockery of the rating system we need to put up with????? Is this not putting the recipients of his 'largesse' in jeopardy of being considered in collusion with him...since none have yet objected to the 'over-ratings'?????? Is this the way Answerway intended the rating sytem to be abused??????? revdauphinee answered on 02/08/05: personaly I concider the source Then ignore it! ATON2 rated this answer Krewton rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 02/06/05 - There is a compromise around every corner Priest hears confessions on radio By Liam Houlihan February 04, 2005 A PRIEST has come under fire for hearing confessions on radio. Outspoken Melbourne clergyman Father Bob Maguire was a guest on youth radio station Triple J on Sunday night when host John Saffran invited callers to take part in radio confessions. Three listeners rang in, confessed on air, and were given penance by Father Maguire. But church authorities are unhappy with the priest's modern approach to the ancient rite. Vicar General of the Melbourne Archdiocese Les Tomlinson said the church regarded radio confessions as inappropriate because they broke the secrecy seal of the confessional. He said there could be severe repercussions for a priest who broke the seal, including defrocking or excommunication. "The penitent may choose to reveal the contents of their confession, but the priest can never break the seal of the confessional, and that includes broadcasting it on radio," Monsignor Tomlinson said. One of the radio penitents was "Debbie", who said she used the "f-word" too many times. Father Maguire - a regular guest on Saffran's weekly slot - told her the only sinful swearing was taking the name of the Lord in vain, and gave her one "Our Father" for penance. "Chris", who was concerned he had used satanic powers to will to death a person in an internet chat room, was banned by Father Maguire from using chat rooms for 24 hours. Monsignor Tomlinson said the callers' sins would not have been forgiven because the official words of absolution were not used, and was concerned the callers may have believed they had received real absolution. The church has long resisted calls for phone confessions, insisting the rite be kept personal. In 1998, then-Melbourne archbishop George Pell cracked down on the casual use of "general absolution" - the forgiving of crowds for their sins without hearing specific confessions. Monsignor Tomlinson said radio confessions could also embarrass a third party who had not consented to being identified. "They might say: 'I've been fighting with my wife Mrs X because she's been cheating on me'," he said ..................................................... For those who may not know, John Saffran, the Host, has a long record of irreverant behavour, including his television series, John Saffran v God, in which he participated in the rites of every religion, obscure cult, etc, he could dig up across the face of the Earth. How can trained ministers of religion be so niaive as to hold their faith up to ridicule in this manner? revdauphinee answered on 02/08/05: this "Priest" and I use the term loosly needs to remember the following (Matt.7:21-23 21 "Not everyone who says to me, `Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. 22 Many will say to me on that day, `Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?' 23 Then I will tell them plainly, `I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!' ) confession is a private matter and should not be regarded so lightly! are we not praying for forgiveness when we confess?so then (Matt.6:6. But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. ) paraclete rated this answer

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Choux asked on 02/07/05 - Facts of Priestly Sexual Misconduct See Aton's answer to the question "A Quotation from one of Choux' Responses" 1-29-05. If half of Catholic priests are having homosexual relations, how can 95% be celebate, Elliot? :D revdauphinee answered on 02/07/05: personaly In my oppinion (and we all have them)the celebacy issue is part of the cause of this problem ! Choux rated this answer Krewton rated this answer ATON2 rated this answer Chilloutinparis rated this answer paraclete rated this answer

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Choux asked on 02/07/05 - Former Priest Shanley was just convicted of repeatedly raping the paintiff, a young man of 28, who was first assaulted at the age of 6 in a Boston Court. We know that there is a problem with pedophilia in the Roman Catholic priesthood in America. A separate issue is the issue of homosexuality. Accorising to surveys and insider info, from, one out of two, to one out of three Catholic priests are homosexuals. They preach fire and brimstone against homosexuality. Are Catholics doing anything about the menace orthe sexual sins of their clergy? revdauphinee answered on 02/07/05: Unfortunatly the catholic church is not alone in this abomination other faiths have the same problem its just that we dont hear as much about them. ATON2 rated this answer Choux rated this answer jeremy_hobbs rated this answer

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Saladin asked on 02/06/05 - Joseph Stalin - Man of Steel Stalin spent the greater part of the wealth of the USSR to build up a mighty army dedicated to spreading the gospel of his political philosophy into all nations. This diverted much needed financial resources away from education, and health care for the poor and disabled. Can you look in your heart and applaud Stalin's fiscal policies? :) revdauphinee answered on 02/07/05: people in russia are still paying for what stalin did back then are we also doomed to pay for Bushes (oh Im sory I forgot Bush dont make mistakes) Saladin rated this answer

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hOPE12 asked on 02/07/05 - Are we not being a bit picky? Hello Experts, There have been questioned asked on this board with question marks that are being asked and those asking them are wanting direct answers in the way they think it should be answered. Is that fair? Do they really read the full answers? If each person asking the question did, then they would find that answer in the comment just not in the way they wish to get the answer. I see no rules from Answerway stating that an answer has to be the way the one asking the question thinks it should be answered, as long as the answer could be found in the persons comments. Simple questions, don't always need simple answers, when one feels the need to elaborate on the comments they contribute. I personally do not follow rules set out by individual experts, but I do follow the rules of Answerway. My suggestion to those asking questions on this board is to read all the contents of the comments. If this is done and given thought as to what is being said then the answer to the questions given would be obvious. As to the questions that Acura gave on her hypothetical questions she asked: 1question �You get ready, you aim. But do you fire? Do you let your abhorrence to killing stop you from shooting the enemy who is shooting at you and your friends and hitting some of them? The Answer given was: 1 Answer. �We need to each ask ourselves, �Do I really love my neighbor? If we say yes, then we would never kill them. Our neighbors are all the people of this world. We would never even think of killing another in war.� Does this not say no automatically? If we love our neighbor we would not even go to war little lone pick up a gun to kill another, so the answer is in the comment if one truly reads it? 2 Question asked: �There are some who seem to think that shooting at and killing the enemy is not the thing to do. That�s the reason for these questions. Is it the proper thing to do or not?� Again the answer was given in the comments: 2 Answer: �If we are a true �Christian and a follower of Jesus Christ, then we would never even go to war but instead would go to jail rather then kill another who is our neighbor. Then and only then can we honestly say from our heart, we are a follower of Jesus Christ and what he taught!� Are we not getting a bit picky in what way the answers are given? We are adults and therefore if we disagree with the answers given then be an adult and just say you disagree. There is no need for one star because someone did write the words �No I would Not shoot�. When that persons answer is quit obvious. Comment please and just write them however you wish to but respectful please! Take care, Hope12 revdauphinee answered on 02/07/05: I am in total agreement with you here there are those on this board who only wish to accept answers that agree with thier own point of view. we must all realise not everyone shares our thoughts and we have to accept this ,not because they hate us but because there life experiences have given them to different conclusions. hOPE12 rated this answer

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Saladin asked on 02/07/05 - Why Pride in America is Being Tarnished Abroad? Stories From the Inside By BOB HERBERT Published: February 7, 2005 uring the whole time we were at Guant�namo," said Shafiq Rasul, "we were at a high level of fear. When we first got there the level was sky-high. At the beginning we were terrified that we might be killed at any minute. The guards would say to us, 'We could kill you at any time.' They would say, 'The world doesn't know you're here. Nobody knows you're here. All they know is that you're missing, and we could kill you and no one would know.' " Advertisement The horror stories from the scandalous interrogation camp that the United States is operating at Guant�namo Bay, Cuba, are coming to light with increased frequency. At some point the whole shameful tale of this exercise in extreme human degradation will be told. For the time being we have to piece together what we can from a variety of accounts that have escaped the government's obsessively reinforced barriers of secrecy. We know that people were kept in cells that in some cases were the equivalent of animal cages, and that some detainees, disoriented and despairing, have been shackled like slaves and left to soil themselves with their own urine and feces. Detainees are frequently kicked, punched, beaten and sexually humiliated. Extremely long periods of psychologically damaging isolation are routine. This is all being done in the name of fighting terror. But the best evidence seems to show that many of the people rounded up and dumped without formal charges into Guant�namo had nothing to do with terror. They just happened to be unfortunate enough to get caught in one of Uncle Sam's depressingly indiscriminate sweeps. Which is what happened to Shafiq Rasul, who was released from Guant�namo about a year ago. His story is instructive, and has not been told widely enough. Mr. Rasul was one of three young men, all friends, from the British town of Tipton who were among thousands of people seized in Afghanistan in the aftermath of Sept. 11, 2001. They had been there, he said, to distribute food and medical supplies to impoverished Afghans. The three were interviewed soon after their release by Michael Ratner, president of the Center for Constitutional Rights, which has been in the forefront of efforts to secure legal representation for Guant�namo detainees. Under extreme duress at Guant�namo, including hundreds of hours of interrogation and long periods of isolation, the three men confessed to having been in a terrorist training camp in Afghanistan. They also said they were among a number of men who could be seen in a videotape of Osama bin Laden. The tape had been made in August 2000. For the better part of two years, Mr. Rasul and his friends, Asif Iqbal and Rhuhel Ahmed, had denied involvement in any terror activity whatsoever. But Mr. Rasul said they eventually succumbed to long months of physical and psychological abuse. Mr. Rasul had been held in isolation for several weeks (his second sustained period of isolation) when an interrogator showed him the video of bin Laden. He said she told him: "I've put detainees here in isolation for 12 months and eventually they've broken. You might as well admit it now." "I could not bear another day of isolation, let alone the prospect of another year," said Mr. Rasul. He confessed. The three men, all British citizens, were saved by British intelligence officials, who proved that they had been in England when the video was shot, and during the time they were supposed to have been in Al Qaeda training camps. All three were returned to England, where they were released from custody. Mr. Rasul has said many times that he and his friends were freed only because their alibis were corroborated. But they continue to worry about the many other Guant�namo detainees who may be innocent but have no way of proving it. The Bush administration has turned Guant�namo into a place that is devoid of due process and the rule of law. It's a place where human beings can be imprisoned for life without being charged or tried, without ever seeing a lawyer, and without having their cases reviewed by a court. Congress and the courts should be uprooting this evil practice, but freedom and justice in the United States are on a post-9/11 downhill slide. So we are stuck for the time being with the disgrace of Guant�namo, which will forever be a stain on the history of the United States, like the internment of the Japanese in World War II. ==================== Could this kind of Democracy, Freedom, and Justice be one of the reasons why the image of America and Americans is being tarnished abroad? revdauphinee answered on 02/07/05: I find it hard to feel sory for those who as terrorists were imprisoned for thier acts,we so far have not placed any of them on tellevision and beheaded then have we ,where is the outrage for those folks??? ETWolverine rated this answer purplewings rated this answer Saladin rated this answer

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Calminthestorm04 asked on 02/07/05 - Games Why do people play games on this board? I asked a question and all I got was mocking. Why? I thought the people here were adults? revdauphinee answered on 02/07/05: sometimes silly questions get silly answers! ATON2 rated this answer Calminthestorm04 rated this answer Choux rated this answer Krewton rated this answer

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Calminthestorm04 asked on 02/06/05 - Who is in charge? The board. The experts. The babysitting. Who is in charge? revdauphinee answered on 02/07/05: are we not adults in here why do we need someone in charge? At mt age i do not need a babysitter! Calminthestorm04 rated this answer jeremy_hobbs rated this answer

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Calminthestorm04 asked on 02/06/05 - Who is in charge? The board. The experts. The babysitting. Who is in charge? revdauphinee answered on 02/07/05: are we not adults in here why do we need someone in charge? At mt age i do not need a babysitter! Calminthestorm04 rated this answer

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FormerJesusHelper76 asked on 02/06/05 - Abuse!!!!!!! Those poor children that got abused continusly. How can us, regular ordinary Joe help these children get through such abuse? I am sure some will be afraid to trust others ever again, some might act out and try to get revenge. How should society help these children grow up healthier and hopefully happier? Is there anyway for them to lead ordinary lives and learn how to trust again. Yes, and these children should be prayed for as well. Joe revdauphinee answered on 02/06/05: I heard once on a law and order show a detective say he had seen children without a soul!these poor children have had thier souls so badly damaged there is but one who can repair them God !pray he will be with them always .as for the parents their is a special place reserved in hell for them! FormerJesusHelper76 rated this answer Krewton rated this answer

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Bradd asked on 02/05/05 - Sylvia Browne - New Religion Sylvia Browne is a self-styled psychic. She has claimed success with police departments in helping to solve murders and find missing persons. Not ONE police department is the US has ever verified such claims of success. Browne is frequently on Larry King and Montel Williams shows, and the gullible swoon. She is an expert at "cold reading". King and Williams laugh all the way to the bank as their ratings soar when she is on. Browne dispenses private "readings" at $700 a pop. She is now starting her own "religion", which is an amalgam of Christianity and her "psychic" contacts with the dead. Browne has been offered one million dollars (on the TV air) to prove herself. She agreed to do so, apparently because she couldn't refuse on nationwide TV. That was over 3 years ago, and she has yet to fulfill her agreement to be tested. She continues to claim that she talks to the dead (at $700 per contact outside of her TV appearances). Do any of you think that the Sylvia Brownes are actually communicating with the dead? Or have her and her ilk simply discovered a cash cow preying on the gullibility of so many? revdauphinee answered on 02/06/05: sylvia Brown is no christian for it is written Lev.19:31 "`Do not turn to mediums or seek out spiritists, for you will be defiled by them. I am the LORD your God. Lev.20:6 "`I will set my face against the person who turns to mediums and spiritists to prostitute himself by following them, and I will cut him off from his people. (Isa.8:19 When men tell you to consult mediums and spiritists, who whisper and mutter, should not a people inquire of their God? (((Why consult the dead on behalf of the living?))) Bradd rated this answer jeremy_hobbs rated this answer Krewton rated this answer

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arcura asked on 02/05/05 - Just off the press For your information. Judge OKs discarded embryo lawsuit Couple suing over wrongful death CHICAGO, Illinois (AP) -- A couple whose frozen embryo was accidentally destroyed at a fertility clinic has the right in Illinois to file a wrongful-death lawsuit, a judge has ruled in a case that some legal experts say could have implications in the debate over embryonic stem cell research. In an opinion issued Friday, Cook County Judge Jeffrey Lawrence said "a pre-embryo is a 'human being' ... whether or not it is implanted in its mother's womb." He said the couple is as entitled to seek compensation as any parents whose child has been killed. The suit was filed by Alison Miller and Todd Parrish, who stored nine embryos in January 2000 at the Center for Human Reproduction in Chicago. Their doctor said one embryo looked particularly promising, but the Chicago couple were told six months later the embryos had been accidentally discarded. In his ruling, Lawrence relied on the state's Wrongful Death Act, which allows lawsuits to be filed if unborn fetuses are killed in an accident or assault. "The state of gestation or development of a human being" does not preclude taking legal action, the act says. Lawrence also cited an Illinois state law that says an "unborn child is a human being from the time of conception and is, therefore, a legal person." "There is no doubt in the mind of the Illinois Legislature when life begins," Lawrence wrote. Another judge had thrown out the couple's wrongful-death claims, but Lawrence reversed that decision, partly because that judge did not explain his decision at the time. An attorney for the fertility clinic said an appeal would likely be filed. The decision could curb reproductive research, said Colleen Connell, executive director of the American Civil Liberties Union in Chicago. Connell expects the ruling will be overturned on appeal. "It may be groundbreaking, but it's the wrong decision," Connell said. "No appellate court has ever declared a fertilized egg a human being in a wrongful-death suit." Stem cells can potentially grow into any type of human tissue. Many scientists believe they could someday be used to repair spinal cord injuries and treat some diseases. Anti-abortion groups oppose such research because it involves destroying embryos, and the Bush administration has severely restricted federal stem cell funding. Abortion opponents praised Lawrence's ruling. "Life begins at fertilization, not implantation," Pro-Life Action League director Joe Scheidler said. While the ruling likely is too narrow to affect abortion law, it increases legal risks for fertility clinics, said John Mayoue, a family attorney in Atlanta and specialist on in-vitro law. Mayoue said court rulings on the treatment of embryos have been contradictory. "We are considering embryos to be property for certain purposes and life for others, and that's the incongruity," he said. revdauphinee answered on 02/06/05: while I do accept a fertilized embrio can be regarded as life I find i have a problem with the last statement. "We are considering embryos to be property for certain purposes and life for others, and that's the incongruity," he said." if an embrio is a life then to call it ""property""gives me problems People (life)are not property.I can dispose of my property can I not? arcura rated this answer

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arcura asked on 02/05/05 - On my earlier question about ratings-now this I thank you for your help and suggestions. Using those I have come to a decision on how I will henceforth rate answers to my questions. And I ask others here to rate me in the same way. If I ask for a comment I will rate all with 5 stars. If I post something for your information, or a joke, anything you say will be considered a comment. The exception will be in case someone uses expletives or personal degrading remarks those get one star. If I ask a question I will expect an answer which I will rate according to what I think it is worth. If it is sincere it will get a much higher rate than a smart mouthed answer. If you want to comment, fine, as long as the question is answered. If you just want to comment and not post an answer, do not put it in the answer box. It will get a very low rate. I suggest comments only be posted in the area provided for clarification. If I post something regarding spirituality and want and answer from your spiritual experience please don�t answer if you do not believe in spirituality or the existence of the supernatural. I will take a dim view of such posts, particularly those who think that heaven, hell, and/or God are superstitious nonsense. Your comments on this post are welcome. Thank you. Peace and kindness, arcura revdauphinee answered on 02/06/05: the rating system means little to me other than to tell me my comments were read.I woill continue to rate as to my own oppinions ot the article> arcura rated this answer ATON2 rated this answer jeremy_hobbs rated this answer Krewton rated this answer

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HANK1 asked on 02/05/05 - CONCLUSION: Only savages inflict upon their victims the horrors of torture. Who does this remind you of? HANK revdauphinee answered on 02/06/05: I think Saladin said it best! IClarification/Follow-up by Saladin on 02/05/05 11:26 pm: "Civilisation is but a thin veneer pasted onto a savage." (Jeremy Tuttle) ATON2 rated this answer HANK1 rated this answer

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HANK1 asked on 02/05/05 - WOULD YOU FAINT? ... PART II: How would you feel if you looked at the sky some very dark night and saw a panoramic view of Satan wearing his red and black robe looking straight at you? I have often wondered about this as well! revdauphinee answered on 02/06/05: Id tell him to get behind me for greater is he that is in me than he that is in the world! HANK1 rated this answer Krewton rated this answer

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HANK1 asked on 02/05/05 - WOULD YOU FAINT? How would you feel if you looked at the sky some very dark night and saw a panoramic view of God wearing his white robe looking straight at you? I have often wondered about this! HANK revdauphinee answered on 02/06/05: How would I feel I would be extatic !It would be the day I have been waiting for . HANK1 rated this answer

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Choux asked on 02/05/05 - Urgent for Older Americans Our government is about to institute changes to Social Security which they predict will be in trouble in 2042. We must all understand what is to American's *benefit*! This is *not* a partisan issue. FYI, there is an independent expert who has a radio show in most radio markets and he discussed the ramifications this afternoon and will do so in the future. In addition, we can phone him with our questions. The name of this excellent radio show is "Money Talk" with Bob Brinker. He is on Saturday and Sunday afternoons. I learned a lot this afternoon. revdauphinee answered on 02/06/05: if this plan is adopted 40 yrs from now there will be more elderly homeless than we can ever imagine!cause it just wont work !in a perfect world it would, but this is not perfect and it is opening the door to many scams where peoples money will be lost .thank God I am old I hate to even imagine the future for the young folks who buy into this ! Choux rated this answer tomder55 rated this answer

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HANK1 asked on 02/05/05 - AREN'T WE LUCKY? "The punishment for poisoning during the Elizabethan period was to be boiled to death. Mutilation and branding were also common. People often had their right hand cut off if they were caught stealing, and on certain occasions eyes were plucked out with hot pinchers and fingers were torn off. Some minor cruelties included the pillory, the stocks, the finger pillory, the ducking stool, and the ranks. The dunking stool was a stool or chair in which a woman who had been accused of adultery or other crimes would be repeatedly dunked under water until pronounced dead. The pillory was another device that was commonly used. There were a couple of different forms of the pillory. The pillory was a frame in the shape of a T, usually placed in the center of the town. The accused would place his/her hands in the cross bar of the T with his/her head sticking out of a hole at the top. The accused then had to stay in the pillory for an extremely long time and would be harassed by everyone that crossed his/her path. Another form of the pillory that isn't as widely known was for the feet. This device had holes through which the toes were forced; then the toes were crushed with a hammer and wedge. This form of pillory had much less emotional pain, but the excruciating physical pain was much more enduring. The harsher the crime committed, the more horrendous the punishment during this time. A person accused of manslaughter, rape, or robbery, might find himself trapped in cages hung up in public places where others could observe his slow death. Right before being pronounced dead, he was taken down and quartered until the pain finally killed him." Source: "Torture & Punishment In Elizabethan Times" -- Erin Lestikow, Katie O'Fallon, Lori Patterson Would the use of a 'hands and head' pillory be feasible to enforce and promote morality in America? HANK revdauphinee answered on 02/06/05: when are folks going to learn you cannot legislate morality ?it has been tried many times (remember prohibition)it never works morality must come from within the person you can teach it but you cannot enforce it! HANK1 rated this answer ATON2 rated this answer excon rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 02/05/05 - Are you an idiot? Aton said "If I can handle some of the idiots on this page" to whom was he referring, do you think? revdauphinee answered on 02/06/05: probably me but thats ok I ve been called worse! jeremy_hobbs rated this answer ATON2 rated this answer paraclete rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 02/05/05 - Sunday morning going down Will you be in Church today? Are you expectant that there will be salvations? Are you expectant that there will be healings? Just what are your expectations? revdauphinee answered on 02/06/05: not sunday! saturday is was and has never been changed from being sabath it was the day Jesus worshiped and is my day of worship also paraclete rated this answer

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Saladin asked on 02/03/05 - Experts ... What's in a name? "This is a board for experts". While it can not not be denied that such is the intention, how do you decribe an expert in Christianity? What are the/your criteria? :) revdauphinee answered on 02/05/05: Jesus chose for his followers simple folks fishermen clerks ect he did not look among the learned ,why should we ?do we concider ourselves more qualified to choose than he? Saladin rated this answer

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Choux asked on 02/03/05 - TEMPORARY MODERATOR Please note that this is a Q&A Site and the Christianity Board is for *EXPERTS* in Christinaity, not believers, although believers with a high degree of understanding of different Christian denominations are free to sign up as experts. Thank you for your cooperation! revdauphinee answered on 02/05/05: if simple fishermen where good enough for Jesus ,then who dare say who is qualified here?? Choux rated this answer

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ROLCAM asked on 02/03/05 - Quotation out of context. Quoting the Bible out of context:- Now I, Paul, say to you that if you receive circumcision, Christ will be of no advantage to you. It is a very strange sentence. You would not believe it but this sentence is preceded by the following sentence. For freedom Christ has set us free; stand fast therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery. The difference of opinion between Paul and Peter was quite great on the subject of circumcision. In your opinion does CIRCUMCISION play any part in CHRISTIANITY in these days? revdauphinee answered on 02/05/05: NO!! Colossians 2 10. and you have been given fullness in Christ, who is the head over every power and authority. 11. In him you were also circumcised, in the putting off of the sinful nature, not with a circumcision done by the hands of men but with the circumcision done by Christ, 12. having been buried with him in baptism and raised with him through your faith in the power of God, who raised him from the dead. ROLCAM rated this answer

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FormerJesusHelper76 asked on 02/04/05 - Are these thoughts scary to you??????? Okay some people were talking. Talking about the spirit world. Spirits, Ghosts and other things. Phychics have claimed to talk to the dead and they can describe a persons house their daily activities and so on. How about Guardian angels that are with you for your whole life. This thought actually scares people. What if they all exist and that are watching our every move. Us going to the washroom, Making love with our loved one, and etc....... Or each dimension or other existance that we can usually not see, can they really see us, if we can not see them. What are your thoughts on these crazy ideas? Joe revdauphinee answered on 02/05/05: the dead sleep untill judgement (Dn.12:2 Multitudes who sleep in the dust of the earth will awake: some to everlasting life, others to shame and everlasting contempt. ) any spirit consulted is more than likely demonic. (2Cor.11:14-15 14 And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light. 15 It is not surprising, then, if his servants masquerade as servants of righteousness. Their end will be what their actions deserve. ) FormerJesusHelper76 rated this answer

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FormerJesusHelper76 asked on 02/04/05 - Heaven and Hell Do you believe in Heaven and Hell or just one or the other? In your own beliefs or opinions what happens to us when we die? Do we go into a new world with a new body? Do we just sleep for eternity? Do we come back here in another life? What are your beliefs or opinions about this? Thank you in advance! Joe revdauphinee answered on 02/05/05: according to scripture we sleep untill the judgement ! (Dn.12:2 Multitudes who sleep in the dust of the earth will awake: some to everlasting life, others to shame and everlasting contempt. ) FormerJesusHelper76 rated this answer

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FormerJesusHelper76 asked on 02/04/05 - ABUSE!!!!!!! A florida couple accused of torturing and starving 5 of thier 7 children were captured in Utah. They are adopted. The Couple are accused of using a cattle prod or some sort of stun gun to shock the children. Securing them to spots in the house with chains, striking their feet with hammers and pulling thier toenails with pliers. They were kept in closets which had chimes on them so they would know when they tried getting out. They were so called home schooled. 14 year olds and 16 years old ranged in weight from 36 pounds to 56 pounds. This is disgusting. What do you think should be done to these people who commited this? revdauphinee answered on 02/05/05: nothing man can think of as punnishment will compaRE TO THE PUNISHMENT OF gOD HIMSELF FOR THESE FOLKS Matthew 18: 6 But if anyone causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him to have a large millstone hung around his neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea. ) FormerJesusHelper76 rated this answer ATON2 rated this answer

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FormerJesusHelper76 asked on 02/05/05 - Dream Questions???Comments Welcome!!! Please I know some of you might be interested in dreams and etc... I had this real upsetting one and I would like to share it with you and get your opinion of it. No I was not eating anything weird before going to sleep, no medication etc... I was feeling really relaxed, peaceful and more. Here Goes... It is very confusing and very weird. About myself and my wife. We were going to renew our vows. She wanted to wear her wedding dress, but I did not want to wear the tux. Before all this there was lots of confusing events. Myself driving a vehicle and at the same time controlling another vehicle ahead of me. Trying to get to the wedding quickly. It was suppose to happen at 2 oclock. There were many people missing from the original wedding and we decided to renew our vows 6 months after the wedding. Got there and she came over. We gave the rings to some person. I heard the priest talking to my mother saying you really need to pray for them. My mother said she has, she has. The priest kept repeating it over and over and then he started getting angry and nasty. My mom got upset and could not believe it. There was such a negative atmosphere. My wife said she had 2 symptoms lets get this done and over with. She has epilepsy.. So as we went up we said lets have fun we started dancing and smiling and laughing and we did not care what people thought. Next thing you know she is kneeling looking at the front, got up and kneeled again then she collapsed and had a huge seizure. Next thing you know she disappeared and the priest came up to me with an envolope with all her belongings in it and said I am sorry. I looked through the package and could not find the rings, the right ones. I searched and searched and they could not find them eighter. I felt bad because at this point I was like what is her family going to think she is at the hospital and I am here searching for rings. They are engraved. When I first received the package I cried. There are other parts of the dream as well. When I woke up I told my wife about the dream it scared her. Usually I have dreams that come true, about her having seizures. This dream seemed way out there. I felt so upset when I woke up and held her tight and thanked God I have her. I was also scared she was going to have her seizure. When I went to sleep felt possitive, happy, relaxed and peaceful and having such a negative dream. Why do you think this happens? How can it effect a person so deeply even though I know it was a dream? Thank you in advance! Joe revdauphinee answered on 02/05/05: to answer you let me quote scripture (Ecc.5:3,7. 3 As a dream comes when there are many cares, so the speech of a fool when there are many words. 7 Much dreaming and many words are meaningless. Therefore stand in awe of God. ) FormerJesusHelper76 rated this answer

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ROLCAM asked on 02/03/05 - PRAYERS FOR ATON2 on Easter Sunday. Open request to all Answerway Members. Please just indicate with a YES or a NO as to whether you are prepared to offer a special prayer to Jesus on behalf of ATON2 and all the others that disrupt proceedings on this particular forum. ROLCAM revdauphinee answered on 02/05/05: I pray for everyone on here and all who I concider friends and Aton is one of the later we dissagree often but I still love him and care for his welfare disagreeing is not hating ! ROLCAM rated this answer

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Saladin asked on 01/22/05 - Taiwan In his address on the 20th, Mr. Bush said that it is now "the policy of the United States to seek and support the growth of democratic movements and institutions in every nation and culture, with the ultimate goal of ending tyranny in our world." Lest his intentions be interpreted as military adventurism, the president cautioned: "This is not primarily the task of arms, though we will defend ourselves and our friends by force of arms when necessary. "Our goal instead is to help others find their own voice, attain their own freedom and make their own way," he said. He promised that "all who live in tyranny and hopelessness can know: The United States will not ignore your oppression or excuse your oppressors. When you stand for your liberty, we will stand with you." What will he do when China finally invades Taiwan? :) Ronnie revdauphinee answered on 01/22/05: nothing! ATON2 rated this answer jeremy_hobbs rated this answer Saladin rated this answer

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Geedubya84 asked on 01/22/05 - Inaugaration Did you like my speech? revdauphinee answered on 01/22/05: fraid I went with Aton! ATON2 rated this answer Geedubya84 rated this answer jeremy_hobbs rated this answer

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STONY asked on 01/22/05 - TO ALL CONCERNED ABOUT MY HEALTH... I HAVE A DR. APP'T ON 1/31 TO ESTABLISH A NEW MEDICAID DR ASSIGNED TO ME. AFTER THAT I CAN GET A SURGERY SCHEDUALED TO TRY TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM. I'M CERTAINLY GLAD THIS IS NOT AT PRESENT A LIFE THREATENING ORDEAL, BECAUSE UNTIL I GET ESTABLISHED WITH A NEW DR., MEDICAID HAS REFUSED TO PAY FOR ANY SURGICAL PROCEEDURES. I MAY HAVE TO CONSIDER IN THE NEXT ELECTION IF MY HEALTH NEEDS ARE TO BE LEFT IN THE HANDS OF JEB BUSH OUR ILLUSTRIOUS GOVERNOR HERE IN FLORIDA. revdauphinee answered on 01/22/05: the powers that be can afford good medical care they care not a thing about those of us who cant>Hope you do find some help Chilloutinparis rated this answer jeremy_hobbs rated this answer MaggieB rated this answer STONY rated this answer

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Choux asked on 01/21/05 - Board Business Memo I see that there is still some confusion about the *auditions* for Board Moderator. Further explanation:: each person who volunteers to be a Moderator shows how he/she would moderate the Board per owners desire. Each person who is Moderator may have their own style; however; the end is the same. Keep the Board free from insults and verbal detritus. Now, ethical reason is today's moderator, this weekend is Ronnie Bray. After that, I have no volunteers. So, here is the schedule: Jan 24th is Hank Jan 25th is ViB Jan 26th is CeeBee Jan 27th is Gadedude Jan 28th is arcura Jan 29th is rev(if not avail. ROLCAM) Jan 30th is ATON Jan 31st is Former Jesus Helper(if not avail. BRADD) Thanks you in advance for auditioning. MarySue revdauphinee answered on 01/21/05: Jan 29th is rev(if not avail. ROLCAM) remove me I most definatly object to this as it smells to me more like censurship wich I am vehemently against> ATON2 rated this answer CeeBee2 rated this answer Choux rated this answer ethical_reason rated this answer HANK1 rated this answer jeremy_hobbs rated this answer Saladin rated this answer

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ethical_reason asked on 01/21/05 - in case clarification is needed I'm no moderator I (and anyone else who does this) am just pretending to be one to show everyone here what I would do if I was one. It's like a try out, and it's a game. revdauphinee answered on 01/21/05: so if you didnt like what was said you would have it deleted??sounds more like censurship to me. CeeBee2 rated this answer Choux rated this answer ethical_reason rated this answer

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HANK1 asked on 01/21/05 - DEFINITION OF A MODERATOR: Alleviator, anchorman, anodyne, arbiter, arbitrator, assuager, balm, bencher, calmative, chair, chairman, conciliator, coordinator, critic, cushion, dolorifuge, emcee, his honor, his lordship, his worship, impartial arbitrator, indicator, JP, judge, Justice, lenitive, magistrate, master of ceremonies, MC, mediator, mitigator, modulator, mollifier, negotiator, pacificator, pacifier, palliative, peacemaker, president, presiding officer, referee, restraining hand, salve, sedative, shock absorber, soother, soothing syrup, stabilizer, temperer, third party, toastmaster, tranquilizer, umpire, unbiased observer, wiser head. Source: hyperdictionary I like SHOCK ABSORBER! What's your pick? HANK revdauphinee answered on 01/21/05: when we are not allowed to come here and state our thoughts without fear of censure it will spell the begining of the end of this site . HANK1 rated this answer

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ROLCAM asked on 01/21/05 - One out of the blue !! If Jesus had never been born, what religion would we be today ? Can anybody hazard a guess? revdauphinee answered on 01/21/05: Id be Jewish! ROLCAM rated this answer

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ethical_reason asked on 01/21/05 - OK, it's 15 minutes until my day as moderator Not that I have time to be around all day. But I wanted to make it clear what this means. As Saladin pointed out that a moderator without power is stupid (or something like that). The thing is that I'm not actually a moderator and neither is anyone else. That's obvious enough right? So that means I'm just showing people what I would do if I were a moderator. I'd indicate when I would delete something. Warn people. Etc... Everyone else playing this game should think of it the same way obviously. Anyhow see you tomorrow p.s. For the sake of ease, I'll "moderate" anything with the ൉/21/05" stamp on it, from my time zone, and nothing else. Also if I say something and don't preface it with "moderator:� then it's just me talking as me and not as a moderator. revdauphinee answered on 01/21/05: Ive madi it clear I was aginst this however if it has to be lets have an ellection not just a dictaTORSHIP .pS i DONT WANT THIS! CeeBee2 rated this answer ATON2 rated this answer ethical_reason rated this answer jeremy_hobbs rated this answer

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Bobbye asked on 01/21/05 - MODERATOR! As we continue to fantasize, has anyone developed a "job description" of this supposedly super being? Everyone is aware (from the Expert Forum) the candidate that I nominated and support (and there are many others qualified). But, I just got to thinkin', "What's he gonna do when the hammer must be used?" LOL Ronnie, please give us your qualifications as custodian of the guillotine; your platform; your rules; your modus operandi. Choux, et al, please provide same. Thanks. bobbye revdauphinee answered on 01/21/05: for heavens sake please give it up I know from past experience that on a board such as this change will be the death knell of it>Please leave well enough alone> ATON2 rated this answer CeeBee2 rated this answer Bobbye rated this answer Saladin rated this answer jeremy_hobbs rated this answer

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Saladin asked on 01/20/05 - Is the Bible complete or not? I think some of our experts will enjoy reading the following. Those who would not enjoy it do not have to pay it any attention at all. Reference is made in both the Old and New Testaments to books and epistles which are not now available. These include: Book of the Covenant (Ex. 24:4, 7); Book of the Wars of the Lord (Num. 21:14); Book of Jasher (Josh. 10:13; 2 Sam. 1:18); A Book of Statutes (1 Sam. 10:25); Book of the Acts of Solomon (1 Kings 11:41); Books of Nathan and Gad (1 Chron. 29:29; 2 Chron. 9:29); Prophecy of Ahijah and Visions of Iddo (2 Chron. 9:29; 12:15; 13:22); Book of Shemaiah (2 Chron. 12:15); Book of Jehu (2 Chron. 20:34); Acts of Uzziah, written by Isaiah (2 Chron. 26:22); Sayings of the Seers (2 Chron. 33:19); an epistle of Paul to the Corinthians 1 Cor. 5:9); an epistle of Paul to the Ephesians (Eph. 3:3); an epistle of Paul to the Laodiceans (Col. 4:16); Epistle of Jude (Jude 3); and the Prophecies of Enoch (Jude 14). The prophecy that Christ should be a Nazarene (Matt. 2:23) and the prediction, known to the scribes in our Lord's day, that Elias must restore all things before the coming of Christ (Matt. 17:10), are illustrations of lost scripture. There are many apocryphal books now in existence which in their original state were inspired scripture. There is no more false or absurd doctrine than the claim that the Bible contains all of the word of God. The Bible, great and valuable as it is, is only a part of the great library of revealed truth which the merciful Author of all scripture, in his omniscient wisdom, deigns to give to his children on earth. His voice to those who complain when added scripture is brought to light is: "Wherefore murmur ye, because that ye shall receive more of my word?" (2 Ne. 29:8.) With so mnay missing books, how can it be said that the Bible is complete? :) Ronnie revdauphinee answered on 01/21/05: Revelation 22 18. I warn everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: If anyone adds anything to them, God will add to him the plagues described in this book. Saladin rated this answer

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Choux asked on 01/20/05 - Memo: Board Business There is a change in the schedule of Moderators. Effective Jan 21, 2005 Greenwich Time, Ethical Reason will be Moderator for one day. I resign effective immediately, reason:: I am to be Moderator. It is a difficult post. January 22, and 23, 2005, Saladin (Ronnie Bray) will audition for Moderator. revdauphinee answered on 01/21/05: ATON Please!we need no moderators ATON2 rated this answer Choux rated this answer

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Krewton asked on 01/20/05 - Time to go it's been real, and it's been fun, just not real fun. I have had enough of this silliness all the way around. I only come here to aggravate. I gave up asking Christian questions long ago. This forum is now only a dark hole that occupies way too much of my time. Anyone wishing to converse with me privately. I'll be at billgunn38@yahoo.com. You can come out of hiding now Aton. I'm gooooooonnnnnnnnneeeeeeeeeeee!!!!!!!!!!!!!! C-Ya!!!!! revdauphinee answered on 01/21/05: another case of folks taking offence when someone dosent agree with them !sory I do wish this would end here ! ATON2 rated this answer Krewton rated this answer

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Choux asked on 01/20/05 - OK OK OK So we can get a feel for it, I'll audition for Moderator today and tomorrow(Jan 20 & 21). Since some like the idea of two Moderators, how about volunteers for the number two spot for the two days, and I'll pick someone. Meanwhile, I'll get started.... revdauphinee answered on 01/21/05: choux forgedd about it! Choux rated this answer powderpuff rated this answer

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ethical_reason asked on 01/20/05 - Why are we not aloud to name people by name? Both Pete and VIB have made comments about people without using names, and I've seen it happen many times in the past. What is the reason for this? revdauphinee answered on 01/20/05: I hereby give my permission to use my name any time you want to !It doesnt bother me one whit If I say anything ill freely admit it ethical_reason rated this answer Saladin rated this answer

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FormerJesusHelper76 asked on 01/20/05 - Lots of talk about a moderator? Whats up with this? Why all of a sudden so much talk about this? I most have missed something. Please fill in the spaces for me. Much appreciated. FJH revdauphinee answered on 01/20/05: i for one am against it this forum has worked fine so long why do folks want to come along and change it now?like I said it aint broke so dont try and fix it> FormerJesusHelper76 rated this answer Pete_Hanysz rated this answer

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Saladin asked on 01/20/05 - Is This a Sponge Too Far? ... Conservatives Pick Soft Target: A Cartoon Sponge By DAVID D. KIRKPATRICK Published: January 20, 2005 WASHINGTON, Jan. 19 - On the heels of electoral victories barring same-sex marriage, some influential conservative Christian groups are turning their attention to a new target: the cartoon character SpongeBob SquarePants. "Does anybody here know SpongeBob?" Dr. James C. Dobson, the founder of Focus on the Family, asked the guests Tuesday night at a black-tie dinner for members of Congress and political allies to celebrate the election results. SpongeBob needed no introduction. In addition to his popularity among children, who watch his cartoon show, he has become a well-known camp figure among adult gay men, perhaps because he holds hands with his animated sidekick Patrick and likes to watch the imaginary television show "The Adventures of Mermaid Man and Barnacle Boy." Now, Dr. Dobson said, SpongeBob's creators had enlisted him in a "pro-homosexual video," in which he appeared alongside children's television colleagues like Barney and Jimmy Neutron, among many others. The makers of the video, he said, planned to mail it to thousands of elementary schools to promote a "tolerance pledge" that includes tolerance for differences of "sexual identity." The video's creator, Nile Rodgers, who wrote the disco hit "We Are Family," said Mr. Dobson's objection stemmed from a misunderstanding. Mr. Rodgers said he founded the We Are Family Foundation after the Sept. 11 attacks to create a music video to teach children about multiculturalism. The video has appeared on television networks, and nothing in it or its accompanying materials refers to sexual identity. The pledge, borrowed from the Southern Poverty Law Center, is not mentioned on the video and is available only on the group's Web site. Mr. Rodgers suggested that Dr. Dobson and the American Family Association, the conservative Christian group that first sounded the alarm, might have been confused because of an unrelated Web site belonging to another group called "We Are Family," which supports gay youth. "The fact that some people may be upset with each other peoples' lifestyles, that is O.K.," Mr. Rodgers said. "We are just talking about respect." Mark Barondess, the foundation's lawyer, said the critics "need medication." On Wednesday however, Paul Batura, assistant to Mr. Dobson at Focus on the Family, said the group stood by its accusation. "We see the video as an insidious means by which the organization is manipulating and potentially brainwashing kids," he said. "It is a classic bait and switch." ================ Which side has truth on its side, and why? :) Ronnie revdauphinee answered on 01/20/05: why the heck cant they leave kids out of this mess ?Innocence is lost soon enough lets leave them out of adult politics at least for a while , ATON2 rated this answer powderpuff rated this answer Saladin rated this answer

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HANK1 asked on 01/20/05 - WHATEVER WILL BE WILL BE! I posted this on the Expert Forum as an answer: If there is no Christianity board, the Experts and Users who frequent said board NOW will migrate TOGETHER to another board and the process will start all over. What is posted on our various boards is strictly an individual thing. If 'consideration' would run rampant instead of foolish, knuckle-head 'competition,' nothing would need to be changed. It just seems that some Experts just won't change their goofy personalities for the benefit of the majority. This, guys, is selfishness ... and this is what's screwin' up our community! Do what you wish! HANK revdauphinee answered on 01/20/05: If people must change thier personalities then they are not being themselves and that is untruthfull.I thought one of the tenets of Christianity was truthfullness!It is the varied personalities here that i love about it who wants to spend time with a bunch of clones??not me I love every goofy quirk anbout everyone here please dont try to turn it into the stepford people! HANK1 rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 01/19/05 - Revival for those among us who are of the Catholic persuasion, this concerns you. has there ever been a revival in the Catholic Church? revdauphinee answered on 01/20/05: sory but to me the word revival means to revive something or someone .who is dead here ?the church is alive and well in America muight need a little revival in europe though from what i hear> paraclete rated this answer

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ROLCAM asked on 01/19/05 - Our Lord's Promises Series # 12. (Last in the series). Promises of Our Lord to those devoted to His Sacred Heart. I promise you in the excessive mercy of My Heart that My all-powerful love will grant to all those who communicate on the first Friday in nine consecutive months of grace of final penitence; they shall not die in My gisgrace nor without receiving their sacraments; My Divine Heart shall be their safe refufe in this last moment. Please,let me have your positive views on this promise. ROLCAM. revdauphinee answered on 01/20/05: not being a Cathilic this means little to me My devotion is to Jesus himself not to the sacred heart although I realise thie to a catholic may be the same thing ROLCAM rated this answer

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ROLCAM asked on 01/19/05 - Burst your Bubble!! Series # 1. Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory:" ~1 Peter 1:8~ Do you ever let other people's words and actions upset you? It's really hard not to let other people upset us. Isn't it? Wouldn't it be nice if everyone's words were spoken in kindness? People can, will and do take away our peace and joy of the Lord. Others can only take away your JOY "IF" you let them!!! It isn't easy to change the way you react to people but it can be done. It's not the action that's the problem it's "our" reaction to the action that's the problem. ROLCAM. revdauphinee answered on 01/20/05: It's not the action that's the problem it's "our" reaction to the action that's the problem. so true I cant understand why some folks think if you dont agree with everything they say you "Hate" em I love my kids dearly and would die for them but agree with them all the time?never! ROLCAM rated this answer

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Saladin asked on 01/19/05 - A Letter From a Marine in Boot Camp ... Dear Ma and Pa: I am well. Hope you are. Tell Brother Walt and Brother Elmer the Marine Corps beats working for old man Minch by a mile. Tell them to join up quick before maybe all of the places are filled. I was restless at first because you got to stay in bed till nearly 6 a.m., but am getting so I like to sleep late. Tell Walt and Elmer all you do before breakfast is smooth your cot and shine some things. No hogs to slop, feed to pitch, mash to mix, wood to split, fire to lay. Men got to shave but it is not so bad, there's warm water. Breakfast is strong on trimmings like fruit juice, cereal, eggs, bacon, etc., but kind of weak on chops, potatoes, ham, steak, fried eggplant, pie and other regular food, but tell Walt and Elmer you can always sit by the two city boys that live on coffee. Their food plus yours holds you till noon when you get fed again. It's no wonder these city boys can't walk much. We go on "route marches", which the platoon sergeant says are long walks to harden us. If he thinks so, it's not my place to tell him different. A "route march" is about as far as to our mailbox at home. Then the city guys get sore feet and we all ride back in trucks. The country is nice but awful flat. The sergeant is like a school teacher. He nags a lot. The Capt. is like the school board. Majors and colonels just ride around and frown. They don't bother you none. This next will kill Walt and Elmer with laughing. I keep getting medals for shooting. I don't now why. The bulls-eye is near as big as a chipmunk head and don't move, and it ain't shooting at you like the Higgett boys at home. All you got to do is lie there all comfortable and hit it You don't even load your own cartridges. They come in boxes. Then we have what they call hand-to hand combat training. You get to wrestle with them city boys. I have to be real careful though, they break real easy. It ain't like fighting with that ole bull at home. I'm about the best they got in this except for that Tug Jordan from over in Silver Lake. I only beat him once. He joined up the same time as me, but I'm only 5ƌ" and 130 pounds, and he's 6Ǝ" and weighs near 300 pounds dry. Be sure to tell Walt and Elmer to hurry and join before other fellers get onto this setup and come stampeding in. Your loving daughter, Gail. ========== :) revdauphinee answered on 01/20/05: All I can say to Gail Is you go girl! Saladin rated this answer

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ATON2 asked on 01/19/05 - Pseudo Christian???? If you want to know just what sort of pseudo Christians there are on this board, simply go to Krewton's last post and read his despicable response to CEEBEE...one of the few TRUE Christains on this page. revdauphinee answered on 01/20/05: got to stand up in defence of Aton here (not that he needs any help)why cant we ever discuss anything without someone getting upset .folks just need to agree to disagree on somethingas and then let it go .why take it so personaly?we dont realy know each other so what does it matter what we think of others oppinions /they all have a right to them.Aton and I dissagree daily but I hold no anymosity toward him in fact I kinda like the grumpy old feller! ATON2 rated this answer Liz22 rated this answer

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Choux asked on 01/19/05 - I have a GREAT idea! How about auditions for Moderator?? Since we can comment at the end of every "question", and many like to give their opinions at the end of interesting questions, how about. tomorrow, someone will be a Moderator and give his/her opinion of the Q&A exchange, and what he/she would do, if anything, if selected Moderator??? Before his/her comment, he/she will type Moderator before comments. Want to give it a try? How about Ronnie and ethical reason and freethinker as our first Moderator auditionees?? revdauphinee answered on 01/20/05: as i said previously why change sometyhing that is working just fine as it is I come here because I like it this way and everyone can be oppen and speak freely why do we need a moderator ??? Choux rated this answer

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Ccl471 asked on 01/18/05 - Christians and Jews I read in the book "The Case for Christ" that Jews think Christians are their enemies. They think this because the Nazi's persecuted them and they think that Germany was a Christian nation at the time. They think that the New Testament is a handbook on how to persecute Jews. So do they think that all of us Christians are Nazi's? Many thanks, C.L. revdauphinee answered on 01/18/05: Nonesence!no they dont dont forget Christ was a jew! ATON2 rated this answer freethinker rated this answer paraclete rated this answer

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VisionsInBlue asked on 01/18/05 - Alright... Enough already. Yes, You Who Must Not Be Named. Lay off Stony and Hank, right freakin' now. Is there ANY human decency left? Lemme remind you: Hank had just lost his wife. The man is probably lonely. He is not on "silly pills". Stony has huge health problems. He too must be lonely. He is not digging the "shit pit". Can you leave them alone at least a little? All you are doing is showing what a hateful person you really are. Anyone reading the board as of late noticed. I hope and pray that you or any of yours never get sick or die, cuz if they do, you will remember this. revdauphinee answered on 01/18/05: Ill amen that! ATON2 rated this answer darkstar rated this answer HANK1 rated this answer MaggieB rated this answer paraclete rated this answer powderpuff rated this answer VisionsInBlue rated this answer

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arcura asked on 01/18/05 - Here's an interesting Muslim/Christian episode. Is there some truth here in all of this? What is it? Allah or Jesus? by Rick Mathes Last month I attended my annual training session that's required for maintaining my state prison security clearance. During the training session there was a presentation by three speakers representing the Roman Catholic, Protestant and Muslim faiths, who explained each of their belief systems. I was particularly interested in what the Islamic Imam had to say. The Imam gave a great presentation of the basics of Islam, complete with a video. After the presentations, time was provided for questions and answers. When it was my turn, I directed my question to the Imam and asked: "Please, correct me if I'm wrong, but I understand that most Imams and clerics of Islam have declared a holy jihad [Holy war] against the infidels of the world. And, that by killing an infidel, which is a command to all Muslims, they are assured of a place in heaven. If that's the case, can you give me the definition of an infidel?" There was no disagreement with my statements and, without hesitation, he replied, "Non-believers!" I responded, "So, let me make sure I have this straight. All followers of Allah have been commanded to kill everyone who is not of your faith so they can go to Heaven. Is that correct?" The expression on his face changed from one of authority and command to that of a little boy who had just gotten caught with his hand in the cookie jar. He sheepishly replied, "Yes." I then stated, "Well, sir, I have a real problem trying to imagine Pope John Paul commanding all Catholics to kill those of your faith or Dr. Stanley ordering Protestants to do the same in order to go to Heaven!" The Imam was speechless. I continued, "I also have problem with being your friend when you and your brother clerics are telling your followers to kill me. Let me ask you a question. Would you rather have your Allah who tells you to kill mein order to go to Heaven or my Jesus who tells me to love you because I am going to Heaven and He wants you to be with me?" You could have heard a pin drop as the Imam hung his head in shame. Needless to say, the organizers and/or promoters of the 'Diversification' training seminar were not happy with Rick's way of dealing with the Islamic Imam and exposing the truth about the Muslim's beliefs. I think everyone in the US should be required to read this, but with the liberal justice system, liberal media, and the ACLU, there is no way this will be widely publicized. Please pass this on to all your e-mail contacts. This is a true story and the author, Rick Mathes, is a well known leader in prison ministry From Snopes.com Origins: The piece quoted above ("Allah or Jesus?") is an editorial penned by Rick Mathes, Executive Director of the Mission Gate Prison Ministry. We asked Mr. Mathes if he could provide some information about the origins of the piece, and he responded: This article is an exact recording of a real event that I participated in. My only commentary was, "the truth will prevail." I think this meeting was in May 2003 and I will not give out more details for fear of retribution. The purpose of the class was to increase "religious sensitivity", that is, tolerance for each others beliefs and I really blew that. The director was purple with rage however the Imam and I exchanged signs and said "Salaam" which means "peace" in Arabic (I hope). I questioned him (Imam) really to get a clear refutation of what is commonly thought of this Jihad nonsense. But apparently he wasn't educated enough to rebut my remarks or by his silence on this matter (I think) concurred with my implied conclusions. In either case I was surprised. And when I said I found it hard to be his friend, everyone laughed out loud. So the mood was an amazing mix of those who were interested like me and others that were just amused by the whole thing. I left the matter open on purpose (the truth will prevail) so that either side could speak up and claim the truth as their own. Reporter Greg Kearney, writing for the Lee News Service, traced the story to a correctional facility in Fulton, Missouri, and came away with a decidedly different version of events from Missouri state officials. According to Tim Kniest, Public Information Officer for the Missouri Department of Corrections, the event described was a training program for prison volunteers, for which ministers from several faiths were invited to give presentations in order to acquaint prison volunteers with the varied religious beliefs of the inmate population. The man who gave the presentation about Islam was not a Muslim minister; he was an inmate pressed into service to present a short film on Islam and answer some questions when the prison's Volunteer Coordinator was "unable to find an Imam to speak." Moreover, reported Mr. Kniest, the prison's Volunteer Coordinator said that "The inmate did a good job," adding, "He was asked a few questions that were beyond his ability to answer. But he was not asked anything like that question [in the editorial]": . . . the Volunteer Coordinator at the prison said that no such exchange as the editorial reported ever took place. "He certainly did not 'Hang his head in shame'," according to Kniest. In fact, the inmate was thanked by the assembly before being escorted back to his quarters. Furthermore, the coordinator does not recall any questions dealing with jihad [Holy war] against the infidels of the world as reported in the editorial. In the editorial the inmate is presented as an Imam, or Islamic minister, which he clearly was not. Whatever may have transpired at the prison training session referred to above, the notion expressed by this piece is inaccurate. Islam is not a monolithic religion in which unanimity of belief and action is coordinated from a central authority. Islam has an estimated two billion adherents in countries all over the world who belong to any one of a number of different sects with varying beliefs, traditions, and interpretations of scripture. (As well, some religious groups identify themselves as Islamic but are not recognized as such by the vast majority of Muslims.) No one Muslim (especially one who wasn't even a cleric) could speak to what all of Islam believes, any more than a single member of a Methodist congregation could speak for every denomination and follower of Christianity. Many, many Muslims reject the idea that "all followers of Allah have been commanded to kill everyone who is not of their faith," or even the suggestion that such an interpretation has ever been a valid tenet of Islam. We sent this piece to several Muslim groups and invited them to offer comments; they provided somewhat different explanations about the concept of jihad, how Muslims regard non-Muslims, and other related topics, but they all agreed that the editorial presented a grossly distorted version of their beliefs. revdauphinee answered on 01/18/05: quotes from the Quoran the dinner table 5.51O you who believe! do not take the Jews and the Christians for friends; they are friends of each other; and whoever amongst you takes them for a friend, then surely he is one of them; surely Allah does not guide the unjust people. sura 9 verse 29 You shall fight against those who do not believe in Allah,Nor do they prohibit that which Allah and his Messenger have prohibited,nor do they abide in the religeon of truth. sura 2 The heifer 2/191 you may kill those who wage war against you,and you may evict them whence they evicted you .oppression is worse than murder.if they attack you you may kill them.This is the just retribution for those disbelievers. arcura rated this answer paraclete rated this answer

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Choux asked on 01/18/05 - Moderator There has been some talk about having a Moderator on The Christianity Board. Who would make a good moderator and why? revdauphinee answered on 01/18/05: why fix something that aint broke??? Choux rated this answer

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HANK1 asked on 01/17/05 - ROLCAM: I like your 'Promises' questions. Keep them coming. The answers our Experts give tell much about their personalities and beliefs. So do their comments. I might add that I enjoy your participation on this Board. Have a great 2005! HANK revdauphinee answered on 01/17/05: the experts on here have many differing and diverse beliefs and for me this is what makes it interesting ,discussing these varied beliefs is also educating, for I have learned much here.I may not always agree with others on here but I do respect thier rights to thier own oppinions! God gave us minds to use and freedom of choice to choose it is great to see his gifts being used .I have grown to love this site and all who post here! I am getting older and comming here realy helps with the lonliness living alone can bring.No mater what the time of day or night I know I can always come here and know that I will find things of interest to me>Thank you to all of you and I do mean ALL! Dorothy HANK1 rated this answer jeremy_hobbs rated this answer ROLCAM rated this answer

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HANK1 asked on 01/17/05 - ROLCAM: I like your 'Promises' questions. Keep them coming. The answers our Experts give tell much about their personalities and beliefs. So do their comments. I might add that I enjoy your participation on this Board. Have a great 2005! HANK revdauphinee answered on 01/17/05: the experts on here have many differing and diverse beliefs and for me this is what makes it interesting ,discussing these varied beliefs is also educating, for I have learned much here.I may not always agree with others on here but I do respect thier rights to thier own oppinions! God gave us minds to use and freedom of choice to choose it is great to see his gifts being used .I have grown to love this site and all who post here! I am getting older and comming here realy helps with the lonliness living alone can bring.No mater what the time of day or night I know I can always come here and know that I will find things of interest to me>Thank you to all of you and I do mean ALL! Dorothy ATON2 rated this answer HANK1 rated this answer ROLCAM rated this answer

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HANK1 asked on 01/16/05 - HEADS OR TAILS ... It seems to me that people should pray with their heads lifted upwards toward God than lifted downwards toward Satan. HANK revdauphinee answered on 01/16/05: people can pray in differing ways head held upward in worship, or down in awe, either way it is the heart that God will look at and not the head. HANK1 rated this answer jeremy_hobbs rated this answer

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VisionsInBlue asked on 01/16/05 - What is political corectness? In my opinion all it does is send a message that everyone has every right to be offended by another's religion/race/gender/nationality/etc., instead of teaching people tolerance. I'll take the recent Merry Xmas vs. Happy Holidays hullabaloo as an example (recent, because I don't remember any of this being so emphasized say 5 years ago). As we all know it was all over the media and this board. You couldn't say Merry Xmas because you could have offended somebody. But what if the media took a different stance: anybody can wish a Happy or Merry Whatever to anybody else and the recipient should take it just as what it really is -- best wishes...? So what do we have now...? PCness everywhere and it forces us to NOTICE and think about how others are different than us, therefore slamming a HUGE importance on said differences, instead of teaching that we are all PEOPLE and that the ways in which we differ should be a matter of everyday acceptance without giving it a second thought. Methinks PCness is dividing us into smaller and smaller groups, very precisely defined. So if you want to refer to me, from now on please use: Pale-skinned-of-European-descent -currently-unmarried-parent-of-one-underage-child-professional- bilingual-Eastern-Orthodox-ageless-not-overweight- not-blonde-nonunemployed-of-nonaverage-height-person-of-female-gender. I don't think so. revdauphinee answered on 01/16/05: In my own oppinion (and we all have them) "Political correctness"Is a blight on modern society.For instance B.C. when I was a child meant before Christ (easily understood)norw it means before the Common era Utter drivel! Christ was good enough for centuries no need to change it.If you dont believe in him that is your right but if you wont change to suit me why should I do so to accomidate you? jeremy_hobbs rated this answer Chilloutinparis rated this answer VisionsInBlue rated this answer powderpuff rated this answer Mathatmacoat rated this answer

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ROLCAM asked on 01/16/05 - Our Lord's Promises Series # 4. Promises of Our Lord to those devoted to His Sacred Heart. I will be their refuge during life and above all in death. Please ,let me have your views on this promise. ROLCAM. revdauphinee answered on 01/16/05: the refuge is always there for those who truly seek it! And in responce to all the previous questions all promices are gifts and just as a friend giving a gift nothing is derived from a gift untill one reaches out and takes it .For if I buy you a gift and you reject it then what benefit is it to you ? Pete_Hanysz rated this answer paraclete rated this answer ROLCAM rated this answer

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ROLCAM asked on 01/16/05 - Our Lord's Promises Series # 3. Promises of Our Lord to those devoted to His Sacred Heart. I will comfort them in all their afflictions. Please ,let me have your views on this promise. ROLCAM. revdauphinee answered on 01/16/05: those who seek can find that comfort even in the worst of circumstances> ROLCAM rated this answer

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ROLCAM asked on 01/16/05 - Our Lord's Promises Series # 2. Promises of Our Lord to those devoted to His Sacred Heart. I will establish peace in their homes. Please ,let me have your views on this promise. ROLCAM. revdauphinee answered on 01/16/05: for those who do not have peace ,they must ask just how devoted are they??? Pete_Hanysz rated this answer ROLCAM rated this answer

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ROLCAM asked on 01/16/05 - Our Lord's Promises Series # 1. Promises of Our Lord to those devoted to His Sacred Heart. I will give them all the graces necessary in their state of life. Please ,let me have your views on this promise. ROLCAM. revdauphinee answered on 01/16/05: the key word here being "Necessary" often Gods notion of what is necessary for us and our own are not one and the same! Pete_Hanysz rated this answer ROLCAM rated this answer

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arcura asked on 01/15/05 - Do you think that clergy should do as this one has? Catholic Bishop of London Issues a �Call to Action� on Homosexual �Marriage� LONDON, January 14, 2005 (LifeSiteNews.com) � The Roman Catholic bishop of London Ontario, Ronald P. Fabbro, has asked his flock to begin lobbying their MP�s against the proposal to change the definition of marriage to include homosexual partnerings. �I ask you to take an active role in defending the traditional meaning of marriage as the union of one man and one woman,� Fabbro wrote in a letter dated January 5th. �As Catholics, we have a duty to make our voices heard in the public realm. These are momentous and far-reaching decisions that are being made. Your members of Parliament need to hear from you. They need to know what you consider to be for the good of future generations.� Sarnia-Lambton MP, Roger Gallaway said of the Catholic lobbying effort, �This is huge and I don't think all of the intellectual people in the prime minister�s office are expecting this.� Bishop Fabbro said in an interview that one of the many reasons to oppose the equating of homosexuality with true marriage is the decline in the birth rate. �The birth rate is falling in Canada. It's low here. This new definition of marriage would make children an optional part of that and that's a big concern,� he said. In Canada, the birth rate has been declining steadily for about the same time that divorce, abortion and contraception have been legal. To maintain a steady population and work force, Canada relies heavily on immigration, but this results in an aging population demographic. Pro-life activists have been joined recently by demographers who warn that this world-wide trend is an economic disaster waiting to happen. Fabbro said that the institution of homosexual �marriage� is a move toward �an experiment of social engineering which we don't know the consequences of and risking to further undermine (traditional marriage).� The page on which Bishop Fabbro�s message appears on the diocesan website includes links to suggested sample letters and the Parliamentary website where names and addresses of MP�s can be found. To read Bishop Fabbro�s message: http://www.rcec.london.on.ca/CalltoActionMarriage/MarriageDefinitionLetterToFaithful.htm revdauphinee answered on 01/16/05: the clergy has the right ,No the duty to preach his concience on this subject .It matters not what is politicly correct in this or any other situation a man of the word should speak the word and Gods word is quite clear on the subject Leviticus 18: 22. "`Do not lie with a man as one lies with a woman; that is detestable. arcura rated this answer

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VisionsInBlue asked on 01/15/05 - Let me get this straight... I was just told by a fellow expert that a professor had every right to give me a lower grade because I'm a Republican. "You chose to be a Republican, now stop whining about how it has made you some kind of Martyr...You are NOT Joan of Arc!!!!!" I must have missed a turn somewhere, cuz this sure as hell ain't Kansas anymore. But... Being assertive as I am, I have a solution. I know that as soon as I become an uneducated minority people will HAVE to stop discriminating against me. Or I'll sue their collective butts. Heads up, everybody. It's open season on white Republicans. It will last all of 21st Century and more, you can shoot all you want, the fact that we are equal prevents us from responding accordingly. YEESH! Now lemme educate you about your oh so horrible country, people. I'm a foreigner. I speak perfect English but I still have an accent. I was NEVER discriminated against cuz of that. I have a lot of clients, nobody ever asked to see my degree, they hire me left and right because I do good work. That's ALL it takes around here. That's America for you. Try going elsewhere and lemme know what happens. Bias is only in the liberal heads obsessed with imaginary PCness. There MUST be a reason why everybody moves here, and hardly ever anyone moves out. revdauphinee answered on 01/15/05: OmG please dont tell me ones political choice is now what grades are determined on?I have to (for once)thank God i was educated before all reason flew out the window.But then I am a democrat so I guess I have no worries!lol VisionsInBlue rated this answer ATON2 rated this answer

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Saladin asked on 01/15/05 - On heroes, heroines, and heroism ... Dear Sirs, I am alarmed at the use of the word 'hero' and 'heroes' in the media of the United States of America, because it seems to me that all one has to do to be nominated as a 'hero,' etc, is to don a military uniform of one kind or another. Surely donning a uniform does not automatically elevate an ordinary person to the exalted status of hero? It only makes them a soldier, and airman, or a sailor. In military terms, a hero is someone who by their actions performs an outstanding act of gallantry for the benefit of an endangered comrade or who makes an assault against an enemy position under singular conditions at the risk of their own lives. I was a soldier and served in two active war zones, but I was never a hero. How do you differentiate between someone who serves abroad in war conditions and someone who, in those conditions, stands out by their personal bravery and conduct befitting the actions of a hero? :) Ronnie - "The Plain English for Plain People Party" revdauphinee answered on 01/15/05: this does not happenn often but for once I must agree with you a hero is someone who puts themself at risk not someone who has no choise in the situation.in the Jessica lynch case the heros were the lawyer who informed the Amricans of her situation and the soldiersa who rescued her not her herself she was placed in the situation she did nothing herselfut exist.for her no choice was involved> Saladin rated this answer ATON2 rated this answer purplewings rated this answer

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FormerJesusHelper76 asked on 01/15/05 - Homeless! In Toronto, Canada. Many homeless people sleep around city hall. The mayor of the city wants to get rid of the unsightly display of homeless people that are sleeping and living there. So they are going to try to clean up the streets and get rid of this problem. The city has a 162 million dollars. Planning on spending another 19 million dollars to try to get rid of the homeless of the streets. The money disappears and there are still homeless people there. The Mayor is trying to create a law, and actually have people ticketed. What do you think about this? Throwing money at the problem has proven it will not work. What do you think could help? Joe revdauphinee answered on 01/15/05: the money might help if it were thrown in the right direction with compassion not tickets why not use it to provide shelter for these unfortunates not persecuting them further .The very ides that such a problem exists in what we call civilized countries appals me personaly FormerJesusHelper76 rated this answer

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MaggieB asked on 01/15/05 - How many have of you on the board How many have of you on the board have any knowledge of the amount Of $$$ each country has contributed to the Indonesian Tsunami crisis? revdauphinee answered on 01/15/05: Not I ,just so these folk get the help they need ,its not the ammounts given that concern me it is that unscrupolous folks divert it from the cause for wich it is given> MaggieB rated this answer

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Bobbye asked on 01/15/05 - REV. SAMUEL DOMINICK: This gentleman appeared on several broadcasts on Christian T.V. this week, reporting his prophecies and visions of five angels re five nations. Does anyone know anything of this minister? He reported that he was the one who prayed at the wedding of the Rev. Billy Graham. Also, prophesied that in a heavenly vision he was told that the U.N. would not remain; saw in a vision the Tsunami, etc. Did anyone here catch the telecasts? If so, do you know more of him? Thanks. bobbye revdauphinee answered on 01/15/05: to say the Un will not remain with its present record is not much of a prophecy in my eyes and telling of a tsunami after the fact doesnt qualify him either. ATON2 rated this answer paraclete rated this answer Bobbye rated this answer

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MaggieB asked on 01/14/05 - For all the Bushites!! ....President Bush, in an interview with The Washington Times, says that from his perspective, he doesn't see "how you can be president without a relationship with the Lord." And despite atheist Michael Newdow's lawsuit to block prayers at next week's inauguration ceremony, the president said, "I will have my hand on the Bible." Bush's friends say his faith gives him self-assurance. Former aide and longtime friend Joe Allbaugh says, "Believing in God gives you the confidence to make those tough decisions.." The president gets up around 5:30 each morning to study the Bible before starting work, and says he prays "all the time" -- in the Oval Office, on Air Force One, in bed, whenever the need is there. [AP] revdauphinee answered on 01/15/05: I am not a Bush supporter so may I remind you that merly following Christian ways does not make one a Christian!following Christ himself does !Some of the worst people I know can quote scripture so they must read it it does not make then believers for that matter have you ever read.for instance have you seen the president in the morning you may be just being decieved by others words. ( 2Cor.11:14-15 14 And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light. 15 It is not surprising, then, if his servants masquerade as servants of righteousness. Their end will be what their actions Eph.5:6 Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of such things God's wrath comes on those who are disobedient. Col.2:8; See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the basic principles of this world rather than on Christ. ) (2Tim.3:13; while evil men and impostors will go from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived. ) MaggieB rated this answer

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Choux asked on 01/14/05 - Anger and Resentment Anger and resentment is the poison you drink in order to kill someone else. {ViB please try to get over your fixation on me. We could be cyber-friends if you want.) One interpretation of hell is that hell is anger. Anger separates us from fellowship with God. Comments? revdauphinee answered on 01/14/05: " A person can't be nasty here and a sweetheart there. " wrong I can and am! Dottie VisionsInBlue rated this answer Choux rated this answer Saladin rated this answer ATON2 rated this answer

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MaggieB asked on 01/14/05 - U.S. Prof Attacks Arab Muslim Student's Pro-Americanism U.S. Prof Attacks Arab Muslim Student's Pro-Americanism Calif. College Teacher Equates Kuwaiti Youth's Love for U.S. with Mental Illness By Jim Brown January 14, 2005 (AgapePress) - A Kuwaiti Arab Muslim student at a California community college says his political science professor pronounced him deranged after he wrote a paper expressing his love for the United States. According to the student, his instructor told him he needed psychiatric treatment -- all because he turned in a pro-American essay as his take-home final exam. Ahmad Al Qloushi, a 17-year-old Foothill College freshman, says his essay defending America's founding fathers and the United States Constitution so offended Professor Joseph Woolcock that the teacher would not grade it. He says Woolcock went on to critique his ideology, telling the Kuwaiti-born youth that his native country is the 19th province of Iraq and calling his pro-American views "irrational." But Al Qloushi has his own opinions and holds to them, despite his teacher's reactions. "Thirteen years ago," he notes, "Iraq took over Kuwait for one of the worst seven months of my life," he says, "and if it wasn't for the United States, I wouldn't be around here getting the education many would be praying for today. I owe America a lot of gratitude and debt, and I refuse to bad-mouth this country in any way." Still, the 17-year-old says his professor accused him of being foolish for believing in the greatness of the United States and even threatened to visit a dean of the college to ensure that the youth received psychological intervention. "At 7:30 in the morning I entered his office," the student recalls, "and he basically said that I needed mental treatment for emotional needs and a failure to critically think." Al Qloushi recalls a long list of personal critiques that Woolcock made: "I was too na�ve, and I needed to see a therapist to control my emotions," he says, "and I need to critically think and reason. And he didn't stop there. He threatened to go to the International Dean of Admissions to make sure I get the treatment -- and the International Dean of Admissions has the power to revoke students' visas." The Kuwaiti-born student has filed a school grievance against Woolcock and is urging Foothill College to adopt an Academic Bill of Rights that would prevent such ideological discrimination on the campus in the future. Meanwhile, in a strange turn of events, the professor has filed a school grievance against Al Qloushi, charging him with intimidation and harassment for mentioning his name to the media. � 2005 AgapePress all rights reserved. My thoughts are that the prof is out of line! Any comments? revdauphinee answered on 01/14/05: sound to me Foothill College need to get some new professors and let this one go! Choux rated this answer jeremy_hobbs rated this answer MaggieB rated this answer

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Choux asked on 01/14/05 - Divine Right of Kings Isn't it about time for the British Royal Family goes onto the Dumpheap of History??? What a sorry bunch of creepy, snobish, overprivliged jackasses!! The latest is Prince Harry wearing a Nazi get-up to a party. And, while they are at it, shouldn't the House of Lords go on the Dumpheap too? What do you think?? revdauphinee answered on 01/14/05: I am a former brit but have never been a royalist in my oppinion they are a drain on thier nation and serve little purpose> Choux rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 01/14/05 - Gays have become the weapon of choice trust the Americans to make it mandatory? Gay bombs: US secret weapon plan January 14, 2005 - 3:05PM A US plan to develop a bad breath bomb and a chemical weapon to make enemy soldiers sexually irresistible to each other has been revealed in newly declassified documents. New Scientist's web site reports that the documents show the Pentagon considered a range of non-lethal chemical weapons aimed at disrupting enemy discipline and morale. The "sex bomb" idea would cause a "distasteful but completely non-lethal" blow to morale, it states. Also considered were concoctions that would be irresistible to wasps or angry rats to render enemy bases uninhabitable. And there was the bad breath bomb idea - a weapon that caused "severe and lasting halitosis" to make it easier to sniff out spies. Other ideas dating back to 1994 from the US Air Force Wright Laboratory in Ohio included making soldiers' skin react painfully to sunlight. The lab sought Pentagon funding for research into what it called "harassing, annoying and 'bad guy'-identifying chemicals". The plans have been posted online by the Sunshine Project, an organisation that exposes research into chemical and biological weapons. Spokesman Edward Hammond told New Scientists it was not known if the $7.5 millio research proposal was ever pursued. smh.com.au Now I can't imagine ole George allowing that one, can you? revdauphinee answered on 01/14/05: sounds like a bunch of nonesence to me! Choux rated this answer paraclete rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 01/13/05 - This is what you get when freedom of speech is carried too far.? Borat's Bush whacking January 14, 2005 - 11:47AM Borat's done it again ... and nearly got lynched for ripping into George W Bush and the Star Spangled Banner. Ali G star Sasha Baron Cohen posed as his Kazakhstani journalist character Borat at an American rodeo in Salem, Virginia. He told patroitic locals their president drank blood, then sang a mangled version of the American national anthem. "If he had been out there a minute longer, I think someone would have shot him," said local Robynn Jaymes. Cohen convinced organisers that he was filming a documentary about America. He told them he supported the war on terrorism and said: "I hope you kill every man, woman and child in Iraq, down to the lizards. "And may George W Bush drink the blood of every man, woman and child in Iraq." Then he asked if he could show his appreciation by singing the Star Spangled Banner. His version ended with the words "your home is the grave". Cohen's rendition of the much-loved anthem was loudly booed by the crowd. Rodeo organisers, realising they had been hoaxed, had Cohen escorted from the site. Cohen and his alter-ego Ali G have found fame in the US in the past year, since Da Ali G Show became a hit on US TV. PA Interesting name this fellow has? People like this deserve all they get. revdauphinee answered on 01/14/05: Got to go with Aton again on this one! paraclete rated this answer

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sapphire630 asked on 01/13/05 - American Pie, American dream or American greed They say without good you can not know bad; without joy you can not know sorrow. At one time when disaster struck anywhere people would better appreciate having their warm homes to go to. Now as FormerJesusHelper pointed out about the people at the free clinic complaining about the aid to the Tsunami victims it seems like nothing can wake people up to how good they have it. It boogles my mind that many people are always looking for anything to complain about, or criticize. I get tired of hearing the poor complaining about the rich and the rich complaining about the poor. I see as much waste and greed, if not more, from the poor than I do from many of the rich. I live 'poor' so I know cause I see it everyday. Over the years I have seen how the more many are given the greedier they act. Watching people at the food bank is a good example. If they start out with one bag of groceries a month they are happy. Then when the foodbank prospers and is once a week, and gives out grocery store certificates for holidays, coats for winter, Christmas presents, etc... the more you hear some complain in an unappreciative way that it is not what they want, or not enough. Why can't the poor here in America understand they live in luxury compared to many? (I do understand there are some really poor families in America). The ones doing the complaining have it fairly good though. I heard there was a statistic out (I think a few months ago) that said a large per cent of kids in America go to bed hungry. I bet if they asked what hungry was to them it would not be what hunger truly is (like one super-sized #1 @ McD's didn't fill them up). Many of these kids go to bed 'hungry' because their parents 'loan' the foodstamp card to the crack dealer and the neighbors are tired of feeding their kids for them. I know cause I have seen it for too many years now. Many of these 'poor' homes have the video games, the internet, cable, etc... Well, that is one of my many rants. revdauphinee answered on 01/14/05: where but in the Us do you see folks driving to the welfare office in a lincoln town car?I see it here all the time paraclete rated this answer sapphire630 rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 01/13/05 - Ok All you evolutionists, science will eventually prove you wrong http://www.smh.com.au/news/Science/Scientists-may-have-got-it-wrong-about-dinosaurs/2005/01/13/1105582653988.html After you have read the article you may care to comment on the possibilites this opens up? revdauphinee answered on 01/14/05: from things ive read they are already having problems with it. paraclete rated this answer

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darkstar asked on 01/13/05 - tv and the internet o great, now i don't have cable or tv or the internet....what am i going to do..... and the weather outside is frighful, its raining out.hmmmm, i guess i need to find a good book, any suggestions? revdauphinee answered on 01/14/05: How are you here without internet??divine intervention? darkstar rated this answer

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excon asked on 01/13/05 - My exposure to Christianity Hello experts: I just told one story to Saladin regarding an unhappy exposure to Christianity. Here's another. It's not a complaint, just a history. In East Denver, Jews were in a minority, as we appear to be everywhere except Brooklyn. The Boy Scout Troop I joined was lead by a very religious man, and he strongly suggested that we attend "church" when on a weekend camping trip. There was no synagogue in Evergreen, Colo. where we were camped. There was, however, some sort of Christian church. So I, along with several others went. Toward the end of the service, we were invited up to the front where I went and received communion. I thought it was cool. That is, until I got back to camp. I found out then, what Christians thought about a Jew receiving communion. I was summarily dismissed from that Boy Scout Troop after an aggressive campaign by the leaders to vilify me. The stench of anti-Semitism was rampant. I've had a couple of other equally disturbing brushes with "Christianity". I've had friends who are Christians, but Frankly, Christianity is not my friend. excon revdauphinee answered on 01/14/05: those so called "Christians" were wrong the answer is WWJD What would Jesus do and he hinself said "whosoever will may come" !and since he himself was a Jew I think he would correct them I also do not think he would be to enamoured of closed communion. excon rated this answer

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STONY asked on 01/13/05 - HAVE BEEN AWAY FROM HERE FOR A WHILE... MY HEALTH HAS TAKEN A TURN SOUTH, SURGERY WILL BE UPCOMING SOON AND ITS QUESTIONABLE IF THEY CAN SAVE ONE OF MY KIDNEYS. I MADE A DECISION SEVERAL YEARS AGO TO NOT HAVE A CERTAIN PROCEEDURE DONE TO MY BODY AND NOW IT HAS COME BACK TO HAUNT ME. IF THE SPIRIT OF GOD MOVES ON YOU TO PRAY FOR ME THEN BY ALL MEANS DO SO BECAUSE MY MIND IS ALREADY MADE UP. I HAVE NO DESIRE TO CONTINUE IN A DISEASE RIDDEN BODY THAT WILL ULTIMATELY GET WORSE. IF I CHOOSE NOT TO HAVE THE SURGERY THEN THE END WILL JUST COME A LITTLE BIT SOONER AND I ALREADY KNOW MY DESTINATION, SO FEAR IS NOT A FACTOR IN THIS..............STONY revdauphinee answered on 01/13/05: stony you will be in my prayers! but never give up, always remember God has not gotten out of the miracle working business. You are remembered and loved by many folks you will never meet stay in touch! Dorothy STONY rated this answer

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Saladin asked on 01/13/05 - Prince Harry and the White House ... First, a news report: White House Fought New Curbs on Interrogations, Officials Say By DOUGLAS JEHL and DAVID JOHNSTON January 13, 2005 WASHINGTON, Jan. 12 - At the urging of the White House, Congressional leaders scrapped a legislative measure last month that would have imposed new restrictions on the use of extreme interrogation measures by American intelligence officers, Congressional officials say. The defeat of the proposal affects one of the most obscure arenas of the war on terrorism, involving the Central Intelligence Agency's secret detention and interrogation of top terror leaders like Khalid Sheikh Mohammed, the mastermind of the Sept. 11 attacks, and about three dozen other senior members of Al Qaeda and its offshoots. The Senate had approved the new restrictions, by a 96-to-2 vote, as part of the intelligence reform legislation. They would have explicitly extended to intelligence officers a prohibition against torture or inhumane treatment, and would have required the C.I.A. as well as the Pentagon to report to Congress about the methods they were using. But in intense closed-door negotiations, Congressional officials said, four senior members from the House and Senate deleted the restrictions from the final bill after the White House expressed opposition. In a letter to members of Congress, sent in October and made available by the White House on Wednesday in response to inquiries, Condoleezza Rice, the national security adviser, expressed opposition to the measure on the grounds that it "provides legal protections to foreign prisoners to which they are not now entitled under applicable law and policy." Earlier, in objecting to a similar measure in a Senate version of the military authorization bill, the Defense Department sent a letter to Congress saying that the department "strongly urges the Senate against passing new legislation concerning detention and interrogation in the war on terrorism" because it is unnecessary. The Senate restrictions had not been in House versions of the military or intelligence bills. In interviews on Wednesday, both Senator Susan Collins of Maine, a Republican negotiator, and Representative Jane Harman of California, a Democratic negotiator, said the lawmakers had ultimately decided that the question of whether to extend the restrictions to intelligence officers was too complex to be included in the legislation. "The conferees agreed that they would drop the language but with the caveat that the intelligence committees would take up the issue this year," Ms. Collins said. Ms. Harman said, "If there are special circumstances around some intelligence interrogations, we should understand that before we legislate." Some Democratic Congressional officials said they believed that the Bush administration was trying to maintain some legal latitude for the C.I.A. to use interrogation practices more extreme than those permitted by the military. In its report last summer, the independent commission on the Sept. 11 attacks recommended that the United States develop policies to guarantee that captured terrorists were treated humanely. Martin Lederman, a former Justice Department lawyer who left the department in 2002, said in an interview on Wednesday that he believed that the administration had "always wanted to leave a loophole where the C.I.A. could engage in actions just up to the line of torture." The administration has said almost nothing about the C.I.A. operation to imprison and question terror suspects designated as high-value detainees, even as it has expressed disgust about abuses at the Abu Ghraib prison in Iraq. Senior officials have sought in recent public statements to emphasize that the government will continue to abide by federal laws that prohibit torture. At his confirmation hearing last week on his nomination to be attorney general, Alberto R. Gonzales said he found torture abhorrent. The issue of the C.I.A.'s treatment of detainees first arose after agency officials sought legal guidance on how far its employees and contractors could go in interrogating terror suspects and whether the law barred the C.I.A. from using extreme methods, including feigned drowning, in the interrogation of Abu Zubaydah, the first of the Qaeda leaders captured by the United States. He was apprehended in Pakistan in early 2002. ===================================== Prince Harry seems to have the kind of connections that could be useful to the Bush administration. BTW - 'feigned drowning' is the practice of holding the prisoner who is being treated humanely under water until he or she loses consciousness, bringing them out of the tank, reviving them, and then doing the whole thing again until they tell you whatever it is you want to hear. It was used very effectively by the Nazis, the inventors of humane torture, on Resistance personel during World War II. I might be wrong, but isn't it a great tool to use in those places where you want to spread Democracy and kind-hearted Conservatism shot through with Christian principles? Whatever happened to the use of relatively harmless sodium pentathol? :) Ronnie - somewhat alarmed at the tendencies of the man whose finger is on the Red Button! revdauphinee answered on 01/13/05: since I just heard on the news that prince Harry was seen sporting a natzi arm band at a party I would hardly look to him for anything Talk about a spoiled Brat! paraclete rated this answer Saladin rated this answer

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FormerJesusHelper76 asked on 01/13/05 - Tsunami Tsunami relief funds and supplies are not getting into the needed areas. Report after report, day after day. That is what has been on the news. What is happening? Why is it such a problem to get these supplies there! Joe revdauphinee answered on 01/13/05: sory to say a lot of these funds will never go to where they are intended due to unscrupulous fols who take a situation such as this to line thier own pockets. FormerJesusHelper76 rated this answer tomder55 rated this answer paraclete rated this answer

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FormerJesusHelper76 asked on 01/13/05 - Arrogance and More! While waiting to go to the clinic to see the doctor the third time this week. Many in my area does not have a family doctor. They actually go to the walk in clinic to see a doctor. As I do. There is always a line up and there are always people waiting and eventually people turned away. This is the normal thing. There are not enough doctors for people. I could not believe the things I heard from a couple of people who were waiting. People were going on about how we are standing there waiting to see doctors like idiots and that the government has no problem spending 450 million dollars for Tsunami aid yet does not take care of our own needs. There were getting nasty about it. The one guys wife told him to be quiet because maybe not everybody shares his view. I am thinking to myself we are damn lucky compared to so many people who lost their lives, family members, suffering from injuries, does not have any homes or family and etc... They need a lot more care then we do. Another thing these Arrogant people should realize is that our health care in Canada in many ways are better then the Americans. At least we do not have to pay for our doctor visits and so many other things I can mention. What do you think about this? Looking foward to your thoughts and opinions! Joe revdauphinee answered on 01/13/05: as someone who lives in a country where many can not afford either insurance nor medicine (Yes I live in the good old Usa)I would gladly wait in line for free service .Do not get me wrong I love the USA dearly but as one of the most advanced countries in the world we are sadly lacking in caring ,especialy for the elderly and sick> Chilloutinparis rated this answer FormerJesusHelper76 rated this answer

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FormerJesusHelper76 asked on 01/13/05 - Burnt Offering! Some things that I have questioned in the past. In the old testament many of the talk is about burnt offerings to the lord. That God is pleased by burnt offerings. Why would God need a burnt offering, He does not need food. He created everything. In the new testament, The lord God said that he does not need burnt offerings. He created all things he does not need that. A offering in a prayer is better. Same as circumcision in the old testament it was a sign that you belonged to God. Why would God make us a certain way and tell us to change it? In the new testament circumcision is not important. There are many differences between the books. I have read the whole bible. I tend to gravitate to the New Testament. In your opinion is it wrong for me to focus on certain things of the bible? What are your thoughts and thank you in advance! Joe revdauphinee answered on 01/13/05: My feelings are that sacrifices and offerings much as we tithe today arenot as mutch about the offering as they are about obedience to God in doing these things we are showing him we wish to do his will>However as someone pointed out there is no longer a need for sacrifices since Jesus was the greatest and final sacrifice> FormerJesusHelper76 rated this answer

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FormerJesusHelper76 asked on 01/13/05 - Covenant Box A wooden chest covered with gold. The two stone tablets with them were kept in it. Its is often called the Ark of the Covenant. Where is this Ark of the Covenant? Does anybody actually have this in their possesions? It would be awsome if we all had the chance to see this in person? What are your thoughts? Joe revdauphinee answered on 01/13/05: no one knows for sure where this is at present .one can read many theories on the subject however> FormerJesusHelper76 rated this answer

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ROLCAM asked on 01/13/05 - Respect for others !! What is more important is that we respect each others individual beliefs than agree with them. Who is in agreement with the above statement ? ROLCAM. revdauphinee answered on 01/13/05: I can respect others! as persons! however if thier beliefs are wrong in Gods eyes then why should I respect the belief of someone who is contrary to Gods will?I honestly feel this to be wrong so I do not agree with your statement.Jesus tells us in Matthew 28:9. Therefore go and make disciples of ((all)) nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20. and ((teaching)) them to ((obey)) everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." He commanded us to take his message to ALL Nations he did not tell us to repect what they believed.Rather we read in Deut.18:9-14. 9 When you enter the land the LORD your God is giving you, do not learn to imitate the detestable ways of the nations there. No we are instructed to teach them the error of thier ways and that they should obey him and not the wrong beliefs .In no way are we to respect wrong teaching! ROLCAM rated this answer ATON2 rated this answer

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ROLCAM asked on 01/13/05 - GOD, Me and You ?? We are all part of "God" and interconnected to each other in a family way that can never be separated. What are your views on this general statement ? ROLCAM. revdauphinee answered on 01/13/05: I do believe we can seperate ourselves from Him,By rejecting him ,however he still loves us and always desires reconcilliation ROLCAM rated this answer

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Bobbye asked on 01/13/05 - "Seeing God 'face to face:'" (Ronnie mentioned several who had seen God in his rating of my response; thus my post. Thanks, Ronnie.) ==================================================. "No man can see God and live," so how did Moses "see God" (exclusive of God's hiding him in the cleft of the rock and Moses only viewed his feet and backside)? How did Jacob "see God face to face?" Did Aaron ever "see God face to face?" If so, how, when, where? (Scripture is not specific re Aaron, but what was his duty in The Tabernacle?) Bobbye revdauphinee answered on 01/13/05: probably they saw a reflection in something there are things we are not meant to understand but I do know this with God all things are possible! ATON2 rated this answer MaggieB rated this answer Bobbye rated this answer

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FormerJesusHelper76 asked on 01/12/05 - Jehovah's Witnesses! I have a question! Jehovah witnesses are one of the religions who do not believe in medical treatments. Blood transfusions are not allowed. So when somebodies daughter of a Jehovah witness family is in the hospital and in need of a transfusion or transplant. Without it this person would die. Does the doctor go against the family wishes? The daughter dies, who is responsible the doctor or the family? Can the family be charged with murder? There are so many situations where children have died because they did not want their children to have any medical treatment. They believed that prayer would heal their child. What do you think about this? Thank you in advance! Joe revdauphinee answered on 01/13/05: it is my understanding that if he wishes in a life threatening situation the doc can obtain a court order overrulling the parents.I do not know if this is often done however child services here in the US do have this as an option> FormerJesusHelper76 rated this answer

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FormerJesusHelper76 asked on 01/12/05 - God creation verses Evolution! I remember when going to school. Schools taught evolution as if it were a scientific fact. I believe that man have ways of measuring time and age of certain objects, but it is only mans measurement. I remember all the studies and facts according to science. Yet, like most people realize now that all of this is just a theory. Based on hypothisis. Do you agree about that? For God created all things. Scientists and God can their be any reconcilation between the two? Scientists say earth has been here more millions of years, yet Most Christians believe that God created everything 6,000 years ago. What are your thoughts on this? Thanks in advance! Joe revdauphinee answered on 01/13/05: fortunatly I went to school in the Uk and we were taught both creationism and evolution it was also explained that to the Lord a day is as a thousand years so I have never had any problems with either though as I became a Christian I tend to lean more to the creationism stand. FormerJesusHelper76 rated this answer

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Choux asked on 01/12/05 - Heaven and Hell If one beleives in an afterlife, does that mean one has to believe in both heaven *and* hell? Thanks in advance. revdauphinee answered on 01/12/05: Jesus believed it that is good enough for me! Choux rated this answer ATON2 rated this answer

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Saladin asked on 01/12/05 - Constantine - a more reliable characterisation and history. Whilst I am averse to laying at the feet of Konstantin all the ills that critics of Catholicism are guilty of loading his catafalque with, his history as a Christian left much to be desired. Besides which, if Konstantin did make advantages of which the succeeding Roman Church took as fortuitous opportunities to establish their claimns, who can blame them? I dredged the following from Brigham Henry Roberts, who was born in Warringtonm, Lancashire, and became an eminent scholar and politician. Roberts writes: The story of Constantine's conversion, as related by Eusebius, would fix that event in the year 312 A. D.; and surely if the open vision of the luminous cross and the subsequent appearing of Christ in his dream were realities, Constantine had sufficient grounds for a prompt and unequivocal conversion to the Christian faith. But after that, if we consider the conduct of the emperor, we shall find him, however astonishing it may seem, still attached to pagan ceremonies of worship. As late as 321 A. D., nine years after the visitation of Christ to him, we find him accused of artfully balancing the hopes and fears of both his pagan and Christian subjects by publishing in the same year two edicts; the first of which enjoined the solemn observance of Sunday; and the second directed the consultation of the Haruspices, the soothsayers of the old pagan religion. Of this circumstance, Neander, who is disposed to palliate the conduct of Constantine as far as possible, after intimating that this lapse might be accounted for on the grounds of state policy, says: "Yet the other hypothesis, viz., that Constantine had actually fallen back into heathen superstitions, may indeed be regarded as the more natural." Five years after his supposed miraculous conversion "we find marks of the pagan state religion upon the imperial coins. "A medal was struck," says Dr. John W. Draper, doubtless referring to the same thing, "on which was impressed his (Constantine's) title of 'God,' together with the monogram of Christ." "Another," he continues, "represented him as raised by a hand from the sky while seated in the chariot of the Sun. But more particularly the great porphyry pillar, a column one hundred and twenty feet in height, exhibited the true religious condition of the founder of Constantinople. The statue on its summit mingled together the Sun, the Savior, and the Emperor. Its body was a colossal image of Apollo, whose features were replaced by those of Constantine, and around the head, like rays, were fixed the nails of the cross of Christ, [later] discovered in Jerusalem." While on the day Constantinople was formally made the capital of the empire, he honored the statue of Fortune with gifts. In view of all these acts, ranging as they do over the greater part of the first Christian emperor's life, and through many years after his supposed conversion, I think Gibbon is justified in his remarks upon this part of Constantine's conduct: "It was an arduous task to eradicate the habits and prejudices of his education, to acknowledge the divine power of Christ, and to understand that the truth of his revelation was incompatible with the worship of the gods." Turning from the consideration of the equivocal conduct of the emperor to his character, we have a subject about which there is less disagreement among authorities; for even Christian apologists are compelled to admit the wickedness of this first Christian emperor. "Relying with presumptuous confidence," says Neander, "on the great things which God had done, through him, for the advancement of the Christian Church, he found it easy to excuse or extenuate to his conscience, many a wrong deed, into which he had suffered himself to be betrayed by ambition, the love of rule, the arbitrary exercise of power, or the jealousy of despotism." "It is indeed true that Constantine's life was not such as the precepts of Christianity required," Dr. Mosheim remarks, but softens the statement against the emperor by saying that "it is but too notorious that many persons who look upon the Christian religion as indubitably true, and of divine origin, yet do not conform their lives to all its holy precepts." Dr. Lardner, after drawing a most favorable outline of Constantine's person and character, and citing the flattery of contemporary panegyrists as a description of the man, says: "Having observed these virtues of Constantine, and other things, which are to his advantage; a just respect to truth obligeth us to take notice of some other things, which seem to cast a reflection upon him." And then in the most naive manner he adds: "Among these, one of the chief is putting to death so many of his relatives!" He enumerates the victims of the first Christian emperor as follows: Maximian Herculius, his wife's father Bassianus, husband of his sister Anastasia Crispus, his own son Fausta his wife Licinius, husband of his sister, Constantia and Licinianus, or Licinius, the younger, his nephew, and son of the forementioned Licinius." The last named victim was a mere lad when put to death, "not more than a little above eleven years of age, if so much," is Dr. Lardner's own description of him. Fausta was suffocated in a steam hath, though she had been his wife for twenty years and mother of three of his sons. It should be remembered that this is the list of victims admitted by a most learned and pious Christian writer, not a catalogue drawn up by pagan historians, whom we might suspect of malice against one who had deserted the shrines of the ancient gods for the faith of the Christians. But this rather formidable list of murdered victims admitted by Dr. Lardner shakes not his faith in the goodness of the first Christian emperor. Some of these "executions" he palliates, if not justifies, on the ground of political necessity; and others on the ground of domestic perfidy; though he almost stumbles in his efforts at excusing the taking off of Crispus, the emperor's own son; Fausta, his wife, and the lad Licinius. "These are the executions," he says, "which above all others cast a reflection upon the reign of Constantine; though there are also hints of the deaths of some others about the same time, with whom Constantine had till then lived in friendship." After which the Doctor immediately adds�in the very face of all the facts he adduces, and after reciting the condemnation of both heathen and Christian writers of some of these murders�the following: "I do by no means think that Constantine was a man of a cruel disposition; and therefore I am unwilling to touch upon any other actions of a like nature: as his making some German princes taken captive, fight in the theatre; and sending the head of Maxentius [shades of Al Quaeda!] to Africa, after it had been made a part of Constantine's triumphal entry at Rome." When one finds a sober Christian writer of the eighteenth century who can thus speak of Constantine; and further remembers that to this day a priest of the Greek Church seldom mentions the name of the "imperial saint," without adding the title. "Equal to the Apostles;" one is not surprised that while he lived and at his court a Christian bishop could be found who "congratulated him as constituted by God to rule over all in the present world, and destined to reign with the son of God in the world to come." Or that Eusebius, who is spoken of as one of the best bishops of the imperial court, "did not scruple for a moment to ascribe to the purest motives of a true servant of God, all those transactions into which the emperor, without evincing the slightest regard to truth or to humanity, had suffered himself to be drawn by an ambition which could not abide a rival, in the struggle with Licinius: when he represents the emperor, in a war which, beyond a doubt, had been undertaken from motives of a purely selfish policy, as marshalling the order of the battle, and giving out the words of command by divine inspiration bestowed in answer to his prayer." Concluding Reflections Upon Constantine: Enough of this. Let us look no longer at this first of the Christian emperors through the eyes of churchmen seeking to extol his virtues and hide his crimes, all for the honor of the Church. So odious had he become in Rome for his many murders that a pasquinade, which compared his reign to that of the detested Nero, was nailed to the palace gates. "The guilty emperor," says one, "in the first burst of anger, was on the point of darkening the tragedy, if such a thing had been possible, by a massacre of the Roman populace who had thus insulted him." His brothers were consulted on this measure of vengeance, however, and the result of their counsel was a resolution to degrade Rome to a subordinate rank, and build a metropolis elsewhere, and hence the new capital of the empire rose on the shores of the Bosphorus. Reflecting upon the career of Constantine from the days of his young manhood, which had in it something of the quality that makes the successful leader of men, to the time when he fell under the influence of the false priests of a corrupted religion, Draper says: "From the rough soldier who accepted the purple at York, how great the change to the effeminate emperor of the Bosphorus, in silken robes, stiffened with threads of gold; a diadem of sapphires and pearls, and false hair, stained of various tints; his steps stealthily guarded by mysterious eunuchs, flitting through the palace; the streets full of spies, and an ever-watchful police! The same man who approaches us as the Roman imperator retires from us as the Asiatic despot. In the last days of his life, he put aside the imperial purple, and, assuming the customary white garment, prepared for baptism, that the sins of his long and evil life might all be washed away. Since complete purification can thus be only once obtained, he was desirous to procrastinate that ceremony to the last moment. Profoundly politic, even in his relations with heaven, he thenceforth reclined on a white bed, took no further part in worldly affairs, and, having thus insured a right to the continuance of that prosperity in a future life which he had enjoyed in this, expired." And so Gibbon: "The sublime theory of the Gospel had made a much fainter impression on the heart than on the understanding of Constantine himself. He pursued the great objects of his ambition through the dark and bloody paths of war and policy; and, after the victory, he abandoned himself, without moderation, to the abuse of his fortune. Instead of asserting his just superiority above the imperfect heroism and profane philosophy of Trajan and the Autonines, the mature age of Constantine forfeited the reputation which he had acquired in his youth. As he gradually advanced in the knowledge of truth, he proportionately declined in the practice of virtue; and the same year of his reign in which he convened the council of Nice, was polluted by the execution, or rather murder, of his eldest son (Crispus) � At the time of the death of Crispus, the emperor could no longer hesitate in the choice of religion; he could no longer be ignorant that the church was possessed of an infallible remedy (baptism), though he chose to defer the application of it, till the approach of death had removed the temptation and danger of a relapse.� The example and reputation of Constantine seemed to countenance the delay of baptism. Future tyrants were encouraged to believe that the innocent blood which they might shed in a long reign would instantly be washed away in the waters of regeneration; and the abuse of religion dangerously undermined the foundations of moral virtue." Emperor: Such, then, was the first Christian emperor. He uplifted "Christianity" from the condition of a persecuted religion, and made it the state religion of Rome; and also provided means for its wider acceptance. If for this it shall be claimed, as it is, that much in his evil life should be overlooked, it would still be pertinent to ask whether his acts in connection with Christianity did not debase rather than exalt it; and if his provisions for its wider acceptance did not tend rather to the corruption of what remained true in the Christianity then extant, than to the establishment of true religion. ================ Should Christians be proud of the heritage of Konstantin? :) Ronnie revdauphinee answered on 01/12/05: constantines atitude in my oppinion was more one of if you cant lick em joine em.I once read he marched his army through the tiber and then told them they were now baptised.All they were were wet! Saladin rated this answer

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Saladin asked on 01/12/05 - Christian ethics and morality ... Loving your enemy Former detaineee at Abu Ghraib, Mr. Al-Sheikh, giving evidence of the abuse of prisoners, said that Specialist Graner once jumped on his leg, already wounded by gunshot, so hard that it failed to heal straight. The soldier then beat it with a collapsible metal baton, Mr. Al-Sheikh testified. "He handcuffed me to the door for eight hours and the next day I had a dislocated shoulder and they took me to the hospital," he said. Specialist Graner watched as another soldier urinated on Mr. Al-Sheikh, the detainee testified, and Specialist Graner made another detainee eat from a toilet. He threatened to rape them and their wives, and made them eat pork and make statements against their Muslim faith, Mr. Al-Sheikh said. "Graner told me to thank Jesus for keeping me alive," Mr. Al-Sheikh said. ================= What is wrong with this picture from a Christian perspective? What is wrong with this picture from a non-Christian moral perspective? :) Ronnie revdauphinee answered on 01/12/05: while I am in agreement that this is wrong where is the shouting about the vidios of the beheading of our people is this a one way street we are the bad ones while those who show pictures for the families to watch of loved ones beine beheaded are blameless hony give me a broken arm or a dislocated shoulder at least I will live .My question is who is crying for the lost beheaded ones and their families!excuse me if I find it hard to show sympathy for these followers of Allah which I look on as Satan!(do not look for me to excuse myself for this because it will never happen! Saladin rated this answer tomder55 rated this answer Choux rated this answer ATON2 rated this answer

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FormerJesusHelper76 asked on 01/12/05 - Sick! Okay some people blame illnesses and diseases on God and that they are a punishment from him because of our immoral behaviour. Do any of you believe this? Many people get sick in this world it is part of life but why do some people get sick more often then others? Is God to blame or is it just as much nature as the weather? Thank you in advance! Joe revdauphinee answered on 01/12/05: many folks create their own illnesses God gave us directions an how to eat and live ,Burt do we follow them??no!I myself blame myself for most of my ailments wich are many In my youth I did not eat the right things I abused my body in many ways,I "Chose" to work in the chemical field (I needed the money)so for the love of money i worked for 20+ years with chemicals I "Knew" would harm me(and they did) so who is to blame?certainly not God who would have made none of these choices for me! FormerJesusHelper76 rated this answer Choux rated this answer

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arcura asked on 01/11/05 - Ok - Who all has seen this one?................ In the Beginning... God covered the earth with broccoli, cauliflower and spinach combined with an abundance of green, yellow and red vegetables. He did this so that Man and Woman would live long and healthy lives. Then, using God's bountiful gifts, Satan created Dairy Queen. And Satan said: "You want hot fudge with that?" And Man said: "Yes!" And Woman said: "I'll have one too...with sprinkles." And low and behold they gained 10 pounds. And so God created the healthful raw milk yogurt that Woman might keep the figure that Man found so fair. And Satan brought forth white flour from the wheat, and sugar from the cane, and combined them. And Woman went from size 2 to size 14. So God said: "Try my fresh green garden salad." And Satan presented crumbled Bleu Cheese dressing and garlic toast on the side. And Man and Woman unfastened their belts following the repast. God then said: "I have sent you heart-healthy vegetables and olive oil in which to cook them." And Satan brought forth deep-fried shrimp in partially hydrogenated vegetable oil, ribs slathered in sauce with MSG and other food additives and chicken-fried steak so big it needed its own platter. And Man's cholesterol went through the roof. Then God brought forth the potato, brimming with potassium and good nutrition. Then Satan peeled off the healthful skin, sliced the starchy center into chips and deep-fried them in trans fats adding copious quantities of salt. And Man packed on more pounds. God then brought forth running shoes so that his children might lose those extra pounds. And Satan introduced cable TV with remote control so Man would not have to toil changing the channels. And Man and Woman laughed and cried before the flickering light and started wearing stretchy lycra jogging suits. God then gave pasture-raised beef so that Man might consume fewer calories and still satisfy his appetite. And Satan created McDonald's and the 99-cent double cheeseburger. Then Satan said: "You want fries with that?" And Man replied: "Yes! And super size 'em!" And Satan said: "It is good." And Man and Woman went into cardiac arrest. God sighed...and created quadruple by-pass surgery. Satan chuckled and created The Health Care System. revdauphinee answered on 01/12/05: You forgot Satans add agency run by men who told the young women they must be stick thin and never be satisfied with the figure God gave them and thus created bulima and Anorexia!from wich I might add women have died! arcura rated this answer

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Choux asked on 01/11/05 - American Abortion 2004 Let's actually talk about something specifically! Abortion in America. Abortion is wrong, and until there is a rational approach to solving the problem of abortion, all is empty hot air. If abortion is wrong, then there must be a penalty. Women *must be punished* for having an abortion. If there is no punishment, then all mention of abortion *must be erased* from the law...no accountability, no criminality, no need to mention. A crime with a victim and no criminal punishment?? Roe v. Wade should be revoked. Women have a right to use birth control, not to have an abortion. Women must take responsibility for their actions. There are many forms of birth control, and no woman need get pregnant if she doesn't want to. After Roe v Wade is rescinded either::: 1. States can pass laws regulating abortion as long as there is a mandatory penalty of *prison time* for women. OR: 2. No laws will ever appear on the books ever again if no woman is punished. Adult women need to grow up and take responsibility for their lives and bodies, and for their actions that harm another being. In cases of a fetus causing the death of the mother, the fetus must be aborted. That is a decision between a woman and her physician just as in cases of rape and incest. What do you think? I guess I'm back? *chagrin* Choux :D revdauphinee answered on 01/12/05: whilst I am in no way a suporter of Abortion I do take offence to the following statements "Women must take responsibility for their actions. There are many forms of birth control, and no woman need get pregnant if she doesn't want to." "Adult women need to grow up and take responsibility for their lives and bodies, and for their actions that harm another being. " ""Women must take responsibility "" what about in the case of a rape where she is forced into the act ??is she responsible for the rape??? I was glad to see you did say Adult in your second statement because theis has many times happend to children bith through rape or even so sad to say incest !men are just as responsible for this and I object greatly to your sexist statements in this piece without the men these women could not have become pregnant in the first place and for young and impressionable women looking for love in all the wrong places I can say men are for sure not guiltless in this ! Choux rated this answer

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ATON2 asked on 01/11/05 - Block or tackle??? Sorry, guys. But since darkstar has blocked me from answering her postings, I can only do it this way. One man's goad is another man's 'god'!!!!! Why would an 'expert' post questions that she only wants certain people to answer??????? revdauphinee answered on 01/11/05: truly cant see why anyone needs to block anyoner its the diversity of the answers that keep this site so interesting for me I may not agree with the answers I get (I never expect to)But I can always learn from them!(yeah even from you Aton, you know I love ya!) ATON2 rated this answer jeremy_hobbs rated this answer

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darkstar asked on 01/11/05 - mortality rates there has been alot of talk about mental illness in the news and on the christianity boards lately and i wanted to add this because when my son was first diagnosed, i went to my bishop and he told us i.e.me and my family that it was just a weakness in my sons character and then gave my son a list of things he expected out of him everyday which only added to my sons and my frustrations and set my son up for HUGE failures so i would like to appoligize for beating a dead horse but i am trying to EDUCATE people so less tradgites occur when diagnoises like this happen in everyones lives, thank you and any comments are welcome. mortality rates Mortality in people with schizophrenia is two to three times higher than that in the general population. Research has shown that there are appreciable increases in deaths from natural and cardiovascular causes suggesting that they were less healthy perhaps because their illness caused them to adopt an unhealthy lifestyle and to be less inclined to seek health care. Approximately 30-40% of people with schizophrenia attempt suicide sometime during their life. One of every 10 people eventually commits suicide. Young men with chronic illness are more at risk. A good educational background and high performance expectations are also risk factors. Suicide is more likely to happen in an upswing of the disorder, when the symptoms have subsided a little and the person sees reality more clearly. revdauphinee answered on 01/11/05: things will never change as long as folks with mental illnesses are blamed for them instead of being treated for them!These folks have illnesses just as severe as cancer however who blames the cancer patient for his illness? darkstar rated this answer

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Saladin asked on 01/11/05 - Ben Stein's last column Ben Stein's Last Column... ! How Can Someone Who Lives in Insane Luxury Be a Star in Today's World? As I begin to write this, I "slug" it, as we writers say, which means I put a heading on top of the document to identify it. This heading is "eonlineFINAL," and it gives me a shiver to write it. I have been doing this column for so long that I cannot even recall when I started. I loved writing this column so much for so long I came to believe it would never end. It worked well for a long time, but gradually, my changing as a person and the world's change have overtaken it. On a small scale, Morton's, while better than ever, no longer attracts as many stars as it used to. It still brings in the rich people in droves and definitely some stars. I saw Samuel L. Jackson there a few days ago, and we had a nice visit, and right! before that, I saw and had a splendid talk with Warren Beatty in an e levator, in which we agreed that Splendor in the Grass was a super movie. But Morton's is not the star galaxy it once was, though it probably will be again. Beyond that, a bigger change has happened. I no longer think Hollywood stars are terribly important. They are uniformly pleasant, friendly people, and they treat me better than I deserve to be treated. But a man or woman who makes a huge wage for memorizing lines and reciting them in front of a camera is no longer my idea of a shining star we should all look up to. How can a man or woman who makes an eight-figure wage and lives in insane luxury really be a star in today's world, if by a "star" we mean someone bright and powerful and attractive as a role model? Real stars are not riding around in the backs of limousines or in Porsches or getting trained in yoga or Pilates and eating only raw fruit while they have Vietnamese girls do their nails. They can! be interesting, nice people, but they are not heroes to me any longer. A real star is the soldier of the 4th Infantry Division who poked his head into a hole on a farm near Tikrit, Iraq. He could have been met by a bomb or a hail of AK-47 bullets. Instead, he faced an abject Saddam Hussein and the gratitude of all of the decent people of the world. A real star is the U.S. soldier who was sent to disarm a bomb next to a road north of Baghdad. He approached it, and the bomb went off and killed him. A real star, the kind who haunts my memory night and day, is the U.S. soldier in Baghdad who saw a little girl playing with a piece of unexploded ordnance on a street near where he was guarding a station. He pushed her aside and threw himself on it just as it exploded. He left a family desolate in California and a little gir! l alive in Baghdad. The stars who deserve media attention are not the ones who have lavish weddings on TV but the ones who patrol the streets of Mosul even after two of their buddies were murdered and their bodies battered and stripped for the sin of trying to protect Iraqis from terrorists. We put couples with incomes of $100 million a year on the covers of our magazines. The noncoms and officers who barely scrape by on military pay but stand on guard in Afghanistan and Iraq and on ships and in submarines and near the Arctic Circle are anonymous as they live and die I am no longer comfortable being a part of the system that has such poor values, and I do not want to perpetuate those values by pretending that who is eating at Morton's is a big subject. Th! ere are plenty of other stars in the American firmament....the policemen and women who go off on patrol in South Central and have no idea if they will return alive; the orderlies and paramedics who bring in people who have been in terrible accidents and prepare them for surgery; the teachers and nurses who throw their whole spirits into caring for autistic children; the kind men and women who work in hospices and in cancer wards. Think of each and every fireman who was running up the stairs at the World Trade Center as the towers began to collapse. Now you have my idea of a real hero. We are not responsible for the operation of the universe, and what happens to us is not terribly important. God is real, not a fiction; and when we turn over our lives to Him, He takes far better care of us than we could ever do for ourselves. In a word, we make ourselves sane when we fire ourselves as th! e directors of the movie of our lives and turn the power over to Him. I came to realize that life lived to help others is the only one that matters. This is my highest and best use as a human. I can put it another way. Years ago, I realized I could never be as great an actor as Olivier or as good a comic as Steve Martin...or Martin Mull or Fred Willard--or as good an economist as Samuelson or Friedman or as good a writer as Fitzgerald. Or even remotely close to any of them. But I could be a devoted father to my son, husband to my wife and, above all, a good son to the parents who had done so much for me. This came to be my main task in life. I did it moderately well with my son, pretty well with my wife and well indeed with my parents (with my sister's help). I cared for and paid attention to them in their declining years. I stayed with my father as he got sick, went into extremis and then into a coma and then ent! ered immortality with my sister and me reading him the Psalms. This was the only point at which my life touched the lives of the soldiers in Iraq or the firefighters in New York. I came to realize that life lived to help others is the only one that matters and that it is my duty, in return for the lavish life God has devolved upon me, to help others He has placed in my path This is my highest and best use as a human. Faith is not believing that God can. It is knowing that God will. By Ben Stein ======= Comments? revdauphinee answered on 01/11/05: "Faith is not believing that God can. It is knowing that God will." I will AMEN that statement Saladin rated this answer

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darkstar asked on 01/11/05 - goading why do some people think it is ok or appropriate to goad? Main Entry: goad Pronunciation: 'gOd Function: noun Etymology: Middle English gode, from Old English gAd spear, goad; akin to Langobardic gaida spear, and perhaps to Sanskrit hinoti he urges on 1 a : something that pricks like a goad : THORN b : something that urges or stimulates into action : SPUR revdauphinee answered on 01/11/05: because the responces are often interesting? Choux rated this answer darkstar rated this answer

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FormerJesusHelper76 asked on 01/11/05 - Afterlife! Your thoughts please! Hello there! There are many thoughts about what happens to us after death. There are many theories which I will list. Some people beleive once you die that is it, blackness; You are welcomed to the spirit world as soon as you die; You get a life review right away that you are your own judge; That your this spirit that floats around; That when you die you get a new body that is similar to the one on earth but younger and a body that can not be destroyed; That everybody gets called for judgement at all the same time, Until that time we are sleeping; There have been people who experianced good and bad near death experiances. What are your thoughts on this? What does the bible say about it? Okay now the word Hell. I remember when I was a child in the Romen Catholic church one prayer we used. It said Jesus died and decended into hell and then after three days rose to life. He went into heaven and is seated at the right side of the father. In recend years the word hell has been changed to dead. Does Hell really mean the fiery place? Why would Jesus go to Hell first? Some earlier definitions of Hell meant the grave. Meanings of different words change many how does that effect our beliefs? Thanks in advance! Joe revdauphinee answered on 01/11/05: from the aspect of God there is no death! for did he not write ("John 8: 51. I tell you the truth, if anyone keeps my word, he will never see death.") that does not mean Human understanding of death we will all see that but Gods ways are not our ways( Isaiah 55: 8. "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways," declares the LORD. 9. "As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts. )so i5t is not after life but rather a continuing of life in a different place.In that place we will knowGod and know he is the creator of the universe and my personal idea of Hell is the knowledge that those who fail him will forever be absent from his presence> FormerJesusHelper76 rated this answer

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FormerJesusHelper76 asked on 01/11/05 - E.S.P. , Psychics, and Premonitions (Dreams)! How does Christianity explain these occurances? Many people have claimed to experianced these things. Of course there are called different things for the same thing. Have you had any special experiances? Where do they come from? Gift from God? I have had many many dreams that would come true, I have had many strong feelings about things and new things without being told for example situations or things with my wife and family. Thank you in advance! Joe revdauphinee answered on 01/11/05: we as christians are warned aginst putting to much creedence in such things .there are many instances of scripture agains tthem here are but a few. Lev.19:31 "`Do not turn to mediums or seek out spiritists, for you will be defiled by them. I am the LORD your God. Lev.20:6 "`I will set my face against the person who turns to mediums and spiritists to prostitute himself by following them, and I will cut him off from his people. (Isa.8:19 When men tell you to consult mediums and spiritists, who whisper and mutter, should not a people inquire of their God? Why consult th(Jer.14:14 Then the LORD said to me, "The prophets are prophesying lies in my name. I have not sent them or appointed them or spoken to them. They are prophesying to you false visions, divinations, idolatries and the delusions of their own minds. Jer.27:9, Jer.29v8-9 9 So do not listen to your prophets, your diviners, your interpreters of dreams, your mediums or your sorcererse dead on behalf of the living? FormerJesusHelper76 rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 01/11/05 - Some remarks on teh subjecy of political absurdity otherwise called political correctness which I would like to endorse. Political correctness is being taken too far January 10 2005 Shepparton News What is happening to Australia? I am proud to be an Australian, or so I thought. Now, I am disgusted and apprehensive of the future of our beautiful country. The phrase "politically correct" now sends shudders down my spine when I think of the new law that was passed which made it illegal to mention any person's religious beliefs (simplified). Mr Howard, what are you thinking? Australia is predominantly a Christian country and I now believe that "reverse racism" is being actively practised in Australia. When are the people in charge of local, state and federal governments going to bat for the "predominantly Christians"? Are we going to get to the stage that it is illegal to mention the word "pothole" (as in a road) because we might offend all the pots that are in the kitchens all over Australia? Are "manholes" still manholes? What about our children's fairy tales and nursery rhymes? As parents, are we going to read the story of Snow Neutral And the Seven Vertically Challenged Humanoids to our children? Yes, Mr Howard, Australia is a nation of many diverse peoples with different cultures and religious faiths. As our Prime Minister, you should be familiar with the Federal Government's policy on multiculturalism, ie "A New Agenda for Multicultural Australia, December 1999". "We are an open and tolerant society that promotes the celebration of diversity within the context of a unifying commitment to Australia" (Excerpt from the foreword of the above policy). "The Government supports the Council's view that future multicultural policy should emphasise its relevance to all Australians . . . "The Government's plan of action is formulated with these priorities in mind and will be implemented in the years ahead to ensure that our cultural diversity is indeed a unifying force for Australia." (Message from the Minister, Philip Ruddock from the above policy). I would like to know how the new law interconnects with this policy. Please take note of the word "unifying" in the above quotes. Way to go, Mr Howard. Any Australian with an ounce of commonsense is going to realise that this new law is going to be antagonistic rather than a solution to the problem of differing religious beliefs. The solution is to educate people, as this leads to knowledge and understanding of our various cultures. Sadly, in every society there are always the minority of people that are afflicted with tunnel vision and therefore are not open to education, knowledge and growth as an individual. I would now like to mention our local government's decision to grant Club X permission to build one of its stores on Benalla Rd leading into Shepparton. Shame on you for not wanting to protect the children and the youth of Shepparton from pornography. Don't you realise they are the future of our country? This is another example of "politically correctness" going horribly wrong. It seems to me that all government officials are scared of declaring their true feelings as they don't want to be seen as actively being politically incorrect. I used to think that Australians had guts and determination concerning right from wrong. Not any more. By the way, I belong to one of those nutty Christian groups. I am a Pentecostal Christian and proud of it. I have guts and determination! C. Ramadge, Shepparton revdauphinee answered on 01/11/05: it seems American and Australians suffer from the same maladies> paraclete rated this answer

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arcura asked on 01/10/05 - THIS IS FOR ALL OF YOU THAT ARE GOING TO START NEW PROJECTS. And God Said, "Noah, Build an Ark." Yeah, right! It is the year 2004 and Noah lived in the United States. The Lord speaks to Noah and says: "In one year I am going to make it rain and cover the whole earth with water until all is destroyed. But I want you to save the righteous people and two of every kind of living thing on the earth. Therefore, I am commanding you to build an Ark." In a flash of lightning, God delivered the specifications for an Ark. Fearful and trembling, Noah took the plans and agreed to build the Ark. "Remember," said the Lord, "you must complete the Ark and bring everything aboard in one year." Exactly one year later, a fierce storm cloud covered the earth and all the seas of the earth went into a tumult. The Lord saw Noah sitting in his front yard weeping. "Noah." He shouted, "Where is the Ark?" "Lord please forgive me!" cried Noah. "I did my best, but there were big problems. First, I had to get a permit for construction and your plans did not comply with the codes. I had to hire an engineering firm and redraw the plans. Then I got into a fight with OSHA over whether or not the Ark needed a fire sprinkler system and flotation devices. Then my neighbor objected, claiming I was violating zoning ordinances by building the Ark in my front yard, so I had to get a variance from the city planning commission. I had problems getting enough wood for the Ark, because there was a ban on cutting trees to protect the Spotted Owl. I finally convinced the U.S. Forest Service that I needed the wood to save the owls. However, the Fish and Wildlife Service won't let me catch any owls. So, no owls. The carpenters formed a union and went out on strike. I had to negotiate a settlement with the National Labor Union. Now I have 16 carpenters on the Ark, but still no owls. When I started rounding up the other animals, I got sued by an animal rights group. They objected to me only taking two of each kind aboard. Just when I got the suit dismissed, the EPA notified me that I could not complete the Ark without filing an environmental statement on your proposed flood. They didn't take very kindly to the idea that they had no jurisdiction over the conduct of the Creator of the universe. Then the Army Corps of Engineers demanded a map of the proposed new flood plain. I sent them a globe. Right now, I am trying to resolve a complaint filed with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission that I am practicing discrimination by not taking godless, unbelieving people aboard! The IRS has seized all my assets, claiming that I'm building the Ark in preparation to flee the country to avoid paying taxes. I just got a notice from the state that I owe some kind of user tax and failed to register the Ark as a recreational water craft." Finally the ACLU got the courts to issue an injunction against further construction of the Ark, saying that since God is flooding the earth, it is a religious event, therefore unconstitutional. I really don't think I can finish the Ark for another 5 or 6 years!" Noah wailed The sky began to clear, the sun began to shine and the seas began to calm. A rainbow arched across the sky. Noah looked up hopefully. You mean you are not going to destroy the earth, Lord?" "No," said the Lord sadly. "The government already has." AMEN revdauphinee answered on 01/11/05: this might be funny if it wernt so true! arcura rated this answer

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Geedubya84 asked on 01/10/05 - Score Christians 2 Hippercrits 10 revdauphinee answered on 01/11/05: Christians 2 Hippercrits 10 and your question is??? Geedubya84 rated this answer jeremy_hobbs rated this answer

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FormerJesusHelper76 asked on 01/10/05 - Ghosts! Does Christianity explain about peoples experiances with Ghosts? Are there other explanations? Anybody have any personal thoughts on this? I personally have had no experiances with what we would call a ghost. I am interested in stories of it. Why do some people see them? Why are they here? Etc...... Thank you for your thoughts in advance! Joe revdauphinee answered on 01/11/05: I definatly believe in the after life >But Ghosts are another thing!However the disciples evidently believed in them for we read in Mark 6:49. but when they saw him walking on the lake, they thought he was a ghost. They cried out, 50. because they all saw him and were terrified. Immediately he spoke to them and said, "Take courage! It is I. Don't be afraid." FormerJesusHelper76 rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 01/10/05 - At Last, an explantion? We have long wondered at the growth of foolishness in the world. It would seem the North Koreans have discovered the answer. Long hair 'steals the brain's energy' From correspondents in Seoul January 10, 2005 STALINIST North Korea has stepped up its campaign against long hair and untidy attire which its media says represents a "corrupt capitalist" lifestyle, reports said. North Korean state television, radio and newspapers have led the grooming drive, urging people to cut their hair short and to dress tidily, the BBC said in a dispatch citing broadcasts from Pyongyang. Men were asked to have crew cuts with hair growing up to five centimetres in a twice-a-month visit to the barber, it said. Not only health and hygiene but also intelligence was cited by the North Korean media as reasons for the crackdown on appearance. Pyongyang television noted long hair "consumes a great deal of nutrition" and could thus rob the brain of energy, according to the BBC. But another serious reason came from state radio which said tidy attire "is important in repelling the enemies' maneuvers to infiltrate corrupt capitalist ideas and lifestyle" in North Korea, it said. The ruling communist party newspaper, Rodong Sinmun, even warned inappropriate appearance under foreign influence could lead to national decay. "People who wear other's style of dress and live in other's style will become fools and that nation will come to ruin," Rodong was cited as saying. Some North Korean TV broadcasts adopted a hidden-camera style video of longhaired men on various locations throughout Pyongyang in an unprecedented break with their usual approach. The program showed those who were not "in accordance with Socialist lifestyle" just run away or make excuses of being too busy to trim their hair. Agence France-Presse It seems political correctness has it's own reward, at least, in North Korea. revdauphinee answered on 01/10/05: Just heard that on the news isnt it silly? jeremy_hobbs rated this answer paraclete rated this answer

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arcura asked on 01/10/05 - Do you want Newt Gingrich for president in 2008? He may be running against Hilary Clinton. Here is what he has to say............. Gingrich: "This war is not primarily about terrorism, it is about an Islamist insurgency against the modern world" I don't believe the "modern" world is their target. These men have never hesitated to use the most sophisticated technologies they could get hold of. We are not dealing with a band of crazed Amish here. Rather, their target is the non-Muslim world. Still, Gingrich's words, despite these and other flaws, are among the most forthright about what we actually face than most statements I have heard from major politicians. From AFP, "With Islamists in mind, Gingrich mulls 2008 presidential run," with thanks to Ali Dashti: WASHINGTON (AFP) - Trailblazing ideologue Newt Gingrich, who engineered the 1994 Republican takeover of the US House of Representatives, said he may run for president in 2008, promising to fight what he calls "an Islamist insurgency against the modern world." He also spoke about a need to center US society around religious values formulated by "our Creator."... In a portion of the book made available to AFP, Gingrich argues the United States faces two immediate opponents: "the irreconcilable wing of Islam" and dictatorships that, in his words, empower radical Islamists. But in contrast with President George W. Bush, who insists that Muslim radicals are driven by their hatred of Western values, Gingrich believe the world is witnessing a global civil war between the modernizing and irreconcilable wings of Islam. "This war is not primarily about terrorism," he writes, "It is about an Islamist insurgency against the modern world." According to the former speaker, between 39 million and 52 million young men -- out of a total of 1.3 billion Muslims around the world -- could become available to Islamist recruiters as the war on terror grinds on. Because of that, he predicts, the fight could continue for the next 20-25 years at best, or drag on for several centuries, as did the Catholic-Protestant wars during the Reformation and Counter Reformation. Posted at January 10, 2005 07:19 AM revdauphinee answered on 01/10/05: In a word NO! arcura rated this answer

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arcura asked on 01/10/05 - Please don't jump to conclusions, but.......... I would like to get your comments and opinions on this site. http://www.hatefreeamerica.com/default.htm revdauphinee answered on 01/10/05: I think it is probably true !But then I make no secrets that I am not a fan of Islam arcura rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 01/10/05 - The Ten Commandments in Cajun 1. God is number one... and das' All. 2. Don't pray to nuttin' or nobody... jus' God. 3. Don't cuss nobody... 'specially da Good Lord. 4. When it be Sunday... pass yo'self by God's House. 5. Yo mama an' yo daddy dun did it all... lissen to dem. 6. Killin' duck an' fish, das' OK... people - No! 7. God done give you a wife... sleep wit' jus' her. 8. Don't take nobody's boat... or nuttin' else. 9. Don't go wantin' somebody's stuff. 10. Stop lyin'... yo tongue gonna fall out yo mouf! revdauphinee answered on 01/10/05: Now do it in french so the cajuns can read it!LOL paraclete rated this answer

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arcura asked on 01/09/05 - Since there are so many that like my Emails... I just got this from George. So Thought I sould pass it on. I'M A CHRISTIAN By Maya Angelou When I say... "I am a Christian" I'm not shouting "I'm clean livin'. I'm whispering "I was lost," Now I'm found and forgiven. When I say..."I am a Christian" I don't speak of this with pride. I'm confessing that I stumble and need CHRIST to be my guide. When I say... "I am a Christian" I'm not trying to be strong. I'm professing that I'm weak and need HIS strength to carry on. When I say... "I am a Christian" I'm not bragging of success. I'm admitting I have failed and need God to clean my mess. When I say... "I am a Christian" I'm not claiming to be perfect, My flaws are far too visible but, God believes I am worth it. When I say... "I am a Christian" I still feel the sting of pain, I have my share of heartaches ...So I call upon His name. When I say... "I am a Christian" I'm not holier than thou, I'm just a simple sinner who received God's good grace, somehow. Author ~Maya Angelou~ revdauphinee answered on 01/10/05: I like this ! arcura rated this answer

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Saladin asked on 01/09/05 - Silence! Dear Experts: What are your views on the place, purpose, and value of silence in Christian worship? I have a book on the stocks on this subject. :) Ronnie revdauphinee answered on 01/10/05: My veiw is to allow each to worship in their own way some do it quietly some make a joyfull noise this is Gods business not mine! Saladin rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 01/09/05 - What musical instruments should be used in a Church? Dr Peter Masters has some particular views about the use of modern instruments in Churchs and the place of their equivalents in Scripture. A reading of this would suggest that a full range of instruments should not be used but should be restricted at least to stringed instruments. What do you think.? Pop-Idiom Music In Worship and Evangelism by Dr Peter Masters -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Section 11b Instruments for Sung Praise The Psalms give divine approval to the use of instruments to accompany the singing of spiritual songs. In prvate and family worship, and also in the village synagogues, stringed instruments appear to have been the general rule. Psalm 92, which is a psalm for the sabbath day, refers to praise being accompanied by various harp-like instruments and the psaltery. Psalm 144 also shows that these were the instruments which were used to accompany the songs of praise, thus verse 9 reads - I will sing a new song unto thee, O God: upon a psaltery and an instrument of ten strings will I sing praises unto thee. Other instruments were not normally used for accompanying the singing of psalms, contrary to what is sometimes claimed. The references to other instruments in the Psalms refer sometimes to the special feast days when these other instruments were used in the Temple, and sometimes to the civic festivities and processions. This is an important distinction which must be amplified in the next few paragraphs because it is repeatedly being stated by Gospel-pop advocates that in addition to stringed instruments, trumpets, cymbals and tambourines were also constantly used to liven up the family and synagogue worship of the ancient Israelites! This is certainly not true and is an idea which comes from a highly superficial and uninformed use of Scripture. revdauphinee answered on 01/09/05: what does it matter as long as we ""make Joyfull noise unto the Lord"" paraclete rated this answer kindj rated this answer

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FormerJesusHelper76 asked on 01/09/05 - Jesus Prays for His Disciples! John 17, 1 - 26 John 15, 18 - 27 Matthew 5, 43 - 48 Matthew 22, 34 - 40 What do you think of these verses. There are many many examples of prayer in the bible. How important praying for each other is. How important it is to pray to God. Joe revdauphinee answered on 01/09/05: very important Jesus said I tell you the truth, my Father will give you whatever you ask in my name. 24. Until now you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask and you will receive, FormerJesusHelper76 rated this answer

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VisionsInBlue asked on 01/09/05 - Somebody enlighten my pretty blonde head, please What's up with the prayer request deal? First of all, the way I see prayer is thanking God for what we have and counting our blessings. What I do pray for is health. That would be about it. So if somebody requests a prayer for a sick child or a person, I'm all for it. Anything other than that sounds like "would you please pray for me now cuz not only that I'm lazy to do anything about the situation for which the prayer is requested, but I can't be bothered to do it myself so I need you". Sure, call me cold hearted and I may very well be, but I have zero patience for whiners. I should hope The Upstairs has better things to do than listen to that. revdauphinee answered on 01/09/05: there is nothing wrong with asking God for favours he tells us in scripture John 16: I tell you the truth, my Father will give you whatever you ask in my name. 24. Until now you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask and you will receive, FormerJesusHelper76 rated this answer VisionsInBlue rated this answer

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FormerJesusHelper76 asked on 01/09/05 - ~Prayer Request~ I ask you for your prayers for my family and myself. Thank you. God bless! Joe revdauphinee answered on 01/09/05: consider it done I frequently pray for all who contribute here! FormerJesusHelper76 rated this answer

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ROLCAM asked on 01/09/05 - A Simple Statement ?? Jesus Christ was born a Jew, lived a Jew, and died a Jew. What are your Christian views on this simple statement? revdauphinee answered on 01/09/05: It is a true statement one looked over by many Christians! ROLCAM rated this answer

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ROLCAM asked on 01/09/05 - Circumcision Decision ?? The Circumcision Decision. Recently I�ve seen articles referring to circumcision as "abusive, barbaric, torture and mutilation." Has Circumcision got any Religious Significance ? revdauphinee answered on 01/09/05: it has significance in the old testament> ROLCAM rated this answer

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FormerJesusHelper76 asked on 01/08/05 - Forgiveness! There are certain people who believe that Forgiving somebody means that you do not want them to be punished for what they have done. In my belief this is not true. I believe you can forgive somebody and also want them to face up and take the consequences of their actions. For example: Somebody has just murdered five children. The husband forgives his wife but also would like justice and deal with the punishment of their actions. When we are young children and we did something wrong. We are punished for it. Does that mean that we do not love them or forgive them. The parents continue to love their children. Even God punishes us. He forgives us. Everything we do effects everybody else. Does God still love us yes. Joe revdauphinee answered on 01/09/05: On the quote " Somebody has just murdered five children. The husband forgives his wife but also would like justice and deal with the punishment of their actions."if you are talking about the andria Yates situation had I the power I would have the husband prosecuted since he knew his wifes mental condition and did nothing !this to say the least makes hin an accesory to these horrifying murders. FormerJesusHelper76 rated this answer

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arcura asked on 01/08/05 - Do you agree with this history?......... Load and look. Turn on the sound. Do you agree with this history? http://www.wtv-zone.com/Mary/forsakenroots.html revdauphinee answered on 01/09/05: History Is!It matters not if we agree or not! arcura rated this answer

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Saladin asked on 01/08/05 - Thinking caps on, chaps! ... Five statements and a question. S1. The Constitution does not embrace Christianity, so, by its neglect to mention it, it tacitly separates it from government and from the provenance of government. S2. Religion is something personal that I do/believe/perform/etc within myself in all places, at home, and at Church. S3. I am not offended if a football match does not begin with prayer and i shall not be offended if the Inauguration does not, nor shall I be if the president-elect chooses to rest his left hand on Al Qur'an instead of a Bible. S4. Therefore, if the Constitution does not enjoin combination of church and state, then it cannot be said to support it. Q1. Let us say, for the sake of amusement, that the Consitution said: "Church and state shall be inseparable and conjoint in all matters of state and public life." Taking notice that the statement does not specify which church is to be the established religion, would that mean that future generation could pick and choose freely and this year make it the Baptist Church (and which one of the mnay baptist churches), and next year make it the RCC, and the following year make it the JWs? :) Ronnie (So, I can't count!) revdauphinee answered on 01/09/05: the reason I would be offended if " if the president-elect chooses to rest his left hand on Al Qur'an instead of a Bible."Is that I personaly choose where to spend my life and I did not choose to spend in in an Islamic country or one that gives credence to the Qoran!If this were to occure I would have to move elsewhere And yes I wiuld object to a fake Bible as would I believe (for all his many faults George W Bush ) Saladin rated this answer

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FormerJesusHelper76 asked on 01/08/05 - Ministries! Ministries who ask you to send them a donation and a prayer request to support their ministry. Do any of you believe this should be alloud. Same as the Catholic Church and others who have collection at church. Do you believe all this money collected goes towards the community or does it go to the priest and the church? Thank you in advance! Joe revdauphinee answered on 01/08/05: the choise to give is yours if you have doubts as to what is to be done with donations then ask!a reliable church will tell you ,if the wont then dont give! FormerJesusHelper76 rated this answer

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darkstar asked on 01/08/05 - fighting on the public boards i have been gone for a while now, i am not online line yet in my home. i come to the library and sisy's form time to time to get on line and have noticed a disturbing not really new trend happening on the public question and answer site. and that is the breaking the rules of attacking experts questions and answers and totally getting off topic of the original question. i feel that this is a huge distraction and will turn real question and answer seekers away with bad feelings. i mean look at this... Clarification/Follow-up by ETWolverine on 01/06/05 1:22 pm: For all those of you who don't like my answer: As an EMT, I dealt with more EDPs that most of you combined. I know what we are dealing with here, up close and personal. I know EXACTLY what mental disease entails. And I don't care. When a schitzophrenic or someone suffering from Bi-Polar Disorder DECIDES OF THEIR OWN ACCORD to go off their meds, it is NOT society's responsibility to watchdog such a person. That is a choice, and if they kill someone because of that choice, then they deserve to be jailed. It is no different from the alchohalic who chooses to drink and get behind the wheel of a car. If he kills someone, it is NOT the disease that is at fault, but his personal decision to drink and drive. About 15 years ago, I was involved in a case where a BPD/Schizo went off his meds. First he beat the hell out of his wife and kids over a period of months, and then he burned down a synagogue and to personal residences. The judge's inclination was the same as yours, to give him "treatment". Well he took his treatments... for all of 3 months. Then he went off his meds again... a personal decision... beat up his parents, and tried to burn down another building. The judge finally got it... espcially when the guy threatened to pay the judge a visit at her home. And just to prove that he could, he sent her flowers at her home address. The judge figured it out. This guy made his choices. He DECIDED to go off the drugs. Everything else flowed from that. The guy is serving time for multiple arsons and assault, as well as threatening a court officer. (My part in the case? I was the guy who kept him from burning down the third home. I was friendly with his son, and my sister worked with his wife. And I was there when he TRIED to burn down MY synagogue too.) PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY people. People are responsible for their own actions. If someone wants help, tries to take their meds, tries to do the right thing, he deserves help. But if he CHOOSES to go off his meds, then the responsibility is HIS and his alone. And yes, he belongs in jail. So does Yates. Does Dr. Saeed deserve SOME of the responsibility for lowering her dosages? Maybe. But stopping them completely was HER own idea. And she needs to pay for that choice. Elliot Clarification/Follow-up by powderpuff on 01/06/05 2:17 pm: Hello Elliot, Did you know: c/p from one of the links I provided in the post "Since the early 1980s, with the availability of brain imaging techniques and other developments in neuroscience, the evidence has become overwhelming that schizophrenia and manic-depressive disorder are diseases of the brain, just as multiple sclerosis, Parkinson�s disease, and Alzheimer�s disease are diseases of the brain. The brains of individuals with these diseases are measurably different from individuals who do not have these diseases, both structurally and functionally." Additionally, the idea and feeling of no need for the medications that help control the symptoms is just another symptom of the disease? But since these individuals ARE sick, they cannot recognize their own symptoms. This is not my garbage opinion, it is medical scientific fact. Clarification/Follow-up by ETWolverine on 01/06/05 2:20 pm: PP, Yes... while they are off their meds, their brains are different, and yes it is a disease. But while they are ON their meds, they are capable of making decisions. And if one of those decisions is to come off the meds... a decision that is made while they are ON the meds... then they are responsible for their decision, which was made while they were lucid, and capable of making decisions. Especially if it happens more than once. Elliot Clarification/Follow-up by powderpuff on 01/06/05 2:31 pm: Thanks for you opinion though it is not supported by medical and scientific research. Research has proven that the brain damage is permanent. Medications help, but don't cure. These people NEED monitoring and supervision, and INTERVENTION at the slightest change in personality. Often the medications prescribed have terrible side effects, a dose is missed, and the return of symptoms go ignored or unnoticed by family and friends until a tragedy occurs. Clarification/Follow-up by ETWolverine on 01/06/05 2:32 pm: Assuming you are correct... and I'm not sure you are... then the following argument surfaces. >>>These people NEED monitoring and supervision, and INTERVENTION at the slightest change in personality.<<< And can you think of a place with more supervision or monitoring than a prison... especially for a violent 'patient' who has killed or hurt others before? So either way... Elliot Clarification/Follow-up by powderpuff on 01/06/05 2:36 pm: Elliot, Check the facts, people are not treated for mental illness in prison! People in prison who are mentally ill only get treated upon request. Since most people with the most severe forms of mental illness are unable to recognize the fact that they are sick, they go UNTREATED. Please Elliot, get some education on this subject before you speak. Clarification/Follow-up by Saladin on 01/06/05 3:31 pm: "And can you think of a place with more supervision or monitoring than a prison... especially for a violent 'patient' who has killed or hurt others before?" I cannot think of a worse place for the mentallyill. The fact that a high proportion of the prison population in the USA suffers from one or another form of mental illness coupled with the high recidivism rate should tell you that for the mentally ill prison is counter-productive, counter-helpful, and a disgrace for a society that considers itself civilised. I would expect that many of the experts here consider thrmeselves civilised but their responses to this question show that they are more fitted to the ways of the jungle with less perception and hguman understanding that some of the lower animals. Brrrrrrrrrrr! Clarification/Follow-up by ETWolverine on 01/06/05 4:22 pm: >>>people are not treated for mental illness in prison! People in prison who are mentally ill only get treated upon request.<<< Two points, PP. 1) People in mental facilities can technically refuse their meds too. Nobody can legally force them to take their meds. So the idea that they are better of in a mental care facility than in jail isn't true. In fact, the guy I mentioned above refused his drugs at a mental facility... that's what caused all the problems in the first place. 2) The advantage of jail over a mental facility is that they can't get out of jail and hurt people. That is NOT true of mental facilities, except under judicial order (which is very rare)... in which case the mental facility BECOMES a defacto jail, doesn't it? Elliot Clarification/Follow-up by ETWolverine on 01/06/05 4:28 pm: Ronnie, >>>I cannot think of a worse place for the mentallyill.<<< My concern is not for the murderer. My concern is for the potential victims if he gets out. I really don't give a damn if a guy who chooses to go off his meds and commits murder gets treated or not. I only care whether he will be set free to kill again. In jail he won't. Elliot Clarification/Follow-up by ATON2 on 01/07/05 10:00 am: Powderpuff: My years are many, my experiences are vast...if you want to try comparing, you will find your thimblefull of life experience can't even come close to ATON's. That's why most of your responses are tinged with envy and malice, when they are not totally naive. Get over it!!!!! Either learn to rebut my claims, or leave them alone. It's that simple :) :) :) If you had any experience of the World, and the consequences of one man's actions, outside your tiny, little defensive island, you would NEVER had voted for George Wrong Bush!!! ROTFLMAO Clarification/Follow-up by ATON2 on 01/07/05 10:26 am: p.s. for Powderpuff: Obviously, you have no knowledge of this case outside of the Court Transcript of the mistrial appeal. Even Yates own psychiatrist, stated in court that Yates tried to commit suicide in 1999, hoping it would keep her from HARMING her children. She knew that HARMING her children would be WRONG....And she knew AFTER killing them it was WRONG, that is why she called the POLICE. Even a psychotic would not call the police if she thought she had done a GOOD thing. And it was further brought out that Yates struggled with the idea of NOT drowning Noah!!!! Wake up, puff. These are not the mental processes of a woman who did NOT know wrong from right. They are the thought processess of a women premeditating the killing of her children, even though she KNEW harming them was wrong!!!! And consider her refusal to undergo electro-shock therapy...she sure as hell KNEW that would knock the bottom out of her plans. If you are going to defend someone, KNOW who it is you are defending. Even given the remote possibility that, at the time of the killing, she may have been in a psychotic state, that does not obviate the fact that she had been 'planning' this for a long, long time. Clarification/Follow-up by darkstar on 01/07/05 10:33 am: we will never be able to be in the mind of andrea yates! but having lived with and worked with mentally ill children and adults, i do know that some mentally ill people will be in and out of thier minds and struggle from moment to moment to hang on to sanity or insanity...yes some are more comfortable being insane but i do know it is definately a disease and a whole lot more could be done to help socitey out when it comes to careing for these people who are aflicted with the disease of mental illness. Clarification/Follow-up by MaggieB on 01/07/05 10:54 am: Clarification/Follow-up by ATON2 on 01/07/05 10:00 am: Powderpuff: My years are many, my experiences are vast...if you want to try comparing, you will find your thimblefull of life experience can't even come close to ATON's. That's why most of your responses are tinged with envy and malice, when they are not totally naive. Get over it!!!!! Either learn to rebut my claims, or leave them alone. It's that simple :) :) :) If you had any experience of the World, and the consequences of one man's actions, outside your tiny, little defensive island, you would NEVER had voted for George Wrong Bush!!! ROTFLMAO ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ This is one of the most outrageous, pride filled, pharasitical, better-than-thou, degrading remarks that any 'human being' could relate to another. You are to be pitied and all your LOL and ROTFLMAO inuendoes are totally out of line. Sharlene, I pray you find it in your heart to forgive the ignorance of one so boastful. MaggieB Clarification/Follow-up by ATON2 on 01/07/05 11:15 am: Maggie, honey: Stop playing follow-the-Christian-leader. It makes it sound like you have no original thoughts of your own, but merely hitch your star to any self-proclaimed Christian who tries to cross swords with ATON. Sorry the truth bothers you so much, Maggs. But when Christians start getting snippy because they run out of rebuttals...they need a little shot of the truth to wake them up. ROTFLMAO...LOL....:) :) :) It's not my fault that most of the pseudo-Christians on this board have so LIMITED experience of the world around them. Take it up with your god, when you are through praying for ATON's soul :) :) :) Or as Jesus said: "Weep not for me, but for your children"!!! They are the ones who will ultimatly have to pay for their parents folly. p.s. Innuendo is an oblique hint!!! I was NOT hinting at laughing, I WAS laughing. See what comes from having much broader experience (even with language) than the average :) :) :) Only those who have something to be humble about, praise the virtues of humility. LOL Clarification/Follow-up by powderpuff on 01/07/05 12:19 pm: aton: I have lived and visted 8 different countries on 3 continents, I don't consider that a lack of worldly experience on a tiny little island. The only thing I can learn from a boorishly blind extermist like you is extremism. No thanks. Clarification/Follow-up by LTgolf on 01/07/05 1:48 pm: Many years ago the mentally ill were stoned to death....... Today we do the same thing with words instead of stones....... We have not yet as a society reached the intelligence level to deal with this affliction, untill those among us admit that they are not as intelligent as they proclaim to be im afraid the current path will continue to be followed. Clarification/Follow-up by ATON2 on 01/07/05 2:37 pm: Powerpuff: Congratulations on your whirlwind Grand Circle tour. It must have given you the experience needed to count birds and mourn the deaths of raccoons. :) :) :) If boorishness is your criteria, your responses fit, exactly. You fail to profer anything in the way of refutation but merely offer boorish, surly little snippets, attempting to cast aspersions on my knowledge and experience. It ain't workin' cookie. Not for you, not for Maggie. Learn to live with it, or overcome it. Either will prove satisfactory. :) :) :) Clarification/Follow-up by powderpuff on 01/07/05 5:06 pm: aton: your attempt at intimidating me or somehow hurt me or goad me is a flop. Clarification/Follow-up by LTgolf on 01/07/05 5:09 pm: ATON Over and over you show your brutal ignorance toward others. I pity people like you. :) Leon Clarification/Follow-up by LTgolf on 01/07/05 5:17 pm: Aton Now you can throw a lot of five dollar words at me but they dont amount to 2 cents. Your ignorance out weights your intellegence. Find a whole and crawl in it like the worm you are. Leon Clarification/Follow-up by ATON2 on 01/07/05 10:13 pm: Leon: Your reading comprehension skills are akin to your intelligence...zero. My response was to CeeBee's clarification, not to anyone's question...which you, obviously missed. I don't waste time on $5 dollar words...I start at $15 for normally intelligent experts...For you, unfortunately I would have to opt for bargain basement clearance prices. However, it is amusing to see you strut out of your cave, brandishing a club, occasionly, in defence of the indefensible. You are a classic example of aborted evolution. Thought I'd never see one in actuality :):):) Who said the missing link was missing ROTFLMAO Clarification/Follow-up by ATON2 on 01/07/05 10:15 pm: Powderfluff: If I had any idea of 'intimidating' you, you would be dust by now. I'm merely forcing you to look in your own mirror. That shouldn't be too difficult, should it??? Clarification/Follow-up by powderpuff on 01/08/05 4:35 am: aton, Your intimidation and hate speeches are all over the boards, perhaps it is you who should look in the mirror once in a while.... If you really did know as much as you claim to know, you would not make stupid assumptions about other people. You say I experienced a whirlwind Grand Circle tour... you ONCE AGAIN couldn't be more wrong (as you frequently are). Unlock your brain, you might learn something new. Your reading and comprehension skills are no better than what you claim for Leon. Living in other countries, and learning and speaking their languages and customs, doing business in lands far awawy, is not some little whirlwind tour... perhaps that has been your experience, but it was not mine. You could do a lot better if you stopped believing you are the only intellegent person with the only correct point of view. With all your vast experience, you still have not learned much about imparting your knowledge to others. Instead of sounding like you care, you sound more like a bully ready to pound on anyone who dares to disagree with you. Really, it makes you look like a closed minded fool. Clarification/Follow-up by powderpuff on 01/08/05 5:34 am: 4. Civility and courtesy An answer to a question should be courteous, civil, and respectful. If the Expert is tempted to post something nasty, better to post nothing at all. and 11. No Sniping at Other Experts It is important to remember that the point of this site is to provide information in response to questions posed by users. Users will not be comfortable if the answers they receive contain potshots taken by one expert against another. If there are legitimate grounds for disagreement, or if it truly appears that another expert has given a faulty answer, courtesy should be used in noting such disagreement. This same principle applies in any rating or rating comment applied by one expert to another. you can find all of the Expert guidlines at this link: http://answerway.com/teguide.php Clarification/Follow-up by LTgolf on 01/08/05 5:43 am: ANON Responces to clarifications should be done with a clarification, not with an answer. Your right, I only come out of my cave when necessary, and usually its to step on bugs like you. When you attack and insult others you need to be squashed like the cyber bug you are. You are a very Tiny Weenie little person with a big mouth that has to beat on his own drum to bolster your own ego. You give me the impression that you are just a big mouth stuck on a pair of legs. It is a shame that you must constantly tell yourself how wonderful you are since no others will, but you do at times amuse grownups with your responces. If you were to use one of the two brain cells you have to show some compassion for others this board would be a much better place. Now get it togeather little one (ANON) and use those two brain cells for some good, its such as shame to waste them. Leon Clarification/Follow-up by ATON2 on 01/08/05 9:41 am: Leon: If you want compassion go to your priest or minister. Your beloved is not an expert in Christiantiy, she is an expert in 'WILDLIFE'...Let her stick to racoons and birds. And stop questioning the intelligence of those who disagree with her ASSUMPTIONS....Every one of her responses to others, especially those concerning ATON are stupid innuendos about his intelligence...which is enough to bury both of you, incidentally...and she turns sanctimonious and climbs on a moral high horse when she gets a bit of her own back. She tried the same nonsense with Elliot, because he, also, saw through the nonsense that passes for her postings. If she wants to joust with Experts in Christianity, let her post her credentials and sign on as an expert...Of course she will not do that...it would cause her to follow the rules she claims for others. Get your own life, Leon....mine is too rich and rarified for you. :) :) :) Clarification/Follow-up by ATON2 on 01/08/05 9:59 am: Powderfluff: Make sense. I have no time to 'intimidate' cyber-phantoms. If you are feeling vulnerable, the fault lies in you, not me. Instead of supplying answers to questions, you merely tack a smirking little insult to everyone else's responses, and think you are safe from retaliation. It don't work that way, Cookie. You snipe, and you get shot down...it's that simple. I have no moral imperative to 'turn the other cheek', so don't expect it. When you are wrong, I will point out your errors....if you cannot do the same with my responses, then you should not bother responding. But to hide behind someone else's response to shoot your little darts is the act of a person with no other resource at her disposal. And if you want 'ignorant boorishness' just take a lesson from your beloved Leon....a man with the intelligence of a slug, and the moral fibre of a rattlesnake. I personally don't beleive a "LEON" even exists...I think he is just your 'alter-ego' kept handy for saying things that can't be pinned on YOU :) :) :) Clarification/Follow-up by darkstar on 01/08/05 10:11 am: oh believe me leon does exist and he is very much the MAN!!!!! :D i have met him and experienced him! .....now if this wasn't such a serious subjuect this trash that followed would be comical! insult after insult on and on....GROW UP folks, or get a life, lets pull together and make this a quality site, not a brawl that sounds like a bunch of little girls cat fighting over and over! darkstar revdauphinee answered on 01/08/05: You may have a point however how expensive are these drugs I myself am guily of not taking all the medicines I am prescribed(for physical diseases )the reason beig on my income I simply cannot afford them all> powderpuff rated this answer darkstar rated this answer

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Saladin asked on 01/08/05 - Thinking caps on, chaps! ... Five statements and a question. S1. The Constitution does not embrace Christianity, so, by its neglect to mention it, it tacitly separates it from government and from the provenance of government. S2. Religion is something personal that I do/believe/perform/etc within myself in all places, at home, and at Church. S3. I am not offended if a football match does not begin with prayer and i shall not be offended if the Inauguration does not, nor shall I be if the president-elect chooses to rest his left hand on Al Qur'an instead of a Bible. S4. Therefore, if the Constitution does not enjoin combination of church and state, then it cannot be said to support it. Q1. Let us say, for the sake of amusement, that the Consitution said: "Church and state shall be inseparable and conjoint in all matters of state and public life." Taking notice that the statement does not specify which church is to be the established religion, would that mean that future generation could pick and choose freely and this year make it the Baptist Church (and which one of the mnay baptist churches), and next year make it the RCC, and the following year make it the JWs? :) Ronnie (So, I can't count!) revdauphinee answered on 01/08/05: nor shall I be if the president-elect chooses to rest his left hand on Al Qur'an instead of a Bible. Sorry but I would be! Saladin rated this answer

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tomder55 asked on 01/08/05 - Managing the news . Seeking to build support among black families for its education reform law, the Bush administration paid commentator Armstrong Williams $240,000 to promote the law on his nationally syndicated television show and to urge other black journalists to do the same.Williams never disclosaed to his audience this relationship ,and neither did the Education Dept. Williams acknowledged this involved "bad judgment" on his part.But that is not enough. It is an ethics violation and he should be required to return the money. It is also a violation of the concept of transparency and open government. It may also be illegal under Congressional laws . Who's next ? Sean Hannity ;Rush ? The Bush administration needs to review it's policies .It has crossed the line between legit press release and propoganda. We do not need Pravda in this country. revdauphinee answered on 01/08/05: We do not need Pravda in this country. Too bad, we got it! tomder55 rated this answer

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arcura asked on 01/08/05 - Does anyone have more info on this? I just caught this news blurb. But more info (if any) I did not see. Michael Newdow, the atheist whose attack on America's Pledge of Allegiance reached the Supreme Court, is at it again. This time he has filed suit in federal court to strike prayer from Inauguration Day! revdauphinee answered on 01/08/05: what with all the money spent on this achaeic ceremony Im for doing away with the whole thing.wonder how many meals this stupidity would buy for the homeless? arcura rated this answer ATON2 rated this answer

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FormerJesusHelper76 asked on 01/07/05 - Who is the greatest? Who do you think is the greatest in your eyes? Appreciate all of your responses. Joe revdauphinee answered on 01/08/05: If we dont put God first we are in trouble FormerJesusHelper76 rated this answer

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FormerJesusHelper76 asked on 01/07/05 - Discussion about Donation and Countries Involved in the disaster. What do you think about this? In the countries that were effected by the latest disasters its unbelievable how much money has been donated for the relief. These are poor countries. Had a discussion with somebody that these poor areas, the reason why they have been so poor is because their governments are very rich. They make their own people poor so they can become very rich. Also are all these donations, do you really believe that all of the donations are actually going to make it for the rebuilding or do you think it will go towards the governments to make them even richer. Do you think all the money is going for the right cause? Joe revdauphinee answered on 01/08/05: the money is being given for a lust cause however if it ever reaches the people who need it may leave room for doubt as usual FormerJesusHelper76 rated this answer paraclete rated this answer

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Saladin asked on 01/07/05 - Religion and war :-: War and religion What were the religious causes of the Second World War? revdauphinee answered on 01/08/05: what is the reason for any War? Greed ! Hitler for power GwBush for both power and oil money Saladin rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 01/07/05 - Where is it all at? I'm very much reminded in the words of song by Don Francisco that we often miss the mark. In the last two weeks Christians have bben given an opportunity to hit the mark. Some have responded magnificiently. In that response they have given the Proof of the Spirit within, of the God that is there. Have you observed that this has also given the Proof of where God is not found? The Proof by Don Francisco -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The offering's down, the crowds have gone Hustled by hucksters, ripped off by the cons It's one more show, so flip the dial Give up the real and settle for style Just open your ears to the people you meet Even the name is a joke on the street A cynic's laugh, they turn away Why should they believe What your trying to say? We don't need another talkin' head We don't need another pro So what if we do it as well as the world If they just see another show? We light the candle, we ring the bell Playing the roles that we learned so well Hungry, but blind to why and how Still we keep feeding that sacred cow We don't need another driven man We don't need a clanging gong So what if we do it as well as the world When they've done it that way all along? Where is the life that is real to the touch When somebody needs a hand? Maybe after you've stopped the bleeding You can show them the promised land Like the unbelieving brothers of Jesus Those voices are whisperin' to you "If you're really filled with the Spirit Go show the world what you can do!" The public prayers, the TV show They're all well and good, as far as they go But those outside will hide their pain 'Til you show them your love When there's nothing to gain We don't need a star of the stage or the screen We don't need another pro So what if we do it as well as the world If they just see another show? Where is the heart of compassion That answers the cry of despair? In the hand that is moved by the Spirit Is the proof of the God who is there In the hand that is moved by the Spirit Is the proof of the God who is there revdauphinee answered on 01/08/05: who cares "why" one gives! like Aton I know many who are not Christians who give the thing is not why but that we do and if we only do it for recognition as christians, then we are doing it for the wrong reasons paraclete rated this answer

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Calminthestorm04 asked on 01/07/05 - Why are you telling me I do not believe in God? I did not say I believe that Aliens put us here. I was just stating that of which some people believe. God created all things, but say out of some chance we were created by intelligent creatures from elsewhere. What is God's purpose in them. We all have a purpose. revdauphinee answered on 01/08/05: we read in John 10:16 I have other sheep that are not of this sheep pen. I must bring them also. They too will listen to my voice, and there shall be one flock and one shepherd. ) who dare say Aliens dont even exist (we do not know)exist maybee God is going to let them contact us ,just so they also can be saved??I am not saying this is so however we must not limit God by our disbeliefs remember he works in mysterious ways his wonders to unfold>I also think it very arrogant of us to think we are the only important life in his universe! Calminthestorm04 rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 01/07/05 - been there, done that? In our search for a suitable pastor the following scratch sheet was developed for your perusal. Of the candidates investigated by the committee, only one was found to have the necessary qualities. The list contains the names of the candidates and comments on each, should you be interested in ivestigating them further for future pastoral placements. Noah: He has 120 years of preaching experience, but no converts. Moses: He stutters; and his former congregation says he loses his temper over trivial things. Abraham: He took off to Egypt during hard times. We heard that he got into trouble with the authorities and then tried to lie his way out. David: He is an unacceptable moral character. He might have been considered for minister of music had he not 'fallen'. Solomon: He has a reputation for wisdom but fails to practice what he preaches. Elijah: He proved to be inconsistent; and is known to fold under pressure. Hosea: His family life is in a shambles. Divorced, and remarried to a prostitute. Jeremiah: He is too emotional, alarmist; some say a real 'pain in the neck'. Amos: Comes from a farming background. Better off picking figs. John: He says he is a Baptist but lacks tact and dresses like a hippie. Would not feel comfortable at a church potluck supper. Peter: Has a bad temper, and was heard to have even denied Christ publicly. Paul: We found him to lack tact. He is too harsh, His appearance is contemptible, and he preaches far too long. Timothy: He has potential, but is much too young for the position. Jesus: He tends to offend church members with his preaching, especially Bible scholars. He is also too controversial. He even offended the search committee with his pointed questions. Judas: He seemed to be very practical, co-operative, good with money, cares for the poor, and dresses well. We all agreed that he is just the man we are looking for to fill the vacancy as our Senior Pastor. Thank you for all you have done in assisting us with our pastoral search. The Pastoral Search Committee. revdauphinee answered on 01/07/05: you forgot the time Jesus lost his temper in the temple and began throwing tables over! ATON2 rated this answer paraclete rated this answer

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bal317 asked on 01/06/05 - What do you think of Oprah? How do any of you feel when Oprah made the announcement, because of someone she knew came up missing in this disaster, she hired retired Marine's to go look for her friends, friend? Do any of you feel this was a selfish move? What about the many other's who can't afford this type of help, and see's her doing such? So should this seeings how they are only looking for this one person, been kept out of the media because of hurting other's feelings? Or do you think there's knowing to it and it's ok? Thanks, bal317 revdauphinee answered on 01/07/05: hey if I had her money and lost folks I think Id probably do the same ,also they may find others while looking> Pete_Hanysz rated this answer bal317 rated this answer

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HANK1 asked on 01/06/05 - TO PARACLETE: I'm very proud of you Aussies re: the way Australia responded to the disaster in Southeast Asia. $800 million ... quite an amount! Anyway, you're very much appreciated and respected by yours truly! HANK revdauphinee answered on 01/07/05: I second that HANK1 rated this answer

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Chilloutinparis asked on 01/06/05 - Xmas Holidays I trust and hope that all had a splendid holiday with peace, delight and a cornucopia of joy! Chip revdauphinee answered on 01/06/05: had the best christmas ever my daughter surprised me by showing up on christmas day from west virginia and I had been blue cause she was not going to be here! Chilloutinparis rated this answer

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arcura asked on 01/06/05 - My my, those naughty moralists have made his movie a flop. Millions of bucks lost. What�s the secular world coming to? LONDON - Director Oliver Stone said he was surprised by the critical reaction to his historical epic "Alexander" � and put the blame on the fundamentalist morality in some parts of the United States. Critics lambasted the film, which stars Irish actor Colin Farrell, and some conservative groups condemned Stone's depiction of the Macedonian conqueror's sexuality. "I was quite taken aback by the controversy and fierceness of the reviews about a character we don't really know too much about," Stone told reporters in London Wednesday before the film's British premiere. "I operate on my passion and sometimes I'm naive, I don't think about the consequences," he said. Stone said the commercial failure of "Alexander" in the United States could be linked to "a raging fundamentalism in morality." "From day one audiences didn't show up," he said. "They didn't even read the reviews in the South because the media was using the words, `Alex the gay.' As a result you can bet that they thought, `We're not going to see a film about a military leader that has got something wrong with him.'" Stone, director of "Platoon," "JFK" and "Natural Born Killers," said "Alexander" was "the epic of my life." revdauphinee answered on 01/06/05: di he ever consider it might just have been a lousy movie?? arcura rated this answer ATON2 rated this answer

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sapphire630 asked on 01/06/05 - I heard the aliens here to fix the planet theory too these people claim the aliens are us evolved in the future and coming back to preserve us so we don't become extinct before we evolve into them. I guess we will be okay if they are here we musta survived since we end up becoming them so they can come back to fix our planet so we can evolve into them.......... revdauphinee answered on 01/06/05: the way the world seems to be going we need help from somewhere but I think God could be of more help if we would just try turning back to him 2 Chronicles 7:14. if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land. sapphire630 rated this answer Calminthestorm04 rated this answer

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powderpuff asked on 01/06/05 - Andrea Yates conviction overturned This is not a question about Christianity, but I post it here because I think I remember seeing a post or two about this subject in the past. Many people in this country are Christian and have strong opinions about people who commit crimes while suffering the symptoms of their illness. I often get the impression that there is such a general lack of knowledge and understanding with the public about mental illnesses that most people chose to believe those who suffer from mental disorders believe them to have a weak character or a morals problem. Andrea Yates was sentenced to life in prison in the 2001 deaths of three of her children after jurors rejected her insanity defense. Though she did kill all 5 of them. http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,143508,00.html I remember seeing a discussion about her here, and that many believed she deserved the death penalty, if not life in prison. At the time I first learned of her killings, I felt this poor woman needed help, was definitely sick, and not guilty of murder. It saddened me to see the general lack of understanding of mental illness and the problems she was living with due to her mental diseases. I suggested that it was not her dead children who needed prayers, it was Andrea who needed prayers and support, and treatment for her condition. Because of the Hinckly case in which an insanity plea was successful, the state of TX developed laws that make it virtually impossible to use insanity as a defense with any degree of success. This woman is clearly sick. Yet because of the general lack of knowledge with the public and laws against insanity defense, she was facing a possible death sentence or life in prison, for which is what she eventually was sentenced. Andrea Yates sufferers from schizophrenia and suffered from postpartum depression after the birth of more than one of her children. For those who don't know or understand, Schizophrenia is the most devastating form of mental illness. http://www.schizophrenia.com/family/disease.htm It is my opinion that when someone suffering from schizophrenia commits a crime, it is most often the result of neglect of society to recognize and help these individuals with proper medical help and monitoring. Most often while in the depth of a psychotic episode, these people do not know they are sick, cannot recognize that their symptoms of hallucinations and voices are not real, and they need and deserve help every bit as much as the person who has collapsed due to a heart attack. BACKGROUND Appellant and Russell Yates (Yates) were married on April 17, 1993. Their first child, Noah, was born in February 1994; their second child, John, was born in December 1995; and their third child, Paul, was born in September 1997. During this time, the Yates family moved from Friendswood to Florida and back to the Houston area, living in a recreational vehicle. In 1998, they moved from the recreational vehicle to a converted bus and continued to live in a trailer park. At one point, appellant told her husband she felt depressed and overwhelmed, and he suggested that she talk to her mother and a friend. In February 1999, a fourth child, Luke, was born. On June 18, 1999, appellant suffered severe depression and tried to commit suicide by taking an overdose of an antidepressant that had been prescribed for her father. She was admitted to the psychiatric unit of Methodist Hospital. After her release six days later, she began seeing a psychiatrist, Dr. Eileen Starbranch, as an outpatient. On July 20, 1999, Yates found appellant in the bathroom, holding a knife to her neck. Dr. Starbranch recommended that appellant be admitted to Spring Shadows Glen Hospital. Appellant was admitted, against her wishes, the next day. At Spring Shadows Glen, appellant told a psychologist, Dr. James Thompson, that she had had visions and had heard voices since the birth of her first child. Dr. Starbranch ranked appellant, at the time of her admission to Spring Shadows Glen, among the five sickest patients she had ever seen. Before discharging appellant from the hospital, Dr. Starbranch told appellant and Yates that appellant had a high risk of another psychotic episode if she had another baby. In August 1999, the Yates family moved from the converted bus to a house that Yates had bought while appellant was in the hospital. That fall, appellant began home-schooling Noah. Appellant saw Dr. Starbranch for the last time on January 12, 2000. She told Dr. Starbranch that she had stopped taking her medication in November 1999. In November 2000, appellant�s fifth child, Mary, was born. In March 2001, appellant�s father died. This death seemed to precipitate a decline in appellant�s functioning, and she began to suffer from depression. On March 28, 2001, Yates contacted Dr. Starbranch and told her that appellant was ill again. Dr. Starbranch wanted to see appellant immediately, but Yates said he could not bring her in until the next Monday. Appellant was not taken to Dr. Starbranch�s office, but was admitted to Devereux Hospital in League City on March 31, 2001. There, she was observed as being catatonic or nearly catatonic and possibly delusional or having bizarre thoughts. She was treated by Dr. Mohammed Saeed and was placed on a suicide watch. Appellant was discharged on April 13, 2001 upon her own and Yates�s request. She began an outpatient program at Devereux, and Dr. Saeed recommended that someone stay with her at all times and that she not be left alone with her children. On April 19, Yates�s mother came for a visit. She had intended to stay for about one week, but, when Yates told his mother that appellant was suffering from depression, his mother decided to stay longer and moved to a nearby extended-stay hotel. Yates�s mother went to appellant�s home every day. She observed that appellant was almost catatonic, did not respond to conversation or made a delayed response, stared into space, trembled, scratched her head until she created bald spots, and did not eat. On May 3, appellant filled a bathtub with water, but could not give a good reason for doing so. When asked, she said, �I might need it.� On May 4, appellant was re-admitted to Devereux, and on May 14, she was discharged, seeming to be better. Dr. Saeed had prescribed the medication, Haldol, and appellant continued to take it after her discharge. Dr. Saeed also recommended electroconvulsive therapy, but appellant rejected that recommendation. After her second discharge from Devereux, appellant was able to take care of her children, but was still uncommunicative and withdrawn. She smiled infrequently and seemed to have no emotions, but Yates did not think it was unsafe to leave her alone with the children. On June 4, appellant had a follow-up appointment with Dr. Saeed, who decided to taper her off of Haldol. Appellant denied having any suicidal or psychotic thoughts. Appellant met with Dr. Saeed again on June 18, and she again denied having any psychotic symptoms or suicidal thoughts. She was no longer taking Haldol, and Dr. Saeed adjusted the dosages of her other anti-depressant medications. On June 20, 2001, at 9:48 a.m., appellant called 9-1-1 and told the operator, Sylvia Morris, that she needed the police. Morris transferred the call to the Houston Police Department, and appellant told the police operator that she needed a police officer to come to her home. Appellant also called Yates at his work and told him that he needed to come home, but would not say why. As Yates was leaving, he called her and asked if anyone was hurt, and she said that the kids were hurt. He asked, �Which ones?� She responded, �All of them.� To read the full report, visit: http://www.1stcoa.courts.state.tx.us/opinions/htmlopinion.asp?OpinionId=81308 What I am wondering is, how do you feel about this woman now? Do you believe she deserves a life sentence or should she be given the help she needs to stablize her mental health? Please get some education about mental illness and how you can help those who suffer with it. Jails and prisons are not the answer. revdauphinee answered on 01/06/05: we will have such things untill as much credance is given to mental illnesses as is to physical ones .we can easily find pity for somewone with say cancer ,however there always seems to be doubts for thos who suffer torment of mental disorders and sory to say not much pity .I feel this is due to denial .we do not wish to accept that we are all vunerable to both !we need when considering this womans fate to remember.(there but for the grace of God go I) CeeBee2 rated this answer darkstar rated this answer jeremy_hobbs rated this answer powderpuff rated this answer

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ROLCAM asked on 01/06/05 - Meteors, tsunamis and the wounds of Job. Meteors, tsunamis and the wounds of Job Isaac Newton thought of the universe as a creation run by a god who was a genial engineer - an absent but assiduous planner of everything. The horrific devastation in Asia has given rise to several Newtonian explanations, trying to explain the suffering caused by way of a hidden divine plan of subtle genius. Those of us who are angered by this kind of explanation will find some satisfaction in the Book of Job. Have you been angered by the explanation ? Do you find help in reading the Bible ? revdauphinee answered on 01/06/05: I always find help in scripture! ROLCAM rated this answer

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arcura asked on 01/06/05 - Has anyone here read Dr. Dembski's book? Theorist and Author Challenges Viability of Evolution By Jim Brown January 5, 2005 (AgapePress) - A mathematician and philosopher says a growing number of intellectuals are questioning the viability of Darwinian evolution. Dr. William Dembski is a well-known intelligent design theorist who will soon have a joint appointment with Southern Baptist Theological Seminary and Boyce College, both located in in Louisville, Kentucky. In his new book /Uncommon Dissent: Intellectuals Who Find Darwinism Unconvincing/, Dembski presents the works of 14 leading philosophers and scientists who challenge the notion that purposeless natural forces are responsible for biological complexity and diversity. Dembski argues the materialistic approach to evolution and biology is inadequate. "I think there's a sense in the public consciousness that all the smart people are atheists -- that is, the more educated you get, the more you accept this atheistic, materialistic line and accept the Darwinian view of evolution," he explains. According to Dembski, that is not necessarily the case. "What I found, in fact, is that as people inform themselves and [remain] open-minded, many of them find that this Darwinian perspective is unpersuasive." Dembski says if one accepts a blind evolutionary point of view, it is hard to square with any coherent form of theism. "People who believe in God usually think that humanity is the crown of God's creation -- and if you accept a Darwinian, evolutionary point of view, our place in the universe is in no way special or privileged," he says. "[You believe that] we are really accidents of natural history. Even our intelligence, even our mental faculties that we use to try to understand our place in the greater scheme of things -- it's all really an illusion." revdauphinee answered on 01/06/05: I have not read it but would be interested in doing so!Is it widely available? arcura rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 01/05/05 - Is it a conspiracy or just lunacy? Eco-weapon or alien? Dark forces at play... January 6, 2005 - 2:09PM Just 11 days after Asia's tsunami catastrophe, conspiracy theorists are out in force, accusing governments of a cover-up, blaming the military for testing top-secret eco-weapons or aliens trying to correct the Earth's "wobbly" rotation. In bars and internet chatrooms around the world questions are being asked, with knowing nods and winks, about who caused the undersea earthquake off Sumatra on December 26, and why governments didn't act in the minutes and hours before tsunamis slammed into their shores, killing almost 150,000. "There's a lot more to this. Why is the US sending a warship? Why is a senior commander who was in Iraq going there?" whispered designer Mark Tyler, drinking a pint of beer at a bar in Hong Kong's Wan Chai district. "This happened exactly a year after Bam," said Tyler, referring to the earthquake in Iran which killed 30,000 on December 26 last year. "Is that a coincidence? And there was no previous seismic activity recorded in Sumatra before the quake, which is very strange," he said, nodding somberly. After every globally shocking event - from the bombing of Pearl Harbour to the assassination of John F Kennedy, the death of Princess Diana and the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks in the United States - conspiracy theorists emerge with their own sinister take on events. This time the Indian and US military are in the frame, while the governments of countries from Australia to Thailand stand accused of deliberately failing to act on warnings of the impending earthquake or the tsunamis it unleashed around Asia. Among the more common suggestions is that eco-weapons which can trigger earthquakes and volcanoes remotely through the use of electromagnetic waves were being tested. More outlandish theories include one that aliens caused the earthquake to try and correct the "wobbly rotation of the Earth". Scientists give such theories short shrift. "This was a natural disaster," said Dr Bart Bautisda, chief science research specialist at Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology, debunking the idea that an "eco-weapon" could be used to cause an earthquake or such large-scale tsunamis. "You would need a very huge amount of energy. It's impossible. A billion tonnes could not do it," Bautisda said. He said wave activity might be able to be triggered very close to the scene of a giant explosion, but the effect would be a tiny fraction of the tsunamis which travelled thousands of kilometres (miles) at the speed of a jet after tectonic plates shifted off Sumatra. "It's possible to cause vibration, but not sufficient to cause disruption," he said. "We can tell the difference between an artificial explosion and an earthquake," Bautisda said. "The mechanisms are different." Scientific evidence, however, cuts little ice with many conspiracy theorists. The internet - which has proved invaluable in dealing with the disaster by aiding rescues, providing witness accounts from bloggers and allowing grieving relatives to comfort each other through chatrooms - is abuzz with more sinister explanations. The Free Internet Press, which claims to offer "uncensored news for real people", has an article saying the US military and the US State Department received advanced warning of the tsunami, but did little to warn Asian countries. America's Navy base on the Indian Ocean jungle atoll of Diego Garcia was notified and escaped unscathed, it said, asking "why were fishermen in India, Sri Lanka and Thailand not provided with the same warnings?. "Why did the US State Department remain mum on the existence of an impending catastrophe?," author Michel Chossudovsky pondered. "Probably because fishermen in India, Sri Lanka and Thailand don't have multimillion dollar communications equipment handy," said one respondent as readers posted angry replies. "Maybe rescuers will find Elvis and the gunman form the grassy knoll," jibed another, referring to those who believe Elvis Presley is still alive and that former US president Kennedy was shot by someone other than Lee Harvey Oswald. The India Daily's website joined the conspiracy theorists noting, "it seems the whole world decided to fail to do anything together at the same time. Are we missing something? "Can it be that all the government agencies knew what was happening but were told not to do anything? Who told them? Or is this just a tragic coincidence?" wrote Sudhir Chadda, a correspondent. "Recent alien contacts have been reported with the South Asian Governments especially India. UFO sightings have been rampant over the region affected," Chadda wrote. "Some in Nicobar Island say that it was an experiment conducted by the alien extra-terrestrial entities to correct the wobbly rotation of the earth. And some of the Indian scientists are actually seeing that wobbly rotation of the earth has been corrected since the massive underwater earthquake and Tsunami." In Hong Kong, Tyler laughed at the alien idea, but remained convinced humans had a hand in this disaster. "Wait and see. There will be a lot more to come out," he said. AFP revdauphinee answered on 01/06/05: and I suppose the Americans are being blamed???LOL paraclete rated this answer

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Geedubya84 asked on 01/05/05 - Hey didja miss me???? revdauphinee answered on 01/06/05: you are welcomed but since we dont seem to know you how thwn could we miss you? Geedubya84 rated this answer

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Saladin asked on 01/05/05 - ***Political*** In view of the current reputation of the USA around the world - deserved or undeserved - would it not have been a wonderful opportunity for the President to have demonstrated American largesse without having first to be shamed into it? The disaster was from the first known to have been both widespread and devastating. What a missed opportunity to recover the good name of the US among other nations. This is especially true among third world and emergent nations, but it would also have helped re-establish good relations with the USE nations. What can the USA do NOW, before it is too late, to ensure that they are seen as much more than imperialist warmongers - whether your think the US deserves that reputation or not? :) Ronnie revdauphinee answered on 01/06/05: It matters not what we as Americans do we cant win with those who desire to forment hate for us in the world !we just need to do what we do in good consience and not allow these folks who will never see good in us not to discourage us .I am 65=yrs in this world and all I have ever seen from America is that her intentions are good! her people are generous,and I for one choose to live here because of this! ETWolverine rated this answer Saladin rated this answer tomder55 rated this answer

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sapphire630 asked on 01/05/05 - definition for a zen mathmetician someone who measures square roots of trees that do not exist. revdauphinee answered on 01/06/05: rofl sapphire630 rated this answer

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sapphire630 asked on 01/05/05 - Now its wrong to get free blue bags A recycling company in Chicago said they would give free blue grocery bags and wood chips to anybody bringing their Christmas trees to be recycled. A Bob Sherman said that that was unfair because then 'only Christians' would be benefiting from this. How much knit-picking can some people do? And since when do 'only Christians' buy Christmas trees? And why don't he just ask his friends or neighbors if one of them will let him recycle one of their trees if he wants the freakin' blue bags so bad? I bet the grocery store would even give him extra bags if he asks, or I could mail him my over abundance of bags from grocery shopping. Com'mon, Let's help this guy in his deprived blue bag dilemma. revdauphinee answered on 01/05/05: this christian will donate all the grocery bags he needs i have an overabundance sapphire630 rated this answer

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arcura asked on 01/05/05 - For those interested in social security.... What's true about it and what's not? Should Christians be concerned, particularly those who have worked and had SS fees withheld from pay checks? http://www.snopes.com/cgi-bin/news/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=3;t=000003 revdauphinee answered on 01/05/05: my main interest i must admit is does my check arive on time!! arcura rated this answer jeremy_hobbs rated this answer

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arcura asked on 01/05/05 - Interesting - For your information...... INDEPENDENCE, Mo. - An anonymous family has given the Community of Christ $40 million, a donation that exceeds the church's annual operating budget by about a third. The Independence-based church, formerly known as the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, announced the gift in the January issue of its magazine. Church spokeswoman Linda Booth said officials had known about the pending gift for about 18 months, well before a recent article appeared in the magazine discussing financial concerns facing the 250,000-member church, due in part to a decline in tithes. Booth interviewed the donors for the magazine, and one described advice given to him by his father. "He'd say: 'If you've got money in your pocket that you're not using and you find someone who needs it, give it to them. If you keep that money, it would be like having a stone in your pocket for all the good it does,'" she said. The Community of Christ traces its origin to Joseph Smith, who organized the Mormon church in 1830. The Community of Christ split from the Utah-based Mormon church, formally known as the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, in 1860 and changed its name in 2001. revdauphinee answered on 01/05/05: may be interesting to those of the mormon or later day saints members but to no one else! arcura rated this answer

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ROLCAM asked on 01/04/05 - The Bible's interpretation of the word:- Brothers ? I have learned that Jesus was an only child, He did not have brothers. Therefore in the readings ,we read about Jesus's brothers. In the Bible what is the real significance of the word "brothers" ? Please refer to ( Mark 6,3). Also please refer to ( Luke 2,7). ROLCAM. revdauphinee answered on 01/05/05: It is a Catholic belief that he had no rela brothers with this I do not agree .This belief stems from the idea of perpetual virginity of Mary wich is done away with in the following scripture. Matthew 1:2424. When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife. 25. But he had no union with her (((until))) she gave birth to a son. And he gave him the name Jesus. the untill implying that he did after ,for no Jewish man would consider not doing so for the entire mariage ATON2 rated this answer ROLCAM rated this answer

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ROLCAM asked on 01/04/05 - Old man's words. He who loses money, loses a lot. He who loses a friend , loses a lot more. He who loses his faith, loses everything. How important is FAITH to you ? revdauphinee answered on 01/05/05: all Important! ROLCAM rated this answer

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ROLCAM asked on 01/04/05 - Bible Reference # 2 . A Bible Reading that has significance is what is required when you are looking for:- FAITH. ROLCAM. revdauphinee answered on 01/05/05: This knowledge gives me faith Psalm3:5 I lie down and sleep; I wake again, because the LORD sustains me. ROLCAM rated this answer

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ROLCAM asked on 01/04/05 - Bible Reference # 1 . A Bible Reading that has significance is what is required when you are looking for:- COURAGE. ROLCAM. revdauphinee answered on 01/05/05: Psalm 138: 7. Though I walk in the midst of trouble, you preserve my life; you stretch out your hand against the anger of my foes, with your right hand you save me. ROLCAM rated this answer

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arcura asked on 01/04/05 - OK - Few thought much about the last link I offered ... Please, your opionion on this one. http://www.citizenslobby.com/ revdauphinee answered on 01/05/05: as a Legal imigrant myself I take great offence to those who unlike myself do not go through the legal chanels to come here this is a great country and if you as I did have the desire to come here then one should do so through legal chanels> arcura rated this answer ATON2 rated this answer

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ROLCAM asked on 01/04/05 - Where would you search in the BIBLE ? # 5 . Where would you search for help in the Bible for a reading which would help you when you find yourself:- In ill health ? ROLCAM. revdauphinee answered on 01/05/05: psalm 23:4. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. ROLCAM rated this answer

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ROLCAM asked on 01/04/05 - Where would you search in the BIBLE ? # 4 . Where would you search for help in the Bible for a reading which would help you when you find yourself:- In a solitary state ? ROLCAM. revdauphinee answered on 01/05/05: Deuteronomy 7:9. Know therefore that the LORD your God is God; he is the faithful God, keeping his covenant of love to a thousand generations of those who love him and keep his commands. ROLCAM rated this answer

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ROLCAM asked on 01/04/05 - Where would you search in the BIBLE ? # 3 . Where would you search for help in the Bible for a reading which would help you when you find yourself:- Without patience ? ROLCAM. revdauphinee answered on 01/05/05: !st Samuel 12:16. "Now then, stand still and see this great thing the LORD is about to do before your eyes! ROLCAM rated this answer

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ROLCAM asked on 01/04/05 - Where would you search in the BIBLE ? # 2 . Where would you search for help in the Bible for a reading which would help you when you find yourself:- In a fight ? ROLCAM. revdauphinee answered on 01/05/05: I find this one of the hardest things for me personaly but here is what scripture says (Matt.5:43-48 43 "You have heard that it was said, `Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' 44 But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, ROLCAM rated this answer

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ROLCAM asked on 01/04/05 - Where would you search in the BIBLE ? # 1 . Where would you search for help in the Bible for a reading which would help you when you find yourself:- In a crisis ? ROLCAM. revdauphinee answered on 01/05/05: Psalm 23 always seems to give me comfort ROLCAM rated this answer

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ATON2 asked on 01/03/05 - Whence commeth evil??? Much has been asked, lately, of God's responsibility for evil. Bible literalists want us to believe that every word of the Bible must be taken as the inspired, inerrant word of God. But the word of God tells us God created evil!!!!! Isaiah 6 ff: "That they may know from the rising of the of the sun, and from the west, That there is none beside Me; I am the Lord, and there is none else; I form the light, and create darkness; I make peace, AND CREATE EVIL; I am the Lord, that doeth all these things." [Masoretic text: 8th century]. Jewish Publication Society of America] Later translations have tried to soften the blow by Changing "evil" to "woe"...but they are simply whistling in the dark. What think ye????? Was Isaiah inspired to tell the truth??? Or did he overstate???? Do we take the Bible literally, or not????? revdauphinee answered on 01/05/05: since I believe God to be the creator of all then I have for once to agree with you !however he gave man the gift of free choice so it is up to man to choose good ! ETWolverine rated this answer ATON2 rated this answer

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ETWolverine asked on 01/03/05 - Follow up to Paraclete's "Sick" Posts New York Post WAVE RAT By LEONARD GREENE January 3, 2005 -- A woman who donated a coveted Web site address to what she thought was a fund-raising organization for tsumani victims claims she was scammed by a college student who tried to sell the domain for $50,000. Michelle Tirado, of Southbury, Conn., said she was shocked to see the domain for sale on eBay - after she gave it away, thinking it would be used to raise money for victims of the devastating earthquake and tsunamis that killed nearly 150,000 in Southeast Asia last week. "I'm just shocked," said Tirado, 38, a free-lance journalist. "This is not right. I would never have given that to him if I knew in advance he was going to sell it." As charity coffers worldwide begin to fill with billions of dollars in the wake of the catastrophe, relief-agency and law-enforcement officials said ghouls and scam artists are wasting no time cashing in on the calamity. Officials said they have not busted anyone yet for relief-fund fraud, but expressed doubts about the growing number of Internet sites and individual fund-raisers allegedly raising money for victims. Tirado admits she registered the name tsunamirelief.com with the idea of turning a profit herself � until the death toll began to climb. But even before she had a change of heart, her asking price was only $99. Tirado said she donated the site to Canadian college student Josh Kaplan. Kaplan allegedly tracked down Tirado, claiming to represent "Tsunami Relief International," and said it was a nonprofit � even though no such nonprofit exists. He told her he and other designers would create a Web site to collect donations. "Of course, I am doing this for nonprofit, so I won't be able to pay you for the site," Kaplan wrote in the e-mail obtained by The Post. "It would be an extremely generous donation to the cause if you do decide to donate it." Tirado transferred the domain name to him, but instead of seeing him solicit funds with the site, she was shocked that he put it up for sale on eBay � with a starting bid of a staggering $50,000. Kaplan, 20, said he's studying design and lives at home with his parents. He claims he was planning to donate the proceeds to charity, but admitted he didn't share with Tirado his plans to sell the site. He immediately pulled the auction from eBay after being contacted by The Post. An eBay spokesman could not be reached for comment. "There's no potential scam involved," Kaplan said before yanking the item. "I'm auctioning it to raise money for relief." At least two other tsunami-related domain names were for sale on eBay. The highest starting bid was $99. Hundreds of thousands of people have donated money online, and relief agencies are warning potential donors to be wary of emotional appeals and to avoid requests from telemarketers and e-mails. Reputable Web sites should also include phone numbers for donors to get information on the charities. "The best thing is to go to trusted organizations," said Leslie Gottlieb, a spokeswoman for the American Red Cross in Greater New York. ----------- There are some real sick people out there. Please, give; the victims need your help. But know WHO you are giving to. Getting conned doesn't do the victims or YOU any good. Elliot revdauphinee answered on 01/03/05: giving is the christian thing to do however one should always be informed before donating there are many unscrupulous folks out there please check out any organisation before donating ETWolverine rated this answer jeremy_hobbs rated this answer paraclete rated this answer

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Saladin asked on 01/03/05 - Muslims and Mormons Flying Aid to Southern Asia ... SALT LAKE CITY � More than 70 tons of medical supplies, hygiene kits, clothing and shoes will be flown to Indonesia to aid tsunami disaster victims in a partnership effort by Islamic Relief Worldwide and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. A chartered MD-11 cargo plane was loaded in Salt Lake City for a New Year�s Day flight to Medan on the island of Sumatra in northern Indonesia. Islamic Relief Worldwide is paying the shipping costs. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is providing 143,000 pounds of in-kind aid. Distribution in the disaster area will be directed by both organizations. This joint effort continues a partnership between Islamic Relief Worldwide and the Church that began in the summer of 2003 with a shipment of aid to the long-suffering people of Iraq. Other joint shipments have included aid for flood victims in Bangladesh and for those suffering in the current crisis in Sudan. Islamic Relief USA President and CEO Mr. Ahmad El Bendary joined Bishop Richard C. Edgley, first counselor in the Presiding Bishopric of the Church, in overseeing the load-out of the shipment at the Salt Lake International Airport. This joint shipment is part of a four-pronged response by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to relieve suffering in southern Asia. The first priority is accurate assessment to match resources to needs. Secondly, immediate needs are being met by in-country purchases and air shipments of urgently needed supplies. A third prong of response will be to send containers of follow-up supplies by ship and other surface transportation. The fourth area of Church response will be to address long-term needs. revdauphinee answered on 01/03/05: many people are aiding and more is needed Saladin rated this answer

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Saladin asked on 01/03/05 - Advice: the cheapest current coin - (Ambrose Bierce) Hank raises an interesting point about reading Bible verses to victims of the Tsunami. Although I believe that such an exercise is futile and unwelcome in their present circumstances, I was wondering what verse you might - theoretically - quote that would bring them comfort and hope in their appalling circumstances. Also, what verse do you recommend that Christians who are not in the areas hit by the Tsunami could conform their lives to today that would help the Tsunami victims. Ronnie revdauphinee answered on 01/03/05: in times of trouble I find the 23Rd Psalm always helps Saladin rated this answer

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Saladin asked on 01/03/05 - On the "soul" of man ... What do you consider to be the nature of the "soul" or "spirit" of man? revdauphinee answered on 01/03/05: (Gen.2:7 the LORD God formed the man from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living being I believe it is that very breath that makes up the soul,it is this that returnes to whence it came upon our death > Saladin rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 01/03/05 - It gets sicker quicker? Tsunami donation email scam From correspondents in Hong Kong January 3, 2005 EMAILS falsely asking for donations for victims of last week's killer tsunami are doing the rounds in Hong Kong. Police and charity workers said today the fraudulent messages claims to be from Oxfam and urges donors to deposit money into a bank account in Cyprus, they said. It was not known whether anybody had been fooled by them, a police spokeswoman said. Oxfam is among a number of worldwide relief agencies mobilising tsunami aid. More than 144,000 people were killed in Indian Ocean coastal areas in 11 countries. Oxfam Hong Kong spokeswoman Christy Ko said the emails were a sick attempt to extort money from people at a time of tragedy. However, she did not believe they would harm the agency's campaign to raise funds for relief efforts. "It was a very badly put together email, I don't think many people would have been fooled," she said. Hong Kong is being increasingly targeted by on-line fraudsters, particularly those claiming to be from banks and urging customers to hand over personal account details. Agence France-Presse Wednesday, December 29, 2004 Tsunami scams are here The Nigerian widows have apparently got a new gig going: scamming people for tsunami relief. Here's the email: TSUNAMIS DISASTER EMERGENCY Dear Sir/Madam, With sympathy and heavy laden hearts, we hereby appeal to your sense of generosity to assist by donating any amount you can afford towards The "TSUNAMIS DISASTER HELP FUNDS", which is aimed at assisting the victims of the Asians Tsunamis which took place on Sunday the 26TH December, 2004 . We are a non- governmental charity organisation with offices and members across 5 continents namely Europe, North America, South America, Africa and Asia. Our goal is to assist poor, innocent survivals of both man-made and natural disasters. Our officials and members are scattered in places in needs of human and material relief as seen in cases of Sudan ( Darfur ) and Haiti etc. We would appreciate it, if you can send us an email ( Via donatingfund@europe.com ) For further enquiries on how to make donations towards the Tsunamis Disaster Help Funds ( T D H F ) Note there are no names included - not the names of the solicitors nor the name of their worldwide relief organization. wouldn't you think that a relief organization operating on five continents would have a name well known enought to incude in its appeals? And would an outfit that big be trolling for donations by mass emails? revdauphinee answered on 01/03/05: just more proof that Satan never rests! ATON2 rated this answer Saladin rated this answer paraclete rated this answer

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Mathatmacoat asked on 01/02/05 - Is God to Blame? There has been a lot of talk about how God is the cause of the earthquake and Tsunami. Personally, I don't think God would deliberately do such a thing without warning us first, but what do you think? This article gives some of the view points. http://www.smh.com.au/news/National/Tsunami-leads-to-debate-over-Gods/2005/01/03/1104601275300.html revdauphinee answered on 01/03/05: your comment " I don't think God would deliberately do such a thing without warning us first," Brings to mind several warnings Mk.13:8 Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be earthquakes in various places, and famines. These are the beginning of birth pains. Isa.13:13-14 13 Therefore I will make the heavens tremble; and the earth will shake from its place at the wrath of the LORD Almighty, in the day of his burning anger. Matt.24:7 Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in various places. Lk.21:11 There will be great earthquakes, famines and pestilences in various places, and fearful events and great signs from heaven. were we not warned???I think so ! ATON2 rated this answer Mathatmacoat rated this answer

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arcura asked on 01/02/05 - Here is an interesting site we should all watch. Did you know that there are at least 3,500 Molems in the USA that have been order to leave but cannot be found? That Molems are saying that the Tsamnis are caused by Allah being made at the Chrisitians for celebrating their holidays and more? http://jihadwatch.org/ revdauphinee answered on 01/03/05: Have to agree with ronnie here jeremy_hobbs rated this answer arcura rated this answer

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FormerJesusHelper76 asked on 01/02/05 - Chirapractic Care! Does anybody have any information or any experiance with a Chirapractor? I am going tommorow. Thank you in advance! Joe Do you believe that the gift of Healing has been given to many different people. Doctors, Theraputic touch, laying of hands, Meditation, Acupuncture, Chirapactic. Do you think that all these different methods of healing and many others. Prayer for others is a great healer. All of these different methods do you think they all get the gift from God? revdauphinee answered on 01/02/05: chiropractic medicine is often of great help the thing is to find a good one I have fortunatly FormerJesusHelper76 rated this answer

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FormerJesusHelper76 asked on 01/02/05 - Sunday! Church! Goodmorning Everybody! I am sitting here on the computer. Not going to church today. Lots of people think that going to church once a week is good enough. Yet when i tell some other Christians that i do not always go to church they condemn me saying that its not right. I explain to them that just by you going to church once a week and usually I do not does not make you a better Christian. Today though I have a good excuse, The weather here in Ontario Canada has been very unstable one day it would be 10 degree (Sorry do not know what that is in American Language). The next day it could turn around and be -10. Warm, cold, warm, cold. Today all the roads are a sheet of ice. Have my skates do not want to risk being blown around to somewhere where I do not want to go. Oh, Ya my Job that I am at just before Christmas we had close to 14 inches of Snow. My last day of work. I did not go in. My work has a policy that if the roads are not closed your expected to make it to work no matter what. As well as that we get a week off and we get paid for it. If you do not come in last day before the holidays depending on the reason you will not get paid for any of the holidays. They called me up and encouraged me to come into work and told me the consequences of not coming in. I did not feel comfortable driving. I told them that I will take that consequence and be better off not taking the chance and risk my life going to work. So I lose about 1,000 or more in pay but I gain my life. Some people probably think i am stupid that I did not go in but my family thinks I am smart. If i said i was sick and then went to the doctor got a note then everything would have been paid for. Kind a funny how things work. Get a big snow storm and its not a good reason. Anyway just venting I guess. Its a new year and Got to go back to work soon. I am praying for the best in everything for all of you. Your Family and Friends, Church, Jobs and etc....... Joe revdauphinee answered on 01/02/05: the following commandment to my knowledge has never been recinded so I personaly do not attend services on sunday .I do feel this man made day of wordhip while it may not be a sin is definatly something we will be required to answer for.God Almighty made it a comeandment and never a choice!But we should actualy worship him ever day ! 8 "Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy. 9 Six days you shall labor and do all your work, 10 but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the LORD your God. On it you shall not do any work, neither you, nor your son or daughter, nor your manservant or maidservant, nor your animals, nor the alien within your gates. 11 For in six days the LORD made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and all that is in them, but he rested on the seventh day. Therefore the LORD blessed the Sabbath day and made it holy. FormerJesusHelper76 rated this answer ATON2 rated this answer paraclete rated this answer

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Calminthestorm04 asked on 01/02/05 - help had a weird dream Dreaming that there were these ships in the sky, triangular. There were several witnesses and it seemed where ever we seemed to go they followed. they had amazing flying capabilities. they would come down so close and this bright light would almost blind you. it looked like they were looking for me. We kept running away from they we thought there was a time problem with this but it turned out no time was lost. Can the devil play with our dreams, it was something that was cool to see at first then started to get scary. Ezekiel there was some interpretation. Is there something else out there that was created. There were other parts of the dream about sperm and when is the best time to notice when there is higher sperm counts. stuff like that. help. revdauphinee answered on 01/02/05: I put little value in such dreams remember the scripture says (Ecc.5:3,7. 3 As a dream comes when there are many cares, so the speech of a fool when there are many words. 7 Much dreaming and many words are meaningless. Therefore stand in awe of God. ) Pete_Hanysz rated this answer Calminthestorm04 rated this answer

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VisionsInBlue asked on 01/01/05 - Good Evening, Dear Experts *grin* Happy New Year everybody! Lotsa good health, love, happiness and money. Now, was everybody good? I was snooping around so I know who was behaving and who wasn't. ;) I promised to be good, nice, polite, generally a total sweetheart. I sure promised, so I better keep it up. And since I'm supposed to ask a question... ummm... well... Did you miss me? ;) revdauphinee answered on 01/02/05: If everyone was truly a total sweetheart here I think it might be rather a dull site besides it will never happen remember you still got Aton and myself here and I have never been accused of being a sweetheart! VisionsInBlue rated this answer Pete_Hanysz rated this answer

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Saladin asked on 01/01/05 - Ali Iqbal My neighbour, friend, and brother Ali Iqbal died just before Christmas in Pakistan where he was attending his eldest daughter's wedding. If you had met him, you would have loved him as I love him. Will you join your prayers with mine for his soul, and for the comfort and blessing of his wonderfully loving family? Ronnie revdauphinee answered on 01/01/05: we as christians need to pray for everyone so yes I will join you! Saladin rated this answer

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FormerJesusHelper76 asked on 01/01/05 - Theraputic Healing! Do you believe in laying of the hands and theraputic healing. Anybody here have had any experiances or/and thoughts on this. I believe its possible. Some people might claim a certain person healed them with theraputic touch but what they do not know is it is God that is doing the healing and that healer is just the vehicle for it. Thank you in advance! Joe revdauphinee answered on 01/01/05: No person ever heals but they can be a conduit for Gods healing power! FormerJesusHelper76 rated this answer MaggieB rated this answer

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darkstar asked on 12/31/04 - is this just the beginning? is there some people here who believe that this most recent earthquake of 9 on the scale is just the beginning of the end? revdauphinee answered on 01/01/05: No it is not the beging we are fast reaching the end ! darkstar rated this answer

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ETWolverine asked on 12/31/04 - American Stinginess Here's some additional information about the 'stingy' donations being made toward disaster relief in Asia. (I will be using "banker's notation" in which "M" means "thousand" and "MM" means "million". It's just faster for me to type this way.) US Government - $35MM to start, with more promissed. American Red Cross - $28MM so far Catholic Relief Services (Baltimore) - unknown... their web server was knocked down because they couldn't handle the volume of hits by donors. Amazon.com - $4.8MM so far (donations are expected to surpass the $6.8MM donated for 9-11 relief). Save the Children - $5MM so far, more expected Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation - $3MM Microsoft - unlimited matching funds donation program for employees. Whatever employees donate, the company will match. America Online - $3MM raised so far from 53M donors. Additional $200M donated by the company. Will also match employee donations up to $50M. eBay - setting up program to allow proceeds of sales to be donated to disaster relief. Cisco Systems - $2.5MM JP Morgan Chase - $3MM + matching of employee contributions. CitiGroup - $3MM + matching of employee contributions PepsoCo - $1MM Pfizer - $10MM in cash + $25MM in medical supplies + matching of employee contributions Johnson & Johnson - $2MM + medicine and medical supplies Abbott Laboratories - $2MM + medicine and medical supplies Merck & Co. - $250M + medicine & medical supplies Bristol-Meyers Squibb - $100M + medicine & medical supplies. Starbucks - $100M + $2 for every pound of Sumatra coffee sold during January. And that's just to start... nor is this a very complete list. There are a lot of individual and corporate donors that are not on this list. These are just some of the big names. I hope all people and corporations are this stingy with relief aid. Elliot revdauphinee answered on 01/01/05: this should not be an issue for a drop of water to a dying man is a blessing but anyone who knows americans know we are anything but stingy we are a giving country al the way ! tomder55 rated this answer ETWolverine rated this answer ATON2 rated this answer

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FormerJesusHelper76 asked on 12/31/04 - Money In a Christmas card. Somebody wishes somebody health and lots of money. Do you see anything wrong with this or is it just me. Interested in all your thoughts! Joe revdauphinee answered on 01/01/05: Having money is no sin it is loving it above all else that is sinfull! -""Love of,"" not money itself!is the root of evil, (1Tim.6:10. For the (love) of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs. ) FormerJesusHelper76 rated this answer

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arcura asked on 12/31/04 - Here's the latest from Limbaugh - what do you think? Selective Separation December 31, 2004 By David Limbaugh It would be shocking if those who worship at the altar of church/state separation, while denying this nation's Christian heritage, would at least acknowledge that they are selective as to which values they object to the state promoting. Until these avowed secularists start complaining about non-Christian, values-laden instruction in public schools, they'll come up short in the credibility department. When public schools endorse New Age ideas or the radical homosexual agenda, for example, the separationists are nowhere to be found. Where were they, for instance, when Newton North High School in Newtonville, Mass., held a "Transgender, Bisexual, Gay and Lesbian Awareness Day," ("To BGLAD Day") in mid-December? On that day, students were allowed -- some would say "encouraged" -- to attend workshops and assemblies in lieu of their regular classes, in which speakers would "make students feel good about homosexuality, bisexuality and transgenderism." Why weren't separationists upset that parents weren't forewarned about this glorious event? A school spokesman admitted that parents weren't notified, but said the event had been mentioned on the school's Web site and listed in event calendars. Why didn't separationists complain that the school is trying to indoctrinate students on issues many consider to have spiritual and ethical implications? The online school calendar has a link containing information about BGLAD Day, including this statement: "Statistically, one in 10 students at this school are not straight. Teenage life is complicated enough, but how does it differ for GLBT teens? Come to this panel and find out." Surely the school's administrators are aware that this widely disseminated assertion that 10 percent of the population is homosexual has been thoroughly discredited at best, and vigorously disputed at worst. Nevertheless, there is not so much as a qualifier, much less a disclaimer, accompanying the statement. Other activities listed for the day included: "Little Theatre: Life Outside the Gender Norm: What happens when one's gender identity does not match their sex? In this session, speakers will talk about their experiences with gender identity and expression;" "Out at the Old Ballgame: Athletes and coaches discuss what it's like to be GLBT in the gym, on the field, and on the road;" "Color Me Queer," and others. During one session, a speaker reportedly said he decided to "come out" as a "gay boy" based on the example of his "role model" brother. He also described how he fell in love with his sister's husband. This is not just a presentation of the homosexual lifestyle in a favorable light, but active recruitment -- proselytizing. Two parents who objected to the event were ejected from campus after one -- Kim Cariani -- tried to videotape a session. According to Cariani, "They took the two of us and pulled us out and gave us one minute to leave, and if we came back on the property, we would be arrested for trespassing." What are the activists trying to hide? Are they afraid their indoctrination techniques will be exposed? If they believe in the righteousness of their cause, shouldn't they invite the public's scrutiny? The school spokesman protested that the event was not mandatory, and that while "classes were scheduled to attend � if students are uncomfortable or their parents are uncomfortable, the students can instead go to the library." Again, where are the zealous advocates for church/state separation? Aren't they always the first to say that certain voluntary Christian-based activities -- prayer, recital of the Pledge, invocation of Christ in a valedictory address -- are objectionable because those choosing not to participate will be stigmatized or made to feel uncomfortable? Then what about those who choose to go to the library? What about their discomfort? What about their stigmatization as "homophobes"? Can you imagine what would happen if a public school affirmatively endorsed a workshop in which homosexuality were described as sinful? At a similar event in a high school in Ann Arbor, Mich., in 2002, officials wouldn't even allow a Roman Catholic student to participate in a discussion because she said she was going to voice her disapproval of homosexuality. We're not talking about the school endorsing her opinion, mind you, but just allowing her to speak her mind. It wouldn't, but chose instead to suppress her speech and religious freedom. These examples are just a few of the many proving that many separationists are not about vindicating constitutional rights, but indoctrination, mind control and suppression of opposing values. If we're going to accede to the removal of Christ from public schools, can't we at least demand that the state not endorse contrary values? revdauphinee answered on 01/01/05: "If we're going to accede to the removal of Christ from public schools, can't we at least demand that the state not endorse contrary values? " to this I say AMEN if you are going to show my children alternative lifestyles then at least alow them to see MINE as a parent arcura rated this answer

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Saladin asked on 12/30/04 - A Question for Christians ... News story: The Colorado Springs Gazette is catching it in the neck for distributing the New Testament as an advertising supplement in last Sunday's edition of the newspaper. The volume went into the same pocket of the newspaper's plastic pouch where items like CD's from America Online or soap samples often go. The Bible group paid the standard advertising rate, and its spokeswoman, Judy Billings, said it considered the 91,000 copies of the New Testament a Christmas gift to the people of Colorado Springs. Some Jews and Muslims said getting the New Testament with the Sunday paper felt like being proselytized in their homes. ===================================================== 1. Is this a good idea or a bad one, and why either way? 2. How would you feel if you had a copy of the Qur'an delivered with your newspaper this coming Sunday, and why? Please give it some thought before you answer. Thankee. :) Ronnie revdauphinee answered on 01/01/05: did Jesus not tell us to take the word to ALL the world?this was doing just that !if you do not wish to read it then that is your perogative ,I do not read every add in my newspaper nor do I buy all that they say in them however I see no wrong in this ,and if they sent me a quoran I would be gratefull for then i could read it and have an informewd dispute with believers in it!But I personaly would not have to believe!Knowledge is power I want as much as I can get Saladin rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 12/30/04 - Just to say Happy and prosperous New Year to you all As the clock winds down on 2004 I wish to express awish for a very happy new year to you all. 2004 has gone out with a bang, let's hope 2005 provides us with only happy memories revdauphinee answered on 01/01/05: and for you I wish a blessed new year! Dorothy paraclete rated this answer

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MaggieB asked on 12/30/04 - Something to think about! Soon in your hand will be placed a priceless gift. Look at it closely. There is no price maker stamped on it. It cannot be weighed, because no scale can balance its value. A king's ransom in comparison is as nothing yet it is given to beggar and prince alike. The giver asks only that it be used wisely and well. This jewel, rare and unique, is not displayed in any shop window. It cannot be purchased, cannot be sold. No other treasure holds the possibilities this gift offers -- none can surpass its golden splendor. Of all gifts, this is one of the most precious. It has been offered many times before; today, from the depths of a limitless love it will be given again. It will be left to you to find the golden thread running through it. Only with great care will the jewel retain its luster. Carelessness, ingratitude and selfishness will tarnish the brilliance, break the unspoiled thread, mar the perfection. Guard it closely, lest through weak fingers it slip from the hand. Look often at its faultless beauty. Accept it as it is offered from the heart of the giver. Consider it is the most treasured of possessions, for of all gifts it is by far the greatest. It is the gift of the New Year. revdauphinee answered on 01/01/05: And may yours be filled with Joy and blessings Dorothy MaggieB rated this answer

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MaggieB asked on 12/30/04 - Something to think about! Soon in your hand will be placed a priceless gift. Look at it closely. There is no price maker stamped on it. It cannot be weighed, because no scale can balance its value. A king's ransom in comparison is as nothing yet it is given to beggar and prince alike. The giver asks only that it be used wisely and well. This jewel, rare and unique, is not displayed in any shop window. It cannot be purchased, cannot be sold. No other treasure holds the possibilities this gift offers -- none can surpass its golden splendor. Of all gifts, this is one of the most precious. It has been offered many times before; today, from the depths of a limitless love it will be given again. It will be left to you to find the golden thread running through it. Only with great care will the jewel retain its luster. Carelessness, ingratitude and selfishness will tarnish the brilliance, break the unspoiled thread, mar the perfection. Guard it closely, lest through weak fingers it slip from the hand. Look often at its faultless beauty. Accept it as it is offered from the heart of the giver. Consider it is the most treasured of possessions, for of all gifts it is by far the greatest. It is the gift of the New Year. revdauphinee answered on 01/01/05: And may yours be filled with Joy and blessings Dorothy MaggieB rated this answer

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Choux asked on 12/30/04 - Qutting the Board I'm quitting the Christianity Board because I can't stop picking-on most of the other Board members. It is not fair to you. And, it brings out the worst in me. I have other places here I can participate. HAPPY NEW YEAR 2005 revdauphinee answered on 01/01/05: Choux please reconsider this! your imput like all on here has value ,we do not all agree on anything however it is that very diversity that makes this site so attractive we are not all of one mind and all are free to opine!You will be much missed if you go ! Dorothy Choux rated this answer

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HANK1 asked on 12/30/04 - TO SAL: You sure have alot of knowledge about the Bible, Christianity and Biblical History. How did you come by it? There's 'no way' yours truly can keep up with you, drgade, Paraclete, Jeremy and others on this Board. This is the reason I c/p quite a bit. My major in college was Journalism which is a far cry from religion. Sometimes you get me talking to myself! Just wanted to thank you and the others for teaching me what I do know! I'm closer to God now than I've ever been. HANK revdauphinee answered on 01/01/05: I value and learn from all here on answerway even from those I will never agree with when we fail to learn we are f use to no one not even our selves HANK1 rated this answer

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tomder55 asked on 12/30/04 - too funny this just in : United Nations secretary-general Kofi Annan has cut short his holiday and is returning to his New York headquarters to oversee the UN's relief exercise for Indian Ocean tsunami victims. My first thoughts : Why was he vacationing when there was this disaster .Why didn't the media chastise him for not being outfront. Then:He's too late; Australia, Japan, India ,and the United States are already taking the lead . The I thought; some nice new cookie jars for him and his son to put their fingers in . Financial aid will be handled by Cotecna of Lugano Switzerland, under the supervision of Kojo . Then :I'm wondering if they are going to send the same group of UN relief workers that are getting sex for food in Congo. Your thoughts ? revdauphinee answered on 01/01/05: for years the UN has been a useless and inapt organisation and should be disbanded! tomder55 rated this answer

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HANK1 asked on 12/30/04 - HOW ABOUT NEUTRALITY FOR AMERICA? I'm very tired of reading about foreign countries hating America, even though we've played the part of Guardian Angel since the beginning of time. If a country has a problem, they ask America to solve it! In the process, we're accused of not doing enough to make these countries comfortble, even though we're doing much more than any Nation on Earth! This foreign attitude really gripes me! Since 1815 Sweden has remained neutral in all wars. The 19th century was marked by industrial progress, liberalization of the government and large-scale emigration. Sweden's neutrality in the twentieth century also contributed towards its economic growth and high standards of living. Sweden has excellent transport and communications systems and a skilled work force. "I will give thanks unto you; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: Wonderful are your works; and that my soul knows right well." (Psa. 139:14) As the Lord Jesus once contemplated the prospect of his impending death, he said: "Now is my soul troubled." (Ju 12:27) Its just too damn bad that humanism sees the universe as consisting solely of matter ... which includes all the Nations of the World. When men repudiate an awareness of the very Creator who designed them, they cannot possibly have a view of humankind that is normal and conducive to mental soundness. Those who condemn America fit that mold! Grateful people tend to be optimistic. Optimism also has a positive health impact on people with compromised health. What are we doing about this issue? We're spending our money elsewhere ... as in Iraq and only God knows where else. Since people who tend to be more mindful of the benefits they've received tend to focus their attention outward, America needs to confine these benefits to our borders and take care of our own. We can accomplish total freedom for all American citizens by becoming a NEUTRAL nation. If Sweden can do it, it's a damn cinch we can do it better. * No scatterbrain answers, please! HANK revdauphinee answered on 01/01/05: while I never see this happening I do tend to agree with you we always look to aid others when we fail to realise we have homeless and starving folks here at home .we have old people who must choose between food and a roof over thier heads and desperatly needed medicines because of corporate greed .but we send billionds of dollars overseas and then get called stingy americans when we do Its truly time for us to take the plank out of our own eyes before trying to help take the splinter from the eyes of others. HANK1 rated this answer

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FormerJesusHelper76 asked on 12/30/04 - Earthquakes and Natural Disasters! They are a very terrible experiance. To see the devasitation that this causes. This disaster in Asia must be the worst i have ever seen with 80,000 and more counting deaths. Some people suggest this is Gods way of controlling the Earths population or that this is a way Earth is trying to clean up the damage we are doing. What are your thoughts on this? Many people are talking this way. Is it a CLEANING FROM EARTH, OR SIGNS FROM GOD ABOUT PUNISHMENT. What do you think? Joe revdauphinee answered on 01/01/05: God does not cause these things he allows them!maybee some may learn compassion from this however I am convinced that God does not look at death even the deaths of thousands in the same way humans do for him it is not an end as we look at it as but rather a calling home.when a shepherd takes his flock in from the fields, the fields may be empty however the sheep exist elswhere do they not? FormerJesusHelper76 rated this answer

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FormerJesusHelper76 asked on 12/30/04 - Guardian Angels Do you believe you have a Guardian Angel? Yes or No and the reason why! In the beginning God created the Angels first, right? Joe revdauphinee answered on 01/01/05: we could have angels however they were created to serve God not man and was it not written that jesus is our only mediator? FormerJesusHelper76 rated this answer

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FormerJesusHelper76 asked on 12/30/04 - Bible Code Does anybody believe that there is a hidden bible code in the bible. That it tells the past, present and future of every single person and experiance in this life. What are your thoughts? Joe revdauphinee answered on 01/01/05: i GUESS ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE WITH gOD BUT i PERSONALY AFTER BUYING THE BOOK DID NOT FEEL INSPIRED TO BELIEVE IT!(sorry for the caps as I often said typing is not one of my skills) FormerJesusHelper76 rated this answer

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FormerJesusHelper76 asked on 12/30/04 - Quran Does anybody here ever look at the Quran to see if there is any worth in these Scriptures. I am looking at what some of it teaches. Teaches about God. Teaches about all of us who believe in God. It includes the stories from the King James Version of the Bible. What is your opinion of this book? Joe revdauphinee answered on 01/01/05: I also have read the quoranbut find it to be not a book that i can accept as truth since it denegrates Jesus to merly a prophet end not the son of God as I believe him to be !I fail to understand why Muslims can accept the idea of a virgin birth but reject him as messiah and Gods son!It also is not a book of peace as some would have you believe whilke rhe bible tells us Proverbs 3:28 : 29 Do not plot harm against your neighbor, who lives trustfully near you. ) the qoran tell them such things as the dinner table 5.51O you who believe! do not take the Jews and the Christians for friends; they are friends of each other; and whoever amongst you takes them for a friend, then surely he is one of them; surely Allah does not guide the unjust people. and sura 2 2/191 you may kill those who wage war against you,and you may evict them whence they evicted you .oppression is worse than murder.if they attack you you may kill them.This is the just retribution for mthose disbelievers. sura 9 verse 29 You shall fight against those who do not believe in Allah, hARDLY PEACEFULL SO i DO NOT THINK THE QUORAN IS FOR cHRISTS FOLLOWERS FormerJesusHelper76 rated this answer

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FormerJesusHelper76 asked on 12/29/04 - Missionary Work! Does anybody know any details about Missionary Work? How to get involved? Who teaches Missionaries? Your thoughts well appreciated? I have always been interested in volunteering someway but this is one way of being face to face with what people are going through and helping in many ways. Physically and Spiritually. Joe revdauphinee answered on 12/29/04: Most denominations haVE MISSION BOARDS YOU MIGHT WANT TO ENQUIRE AT YOUR PLACE OF WORSHIP !yOUR PASTOR SHOULD BE ABLE TO HELP YOU !OR YOU COULD DO A WEB SEARCH FOR MISSION BOARDS!(Sory for the caps I always said I couldnt type) FormerJesusHelper76 rated this answer

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FormerJesusHelper76 asked on 12/29/04 - Stony Just to let you know that insulting somebody is wrong even if they do that to you first. To tell me i have not been here long enough and that i do not have a right to comment is wrong as well. What are you thinking. We all have a right to say something to disagree and share our thoughts and nobody like you should say its not aloud. As far as you not wanting to answer my question about how insulting you were and how it was uncalled for. Please crawl underneath your rock where you came from, oooppps i forgot your already there. Hiding because you know its true. God bless and hope you come back out soon! Joe revdauphinee answered on 12/29/04: I agree we all have a right to our own oppinions and also to voice them even if (as mine often do) they do not agree with others! FormerJesusHelper76 rated this answer jeremy_hobbs rated this answer

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FormerJesusHelper76 asked on 12/29/04 - JesusHelper76 Hi everybody, Just want to let everybody know that i originally signed up under that name but the site was always messed up and i could not figure out how to log in so now everybody knows my username. I know i do not need to defend myself because most people know what i am about. I promised to here on the board more often in the new year looks like its happening sooner. God bless and Continue enjoying yourselves each and every one of you. I am always thinking about how we effect each other in good ways and bad ways. I am always praying for everybodies families and just want to say. Happy New Year! Joe revdauphinee answered on 12/29/04: thank you and I also hope everyone on here have a great and happy year ! FormerJesusHelper76 rated this answer

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ATON2 asked on 12/29/04 - What's wrong with this picture???? What's wrong with this picture???? The American tax payers are paying $177 million a day to pursue the war in Iraq. George Wrong Bush has asked Congress to approve ANOTHER $80 BILLION to continue his war of aggression. The same George Wrong Bush, has opened his "heart" and committed $10 million in relief for South East Asia. When AMERICA was called stingy, Colin Powell went on the air and said America would committ another $25 million....And George Wrong Bush finally, after two days silence, took to the air to whine that America was not being stingy...and we would committ more aid money. $35 million in aid is approximatly one fifth of the amount we are spending, in ONE Day, to kill more Iraqis!!!! As Christians, what think ye of these skewed priorities??????? revdauphinee answered on 12/29/04: sure sends the message that he would rather create chaos than help out in one dosent it??At least I have the knowledge that I for one did not vote for him! ATON2 rated this answer FormerJesusHelper76 rated this answer jeremy_hobbs rated this answer ETWolverine rated this answer excon rated this answer

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Mathatmacoat asked on 12/23/04 - What, it's Christmas? To all the new friends I've made this year among you answerwayians, I wish you a Merry Christams, I wish you a Merry Christmas. I wis you a merri Christmas, i wis yu a meri Christmas, i wis u a mri chrismas, ah u know anyway revdauphinee answered on 12/23/04: thank you and I wish one for you also! Mathatmacoat rated this answer

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MaggieB asked on 12/23/04 - What's Really Behind the First Noel? Copied The Right Frame of Mind The Right Frame of Mind What's Really Behind the First Noel? By Rev. Mark H. Creech December 22, 2004 (AgapePress) - I believe it was in the early days of Rome that the philosopher Carneades endeavored to inculcate the spirit of universal skepticism in the city. He offered to argue alternately both for and against any proposition, declaring the mind only attained true greatness when it was in a state of complete suspense. To settle any matter was a demonstration of ignorance, he thought. Then Cato arose in the senate and urged that Carneades be expelled from the city. Cato referred to the philosopher as a trifler and said the habit of arguing on both sides of everything would introduce hopeless moral corruption into the life of Rome. I suppose when David Van Biema wrote his recent cover story for Time magazine, "Behind the First Noel," he assumed enough had been said in favor of Jesus' deity. He must have thought someone needed to highlight all the skepticism surrounding the Christmas story and its claims that Jesus was born of a virgin. Van Biema notes that Matthew and Luke are the only gospel writers that tell of Christ's birth, which along with supposed differences in their approach undermine their accounts. He points out that various notable critics have alleged Jesus' birth was the result of Mary's adultery or that she was raped. He reports how some New Testament scholars have argued the theme of the virgin birth was borrowed from the literature of Greek and Roman myths. The article is extremely one-sided and only gives a begrudging nod to the fact that the Christmas story means so much to so many. But why does the Christmas story -- the account of incarnate deity -- hold a place of adoration in the hearts of millions throughout the world? I suggest it is because the evidence in favor of its truth claims far outweighs the declarations of skeptics. What is more, it addresses the deepest longings of the human soul. For years liberal scholars have assumed there are errors in Matthew and Luke's narratives of the nativity. But none have ever really been proven. In a tremendous article titled, "Christmas, Newsweekly Style," Robert Knight of the Culture and Family Institute addresses the same allegations not only in Van Biema's piece in Time, but also a similar cover story recently published in Newsweek. Knight writes: "There are long answers to each and every assertion, but here are the short ones: The Gospels are complimentary, reporting on Jesus' birth and life much as the same event can be viewed from several different angles. They hold together marvelously and cohesively. What appear to be contradictions turn out to be different pieces of the puzzle." Moreover, to suggest the accounts of Matthew and Luke are not trustworthy because they are the only Gospels that refer to the virgin birth, is to miss the emphasis of other key passages throughout the Scripture that refer to Christ's deity. In the Old Testament, Isaiah and Micah foretell the Incarnation. Isaiah declares, "Behold a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel" (Is. 7:14). Although some scholars have argued over the meaning of the word "virgin," claiming it simply refers to a "young woman" the fact that the name "Immanuel," which means "God with us" is part of the same prophecy, clarifies the birth described was to be a supernatural one. Micah predicts: "But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose going forth have been from old, from everlasting" (Mi. 5:2). In the New Testament, Gospel writers Mark and John refer to Christ's deity. Mark speaks of Jesus as the "Son of God" (Mk. 1:1) and then describes His miracles, which demonstrate His power as the Almighty. John's Gospel begins by referring to Jesus as God: "The Word was God" (Jn. 1:1) -- and ends with the very same thought: "My Lord and my God" (Jn. 20:28). The apostle Paul speaks of Jesus, arguing, "But when the fullness of time was come, God sent forth His Son, made of a woman ..." (Gal. 4:4) -- a reference clearly denoting Christ's supernatural birth. This is just to mention a few texts that substantiate that Jesus is God wrapped in humanity. Of course, many argue the New Testament writers present Jesus as deity because they needed this angle to connect with their audience and establish a new religion. This would be a legitimate argument were it not so bankrupt of evidence to support it. In fact, the evidence is clearly on the other side. Its not simply what the New Testament writers said about Jesus that affirm his Incarnation, it's the extra-biblical data that also proves it. The late great historian, Arnold J. Toynbee, did extensive research on various religious figures that were supposedly "saviors of society." In the sixth volume of his magnum opus Study of History, Toynbee says of Christ: "When we first set out on this quest we found ourselves moving in the midst of a mighty marching host; but as we have pressed forward on our way the marchers, company by company, have been falling out of the race. The first to fail were the swordsmen, the next the archaists, the next the futurists, the next the philosophers, until at length there were no more human competitors left in the running. In the last stage of all, our motley host of would-be saviors, human and divine, has dwindled to a single company of none but gods; and now the strain has been testing the staying power of these last remaining runners, notwithstanding their superhuman strength. At the final ordeal of death, few, even of these would-be-savior-gods, have dared to put their title to the test by plunging into the icy river. And now as we stand and gaze with our eyes fixed upon the farther shore, a single figure rises from the flood, and straightway fills the horizon. There is the Savior; 'and the pleasure of the Lord shall prosper in his hand; he shall see of the travail of his soul and shall be satisfied.'" Indeed, who but God could do what Jesus did? There is none to compare to Him. The historical evidence is unmistakably on the side of the assertion that Jesus is Lord. When it comes to the issue of Christ's person, one cannot be like Carneades and have it both ways. Either Jesus was born of a virgin or He wasn't. Either He qualifies as God and is able to take away sin, or He cannot. Either Christ is the God-man -- perfect in character as the sinless and unblemished "lamb of God," sacrificed on the cross for the sins of the world -- or He is simply another martyr. There is no middle ground -- no place for neutrality; the choice must be made. And there lies the real struggle concerning Christ; making a decision about who He is, standing on one side or the other, has tremendous ethical implications. Jesus said, "He that believeth on Him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already" (Jn. 3:18). In other words, to believe in Christ's Lordship is to be saved; to deny it leaves us with -- to borrow from Cato -- "hopeless moral corruption." This is why so many people embrace the wonder of the Christmas story. It speaks to the great longings of the human heart -- to know God; to be freed from guilt; to be assured of a better life beyond this one. No doubt this is why even Van Biema acknowledges that when the angel in Christmas pageants intone, "For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord," doubts tend to recede as "hearts hear a simple but joyous proclamation of salvation." -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Rev. Mark H. Creech is the executive director of the Christian Action League of North Carolina, Inc. Comments welcomed: revdauphinee answered on 12/23/04: thank you for the timely posting! MaggieB rated this answer

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Bishop_Chuck asked on 12/23/04 - Kwanzaa, What Christians need to know For decades, the media have given credence to many a self-appointed black �leader�, no matter how outrageous. Now they're doing the same with a pagan ritual called Kwanzaa, a so-called African-American holiday. Kwanzaa is a made-up, anti-Christian observance, Kwanzaa is celebrated by blacks. In our politically correct climate, even President George Bush, a believer in Christ, feels obligated to praise this ritual. Kwanzaa was invented in 1966 by Ron N Everett also known as Dr. Maulana �Ron� Karenga, a former black militant, Marxist and convicted felon. Claiming to have the unity of black people in mind, Karenga committed most of his crimes against blacks. Just five years after his invention, he was convicted of torturing two black women by stripping them naked, beating them with electrical cords, placing a hot iron into the mouth of one and mangling the toe of the other in a vice. During the ordeal, he forced them to drink detergent. Observed from December 26 to January 1, this �alternative� to Christmas is based on a mixture of East African harvest rituals called first fruits�according to Karenga�and 1960s radicalism, although most ancestors of black Americans were from West Africa. Participants acknowledge their African roots and promote seven, harmless-sounding principles�unity, self-determination, collective work and responsibility, cooperative economics, purpose, creativity and faith. While they sound commendable, the guiding principle behind Kwanzaa is based on race, not on faith in the one true living God and Savior, Jesus Christ. Paganism is a �religion of nature.� Those who practice it and other New Age fallacies see the divine in the created�humans, sun, moon, stars, trees�instead of the Creator. Christians who worship created beings are acting like pagans. It's that simple. Karenga and his followers worship the created, their African ancestors, in a �libation� ceremony, and believe these dead ancestors to be spiritual intercessors between humans and God. But Christians know (or should) that only Christ is the intercessor between us and God. Attention Christians: Kwanzaa is a made-up creed cobbled together by a man hostile to the very God you claim to worship! According to Karenga, Christianity is a myth. He does not believe in the God of the Bible. He says this about Christianity: �Belief in spooks who threaten us if we don't worship them and demand we turn over our destiny and daily lives must be categorized as spookism and condemned.� He believes that the death, burial and resurrection of Christ, the whole rationale behind Christianity, is a myth. Over the years, Karenga has altered his pagan intentions to attract more black Christians into the fold. He now claims that Kwanzaa is a time of giving �reverence to the Creator.� Just what creator he refers to is unclear. Red flags should jump out at any Bible-believing Christian when someone reveres a �Creator� but denies the deity of Christ. Christians must understand that Karenga intends Kwanzaa to be an alternative to Christmas so that blacks can celebrate themselves rather than the birth of Christ. Kwanzaa is not an innocuous celebration of black history. It attempts to spiritualize that history, replacing Christ-centered theology with pagan principles. For Christians, the only principles by which to live are found in God's word, the Bible. revdauphinee answered on 12/23/04: Amen brother!! Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20. and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. Bishop_Chuck rated this answer Pete_Hanysz rated this answer LTgolf rated this answer Choux rated this answer ATON2 rated this answer

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jeremy_hobbs asked on 12/22/04 - To all of my new friends on Answerway I wish you joy, peace and health. I hope that each one of you has the happiness that you have brought to this old geezer, who has grown to be very fond of all of you. May the New Year bring you your hearts desire. Which ever holiday you are celebrating, enjoy and know that this guy will be thinking of you. :) Be in peace, Jeremy revdauphinee answered on 12/23/04: thank you so much as for me and mine we will be celebrating Christ! jeremy_hobbs rated this answer

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Choux asked on 12/22/04 - Misrepresentation I see people of different Christian denominations misrepresenting what really goes on in the communities of America, really not misrepresenting so much as just having no real experience, just an unsubstantiated opinion. Is it a strategy of the religious right to spread incorrect, baseless information in order to incite emotions for no reason? Why is my question? revdauphinee answered on 12/23/04: I am as most know, nonedenominational since it is my personal belief that ALL organised denominations put furthering there own agendas ahead of the true teaching of Christ most follow a wishy washy take it all version of Jesus that truly never existed, he was a radical in his times and would never be the condicending accepting all person they desire him to be today.he did not accept all faiths instead he commanded his followers as follows Matthew 28:8. Then Jesus came to them and said,((All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.)) 19. Therefore go and make disciples of ALL NATIONS((including Muslim,Budhist&Hindu ones,)) ((baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,)) 20. and TEACHING THEM TO OBEY everything I have commanded you. parenthasis mine rememberhe also said Jn.14:6 Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. NO ONE comes to the Father except through me. are these the words of someone who accepts all other faiths?? Choux rated this answer

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Choux asked on 12/22/04 - Abortion and Original Sin I have been perplexed today, so I have to have some clarification. Why is abortion the killing of the "innocent" when Catholic dogma says that all humankind is guilty of "Original Sin"? In Catholicism(as other religions), all human beings are full of sin. Sin is innate. Choux My spiritual position is that all murder is *WRONG* including murder by individuals, by the State(government), murder by religious law(Islam), and in addition, abortion. All violence is wrong! [Belief from my days reading about Buddhism] revdauphinee answered on 12/23/04: the question on abortion can be answered by the following Exodus 20:13 "You shall not murder. Note it says murder not Kill!meaning something premeditated which is definatly the case with abortions! Choux rated this answer

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MaggieB asked on 12/22/04 - Christians protest actions that play down Christmas' religious nature Christians protest actions that play down Christmas' religious nature Wed Dec 22, 6:21 AM ET Top Stories - USATODAY.com By Richard Willing, USA TODAY Julie West is tired of being wished "Happy Holidays" instead of "Merry Christmas." She's annoyed with department stores that use "Season's Greetings" banners, and with public schools that teach about Hanukkah and Kwanzaa but won't touch the Nativity story. So last week, she sent a baked protest to a holiday party at her first-grade son's school: a chocolate cake with vanilla frosting and red icing that spelled out "Happy Birthday Jesus." "Christmas keeps getting downgraded, to the point that you're almost made to feel weird if you even mention it," says West, a resident of Edmonds, Wash., who describes herself as a non-denominational Christian. "What's the matter with recognizing the reason behind the whole holiday?" This Christmas season, West has plenty of company. Christians and traditionalists across the nation, fed up with what they view as the de-emphasizing of Christmas as a religious holiday, are filing lawsuits, promoting boycotts and launching campaigns aimed at restoring references to Christ in seasonal celebrations. From New Jersey to California, Christians are moving to counter years of lawsuits that have made governments wary about putting Nativity scenes on public property, and that occasionally have led schools to drop Christmas carols from holiday programs. USA TODAY. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ And so they should be as there is room for all to celebrate their religion and traditions. Thru the years we have respected our Jewish and Afro-American neighbors and their programs. There is no need for all these other organizations to even be involved. I will still wear my crosses, put my manger scene out, put Christmas lights up, give gifts to whom I please, play Christmas carols, candles in my windows. I live in America and our freedoms are being banished by those who don't even love themselves much less anyone else. I reccommend they get a life and find something useful to do. Peace and love, MaggieB revdauphinee answered on 12/22/04: Amen Maggie and if Christians used their dollars to send those stores and businesses who advocate this holiday nonsence we could help put a stop to it. MaggieB rated this answer

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ROLCAM asked on 12/21/04 - SWAN SONG. Swan Song: Partridges and Pear Trees Most people, if pressed, can whistle at least a few bars of the Christmas Carol The Twelve Days of Christmas. Most probably, the general consensus about the verses is that they form part of a nonsense ditty, meant as a memory exercise, on the lines of This is the House That Jack Built, It-Tina Biskuttina, Je suis alle au Marche, Alla Fiera dell'Est, and so forth: with the argument that several other languages � Maltese included � have this type of rhyme. And perhaps it was. Occasionally, we hear how the English version is a further corruption of the Dog Latin version of a hymn. A partridge in a pear tree is, we are supposed to believe, what has come down to us instead of Parturit in apertum (�She gave birth in the open air�). However, the truth may be much simpler. During the Reformation, when it was considered downright dangerous to be a Catholic, this song was re-invented to remind the faithful of the basic tenets. That is to say, it had already existed, but it was �borrowed� by Catholics on an if you can�t beat them, join them, exercise. Just as the song Pack of Cards made use of the eponymous fistful as �an almanac and a prayer book� for the indicted subaltern, so this song represented all that was held precious � and still is � by Catholics. Again, however, this story is open to correction by those who �know� another reason why it came into being. The true love who sends something to Me is God who sends His gifts to every one of us. The Partridge, usually pictured sitting band in the middle of the pear tree, is Jesus Christ who was offered up on a cross. The two turtle doves are representational of the Old and New Testaments., and the three French hens are the virtues of Faith, Hope and Charity. The four colly (sometimes described as �calling�) birds show the four Gospels, or the Evangelists who wrote them. The five golden rings illustrate the Pentateuch (the first five books of the Old Testament, once believed to have been penned by Moses). The six geese a-laying correspond to the six days of Creation; and the seven swans a- swimming may be either the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit, or the seven Sacraments. The eight maids a-milking denote the eight Beatitudes, and the nine ladies dancing characterize the nine fruits of the Holy Spirit. Ten lords a-leaping stand for the Ten Commandments and the eleven pipers piping signify the Apostles, after Judas but before Matthias. Twelve drummers drumming symbolize the twelve points of doctrine in the Apostles Creed. ROLCAM. revdauphinee answered on 12/22/04: I found this whole piece clarifications and all very interesting thanks ROLCAM rated this answer

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arcura asked on 12/21/04 - The ACLU is under attack - here's but one story about it. Teacher�s Defamation Suit Charges ACLU with Disregard for Truth By Jim Brown and Jenni Parker December 10, 2004 (AgapePress) - A Louisiana elementary school teacher has filed a defamation lawsuit against the American Civil Liberties Union, three ACLU employees, and a lesbian mother who claims her son was disciplined for using the word "gay" in the classroom. The lawsuit alleges the ACLU caused damage and injury to Lafayette teacher Terry Bethea by disseminating "untrue and defamatory" statements about her. According to the civil liberties group, Bethea told student Marcus McLaurin "his family is a dirty word" because his mother, Sharon Huff, is in a lesbian relationship. However, according to Bethea's attorney, Max Jordan, the ACLU tried to blow up the incident to advance its political and cultural agenda. He says the elementary school where Bethea worked was "being inundated with telephone calls and faxes from news media, responding to a press release that had been sent out to hundreds of media outlets." According to Jordan, the ACLU's press release poured the details of the incident on thick by "alleging that this second grader had been scolded in front of his classmates, had to write lines at a behavioral clinic -- basically making the teacher out to be a monster." However, Bethea contends that the ACLU's and Sharon Huff's accusations that the teacher told the second-grade student that "gay" is a bad word and punished him for talking about his mother's lifestyle are completely false. Jordan says the eight-year-old was disciplined for being disruptive in class, not for discussing his mother's lifestyle with other classmates, and the teacher never scolded him in front of the rest of the class for using the word �gay,� as the ACLU officials contended. To this day, the attorney says he does not understand where these "fabrications" came from. Nevertheless, he says the ACLU's false allegations were disseminated to dozens of TV networks, including ABC News and CNN, focusing all kinds of negative attention on Bethea. After this occurred, Jordan says Bethea was targeted for personal attack by members of the public and the press, and she began suffering with depression and anxiety. He says she received "literally hundreds of telephone calls and letters -- 'hate mail,' you might call it, and hate telephone calls -- from people all over the country, who would call or write her, berating her for doing the things that the ACLU said were true." Now the Louisiana teacher, who is currently on sabbatical, is seeking more than $50,000 for unspecified damages in the defamation lawsuit Jordan filed on her and her husband's behalf, claiming injured reputations and emotional suffering. The attorney says the suit is primarily aimed at the reckless conduct of the ACLU and its callous disregard for the truth, and that Bethea was, unfortunately, caught in the middle. revdauphinee answered on 12/22/04: the aclu to me is The Anti Christian league united! arcura rated this answer excon rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 12/21/04 - An antipodean view of Christmas. Line up for the great Christmas tug of war December 22, 2004 December 25, originally a pagan feast day, belongs to the non-believers, writes Christopher Henning. Can we get our priorities right at this time of year, please? Can we start celebrating the true, the original meaning of Christmas? Amid all the commercialisation, the nativity scenes, the thong-clapping and the relentless whingeing drone from the manse, let's not forget that at heart Christmas is a pagan festival. Two thousand years ago in Bethlehem, the Christian God was born in circumstances which it suited later writers to deem miraculous. Three centuries after this event it was thought convenient by the politicians of the day to celebrate it at the same time as older festivals of the northern winter solstice. Midwinter had from time immemorial been an excuse to celebrate - what? That people had survived nature's worst season. Hope for the coming spring. Anything and nothing as an excuse to eat and drink a lot and feel part of the community and drive away the cold and the dark. The Christians' choice of date has no historical basis. Christ wasn't, as far as anyone knows, born on December 25. It was a conventional celebration, like the Queen's birthday. It seems illogical, at first glance, too: celebrating the birth of Christian truth at the same time as the pagans were knocking back the mead and smearing themselves with woad and chicken gizzards to celebrate their own ignorance and error seems eccentric to say the least. But there was a political logic to it. In the same way that the Christians destroyed pagan temples and replaced them with churches built on the very foundations, taking over the pagans' festivals was a form of ritual cleansing and triumphalism. "Take that, infidel scum, or we'll burn you alive," said Christian to pagan, in the meek tones of the Redeemer. "And merry Christmas to you." The pagans no doubt muttered, said their prayers out loud while the narks and the priests were watching, and held their same old celebrations with the new Christian twist. They cut down trees and decorated them as they had always done but they put a few angels here and there and a star on top. They dressed up in strange costumes and frightened the bad children and rewarded the good with presents. And so things have continued, more or less, to the present. But now, three things have happened: Christmas has spread beyond the northern hemisphere, it's all been commercialised, and Christianity is losing its grip. It was always hard in the southern hemisphere, where the seasons have been stood on their head and midwinter rituals are pathetically out of place, to perpetuate a Christian ritual of rebirth amid poverty and oppression. In a developed economy, with industrial production at full throttle, it's even harder. The sun is too bright down here, the table too full and the beach too tempting. We celebrate, as we have always done, freedom and plenty and family and good fellowship at Christmas time. It is the same easygoing paganism of thousands of years ago - minus the woad and the chicken gizzards. Christianity, meanwhile, has now reached its finest southern expression in the persons of the Jensen family and George Pell. Hard people for a hard place: uncompromising fundamentalists, like the early missionaries confronting sinful Rome, or the first Bolsheviks contemplating the assault on decadent capitalism. They have a world to win, and Christmas - our decent, quiet, relaxed, joyous Christmas - is just another weapon in their zealous hands. The signs are everywhere. Sydney's Anglican archbishop, Dr Peter Jensen, has been quoted complaining, like many before him, that humanists have been trying to airbrush Jesus out of Christmas. He urges Christians to start a whispering campaign about God. A Melbourne cleric is organising for children to be photographed in a nativity scene rather than on Santa's knee. Churches have sponsored an advertising campaign which claims Jesus is the reason for the season. In the United States, from where we get many of our trends, including today's fashionable holy-roller Christianity, the religious right wants a boycott of Macy's because the department store wishes shoppers Season's Greetings or Happy Holidays instead of Merry Christmas. So what do you think? Should we be politically correct and take the Christmas out of Christmas? Should we move Christmas to June and get with the true feeling of Christmas? Should we abandon stuffing ourselves on Decemeber 25 and get our own festival? By the way you may not realise it but Chrismas Trees are Red in Australia, the Flame trees blaze forth in our forests and Christmas bush abounds. so should abandon the pine tree thing too? revdauphinee answered on 12/22/04: I of all folks know dec 25 th was not the day on which Christ was born,however it does not bother me to see satans (pagan)holiday turned into a Holy day it must offewnd him greatly!we do no harm in celebrating the comming of Jesus on this day for should we not celebrate his comming every day? paraclete rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 12/21/04 - Happy Christmas For all my mates here on Answerway I wish you a beaudy bonzer Christmas from "down under". and to paraphase Robbie Burns May the mouse never leave your cupboard with a tear drop in his eye May the best you have ever seen be the worst you will ever see. revdauphinee answered on 12/22/04: and the same to you have a blessed christmass paraclete rated this answer

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Choux asked on 12/21/04 - Giving Thanks This morning, I got a telephone call early, I was groggy, and said "hello?". On the other end of the line a person asked if I would be home because they wanted to deliver my Christmas presents. "Sure", I said and hung up. And then, "HUH????" CHRISTMAS PRESENTS?????? What the hell?? About an hour ago, a family knocked at my door and brought in a whole bunch of wrapped goodies. We all talked I introduced Nick and so on. NIck has been tearing at some of the presents, so I know he has a bunch of neato presents to munch on!!! I want to give thanks for the giving spirit of so many American families, so many people who have helped me survive over the past year and the plain spiritual generosity of everyone here and in DuPage County Illinois. revdauphinee answered on 12/22/04: there is still goodness in the world ! Choux rated this answer

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HANK1 asked on 12/21/04 - MY CHRISTMAS MESSAGE TO YOU: The fruits of friendship will allow us to enjoy permanent peace and happiness within ourselves. This perfection is not only possible - it's totally necessary. This cause can manifest itself into that which is accepted by those who oppose usurious conduct and totalitarian interests in some degree. I want your destiny to be my destiny. "I am certain of nothing but the holiness of the heart's affections and the truth of imagination -- what the imagination seizes as beauty must be truth -- whether it existed before or not." - John Keats All of us are capable of attaining the aims and visionary beliefs that are respectful of earthly purity. Stay healthy and find out! It's simply a matter of priority while dealing with what's necessary and what isn't to survive in some manner. My little angel in Heaven will make sure that my harmonoius adjustment will come to pass ... and she'll be keeping an eye on you guys as well! MERRY CHRISTMAS FROM A GUY WHO LOVES ALL OF YOU! HANK revdauphinee answered on 12/22/04: and the same back at you ! HANK1 rated this answer

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Uni-Agdistis asked on 12/21/04 - Holiday wishes to all ........ Hello to the AW extended family, Been very busy with daughter's forthcoming surgery at the end of the month, so have not been here lately, This coming week will be busier still �. so will be gone for the duration of the holidays, but I do want to wish a peaceful and joyful Holiday Season to all. May the Creator bring one and all what you most desire... and along with your heart�s desire may She/He also include peace, harmony and joy. ;-D revdauphinee answered on 12/22/04: thank you and best wishes to you and yours Uni-Agdistis rated this answer

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ichih7 asked on 12/21/04 - Majority rules? Thinking about the American election system, to what extent would you say the "majority rules" in relation to political parties, the Electoral college, registration system, campaign financing, nomination system, especially primaries. Writing an article for an East African magazine and I am not attuned to the US political scene. can you help? revdauphinee answered on 12/22/04: whilst i live here and choose to be an American through naturalization i do feel the electorial colege idea should be rethought. paraclete rated this answer

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jeremy_hobbs asked on 12/20/04 - Where do these three scriptures come from? 1. The believers must eventually win through, those who humble themselves in prayer, who avoid vain talk, who are active in deeds of charity and who abstain from sex, except with those joined to them in marriage bond. 2. Do ye enjoin right conduct on the people and forget to practice it yourselves. And yet you study the scripture? Will ye not understand? No Harm or Harming 3. Do not unto others, which would cause you pain, if done to you. revdauphinee answered on 12/20/04: Hard as some folks will find this to believe Jesus did not tell us to tollerate other faiths he said for us to rather Matthew 28:19. Therefore go and make disciples of (((all nations,))) baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20. and ((teaching them to obey everything I have commanded))) you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." teach them to obey him not other faiths!we are doing our best to make Jesus into a wishy washy peace maker who accepts anything he is not he said (Matt.10:34-36 34 "Do not suppose that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I did not come to bring peace, but a sword. 35 For I have come to turn "`a man against his father, a daughter against her mother, a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law-- 36 a man's enemies will be the members of his own household.' ) jeremy_hobbs rated this answer MaggieB rated this answer

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Choux asked on 12/20/04 - Teachings of Jesus I have been doing reasearch for Joe regarding what scholars consider to be the core teachings of Jesus from the Gospels. Here is one of many to follow, comments desired! Matthew 10:34-40 [also in Luke 4:37, 17:33, 14:36, 10:16] "Do not suppose that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I did not come to bring peace, but a sword. For I have come to turn a man against his father a daughter against her mother a daughter in law agains her mother in law-- a man's enemies will be the members of his own household. Anyone who loves his father or mother more than me is not worthy of me, anyone who loves his son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. and anyone who does not take up his cross and follow me is not worthy of life. Whoever finds his life will lose it and whoever loses life for my sake will find it. He who receives you receives me, and he who receives me receives the one who sent me. Very powerful teaching. Comments? (excuse typing shortcuts please) revdauphinee answered on 12/20/04: Amen!!! Choux rated this answer

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HANK1 asked on 12/20/04 - UNDERSTANDING! A common apology goes, "Islam is good, Muslims are bad". That is not true. The truth is, "The Qur'anic Islam is good, the fabricated-hadith Islam is bad." I agree! Do you? HANK revdauphinee answered on 12/20/04: Hank have you ever read the Quran??? the radicals find much in there to follow in doing evil also! HANK1 rated this answer

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HANK1 asked on 12/20/04 - HERE'S THE PROBLEM: "Many exchanges between atheists and theists turn out to be frustrating and unsatisfactory because no one ever bothers to stop and explain what is meant by the key term "god." Until that happens, no serious, productive, or rational discussion can take place. Unless we know what the theist means by "god," we'll never have any chance to judge if anything said in defense of belief is adequate. Only when we know what the theist means by "god" will we be able to seriously critique their concepts." Source: About.com I agree! Do you? HANK revdauphinee answered on 12/20/04: more often than not they wouldnt even listen to you !personaly I feel they will pay a lot mor attention to how a christian acts than to anything he/she might say! HANK1 rated this answer

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ATON2 asked on 12/19/04 - War prayer time??? War prayer time??? War prayer time?? We've seen most of the 'War Prayers' posted already, but the best seems to have left out. Here is Mark Twain's 'War Prayer' to remind us exactly what we are praying for when we ask God to take sides in war!!!! "O Lord Our God, help us to tear their soldiers to bloody shreds with our shells; help us to cover their smiling fields with the pale forms of their patriot dead; help us to drown the thunder of the guns with the shrieks of the wounded, wriithing in pain; help us to lay waste their humble homes with a hurricane of fire;...help us to turn them out roofless with their little children to wander unfriended the wastes of their desolated land...We ask it, in the spirit of Love, of Him Who is the Source of Love." No comments necessary. revdauphinee answered on 12/19/04: maybee this a muslim prayer ? LTgolf rated this answer powderpuff rated this answer johnh1234 rated this answer Choux rated this answer paraclete rated this answer ATON2 rated this answer MaggieB rated this answer

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FormerJesusHelper76 asked on 12/19/04 - Predictions, E.S.P., Etc....... Gift From God....... Hello Again Everybody, People claim to have good instincts. People see things before things happen. Different people call this gift many different things. For myself i believe that it is a Gift from God and that there are genuine people who have a gift of seeing things before they happen or rely more on inner voice we all have. I have had many experiances of my own and i know that it is because of an open mind and that it is a gift from God. Have any of you have had amazing experiances with predictions or very good instincts? I would be interesting in hearing about it. Thank you in advance! Joe revdauphinee answered on 12/19/04: we were made in the image of God and God sees all and knows all ,we are known only to use a portion of our abilities mentaly so why not? some folks may have this ability FormerJesusHelper76 rated this answer jeremy_hobbs rated this answer powderpuff rated this answer

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FormerJesusHelper76 asked on 12/19/04 - DNA I heard a recent science report that they are trying to claim that the genes and information in our makeup is what creates our need and desire for a God. Is there a God gene in our DNA. Have you heard of this. Imagine if this becomes main stream belief because science says its fact. Will people believe this? What consequences could this type of belief have? God created us. I personally feel that we are more then just Genes and DNA that we have a soul, spirit, mind that is a connection to our Creator, God. I do not think that Science can explain away God. Even if they try! What are your thoughts. Thank you in advance! Joe revdauphinee answered on 12/19/04: yhey will never explain away God maybee he did incorporate a God gene he created us so is it not possible ? FormerJesusHelper76 rated this answer

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FormerJesusHelper76 asked on 12/19/04 - Tradition? Different Days? Does it really matter? Christmas Day. The day Jesus Christ was Born. Most of us celebrate it on December 25th. Different denominations around the world celebrate this at a different time of the year. What is your take on this. Some people claim Jesus was born in the Winter, Some say Really in the Summer. Some want to specify an exact date. Does this really matter. To some people it does. As long as we reconise and celebrate Jesus birth does it really matter what time of the year he was born? OR What day he was born? Heard an american Christmas commercial say did you know kids that Santa Claus delivers Christmas gifts all around the world, that would mean that he delivers to 800 homes in one second. Okay we all know that not everybody celebrates Christmas the same day. Where do these days come from and how many denominations or religions celebrate it on different days. I know lots of questions. A lot of people ask these questions. I personally am not to concerned about it. It is good get the thoughts from others. I personally feel its just tradition, i personally feel it doesnt matter what day we celebrate it on as long as we reconize the importance of the holiday. revdauphinee answered on 12/19/04: Jesus was not born on Dec 25th however should we not celebrat his comming every day???? FormerJesusHelper76 rated this answer

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CeeBee2 asked on 12/19/04 - Ok, let's discuss this -- (it being the season of joy and love and giving and all that...) -- How does a Christian (or ANYone, for that matter) get along with and fruitfully discuss topics with someone who seemingly - or obviously - doesn't agree? revdauphinee answered on 12/19/04: cee bee you cant! so do as the Lord said Luke 5:5. If people do not welcome you, shake the dust off your feet when you leave their town, as a testimony against them." CeeBee2 rated this answer

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LTgolf asked on 12/19/04 - Turning the other cheek Is it expected for good people to turn the other cheek when being called names, attacked, threatened, and verbally abused.. I refer to the foul language, name calling, insults, and verbal abuse that ((( ATON )) bestowes upon the people here on this board, in particular, the women. I need not produce any evidence of this here simply because all the evidence is in all of his responces and clarifications, everyone here has read them, seen them and taken offense to them. In his latest tantrum he has threatened powderpuff and refered to her as being stupid, in the past he has called Choux many names. To me this is not exceptable. Atons terroristic tactics and actions and childish tantrems will in the long run cause people to leave this board and in fact the entire site. If this post is misconstrued as a personal attack toward ATON by the bleeding hearts , so be it. His language and insults are public record throughout all of his responces and can not be refuted. ATON may talk and act like that at home but this is a public domain and people here should be treated with respect. All answeres to my above question are appreciated. Leon revdauphinee answered on 12/19/04: As a woman who has felt the wrath of Aton at times since I personaly am secure in my womanhood might I sugest that those to whom his vitrol is aimed at do as I do,and consider the source .then ignore it! ATON2 rated this answer LTgolf rated this answer powderpuff rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 12/17/04 - Christians, it's time to take a stand. In a landmark case, an Australian court has found that a Pastor may not teach his flock about the beliefs of other religions for fear of vilification. If making comments that Islam is demonically motivated then I stand in line with Pastor Nalliah. This is a serious blow to the freedom of speech and the freedom to preach the truth within a Church and for a Pastor to instruct his people. Pastor ridiculed Muslims December 18, 2004 An evangelical Christian ministry that made fun of Islamic beliefs has been found to have vilified Muslims in a landmark test of Victoria's three-year-old racial and religious tolerance laws. The Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal has criticised the Catch the Fire Ministries, its pastor, Danny Nalliah, and speaker Daniel Scot over a March 2002 seminar in Melbourne and a church's newsletter that attacked Islam. In a decision handed down yesterday, Judge Michael Higgins found in favour of the Islamic Council of Victoria, which took the action against Catch the Fire. Judge Higgins found Catch the Fire and Mr Scot had breached section eight of the Religious and Racial Tolerance Act. He also found against Mr Nalliah, the church leader and an unsuccessful Senate candidate for the Family First party in this year's federal election. Judge Higgins said the seminar run by the ministry, a newsletter on its website, and a website article written by an author identified as Richard all breached the act. He will decide on penalties, which could include orders for an apology or damages, next year. Mr Nalliah said it was a blow to freedom of speech, and his church would almost certainly appeal to the High Court. Judge Higgins said Mr Scot had, throughout the seminar, made fun of Muslim beliefs and conduct. "It was done, not in the context of a serious discussion of Muslims' religious beliefs," he said. "It was presented in a way which is essentially hostile, demeaning and derogatory of all Muslim people ..." Judge Higgins said that during the seminar Mr Scot had claimed the Koran promoted violence, killing and looting and that Muslims were liars and demons. Mr Scot also had said Muslims had a plan to overrun Western democracy by violence and terrorism and wanted to turn Australia into an Islamic nation. The president of the Islamic Council, Yasser Soliman, said it had been important to make a stand. "We also had the support of the Catholic Church, the interfaith community and the Uniting Church and the Jewish community," Mr Soliman said. "It was very important that we all stood together against vilification and understand that vilification is a tool used by extremists, and we must always condemn extremism and vilification." Mr Nalliah said the act went too far: "Sadly, we've lost the right to speak as a nation, in a sense, as a result of this verdict." Victoria's Equal Opportunity Commission welcomed the decision on the case, the first to be heard by the tribunal since the Racial and Religious Tolerance Act took effect at the start of 2002. "It demonstrates where the line is drawn between legitimate public debate and behaviour that incites hatred," said the commission's chief executive, Helen Szoke. AAP revdauphinee answered on 12/18/04: I agree with Paraclete on this! paraclete rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 12/17/04 - So now it's Jesus, the maharishi? Guru's book claims Jesus practised yoga By Teresa Watanabe December 18, 2004 The three wise men who came to worship the Christ child hailed from India and named him Isa, or "Lord" in Sanskrit - a name that became Jesus in the Bible. Later, Jesus travelled to India, where he practiced yoga meditation with the great sages some time during his "lost years" from age 13 to 30, a time of his life scarcely mentioned in the Bible. As Christians immerse themselves in the Advent season to prepare for Christmas, such assertions might sound like blasphemy or pure fantasy. But they come from a renowned Indian guru, the late Paramahansa Yogananda, in a newly published work that is being praised as the first detailed interpretation of the four Gospels by a Hindu. Compiled from decades of Yogananda's speeches and writings, the book is being published by his Los Angeles-based Self-Realisation Fellowship 52 years after his death. The Second Coming of Christ: The Resurrection of Christ Within You, offers startling ideas about the deeper meaning of Jesus's teachings and their essential unity with yoga. At 1642 pages, the intricate discourse on various Gospel passages is not expected to be a bestseller. But it has been praised as a groundbreaking work by scholars. Robert Ellwood, a University of Southern California professor emeritus and world religion expert, called it a "bridge-building book" that could change the way people see Jesus. Los Angeles Times Don't you find it suprising that even the Hindu's want to get in on the Jesus phenomeum? revdauphinee answered on 12/18/04: '"Don't you find it suprising that even the Hindu's want to get in on the Jesus phenomeum?" why would they wast there time since "Aton" has already decided they wont go to heaven? paraclete rated this answer

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HANK1 asked on 12/17/04 - ATON: Can you prove that there wasn't and isn't a Jesus? HANK revdauphinee answered on 12/18/04: ther are none biblical references to Jesus such as the one in Josephus! HANK1 rated this answer

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ATON2 asked on 12/17/04 - Why???? In response to arcura's posting on the lack of evidence for a historical Jesus, many of the self-designated Christian responded that there are many proofs for the existence of Jesus. Why, then, have they been so reluctant to post those proofs??????? Except for a little name calling, a little hand wringing, and a lot of 'emotional' rhetoric...NOT ONE (not even arcura who made the claim to begin with) has backed up his/her response with an ounce of proof. Why????? Curious minds want to know :) :) :) Not interested in any subjective, emotional responses relative to what Jesus MEANS to you, or what your acceptance of him has done to your life....just the facts!!!! p.s. Is this question Christian enough to pass muster on a 'Christainity' page. LOL revdauphinee answered on 12/18/04: since jesus himself is jewish the following statement by Aton makes no sence " restricted CHRISTIAN heaven!!!!!! But as a Jew or Muslim, if the food offered gives you indigestion you ain't gonna get into that CHRISTIAN heaven." would he as a jew restrict others ??No ! ATON2 rated this answer

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FormerJesusHelper76 asked on 12/17/04 - Christmas Celebration Debates! Hello! Just short version my wifes mother and sister has caused many problems and interefered many times. Very manipultive. My wife has not felt comfortable going over there since all the trouble and her mother has been making her feel guilty about not visiting as often or not going to her place. My wife was going to invite her mother over to our place and all of a sudden her mother invites my Wifes bestfriend for christmas. I think its a way of getting her to come over. I encourage my wife to keep intouch and spend time with her family but i had enough and her mother knows i will not go over, yet she invited both of us to go. I said i am not going. What do you think about this. I told my wife that it makes me look like the bad guy. Her going there even though she says she wants to be with me. I do want a happy Christmas and we are still planning to have our own time together. Its hard though not being with my wife. I want Christmas to be a happy time but for me its sort of a sad time too because of the memories of major hurts. Joe revdauphinee answered on 12/17/04: why not be the Bigger person and go !you will a)make your wife happy B)be togetther which is what you say you want C)confuse her mother (who knows you wont!)also make her wrong and most of all do as scripture said Proverbs25: 22. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his(her) head, and the LORD will reward you. CeeBee2 rated this answer FormerJesusHelper76 rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 12/16/04 - Do any of you have similar symptoms? Recently, I was diagnosed with A.A.A.D.D. Age Activated Attention Deficit Disorder. This is how it manifests: I decided to wash my car. As I start toward the garage, I notice that there is mail on the hall table. I decide to go through the mail before I wash the car. I lay my car keys down on the table, put the junk mail in the trashcan under the table, and notice that the trashcan is full. So, I decide to put the bills back on the table and take out the trash first. But then I think, since I'm going to be near the mailbox when I take out the trash anyway, I may as well pay the bills first. I take my checkbook off the table, and see that there is only one check left. My extra checks are in my desk in the study, so I go to my desk where I find the bottle of coke that I had been drinking. I'm going to look for my checks, but first I need to push the coke aside so that I don't accidentally knock it over. I see that the coke is getting warm, and I decide I should put it in the refrigerator to keep it cold. As I head toward the kitchen with the coke, a vase of flowers on the counter catches my eye--they need to be watered. I set the coke down on the counter, and I discover my reading glasses that I've been searching for all morning. I decide I better put them back on my desk, but first I'm going to water the flowers. I set the glasses back down on the counter, fill a container with water and suddenly I spot the TV remote. Someone left it on the kitchen table. I realize that tonight when we go to watch TV, we will be looking for the remote, but nobody will remember that it's on the kitchen table, so I decide to put it back in the den where it belongs, but first I'll water the flowers. I splash some water on the flowers, but most of it spills on the floor. So, I set the remote back down on the table, get some towels and wipe up the spill. Then I head down the hall trying to remember what I was planning to do. At the end of the day: the car isn't washed, the bills aren't paid, there is a warm bottle of coke sitting on the counter, the flowers aren't watered, there is still only one check in my checkbook, I can't find the remote, I can't find my glasses, and I don't remember what I did with the car keys. Then when I try to figure out why nothing got done today, I'm really baffled because I know I was busy all day long, and I'm really tired. I realize this is a serious problem, and I'll try to get some help for it, but first I'll check my e-mail. Do me a favor, will you? Forward this message to everyone you know, because I don't remember to whom it has been sent. revdauphinee answered on 12/16/04: my god I feel like ive been cloned! paraclete rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 12/16/04 - He's kept it hidden until now - Case Report: Unique Case of Aerial Sleigh-Borne Present-Deliverer's Syndrome Source: North Pole Journal of Medicine, vol 1 no.1, December 1997 Author: Dr. Iman Elf, M.D. On January 2, 1997, Mr. C, an obese, white caucasian male, who appeared approximately 65 years old, but who could not accurately state his age, presented to my family practice office with complaints of generalized aches and pains, sore red eyes, depression, and general malaise. The patient's face was erythematic, and he was in mild respiratory distress, although his demeanor was jolly. He attributed these symptoms to being "not as young as I used to be, HO! HO! HO!", but thought he should have them checked out. The patient's occupation is delivering presents once a year, on December 25th, to many people worldwide. He flies in a sleigh pulled by eight reindeer, and gains access to homes via chimneys. He has performed this work for as long as he can remember. Upon examination and ascertaining Mr. C's medical history, I have discovered what I believe to be a unique and heretofore undescribed medical syndrome related to this man's occupation and lifestyle, named Aerial Sleigh-Borne Present-Deliverer's Syndrome, or ASBPDS for short. Medical History: Mr. C. admits to drinking only once a year, and only when someone puts rum in the eggnog left for him to consume during his working hours. However, I believe his bulbous nose and erythematic face may indicate long-term ethanol abuse. He has smoked pipe tobacco for many years, although workplace regulations at the North Pole have forced him to cut back to one or two pipes per day for the last 5 years. He has had no major illnesses or surgeries in the past. He has no known allergies. Travel history is extensive, as he visits nearly every location in the world annually. He has had all his immunizations, including all available vaccines for tropical diseases. He does little exercise and eats large meals with high sugar and cholesterol levels, and a high percentage of calories derived from fat (he subsists all year on food he collects on Dec. 25, which consists mainly of eggnog, Cola drinks, and cookies). Family history was unavailable, as the patient could not name any relatives. Physical Examination and Review of Systems, With Social/Occupational Correlates: The patient wears corrective lenses, and has 20/80 vision. His conjunctivae were hyperalgesic and erythematous, and Fluorescein staining revealed numerous randomly occurring corneal abrasions. This appears to be caused by dust, debris, and other particles which strike his eyes at high velocity during his flights. He has headaches nearly every day, usually starting half way through the day, and worsened by stress. He had extensive ecchymoses, abrasions, lacerations, and first-degree burns on his head, arms, legs, and back, which I believe to be caused mainly by trauma experienced during repeated chimney descents and falls from his sleigh. Collisions with birds during his flight, gunshot wounds (while flying over the Los Angles area) and bites consistent with reindeer teeth may also have contributed to these wounds. Patches of leukoderma and anesthesia on his nose, cheeks, penis, and distal digits are consistent with frostbite caused by periods of hypothermia during high-altitude flights. He had a blood pressure of 150/95, a heart rate of 90 beats/minute, and a respiratory rate of 40. He has had shortness of breath for several years, which worsens during exertion. He has no evidence of acute cardiac or pulmonary failure, but it was my opinion that he is quite unfit due to his mainly sedentary lifestyle and poor eating habits which, along with his stress, smoking, and male gender, place him at high risk for coronary heart disease, myocardial infarction, emphysema and other problems. Blood tests subsequently revealed higher-than-normal CO levels, which I attribute to smoke inhalation during chimney descent into non-extinguished fireplaces. He has experienced chronic back pain for several years. A neurological examination was consistent with a mild herniation of his L4-L5 or L5-S1 disk, which probably resulted from carrying a heavy sack of toys, enduring bumpy sleigh rides, and his jarring feet-first falls to the bottom of chimneys. Mr. C. had a swollen left scrotum, which, upon biopsy, was diagnosed as scrotal cancer, the likely etiology being the soot from chimneys. Psychiatric Examination and Social/Occupational Correlates: Mr. C's depression has been chronic for several years. I do not believe it to be organic in nature-rather, he has a number of unresolved issues in his personal and professional life which cause him distress. He exhibits long-term amnesia, and cannot recall any events more than 5 years ago. This may be due to a repressed psychological trauma he experienced, head trauma, or, more likely, the mythical nature of his existence. Although the patient has a jolly demeanor, he expresses profound unhappiness. He reports anger at not receiving royalties for the widespread commercial use of his likeness and name. Although he reports satisfaction with the sex he has with his wife, I sense he may feel erotic impulses when children sit on his lap, and I worry he may have pedophillic tendencies. This could be the subconscious reason he employs only vertically-challenged workers ("elfs"), but I believe his hiring practices are more likely a reaction formation due to body-image problems stemming from his obesity. The patient feels annoyed and worried when he is told many people do not believe he exists, and I feel this may develop into a serious identity crisis if not dealt with. He reports great stress over having to choose which gifts to give to children, and a feeling of guilt and inadequacy over the decisions he makes as to which children are "naughty" and "nice". Because he experiences total darkness lasting many months during winter at the North Pole, Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) may be a contributor to his depression. Treatment and Counseling: All Mr. C's wounds were cleaned and dressed, and he was prescribed an antibiotic ointment for his eyes. A referral to a physiotherapist was made to ameliorate his disk problem On February 9, a bilateral orchidectomy was performed, and no further cancer has been detected as of this writing. He was counselled to wash soot from his body regularly, to avoid lit-fire chimney descents where practicable, and to consider switching to a closed-sleigh, heated, pressurized sleigh. He refused suggestions to add a helmet and protective accessories to his uniform. He was put on a high-fibre, low cholesterol diet, and advised to reduce his smoking and drinking. He has shown success with these lifestyle changes so far, although it remains to be seen whether he will be able to resist the treats left out for him next Christmas. He visits a psychiatrist weekly, and reports doing "Not too bad, HO! HO! HO!". Conclusions: Physicians, when presented with aerial sleigh-borne present-deliverers exhibiting more than a few of these symptoms, should seriously consider ASBPDS as their differential diagnosis. I encourage other physicians with access to patients working in allied professions (e.g.Nightly Teeth-Purchasers or Annual Candied Egg Providers) to investigate whether analogous anatomical/ physiological/psychological syndromes exist. The happiness of children everywhere depend on effective management of these syndromes. revdauphinee answered on 12/16/04: Nice piece and by the way please dont wake Aton he just puts a damper on the season let him sleep till its over! arcura rated this answer paraclete rated this answer

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kindj asked on 12/16/04 - For those who are so inclined... I would like to ask your indulgence and pray for a situation. Bit of a story behind it, so please be patient. I have a niece on my wife's side who is 20 years old and full of troubles. I've known her since she was about 8, and have watched this sweet, beautiful girl evolve into something virtually unrecognizable over the last 12 years. It started about 6 or 7 years ago, when her and her family lived in the Denver area. She fell in with the wrong crowd, and began skipping school and such. Nothing too major until one day she simply disappeared. Days later, it was learned that she had run away to East LA with some of her new "friends." It took a little doing and a favor called in on my part, but eventually the police brought her home to Denver. That summer, my wife and I thought that perhaps a change of environment would do her good, and brought her to stay with us for several weeks in the summer. Suffice to say that many were the nights I would go into a crack house (or something that at least appeared as a crack house) and remove her and bring her back to the house. Funny thing was, she never refused to come along. Don't know if she still had some vestige of respect or if it was something else. In addition, no one at these places tried to stop her or me from taking her. My wife thinks it was the look on my face, I think it was the bulge under my shirt. Anyway... Things continue on in the vein for years, depite several interdiction attempts by the family. Now, she is 20 and has three kids (by two or three different guys, hard to keep track), and last week aborted what would've been the fourth. The next night, she was out partying. We discovered that her little apartment had no Christmas decorations or ANYTHING for the kids. So my wife goes shopping and buys a whole mess of stuff. When she was talking to her friend on the phone while shopping, then THAT lady came and bought more stuff. She talked to her mom, and well, suffice to say that by the end of the day there were lots of people buying decorations and gifts. Still recovering from my vasectomy, I had to watch all this from the cold comfort (literally) of my ice-packed easy chair. So I instructed my wife to leave the gifts and stocking stuffers at our house, and I will deliver them Christmas Eve night. Yes, I will dress as Santa, best I can. What I'm asking for is that God provide an opportunity for me to somehow connect again with this girl in such a way that she won't be threatened, since she knows who and what I am. I need to re-establish that trusting relationship we somehow had when she was younger. I need a door to open so that God might use me (or whomever) to soften her heart and turn from her current path, which we all know will lead to nowhere or worse. My wife and I both had the same initial reaction to the news of the abortion: We wanted to shake her until her teeth fell out. However, some reading that I had been doing JUST THAT DAY caused me to calm down and realize that she's EXPECTING a judgemental attitude and condemnation and is prepared for it. What she's NOT prepared for is love anyway. So that's what we gave her and are giving her. Beating her over the head with The Book won't work. As a matter of fact, that rarely if ever works on anyone. We need prayers for this girl and her kids. We need for God to soften her heart and prepare it for His message of love and forgiveness, that maybe, just maybe, she can turn herself around. Thanks, DK revdauphinee answered on 12/16/04: this young lady will be constantly in my prayers! Please dont give up hope! as my own daughter was just like this but God Be praised! is now straight, off the drugs, and in a wonderfull relationship. Prayer does work !it may take years, but dont lose faith God is still in controll;; amd ,miracles still happen ,I know we had one> kindj rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 12/16/04 - Everything old is new again Do we really need another revision of the "Authorised" verson? The word made fresh in a revised biblical epic By David Cohen December 16, 2004 In one of his New Testament epistles, the apostle Paul urges women to "adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety". It is a famously controversial injunction. But what does it actually mean? Paul appears to want his female subjects to be modest and sober: that much is clear. But shamefaced? Is he really suggesting they ought to be ashamed as a matter of course? Who can say? David Norton, an associate professor of English at New Zealand's Victoria University of Wellington, believes he can. Though early in his career Norton worked as a taxi driver in his home town of Cambridge, England, he has for many years been travelling with the likes of St Paul. This quietly spoken scholar has spent the past decade immersed in unravelling the question of shamefacedness, and thousands of teasers like it, from the Authorised Version of 1611, popularly known as the King James Bible. "I can't say I've loved every minute of it," admits Norton, 58, a bearded, bespectacled academic, seated in the Wellington office where the work was done. "A lot of what I have worked on has been as absolutely dry as dust." The result of his efforts, scheduled for publication next month by Cambridge University Press, is an entirely re-edited edition of the King James Bible, the first of its kind since 1873. As the most important book in the religious life of the English-speaking world, the new text is guaranteed to become one of the century's enduring works of New Zealand-based scholarship. And even if it provokes debate, as it surely will, its editor believes he has no reason to be shamefaced. Norton says the troublesome word from the Pauline verse was never meant to be a synonym for "ashamed". The original word had been "shamefastness", which means a state of holding fast to modesty. In his edition, the older word has been reintroduced. The shaming of shamefaced is the kind of detective work Norton has undertaken for the New Cambridge Paragraph Bible. As a publisher's note explains, modern Authorised Versions have until now been based on the Oxford edition of 1769, which contains many layers of changes made, both knowingly and unintentionally, by successive printers and editors. Using evidence as diverse as the manuscript work of the original translators and the results of an extensive computer collation of electronically held texts - a pet software project devised by Norton - he has attempted to strip away accretions and printing errors to bring the spelling, punctuation and formatting into the 21st century in a way that better captures the original. As titles go, the New Cambridge Paragraph Bible doesn't exactly trip off the tongue. But the cadences and phrasings of the King James Bible certainly do, appearing in everything from high literature to everyday speech. Norton knows his new text will be subject to at least two tests, one to do with the literary merit of his editing, the other to do with the theological implications. The second test can be especially unforgiving. In what will almost certainly be the book's biggest potential market, the United States, some conservative Christians regard any meddling at all with the King James Bible as heresy, full stop. But he hopes other readers will acknowledge that his work is in fact "very conservative, while doing things that are innovatory." The Guardian revdauphinee answered on 12/16/04: Just a personal belief, but I do feel we are more able to translate the full intended meaning today than say the writers of the King James version .But this is just my own oppinion I havenno objection to new translations ATON2 rated this answer paraclete rated this answer

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arcura asked on 12/16/04 - What would you do in this situation?.......... St. Francis of Assisi was working in his garden. A neighbor asked him what he would do if he knew the world would end on the morrow. St. Francis replied, �I�d keep on working in my garden.� My question for all of you is: what would you do if you knew the world will end tomorrow? Peace and kindness, arcura revdauphinee answered on 12/16/04: Buy all the beets my money could buy and send em to Aton!(Just joking) I would do nothing different since with my health this could be true anyway. arcura rated this answer ATON2 rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 12/15/04 - what do you think of this view? Where do pets come from? It is reported that the following edition of the Book of Genesis was discovered in the Dead Seal Scrolls. If authentic, it would shed light on the question, "Where do pets come from?" And Adam said, "Lord, when I was in the garden, you walked with me everyday. Now I do not see you anymore. I am lonesome here and it is difficult for me to remember how much you love me." And God said, "No problem! I will create a companion for you that will be with you forever and who will be a reflection of my love for you, so that you will know I love you, even when you cannot see me. Regardless of how selfish and childish and unlovable you may be, this new companion will accept you as you are and will love you as I do, inspite of yourself." And God created a new animal to be a companion for Adam. And it was a good animal. And God was pleased. And the new animal was pleased to be with Adam and he wagged his tail. And Adam said, "But Lord, I have already named all the animals in the Kingdom and all the good names are taken and I cannot think of a name for this new animal." And God said, "No problem! Because I have created this new animal to be a reflection of my love for you, his name will be a reflection of my own name, and you will call him DOG." And Dog lived with Adam and was a companion to him and loved him. And Adam was comforted. And God was pleased. And Dog was content and wagged his tail. After a while, it came to pass that Adam's guardian angel came to the Lord and said, "Lord, Adam has become filled with pride. He struts and preens like a peacock and he believes he is worthy of adoration. Dog has indeed taught him that he is loved, but no one has taught him humility." And the Lord said, "No problem! I will create for him a companion who will be with him forever and who will see him as he is. The companion will remind him of his limitations, so he will know that he is not always worthy of adoration." And God created CAT to be a companion to Adam. And Cat would not obey Adam. And when Adam gazed into Cat's eyes, he was reminded that he was not the supreme being. And Adam learned humility. And God was pleased. And Adam was greatly improved. And Cat did not care one way or the other." You see it's always those pesky angels getting in the way. revdauphinee answered on 12/16/04: interesting but I remain a cat person! paraclete rated this answer

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Mathatmacoat asked on 12/14/04 - Body piercing Should Christians do body piercing. A lady friend of mine has just had her tongue pierced. I think this is a no no for Christians, but how do I back this up? revdauphinee answered on 12/15/04: cutting and tatooing (for any reason) is wrong (Lev.19:28. "`Do not cut your bodies for the dead or put tattoo marks on yourselves. I am the LORD. ) ATON2 rated this answer kindj rated this answer ETWolverine rated this answer Mathatmacoat rated this answer

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Choux asked on 12/14/04 - Heaven and Hell the Same Place It is said in some Jewish traditions that heaven and hell may be the same place. What are the discussion points of this fascinating point of view? revdauphinee answered on 12/15/04: I feel they are in the mind !heaven is knowing Jesus and spending time with him Hell is knowing he is and knowing you will never know him Choux rated this answer

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Choux asked on 12/14/04 - Aton Driven From Board By A Woman Was Aton driven from the Board by a woman?? And, others who nailed him on his details? revdauphinee answered on 12/14/04: I much doubt we have heard the last of Aton he never would give up without a fight! Choux rated this answer paraclete rated this answer MaggieB rated this answer ATON2 rated this answer

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hOPE12 asked on 12/14/04 - Should Christians Support the Death Penalty? Hello Everyone, �Is it morally and ethically right or wrong.� �Is it fair and righteous? With the Scott Peterson trial just coming to a close and ending in the death penalty, what are your views on this matter? Some argue that capital punishment protects the innocent, promotes justice, and deters serious crime. Others insist that it is immoral�a way of responding to violence with more violence and far inferior to the nobler task of rehabilitating criminals, helping them to become useful members of society. This debate is especially intense, and religious leaders have not hesitated to get involved. You may wonder, though, �Does the Bible have anything to say on the subject of capital punishment?� If so What and can you personally justify taking another man�s life for the life they took? If you are not a believer in the Bible, then how do you justify your choice to be either for or against the death penalty? This is a weighty decision, needing much forethought and personal heart searching. Before answering this question, think about it and then comment. If you are a bible reader before answering read these scriptures please and then comment. John 15:19 John 6:15 Ecclesiastes 8:4 Jeremiah 25:31-33; Revelation 19:11-21. After reading these scriptures think about his below: Human governments have certainly wielded �the sword� for the sake of justice many times. But it must be admitted that they have also been guilty of misusing it. (Ecclesiastes 8:9) The government of ancient Rome was guilty of wielding �the sword� of judicial execution against innocent servants of God. John the Baptizer, James, and even Jesus Christ were among its victims.�Matthew 14:8-11; Mark 15:15; Acts 12:1, 2. In modern times something similar has happened. Innocent servants of Jehovah have been executed in various countries�by firing squad, by guillotine, by hanging, by gas chamber�all of it �legally� carried out by governments trying to suppress Christianity. All powers that abuse their authority will render an account to God. What terrible bloodguilt they bear!�Revelation 6:9, 10. Take care, Hope12 revdauphinee answered on 12/14/04: (Exo.21:23-25 23 But if there is serious injury, you are to take life for life, 24 eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot, 25 burn for burn, wound for wound, bruise for bruise. ) said enough! ETWolverine rated this answer hOPE12 rated this answer

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ethical_reason asked on 12/14/04 - crazy talk I'm away for two weeks and someone gets called a Satanist? If Aton's a Satanist then why wait for some 3+ years to spring his divisive Satanism on us one day in a post just like all the other posts we get on here? Ridiculous, I�m no Aton fan but that�s crazy talk. revdauphinee answered on 12/14/04: I rarely agree with Aton he can be a pain but I doubt he is a satanist.every once in a great while I must admit he has made sence ethical_reason rated this answer ATON2 rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 12/13/04 - Does God really hate spammers? 'Spam rage' leads to reporter quitting By Sam Varghese December 14, 2004 - 11:42AM A radio reporter in Philadelphia has resigned from her job after an angry message, left by her on the phone of a lobby group whom she believed were spamming her, was sent to her employer and the media. Rachel Buchanan, 27, wrote that she had been receiving unsolicited email at her web mail account from a group known as www.Laptoplobbyist.com. The group makes money by charging $US20 to send faxes to people in power and lobby on selected issues such as minimising separation of church and state and preventing the UN from "brainwashing our kids" into "despising" America. Ms Buchanan wrote that she had called the number at the bottom of one of the emails only to go to an answering machine. This annoyed her, she says. Unfortunately, she left her name and number when asked to do so by the recorded message. She put this down to an automatic reaction as she normally leaves these details many times a day in the course of her job. Then she lost her temper and after calling laptoplobbyist.com again left a voicemail wishing their children ill. She described it as a "terrible message." This voicemail has been published on laptoplobbyist.com's website and says: "Hi, my name is Rachel, and my telephone number is [number]. I wanted to tell you that you're evil, horrible people. You're awful people. You represent horrible ideas. God hates you and he wants to kill your children. You should all burn in hell. Bye." The head of laptoplobbyist.com called her a few days later; he had called her office number which in turn gave her mobile number. The angry voicemail she had left was converted to an MP3 and sent to her employer, other media and also put up on the laptoplobbyist.com website. Her boss told her that the alleged spammers wanted an apology. She agreed to this but says the question did not come up when she quit her job a few days later. revdauphinee answered on 12/14/04: Hope rachel learned the important lesson you dont get even by stepping down to there level.better to kill em with kindness. Proverbs 25: 21. If your enemy is hungry, give him food to eat; if he is thirsty, give him water to drink. 22. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head, and the LORD will reward you. paraclete rated this answer

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FormerJesusHelper76 asked on 12/13/04 - Many People, Many Thoughts, Many Opinions and Views! Its how you interact with everybody. Its how you listen to others even though you may not agree with them. Its letting others know what you think. Many people of differernt cultures, religions, opinions and views are on this board. It is good to get to know each and every one of you. Just would like to say well wishes and thoughts and prayers with everybody in this special time for gathering with friends and family. Joe revdauphinee answered on 12/14/04: My mom used to say variety was the spice of life and we sure have variety here. FormerJesusHelper76 rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 12/13/04 - Just to brighten your season and to explain one of the mysteries of Christmas The Legend Of Angels Atop Trees Santa was very cross. It was Christmas Eve and NOTHING was going right. Mrs Claus had burned all the cookies. The elves were complaining about not getting paid for the overtime they had put in while making the toys. The reindeer had been drinking all afternoon and were dead drunk. To make matters worse, they had taken the sleigh out for a spin earlier in the day and had crashed it into a tree. Santa was furious. "I can't believe it! I've got to deliver millions of presents all over the world in just a few hours- all of my reindeer are drunk, the elves are on strike and I don't even have a Christmas tree! I sent that stupid Little Angel out HOURS ago to find a tree and he isn't even back yet! What am I going to do?" Just then, the Little Angel opened the front door and stepped in from the snowy night, dragging a Christmas tree. He says, "Yo, fat man! Where do you want me to stick the tree this year?" And thus the tradition of angels atop the Christmas trees came to pass........ revdauphinee answered on 12/13/04: funny(I guess!) paraclete rated this answer

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Choux asked on 12/13/04 - Holiday Complaining I agree with Sal, let's brighten up the Board! Let this be the thread for all those who want to complain about something, especially their health! With this innovation, we who are *not interested* in a bunch of bellyaching can avoid this thread!!! I'll start. I have had a cold for at least six weeks, probably closer to two months. I am so tired of it!! Next:: revdauphinee answered on 12/13/04: well now if we are going to list all our ailments Ill win! so Im not even going to try! surfice it to say The Lord is keeping me here for a reason, so what use is there in complaining ? Im blessed when I wake up each morning and I tell myself my aches and pains are just proof i still live and can still be of some use to Him Choux rated this answer paraclete rated this answer Saladin rated this answer

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HANK1 asked on 12/12/04 - SCROOGE! It's time to elect a SCROOGE that we can 'HANG' on our Christmas tree. Who do you nominate? HANK revdauphinee answered on 12/13/04: hi to both of you I spent my eary years in St Helens about 12 miles from manchester. Dorothy HANK1 rated this answer

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ATON2 asked on 12/11/04 - Hebrew Heaven????? Might as well join the party!!! My question: Is the anonymous writer of part of the Penteteuch, who has come to be known as MOSES, in the Christian heaven? Or is there a separate heaven for ancient Hebrews?????? I mean he never met Christ, and never became a Christian, and we know that Jews are not allowed into the Christian heaven, so....?????????? Just curious :) revdauphinee answered on 12/13/04: since both moses and Jesus now reside in heaven they have now met,and im sure they believein each other.also since Christ was a Jew why would Jews not reside there he also would have to leave if jewa were not allowed! paraclete rated this answer sapphire630 rated this answer ATON2 rated this answer

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Choux asked on 12/10/04 - Is is Consistent for an individual to believe in an (indescribeable) God and *not* an afterlife?? If not, why? revdauphinee answered on 12/13/04: a christian is one who believes in Jesus and to believe in him one must believe in an afterlife (Jn.14:2; In my Father's house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. ) Choux rated this answer

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arcura asked on 12/09/04 - By latest count 43% of democrats are pro-life. Here is an artical regarding that. Your opinion please. A Pro-Choice Party No More If every vote counts, why does the Democratic party ignore pro-life Democrats? By Kristin Day Senator John Kerry and the Democratic party focused on changing the direction of America this election cycle, and people listened. The Kerry camp waged a serious campaign, but the fact is that America wanted a lot of things to stay the same. A perfect example of this was on "moral issues." On Election Day, Democrats and Republicans alike sent a clear message to Washington: Protect our values. Pro-life Democrats are not surprised by the outcome of this year's election. In fact, pro-life Democrats have been pleading with their party to be respectfully included. Unfortunately, the "big-tent" Democratic party has allowed itself to be controlled by pro-choice forces and suffered as a result. For the past 25 years, pro-life Democrats have been leaving the party over the issue of abortion. Twenty-five years ago, the Democrats held a 292-seat majority in the House; 125 of those seats belonged to pro-life Democrats. Twelve years ago, Democrats held a 258-seat majority with about 50 pro-life Democrats. Subsequently, we lost the majority in the House and the number of pro-life Democrats dwindled to 35. Two years ago, Democrats lost the majority in the U.S. Senate. Many attributed the loss to three key seats in strong pro-life states such as Georgia, Missouri, and Minnesota. In December of 2003, a Zogby poll found that 43 percent of Democrats are opposed to abortion. In June, a CBS poll found that "almost twice as many Democratic delegates as Democratic voters think abortion should be permitted in all cases." Three weeks before the election, another poll indicated that President Bush's pro-life position gave him an eight-percent advantage over Senator Kerry. Why is the national party ignoring these trends? The truth is that some pro-choice forces in the Democratic party would rather lose than run a pro-life candidate. But the national party is stronger when pro-life Democrats are embraced and encouraged. Today, too many pro-life Democrats do not feel welcome in their own party. Reagan Democrats left in the 1980s and did not return; many pro-life Democrats also migrated to the Republican party after the 1994 GOP tidalwave election year. Meanwhile, pro-life Democrats are winning races because they withstand the pressure of the national party and represent the values of their local communities. For example: Pro-life Democrat Joe Manchin won the governor's race in West Virginia despite the fact that George Bush carried the state. Due to the leadership of Minority Leader Pat Murphy in recruiting pro-life Democrats to run in pro-life districts, the Iowa senate is now tied and the Iowa house has moved closer to a Democratic majority. In Minnesota, a pro-life Democratic candidate won in an "unelectable" seat that had been deemed Republican. In Maryland, a pro-life Democrat was told that the state party would not support him because he was pro-life. He ran anyway and won. If Democrats are going to be a majority party again, Democrats must embrace pro-lifers and encourage them to come back. To do that, we first have to prove that we're sincere in our openness and that we stand behind our "big tent" policy of welcoming those with differing views on issues such as abortion. Our issues have been hijacked by the Republican party. As Democrats we should take them back and lead an effort to protect life at all stages by ensuring freedom from violence, a livable wage, affordable health care, an opportunity to live and raise a family, and social security for retirees. Every vote counts � including those of Democrats committed to protecting the rights of the unborn. Let's not forget that in 2006 and, more important, in 2008. revdauphinee answered on 12/09/04: I have always said I am pro choice however the choice must be made before the act that causes the pregnancy.never after! arcura rated this answer ATON2 rated this answer ETWolverine rated this answer tomder55 rated this answer

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sapphire630 asked on 12/08/04 - On birthdays.... I remember for years women saying they were having their 30th for the 20th time. Others would say they just don't have them. >>>My approach, I reply I am older than dirt then I don't have to think about getting old. At 40 I said, "Over the hill? How can I be over the hill when I never found the top of it!" At ('bout)50 I now say, "Been there, done that, coulda, woulda, SHOULDA had the nervous breakdown!" revdauphinee answered on 12/09/04: Aton how long have you had such agressive tendancies sounds like you need a shrink to me Krewton rated this answer sapphire630 rated this answer

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Choux asked on 12/08/04 - Can I Be a Christian Again? Clete and Gade-dude said that the only thing that all Christians have in common is to believe that Jesus is Lord. Can I be a Christian again? revdauphinee answered on 12/09/04: if you believe you can! Choux rated this answer

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sapphire630 asked on 12/08/04 - what the hey are people so desparately seeking? What the hey are people so desperately seeking? Or is it they have so much time on their hands and nothin' better to do? First all the Elvis sightings, the resturant worker sees Elvis in a potato, then there are all these sightings of other famous people in everything. Now somebody is trying to sell a piece of cereal on EBay because he says he sees somebody famous in the piece of cereal. People are actually collecting pieces of wood because they say they see the Virgin Mary and others in the wood. Are people that flaky? Please think of a good scam for me.... ....WHAT can I sell because I see WHO in it? ....besides me in a mirror!!! Desparately, sapph! revdauphinee answered on 12/09/04: Gospel of thomas 77: Jesus said, "I am the light that is over all things. I am all: from me all came forth, and to me all attained. Split a piece of wood; I am there. Lift up the stone, and you will find me there." sapphire630 rated this answer

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Saladin asked on 12/08/04 - Kalloning ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... Just for a little seasonal jollity: If (assuming, pretending, etc) you were able to clone three people, either historical - living or dead, or fictional, 1. who would they be, and for 2. what compelling reason would you clone each of them? :) Ronnie revdauphinee answered on 12/09/04: Jesus! cause if we ever needed him we do today. My Mom! cause I miss her the child up the street from me(who passed yesterday!cause her folks miss her so much Saladin rated this answer

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Bradd asked on 12/07/04 - Christian Agreement Is there one statement that would include all self-described Christians? For example; Some Christians (most) believe in the Trinity - some don't. Some Christians believe Jesus Christ is God - some don't. Some Christians believe faith is all that is necessary - some think works are necessary, too. Some Christians believe that their belief is the only true belief - some don't. (This one is interesting in light of the innumerable diametrically different beliefs of Christians). Some Christians believe in an everlasting hell - some don't. The ones who don't can't reconcile this idea with the notion of a perfectly-loving God. Some Christians believe in predestination - some believe in free will. Some Christians believe the Bible is the sum total of Christianity - some believe their Christian God is not limited to this book. I'm sure there are many other internal contradictions among Christians. These are just some of them. If you care to answer, please answer from your own thoughts and not from the Bible or other writings or Papal infallibilty or the like. These tend to be arguments from authority - a logical fallacy. I'm interested in your own take on this. What single statement would include all self-described Christians? (If there is one). revdauphinee answered on 12/08/04: to be a "Christian "one MUST believe in Christ! Saladin rated this answer ETWolverine rated this answer Bradd rated this answer

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Krewton asked on 12/07/04 - sorry for the glitch Computer is slower than me, which is highly unusual)))))))) revdauphinee answered on 12/08/04: blame it on the puter I do fact is were getting older!LOL Krewton rated this answer

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Krewton asked on 12/07/04 - Happy Birthday to me! Just turned 42 today. No question here, just a statement. I am blessed with a great wife, two wonderful kids, and the free gift of Salvation from Jesus himself. Pretty good life thus far eh? revdauphinee answered on 12/08/04: Happy birthday !!! Krewton rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 12/07/04 - Just to fit in with the spirit of the season POLITICALLY CORRECT VERSION OF 'THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS!' 'Twas the night before Christmas and Santa's a wreck... How to live in a world that's politically correct? His workers no longer would answer to "Elves" "Vertically Challenged" they were calling themselves And labor conditions at the north pole Were alleged by the union to stifle the soul Four reindeer had vanished, without much propriety Released to the wilds by the Humane Society And equal employment had made it quite clear That Santa had better not use just reindeer So Dancer and Donner, Comet and Cupid Were replaced with 4 pigs, and you know that looked stupid! The runners had been removed from his sleigh; The ruts were termed dangerous by the E P A And people had started to call for the cops When they heard sled noises on their roof-tops Second-hand smoke from his pipe had his workers quite frightened His fur trimmed red suit was called "Unenlightened" And to show you the strangeness of life's ebbs and flows Rudolf was suing over unauthorised use of his nose And had gone on Geraldo, in front of the nation Demanding millions in over-due compensation So, half of the reindeer were gone; and his wife Who suddenly said she'd enough of this life Joined a self-help group, packed, and left in a whiz Demanding from now on her title was Ms And as for the gifts, why, he'd ne'er had a notion That making a choice could cause so much commotion Nothing of leather, nothing of fur Which meant nothing for him. And nothing for her Nothing that might be construed to pollute Nothing to aim. Nothing to shoot Nothing that clamoured or made lots of noise Nothing for just girls. Or just for boys Nothing that claimed to be gender specific Nothing that's warlike or non-pacific No candy or sweets ... they were bad for the tooth Nothing that seemed to embellish the truth And fairy tales, while not yet forbidden Were like Ken and Barbie, better off hidden For they raised the hackles of those psychological Who claimed the only good gift was ecological No baseball, no football ... someone could get hurt; Besides; playing sports exposed kids to dirt Dolls were said to be sexist, and should be passe; And Nintendo would rot your entire brain away So Santa just stood there, dishevelled, perplexed; He just could not figure out what to do next He tried to be merry, tried to be gay But you've got to be careful with that word today His sack was quite empty, limp to the ground; Nothing fully acceptable was to be found Something special was needed, a gift that he might Give to all without angering the left or the right A gift that would satisfy, with no indecision Each group of people, every religion; Every ethnicity, every hue Everyone, everywhere ... even you So here is that gift, it's price beyond worth ... "May you and your loved ones enjoy peace on earth" revdauphinee answered on 12/08/04: Or as a neighbour said "I dont care who you are fat man ,Get those reindeer off my roof!" paraclete rated this answer

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jeremy_hobbs asked on 12/07/04 - Do you think that It is right for a ten year old child to read the bible without anyone to help him interpret it? Both of his parents are Agnostic and a teacher gave it to him to read. He is beginning to display aggressive behavior, because his understanding is that God will forgive him. I would appreciate your thoughts. revdauphinee answered on 12/07/04: If he read peter pan would it make him fly?a book without explanation is just words/they have no power. ATON2 rated this answer jeremy_hobbs rated this answer sapphire630 rated this answer

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HANK1 asked on 12/07/04 - HINDU WISDOM: The great teacher Prajapati said: �The Self is pure, free from decay and death, free from hunger and thirst, and free from sorrow. The Self desires nothing that is not good, wills nothing that is not good. Seek and realize the Self! Those who seek and realize the Self fulfill all their desires and attain the goal supreme.� - Chandogya Upanishad Is this perfection? HANK revdauphinee answered on 12/07/04: the self is selfish arogant and the above is nonesence or as someone stated codwallop!In my oppinion there was but one "great " teacher Jesus Christ! ATON2 rated this answer Choux rated this answer HANK1 rated this answer paraclete rated this answer

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tomder55 asked on 12/07/04 - Abu Graib on the Nile : Where is the outrage ? CAIRO � Egyptian authorities face Bedouin unrest after a massive crackdown against a suspected Islamic insurgency network in the Sinai Peninsula. Egyptian sources said tribal leaders have been alarmed by the detention of thousands of Bedouins in wake of the Oct. 7 Islamic suicide bombings in Taba and Nueiba, in which 33 people were killed. About 5,000 residents of northern Sinai were said to have been arrested in connection with the bombings, which targeted tourist sites frequented by Israelis. Many of the detainees were said to have been tortured in Egyptian prisons and denied access to their attorneys and families. They said that nobody has been formally charged, Middle East Newsline reported. Egypt's Interior Ministry reported the arrest of nine major suspects, all but one of them Egyptian nationals. The exception was a Palestinian with family in the Gaza Strip and said to have been a member of Islamic Jihad. The ministry said the Palestinian headed the Islamic insurgency cell. Several tribal leaders have warned that they would retaliate against police unless the torture ended and the Bedouins released. The sources said the families of some of the detainees were pressing the leaders to storm police stations. Three Egyptian human rights organizations released a report that asserted that many of the arrests took place in the El Arish area along the Mediterranean coast. In late November, the organizations � the Hisham Mubarak Law Center, the Egyptian Association Against Torture and Al Nadim Center for the Rehabilitation of Victims of Violence � released a report that quoted detainees as saying that they were hung from the ceiling and subject to electric shocks. Egyptian authorities have not responded directly to the report. But other Egyptian sources said about 800 people were detained. revdauphinee answered on 12/07/04: Aton even though you have been so disagreeable with me lately on this I think you may be right ATON2 rated this answer tomder55 rated this answer

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Choux asked on 12/06/04 - Faith and Reason Tonight on "Hardball", Chris Matthews had a discussion about the current "Time" magazine feature story about Christianity. He quoted the Pope:: that there has to be a balance between Faith and Reason....each was one wing upon which the human spirit takes flight(paraphrase). What are your feelings about the balance between Faith and Reason in life? revdauphinee answered on 12/07/04: wish I had seen that sounds like it was interesting but since i missed it I must reserve my comments Choux rated this answer ATON2 rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 12/06/04 - Which family does your Church fit in?. Do you know that Christian Churches have been classified into fifteen generic families.? Some othe these classifications might be controversial. Do you agree with them? Adventist Family - Adventist groups, Jehovah's Witnesses, and British Israelism Baptist Family - Southern Baptists, American Baptists, etc. Christian Science-Metaphysical Family Christian Science, New Thought Communal Family - The Jesus People, Twin Oaks, etc. Eastern Orthodox Family - Various Orthodox churches -- Russian, Greek, Serbian, etc. European Free Church Family - Amish, Brethren, Mennonites, Quakers, others Holiness Family - Christian and Missionary Alliance, Church of the Nazarene, etc. Independent Fundamentalist Family - Plymouth Brethren, Fundamentalists, etc. Latter-day Saints Family - Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, The community of Christ Lutheran Family - Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, Lutheran church - Missouri Synod, etc. Messianic Judaism - Jews For Jesus, and other similar groups Pentecostal Family - Assemblies of God, Church of God (Cleveland, TN) Pietist-Methodist Family -Scandinavian Pietism, United Methodist Church, other Methodists Reformed-Presbyterian Family - Reformed, various Presbyterian churches, Congregational, United Church of Christ Western Liturgical Family - Roman Catholicism, including the Latin Rite and the Eastern Rite Churches: (Armenian 5 Catholic Church, Chaldean C.C., Coptic C.C., Marionite C.C., Melkite C.C., Syrian C.C.); Old Catholicism; Anglican Communion revdauphinee answered on 12/07/04: Im only interested in the family of Christ most organised religion stray oh so far from his true teachings and follow the traditions of man! paraclete rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 12/06/04 - Would you be guilty of inciting religious hatred merely by using humor or satire? A serious question for some 8:53am (UK) Comic Leads Campaign Against Religion Bill By Neville Dean, PA Blackadder star Rowan Atkinson will lead a coalition of comedians, writers and academics today in opposition to a new Government Bill designed to punish extremists who incite religious hatred. The group, which also includes MPs and representatives of the National Secular Society, is launching a campaign against elements of the Serious Organised Crime and Police Bill. The Bill, due for its second reading this week, will create a new offence of incitement to religious hatred to protect faith groups � particularly Muslims � from hate attacks. But the group believe that there are already enough laws to deal with extremists who incite violence or religious hatred. They warn that the Bill risks undermining free speech, the freedom of satirists, comedians and writers, and legitimate discussion about religion and religious practices. Atkinson will be joined for the launch of the campaign in Westminster this evening by columnist Joan Smith, human rights lawyer Anthony Lester QC and speakers from Christian groups the Barnabas Fund and the Lawyer�s Christian Fellowship. Atkinson said: �Freedom of expression must be protected for artists and entertainers and we must not accept a bar on the lampooning of religion and religious leaders. �There is an obvious difference between the behaviour of racist agitators who can be prosecuted under existing laws and the activities of satirists and writers who may choose to make comedy or criticism of religious belief, practices or leaders, just as they do with politics.� Liberal Democrat MP Dr Evan Harris, who is chairing tonight�s meeting, said: �There is a great deal of concern about these proposals across political parties. �There are already enough laws to deal with incitement to violence and to deal with disorderly behaviour based on religious grounds, but it is essential that we maintain free speech in discussing and criticising religious ideas, doctrines and practices.� Paul Cook, advocate manager of the Barnabas Fund, added: �There is a real danger that this law could be used by extremists to silence organisations like ourselves from highlighting the persecution of Christians and other human rights abuses which occur within some religious communities.� But a Home Office spokeswoman defended the Bill, insisting it would not interfere with the right to free speech. She said: �There is a clear difference between criticism of a religion and the act of inciting hatred against members of a religious group. �The incitement offences have a high criminal threshold and prosecutions require the consent of the Attorney General. �There has not been a widespread sense that the existing offence has interfered with free speech and we are confident that an offence of incitement to religious hatred will not do so either.� revdauphinee answered on 12/07/04: whilst I suppost anti hate laws I have serious dificulties taking anything atkinson does seriously paraclete rated this answer

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Saladin asked on 12/06/04 - Thoughts on faith � Faith is not a feeling, but a choice of the soul, a choice to receive the gift offered. No matter how I feel, I can choose from my soul to affirm faith. � Faith is not achieved by a one-time event, but is a moment by moment choice to focus on belief and hope; to reassert my belief in God, in Jesus, in their faithful keeping of their promises. � �Miracles do not produce faith, but strong faith is developed by obedience to the gospel of Jesus Christ; in other words, faith comes by righteousness, although miracles often confirm one�s faith.� (Bible Dictionary, p. 669) � In the last chapter of a fine yet-to-be published manuscript, Cliff Jones said, �Faith isn�t knowing how everything will work out. Faith isn�t always basking in the warmth of a knowledge that eternal riches are ours. Faith is a belief that carries us onward during periods of very bleak uncertainty. Without uncertainty, there can�t be faith. The fact that we�re not confident how things will go doesn�t mean we have no faith. As we continue to hold onto the iron rod in the midst of tempting mists of darkness that obscure the tree of life from our view and almost convince us to let go, we�re exercising tremendous faith. Faith is doing the Lord�s will and moving onward, trusting Him to eventually give us the promised blessings ... Our faith moves us onward despite the uncertainties that plague us. Faith in my own ability to exercise my faith and utilize my faith cannot be separated from my faith in Christ. I used to say, �I don�t doubt God, I doubt me; I doubt my own worthiness, my own ability to access the Atonement, to overcome family patterns, to overcome the world.� I�ve had to learn that I cannot harbor self-doubt if my faith in Christ is intact. Self-doubt is saying, �I�m more powerful to mess up than the Savior is to redeem. I�m a special case � too difficult for the Lord.� But nothing is too difficult for the Lord, and the power of the redemption reaches out to every willing soul. === Comments? revdauphinee answered on 12/07/04: Faith is definatly a choice!When I converted I made a concious decision to believe!It is a gift from God but as with any gift it does not become ours untill we reach out and accept it! ATON2 rated this answer Saladin rated this answer

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HANK1 asked on 12/06/04 - WHAT DO YOU BELIEVE? Newsweek Dec. 5, 2004 Dec. 5: "Seventy-nine percent of Americans believe that, as the Bible says, Jesus Christ was born of the Virgin Mary, without a human father, according to a new NEWSWEEK poll on beliefs about Jesus. "Sixty-seven percent say they believe that the entire story of Christmas�the Virgin Birth, the angelic proclamation to the shepherds, the Star of Bethlehem and the Wise Men from the East�is historically accurate. Twenty-four percent of Americans believe the story of Christmas is a theological invention written to affirm faith in Jesus Christ, the poll shows. In general, say 55 percent of those polled, every word of the Bible is literally accurate. Thirty-eight percent do not believe that about the Bible." WHAT DO YOU BELIEVE? HANK revdauphinee answered on 12/07/04: I believe in the following Matthew!: 22. All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: 23. "The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel" --which means, "God with us." ATON2 rated this answer HANK1 rated this answer

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Saladin asked on 12/06/04 - Hey! Are you a Troll? I had this sent me from a cyber-pal in Tasmania (The island from which Australia is 'offshore'!) ------------------------------------------------------- An Internet "troll" is a person who delights in sowing discord on the Internet. He (and it is usually he) tries to start arguments and upset people. Trolls see Internet communications services as convenient venues for their bizarre game. For some reason, they don't "get" that they are hurting real people. To them, other Internet users are not quite human but are a kind of digital abstraction. As a result, they feel no sorrow whatsoever for the pain they inflict. Indeed, the greater the suffering they cause, the greater their 'achievement' (as they see it). At the moment, the relative anonymity of the net allows trolls to flourish. Trolls are utterly impervious to criticism, constructive or otherwise. You cannot negotiate with them; you cannot cause them to feel shame or compassion; you cannot reason with them. They cannot be made to feel remorse. For some reason, trolls do not feel they are bound by the rules of courtesy or social responsibility. Some people � particularly those who have been online for years � are not upset by trolls and consider them an inevitable hazard of using the net. It would be nice if everybody was so easy-going, but the sad fact is that trolls do discourage people. Another problem is that the negative emotions stirred up by trolls leak over into other discussions. Normally affable people can become bitter after reading an angry interchange between a troll and his victims, and this can poison previously friendly interactions between long-time users. Finally, trolls create a paranoid environment, such that a casual criticism by a new arrival can elicit a ferocious and inappropriate backlash. The Internet is a wonderful resource which is breaking down barriers and stripping away prejudice. Trolls threaten our continued enjoyment of this beautiful forum for ideas. When you suspect that somebody is a troll, you might try responding with a polite, mild message to see if it's just somebody in a bad mood. Internet users sometimes let their passions get away from them when seated safely behind their keyboard. If you ignore their bluster and respond in a pleasant manner, they usually calm down. However, if the person persists in being beastly, and seems to enjoy being unpleasant, the only effective position is to limit your reaction to reminding others not to respond to trolls. When you try to reason with a troll, he wins. When you insult a troll, he wins. When you scream at a troll, he wins. The only thing that trolls can't handle is being ignored. As already stated, it is futile to try to "cure" a troll of his obsession. But perhaps you simply cannot bear the hostile environment that the troll is creating and want to go away for a while. If you do that, then for the sake of the others on the system, please do not post a dramatic "Goodbye!" message. This convinces the troll that he is winning the battle. There is, perhaps, no message you can write on a message system that is as damaging as an announcement that you are leaving because of the hostility that the troll has kindled. If you feel you must say something, a discreet message to the system operator (and some of the others users, if you have their email addresses) is the best course of action. One technique used by trolls to generate chaos is to use several user names. This is always a loy to gain power at the expense of others. Trolls have been known to become so irritated at having their spoofs identified that they have learned to write in another person's style. They may end up writing an intelligent message that is indistinguishable from your own golden words. If that happens, you can always just let the post stand and take credit for it! Trolls will also sometimes write a "That Wasn't Me" message after a genuine one, attempting to elicit a denial. There really is no reason to give him what he wants, since a "That Wasn't Me" warning merely reminds people to be skeptical. When trolls are ignored they step up their attacks, desperately seeking the attention they crave. Their messages become more and more foul, and they post ever more of them. Alternatively, they may protest that their right to free speech is being curtailed � more on this later. Perhaps the most difficult challenge for a moderator is deciding whether to take steps against a troll that a few people find entertaining. Some trolls do have a creative spark and have chosen to squander it on being disruptive. ------------------------------------------------------- Have you now or have you ever been a Troll? :) Curious minds want to now. Ronnie revdauphinee answered on 12/07/04: have to admit to reading the postings of trolls however dont know if Ive actualy ever met one! Saladin rated this answer

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queenybee asked on 12/06/04 - "Until archeological proof is available, David remains a legend In the summer of 1993, an archaeological team, led by Professor Avraham Biran, cleared an area outside the outer gate of ancient Dan. They uncovered a paved plaza. A black basalt stone protruding from the ground was easily removed. When the stone was turned toward the afternoon sun, the letters sprang to life. "Oh, my God, we have an inscription!" Professor Biran exclaimed. Professor Biran and his colleague, Professor Joseph Naveh of the Hebrew University in Jerusalem, promptly wrote a scientific report on the inscription. Based on this report, an article in the Biblical Archaeology Review magazine, March/April 1994, reads: "It's not often that an archaeological find makes the front page of the New York Times (to say nothing of Time magazine). But that is what happened last summer to a discovery at Tel Dan, a beautiful mound in northern Galilee, at the foot of Mt. Hermon beside one of the headwaters of the Jordan River. "There Avraham Biran and his team of archaeologists found a remarkable inscription from the ninth century B.C.E. that refers both to the 'House of David' and to the 'King of Israel.' This is the first time that the name David has been found in any ancient inscription outside the Bible. That the inscription refers not simply to a 'David' but to the House of David, the dynasty of the great Israelite king, is even more remarkable. david is NO legend revdauphinee answered on 12/07/04: I agree "David is NO legend" ATON2 rated this answer queenybee rated this answer

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Saladin asked on 12/06/04 - Dates and events in the Bible - difficulties It is by no means an easy task to determine correct dates for many of the events in the Bible, especially in the earliest books, whose histories rely on older writings, whose times are veiled in obscurity. Such dates are of interest only to those Bible scholars who seek to reconstruct the historical framework around which the books of the Bible were written, and against the historical background of the events depicted. It should be of no great consequence for believers in the Bible to discover that the Exodus more than likely took place later than was customarily thought, or that Moses led the Children of Israel across the Reed Sea and not across the Red Sea. However, these kind of corrections, for which there is more than ample evidence to suggest that earlier commentators misunderstood, or did not have sufficient knowledge at their disposal, to correct, show the folly of believing that every word in the Bible fell from the lips of God and is perfect in every way. There are difficulties in the Bible that are evident to those who are more than cursorily acquainted wiht its contents, but which will not be evident to those whose familiarity with the Book of Books is limited to a few proof texts dotted here and there among its pages. Thus, dating the birth and death of David is hazardous, and one must be familiar with all available data and then, based on the probability, make an intelligent guess. That will not guarantess that the dates selected by this choice will be any more reliable than those selected on emotional factors alone. One can only do one's best. To a beliver, knowing the date of David's birth, or the date of the Exodus, will not be a matter of any great importance. The Bioble is clearly neither a history book, as we understand history, nor a scientific treatise, and should never be treated as such. it is a book of God's dealings with his children as experienced and interpreted by a great many people, fmailies, tribes, and nations. As a spiritual guide, it has the value of offering insights into the changing world of Hebrew thought, and, later, of the development of the first stirrings of Christianity. It is a wonderful book, but those who, not knowng its contents, make an idol of the Book itself, do themselves a disservice, and lock themselves outside its treasures. The passages oft-quoted from the Bible to have us believe that not only is the Bible infallible and complete, actually do not support any such view when properly analysed and understood. The Bible is not a weapon used to beat opponents into submission, but a record, or records, of the hearts and minds of men as God has moved them this way and that, and it will do that today for all those who do not put it on a pedestal to worship it, but who will open their hearts and minds as they open its pages and explore the wonders that it has to offer to the humble seeking mind. :) Ronnie revdauphinee answered on 12/07/04: "In my copy of the Bible it says unequivocally that Jesus Christ is the Way to salvation and �no man cometh to the Father but by me!� Mine also Ronnie Saladin rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 12/05/04 - Codswallop - for Hank who wanted to know what codswallop is Codswallop By a club in Great King Street, a learned judge stood, Singing wallop, codswallop, codswallop And I said to him, �Sir, are you not feeling good?� Oh, wallop, codswallop, codswallop. �It�s some awful affliction come o�er you?�, I cried. �Has a cockroach crawled into your Canon and died?� With a shake of his fat little head he replied, �Oh, wallop, codswallop, codswallop.� He sobbed and he sighed and he clutched at his brow. Oh, wallop, codswallop, codswallop. And continued to make the most terrible row, With his �Wallop, codswallop, codswallop� �Come, sir,� I said sternly, �Pray do not act thus.� But he moaned and he groaned and redoubled the fuss, Then he threw himself under a number nine bus, Which went �Wallop, codswallop, codswallop� So remember when next to a club night you go With your wallop, codswallop, codswallop, Judges want to be loved, they are human you know Oh, wallop, codswallop, codswallop. They do not sleep all week with worry and strain. Each half-mark that you lose causes heart-ache and pain, (And I bet you the blighters come next year again.) Oh, wallop, codswallop, codswallop. revdauphinee answered on 12/07/04: this posting was a load of codswallop! paraclete rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 12/05/04 - Similarities or just coincidence ? ----- What are the three similarities between praying and kissing? . . . whether you do it with eyes open or closed . . . whether you moan and groan in agreement . . . whether you do it with tongues or not revdauphinee answered on 12/07/04: one can pray when alone Not much point in kissing oneself! paraclete rated this answer

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HANK1 asked on 12/05/04 - DR. SEUSS: "Be who you are and say what you feel because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind." - Dr. Seuss Perhaps this could be a slogan for our Christianity community. Time for all of us to bond ... and allow faithful friends to be dear to all of us. HANK revdauphinee answered on 12/05/04: Ill give big AMEN to that cudos to Dr Seuss ATON2 rated this answer CeeBee2 rated this answer Choux rated this answer HANK1 rated this answer jeremy_hobbs rated this answer Saladin rated this answer

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jeremy_hobbs asked on 12/04/04 - I just found out that some do not consider Catholics to be Christians. Why? revdauphinee answered on 12/05/04: because they have been misled all followers of Christ are Christians and they come in all denominations and out of them also!This is just annother fallacy brought about by organised religion,and one more reason I avoid them Christ did not come to start a religion he came to bring salvation a free gift to all who accept it. jeremy_hobbs rated this answer Saladin rated this answer

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arcura asked on 12/04/04 - Do you avoid the sin of silence???????? Authors Urge Christians to Avoid the 'Sin' of Silence By Bill Fancher and Jody Brown December 3, 2004 (AgapePress) - A recently released book suggests that if Christians do not become involved in the political processes, they are failing in their calling. Ken Connor, former head of the Family Research Center , teamed with John Revell to write /Sinful Silence: When Christians Neglect Their Civil Duty/ (Ginosko, 2004). LifeWay Christian Stores says the authors make a "compelling" case for civil involvement by using excerpts from the Old Testament Book of Isaiah, but at the same time draw readers into a closer walk with God. "The message in this book is bipartisan -- it is likely to equally offend, and hopefully convict, members of both major political parties," says LifeWay. Author Ken Connor says it is clear that Christians have both a duty and a responsibility to vote and to be involved in the government. "God is passionately concerned about our having a just society," he says, adding that "when people are given a voice in the selection and direction of their civil leaders, then they are held accountable -- along with their civil leaders -- for the civil sins of the government." Connor maintains the Bible is full of incidences where God has demanded that His followers be involved in the political process. "God, the author of justice, is just very, very concerned about the way in which a country's civil justice system works," he says. "All you have to do is look at [the Book of] Isaiah, where you see that the whole nation of Israel came under God's judgment because of the failure of the governmental system." According to Connor, America faces the same fate if Christians continue to shirk their responsibility. And a decision not to become involved, the authors suggest, could hinder an individual's relationship with the Lord. The authors write that "if the majority of Christians know God's heart on issues of civil immorality but continually refuse to address these civil sins through their vote and access to elected representatives, then it stands to reason that ... God would reject the majority of our worship in this nation." revdauphinee answered on 12/04/04: Ive been accused of many things being silent has never been one of them. arcura rated this answer ATON2 rated this answer jeremy_hobbs rated this answer purplewings rated this answer

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johnh1234 asked on 12/04/04 - Saladin and Canadians Saladin, you like to hold the "higher moral ground". Why did you then post the question "Canadians are untrustworthy" on the mental health board? What was that supposed to mean? http://www.answerway.com/viewques.php?pgtitle=Mental+Health&category=189&msection=&quesid=31231 John revdauphinee answered on 12/04/04: methinks maybee saladin feels that way cause they are no longer english? johnh1234 rated this answer

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arcura asked on 12/04/04 - HOW SILLY CAN THESE GUYS GET????????????????? 'Master/slave' Most Politically Incorrect Phrase Or HOW SILLY CAN THESE GUYS GET? LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - The computer term "master/slave," which was banned as racially offensive by a Los Angeles County purchasing department, was named the most politically incorrect term of the year on Thursday. Among other terms on the top 10 list of politically charged words and phrases, issued by the word usage group Global Language Monitor, were "non-same sex marriage" to describe heterosexual unions, "waitron" for waiter or waitress and "higher being" for God, a term some people found too religious. "We found 'master/slave' to be the most egregious example of political correctness in 2004," said Paul JJ Payack, president of The Global Language Monitor. "This is but one more example of the insertion of politics into every facet of modern life, down to the level of the control processes of computer technology." In computer terminology, "master/slave" refers to primary and secondary hard disk drives. But a Los Angeles county purchasing department told vendors in late 2003 that the term was offensive and violated the region's cultural diversity. The county's department of affirmative action undertook a hunt to replace it on packages. After a public uproar, the county backed down. Payack said that while the incident took place in late 2003, debate about it grew enormously in 2004. The phrase "non-same sex marriage," was used by a former congressman who did not want to offend gay people by using the term traditional marriage, Payack said. Also on the list this year were "Red Sox lover," to use in place of "Yankee hater," "progressive" for classical liberal, "incurious" rather than more impolite invectives for President Bush, "insurgents" instead of terrorists in Iraq, "baristas" for waiters, and "first year student" rather than freshman. revdauphinee answered on 12/04/04: yeah and I can remember when being Gay simply meant you were happy! arcura rated this answer Mathatmacoat rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 12/03/04 - The price of Child abuse is rising - $129m deal in church abuse case A RECORD $US100 million clergy sex abuse settlement between the Californian Catholic Diocese of Orange and 87 plaintiffs has brought some relief to families. But legal experts differ over whether the deal will help resolve a huge backlog of cases in California. The agreement, reached yesterday and expected to be finalised as soon as Tuesday, surpasses the previous record of $US85 million awarded to 552 victims of clergy abuse in Boston in 2003, a participant in negotiations said. The Associated Press has learned the settlement involving the Orange County Diocese is worth $US100 million. It wasn't clear how much of the settlement insurers would pay and how much the diocese would provide. Superior Court Judge Owen Lee Kwong has prohibited lawyers in the case from discussing the amount of the settlement. Plaintiffs in the Diocese of Orange cases were relieved to see the end of two years of gruelling mediation, thanking Bishop Tod D. Brown for his courage and willingness to resolve their cases. "It's like a big weight lifted off my shoulders. Finally it's stopped, it's over," said Max Fisher, a 40-year-old plaintiff from Anaheim. "Last night, Bishop Brown came up to me personally and apologised, and that meant more to me than anything." Ray Boucher, lead counsel for all Southern California plaintiffs, said yesterday that the settlement didn't mean other dioceses would follow suit. The Los Angeles Archdiocese, in particular, was a challenge because of the hundreds of plaintiffs involved, he said. "It means very little for Los Angeles. It's so large that unless Los Angeles gets full participation from its insurance carriers it's a very long, hard hill to climb," Mr Boucher said. J. Michael Hennigan, attorney for the Los Angeles Archdiocese, agreed. Even though its leaders were eager to settle, some claims against the archdiocese date to the early 1930s, and attorneys had been unable to locate insurance coverage for the archdiocese before the 1950s, he said. "If our problems were as straightforward as theirs, we'd be joining them in the settlement," Mr Hennigan said. Shirl Giacomi, chancellor of the Diocese of Orange, said the diocese would not face bankruptcy but called the settlement expensive and painful nonetheless. Options might include taking out a loan or selling some church assets. The Archdiocese of Portland, Oregon, and Diocese of Tucson, Arizona, have declared bankruptcy, and the Diocese of Spokane, Washington, has said it will declare bankruptcy soon. The Spokane Diocese said yesterday it had reached settlements totalling $US664,500 with five sex abuse victims but it still faces many lawsuits worth millions of dollars in claims. The diocese has been preparing for the possibility of a large financial settlement for months and had cut staff and services, Ms Giacomi said. The diocese had also suspended planning for three new parishes in burgeoning areas. "It's been a very painful time for the church," Ms Giacomi said. "What we've had to deal with were the sins of a few, but they were heinous." The Associated Press Do you think it fair that these dioceses should be about to avoid their responsibilities by claiming bankruptcy? Surely they should be made to pay by sale of Church property and the Church as a whole, Internationally if needs be, should be joined in the action? revdauphinee answered on 12/04/04: its still not high enough ! paraclete rated this answer

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Saladin asked on 12/03/04 - And ANOTHER ONE bites the dust ... Tommy Thompson walks out on Bush! He is the eighth member of the cabinet out of 16 to leave Bush's side. That's 50% who have of their own accord departed rather than continue to try to work with a man who will not listen to sound advice. :) revdauphinee answered on 12/04/04: lucpi is right Saladin rated this answer

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Saladin asked on 12/03/04 - Did King Solomon ... .... marry the Queen of Sheba? revdauphinee answered on 12/04/04: No! Saladin rated this answer

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Saladin asked on 12/03/04 - Is this more evidence of Bush's anti-science mindset? The Cost of Congressional Caprice December 3, 2004 The pork-stuffed omnibus spending bill that Congress rushed to passage without reading largely remains a $388 billion national secret. But laugh lines are gradually leaking out. For instance, why not spend $100,000 for the Punxsutawney Weather Museum in Pennsylvania, considering the annual drollery of Groundhog Day? And once the lawmakers put the taxpayers in for $25,000 to finance mariachi music in Nevada, hey, why not go for $350,000 for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland? As for that $50,000 for wild hog control in Missouri, it's in the same spirit as the $335,000 to protect sunflowers from blackbirds in North Dakota. If only the bill were a mere laugh riot. But the truth is that the measure, cobbled together from 13 bills that Congress failed to weigh separately and thoughtfully, legislates the costs of next year's government by blindfold and bludgeon. Nowhere is this more graphic than in the shocking cut that Congress levied on the National Science Foundation, the research dynamo that does so much to feed the nation's economic growth through breakthrough advances in science and technology. Its budget will be $105 million less than last year's, even as lawmakers spared an estimated $15.8 billion for a record 11,772 pet projects. This binge of bipartisan pandering to voters includes such national priorities as renovating the Hot Springs bathhouses in Arkansas and bolstering the Paper Industry International Hall of Fame in Wisconsin. The science cut may seem minor in the context of the foundation's total, more than $5.4 billion. But it signals harsher times to come. For the past two years, a profligate Republican Congress has allowed the deficit to balloon by papering over such factors as the open-ended cost of the Iraq war and the revenues lost because of the Bush tax cuts. Now leaner, meaner government has become the rhetorical rage, with basic institutions like the Environmental Protection Agency and the affordable-housing program joining the science foundation in taking hits. The science foundation may have helped to pay for research on Web browsers and search engines, among countless innovations, but it doesn't seem to be holding its own against Punxsutawney Phil. =============== Is this yet more evidence for the Bush admninistration's anti-scientific stance? Ronnie revdauphinee answered on 12/03/04: what is beyond the persons comprehension one ignores! paraclete rated this answer Saladin rated this answer

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bal317 asked on 12/02/04 - How do you interpet this saying? The eyes are the windows of the soul. Does anyone feel there is something to this? or, What do the eyes truely tell us when we are looking at other's? Thank you. revdauphinee answered on 12/03/04: many times one can look in the eyas of a person and they reveal much> bal317 rated this answer

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Bradd asked on 12/02/04 - The Gospel According to George "Go, and teach all nations. But, first, bomb the innocents into smithereens. We'll call that 'collateral damage'". "It is harder for a poor man to enter the Kingdom than to pass through the eye of the needle. Amen, amen, I say to you, the rich and powerful shall inherit the earth". "Let the little children come to me. We'll put them back to work in the mines. A little hard work never hurt a five year old, and the labor costs are so low". "Render to Caesar what is Caesar's so let's eliminate the Estate Tax, call it the Death Tax, and bring in the flat tax - so that Lazarus can keep Dives well-fed and happy". Just a bit of fun (you can add your own) but when the profound ethic of Christ is so distorted, as it has been with so many "Christians", even the rocks and stones will cry out. revdauphinee answered on 12/03/04: "the profound ethic of Christ is so distorted, as it has been with so many "Christians", even the rocks and stones will cry out." amen and amen the rocks are screaming we just wont hear`! paraclete rated this answer Bradd rated this answer

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MaggieB asked on 12/01/04 - GLEANINGS FROM THE WORD (Copied) Experience an extraordinary God in ordinary life Issue #1,239 November 27, 2004 Cracked Cisterns The truck was running hot and it wasn't long before we were sitting on the side of the road with an overheated vehicle. There was a leak in the radiator hose. I taped the leak, topped up the water and carried on. A couple of miles down the road we were overheating again. Once again I pulled over. This time I found another hose leak. I patched it, but didn't have any more water. We decided to cripple the vehicle in to the next town. We pulled over frequently to let it cool down. The temporary patches weren't going to hold and the leaking got worse. Town was only a couple of mile further, I made the choice to continue to cripple the truck closer to town. Bad choice. Just as the next town was coming into view the motor blew. My leaking radiator hose, combined with bad choices had lead to disaster. We see something similar happening in Old Testament days. When the people of Israel abandoned God and chased other Gods, God spoke through Jeremiah the prophet. Be appalled at this, O heavens, and shudder with great horror," declares the LORD. "My people have committed two sins: They have forsaken me, the spring of living water, and have dug their own cisterns, broken cisterns that cannot hold water. Jeremiah 2:12-13 NIV The things that Israel had done were like my radiator. They couldn't hold water and it lead to disaster. Our nation has done something similar. We founded a country on Christian principles and by and large have walked away from God. He's not allowed in our schools or in our politics. Our society condones twisted values. Our media is full of gratuitous sex, and violence. Obscenities can be heard everywhere. Faith is ridiculed and evangelical Christians are considered politically incorrect. God had some stern warnings for His people when they turned away. O LORD, the hope of Israel, all who forsake you will be put to shame. Those who turn away from you will be written in the dust because they have forsaken the LORD, the spring of living water. Jeremiah 7:13 Those who turn their backs on God face His wrath. That's not a good thing. Yet we can't expect non-believers to know any better. It's believers who are called to be different. We're called to turn to God on behalf of our nations. "When I shut up the heavens so that there is no rain, or command locusts to devour the land or send a plague among my people, if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land. Now my eyes will be open and my ears attentive to the prayers offered in this place 2 Chronicles 7:13-15 NIV How are you doing in the turning back to God department? Does your walk show that you are His? Is your heart pure? Are you interceding for a nation that has turned it's back? None of us can say yes to these questions all the time, but we can gauge if we are making progress or not. All we need to do is look where we've come from and see where we are now. Are we more like Him or are we simply one of the cracked cisterns? Until next time may you be a visible receptacle of Living Water revdauphinee answered on 12/01/04: thank you for this timely posting! MaggieB rated this answer Saladin rated this answer

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Itsdb asked on 12/01/04 - Euthanizing children? Euthanasia of some newborns reported Dutch hospital plans guidelines By Toby Sterling Associated Press Published December 1, 2004 AMSTERDAM -- A hospital in the Netherlands--the first nation to permit euthanasia--recently proposed guidelines for mercy killings of terminally ill newborns, and then made a startling revelation: It already has begun carrying out such procedures, which include administering a lethal dose of sedatives. The protocol announced by Groningen Academic Hospital would create a legal framework for permitting doctors to end the life of newborns deemed to be in great pain--with no hope of relief--from incurable disease or extreme deformities. In August, the main Dutch physicians' association, KNMG, urged the Health Ministry to create an independent board to review euthanasia cases for terminally ill people "with no free will," including children, the severely mentally retarded and people left in irreversible comas after accidents. The Health Ministry's response could come this month, a spokesman said. Three years ago, the Dutch parliament made it legal for doctors to inject a sedative and a lethal dose of muscle relaxant at the request of an adult patient suffering great pain with no hope of relief. The Groningen Protocol on newborns, as the hospital's guidelines have come to be known, says euthanasia is acceptable when an infant's medical team and independent physicians agree the pain cannot be eased and there is no prospect for improvement--and when parents think it's best. Examples include extremely premature births, where newborns suffer brain damage from bleeding and convulsions; and diseases where a child could survive only on life support for the rest of its life, such as severe cases of spina bifida and epidermosis bullosa, a rare blistering illness. The hospital revealed last month it carried out four such mercy killings in 2003, and reported all cases to government prosecutors. There have been no legal proceedings against the hospital or the doctors. According to the Justice Ministry, four cases of child euthanasia were reported to prosecutors in 2003. Two were reported in 2002, seven in 2001 and five in 2000. All the cases in 2003 were reported by Groningen, but some of the cases in other years were from other hospitals. Roman Catholic organizations and the Vatican have reacted with outrage to Groningen's announcement, and U.S. euthanasia opponents contend the proposal shows the Dutch have lost their moral compass. "The slippery slope in the Netherlands has descended already into a vertical cliff," said Wesley Smith, a prominent California-based critic, in an e-mail. Child euthanasia remains illegal everywhere. Experts say doctors outside Holland do not report cases for fear of prosecution. "As things are, people are doing this secretly and that's wrong," said Eduard Verhagen, head of Groningen's children's clinic. "In the Netherlands we want to expose everything, to let everything be subjected to vetting." Groningen estimated the protocol would be applicable in about 10 cases per year in the Netherlands, a country of 16 million people. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Who's next? revdauphinee answered on 12/01/04: Like you my question is "where next?" Itsdb rated this answer powderpuff rated this answer

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HANK1 asked on 12/01/04 - KNOW THYSELF! Why do some people enjoy making negative remarks about other people? Is TEMPER the culprit? I feel that it's not what you say but how you say it. Do you agree? HANK revdauphinee answered on 12/01/04: like flip wilson used to say "the Devil makes em do it!" HANK1 rated this answer Saladin rated this answer paraclete rated this answer

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arcura asked on 11/30/04 - Here is an old dog tale..................... The Old Dog ~~~~~~~~~ A dog had followed his owner to school. His owner was a fourth grader at a public elementary school. However, when the bell rang, the dog sidled inside the building and made it all the way to the child's classroom before a teacher noticed and shoo'ed him outside, closing the door behind him. The dog sat down, whimpered and stared at the closed doors. Then God appeared beside the dog, patted his head, and said, "Don't feel bad fella'.... they won't let ME in either." revdauphinee answered on 12/01/04: good one I heard the same thing said when someone asked why God did nothing to prevent the columbine tradgedy?They wouldnt alow him in! arcura rated this answer

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Uni-Agdistis asked on 11/30/04 - Is this a trend? Ridge Resigns Homeland Security Post Nov 30, 9:02 PM (ET) By KATHERINE PFLEGER SHRADER WASHINGTON (AP) - Tom Ridge, the nation's first homeland security secretary, announced Tuesday that he is resigning after three years of reworking American security and presiding over color-coded terror alerts. He's the seventh Bush Cabinet officer leaving so far. Ridge oversaw the most significant government reorganization in 50 years. He'll be remembered for his terror alerts and tutorials about how to prepare for possible attacks, including the controversial "disaster kits" that caused last year's run on duct tape and plastic sheeting. Amid warnings that the country may face increased terror risks around the holidays and the Jan. 20 presidential inauguration, Ridge said he will remain on the job through Feb. 1, unless his replacement is installed sooner. Comments? Complete story found at: http://apnews.excite.com/article/20041201/D86MICIG0.html revdauphinee answered on 12/01/04: mayhaps the rats are leaving the ship before it sinks?? paraclete rated this answer ATON2 rated this answer Uni-Agdistis rated this answer

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Saladin asked on 11/30/04 - The other side of the story - the negative effects of male circumcision Recent Medical Studies On Circumcision Circumcision Results in Significant Loss of Erogenous Tissue A report published in the British Journal of Urology assessed the type and amount of tissue missing from the adult circumcised penis by examining adult foreskins obtained at autopsy. Investigators found that circumcision removes about one-half of the erogenous tissue on the penile shaft. The foreskin, according to the study, protects the head of the penis and is comprised of unique zones with several kinds of specialized nerves that are important to optimum sexual sensitivity. Taylor, J. et al., "The Prepuce: Specialized Mucosa of the Penis and Its Loss to Circumcision," BJU 77 (1996): 291�295. Circumcision Affects Sexual Behavior A study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that circumcision provided no significant prophylactic benefit and that circumcised men were more likely to engage in various sexual practices. Specifically, circumcised men were significantly more likely to masturbate and to participate in heterosexual oral sex than uncircumcised men. Laumann, E. et al., "Circumcision in the U.S.: Prevalence, Prophylactic Effects, and Sexual Practice," JAMA 277 (1997): 1052�1057. Researchers Demonstrate Traumatic Effects of Circumcision A team of Canadian researchers produced new evidence that circumcision has long-lasting traumatic effects. An article published in the international medical journal The Lancet reported the effect of infant circumcision on pain response during subsequent routine vaccination. The researchers tested 87 infants at 4 months or 6 months of age. The boys who had been circumcised were more sensitive to pain than the uncircumcised boys. Differences between groups were significant regarding facial action, crying time, and assessments of pain. The authors believe that "neonatal circumcision may induce long-lasting changes in infant pain behavior because of alterations in the infant�s central neural processing of painful stimuli." They also write that "the long-term consequences of surgery done without anaesthesia are likely to include post-traumatic stress as well as pain. It is therefore possible that the greater vaccination response in the infants circumcised without anaesthesia may represent an infant analogue of a post-traumatic stress disorder triggered by a traumatic and painful event and re-experienced under similar circumstances of pain during vaccination." Taddio, A. et al., "Effect of Neonatal Circumcision on Pain Response during Subsequent Routine Vaccination," The Lancet 349 (1997): 599�603. Circumcision Study Halted Due to Trauma Researchers found circumcision so traumatic that they ended the study early rather than subject any more infants to the operation without anesthesia. Those infants circumcised without anesthesia experienced not only severe pain, but also an increased risk of choking and difficulty breathing. The findings were published in the Journal of the American Medical Association. Up to 96% of infants in some areas of the United States receive no anesthesia during circumcision. No anesthetic currently in use for circumcisions is effective during the most painful parts of the procedure. Lander, J. et al., "Comparison of Ring Block, Dorsal Penile Nerve Block, and Topical Anesthesia for Neonatal Circumcision," JAMA 278 (1997): 2157�2162. Circumcised Penis Requires More Care in Young Boys The circumcised penis requires more care than the intact penis during the first three years of life, according to a report in the British Journal of Urology. The clinical findings of an American pediatrician showed that circumcised boys were significantly more likely to have skin adhesions, trapped debris, irritated urinary opening, and inflammation of the glans (head of the penis) than were boys with a foreskin. Furthermore, because there are large variations of appearance in circumcised boys, circumcision for cosmetic reasons should be discouraged. Van Howe, R., "Variability in Penile Appearance and Penile Findings: A Prospective Study," BJU 80 (1997): 776�782. Poll of Circumcised Men Reveals Harm A poll of circumcised men published in the British Journal of Urology describes adverse outcomes on men�s health and well-being. Findings showed wide-ranging physical, sexual, and psychological consequences. Some respondents reported prominent scarring and excessive skin loss. Sexual consequences included progressive loss of sensitivity and sexual dysfunction. Emotional distress followed the realization that they were missing a functioning part of their penis. Low-self esteem, resentment, avoidance of intimacy, and depression were also noted. Hammond, T., "A Preliminary Poll of Men Circumcised in Infancy or Childhood," BJU 83 (1999): suppl. 1: 85�92 Psychological Effects of Circumcision Studied An article titled "The Psychological Impact of Circumcision" reports that circumcision results in behavioral changes in infants and long-term unrecognized psychological effects on men. The piece reviews the medical literature on infants� responses to circumcision and concludes, "there is strong evidence that circumcision is overwhelmingly painful and traumatic." The article notes that infants exhibit behavioral changes after circumcision, and some men have strong feelings of anger, shame, distrust, and grief about having been circumcised. In addition, circumcision has been shown to disrupt the mother-infant bond, and some mothers report significant distress after allowing their son to be circumcised. Psychological factors perpetuate circumcision. According to the author, "defending circumcision requires minimizing or dismissing the harm and producing overstated medical claims about protection from future harm. The ongoing denial requires the acceptance of false beliefs and misunderstanding of facts. These psychological factors affect professionals, members of religious groups, and parents involved in the practice." Expressions from circumcised men are generally lacking because most circumcised men do not understand what circumcision is, emotional repression keeps feelings from awareness, or men may be aware of these feelings but afraid of disclosure. Goldman, R., "The Psychological Impact of Circumcision," BJU 83 (1999): suppl. 1: 93�102 Serious Consequences of Circumcision Trauma in Adult Men Clinically Observed Using four case examples that are typical among his clients, a practicing psychiatrist presents clinical findings regarding the serious and sometimes disabling long-term somatic, emotional, and psychological consequences of infant circumcision in adult men. These consequences resemble complex post-traumatic stress disorder and emerge during psychotherapy focused on the resolution of perinatal and developmental trauma. Adult symptoms associated with circumcision trauma include shyness, anger, fear, powerlessness, distrust, low self-esteem, relationship difficulties, and sexual shame. Long-term psychotherapy dealing with early trauma resolution appears to be effective in healing these consequences. Rhinehart, J., "Neonatal Circumcision Revistited," Transactional Analysis Journal 29 (1999): 215-221 Anatomy and Function of the Foreskin Documented A new article describes the foreskin (prepuce) as an integral, normal part of the genitals of mammals. It is specialized, protective, erogenous tissue. A description of the complex nerve structure of the penis explains why anesthetics provide incomplete pain relief during circumcision. Cutting off the foreskin removes many fine-touch receptors from the penis and results in thickening and desensitization of the glans outer layer. The complex anatomy and function of the foreskin dictate that circumcision should be avoided or deferred until the person can make an informed decision as an adult. Cold, C. and Taylor, J., "The Prepuce," BJU 83 (1999): suppl. 1: 34�44. Male Circumcision Affects Female Sexual Enjoyment A survey of women who have had sexual experience with circumcised and anatomically complete partners showed that the anatomically complete penis was preferred over the circumcised penis. Without the foreskin to provide a movable sleeve of skin, intercourse with a circumcised penis resulted in female discomfort from increased friction, abrasion, and loss of natural secretions. Respondents overwhelmingly concurred that the mechanics of coitus were different for the two groups of men. Unaltered men tended to thrust more gently with shorter strokes. O�Hara, K. and O�Hara, J., "The Effect of Male Circumcision on the Sexual Enjoyment of the Female Partner," BJU 83 (1999): suppl. 1: 79�84 Male Circumcision and Psychosexual Effects Investigated Infant male circumcision continues despite growing questions about its medical justification. As usually performed without analgesia or anesthetic, circumcision is observably painful. It is likely that genital cutting has physical, sexual, and psychological consequences, too. Some studies link involuntary male circumcision with a range of negative emotions and even post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Some circumcised men have described their current feelings in the language of violation, torture, mutilation, and sexual assault. In view of the acute as well as long-term risks from circumcision and the legal liabilities that might arise, it is timely for health professionals and scientists to re-examine the evidence on this issue and participate in the debate about the advisability of this surgical procedure on unconsenting minors. Boyle, G., Goldman, R., Svoboda, J.S., and Fernandez, E., "Male Circumcision: Pain, Trauma, and Psychosexual Sequelae," Journal of Health Psychology 7 (2002): 329-343. Surveys Reveal Adverse Sexual and Psychological Effects of Circumcision A survey of the 35 female and 42 gay sexual partners of circumcised and genitally intact men, and a separate survey of 53 circumcised and genitally intact men, and a separate survey of 30 genitally intact men themselves indicated that circumcised men experienced significantly reduced sexual sensation along with associated long-lasting negative emotional consequences. Boyle, G. and Bensley, G., "Adverse Sexual and Psychological Effects of Male Infant Circumcision,". Psychological Reports 88 (2001): 1105-1106. Foreskin Reduces the Force Required for Penetration and Increases Comfort Masters and Johnson observed that the foreskin unrolled with intercourse. However, they overlooked a prior observation that intromission (i.e., penetration) was thereby made easier. To evaluate this observation an artificial introitus was mounted on scales. Repeated measurements showed a 10-fold reduction of force on entry with an initially unretracted foreskin as compared to entry with a retracted foreskin. For the foreskin to reduce the force required it must cover most of the glans when the penis is erect. Taves, D., "The Intromission Function of the Foreskin," Med Hypotheses 59 (2002): 180. Survey of Men Circumcised as Adults Shows Mixed Results Men circumcised as adults were surveyed to assess erectile function, penile sensitivity, sexual activity and overall satisfaction. Over 80% of these men were circumcised to treat a medical problem. The response rate was 44% among potential responders. Mean age of responders was 42 years at circumcision and 46 years at survey. Adult circumcision appears to result in worsened erectile function, decreased penile sensitivity, no change in sexual activity, and improved satisfaction. Of the men 50% reported benefits and 38% reported harm. Overall, 62% of men were satisfied with having been circumcised. Note: Results may be affected by the fact that there was no sample of normal, healthy, intact men for comparison. Fink, K., Carson, C., DeVellis, R., "Adult Circumcision Outcomes Study: Effect on Erectile Function, Penile Sensitivity, Sexual Activity and Satisfaction," J Urol 167 (2002): 2113-2116. Survey Finds Circumcision Contributes to Vaginal Dryness The impact of male circumcision on vaginal dryness during coitus was investigated. We conducted a survey of 35 female sexual partners aged 18 to 69 years who had experienced sexual intercourse with both circumcised and genitally intact men. Women reported they were significantly more likely to have experienced vaginal dryness during intercourse with circumcised than with genitally intact men. Bensley, G. and Boyle, G., "Effects of Male Circumcision on Female Arousal and Orgasm," N Z Med J 116 (2003): 595-596. Early Adverse Experiences May Lead to Abnormal Brain Development and Behavior Self-destructive behavior in current society promotes a search for psychobiological factors underlying this epidemic. The brain of the newborn infant is particularly vulnerability to early adverse experiences, leading to abnormal development and behavior. Although several investigations have correlated newborn complications with abnormal adult behavior, our understanding of the underlying mechanisms remains rudimentary. Models of early experience, such as repetitive pain, sepsis, or maternal separation in rodents and other species have noted multiple alterations in the adult brain, correlated with specific behavioral types depending on the timing and nature of the adverse experience. The mechanisms mediating such changes in the newborn brain have remained largely unexplored. Maternal separation, sensory isolation (understimulation), and exposure to extreme or repetitive pain (overstimulation) may cause altered brain development. (Circumcision is described as an intervention with long-term neurobehavioral effects.) These changes promote two distinct behavioral types characterized by increased anxiety, altered pain sensitivity, stress disorders, hyperactivity/attention deficit disorder, leading to impaired social skills and patterns of self-destructive behavior. The clinical importance of these mechanisms lies in the prevention of early adverse experiences and effective treatment of newborn pain and stress. Anand, K. and Scalzo, F., "Can Adverse Neonatal Experiences Alter Brain Development and Subsequent Behavior? Biol Neonate 77 (2000): 69-82. All in the cause of accuracy and balance. Not that I for one moment approve of physical mutilation on any grounds except dire medical need. revdauphinee answered on 12/01/04: Lets try doing it with a stone and no anesthetic and see how long this practice will last? Saladin rated this answer

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Choux asked on 11/30/04 - *Interesting* Aton gets agitated that we women may think he condones female genital mutilation(his male-muslim "politically correct* term, female "circumcision" a *deliberate* misrepresentation as male *sensation* is not cut in male circumcision)....we woman who have an ounce of compassion for mothers who go psychotic to the max, get branded as supporting and condoning cutting off baby's arms and baby killing a *TOTAL DISTORTION*!! We are *all* sick for the victim babies. Let fair play reign henceforth. revdauphinee answered on 12/01/04: this so called (Politicaly correct)female circumsision !is often done to young girls who are held down and ""circumsised using a dirty sharp stone ,with no anesthetic removing the clitoris in order that the woman can acheive no pleasure from sex hensforth keeping her faithfull to her husband .Only Men could come up with this barbaric practice. Choux rated this answer powderpuff rated this answer

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Choux asked on 11/30/04 - Barbaric Cultural Practice In Africa and the Middle East there is a horrific practice being done to girls (on the average of 6,000 women a day); they are forced to have their genitals mutilated. I first learned of this cultural practice when the wife of President Anway Sadat of Egypt(since assassinated) spoke of how she had been mutilated as a girl. She was active in a movement to bring this horror to light on the world stage. To read about this practice see wwwreligioustolerance.org for more information. Perhaps you will be moved to help these girls. revdauphinee answered on 12/01/04: this barbaric pratice has been done for years and many are aware of it and do nothing ,sad to say there are still lots of societies where women are considered nothing more than chatel also a result of those so called peacefull religions ! Choux rated this answer

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Saladin asked on 11/30/04 - Christians awake! I see some Christians are upset that public schools and public places will not permit expressions of Christmas. To, some extent I understand their discomfort, but I can also see how it might look to thos eof other religions whose faith and cultural traditions are no less important to them than Christianity is to Christians. In the same season that we Christians celebrate as Christmas, recognising the miracle and gift of the Incarnation of the Lord Jesus Christ, whom we hail as Saviour and Redeemer, other important festivals also take place. Among these are Chanukkah and Kwanza. Although I am a Christian, I would not dream of dispossessing anyone of any religion their right to display, perform, enact, or celebrate their particular seasonal rites and customs according to their religious principles and histories or even non-religious rites and cermonies. If we make place for Christmas in public schools and in public spaces, then we must give the same right to others who do not share our faith to do the same in behalf of their own traditions. There seem to be some sleeping Christians who have not relaise that we share this small planet with a variety of faiths, each of which has its traditions and customs, which are held with equal passion and regard to that applied by Christians to their own expressions of belief and custom. Christians should regard the customs of others as sacred, not necessarily for themsleves, but certainly for the people who hold them. Who has the greater right to live, a Christian or a Jew? Who has the greater right to express his faith in public, a Christian or a Muslim? Which has the right to be regarded as the most important religion, Christianity or Hinduism? No matter how deeply and sincerely we believe our own faith, do we have any right to denigrate the personal and sacred faith of others? When we fight for our own faith, ought we not, in the name of justice and as those commanded to love our neighbours as we love ourselves, to recognise our neighbour's right to the feee expression of his faith, and equal rights with Christians instead of demanding that our claims be given paramount place in societies that are increasingly pluralistic, multi-ethnic, and multi-faith? :) Ronnie - 'Hath not God made of one blood all the nations of the world?' revdauphinee answered on 12/01/04: the gospell according to Saladin "Although I am a Christian, I would not dream of dispossessing anyone of any religion their right to display, perform, enact, or celebrate their particular seasonal rites and customs according to their religious principles and histories or even non-religious rites and cermonies" "'THE GOSPELL"" MATTHEW 28:19. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20. and teaching them to """obey""" everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." who is right?? Saladin rated this answer

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arcura asked on 11/29/04 - Sometimes Christ in Christmas wins.............. Nativity scene "one of a kind" in downtown Chicago Monday, November 29, 2004 By The Leader-Chicago Bureau CHICAGO -- On the Saturday morning after Thanksgiving, a group of carpenters and tradesmen donated their time and energies to construct a one-of-a-kind display honoring the birth of Jesus Christ in downtown Chicago. It's "one-of-a-kind" because all others in the world famous Daley Center Plaza annual holiday display fail to mention whose birthday Christmas celebrates. Every year, the "God Squad," a group of volunteer tradesmen, erect one of the world's largest nativity scenes around Thanksgiving and take it down on the last day of December. The God Squad, headed and financed by retired businessman and Catholic activist Jim Finnegan of Barrington and business owner and founder of the Walsh Forum radio program Dick Walsh, have had to make a few changes in their project's construction. Several years ago, someone stole the Christ Child out of the creche's manger, launching a citywide search. The next day, following an anonymous tip, the baby was found in a Greyhound bus station locker. Now the Christ Child is securely chained to the manger and instead of angels protecting the baby, Chicago Police stand guard. The nativity scene's presence in downtown Chicago is based on legal precedence. In 1987, the head of the city of Chicago's legal department, attorney Judson Miner, declared that the nativity scene located on the City Hall's property violated the principle of separation of church and state and that "it was time to get rid of the thing." The late Rev. Hiram Crawford, then-pastor on the Southside of Chicago, and William Grutzmacher, an activist who also fought to have a creche in a Las Vegas-area religious display, determined they would do what it took to defy Miner and to "keep Christ in Christmas." Crawford and Grutzmacher led a group of Chicagoans into the city attorney's office, demanding time with the city attorney. After the confrontation, the creche was moved to the Daley Center Plaza, a long-time venue for expression of free speech, including political demonstrations. That same year, workers from the city's Public Building Commission were filmed demolishing the nativity scene just in time for TV news crews to show to their audiences. Angry calls of protest came into City Hall from as far away as Germany by people saying that they could "not believe this could happen in America." Two years later, a federal court decided on behalf of Grutzmacher to allow the nativity scene display during the Christmas season. The December 4, 1989 ruling by Judge James B. Parsons was made despite the opposition from the American Jewish Congress, the ACLU, American Atheists, and the circulators of a petition opposing the display signed by the late Joseph Cardinal Bernadin, Catholic Archbishop of Chicago. Since that time, the nativity scene has been enjoyed by thousands who go through Daley Center Plaza during the month of December. "We have received cell phone calls from people who are standing in front of the nativity scene, telling us how much they appreciate what we are doing," Finnegan told IllinoisLeader.com. "It would be our hope that other persons would take on the challenge of putting Christ back into Christmas in their area, by being responsible for a similar display in their towns." "Our founding fathers didn't intend to take religion out of the state, they took state out of religion," Finnegan said. "This project will go on forever, that's our intention." Taft Contracting, a Chicago-area firm owned by Dick Walsh, a supporter of the effort, voluntarily provides the trucks and equipment for the God Squad to set up and dismantle the creche each year, and provides storage throughout the rest of the year. The Nativity Scene Committee welcomes inquiries at 847.526.1152. � 2004 IllinoisLeader.com -- all rights reserved revdauphinee answered on 12/01/04: something good for Chicago!oh that the rest of the country would follow suit . arcura rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 11/29/04 - Al Zawahri offers a America a real choice of leaders ---- The results of the elections do not matter for us," Zawahri said in the excerpt, which lasted about three minutes. "Vote whoever you want, Bush, Kerry or the devil himself. This does not concern us. What concerns us is to purge our land from the aggressors." If it's all the same to them, maybe it was all the same to Americans too. What could America do to change this Muslim feeling that it is linked to the devil? Only one thing probally, and that is to become isolationist again. This statement shows how bankrupt Islam is. No Christian would suggest that they were indifferent as to whether the devil ruled america or in fact, any nation. They would pray earnestly against such an eventuality and declare their opposition to it. revdauphinee answered on 12/01/04: we in America need to do likewise " What concerns us is to purge our land from the aggressors."and who are the agressors who atacked on 9/11 sometimes I feel we have forgotten> paraclete rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 11/29/04 - Its a step in the right direction --- UN edges closer to outlawing all terrorism By Anton La Guardia November 30, 2004 After decades of argument over whether one man's terrorist is another man's freedom fighter, a group of international wise men will this week tell the United Nations to outlaw all terrorist attacks on civilians or risk losing its moral authority. The report, requested by the UN Secretary-General, Kofi Annan, and to be released on Thursday, also presents two proposals for expanding the Security Council, the most powerful UN body, from 15 to 24 seats. In the report, a panel appointed to reform the UN said it must send "an unequivocal message that terrorism is never an acceptable tactic, even for the most defensible of causes". This is a slap in the face for Palestinians, Iraqi insurgents, Kashmiri rebels, al-Qaeda militants and other groups that claim to be fighting foreign domination. It is also a rebuke to Muslim states that have for years blocked agreement on an all-embracing UN convention on terrorism on the grounds that it should exclude groups fighting "occupation" or "colonialism". On the question of "resistance to occupation", the report declares "there is nothing in the fact of occupation that justifies the targeting and killing of civilians". The report is from the Panel on Threats, Challenges and Change, which was set up to propose the most far-reaching reforms of the UN since its founding in 1945. Mr Annan set up the panel of 16 men and women more than a year ago after the US-led invasion of Iraq, which went ahead without the council's blessing. The panel is a response to decades of pressure for reform. This was stepped up after the September 11, 2001 attacks, which triggered a global campaign against terrorism. Since the attacks, the US President, George Bush, has increasingly advocated the principle of pre-emptive war to confront perceived threats. The UN report carries added weight because one of its authors is Amr Mousa, the secretary-general of the Arab League, which includes all Arab states and the Palestine Liberation Organisation. The report's section on terrorism argues that "lack of agreement on a clear, well-known definition stained the UN's image". It attempts to break the logjam by proposing a definition which refers to "any action that is intended to cause death or serious bodily harm to civilians or non-combatants, when the purpose of such act, by its nature or context, is to intimidate a population, or compel a government or an international organisation to do or to abstain from doing any act". It is unclear how this would be turned into international law. The problem of defining terrorism has dogged the UN since the 1970s and the entry of dozens of countries that cast off colonial rule, often by force. The report says the problem is "not so much a legal one as a political one". It adds: "Achieving a comprehensive convention on terrorism, including a clear definition, is a political imperative." The Telegraph, London; Reuters So Christians, what's your response to this? Even a godless United Nations can ultimately see through the Muslim rhetoric and declare the truth, Murder is murder. What will there next step be, outlaw abortion. revdauphinee answered on 12/01/04: If the Un mandates terrorism outlawed then what do they plan on doing to enforce such a mandate? Probably nothing as usual! for me I feel we should outlaw the un for all the good it does! paraclete rated this answer

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Choux asked on 11/29/04 - Ultimatum Today, Osama's top deputy al-Zawahir offered Americans "one last advice" for dealing with Muslims::: 1. either mutual respect and exhange of interests, or 2. As if spoils of war. Choose number one or face doomsday. What are male Muslim's interests other than oppressing women, killing Jews, and going to the Mosque??? What is a responsible Christian's reactions to this ultimatum? revdauphinee answered on 12/01/04: Ill show him respect when he reciprocates! Choux rated this answer

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Laura asked on 11/29/04 - I'll never understand it! Schools in New Jersey are banning any religious oriented Christmas carols from schools programs. Also the bands are not allowed to play carols without lyrics as well. This is because last year a "few" people complained that Christian oriented carols, even songs without words offended them and made them feel left out. Ahhhh, poor people!! Now really, isn't this rediculous? Teachers are upset saying that this is erasing centuries of history of music. I agree with the teachers. What about you? revdauphinee answered on 12/01/04: as long as it is equal opportunity banning and not just directed against Christ followers only then keep the faith and celebrate at home and church it may make Christmass even more special. Laura rated this answer

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Saladin asked on 11/29/04 - Was Martin right or wrong? In 1955, Walter Ralston Martin, founder of the Christian Research Institute, a man who dishonestly claimed for himself several bogus degrees including a bogus doctorate, made this statement: "The Christian church today (1955) must face the fact that unless unified action is taken against the tremendous upsurge of cultism in both the United States and numerous foreign mission fields, the church in the next decade (the 1960s) will be fighting for its apologetic life against an enemy whose growth is directly proportional to the church's failure to educate its members to the insiduous doctrines of the cults. "God grant that many will see this grave danger and rise up in defense of the gospel." (The Rise of the Cults," Martin, 1955, pages 128-9) 1) Did Martin's 'Christian church' fail to rise to his challenge and neglect to educate its members? 2) Would it be proper foe Christians to follow Martin's example and lie about bogus qualifications in order to fight the 'apologetic war,' 3) or is honesty still a primary requirement for Christian ministry at all levels? :) revdauphinee answered on 12/01/04: while I personly think cults have been responsible for much harm one also must gard against trying to "force" anyone into any belief system !we have a God given gift of choice to believe or not!It is the desision of the individual. Saladin rated this answer

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kindj asked on 11/29/04 - Per your response to the "morning after pill" question... If guns kill, then where are mine hiding the bodies? DK revdauphinee answered on 12/01/04: guns can only kill when in the hands of a human! kindj rated this answer

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HANK1 asked on 11/29/04 - SQUIRRELS! I have a bird feeder. I also have two 'bandit' squirrels who've been eating bird feed, thus depriving my Bluejays, Cardinals, Sparrows, Doves, Woodpeckers, Finches et als of their daily diet. My feeder sets on a five foot wooden post that sits some 10 feet from my kitchen window! Question: How do I keep those damn squirrels from being robbers? Bird feed isn't cheap! ALL HELP APPRECIATED ... TOTALLY! HANK revdauphinee answered on 12/01/04: you could try greasing the pole the squirrells are using to acess the feeder.If that fails I have some old country recipes for squirrell stew. HANK1 rated this answer

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hOPE12 asked on 11/29/04 - Should school teacher use bad language in the schools? As moral standards decline worldwide, bad language becomes more commonplace. In many lands it is heard frequently on so-called prime-time TV. Thus, school playgrounds, corridors, and classrooms echo with obscenities. Some teachers justify their own swearing and cursing, arguing that their students can then form their own attitudes toward such speech. But such a policy simply allows pupils to adopt these depraved expressions as part of acceptable everyday speech. A wise parent explains in a kindly way why uttering such words is not allowed in the family. He can also forestall the problem of bad language in classwork by checking the school syllabus to learn what books his child will study. If any of the works chosen contain bad language or feature immorality, perhaps he can request the child�s teacher to choose an alternative book with acceptable contents. A balanced approach demonstrates reasonableness.�Philippians 4:5. What is your opinion on this issue? Take care, Hope12 Tony here is a question for you that encludes all People, even Christians! :0) revdauphinee answered on 12/01/04: No I never used it in my home and it should not be used in the school or in my oppinion elsewhere.If one cannot express oneself withour using profanity then you have indeed a poor vocabulary. hOPE12 rated this answer

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STONY asked on 11/29/04 - THERE'S NOT ONE QUESTION ON HERE ABOUT CHRISTIANITY. I GUESS THIS HAS TURNED INTO JUST ANOTHER B.S. BOARD. WHEN THERE'S SOMETHING WORTH ANSWERING I'LL BE BACK.......STONY revdauphinee answered on 11/29/04: Stony why must we as Christs followers be one dimentional??God gave us brains and minds to use! why do you feel it wrong to do so!People who only discus religion turn more people away from the word then ever attract to it.Lord deliver me from fanatics!It is diversity that makes humans interesting ! ATON2 rated this answer STONY rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 11/29/04 - The cause of Global warming has been found to be diectly linked to the slackening in Christian activity, particularly soul saving By John Breneman Scientists at the University of Helsinki claim they have solved the mystery of global warming. A team of forensic diabologists led by the Rev. Dr. Zoltan Fahrenheit found startling evidence that the gradual rise in temperatures around the globe is caused not by holes in the ozone layer or defoliation of the rain forests, but rather by increased activity in Hell. Using a cutting-edge procedure called thermodemonalysis, Dr. Fahrenheit concluded that the incremental temperature climb that has alarmed scientists throughout the world is caused by heat-generating phenomena that can be traced directly to Hades. For example: -- Snatching of souls is up 29 percent over the previous fiscal year. -- Fire-based torture of the eternally damned is up 65 percent, due in part to triple-digit increases in sloth, gluttony and greed during the 1980s and 90s. -- Underworld space constraints have caused a construction boom of blast furnace holding tanks to house new arrivals. The Helsinki report also cited the Devil's incendiary work here on Earth, noting that the FBI is now examining what appears to be charred, cloven hoof prints lifted from shredded Enron documents. The report also charges that Satan and his henchmen control gasoline prices using covert, subterranean destabilization of the oil-rich Middle East. Underworld spokesman Scorchy Crisp roundly denounced the University of Helsinki findings as "all fire and brimstone, no smoking gun." "This is just another example of the Devil being used as a scapegoat for man's innate tendency toward stupidity and self-destruction," Crisp said during a press conference held in a makeshift fiery pit in Helena, Montana. Bernie Burnham, CEO of Lucifer Technologies, a subsidiary of Hades Unlimited, also debunked the report. "The Devil, the Prince of Darkness, Old Scratch -- call him what you will -- has been around for thousands of years perpetrating evil in all its forms. Why global warming now, all of a sudden? It doesn't make sense." The Devil himself was unavailable for comment, Crisp explained, because he was away on his monthly recruiting trip to Washington, D.C. so what do you think? has the reason been uncovered and more to the point what are you going to do about it? revdauphinee answered on 11/29/04: crazy as most folks think I am I couldnt have come up with that one .since geo Bush wont fight corporater polution he can get behind this one! paraclete rated this answer

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STONY asked on 11/29/04 - IT MUST HAVE BEEN AN ATTACK... OF THAT ENZYME IN TURKEY MEAT BECAUSE I LOGED ON WITH NO DIFFICULTY TODAY!! revdauphinee answered on 11/29/04: blame it on tryptophan STONY rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 11/29/04 - It's a shame, it's a shame. Global Warming and Rising Sea Levels Linked to Obesity The sea isn't rising; the U.S. is actually sinking HOUSTON, TX--After years of studies linking increasing carbon dioxide levels to global warming and rising sea levels, scientists have abruptly changed course and now claim "The Greenhouse Effect" does not, in fact, exist. According to the National Academy of Sciences, the Earth's surface temperature rise of about 1 degree Fahrenheit in the past century is actually due to the fact that the Earth's crust is sinking into the earth's core. "The compression of the Earth's crust by 59 million morbidly obese Americans," said N.A.S. spokesperson Carl Correa, "not only causes the waves to crash ever higher onto U.S. shores, but is also expected to lower Denver's altitude from a mile-high to that of Death Valley by 2022." Studies have shown that the increase in average weight of Americans over the past 30 years has correlated accurately with the rise in continental temperatures, and similar linkages have been discovered between rotund German and Samoan populations and rising ambient temperatures. "For Every McDonalds, every Burger King, every Wendy's that goes up," said Correa, "we can expect America to sink another twenty feet into the ground. It's a shame ... a real shame." revdauphinee answered on 11/29/04: so now Im guilty of causing higher sea levels guess ill have to miss my next mc Donalds trip (my grandkids will object ) jeremy_hobbs rated this answer paraclete rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 11/28/04 - A new solution to an old problem? This might be taking deterents too far. Lion eats livestock, farmers eat lion From correspondents in Harare November 29, 2004 VILLAGERS took revenge on a lion that killed their livestock by barbecuing and eating it, Zimbabwe's state-owned Sunday Mail newspaper says. "It ate our animals, so it is only fair that we eat it too," a villager said. The paper said some believed they would get lion-like bravery and strength from the meat. The lion - part of a pride that terrorised the Zimbabwean village for more than six months - was shot dead by parks authorities. revdauphinee answered on 11/28/04: it may have been a solution in that case however we cant become canibals to get even with our enemies! paraclete rated this answer

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Krewton asked on 11/28/04 - Time for some crow. To all I offended with my "Let 'em walk" post. I apologize. It's just that I have two kids and I get very upset when someone harms a child regardless of the circumstance. No question, just a statement))))))) revdauphinee answered on 11/28/04: I fully understand as I have 4 kids 13 grandkids and 2 great grandkids but I also have no doubt that this woman is verry sick and needs help not condemnation Krewton rated this answer

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arcura asked on 11/28/04 - Is the really a Holy Grail? If so where........ The Holy Grail: Fact or Fiction? Janice Bennett on the Legendary Cup of the Last Supper LITTLETON, Colorado, NOV. 28, 2004 (Zenit.org).- The story of the Holy Grail has spawned numerous works of fiction and fantasy, including popular films. The truth about the actual whereabouts of the cup is less clear. One scholar, Janice Bennett, author of "St. Laurence and the Holy Grail" (Ignatius), believes that the cup's history can be traced from St. Peter's journey to Rome, to St. Laurence in the third century, and then to its final resting place in Spain. Bennett holds a master's in Spanish literature from the University of Colorado, and a certificate in Advanced Bible Studies from the Catholic Biblical School in Denver. She is a member of the Spanish Center for Sindonology, based in Valencia, Spain. She shared with ZENIT why she believes that the Holy Chalice of Valencia is the same cup used by Jesus at the Last Supper. Q: What exactly is the Holy Grail? How do you answer skeptics who say it is just a myth? Bennett: For Christians, the Holy Grail is and always has been the cup used by Jesus to consecrate the wine at the Last Supper, the very receptacle that held the blood of Christ in the newly instituted sacrament of the Eucharist. As such, it has been held in high esteem as a historically authentic object that was used by Jesus himself, the relic of singular importance for Christianity because it serves as a symbol for the Bread of Life. People of all eras have wondered what has become of this precious relic, which has generated a considerable number of fantastic stories about knights, monks and kings embarking on a quest to find it. This has been true not only for the people of the Middle Ages, but also for those of us living today, as seen in the continued popularity of the Grail legends and in films such as "Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade," in which Indiana Jones discovers a large number of possible grails in the unlikely location of Petra, Jordan. Unfortunately, the grail he determines to be authentic is the most unlikely historically speaking, because it is made of wood, a porous material that was forbidden for the Jewish Passover. It is undeniable that Jesus used an actual cup for the consecration, and that this cup is a historical object, not a myth. Perhaps because of the mystery and fantasy that have surrounded this relic par excellence, some modern scholars have created a scenario by which the Holy Grail can be just about anything, from the Shroud of Turin to Mary Magdalene. Others define the Grail as nothing more than a personal quest, or an exploration of self, or link it with all sorts of ancient legends and fertility rites, leading to a great deal of confusion about what it actually is. Q: What got you interested in researching its existence and whereabouts? Bennett: My husband and I visited the Chapel of the Holy Grail in the Cathedral of Valencia in the early 1990s. I thought it rather strange that they claimed to have the actual cup used by Jesus at the Last Supper, because I had never heard anything about it in the United States. The only information available was a small leaflet that had been poorly translated into English, which mentioned that Pope Sixtus II entrusted the cup to St. Laurence in A.D. 258, and that St. Laurence sent it to Spain in the hands of a Spanish soldier. It also provided a brief history of the relic in Spain. Years later, when researching relics in the National Library of Madrid, I remembered that leaflet. I searched for information on St. Laurence and found a very interesting translation of a document that was reportedly written by St. Donato in the sixth century, which not only contains a biography of St. Laurence's early life, but also confirms that this transfer had indeed taken place. At the same time I found a small book written by the priest responsible for saving the relic at the start of the Spanish Civil War in 1936. As I examined the photos of where it had been hidden during the conflict -- underneath the cushions of a sofa, in the secret compartment of a wardrobe and in a stone wall -- I was absolutely amazed by the difficulties this relic has suffered throughout the ages. I immediately knew that I had to investigate the history of this cup in depth. The Holy Chalice of Valencia not only claims authenticity, but also has a long tradition and fascinating history that support that claim completely. Q: What is believed to have happened to the Holy Grail immediately after the Last Supper? Bennett: Most scholars believe that the Cenacle -- the room where the Last Supper took place -- and the Holy Cup were the property of the family of St. Mark the Evangelist, who served as interpreter for St. Peter in Rome. St. Mark and St. Peter were very close, and it certainly makes sense that St. Mark would have given the Holy Cup to St. Peter, for the simple reasons that it was very important for the early Christians to use relics in the liturgy and that Peter was head of the Church. Spanish tradition claims that St. Peter took the Holy Cup with him to Rome, where it was passed on to his successors until the Valerian persecution of 258. Due to the extreme danger of the precious relic falling into the hands of the Romans, St. Sixtus II, knowing that he would soon be martyred, entrusted the cup to his treasurer and deacon, St. Laurence. St. Laurence in turn gave it to a Spanish soldier with the request to take it to Huesca, Spain, where he knew that his family would care for it. This very early tradition is supported by many factors: the Roman Canon of the Mass, the fact that the cup is not mentioned in Rome after the third century, various documents and the traditional and historical presence of the Holy Chalice in Spain. Q: What is your theory about the Holy Grail's history and current location? Bennett: Most people believe that there are hundreds of possibilities for the authentic Holy Grail, which goes well with the old saying that if all the supposed relics of the True Cross were gathered together, there would be enough wood for a dozen crosses. This is definitely not the case. It is true that by the 16th century there were about 20 cups that claimed the honor of being the authentic cup used by Jesus at the Last Supper. But today none of these are considered authentic -- with the exception of the Holy Chalice of Valencia and the silver cup of Antioch. The cup of Antioch has a two-liter capacity and is much too large to have been passed around the table of the Last Supper for the Eucharist. What is interesting, however, is the fact that St. Jerome mentions that there were two cups on the table of the Last Supper, a silver cup that held the wine for the meal, and one of stone that was used for the institution of the Eucharist. Only the Holy Chalice of Valencia, with its upper cup of agate stone, fits St. Jerome's description of the cup used by Christ for the consecration. When one examines its tradition and history in detail, it is quite evident that everything makes perfect sense. I don't believe that anything could ever disprove the theory that the Holy Grail is indeed the Holy Chalice of Valencia, Spain. Q: What erroneous tales have modern scholars put forth about the Holy Grail and those involved in its transfer? Bennett: When speaking about the Holy Chalice of Valencia, one problem has been a lack of substantial, factual information that goes beyond the St. Laurence tradition, and another has been the erroneous claim that there are many Grails in existence that claim to be the one given to St. Laurence by Pope Sixtus II. Facts are sometimes mixed with false claims and legendary material in such a way that it casts doubt on the possibility of ever knowing the truth. One serious rival to the St. Laurence tradition, at least in popular opinion, is the legend that Joseph of Arimathea brought the Holy Grail to England. It is based on the poem "Joseph of Arimathea" by the poet Robert de Boron, who confirms the apocryphal legend of Nicodemus, adding that Joseph brought the Grail to Glastonbury, thus joining Christianity to the bones of the legendary Arthur that are supposedly buried there. It relates that Joseph collected the blood of Christ in a vessel that had served as a dish for the bread and the paschal lamb at the Last Supper, and later gave it to the Celtic god Bron who took it to the West as a talisman of immortality. It is not difficult to see that this legend is based on nothing of any substance whatsoever, and the grail in this case is not a historical cup, but rather a dish that doesn't even exist in reality. It is a perfect example of the mixture of fantasy, literature and legend that permeates most discussions of the Holy Grail. Q: Why should the Holy Grail matter to modern Christians today? Bennett: The Holy Grail should matter to modern Christians today for the very same reason it has always been venerated through the ages, as the actual cup used by Christ to institute the Eucharist. How appropriate that this latest "discovery" about the Holy Grail should coincide with the Year of the Eucharist that was proclaimed by Pope John Paul II on the feast of Corpus Christi in June, and began this October. In this yearlong celebration of this sacrament that is so central to the Faith, Catholics are called to honor the Eucharist, to receive it more faithfully and to reflect more deeply on its meaning in their lives and in the life of the Church. The story of the Holy Chalice of Valencia is a beautiful reminder of the importance of this sacrament in the life of the Church, so evident in the care the vessel used by Christ to institute the Eucharist has received throughout the ages. The story begins with St. Peter, the first head of the Church, who brought the sacred cup to Rome to be used in the liturgy of the Mass. It continues with Sts. Sixtus and Laurence, both of whom were martyred for refusing to turn it over to the Romans. The Church in Spain went to great lengths to protect the vessel from the Muslim invasion in the eighth century, and years later we see the same respect and heroic courage in those who saved the cup from destruction during Spain's War of Independence and Civil War. Thanks to their personal strength and dedication, in 1982 the Holy Father became the very first Pope to say Mass with the relic since St. Sixtus II in the third century, and today Christians worldwide are able to venerate this very special cup. This is a modern-day miracle that should give us all cause for deep reflection on the importance of the Eucharist in our daily lives, so that we can publicly proclaim that the sacrifice of Christ is for the salvation of the whole world, as the Holy Father desires. revdauphinee answered on 11/28/04: If it is a cup then it is still just a utensil man should be more concerned with the one who used it than the cup itself arcura rated this answer

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arcura asked on 11/28/04 - Read this snipet from author Daniel Pipes: The Free Muslim Coalition Against Terrorism.... The American Islamic Forum for Democracy, headed by Zuhdi Jasser, is active in Phoenix, Arizona. The Free Muslim Coalition Against Terrorism appears to be genuinely anti-Islamist terrorist, despite my initial doubts... Internationally, an important petition posted a month ago by a group of liberal Arabs calls for a treaty banning religious incitement to violence and specifically names "sheikhs of death", demanding that they be tried before an international court. Over 2,500 Muslim intellectuals from 23 countries rapidly signed this petition. With time, individual Muslims are finding their voices to condemn Islamist connections to terrorism. Perhaps most outstanding is an article by Abdel Rahman al-Rashed, a Saudi journalist in London: "It is a certain fact that not all Muslims are terrorists," he writes, "but it is equally certain, and exceptionally painful, that almost all terrorists are Muslims.... We cannot clear our names unless we own up to the shameful fact that terrorism has become an Islamic enterprise; an almost exclusive monopoly, implemented by Muslim men and women." Other analysts have followed al-Rashed's example. Osama El-Ghazali Harb writes from Egypt that "Muslim and Arab intellectuals and opinion leaders must confront and oppose any attempt to excuse the barbaric acts of these [terrorist] groups on the grounds of the suffering endured by Muslims." From Virginia, Anouar Boukhars holds that "Terrorism is a Muslim problem, and refusal to admit so is indeed troubling." The bad news: There are lots of fake-moderates parading about, and they can be difficult to identify, even for someone like me who devotes much attention to this topic. The Council on American-Islamic Relations still wins mainstream support and the Islamic Society of North America still sometimes hoodwinks the US government. The brand-new Progressive Muslim Union wins rave reviews for its alleged moderation from gullible journalists, despite much of its leadership being well-known extremists. Fortunately, the authorities kept both Tariq Ramadan and Yusuf Islam out of the United States, but Khaled Abou El Fadl got through and, worse, received a presidential appointment. revdauphinee answered on 11/28/04: Its about time Muslims spoke out but its too laittle to late they need to do it more openly arcura rated this answer

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arcura asked on 11/28/04 - Just got this. I share it. What do you think of it. THE LORD�S BASEBALL GAME Freddy and the Lord stood by to observe a baseball game. The Lord's team was playing Satan's team. The Lord's team was at bat, the score was tied zero to zero, and it was the bottom of the 9th inning with two outs. They continued to watch as a batter stepped up to the plate named 'Love.' Love swung at the first pitch and hit a single, because "Love never fails." The next batter was named Faith, who also got a single because Faith works with Love. The next batter up was named Godly Wisdom. Satan wound up and threw the first pitch. Godly Wisdom looked it over and let it pass: Ball one. Three more pitches and Godly Wisdom walked because he never swings at what Satan throws. The bases were now loaded. The Lord then turned to Freddy and told him He was now going to bring in His star player. Up to the plate stepped Grace. Freddy said, "He sure doesn't look like much!" Satan's whole team relaxed when they saw Grace. Thinking he had won the game, Satan wound up and fired his first pitch. To the shock of everyone, Grace hit the ball harder than anyone had ever seen! But Satan was not worried; his center fielder let very few get by. He went up for the ball, but it went right through his glove, hit him on the head and sent him crashing on the ground; the roaring crowds went wild as the ball continued over the fence for a home run! The Lord's team won! The Lord then asked Freddy if he knew why Love, Faith and Godly Wisdom could get on base but couldn't win the game. Freddy answered that he didn't know why. The Lord explained, "If your love, faith and wisdom had won the game, you would think you had done it by yourself. Love, Faith and Wisdom will get you on base but only My Grace can get you Home: 'For by Grace are you saved, it is a gift of God; not of works, lest any man should boast." Psalm 84:11, "For the Lord God is a sun and shield; the Lord will give grace and glory; no good thing will He withhold from those who walk uprightly." revdauphinee answered on 11/28/04: good posting thanks ! arcura rated this answer

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Choux asked on 11/27/04 - Values Revisited I have to say that I was kinda shocked that few came up with values that all human beings all over the world could share. Actually, very shocked. There was even *resistance* at even the thought of common values. Concrete common examples. Here are some concrete examples that all humanity can embrace in my opinion. I need more input here. Try. NO fancy language: 1. No raping women 2. Steal nothing 3. Learn to control anger and work out problems without resorting to violence. 4. Everyone gets shelter, nutrition revdauphinee answered on 11/28/04: Jesus told us to love our neighbours as we love ourselves e do not ever mistreat someone we love so by doing as he said we would cover all the following and more 1. No raping women 2. Steal nothing 3. Learn to control anger and work out problems without resorting to violence. 4. Everyone gets shelter, nutrition Choux rated this answer

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HANK1 asked on 11/27/04 - PIT BULL OR POODLE? Radio host, jock theologian, and shark master Doug Giles: "As I see it, a Christian without a Pit Bull Attitude is a Poodle Christian. What a terrible fate, to be a poodle Christian. A pit bull Christian is a hero and a champion, braver than the bravest, one who laughs at difficulties, dangers, and death. The poodle Christian runs to his air-conditioned doghouse when it starts to get �hot in the kitchen.� Sweetie poodle Christians fear they might lose the curl in their hair if they get too close to the flame . . . too close to the front of the major spiritual and moral battles of the day. Therefore, the poodle Christians choose to hang out within the stained-glass-tinted windows of the Church instead of going out into the real world to confront secular monsters. Yes, the call to battle always seems to find them at covered-dish dinners. . . . It�s time to put down our pusillanimous poodle proclivities and start taking onboard a pitbull-esque tenacity . . ." ****************************** Comments? HANK revdauphinee answered on 11/28/04: anyone who relates Christians to dogs is not ok in my book! HANK1 rated this answer

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hOPE12 asked on 11/27/04 - Follow-up on Murder or Depression, you be the judge. Hi Everyone, Answerway has some very discerning experts and your replies show this to be true. Most people would blame the mother, and yes, she did kill the baby, but was she at fault if not in her right mind. If suffering from PPD, (Post Partum Depression) she had a serious illness. Just as a high fever can cause a person to hallucinate, so to, depression can cause one to do things they normally would find repulsive before. There is a close interplay between the mind and the body. Our thoughts can affect our body and can produce a chemical imbalance in the brain, this can lead to serious depression. Our body, because of deficiencies, disease or physical defects, can also affect our mind and contribute to depression, yes even PPD. What about those around her, should they have seen the symptoms? How much blame should they get? Here are symptoms of major depression. If you know of someone with depression, help them. Where was her family and her husband, why didn�t they notice some of these symptoms below? Don�t you think that someone who lives with a person would notice these symptoms if present in someone you love? What do you think and how much blame should they get? Major Depression: Anyone may suffer temporarily from one or more of the following symptoms without having a serious problem. However, if several symptoms persist, or if any is severe enough that it interferes with your normal activities, you may have (1) a physical illness and need a thorough examination by a doctor or (2) a serious mental disorder�major depression. � Nothing Gives You Pleasure. You can�t find pleasure in activities once enjoyed. You feel unreal, as if in a fog and just going through the motions of living. � Total Worthlessness. You feel as if your life has nothing important to contribute and is totally useless. You may feel full of guilt. � Drastic Change of Mood. If once outgoing, you may become withdrawn or vice versa. You may often cry. � Total Hopelessness. You feel that things are bad, there�s nothing you can do about them, and conditions will never get better. � Wish You Were Dead. The anguish is so great that you frequently feel that you would be better off dead. � Cannot Concentrate. You go over and over certain thoughts or reading material without comprehension. � Change in Eating or Bowel Habits. Loss of appetite or overeating. Intermittent constipation or diarrhea. � Sleeping Habits Change. Poor or excessive sleep. You may frequently have nightmares. � Aches and Pains. Headaches, cramps and pains in the abdomen and chest. You may constantly feel tired for no good reason The Bible says:�Anxious care in the heart of a man is what will cause it to bow down, but the good word is what makes it rejoice.� Proverbs 12:25 A �good word� from an understanding person can make all the difference in the world. I personally feel that yes, it was a very sad situation and my heart aches for the little baby girl, but I am also amazed how families can live in the same household and not see when someone needs help. For this reason, I feel some of the responsibility for this babies death falls on this mothers family. ___________________________________________________________________________- Aton: It is true that there are scams where some women claim PPD, to escape punishment for their actions and that it is used quite often. But in this case the mother literally cut off both the babies arms and watched the baby die, and then very calmly call 911 and told the police what she did and without any feelings or tears or anything. I can tell you that as a parent, when my child cuts her knee or hurts herself in anyway, I panic as a parent. It pains me to see my child suffer. If this mother was in her right mind, how could she cut the child�s arms off and listen to the baby scream and then watch that baby die without any emotion. If that is not mentally ill then nothing is. This lady needs some serious help. If she knew what she was doing, she can fool people, but she can not fool God. That being the case, she then will pay for her actions. But is she truly was sick and had major depression due to PPD, she will still suffer for when she returns to her normal mind, if she does, she must live with the fact that she killed her little baby. That to me is punishment that she will not escape if and when she returns to her senses. Remember even if we fool people, we all must answer to a higher power then the courts of this world. ********************************************************************************************************* If anyone out there is suffering from depression of any kind, remember, no human can read your heart, so pour it out to someone you trust and who can help straighten out your thoughts, before it is too late. Remember too that you are never alone, there is always someone who will listen to you. That is right, God Almighty. He not only listens but also can give us the strength to deal with all things even depression. Also if you individually know someone who you feel is suffering from depression, reach out and help them, don�t hate them but help them. Don�t condemn those who really suffer from depression and can not help themselves. We never know when we ourselves may one day suffer from this horrible condition known as DEPRESSION. Thanks for listening, and good health to you all. Take Care, Hope12 revdauphinee answered on 11/27/04: many people suffer from lots of illnesses with little or no support from family or anyone else I myself in a state of depresion was once told by a family member to get over it,wish it were that easy .the public in general badly needs education on this subject.depression is a devastating disease people need compassion ,they would sympathise ith someone suffering from cancer but a depressed person is told to get over it! hOPE12 rated this answer Pete_Hanysz rated this answer powderpuff rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 11/26/04 - I haven't looked at it this way before but are the Mormoms a form of urban terrorism? Woman upset by persistence of local Mormons | CHICO, Calif. � Whenever she sees the young Mormon missionaries riding bicycles down her street, Dede Maroney's guilt meter goes through the roof. "Oh no, they're here again. They're relentless," said the stay-at-home mother of three, hefting an infant on her hip and looking through the blinds at the three men in crisp white shirts knocking on her neighbor's door. "They come to my neighborhood all the time, and I feel so trapped in here while they spread a false gospel. I wish I could do something." Maroney attends a Nazarene church and considers herself a devout Christian. But she feels helpless against the constant stream of Mormon missionaries. At times when they've knocked on her door she's pretended she wasn't home. One time she gave them cookies. Another time she took the book of Mormon and stomped on it, to their astonishment. And one time she tried to argue the validity of orthodox Christianity, but found herself in a theological maze. And with three kids making demands on her, she doesn't know how to counter-act the missionaries' efforts. "I've thought of starting a Bible study, or a ladies' tea, but I can't even get the house decent," she said, indicating the living room floor strewn with baby toys, blankets and used diapers balled up like softballs. "How am I supposed to host respectable people in here?" Instead, she stands at the window watching them go door to door and "prays hard" that her neighbors will not be home, or will not accept the book of Mormon. The torment only ends when the missionaries ride away. "This is a major stressor in my life," she said. "I feel like doing something violent to them � ripping out their tongues or something. Don't tell my husband I said that." She sighed, sunk into the couch and cast a wary eye out the window, but for now the streets were empty. � revdauphinee answered on 11/27/04: close the door and let them go never heard of any mormon missionaries physicaly harming anyone ,there words may hurt on occasion as I personly have testimony(to long a story to go into now) however I wrote what was said off to imature young men nothing more I think this woman needs therapy if the sight of two young men on bikes sets her of like his! paraclete rated this answer Saladin rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 11/26/04 - In search of the true Jihad? Ministry changes name to Campus Jihad for Christ | ORLANDO � In an effort to broaden their international appeal, Campus Crusade for Christ, the venerable evangelism organization founded by Bill and Vonette Bright 52 years ago, has changed its name to Campus Jihad for Christ. "When the ministry started in 1951, 'crusade' was a bold, evocative word," says Campus Jihad spokesman Tony Ulkes. "Now it has negative overtones and kind of a fifteenth-century ring to it, particularly in Europe and the Middle East, where we're expanding. But 'jihad' is considered by young people to be new and fresh, and it means virtually the same thing as 'crusade'. So we're changing with the times." But some observers call the change a sure way to alienate their core constituency. "This is a grave miscalculation," says church history professor Timothy Wilds of the University of Florida, Miami. "I'm not sure they'll win any more converts, and it's quite possible they'll anger a lot of long-time supporters." The impetus for the change came as the ministry found it increasingly difficult to set up debates with Muslim groups on university campuses because of the 'crusade' moniker. And students recently introduced to the ministry often assumed it was started after September 11, 2001, in response to terrorism. The name changes will flow down the employee chart. Campus ministers will now be called campus mujahideen, or holy warriors. Regional directors will be known as fedayeen Christ. Fedayeen means "one who sacrifices himself for a cause" in Arabic. "With no disrespect meant to Mohammed, we'd like students to join the true jihad � the jihad of Christ," says Ulkes. The change will also solve a small but consistent problem: the inevitable handful of students who joined the group thinking it was the Society for Creative Anachronism, a medievalist group which holds fairs and festivals in the spirit of Olde England. "We're all happy to be rid of the 'crusade' label," says Ulkes. "This is a new day for us." � http://www.larknews.com/may_2003/secondary.php?page=campus_jihad revdauphinee answered on 11/27/04: sory but for me personaly I dont feel Christ would care for his name to be linked with Jehad after the recent actions associated with that word paraclete rated this answer Saladin rated this answer

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Choux asked on 11/26/04 - Golf Course opens in Afghanistan Today, a golf course opened in Afghanistan, and some locals teed off. I guess there is more than one way to "conquer" a country. :D revdauphinee answered on 11/27/04: the Bush administration has teed off a lot of folks LOL!why not the afghanis Choux rated this answer jeremy_hobbs rated this answer paraclete rated this answer

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Krewton asked on 11/26/04 - Let 'em walk!!!!!! I mean basically, that's what the vast majority says here. Who here believes it is OK to murder a child because of post-partum depression? revdauphinee answered on 11/27/04: I dont belive any one here ever condones killing in any form however a person who is mentaly Ill needs compasionate care just as those with any other ilness this is not excusing their actions it is treating the sickness that caused it> Krewton rated this answer Pete_Hanysz rated this answer Saladin rated this answer

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Choux asked on 11/26/04 - Christian Values vs. Values I have been thinking about values off and on for a few months at least, and I wonder what you all think. I think that different kinds of people(Hindus, Catholics(Fundamentalists say that Catholics aren't Christians), Humanists, Jews, Muslims, to name a very few)have "Values" the same or like "Christian Values". What are some specific values we in America and the World can agree on....values for the world. How can we start to unite with common values?? I really would like some input. REgards, Choux revdauphinee answered on 11/27/04: What are some specific values we in America and the World can agree on....values for the world. the ones Jesus gave us Matthew 22: 37 Jesus replied: "`Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' 38 This is the first and greatest commandment. 39 And the second is like it: `Love your neighbor as yourself.' 40 All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments." ) Choux rated this answer

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CeeBee2 asked on 11/26/04 - In its many forms, grace is life's almightiest gift from the Chicago Sun-Times: November 26, 2004 BY CATHLEEN FALSANI RELIGION WRITER When I left the office on the eve of Thanksgiving, it was sleeting sideways. I had neither gloves nor a hand-held windshield scraper thingy, but I did have writer's block, a screaming headache, and a zit between my eyebrows. Mired in the self-pity ring of my own private Inferno, I was feeling anything but thankful. The worst part of what could have been dismissed as a simple pre-holiday funk was that I knew exactly how ridiculous I was being for not feeling grateful for the blessings that have come my way -- and there are many. This unpleasant realization plunged me into the quicksand of self-loathing, which manifested itself most festively in waves of vehicularly induced misanthropy. By the time I arrived home, more or less without incident, about 90 minutes later -- a commute that usually takes 20 to 30 minutes -- I was so foul of spirit, I had to put my head down for a few minutes and then locate some emergency comfort carbs. Hey, no judging! If recent news reports are any indication, apparently even God has the occasional need for comfort food. Why else would God and/or the Mother of God appear on grilled sandwiches, fish sticks and tortilla shells? (Have you noticed it's never in a mixed-green salad or plate of crudite?) A call turns things around While my take-out lasagna was warming in the oven, I flipped on the TV and found "Bruce Almighty" on one of the 129 HBO channels we get. Sure, I'd seen it before -- about a dozen times -- but it had just started and, well, familiarity is comforting, or the devil you know is better than the one you don't, or . . . fine! Jim Carrey makes me laugh. I'm not proud, but it's the truth. After a few silly scenes, I walked into the other room, leaving Bruce (Carrey) to have his meltdown on the boat at Niagara Falls while I checked on my comfort food. Not cooking fast enough. Figures, I grumbled to myself, storming around the house, scaring the cats. Then it happened. The cosmic chiropractic. I checked my voice mail at work, and there was the message I'd been waiting for. Good news. Great news, the marvelous, expectation-blowing sort that catches you off-guard. By the time I put the receiver down, the pall had lifted. I could see clearly now, the, um, sleet was gone. In fact, the sleet had turned into big, fluffy snowflakes dancing on the other side of my window, decorating the street outside with the first snowfall of the season. It was beautiful. And the lasagna was ready. Life is beautiful. And I'm an idiot who doesn't deserve any of it. But that's the thing about grace. And that's why grace is what I'm most thankful for this Thanksgiving. Every Thanksgiving, for that matter, but some years you just see it more clearly than others. Musicians close to capturing it People sometimes ask me why I believe in God. The simple answer -- and it's MY answer, aka, it may not be YOUR answer and that's OK -- is grace. As I understand it: Justice is getting what you deserve. Mercy is not getting what you deserve. And grace is getting what you absolutely don't deserve. Benign goodwill. Unwarranted compassion. The unearnable gift. Scads of writers and theologians have tried to describe grace, but I think musicians usually get closer to capturing it, sometimes with words, sometimes not. Two of the best attempts I've ever heard are both found in songs. The first, from my homey Bono, is from the song he titled "Grace," lest anyone be confused about what he was getting at. "Grace, she takes the blame, she covers the shame, removes the stain," he sings, in a simple tune that sounds almost like a nursery rhyme. "She travels outside of karma. . . . Grace makes beauty out of ugly things. Grace finds beauty in everything." Yeah, he nails it. That's grace. But so is what is described in this short lyric from an old Indigo Girls song that may or may not be about spiritual rebirth. It's my favorite idea of grace. "There was a time I asked my father for a dollar," they sing, "and he gave it a $10 raise." So on the night before Thanksgiving, I moved back to the couch and the TV with my cheesey lasagna and my spiritual $10 raise to contemplate the recent happy turn of events. The movie was almost over and Bruce was lying in a hospital bed, having just been snatched from the clutches of death by a team of doctors and a pair of defibrillators. Bruce, who had been literally playing God for a few weeks, looks up at a bag of donated blood being pumped into his veins, and we know what he's thinking. Earlier in the film, he mocked his girlfriend -- her name is Grace (played ever-so-graciously by Jennifer Aniston) -- for organizing a blood drive. It's all around us Bruised, bloodied and realizing the irony of the situation, Bruce hears a voice and turns to see his long-suffering girlfriend standing in the hospital doorway. "Graaace!" Bruce says, grinning from ear to ear as tears fill his eyes. Exactly, I thought, tears running down my own cheeks. Grace has a way of sneaking up on you like that. When you least deserve it. That was Bruce's way of seeing, and, I suppose, saying grace. This is mine. Sometimes it's another human being who changes your life for the better. Other times it's a half-eaten grilled cheese sandwich or an especially fluffy snowflake. Every once in a while, it's a well-placed call. Grace is all around us. You just have to recognize it. For whatever it is and whenever it happens, I give thanks. ******************************************** May we each be aware of those moments of grace! Thank you, Answerway experts, for often being one of those moments for me. revdauphinee answered on 11/26/04: this was a great piece thanks for posting it. CeeBee2 rated this answer

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hOPE12 asked on 11/26/04 - Murder or Depression, you be the judge. A new mother can experience wide mood swings between feelings of elation over her baby to feelings of depression and worry, according to nurse Cathy Kohm of the Post-partum Programme in Toronto, Canada. Emotionally, the first six weeks after birth are the most difficult for the new mother. Flexibility and a sense of humor, along with understanding and support from others, will help her to cope. �One of the biggest problems I see,� says Kohm, �is women being so intense about doing everything perfectly.� According to the Toronto Star, her suggestions include: �In the first few weeks a woman should let her housework slide, taking time to nest in bed with the baby. She should eat well, take the phone off the hook while she naps with the baby and try to take things as they come.� Here are the signs of Depression: Simple Blues Major Depression Mood Sadness, normal grief Overwhelming hopelessness Self-pity, discouragement Feeling of worthlessness Self-blame and guilt Destructive guilt and self-blame Able to find some pleasure Find no pleasure, no longer care Thinking Remorse or regret Thoughts of suicide Hard to concentrate Duration Brief duration (few days) prolonged duration (two weeks or more) Physical Symptoms Normal functioning Constant fatigue; unexplained aches Slight physical problems Changes in eating and sleeping habits (Temporary) Inability to sit still, pacing, Hand wringing Slowed speech or body motions Why do I place this information on the Board? Well let me explain. This past week a mother of an infant cut off both her daughters� arms while the baby was conscious and alert. Then calmly sat down and called 911 and told the police that what she had just done. The officer on the phone asked her if the baby was alive and she said, no that she died. There was no sadness in her voice nor did she shed a tear. Now the questions are: 1) If this mother is suffering from post partum depression, what should be done about what she has done? 2) Should she go to jail for her actions, or should she be treated as though she is not responsible for her actions? 3) What about the babies life that is lost, is she deserving of any justice? 4) As human beings, what can we do if we are aware of someone who seems depressed? 5) Are we responsible before God to do something about this type of depression so that innocent babies do not need to suffer the way this little girl did before she died? I look forward to your replies. Take care, Hope12 revdauphinee answered on 11/26/04: this poor woman needs help for no one in thier right mind could ever do such a thing . Saladin rated this answer powderpuff rated this answer jeremy_hobbs rated this answer hOPE12 rated this answer

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Choux asked on 11/25/04 - Thanksgiving Dinner a Flop! My dinner was a flop! I have managed to salvage the overcooked turkey breast(maybe) and dressing and some cranberry sauce. I won't bore you with all the dreary details, well,.....no I won't. Nick did not even eat a bite of turkey, he walked away!! The rest is in the garbage. My last attempt at cooking a full meal. No question here for the purists. Just some sharing on a holiday!! :):):) revdauphinee answered on 11/26/04: next time try one of the pre cooked meals they now sell I believe they haVE EVERYTHING FROM TURKEY AND DRESSING TO PIE !sory it went so badlyfor you ,at least you dont have to eat leftovers for two weeks so be thankfull for that at least! Choux rated this answer

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tomder55 asked on 11/25/04 - General Thanksgiving By the PRESIDENT of the United States Of America A PROCLAMATION WHEREAS it is the duty of all nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey His will, to be grateful for His benefits, and humbly to implore His protection and favour; and Whereas both Houses of Congress have, by their joint committee, requested me "to recommend to the people of the United States a DAY OF PUBLICK THANSGIVING and PRAYER, to be observed by acknowledging with grateful hearts the many and signal favors of Almighty God, especially by affording them an opportunity peaceably to establish a form of government for their safety and happiness:" NOW THEREFORE, I do recommend and assign THURSDAY, the TWENTY-SIXTH DAY of NOVEMBER next, to be devoted by the people of these States to the service of that great and glorious Being who is the beneficent author of all the good that was, that is, or that will be; that we may then all unite in rendering unto Him our sincere and humble thanks for His kind care and protection of the people of this country previous to their becoming a nation; for the signal and manifold mercies and the favorable interpositions of His providence in the course and conclusion of the late war; for the great degree of tranquility, union, and plenty which we have since enjoyed;-- for the peaceable and rational manner in which we have been enable to establish Constitutions of government for our safety and happiness, and particularly the national one now lately instituted;-- for the civil and religious liberty with which we are blessed, and the means we have of acquiring and diffusing useful knowledge;-- and, in general, for all the great and various favours which He has been pleased to confer upon us. And also, that we may then unite in most humbly offering our prayers and supplications to the great Lord and Ruler of Nations and beseech Him to pardon our national and other transgressions;-- to enable us all, whether in publick or private stations, to perform our several and relative duties properly and punctually; to render our National Government a blessing to all the people by constantly being a Government of wise, just, and constitutional laws, discreetly and faithfully executed and obeyed; to protect and guide all sovereigns and nations (especially such as have shewn kindness unto us); and to bless them with good governments, peace, and concord; to promote the knowledge and practice of true religion and virtue, and the increase of science among them and us; and, generally to grant unto all mankind such a degree of temporal prosperity as he alone knows to be best. GIVEN under my hand, at the city of New-York, the third day of October, in the year of our Lord, one thousand seven hundred and eighty-nine. (signed) G. Washington Happy Thanksgiving to all. revdauphinee answered on 11/25/04: hope everyone had as great a thanksgiving as did I! tomder55 rated this answer

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Dracula13 asked on 11/24/04 - A THANKSGIVING MESSAGE: Someone once said that laughter is the best medicine. It is! I've come to believe that a sense of humor is as vital as the five senses ... sight, touch, taste, smell, and hearing. Having a positive attitude doesn't require smiling all the time, but there is a link between our basic attitude and our immune system that is too important to ignore. Pass the turkey and mashed potatoes, please. HAPPY THANKSGIVING everyone! Dracula revdauphinee answered on 11/24/04: happy thanksgiving to all and lets get back to the good feelings we have been negative for a while on here wit one thing and another But in spite of often dissagreeing i have great love for all who come to this site and hope eveeryon has lots to be thanklfull for I know I have. jeremy_hobbs rated this answer Dracula13 rated this answer Uni-Agdistis rated this answer Choux rated this answer

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tomder55 asked on 11/24/04 - Bioresearch run amuck From MSNBC Minnesota, pigs are being born with human blood in their veins In Nevada, there are sheep whose livers and hearts are largely human. In California, mice peer from their cages with human brain cells firing inside their skulls. These are not outcasts from "The Island of Dr. Moreau," the 1896 novel by H.G. Wells in which a rogue doctor develops creatures that are part animal and part human. They are real creations of real scientists, stretching the boundaries of stem cell research. Biologists call these hybrid animals chimeras, after the mythical Greek creature with a lion's head, a goat's body and a serpent's tail. They are the products of experiments in which human stem cells were added to developing animal fetuses.............. "What would be so dreadful?" asked Ann McLaren, a renowned developmental biologist at the University of Cambridge in England. After all, she said, no human embryo could develop successfully in a mouse womb. It would simply die, she told the academy. No harm done." You read something like this and you thank God for a source of values like the Bible and the Church: revdauphinee answered on 11/24/04: sory but I have to side with excon on this one if they find a way to cure my ilnesses by using knowledge (and all knowledge comes from God) gained from this then I cannot be totaly against it! tomder55 rated this answer

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Saladin asked on 11/24/04 - Your thoughts and prayers, if you can ... Gay has suddenly been taken ill. It might just be something temprary, perhaps gatric flu, etc., and she might be fine in the morning. But she is suffering tonight and having a hard time of it. I am making her as comfortable as possible and if she is not better in the morning I will have her admitted to hospital. She is frightened. If you can find it in your heart to think of her in your prayers for the next few days, I will be most grateful. Ronnie revdauphinee answered on 11/24/04: sure will, all the sick need our prayers consider it done! Saladin rated this answer

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Uni-Agdistis asked on 11/23/04 - What next!!! In Denton , Texas - a pharmacist ( at Eckerd's ) refused to sell a female customer the morning after pill . She was given a prescription by her doctor and she chose this pharmacy to fill out the prescription . The male pharmacist got with the others ( at Eckerds) and they all agreed to refuse her service , on the grounds they were against abortion . The morning after pill is a chemical abortion and the pharmacist based his decision on moral grounds . The pharmacist received alot of heat afterwards , because he found out later that it was to terminate a pregnancy due to rape . The woman said she felt humiliated afterwards , she crossed the street and filled her prescription at Walgreens . Were the pharmacists at Eckerds wrong for having morals , or should they have gone against their beliefs and sold her the morning after pill ? Do you think there should be litigation or does the male pharmacist have a right to practice his beliefs at the cost of humiliating customers??? revdauphinee answered on 11/24/04: If this pharmasist wishes to work in this feild he has no options as to filling a drs Prescriptins.heshould fill them or quit .I admire his beliefs however in his job he does not have this right! Uni-Agdistis rated this answer ATON2 rated this answer powderpuff rated this answer

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arcura asked on 11/23/04 - OK - Now I'd like to get your opinions on this. This news just came in. What's your opinion? Moderate Muslims, Real and/or Phony November 23, 2004 Boston gives break to terror-related mosque? A new report on the Boston mosque. From WND The 60,000-square-foot Islamic Cultural Center will cost $22 million, according to a report by the Christian Broadcasting Network. The Islamic Society of Boston, which is overseeing the project, allegedly has ties to radical Islam, with its founder, Abdurahman Alamoudi, sitting in federal prison after pleading guilty to charges related to a plot by Moammar Gadhafi to assassinate Crown Prince Abdullah of Saudi Arabia, CBN reported. Another figure tied to the organization, Wahabbi cleric Dr. Yusef al-Qaradawi, has urged Iraqi Muslims to kill American soldiers and has praised Palestinian suicide bombers. Last summer, British Prime Minister Tony Blair condemned al-Qaradawi, who was nearly barred from entering the UK, the network reported. Said Blair, "Let me make it absolutely clear. We want nothing to do with people who support suicide bombers in Palestine or elsewhere, or support terrorism." In 1995, al-Qaradawi told his followers, "We will conquer Europe, we will conquer America!" The Islamic Society of Boston says listing al-Qaradawi as a director was an "administrative oversight'' which, it says, "was subsequently corrected,'' CBN reported. Dennis Hale, a Boston College professor, is pressuring the organization to admit its ties to radical Islam. "This is a mosque that combines Wahabbi theology, Muslim Brotherhood politics and lots of money," he told the network, "and that's a very dangerous combination. Everywhere in the world where that's been found, bad things happened." According to the report, the city of Boston is concerned about neither terror ties nor the fact the bulk of the money to build has come from private individuals in Saudi Arabia. In fact, the city's redevelopment authority sold the society the land for the mosque for between one-quarter and one-half of its true value, CBN reported. "The City of Boston sold land to the mosque for $175,000," real estate developer Steven Cohen explained to the network. "This land was worth some place between $450,000 and $1 million. This is a religious group that can raise $22 million from contributors in the Middle East. Why do they need financial assistance? "So many citizens are asking the question, why does this mosque, which is preaching such abhorrent views, and has access to millions of dollars raised in Saudi Arabia, why is this mosque being subsidized by the city of Boston?" revdauphinee answered on 11/24/04: cause we are dumb enough to feed the dog that bites us! arcura rated this answer

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arcura asked on 11/23/04 - I just got this e-mail...... Do you agree with all or a part of it and if so why and it not whay not? +++++++++++ I know the following statement is politically incorrect, but I don't really give a rat�s behind: I do not trust anyone from the Arab world as far as I could throw an elephant in quicksand. I have yet to hear any Arab condemn the actions of their brethren; therefore I can only assume that the Arabs here support the terrorism. If Islam truly objected to terrorism it would be stopped now, it would not be escalating. And if Arabs were decent people they would NEVER condone the execution of women and children and otherwise innocent volunteers and other citizens ... but they do indeed condone such actions by their silence. In my humble opinion, anyone who feels differently are just fooling themselves. - Mark Cooper - revdauphinee answered on 11/24/04: me thinks mr cooper hit the nail squarly on the head there! arcura rated this answer ETWolverine rated this answer

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Saladin asked on 11/23/04 - The Ultimate Product Test? An electronics mnaufacturing company in the UK has announced that it is stopping making their VCR, because it won't sell and even burglars won't steal them. Is this the ultimate consumer product test, or what? :) Sal - who only buys Korean! revdauphinee answered on 11/23/04: sure is getting bad if thieves wont even steal em!why not buy an American one they are made better! Saladin rated this answer

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sapphire630 asked on 11/23/04 - point of view Boudreaux and Pierre went on a camping trip. After supper and several beers they both laid down for the night, and went to sleep. Some hours later, Boudreaux woke up and nudged Pierre. Boudreaux says, "Pierre, look up at de sky and tell me whatchu see." Pierre replies, "I see millions and millions of stars." Boudreaux says, "What does dat tell you?" Pierre ponders for a minute, den says ... "Astronomically, it tells me dat dere are millions of galaxies and potentially billions of planets. Astrologically, I observe dat Saturn is in Leo. Horologically, I deduce dat de time is approximately a quarter past three. Theologically, I can see dat God is all powerful and dat we are small and insignificant. Meteorologically, I suspect dat we will have a beautiful day tomorrow." Well, despite all of de amazing information coming from Pierre, Boudreaux is not impressed. Boudreaux asks, "Mais Pierre, but *what* does dat tell you?" Pierre is silent and puzzled, and doesn't answer. Boudreaux slaps Pierre across de head and says, "Pierre, you idiot. Someone has stolen our damn tent!" revdauphinee answered on 11/23/04: I apreciate that sinse i live in close proximity to many cajuns sapphire630 rated this answer

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CeeBee2 asked on 11/22/04 - What do you think? an article in today's Chicago Tribune: 'God Gene' may account for spiritual feelings By Bill Broadway The Washington Post Published November 22, 2004 WASHINGTON -- Dean Hamer has received much criticism for his new book, "The God Gene: How Faith is Hardwired Into Our Genes." Evangelicals reject the idea that faith might be reduced to chemical reactions in the brain. Humanists refuse to accept that religion is inherent in people's makeup. And some scientists have criticized Hamer's methodology and what they believe is a futile effort to find empirical proof of religious experience. But Hamer, a behavioral geneticist at the National Institutes of Health and the National Cancer Institute, stands by research he says shows that spirituality -- the feeling of transcendence -- is part of our nature. And he believes that a universal penchant for spiritual fulfillment explains the growing popularity of non-traditional religion in this country and the presence of hundreds of religions worldwide. "We think that all human beings have an innate capacity for spirituality and that that desire to reach out beyond oneself, which is at the heart of spirituality, is part of the human makeup," Hamer, 53, said in an interview at his home. "The research suggests some people have a bit more of that capacity than others, but it's present to some degree in everybody." "The God Gene," published in September and featured in Time magazine's Oct. 25 cover story, is a sequel to "Living With Our Genes," a 1998 book in which Hamer examined the genetic basis of such behavioral traits as anxiety, thrill-seeking and homosexuality. Hamer said his previous research, most notably his work on anxiety, encouraged him to look into the genetic propensity for religious belief. What he found was that the brain chemicals associated with anxiety and other emotions, including joy and sadness, appeared to be in play in the deep meditative states of Zen practitioners and the prayerful repose of Roman Catholic nuns -- not to mention the mystical trances brought on by users of peyote and other mind-altering drugs. A misnomer At least one gene, which goes by the name VMAT2, controls the flow to the brain of chemicals that play a key role in emotions and consciousness. This is the "God gene" of the book's title, and Hamer acknowledges that it's a misnomer. There probably are dozens or hundreds more genes, yet to be identified, involved in the universal propensity for transcendence, he said. Furthermore, the scientific linkage of a gene with chemicals that affect happiness or sadness does not answer the question "Is there a God?" but rather "Why do we believe in God?" "Our genes can predispose us to believe. But they don't tell us what to believe in," said Hamer, whose current research involves HIV/AIDS. Critics in the scientific community argue that Hamer's conclusions are simplistic and speculative, relying too much on anecdotal evidence and too little on testing of the VMAT2 gene to determine other possible connections to behavior. They also wonder whether his findings can be replicated, a necessity in scientific research. "The field of behavioral genetics is littered with failed links between particular genes and personality traits," said Carl Zimmer, a science author who reviewed the book in last month's Scientific American. Some religious leaders welcome the idea of a genetic basis for spirituality and say it validates long-held teachings. "I wondered for a long time why [the concept of] a genetic implant hasn't been put in print or been part of a conversation in the broad theological community," said Bishop John Chane, of the Episcopal Diocese of Washington. Chane also welcomes the notion of genetic universality as a new, deeper way of promoting understanding among people of different faiths -- particularly Judaism, Christianity and Islam, all of which trace their beginnings to the same father, Abraham. Others, such as Bishop Adam Richardson Jr., of the Washington area district of the African Methodist Episcopal Church, said it's hard to quantify matters of the spirit and that attributing behavior to one's genetic makeup "can be a frightful thing." By analogy, saying that people are predisposed to be spiritual suggests criminals are genetically wired to be criminals and have no hope of rehabilitation. Richardson said there's also the danger of people losing hope, of believing their genetic makeup limits their development and personal growth. "In my own system, we do have choice. We always have choice," he said. Hamer said his own religious development began in a Congregationalist church, which he abandoned when he became a scientist. But he discovered new spiritual meaning when he began researching this book. He likens spirituality to the capacity for language: Humans are genetically predisposed to have it, but the language people speak and the religion they practice are learned rather than inherited characteristics. People are designed to communicate through language, but they speak English, French or Chinese because of the part of the world they grew up in. Similarly, genetic makeup may urge people to believe in a Creator or find spiritual fulfillment, but culture, history and environment determine whether one is a Christian, Hindu, Jew, Buddhist or Muslim. Although people can change or abandon that religious affiliation, they may not be able to rid themselves of the genetic propensity to be spiritual. But people can build on and develop that innate spirituality through meditation, prayer and creative arts. These practices can be done inside or outside organized religion, he said. Hamer said he has received numerous comments from people who say the dichotomy of spirituality and religion makes sense. "I always knew this, that I was inclined to be spiritual, even though I've always had a problem with religion," they tell him. "I see more and more people doing things like yoga," Hamer said. "They do it initially because they want to get more flexible and look good and feel great. Then they find that once they spend some time sitting on a mat, doing nothing but concentrating on their body and clearing their mind of everything else, they say, `That feels kind of good."' Such feelings can lead to an intuitive sense of God's presence, Hamer said. "We do not know God; we feel Him." Losing the focus Organized religion can become so codified, so caught up with learned rituals, that the focus on spirituality gets lost, Hamer said. The resurgence of Pentecostalism and other emotion-based religions is one sign of the staying power of inherited spirituality, he said. Megachurches, too, are part of this phenomenon and have widespread appeal because of the emotional aspects of worship, he said. "They have lots of music, video screens, the whole multimedia thing going on," he said. "They're tapping into that [innate spirituality]. It's fun and allows people to get into that spiritual frame of mind." Hamer said more research has to be done to determine whether there is a genetic basis for other religion-related phenomena, including the existence of archetypes, the similarity of creation stories in various religions and the common characteristics of fundamentalism in Christianity, Judaism and Islam. Copyright � 2004, Chicago Tribune revdauphinee answered on 11/23/04: Evangelicals reject the idea that faith might be reduced to chemical reactions in the brain. Not this one!I have always stated that Humans have a God shaped void in them could be a gene ! CeeBee2 rated this answer

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arcura asked on 11/22/04 - Information about the Catholic point of view For Your Reward Is Great in Heaven By: Mark Shea Galatians 6:8-9 For he who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption; but he who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life. And let us not grow weary in well-doing, for in due season we shall reap, if we do not lose heart. Certain non-Catholic theologies tend to divide everything up into "faith vs. works" and speak as though all you have to do is "believe in Jesus in your heart" and nothing you do matters. Such theologies tend to speak of Catholic faith as a system of "grace plus works" and to claim we Catholics think we have to add nice things to the grace of Christ in order to earn divine brownie points and put God in our debt. Today's verse describes what both Scripture and Catholic faith teach. Jesus promises us "reward" not just for "believing in Him in our heart" but for doing what He commands. If we obey Him and continue to do so even when we are persecuted for doing so, we will be "rewarded" greatly. So are we earning our salvation? No. We are incarnating our salvation, putting flesh on the word in our hearts just as the Word Who is God became flesh in our world. We are "sowing to the Spirit," exercising the muscle called "faith" so that it gets stronger. All of this is only possible because grace has already come to us. But when we do it, we discover our capacity for grace increases just as when we exercise our muscles we find ourselves getting stronger. But the whole enchilada � the muscles, the exercise, the food that strengthens us, the very air we breathe � is all gift, all grace. We receive a reward for it is really us who do these things, yet the reward is God Himself for it is really He enables us to do them. "I am your shield, your reward shall be very great" (Gn 15:1). revdauphinee answered on 11/23/04: "all you have to do is "believe in Jesus in your heart" and nothing you do matters" this is not so yes all that is required for salvation is belief in Jesus however wih that belief comes an ardent desire to do good works however ione is not save by those works.And "everything" you do matters if you follow Christ for one cannot follow and have a close relationship with him and do evil it just is not possible! arcura rated this answer

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Saladin asked on 11/22/04 - UN Inquiry into the Iraq Oil-for-Food Programme Volcker's Oil-for-Food Inquiry: I'm Concerned by Marinka Peschmann, Special to Canada Free Press October 25, 2004 Over 3,500 humanitarian vendors and UN agencies in contracts with Saddam Hussein's Iraq received approximately $32.6 billion in sales for various goods and services during the 1996-2003 UN Food-for-Oil Program according to the Independent Inquiry Committee into the United Nations Oil-for-Food Program released last week. Under Hussein's reign Iraqis were brutalized, denied basic medical care and so far over 256 mass graves have been uncovered. Saddam Hussein has not been questioned by the Independent Inquiry Committee, spearheaded by former U.S. chairman of the Federal Reserve Paul Volcker, but remains a possibility. Volcker was appointed last April by UN Secretary-general Kofi Annan to head the inquiry, one of several ongoing probes into the UN Oil-for-Food program. Volcker met briefly with Annan last Thursday before releasing the names of the humanitarian vendors and 248 companies who bought oil from Iraq under contracts totaling $64.2 billion dollars. "We [the committee] have some hopes that with having all the names out there it may encourage people to come forward,' said Volcker. "We invite people to come forward with regard to information they may have that they think is relevant." Secretary-general Annan maintains he is "encouraged that the Committee is working diligently on the inquiry and looks forward to receiving its final report," but conceded "that the constant campaign" into the Oil-for-Food Program "has, and the discussions have, hurt the UN." "It has done damage, yes." Annan said. Saddam Hussein's government siphoned at least $2 billion from the UN's Oil-for-Food Program mostly though oil sales using kickbacks and surcharges according to Charles Duelfer, who released his report earlier this month. Duelfer's report further documented that "overall, illicit revenue streams meant to circumvent the sanctions gave Iraq an additional $11 billion." Duelfer determined that Iraq's military spending soared from "$7.8 million in 1998 to $350 million in 2001." He noted that Hussein's most lucrative route to crush the sanctions began in the early 90s and came from direct agreements with governments to the tune of $7.5 billion. The list of 248 companies from countries who participated in the Oil-for-Food Program includes: Russia: 35, United Arab Emirates: 12, France: 8, Syria: 7, Turkey: 6, Jordan: 6, United States: 4, Sudan: 1, Canada: 1 Volcker cautioned that participation in the program "does not in itself carry an implication of illicit, unethical or corrupt behavior." Some companies on the list have been determined to be offshore and described as "fly-by-night," and "fronts." Volcker stated he "will not make allegations as we go along." Volcker's $30 million budget is "provided by the UN" and authorized by resolution of the Security Council. He balked at the suggestion of any conflict of interest insisting his Committee is independent. Promising a full disclosure of the Committee's spending, "I believe that this investigation is very much in the interest of Iraq," said Volcker. "It may result in Iraq getting more money back then they would otherwise get." Part of his committee's mandate is to examine "the manner in which the United Nations and related agencies administered the distribution of humanitarian aid" to provide "food and drugs to education, recreation, electrical infrastructure, communications, transportation and agriculture" in Iraq. "Obviously, the UN must be concerned about these allegations. I'm concerned about these allegations." Volcker said, stressing he will go "wherever the facts lie." He emphasized that the accusations of corruption in the UN "are a priority." On Saturday, the Associated Press reported, "Interviews with dozens of former and current Iraqi officials by [U.S.] congressional investigators have produced new evidence that Saddam Hussein micro-managed business deals under the UN oil-for-food program to maximize political influence with important foreign governments like Russia and neighboring Arab states." Volcker expects to release his findings by late spring 2005. Marinka Peschmann is a freelance writer whose first book collaboration, the best-selling The Kid Stays In The Picture; was made into a documentary. She's contributed to several books and stories ranging from showbiz and celebrities to true crime and politics. (C) Marinka Peschmann ------------------------- revdauphinee answered on 11/23/04: if the un has nothing to hide why not let themselves be audited ?anan and his son and others profited greatly from this venture ,and who knows how many oth s? Saladin rated this answer

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Choux asked on 11/22/04 - Emu-s on the Run Today in Chicagoland, there are a number of Emu-s running wild in the northern suburbs. I kid you not! The police are trying to figure out where they came from. Clete? Math? They are Christian Emu-s so the post does go here. :) revdauphinee answered on 11/23/04: My daughter owns emus they are one of the stupidest animals God ever created,I always say he made them as one of his first animals cause he has improved on them greatly Choux rated this answer paraclete rated this answer

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lucpi asked on 11/22/04 - Dirty linen I am a member of the public & an Answerway user. Recently there have been many disputes & bickering among the experts on the Christianity Board which would surely give a bad impression to the public & affect Answerway's image. I wonder why the differences among the experts are not settled in the Discussion Forum or the Experts Forum(I heard there's one)rather than having them here on the public board which would be an eyesore. Do you experts have to wash your dirty linen in public? revdauphinee answered on 11/23/04: if one has something to dispute it is better do air in public for we have no secrets to keep we here do not always agree for me it is the diversity that keeps us interesting I personaly can vehemntly disagree with you and still respect you as a person as several folks here can testify.what a boring thing Gods creation would be were we all alike ! Choux rated this answer lucpi rated this answer jeremy_hobbs rated this answer

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jeremy_hobbs asked on 11/22/04 - Just wondering? People believed in God before Jesus. What happened to them? Was there any revelation that Jesus was to come? And if so,to whom? revdauphinee answered on 11/23/04: Sure people worshioed God before Jesus they still do they are Jews as for Saladin bit Mohamed came after Jesus and sence the muslims who did not exist before Christ.Also as for Ishmael He was not the chil;d of the mariage God said Hebrews 11:1818. "It is through Isaac that your offspring will be reckoned." jeremy_hobbs rated this answer

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hOPE12 asked on 11/22/04 - Hello all. Hello Everyone, I put together a little something on a more positive note. Those who are thinking of leaving this board, please read this first. For all the negative things we say to ourselves, God has a positive answer. This is something that we all need to reflect on periodically, t's impossible. God Say: All things are possible. Luke 18:27 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ I am loaded down. God Say: I will refresh you. Matt. 11:28-30 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Nobody really loves me. God Say: With h a love to time indefinite I have loved you. Jer. 31:3 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ I am weak. God Say: I will make you strong. . 1 Pet. 5:10 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ I fall short in doing what is right. God Say: Get up! Prov.24:16 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ I just can't go on. God Say: I will give you power beyond what is normal. 2 Cor. 4:7 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- I can't do it God Say: You can do all things with my strength. Phil. 4:13 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- I really can't figure things out. God Say: I will direct your steps. Prov. 3:5,6. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Sometimes I feel like I want to give up. God Say: Please don't! Fight the fine fight of faith. 1 Tim 6:11 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- I am not able. God says: What you can not do, I am able. 2 Cor 9:8 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- It's not worth it. God says: It will be worth it soon. Rom. 8:28 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- I feel so unworthy. God says: You are counted worthy. 2 Thess. 1:5 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- I have sinned. God says: I am ready to forgive. Ps. 86:5 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- I can't forgive God says: I forgive in a large way. Isa 55:7 Ro 8:1 1 John 1:9 ------------------------------------------------------- My heart condemns me. God says: I am greater then your heart. 1 John 3:19 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ I can't do. God says: I will supply all your needs. Philp 4:19 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ I don't have enough faith. God says: I gave all, a measure of faith. Ro 12:3 Matt 7:7 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- I�m afraid. God says: I have not given you a spirit of fear. Be Strong! 2 Tim 1:7 Isa 35:4 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- I�m always worried and frustrated. God says: Cast all your cares on me. 1 Peter 5:7 ----------------------------------------------------- �I�m not smart enough. God says: I give wisdom generously. 1 Cor. 1:30;1:5 ------------------------------------------------------- I feel rejected. God says: You can be my servant, I have not rejected you. Isa 41:9 ------------------------------------------------------- I feel abandoned. God says: I will never leave you or forsake you. Heb. 13:5 ------------------------------------------------------- I am loonely. God says: Do not be afraid, for I am with you. Isa. 41:10 ------------------------------------------------------- I feel helpless. God says: I will fortify you. I will really help you. Isa 41:11 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- I am anxious over many things. - God says: Do not be anxious over anything. Philip. 4:6 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- I am angry with myself and others. God says: Let anger alone and leave rage. Ps. 37:8 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- I cry a lot. God says: Your tears are precious and are kept in my skin bottle.----Ps 56.8 ------------------------------------------------------- No one seems to care. God says: I really care for you. 1 Peter 5:7 ------------------------------------------------------- I feel lost God says: I have found you and you me. Luke 15:24 ------------------------------------------------------- I am hurt God says: Let it go! Eccl. 7:9 ------------------------------------------------------- I am depressed. God says : Lean on me, I will make your way straight. Pov. 3:6 ------------------------------------------------------- I feel worn out. Godsays. Hope in me and you will regain power. Isa 40:13 ------------------------------------------------------- I can�t wait. God says: Hang on just a little while longer. Ps. 37:10 AS A HUMAN BEING TREAT EACH OTHER WITH THE LOVE THAT GOD HIMSELEF TREATS EACH OF US. revdauphinee answered on 11/23/04: THANKS HOPE i HOPE YOU DONT MIND BUT I JUST PRINTED HISA OUT TO GIVE TO A FRIEN WHO USES ALL THOSE AS EXCUSES hOPE12 rated this answer

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ETWolverine asked on 11/22/04 - Saladin: Oil-for-Food Scam Saladin, In one of your ratings of Revdauphinee comment about the UN being a joke because of the Oil-for-Food scam, you asked: >>>What are the known facts about the UN's complicity in Hussein's criminal diversion of these funds?<< Well, here is the answer. The Oil-for-Food Scam: What Did Kofi Annan Know, and When Did He Know It? Claudia Rosett For years, the United Nations Oil-for-Food program was just one more blip on the multilateral landscape: a relief program for Iraq, a way to feed hungry children in a far-off land until the world had settled its quarrels with Saddam Hussein. Last May, after the fall of Saddam, the UN Security Council voted to lift sanctions on Iraq, end Oil-for-Food later in the year, and turn over any remaining business to the U.S.-led authority in Baghdad. On November 20, with some ceremony, UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan lauded the program�s many accomplishments, praising in particular its long-serving executive director, Benon Sevan. The next day, Oil-for-Food came to an end. But it has not ended. Suddenly, Oil-for-Food is with us again, this time splashed all over the news as the subject of scandal at the UN: bribes, kickbacks, fraud, smuggling; stories of graft involving tens of billions of dollars and countless barrels of oil, and implicating big business and high officials in dozens of countries; allegations that the head of the program himself was on the take. In February, having at first denied any wrongdoing, Sevan stopped giving interviews and was then reported to be on vacation, heading into retirement. By March, the U.S. Congress was preparing to hold hearings into Oil-for-Food. Kofi Annan, having denied any knowledge of misdeeds by UN staff, finally bowed to demands for an independent inquiry into the UN program, saying, "I don�t think we need to have our reputation impugned." The tale has been all very interesting, and all very complicated. For those who look yearningly to the UN for answers to the world�s problems, it has provoked, perhaps, some introspection about the pardonable corruption that threatens even the most selfless undertakings. For those who believe the UN can do nothing right, Oil-for-Food, whatever it was about, is a delicious vindication that everyone and everything at the world organization is crooked, the institution a fiasco, and politicians who support it fit for recall at the next electoral opportunity. The excitement may be justified, but a number of important facts and conclusions have gone missing. Oil-for-Food, run by the UN from 1996 to 2003, did, in fact, deliver some limited relief to Iraqis. It also evolved into not only the biggest but the most extravagant, hypocritical, and blatantly perverse relief program ever administered by the UN. But Oil-for-Food is not simply a saga of one UN program gone wrong. It is also the tale of a systematic failure on the part of what is grandly called the international community. Oil-for-Food tainted almost everything it touched. It was such a kaleidoscope of corruption as to defy easy summary, let alone concentration on the main issues. But let us try. Oil-for-Food had its beginnings in the UN sanctions imposed on Iraq following Saddam Hussein�s August 1990 invasion of Kuwait. These prohibited UN member states from trading with Iraq until the regime had satisfactorily disarmed. Saddam refused to comply, and in the aftermath of the first Gulf war the sanctions remained in place. (Even under sanctions, Iraqis were theoretically allowed to import essential foods and medicines, but Saddam�s repressive system prevented them from earning the necessary foreign exchange.) Reports fed by Saddam�s regime soon began to surface that the sanctions were imposing severe suffering on ordinary Iraqis. The UN, then led by Secretary-General Javier Perez de Cuellar, broached the idea of allowing Iraq to sell oil in limited quantities, strictly to buy relief supplies. At first, Saddam resisted this, too. But in the mid-1990�s, perhaps because he was feeling the pinch, or quite likely because he had by then seen ways and built up the leverage to turn such a plan to his advantage, he finally agreed. On April 14, 1995, the UN (then under Boutros Boutros-Ghali) passed Resolution 986, authorizing as a "temporary measure" what become known as the Oil-for-Food program, and then spent months working out with Saddam the details of implementation. From the start, the program was poorly designed. Saddam had blamed the fate of starving Iraqi children on the sanctions regime and specifically on the United States. Seeking to address these charges, the Clinton administration went looking for a compromise; with the Secretariat in the lead, the Security Council agreed to conditions on Oil-for-Food that were, to say the least, amenable to manipulation. Saddam, the author of the miseries of Iraq, was given the right to negotiate his own contracts to sell Iraqi oil and to choose his own foreign customers. He was also allowed to draw up the shopping lists of humanitarian supplies�the "distribution plans"�and to strike his own deals for these goods, picking his foreign suppliers. The UN also granted Saddam a say in the choice of the bank that would mainly handle the funds and issue the letters of credit to pay these suppliers; the designated institution was a French bank now known as BNP Paribas.1 To be sure, the UN reserved for itself the authority to reject Saddam�s proposed contracts and his plans for distribution of goods inside Iraq; to control the program�s bank accounts; and to ensure that Saddam�s buying and selling were in compliance with the UN�s humanitarian plan. As spelled out in Resolution 986, oil was to be sold "at fair-market value," and the proceeds were to pay solely for goods and services that would be used "for equitable distribution of humanitarian relief to all segments of the Iraqi population throughout the country." To all this, the UN added another twist. Unlike most of its relief programs, in which both the cost of the relief itself and UN overhead were paid for by contributions from member states, Oil-for-Food would in every respect be funded entirely out of Saddam�s oil revenues. The UN Secretariat would collect a 2.2-percent commission on every barrel of Iraqi oil sold, plus 0.8 percent to pay for UN weapons inspections in Iraq. If the aim of this provision was to make Saddam bear the cost of his own obstinacy, the effect was to create a situation in which the UN Secretariat was paid handsomely, on commission, by Saddam�to supervise Saddam. And the bigger Oil-for-Food got, the bigger the fees collected by Annan�s office. Over the seven years of the program, oil sales ultimately totaled some $65 billion. On the spending side, the UN says $46 billion went for aid to Iraq, and $18.2 billion was paid out as compensation to victims of Saddam�s 1990-91 occupation of Kuwait. As for commissions to the Secretariat, these ran to about $1.9 billion, of which $1.4 billion was earmarked for administrative overhead for the humanitarian program (the UN says it turned over $300 million of this to help pay for relief, but no public accounting has ever been given) and another $500 million or so for weapons inspections in Iraq. Discrepancies in these numbers can be chalked up to interest paid on some of the funds, exchange-rate fluctuations, or simply the murk in which most of the Oil-for-Food transactions remain shrouded to this day. Whether Saddam should have enjoyed the right to dispose of all Iraqi oil was never questioned. In Iraq, oil was the province of a state monopoly, which Saddam in effect claimed for his own, and on that basis was the UN deal struck. The arrangement actually helped strengthen Saddam�s chokehold at home. With sanctions effectively forbidding all other foreign commerce, Iraq�s only legitimate trade was whatever flowed through Saddam�s ministries under the supervision of the UN program. Thus the UN gave to Saddam the entire import-export franchise for Iraq, taking upon itself the responsibility for ensuring that he would use this arrangement to help Iraq�s 26 million people. The success of the program depended wholly on the UN�s integrity, competence, and willingness to prevent Saddam from subverting the setup to his own benefit. This was perhaps an impossible brief. But the Secretariat eagerly shouldered the burden, accepting along with it the commissions that flowed straight from Iraq�s oil spigots. Introduced as an ad-hoc deal, Oil-for-Food soon took on the marks of a more permanent arrangement. It was a project in which Annan had a direct hand from the beginning. As Under-Secretary General, he had led the first UN team to negotiate with Saddam over the terms of the sales under Oil-for-Food. The first shipment went out in December 1996; the following month, Annan succeeded Boutros-Ghali as Secretary-General. Nine months later, in October 1997, Annan tapped Benon Sevan, an Armenian Cypriot and longtime UN official, to consolidate and run the various aspects of the Iraq relief operation under a newly established agency called the Office of the Iraq Program (but usually referred to simply as Oil-for-Food). Sevan served as executive director for the duration, reporting directly to Annan. The program was divided into roughly six-month phases; at the start of each phase, Sevan would report and Annan would recommend the program�s continuation to the Security Council, signing off directly on Saddam�s "distribution plans." An issue that would later become important was how, precisely, the responsibilities for executing the program were parceled out between the Security Council�a committee of fifteen member states�and the Secretariat, run by Annan. All of Saddam�s proposed contracts flowed through the Security Council, which doubled as the Iraq "sanctions committee." But in practice, the fifteen member governments were mostly on the watch for so-called dual-use items: goods that might be used to make weapons. As it turned out, only two of the five permanent, veto-wielding members appear to have done any overseeing at all. These were the UK and the U.S., both of which had almost no direct business with Saddam�s Iraq. The UN representatives of the other three�France, Russia, and China�devoted their energies chiefly to urging expansion of the program and forwarding the paperwork submitted by the many contractors in their respective nations whom Saddam had selected as his buyers and suppliers. As for the ten rotating members of the Security Council, some�like Syria�were among Saddam�s favored trading partners, while most of the others lacked the resources to keep track of the huge volume of business the program soon generated. If final responsibility lay anywhere at all, it lay with the Secretariat. It was this body that fielded a substantial presence in Iraq (the U.S., apart from weapons inspectors ejected early on, had none), employing at the height of the program some 3,600 Iraqis plus 893 international staff working in Iraq for the nine UN agencies coordinated by the Oil-for-Food office; another 100 or so were employed back in New York. The Secretariat was the keeper of the contract records and the books, and controller of the bank accounts, with sole power to authorize the release of Saddam�s earnings to pay for imports to Iraq. The Secretariat arranged for audits of the program, was the chief interlocutor with Saddam, got paid well for its pains, and disseminated to the public extremely long reports in which most of the critical details of the transactions were not included. One of the first changes introduced by Sevan was greater secrecy. According to John Fawcett, the co-author of a 70-page report on Saddam�s finances released in 2002 by the Washington-based Coalition for International Justice, the UN had been fairly open about the specifics of Saddam�s contracts during the first year of the program. From about 1998 on, however, it categorized the most germane details as "proprietary"�carefully guarding Saddam�s privacy in his business deals. Thus, there was no disclosure of such basic information as the names of individual contractors or the price, quality, or quantity of goods involved in any given deal�all vital to judging the integrity of contracts. Instead, the Office of the Iraq Program released long lists representing billions of dollars in business but noting only the date, country of origin, whether or not the contract had been approved for release of funding, and highly generic descriptions of goods. Typical of the level of detail were notations like "electric motor" from France, "adult milk" from Saudi Arabia, "detergent" from Russia, "cable" from China. Who in particular might be profiting, or at what price, was kept confidential. Nor did the UN disclose interest paid on the Oil-for-Food accounts at BNP Paribas or (possibly) other banks, which toward the end of the program held balances of more than $12 billion. Nor did it ever share with the public the details of how the $1.9 billion in commissions flowing from Saddam for aid and arms inspections (the latter were discontinued from late 1998 to late 2002) were spent by the UN Secretariat. The year 1998, the first full year of the program under Sevan�s directorship, is of special interest in this connection. For starters, if evidence cited in the Wall Street Journal turns out to be correct, this was the year in which Saddam�s government may have begun covertly sending gifts of oil to Sevan himself by way of a Panamanian firm. It was also the year in which the UN terminated a contract with a UK-based firm, Lloyd�s Register, for the crucial job of inspecting all Oil-for-Food shipments into Iraq, and replaced it with a Swiss-based firm, Cotecna Inspections, with ties to Kofi Annan�s son Kojo. At the time, neither Cotecna nor the UN declared these ties as a possible conflict of interest, which they were.2 Also in 1998, at Sevan�s urging, the UN expanded Oil-for-Food to allow Saddam to import not just food and medicine but oil-industry equipment, and at Annan�s urging more than doubled the amount of oil Iraq was allowed to sell, raising the cap from roughly $4 billion to more than $10 billion per year. That same year, after much hindering and dickering, Saddam threw out the UN weapons inspectors�forbidding their return until the U.S. and Britain finally forced the issue four years later. This brings us to 1999-2000, when, following Sevan�s urging, the program expanded yet further; with more funds devoted to the oil sector, and with the weapons inspectors gone, the UN now removed the limits on sales. In 2000, Saddam enjoyed a blockbuster year. By this time he was not only selling vastly more oil but had institutionalized a system for pocketing cash on the side. It worked like this. Saddam would sell at below-market prices to his hand-picked customers�the Russians and the French were special favorites�and they could then sell the oil to third parties at a fat profit. Part of this profit they would keep, part they would kick back to Saddam as a "surcharge," paid into bank accounts outside the UN program, in violation of UN sanctions. By means of this scam, Saddam�s regime ultimately skimmed off for itself billions of dollars in proceeds that were supposed to have been spent on relief for the Iraqi people. When the scheme was reported in the international press�in November 2000, for example, Reuters carried a long dispatch about Saddam�s demands for a 50-cent premium over official UN prices on every barrel of Iraqi oil�the UN haggled with Saddam but did not stop it. Beyond that, Saddam had also begun smuggling out oil through Turkey, Jordan, and Syria. This was in flagrant defiance of UN sanctions and made a complete mockery of Oil-for-Food, whose whole point was to channel all of Saddam�s trade. The smuggling, too, was widely reported in the press�and shrugged off by the UN. In the same period, Saddam imposed his own version of sanctions on the U.S., demanding that Oil-for-Food funds be switched from dollars into euros. The UN complied, thereby making it even harder for observers to keep track of its largely secretive and confusing bookkeeping. As Oil-for-Food grew in size and scope, the U.S. mission to the UN began putting a significant number of its relief contracts on hold for closer scrutiny. Both Sevan and Annan complained publicly and often about these delays, describing them as injurious to the people of Iraq and urging the Security Council to push the contracts through faster. What Sevan did not convey was that, by 2000, complaints had begun reaching him about Iraqi government demands for kickbacks from suppliers on the relief side. These (according to a recent report in the Financial Times) Sevan simply buried, telling complainants to submit formal documents to the Security Council through their countries� UN missions (something they had no incentive to do since Saddam would most likely have responded by scrapping the deals altogether). By 2002, the sixth year of the program, it was no longer credible that the UN Secretariat could be clueless about Saddam�s systematic violations and exploitation of the humanitarian purpose of Oil-for-Food. On May 2, in a front-page story by Alix M. Freedman and Steve Stecklow, the Wall Street Journal documented in detail Saddam�s illicit kickbacks on underpriced oil contracts, noting that "at least until recently, the UN has given Iraq surprising influence over the official price of its oil." In fact, against the resistance of Russia, France, China, and the UN Secretariat, the U.S. and Britain had been trying to put a halt to the kickbacks through an elaborate system to enforce fairer pricing�but with only limited success. Sevan, clearly aware of the scam, was quoted in the Journal article as saying he had "no mandate" to stop it. Apparently, however, there was a near-boundless mandate for the Secretariat to expand the scope of the spending. A mere fortnight later, on May 14, 2002, the Security Council passed a resolution cutting itself out of the loop entirely on all Oil-for-Food contracts deemed humanitarian, and giving direct power of approval to the Secretary-General. Henceforth, the Security Council would confine its oversight to items of potential dual use, such as chemical spraying equipment, or forbidden goods like highly enriched uranium, nuclear-reactor components, and the like. Unimpeded responsibility for the "humanitarian" aspect of the program fell to Annan. The next month, "humanitarian" became a broad category indeed. On June 2, Annan approved a newly expanded shopping list by Saddam that the Secretariat dubbed "Oil-for-Food Plus." This added ten new sectors to be funded by the program, including "labor and social affairs," "information," "justice," and "sports." Either the Secretary-General had failed to notice or he did not care that none of these had anything to do with the equitable distribution of relief. By contrast, they had everything to do with the running of Saddam�s totalitarian state. "Labor," "information," and "justice" were the realms of Baathist party patronage, propaganda, censorship, secret police, rape rooms, and mass graves. As for sports, that was the favorite arena of Saddam�s sadistic son Uday, already infamous for torturing Iraqi athletes. Then came the autumn of 2002, when President Bush delivered his warning to Saddam to comply with sixteen previous UN resolutions to disarm, and the U.S. persuaded the Security Council to pass a seventeenth. Though there was by this time no dearth of damning information in the public domain, Oil-for-Food rolled on. On September 18, the Coalition for International Justice released its heavily researched report, Sources of Revenue for Saddam & Sons, documenting rampant corruption and smuggling under UN sanctions and Oil-for-Food, warning of an Iraqi shift from "informal, on-the-sly deals" to increasingly "brazen and formal government-to-government arrangements," and asking how, "given . . . the world�s largest humanitarian program ever, can there remain shortages of basic medicines and foodstuffs" in Iraq? Four months later, with Saddam still defiant and war looking likely, Annan signed a letter to the Security Council in which, among other things, he approved the use of $20 million in Oil-for-Food funds to pay for an "Olympic sport city" and $50 million to equip Saddam�s propaganda arm, the Ministry of Information.3 By then, of course, debate over Iraq was raging in the Security Council, and the U.S. and Britain were bitterly at odds with France and Russia. Annan weighed in publicly on the side of the latter, urging yet more time and tolerance. He did not mention his own interest as the boss of a massive relief program funded by Saddam. Neither did he mention that Saddam�s commercial deals heavily favored French and Russian companies, though he had access to actual numbers about those deals that, thanks to UN secretiveness, the public did not. On March 17, with the U.S.-led coalition poised to invade, Annan pulled his international staff out of Iraq. Three days later, as coalition forces rolled into Iraq, he expressed regret that war had come "despite the best efforts of the international community and the United Nations." Describing the UN as the keeper of international "legitimacy," he assured the Iraqi people that, as soon as possible, the UN would be back to do "whatever it can to bring them assistance and support." Following the fall of Saddam�s regime, the U.S.-led coalition decided that Iraq had experienced enough of UN-style "assistance and support," at least as far as Oil-for-Food was concerned. With Russia and France suddenly willing to go along, perhaps to avoid scrutiny of Oil-for-Russia and Oil-for-France, the Security Council voted unanimously on May 22 that the program should be wound down. No more oil revenues were to flow in, but the UN Secretariat was to continue administering the remaining relief contracts until November, when any unfinished business would be turned over to the Coalition Provisional Authority (CPA) in Baghdad. At that stage, Oil-for-Food had close to $13 billion in BNP Paribas�s Iraq accounts, most of it set aside to pay for contracts already approved. During the summer and early fall, the New York office began tidying up loose ends, renegotiating, "prioritizing," and basically removing the graft elements from the remaining contracts before handover to the CPA. In these efforts, the UN got some prompting from the U.S. Defense Contract Management Agency (DCMA)�the agency that has been auditing Halliburton�s recent activities in Iraq. From the thousands of remaining contracts, the DCMA (together with the Defense Contract Audit Agency) culled a batch of 759 of the largest deals, valued altogether at $6.9 billion. The reviewers estimated that among these contracts, almost half were overpriced by about 21 percent, for a total of $656 million that Saddam�s regime had overpaid. This was in all likelihood the kickback component, part of which the suppliers were meant to share illicitly with the regime. Dryly, the DCMA�s report adds that, in the course of its researches, "Some items of questionable utility for the Iraqi people (e.g., Mercedes Benz touring sedans) were identified." By the time the Oil-for-Food office was finished renegotiating its contracts, it had scrapped more than a quarter of them. Some of the reasons, listed in UN public documents, are intriguing. There was, for example, the Syrian supplier of "spare parts for rotating equipment" whom it was "not possible to contact" the Lebanese vendor of "welding machines" who was "unwilling to accept the 10-percent deduction"�i.e., a price minus the bribe-plus-kickback; and the Jordanian seller of school furniture whose contract had to be dropped because "company does not exist and the person in charge moved to Egypt." Then came the formal ceremonies to which I have already alluded. On November 19, Sevan�s office put out a press release praising Oil-for-Food as "one of the most efficient of UN programs." On November 20, Annan chimed in with his own praise for Oil-for-Food, paying tribute to the staff and "particularly to its executive director, Benon Sevan." On November 21, almost seven years after setting up shop as a temporary and limited measure to bring food and medicine to hungry people in Iraq, the program shut down, handing the CPA a royal mess. Sevan had assured the Security Council that, along with control of the more than $8 billion in funds and contracts still to be administered, the CPA would get "the entire Oil-for-Food database." In fact, the transfer was incomplete. Plenty of contract information was missing. So Byzantine were the BNP Paribas accounts that, rather than risk interrupting relief deliveries, the CPA simply left them under the management of the UN treasurer, who until almost a year after the fall of Saddam never got around to sending any current bank statements, let alone prior records.4 Meanwhile, however, the Iraqi Governing Council had itself begun to pore over records of the Saddam regime from various ministries, and former Baath officials were also starting to talk. On December 5, a British adviser to the Council, Claude Hankes-Drielsma, wrote from Baghdad to Annan, urging the UN to "take the moral high ground" and appoint an independent commission to investigate profiteering under Oil-for-Food. Not a moment too soon: now the revelations were beginning to flow rapidly. On January 25 of this year, the Iraqi newspaper Al-Mada published a list, reportedly recovered from the Iraqi oil ministry, of some 270 individuals and entities in some 50 countries who were alleged to have received vouchers good for oil from Saddam Hussein. The list was an eye-opener. It included the former French Interior Minister Charles Pasqua, British MP George Galloway, Indonesian President Megawati Sukarnoputri, the Russian nationalist Vladimir Zhirinovsky, a large number of Russian oil companies, the Russian state, and the Russian Orthodox Church. It also included the family name of the head of the UN Oil-for-Food program: Sevan. Those named in Al-Mada�s list ignored, denied, or dismissed it on grounds that they had legitimately bought oil from Saddam. As for Sevan, he categorically repudiated the notion that he had ever received oil or oil money from the Iraqi regime, while Annan, in a statement more artfully hedged, said: "As far as I know, nobody in the Secretariat has committed any wrongdoing." A spokesman for the UN Secretariat repeated the by-now usual line that Oil-for-Food had been the most audited program at the UN�"audited to death" was the exact phrase�and in late February the Oil-for-Food office released a seven-page statement clearly aimed at deflecting blame for any graft involved with the program. According to this official account, the Secretariat had no responsibility for confirming that contract-pricing was fair, or that suppliers were legitimate (that was the job of Saddam and the UN country missions); no responsibility for implementing the program (that too was the job of Saddam); no responsibility for either spotting or stopping corruption by Saddam via Oil-for-Food contracts (that was the job of the Security Council); and no awareness of unauthorized oil exports (though the office confirmed its knowledge of "media reports on alleged violations"). By the light of this clarification, indeed, it was hard to tell what the Oil-for-Food program was, in fact, responsible for, beyond controlling the opaque bank accounts, checking that the contracts�honest or not�were properly punctuated, watching Saddam do whatever he chose, and collecting a 2.2-percent commission on his oil. And so we arrive at the denouement�at least so far. On February 29, the New York Times published a long news article based on "a trove of internal Iraqi government documents and financial records" unearthed by the Iraqi Governing Council. The article described oil traders lugging suitcases full of illicit cash to the ministries and cited stacks of evidence showing that, through Oil-for-Food, Saddam�s regime had squirreled away billions for itself while ordinary Iraqis received expired medicines and substandard rations. Still the UN hung tough. On March 3, Hankes-Drielsma notified Annan that Iraqi authorities had asked an auditing firm, KPMG International, and a law firm, Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer, to prepare an independent report. In his letter, Hankes-Drielsma explained his reasoning: Based on the facts as I know them at the present time, the UN failed in its responsibility to the Iraqi people and the international community at large. The UN should not be surprised that the Iraqi people question the UN�s credibility at this time and any future role for the UN in Iraq. It will not come as a surprise if the Oil-for-Food program turns out to be one of the world�s most disgraceful scams and an example of inadequate control, responsibility, and transparency, providing an opportune vehicle for Saddam Hussein to operate under the UN aegis to continue his reign of terror and oppression. On March 10 came confirmation that Annan�s son Kojo had held a consultancy with Cotecna right around the time the company won the UN job to inspect goods coming into Iraq. On March 11 came an article in the Wall Street Journal detailing further links between Saddam�s oil largesse and Sevan. The following week came word that Congress would hold hearings on Oil-for-Food. And on March 19, having ignored, stonewalled, and denied, Annan finally conceded that "it is highly possible there has been quite a lot of wrongdoing," and called for an independent inquiry. As the various audits, investigations, and hearings gear up to delve into the saga of UN involvement in Saddam�s Iraq, we may learn even more about his worldwide net of corruption. With skill, we may locate some of the billions he is believed to have salted away under UN oversight. With luck, we may get to this money ahead of the terrorists with whom he consorted�if they have not gotten to it already. Already known, for example, is that two firms doing business with Saddam through Oil-for-Food were linked to financier Ahmed Idris Nasreddin, now on the UN�s own watchlist of individuals "belonging to or associated with" al Qaeda. But let us retain our focus. That Saddam Hussein was a monster and a corrupt monster is not news. That he would exploit, for massive personal gain, a humanitarian program meant to relieve the miseries of his countrymen is horrifying but hardly astonishing. Nevertheless, any investigation that confines itself to detailing the abundantly evident corruption of Saddam Hussein will have missed the point. What lies at the core of this story is the United Nations, and how it came to pass that an institution charged with bringing peace and probity to the world should have offered itself up�willingly, even eagerly�as the vehicle for a festival of abuse and fraud. To begin with, Oil-for-Food was an enormous venture in central planning, the biggest project of its kind launched in many a decade and one that utterly ignored the lessons about such systems learned at agonizing cost over the past century. The UN Secretariat, in its well-paid arrogance, set out to administer virtually the entire economy of Iraq. Under its eye, all legitimate trading privileges became the franchise of a tyrant who laid first claim to every barrel of oil and every dollar (or euro) of proceeds. How could Oil-for-Food not help consolidate Saddam�s grip on power? Nevertheless, it was with this grand thief of Baghdad that the UN cut its humanitarian deal, chalking in a fat commission for the Secretariat. Nor did anyone in the UN system so much as lift an eyebrow, even after questions began to be raised. Last November, before the Security Council of the United Nations, the organization�s Secretary-General proclaimed it a splendid achievement that the UN had legitimized a scheme by which 60 percent of Iraq�s population depended entirely on the rationing cards of a totalitarian state. This was an event that should have seized the vaunted international community with horror. Instead, from out of the mouth of the Angolan ambassador who that month was chairing the UN Security Council there issued only unctuous praise for "the exceptionally important role of the program in providing humanitarian assistance to the people of Iraq." But all that is only prelude. The scope of UN dereliction is much broader, encompassing factors institutional, personal, and, finally, political. It is true that Oil-for-Food managed to deliver to Iraqis some portion of what it promised. On sales totaling $65 billion, some $46 billion (by Annan�s uncheckable reckoning) went for "humanitarian" spending. Of this amount, an official total of $15 billion worth of food and health supplies�the original rationale for the program�had been received by the time Saddam fell. The actual figure was no doubt considerably less if you factor in the kickbacks and spoiled goods; from the remainder came the equipment for Saddam�s oil monopoly, the construction materials, the TV studio systems, the carpets and air conditioners for the ministries, and all the rest. But at what cost? Are we supposed to conclude that, in order to deliver this amount of aid, the UN had to approve Saddam�s more than $100 billion worth of largely crooked business, had to look the other way while he skimmed money, bought influence, built palaces, and stashed away billions on the side, at least some of which may now be funding terror in Iraq or beyond? No, something was at work here other than passive acquiescence. At precisely what moment during the years of Oil-for-Food did the UN Secretariat cross the line from "supervising" Saddam to collaborating with him? With precisely what deed did it enter into collusion? Even setting aside such obvious questions as whether individual UN officials took bribes, did the complicity begin in 1998, when Saddam flexed his muscles by throwing out the weapons inspectors and when Oil-for-Food, instead of leaving along with them, raised the cap on his oil sales? Did it come in 1999, when, even as Saddam�s theft was becoming apparent, the UN scrapped the oil-sales limits altogether? Or in 2000 and 2001, when Sevan dismissed complaints and reports about blatant kickbacks? Did it start in 2002, when Annan, empowered by Oil-for-Food Plus, signed his name to projects for furnishing Saddam with luxury cars, stadiums, and office equipment for his dictatorship? Or did the defining moment arrive in 2003, when Annan, ignoring the immense conflict posed by the fact that his own institution was officially on Saddam�s payroll, lobbied alongside two of Saddam�s other top clients, Russia and France, to preserve his regime? Certainly by the time Annan and Sevan, neck-deep in revelatory press reports and standing indignantly athwart their own secret records, continued to offer to the world their evasions and denials, the balance had definitively tipped. Annan�s studied bewilderment is itself an indictment not only of his person but of the system he heads. If anyone is going to take the fall for the Oil-for-Food scandal, Sevan seems the likeliest candidate. But it was the UN Secretary-General who compliantly condoned Saddam�s ever-escalating schemes and conditions, and who lobbied to the last to preserve Saddam�s totalitarian regime while the UN Secretariat was swimming in his cash. Annan has been with the UN for 32 years. He moved up through its ranks; he knows it well. He was there at the creation of Oil-for-Food, he chose the director, he signed the distribution plans, he visited Saddam, he knew plenty about Iraq, and one might assume he read the newspapers. We are left to contemplate a UN system that has engendered a Secretary-General either so dishonest that he should be dismissed or so incompetent that he is truly dangerous�and should be dismissed. The final perfidy, though, is not personal but political. The UN, in the name of its own lofty principles, and to its rich emolument, actively helped sustain and protect a tyrant whose brutality and repression were the cause of Iraqi deprivation in the first place. What can this mean? The answer may be simply that, along with its secrecy, its massed cadres of bureaucrats beholden to the favor of the man at the top, its almost complete lack of accountability, external oversight, or the most elementary checks and balances, the UN suffers from an endemic affinity with anti-Western despots, and will turn a blind eye to the devil himself in order to keep them in power. Certainly there is much in its history and its behavior to support this view. Perhaps, then, the complicity was there all along, built in, and was merely reinforced year after year as the UN collected the commissions and processed the funds that transformed Oil-for-Food into the sleaziest program ever to fly the UN flag and the single largest item on every budget of all nine UN agencies involved, plus the Secretariat itself. That, in the end, may be the dirty secret at the center of the Oil-for-Food scandal. And is this the same United Nations that, now, we are planning to entrust with bringing democracy to Iraq? Claudia Rosett, who contributes a bi-weekly column on foreign affairs to the Wall Street Journal�s online edition, OpinionJournal.com, is a senior fellow at the Foundation for the Defense of Democracies and an adjunct fellow of the Hudson Institute. --------------------------------------------- footnotes: 1 As of 2001, one of the largest shareholders in BNP was Iraqi-born Nadhmi Auchi, among Britain�s richest citizens. In the 1980�s Auchi had brokered business deals for Saddam; last year he was convicted in France of illicit profiteering as part of the huge Elf oil scandal. The UN says the Oil-for-Food contract was awarded to BNP on a strictly competitive basis. 2 According to a spokesman at the UN Secretary-General�s office, Kojo Annan had been a trainee at Cotecna from December 1995 to February 1998, and two months later was back at work for the firm as a consultant; his consultancy, which lasted until December 1998, thus coincided with the period during which the UN would have been receiving and reviewing bids for the Oil-for-Food inspection job. Both Kojo and Kofi Annan have denied that Kojo�s consulting work was in any way related to the UN. 3 This is especially significant in light of the role that would be played by Saddam�s televised propaganda during the war. In the event, Saddam may have had to rely on equipment brought in earlier under Oil-for-Food from places like France and Jordan. He was unable to take delivery of TV studio equipment ordered from Russia and approved and funded by the Secretariat on February 7, 2003, just six weeks before the war. But that was not for want of Kofi Annan�s approval. 4 Not only the occupation authority but the Iraqis themselves have failed to penetrate the UN wall of disdain, although it is their own money they wish to know about. The Iraqi Central Bank began requesting copies of the relevant BNP bank statements in July 2003. Not until late March of this year, after I aired the matter in a piece in National Review Online, was there some halting sign of movement in the UN treasurer�s office. Similar stonewalling�no accounting given, no access to statements�has met the repeated efforts of Kurds in northern Iraq to find out what happened to about $4 billion in separate allocations owed to them under Oil-for-Food. Copyright 2003 Commentary -------- Revdauphinee is right. The UN is a joke. And not just for the Oil-for-Food Scam. It is a joke because it is an ineffective body for peace that does nothing to promote peace, and actively causes or contributes to some of the problems that lead to wars. It is a joke that we give such respect for a body that has not earned such respect. It is a joke that one of the most anti-American organizations in America sits in New York City. It is a joke that some of the biggest violators of human rights are leaders of UN comittees on human rights. It is a joke that France, a country of 65 million people, has more representation in the UN than India which has nearly 1 billion people. It is a joke that Russia, with its nearly bankrupt economy, has the same say in financial and economic issues as the USA, whih has the strongest economy in the world... or that Israel, which has an economy that is almost on par with the USA's on a per-capita basis, has no say at all. The UN IS a joke, and Revdauphinee is 100% right. Elliot revdauphinee answered on 11/23/04: thank you elliot however some folks will not accept something even if it jumps up and bites them on the buit(as my old mom used to say) ETWolverine rated this answer

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STONY asked on 11/22/04 - SOMETHING ELSE FOR THE LIBERALS TO SQUABLE OVER... ISRAEL: SLOW-ROASTED, SERVED MEDIUM-RARE AT STATE DEPARTMENT--Jan Markell Olive Tree Ministries www.olivetreeviews.org Bi-Weekly Review of Major News I am not lamenting the departure of the most Arab-friendly Secretary of State in recent years, Colin Powell. That sentiment was reinforced in a radio show I did with Joel Mowbray, author of "Dangerous Diplomacy: How the State Department Threatens America's Security." You can listen to it on "Radio Archives" at my Web site, www.olivetreeviews.org. The show was on January 17, 2004. One of Mr. Powell's final gestures was to host the annual Ramadan observance at the White House November 4 where "aid and comfort" were given to a room full of praying Muslims whose loyalties should be questioned. I wonder if evangelical Christians could hold a prayer meeting in that same room and be told how valuable we are? Don't hear me bashing my government as we live in the greatest nation on earth in spite of the fact that many on the Left want to flee our supposed oppression--a reaction to the values-driven "red states." But to be honest, there are some double standards going on in the name of political correctness. Condoleeza Rice now takes Colin Powell's position and the Left should be ecstatic. She's a woman and a minority whom they champion. Feminist groups should be dancing in the streets rather than decrying her as an "Aunt Jemima." She is gracious, talented, and claims to be an evangelical Christian. She may have an IQ higher than all the liberals in Washington put together. To be honest, once again the Left is showing its true colors: We must bash Condoleeza Rice if she has values and is a Bush loyalist. If they go after her character, they will have stooped to a new low--something they will likely do. Black stereotype cartoons are characterizing her negatively. Imagine for a moment if conservatives did this! My guess is that not even Al Sharpton, Jesse Jackson, or the NAACP will come to her aid. And Condi could care less. Two years ago Jack Van Impe, prophecy teacher, reported on his TV show that Rice had asked him for a timeline of the "end-times" to show to Bush staffers. He provided that and no matter what you think of Jack, he has that kind of information pretty accurate. I see only one red flag with Condi Rice: In spite of that information obtained from Van Impe which would clearly point out the pitfalls of a Palestinian State, she plans on rushing into the diplomatic procedure of creating one as did Colin Powell. She has not determined that it is not biblical and it is not in Israel's best interests. The prophecy-related material she got from Jack has not convinced her that America will be one of those nations coming against Israel, diplomatically for sure, portrayed in Zechariah 12. There is still a disconnect that the renewed "Road Map to Peace" will only result in Israeli "road kill." Thus the State Department may still be America's weakest link, certainly on this issue. It also sends a message to terrorists that you can "appease and reward terror." There is a disconnect around the world that most Palestinians--though certainly not all--do not believe in a two-state solution either. They only have eyes for a "one state solution" with Israel destroyed as a nation. Read Psalm 89 for proof. I am not sure what Bible the believers in Washington are reading. It doesn't match up with mine and it troubles me greatly. I have concluded the only answer to the dilemma is that "strong delusion" has descended upon the world. In the Arafat debacle we watched evil being called good for five days of unending eulogies for the most evil man on earth. All U.S. and foreign media portrayed him as the "George Washington of the Palestinian people." Strong, strong delusion. That event alone should be the signal that we are in an upside-down world that has fallen down a hole into "Alice's Wonderland." I can see the misguided people symbolic of the cheshire cat grinning at us. revdauphinee answered on 11/23/04: "I am not sure what Bible the believers in Washington are reading. It doesn't match up with mine and it troubles me greatly" It troubles me also ,But I spoke out before the election and no one listed we are going to reap what we sowed! STONY rated this answer ATON2 rated this answer paraclete rated this answer

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hOPE12 asked on 11/22/04 - PLEASE STOP ALL THIS GARBAGE! I POST THIS FOR ALL WHO DID NOT YET READ IT UNDER SAL'S POST: PLEASE THINK ABOUT WHAT IT SAYS:, AND REMEMBER THAT I LOVE YOU ALL, NO MATTER WHAT COUNTRY YOU ARE FROM. :0) Prejudices, according to sociologist Frederick Samuels, �become a basic part of an individual�s personality structure . . . They involve his self-esteem, his self-image . . . It would be as difficult to surrender certain attitudes and group images as it would be to surrender an arm or a leg.� Many, though, imagine that if the races could just be made to work together and get to know one another, prejudice would somehow vanish. Unfortunately, this works somewhat better in theory than in practice. Integration at times boomerangs and amplifies racial hostilities. On the other hand, consider one integrated school in the southern part of the United States. There black and white students work together in relative peace. An end of prejudice? The authors of Desegregated Schools: Appraisals of an American Experiment observe that students still choose to sit with and almost exclusively socialize with members of their own race. �Informal segregation,� researchers call it. Racial harmony is therefore often little more than peaceful coexistence. If the different races are ever to learn to love and understand one another, more will have to be done than merely bringing them in contact with one another. But what? The United Nations made a feeble attempt by sponsoring the �Second World Conference to Combat Racism and Racial Discrimination.� (August 1-13, 1983) But as expected, all that came of it were more theories and high-sounding rhetoric. People are not about to relinquish their deep-seated attitudes and prejudices unless they have powerful motivation to do so. And for many thousands such motivation has developed through studying the Bible. It can reach hearts and move to action like no other book in the world. �For the word of God is alive and exerts power.� Hebrews 4:12 Suppose, for example, that you were one who harbored animosity toward a certain race or nationality. If you began studying the Bible, you would soon realize that it teaches that �God does not go by a man�s outward appearance,� �but in every nation the man that fears him and works righteousness is acceptable to him.��Galatians 2:6; Acts 10:34, 35. Accepting that God �made out of one man every nation of men,� is bound to make you reevaluate your views toward people of other races. (Acts 17:26) How can one view as inferior people with different skin color, hair texture and shape of eyes and nose that are characteristic of different races if he has developed a friendship with God who created out of one man every nation of men? True, the different races seem to have prominent personality traits�good and bad. The Bible, however, cautions: �Keep these things without prejudgment [�prejudice,� Today�s English Version], doing nothing according to a biased leaning.� 1 Timothy 5:21 A Christian thus lets each one �prove what his own work is� rather than judge a man�s worth by his color or race.�Galatians 6:4. This brings to mind the apostle Paul�s counsel to do everything with �lowliness of mind considering that the others are superior to you.� Philippians 2:3 Accepting this advice may require a radical change in one�s thinking. As in the first century, many feel �superior� because they have a secular education or high social standing. Yet Paul reminded first-century Christians that �God chose the foolish things of the world . . . and the things looked down upon.� 1 Crinthians 1:26-28 These lowly ones had a humility and sincerity that in God�s eyes made them �superior.� Can a person be prejudiced if he takes this godly view of others? The Bible is therefore full of practical counsel that can help individuals both to conquer and to cope with prejudice. Doing so is not always easy, even for devout Christians. Consider this: A woman carrying a tray of food bumped into a chair and spilled her drink all over another woman�s legs. This might have seemed insignificant except for one fact: One woman was black, the other white. The brief but angry exchange that followed revealed a pent-up racial animosity. Under ordinary circumstances an apology might have been out of the question! With the aid of an onlooker, these two women were reminded that they were Christians. They knew racial prejudice was wrong and that they could not remain in God�s favor if they did not make peace with each other. 1 John 4:20 It was touching indeed to see these two women tearfully embrace and apologize to each other. More importantly, they put the incident behind them and conversed like old friends. Friends, UNTILL ALL PEOPLE IN THIS WORLD, NO MATTER WHERE THEY LIVE, ACT AS THESE TWO WOMEN DID, THERE WILL NEVER BE PEACE AND THERE WILL ALWAYS BE WAR AND HATRED AND PREJUDICES.� We each individually can help to stop such hatred and prejudice by taking steps to always think of others as superior to ourselves. Also we need to treat and speak to others the way we would want to be spoken too. Why not stop the �MY COUNTRIES BETTER THEN YOUR COUNTRY ISSUE� and look for the good in all people? Who care if this site is American, Canadian, British, German, England, Spain, Austraulia, or where it comes from. We all enjoy being here, don�t we? Then why not just act right and show respect for all people, from all over the world? Why not show love and drop the hatred and prejudices? ALWSAY�S REMEMBER THIS: Jesus Christ�s Sermon on the Mount was something we all need to take to heart. Hindu leader Mohandas Gandhi is quoted as saying that by following its teachings, �we shall have solved the problems . . . of the whole world.� Now this is something to think about, don�t you think so? Take care and peace be with you all. Hope12 revdauphinee answered on 11/23/04: The authors of Desegregated Schools: Appraisals of an American Experiment observe that students still choose to sit with and almost exclusively socialize with members of their own race. �Informal segregation,� researchers call it. Not true !!I live here in the American south in the heart of rural Mississippi we are totaly integrated and no one (exept for ne or two over 75 yr olds )cares my neighbourhood has several races in it black, latin, aisian and even me a token former European,th old sterio type is only alive where folks dont know us.our kids play together and yes even date and sometimes intermarry ,Im so so tired of the oppinion that the south has not changed ,I chalenge any one to come to Lucedale Miss and see for yourself!Times they have changed. hOPE12 rated this answer

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johnh1234 asked on 11/22/04 - Leaving AW There's a tremendeous amount of hatred coming from our foreign "friends". And I don't like to be among hateful people. It is unhealthy. I have better things to do than listen to insults from a bunch of hypocrites who hold their double standards so high. Saladin, I had no clue you were so mean. If you hate Americans so much why do you live here? It must be hard for you to fuel your hatred day in and day out. Paraclete and Mahatmacoat why do you come to this site full of ugly Americans? I'm sure there are less hostile websites elsewhere. Do you people really call yourselves Christians? What a joke -- you have no idea what being a Christian means. To all the others, good people, thanks and have fun. John revdauphinee answered on 11/23/04: please do not leave us because of such nonesence we need everyone here even those who act in such a rude manner contribute occasionaly.I often dissagree with things said herwe but as long as the site is here and the Lord allows I am going nowhere why let the hot heads win!!! johnh1234 rated this answer

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johnh1234 asked on 11/22/04 - Apalled This has gone too far. Mahatmacoat's rating comment: "Don't worry John we will slip over to your place after dark and light that cross, Do you have a spare hood, I left mine behind at my last burning" Our foreign friends think that this is right? Saladin, paraclete and mahatmacoat think that just because we are Americans who say that we love this country they have the right to call us KKK? I think they have just showed their true colors. I haven't called anybody any names, neither have my fellow experts who agreed with me. All I asked for is some civility in expressing the freedom of speech, respecting other people's feelings. This is what we got. Is this disgusting or what? Is THIS the freedom of speech? revdauphinee answered on 11/23/04: all freedom should be tempered by common sense I have the freedom to yell fire in a crowded building but I dont do it !Most Americans feel as I do. while America may not be perfect! its the closest thing we have and ive traveled the world . johnh1234 rated this answer

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Saladin asked on 11/21/04 - Goodbye That's it, I've had it, no more from me for at least five minutes! Count yourselves lucky that I haven't made it ten minutes! Sal revdauphinee answered on 11/23/04: FYI the term "Redneck "came about from workers in the south working out in the hot sun for hours hence getting sunburned (red )on the neck.Hard workers my friends have nothing to be ashamed of!I a proud to be an adopted (By my home state Mississippi)redneck!Nothing wrong with feeling great about where you live but grant to others what you claim foryourself after all not all can be as fortunate enough to be as I am living in America Saladin rated this answer ATON2 rated this answer

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johnh1234 asked on 11/21/04 - Who has the right to bash who? Nobody my dear fellow experts, nobody. So please tell me this -- whenever people here express hatred towards other denominations or religions there are bunches of others who stand up to shout against hatred and bigotry. No one ever stands against bigotry towards Americans. Why? Are we so bad? No. We are people just like everyone else and we have the right to have enough of bigotry too. So when our Aussie friends come here and every day, every day have something bad to say about our country, yes I am going to stand up and protest. My comment about this being an American site was solely about that which I made clear. When something is "made in America" it is clearly American. What was the big deal about that sentence? My saying that if they don't like Americans they can go to another site? Yes. If I don't like Britney Spears I'm not going to be posting on her site. Why would I? To bash her? I have better things to do. BOTTOM LINE -- please our foreign friends be nice to us just as we are nice to you. We don't complain about your countries or governments or presidents so please leave ours alone. Thank you. If you wish to express opinions in accordance with freedom of speech, do so as that is your right but be nice as some people may find it offensive. John revdauphinee answered on 11/23/04: anyone ever remember a notorious American named Rodney King? we must remember his words and I quote "why cant we all just get allong?" johnh1234 rated this answer

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Saladin asked on 11/21/04 - Smack Down ... I can't remember who said it and I am not interested, so don't anyone confess, and don't anyone tattle-tale, BUT someone smacked down - I mean SMACKED DOWN Clete for offering his opinion in a question that asked for an opinion by telling him that, and I quote, "THIS IS AN AMERICAN SITE ..... " I was disgusted that anyone would think that AW was AN AMERICAN SITE because I know it has experts from Scotland England Spain Australia Canada The Potteries The Indian Tribal Nations and who knows where else! That kind of argument makes me sick to my stomach. Is this an International site with an International clientele or is it AMERICANS ONLY? Sal - a non-American revdauphinee answered on 11/23/04: this is and always has been a site open to all ,However this does not give you or any of us licence to put down any of our countries I was born in the UK and I repsect those who are still citisens however I am now an American (BY Choice)My new country is now my home wich I love and will defend over all others,If I did not feel it the best place to be then I would not be here.and like those born here I take great offence at any put downs of her!Its ort of like family I can say anything I want about my sister but friend you better not bad mouth her !Same with my country! Saladin rated this answer

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jeremy_hobbs asked on 11/21/04 - Thanking you all I joined this board to reaffirm my belief in Christianity. What I found was more than that. All of you should be congratulated on the goodness, compassion, knowledge, opinions, understanding and love. All of you are one big family. It doesn't matter if someone has alter egos, or differs in opinions, banters or squabbles. This is like sitting at Thanksgiving dinner with the largest family that I have seen. You bring chuckles to my heart, aggravation at times, sadness and joy. So, to all of you, thank you for making an old man see friendships that have obviously endured and the acceptance of someone new, like me. I bestow my good wishes upon all of you. Now Choux don't get your feather's ruffled. I believe in Jesus, but that does not make me disrespect your or anyone else's opposing views. Saladin, you are a wise and good man with a great sense of humor. John1234, I enjoy your answers and spunk. You stand by your convictions. Hank, you are a thinker and a person who is searching for answers. CeeBee1, you brought tears to my eyes. And to the rest of you, keep this up. You are true examples of the good that is so much needed in todays unsteady world. This was not a question, I know, but an expression of thanks to all. revdauphinee answered on 11/21/04: thank you here you find some of the best folks anywhere we may not all agree but we all value each others worth. Choux rated this answer jeremy_hobbs rated this answer

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purplewings asked on 11/20/04 - Do you rate on the validity of an answer or to get even for a rating you've received? Ratings don't matter at answerway that I can see, but the malice behind some of them is a real curiousity. Do you just come here to vent your frustrations under internet anonymity or are you actually interested in what other people have to share? Does anyone think they deserve top ratings when responding to a post with anomosity toward others on the board, instead of answering the question? Just wondering how Christians feel about this childish behavior. revdauphinee answered on 11/21/04: if I didnt find folks here interesting I wouldnt be here I rate as to how I feel about the answer. purplewings rated this answer

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arcura asked on 11/20/04 - Do you remember George L. Cherepes? Cherepes was one of the top experts at Askme.com I just got this from him and am passing it on to you. Keep Pushing. A man was sleeping one night in his cabin when suddenly his room filled with light, and God appeared. The Lord told the man he had work for him to do, and showed him a large rock in front of his cabin. The Lord explained that the man was to push against the rock with all his might. So, this the man did, day after day. For many years he toiled from sunup to sundown, his shoulders set squarely against the cold,massive surface of the unmoving rock, pushing with all of his might. Each night the man returned to his cabin sore and worn out, feeling that his whole day had been spent in vain. Since the man was showing discouragement, the Adversary (Satan) decided to enter the picture by placing thoughts into the weary mind: "You have been pushing against that rock for a long time and it hasn't moved " Thus, he gave the man the impression that the task was impossible and that he was a failure. These thoughts discouraged and disheartened the man. Satan said, "Why kill yourself over this? Just put in your time, giving just the minimum effort; and that will be good enough." That's what the weary man planned to do, but decided to make it a matter of prayer and to take his troubled thoughts to the Lord. "Lord," he said, "I have labored long and hard in your service, putting all my strength to do that which you have asked. Yet, after all this time, I have not even budged that rock by half a millimeter. What is wrong? Why am I failing?" The Lord responded compassionately, "My friend, when I asked you to serve Me and you accepted, I told you that your task was to push against the rock with all of your strength, which you have done. Never once did I mention to you that I expected you to move it. Your task was to push. And now you come to Me with your strength spent, thinking that you have failed. But, is that really so? Look at yourself. Your arms are strong and muscled, your back sinewy and brown; your hands are callused from constant pressure, your legs have become massive and hard. Through opposition you have grown much, and your abilities now surpass that which you used to have. True, you haven't moved the rock. But your calling was to be obedient and to push and to exercise your faith and trust in My wisdom. That you have done. Now, I, my friend, will move the rock." At times, when we hear a word from God, we tend to use our own intellect to decipher what He wants, when actually what God wants is just simple obedience and faith in Him. By all means, exercise the faith that moves mountains, but know that it is still God who moves the mountains. When everything seems to go wrong ... just P.U.S.H.! When the job gets you down ... just P.U.S.H.! When people don't do as you think they should .. just P.U.S.H.! When you can't find the right work just P.U.S.H.! When your money is "gone" and the bills are due .. just P.U.S.H! When people just don't understand you ... just P.U.S.H.! +++++++++++ P= Pray U= Until S= Something H= Happens revdauphinee answered on 11/21/04: this is great thanks arcura rated this answer

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Dracula13 asked on 11/20/04 - Your soul ... What is the purpose of man's soul? While you're at it, tell me the origin of the soul. Dracula revdauphinee answered on 11/21/04: you are your soul without a soul you would not be!the soul is the breath of life (Gen.2:7 the LORD God formed the man from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living being. Dracula13 rated this answer

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excon asked on 11/20/04 - The blind leading the blind Hello experts: After the coming world wide religious war, maybe religion will go out of fashion and become the relic it is. Kinda like witch doctors and human sacrifices. I sure hope so, cause all you religionists are causing the problem, not solving it. excon revdauphinee answered on 11/21/04: no it does not take a religeon to have faith!Jesus did not come to start any religion he came to bring a message He would not even recognise many of the so called churches of the christian "religion "were he to return today.He lived simply, accepted people as they were hung around with folks his society felt were unaceptables helped the poor and downtroden ,didnt look down his nose at anyone no matter what their race nor how they dressed where do you find this today certainly not in main stream churches whos dress codes would peobably not let him in were he to appear at the door! excon rated this answer

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CeeBee asked on 11/20/04 - What is wisdom? The Bible mentions that the fear (reverential awe) of God is the beginning of wisdom. Hank has written at least twice very recently, "wisdom is the definition of knowledge ... in my opinion." Are knowledge and wisdom the same thing? Is knowledge of God the same as wisdom about Him and His ways? Does knowledge of God automatically make a person wise? revdauphinee answered on 11/20/04: as you can read in one of my answers to Hank I feel that wisdom and knowledge are poles apart one can have lots of knowledge and not be wise! CeeBee rated this answer CeeBee2 rated this answer Uni-Agdistis rated this answer

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excon asked on 11/20/04 - The blind leading the blind Hello experts: After the coming world wide religious war, maybe religion will go out of fashion and become the relic it is. Kinda like witch doctors and human sacrifices. I sure hope so, cause all you religionists are causing the problem, not solving it. excon revdauphinee answered on 11/20/04: I agree religion is a cause of lots of problems !religion per se can be bad however faith in Christ is a whole other thing friend you ought to look into it! excon rated this answer

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HANK1 asked on 11/20/04 - INTELLIGENCE OF JESUS CHRIST: Why can't some of us as mere mortals reach the level of intelligence of Jesus Christ? HANK revdauphinee answered on 11/20/04: Again because Jesus is God in the flesh!why not try studying scripture and give the philosopy a rest HANK1 rated this answer

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HANK1 asked on 11/20/04 - INTELLIGENCE OF GOD: Why can't some of us as mere mortals reach the level of God's intelligence? HANK revdauphinee answered on 11/20/04: because we ARE mortal and not God! HANK1 rated this answer

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HANK1 asked on 11/20/04 - EMOTIONAL TURMOIL: Do you need to overcome or transcend conflicts between good and evil, order and chaos, inhibition and involvement? HANK revdauphinee answered on 11/20/04: If one has Christ the conflict should be over dont you think we are to turn from the evil toward his good! HANK1 rated this answer

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HANK1 asked on 11/20/04 - SUBJECTS TO INVESTIGATE: * From the Transpersonal Psychology site. Among the topics currently being explored by transpersonal psychologists are: Experiences of love. Empathy Creativity and inspiration Channeling Transpersonal Art Altered states of consciousness Dream consciousness Mind-body relationship Psychedelic experience Mystical experiences Spiritual emergencies and crises The Dark Night of the Soul Archetypal experiences Near-death experiences, death and dying The psychology of meditation Practice and experience within Eastern and Western religious and esoteric traditions Buddhist psychology Ecological consciousness Psychology of Self and self-realisation The Higher Self Self-transcendence Male and female perspectives on the transpersonal Paranormal experiences Transpersonal approaches in psychotherapy / counselling and in education The evolution of consciousness Transpersonal research methods Integral approaches to knowledge The Perennial Philosophy I plan to follow through with this new perspective. All of the subjects listed can be applied to Christianity. This will be my challenge! Please join me by hitting your print button and copy the subjects. HANK revdauphinee answered on 11/20/04: sory I think I just might pass on that! HANK1 rated this answer Uni-Agdistis rated this answer

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arcura asked on 11/20/04 - Are you rooted in Jesus? If You Are Rooted in Him, You Will Rise with Him By: Rev. Dennis Clark, Ph.D. Luke 23:35-43 A scrawny little guy was sitting at a bar staring at his drink. Suddenly, a burly truck driver sat down beside him, grabbed the guy's drink, and gulped it down. The little fellow burst into tears. "Oh, come on, pal," said the truck driver. "I was just joking. Here, I'll buy you another." "No, that's not it," the man blubbered. "This has been the worst day of my life. I got fired. My car was stolen. I had to walk home, and when I got there, I found my wife with another man. So I grabbed my wallet and came here. And just when I'm about to end it all," said the man sobbing, "you show up and drink my poison!" + + + Where will it all end? Sometimes the bad news just keeps coming and it seems as if it'll never stop. Then we know what the Apostles felt, watching Jesus die on the Cross: Can anything good come out of this? As they fled from Jerusalem, despair was on their lips: "We used to hope, but not anymore." That's the way it looked to everyone that Good Friday afternoon. Yet, only three days later, Jesus rose from the dead, settling once and for all the contest between good and evil, between life and death: Despite all appearances at any given moment, and despite all delays, good will triumph in the end. That's settled! And why? Because God is God! That's fine for the big picture and the very long term, but what about you and me, and our individual lives now? Will what's best in us ultimately prevail? Will the spirit that God put in us grow and thrive? Will we actually rise with Christ for all eternity? Or, in the face of life's hurts and all the terrible things that people do to one another, will we slowly wither at the core and fade into cosmic nothingness? It all depends � not on God, but on us. God doesn't promise to hold us unharmed in the face of life's troubles and tragedies. (Yet there are empty seats in every church in the world, left vacant by folks who thought that coming to church would guarantee good luck, and who felt betrayed when the "insurance policy" didn't pay off.) God doesn't promise His faithful people a "teflon" life. What God does promise is that, whatever comes, no matter how huge and how evil, it won't destroy us. It may kill us, as Jesus said in last Sunday's Gospel, but it will not destroy us, it will not annihilate us at the core, if we are deeply rooted in the Lord, Who is the very ground of our being. As long as we are deeply rooted in Him, we can at every moment draw from Him the life and sustenance, the strength and comfort we need to face and to triumph over whatever comes. Our fate truly depends on us: God has already given us the gift of His extended hand. We have only to take it and never let go. So take His hand, never, never let it go, and rise with Him for all eternity! revdauphinee answered on 11/20/04: you get a big AMEN on that one! arcura rated this answer

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HANK1 asked on 11/19/04 - FOR STARTERS: You might want to check out: http://www.mdani.demon.co.uk/trans/tranintro.htm Uni included this site in her answer to my Transpersonal question. Here's your chance to gain some real wisdom ... as opposed to what we're used to. HANK revdauphinee answered on 11/20/04: wisdom has little connection with knowledge some of the most learned (bookwise) people I know are not wise in their actions! CeeBee2 rated this answer HANK1 rated this answer

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bobill asked on 11/19/04 - The Bible Why do so many here denigrate the Bible so vehemently? "Myth, superstition, stupidity, for the uneducated, a hateful God, a murderous God", etc. etc. etc. I am not a literalist, but I recognize the Bible as a priceless record of one part of mankind coming to grips with the eternal questions of "Who am I" and "Where am I going"? As literature, it is second to none in the world's masterpieces. Poetry, history, fables, adventures, social justice, the many notions of love - romantic, brotherly, sisterly, filial, national, divine, mystical - the Bible has it all. Mocking it, or using it as a hammer for un-believers, is to belittle this marvelous thousand-year compendium of mankind's search for meaning. Who among you has not been moved to the depths by the yearning of the Psalmist, the outrage of Amos seeking justice, the passion of Jeremiah, and the beauty and the wonder of the Christ Child? When this Book is judged by the narrow-minded actions of some of its readers (on both sides), we all lose. The Bible is a divinely-inspired work of art - like all great works of art. revdauphinee answered on 11/20/04: I am in total agreement with you concerning this ! bobill rated this answer queenybee rated this answer

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arcura asked on 11/18/04 - Before Thanksgiving John was given a bird..... John received a parrot as a gift. The parrot had a bad attitude and an even worse vocabulary. Every word out of the bird's mouth was rude, obnoxious and profane. John tried and tried to change the bird's attitude by consistently saying only polite words, playing soft music and anything else he could think of to clean up the bird's vocabulary. Finally, John was fed up and he yelled at the parrot. The parrot yelled back. John shook the parrot and the parrot got angrier and even ruder. In desperation, John threw up his hands, grabbed the bird and put it in the freezer. For a few minutes the parrot squawked and kicked and screamed. Then suddenly there was total quiet. Not a peep was heard for over a minute. Fearing that he'd hurt the parrot, John quickly opened the door to the freezer. The parrot calmly stepped out onto John's outstretched arms and said "I believe I may have offended you with my rude language and actions. I'm sincerely remorseful for my inappropriate transgressions and I fully intend to do everything I can to correct my rude and unforgivable behavior." John was stunned at the change in the bird's attitude. As he was about to ask the parrot what had made such a dramatic change in his behavior, the bird continued, "May I ask what the turkey did?" revdauphinee answered on 11/19/04: good one and right now I needed a laugh thanks arcura rated this answer

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arcura asked on 11/18/04 - The sermon of the day. What do you think of it? If You Say You Trust God, You Have to Trust His Gifts! By Rev. Dennis Clark, Ph.D. Matthew 14:22-33 In the wee hours of a morning, the blaring of a smoke alarm shattered the silence and just in time roused a family to the shock that their home was engulfed in flames. With no time to save anything but themselves, they raced downstairs and out into the darkness. Still breathing hard, Dad counted heads: "Bill, Anne, Mary, Eddie � where�s Eddie?" At that very moment five-year-old Eddie cried out from an upstairs window, "Mom! Dad! Where are you?" It was too late to go back inside � the house was an inferno � so Dad shouted, "Jump, Eddie, I�ll catch you!" Between sobs the boy cried out, "But I can�t see you, Daddy!" Dad answered calmly, "I know you can�t see me, son, but I can see you. Jump!" For a moment, there was nothing but silence. Then the boy jumped into the smokey darkness and found himself safe in his father�s arms. + + + We are that little boy, every one of us, every day: Caught in the dark, needing and wanting to jump, but unable to see where we�ll land, and feeling alone and afraid. We are Peter too, wanting to walk on water to Jesus, but faltering and sinking. "Fear is useless," Jesus said so many times. "What�s needed is faith." Quite right, but the faith He�s talking about isn�t what many of us think it is. It isn�t about theological abstractions. It�s about entrusting our selves into God�s hands because we know He loves us even more that we love ourselves. But even if we get that clear, we can still get off track by thinking that if we trust God, somehow God will insulate us from failure and pain. That�s not the promise. God�s promise to those who trust Him is this: He�ll give us the strength to face whatever troubles come, and He�ll never let us be destroyed by them, even if we die. But faith has still another side, and it concerns the talents and gifts that God gave us because He had faith in us. Peter lost faith in God�s gifts to him and expected God to just fix things. He sank! Trusting God also means trusting His gifts. And trusting His gifts means using them. There�s an old saying: Work as if everything depended on you, and pray as if everything depended in God. That�s right on the mark, but it�s not that easy to do, because we can�t see God, and too often we can�t see our gifts. It may help to recall the words scribbled more than 50 years ago on a wall in the Warsaw ghetto: I believe in the sun, even if it does not shine. I believe in love, even if I do not feel it. I believe in God, even if I do not see Him. Trust God, and trust His gifts to you. That means using your gifts. So, jump! And never look back! revdauphinee answered on 11/19/04: great piece thanks for posting it> arcura rated this answer

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Saladin asked on 11/18/04 - Iran's WMDs Reports indicate that Iran is making a nuclear device. Do you think it will be ready in 45 minutes? Are the Iranians more technologically advanced that the Russians? :) Sal - wondering who to worry about first. revdauphinee answered on 11/19/04: The UN! after the oil for food fiasco the UN is a joke! Saladin rated this answer

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Saladin asked on 11/18/04 - Just in case there are any golfers out there! From: David L. Olpin, Quiet Success Thoughts Success for me never has (and I hope never will be) simply a gauge in dollars and cents, fame or notoriety or any material values. Success for me has always been measured in my own ways and also in the eyes of others. What others think materially or in other ways isn't important, but I strive to earn the respect of others. That respect demands honesty, consistency in actions, courtesy, and a genuine respect for others. I feel it is a two-way street. Perhaps what this is leading up to is imply this: I don't want to live and die knowing that all I've done is hit golf shots all my days. �Golf to me is a tool to gain what we could call �success.� Success here to me means inner peace of mind, finding joy in my work (golf), a potential way to earn a living and finally a missionary tool to spread the message of the Gospel. To sum up: we gain joy in sharing whether it be sharing our talents, or love or the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and real success comes when others appreciate or work in these areas. We also can be barometers of this success by accomplishing goals and bringing to our own souls great satisfaction through personal effort. .... Whaddya golfers think? revdauphinee answered on 11/19/04: "Golf"----take away the ball and it could be called walking! Saladin rated this answer

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HANK1 asked on 11/18/04 - UNDERSTANDING LEGALIZATION OF DRUGS: I read your responses to my drug question and I feel that most of you don't understand what it means. So, this might help: "Legalization Of Drugs: The Myths And The Facts" by Robert L. Maginnis, Familly Research Council "Despite data which strongly supports the continuation of effective drug abuse prevention, treatment and enforcement programs, some prominent Americans support legalizing illicit drugs. For example: George Shultz, former President Reagan's Secretary of State, says that "Legalization would destroy dealer profits and remove their incentive to get young people addicted." "Nobel laureate in economics Milton Friedman says that the criminalization of certain drugs undermines respect for the law and creates "a decadent moral climate." He states that legalizing drugs like marijuana and cocaine would "thus strike a double blow; reduce crime activity directly, and at the same time increase the efficacy of law enforcement and crime prevention." "U.S. Federal District Judge Robert Sweet says the nation should learn the lesson of prohibition and the crime that ensued when alcohol was illegal. "Look at tobacco, the most addictive drug, and we've reduced [use] by a third." Baltimore Mayor Kurt Schmoke commented on former Surgeon General Joycelyn Elders' call for a study to legalize drugs. "I think what the Surgeon General said was absolutely courageous and correct." "Aryeh Neier, president of billionaire philanthropist George Soros's Open Society Institute, states, "The current [drug] policy is wasteful and it promotes crime and disease.... From every standpoint, it is a failure." That's it! HANK revdauphinee answered on 11/19/04: at least of legalised there could be a mesure of controll something so far not being done! HANK1 rated this answer

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lucpi asked on 11/18/04 - Guess Do the major religions tell us why their God/Creator wanted to creat the universe & human beings? Have a guess if they don't. revdauphinee answered on 11/19/04: because he did! why question God ??He is God! ATON2 rated this answer lucpi rated this answer

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Saladin asked on 11/18/04 - Bible question ... A scholar has written: "By general consent Wisdom (The Wisdom of Solomon) occupies foremost place among the Apocrypha of the Old Testament. Even when compared with the "Wisdom": group of the OT canonical writings it takes rank as a work of real distinction, not only from the liteary and poetic, but also from the philosophical and theological standpoint. The reader finds himself carries away by the fervour and splendour of the author's description of Wisdom, which is represented as on the one hand a personal or quasi-personal attribute of God, and on the other as His saving, all-sufficing and beatifying gift to man, offered indeed to every human being, but only in fact bestowed on the righteous, in response to their earnest and persistent prayer. Other outstanding and arresting features of the book are the author's earnest advocacy of an exalted standard of morality both individual and social, which stands out in strong relief against the dismal background of Naturalism, selfish Hedonism, and Libertinism, which he paints with lurid colours." On the strength of this introduction, is there any value in this book for the religious of our day? :) Sal revdauphinee answered on 11/19/04: in answer to your self ask yourself is wisdom valuable today??? Saladin rated this answer

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Saladin asked on 11/18/04 - Bible question Thou shalt not seek vengeance; thou shalt not bear a grudge. Instead, thous shalt love thy neigbour as thyself. Does this mitzvoth have a statute of limitations, or is it still in force today? :) Sal revdauphinee answered on 11/19/04: since God is the same now and forever why would he limit himself? Saladin rated this answer

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Saladin asked on 11/18/04 - Bible question If there was a book in the Bible where God was never mentioned or alluded to, even tangenitally, what would you do with it? :) Sal revdauphinee answered on 11/19/04: read it of course! Saladin rated this answer

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Saladin asked on 11/16/04 - Luxurious feasts ... In Psalm 141, verse 4b, the psalmist prays that he might avoid the luxurious feasts of the wicked. Will you be having a luxurious feast on Thanksgiving Day? :) Sal revdauphinee answered on 11/17/04: dont know yet but not if I have to fix it Im (as my kids will tell you)a chemist not a cook! Saladin rated this answer

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Saladin asked on 11/16/04 - Origins of Modern Terrorism Someone wrote that Arafat was the father of modern terrorism. I dispute that, for good reasons. Can anyone tell me who were the perpetrators of the following terrorist activities and atrocities? Lest there be any misunderstanding, I do not condone terrorist actions AGAINST anyone BY anyone. During the period 1937-1939, the ----- conducted a campaign of marketplace bombings and other acts of violence that in total killed hundreds of Arabs. The King David Hotel bombing on July 26, 1946, killing 91. The bombing of the British Embassy in Rome, also in 1946. Assassinated British minister Lord Moyne in Cairo in 1944. Assassinated the UN mediator Count Bernadotte in September, 1948 for his allegedly pro-Arabic conduct during the cease-fire negotiations. Are claimed to be responsible for the massacres of hundreds of Arab villagers and the forced exile of thousands. In particular, on April 9th, 1948 a military operation at Deir Yassin. In 1947, killed two British hostages, sergeants who had been taken prisoner and later killed in response to British refusal to cancel the death sentence of two ----- activists in --- prison. Also, killed several suspected collaborators with the ----- and the British government. Attacked British military airfields and railways several times in 1946. Destroyed bridges over the --- River. Dozens of massacres before and during the 1948 Arab-Israeli war, see List of massacres committed during the 1948 Arab-Israeli war by both parties to the conflict. Qibya massacre, carried out among others by Unit 101 under the command of --- --- . It lead to the death of almost 70 civilians. Operation Suzannah, conducted in 1954. The --- intelligence agency attempted to thwart Egypt's relations with the West by bombing the offices of the United States Information Service and other Western targets in Cairo. Kfar Kassem massacre, carried out by the --- police in 1956. Altogether 49 Israeli Arab civilians were killed, including 11 children. Qana Massacre in 1996 when the Qana refugee camp in --- occupied Southern Lebanon was shelled by the --- killing over one hundred civilians A decades long campaign by --- to assassinate and kidnap political opponents of --- and suspected militants overseas, including the 1986 kidnap of Mordechai Vanunu from Italy; a foiled 1997 poisioning of Hamas activists in --- that led to a prisoner exchange for the --- assassins for the release of the late --- spiritual leader; Numerous incidents during the Intifada in which --- has assassinated individuals involved in violence against --- civilians. These individuals were members of militant organizations and some were simultaneously employed by the Palestinian Authority security forces. --- states that the assassination policy is their best alternative because demands to the Palestinian Authority to either arrest Palestinian militants or extradite them go unheeded (perhaps because of failure by the Palestinian Authority security apparatus destroyed by numerous --- attacks, and/or because the perception of collaboration with --- could lead to a Palestinian civil war). Palestinians claim that the assassinations constitute state terrorism, especially in light of the many civilians killed as a result of this policy (see: collateral damage), and also because an attack on the --- political leadership would also be considered terrorism. --- claims that all its killings were planned on the basis of a specific opportunities to kill the intended person when he was nearly isolated, or due to a specific security alert intended to prevent the deaths of --- civilians, and blames the --- for its failure to fulfill its obligations to end terrorism as required by the ---. According to Amnesty International (http://web.amnesty.org/pages/isr-index-eng), a campaign of unlawful killing (2,500 Palestinian civilians killed, most of them unarmed), hostage taking and other false arrest, indiscriminate attacks on civilians, and the destruction of Palestinian homes, businesses, orchards and groves. Operation Days of Penitence, an --- military operation in the northern Gaza Strip conducted between September 30, 2004 and October 15, 2004 that focused on the town of Beit Hanoun and Beit Lahia and Jabalia refugee camp, killed between 104 and 133 Palestinians, including 62 to 87 militants and 18 to 31 children, according to various sources. Actions by --- allies The Sabra and Shatila massacre was perpetrated during September 1982 in Beirut, Lebanon by the Phalangist Lebanese Christian militia; commonly cited estimates of the death toll range from 700-3000. Some allege that the army was a proxy for the ---, and that --- therefore bears some level of responsibility. A --- investigation found a number of officials (including the Defense Minister of that time, === ---) "indirectly responsible" for not preventing the massacre. The Kahan Commission wrote: "responsibility is to be imputed to the minister of defense for not ordering appropriate measures for preventing or reducing the danger of massacre as a condition for the Phalangists' entry into the camps." For more information see Sabra and Shatila massacre. Your balanced comments, please. :) Sal revdauphinee answered on 11/16/04: even if he didnt invent terrorism he certainly didnt condem it did he??? ETWolverine rated this answer Saladin rated this answer tomder55 rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 11/15/04 - Did you Know Job wasn't a Jew? If there is a book in the Bible that stands out as an enigma it is the Book of Job. The Scripture tells us that Job was a rich man who lived in the Land of Uz. I have taken Uz to be nearby to Cannan, east of Petra (today, northwestern Saudi Arabia) and expected for no reason other than his story was in the Bible that Job was a Jew. However, it is claimed Job's tomb is in Oman, which is a long way from Cannan although close enough to the Chaldeans to be raided, and certaily for the Sabeans, thought to come from Sheba in Southern Yemem to raid. But Oman is an unlikely location for Job's large pastoral endeavours to flourish since it is desert, so it seems likely that Job was located within the furtle crescent. The tomb in Oman is maintained as a sort of Shrine. Job was though to be a contempory of Abraham and as such he would not have been a descendent and not a Hebrew, so the question is then How is it that we have perhaps the best detailed story of any old testament Character and yet that person doesn't appear to be part of the story of Jesus and his ancestoral line. revdauphinee answered on 11/16/04: where is it written that one must be hebrew to be a Jew or to even be a Jew to believe in Yaweh??? Saladin rated this answer paraclete rated this answer

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Choux asked on 11/15/04 - What is More Fun Really, what is more fun *sitting in a chair* than the Christianity Board here at AW?? Everyone is so unique! revdauphinee answered on 11/15/04: its like being a part of a special club but you can come in right from your living room I just love it.I feel I have friends even if I dont get out much and im never alone as long as you all are here, thanks! Choux rated this answer

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HANK1 asked on 11/15/04 - IMMIGRATION: As of April, 2004, the population of the United States was 293,600,000. Is it time to close the 'flood gates?' HANK revdauphinee answered on 11/15/04: as an emigrant I cant say to close it but we do need to start enforcing rules we have already in place .personaly as someone who entered legaly I resent those who dont go through the legal process.If we were to close the doors to emingration then wouldnt we also have to remove the statement on the statue of liberty??? HANK1 rated this answer

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HANK1 asked on 11/15/04 - ATHEISTS & CHRISTIANS: How do atheists learn how to be accepted by a Christian society? HANK revdauphinee answered on 11/15/04: why would an atheist want to be accepted???? ATON2 rated this answer Choux rated this answer HANK1 rated this answer Uni-Agdistis rated this answer

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HANK1 asked on 11/15/04 - OPTIMISM! "Love, like the Spirit of God, rideth upon the wings of the wind, and is in union and communion with all the saints that are in Heaven and on Earth." - William Law Great quote ... don't you think? HANK revdauphinee answered on 11/15/04: we cannot comunicate with the saints for we have but one mediator Jesus.saints are dead people and the dead sleep! HANK1 rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 11/14/04 - Climate change is a concern but what are you going to do when the magnetic poles switch and the Earth's protective magnetic field is stripped away? Appearently, the magnetic poles have wandered 1,100 miles in the past 200 years and are weaking sufficiently for scientists to think a reversal of polarity may be about to occur. The last one happen 730,000 years ago. I think it's time we all started placing more Faith in God, because we may be able to do something about climate change but we won't be able to do anything about that. revdauphinee answered on 11/15/04: God is still in controll he will make it right in his own time Revelation 21 1. Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea. 2. I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. 3. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, "Now the dwelling of God is with men, and he will live with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. MaggieB rated this answer paraclete rated this answer

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HANK1 asked on 11/14/04 - COULD LIFE BE AN ILLUSION? "What is life? An illusion, a shadow, a story, And the greatest good is little enough: for all life is a dream, and dreams themselves are only dreams" - Pedro Calderon de la Barca Any thoughts about this? HANK revdauphinee answered on 11/15/04: what if life is a dream and death is just waking up? so what !I believe in God and trust him to know what is to my benefit so who realy cares? HANK1 rated this answer

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Saladin asked on 11/14/04 - Being an America .... How many believe that "Being an American" involves turning your mind over to politicos so that you have no ability to think for yourself, analyse situations, or speak out against a wicked administrations? Sal - free in the land of the free and fighting for the right to stay free against the would-be mind controllers in the White House and their sychophants across the country. revdauphinee answered on 11/15/04: sal I am an American (BY Choice not birth))and if you read anything i wrote in the last few months you will know your assumption is not true .I live here for one reason because I can dissagree without fear.I am allowed tro speak my mind even if it is not th popular view and for this I thank my God and the founders of this great country!America may not be perfect (for yes she has her faults),however in all my travels and they are many ,its the closest to it you willever find on his earth! Saladin rated this answer tomder55 rated this answer

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johnh1234 asked on 11/14/04 - Please help me understand Reading the board in the last couple of days and various expert's comments I realized that I mistakenly believed that being a Christian meant doing good. I thought God didn't mind where and how we believe in him as long as we show it in our daily works. By that I mean helping others in need, being there for our family and friends, being honest, nice and truthful to other people, etc, etc. Now I find that many here have a view that simply believing in God gets us wherever we want to be. How is that? Does it mean that we can do whatever we want -- be nasty, do harm to others but if we say loud enough that we believe in Jesus all will be forgiven? I don't think so. Just like in personal relationships words "I love you" don't mean much with out supporting them with action showing love -- I think that the only way we can show we believe is working on doing good. Without that so called belief becomes a pretty empty emotion. What do you think? revdauphinee answered on 11/15/04: believing and accepting is what saves us however if we truly believe then we also believe in his teachings and with his comes an ardent desire to d his will wich is manifested in good actions !he contains noevil therefor we cannot be part of him if our intents are evil .however just being good without a belief in him and his word cannot save us for it is written Jn.14:6 Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. ) as for aslvation by works alone (Isa.57:12 I will expose your righteousness and your works, and they will not benefit you. eze33: 13 If I tell the righteous man that he will surely live, but then he trusts in his righteousness and does evil, none of the righteous things he has done will be remembered; he will die for the evil he has done. however (Rom.5:1-2 1 Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, (Rom.6:23 For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. ) johnh1234 rated this answer

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HANK1 asked on 11/14/04 - A MIND-BOGGLER: What makes you think you're ALIVE? HANK revdauphinee answered on 11/15/04: further mind boggler or you what makes you ask us?? HANK1 rated this answer

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CeeBee2 asked on 11/14/04 - In honor of John and to allay his concern, here's a more "cheerful" question from me: I grew up in a Christian home/setting often hearing the phrase "our hope of heaven." I often wondered about that - we have been saved through God's grace and mercy, so isn't heaven an assurance, not merely a hope? revdauphinee answered on 11/15/04: hope is looking for future events so we can use the word hope however if one is saved we could also use guarantee CeeBee2 rated this answer

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CeeBee2 asked on 11/14/04 - What do you think was Paul's "thorn in the flesh." revdauphinee answered on 11/15/04: dont we all have something that bothers us daily ? Paul was admiting he was just human like the rest of us! ATON2 rated this answer CeeBee2 rated this answer

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PhilDebenham asked on 11/14/04 - Sabbath Observance There have been numerous questions concerning whether or not a Christian must observe the Sabbath on Saturday, Sunday, or some other day. My question doesn't concern the day, but rather the observance. How are we to observe the Sabbath and why? revdauphinee answered on 11/15/04: God himself answered this question very susinctly did he not? Exodus 20:8. "Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy. 9. Six days you shall labor and do all your work, 10. but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the LORD your God. On it you shall not do any work, neither you, nor your son or daughter, nor your manservant or maidservant, nor your animals, nor the alien within your gates. 11. For in six days the LORD made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and all that is in them, but he rested on the seventh day. Therefore the LORD blessed the Sabbath day and made it holy. do we his peole dare to chalenge him to change this???/ PhilDebenham rated this answer

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arcura asked on 11/13/04 - Were those global warming scare people lying? Read on Polar Bear Scare on Thin Ice Friday, November 12, 2004 By Steven Milloy �Global warming could cause polar bears to go extinct by the end of the century by eroding the sea ice that sustains them,� is the dire warning contained in a new report from an international group of "researchers" called the Arctic Climate Impact Assessment. I�m not quite sure what the future holds for polar bears, but it doesn�t appear that any alleged manmade global warming has anything to do with it. The report, entitled �Impacts of a Warming Arctic,� pretty much debunks itself on page 23 in the graph labeled, �Observed Arctic Temperature, 1900 to Present.� The graph shows that Arctic temperatures fluctuate naturally in regular cycles that are roughly 40 years long. The Arctic seems currently to be undergoing a warming phase � similar to one experienced between 1920-1950 � which will likely be followed by a cooling phase � similar to the one experienced between 1950-1990. The report�s claim that increased manmade emissions of greenhouse gases are causing Arctic temperatures to rise is debunked by the same graph, which indicates that the near surface Arctic air temperature was higher around 1940 than now, despite all the greenhouse gas emissions since that time. Also self-debunking is the report�s statement, �Since the start of the industrial revolution, the atmospheric carbon dioxide concentration has increased by about 35 percent and the global average temperature has risen by about 0.6 degrees Centigrade.� So despite all the greenhouse gases emitted by human activity over a period of 200 years � we�re supposed to worry, and even panic, about a measly 0.6 degree Centrigrade rise in average global temperature during that time? Even if such a slight temperature change could credibly be estimated, it would seem to be well within the natural variation in average global temperature, which in the case of the Arctic, for example, is a range of about 3 degrees Centigrade. Remember, global climate isn�t static � it�s always either cooling or warming. Even though manmade greenhouse gas emissions and warmer temperatures don�t seem to be a problem in the Arctic according to their own data, the researchers nevertheless blamed them for causing supposed 15 percent declines in both the average weight of adult polar bears and number of cubs born between 1981 and 1998 in the Hudson Bay region. The 1999 study in the science journal Arctic that first reported apparent problems among the Hudson Bay polar bear population suggested that their condition may be related to the earlier seasonal break-up of sea ice on western Hudson Bay �a phenomenon that seems to correlate with the 1950-1990 Arctic warm-up. But, as mention previously, the 1950-1990 Arctic warming period seems to be part of a natural cycle and not due to manmade emissions of greenhouse gases. Moreover, the notion of a declining polar bear population doesn�t square well available information. A Canadian Press Newswire story earlier this year reported that, in three Arctic villages, polar bears �are so abundant there�s a public safety issue.� The local polar bear population reportedly increased from about 2,100 in 1997 to as many as 2,600 in 2004. Inuit hunters wanted to be able to kill more bears because they are �fearsome predators.� An aerial survey of Alaskan polar bears published in "Arctic" (December 2003) reported a greater polar bear density than previous survey estimates dating back to 1987. If polar bears really are getting skinnier as the 1999 study suggested, it may actually be due to an increased population subsisting on the same level of available food. After all, the harvesting of Alaskan polar bears has been limited by the Marine Mammal Protection Act and international agreements since 1972. The Arctic Climate Impact Assessment report has spurred a new round of calls for a clamp-down on carbon dioxide emissions. Sens. John McCain, R-Ariz., and Joe Lieberman, D-Conn., told the Associated Press that the �dire consequences� of warming in the Arctic underscore the need for their proposal to require U.S. cuts in emissions of carbon dioxide and other heat-trapping greenhouse gases. Fortunately their call will likely get a chilly response from President Bush, who reiterated through a spokesman last weekend that he continues to oppose the international global warming treaty known as the Kyoto Protocol revdauphinee answered on 11/15/04: they are not lying but this administration chooses to ignore the warnings because it would mean they would have to take action to correct some of the damage and that would be disastrous for thier corporate supporters!to them the rest f the worlds people do not matter. There is hope though since as I beleive we are living in the end times the Lord will eventualy step in and correct mankinds errors Revelation 21 1. Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, arcura rated this answer

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HANK1 asked on 11/13/04 - JUST CURIOUS ... and I'm not a cat: After reading the comments re: my answer to the "Mission accomplished?" post, I must ask: Are you an American? HANK revdauphinee answered on 11/15/04: I am a Naturalised American I chose to become one and am as proud of my new country as is anyone born here however when my children who I love dearly make mistakes I tell them so, ((same with my country)) just because we feel they are making mistakes does not mean we love them any less,its because of that love that we want what we see as the best for them!George Bush is not best for America! ATON2 rated this answer HANK1 rated this answer

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Krewton asked on 11/13/04 - What can one really do? Well, as we all know, the election has come and gone and my guy won. So basically why is everyone still bellyachin' about it? If Kerry would have won, I would have dealt with it, so why can't a few select Libs here deal with it? 51% of the Country decided and it's all water under the bridge. So let's get on with whuppin' them sanddiggin' arab yanks I says))))))))) revdauphinee answered on 11/15/04: my man (or should I say my party ) lost unfortunatly however one can but wait and see ?I fear for the future but thats just my oppinion I could be wrong !bellyaching solves nothing so no point in doing it !however dissapointment takes a little time to accept so please be patient with us .Y'all stuck us with four more years at least give us a week ot two to comisserate! Krewton rated this answer

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FormerJesusHelper76 asked on 11/12/04 - Healing! Prayer Healing by prayer. Healing your mind, body and spirit. Do you believe that prayer heals people. Prayer is one of the most important parts of our relationship to God. Do you believe this and what is your experiances with this? Thank you in advance for sharing. God bless! Joe revdauphinee answered on 11/14/04: prayed definatly can heal. FormerJesusHelper76 rated this answer

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Itsdb asked on 11/12/04 - The myth of the Bigoted Christian Redneck Charles Krauthammer November 12, 2004 WASHINGTON -- In 1994, when the Gingrich revolution swept Republicans into power, ending 40 years of Democratic hegemony, the mainstream press needed to account for this inversion of the Perfect Order of Things. A myth was born. Explained the USA Today headline: ``Angry White Men: Their votes turned the tide for the GOP.'' Overnight, the revolution of the Angry White Male became conventional wisdom. In the 10 years before the 1994 election, there were 53 Nexis mentions of angry white men in the media. In the next seven months there were more than 1,400. At the time, I looked into this story line -- and found not a scintilla of evidence to support the claim. Nonetheless, it was a necessary invention, a way for the liberal elite to delegitimize a conservative victory. And even better, a way to assuage their moral vanity: You never lose because your ideas are sclerotic or your positions retrograde, but because your opponent appealed to the baser instincts of mankind. Plus ca change ... Ten years and another stunning Democratic defeat later, and liberals are at it again. The Angry White Male has been transmuted into the Bigoted Christian Redneck. In the post-election analyses, the liberal elite, led by the holy trinity of The New York Times -- Krugman, Friedman, and Dowd -- just about lost its mind denouncing the return of medieval primitivism. As usual, Maureen Dowd achieved the highest level of hysteria, cursing the Republicans for pandering to ``isolationism, nativism, chauvinism, puritanism and religious fanaticism'' in their unfailing drive to ``summon our nasty devils.'' Whence comes this fable? With President Bush increasing his share of the vote among Hispanics, Jews, women (especially married women), Catholics, seniors and even African-Americans, on what does this victory-of-the-homophobic-evangelical rest? Its origins lie in a single question in the Election Day exit poll. The urban myth grew around the fact that ``moral values'' ranked highest in the answer to Question J: ``Which ONE issue mattered most in deciding how you voted for president?'' It is a thin reed upon which to base a General Theory of the Election. In fact, it is no reed at all. The way the question was set up, moral values was sure to be ranked disproportionately high. Why? Because it was a multiple-choice question and moral values cover a group of issues, while all the other choices were individual issues. Chop up the alternatives finely enough, and moral values is sure to get a bare plurality over the others. Look at the choices: -- Education, 4 percent -- Taxes, 5 percent -- Health Care, 8 percent -- Iraq, 15 percent -- Terrorism, 19 percent -- Economy and Jobs, 20 percent -- Moral Values, 22 percent ``Moral values'' encompasses abortion, gay marriage, Hollywood's influence, the general coarsening of the culture, and, for some, the morality of pre-emptive war. The way to logically pit this class of issues against the others would be to pit it against other classes: ``war issues'' or ``foreign policy issues'' (Iraq plus terrorism) and ``economic issues'' (jobs, taxes, health care, etc). If you pit group against group, moral values comes in dead last: war issues at 34 percent, economic issues variously described at 33 percent, and moral values at 22 percent -- i.e., they are at least a third less salient than the others. And we know that this is the real ranking. After all, the exit poll is just a single poll. We had dozens of polls in the run-up to the election that showed that the chief concerns were the war on terror, the war in Iraq and the economy. Ah, yes. But the fallback is then to attribute Bush's victory to the gay marriage referendums that pushed Bush over the top, particularly in Ohio. This is more nonsense. George Bush increased his vote in 2004 over 2000 by an average of 3.1 percent nationwide. In Ohio the increase was 1 percent -- less than a third of the national average. In the 11 states in which the gay marriage referendums were held, Bush increased his vote by less than he did in the 39 states that did not have the referendum. The great anti-gay surge was pure fiction. This does not deter the myth of the Bigoted Christian Redneck from dominating the thinking of liberals, and from infecting the blue-state media. They need their moral superiority like oxygen, and cannot have it cut off by mere facts. And so once again they angrily claim the moral high ground, while standing in the ruins of yet another humiliating electoral defeat. �2004 Washington Post Writers Group ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Are 'Bigoted Christian Rednecks' responsible for the Bush victory? Are 'Bigoted Christian Rednecks' a threat to civil rights? Are 'Bigoted Christian Rednecks' homophobes? Are 'Bigoted Christian Rednecks' working toward a theocracy? What is the threat, if any, of these mythical 'Bigoted Christian Rednecks'? Comments? revdauphinee answered on 11/12/04: while as most here know I am no fan of GW I have to ask why if one is a southerner ,a Christian and someone who appreciates the land They are labeled a bigoted redneck,as for bigotry I found much more racial bigotry when I lived in the northern states than I ever have here in Mississippi ( a state much maligned by others) as for being called redneck most of my neighbours consider that a compliment rather than an insult! kindj rated this answer Laura rated this answer Itsdb rated this answer MaggieB rated this answer

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arcura asked on 11/12/04 - The question posted by rev inspired me to post this... IF YOUR THINKER ISN'T AWAKE YET, THIS SHOULD HELP!!! Test for Dementia........... Below are four (4) questions and a bonus question. You have to answer them instantly. You can't take your time, answer all of them immediately. OK? Let's find out just how clever you really are. Ready? GO!!! First Question: You are participating in a race. You overtake the second person. What position are you in? Answer: If you answered that you are first, then you are absolutely wrong! If you overtake the second person and you take his place, you are second! Try not to screw up in the next question. To answer the second question, don't take as much time as you took for the first question. Second Question: If you overtake the last person, then you are...? Answer: If you answered that you are second to last, then you are wrong again. Tell me, how can you overtake the LAST Person? You're not very good at this! Are you? Third Question: Very tricky math! Note: This must be done in your head only. Do NOT use paper and pencil or a calculator. Try it. Take 1000 and add 40 to it. Now add another 1000. Now add 30. Add another 1000. Now add 20. Now add another 1000 Now add 10. What is the total? Did you get 5000? The correct answer is actually 4100. Don't believe it? Check with your calculator! Today is definitely not your day. Maybe you will get the last question right? Fourth Question: Mary's father has five daughters: 1. Nana, 2. Nene, 3. Nini, 4. Nono. What is the name of the fifth daughter? Answer: Nunu? NO! Of course not. Her name is Mary. Read the question again Okay, now the bonus round: There is a mute person who wants to buy a toothbrush. By imitating the action of brushing one's teeth he successfully expresses himself to the shopkeeper and the purchase is done. Now if there is a blind man who wishes to buy a pair of sunglasses, how should he express himself? He just has to open his mouth and ask, so simple. revdauphinee answered on 11/12/04: got em right guess im not as dumb as I thought i was. arcura rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 11/11/04 - I can see clearly now! Islam could be new communism By Barney Zwartz November 12, 2004 Islam could be the communism of the 21st century if the West does not reform its secular democracy, Australia's leading Catholic has said in a speech in the United States. The Archbishop of Sydney, Cardinal George Pell, said secular liberal democracy was empty and selfish, and Islam was emerging as an alternative world view that attracted the alienated. In a speech in which he also attacked his critics for suggesting that conservative Christians were a danger to democracy, Cardinal Pell said communism had shown how the emptiness of the secular approach could be filled with something darker. "The small but growing conversion of native Westerners within Western societies to Islam carries the suggestion that Islam may provide in the 21st century the attraction which communism provided in the 20th, both for those who are alienated or embittered on the one hand, and for those who seek order or justice on the other." Dr Pell told the Acton Institute for the Study of Religion and Liberty last month that secular democracy could not stop the rise of intolerant religion and in fact worsened it. He said democracy was not a good in itself. Its value depended on the moral vision it served. "The past century provided examples enough of how the emptiness within secular democracy can be filled with darkness by political substitutes for religion." Dr Pell said the "democratic personalism" he advocated, based on the dignity of the person, was the last alternative to secular democracy available to the West. He said for a Catholic bishop to speak this way inspired panic and derision in those with ideological convictions about secularism. Their over-reaction was an attempt to silence opposition. "He said democracy was not a good in itself. Its value depended on the moral vision it served." These views obviously contrast with the view of George Bush who appearently believes that Democracy is in itself a counter to Islam. Do you think in Islam we are seeing the rise of the next "ism" to threaten the freedom of the free world? If so, should we seek them out now and eliminate these agents in our midst? revdauphinee answered on 11/12/04: ever hear of the end times prophecy of a one world religion??could not it be Islam>? paraclete rated this answer

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HANK1 asked on 11/11/04 - JUST WONDERING: I feel that the following will get you to Heaven: 1. Being baptized. 2. Obey the Ten Commandments. 3. Obey the Golden Rule 4. Believe in God. 5. Believe in Jesus Christ. What else is necessary ... if anything? HANK revdauphinee answered on 11/12/04: aLL THAT IS NEEDED FOR SALVATION IS BELIEF AND ACCEPTANCE OF JESUS AS MESSIAH All the rest are merely acts of obedience not aids to salvation HANK1 rated this answer

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Choux asked on 11/10/04 - Saul and the Origins of Christianity bb's comment to my response to Sal's question about Augustine didn't ring true to me, so I offer some additional information from my library. Comments welcome. Christianity is a religion that Saul an educated Jew who resided in Greece, originated and spread throughout the Mediterrean area. It is a combination of Jewish tribal religion and Greek Pagan Mysteries. The Greek Pagan Mysteries are far to difficult to explain here so I will refer you to a scholarly work*. Saul(Paul) had no interest in classical Greek philosophy which believed that *reason was divine* for his new religion, Christianity. "The Christ" is entirely a mystical Greek concept like the Pagan's Osiris-Dyonysus myth. In fact Paul *quotes* Jesus *only once*: This is my body ...etc. When he quotes this passage the Greek actually states that Jesus spoke these words on the night he was "delivered up", a phrase remeiniscent of that used to describe the fate of the Greek sacrificial 'Pharmakos', who also meets his death to atone for the "sins of the world". It was Augustine that was influenced by the ancient classical Greek philosophers. Choux *"The Jesus Mysteries" by Timothy Freke and Peter Gandy "The Power of Myth" Joseph Campbell Must reading for any serious Christian. revdauphinee answered on 11/12/04: ""Christianity is a religion that Saul an educated Jew who resided in Greece, originated "" not true! God through his son JESUS originated Christianity ATON2 rated this answer Choux rated this answer

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lucpi asked on 11/11/04 - Yasser Arafat Do you think Arafat & Moses played similar roles in life? Both were heroic freedom-fighters of their own people. revdauphinee answered on 11/11/04: No Way mose was a deliverer Arafat was a terrorist! Krewton rated this answer lucpi rated this answer

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CeeBee2 asked on 11/10/04 - Advice for us if we decide to disagree with someone Hate mail that's worth reading takes real work by Mary Schmich, Chicago Tribune Published November 10, 2004 Hate mail used to be a pastime limited to those hardy letter-writers who knew how to rustle up an envelope, lick a stamp and look up an address. Back in those character-building days of this great nation, hate mail took work. But the Internet has opened the hobby of hate mail to anybody with a computer and a grudge. And, indeed, based on the latest poll of my inbox, 1.6 million Americans are, at any given moment, e-mailing invective they hope will feel like a fork in the eye to some columnist, activist, editor, politician, TV host, blogger or other blathering lowlife. Are you one of these exuberant letter writers? Or maybe you've always dreamed of being one but didn't know how? Whether you're an experienced hate-mailer or simply want to be, you need a personal hate-mail consultant. My fellow Americans, that would be me. Give me just three minutes of your time, right now, and I will hone your hate-mail skills. What are my qualifications? I admit I've never sent hate mail. Don't hold that against me. Believe me, I've been tempted. But what I lack as a writer of hate mail, I make up for as a recipient. Indeed, the abundance of hate mail in this election season has alerted me to a national emergency: To be the America we want to be, we must improve our hate-mail standards. So I offer myself, free of charge, to help make your hate mail more effective. These 100 percent bipartisan tips are guaranteed to increase the chances that the loathsome person you're writing to doesn't delete your mail after the second sentence: - Do not begin with an expletive. It may satisfy your urge to throw a rotten tomato, but wouldn't you rather make your mark with fresh ideas than with spoiled fruit? - Don't rant about things the author said unless the author really said them. Respond to what's on the page, not to what you read between the lines or imagine is in the author's heart. If the object of your outrage wrote, "I'm not wild about Snickers bars," don't fire back, "YOU @#$% BIGOT, how dare you smear all CANDY !!!!!" - If you insist on writing the above sentence, at least send the recipient a Snickers bar. Wit will help your bitterness go down. - NO GIANT TYPE. Please. - DITTO FOR BOLDFACE!!! AND HOLD THE EXCLAMATION POINTS!!! THEY MAKE YOU LOOK CRAZY!!!!! - Avoid these overused insults: "Naive." "Whining." "You just don't get it." The artless hate-mail writer calls everyone who doesn't agree with him "naive" and defines "whining" as anything critical of his views. And if you think "You just don't get it" is persuasive or original, then you just don't get it. - Do not call the person you are writing "stupid." Calling people stupid makes you look that way. And, no, "cretin" isn't better just because it sounds French. - If you must name-call, be clever. Ripping off other people's clever lines makes you look like a thief, not a comic. So don't hurl insults you heard from Rush Limbaugh or Al Franken. - Compliment. It may hurt worse than tweezing, but a compliment multiplies your chance of being read. Try, "I often enjoy your work, but . . . " - Self-deprecate. Try, "Thanks for letting me vent." That small acknowledgement that you know you're puffing pretty hard will help the letter's recipient believe in your shared humanity. - With all due respect, abandon the prissy phrase "with all due respect." It's usually a preface to something disrespectful. A preface to an insult doesn't make it any less insulting, so why waste the space? - Keep. It. Short. - Sign your name. Your real name. Not "Dr. Bigstuff" or whatever swashbuckling pseudonym you tremble behind while hurling spitballs. - Before you mail [or post], ask yourself: Would you say this to the person's face? If not, don't mail [or post] it either. Follow these suggestions, ladies and gents, and I promise you'll see amazing results faster than you can sneeze. Your hate mail won't be hate mail anymore. It may even sound like a readable argument. Win-win for everybody! THANKS FOR LETTING ME VENT!!!! Copyright © 2004, Chicago Tribune revdauphinee answered on 11/11/04: I have disagreed with folks a lot the thing is if they wont see reason then the best thing is to just agree to disagree no one has a moratorium on the truth and bad as I hate to admit it at times i have even felt I might have been wrong but I was mistaken LOL CeeBee2 rated this answer

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Saladin asked on 11/10/04 - Our God is a God of justice A prosecution before the first American military commission since World War II was halted this week, just as it was getting started, by a federal judge in Washington who ruled that the proceedings lacked the basic elements of a fair trial and violated the Geneva Conventions. It was the latest in a series of court decisions that have taken the Bush administration to task for trampling on the law in the name of fighting terrorists. The administration should bring its policies into compliance with the law. Salim Ahmed Hamdan, a former driver for Osama bin Laden who was taken captive in Afghanistan, was to be tried as a war criminal before the newly created military commission at Guant�namo. Under the legal regime set up by the Bush administration, these tribunals lack the procedural safeguards of a court-martial. Mr. Hamdan would have very little right to see the evidence presented against him, a situation that puts a defendant at a severe disadvantage. In his ruling, Judge James Robertson of Federal District Court in Washington held that Mr. Hamdan cannot be tried in this kind of a stripped-down proceeding. The Geneva Conventions, which the United States has signed, requires a court martial for any detainee who is a prisoner of war, or whose status is in doubt. At a court martial, defendants have a far greater ability to see, and challenge, the prosecution's evidence. The administration argues that Mr. Hamdan is not entitled to be treated as a P.O.W. because he worked for Al Qaeda, not a traditional army, and that the president's declaration to that effect was enough to deny him the protection of the Geneva Conventions. Judge Robertson, however, disagreed. Article 5 of the Third Geneva Convention says prisoners can be denied P.O.W. status only by a competent tribunal. Judge Robertson said the administration did not give Mr. Hamdan the sort of proceeding that would be necessary to deny him his rights. The Bush administration has a history of flouting the law, and the treaties to which the United States is a signatory, as part of the so-called war on terror. The White House argued, until the Supreme Court ruled otherwise in June, that the detainees in Gitmo had no right to challenge their confinement, and even tried to apply "unlawful combatant" status to American citizens at the president's discretion. Earlier this year, a now-infamous Justice Department memo came to light that set out a road map for avoiding legal prohibitions on the use of torture. It is too early to tell whether a post-John Ashcroft Justice Department will view these issues differently. For now, the administration says it will appeal this week's ruling, which could set the stage for another Supreme Court ruling that it has gone too far. Meanwhile, America's image abroad will take another beating, and our soldiers will be in even greater danger in the future of being denied Geneva Convention protections should they be captured. The administration should drop the appeal and concentrate instead on upgrading its flawed policies. Whose God is Mr Bush's God? revdauphinee answered on 11/11/04: when did Gw ever wory about oppinions abroad?? Saladin rated this answer

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jeremy_hobbs asked on 11/10/04 - Practicing what you preach How many Christians or none Christians on this Board practice what you preach? Do you feel that you try hard to stick to your moral and ethical standard? revdauphinee answered on 11/11/04: one can but try however we are all human and mistakes are made .Christians my friend are not perfect just forgiven! jeremy_hobbs rated this answer

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Saladin asked on 11/09/04 - Jeremy Hobbs I hope that you will all reach out to Jeremy Hobbs, our newest expert. Welcome, Jeremy. :) Sal revdauphinee answered on 11/11/04: welcome Jeremy! Saladin rated this answer

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Mathatmacoat asked on 11/09/04 - Should saviour children be permitted? November 10, 2004 - 12:24PM Children created especially to save a sick sibling's life should not be confused with designer babies, experts say. Some Australian states ban embryo selection to enable parents to produce a saviour sibling. But experts in Australia for the World Congress on Bioethics say there is no reason - moral or otherwise - to stop the practice. And they reject suggestions by morals campaigners that allowing embryo selection for medical reasons will lead to designer babies based on eye colour or other physical attributes. British co-authors of a report on whether saviour siblings should be banned, Professor Sally Sheldon and Dr Stephen Wilkinson of Keele University, say parents should have the right to create a baby to save their sick child's life. "We start with the assumption that you should let parents do this unless there's very good reasons for stopping them," Prof Sheldon told AAP. "We think reproductive autonomy is a good thing so you should let people do what they want to do unless they're harming someone else and obviously if you let the parents go ahead, hopefully they're going to be saving the life of a sick child and, typically, we think saving the lives of sick children is a good thing as well." Embryos through IVF are screened for an exact tissue match to the sick sibling before it is implanted into the mother. In a recent case, a British boy with a rare blood disorder was successfully given stem cells from his perfectly matched saviour brother. "On the issue of whether the states should choose to allow saviour siblings, I think they should," Prof Sheldon said. "And the states that aren't allowing deliberate creation of saviour siblings in my view are doing something morally wrong because they're preventing parents from doing everything they can to save the life of a child." The major arguments against deliberately creating saviour siblings include that the child would be seen as a commodity and that it wouldn't be treated as wanted or valued. It has also been argued embryonic selection for medical reasons may not be in the child's interests and that it creates a slippery slope towards designer babies. Prof Sheldon said the argument of designer babies was weak and it was easy to distinguish between embryo selection for serious life-saving reasons and for trivial purposes. There has been little if any research on the psychological impacts on saviour siblings. But Prof Sheldon said there were strong arguments in favour of the procedure. "What about the psychological impact on those children who are conceived naturally and can't act as saviour siblings so they're going to possibly come to feel plausibly implicated in the death of a loved sibling, certainly they're going to be born into a bereaved family." � 2004 AAP Is selecting embyro's to be medical saviours of other children playing God? What damage does this do to the person's sense of self worth in later life if the procedure is unsuccessful? revdauphinee answered on 11/11/04: NO!!! Mathatmacoat rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 11/09/04 - How many of you have time on your hands? This question was prompted by Sal's interest in mongoose and the replies. But it occurs to me, for trivia as well as other purposes, declare yourself, those who do have time on their hands. I can confess to having more time on my hand's than I would like, and Joe, it's not from not seeking employment. I spent 45 years working for others before I embarked on this enterprise in which I am now engaged. revdauphinee answered on 11/11/04: im retired and disabled all I have is time! paraclete rated this answer

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lucpi asked on 11/09/04 - landslide victory? Bush victory in the presidential election was nowhere near a landslide. In 1972 Nixon was re-elected in one of the most massive landslide elections in U.S. political history, defeating George McGovern and garnering over 60% of the popular vote. He carried 49 of the 50 states. That was a real landslide. Can't remember it? Where were you in 1972? revdauphinee answered on 11/11/04: hey they won we lost! now we need to get over it and try to work together for the good of the nation.Unfortunatly the people got what they want now they will have to live with it. ETWolverine rated this answer lucpi rated this answer

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Saladin asked on 11/09/04 - Is justice a Christian virtue? Judge Halts War-Crime Trial at Guant�namo By NEIL A. LEWIS Published: NYT - November 9, 2004 GUANT�NAMO BAY, Cuba, Nov. 8 - A federal judge ruled Monday that President Bush had both overstepped his constitutional bounds and improperly brushed aside the Geneva Conventions in establishing military commissions to try detainees at the United States naval base here as war criminals. The ruling by Judge James Robertson of United States District Court in Washington brought an abrupt halt to the trial here of one detainee, one of hundreds being held at Guant�namo as enemy combatants. It threw into doubt the future of the first set of United States military commission trials since the end of World War II as well as other legal proceedings devised by the administration to deal with suspected terrorists. In his 45-page ruling, the judge said the administration had ignored a basic provision of the Geneva Conventions, the international treaties signed by the United States that form the basic elements of the laws governing the conduct of war. The conventions oblige the United States to treat Mr. Hamdan as a prisoner of war, the judge said , unless he goes before a special tribunal described in Article 5 of the Third Geneva Convention that determines he is not. A P.O.W. is entitled to a court-martial if there are accusations of war crimes but may not be tried before a military commission. The United States military did not conduct Article 5 tribunals at the end of the Afghanistan war, saying they were unnecessary. Government lawyers argued that the president had already used his authority to deem members of Al Qaeda unlawful combatants who would be deprived of P.O.W. status. But Judge Robertson, who was nominated to be on the court by President Bill Clinton, said that that was not enough. "The president is not a panel," he wrote. "The law of war includes the Third Geneva Convention, which requires trial by court-martial as long as Hamdan's P.O.W. status is in doubt." If justice is a Christian virtue, should not a Christian president adhere to those laws to which his country is a signator? Sal revdauphinee answered on 11/11/04: why should Bush consider the geneva convention he does not concider any other international laws? Saladin rated this answer

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HANK1 asked on 11/09/04 - Translation: I received the following in an e-mail. I think it's in Greek. What does it mean? ��������� ����������� �������: �����������!!!��������!!! �����������!! HANK revdauphinee answered on 11/09/04: here are those on this board that can translate this for you Pete_Hanysz rated this answer ATON2 rated this answer Uni-Agdistis rated this answer Saladin rated this answer HANK1 rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 11/08/04 - Should consumers of science recieve a warning? November 9, 2004 - 11:01AM A trial has opened over whether a warning sticker in school biology textbooks in Atlanta that says evolution is "a theory, not a fact" violates the separation of church and state by promoting religion. The case is one of several battles waged in recent years in more conservative states over what role evolution should play in science books. Cobb County schools put the disclaimers in biology texts two years ago after more than 2,000 parents complained the books presented evolution as fact without mentioning rival ideas about the origin of life, namely creationism. A group of parents and the American Civil Liberties Union then filed a lawsuit over the stickers. "It's like saying everything that follows this sticker isn't true," said Jeffrey Selman, a parent who filed the lawsuit. The sticker reads, "This textbook contains material on evolution. Evolution is a theory, not a fact, regarding the origin of living things. This material should be approached with an open mind, studied carefully and critically considered." A lawyer for the school district, Linwood Gunn, said the sticker was meant to "encourage critical thinking" and said it did not imply that evolution was wrong. Gunn said it was silly to consider the stickers a promotion of religion. "It doesn't say anything about faith. It doesn't say anything about religion," he said. But US District Judge Clarence Cooper asked Gunn why it was necessary to have a sticker clarify evolution as a theory. "Why put a sticker on the book when that's already in the book?" Gunn said school board members were simply trying to accommodate all views. The first witness, parent Marjorie Rogers, started the drive to put the stickers in the books. She said it was only fair to put a small disclaimer in a textbook where religious-based ideas about the origin of life are not mentioned. "I don't want the Bible taught in the classroom. But there is a wealth of science that would support intelligent design, and that is not taught," she said. "There should be a marketplace of ideas." The judge also heard from a science teacher who said some students pointed to the sticker and argued evolution was "just a theory." The sticker "diminishes the status of evolution among all other theories," said teacher Wes McCoy. "I was worried. I didn't want college admission counsellors thinking less of their science educations, thinking they hadn't been taught evolution or something." The US Supreme Court ruled in 1987 that creationism was a religious belief that could not be taught in public schools along with evolution. The theory of evolution says evidence shows current species of life evolved over time from earlier forms and that natural selection determines which species survive. Creationism credits the origin of species to God. The trial, which will be decided by the judge, is expected to last several days. AP Evolutionists dont like to be confronted with the facts that evolution is the greatest work of fiction yet published revdauphinee answered on 11/09/04: evolution is A theory in my dictionary it states theory ---An assumption based on limited information or knowledge; a conjecture. I worked in the field of chemistry for a long time and always learned that upon a theory being proved it was then called a Law I have as yet to hear of the Law of evolution. i HAVE NO PROBLEM IN TEACHING THE THEORY(as such) AS LONG AS WE GIVE EQUAL TIME TO CREATIONISM. paraclete rated this answer

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Saladin asked on 11/08/04 - Mongoose I asked Mongoose what the plural form of Mongoose was - Mongooses or Mongeese. He didn't answer my question. What do you believe it is? :) Sal - curiously minded revdauphinee answered on 11/08/04: mongeeses! And as for Christians being interested and talking about other things did not God give us minds and brains are we just because we are Christians to think of nothing else?wouldnt that be a great waste of Gods gift??/ paraclete rated this answer Saladin rated this answer

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FormerJesusHelper76 asked on 11/08/04 - Spirit Guides! Do you believe that we all have spirit guides? If you do! Do you also believe there are ways to communicate with them? How do we become more open to the idea of being in communication with the spirit world. Joe revdauphinee answered on 11/08/04: no this smells a lot like spiritualism and is not for christians (Isa.8:19 When men tell you to consult mediums and spiritists, who whisper and mutter, should not a people inquire of their God? Why consult the dead on behalf of the living? we need no spirits to help us for we have but one mediator between ourselves and God JESUS himself (Jn.14:6 Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. ) FormerJesusHelper76 rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 11/08/04 - The dog has seen the light! A family that happened to be very strong in their Baptist faith, decided they wanted to get a pet. They had one requirement -- the pet had to be Baptist, also! So one day they drove to the pet store where they proceeded to ask the owner, "Do you have any Baptist dogs for sale, by any chance?" Surprised by the question, the pet shop owner looked around his shop and thought about it for a while and finally nodded, saying, "Wait... a.... minute...... yes, I think we just might have a dog that could fit your description." The owner walks over to a group of cages and brings out a small dog to the family, and the father says, "We need to see if this is a real Baptist dog." So the father says to the dog, "Go find a bible." Unbelievablly, the dog runs out of the pet store, down the street, and into a church ..... returning with ..... of all things .... a bible in its mouth! He runs up to the family and plops down the book at their feet. Genuinely impressed, the father continues, "Let's see if this dog knows its books of the bible, tho... 'Turn to the book of Psalms,'" he commands the dog. The dog immediately opens the bible with its snout and paws through the pages .... stopping when it reaches Psalms. Very pleased, the father buys the dog for his family and they bring it home. The next day, the family has visitors. Proudly, the family shows off their little Baptist dog and the things it could do. Finally, the friends of the family ask, "Nice! But, can it do any other tricks that normal dogs do?" The Baptist father wondered and said, "Hmm, I don't know. We've never tried any other commands." He then orders the dog, "Heel." Suddenly the dog leaps onto the father's lap and places its paw on the man's head and starts to pray. "Wait..... a..... minute!" exclaim the friends of the family. "That dog isn't Baptist!..... It's Pentecostal!" revdauphinee answered on 11/08/04: thank you I needed a laugh paraclete rated this answer

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Saladin asked on 11/07/04 - Christ Mass is a cumin in, lhude sing caroyl ... Is it a sin worthy of death to put up a Christ mass tree and festoon it with sparkly baubles? Am I in more danger from my fake tannenbaum than I was from my plastic pumpkin (that turned out to be harmless)? :) Sal revdauphinee answered on 11/08/04: Is it a sin worthy of death to put up a Christ mass tree and festoon it with sparkly baubles? I dont think so however it has nothing to do with Christ either! Saladin rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 11/07/04 - Are there advantages to evil? according to Swinburne, there are advantages of a world in which free men face challenges, and have the capacity to affect others. The existence of evil, give men the opportunity to perform act which show men at their best. Many evils spur men into action. A world without evils, would be a world without which men could not show sympathy, forgiveness, compassion and self sacrifice. In conclusion, there is no easy proof to show the incompatibility between the existence of evil and God. It is the price of free actions that evil will exist The existence of evil is compatible with the existence of God and God's choice to create creatures with free will. What do you think? revdauphinee answered on 11/07/04: its just like black and white, light and dark. the choice is one people make, but when making any choice one must take into consideration the consequences of our choices paraclete rated this answer Saladin rated this answer

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Saladin asked on 11/06/04 - Lifting the Curse ... Lifting the Curse Its true significance was noteworthy only to those few hundred thousand fans that really cared whether the New York Yankees or the Boston Red Sox won the American Baseball is League World Series. Outside America, no one really gave a hoot. That is the penalty for playing a game that is neither rounders nor cricket. On the night of 27 October 2004, Babe Ruth finally gave up. Eighty-six years of failure and futility, the product of the so-called �Curse of the Bambino,� was decisively concluded. The �curse� is said to have been affixed to the Red Sox by Babe �Bambino� Ruth for selling him to the Yankees in 1918. Theo Epstein, manager of the Sox, said of the victory, "This is for anyone who ever played for the Red Sox, anyone who ever rooted for the Red Sox, anyone who ever saw a game at Fenway Park." Red Sox fans would not leave the stadium after the resounding victory of a team from which everyone had come to expect constant failure in the Series. �Thank you, Red Sox,� they chanted for hours until they were hoarse, tired, and just about empty of praise for their team and the lifting of the curse than none of them had been there to see initiated. The removal of the Curse of the Bambino was scarcely announced to the world at large. But for those with Red Sox blood coursing through their veins, it was a gateway from shadow to sunshine, from despair to hope, and their heads were a little higher, their smiles a little broader, and their hearts a little lighter as they walked out into the sunshine of a new day. The most remarkable thing about this whole history of the Curse from beginning to end, is that some actually came to believe that it was a real curse, operating at a supernatural level, and that there was nothing anyone could do about it except suffer it. If ever something qualified to be the self-fulfilling prophecy of the century, this was it. It is not probable that we will ever know what influence the Babe�s �Curse� had on the fortunes of his old team, or on the outlook of those who have faithfully followed them down the years. Yet it is more than likely that the fiction has not been without force. Even if only because, as fragile humankind, we are too often wont to take someone else�s word about our abilities and our potential for solid achievement. What surprises me is that while the US national press and news channels carried the story with a certain amount of delectation, I did not read or hear of anyone drawing the obvious lesson from the affair. I would have expected choruses of voices to be raised in proclamation that if you think you are beat, then you are beat, but if you think that you can achieve something, curse or no curse, then you will probably reach your goal. Time will not permit the whole sorry history of declared low expectations to be recounted, but the battlefields are littered with the bodies of the slain who knew they could not win. Flop houses and prisons are filled with failures that knew they could not succeed, because battalions of parent and teachers had drummed the expectation of failure into their minds from a tender age. To those whose future has been determined by any similar curse, that while it is not substantive, has all the corporeality of a brick dropped on to your head from a great height, I say �Take courage.� To those who struggle under the injustice of having their hopes dashed by a naysayer I exclaim, �Think of the Red Sox, and fight for your life!� Copyright � 2004 � Ronnie Bray ALL RIGHTS RESERVED revdauphinee answered on 11/06/04: a curse only works on those who believe in it! Saladin rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 11/06/04 - You never know what those christians will do? A man proclaiming himself to be a born-again Christian allegedly attacked a high-ranking clergyman in the grounds of an Anglican cathedral yesterday. Police allege the man, in his 30s, assaulted the Dean of Newcastle, Graeme Lawrence, at the entrance of his residence next to Newcastle's Christ Church Cathedral about 4pm. The man, whom parishioners described as angry, had allegedly been involved in a ruckus inside the cathedral minutes before the incident. The Bishop of Newcastle, Roger Herft, said the man had earlier approached him and asked for money. "He said 'I'm a born-again Christian and I want $50,' " Bishop Herft said. The bishop said Mr Lawrence then volunteered to fetch the man some food from the rectory. Police believe the man was involved in a scuffle near the doorway of the dean's residence. Mr Lawrence was knocked to the ground, injuring his shoulder and face. Bishop Herft urged the dean to receive immediate medical assistance. But Mr Lawrence, described by parishioners as a compassionate and forgiving man, insisted on conducting a wedding ceremony in the cathedral set down for 6pm. The dean did not want to disappoint the couple at such late notice. Detectives interviewed the dean and several witnesses about the alleged assault, which left parishioners shocked. Forensic police also examined the scene for clues and took photographs of the alleged crime scene. Church officials said they were taking Mr Lawrence to hospital for X-rays after the wedding service. Police said the alleged offender was thin, about 180 centimetres tall and Caucasian, and was seen leaving near the cathedral in a green Toyota Hi-Ace revdauphinee answered on 11/06/04: physicaly attacing someone is not a Christian act! paraclete rated this answer

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Mongoose asked on 11/06/04 - Is this an aspect of religion? Every human being performs any action for a reason or a motive. Others see these actions as the person�s true character. But is it his character or is he hiding his true motive for doing that act? Many times one is not aware of the acts he does but does it subconsciously. So to become truly free, one should know your motives and act in a direction to justify them correctly. Mongoose revdauphinee answered on 11/06/04: If an action is evil no justification can make it good! Topper rated this answer Mongoose rated this answer

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Mongoose asked on 11/06/04 - Al-Queda ... "Today, the structure that was built in Afghanistan has been destroyed, and bin Laden and his associates have scattered or been arrested or killed. There is no longer a central hub for Islamic militancy. But the al Qaeda worldview, or �al Qaedaism,� is growing stronger every day. This radical internationalist ideology�sustained by anti-Western, anti-Zionist, and anti-Semitic rhetoric�has adherents among many individuals and groups, few of whom are currently linked in any substantial way to bin Laden or those around him. They merely follow his precepts, models, and methods. They act in the style of al Qaeda, but they are only part of al Qaeda in the very loosest sense. That's why Israeli intelligence services now prefer the term �jihadi international� instead of �al Qaeda.� Source: "Think Again: Al Queda" by Jason Burke Is this reality or pessimism? Mongoose revdauphinee answered on 11/06/04: terrorism is evil no matter what the name it goes by! Mongoose rated this answer

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STONY asked on 11/06/04 - ON THE LIGHTER SIDE.....WRIGHT-ISMS Subject: Wright-isms If you're not familiar with the work of Steven > Wright, he's the guy who once said: > "I woke up one morning and all of my stuff had been stolen...and > replaced by exact duplicates." His > mind sees things differently than we do -- to our amazement and > amusement. Here are some more of > his gems. > > I'd kill for a Nobel Peace Prize. > Borrow money from pessimists - they don't expect it back. > Half the people you know are below average. > > 99% of lawyers give the rest a bad name. > > 42.7% of all statistics are made up on the spot. > A conscience is what hurts when all your other parts feel so good. > A clear conscience is usually the sign of a bad memory. > > If you want the rainbow, you gotta put up with the rain. > All those who believe in psycho kinesis, raise my hand. > The early bird may get the worm, but the second mouse gets the cheese. > I almost had a psychic girlfriend but she left me before we met. > OK, so what's the speed of dark? > How do you tell when you're out of invisible ink? > If everything seems to be going well you have obviously overlooked > something. > Depression is merely anger without enthusiasm. > When everything is coming your way, you're in the wrong lane. > Ambition is a poor excuse for not having enough sense to be lazy. > Hard work pays off in the future, laziness pays off now. > I intend to live forever -- so far, so good. > If Barbie is so popular, why do you have to buy her friends? > Eagles may soar, but weasels don't get sucked into jet engines. > What happens if you get scared half to death twice? > My mechanic told me, "I couldn't repair your brakes, so I made your horn > louder." > Why do psychics have to ask you for your name? > If at first you don't succeed, destroy all evidence that you tried. > A conclusion is the place where you got tired of thinking. > > Experience is something you don't get until just after you need it. > The hardness of the butter is proportional to the softness of the bread. > > To steal ideas from one person is plagiarism; to steal from many is > research. > The problem with the gene pool is that there is no lifeguard. > The sooner you fall behind, the more time you'll have to catch up. > The colder the x-ray table, the more of your body is required to be on > it. > Everyone has a photographic memory; some just don't have film revdauphinee answered on 11/06/04: sounds like this guy understands life! STONY rated this answer

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Saladin asked on 11/05/04 - Was it something in the water? I had a funny turn earlier today. After returning from my neurologist I checked in on AW and in a dream state, probably a result of a cup of water I had in her office, I imagined that someone had posted a piece of hate that was straight out of Adolph Hitler's playbook, inviting Christians to comment on the disposal of a Freedom Fighter who is, this very moment, fighting to hold on to his life, and in danger of losing his last struggle. The post itself, though evoidence of a diseased mind, was not the most disturbing thing. I imagined that respected experts, avowed christians, had responded with devilish suggestions as to his disposal. After pinching myself to make sure I was awake - I was! - my thoughts turned back to the water dispenser in Dr Rama's office. Had it been tampered with? Had someone put poison in it? Was I the victim of someone who had no moral decency and did not care how a stranger might fare? Did Lucifer visit that office and sprinkle Devil-dust into the dispenser to twist the mind of an innocent victim? I had to know, and so I took a reality check. It was not me that was poisoned and twisted! That was a relief, but how to explain what I htought I had read? My reality check, assisted by many Biblical passages on Christian conversation revealed that Lucifer had beenrunning interference, but not wiht my water supply. Lucifer, Old Nick himself, had been poisoning and twisting "christian" minds, and that was why I read what I read. It was not my imagination. I had indeed read words that would have made a mass murderer blush, but these were from the mouths of some who boasted in their Christianity! Satan must have turned them aside from their faith in Jesus and from following after him and imitating him, and had made them his own, the proof being fastened in the hateful and dark evil words they used. I can hear sweet Lord Jesus telling them in words of extreme and painfujl sorrow: "Depart from me. I never knew you. You are the workers of iniquity and serve your master, the Devil!" And all the time I thought it was the water. I should have remembered that it was not what goes into a man or woman's mouth, but what comes out of his or her mouth that tells who and what he or she is. They have out-Heroded Herod! How can anyone claim to follow Jesus yet speak such words of hatred? Sal revdauphinee answered on 11/05/04: I cant remember his name but an old actor used to say never drink water !(fish pee in it) Saladin rated this answer

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Choux asked on 11/05/04 - Change of Pace I have a survey/question for the Board. Participation is voluntary, of course. How many men on the board would be happy to be a woman? State why and why not. Ladies, How many women on the board would be happy being a man? Why or why not. revdauphinee answered on 11/05/04: Not only do I have no desire to be a man,I dont even want equality with them Why step down? Choux rated this answer Saladin rated this answer Uni-Agdistis rated this answer

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Topper asked on 11/05/04 - ARAFAT! Would you place Arafat, the Father of modern terroism, in the same category as Hitler and Stalin? Should he be buried or torched? Topper revdauphinee answered on 11/05/04: leave that to his maker he can handle him Topper rated this answer ATON2 rated this answer purplewings rated this answer Uni-Agdistis rated this answer

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STONY asked on 11/05/04 - THE ELECTION IS OVER.... PRESIDENT BUSH HAS WON BY A LANDSLIDE. NOW IT'S TIME TO PUT OUR DIFFERENCES BEHIND US AND ALLOW THE HEALING TO BEGIN. revdauphinee answered on 11/05/04: either that or get in deep prayer for our futures>Im doing that right now! STONY rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 11/05/04 - Now the election is over! It's time to get back to some fun. Why God Never Received Tenure at a University Because he had only one major publication. And it was in Hebrew. And it had no cited references. And it wasn't published in a refereed journal or even submitted for peer review. And some even doubt he wrote it himself. It may be true that he created the world but what has he done since? The scientific community has had a very rough time trying to replicate his results. He rarely came to class, just told students to read the book. He expelled his first two students for learning. Although there were only ten requirements, most students failed his tests. His office hours were infrequent and usually held on a mountain top. revdauphinee answered on 11/05/04: great! thanks for posting it> paraclete rated this answer

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arcura asked on 11/05/04 - Laura...Never-the-less you have my prayers. Obviously there is some delicacy with your husband�s health and physical condition. That's not to mention the stress you are experiencing. So I'm offering my prayers for healing in mind, body, and spirit for both you and your husband. And I ask that others here do the same. Peace and kindness, arcura revdauphinee answered on 11/05/04: as I said before here we all have bad days ,sory to hear about yours you and yours are in my prayers. arcura rated this answer Laura rated this answer

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Saladin asked on 11/04/04 - Is it a venial or a mortal sin to be a democrat? Recent posts make me ask this question. Am I wrong in thinking that Jesus was a Democrat in spirit? Isn't that what the New Testament portrays him as vis-a-vishis attitude towards people? He was not a Pharisee, so he did not occupy the self-righteous right wing. Where do you see him by his teachings about our relating to our neighbours and in his attitudes and actions that he recommends we have towards our neighbours? (No bad language, please!) :) Sal revdauphinee answered on 11/05/04: Either way I am guilty ATON2 rated this answer Saladin rated this answer

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arcura asked on 11/04/04 - Should Democrats Get Religion? Should Democrats Get Religion? CBS NEWS NEW YORK, Nov. 4, 2004 The Democratic Party's sharp defeat in the 2004 election has already produced a round of soul searching. The GOP recaptured the White House and strengthened its hold on Congress with powerful support from churchgoers. Now some in the party are saying that the Democrats need to reach out to these voters with a faith-based appeal. "I don't hesitate to stand up in a crowd and express how important faith is in my life. It is important to be able to express that in a way that is believable, and Democrats have to get comfortable doing that," Sen. Blanche Lincoln, D-Ark., told the Washington Post. Other Democratic politicians and officials echoed her view. Congressman Dick Gephardt, D-Mo., a former presidential candidate, told the New York Times that Democrats had failed "to speak to our faith, and to relate to people that we share their faith." President Bush's faith-based appeal resonated in the South and rural and small town communities across the nation. And his opposition to gay marriage positioned him to take advantage of widespread voter opposition to same-sex unions. According to CBS News exit polls, only 26 percent of all voters supported the idea of legalized gay and lesbian marriages, while 36 percent opposed any legal recognition of gay and lesbian relationships. Among this latter group, Mr. Bush held a greater than 2-to-1 advantage over Democrat John Kerry. No section of the nation received Mr. Bush's values-laden message more enthusiastically than the Old Confederacy. The election virtually completed the ongoing transformation of the South from a Democratic bastion to a GOP stronghold. Five Southern Senate seats previously held by Democrats fell to the Republicans. The Republican South has created some formidable election math for the Democrats. With the South in the pocket of the 2008 Republican presidential candidate, the 2008 Democratic nominee will need about 70 percent of electoral votes available in the rest of the country to win the White House. Some observers believe GOP triumphs in the South have created the conditions under which the Republicans can remain as the nation's majority party for many years. "The only reason the Democrats dominated [Congress] for as many decades as they did is their advantage came from the South," GOP pollster Whit Ayres told the Los Angeles Times. "When the South essentially left the Democratic coalition, that's when we had the national shift [in Congress] to the Republicans." So the Democratic Party now turns to an internal debate about its future direction. "We Democrats better think long and hard about what happened ... and how our party is going to connect with the hopes and aspirations of the people," Sen. Christopher Dodd, D-Conn., after watching Senate Minority Leader Tom Daschle, D-S.D., an 18-year Senate veteran, go down in defeat. "We have lost the ability to connect with people's value systems and we're going to have to work to get that back." revdauphinee answered on 11/04/04: your question is an insult to myself and those like me (and there are many)who are both Christian and Democrat.Where is it writen that Republicans have the owners manual on faith? bal317 rated this answer Saladin rated this answer Choux rated this answer arcura rated this answer tomder55 rated this answer

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Choux asked on 11/04/04 - The Pope The Pope has had a book on sex published encouraging Catholics to have frequent pleasurable sexual relations. It stated that sex and original sin are *not* related in any way. It is to be noted that the Italian people have a low birth rate. revdauphinee answered on 11/04/04: since when does Jesus tell us to preach sex?his commission was to preach the gospell not the kinsey report! arcura rated this answer Choux rated this answer

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STONY asked on 11/04/04 - DOES ANYONE ELSE SEE THE SIGNS OF THE TIMES... FLORIDA DEVASTATED BY FOUR HURRICANES THIS YEAR, MT. ST. HELENS PREPARES TO ERUPT AGAIN, AND ON THIS MORNINGS NEWS, "ARRAFAT NEARS DEATH AND VOLCANO ERUPTS IN ICELAND." DOES ANYONME ELSE NOT SEE THE PROPHESY IN THESE EVENTS.......... revdauphinee answered on 11/04/04: we are definatly in the end times Prophecyis my passion and reading it its just like watching the news these days.even down to the deception of the faithfull by our leaders MaggieB rated this answer sapphire630 rated this answer STONY rated this answer ATON2 rated this answer

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Saladin asked on 11/04/04 - Are you a christian or a Christian? Karen Cobb asks some very pointed questions Published on Monday, October 25, 2004 by CommonDreams.org No Longer a Christian by Karen Horst Cobb I was told in Sunday school the word "Christian" means to be Christ-like, but the message I hear daily on the airwaves from the �christian � media are words of war, violence, and aggression. Throughout this article I will spell christian with a small c rather than a capital, since the term (as I usually hear it thrown about) does not refer to the teachings of the one I know as the Christ. I hear church goers call in to radio programs and explain that it was a mistake not to kill every living thing in Fallujah. They quote chapter and verse from the old testament about smiting the enemies of Israel. The fear of fighting the terrorists on [US] soil rather than across the globe causes the voices to be raised as they justify the latest prison scandal or other accounts of the horrors of war. The words they speak are words of destruction, aggression, dominance, revenge, fear and arrogance. The host and the callers echo the belief in the righteousness of our nation's killing. There are reminders to pray for our �christian� president who is doing the work of the Lord: Right to Life, Second Amendmendment, sanctity of marriage, welfare reform, war, kill, evil liberals. . . so much to fight, so much to destroy. Let me tell you about the Christ I know. He was conceived by an unmarried woman. He was not born into a family of privilege. He was a radical. He said, �It was said an eye for and eye and a tooth of a tooth, but now I say love your enemies and bless those who curse you.� He said, �Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn for they shall be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the children of God.� (Mattew 5: 3-9) He said, �All those who are called by my name will enter the kingdom of heaven." He said, "People will know true believers if they have the fruit of the spirit--love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, self control.� He knew he would be led like a sheep to the slaughter. He responded with �Father forgive them.� He explained that in Christ there is neither Jew nor gentile, slave or free male nor female. He explained that even to be angry is akin to murder. He said the temple of God is not a building, but is in the hearts of those are called by his name. He was called "the Prince of Peace." His final days were spent in prayer, so that he could endure what was set before him, not on how he could overpower the evil government of that day. When they came for him he was led away and didn�t resist his death sentence. This is a stark contrast to the call of the religious christian right, who vote for war and weapons, and suggest towns and villages be leveled to bring freedom and peace to the people. They proudly boast this country�s superiority, suggesting God has blessed our nation. Today, as I listened to a popular christian news network, I was reminded that in the last days, even God�s elect will be deceived, (II Timothy 3:13). When the religious media moguls preaching prosperity spout their rhetoric, I am reminded of the difficulty Jesus described of a rich man�s ability to enter the kingdom of God. (Matthew 19: 24) (http://www.4religious-right.info/rr_economics.htm) Some who believe they are fighting evil will cry to the Lord, and he will say �I never knew you.� (Matthew 22). They will have a form or godliness but will deny the power (II Timothy 3:5) to move mountains through prayer. (Matthew 17:20). Jesus explained that he has not given us a spirit of fear, but a spirit of power, love, and a sound mind. (II Timothy 1:17) I wonder if the innocent moms and dads, brothers and sisters, and aunts and uncles, and grandmas and grandpas who were the victims of US military weapons (the never reported collateral damages we are protected from in the �liberal� nightly news) felt the love of Jesus with the shock and awe. I wonder if the surviving family members now understand His radical love and that they no longer have any need for weapons or defense. The solutions to the social issues used to manipulate good, decent people have no resemblance to how Jesus responded to the social concerns of his time. He never once mentioned the �right to life� the year he was born King Herod ordered the execution of all babies. (Matthew 2:16). He knew that passing laws does not change the heart. As a follower of his teaching I believe in the right to life, including the children in Iraq who stumble onto land mines, cross the street at the wrong time, or who are snuggly tucked within the warm bellies of their wounded or grieving mothers as US fighter jets fly overhead. These are living, breathing children. The killing of these little ones are never even reported, and our tax dollars pay for these bombs. I believe in the right to life for those in the United States who are unwanted and impoverished. I believe in the right to life of the naive kid who was promised by the recruiter they could choose a desk job and still get their education paid or could see the world or could accelerate their life or could play a very realistic video game from a cockpit. I've worked at a shelter, and I know first hand the reality of unwanted children. I know the reality of this right wing rhetoric when week after week I begged and pleaded with people to give up only one night every three months to sit with these unwanted living children for a few hours while the overworked house parents had a night off. Of the few I found, many changed their minds when they discovered that they would need to wear rubber gloves to change the babies diapers. These �believers� stand on the street corners holding right to life signs and then vote against medical assistance for the mothers and their unwanted children creating an impossible existence for them. The few of these abortion activists who might adopt some of these unwanted children generally want the white and the healthy. The ones with hydrocephalous, tracheotomies, emotional/ mental problems and communicable diseases along with their life long medical expenses can be someone else�s problems. I cringe as many christians vote for policies that deny help to the poor in our own county, who vote to support the war and military strength, assuring the latest weapons are developed and that the heavens will be dominated by the military of the United States. We develop electromagnetic weapons to shatter skulls , split the earth (http://www.raven1.net/emr13.htm) and silently destroy a body as a thief in the night. Studies are even now searching for the frequencies to override the freewill. These unbelievable technologies are a reality and DNA specific weapons can or soon will target a specific nationality (http://www.arabicnews.com/ansub/Daily/Day/981116/1998111619.html ). I weep as the waters Jesus walked on become contaminated with uranium. (http://www.greendove.net/resources3.htm) I grieve as the missiles fly through the atmosphere on the continent where Jesus rose into the sky, defying death and the grave and where the Holy Sprit first descended. I cry out at the horrors of war and the indignity of the prisons so close to where He took captivity captive. So I am no longer a christian if Christianity has become what is presented to us by our christian president and christian media. I cannot support the right of the United States and Israel to develop and use the most heinous weapons ever imagined. I want no part of a temple built on the blood of the innocent. The sheep have been lead astray by the teachings of prosperity and misinterpretation of the final battle between good and evil. Many no longer can recognize the voice of the good Shepherd. Some �good christians� even work at weapons facilities. It is not a stretch to say that a woman who tightens a last rivet on a shiny new missile just off the assembly line might be the same woman who licks the gold star on the attendance chart in morning Sunday school. The missile could be launched by the kid in the youth group who reads the invocation and it will find it�s destiny at a �target of interest� which might or might not have been a result of good intelligence. The collection plate circulates children are taught to love their enemies and bless those who curse them. The statements and lifestyle of Jesus are difficult for me to understand. What would he say to evil dictators? This God would not justify 15,000 or more [possibky as many as 100,000 innocent civilian] deaths. Even the wrathful jealous God of the old testament spared whole cities for a few righteous souls. For christians, to support mass killings as a way to prevent future deaths is not at all like Christ. He would not say,"When I am talking about war I am really talking about peace," like the self professed christian President proudly states. Who but God has the right to determine what price a people should pay for their freedom? The religious leaders on the airwaves today respond to the voices of the few brave peacemakers who dare to speak out. They say that pacifism is insane, and that it doesn�t make sense, but what is forgotten is that logic and faith are separate entities. I believe in the example of Jesus and his admonition to love your enemies and bless those who curse you . Do I understand how this works on the global scale? Do I know what Jesus would say to all the world�s leaders? No, nor do I totally understand how the example of Christ�s life and his message of love works in the world today. That�s why I need faith. Am I always correct in my assessments and actions? No, that�s why I need grace. Am I brave and unafraid? No, that�s why I need the perfect love that casts out fear. Some put trust in Chariots and some in horses but I will remember the name of the lord our God--the Prince of Peace. Perhaps politics has no place for imitators of Christ. Who will show the face of Christ to the world? Who will speak His radical message? I hear from these so called imitators of Christ that the pacifists are a collection of kids, hippies, socialists and communists who haven�t got a clue. Some of us, however, have come to our beliefs as a result of careful and prayerful study of the scriptures and admonishment from our elders. Many are Mennonite, Amish, Quaker and other Anabaptists, whose ancestors did not resist their torturers and were drowned, burnt at the stake and flogged for their pacifist stand. They truly followed the example of Christ, and their resistance against the catastrophic effects of the merging of church and state cost them a great price. Churches today have signed onto the government plan and have agreed to look the other way in exchange for tax free privileges. The true message of Christ still exists to some degree in the quiet of the land to peacemakers, but sadly these good people have been deceived by the angry words from a righteous sounding religious media majority broadcasting in cars and trucks and tractors all over our land ironically preaching the �good news of war for peace� and convincing 24-7 �liberal� bashing. I suspect there are many who share my sorrow at the loss of what it means to be Christ-like, but our voice is seldom heard. The blaring rhetoric drowns out the still small voice of the mighty God. Peace used be the opposite of war. Conservative used to mean the tendency to conserve resources. Liberal used to mean kind and generous, and Christian used to mean like Christ. So I am no longer a christian but just a person who continues trying to follow the example of Christ. I�ll let him call me what he wants when I see him face to face. Until then, I will pray that someday people like me will be able to reclaim the meaning of Christ�s identity, and the world will see the effects of the radical message of Christ�s love--the perfect love that casts out fear. Karen Cobb is a freelance writer and artist in Santa Fe, NM Interesting? Sal revdauphinee answered on 11/04/04: ill have to go with Karen on this one !she hit the nail squarly on the head Saladin rated this answer

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Topper asked on 11/04/04 - Clarification: The essentials of Buddhism is a way of life. Follow them and you can't go wrong. Connect this philosophy with Christianity and your salvation will be guaranteed if you believe in Jesus Christ. I do and I'm a Christian. Isn't morality and his need for family values the main reasons President Bush won the election? Highly respected. Topper revdauphinee answered on 11/04/04: One cannot be a budhist and havew Christian salvation God will not accept it no matter how you rationalize it Jesus is the only way (Exo.34:14 Do not worship any other god, for the LORD, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God. ) (Ac.4:12 Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved (not the Buddah) (Ac.16:30-31 30 He then brought them out and asked, "Sirs, what must I do to be saved?" 31 They replied, "Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved- (Exo.20:5,7 5 You shall not bow down to them or worship them; for I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God, punishing the children for the sin of the fathers to the third and fourth generation of those who hate me, Topper rated this answer

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bal317 asked on 11/04/04 - This Past Election Moral Issue??? Can someone please explain to me, about the moral issue's they say the Republican's had against the Democrat's. Also, if judged by moral's, wasn't the biggest sin Mr. Bush lying as to why we are in Iraq something to take notice of? Why so many jobs have been lost? The health medication issue, including the flu vaccine? Where do we see this high moral influence that the Republican's have and the Democrats don't. I am not trying to promote an argument but I don't see where it has been demonstrated by Mr. Bush's past way's. Maybe if someone can truely point out definate, positive issues that Bush has accomplished we all will understand how to appreciate him more. Thank you, bal317 revdauphinee answered on 11/04/04: bush has used fear and deception once again if you keep people in fear then they will do as you wish it is amazing to me that folks did not see through the bin Lauden bit 3 days before the election it was Bushes ace in the hole and it worked .Bin Lauden ( a saudi)knew that if he did this (I personaly think it was an aranged deaL)people would vote for BUSH he knows te American mind set better than we realise.Kerry was an unknown factor to Bin lauden and as my mother used to say better to deal with the devil you know bal317 rated this answer tomder55 rated this answer

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arcura asked on 11/03/04 - And some wonder why Saddam had to go..... Saddam's 'Killing Field' Sunday, October 17, 2004 By Greg Palkot BAGHDAD, Iraq � The images were shocking. A trench with piles of clothed bodies packed tightly together. Men, women, little children. Even unborn children. Some blindfolded. Some with their hands bound. All slaughtered in cold blood by the henchmen of former Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein All of this horror was discovered in another mass grave in the desert wasteland of northwestern Iraq, near the town of Hatra. It was discovered a year ago, and only now is it being carefully and scientifically excavated by the Regime Crimes Liaison Office . This agency, part of the U.S. Justice Department, is working with the Iraqi interim government to map out the horrors of the Hussein past. The head of the unit, Greg Kehoe, who has seen more than his share of horrors in places such as the Balkans, couldn�t believe what he saw. "I�ve never seen women and children executed, defenseless people executed in this fashion," he said. "I mean, you look at a young woman holding her 2-year-old child with a gunshot wound to the back of the head. I can�t find any reason to justify that." When I saw the images I could only think back to Hilla, a town south of Baghdad where I went in the spring of 2003, just after the fall of Saddam. A mass grave of Iraqi Shiites was discovered there. I will never forget it for as long as I live. Thousands of bodies. Thousands of families swarming over piles of clothing and flesh. Earth-moving equipment digging through the raw humanity. Digging up the past. Some of these people were opponents of the regime, gunned down after an uprising against Saddam in 1991 and then dumped in big trenches. Women and civilians were also among the victims. Beyond the visual impression, though, it is the smell that I will never forget. The bodies had been underground for over 10 years, but you could still feel the rot of the past. The remainder and reminder of life, snuffed out by a horrendous regime. The scene was pure chaos. People were running from pile to pile, looking for loved ones long lost. With so much emotion built up you could imagine and understand why no one was carefully going about the business of sorting through the human debris. And the lucky ones were satisfied enough to bring away their family members in crudely made coffins for long-postponed burials. There was only one problem with that scene: Saddam got off the hook. It didn't seem that enough could have been done to carefully record who was killed, how they were killed and where they were found. And so no real evidence could have been gathered that might be used in, say, a war crimes trial against Saddam Hussein and the thugs who took his orders. That is what the team at this latest mass grave is trying to rectify. It is believed these bodies came from Sulamaniyah , one of the major cities of Kurdistan. The Kurds were one of the mass groups of people in Iraq that the Iraqi leader despised. At the time of one of the Kurdish uprisings against Baghdad in 1987-88, these people were shuttled over to this desolate spot and killed. But thanks to this isolated location of horror and the team's organization, this "war crime" scene has been preserved and can be handled in a proper way. Body locations are mapped, and then the bodies are exhumed from the location and taken to a moveable morgue where the corpses undergo more scrutiny. All of that information and evidence will then be provided to the Iraqi Special Tribunal, which is preparing the case against Hussein and others. Here�s how archaeologist Sonny Trimble put it: �Our real, ultimate goal is to get evidence that�s so tight that when they bring certain regime leaders to trial, it�s very tight, just like any trial you would have in the United States or anywhere else in the world.� It�s thought that there are as many as 3,000 bodies at this one site alone, but the workers will only unearth 200 to 300. There is not enough time for more, but there are many more sites to examine. By one estimate, 300,000 people were slaughtered during Saddam's rule and dumped in 40 different mass grave sites around the country. There is something else that will come of this: Once the legal value can be obtained from the site, the emotional worth can be salvaged, too. It is said that photographs of all of those found, including just the remains, will be brought to their former home for possible identification by families. Maybe these and other victims of the now long-gone regime can get a proper burial, not just a killing field. revdauphinee answered on 11/04/04: No one diputed the fact that this was a bad person however he was not the threat to the US he was touted to be.we should have gone after Bushes friends the Saudis if were to go after anyone.mostofthe 9/11 bombers were saudis Bin Lauden(who conveniently came out of hiding to use scare tactics to aid Bush in winning the election)was from Saudi Arabia.Yet he continues to apease the royal family who finances the terrorists.As long as we are kissing up to them terrorism will never cease.No I am never going to dispute the world is a better place with him out of power however I would feell better were the house of Saudi disbanded also> arcura rated this answer purplewings rated this answer

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FormerJesusHelper76 asked on 11/03/04 - Does this sound like the United States Of America? Ever hear this saying? Please everybody stand up and scream I did, I did. Okay hear goes! United We Stand, Divided We Fall. Thats what came to mind today. God bless! Joe revdauphinee answered on 11/03/04: we all must prAY for the next 4 years to get better. FormerJesusHelper76 rated this answer

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Topper asked on 11/03/04 - BUDDHISM: Religion originates in an attempt to represent and order beliefs, feelings, imaginings and actions that arise in response to direct experience of the sacred and the spiritual. As this attempt expands in its formulation and elaboration, it becomes a process that creates meaning for itself on a sustaining basis, in terms of both its originating experiences and its own continuing responses. Is Buddhism a religion? Topper revdauphinee answered on 11/03/04: yes but not one a Christian can participate in Exodus 20 1. And God spoke all these words: 2. "I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery. 3. "You shall have no other gods before me. 4. "You shall not make for yourself an idol in the form of anything in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the waters below. 5. You shall not bow down to them or worship them; for I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God, punishing the children for the sin of the fathers to the third and fourth generation of those who hate me, Topper rated this answer

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Laura asked on 11/03/04 - I'm really curious..... Why is it that when someone asks a question on this board, any answer given by a professing Christian is met with a kind of resentment of sorts sometimes. Christians are met with all kinds of comments from those who don't believe from respect to downright rudeness. I didn't see anyone asking for questions to be ended, nor did I see anyone "insist" that others are to think the same way that they think. When you ask a question on a board called Christianity, not only will you recieve answers from a varied group of folks, You will also recieve answers from Christians. What is it that you want? revdauphinee answered on 11/03/04: when someone closed the question they probably were getting answers they did not want.one cannot ever worship God aND ANY OTHER The person probably did not like that answer> Exodus 20 1. And God spoke all these words: 2. "I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery. 3. "You shall have no other gods before me. 4. "You shall not make for yourself an idol in the form of anything in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the waters below. 5. You shall not bow down to them or worship them; for I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God, punishing the children for the sin of the fathers to the third and fourth generation of those who hate me, Laura rated this answer

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Choux asked on 11/03/04 - Buddhism and Christianity I was sorry to see that the question about being a Christian and a Buddhist was ended so soon. I wanted to give an opinion. A person can be anything he/she wants! In addition, there are no religious or spiritual police(although I suspect some here would love to have that job!):D We are talking about peace, happiness, direction, and salvation; that is *personal* and a matter of *opinion*. I think that many people do not follow dogma or rigid interpretations of various scriptures. I wonder how many? revdauphinee answered on 11/03/04: choux read the following then tell me one can worship more than one God Exodus 20 1. And God spoke all these words: 2. "I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery. 3. "You shall have no other gods before me. 4. "You shall not make for yourself an idol in the form of anything in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the waters below. 5. You shall not bow down to them or worship them; for I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God, punishing the children for the sin of the fathers to the third and fourth generation of those who hate me, Choux rated this answer queenybee rated this answer

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STONY asked on 11/03/04 - SOMETIME BACK I POSTED THIS ACCOUNT... AND A BUNCH OF YOU TRIED TO DISCREDIT IT. WELL, MY BROTHER IN PHOENIX, WHO ORIGINALLY SENT IT TO ME HAS UNCOVERED THE FACTS AND HERE THEY ARE: Sent: 11/2/2004 2:20:58 PM Subject: This brought tears to my eyes On the eve of the election, a true story of the President, checked out by Truthorfiction.com Bruce Vincent's Meeting with President Bush and Prayer for Vincent's Step- mother-Truth! Summary of the eRumor A first-hand account of a man's visit to the Oval Office at the White House. He was there for an awards ceremony, but ended up in a short prayer meeting with the president on behalf of his step-mother who was having surgery. The Truth Bruce Vincent is real. TruthOrFiction.com contacted him and he says that this is an accurate account of his encounter with President Bush in May, 2004. A real example of the eRumor as it has appeared on the Internet: For those of us who sometimes find ourselves having doubts abour our President, here is an excellent piece--- worth every minute it takes to read it. This is from a man, Bruce Vincent, from Montana who received an award from the President. He writes: I've written the following narrative to chronicle the day of the award ceremony in DC. I'm still working on a press release but the White House press corps has yet to provide a photo to go with it. When the photo comes I'll ship it out. When you get done reading this you'll understand the dilemma I face in telling this story beyond my circle of close friends. The moment with the President in the Oval Office was incredible. I want to protect the memory because it was an intensely private moment between two men. At the same time I'd like to share it on a broader scale because I'd like others to know what I know about the man sitting at the desk in the Oval Office. For now, I'll just tell it to you folks. As you know, our efforts concerning the reintroduction of our rural, resource providing cultures to the ever more urbane society of our nation has been honored with an award from the President and First Lady Bush. Nominated by the Forest Service for the first ever Preserve America President's Award was our cultural exchange program Provider PalsT and our restoration of an abandoned CCC built Forest Service ranger station (Raven Ranger Station) for use as a learning center for students from throughout the nation that are now engaged in our cultural exchange. The award was given at a White House ceremony on Monday, May 3. Guests at the East Room ceremony (the Rose Garden was going to be used but it rained) included Secretary of Interior Gorton, Secretary of Agriculture Venneman, Undersecretary Mark Rey, Chief Bosworth, President's Advisory Council for Preserve America, and others. The East Wing was closed to the public for the event and those who attended enjoyed brunch and live chamber music. Provider PalsT was able to bring members of our board of directors, staff from our partner Communities for a Great Northwest, our Kootenai Forest Supervisor and Forest Archaeologist, and two officials from our major sponsor Ford Motor Company. Thankfully, I was also able to bring PJ and all four children. In the East Room, Secretaries Venneman and Gorton spoke as did First Lady Bush and Preserve America's Chairman John Nau. The First Lady then gave autographed copies of a White House book to award winners in this ceremony and posed for pictures. When the ceremony concluded, the First Lady stayed for a bit in the Green Room and chatted and posed for pictures. She was then escorted outside to meet the President and board a Marine One helicopter waiting to whisk them off to the airport. For me, however, the biggest event of the day had already happened when the East Room Ceremony started up. While the East Room ceremony was being prepared, the four national award winners and the entities that nominated them were taken to the Oval Office for the official award presentation by President Bush and First Lady Bush. There were eight of us in total. Stepping into the Oval Office, each of us was introduced to the President and Mrs. Bush. We shook hands and participated in small talk. When the President was told that we were from Libby, Montana, I reminded him that Marc Racicot is our native son and the President offered his warm thoughts about Governor Racicot. I have to tell you, I was blown away by two things upon entering the office. First, the Oval Office sense of 'place' is unreal. The President later shared a story of Russian President Putin entering the room prepared to tackle the President in a tough negotiation and upon entering the atheist muttered his first words to the President and they were "Oh, my God." I concurred. I could feel the history in my bones. Second, the man that inhabits the office engaged me with a firm handshake and a look that can only be described as penetrating. Warm, alive, fully engaged, disarmingly penetrating. I was admittedly concerned about meeting the man. I think all of us have an inner hope that the most powerful man in our country is worthy of the responsibility and authority that we bestow upon them through our vote. I admit that part of me was afraid that I would be let down by the moment - that the person and the place could not meet the lofty expectations of my fantasy world. This says nothing about my esteem for President Bush but just my practical realization that reality may not match my 'dream.' Once inside the office, President Bush got right down to business and, standing in front of his desk, handed out the awards one at a time while posing for photos with the winners and Mrs. Bush. With the mission accomplished, the President and Mrs. Bush relaxed and initiated a lengthy, informal conversation about a number of things with our entire small group. He and the First Lady talked about such things as the rug in the office. It is traditionally designed by the First Lady to make a statement about the President, and Mrs. Bush chose a brilliant yellow sunburst pattern to reflect 'hope.' President Bush talked about the absolute need to believe that with hard work and faith in God there is every reason to start each day in the Oval Office with hope. He and the First Lady were asked about the impact of the Presidency on their marriage and, with an arm casually wrapped around Laura, he said that he thought the place may be hard on weak marriages but that it had the ability to make strong marriages even stronger and that he was blessed with a strong one. When asked what the biggest challenge of the Presidency was, he talked about the daily frustration of partisan politics. 'This from a politician,' he said. He said that when he was elected he promised that he would do in DC what he had done in Texas and that was build alliances and coalitions that bridged party lines in order to move the nation forward. He had quickly learned that there are those in the nation's capital that would rather see the nation dismantled than work together to achieve a common good. That, he said is a bitter and continuing disappointment. The President talked about the artwork and other items of interest in the room. For instance the desk he uses is the one that was given to the U.S. by Queen Victoria and used by FDR and JFK. In fact FDR had a front panel added to the desk to cover the mid section because FDR did not want the country to know he was in a wheelchair. President Bush laughed and said, "My how things have changed, FDR hid a wheelchair and if I eat a pretzel and get a tingle in my arm it's front page news around the globe." That little desk faux front is hinged by the way, and is the door that we all have seen John-John sticking his head from behind in the famous photo of JFK at work. The President also noted that much of the artwork in the office is from Texas or about Texas. He said that it made sense for him to have it in his office because Texas is part of who he is. He talked about family and place and faith helping to build the person you end up being and noted that the Oval Office reflected who he is. He noted that it would be a mistake to come to the Oval Office and entertain a mission to 'find yourself.' He said that with all of the pressures and responsibilities that go with the job, you'd best know who you are when you put your nameplate on the desk in the Oval Office. He said he knows who he is and now America has had four years to learn about who he is. If they like what they see, he may have another four years. If not, then he may be going back to Texas. After about 30 or 35 minutes, it was time to go. By then we were all relaxed and I felt as if I had just had an excellent visit with a friend. The President and First Lady made one more pass down the line of awardees, shaking hands and offering congratulations. When the President shook my hand I said, "thank you Mr. President and God bless you and your family." He was already in motion to the next person in line, but he stopped abruptly, turned fully back to me, gave me a piercing look, renewed the vigor of his handshake and said, "Thank you - and God bless you and yours as well." On our way out of the office we were to leave by the glass doors on the west side of the office. I was the last person in the exit line. As I shook his hand one final time, President Bush said, "I'll be sure to tell Marc hello and give him your regards." I then did something that surprised even me. I said to him, "Mr. President, I know you are a busy man and your time is precious. I also know you to be a man of strong faith and have a favor to ask you." As he shook my hand he looked me in the eye and said, "Just name it." I told him that my step-Mom was at that moment in a hospital in Kalispell, Montana, having a tumor removed from her skull and it would mean a great deal to me if he would consider adding her to his prayers that day. He grabbed me by the arm and took me back toward his desk as he said, "So that's it. I could tell that something is weighing heavy on your heart today. I could see it in your eyes. This explains it." From the top drawer of his desk he retrieved a pen and a note card with his seal on it and asked, "How do you spell her name?" He then jotted a note to her while discussing the importance of family and the strength of prayer. When he handed me the card, he asked about the surgery and the prognosis. I told him we were hoping that it is not a recurrence of an earlier cancer and that if it is they can get it all with this surgery. He said, "If it's okay with you, we'll take care of the prayer right now. Would you pray with me?" I told him yes and he turned to the staff that remained in the office and hand motioned the folks to step back or leave. He said, "Bruce and I would like some private time for a prayer." As they left he turned back to me and took my hands in his. I was prepared to do a traditional prayer stance - standing with each other with heads bowed. Instead, he reached for my head with his right hand and pulling gently forward, he placed my head on his shoulder. With his left arm on my mid back, he pulled me to him in a prayerful embrace. He started to pray softly. I started to cry. He continued his prayer for Loretta and for God's perfect will to be done. I cried some more. My body shook a bit as I cried and he just held tighter. He closed by asking God's blessing on Loretta and the family during the coming months. I stepped away from our embrace, wiped my eyes, swiped at the tears I'd left on his shoulder, and looked into the eyes of our President. I thanked him as best I could and told him that me and my family would continue praying for he and his. As I write this account down and reflect upon what it means, I have to tell you that all I really know is that his simple act left me humbled and believing. I so hoped that the man I thought him to be was the man that he is. I know that our nation needs a man such as this in the Oval Office. George W. Bush is the real deal. I've read Internet stories about the President praying with troops in hospitals and other such uplifting accounts. Each time I read them I hope them to be true and not an Internet perpetuated myth. This one, I know to be true. I was there. He is real. He has a pile of incredible stuff on his plate each day - and yet he is tuned in so well to the here and now that he 'sensed' something heavy on my heart. He took time out of his life to care, to share, and to seek God's blessing for my family in a simple man-to-man, father-to-father, son-to-son, husband-to-husband, Christian-to-Christian prayerful embrace. He's not what I had hoped he would be. He is, in fact, so very, very much more. revdauphinee answered on 11/03/04: wonder what wonderfull tales will be told after 4 more years of this??May God help us all! Choux rated this answer STONY rated this answer

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Krewton asked on 11/03/04 - Pardon me please WHILE I GLOAT!!!!!!)))))))))))))))))))))))))) I say somewhere 'ole Archie Bunkers a 'grinnin))))))) revdauphinee answered on 11/03/04: hope you can still say that in 4 more yrs ATON2 rated this answer Krewton rated this answer paraclete rated this answer

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Topper asked on 11/02/04 - What religion can top this? "Essentials Of Buddhism" Four Noble Truths: Suffering exists Suffering arises from attachment to desires Suffering ceases when attachment to desire ceases Freedom from suffering is possible by practicing the Eightfold Path. Three Qualities Eightfold Path: Wisdom (panna) Right View Right Thought Morality (sila) Right Speech Right Action Right Livelihood Meditation (samadhi) Right Effort Right Mindfulness Right Contemplation Three Characteristics of Existence: Transiency (anicca) Sorrow (dukkha) Selflessness (anatta) Hindrances: Sensuous lust Aversion and ill will Sloth and torpor Restlessness and worry Sceptical doubt Factors of Enlightenment: Mindfulness Investigation Energy Rapture Tranquillity Concentration Equanimity Topper revdauphinee answered on 11/03/04: study further you will find all of these included in true christian faithand more we christians have a mediator with God! Topper rated this answer

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Saladin asked on 11/02/04 - The Mormon Jesus The Pre-eminence of Jesus Christ (in Mormons thought and theology) by Professor Truman B Madsen "If I ever joined that Church (the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints) it would be for another reason: In their midst Jesus Christ has a place of pre-eminence as in no other Christian group." So spoke a minister to other churchmen who were discussing the "temporal achievements" of Mormonism. Today he is a Latter-day Saint. A Careful Student of the New Testament What, I asked him, did he mean? -- He had been for at least 25 years a careful student of the New Testament, of theology and of history. -- He had voiced with conviction the creedal statements that Jesus was "Very God, God Incarnate." -- In prayer, in worship and service, in all, he was convinced, "in His footsteps," he had not only been captivated by the personality of the Master but experienced, as he witnessed to his congregations, the spirit of Him. -- Christ, he often said, was not just a theological concept, but a "daily walk, a fellowship, a present help." What of this had he now abandoned, and what had he deepened? What, beyond it, had he discovered? What difference did it make? As we quietly discussed things sacred, clarity of thought and purity of feeling seemed to combine. Though much, we both knew, failed to get into words, we came to "understand one another, and both were edified and rejoiced together." (Doctrine and Covenants 50:22) This man had been pushed and pulled in the religious world between two competing conceptions. Neither had the full "ring of truth" to him, nor could he envision a combination or compromise of them. To take either of them seriously was, he felt, to dissolve the events of Christ's life, particularly of Gethsemane and Golgotha, into mystery of meaningless. Two Extreme Views At one extreme, Jesus Christ was viewed as substantially God the Father, the Triuma God of Greek and Latin creeds. His earthly ministry involved all the contradictions of incarnation: The Immaterial became material, the Creator of man became a creature of man, the Non-spatial and Non-temporal became subject to space and time. Thus, though God and man would remain forever unlike, Divine Incarnation, by a miracle open only to the eye of faith, "reconciled" them. Today Christianity, either by its saving covenants or by grace mediated through the Biblical word, achieved the end envisioned, "salvation." On this view Christ's "sufferings and death" were those of an Absolute Being. In spite of the paradoxical declaration (at the Council of Chaleadon) of both the Full Divinity and Full Humanity of Jesus it was clear that ultimately the manhood of Jesus was only the clothing of His Godhead. At the other extreme, Jesus was viewed as simply another man; unique in some matters of degree, but certainly not in kind. He lived a remarkable, and at times inspiring, life. Like so many reformers of society He estranged those He sought to aid and met death at the hands of the Roman authorities. On this view Jesus' suffering and death were tragic. The prayer of Gethsemane was simply an effort toward courage to face crucifixion. But events in the life of Jesus had little more significance than those in the life of Socrates. To talk of "atonement," in legal, psychological, or spiritual terms, was to indulge in nonsense. Unable, then, to deny that there was something divine about Christ, yet unable fully to believe that He can into the world either wholly god or wholly man, this man sought more adequate comprehension. Revealed Insights The re-revealed insights of the restoration came to Him, as to others, with a convincing power that was unspectacular but pervasive. He saw in these insights the drawing together of truths of opposed conceptions, the overcoming of their errors, and a flood of light on the meaning of life both of Christ's, and of our own. Jesus Christ was not God the Eternal Father. He was the pre-eminent Son of God. He was not "another man." He was the First-born in the spirit and the Only Begotten in the Flesh. His past, what He had in common with God the Father, are the foundation of His role as Christ. To ignore or deny these is to miss the power and promise of His mission. Without detailing the vast effects of these promises, including the resurrection, let us focus on Gethsemane and view it though the manifestations of the Son of God in modern revelation. Out of our own spiritual lack, our own darkness, there may be profound misgivings about the significance of Jesus' example and His relationship to us. Christ Received a Fullness We may say, for example, "He was God from the beginning. He was not really akin to us." Wrong! He lived, as we lived, in the pre-existent presence of the Father. He offered Himself as the "lamb slain from before the foundation of the world," and assisted in the organization of the earth. In these senses He was "the greatest of all" and was properly called "God." But mortality was for Him, as for us, a genuine second estate. And in it He received not of the fullness at first, but continued from grace to grace until He received a fullness. (Doctrine and Covenants 93.13) We say, "But surely He was not subject to the conditions we face." Wrong! Though by His Divine inheritance He had power over death, He was tempted in "all points" as we are, yet without sin. He did not "ascend up on high" until He had descended below all things that He might be in and through all things the light of truth. (Doctrine and Covenants 88:16). Behold I am the light: I have set an example for you." (3Nephi 18:16) What manner of men ought ye to be? Behold, verily I say unto you, even as I am. (3Nephi 27:27) We say, "But because He did not violate the law of God as we do, He does not know the burden of guilt and alienation." Wrong! Because of His sensitive, uncompromising submission to the Father's will, He was the only one of the Father's family who did not transgress, who in no sense deserved the throes of sin and the withdrawal of the Spirit. Yet through His life, climaxed by those incomprehensible hours in a Garden beyond the brook Cedron, He suffered "according to the flesh" (Alma 7) the pains and afflictions of all the forms of human evil doing. He participated, voluntarily, in the actual conditions that follow in the wake of deliberate transgression. He "took upon him" the cumulative impact of our vicious thoughts, motives, and acts. He Endured More Than Man Can Suffer We say, "But it was easier for Him because of His Divine Sonship." Wrong! It was infinitely harder. He endured "even more than man can suffer except it be unto death," (Mosiah 3:7) how exquisite and hard to bear we know not, which caused Him: to tremble because of pain, and to bleed at every pore and to suffer both body and spirit. And would that I might not drink the bitter cup and shrink. Nevertheless, glory be to the Father, and I partook, and finished my preparations unto the children of men." (Doctrine and Covenants 10:13, 19) We say, "But He was never left as we are unto Himself." Wrong! Who can comprehend His cry on the cross, "My God, my God, why hast Thou forsaken me?" Who can fathom His reiterated statement in modern times, "I have trodden the winepress alone, even the winepress of the fierceness of the wrath of Almighty God." (Doctrine and Covenants 88:106) We say, "But what He did twenty centuries ago cannot affect me now." Wrong! The Christ who was is the Christ who is. Out of His life came a full knowledge of righteousness and full knowledge of the effects of sin. This means that no human encounter, no tragic loss, no spiritual failure is beyond the pale of His present knowledge and compassion gained " ... according to the flesh -- that He might succor His people according to their infirmities. (Alma7) The Complete Expression of Love No act in all history has united intelligence, virtue and mercy in so complete an expression of love, a love which, even dimly glimpsed, will "draw all men unto him;" a love which underlies His present living roles as Mediator, Revelator, Savior, Redeemer, and Advocate with the Father. We say, "But His Glorious triumph has no bearing on my own." Wrong! Exalted now on high, Jesus Christ is He by whom "life, light, Spirit, and power" are shed forth from the presence of and by the will of God. (Doctrine and Covenants 50:27) Through Jesus Christ, we may come unto the Father. The pattern ordained, a pattern which begins when the light of Christ given to every man who enters the world and leads, if it is honored, through the "first principles" includes sublime blessings: knowledge, glory and communion, love, joy and peace, blessings even of personal visitation, which transcend the highest aspiration of martyr or mystic, and of enlightened souls in every age. But beyond these we are promised, "If you keep my commandments you shall receive of his fullness, and be glorified in me as I am in the Father: therefore, I say unto you, you shall receive grace for grace." (Doctrine and Covenants 93:20) Touched, as few who have tasted of His Spirit and love fail to be, with "a broken heart and contrite spirit" we may walk the path whereby to become, as President David O. McKay repeatedly testified with Peter, "partakers of the divine nature." (2 Peter 1:4) As He was begotten of God the Father both in spirit and in body, so be being "begotten of Jesus Christ" through His laws and ordinances, we may be transformed into a like condition of complete fulfillment, "sons of God" in the fullest sense, like Him. Wherefore, all things are theirs whether life or death, or things present of things to come, all are theirs and they are Christ's and Christ is God's. And they shall overcome all things." (Doctrine and Covenants 76: 59, 60) The Pre-eminence of Jesus Christ Whatever else the "pre-eminence of Jesus Christ" means (and it means much, much more); this surely is the heart of it. Today, in His revelations, in hymns and sacrament prayers, in testimonies of living witnesses and the radiance of lives endowed with His power; in the spirit and operations of His Priesthood, and in the covenants and ordinances of His holy temples, this drama, enacted in the land of Palestine, is conveyed to our souls. As His "sufferings and death" brought man nearer to God and each other, so individually, as we seek to comprehend Him, He brings us ever nearer the realization of our own spiritual destiny, that the light in us may "grow brighter and brighter until the perfect day." (Doctrine and Covenants 50:24) No hour of life need be so despairing or so exalting as to blot out His voice: "Listen to him who is your advocate with the Father, who is pleading your cause before him -- Saying, behold the sufferings and death of him who did no sin, in whom thou wast well pleased; behold the blood of Thy Son which was shed, the blood of him whom thou gavest that thyself might be glorified; Wherefore, Father, spare these my brethren that believe on my name, that they may co me unto me and have ever-lasting life. (Doctrine and Covenants 45:4 :) Sal revdauphinee answered on 11/03/04: see the answer i gave to your previous post. Saladin rated this answer

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Saladin asked on 11/02/04 - What would your reason be? "If I ever joined that Church (the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints) it would be for another reason: In their midst Jesus Christ has a place of pre-eminence as in no other Christian group." So spoke a Christian minister to other churchmen who were discussing the "temporal achievements" of Mormonism. Today he is a Latter-day Saint. The question is (please address it or you get a piece of coal for Christmas!): IF you ever became a Mormon, what would your reason be? Remember IF :) Sal revdauphinee answered on 11/03/04: been there done that and left!heard more of them quoting why they believed in the one true church than in the one true Christ.thats why I left. paraclete rated this answer Saladin rated this answer

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kindj asked on 11/02/04 - Well, here we are... Today's the day. Let's try something new today, shall we? Can we all--conservatives, moderates, liberals, independents, greens, whatever--hope and pray (for those so inclined) that the process today goes smoothly, and that EVERYONE involved is civil, mature, and fair? Regardless of our political leanings or affiliations, we need to remember that those of us in the US are AMERICANS first and foremost, and that we have far, far more in common than we have differences. This is turning out to be the most divisive election I've seen in my relatively short time (compared to some of you greybeards out there), and it troubles me that it is so. We should remember that the preservation of our nation is far more important than who runs it for four years, and we should strive for unity among ourselves as much as possible, while still holding on to our own values and beliefs. For the Christians, remember that regardless of how this day turns out, God is still on His throne, and He always will be, and our relationship with Him is based not on elections, but on our personal choices and the manner in which we live. I am very fond of each and every one of you out there, even those I don't always agree with. Today, let's bind together and remember that we're Americans first. DK revdauphinee answered on 11/03/04: Can we all--conservatives, moderates, liberals, independents, greens, whatever--hope and pray (for those so inclined) with the results of this ellection we better! kindj rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 11/01/04 - #1! Heres a declaration all Christians should make Declare the Spirit of secular humanism broken by the Blood of Christ in America and Europe. revdauphinee answered on 11/01/04: one can but pray! paraclete rated this answer

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Laura asked on 11/01/04 - Hey all you Floridians!!! Did they get rid of the "chads" or are we going to have to listen to the chad debate for a month..??:-) revdauphinee answered on 11/01/04: be prepared for a repeat of the last election,since when ever a thief gets away with his stealing he will do it again!the people realy have little to say anymore.It saddens mebut its comming for sure Laura rated this answer

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arcura asked on 11/01/04 - The Law IS The Law..... THE LAW IS THE LAW This is one of the better e-mails I have received in a long time! I hope this makes its way around the USA several times over!!!!! So Be It! THE LAW IS THE LAW So if the US government determines that it is against the law for the words "under God" to be on our money, then, so be it. And if that same government decides that the "Ten Commandments" are notto be used in or on a government installation, then, so be it. And since they already have prohibited any prayer in the schools, on which they deem their authority, then so be it. I say, "so be it," because I would like to be a law abiding US citizen. I say, "so be it," because I would like to think that smarter people than I are in positions to make good decisions. I would like to think that those people have the American Publics' best interests at heart. BUT, YOU KNOW WHAT ELSE I'D LIKE? Since we can't pray to God, can't Trust in God and cannot Post His Commandments in Government buildings, I don't believe the Government and it's employees should participate in the Easter and Christmas celebrations which honor the God that our government is eliminating from many facets of American life. I'd like my mail delivered on Christmas, Good Friday, Thanksgiving & Easter. After all, it's just another day. I'd like the US Supreme Court to be in session on Christmas, Good Friday, Thanksgiving & Easter as well as Sundays. After all, it's just another day. I'd like the Senate and the House of Representatives to not have to worry about getting home for the "Christmas Break." After all ~ it's just another day. I'm thinking that a lot of my taxpayer dollars could be saved, if all government offices & services would work on Christmas, Good Friday & Easter. It shouldn't cost any overtime since those would be just like any other day of the week to a government that is trying to be "politically correct". In fact.... I think that our government should work on Sundays (initially set aside for worshipping God...) because, after all, our government says that it should be just another day.... What do you all think???? If this idea gets to enough people, maybe our elected officials will stop giving in to the minority opinions and begin, once again, to represent the �majority� of ALL of the American people. SO BE IT........... Please Dear Lord, Give us the help needed to keep you in our country! 'Amen' Touch�! revdauphinee answered on 11/01/04: you get no argument on that from me! arcura rated this answer Saladin rated this answer

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powderpuff asked on 11/01/04 - How important is it to learn about others? Bishop Munib Younan (bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jerusalem) says: "Inter-faith dialogue, tolerance and God�s redeeming grace can help bring peace and justice to the turbulent Middle East." "We truly need to learn about other religions as they want to be perceived, not as we want to perceive them." "We must learn to live together or else we will die separately." Do you agree with Bishop Munib Younan? Is he right? If so, could this philosophy help here on the religious pages of AW? Or do you believe it is more important to promote your preception of other religions, than to learn how they preceive themselves and their own beliefs? revdauphinee answered on 11/01/04: how do we relate to folks if we dont try to understand them?we have to but then we as christians also must remember the commision given us by Christ himself was Matthew 28:19. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20. and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." powderpuff rated this answer

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Saladin asked on 10/31/04 - Halloween Report ... Well,. folks, The Hallowe'en season has come and gone, and I want to share with you - as far as I can remember - the tally of evildoers who came to my door. The average age I'd say was about seven. There was one witch: a little girl who was afraid of my puppy! I had seven beautiful princesses, one lion, one pirate, a little spider that I mistook for a tiger, two marines, one jungle fighter, a turtle, a burglar, a ghost, and an assortment of non-descript little folks dressed in layers of coloured gauze like flowers. Overall, a very sweet assortment of little kids engaged in a harmless tradition whose ghoulish associations - if there were ever any - have been banished by sensible parents and a rapidly expanding culture that has left behind any superstitions that might once have been brought along as baggage from the Olde Worlde. I hope that ytours was just a sinnocent, and just as nejoyable, and that you have burned your Ouija Board. :) Sal - Looking forward to Thanksgiving and Christmas. revdauphinee answered on 11/01/04: in my neighbourhood it did one good thing ,parents were spending the evening with thier children accompanying them on thier rounds instead of ignoring them watching the idiot box. Saladin rated this answer

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arcura asked on 10/31/04 - Food for whatever�. It's a tasty test time. Food for whatever�. Some people are semi-sweet; others are just plain nutty. Don't cry over spilled milk - unless, of course, it's chocolate milk. Blind dates are like chocolate - they are usually chunky and they quickly disappear. When life presents you a rocky road, just eat your way out of it. Keep your fingers off other people's bonbons. Flowers and champagne may set the stage, but its chocolate that steals the show. An ounce of truffles is worth a pound of anything. Milk Chocolate... for all it's worth. Terrorism is when someone keeps eating all your chocolate. Difficult religious studies are better understood when munching chocolat. You never really know a person till you've shared a box of chocolates with them. The road to romance is paved with chocolate. A kiss is just a kiss, but a chocolate kiss is bliss. The best things in life are not fat free. When all else fails, fudge it! revdauphinee answered on 11/01/04: unfortunatly being a diabtic I cant take all that sweetness! arcura rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 10/31/04 - #2! time to get you head out of the sand George? Arctic seen as warming hot spot By Juliet Eilperin and Rick Weis in Washington November 1, 2004 There is an unprecedented increase in temperature, glacial melting and weather pattern changes in Earth's upper latitudes, mostly attributable to human generated greenhouse gases from such as cars and power plants, an international assessment of Arctic climate change has found. The 144-page report is the work of a coalition of eight nations that have Arctic territories - including the United States, which has hosted and financed the coalition's secretariat at the University of Alaska. It is the result of four years of study by about 300 scientists, and confirms earlier evidence that the Arctic is warming far more quickly than the Earth overall, with temperature increases in some northern regions exceeding by tenfold the average .56 degrees increase experienced on Earth in the past 100 years. "For the past 30 years, there's been a dramatic increase in temperature and a decrease in the thickness of ice," said Robert Corell, a senior fellow with the American Meteorological Society and chairman of the Arctic climate impact assessment group, which produced the report. Those changes are already having practical impacts, including a reduction in the number of days each year that the tundra is hard enough to be driven on or drilled safely for oil. They are likely to have an even greater impact in the near future in terms of agriculture, wildlife ranges for terrestrial and marine plants and animals, and global shoreline flooding because of increases in sea level caused by melting ice. Warming could benefit certain sectors, the report said, by easing marine shipping and improving access to offshore oil and gas resources in the Arctic. The report is due to be released on November 9, but its summary findings were leaked to the US media at the weekend. Several of the Europeans involved said this was because the Bush Administration had delayed publication until after the presidential election, due to the political contentiousness of global warming. The report is likely to increase pressure on the Bush Administration, which has acknowledged a possible human role in global warming but says the science is still too murky to justify mandatory reductions in greenhouse gas emissions. But Gunnar Palsson of Iceland, chairman of the Arctic Council, the international body that commissioned the study, said there was "no truth to the contention that any of the member states of the Arctic Council pushed the release of the report back into November". In addition to the US, the members are Canada, Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, Russia and Sweden. Mr Palsson said all the countries agreed to delay the release, originally scheduled for September, because of conflicts with another international meeting in Iceland. He said the report was "going to generate a great deal of attention throughout the world". "Climate change is not something that's going to happen - it is happening all over the Arctic," Mr Palsson said. "The Arctic is sort of a bellwether" for the rest of Earth. The report's authors believe Arctic temperatures will rise several degrees in the coming decades, according to a summary prepared by Gunn-Britt Retter, a technical adviser with the council's Indigenous People's Secretariat. Winters are expected to become warmer, and wet periods in the Arctic will become longer, more frequent or both. It is not entirely clear why the Arctic is warming much more quickly than other areas. One factor is probably that once icepacks melt and their reflective power is lost, temperature increases accelerate. The Washington Post, The New York Times As Stewards of this planet, we christians should be leading the way in addressing the problems we have cuased. revdauphinee answered on 11/01/04: If he takes his head out of the sand he will lose all his corporate constituancy he caNT Afford to paraclete rated this answer

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Topper asked on 10/31/04 - HATE ... "Let them hate me, so long as they fear me!" - Caligula Who does this bring to mind? Topper revdauphinee answered on 11/01/04: sinch Bushes administration continues to format fear in the public mind then who else but Bush? Topper rated this answer

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Saladin asked on 10/31/04 - Food for thought ... The Apparent Heir By THOMAS L. FRIEDMAN New York Times - October 31, 2004 Columnists for this newspaper are not allowed to endorse presidential candidates. But I think this election is so important, I am going to break the rules. I hope I don't get fired. But here goes: I am endorsing George Bush for president. No, no - not George W. Bush. I am endorsing his father - George Herbert Walker Bush. The more I look back on the elder Bush - Bush 41 - the more I find things to admire and the more I see attributes we need in our next president. Let's start with domestic policy. The elder George Bush was the real uniter, not divider, the real believer in a kinder, gentler political dialogue. Yes, he had a Democratic Congress to deal with, so he had to be more conciliatory, but it came naturally to him. In 1990, the elder Bush sided with Congressional Democrats to raise taxes, because he knew it was the right thing for the economy, despite his famous "Read my lips" pledge not to raise new taxes. While that 1990 tax increase contributed to his re-election defeat, it laid the foundation for the Clinton tax increases, which, together with Mr. Bush's, helped to hold down interest rates and spur our tremendous growth in the 1990's and the buildup of a huge surplus. On foreign policy, the elder Bush maintained a healthy balance between realism and idealism, unilateralism and multilateralism, American strength and American diplomacy. He believed that international institutions like the U.N. could be force multipliers of U.S. power. Rather than rubbing Mikhail Gorbachev's nose in the dirt, the elder Bush treated him with respect, and in doing so helped to orchestrate the collapse of the Soviet Union, the liberation of Eastern Europe and the reunification of Germany without the firing of a single shot. The nonviolent unraveling of the Soviet Empire ushered in a decade of prosperity and an era of unprecedented American power and popularity. The alliance that Mr. Bush, Brent Scowcroft and James A. Baker III built to drive Saddam out of Kuwait had so many allies it virtually turned a profit for America. Mr. Bush chose not to invade Baghdad in 1991. Right or wrong, he felt that had he tried, he would have lost the coalition he had built up to evict Saddam from Kuwait. He obviously believed that the U.S. should never invade an Arab capital without a coalition that contained countries whose support mattered in that part of the world, such as France, Egypt, Syria or Saudi Arabia. The elder Bush rightly understood that it was not in Israel's interest, or that of the U.S., for Israel to be expanding settlements in the West Bank and Gaza. The Madrid peace conference convened by the elder Bush paved the way for both the Oslo peace process and the Jordanian-Israeli peace treaty, which ended Israel's diplomatic isolation with countries like India and China. It was also the elder Bush who laid the groundwork for the Nafta free-trade accord, completed by President Bill Clinton. In short, the elder Bush understood the importance of acting in the world - but acting wisely, with competence and preparation. His great weakness was his public diplomacy. He wrongly antagonized American Jews by challenging their right to lobby on behalf of Israel. He could have given more voice to the amazing liberation of humanity that the collapse of the Soviet Union represented and to the American anger over the Tiananmen Square massacre. Although, in his muted response to Tiananmen, the elder Bush kept China-U.S. relations from going totally off the rails, which kept China on a track to economic reform. Although he raised taxes, he never really explained himself. So his instincts were good, his mechanics were often flawless, but his words and music left you frustrated. Still, the legacy is a substantial one. Over time, historians will treat the elder Bush with respect. So as we approach this critical election of 2004, my advice, dear readers, is this: Vote for the candidate who embodies the ethos of George H. W. Bush - the old guy. Vote for the man who you think would have the same gut feel for nurturing allies and restoring bipartisanship to foreign policy as him. Vote for the man you think understands the importance of facing up to our fiscal responsibilities for the sake of our children. And vote for the man who has the best instincts for balancing realism and idealism and the man who understands the necessity of using energetic U.S. diplomacy to make Israel more secure - by helping to bring it peace with its Arab neighbors, not just more tours from American Christian fundamentalists. Yes, next Tuesday, vote for the real political heir to George H. W. Bush. I'm sure you know who that is. ===================================== Food for thought revdauphinee answered on 11/01/04: Personaly I dont wish to live under any Bush(punn intended!) Saladin rated this answer

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arcura asked on 10/31/04 - A Koran Prophesy: The Eagle will cleans Iraq. 1. The Garden of Eden was in Iraq. 2. Mesopotamia, which is now Iraq, was the cradle of civilization! 3. Noah built the ark in Iraq. 4. The Tower of Babel was in Iraq. 5. Abraham was from Ur, which is in Southern Iraq! 6. Isaac's wife Rebekah is from Nahor, which is in Iraq. 7. Jacob met Rachel in Iraq. 8. Jonah preached in Nineveh - which is in Iraq. 9. Assyria, which is in Iraq, conquered the ten tribes of Israel. 10. Amos cried out in Iraq! 11. Babylon, which is in Iraq, destroyed Jerusalem. 12. Daniel was in the lion's den in Iraq! 13. The three Hebrew children were in the fire in Iraq (Jesus had been in Iraq also as the fourth person in the fiery furnace!) 14. Belshazzar, the King of Babylon saw the "writing on the wall" in Iraq. 15. Nebuchadnezzar, King of Babylon, carried the Jews captive into Iraq. 16. Ezekiel preached in Iraq. 17. The wise men were from Iraq. 18. Peter preached in Iraq. And you have probably seen this one. Israel is the nation most often mentioned in the Bible. But do you know which nation is second? It is Iraq! However, that is not the name that is used in the Bible. The names used in the Bible are Babylon, Land of Shinar, and Mesopotamia. The word Mesopotamia means between the two rivers, more exactly between the Tigris and Euphra Rivers. The name Iraq means country with deep roots. Indeed Iraq is a country with deep roots and is a very significant country in the Bible. No other nation, except Israel, has more history and prophecy associated it than Iraq. And also...this is something to think about! Since America is typically represented by an eagle. Saddam should have read up on his Muslim passages... The following verse is from the Koran, (the Islamic Bible) Koran (9:11) - For it is written that a son of Arabia would awaken a fearsome Eagle. The wrath of the Eagle would be felt throughout the lands of Allah and lo, while some of the people trembled in despair still more rejoiced; for the wrath of the Eagle cleansed the lands of Allah; and there was peace. (Note the verse number!) Hmmmmmmm!!! The eagle flies from a Bush. (Note that Bush was a fighter pilot.) Hmmmmmmm!!! revdauphinee answered on 10/31/04: Mentally healthy Christians I'm asking you to support John Kerry for President of the U.S.. all I can say is ditto! arcura rated this answer ATON2 rated this answer

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arcura asked on 10/31/04 - A Koran Prophesy: The Eagle will cleans Iraq. 1. The Garden of Eden was in Iraq. 2. Mesopotamia, which is now Iraq, was the cradle of civilization! 3. Noah built the ark in Iraq. 4. The Tower of Babel was in Iraq. 5. Abraham was from Ur, which is in Southern Iraq! 6. Isaac's wife Rebekah is from Nahor, which is in Iraq. 7. Jacob met Rachel in Iraq. 8. Jonah preached in Nineveh - which is in Iraq. 9. Assyria, which is in Iraq, conquered the ten tribes of Israel. 10. Amos cried out in Iraq! 11. Babylon, which is in Iraq, destroyed Jerusalem. 12. Daniel was in the lion's den in Iraq! 13. The three Hebrew children were in the fire in Iraq (Jesus had been in Iraq also as the fourth person in the fiery furnace!) 14. Belshazzar, the King of Babylon saw the "writing on the wall" in Iraq. 15. Nebuchadnezzar, King of Babylon, carried the Jews captive into Iraq. 16. Ezekiel preached in Iraq. 17. The wise men were from Iraq. 18. Peter preached in Iraq. And you have probably seen this one. Israel is the nation most often mentioned in the Bible. But do you know which nation is second? It is Iraq! However, that is not the name that is used in the Bible. The names used in the Bible are Babylon, Land of Shinar, and Mesopotamia. The word Mesopotamia means between the two rivers, more exactly between the Tigris and Euphra Rivers. The name Iraq means country with deep roots. Indeed Iraq is a country with deep roots and is a very significant country in the Bible. No other nation, except Israel, has more history and prophecy associated it than Iraq. And also...this is something to think about! Since America is typically represented by an eagle. Saddam should have read up on his Muslim passages... The following verse is from the Koran, (the Islamic Bible) Koran (9:11) - For it is written that a son of Arabia would awaken a fearsome Eagle. The wrath of the Eagle would be felt throughout the lands of Allah and lo, while some of the people trembled in despair still more rejoiced; for the wrath of the Eagle cleansed the lands of Allah; and there was peace. (Note the verse number!) Hmmmmmmm!!! The eagle flies from a Bush. (Note that Bush was a fighter pilot.) Hmmmmmmm!!! revdauphinee answered on 10/31/04: Mentally healthy Christians I'm asking you to support John Kerry for President of the U.S.. all I can say is ditto! arcura rated this answer

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HANK1 asked on 10/31/04 - Martin Luther ... Oct 31, 1517, Martin Luther posted the 95 Theses on the door of the Wittenberg Palace Church. I thought some of you would be overjoyed to read this reminder. HANK revdauphinee answered on 10/31/04: am overjoyed! LOL HANK1 rated this answer

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Saladin asked on 10/30/04 - Is there anything Christians can do to bring "peace on earth and goodwill to all men" People worldwide say what they believe about whether the world is more safe or less safe three years after 9/11. ============================ The world has become less safe and at the same time less humane because governments fight against terrorism and in that struggle human rights are seriously violated. It seems that we need to renounce some liberties if we want security. In addition we have to think about two threats: the terrorist groups and their massive attacks, and the overbearing governments that punish people who think in a different way from what governments think. Now totalitarian governments can find some dubious pretext to restart wars and violate human rights. Oscar Torres, Bogot�, Colombia The war on terror has not been won since 9/11. Instead the world has experienced a lot of bombings and seen many killed. The war will not be won unless there is adequate and accurate information, without which we shall continue to face these threats in every country. Additionally, governments should learn to share their experience and information on terror. If this is not done the psychological effect that terror has caused on the world shall continue as a result. Thabani Mazwi, Lusaka, Zambia The world has become less safe since the war in Iraq, which was widely predicted by intelligence services and analysts. If terrorism is to be defined as action which causes the deaths of innocent civilians, then governments should be asking themselves whether they are contributing to, rather than fighting, terrorism. Margaret Farrell, Rome, Italy The answer to whether the world is now more or less secure depends, in my view, on what lessons have been learned from 9/11 and other terrorist atrocities. If our political leaders are now closer to understanding the fundamental reasons behind such attacks and are prepared to accept that much, much more has to be done to eliminate the presently ever widening gap between the developed nations and the rest, then the world may indeed be safer now. Unfortunately, there are very few signs that any such lessons have been learned. Ian, Madrid, Spain Terror has escalated. Just count the incidents and the countries. As a US citizen, I no longer feel safe outside this country. Henry Atherton, Sterling, USA Your average American would probably say the world was less secure, as before 9/11 terrorism wasn't really an issue for them. Ask the question of someone who put up with the constant chaos the IRA caused in London over several decades and you'd get a different answer. The world may be more aware but it's no more or less secure. Bazil Woodroffe, St Neots, UK I agree with President Bush in his approach against terrorism. When an individual is willing to kill hundreds of people for his cause, there is no sense in negotiating and tolerating him. This individual believes he is killing the non-believers and that his suicide attack would guarantee him a place in heaven! Although I do not deny the fact that wrong policies are to blame for the creation of fundamentalism, I think strong counterattacks against countries supporting fundamentalists would bring these individuals down. Arash Avesta, Ahvaz, Iran In the aftermath of 9/11 attacks what came to be known as a fight against terrorism has proved to be nothing but a lot of hot air. The fight against terrorism has turned out to be only a tool in the hands of the Americans. Americans are repeating their evil plot to become the sole power in the world. Jamshid, Tehran, Iran I am saddened by what happened on 11 September 2001, but thousands of Afghans suffering under the inhumane rule of the Taleban probably saw it as their saviour as it prompted the US to take action against them. We, the youth of Harat province, are very grateful for our newly found freedom. Bahar, Harat, Afghanistan The course taken by the US to fight terrorism is not only wrong but it will itself nurture and expand globally. The fight against terrorist acts has failed due to the lack of knowledge and failure to tackle the real cause to uproot it. An effective fight against terrorism would involve a thorough investigation to find its causes and also avoid what provokes it. While terror is answered with terror no improvement is expected. Sayyed Hossein, Kuala Lampur, Malaysia Terrorism started long before 9/11. What happened is that America just realised it after the attacks on the Twin Towers. The war on terror is long and strenuous. The West didn't eradicate Communism overnight. It took it years of fierce struggle. The war on terror started in Afghanistan and continued with the war against Saddam Hussein. Eradicating the Taleban and Saddam was a stepping stone towards a bigger objective. We will only gauge the results years from now. Although the war on terror has increased the animosity between Arabs and the United States, it has weakened terrorist networks around the world. Mohammed Al Khafaji, Babel, Iraq American anti-terror policies are doomed to fail. The cruel viciousness of American retaliation since 9/11 will only make such groups more ferocious and will drive their anger against the USA and its allies to new lengths. Mohammed Abou Al Yazeed, Alexandria, Egypt The world became much safer under George W Bush and will be much safer if he wins a second term. Bush defined the axis of evil and didn't hesitate to destroy the Taleban and Saddam Hussein's regime. These are landmark achievements in the history of mankind. Sept. 11 will never happen again if Bush wins a second term. Noufal Al Jaza'iri, Arlington, VA, USA A war was waged in the name of fighting terror, but in fact it was just to secure the region's oil resources for the Americans. Billions were spent in the name of the reconstruction of Iraq, but in fact it went to support American corporations. What security are they talking about? The one achieved by Guantanamo Bay - style prisons or the anti-terror laws that violate human rights with the pretext of protecting Higher interests? What a flawed justice! Abu Solayman, Kuwait It is very difficult to decide if Bush's war on terrorism is a war that really is against terrorism or simply a new crusade or another war of conquest and hegemony by Western powers against nations of Islamic culture. The tragedy of 9/11 has divided the world into many parts. There are disagreements as to which actions by which states should be considered an act of war. For example, the Bush administration's pre-emptive invasion of Iraq and the subsequent occupation has been depicted as a crucial part of the war on terror, which in my opinion is simply not true. I'm not sure if there is an end to this war. Nothing justified the killing of innocent people in America and nothing justifies the killing of innocent people in Afghanistan or Iraq. Abdul Ghafoor, Toronto, Canada The world is not a safer place. From north to south and east to west, each day we read, see and observe more killings, brutalities and atrocities against each other. It will become more and more dangerous. Muhammad Akhlas, UK The world will be safe once all the so called Muslim extremists are wiped out. Hamid Marwat, Islamabad, Pakistan The reason for 9/11 was injustice. Unfortunately since 9/11 Bush is still ignoring the reason, which creates more injustice. Razee, Rahman San Francisco, USA The world has become more dangerous, but there is a hope as well: people who see this danger and who are ready to fight it. Mike, Israel The last obstacle to uprooting international terrorism is Europe, where terrorists have close connections. However the base from where terrorists get their finances, where they train, recruit new members and coordinate their actions is shrinking by the day. Five years ago the world was much more dangerous. Boris, Boston, USA The world is unbalanced. There's only one superpower - the USA - who dictates its interests to the rest of the world. This is the source of upheaval. And it will continue until there is another superpower. Maybe, China will take this role. Irakli Avaliani, Georgia Terrorism is only an extreme form of protest for the people oppressed by the imperial ambitions of corrupt governments and fat cats. There's not enough of the truth told. Mass media is a tool for brain washing. Maybe terrorists are the only people able to see the real world behind the wall of artificial values and lies? Alexander, Russia International terrorism is nothing but another ideological slogan - very convenient because it's very vague. In the past billions were earned through the fight against communism/imperialism. Today the earner is the so-called fight against terrorism. Stas, Novosibirsk, Russia, Of course it is not safer. And will become even more dangerous. Tatyana T, Russia Without any doubt, the world is less secure now. The aggressive policies of states like Russia and the US only prove that violence brings more violence. There are too many social and financial inequalities in the world today and those will continue feeding desperate and violent incidents both from the weak and the powerful alike. The world needs to recover its humanity to survive. Rolando Arias, Bolivia There needs to be an analysis of why there is so much hate for the US throughout the world and that needs to be addressed. In the long run, nothing will be solved by bombs and attacks. Bob Gon, Miami, USA The perverse policies of leaders like Bush and Putin are only generating more hatred and more terrorist acts of revenge. Even the UN has lost its legitimacy bowing to the US. Juan Rodriguez, Madrid, Spain Adopting a tough line against terrorism has proven to be a total failure. Israel is a good example of that. Those type of policies do not go to the root of the problem, they only generate more violence. As long as governments repress communities and try to impose values and interests that are not theirs, there will be violence. The war against terrorism is far from being won and it is made worse by the current world leadership. Manuel Hernandez, Caracas, Venezuela The world in more insecure. I feel there needs to be more dialogue and negotiation to prevent more innocent deaths. Jos� Lopez, San Salvador, El Salvador ================================ Everyone in the world has an opinion, but what can Christians do to ensure peace and the cessation of war? At the birth of Jesus the angels pronounced that what would follow his nativity would be "Peace on earth, and to all men the gift of goodwill." When will Christians deliver the goods? Sal revdauphinee answered on 10/31/04: Q) Is there anything Christians can do to bring "peace on earth and goodwill to all men" A)yes! vote te republicans out of office! arcura rated this answer Saladin rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 10/30/04 - #1! Now a high profile christian gets into the climate debate !1# October 31, 2004 - 10:38AM Queen Elizabeth has made a rare tip-toe into the world of politics by warning the Prime Minister, Tony Blair, of her grave concerns over the policy of the United States towards global warming, a British newspaper said today. The Observer reported that the Queen is understood to have asked Blair's office to lobby the US after observing the alarming impact of Britain's changing weather on her estates at Balmoral Castle in Scotland, and Sandringham House in east England. "There has been dialogue between Downing Street and Buckingham Palace on all issues relating to climate change including the US position and the latest science," said one of Britain's leading expert's on climate change, who spoke to the newspaper on condition of anonymity. "She is very keen to get involved," he said. "From her own observations on the climate she has become worried like the rest of us," he was quoted as saying. "She has made it clear she wants to raise the importance of the issue." The United States, flying in the face of snowballing world opinion, said earlier this month it would not follow Russia's lead and ratify the Kyoto protocol on global warming. At the same time, the re-elected Australian Government said it also remained firm against signing the international climate-change agreement. The protocol requires industrialised signatories to trim output of six "greenhouse" gases by 2008-2012 compared with their 1990 levels. AFP Opinion is moving on this one because sooner or later we all have to face up to out responsibilities, and a good place to start would be in the energy guzzling US, who lag along way bethind the rest of us in bearing the costs of changing our ways.. revdauphinee answered on 10/31/04: Bush will never coopperate since it would hit his big buisiness cronies in the pocket book! ATON2 rated this answer paraclete rated this answer Saladin rated this answer

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bal317 asked on 10/29/04 - Mel Gibson's statement???? After Passion's, Mel Gibson was on the air, saying he did not care if his life depended on it, he would not back or use any product from stem cell research. I feel this is a very bold statement, cause to me if he needed a transplant or organ donation and it did not indetail someone dying to do so, but say Mel and this other party underwent surgery and the donor died from some circumstances, would he refuse the organ? Plus, much of stem cell has nothing to do with the killing of the fetus. what do you all think? revdauphinee answered on 10/30/04: I think it is easy to speak from a position of health one wonders if he were in the late Christipher Reeves place while he yet lived whould he b as adament?I for one would welcome anything that would cure lupus or diabetes.sickness has a way of clarifing things> CeeBee rated this answer bal317 rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 10/29/04 - Should Europe acknowledge Christianity #1 New constitution ignores Europe's Christian history By Peggy Polk Religion News Service VATICAN CITY � When European Union leaders gather in Rome to sign their new constitution today, they will rebuff Pope John Paul II and his effort to acknowledge Christianity in the historic document. The Roman Catholic pontiff has often voiced concern about Europe's increasingly secular society. In the signing of a constitution that does not acknowledge Europe's religious history, the Vatican sees proof that the EU is distancing itself from Christianity in general and Catholicism in particular. The drafters of the constitution have made it clear for months that they would ignore the pope's tireless 2-1/2-year campaign for explicit Christian recognition in the constitution's preamble. The pope's opponents, with France, Belgium and Finland in the forefront, argued that a reference to Christianity would have violated the principle of church-state separation. The charter, which still must be ratified by all 25 members of the enlarged EU to take effect, does uphold religious freedom, however. Nonetheless, John Paul is clearly upset. "You don't cut off the roots from which you have grown," the pope said with unusual bitterness when forced to acknowledge defeat last June. Earlier this week came a second blow. Opposition within the European Parliament blocked confirmation of an Italian candidate for commissioner of justice and security who was criticized for his conservative views on homosexuality and marriage, which mirror church doctrine. Rocco Buttiglione, a center-right politician and academic, called homosexuality "a sin," although not a crime, and upheld marriage as an institution that existed for women to have children and be protected by their husbands. Compounding the offense to the Vatican, Buttiglione has a warm acquaintance with the pope. As liberals mounted opposition to Buttiglione's candidacy, Cardinal Renato Raffaele Martino, the Vatican's longtime permanent observer at the United Nations who is now president of the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace, exploded. He told a Vatican news conference Oct. 18 that Christians in general and the Catholic Church in particular face "a new holy Inquisition full of money and arrogance." "Everything goes, from intimidation to public dishonor, as long as it serves to silence their voices," he said. Yesterday, the eve of the signing ceremony, the pope met at the Vatican with another Italian politician for whom he has affection, retiring EU Commission President Romano Prodi, a leader of Italy's center-left. John Paul took the opportunity to make his own feelings about the EU known. Those feelings are ambivalent. During the Cold War, the Polish-born pontiff spoke of his hope for the day when Europe would once more "breathe with both its lungs," East with West, and the Vatican assured Ukraine only Wednesday that it supports the "return of all the countries of the East to the bosom of the great European family." "The Holy See favored the formation of the European Union even before it had a juridical structure and then followed its various stages with active interest," John Paul said in his welcome to Prodi. But, the pope said, the Vatican also has felt the duty "to openly express the just expectations of a great number of Christian citizens of Europe." "For this reason, the Holy See has reminded everyone how Christianity, in its various expressions, contributed to the formation of a common conscience of the European peoples and gave a great contribution to molding their civilization," he said. "Recognized or not in official documents, it is an undeniable fact that no history will be able to forget," the pope said. John Paul made a more guarded reference to the Buttiglione controversy, which has forced Prodi's successor, Jos� Manuel Barroso of Portugal, to delay a vote on his own appointment and that of the entire new European Commission. Barroso is under pressure to withdraw Buttiglione's nomination. "I express the hope that the difficulties arising in recent days regarding the new commission may find a solution of reciprocal respect in the spirit of harmony between all the requests involved," he said. Because of the effects that Parkinson's disease has had on his ability to speak clearly, the 84-year-old pope did not go through the formality of reading the message. revdauphinee answered on 10/30/04: Jesus himself answered this question Luke 20: 25 He said to them, "Then give to Caesar what is Caesar's, and to God what is God's." paraclete rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 10/29/04 - Isn't it Interesting #1! Osama bin Laden is back just in time for the US election. http://www.smh.com.au/articles/2004/10/30/1099028238021.html revdauphinee answered on 10/30/04: dosent surprise me since Bush actions further his agenda recuiting terrorists !his objective clearly is 4 more years of the same and unfortianatly many folks here want to accomodate him! paraclete rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 10/29/04 - A British Study of death in Iraq This study shows that Iraqi's are twice as prone to die under the American Occupation that theey were under Saddam Hussien. So much for liberation or is the price too high By Marian Wilkinson, Herald Correspondent in Washington October 30, 2004 An estimated 100,000 civilians may have died as a result of the US-led invasion and occupation of Iraq, many of them from coalition air strikes, a study suggests. The estimated death toll since March last year is extrapolated from a survey of nearly 1000 households in randomly selected locations throughout the country. The study, published in the British medical journal The Lancet, concludes that "violence accounted for most of the excess deaths and air strikes from coalition forces accounted for most of the violent deaths". Most of those killed, the study finds, were women and children. The findings of the survey dramatically increase the estimated number of civilian deaths attributed to the US-led coalition and will be highly controversial. They are bound to be disputed by US military commanders, since they would mean more than 150 civilians a day would have died since the invasion. Even non-government estimates by the web site http://www.iraqbodycount.net have put the figures of reported deaths at about 16,000 since the invasion. US and British military commanders have repeatedly refused to put a number on Iraqi civilian casualties, but this study may force a change in that policy. The authors of the study - carried out by the Centre for International Emergency, Disaster and Refugee Studies at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, and Columbia University's School of Nursing - say the death toll could be even higher if households in the insurgent battleground of Falluja are included. Two-thirds of all violent deaths were reported in just one cluster of households in Falluja but it was difficult for the researchers to establish whether some of the victims were insurgents. The study compared the death rates in Iraq for 14 months before the invasion with an 18-month period after it. The information collected was based on interviews with Iraqi householders who were asked to report deaths in their families. Interviewers did ask to see death certificates but it is unclear whether they were cross-checked. The study concluded that Iraqis' risk of death was 2 times higher after coalition forces entered the country. The Lancet's editor, Richard Horton, called for an immediate change in strategy by US and British coalition forces in Iraq. The research will raise concerns in Washington and with the interim Iraqi Government as both prepare for an assault in Falluja that is planned for after the US election. Widespread civilian casualties are expected. Sunni leaders have threatened to boycott any dialogue with the Allawi Government if it goes ahead. US Marines were preparing for an assault on the cities of Falluja and Ramadi, a US commander was reported by Reuters as saying yesterday. "We are gearing up for a major operation," Brigadier General Denis Hajlik said. "If we do so, it will be decisive and we will whack them." So how about it is the price too high? revdauphinee answered on 10/30/04: So how about it is the price too high? I and many others think it is> paraclete rated this answer

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Choux asked on 10/29/04 - Information Would anyone be kind enough to give me some info? Does Aton still participate? Or Bradd? Or CeeBee, Or Bobbye, toms777? Thanks, Choux revdauphinee answered on 10/30/04: aton does I know and so do most of the others you mentioned. Choux rated this answer

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Bishop_Chuck asked on 10/29/04 - Use a Star *** If you have a real Christian comment or Question, put a star by the title, so we can tell it is not a political question. It will save alot of time for those looking for a Christian question. revdauphinee answered on 10/30/04: Chuck like it or not we christians are affected by the political events in this world we should not hide our heads in the sand.being Christian should not make one a person disinterested in what happens in our society since it afects us all . Bishop_Chuck rated this answer

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STONY asked on 10/29/04 - TWO SIDES TO EVERY STORY... HAVING JUST COMPLETED A SMALL INQUIRY VIA INTERNET THERE ARE THOSE WHO STAND BY THE PHOTO OF JOHN KERRY AND JANE FONDA AT AN ANTI-WAR RALLY IN PENNSYLVANIA CIRCA 1970. AND THERE ARE THOSE WHO CLAIM THE PHOTO IS A FAKE, SO ONCE AGAIN "YOU BE THE JUDGE." revdauphinee answered on 10/30/04: last I heard Jane had converted to Christ when one does this are we not o do as Gos soes and forgive her past?seems some christians are not practicing what they preach! STONY rated this answer

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STONY asked on 10/29/04 - WITH THE ELECTION ONLY DAYS AWAY... I GOT TURNED ONTO THIS, THIS MORNING....... �Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.� �-Joshua 1:9 (NIV) .............STONY revdauphinee answered on 10/30/04: amen to Aton STONY rated this answer

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kindj asked on 10/29/04 - A British historian's view of the election A British Historian's View of the Coming US Election A Very Interesting Article. Some of you may be familiar with the British historian, Paul Johnson. I was surprised to see a piece that he wrote about our forthcoming election, and I recommend it as a view from an "outsider." It is not written by a columnist from the Weekly Standard, The Nation, or by any conservative or liberal "talking head," or by some obscure blogger, but from a student of history. Some may disagree, but I seriously doubt that they can argue the points that Johnson makes. - ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- By Paul Johnson The great issue in the 2004 election-it seems to me as an Englishman-is, How seriously does the United States take its role as a world leader, and how far will it make sacrifices, and risk unpopularity, to discharge this duty with success and honor? In short, this is an election of the greatest significance, for Americans and all the rest of us. It will redefine what kind of a country the United States is, and how far the rest of the world can rely upon her to preserve the general safety and protect our civilization. When George W. Bush was first elected, he stirred none of these feelings, at home or abroad. He seems to have sought the presidency more for dynastic than for any other reasons. September 11 changed all that dramatically. It gave his presidency a purpose and a theme, and imposed on him a mission. Now, we can all criticize the way he has pursued that mission. He has certainly made mistakes in detail, notably in underestimating the problems that have inevitably followed the overthrow of the Saddam Hussein regime in Iraq, and overestimating the ability of US forces to tackle them. On the other hand, he has been absolutely right in estimating the seriousness of the threat international terrorism poses to the entire world and on the need for the United States to meet this threat with all the means at its disposal and for as long as may be necessary. Equally, he has placed these considerations rig ht at the center of his policies and continued to do so with total consistency, adamantine determination, and remarkable courage, despite sneers and jeers, ridicule and venomous opposition, and much unpopularity. There is something grimly admirable about his stoicism in the face of reverses, which reminds me of other moments in history: the dark winter Washington faced in 1777-78, a time to "try men's souls," as Thomas Paine put it, and the long succession of military failures Lincoln had to bear and explain before he found a commander who could take the cause to victory. There is nothing glamorous about the Bush presidency and nothing exhilarating. It is all hard pounding, as Wellington said of Waterloo, adding: "Let us see who can pound the hardest." Mastering terrorism fired by a religious fanaticism straight from the Dark Ages requires hard pounding of the dullest, most repetitious kind, in which spectacular victories are not to be looked for, and all we can expect are "blood, toil, tears, and sweat." However, something persuades me that Bush -- with his grimness and doggedness, his lack of sparkle but his enviable concentration on the central issue-is the president America needs at this difficult time. He has, it seems to me, the moral right to ask American voters to give him the mandate to finish the job he has started. This impression is abundantly confirmed, indeed made overwhelming, when we look at the alternative. Senator Kerry has not made much of an impression in Europe, or indeed, I gather, in America. Many on the Continent support him, because they hate Bush, not because of any positive qualities Kerry possesses. Indeed we know of none, and there are six good reasons that he should be mistrusted. First, and perhaps most important, he seems to have no strong convictions about what he would do if given office and power. The content and emphasis of his campaign on terrorism, Iraq, and related issues have varied from week to week. But they seem always to be determined by what his advisers, analyzing the polls and other evidence, recommend, rather than by his own judgment and convictions. In other words, he is saying, in effect: "I do not know what to do but I will do what you, the voters, want." This may be an acceptable strategy, on some issues and at certain times. It is one way you can interpret democracy. But in a time of crisis, and on an issue involving the security of the world, what is needed is leadership. Kerry is abdicating that duty and proposing, instead, that the voters should lead and he will follow. Second, Kerry's personal character has, so far, appeared in a bad light. He has always presented himself, for the purpose of Massachusetts vote-getting, as a Boston Catholic of presumably Irish origins. This side of Kerry is fundamentally dishonest. He does not follow Catholic teachings, certainly in his views on such issues as abortion-especially when he feels additional votes are to be won by rejecting Catholic doctrine. This is bad enough. But since the campaign began it has emerged that Kerry's origins are not in the Boston-Irish community but in Germanic Judaism. Kerry knew this all along, and deliberately concealed it for political purposes. If a man will mislead about such matters, he will mislead about anything. There is, thirdly, Kerry's long record of contradictions and uncertainties as a senator and his apparent inability to pursue a consistent policy on major issues. Fourth is his posturing over his military record, highlighted by his embarrassing pseudo-military salute when accepting the nomination. Fifth is his disturbing lifestyle, combining liberal-even radical-politics with being the husband, in succession, of two heiresses, one worth $300 million and the other $1 billion. The Kerrys have five palatial homes and a personal jet, wealth buttressed by the usual team of lawyers and financial advisers to provide the best methods of tax-avoidance. Sixth and last is the Kerry team: who seem to combine considerable skills in electioneering with a variety of opinions on all key issues. Indeed, it is when one looks at Kerry's closest associates that one's doubts about his suitability become certainties. Kerry may dislike his running-mate, and those feelings may be reciprocated-but that does not mean a great deal. More important is that the man Kerry would have as his vice president is an ambulance chasing lawyer of precisely the kind the American system has spawned in recent decades, to its great loss and peril, and that is already establishing a foothold in Britain and other European countries. This aggressive legalism-what in England we call "vexatious litigation"- is surely a characteristic America does not want at the top of its constitutional system. Of Kerry's backers, maybe the most prominent is George Soros, a man who made his billions through the kind of unscrupulous manipulations that (in Marxist folklore) characterize "finance capitalism." This is the man who did everything in his power to wreck the currency of Britain, America's principal ally, during the EU exchange-rate crisis-not out of conviction but simply to make vast sums of money. He has also used his immense resources to interfere in the domestic affairs of half a dozen other countries, some of them small enough for serious meddling to be hard to resist. One has to ask: Why is a man like Soros so eager to see Kerry in the White House? The question is especially pertinent since he is not alone among the superrich wishing to see Bush beaten. There are several other huge fortunes backing Kerry. Among the wide spectrum of prominent Bush-haters there is the normal clutter of Hollywood performers and showbiz self-advertisers. That is to be expected. More noticeable, this time, are the large numbers of novelists, playwrights, and moviemakers who have lined up to discharge venomous salvos at the incumbent. I don't recall any occasion, certainly not since the age of FDR, when so much partisan election material has been produced by intellectuals of the Left, not only in the United States but in Europe, especially in Britain, France, and Germany. These intellectuals-many of them with long and lugubrious records of supporting lost left-wing causes, from the Soviet empire to Castro's aggressive adventures in Africa, and who have in their time backed Mengistu in Ethiopia, Qaddafi in Libya, Pol Pot in Cambodia, and the Sandinistas in Nicaragua-seem to have a personal hatred of Bush that defies rational analysis. Behind this front line of articulate Bushicides (one left-wing columnist in Britain actually offered a large sum of money to anyone who would assassinate the president) there is the usual cast of Continental suspects, led by Chirac in France and the superbureaucrats of Brussels. As one who regularly reads Le Monde, I find it hard to convey the intensity of the desire of official France to replace Bush with Kerry. Anti-Americanism has seldom been stronger in Continental Europe, and Bush seems to personify in his simple, uncomplicated self all the things these people most hate about America-precisely because he is so American. Anti-Americanism, like anti-Semitism, is not, of course, a rational reflex. It is, rather, a mental disease, and the Continentals are currently suffering from a virulent spasm of the infection, as always happens when America exerts strong and unbending leadership. Behind this second line of adversaries there is a far more sinister third. All the elements of anarchy and unrest in the Middle East and Muslim Asia and Africa are clamoring and praying for a Kerry victory. The mullahs and the imams, the gunmen and their arms suppliers and paymasters, all those who stand to profit-politically, financially, and emotionally -- from the total breakdown of order, the eclipse of democracy, and the defeat of the rule of law, want to see Bush replaced. His defeat on November 2 will be greeted, in Arab capitals, by shouts of triumph from fundamentalist mobs of exactly the kind that greeted the news that the Twin Towers had collapsed and their occupants been exterminated. I cannot recall any election when the enemies of America all over the world have been so unanimous in hoping for the victory of one candidate. That is the overwhelming reason that John Kerry must be defeated, heavily and comprehensively. revdauphinee answered on 10/30/04: time will tell !I as an expatriot Britain now wholy American disagree with the above most vehemently kindj rated this answer

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Yiddishkeit asked on 10/29/04 - Why I "early" voted Senator Kerry for President... ANTI-SEMITISM IN AMERICA AND THROUGHOUT THE WORLD JOHN KERRY: "As president, I will use bold diplomacy to get governments to recognize the growing crisis of resurgent anti-Semitism, and take action to deal with it - not hide it. Silence will never prevail - either abroad or at home. I have condemned anti-Semitism comments made at all levels of the Saudi government. George Bush has remained silent in the face of remarks that call into question the Saudi commitment to fighting terrorism. In May, I condemned outrageous anti-Semitic comments by Saudi Crown Prince Abdullah, who blamed 'Zionists' for terrorist attacks in Saudi Arabia. I said Abdullah's statements raised "serious questions about the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's commitment to combating terrorism," and I strongly criticize President Bush for saying nothing. "As president I will never permit this kind of attack to go unanswered." In a speech to the Anti-Defamation League in May, I said: "With Saudi-funded hate littering the textbooks of children and the Saudi interior minister claiming that 'the Jews' were responsible for 9/11, our current administration thinks that our current relationship with this regime is acceptable. I do not - and I intend to be a president who holds Saudi Arabia accountable for its conduct." As president, I will support the creation of an office within the State Department dedicated to combating anti-Semitism, as well as adding reporting on acts of anti-Semitism around the world to the State department's annual human rights reporting. In our nation last year there were over 1,500 anti-Semitic incidents, including the destruction of a Holocaust museum in Terre Haute, Indiana. Each of these incidents is a tragedy - and a warning that as a nation we must always remain vigilant. There is no place in America for hate. I will use the full power of the Presidency to speak out against anti-Semitism and hate of all forms. As a former prosecutor, I know that we must also back our words and our efforts at education with tough enforcement of hate crimes laws, including working with local police forces investigate any and all incidents of hate crimes." *Christians Republicans I'm asking you to reconsider voting for John Kerry. I've spent over a month on the Political board rebutting rhetorical zingers from non-moderates that are sincere, yet resist learning. If we have learned anything form the last fours years...it is this: GW Bush was not qualified to be a leader four years ago and he doesn't deserve another four year term. I'm asking for you to vote for John Kerry. **Christians that are Undecided. A few weeks ago you heard or read about the presidential candidates squaring off in the debates. Pres Bush didn't look or sound to be presidential material then and that's why he lost all three debates. It's one thing when he runs ads on tv and was quite another when he was confronted by Senator Kerry during those debates. Pres. Bush strives hard to strike fear as a tool in his campaigning strategy...don't be fooled. It was under GW Bush's blind watch that terrorism chose to strike on 9/11. The mans ineptness has also brought us into one the greatest challenges facing our nation: unraveling the Iraqi quagmire. I'm asking the undecided Christians voters to join with the majority of American Jewish people, like myself, and vote John Kerry. G-d bless, Bobby revdauphinee answered on 10/30/04: amen !amen! and thank you! Yiddishkeit rated this answer

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Saladin asked on 10/28/04 - Donde esta Toms777, amigos? Has anyone seen or heard from Toms777 lately? I miss him coming out of the woodwork to nip my heels. Sal revdauphinee answered on 10/30/04: nips at the heels are more effective when unexpected >LOL Saladin rated this answer

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Laura asked on 10/28/04 - About extreme make-overs Watching some of the extreme make-over shows where people are litterally transformed by plastic, dental, lasic etc admittedly causes one to understand the trauma and heartache that some go through because of their looks. Some of these make-overs are so dramatic that the person no longer even looks like their former self. Do you think that this sort of extreme change is good for the soul? I used to think not...But now I wonder. Doesn't God want us to be comfortable in our own skin? Any opinions? Laura P.S. I'm not thinkin about it!! PP.S My brother in law went to the specialist and they have sceduled an ultrasound next week. The specialist doesn't seem as concerned as his regular doctor did. He even said that he didn't think it was cancer but wanted to do the ultrasound just to be on the safe side. Thank you for your prayers. Laura revdauphinee answered on 10/30/04: why do folks think they can or should improve on Gods work?im old saggy and baggy and I thank my creator daily at least I live! Laura rated this answer

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Saladin asked on 10/28/04 - ROMANS 9-11: THE CRUCIAL CHAPTERS OF NEW TESTAMENT ANTI-SEMITISM AND REPLACEMENT RELIGION. I Looking for some background on Naomi Ragen's piece (see Eliot's post below), I came across a plethora of articles about anbti-Semitism, but they really mean ati-Judaism because Arabs are also semitic. I have to say that I didn't know whether to be amused or insulted by what I read. I read one article that says that anti-Semitism (anti-Judaism) is a leftist plot. It must be a revelation to the author that there are Jewish left wing politicians in Israel. Are they also anti-Jewish? I am politically to the left of centre, being a British socialist, but I am neither anti-Semitic nor anti-Jewish. Now I learn that I also must be anti-Semitic (anti-Jewish) because I am a Christian. Just where will this name-calling end? ===================================================== ROMANS 9-11: THE CRUCIAL CHAPTERS OF NEW TESTAMENT ANTI-SEMITISM AND REPLACEMENT RELIGION The central issues of Paul's letter to the Romans were how to become a member of G-d's new people and how to maintain membership in it. At least that is what he started out to do with his Galatian's letter which was no more than his treatise on the Covenant of Noah and the non-Jew's exemption within this Covenant of the requirement of circumcision. Circumcision was being required of the Gentile by the Jews due to their hatred of the Gentile and this enforced procedure outside of their Covenant was an effective deterrent in keeping the Gentiles apart from the Israel of G-d. Paul was originally going to set the matter correct. However we see over the life-time of this man an evolution of his beliefs where he will reject the totality of the Torah for both Jews and non-Jews. Answer for yourself: Before we begin were you aware that the vast majority of Romans, chapter 9-11, were not in the First New Testament in 150 A.D.? Answer for yourself: What does that say about Pauline authorship of these very anti-Semitic passages? Marcion, himself strongly anti-Semitic and a Paulinist, is responsible for collecting and producing the first New Testament containing ten of the Pauline writings. Answer for yourself: Marcion, Being such a "Pauline" disciple, then what reason could there have been for Marcion's rejection of these chapters which were written by Paul as seen by their complete absence from Marcion's collection of Paul's letters? As you can see this is a sticky issue. The "theology" within Romans 9-11 was definitely not written by an apostle or even Paul for that matter. However, most scholars admit today that the writer of these chapters continues in the Pauline vein of thinking and expresses the further evolution of Paul's ideas in these texts. That being the case and since our Bibles have these chapters under the heading of Pauline authorship then I will address the matter as if Paul is the writer for our purposes in this article Coupled with this "theological evolution" of Paul's rejection of the Torah (Law and Covenant requirements) we see the rejection of the Jewish people as the Israel of G-d and with their rejection of Paul's religious thesis in its ultimate form we find the abundance of literature surfacing, some by Paul and others who carry on his ideas, that seem to cast the whole of Israel as the "rejected" of G-d for not accepting Paul's unique Gospel. This is born out by the fact that missing from the First New Testament collected by Marcion in 150 A.D. are such passages we have today that include Rom. 9:1-33, 10:5-11:32 and all of chapters 15 and 16:26. I find it rather amusing that these three chapters, Rom. 9-11, the vast majority which were not in the New Testament, until after 150 A.D. and most likely written by Irenaeus in 200 A.D., begin with "I lie not." All of chapter 9 did not appear until the Second New Testament appeared with Irenaeus in 180 C.E. The whole treatise of chapter 9 that ends with the "cornerstone" becoming for this Pauline writer a "stumbling stone" because of the rejection of the Jews of Paul's "gospel of righteousness apart from the Torah." As if that was not enough we again have the purposeful misquotations in v. 33 where we are mistakenly informed that the Scripture says to "believe on him shall not be ashamed" when it says differently in Isa 28:16 16 from which we are told to believe is a quote: Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD, Behold, I lay in Zion for a foundation a stone, a tried stone, a precious corner stone, a sure foundation: he that believeth shall not make haste. (KJV) Belief was to be in G-d and His Torah for that is the "foundation stone" of Isaiah 28 and not Jesus as Paul or this Pauline writer would have you believe. As if that was not enough we find that not only is all of chapter 9 of Romans missing until 180 A.D. but only 5 verses existed in Marcion's pro-Pauline New Testament from chapter 10 through chapter 11:32. This means only 8 verses existed from all of Romans 9-11 in 150 A.D. Let us not forget Marcion was rich and nothing could have stood in his way from collecting all of the known Pauline corpus of writings and being pro-Pauline and anti-Torah these verses from our now existing Rom. 9-11 would have been exceptional verses for Marcion to use in his rejection of Judaism and the Torah. For the thinking believer who is familiar with any of the anti-Semitism that crafted the foundation of the New Testament the only conclusion available is that the lack of their presence in the First New Testament is due to their not being in existence then. We have here the continual writing of anti-Jewish propaganda by the non-Jews and the passing it off under the name of apostolic authority. This is by far not the only example of the continual alteration of not only the oral traditions but written records by the non-Jewish Church. But be not mistaken.....this is nothing more than the elaboration of the Pauline religious thesis. Answer for yourself: What was Paul's religious thesis? Paul alleged that G-d's promises to the prophets were realized with Jesus, that Gentile Christians were heirs to the covenant G-d made with Abraham, that Israel's possession of the Law had not made them more obedient or better than Gentiles, and that no one is justified before G-d on "legal performance." Furthermore, Paul's religious thesis continues, Israel's rejection of Jesus had paradoxically given Gentiles a chance to enter the covenant. He stressed that the worship of G-d was spiritual, not physical, as with burnt offerings at the Temple, and that Jesus was a human sacrifice for the expiation of the sins of his believers (Rom. 5:6, 8; 1 Cor. 5:7, 15:3; 2 Cor. 5:15; 1 Thes. 5:10). If the Epistle to the Romans has affected Christian theology more than any other book, then it may also be said that Chapters 9 to 11 of the letter have been among the most influential passages in Christian literature. In them Paul, or the Pauline writer, consolidated his credo which included, at its core, mixed feelings and messages with regard to Judaism and it's adherents. To some Christians, much of the New Testament's anti-Judaism reached its culmination in Rom. 9-11. Other Christians have read a less adverse view of Jews in these crucial chapters. In his inimitable way, E.P. Sanders summed up the ambiguity as follows: "All the scholarly labor that has been spent on Paul's attitude to the law has resulted in no consensus....We know what law Paul was talking about. Yet the search for what he "really meant" goes on (E.P. Sanders, Paul, the Law, and the Jewish People, p. 3). As regards Paul's "real" message, let us listen to what a few students of his teachings have heard. This is the conclusion which the Catholic theologian, Gregory Baum, drew about Rom. 9-11: "All attempts of Christian theologians to derive a more positive conclusion from Paul's teachings in Romans 9-11 (and I have done this as much as others) are grounded in wishful thinking. What Paul and the entire Christian tradition taught is unmistakably negative" (Gregory Baum, Introduction to Faith and Fratricide, p. 6). Here is the view of another scholar, Gunther Bornkamm, whose opinion is: "That the Jews in Rom. 9-11 are Paul's opponents and that the epistle is 'throughout polemical against Jews and their understanding of salvation'" (Gunther Bornkamm, Paul, as quoted in K. Stendahl, ibid., p. 132). There is a virtual unanimity among scholars on the impact Paul's writings have had on Christians. As Stendahl has said: "Christian use of Scripture, and not the least of the Pauline epistles, caused developments of Satanic dimensions" (K. Stendahl, op. cit., p. 126). John Gager said in the same vein: "Put simply the most thoroughgoing and systematic repudiation of Judaism in early Christianity was articulated under the banner of Pauline authority" (John Gager, The Origins of Anti-Semitism, p. 175). Unfortunately, this repudiation was not confined to early Christianity but is prevalent to this day. The reason is not hard to find. It is due to a widespread, shared understanding by most Christians, whether scholars, clergy, or laymen, of what Paul was saying. WHAT IS THE MESSAGE OF ROMANS 9-11? The messages most Christians have registered in their reading of Romans 9 to 11 are: G-d has replaced Israel with the Gentiles as His chosen people (9:3, 6-7). Israel's obstinacy deafened and blinded the nation to belief in Jesus (10:2-3, 14-17, 21). Jews cannot achieve righteousness with the Law or without faith in Jesus (9:30-32). Through a mystery which Paul discovered, Jews have been hardened so that the Gentiles would be grafted on to the stem of Israel and receive salvation (11:17-20,25). Israel will ultimately convert to Christianity in accordance with divine promise (11:23, 26). Now understand that the above anti-Semitic ideas were not written by Paul but a pro-Paulinist around the years of 180 A.D. as these writings make their first appearance through Irenaeus and his response to Marcion's First New Testament...we now have a Second New Testament....Was Paul on life-supports to have written this? The anti-Judaism by the Gentile Church is continually written and passed off as Scritpure....I wonder what YHVH thinks of this??? Numerous verses in these three chapters of Romans, as in the rest of the letter, (and in his other epistles) accord with Paul's antinomian (against the law) doctrine (Ephraim Urbach, op. cit., p. 670-671). Paul's charges contained one which Matthew (23:31) and Luke (11:47- 48) repeated, namely that Jews had killed their prophets. They carried this wickedness of old into their current behavior as they envied and begrudged Gentiles the salvation G-d had given them. Finally, Jews became "the enemies of the gospel," because they did not believe Paul's teachings. Paul went on, in a subsequent chapter, to cast Jews in the role of a menace. He asked his respondents to pray that he would be "rescued from the unbelievers in Judea" (15:30) thus implying that Jews posed a threat to his life. It is not difficult to see how these vivid and ugly portrayals of Jews, traced to a man who was elevated to sainthood as well as others who carried on his tradition, created a feeling of hatred and revulsion in generations of his readers. WHO REALLY KILLED THE PROPHETS...DID PAUL LIE AND MISLEAD US AGAIN? In Rom. 11:2-3 and 1 Thes. 2:15 (considered by some scholars as an interpolation (addition) several decades after his death) Paul quoted Elijah's complaint that Israel had killed G-d's prophets and had torn down His altars. So far as it goes, this is a true citation from 1 Kings 19:10,14. But there is more--much more--to the story which Paul did not tell. The Northern Kingdom of Israel at this period in Elijah's life was ruled by Ahab and his Phoenician wife, Jezebel (ca. 876- 855 B.C.E.). She completely dominated her husband, especially in religious matters. She had been a Sidonian princess and brought her pagan Baal worship into Israel when she wed Ahab. She had altars built to the heathen cult and installed priests of Baal to lead the idolatrous worship. She persecuted the prophets of Israel and ordered many slain when they protested against her immoral regime (Kings 18:4). She clashed with Elijah and threatened to kill him following a dramatic contest on Mount Carmel between him and her prophets of Baal. After Elijah proved the impotence of the pagan god, he had to flee from Israel into Judah to escape Jezebel's rage. It was at this moment, when the great prophet was in hiding, that he cried to G-d that Israel had killed His prophets. It happened in Israel; but the deed was done while Israel was under the domination of a ruthless Phoenician heathen who had instructed her foreign henchmen to pursue and murder the Hebrew prophets. The Israelites who defended their prophets and opposed Jezebel and her idolatry were also her victims. Eventually, Ahab was killed in battle and Jezebel was executed by the Israelites. In the history of Israel, prophecy lasted from Samuel to Malachi, a period of about 600 years. During that time there was not a single well-known prophet who was killed including Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, the Twelve Minor Prophets, Nathan, Elijah and Elisha. All were forthright and boldly outspoken, expressing views which clashed sharply with the popular mentality or with those in power. Yet, in all of those six centuries the Bible recounts only one case of murder of a prophet under the auspices of Jewish rule. Jer. 26:20-23 relates that King Yehoyakim of Judah (607-597) killed Uriah, an otherwise unknown prophet, for his prophecy. This record hardly warrants the portrayal of Jews as prophet-killers, a picture the New Testament repeatedly drew in the Gospels and Epistles. HOW IS JUSTIFYING THE HEATHEN TO MAKE ISRAEL JEALOUS? Paul or a pro-Pauline writer claimed that salvation was given to the Gentiles because of Israel's transgression in order "to make Israel envious"! Nothing is said about the worthiness of the Gentiles or their lack of transgression. It is understood from many teachings in the Old Testament that G-d is just, and that being so, then you should have a hard time reconciling the above premise as stated by Paul; namely, that G-d saves the Gentiles in order to make a nation envious. This is utter nonsense. It is a known fact that G-d judges mankind according to their Covenant with Him and how they lived according to their Covenant stipulations. The Gentiles are basically under the Adamic, Edenic, and Noahide Covenants. Within these the non-Jews find their responsibilities toward G-d as well as their privileges and blessings. This is a fact that Paul should have known if he was a "Pharisee of Pharisees" since this was basic "Bible 101" to any Pharisee. Yet the writer of these "Pro-Pauline" passages in Romans 9-11 writes as if the Gentiles, up to that time, were without relationship with G-d or without Salvation. Nothing could be further from the truth than this perverted premise. But this is not the only problem. Paul would have us believe that G-d all of a sudden created Salvation for the non-Jews in order to make the Jew's jealous. Answer for yourself: Where is the G-dliness in this, the fairness no less? What about the non-Jews who died before Paul and Jesus...were they without a way to G-d? The writer of Romans 9-11 would have the Gentile readers of this epistle believe such a thing as if they were without G-d and simply that was not the case. These Gentiles, not familiar with Judaism, would not necessary know this for themselves but anyone familiar with Judaism knows this basic fact that G-d had always extended Salvation to mankind and it did not begin with Jesus or Paul. But the problem with this Pauline ideas goes even deeper. Answer for yourself: If Person A sins (the Jews) does that automatically make Person B (the Gentiles) deserving of reward? This Pauline statement is simply stupid and goes against every teaching on righteousness in the Old Testament! Perhaps Person B (the Gentiles) sinned also, or sinned even more than Person A (the Jews..and this is understood since they lived without codification of the Laws of G-d to the extend possessed by the Jews) and neither merits salvation. The apostle's words seem to express the attitude of a man who wants "to show" people who, he felt, rejected him that he has surpassed them. This "idea" is what I have been sharing with the readers of this website since the beginning. What better way than to elevate "his Gentiles" over "those Jews" and arouse their envy. Answer for yourself: But is this "perversion of the teachings of the Old Testament" a theology, or an adolescent nonsense? DOES G-D REWARD DISOBEDIENCE? WELL...PAULINISM SAYS HE DOES!!!! Among Paul's or a pro-Paulinist writer's more baffling passages in Romans, verses 11:30-32 stand out. Here they are: Just as you (Gentiles) who were at one time disobedient to G-d have now received mercy as a result of their (Jews) disobedience (30), so they too, as a result of G-d's mercy to you, have now become disobedient in order that they too may now receive mercy (31). For G-d has bound all men over to disobedience so that he may have mercy on them all (32). This is possibly the most convoluted backward reasoning that mankind has ever devised and we can lay it at the feet of Paul. In other words, for Paul the Jews' disobedience brought G-d's mercy to the Gentiles and the Gentile's disobedience would eventually obtain mercy for Jews. For Paul not obedience, but disobedience, would provide everybody with a reward from G-d. For Paul, furthermore, G-d has consigned all men to disobedience; they are forced into this state. This is a pessimistic view of G-d and a sad outlook on, and for, mankind. Paul's doctrine, that G-d acts on the basis of grace, hardly creates an incentive for good behavior. It would make more sense from an ethical standpoint to portray G-d as rewarding good behavior and punishing bad. Paul did not convey such a message here. He was so intent on refuting the value of the Law with its demands for good deeds that he sent confusing and paradoxical messages, viz.: Disobedience calls forth G-d's mercy. People cannot be good because G-d makes them bad. One people's disobedience results in another people's reward. PAUL'S PEDIGREE...BUT HE COULD NOT HAVE KNOWN ALL THAT HE TESTIFIES OF The more Paul assailed Jews, the more he reminded his audiences that he came from Jewish ancestry (Acts 23:6, 26:5; Gal. 2:15; Phil. 3:5; Rom. 9:3-4). As if it were necessary to offer proof in the face of a real or imagined challenge, he identified the specific tribe from which his forbears came. It was not enough for him to say simply that he was a Jew. He claimed descent from the tribe of Benjamin (in two of his epistles, Romans and Philippians) and in so doing, he overstated his case. Two thousand years ago it would have been preposterous for a Jew to claim that he had exclusive descent, or could trace his descent, from any one tribe. It would be especially difficult with Benjamin because it was a small tribe and got absorbed into its large neighbor, Judah. There is an excellent chance that some progenitors of any Jew were from Benjamin (or Dan or Simeon). But a declaration that implied descent only from Benjamin--or even Judah--could not be taken seriously. For this to happen would require that a certain branch of a tribe remained isolated and never intermarried with members of other tribes--for over 1800 years. Not only did members of the tribes intermarry but after the exiles of Israel and Judah, tribal distinctions were lost. Since Judith had been the dominant and largest tribe, most people were affiliated with it and took its name as their identification, It would be impossible, after several hundred years, to trace one's ancestry to a specific tribal affiliation. If Paul were really a Jew, it is unlikely that he would have made such a fantastic claim. Nor is it likely that he would have called himself a "Hebrew of Hebrews" (Phil. 3:5) which expresses the superlative. Even the leading rabbis in the Sanhedrin and the academies did not arrogate to themselves such a title. Paul's choice of Benjamin as his ancestral tribe may be related to: the name Saul, by which he was called in Acts by Luke before he went into the Greek world. King Saul, of course, came from the tribe or territory of Benjamin. Answer for yourself: Now having been told the truth concerning the anti-Semitic pro-Paulinist religious ideas of Romans 9-11 that were not written until 180 C.E. with Irenaeus then should we possibly not rethink this whole matter of a "righteousness apart from the Torah?" ===================================================== Comments without further accusations welcomed. Sal revdauphinee answered on 10/30/04: sal your quote "Now I learn that I also must be anti-Semitic (anti-Jewish) because I am a Christian." Is utter nonesence since to be a Christian meansthat you are a follower of Jesus Ben Joseph(a Jew himself)who told his followers (Mk.12:30-33 30 Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.' 31 The second is this: `Love your neighbor as yourself.' There is no commandment greater than these." are not Jews our neighbours? (Prov.10:12 Hatred stirs up dissension, but love covers over all wrongs. ) Saladin rated this answer

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Saladin asked on 10/28/04 - "We are making progress." (GWB) Is he right? Provincial Capital Near Falluja Is Rapidly Slipping Into Chaos By EDWARD WONG (Abdul Razzaq al-Saeidy contributed reporting for this article) Published: October 28, 2004 AMADI, Iraq, Oct. 21 - The American military and the interim Iraqi government are quickly losing control of this provincial capital, which is larger and strategically more important than its sister city of Falluja, say local officials, clerics, tribal sheiks and officers with the United States Marines. "The city is chaotic," said Sheik Ali al-Dulaimi, a leader of the region's largest tribe. "There's no presence of the Allawi government," he added, speaking of Prime Minister Ayad Allawi. While Ramadi is not exactly a "no go" zone for the marines, like the insurgent stronghold of Falluja 30 miles to the east, officers say it is fast slipping in that direction. In the last six weeks, guerrillas have stepped up the pace of assassinations of Iraqis working with the Americans, and marine officials say they suspect Iraqi security officers have been helping insurgents to attack their troops. Reconstruction efforts have ground to a halt because no local contractors are willing to work. Most of the military's resources are channeled into controlling a bomb-infested, four-and-a-half-mile stretch of road that runs through downtown and connects two bases. Insurgents pop out of alleyways, mosques and a crowded market and fire at marines at will, then disappear when the Americans give chase. Ramadi lies at the heart of rebellious Anbar Province and astride the major western supply route to Baghdad. The city, whose 400,000 residents have at best merely tolerated the foreign military presence, is seen as a crucial part of American efforts to plant a secular democracy in Iraq. But the disintegration of authority puts in jeopardy both the Bush administration's plan to stage nationwide elections by Jan. 31 and any sense of legitimacy such elections might have. It also complicates the American military's plans to invade Falluja, because of the close coordination between insurgents in the two cities. With a powerful mix of propaganda and intimidation, well-financed guerrillas have turned the people of Ramadi against the American occupiers and their allies, Iraqis and marines here say. "The provincial government is on the verge of collapse," said Second Lt. Ryan Schranel, whose platoon does 24-hour guard duty at the besieged government center opposite the main bazaar. "Just about everybody has resigned or is on the verge of resigning." The provincial governor, Muhammad Awad, who doubles as the city's mayor, took office after the previous governor resigned in early August following the kidnapping of his three sons, and after a deputy governor was kidnapped and killed. Mr. Awad is juggling two jobs because no one has come forward to be mayor. Compounding the problems, guerrillas have been streaming in since the marines stepped up airstrikes against the mujahedeen in Falluja, Marine officials say. "We hit the deck one and a half months ago, and the area has changed for the downhill very quickly," said Staff Sgt. James Keefer, one of six civil affairs officers attached to the Second Battalion, Fifth Marines, which arrived here in early September. "We used to go to civilian areas in one or two Humvees to look at hospitals and other places. Now it's too dangerous, and we need four Humvees for a convoy, and we don't have the resources." The power vacuum here also muddies plans for an invasion of Falluja, which has about 300,000 people, because Ramadi could well become a haven for retreating guerrillas. Marines here say they have found it impossible to seal off either the highway or the desert smuggling routes between the two cities. Indeed, Marine officials say there is a high level of coordination between insurgent groups in the two cities, with the suspected guerrilla leader in Ramadi, Muhammad Daham, working closely with counterparts in Falluja. When the marines made their ill-fated push into Falluja last April, they had to battle a ferocious uprising in Ramadi, where 12 marines were killed in a single ambush. Though members of the former ruling Baath Party are believed to be financing the insurgency here, where loyalty to Saddam Hussein ran high, there is a growing Islamist face to the rebellion, similar to Falluja, local officials and Marine officers say. Calls for resistance emanate from mosque loudspeakers when Marine convoys roll past. In a coordinated raid on seven mosques on Oct. 12, marines said, they found large weapons caches, taped anti-American sermons and DVD's showing beheadings. Top Marine commanders say they may open an offensive in Ramadi together with one in Falluja. But such an assault would probably have only a limited effect, because insurgents here do not hold well-defined territory, as they do in Falluja. They have instead blended into the population and conduct hit-and-run strikes on Marine patrols and outposts along the main downtown strip. "It's difficult to describe 'sense of control' in terms of insurgent activity," said Capt. Eric Dougherty, the commander of Company E, which lost four men in the first six weeks here. "The insurgent activity is everywhere. It's at our firm bases here. It's among women and children, those cowards." Dozens of government employees still come to work every day at the provincial center, a three-story building pockmarked by bullets and shrapnel. Marines sitting watch behind sandbags on the roof get shot at regularly with AK-47's, mortars and rocket-propelled grenades. "We're one of the only units that's got bases inside the city," said Lt. Col. Randall P. Newman, the battalion commander. "This is not Falluja. We want to keep this place from becoming a Falluja." In an interview in his office, Governor Awad attributed the anarchy to the ineffectiveness of the Iraqi security forces and the limited presence of the marines, whom he said had wasted time earlier on reconstruction projects. "The performance of the police and national guard is very weak in all of central Iraq," Mr. Awad said as he sat behind his desk, two Iraqi guards in civilian clothes hovering near him. "The marines are not protecting us. It's true that they've helped us with some projects such as improving the water supply and sewage disposal and rebuilding schools. But people think all that is worthless. They need security." None of the dozens of marines interviewed in Ramadi disagreed with Mr. Awad's assessment of the Iraqi police and National Guard. Even worse, they say, the local forces sometimes aid the insurgency. Marines arrested the police chief of Anbar Province in August on charges of corruption, and Lieutenant Schranel said Iraqi National Guardsmen were suspected of helping insurgents blow up a veterans' building that marines were using as an observation post. Colonel Newman said the only effective Iraqi troops in Ramadi are 80 or so Iraqi Special Forces soldiers from elsewhere in the country. They live at battalion headquarters and are used for specific operations like mosque raids, not day-to-day security. On a recent afternoon, two Iraqi National Guardsmen at a checkpoint at the government center watched as a group of marines walked up. "Here come the sons of dogs," one guardsman said to an Iraqi reporter. Next door, in police headquarters, Iraqi officers tossed around conspiracy theories. "The Americans gave us nothing more than AK-47's so they could stay in Iraq for a long time," Lt. Abdul-Latif Salim said. "The resistance has the right to fight the occupation. It's an obligation for every Muslim. The Allawi government has no power." Insurgents have tried discrediting the marines and the local government through widespread propaganda. Clerics regularly preach against the occupation, while guerrillas post the names of Iraqi security officers outside mosques. A marine showed a flier seized from a mosque that depicted a woman in a black robe being raped by men in sunglasses, presumably Americans. In late September, insurgents began blowing up whole buildings downtown, videotaping the demolitions and giving the tapes to Arab television networks to attribute blame to American airstrikes, Marine officers said. The explosions have destroyed an agricultural center, a veterans' building and the Red Crescent headquarters. Their wrecked facades still scar the city. As in other parts of Iraq, guerrillas are killing locals working with Americans. An interpreter at a base called Combat Outpost, east of downtown, was found beheaded recently. Insurgents even killed the man who cleaned the portable toilets at the base. Sergeant Keefer said the marines tried calling a list of 100 potential local contractors when they first arrived. Many of the phone numbers had been disconnected, and people who did answer said the contractors had left town. Reconstruction "is pretty much at a standstill right now," said Capt. Sean Kuehl, an intelligence officer. "An insurgency cannot be defeated solely by an occupying power. We need the support of the local population." ======================================================= Is President Bush right? Are we making progress? Sal revdauphinee answered on 10/28/04: maybee for himself and his saudi friends to heck with the rest of us! Saladin rated this answer

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Mathatmacoat asked on 10/27/04 - Another case of Bush in denial? "The Bush Administration is trying to stifle scientific evidence of the dangers of global warming in an effort to keep the public uninformed, a NASA scientist said. "In my more than three decades in government, I have never seen anything approaching the degree to which information flow from scientists to the public has been screened and controlled as it is now," James Hansen told a University of Iowa audience on Tuesday. Mr Hansen is director of the NASA Goddard Institute for Space Studies in New York and has twice briefed a task force headed by Vice-President Dick Cheney on global warming. Mr Hansen said the administration wanted to hear only scientific results that "fit predetermined, inflexible positions". Evidence that would raise concerns about the dangers of climate change was often dismissed as not being of sufficient interest to the public. "This, I believe, is a recipe for environmental disaster." Mr Hansen said the scientific community generally agreed that temperatures on Earth were rising because of the greenhouse effect - emissions of carbon dioxide and other materials into the atmosphere that trap heat. Advertisement Advertisement These rising temperatures, scientists believed, could cause sea levels to rise and trigger severe environmental consequences, he said. Mr Hansen said such warnings were consistently suppressed, while studies that cast doubt on such interpretations received favourable treatment from the US administration. He also said reports that outlined potential dangers of global warming were edited to make the problem appear less serious. "This process is in direct opposition to the most fundamental precepts of science," he said. White House science adviser John Marburger III has denied charges that the administration refuses to accept the reality of climate change. He said President George Bush had pointed out in a 2001 speech that greenhouse gases had increased substantially in the past 200 years. Last December, the administration said it was planning a five year program to research global warming and climate change. Mr Hansen said he was speaking as a private citizen, not as a government employee, and paid his own way for the Iowa appearance. He described himself as moderately conservative, but said he would vote for John Kerry in the presidential election. "He certainly is not in denial of the existence of climate change problems," Mr Hansen said. AP revdauphinee answered on 10/28/04: if we were to try to do anything about these problems it would hurt big business George could never allow that !It might take money out of his and his buddies pockets so the heck with the future generations. Mathatmacoat rated this answer paraclete rated this answer

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Mathatmacoat asked on 10/27/04 - Another case of Bush in denial? "The Bush Administration is trying to stifle scientific evidence of the dangers of global warming in an effort to keep the public uninformed, a NASA scientist said. "In my more than three decades in government, I have never seen anything approaching the degree to which information flow from scientists to the public has been screened and controlled as it is now," James Hansen told a University of Iowa audience on Tuesday. Mr Hansen is director of the NASA Goddard Institute for Space Studies in New York and has twice briefed a task force headed by Vice-President Dick Cheney on global warming. Mr Hansen said the administration wanted to hear only scientific results that "fit predetermined, inflexible positions". Evidence that would raise concerns about the dangers of climate change was often dismissed as not being of sufficient interest to the public. "This, I believe, is a recipe for environmental disaster." Mr Hansen said the scientific community generally agreed that temperatures on Earth were rising because of the greenhouse effect - emissions of carbon dioxide and other materials into the atmosphere that trap heat. Advertisement Advertisement These rising temperatures, scientists believed, could cause sea levels to rise and trigger severe environmental consequences, he said. Mr Hansen said such warnings were consistently suppressed, while studies that cast doubt on such interpretations received favourable treatment from the US administration. He also said reports that outlined potential dangers of global warming were edited to make the problem appear less serious. "This process is in direct opposition to the most fundamental precepts of science," he said. White House science adviser John Marburger III has denied charges that the administration refuses to accept the reality of climate change. He said President George Bush had pointed out in a 2001 speech that greenhouse gases had increased substantially in the past 200 years. Last December, the administration said it was planning a five year program to research global warming and climate change. Mr Hansen said he was speaking as a private citizen, not as a government employee, and paid his own way for the Iowa appearance. He described himself as moderately conservative, but said he would vote for John Kerry in the presidential election. "He certainly is not in denial of the existence of climate change problems," Mr Hansen said. AP revdauphinee answered on 10/28/04: if we were to try to do anything about these problems it would hurt big business George could never allow that !It might take money out of his and his buddies pockets so the heck with the future generations. Mathatmacoat rated this answer

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sapphire630 asked on 10/27/04 - 4 ur halloween mood Now not only do Christians speak against halloween; now Wiccans are opposing halloween they say they are tired of the stereo-type of witches and so forth. SO now it is politically incorrect to celebrate halloween----who woulda guessed! revdauphinee answered on 10/27/04: to me halloween is nothing more than an inconvenience I hate having to go anwer the door even if I only give out tracts and small new testament with a lollipop attatched .It wouldnt bother me at all if it was discontinued! Saladin rated this answer Laura rated this answer sapphire630 rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 10/27/04 - "We are making progress" George Bush is perhaps famous, among other things for making that remark in the face of evidence to teh contrary here's an update, a reality check if you like. Days of bloodshed Recent attacks in Iraq, as outlined by the Interior Minister, Falah al-Naqib: *92 suicide car bombings, killing 567 since June. *152 people reported kidnapped in September. Eleven of those were rescued by police, 16 paid a ransom, 31 were released by their kidnappers and one was found dead. He did not give their nationalities. *645 attacks on government institutions in August, killing about 147 people, and 120 in September, killing about 193. Agence France-Presse, The New York Times, Reuters revdauphinee answered on 10/27/04: Bush is certainly making progress feathering his own and his friends in big business and the oil barons nests and furthering his own ends. ATON2 rated this answer paraclete rated this answer

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Saladin asked on 10/27/04 - A worrying scenario for America in Iraq ... What the Terrorists Have in Mind By DANIEL BENJAMIN and GABRIEL WEIMANN Published: October 27, 2004 With less than a week before the election, President Bush is seeking to turn the favorable ratings he receives for his prosecution of the war on terrorism into a clinching advantage. His latest television advertisement, using a pack of wolves to stand in for foreign terrorists, ends with the line: "Weakness attracts those who are waiting to do America harm." He has backed up this sentiment in his foreign-policy stump speeches. "In a free and open society, it is impossible to protect against every threat,'' he told a New Jersey crowd. "The best way to prevent attacks is to stay on the offense against the enemy overseas." Of course, Mr. Bush is correct: A central part of our strategy must be to pre-empt terrorists, attacking them before they attack us. But not all offensive strategies are equal, and Mr. Bush errs by arguing that the one being employed is doing the job. One need only listen to the terrorists and observe their recent actions to understand that we face grave problems. After all, their analysis of the battle is a key determinant of the level of terrorism in the future. To get a sense of the jihadist movement's state of mind, we must listen to its communications, and not just the operational "chatter" collected by the intelligence community. Today, the central forum for the terrorists' discourse is not covert phone communications but the Internet, where Islamist Web sites and chat rooms are filled with evaluations of current events, discussions of strategy and elaborations of jihadist ideology. Yes, assessing this material requires a critical eye since there is plenty of bluster and some chat room participants may be teenagers in American suburbs rather than fighters in the field. Some things, however, are clear: There has been a drastic shift in mood in the last two years. Radicals who were downcast and perplexed in 2002 about the rapid defeat of the Taliban in Afghanistan now feel exuberant about the global situation and, above all, the events in Iraq. For example, an article in the most recent issue of Al Qaeda's Voice of Jihad - an online magazine that comes out every two weeks - makes the case that the United States has a greater strategic mess on its hands in Afghanistan and Iraq than the Soviet Union did in Afghanistan in the 1980's. As translated by the SITE Institute, a nonprofit group that monitors terrorists, the author describes how the United States has stumbled badly by getting itself mired in two guerrilla wars at once, and that United States forces are now "merely trying to 'prove their presence' - for all practical purposes, they have left the war." Abu Musab al-Zarqawi, the Jordanian terrorist now wreaking havoc in Iraq, sees things in a similar way. "There is no doubt that the Americans' losses are very heavy because they are deployed across a wide area and among the people and because it is easy to procure weapons," he wrote in a recent communiqu� to his followers that was posted on several radical Web sites. "All of which makes them easy and mouthwatering targets for the believers." Clearly, the president's oft-repeated claim that American efforts are paying off because "more than three-quarters of Al Qaeda's key members and associates have been killed, captured or detained" - a questionable claim in itself - means little to jihadists. What matters to them that the invasion of Iraq paved the way for the emergence of a movement of radical Sunni Iraqis who share much of the Qaeda ideology. Among the recurrent motifs on the Web are that America has blundered in Iraq the same way the Soviet Union did in the 1980's in Afghanistan, and that it will soon be leaving in defeat. "We believe these infidels have lost their minds," was the analysis on a site called Jamaat ud-Daawa, which is run out of Pakistan. "They do not know what they are doing. They keep on repeating the same mistake." For the radicals, the fighting has become a large part of a broader religious revival and political revolution. Their discussions celebrate America's occupation of Iraq as an opportunity to expose the superpower's "real nature" as an enemy of Islam that seeks to steal the Arab oil patrimony. "If there was no jihad, Paul Bremer would have left with $20 trillion instead of $20 billion," one Web site declared. Moreover, the radicals see themselves as gaining ground in their effort to convince other Muslims around the world that jihad is a religiously required military obligation. And the American presence in the region is making the case for fulfilling this obligation all the more powerful. Iraq, in fact, has become a theater of inspiration for this drama of faith, in which the jihadists believe they can win by seizing cities and towns, killing American troops and destabilizing the country with attacks on the police, oil pipelines and reconstruction projects. Although coalition forces have retaken Samarra and pounded Falluja, we have ceded control of much of western Iraq. Taliban-like councils are emerging in places under the control of extremists, some linked with Mr. Zarqawi's organization. From the militants' perspective, America's record has been one of inconsistency and fecklessness. For example, we signaled that we were going to attack Falluja last summer, and then held off. We have allowed it and several other cities to become no-go zones for coalition forces. The apparent decision to postpone a major campaign to retake western Iraq until after the Nov. 2 election is another move that the militants will inevitably view as a sign of weakness. In the end, we are stuck in the classic quandary of counterinsurgency: we do not want to use the force necessary to wipe out the terrorists because we would kill numerous civilians and further alienate the Iraqi population. Meanwhile, radicals in dozens of countries are increasingly seizing on events in Iraq. Some Web sites have moved beyond describing the action there to depicting it in the most grisly way: images of Western hostages begging for their lives and being beheaded. These sites have become enormously popular throughout the Muslim world, thrilling those who sympathize with the Iraqi insurgents as they see jihad in action. Fired up by such cyber-spectacles, militants everywhere are more and more seeing Iraq as the first glorious stage in a long campaign against the West and the "apostate" rulers of the Muslim world. It is remarkable, for example, that the Pakistani Sunni extremist group Lashkar-e-Tayba appears to be shifting its sights away from its longtime focus on Kashmir and toward Iraq. Probably the largest militant group in Pakistan, it has used its online Urdu publication to call for sending holy warriors to Iraq to take revenge for the torture at Abu Ghraib prison as well as for what it calls the "rapes of Iraqi Muslim women." "The Americans are dishonoring our mothers and sisters," reads a notice on its site. "Therefore, jihad against America has now become mandatory." The organization's postings speak of an "army" of 8,000 fighters from different countries bound for Iraq. While that number is undoubtedly exaggerated, the statement is not pure propaganda: members of the group have already been captured in Iraq. Another worrisome development is the parallel emergence of a Shiite militancy that shares the apocalyptic outlook of Al Qaeda. One citation that crops up frequently in chat rooms is a quotation from a sheik describing the fighting in Iraq as a harbinger of the arrival of the Mahdi, the messiah figure whose expected return will bring about a sort of final judgment: "The people will be chided for their acts of disobedience by a fire that will appear in the sky and a redness that will cover the sky. It will swallow up Baghdad." It seems clear that, while the administration insists that we are acting strongly, our pursuit of the war on terrorism through an invasion of Iraq has carried real costs for our security. The occupation is in chaos, which is emboldening a worldwide assortment of radical Islamists and giving them common ground. The worst thing we could do now is believe that the Bush administration's tough talk is in any way realistic. If we really think that the unrest abroad will have no impact on us at home - as too many thought before 9/11 - not even a vastly improved offense can help us. Daniel Benjamin, a director for counterterrorism on the National Security Council staff under President Bill Clinton, is a co-author of "The Age of Sacred Terror." Gabriel Weimann is professor of communications at the University of Haifa in Israel and the author of the forthcoming "Terror on the Internet." ======================================================= Shall we ignore these signs? revdauphinee answered on 10/27/04: Bush is giving the Islamic radicals plenty of ammo to recuit new ones not getting rid of any Saladin rated this answer paraclete rated this answer

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Saladin asked on 10/27/04 - Bush folds on gay marriage to catch liberal voters - or, "Whose tail is wagging this little dogg Bush Says His Party Is Wrong to Oppose Gay Civil Unions By ELISABETH BUMILLER Published: October 26, 2004 WASHINGTON, Oct. 25 - President Bush said in an interview this past weekend that he disagreed with the Republican Party platform opposing civil unions of same-sex couples and that the matter should be left up to the states. Mr. Bush has previously said that states should be permitted to allow same-sex unions, even though White House officials have said he would not have endorsed such unions as governor of Texas. But Mr. Bush has never before made a point of so publicly disagreeing with his party's official position on the issue. In an interview on Sunday with Charles Gibson, an anchor of "Good Morning America" on ABC, Mr. Bush said, "I don't think we should deny people rights to a civil union, a legal arrangement, if that's what a state chooses to do so." ABC, which broadcast part of the interview on Monday, is to broadcast the part about civil unions on Tuesday. According to an ABC transcript, Mr. Gibson then noted to Mr. Bush that the Republican Party platform opposed civil unions. "Well, I don't," Mr. Bush replied. He added: "I view the definition of marriage different from legal arrangements that enable people to have rights. And I strongly believe that marriage ought to be defined as between a union between a man and a woman. Now, having said that, states ought to be able to have the right to pass laws that enable people to be able to have rights like others." Mr. Gibson then asked, "So the Republican platform on that point, as far as you're concerned, is wrong?" "Right," Mr. Bush replied. Mr. Bush announced in February that he supported an amendment to the Constitution that would ban same-sex marriage, and said at the time that the union of a man and a woman was "the most fundamental institution of civilization." He acted under enormous pressure from his conservative supporters, who had lobbied the White House to have the president speak out in an election year on a matter of vital importance to them. But Mr. Bush also said at the time that states should be permitted to have same-sex civil unions if they chose. Mr. Bush has sought to walk a careful line between pleasing conservatives who oppose same-sex marriage and not alienating more moderate voters who might see bigotry in his views. Mr. Bush's support for civil unions and his opposition to his party on the issue is in part an effort to reach out to swing voters, whom he needs to win on Nov. 2. ======================== Can anyone explain: a) why this is not a flip-flop on Bush's part b) why this is not an example of sacrificing principle in exchange for political expediency c) why we should continue to consider Bush as the upholder of the Christian belief in the sanctity of marriage and the family? Sal revdauphinee answered on 10/27/04: sounds like hes getting desperste to me!!I just heard about this on th radio coming home ATON2 rated this answer Saladin rated this answer

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Saladin asked on 10/27/04 - A nice piece about GWB (amd no mention of WMD!) Pants on Fire? By NICHOLAS D. KRISTOF Published: October 27, 2004 E-mail: nicholas@nytimes.com A Promise Unkept In this Op-Ed special report, Nicholas D. Kristof argues that the international community has once again fallen short on promises to rid the world of genocide. Wenever I say that President Bush isn't a liar, Democrats hurl thunderbolts at me. And when I say Mr. Bush isn't truthful, Republicans erupt like Mount St. Helens. So what do I mean? Let me offer an example - not from Iraq but from Mr. Bush's autobiography. In it, he tells a charming little story involving his daughters in 1988, on the eve of the presidential debate between his father and Michael Dukakis: "One night, Laura and I were out of town campaigning, and Barbara and Jenna spent the night at the vice presidential mansion. Dad had spent the day preparing for a debate with Michael Dukakis. Unfortunately, Barbara lost her sleeping companion, Spikey, her favorite stuffed dog. She complained loudly that she could not sleep without Spikey, so 'Gampy,' better known as Vice President Bush, spent much of the night before his debate searching the house and grounds of the vice presidential residence, flashlight in hand, on a mission to find Spikey. Finally, he did, and Barbara slept soundly. I don't know if my dad ever went to sleep that night." It's a heartwarming tale of family values. And while it's not malicious enough to count as a lie, it's laced with falsehoods. We know that because Mr. Bush's mother wrote about the same incident much earlier, in 1990, in "Millie's Book," nominally written by her dog. For starters, the episode occurred when the girls were five and a half, in 1987, a year before the presidential debate. What's more, "Millie's Book" says that Spikey was a cat, not a dog. And instead of searching all night and finally finding Spikey, Vice President Bush gave up, grumbling: "I have work to do. What am I doing searching for a stuffed animal outdoors in the dark?" Anyway, little Barbara had already fallen asleep with another stuffed animal. Spikey turned up the next day behind the curtains. (I can hear some of you protesting: "You're gonna take a dog's word over our president's?" Well, frankly, no one has ever impugned Millie's word. And Millie has witnesses. The first President Bush and his wife, Barbara, later confirmed to me through a spokesman that they did not believe that Spikey had been lost on the eve of a presidential debate.) The current president's hyped version of the incident reflects his casual relationship with truth. Like President Ronald Reagan, reality to him is not about facts, but about higher meta-truths: Mom and Dad are loving grandparents, Saddam Hussein is an evil man, and so on. To clarify those overarching realities, Mr. Bush harnesses "facts," both true and false. We all do this to some extent, of course, discounting data points that don't fit our preconceptions. My Times colleague John Tierney wrote a few days ago of a new report suggesting, based on their scores on military intelligence tests taken in the 1960's, that Mr. Bush had an I.Q. in the 95th percentile of the population and that John Kerry's was in the 91st percentile. Yet most liberals have not revised their view that Mr. Bush is a nitwit. In fact, I'm convinced that Mr. Bush is not only smarter, but also a better man than his critics believe. Most important, he's not a panderer. While Mr. Kerry zigs and zags on trade and Middle East policy, Mr. Bush has a core of values and provides genuine leadership (typically, I believe, in the wrong direction, by trying to reshape America and the world according to a far-right agenda). One example is Mr. Bush's determination since 9/11 to add to the U.S. Strategic Petroleum Reserve, even though this pushes up gasoline prices. Mr. Bush's approach is foolish economically, and it is crazy politically. Yet his grim willingness to raise gas prices during his re-election campaign underscores a solidity of character and convictions. But that's also the problem with his administration: his convictions are so solid that they're inflexible and utterly impervious to reality. When Mr. Bush pumped up the intelligence on Iraqi W.M.D., his exaggerations reflected the overriding truth as he saw it - that Saddam Hussein was a menace. I think Mr. Bush considered himself truthful, even when he wasn't factual. If Mr. Bush were a private citizen, I would admire his tenacity, just as I respect Barry Goldwater, Red Sox fans and Flat-Earthers. But for a president, I wish we had a clear-eyed thinker who understood the difference between Osama bin Laden and Saddam Hussein, or between a stuffed dog and a stuffed cat. ================= Worrying? :) Sal revdauphinee answered on 10/27/04: "You're gonna take a dog's word over our president's?" My friend id vote for the dog over this president! Saladin rated this answer

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MaggieB asked on 10/27/04 - I find this rather disturbing, how about you? Voter Registration Probe Unearths Potential Fraud in Wisconsin By Chad Groening October 26, 2004 (AgapePress) - An immigration reform organization recently conducted an investigation into possible voter fraud in Wisconsin. The probe revealed that non-citizens of the United States could decide the 2004 presidential election. Susan Tully, the Midwest field director for the Federation for American Immigration Reform (FAIR), says she became concerned about possible voter fraud in the Badger State when an admitted illegal alien suddenly was named a deputy registrar of voters in Racine, Wisconsin. Tully says a year earlier, the woman's picture appeared on the front page of a local newspaper showing her protesting and complaining that she had been fired from her job -- and admitting she was an illegal alien. Things apparently changed over the ensuing months. "In July, here she was on the front page of the same local newspaper, saying she's a deputy registrar of voters. How could an illegal alien go from [that] status...to a deputy registrar of voters in less than a year?" Tully wonders. So the FAIR Midwest field director sent one of her activists to take the class in Racine to become a deputy voter registrar. What Tully discovered concerns her. "At no time was she asked to show identification; at no time was she asked for her Social Security number; and at no time was she asked if she was a citizen of the United States," she says. "I have a real fear, based on my knowledge now, that this election will be decided by foreign nationals and illegal aliens." And Tully did not stop there. Suspecting voter fraud, FAIR sent two activists from another state to the office of the former illegal alien who is not only a deputy registrar of voters in Racine but also the leader of a Hispanic organization. Tully gave the activists specific instructions. "I wanted them to specifically tell this person they were illegal aliens, but that they wanted to register to vote -- and she registered them both," she says. The two activists received a similar response at the Milwaukee office of the Hispanic group. "This time one of the men in the office at least said it's a felony to register someone who's not a citizen to vote -- but the office manager went ahead and registered them." According to Tully, the Hispanic organization had set the goal of registering 20,000 voters between May and the election. She explains why that is significant. In Wisconsin, she notes, Al Gore -- the 2000 Democratic presidential candidate -- won by only 850 votes. "If this organization, all by itself, managed to hit their goal of 20,000 people, you could see that foreign nationals and illegal aliens, if they actually vote, could throw the election in the state of Wisconsin," she says. Tully says she has turned over information on the illegal registrations to law enforcement officials. My question is how many other states or communities are doing the same? revdauphinee answered on 10/27/04: it will continue untill your friend Bush realises the borders need securing.When I came to the US as an immigrant many ,many years ago it was not easy to get in now all it seems to take is to walk over the border. paraclete rated this answer MaggieB rated this answer

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koinegreek asked on 10/27/04 - Did "sex-a-thon" replace "praise-a-thon?" Trinity Broadcasting Network, a Christian television ministry shaken last month by allegations that its founder had engaged in a homosexual tryst, has dropped plans for its annual live fall telethon next week and instead will show 40 hours of reruns of previous "Praise-a-thons." revdauphinee answered on 10/27/04: does this realy surprise anyone ??remember the ptl scandal,or Jimmy swagert ?everything old is new again! Saladin rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 10/26/04 - At Last some actually read the Word! "A Sydney rector wants the word priest expunged from the lexicon of Sydney Anglicans. The rector of St Clement's at Marrickville, the Reverend Chris Clerke, said referring to the church's senior clergy as priests in the diocese's legislation and texts was unhelpful and could be "confusing and dangerous". The Sydney Synod last night supported Mr Clerke's motion that it investigate replacing "priest" with "presbyter" or "senior minister" in church paperwork. The motion was passed by 208 votes to 159. A report on its implications will be presented to next year's synod. The word priest comes from the Greek presbyteros, meaning a senior person or elder. Mr Clerke said "priest" had largely lost its original meaning. "It's dangerous because people may look to a person labelled a priest to do things he cannot do, to fix up things with God. The New Testament describes all Christians as a kingdom of priests, so why should we call this one little group of us priests?" It may have taken nearly two thousand years but at last some Christians are gaining a perspcctive on what it means to be Christian revdauphinee answered on 10/27/04: a big Amen to that paraclete rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 10/26/04 - When you are a little late with the proof The celebration of a momentous event went unnoticed this week "Geologists in Britain are celebrating the fact that the universe is exactly 6000 years old. At six last night local time at the Geological Society of London, scientists were to raise their glasses to James Ussher, Archbishop of Armagh, who in 1650 used the chronology of the Bible to calculate the precise date and moment of creation. Working from the book of Genesis, and risking some speculation on the Hebrew calendar, he calculated that it began at 6pm on Saturday, October 22, 4004 BC. Actually, he put the date at October 23, and then pedantically realised that time must have begun the night before, because the Bible said that "the evening and the morning were the first day". "It's not that we think Archbishop Ussher's date was a fraud," said the society's communications officer, Ted Nield. "It's just that it was spectacularly wrong." Dr Nield concedes also that in toasting the archbishop's calculations the geologists were committing another error. More than 6000 years have passed since 4004BC. The symmetry is only apparent. The date is a mere numerological reflection. The real anniversary passed unnoticed in 1997." revdauphinee answered on 10/26/04: The universe is old how old? only its creator knows! personaly I have better things to concern myself with. The Universe I leave to God he has no need for human input! paraclete rated this answer

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Saladin asked on 10/25/04 - But in the midst of all the confusion and silliness ... ... isn't it wonderful that so much of Christianity works so well and blesses the lives of so many people? revdauphinee answered on 10/26/04: not all why cry Christ !Christ! are truly his followers!But a true follower WILL bless the lives of all who come in contact with them! Saladin rated this answer

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STONY asked on 10/25/04 - ROBERT TILTON IS A TV EVANGELIST WHO PERVERTS THE TRUTH IN ORDER TO BEAT PEOPLE OUT OF THEIR MONEY AND MAKE HIM RICH. revdauphinee answered on 10/26/04: correspond with any of the TV evangelists and all you will ever get from them is begging letters they all follow the almighty Dollar more than the Almighty God! STONY rated this answer

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hOPE12 asked on 10/25/04 - John 15:1,2 John 15 1 "I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser. 2 Every branch of mine that bears no fruit, he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit.� What does this tell us? What are the two fruitages we should bear? Take care, Hope12 revdauphinee answered on 10/25/04: actualy to prune means to remove the bad growth in order to allow the good to prosper! pruning is good for the tree better to prune than alow it to grow wild. hOPE12 rated this answer

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STONY asked on 10/25/04 - A PRAYER REQUEST... A LADY IN MY CHURCH NAMED MARTHA WAS DEVASTATED BY THE HURRICANES HER IN FLA. HER HOUSE IS NOW UNLIVABLE BECAUSE OF THE MOLD AND WATER DAMAGE. SHE LIVES NEAR BY THE ST. JOHN'S RIVER. YOU MAY RECALL ON THE NAT'L. NEWS THIS RIVER FLOWING OVER THE SEA WALLS IN SANFORD, FLA. MARTHA LIVES A GOOD 20 MILES NORTH OF SANFORD AND REMEMBER THE ST. JOHN'S RIVER IS THE OTHER RIVER IN THE WORLD THAT FLOWS NORTHWARD. TO MAKE THIS SHORT, TIME IS OF THE ESSENSE. MARTHA MUST FIND A PLACE THIS WEEK AND MY CHURCH HAS OFFERED TO HELP WITH FINANCIAL SERVICE, BUT SHE STILL NEEDS A HOUSE TO MOVE INTO. I JUST ASK THAT YOU PRAY GOD WILL OPEN A DOOR QUICKLY FOR HER AND SHE GET BACK INTO THE ROUTINE OF LIVING AGAIN...............TONY revdauphinee answered on 10/25/04: Martha will be in my prayers that God will bless her soon STONY rated this answer

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hOPE12 asked on 10/25/04 - Family Inheritance Family Inheritance We all wish to leave an inheritance to our loved ones. Parents want to leave something for their children and husband and wives to their mates and so on. My question is �what will your loved ones inheritance be when it comes to spiritual matters. What hope do you leave them with? Take care, Hope12 revdauphinee answered on 10/25/04: the hope that life will be better fo them due to my actions also the impartation that the God I worship gave them the same ability to think and feel for themselves and to follow that belief no matter what and not to follow anyone blindly because it is simply the done thing.I wish them to have the courage to stand up for thier convictions against all odds if they believe themto be right! hOPE12 rated this answer

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MaggieB asked on 10/25/04 - Catholics, Black Christians See Through Kerry's Religious Rhetoric Catholics, Black Christians See Through Kerry's Religious Rhetoric By Jenni Parker and Chad Groening October 21, 2004 (AgapePress) - A Catholic researcher says Senator John Kerry's anti-family stances are clearly out of synch with the tenets of the Church, and therefore, the Democratic presidential candidate should not expect Catholic voters to support him. Meanwhile, a National Faith Based Initiative Coalition spokesman predicts black Americans will never choose Kerry if it means putting politics ahead of faith. In the final presidential debate last week, American viewers heard John Kerry reiterate his unwavering support for the continuation of legalized abortion. George Marlin, author of The American Catholic Voter: 200 Years of Political Impact (St. Augustine's Press, 2004), says the Massachusetts senator has views that have alienated many practicing Catholics. Like others in the church, Marlin says he can judge Kerry's public statements and public actions, and conclude that he is definitely a "cafeteria Catholic," who picks and chooses his religious beliefs a la cart. "He's ignored the church on abortion," the author says. "He's pro-abortion, pro-funding of abortion, pro-partial-birth abortion, pro-domestic unions. He is out of synch with the tenets of the church." And Marlin says it is silly for Kerry and other pro-choice Catholic politicians to make the excuse that he does not want to impose his personal beliefs on others. "Every time you vote on the Senate," the author says, "you want to impose your view. You want to get 51 men and women together in the Senate to impose their view on the nation. So they always try to give an excuse, and it just doesn't fly." Many Catholics will vote for George W. Bush this election year because he shares their traditional values, the researcher says, and because Bush is unapologetic about being guided by his faith. Kerry, however, appears to many members of his own church to be the type of Catholic who picks and chooses which doctrines he wants to follow and which he wants to ignore. Black Conservative Christians Increasingly Support Bush Meanwhile, the executive director of the National Faith Based Initiative Coalition (NFBIC), Oliver N.E. Kellman, is saying John Kerry may have alienated another segment of the believing public -- black conservative Christians. He cites a recent poll that shows Bush has more than doubled his 2000 numbers with this group, going from having 11 percent to 36 percent support among the black conservative Christian community. Another poll, released earlier this week by the New York Times, indicates that President Bush has the support of 17 percent of black voters in the U.S., a significant number since he only received around 9 percent in 2000, and the most that any Republican presidential candidate has had in the last 20 years was Bob Dole's 12 percent in 1996. Tony Perkins of the Family Research Council explains black American voters' shift toward Bush as an indication of the two areas where the black community really connects with the president -- faith based initiatives and support for traditional marriage. "As long as no one gets cold feet," Perkins says, "this could be a major factor in determining the outcome of the presidential election." But while shared values have allowed Bush's star to rise among black Americans, Oliver says the Kerry campaign has been trying nearly every conceivable tactic to motivate black voters, from scare tactics to rehashing the 2000 Florida election to last ditch attempts to use liberal surrogates like Jesse Jackson and Al Sharpton. Nevertheless, he says, "Senator John Kerry does not get it; the majority of black Americans will never put politics above their faith." The NFBIC spokesman says Kerry might be able to buy off some black liberal icons, but "those of us in the faith-based community have been listening to what the senator has been saying on the campaign trail and reviewed his senatorial record, and we are not happy." Yesterday Oliver delivered a cease and desist letter directed at the Kerry campaign, urging an end to its political propaganda in the black faith-based community and condemning the Massachusetts senator's recent remarks in black churches. In the letter, the coalition spokesman notes that Kerry has based his entire campaign on polls but refuses to pay attention to the polls indicating that a large bloc of Black Americans are "breaking ranks with the Democratic Party over the issues of the defense of marriage, school choice, and faith-based initiatives." Oliver says blacks hold these issues in high regard, "since at one time in our nation's history it was illegal for our ancestors to marry, learn how to read, and practice faith openly." The cease and desist letter contends that the Democratic Party has tried to gag the Church on moral issues, and churches have been threatened with audits and loss of their tax-exempt status for speaking out on the issues that Kerry and his cohorts openly support. Meanwhile, the head of the NFBIC accuses the Democratic candidate of asking blacks to focus more on health care, jobs, and social issues than on questions of faith and morality. Outraged by Kerry's appeals to black Christians in light of his record, Oliver deplores the senator's nerve in asking black Americans "to abandon the same faith that has seen so many of our people through slavery, racism and the fight for civil rights, so that he can prop his feet up in the Oval Office in January." Oliver insists that black Christians deserve to be treated as the intelligent bloc of voters they are, rather than like "emotion-driven partisans" that are up for grabs in the race for the White House. � 2004 AgapePress all rights reserved. >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>Comments?? revdauphinee answered on 10/25/04: I m not A CATHOLIC My vote is not as much for Kerry as against Bush! however in his favour I do admire him for saying he is not willing to impose his Catholocity on me or any others .I admire the Catholic Christians for thier faith however I do not wish to follow the tenets of that denomination ,no more than that of the quakers ,baptists nor any other .the president is president of all the people not just the ones who share his belief system. MaggieB rated this answer paraclete rated this answer

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MaggieB asked on 10/25/04 - Flu vaccine How the vaccine works: Influenza vaccine is produced by growing the virus in eggs. The virus is killed and processed to create the vaccine, which is given by injection under the skin. The body then produces antibodies to the virus over the next two to four weeks. If the immunized person then comes into contact with the influenza virus, the antibodies attack and kill the virus before it has a chance to cause infection. The vaccine contains the 3 most likely strains to be active during the "flu season" Why the shortage: Almost half of the nation's flu vaccine will not be delivered this year. Chiron, a major manufacturer of flu vaccine, will not be distributing any influenza vaccine this flu season. Chiron was to make 46-48 million doses vaccine for the United States. Chiron is a British company. Recently British health officials stopped Chiron from distributing and making the vaccine when inspectors found unsanitary conditions in the labs. Some lots of the vaccine were recalled and destroyed. Why is our vaccine made in the UK and not the US? The major pharmaceutical companies in the US provided almost 90% of the nations flu vaccine at one time. They did this despite a very low profit margin for the product. Basically, they were doing us a favor. In the late 80's a man from North Carolina who had received the vaccine got the flu. The strain he caught was one of the strains in that years vaccine made by a US company. What did he do? He sued and he won. He was awarded almost $5 million! After that case was appealed and lost, most US pharmaceutical companies stopped making the vaccine. The liability out weighed the profit margin. Since UK and Canadian laws prohibit such frivolous law suits UK and Canadian companies began selling the vaccine in the US. The lawyer that represented the man in the flu shot law suit was a young ambulance chaser by the name of John Edwards. Did you read the last line? If not read it again carefully. >>>>>>>>>>>>>Comments? revdauphinee answered on 10/25/04: why in the most technologicly advanced country in the world do we get vacine from the UK?when Geo Bush wont let us get other drugs from Canada??????? MaggieB rated this answer

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MaggieB asked on 10/25/04 - RIGHTEOUSNESS EXALTETH A NATION �. . . I pray God your whole SPIRIT and SOUL and BODY be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ� (1Thessalonians 5:23b). ***************************************** RIGHTEOUSNESS EXALTETH A NATION �� by Pastor Robert and Helen Adams ***************************************** It was a �beautiful day in the neighborhood,� and I was full of joy. But, I began to fell guilty for being so happy. So I turned on the television to get a realistic balance to my emotions. As usual leftist liberal candidates were blaming the President for everything, except the Genesis flood, with 20/20 hindsight and the usual display of bad manners. They are in denial or they purposely overlook the numerous un-enforced sanctions imposed by the U.N. BEFORE �911,� and the warning of our President that this nation would seek justice for the unrighteous pre-emptive strikes our enemies made on us, which took thousands of lives. Then I pondered: Is there a Biblical precedent for OUR pre-emptive military strikes on the basis of intelligence most nations had. And in pondering, I remembered what a Bible scholar once said when asked about prophetic events leading to the end times. His answer was to keep our eyes on ISRAEL. So come with me and let�s �keep our eyes on Israel� as we take a �super sonic� trip through only the HIGHLIGHTS of Israel�s early history. ***************************************** �And I will give peace in the land, and ye shall lie down, and none shall make you afraid: - - - neither shall the sword go through your land. And ye shall chase your enemies, and they shall fall before you by the sword. And five of you shall chase an hundred, and an hundred of you shall put ten thousand to flight: and your enemies shall fall before you by the sword. For I will have respect unto you, and make you fruitful, and multiply you, and establish my covenant with you� (Leviticus 26:6-9). ***************************************** (Fast-forward a minute) When Jesus cursed the fig tree, one of three trees in the Bible that symbolize Israel, it was for unfruitfulness. When his disciples asked, �. . . what shall be the sign of thy coming . . . . ?� Jesus said, �THIS generation shall not pass, till all these things be fulfilled,� He was referring to the generation living at the time when, �. . . his branch [Israel�s] is yet tender, and putteth forth leaves, ye know that summer is nigh: So likewise ye, when ye shall see all these things, know that it is near, even at the doors� (Matthew 24:32, 33). He was answering His disciples as to the end of the world system and to His coming again. Soberly consider this, if you will. The �tender branch put forth its leaves� when Israel became a Nation in 1948 and the generation He spoke of is NOW! It�s summertime. The times, �they are a changin�.� THE GREAT PRE-EMPTIVE STRIKE As I read my Bible, I came to believe that one of the greatest pre-emptive strikes in history was when God took the Hebrew Patriarchs, branched them into tribes of The Family, tested them in Egypt, trained them in the wilderness, and led them to victory over their enemies into the land of Canaan. He established them as �a peculiar treasure unto me above all people: for all the earth is mine: And ye shall be unto me a kingdom of priests, and an holy nation� (Exodus 19) To agnostics, this may appear to be an unwarranted conquest. Why then, did Israel make a pre-emptive strike on an occupied land? And what does that have to do with U.S. actions in Iraq? The Bible to them (agnostics) is not worth the investigation. �Why should we pay any attention to Old Testament fables?� they ask. The answer: To the church at Corinth, Paul says, �Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come� (1Corinthians 10:11). The Old and the New Testament of God�s revelation to us, makes one complete volume of truth: nothing added, nothing taken away; the Greek concept of perfect form. GOD GAVE THEM OVER The Canaanites, as does the whole world, had plenty of warning, �Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened� (Romans 1:21). Agnostics and atheists cannot negate divine truth. They just don�t believe it, which doesn�t change a thing. Paul argued before the Romans, �For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that THEY ARE WITHOUT EXCUSE� (Romans 1:20). The Canaanites were drawn away by their own lusts, �Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves: Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen. (Romans 1:21ff). The land was contaminated by the filth of their unhol! y, licentious acts and lifestyles. They were second only to Sodom and Gomorrah. GOD SEEKS UNSWERVING MEN God took Israel�s founding father, Abraham, an idolater in the land that is now Iraq, and led him to Canaan, God�s chosen land for the throne of His kingdom here on earth (in Salem, Jerusalem, Mt. Zion), yet in the future. It was a land of various belligerent, idolatrous tribes. They were devious and a constant enemy, but Abraham became one of the wealthiest and most powerful men in the world. When you�re that wealthy and that powerful, it�s easy to make friends with your neighbors, which he did. God knew Abraham that he was a man who would �command his children and his household after him,� Later, righteousness was imputed to him when he was tested and �he believed God.� DISPERSION OF PEOPLES It�s so interesting to see the mind of God at work in patiently directing his plan in the Earth by using the lives and intellects of people and to ultimately sanctify a people to Himself. In the tenth chapter of Genesis, a �table of nations,� that even secular historians have used for reference, there is an account of the three sons of Noah as they spread throughout the world from Mount Ararat after the flood. Japheth and his heirs went to the Northern regions (Europe). Ham and his children occupied the southern areas (Africa). And Shem, the father of the Semites, remained in the central parts (the near east and Asia), notably where the King of Kings will set up the Kingdom of heaven here on earth. SANCTIFICATION OF THE MAN Naturally, there was an intermingling of the offspring and Nimrod, grandson of Ham wound up clear over in the Mesopotamian Valley (Now Iraq) where he became the first world conquerer. Canaan, son of Ham could not stay home either, so he and his heirs occupied where God wanted Shem�s people to be. And so it was that God called Abraham, an idolatrous Semite to, �Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and from thy father's house, unto a land that I will shew thee: And I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great; and thou shalt be a blessing: And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed� (Genesis 12:1-3). SANCTIFICATION OF THE FAMILY Beginning with Abraham, God�s covenant and blessing passed to his son, Isaac, and to his son, Jacob (later changed to Israel), the younger twin of Esau, also known as Edom. The family was formed with Jacob, his twelve sons and their wives and children, eventually going into Egypt to escape a famine in Canaan. From a total of seventy souls in Egypt, 400 years later approximately two million Hebrews fled Egypt, crossing over the Red Sea on dry land, and headed toward the land where God wanted them. Why didn�t God just go ahead and work it out with Abraham in the land without all that trouble in Egypt? Because - - GOD HAS A PLAN. He had explained to Abraham how his family would go into Egypt and how they would come out and �. . . in the fourth generation (400 years) they shall come hither again: for THE INIQUITY OF THE AMORITES (Canaanites) IS NOT YET FULL� (Genesis 15:16). There is a time when God�s patience runs out and it is closely tied in with an �out and out� disregard of HIS RIGHTEOUSNESS. RIGHTEOUSNESS EXALTETH A NATION: BUT SIN IS A REPROACH TO ANY PEOPLE [Proverbs 14:34]. Now we have the reason for a presumptive strike. When the stench of sin rises up into the nostrils of God to the point where He has had enough he is going to punish that nation from where it comes. When Israel backslid into sin and idolatry, God caused their enemies to whip up on them � ultimately He sent His own people, His �peculiar treasure,� into exile. In this case, the enemies occupied God�s center of the future kingdom. He developed a world-class fighting machine with the twelve tribes of Israel while they were in the wilderness. They put a heart-stopping fear in all the nations as they literally wiped out their enemies on their march to Canaan. God had raised up Joshua (Jeshua or New Testament �Jesus�) because Moses had sinned in a moment of weakness, and was not allowed to enter the land. The exciting stories of how God went before Israel and caused the enemies to �melt� in surrender under the capable leadership of the, obedient and righteous Joshua, is never dull reading. Paul told the Thessalonians, �Faithful is He who calleth thee, who also will do it.� Military strategists have studied these battles for years. Israel shot like lightening (or a like a hot knife through butter) all through the land to ultimate victory. IS THIS NEW TESTAMENT THEOLOGY? Of course! Peter told the Jewish converts who were in the dispersion from Jerusalem, where they settled between the Tigris and Euphrates Rivers (Iraq), �But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people (That�s us, the redeemed of the Lord); that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light� (1Peter 2:9). So, as a member of the New Testament royal priesthood, I pause each morning to give God praise for this administration that upholds righteousness.. Why should God�s vengeance come upon this wonderful nation of ours that God has so richly favored. The Lord Jesus Christ did not mean for us to turn the other cheek when the enemy wants to slaughter us. Israel�s history shows that God wants justice and for us to go after the enemy before he comes after us. Can we who name the name of Jesus (Joshua) as our Saviour, pray not only for our President to keep the action going, but to continue to have wisdom and righteous judgment. And we should pray that God will break the hearts of non-believers to accept the Lord, and/or put down the enemy within us. Can we all say �Amen?� ====================================== �Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD; and the people whom he hath chosen for his own inheritance� (Psalm 33:12). �Happy is that people, that is in such a case: yea, happy is that people, whose God is the LORD� (Psalm 144:15). Pastor Robert and Helen Adams >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>Comments? revdauphinee answered on 10/25/04: very interesting piece but as for this administration 16. By their fruit you will recognize them. Do people pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? 17. Likewise every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. 18. A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit. 19. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. 20. Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them. 21. "Not everyone who says to me, `Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. 22. Many will say to me on that day, `Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?' 23. Then I will tell them plainly, `I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!' MaggieB rated this answer

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Saladin asked on 10/25/04 - Why doesn't this Christian president behave as a Christian ought? For Bush, Bad News Is Bad News By BOB HERBERT (NY Times) Published: October 25, 2004 Columnist: Bob Herbert - E-mail: bobherb@nytimes.com Here's George W. Bush's problem. How does a president win re-election when all the news the voters are seeing is bad? Polls show the president running even or slightly ahead of Senator John Kerry. But bad news is piling up like mounds of trash in a garbage strike, and that's never good for an incumbent. -- The war in Iraq is a mind-numbing tragedy with no end in sight. -- Dozens of Iraqi army recruits were slaughtered Saturday in one of the deadliest attacks yet against the Iraqi security forces. -- Yesterday an American diplomat was killed in a mortar attack near the Baghdad airport. -- The latest horrific video to come out of the war zone shows the kidnapped British-Iraqi aid worker, Margaret Hassan, trembling, weeping and begging for her life. "Please help me," she says. "This might be my last hours." -- American troops have fought valiantly, but cracks in their resolve are beginning to show. "This is Vietnam," said Daniel Planalp, a 21-year-old Marine corporal from San Diego who was quoted in yesterday's New York Times. "I don't even know why we're over here fighting." -- Here at home the stock market has tanked, in part because of record-high oil prices. -- The Dow Jones industrial average closed at its low for the year on Friday as world oil prices streaked ever higher. -- The cost of oil has jumped more than 75 percent in the past year. -- With the weather turning colder, the attention of homeowners - many of them voters - is being drawn to the price of home heating oil. What they're seeing is not pretty. -- The Energy Department expects heating oil bills to increase nearly 30 percent this year, and that may be a conservative estimate. Thermostats across the country are heading down, down, down. Republican campaign officials are worried about the dearth of good news. -- The flu vaccine shortage has led to price-gouging and long lines of sick and elderly patients, some of them on the verge of panic. -- Last week we learned that the index of leading economic indicators had moved lower in September, the fourth successive monthly decline, which could be an indication of a slowdown in economic growth. The lead stories in The New York Times and The Washington Post on Friday were both about Iraq - and both were disheartening. The Times said senior American officials were assembling new information about the increasingly deadly Iraqi insurgency that showed "it has significantly more fighters and far greater financial resources than had been estimated." The Post wrote that, according to a U.S.-financed poll, leaders of Iraq's religious parties are becoming the most popular politicians in the country, an extremely ominous development in the view of the Bush administration. These are all stories with the potential to influence voters, and they are not being offset by other, more positive developments. The result has been high anxiety levels among Republican operatives. "If you're asking me if there's a perfect storm of bad news occurring, the answer is no," said a G.O.P. campaign strategist, who asked not to be identified. "If you're asking if I'd like a little rosier scenario to be played out on the front pages and the nightly news, the answer of course would be yes." Unable to counter the bad news with stories of major successes, the Bush campaign has turned almost exclusively to the so-called war against terror. The message in a nutshell: be very afraid. A Bush campaign commercial released a few days ago shows wolves advancing menacingly toward the camera. A voice in the ad says, "Weakness attracts those who are waiting to do America harm." At the same time, the Republican Party is doing what it can in key states to block as many Democratic votes as possible. (Republican) Party officials have mounted a huge organized effort to challenge - some would say intimidate - voters in states like Ohio and Florida, in a bid to offset the effects of huge voter registration drives and a potentially heavy turnout of voters opposed to Mr. Bush and his policies. Election officials in Ohio said they'd never seen such a large drive mounted to challenge voters on Election Day. Voter suppression is a reprehensible practice. It's a bullet aimed at the very heart of democracy. But the G.O.P. evidently considers it an essential strategy in an environment with so little positive news. Are we not entitled to expect much better behaviour from a Christian president, or does his religion and his Christian principles go to the wall when the stakes get high? Sal revdauphinee answered on 10/25/04: In answer to your question about his Christianity please read the following I feel it refers to folks like him Matthew 7:16. By their fruit you will recognize them. Do people pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? 17. Likewise every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. 18. A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit. 19. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. 20. Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them. 21. "Not everyone who says to me, `Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. 22. Many will say to me on that day, `Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?' 23. Then I will tell them plainly, `I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!' Saladin rated this answer

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Saladin asked on 10/25/04 - Which way was the Commander-in-Chief looking when the 380,000 ton stockpile of explosives was taken from the munitions dump after the Coalition Forces 'secured' Iraq and their mission was 'accomplished'? Bear in mind that the IAEA had forewarned the White House of their existence prior to the Attack on Iraq. Why didn't the C-in-C think that 380,000 tons of bomb making material worth keeping an eye on by posting sentries and some tanks to guard it? Is this not merely another failure of Bush to lead his troops properly that must be added to the growing litany of his military failures?. Might he have learned better military skills if he had not absented himnself without pemrission during his NG service? Doesn't this worry anyone, or am I getting excited over nothing? Sal revdauphinee answered on 10/25/04: Saladin I have said before many of these folks are being decieved by this administation yes it worries someone ,namely me.However talking to thse brainwashed folks is like talking to a wall they have been told he is great and no amout of evidence will convince them they are wrong!Just as George Bush is never ever going to admit he is ever wrong!Have you ever heard of the stockholm syndrome?it is where hostages start to support thier hostage takers these folks minds are being held hostage and the rest of us are going to have to pay the ransome Saladin rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 10/25/04 - makes you think? What is a free gift? Aren't all gifts free? Life is hard compared to what? Why is 'abbreviation' such a long word? What is the probability that something will happen according to the odds? When companies ship Styrofoam, what do they pack it in? If a mute swears, does his mother wash his hands with soap? If someone with multiple personalities threatens to kill himself, is it considered a hostage situation? Instead of talking to your plants, if you yelled at them would they still grow? Only to be troubled and insecure? Is there another word for synonym? Isn't it a bit unnerving that doctors call what they do "practice"? When sign makers go on strike, is anything written on their signs? When you open a bag of cotton balls, is the top one meant to be thrown away? Where do forest rangers go to "get away from it all"? Why isn't there mouse-flavored cat food? Why do they report power outages on TV? What do you do when you see an endangered animal that is eating an endangered plant? Is it possible to be totally partial? If a parsley farmer is sued, can they garnish his wages? Would a fly without wings be called a walk? Why do they lock gas station bathrooms? Are they afraid someone will clean them? Why do people who know the least know it the loudest? If the funeral procession is at night, do folks drive with their headlights off? If a stealth bomber crashes in a forest, will it make a sound? If a turtle doesn't have a shell, is he homeless or naked? When it rains, why don't sheep shrink? Should vegetarians eat animal crackers? If the cops arrest a mime, do they tell him he has the right to remain silent? What's another word for "thesaurus"? Ballerinas are always on their toes. Why don't they just get taller ballerinas? You can't have everything. Where would you put it? If a word in the dictionary were misspelled, how would we know? If stupidity can get you into a mess, then why can't it get you out? If Ignorance is Bliss, why aren't more people happy? If we aren't supposed to eat animals, why are they made of meat? How do you tell when you run out of invisible ink? If a cluttered desk is characteristic of a cluttered mind, what does an empty desk mean? Why are there flotation devices under plane seats instead of parachutes? If 7-11 is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, why are there locks on the doors? If nothing ever sticks to Teflon, how do they make Teflon stick to the pan? Why is that when you transport something by car, it's called shipment but when you transport something by ship it's called cargo? Why do they put Braille dots on the keypad of the drive-up ATM? You know that little indestructible black box that is used on planes--why can't they make the whole plane out of the same substance? If con is the opposite of pro, is Congress the opposite of progress? If olive oil comes from olives, where does baby oil come from? Was today really necessary? Why are they called buildings, when they're already finished? Shouldn't they be called builts? Despite the cost of living, have you noticed how it remains so popular? If a tree falls in the forest and no one is around to see it do the other trees make fun of it? If Barbie is so popular, why do you have to buy her friends? If it's 0 degrees today, and it's going to be twice as cold tomorrow, how cold will it be? What happens if you get scared half to death twice? If one synchronized swimmer drowns, do the rest have to drown too? Why do psychics have to ask you for your name? Who's idea is it that Life wasn't meant to be easy? revdauphinee answered on 10/25/04: no not all gifts are free some unfortunatly come with strings attatched! paraclete rated this answer

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FormerJesusHelper76 asked on 10/24/04 - SIT AND STAND (CHURCH) For half my time in church i was thinking why should i stand when everybody else stands? I ask that to myself today in church. I remember i seen this lady one time and she was sitting the whole time when everybody else was standing. She had the rosery in her hand and meditating and praying and worshipping in her own special way with the community. I sat down today. I just sat there and did my best in prayer. Of course my wife thought there was something wrong and in a way there was but i needed to sit there and pray. What do you think about this. Joe revdauphinee answered on 10/25/04: I dont stand in church anymore because I have bad legs, however what you did was comunicate with your God,in a personal way and no one should ever fault you for this! paraclete rated this answer FormerJesusHelper76 rated this answer

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FormerJesusHelper76 asked on 10/24/04 - Prayer In church today the priest was talking about prayer and how prayer works. He explained it very well and he actually taught about prayer the way i have always looked at prayer and how we also need to listen to God. Just because we ask God for things we think we need. It is important to ask God. Develope a relationship with God and that is through prayer. We do not always get a Yes answer from God and we should understand that God knows best in our lives. Prayer is very strong. Especially among a community. Example of a community is Answerway.com, Askme.com, and anywhere where people gather and share thoughts and ideas. Its awsome to think about it. Lets pray for everybody in our Community. God bless! Joe revdauphinee answered on 10/25/04: I always have the folks here in my prayers and yes God is a loving father and just as our earthly fathers do not give us everything we ask for he knows what is best for us and we as children need to seperate our needs from our wants there is a vast difference! FormerJesusHelper76 rated this answer

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Saladin asked on 10/24/04 - Poor old Pharisees ... Pharisees get a lot of stick for trying to do what they thought right in a ver fastidious and over the top way. But, are there any Christian "Pharisees" and if so, how is their Pharisaism shown? Sal revdauphinee answered on 10/24/04: More pharisees than true followers of Christ!sory to say! Saladin rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 10/23/04 - Fuzzy Sabbath Logic ? Matthew 12.9 Going on from that place, he went into their synagogue, 10 and a man with a shriveled hand was there. Looking for a reason to accuse Jesus, they asked him, "Is it lawful to heal on the Sabbath?" . . . 14 But the Pharisees went out and plotted how they might kill Jesus. {Oh, so it's not ok to heal on the Sabbath, but it IS ok to plot murder...} How well do you observe the Sabbath? revdauphinee answered on 10/24/04: on the sabath (Saturday)in meditation and worship paraclete rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 10/23/04 - it's a little like that! A woman went to the Post Office to buy stamps for her Christmas cards. "What denomination?" asked the clerk. "Oh, good heavens! Have we come to this?" said the woman. "Well, give me 50 Catholic and 50 Baptist ones." (Pastor Jim Patrick, Salt and Light, Indianola, IA) revdauphinee answered on 10/24/04: great joke thenk you paraclete rated this answer

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Laura asked on 10/23/04 - A little prayer please My brother in law is going to a specialist on monday. He found a lump down there and after some blood tests and xrays it is very suspicious and so they are going to do further tests. Please pray that he does well. Also, I leave for New York on Monday for three weeks. I'm going to take care of my son's kids while he is off to war games or whatever they call them. I am fearful of flying(I know, get over it)but still I am only human. God bless and take care of yourselves. Laura revdauphinee answered on 10/24/04: Of cource you nd yours will be in my prayers have a good trip. Dorothy Laura rated this answer

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FormerJesusHelper76 asked on 10/23/04 - Old And New Testament In the Old Testament we are given a list of animals and foods that we are aloud to eat and that are clean and the foods that are not to be eaten and are dirty. In the New Testament we are told that some people chose to eat certain foods that are okay for them but for other people it might not be okay and that is okay. Which is it? Is it okay to eat anything at all as long as we feel okay with it. Or should there be limitations? revdauphinee answered on 10/23/04: a law of God is a law of God they dont change! paraclete rated this answer FormerJesusHelper76 rated this answer

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Topper asked on 10/23/04 - Deterioration? "This is your life and it's ending one minute at a time." - Narrator, Fight Club Any thoughts? Topper revdauphinee answered on 10/23/04: no !since Ilook at it as living one minute at a time! Topper rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 10/22/04 - Have you ever wondered why Christianity didn't spread much quicker? We are all aware that Christianity spread quickly from it's source in Palistine to Europe and beyond, but what slowed the pace of conversion of the world. Could the Bubonic Plague have been a major factor. There were three major epidemics - in the 6th, 14th, and 17th centuries. The death toll all up was 137 million victims. When you couple this with the impacts of wars, the crusades and barbarian invasions the onslaught is incrediable. In the Sixth Century, the population of Europe was halved at a time when Islam was spreading. In the 14th Century the population again fell by from 25% to 50%. We don't know what impact the plague had on other parts of the world, excepting that it is know the plague occured in China. Pestilence is one of the judgement's foretold in Revelation. revdauphinee answered on 10/23/04: no i never did since at the begining the only way was by word of mouth not the technology we have today in the light of that I feel it spread rather quickly . paraclete rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 10/22/04 - No so much a question, as an observation. Found in a list of anecdotes "In America, Anyone Can Be President. That's One of the Risks You Take" "Stop repeat offenders. Don't reelect them!" take a look for yourself http://www.quotesandjokes.com/jokes/anecdotes.html revdauphinee answered on 10/23/04: Amen Im with Aton here! paraclete rated this answer Krewton rated this answer ATON2 rated this answer

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STONY asked on 10/23/04 - TO REVDAUPHINEE......... PLEASE TAKE INTO CONSIDERATION THESE FACTS ALSO. There were 39 combat related killings in Iraq during the month of > January..... In the fair city of Detroit there were 35 murders in the > month of January. > >That's just one American city, about as deadly as the entire war torn > country of Iraq. > > When some claim President Bush shouldn't have started this war, state > the following: > > FDR... led us into World War II. Germany never attacked us: Japan did. > > From 1941-1945, 450,000 lives were lost, an average of 112,500 per > year. > > Truman... finished that war and started one in Korea, North Korea > never > attacked us. From 1950-1953, 55,000 lives were lost, an average of > 18,334 > per year. > > John F. Kennedy... started the Vietnam conflict in 1962. Vietnam never > attacked us. > > Johnson...turned Vietnam into a quagmire. Vietnam never attacked us. > From 1965-1975, 58,000 lives were lost, an average of 5,800 per year. > > Clinton... went to war in Bosnia without UN or French consent, > Bosnia never attacked us. He was offered Osama bin Laden's head on a platter three times by Sudan and did nothing. Osama has attacked us on multiple occasions. > > In the two years since terrorists attacked US! > President Bush has ... liberated! two countries, crushed the Taliban, > crippled al-Qaida, put nuclear inspectors in Libya, Iran and North > Korea without firing a shot, and captured a terrorist who slaughtered 300,000 of his own people. > > > We've been looking for evidence of chemical weapons in Iraq for less > time than it took Hillary Clinton to find her Rose Law Firm billing records. > > It took less time for the 3rd Infantry Division and the Marines to destroy the Medina Republican Guard than it took Ted Kennedy to call the police after his Oldsmobile sank at Chappaquiddick, drowning Mary Jo. > > It took less time to take Iraq than it took to count the votes in Florida!!!! > > Our Commander-In-Chief is ! doing a GREAT JOB! > >The Morale is High. > > > The biased media hopes we are too ignorant to realize the facts. > > If you can read this thank a teacher. If you are reading it in English > thank > a soldier. > > > > > >Romans 1 : 16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the Power of God unto Salvation to everyone that believeth: to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. revdauphinee answered on 10/23/04: you said "Our Commander-In-Chief is ! doing a GREAT JOB! "Not all of us feel this way but since you are convinced (decieved)there is no more to be said.Time will tell! 2nd Timothy3:13 evil men and impostors will go from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived. Mark 13:5. Jesus said to them: "Watch out that no one deceives you. paraclete rated this answer STONY rated this answer

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Mathatmacoat asked on 10/22/04 - Arn't you glad you can vote for a man who knows it all? "At one of these governors' conferences, George [W. Bush] turns to me and says: 'What are they talking about?' I said: 'I don't know.' He said: 'You don't know anything, do you?' And I said: 'Not one thing.' Bush said: 'Neither do I.' And we kind of high-fived." revdauphinee answered on 10/22/04: he doesent even know what he said he said he had not said he didnt concern himself with bin Laden and the reporters had him on video tape saying that very same thing.and he never has to appologise for anything cause he never makes a mistake ! Saladin rated this answer Mathatmacoat rated this answer paraclete rated this answer ATON2 rated this answer

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Saladin asked on 10/22/04 - Did Kerry tell the truth? http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/My_Lai revdauphinee answered on 10/22/04: thank you! Saladin rated this answer

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Saladin asked on 10/22/04 - Is anyone worried? Bush's Blinkers By BOB HERBERT Published: October 22, 2004 E-mail: bobherb@nytimes.com Does President Bush even tip his hat to reality as he goes breezing by? He often behaves as if he sees - or is in touch with - things that are inaccessible to those who are grounded in the reality most of us have come to know. For example, with more than 1,000 American troops and more than 10,000 Iraqi civilians dead, many people see the ongoing war in Iraq as a disaster, if not a catastrophe. Mr. Bush sees freedom on the march. Many thoughtful analysts see a fiscal disaster developing here at home, with the president's tax cuts being the primary contributor to the radical transformation of a $236 billion budget surplus into a $415 billion deficit. The president sees, incredibly, a need for still more tax cuts. The United States was attacked on Sept. 11, 2001, by Osama bin Laden and Al Qaeda. The president responded by turning most of the nation's firepower on Saddam Hussein and Iraq. When Mr. Bush was asked by the journalist Bob Woodward if he had consulted with former President Bush about the decision to invade Iraq, the president replied: "He is the wrong father to appeal to in terms of strength. There is a higher father that I appeal to." Last week the Jaffee Center for Strategic Studies at Tel Aviv University said in a report: "During the past year Iraq has become a major distraction from the global war on terrorism. Iraq has now become a convenient arena for jihad, which has helped Al Qaeda to recover from the setback it suffered as a result of the war in Afghanistan. With the growing phenomenon of suicide bombing, the U.S. presence in Iraq now demands more and more assets that might have otherwise been deployed against various dimensions of the global terrorist threat." There are consequences, often powerful consequences, to turning one's back on reality. The president may believe that freedom's on the march, and that freedom is God's gift to every man and woman in the world, and perhaps even that he is the vessel through which that gift is transmitted. But when he is crafting policy decisions that put people by the hundreds of thousands into harm's way, he needs to rely on more than the perceived good wishes of the Almighty. He needs to submit those policy decisions to a good hard reality check. Here's one good reason why: Dr. Gene Bolles spent two years as the chief of neurosurgery at the Landstuhl Regional Medical Center in Germany, which is where most of the soldiers wounded in Iraq are taken. Among his patients was Pfc. Jessica Lynch. In an interview posted this week on the Web site AlterNet.org, Dr. Bolles was asked: "What kind of cases did you treat in Landstuhl? And these were mostly kids, right?" He said: "Well, I call them that since I'm 62 years old. And they were 18, 19, maybe 21. They all seemed young. Certainly younger than my children. As a neurosurgeon I mostly dealt with injuries to the brain, the spinal cord, or the spine itself. The injuries were all fairly horrific, anywhere from the loss of extremities, multiple extremities, to severe burns. It just goes on and on and on. ... As a doctor myself who has seen trauma throughout his career, I've never seen it to this degree. The numbers, the degree of injuries. It really kind of caught me off guard." If you're the president and you're contemplating a war in which thousands of deaths and tens of thousands of these kinds of injuries will take place, you have an obligation to seek out the best sources of information and the wisest advice from the widest possible array of counselors. And you have an absolute obligation to exercise sound judgment based upon facts, and not simply faith. In a disturbing article in last Sunday's New York Times Magazine, the writer Ron Suskind told of a meeting he'd had with a senior adviser to the president. The White House at the time was unhappy about an article Mr. Suskind had written. According to Mr. Suskind, "The aide said that guys like me were 'in what we call the reality-based community,' which he defined as people who 'believe that solutions emerge from your judicious study of discernible reality.' " The aide told Mr. Suskind, "That's not the way the world really works anymore. We're an empire now, and when we act we create our own reality." Got that? We may think there are real-world consequences to the policies of the president, real pain and real grief for real people. But to the White House, that kind of thinking is pass�. The White House doesn't even recognize that kind of reality. Is anyone else worried enough to act on 2 Nov 2004? revdauphinee answered on 10/22/04: Im not just worried I am scared to death of four more years of this administration,And am also amazed and dissapointed that so many folks still do not see where Bush is leading us (to destruction)However I read in my bible the fact that in the later days even the elect would be decieved (so so true) as for Bush these apply to him (Jer.5:27-28; 27 Like cages full of birds, their houses are full of deceit; they have become rich and powerful 28 and have grown fat and sleek. Their evil deeds have no limit; they do not plead the case of the fatherless to win it, they do not defend the rights of the poor. ) (Jer.7:8-10 8 But look, you are trusting in deceptive words that are worthless. Psalm 55: 21 His speech is smooth as butter, yet war is in his heart; his words are more soothing than oil, yet they are drawn swords. (Prov.26:23-26 23 Like a coating of glaze over earthenware are fervent lips with an evil heart. 24 A malicious man disguises himself with his lips, but in his heart he harbors deceit. 25 Though his speech is charming, do not believe him, for seven abominations fill his heart. 26 His malice may be concealed by deception, but his wickedness will be exposed in the assembly. ) Saladin rated this answer

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Saladin asked on 10/21/04 - Free Christian music and arrangements This site which belongs to an LDS musician offers free original songs and arrangements of sacred songs, many of them non-LDS that can be downloaded free of charge. http://www.petriefamily.org/ldsmusic/index.htm Sal - make a joyful noise unto the Lord revdauphinee answered on 10/22/04: thanks for the info! Saladin rated this answer

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MaggieB asked on 10/21/04 - SORRY SORRY, I have no earthly idea what happened that the previous post from me was posted 4 times. I apologize. MaggieB revdauphinee answered on 10/22/04: that happens occasionaly I have had it happen to me! MaggieB rated this answer

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Bishop_Chuck asked on 10/21/04 - For Christians who don't believe in voting First, I will not get on anyones case for not voting, this is a free country and a person has a right to vote, and the right not to vote, if they don't wish to have a say in the form or type of government over them. But do these same churches that don't vote, don't wish to serve in the military, do they take advantage of the tax exempt status allowed churches? or do they becuase of staying seperate from the government also merely form a church and allow it to pay taxes and the people not take a tax break. It just came to me today, that I am sure they do, and I wonder why? if they don't wish to be involved in one part of our government, why would they wish to take advantage of the other parts? revdauphinee answered on 10/22/04: I agree if they want no part in appointing ceasar then at least thEy should do as Jesus told the to and Luke 2:22. Is it right for us to pay taxes to Caesar or not?" 23. He saw through their duplicity and said to them, 24. "Show me a denarius. Whose portrait and inscription are on it?" 25. "Caesar's," they replied. He said to them, "Then give to Caesar what is Caesar's, and to God what is God's. Jesus himself paid taxes do we place ourselves above him? (Matt.17:24-27. 24 After Jesus and his disciples arrived in Capernaum, the collectors of the two-drachma tax came to Peter and asked, "Doesn't your teacher pay the temple tax ?" 25 "Yes, he does," he replied. Bishop_Chuck rated this answer Liz22 rated this answer

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Saladin asked on 10/21/04 - A Human Story ... Even those who are not religious might find something touching in this very human and warm story. I don't know who wrote it, I received it this minute and pass it on as is: ==================================================== I WISH YOU ENOUGH Recently, I overheard a mother and daughter in their last moments together at the airport as the daughter's departure had been announced. Standing near the security gate, they hugged and the mother said, "I love you and I wish you enough." The daughter replied, "Mom, our life together has been more than enough. Your love is all I ever needed. I wish you enough, too, Mom." They kissed and the daughter left. The mother walked over to the window where I sat. Standing there, I could see she wanted and needed to cry. I tried not to intrude on her privacy but she welcomed me in by asking, "Did you ever say good-bye to someone knowing it would be forever?" "Yes, I have," I replied. "Forgive me for asking but why is this a forever good-bye?" "I am old and she lives so far away. I have challenges ahead and the reality is the next trip back will be for my funeral," she said. When you were saying good-bye, I heard you say, "I wish you enough." May I ask what that means?" She began to smile. "That's a wish that has been handed down from other generations. My parents used to say it to everyone." She paused a moment and looked up as if trying to remember it in detail and she smiled even more. "When we said 'I wish you enough' we were wanting the other person to have a life filled with just enough good things to sustain them". Then turning toward me, she shared the following, reciting it from memory. I wish you enough sun to keep your attitude bright. I wish you enough rain to appreciate the sun more. I wish you enough happiness to keep your spirit alive. I wish you enough pain so that the smallest joys in life appear much bigger. I wish you enough gain to satisfy your wanting. I wish you enough loss to appreciate all that you possess. I wish you enough hellos to get you through the final good-bye. She then began to cry and walked away. They say it takes a minute to find a special person, an hour to appreciate them, a day to love them, and an entire life to forget them. Sal revdauphinee answered on 10/22/04: great piece too bad most folks never seem to be satisfied with enough! Saladin rated this answer

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Saladin asked on 10/21/04 - Rev Pat Robertson says ... ... that Bush told him he could take Iraq without taking casualties. Was he right, or did God dive him wrong information again? Sal revdauphinee answered on 10/22/04: so now Pat is talking to Bush as well as getting direct messages from God himself? MaggieB rated this answer Saladin rated this answer

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hOPE12 asked on 10/21/04 - Which one would God choose? With the elections not far off, and people pretty sure that God backs the government of the USA, which I personally think he allows the government to exist, a question came to my mind. There is the Republican Party and the Democratic Party. Which would God vote for? Now that�s something to really think about, wouldn't you say? Take Care, Hope12 revdauphinee answered on 10/21/04: God in his wisdom has given us the right to choose our own leaders I truly dont think he wants to interfere with that gift He does not need a vote he can controll the outcome as he desires! however he loves us so this is just one more gift from a loving father! When we alow our children choose we are teaching them that they must live with the consequences of thier actions as we also must live with ours, so it behoves us to study the truth of what the candidates say along with the evidence and not just follow the party line and endeaver to make right choices.Not be mislead by others who have thier own self interests to be served by one ore the other and choose for the greater good of all citizens not just an elect few! hOPE12 rated this answer

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arcura asked on 10/20/04 - Will we be Americans or the wasted generation? Election Determines Fate of Nation by Mathew Manweller,Central Washington University political science professor. Daily Record (Ellensburg, WA) Oct. 6, 2004. In that this will be my last column before the presidential election, there will be no sarcasm, no attempts at witty repartee. The topic is too serious, and the stakes are too high. This November we will vote in the only election during our lifetime that will truly matter. Because America is at a once-in-a-generation crossroads, more than an election hangs in the balance. Down one path lies retreat, abdication and a reign of ambivalence. Down the other lies a nation that is aware of its past and accepts the daunting obligation its future demands. If we choose poorly, the consequences will echo through the next 50 years of history. If we, in a spasm of frustration, turn out the current occupant of the White House, the message to the world and ourselves will be twofold. First, we will reject the notion that America can do big things. Once a nation that tamed a frontier, stood down the Nazis and stood upon the moon, we will announce to the world that bringing democracy to the Middle East is too big of a task for us. But more significantly, we will signal to future presidents that as voters, we are unwilling to tackle difficult challenges, preferring caution to boldness, embracing the mediocrity that has characterized other civilizations. The defeat of President Bush will send a chilling message to future presidents who may need to make difficult, yet unpopular decisions. America has always been a nation that rises to the demands of history regardless of the costs or appeal. If we turn away from that legacy, we turn away from who we are." Second, we inform every terrorist organization on the globe that the lesson of Somalia was well learned. In Somalia we showed terrorists that you don't need to defeat America on the battlefield when you can defeat them in the newsroom. They learned that a wounded America can become a defeated America. Twenty-four-hour news stations and daily tracing polls will do the heavy lifting, turning a cut into a fatal blow. Except that Iraq is Somalia times 10. The election of John Kerry will serve notice to every terrorist in every cave that the soft underbelly of American power is the timidity of American voters. Terrorists will know that a steady stream of grizzly photos for CNN is all you need to break the will of the American people. Our own self-doubt will take it from there. Bin Laden will recognize that he can topple any American administration without setting foot on the homeland. It is said that America's WW II generation is its 'greatest generation.' But my greatest fear is that it will become known as America's 'last generation.' Born in the bleakness of the Great Depression and hardened in the fire of WW II, they may be the last American generation that understands the meaning of duty, honor and sacrifice. It is difficult to admit, but I know these terms are spoken with only hollow detachment by many (but not all) in my generation. Too many citizens today mistake 'living in America' as 'being an American.' But America has always been more of an idea than a place. When you sign on, you do more than buy real estate. You accept a set of values and responsibilities. This November, my generation, which has been absent too long, must grasp the obligation that comes with being an American, or fade into the oblivion they may deserve. I believe that 100 years from now historians will look back at the election of 2004 and see it as the decisive election of our century. Depending on the outcome, they will describe it as the moment America joined the ranks of ordinary nations; or they will describe it as the moment the prodigal sons and daughters of the greatest generation accepted their burden as caretakers of the "City on the Hill." revdauphinee answered on 10/21/04: Maybee voTing out he present administration will tell the world we as a people have finaly realized we are not the policemen for th rest of the world and that other nations have a right to choose thier own government(even if we dont like them) without big brothers inteference! arcura rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 10/20/04 - More on the Anglican Catholic Church. Posted only because I cannot make a clarification of my earlier post. My particular reason for asking this question is, as I explained to Saladin, there is a group not far from my home who call themselves the Church of Christ the King, led by a bishop, but too small to even have a building of their own. For a long time I wondered who they were and what was their affiliation. This group is very obviously not part of the Anglican Communion, who also have a Church not far from my home. I now find they are part of the "Anglican Catholic Church" revdauphinee answered on 10/21/04: there are more groups around then fleas on a dog. paraclete rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 10/20/04 - What is The Anglican Catholic Church? Appearently some time ago certain Anglicans decided that various parts of the Anglican Communion were sufficiently divergent to warrant dissolution of the Church a quote from their web site http://www.anglicancatholic.org/main/who/stlouis.html The Dissolution of Anglican and Episcopal Church Structure "We affirm that the Anglican Church of Canada and the Protestant Episcopal Church in the United States of America, by their unlawful attempts to alter Faith, Order and Morality (especially in their General Synod of 1975 and General Convention of 1976), have departed from Christ's One, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church." How come, do you think, we don't hear more about this? revdauphinee answered on 10/21/04: because it is an internal concern in which the original church wishes to disconect itself from some of the latest policies of the episcopal church in the USA such s the ordination of a Gay bishop paraclete rated this answer

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tonyrey asked on 10/20/04 - Could Jesus have saved us without being killed? ... revdauphinee answered on 10/20/04: since for God nothing is imposible sure he could, however this was Gods plan and since he is GOD why question it ! tonyrey rated this answer

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arcura asked on 10/19/04 - A sin not to vote? Read this. What do you think? Is It a Sin Not to Vote? By Tim Wildmon President, American Family Association October 18, 2004 Are you morally obligated to exercise your right to vote? That is, is it a sin not to do so? Of course, I am posing this question to those of you who actually believe in the Christian concept of sin in the first place. Sin, as defined in the Bible, is disobeying God�s commandments. Interesting question, isn�t it? On November 2, we Americans will once again go to the polls to decide who will lead us in government. We will elect men and women to local, state and national offices who will make decisions for us and our families. They will pass laws we will have to abide by. They will make choices that will set the tone for our community and our nation. They will decide what is good and what is bad public policy. In short, those we elect will begin to impose their collective morality on us. Despite what you have been told, this is why we have governments to promote good and to restrain evil. But it is how we as a society define "good" and "evil" that makes all the difference in the world. Ever wonder why we have give citizens tax deductions for financial contributions to churches and charities? Why? Because charities and churches do "good" work that benefit individual citizens and the greater community and the government wants to encourage that. Ever wonder why we make citizens pay fines when they are ticketed for breaking the speed limit? Why? Because we understand that speed kills which is "bad" because Americans value human life. So when someone speeds he or she is putting lives at risk and therefore the government wants to discourage that behavior. So we have jails and we have fines to deter such activity. The two previous paragraphs describe in simple terms that governments do promote morality. And "we the people" decide who will make the moral judgments for us. Now, obviously, most of the day to day work of government is mundane. Routine. Without great moral consequences. The Bible does not speak to the need to fill a pot hole for instance. Well, on second thought, maybe it does. Do unto others as you would have them do unto you, says the Scripture. If the pot hole were on my street, I would want the government to fix it. Anyway, you get the point. I am one that believes God formed the United States of America for His purposes. I believe in a providential view of history. And if you study the life of our country, it is clear that God has used certain people for certain task to help our country become a great nation. A great nation that has--for the most part--championed good. We have championed causes that have been consistent with a Biblical world view. Freedom. Liberty. Fighting oppression and against those who wish to dominate those who are weaker than they through military force or terrorism. And if you had take one man who best represents God�s hand on America over our 227 year history, to me, it would have to be George Washington. Washington -- what an incredible life this man lived! As we look to November 2?let me remind you of what the Father of our nation said in his famous Farewell Address on September 17, 1796. Washington had served two terms and did not wish to serve a third although he could have been President as long as wished because of his immense popularity. Here is a small, but poignant, part of that address to the country. "Of all the dispositions and habits which lead to political prosperity, religion and morality are indispensable supports. In vain would that man claim the tribute of patriotism who should labor to subvert these great pillars of human happiness, these firmest props of the duties of men and citizens. The mere politician, equally with the pious man, ought to respect and to cherish them. A volume could not trace all their connections with private and public felicity. Let it simply be asked: Where is the security for property, for reputation, for life, if the sense of religious obligation deserts the oaths which are the instruments of investigation in courts of justice? And let us with caution indulge the supposition that morality can be maintained without religion. Whatever may be conceded to the influence of refined education on minds of peculiar structure, reason and experience both forbid us to expect that national morality can prevail in exclusion of religious principle." Is it a sin not to vote? James 4:17 says, "Anyone then, who knows the good he ought to do and doesn�t do it, sins." On November 2, go vote your morality. revdauphinee answered on 10/19/04: I dont know if it is a sin (that is food for thought)I do think it is a tremendous waste of a gift (many countries do not have the right )I still feel government cannot legislate morality! and that we (you and I)are on differing sides of the political issues however rest assured that I for one intend to vote not nececarily for imorality but rather agaist what I feel is poor leadership! arcura rated this answer

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ethical_reason asked on 10/19/04 - Why is Judas a bad dude? Following Tonyrey's question. Since Jesus dying was planned and expected, why is Judas considered a bad guy? revdauphinee answered on 10/19/04: i do not think Judas is a bad dude as you put it he was a part of the plan and after his deed he confessed and repented of it did he not! Matthew 27: 3. When Judas, who had betrayed him, saw that Jesus was condemned, he was seized with remorse and returned the thirty silver coins to the chief priests and the elders. 4. "I have sinned," he said, "for I have betrayed innocent blood." and scripture tells us 2Cor.7:10 Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation CeeBee2 rated this answer ethical_reason rated this answer Saladin rated this answer

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arcura asked on 10/19/04 - And another threat is stopped!.... Abu Hamza charged with soliciting murder BY PHILIPPE NAUGHTON, TIMES ONLINE Abu Hamza, the radical Muslim cleric, was charged today by the British authorities with soliciting murder, inciting racial hatred and possession of a terrorist document. The former imam of Finsbury Park mosque was charged at Belmarsh Magistrates' Court just hours before he was to face a full hearing on extradition request by the United States, which will now have to be put on hold as the UK charges take precedence. The British decision to charge the 47-year-old handless cleric is expected to anger US officials who wanted him tried in America. The FBI claims that it has been pressing the British authorities to take action against him since the 9/11 attacks. The response of British officials had been that there was not sufficient evidence to do so. But today prosecutors issued a 16-count indictment that includes 10 charges of soliciting or encouraging unknown people to murder another person or people, namely those who did not believe in the Islamic faith The imam was also charged on four counts of using threatening, abusive or insulting behaviour with intent to stir up racial hatred, one charge of possessing threatening, abusive or insulting sound recordings and one charge of possessing a terrorist document. That charge - the cleric is accused of possessing a book called the Encyclopedia of the Afghani Jihad - was the only one falling under the Terrorist Act 2000. Abu Hamza was arrested in Belmarsh in August by the Metropolitan Police's Anti-Terrorist Branch, over allegations that he provided support to al-Qaeda-inspired terrorists either through finance, recruiting or logistics revdauphinee answered on 10/19/04: since Britain does not have the death penalty and since times change I would feel safer had he been tried here in the US! arcura rated this answer paraclete rated this answer

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tonyrey asked on 10/19/04 - Why did Jesus let himself be killed? ... revdauphinee answered on 10/19/04: because it was his perfect plan before he came to the earth it was in order to become the perfect sacrifice for all sin to redeem his creation to him. tonyrey rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 10/19/04 - Have you had the experience? "Pentecost is an experience not a denomination." revdauphinee answered on 10/19/04: this is true but the gifts differ not al have the gift of toungues (1Cor.12:4-11 4 Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. 5 And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord. 6 And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which worketh all in all. 7 But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal. 8 For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit; 9 To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit; 10 To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues: 11 But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will.) (Rom.12:6-8 6 Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith; 7 Or ministry, let us wait on our ministering: or he that teacheth, on teaching; 8 Or he that exhorteth, on exhortation: he that giveth, let him do it with simplicity; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that sheweth mercy, with cheerfulness.) 1Cor.7:7 For I would that all men were even as I myself. But every man hath his proper gift of God, one after this manner, and another after that.) paraclete rated this answer

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ethical_reason asked on 10/19/04 - fear 3 drgade, Saladin, bobill Not only is fear not necessary anymore it's only value in this world is speed of reaction and sparking adrenaline. Adrenaline can be sparked without fear and I'd give up on speed for irrationality. But the three of you should have known that the fight or flight type of fear you were talking about does not apply to the broad unknown looming kind of fear I was referring to; which has absolutely no redeeming value. revdauphinee answered on 10/19/04: Matthew 10:28Fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell. ethical_reason rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 10/18/04 - Ratana would you regard this group as christian? Doctrines The Maori religious movement which have lasted longest and retained the largest membership Ratana, is now regarded as a Maori Christian church. Ratana, named for its founder, Tahupotiki Wiremu Ratana (1873-1939), combined spiritual and political elements in order to unite the people under God. The main difference between this and other churches was the replacement of the Christian Trinity with a quinary of Father, Son, Holy Spirit, Faithful Angels, and the Mouthpiece of God, Ratana himself. History When European missionaries arrived in New Zealand in the early 1800s with the aim of converting the Maori to the Christian religion the new teachings they brought were very different but several factors helped ensure their adoption. The appeal of literacy and the written scriptures, and the material goods brought by the missionaries were presumed 'proof' of the power of the European God. Introduced diseases, the loss of land, and the consequent breakdown of the traditional social set-up, also served to persuade the people to convert to the new beliefs. The transition was aided by a series of indigenous movements which emphasized specific characteristics in different periods. In the 1830s and 1840s they often either rejected certain Christian teachings or picked up on millennial ideas and proclaimed a form of Second Coming of Christ. In the 1850s, in response to epidemics of new diseases, the emphasis was on healing. In the latter half of the 1800s a series of biblical-style prophets arose to lead the people in mainly liberation-style movements. In the 1900s the response was one of establishing Maori Christian churches - many of which are still active today. Symbols The main symbol of the Ratana Church is a five-pointed star representing the five-fold elements of divinity, resting on an upturned crescent moon with the words "T.W. Ratana". Other post-contact symbols are stars, comets, moon, lizard, angels, Bible, trumpet, and flags. The use of biblical imagery was frequent. During the 1800s, as a gesture of protest, the sabbath was often observed on Saturday, but now Sunday is the common day. Adherents New Zealand 1991 census figures show that Maori churches claim a total of 1.7% (56,367) of the population, with Ratana the largest with 47,592, and Ringatu numbering 8,052. Both churches have increased in membership over recent years. Headquarters/ Main Centre The Ratana Church is centred at Ratana, a village in Taranaki province, North Island, New Zealand. revdauphinee answered on 10/19/04: for this reason alone they are not Christian " and the Mouthpiece of God, Ratana himself." for we have but one mediator Jeus himself 1 Timmothy 2: 5 For there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, ) Jn.14:6 Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. ) paraclete rated this answer

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ethical_reason asked on 10/18/04 - Fear 2 Thanks for the answers. My point is that I find it all too destructive to live in fear of anything. It is that alone which has always allowed men of low ethical character to run rough-shot over freedom and act as a cancer to our rights. Fear is something to be afraid of, but being afraid of anything is ridiculous. No choices of president should be made due to fear; no laws passed due to fear; no rights stripped (like was done to protestors in DC and Florida); no privacy breached and absolutely no constitutional amendments or changes should ever occur due to fear. And I encourage you to be free from fear yourself. Not unaware or unalert, but not afraid. And instead of fear, have hope and be happy. revdauphinee answered on 10/19/04: why fear ? 1st John 4because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world. ethical_reason rated this answer

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arcura asked on 10/18/04 - And now the judgement mallet falls. Kerry Said to be Excommunicated Monday, October 18, 2004 12:00:00 AM GMT Los Angeles, Oct. 18 (CWNews.com) - A consultant to the Vatican has said Democratic presidential candidate John Kerry has incurred the penalty of excommunication from the Catholic Church. The consultant made his statement in a highly unusual letter to Marc Balestrieri, a Los Angeles canon lawyer who formally sued John Kerry in ecclesiastical court for heresy. Balestrieri, who launched his case earlier this year by filing a heresy complaint in Kerry's home archdiocese of Boston, told EWTN's "World Over" program on Friday that he had received an unusual, indirect communication from the Vatican's Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith regarding the pro-abortion stance. That communication provides a basis, he said, to declare that any Catholic politician who says he is "personally opposed to abortion, but supports a woman's right to choose," incurs automatic excommunication. It also provided a basis for Balestrieri to broaden his canonical actions and file additional complaints against four more pro-abortion Catholic politicians: Democrat Senators Ted Kennedy of Massachusetts and Tom Harkin of Iowa; Republican Senator Susan Collins of Maine; and former New York Governor Mario Cuomo, a Democrat. The current action could be significant as it could undercut the entire debate over denying Communion to pro-abortion politicians. An excommunicated Catholic may not receive any of the sacraments of the Church, including the Eucharist, marriage, and even Christian burial. The type of excommunication outlined in the new information is called latae sententiae, which means that it occurs automatically and does not require a formal pronouncement by any Church official. Balestrieri said he went to Rome in late August to discuss his canonical case with experts, including an official of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith. Less than 10 days later, he received a letter from Father Basil Cole, a Dominican theologian and consultant to the congregation based in Washington, DC, who said he had been "delegated" by Father Augustine DiNoia, undersecretary of the congregation, to give an unofficial response to the question that Balestrieri had submitted. "I went to Rome in person to submit two critical questions to the Congregation for the Doctrine of Faith," said Balestrieri. "The first: Whether or not the Church's teaching condemning any direct abortion is a dogma of Divine and Catholic Faith, and if the denial and doubt of the same constitutes heresy. The second: Whether or not a denial of the Church's teaching condemning every right to abortion also constitutes heresy. Father Cole, an expert theologian who studied the matter carefully, responded in the affirmative on both counts." Father Cole wrote, "If a Catholic publicly and obstinately supports the civil right to abortion, knowing that the Church teaches officially against that legislation, he or she commits that heresy envisioned by Can. 751 of the Code [of Canon Law]. Provided that the presumptions of knowledge of the law and penalty and imputability are not rebutted in the external forum, one is automatically excommunicated ...." Balestrieri said the response was unusual in several respects: that a response was provided to a layman at the request of the undersecretary in only 11 days, that the response was in writing, decisively clarifying the matter, and that it was in far greater detail than a typical official reply. "Normally, only a bishop may request such clarification of doctrine from the CDF, such responses usually take a much longer time to be received, and they are rarely made public," he said. He also said that the original canonical complaint of heresy against Kerry had received so much response from the public that the tribunal of the Archdiocese of Boston has been deluged with thousands of letters from ordinary Catholics who wish to add their names to the complaint. The head of the archdiocesan tribunal reportedly told him that the case had not been rejected and was "now in the hands of the archbishop," that is, Archbishop Sean O'Malley of Boston. Balestrieri, a self-identified political independent, says that his actions come as a defender of the faith and Holy Eucharist from sacrilege and scandal, not as one focused on an electoral outcome. "Our victory can come as early as today: It would be for Sen. Kerry, who publicly calls himself a Catholic and yet in violation of Canon Law continues to receive Holy Communion, to repent of his grave sin and publicly recant his abortion advocacy." The complete text of Father Cole's response as well as other details of the pending cases are available on the DeFide.com web site. revdauphinee answered on 10/19/04: senator Kerry does not believe as stated and I quote "his beliefs that it's okay for mothers to kill their children::" He believes as do I that one can not use the government of the country to force ones own beliefs on others. arcura rated this answer

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koinegreek asked on 10/18/04 - Eternal Life? What is repentance unto life? When they heard these things, they held their peace, and glorified God, saying, Then hath God also to the Gentiles granted repentance unto life. revdauphinee answered on 10/18/04: repent of our sins if we wish to live life is not just here on earth but future life with him. koinegreek rated this answer Saladin rated this answer

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ethical_reason asked on 10/18/04 - Fear Arcura and others, Arcura recently wrote something about how he doesn't trust one candidate to stop the threats that are looming over our heads from terrorists. Some responded in kind, some not, but most responded with an affirmation that there is a threat. It is this that I want to talk about. First a question: what dangers of terrorism have been actually PROVEN since Sept. 11 of over 3 years ago? (I emphasize proven). Not shoe bombers which we had and caught before. Not raised alert warnings. But proof from articles you can provide or that you have actually read about an actual event. Just answer that question first because I�d like to know if I�m wrong before I continue. revdauphinee answered on 10/18/04: if you keep the people afraid for their safety they will not have time to think,terror has always been with us for years it was the IRA (I grew up in England)now it is muslim extreemists, and the powers that be will keep the fear going as long as we allow them to .In jesus time they were all afraid of the Romans it never ends but we cannot alow fear to rule or we will never overcome it .did not Jesus tell us to "fear not!" ethical_reason rated this answer tomder55 rated this answer

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hOPE12 asked on 10/18/04 - Who really are cults and who are not? Let God be the Judge, not us. Hello Everyone, With all the hoopla about those of us Christians who do not vote and being classified as a cult, I feel it important to state why we choose not to vote. Think about this, in the Bible book of Matthew 6:9,10 notice what it says: �9��you must pray, then, this way: ��Our Father in the heavens, let your name be sanctified. 10�Let your kingdom come. Let your will take place, as in heaven, also upon earth. 11�Give us today our bread for this day; 12�and forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. 13�And do not bring us into temptation, but deliver us from the wicked one.� This is the model prayer Jesus left his followers to show them the importance of prayer and what some of the proper things to pray for. Did you notice where it said to �Let your kingdom come.� So here is the first reason some of us do not vote now because we have cast our vote for God�s kingdom. God also says in Daniel 2:44, �44��And in the days of those kings the God of heaven will set up a kingdom that will never be brought to ruin. And the kingdom itself will not be passed on to any other people. It will crush and put an end to all these kingdoms, and it itself will stand to times indefinite; � Did you notice that God�s Kingdom would crush and put an end to all these kingdoms. God�s kingdom will be different please allow me to explain. Not long ago, Pope John Paul�II warned that �all of humanity faced grave threats to its survival.� He emphasized that �those threats were best countered by joint efforts among diverse religious groups.� It is God�s will, he said, that religious leaders �work together� for �peace and reconciliation.� However, if that is God�s will, then why has God not blessed the centuries of efforts in this direction? He has not done so because these religions have not trusted in God�s way to bring peace by means of his heavenly Kingdom. Matthew 6:9,�10 Instead, they have supported the politics and wars of the nations. As a consequence, in wartime, religious people of one nation have killed religious people of another nation, even killing people of their own religion. Catholic has killed Catholic, Protestant has killed Protestant, and other religions have done the same. But do true spiritual brothers kill one another while claiming to serve God? Jesus set the standard for true religion when he said to his followers: �I am giving you a new commandment, that you love one another; just as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all will know that you are my disciples, if you have love among yourselves.� John 13:34,�35 So those who practice true religion must love one another. This was �a new commandment� in that Jesus said: �Just as I have loved you, .�.�. you also love one another.� He was willing to lay down his life for his followers. They must be willing to do the same�no, not take the life of fellow believers, but lay down their own life if necessary. That was new, for the Mosaic Law had not required such. God�s Word states: �If anyone makes the statement: �I love God,� and yet is hating his brother, he is a liar. For he who does not love his brother, whom he has seen, cannot be loving God, whom he has not seen. And this commandment we have from him, that the one who loves God should be loving his brother also.� 1�John 4:20,�21 By this love, those who trust in God maintain true international unity. The apostle Paul, at 1�Corinthians 1:10, says: �I exhort you, brothers, through the name of our Lord Jesus Christ that you should all speak in agreement, and that there should not be divisions among you, but that you may be fitly united in the same mind and in the same line of thought.� 1�John 3:10-12. How united can one be towards another while they are killing one another? In advocating God�s Kingdom, I do not mix in politics or foment rebellion against secular governments. Titus 3:1 Instead, I try to make a positive, spiritual, nonpolitical contribution in the way that Jesus and his first-century disciples did. I strive to help righteously disposed people in their various communities to adopt wholesome Biblical values, such as family love, honesty, moral cleanness, and a good work ethic. Primarily, as a Bible student I endeavor to teach others how to follow Bible principles and to look to God�s Kingdom as mankind�s real hope. Also did Jesus get involved in politics? Why not allow the Bible to answer that. Look at John 18:33-36 �33�So Pilate entered into the governor�s palace again and called Jesus and said to him: �Are you the king of the Jews?� 34�Jesus answered: �Is it of your own originality that you say this, or did others tell you about me?� 35�Pilate answered: �I am not a Jew, am I? Your own nation and the chief priests delivered you up to me. What did you do?� 36�Jesus answered: �My kingdom is no part of this world. If my kingdom were part of this world, my attendants would have fought that I should not be delivered up to the Jews. But, as it is, my kingdom is not from this source.� Did you notice how Jesus �scrupulously kept separate from politics� primarily because his �kingdom is no part of this world,� whose ruler he identified as Satan.� Notice at Matthew 4:8-10. 8�Again the Devil took him along to an unusually high mountain, and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory, 9�and he said to him: �All these things I will give you if you fall down and do an act of worship to me.� 10�Then Jesus said to him: �Go away, Satan! For it is written, �It is Jehovah your God you must worship, and it is to him alone you must render sacred service.�� Satan could not have offered all the kingdoms of the world, if they did not belong to them. So why would I as a follower vote for something belonging to Satan?] John 17:16 �They are no part of the world, just as I am no part of the world.� Many will say, you live in this world and you benefit from the government here in this world and that is true, but, I also pay taxes, and obey all the laws of the land that do not go against God�s laws. Why/ because I have trust in what Matthew 6:33 says:� 33��Keep on, then, seeking first the kingdom and his righteousness, and all these [other] things will be added to you.� I believe God can do anything he wishes to do. If God says he will add all my needs if I obey him then I believe that. Jesus taught that his rulership, or Kingdom, is a heavenly one that would, in due time, destroy all human ruler-ships and rule over the entire earth. Daniel 2:44; Matthew 6:9, 10 It would not rule through human political systems. �My kingdom is no part of this world,� Jesus said. John 17:16; 18:36 Thus, Jesus� disciples, while law-abiding, stay out of politics. So, if any wish to think of me or those like me as a cult, so be it, but because Jesus did not get involved in politics and I wish to follow his footsteps, then it really does not matter if you think of me as a cult or even if you feel that I and all other Christians who do not vote are cults. You will just have to wait and see if you are right or wrong. Until then respect is a large part of Christianity and when we speak with others about such personal choices we need to show respect and treat others with the same respect you would want to receive. As Aton has already stated: � Do you SERIOUSLY believe that the Creator of the Universe could give a tinker's dam who wins the American Presidential race ?????????? What kind of a silly God do you believe in???� God pays no mind to politics, that is mans game. When they throw their mud at each other, and dig up as much dirt as they can on each other, where is their love? It is where their promises are, nowhere! Why would I want to vote for men who can�t even show love toward one another and where they show that winning is more important then the well being of their neighbor. If that makes me and any like me who do not vote a cult, then maybe that is good, for we are separate from this unjust political system and proves us to be followers of what Jesus Christ himself taught. Won�t it be a surprise to many to see who in this world are really a cult and who are not. One day soon we all will have that answer. Until then, Please show respect to others and let each one of us make sure of what we ourselves are doing is approved by God. Take care, Hope12 revdauphinee answered on 10/18/04: God puts it clearly in scripture he has placed some in authority The authorities that exist have been established by God. 2 Consequently, he who rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. 3 For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and he will commend you we who reside in countries where we have the priveledge to choose who rules over us should do so, for it its our God who grants us this gift would he give a gift he did not wish to be used ?this would be ungreatfull and wrong so if we have the God given priveledge to be able to vote then we should surely use it . hOPE12 rated this answer

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FormerJesusHelper76 asked on 10/18/04 - Lifes Animal Miracles! Is it not amazing what some of our animals will do to save their owner? Do you believe that animals can sense a lot more then what some humans can? Have any of you have any amazing stories of miracles? Thanks in advance! Joe revdauphinee answered on 10/18/04: many ,Our animals love us in spite of ourselves to bad humans to not have the same traits FormerJesusHelper76 rated this answer

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bal317 asked on 10/17/04 - Suppose'd No Child Left Behind How can we say this is truely in effect, when we know there are many of a child left behind. I have seen more children who are of age 16-17 that have been put through grades, dropped out and can't get a job because they can't read or write for a job application to be filled out. However, they can speak 2 different languages. What happens to those children who draw a gun in class or takes a toy gun to school and they are suspended? We do leave children behind, and how can we keep from doing such? As the youth is our tomorrow. revdauphinee answered on 10/18/04: makes me wonder I am not lying (maybee I led I protected life) but I never met an adult who couldnt read untill I came to the US at 19 yrs old.why is such an "advanced" nation putting corporate greed always ahead of its future (the children) bal317 rated this answer tomder55 rated this answer

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arcura asked on 10/17/04 - Extremizing Labels. Here is something that disturbs me greatly, both politically and religiously. Several times not I have seen or heard ultra conservatives refer to leftist parties as socialists, liberals, Greens, and Communists. I consider myself to be a liberal, not a radical liberal in that I do not believe that in special rights for homosexuals, but I do believe that should be able to marry as long as they marry someone of the opposite sex. And I am not a pro abortionist, but I and a true pro-choice person and the choice should be that every person should be activity responsible and accept the consequences of what they do in an honorable manner. That�s quite different from the radical liberals, but I am liberal in other traditional liberal respects, fair and equal wages for both sexes, food on every table three times a day, the right to a good education for all, equal justice for all no matter the race, creed, age, sex, or political persuasion, etc. I do take offence when someone lumps me in with Greens and Communists. On the other hand I don�t think it�s fair to lump those average conservatives in the hard line ultra conservatives who act as though they are greedy monarchists. Nor do I think it is faith to say that all secularists hate religious activities and those who are religious as some people seem to be pushing. After all, many secularists enjoy Halloween, a pagan holiday and Christmas, Easter, and Valentine�s Day which are Christian celebrations. I realize that over zealous rhetoric is becoming the standard during various campaign efforts and times, but it should not be stretching definitions to extremes. What is your take on such extremes? Peace and kindness, arcura revdauphinee answered on 10/18/04: I do not group people and place labels on them but neither do Iggo around with blinders on I see the Word as it is not as I would have it .For instance some ideas are not all bad because the label that has been given them one example is "socialised "medicine ,I grew upin England where we had socialised medicine even as long ago as when I was a child I am now in my 60s I never went without medical care an lways had acess to any medicine the doctor prescribed,I wore glasses had my trips to the dentists when needed ,I am now as I said in my 60s living here in America(where I love it)but as I sit here today my empty medicine bottle is sitting on the counter top empty since i do not get my retirement check untill wed s my diabetes and various other ailments will go untreated untill then,only 2 days this is true but is it truly nececary, in an advanced country?Is everything socialised all bad? I think about my neighbours less fortunate than myself who may not be getting a check soon how are they faring ?This may not be a problem for many however this is one reason why I am a liberal.I do not promote abortion either but do I have the right to force my faith nd my beliefs on others?I ask myself this Jesu told us to tell the world about him but where does he ever say we must force his word on them?,if we can force our beliefs on others what about the day that will certainly come when they force thiers on me?It bears thinking about something to consider I think. arcura rated this answer

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Laura asked on 10/17/04 - Do we truly love God...No matter what!!! Opinions??? If any one says, "I love God," and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen, cannot love God whom he has not seen. (1 John 4:20 RSV) Brother (From Easton's Bible Dictionary) ****In the natural and common sense (Matthew 1:2; Luke 3:1,19).**** A near relation, a cousin (Genesis 13:8; 14:16; Matthew 12:46; John 7:3; Acts 1:14; Galatians 1:19). Simply a fellow-countryman (Matthew 5:47; Acts 3:22; Hebrews 7:5). A disciple or follower (Matthew 25:40; Hebrews 2:11,12). One of the same faith (Amos 1:9; Acts 9:30; 11:29; 1 Corinthians 5:11); whence the early disciples of our Lord were known to each other as brethren. A colleague in office (Ezra 3:2; 1 Corinthians 1:1; 2co 1:1). ****A fellow-man (Genesis 9:5; 19:7; Matthew 5:22,23,24; 7:5; Hebrews 2:17).***** One beloved or closely united with another in affection (2 Samuel 1:26; Acts 6:3; 1 Thessalonians 5:1). Brethren of Jesus (Matthew 1:25; 12:46,50: Mark 3:31,32; Galatians 1:19; 1 Corinthians 9:5, etc.) were probably the younger children of Joseph and Mary. Some have supposed that they may have been the children of Joseph by a former marriage, and others that they were the children of Mary, the Virgin's sister, and wife of Cleophas. The first interpretation, however, is the most natural. revdauphinee answered on 10/18/04: I dont hate anyone however I am human and have preferences anyone who says they dont are decieving themselves.I said I did not hate anyone however unfortunatly since I am human I must say I do not "love" everyone!I do not wish anyone harm and I do try to see the good in folks however with some folks the good is hidden deep .I strive daily to be Christlike as is his teaching, however I being truhfull know and admit I have still long way to go! Laura rated this answer

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Saladin asked on 10/17/04 - After Hallow'een cometh Christmas How do you see and spend Christmas? Do you celebrate it to honour pagan Gods and their ancient rites, or do you celebrate it to remember the birth of the Son of God and to honour him, even if you believe, as I do, that 25 December is not the right date? Are you a Christmas pooper, or are you a grateful celebrant of the memory of the birth of Jesus our Saviour? Sal revdauphinee answered on 10/17/04: I to agree that dec is an incorect date however I celebrate the event not the day! queenybee rated this answer Saladin rated this answer

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arcura asked on 10/16/04 - I don't like either candidat, but.... I�m unhappy with some of his activities as President. However, I, a long time Democrat, will support G.W. Bush for reelection. Here�s why. Considering the problems our country must deal with in now and the near future we cannot risk installing a man who has no experience as president. With the eminent dangers of terrorism including hostile and untrustworthy nations there is not enough �comfort� time to break in a new president. It usually takes 6 to 12 months for a new president to get his feet solidly on the ground. Considering his flip flop record, Kerry would probably require more time, if ever, before achieving stability in office. Another thought. Whether you are pro-choice or pro-life consider this. Kerry has publicly said that he believes abortion is wrong and that life begins at conception, but he has consistently voted in support of pro-choice and said that if he becomes president he will work to make abortions easier to get. Do we want a president who demonstrates a penchant for working for something he believes is wrong as Kerry obviously has? I certainly don�t. Responsible Americans cannot risk breaking in a new president at this hazardous time revdauphinee answered on 10/17/04: have to go with Saladin here I could never vote for Bush in a million years Id vote for mike jacksons pet chip first! arcura rated this answer

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Topper asked on 10/16/04 - Before VOTING ... ... you might want to consider this: Mohandas Karamachand Gandhi, one of the most influential figures in modern social and political activism, considered these traits to be the most spiritually perilous to humanity: Wealth without Work Pleasure without Conscience Science without Humanity Knowledge without Character Politics without Principle Commerce without Morality Worship without Sacrifice Which candidate can help you mature the most as an American ... Bush or Kerry? Topper revdauphinee answered on 10/17/04: Im with Saladin on this one! Topper rated this answer

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lucpi asked on 10/16/04 - Vote! Those who don't want to vote in the coming Presidential election have a negative attitude toward their country. They are indecisive, politically frigid or influenced by some cultists. Asking their followers not to vote is just a gimmick used by the cult leaders to show that they are different from other Christians. All Christians know that Jesus will come again to rule the world, but they don't know when. For now, we, the creation of God, must show Him that we are intelligent & responsible people by exercising our rights & casting our votes. Don't disappoint God by not voting. What would happen if all Christians don't vote? Think about it. revdauphinee answered on 10/16/04: Amen and if you dont like the candidate write on in God has given us the priveledge of having a say in who rules us we should not waste it.I do believe he cares since he cares about all our lifes aspects why wouldnt he ? arcura rated this answer lucpi rated this answer Saladin rated this answer

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Topper asked on 10/16/04 - Why Worry? "Worry is like a rocking chair--it gives you something to do but it doesn't get you anywhere." - Anonymous * One of my favorite quotes! Topper revdauphinee answered on 10/16/04: woruy actualy is a lack of confidence in God prayer is time much better spent!if you can change a situation do so if not pray about it wory is nonproductive while prayer works. Topper rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 10/16/04 - Spiceing up Halloween For Sal and others who observe Halloween, why not confuse your neighbours by introducing some pecularly Australian characters Bunyip http://www.nla.gov.au/exhibitions/bunyips/flash-site/index-flash.html Yowie members.ozemail.com.au/~mhallett/yowie.htm There is as much evidence on the web for the existence of these things as there is for the existence of halloween in Australia revdauphinee answered on 10/16/04: try putting Christian tracts or small new testament in with the treats might do some good! paraclete rated this answer

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Saladin asked on 10/15/04 - The Holy Feast of Hallow'een Halloween is an annual celebration, but just what is it actually a celebration of? And how did this peculiar custom originate? Is it, as some claim, a kind of demon worship? Or is it just a harmless vestige of some ancient pagan ritual? The word itself, "Halloween," actually has its origins in the Catholic Church. It comes from a contracted corruption of All Hallows Eve. November 1, "All Hollows Day" (or "All Saints Day"), is a Roman Catholic day of observance in honor of saints. It got schlunked together in the minds of some people with 5th century BC Celtic Ireland, when summer officially ended on October 31. That holiday was called Samhain (sow-en), the Celtic New Year. One story says that, on that day, the disembodied spirits of all those who had died throughout the preceding year would come back in search of living bodies to possess for the next year. It was believed to be their only hope for the afterlife. The Celts believed all laws of space and time were suspended during this time, allowing the spirit world to intermingle with the living. Naturally, the still-living did not want to be possessed. So on the night of October 31, villagers would extinguish the fires in their homes, to make them cold and undesirable. They would then dress up in all manner of ghoulish costumes and noisily parade around the neighborhood, being as destructive as possible in order to frighten away spirits looking for bodies to possess. Probably a better explanation of why the Celts extinguished their fires was not to discourage spirit possession, but so that all the Celtic tribes could relight their fires from a common source, the Druidic fire that was kept burning in the Middle of Ireland, at Usinach. Some accounts tell of how the Celts would burn someone at the stake who was thought to have already been possessed, as sort of a lesson to the spirits. More reliable accounts of Celtic history debunk these stories as myth. The Romans adopted the Celtic practices as their own. But in the first century AD, Samhain was assimilated into celebrations of some of the other Roman traditions that took place in October, such as their day to honor Pomona, the Roman goddess of fruit and trees during harvest time, a biblical time of religious feasting. The symbol of Pomona is the apple, which might explain the origin of our modern tradition of bobbing for apples on Halloween, but which more even probably might not. The thrust of the practices also changed over time to become more ritualized. As belief in spirit possession waned, the practice of dressing up like hobgoblins, ghosts, and witches took on a more ceremonial role. The custom of Halloween was brought to good old America in the 1840's by Irish immigrants fleeing their country's potato famine. At that time, favorite pranks in New England included tipping over outhouses and unhinging fence gates, similar pranks to those practiced for centuries by their English schoolboy counterparts on Mischief night, the night before Guy Fawkes day. The custom of trick-or-treating is thought to have originated not with the Irish Celts, but with a ninth-century European custom called souling. On November 2, All Souls Day, early Christians would walk from village to village begging for "soul cakes," made out of square pieces of bread with currants. The more soul cakes the beggars would receive, the more prayers they would promise to say on behalf of the dead relatives of the donors. At the time, it was believed that the dead remained in limbo for a time after death, and that prayer, even by strangers, could expedite a soul's passage to heaven. The Jack-o-lantern custom probably but not certainly comes from Irish folklore. As the tale is told, a man named Jack, who was notorious as a drunkard and trickster, tricked Satan into climbing a tree. Jack then carved an image of a cross in the tree's trunk, trapping the devil up the tree. Jack made a deal with the devil that, if he would never tempt him again, he would promise to let him down the tree. According to the folk tale, after Jack died, he was denied entrance to Heaven because of his evil ways, but he was also denied access to Hell because he had tricked the devil. Instead, the devil gave him a single ember to light his way through the frigid darkness. The ember was placed inside a hollowed-out turnip to keep it glowing longer. The Irish, who do not grow pumpkins, used turnips, which are much harder to carve, as their "Jack's lanterns" originally. But when the immigrants came to America, they found that pumpkins were far more plentiful than turnips and easier to carve (it's the Yankee way!). So the Jack-O-Lantern in America was a hollowed-out pumpkin, lit with an ember. So, although some satanic groups may have adopted Halloween as their favorite "holiday," the day itself did not grow out of evil practices and does not celebrate them. It grew out of the rituals of Celts celebrating a new year, and out of Medieval prayer rituals of Europeans. And today, even many churches have Halloween parties or pumpkin carving events for the kids. After all, the day itself is only as evil as one cares to make it. But to the pure, all things are pure and undefiled! 8^) Sal revdauphinee answered on 10/16/04: halloween is concidered a solstice and is observed by witchcraft and thus should truly not be practiced by believin Christians however as with all satanic things we can also use it to tun th tables on him.I personaly do give out candy in the form af a lolypop taped to a small copy of the new testament (wich I collect from various places during the year) If just one childs parents read it to them then havent I accomplished something !I think so . Saladin rated this answer

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HANK1 asked on 10/15/04 - Muslims and Ramadan! Muslims have been killing each other, and other people, during Ramadan for centuries. Mohammed himself opened a clay urn of whup-ass on tribes outside Mecca during Ramadan, in 624 AD. Iraqis and Iranians killed each other over Ramadan with great aplomb during their war. Anwar Sadat of Egypt launched the Yom Kippur war on Israel during Ramadan, with little respect to his own religion and even less for Israel's. What will the barbarians (insurgents) be doing during the next 30 days? HANK revdauphinee answered on 10/16/04: why should we be surprised by this? HANK1 rated this answer

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FormerJesusHelper76 asked on 10/15/04 - Please Pray! I was going to ask this yesterday. Please pray for everybody that will be voting. That everybody votes for the betterment of not just America but for the rest of the world. American government depending on who it is enjoys conflict and starting wars and it would be good to get a government in the American election that does not look to start wars but looks for sharing and starting peace. That is just my personal beliefs and opinions. Thank you! I am asking God to elect and help people through the Holy Spirit to let the government needed to get in whoever it is. Joe revdauphinee answered on 10/15/04: Amen to that Joe! FormerJesusHelper76 rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 10/14/04 - America for Jesus I just recieved this, what is your response? "God has used John Gimenez to mobilize Christians in America and around the world to pray for America. His first event was Washington for Jesus. Now on October 23, 2004 he is calling for thousand of Christians to come to Washington D.C. for a great event called America for Jesus. I know that it will be a great day, because it happens to be my birthday. Wherever you are in the world pray with us for America. God loves every nation every culture and every person. However in this day Christians leaders in America are impressed that America needs a special touch from our Lord. Join us in prayer for America for Jesus and pray that our Lord will be honored not only in America, but that He will be greatly honored in your nation as well. As we pray let us remember this is an important moment in the spirit. Richard Shakarian" revdauphinee answered on 10/15/04: I beleive in prayer and we sure need it however I dont feel the need to travel to do it (Matt.6:6. But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. paraclete rated this answer

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Saladin asked on 10/14/04 - Aton ... We have just heard from ATON and he is safe and well and having a fine time. Sal revdauphinee answered on 10/15/04: great!thanks for the info was getting concerned Saladin rated this answer

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sapphire630 asked on 10/14/04 - TV preachers What TV preachers do you feel comfortable with and what ones do you feel are not for real and why? revdauphinee answered on 10/15/04: havent seen to many on tv who 's God is not the almighty dollar instead of the Almighty!

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Laura asked on 10/14/04 - Don't know where to post this. You guys are everywhere so... Why not just post it here. If we have enough potential oil in Alaska to keep us from having to depend upon foriegn sources....WHY aren't we using it? Is it to save some animal over there?? Just asking. Laura revdauphinee answered on 10/15/04: because of greed! the oil companies are making money from the status quo why would they desire change ?Also since the saudi 's own such a large portion of our financial future dont look for it to change ,especialy under the present administration. Laura rated this answer

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Saladin asked on 10/14/04 - Hallow'een Does anyone believe that putting a plastic pumpkin on the lawn is an invitation to be taken over by demons? Has anyone here ever been taken over by demons by doing this? Sal revdauphinee answered on 10/15/04: No! Saladin rated this answer

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Topper asked on 10/14/04 - Why? ... doesn't an atheist believe in God? Why can't an agnostic make up his or her mind about the presence of the Almighty? revdauphinee answered on 10/14/04: Because as yet life has not taught them !I used to be both at different times while traveling lifes journey till I came to the point God got tierd of my doubt and showed me the error of my ways.My thanks to him ! Topper rated this answer

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Topper asked on 10/14/04 - Atheism: How does an atheist learn values that are characteristic of the Christian population since an atheist doesn't believe in God? revdauphinee answered on 10/14/04: from christians who act in a way that shows him ! Topper rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 10/13/04 - Those Anglicans are at it again The divisions in the Anglican Church have been quitely simmering for the past few months, but those fundamentalist Anglicans, almost a contradicion in terms, are back in the news again. "The Anglican Dean of Sydney yesterday denounced the Archbishop of Canterbury, the world leader of his church, as a theological prostitute who was taking his salary under false pretences. The Very Reverend Philip Jensen, addressing a group of conservative Christians in England, also attacked Prince Charles as "a public adulterer" and Kings College Chapel as "a temple to paganism" for selling recordings of its famous choir in the ante-chapel. He condemned Archbishop Rowan Williams for his liberal views about homosexuality, though Dr Williams has publicly maintained a traditional stance in opposing gay marriage and gay ordination. "That's no good. That's total prostitution of the Christian ministry," Dean Jensen told the evangelical group Reform at a conference in Derbyshire. "He should resign. That's theological and intellectual prostitution. He is taking his salary under false pretences." The dean's brother, Sydney Archbishop Peter Jensen, last night distanced himself from the remarks. His media officer, Margaret Rodgers, said Archbishop Jensen had spoken to his brother, but had only seen a newspaper report of the speech. "Dean Jensen presented his own reflections on the present state of the Anglican Church. He was not speaking on behalf of the Diocese of Sydney or the Archbishop," she said. "In these troubled times for the Anglican communion, Archbishop Williams is assured of the prayers of all faithful Anglicans." The Anglican church is deeply divided over homosexuality, with many African and Asian branches severing relationships with the church in Canada for blessing gay unions and the church in the United States for appointing an openly gay bishop. The complaints came in the run-up to next week's publication of an international commission reviewing the structure of the Anglican communion in the wake of the gay bishops dispute. Reform wants the commission to discipline the US church and plans to disengage from liberal bishops to indicate their disapproval of what they see as the church's slide into acceptance of sexual immorality. The first targets of conservative evangelicals in England are likely to be the eight bishops who publicly supported the appointment of the celibate gay cleric Jeffrey John to the suffragan bishopric of Reading last year." So what do you think?, is the christian ministry prostituted as suggested? revdauphinee answered on 10/14/04: Just more of what i dislike about organised religion Proving me correct in saying they all put their own agendas ahead of Christs Saladin rated this answer paraclete rated this answer queenybee rated this answer

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Topper asked on 10/13/04 - Love: What's the difference between loving someone as opposed to being IN love with someone? Topper revdauphinee answered on 10/14/04: loving someone means putting them first !being in love means wanting them for your self> Topper rated this answer

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Mathatmacoat asked on 10/12/04 - George Bush would a wooing go! Just to help Sal out, so he doesn't think George Bush places any emphasis on wooing Mormans San Francisco Chronicle. Politics and the Church Bush woos the faithful with a religious fervor. c/a/2004/06/21/MNG0179A841.DTL - 27k - 11 Oct 2004 - .Friday, September 24, 2004 Bush woos Maine voters. pressherald.mainetoday.com/news/state/040924bush.shtml 12/08/2004 12:28. President Bush woos the Jewish vote, www.haaretzdaily.com/hasen/spages/463545.html - 72k - Laura Bush woos female business owners August 10, 2004 news.minnesota.publicradio.org/ features/2004/08/10_baxtera_laurabush/ Bush woos Right by backing ban on gay marriages news.telegraph.co.uk/news/ main.jhtml?xml=/news/2004/02/25/wus25.xml Bush woos Kerry backers www.washtimes.com/national/20040906-122446-2503r.htm - Bush woos women voters. www.nwherald.com/MainSection/other/288134439715606.php Bush woos Houston's Hispanic vote. June 22, 2000 www.cnn.com/2000/LOCAL/ southwest/06/22/hci.bush.hispanics/ - Bush woos China on trade. news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/asia-pacific/1358596.stm - Bush woos Nato news.bbc.co.uk/hi/english/ world/europe/newsid_1386000/1386661.stm It seems our journalistic friends are obscessed with Geo Bush's love life. revdauphinee answered on 10/14/04: let him woo away I personaly am not impressed, as I said previously I would vote for michael Jacksons pet monkey over Bush! Mathatmacoat rated this answer

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Itsdb asked on 10/12/04 - New Messiah? Yesterday, John Edwards said "When John Kerry is the president people like Christopher Reeve are going to walk again!" So does he mean Kerry is a miracle worker or does he mean it's Bush's fault people like Reeve can't walk? revdauphinee answered on 10/14/04: He meant that in many folks oppinion Bush is standing in the way of research by coming out against stem cell research! Itsdb rated this answer

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hOPE12 asked on 10/12/04 - What kind of Government would you like? Hello Everyone, With elections for a new president right around the corner, a good question has come to mind. If you could choose which kind of government you could have, would you choose a Theocratic Government (A Government ruled by God) or a Democratic Government (Government ruled by many)? We know that a democratic government is possible because we have that now, but do you feel we can and will one day have a Theocratic Government ruling all mankind? If yes, why do you feel that way, and if no why do you feel that way? Thanks and take care, Hope12 revdauphinee answered on 10/14/04: rule of God would be best and one day it will be! but for now we must contend with man and anything humans can come up with can always be improved ,in the US we do not have a perfect state but it is the best system we have come up with yet,some things we thing we have are abused but as a rule it is best! hOPE12 rated this answer

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MaggieB asked on 10/11/04 - Aton? Has anyone heard from Aton? There was several bombs that killed a number of people in Egypt recently and I certainly pray that he was not in that area. MaggieB revdauphinee answered on 10/12/04: Aton is in Egypt but I am a little worried since he did tell me he would check in once in a while from his lap top.Lets hope he is just buisy and having a great vacation ! MaggieB rated this answer Saladin rated this answer

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MaggieB asked on 10/10/04 - "I know a commander in chief when I see one and there's only one on the ballot," Franks Retired Gen. Franks Criticizes Kerry By MARTIN GRIFFITH, Associated Press Writer RENO, Nev. - Retired Gen. Tommy Franks launched a four-state campaign swing for President Bush by criticizing Sen. John Kerry's anti-Vietnam War activities and voting record on the military. Franks, former commander of forces in Iraq and Afghanistan, faulted Kerry's votes on major weapons systems and intelligence issues, and against the 1991 Gulf War. "If his voting record ruled the day, Saddam Hussein would not only be running Iraq but Kuwait," Franks told about 200 people Sunday at a Reno rally. "The choice is very, very clear. We need decisive, strong, no-backing-down and no-equivocating leadership," he said. Franks praised the Democratic challenger's military service during the Vietnam War, but said Kerry's later anti-war activities upset him. "The men I served with in Vietnam weren't war criminals and I'm proud I served with them," Franks said. The rally in Nevada � a battleground state where polls show Bush and Kerry running about even � marked Franks' first appearance for Bush since the Republican National Convention. Franks, a registered independent in Florida who has voted for both Republican and Democratic presidential candidates, said he decided to endorse Bush because of his handling of the war against terrorism. Other terrorist attacks during the Clinton administration went largely unanswered by the U.S., he said. "I know a commander in chief when I see one and there's only one on the ballot," Franks said. "After September 11th, we were blessed to have a commander in chief who said enough is enough. "There are two options: to fight them (terrorists) over there or to fight them over here. I'm an over-there-kind-of-guy," he said. In an interview before the rally, Franks said he doesn't foresee an endless cycle of violence in Iraq, and he thinks violence will diminish after the Nov. 2 election. "I believe they (insurgents) are influenced by what they see in our media," he told The Associated Press. "They see if they blow something up it's front-page news ... (and) the presidential candidates will talk about it. "After Nov. 2, that dynamic will leave. The problem won't go away, but it'll be diminished ... This will be a long process, but there will come a time when the insurgents have less opportunity to create mischief for us," he said. Franks said he also expects the January elections in Iraq to be held as scheduled, and foresees the day when U.S. troops will leave there. "Some say that day will never come, but I say it'll come and probably sooner than later," he said. "(But) we ought to stay away from time frames and time schedules. The quickest way to give an advantage to the enemy is to set deadlines." The other side of the coin, which is the right side? revdauphinee answered on 10/11/04: which is the right side? Not this one read my former posting I am voting not as much for Kerry as against Bush If he had not lied and misled America we would not even be in this war> MaggieB rated this answer CeeBee2 rated this answer

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MaggieB asked on 10/10/04 - Jackson: Dems Treat Blacks Like Victims By GENARO C. ARMAS, Associated Press Writer WASHINGTON - The Rev. Jesse Jackson (news - web sites) and other black political leaders spread a message of victimization that leads most blacks to vote Democratic, Housing and Urban Development Secretary Alphonso Jackson charged Wednesday. The HUD secretary said he has advised President Bush 's campaign to focus its efforts on younger blacks who did not grow up during the civil rights era because older blacks who did "have been conditioned" to vote Democratic by Jesse Jackson, NAACP Chairman Julian Bond, NAACP President Kweisi Mfume and others. "They have made a living telling black people they are victims," the HUD secretary said in an interview with The Associated Press. "As long as they keep them in victim mode, they have liberals who will take care of them." Democratic presidential candidate John Kerry announced Wednesday that Jesse Jackson has joined the campaign as a senior adviser. The move comes amid recent polling showing Kerry's support slipping among blacks. The Kerry campaign said Jesse Jackson will travel to battleground states to energize Democratic support for Kerry and running mate John Edwards. A Pew Research Center poll released Tuesday showed 73 percent of blacks supporting Kerry, down from 83 percent in August. Bush's support among blacks was at 12 percent, up from 6 percent. The HUD secretary, who said he has been consulting with Bush strategist Karl Rove and other campaign officials, said Republicans are targeting blacks who are under 40 with a message that Bush's economic policies are better for them. "You can't rise as a class. You have to rise individually. It's what many of the civil rights-era people don't understand," he said. "They want us to rise together, they keep telling us that we are victims. If they keep telling us they are victims, then there is a role for them to play." Do you think Jesse Jackson will help or hinder the Democratic vote??? revdauphinee answered on 10/11/04: this is utter nonsence and racial nonesence to boot as it implies all blacks must be led and thus do not think for themslves!Blacks as a rule vote democrat because most blacks know that republicans supost the rich and do not relate to the problems of life that many of them encounter such a poverty ,low employement and health care needs .Blacks vote for the people whoom they fell best understand the life experience they must contend with just as poor white folks do !they are intelegent enough to figure that out! and need no one to do it for them .what has G Bush done for the poor, or the millions of disenfranchised african americans lately?or the old who have no health insurance ?Given us medicare discount card that he can brag about !One that gives a prescription costing $150 a dicount of $5 when a person living on $1000 a month paying $400 for rent $100 for electric 200 for water gas and other utilities has prescriptions costing over 500 a month must decide what they buy food or medicine with the rest and who must have the medicine to survive ?doesnt make for much of a life does it ? Dont tell me this is not a fact of life !I quoted my own expences here not those of some one else!This my freind is why I wont be voting for Bush and why many of my Black friends wont either !I by the way am caucasian but who can identify with others Bush has done everything he can to help big drug companies prosper at the expence of the American public even disalowing purchases from Canada claiming they arnt safe ,this is Canada we are talking about not some 3rd world country most of the drugs dispenced in Canada come from the same factories as the oneshere .ALso after 22 yrs Working in the chemical industry I am sure the same ones we are being gouged for here at prices over $100 COST BUT PENNIES TO MAKE ! excon rated this answer tomder55 rated this answer MaggieB rated this answer Saladin rated this answer

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bal317 asked on 10/10/04 - God doesn't like ugly???? I have heard this saying all along in my life, do any of you think this is why Florida is having such disaster by all the unusual hurricane's at this time with the election coming up, as to the way the election went down last time? Cause to me we still don't truely know who was suppose to be our President. Gore or Bush. Also, much drug transactions happen via the ocean transport coming through Florida. revdauphinee answered on 10/11/04: God does not make Ugly! and did not God creat Florida ?the state did not steal that election G.W.Bush did and the hurricanes did nothing to him (maybee his punishment will be to lose this time (one can but hope)I dont realy think God is going to waste his time with vengefull acts using weather against humanity since did he not promice Genesis 9:9 "I now establish my covenant with you and with your descendants after you 10 and with every living creature that was with you--the birds, the livestock and all the wild animals, all those that came out of the ark with you--every living creature on earth. 11 I establish my covenant with you: Never again will all life be cut off by the waters of a flood; never again will there be a flood to destroy the earth." I realise thei refers to floods however it also could be taken to mean natural weather > bal317 rated this answer

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Saladin asked on 10/10/04 - Bush woos mormons! How odd that an evangelical Christian should woo Mormons for help to get him re-elected. Most evangelicals hate (hate is not too strong a word) Mormons, assigning them to Hell as a cult not to be confused with Christianity. How odd, then, that Bush should reach out to Momrons in this way. The following article was written by Latter-day Saint journalist Maurine Jensen Proctor. For the first time ever a major political party has decided to reach out to the LDS community as a demographic group, treating it on a par with Catholics, Evangelicals, Asians, Hispanics and other demographic coalitions. The Republican National Committee is hoping they can persuade several thousand Latter-day Saints to work on the campaign the last five to seven days before the election. They are even willing to pay the way for several hundred who would like to hop a bus and travel to a neighboring state to get out the vote. And they are looking for volunteers now. Go to this simple site, www.anxiouslyengaged.org for details. In this election year, you might say, they have embraced something that John Kerry said, �In the end, it�s all about values.� �Four years ago when Bush narrowly lost to Gore in the popular vote, post-election polling showed that over 4 million evangelical Christians stayed home and didn�t even bother to vote,� said Bart Marcois, a Latter-day Saint who is helping to organize the effort. It also showed that over 65% of church members voted, but 88% of Church members supported him,� said Marcois. �Bush looked at the 88% support level and said if we had that additional percentage, we would win close elections in close states. It is just straightforward, pure, realistic politics. �This entire election is going to turn on the outcome in about ten states,� Marcois noted. �Those states are too close to call. They could go for Bush or for Kerry�with more than 100 electoral votes at stake by a margin of 1 or 2 percentage points. �Many of those states are places where there are large LDS populations. It takes 270 votes to win the Electoral College. Having 100 electoral votes up for grabs is a significant amount. If Church members who felt strongly about the election worked in these states to get out the vote and educate their neighbors, it could turn the election.� Republicans Claim They Support Our Family Values The RNC claim they support the values that matter to Latter-day Saints, and to that end they have created a website trying to prove their point. This is the Republican appeal to Latter-day Saints and does not represent the Church's position. Church leaders have always maintained that they hope members will be actively involved in the political activities of their choice. It is at www.kerrywrongforMormons.com and cites Kerry�s consistent record against key family issues. According to the site, he voted against marriage penalty relief 22 times, was one of only 14 senators to vote against the 1996 Defense of Marriage Act defining marriage as between a man and a woman, voted against a child tax credit 18 times, voted at least 6 times against the Partial Birth Abortion ban. The cavalcade continues. Kerry voted at least three times against requiring a parental notification for a minor�s abortion and told Larry King his first executive order would be to reverse Bush�s Mexico City policy that banned using federal funds for abortions internationally. Kerry has a litmus test for judicial nominees. He said he wouldn�t vote for anyone who doesn�t support Roe v. Wade. That�s a grim line up on family issues, and it shouldn�t be a shock that the Kerry Wrong for Mormons site looks very much like the sites called Kerry Wrong for Catholics and Kerry Wrong for Evangelicals. However, there is one difference. Across the top where volunteer opportunities are listed, the site for Latter-day Saints adds its own appeal. Here is the request for an LDS 72-hour task force of volunteers to come and give time the last five to seven days before the election to participate in a coordinated effort to elect Republicans who will stand for family issues. Again, go to this site www.anxiouslyengaged.org for details. The site says you don�t have to have political experience. You just have to be willing to participate in grassroots activities such as walking door to door, mailing literature and phone banking for candidates with other Latter-day Saints who feel the same. Bart Marcois said, �What would a volunteer do? They would go the battleground states near their home state and they would spend the last week of the campaign calling people on the telephone, reminding them that it is Election Day and asking them to vote for Bush. They would do a lot of walking from door to door�sometimes knocking sometimes just laying a pamphlet on the doorstep. They would not be persuading people to vote one way or another. They would just be going to Republican households asking them to show up on Tuesday. The point is getting them to vote and many don�t unless someone knocks on their door and asks them to. �A team of people can sway an election by more than 1% if you have 20 teams of 20 people�you can move it 4 or 5%. I�ve seen it move as many as 6% points in the last week.� If you would like to volunteer to help in these campaigns go to www.anxiouslyengaged.org where you can indicate that you would like to help by clicking on the Republican button. Democrats Outreach to People of Faith On John Kerry�s Internet site, the Democrats have a section devoted specifically to appealing to people of faith. It can be found here and does not specifically target Latter-day Saints nor list issues. However, it does quote Kerry at the Democratic National Convention saying: �And let me say it plainly: In that cause, and in this campaign, we welcome people of faith. America is not us and them. I think of what Ron Reagan said of his father a few weeks ago, and I want to say this to you tonight: I don't wear my own faith on my sleeve. But faith has given me values and hope to live by, from Vietnam to this day, from Sunday to Sunday. I don't want to claim that God is on our side. As Abraham Lincoln told us, I want to pray humbly that we are on God's side. And whatever our faith, one belief should bind us all: the measure of our character is our willingness to give ourselves for others and for our country.� Steve Barringer, a lawyer lobbyist in Washington D.C., said he has always been a member of the Church and always been a Democrat. He said, �The thing that makes me a Democrat more than anything else is the view that education is extremely important and it is a leveler in our society, so that if you weren�t born with money or privileges you can become somebody. The Republicans talk about education but they don�t fund it�especially higher education. �I think highly of the Democrat�s social agenda in helping people who aren�t as advantaged as others. Those ideas to me are very consistent with the doctrine and teachings of the Church.� He said that many Church members flew from the Democratic Party after Roe v. Wade when abortion rights became such a key issue on the Democratic platform and the party�s recent opposition in the Senate to the federal marriage amendment has also made religious people wary. Still, Barringer, who opposes abortion, says that is already legal in this country and there is not much a President can do about that. He feels especially strongly about the Iraq war and said, �I think George Bush has been a disaster for this country. What he has done is shameful. It is immoral. He has allowed people to die based on some silly passion to go to war in Iraq. It has been an unmitigated disaster. For the rest of my life we�ll have to worry about traveling abroad because of what George Bush�s doing right now.� With the high percentage of Church members expressing Republican leanings, the Democrats don�t feel that they need to see them as a strong constituency and don�t need to cater to them. Members of the Church are easy for the Democrats to ignore, which is why, says Barringer that more members who are Democrats need to be involved in campaigning. Latter-day Saints with their values can make their influence felt in the Democratic Party to the degree that they are involved in campaigns and elections. Barringer is offering to connect Latter-day Saints with key Democratic campaigns that need their help. You can volunteer by going to www.anxiouslyengaged.org and click on the button marked Democrat. Why the Republicans are Hoping for LDS Help Why is the RNC hoping to recruit Latter-day Saints for the last push before the election? It�s not just our untiring ability to knock on doors, drive toward a goal, and be committed and self-disciplined, though Latter-day Saints are known for all these traits. Bart Marcois said, �President Bush has identified people of faith has part of his natural constituency. It is simple political math. They�ve done polling and found that people who go to church vote for the president in large percentages. �Bush is very strong on family issues,� said Marcois. �He is in favor of supporting the traditional definition of marriage and the institution of marriage. He is in favor of creating a culture of life in America and a culture of morality. �He has worked to improve the schools and has strongly supported abstinence-based sex education. He has worked hard to push through tax cuts that make it easier for families with children to get by. He just finally passed the bill for an additional five years to extend the $1000 per child tax credit�just recently signed. �It is very difficult across the United States, but particularly in areas with a high cost of living for families to survive and prosper on a single income. President Bush recognizes that and the value of having children who are well raised and have the time and attention of their parents. He�s trying to make it as easy as he can for parents to be able to afford to spend time with their children. �Of course,� said Marcois, �the Church does not support any one political party, but we are behind moral issues and any candidate of either party who lends support to those.� �Recently when the House of Representatives and the Senate both debated the Federal Marriage Amendment, members of Congress and Senators, both Democrats and Republicans alike said they hardly got any calls supporting the amendment. �Nothing compared to the calls they get when considering assault weapons ban, nothing compared to the calls they get on a pharmaceutical bill. So a smart politician will say there are no votes in protecting traditional marriage. Why should I risk my political career, why should I risk having the New York Times calling me a bigot if my constituents don�t even care? �The place to really make your voice be heard is not only in a telephone call to your senator when an issue is being considered, but a call to your neighbors saying go vote for this person. An election is especially the time to let your voice be heard. That�s the time when it will make a real difference. �We are very committed, disciplined people and goal �oriented people. When we decide we want to accomplish something, we do what it takes. A Presidential election this close gives us an opportunity on both sides of the aisle to let our voices be heard. Of all people, politicians are realistic people. They will listen when it comes time to make policy, they will listen to the voices that will help them get elected. �If we want to have an impact on policy, Democrat or Republican, we need to show that we are willing to back up the politicians that favor policies that we like,� Marcois said. �There are key non-presidential elections in every state,� that need both Republican and Democratic workers,� he said. �There are bond issues and other ballot measures that people can get involved in, people running for the Congress and the Senate.� Though he�s organizing Republican volunteers, he thinks that it is even more important that Latter-day Saint Democrats get involved in their party��otherwise our values have no influence.� LDS Democrats Alive and Well Bob King, Democratic Staff Director of the House International Relations Committee and a member of the Church, said that political parties are fairly loose coalitions reflecting broad areas that people agree on. There are the gay Republicans, the gay Democrats. Ethnic Hungarians for the Republicans, Ethnic Hungarians for the Democrats. It is a much bigger issue than saying ideologically Mormons are closer to Republicans and Jews are closer to Democrats. �It was very interesting in the vice-presidential debate, for instance,� said King, �that Cheney is not where the Republicans are on the gay issue.� �Everybody reaches out for groups to unite behind issues. Most issues are not value issues,� he notes, believing that Republicans use family issues for political gain. He said, �I am concerned about individuals�providing assistance for education, helping families at the lower income levels. The Democrats have a far better record. Democrats are more compassionate. The Republican�s idea is do it on your own and if you can�t make it, too bad. �I don�t think there is any question that Democrats are very much concerned about families,� King said. �At the same time we have to recognize that the traditional family of parents and children living together in a household is not really the majority any more. It�s single people, single parents, and when you look at the demographics of the Church, it is changing as well. �It seems to me that the Church has been very good at recognizing this; responding to the needs of older singles, the never married, the widows. The Republican focus on family values reflects an earlier generation when that was the case but no longer is. For various demographic reasons the traditional family tends to be more Republican than Democratic and that is why the focus in terms of the rhetoric.� �There are plenty of Republicans who are pro-choice, plenty of Democrats who are against abortion.� Steve Barringer said that in a Mormon forum he�s �happy to say why I�m a Democrat and it is consistent with my values.� For this election, Steve Barringer and Bart Marcois, who are friends, have teamed up to rally LDS volunteers through www.anxiouslyengaged.org When you walk into a voting booth or volunteer to help, you are doing something fundamentally important�expressing your deepest values. What do you think about Bush's outreach to Mormons? Saladin revdauphinee answered on 10/11/04: I have again to take issue with the following comment "How odd that an evangelical Christian should woo Mormons for help to get him re-elected. Most evangelicals hate (hate is not too strong a word) Mormons, assigning them to Hell as a cult not to be confused with Christianity." I am a Christian we do not hate Mormons we do feel they are misled we do not agree with the doctrin they accept but ""hate!""I do feel is way to strong a word I as a Christian do not hate anyone I may hate what they do or even what they accept but the person never for I was told by the God I follow to love and love has no place in it for hate! Matthew 5: 43 "You have heard that it was said, `Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' 44 But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45 that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. Saladin rated this answer paraclete rated this answer

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HANK1 asked on 10/09/04 - FUNERALS! Why wouldn't a person attend the funeral of a loved one? HANK revdauphinee answered on 10/09/04: maybee for the same reason I dont go to wakes It is better for them to remember the loved one as they were in life !the last wake I attended the undertaker had made up a fellow worker of mine so he looked nothing like I remembered him and it hurt! since that time I refuse to go to them, and have instructed my children that if they alow one for me I will find a way to come back and haunt them!in no way does this mean I do not miss or love the deceased its just that I cant handle it! HANK1 rated this answer

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Topper asked on 10/09/04 - Religion! Why do most people pursue religion? Do some of them use this 'religion' as a crutch to fall back on in times of need? Topper revdauphinee answered on 10/09/04: I dont think I pursue it !more like I accept it !from my faith I derive much, such as peace of mind ,comfort in times of trouble an ability to understand my fellow human to name just a few things .In no way do I find it to be a crutch but rather a way to avoid needing one! Saladin rated this answer Topper rated this answer

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Topper asked on 10/09/04 - Nuisance! The nuisance is the Telemarketer ... in my opinion. You might want to go to: www.donotcall.gov Another site that you might want to view is: www.jibjab.com/ * Read this in Kim Kamandos' newsletter this morning. ENJOY! Topper revdauphinee answered on 10/09/04: I also am on the do not call list and still get computer generated calls ! Saladin rated this answer Topper rated this answer

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HANK1 asked on 10/09/04 - The Mesopotanian Empire ... ... that centered on Babylon, flourished around 2100 B.C. If this is fact and if God created Adam and Eve, why did it take so long for him to create Jesus, per the Immaculate Conception? HANK revdauphinee answered on 10/09/04: because time is imaterial to God ,time as we know it is a man made thing . (2Pet.3:8. But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day. ) HANK1 rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 10/09/04 - Understanig the political spectrum from a Christian perspective So that you will all know the news early, Australia moved to the right in reelecting a Liberal government with an increased majority. Irrespective of the emotitve issue of Iraq, it was not a deciding issue. If there was a deciding issue it was responsible government and social issues. As was discussed here some weeks ago, Australia now aligns itself with the Lord's objectives for the future, as outlined a few weeks ago. Without knowing whether this result will be reflected in America in November, I can only hope America will similarly align itself with the Lord's objectives for that nation. I give glory to God in this because it is an answer to prayer that the nation will align itself with His purposes.. revdauphinee answered on 10/09/04: do we align ourselves with Gods will or with what one of the candidates tells us is Gods will? Did your candidate believe he was personaly choosen? One of ours erroniously does! Mathatmacoat rated this answer paraclete rated this answer

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CeeBee2 asked on 10/09/04 - Struggling to understand monasticism from http://www.thomasmertonsociety.org/shaker.htm: Anyone looking at the monastic life from the outside can easily be struck by the deliberate choice to distance the monastery from the world and vice versa. This separation says something essential about the contemplative vocation. "The monk," Thomas Merton wrote, "leaves behind the fictions and illusions of a merely human spirituality to plunge himself in the faith of Christ." The monk's objective is the LIBERTY that belongs to the inner life of every Christian and growth towards the maturity of the Christian faith. In choosing, he goes on to say, "the horizon of the desert" that is, "the monastic Church...of the wilderness" over the "city of Babylon," the monk engages in a mysterious confrontation, a battle that will be waged in his own heart. The contrasting images of the city and the desert - like the world and the monastery, the natural and the supernatural, and later, the scientific and the contemplative attitudes - were Merton's favorites. To many the monastic life is a mere escape from the problems of living in society. Merton made it clear that "the meaning of the monk's flight from the world is precisely to be sought in the fact that the "world" (in the sense in which it is condemned by Christ) is the society of those who live exclusively for themselves. To leave the "world" then, is to leave oneself first of all and to begin to live for others." Further, "the essence of the monastic vocation is precisely the leaving of the world and all its desires and ambitions and concern in order to live not only for God, but by Him and in Him, not for a few years but forever. The one thing that most truly makes a monk what he is is this irrevocable break with the world and all that is in it, in order to seek God in solitude." What is monasticism, the contemplative life, to you? Do you think it is an escape - or the opportunity to seek? revdauphinee answered on 10/09/04: how can seperating oneself from the world help win the world??did not Jesus say Matthew 28: 19. Therefore ((go)) and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20. and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." when did he say to isolate yourself and work on your self alone? CeeBee2 rated this answer

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bobill asked on 10/09/04 - Speaking in Tongues Who here has spoken in tongues? What did it mean? Was it interpreted by another? Did you interpret it? What were the results of it? Did it conform to Paul's admonitions? revdauphinee answered on 10/09/04: personaly I do not accept glossalalia as the same as the experience in scripture, Acts 2:4. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them. 5. Now there were staying in Jerusalem God-fearing Jews from every nation under heaven. 6. When they heard this sound, a crowd came together in bewilderment, because (((each one heard them speaking in his own language.))) 7. Utterly amazed, they asked: "Are not all these men who are speaking Galileans? 8. Then how is it that each of us (((hears them in his own native language?))) 9. Parthians, Medes and Elamites; residents of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, 10. Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya near Cyrene; visitors from Rome 11. (both Jews and converts to Judaism); Cretans and Arabs--we hear them declaring the wonders of God in our own tongues!" If you notice the words within my parethassis they were speaking at the time in known languages and not the jibberish accepted today By this I am in no way saying this is still not possible for God oes not change but the tounges calmedby many denominations today is not at all the same thing> bobill rated this answer

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CeeBee2 asked on 10/09/04 - If Jesus was indeed born of a divine Father and a human virgin Mother, then what was his genetic makeup? (Or, to display proper reverence, perhaps all that should be capitalized: His Genetic Makeup"?) revdauphinee answered on 10/09/04: to bad God wont provide you with a DNA sample ?Myself I will take this on faith and need no answers ! CeeBee2 rated this answer

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Laura asked on 10/08/04 - MUST it be a matter of theological beliefs to approve or appose Abortion? Watching the debate tonight, a woman asked Kerry what he would say to a pro-lifer about the subject of embryonic stem cell research. Kerry brought up his faith but said that he cannot impose his beliefs upon society and that it was an issue of law in essence. Arent' there any non-believers out there who also oppose this type of research? I don't think it should be a religious issue. I think it should be an ethical and moral one. And I do believe it should be an issue that the people vote on. Any comments? Laura revdauphinee answered on 10/09/04: It is most certainly a religious issue and hence Im afraid I have to agree with Kerry if we open the door to one segment of society being able to impose oppinions through law then the door is permanently open and im sure there will be those who would have the oppinions against Christians ready nd waiting to be imposed .Our options as Christians need to be education against abortion not laws,we who are against it (and I am)need to put our money and lives where our mouths are and provide aid and assistance to women who find themselves in a position where this becomes an option I firmly believe if they had others who gave real options such as care and assistance or financial help and even options to provide a home they could be allowed the option of going through with the pregnancy .However I know that for many of these girls and women the option is just not being provided .they see may Christians as voicing loud oppinions but actualy doing little ! Laura rated this answer

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ROLCAM asked on 10/08/04 - A TREAT FOR ALL MY FRIENDS BY ROLCAM. SEE this magnificent site:- http://www.beliefnet.com/religion/devotionals/psalm23/56k_pop.html ROLCAM. revdauphinee answered on 10/08/04: wonderful site thanks I wish I knew how to make it into my screensaver> ROLCAM rated this answer

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koinegreek asked on 10/08/04 - Is it heaven? Or is it eternal life? "If you have been healed or saved or blessed through TBN and have not contributed � you are robbing God and will lose your reward in heaven," Crouch said in a 1997 broadcast. revdauphinee answered on 10/08/04: this depends on which God one wqorships !if you worship the ruler of the universe the answer is no if however your God is TBN or some likewise organisation then yes i guess you did!

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paraclete asked on 10/08/04 - A little discussed period What do we know about this period in the history of Christianity? 484-620 Period between Great Schism and the destruction of the Library of Alexendria - After the end of the Roman Empire, the Church sees a period of turmoil and division, Europe's population "halved" by plague, great earthquakes occur revdauphinee answered on 10/08/04: there is much to be found in researching the history of this time. paraclete rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 10/08/04 - what did they do? Great fire of Rome, started by Nero and blamed on Christians, {Therefore to squelch the rumor , Nero created scapegoats and subjected to the most refined tortures those whom the common people called "Christians," [a group] hated for their abominable crimes. Their name comes from Christ, who, during the reign of Tiberius, had been executed by the procurator Pontius Pilate. Suppressed for the moment, the deadly superstition broke out again, not only in Judea, the land which originated this evil, but also in the city of Rome, where all sorts of horrendous and shameful practices from every part of the world converge and are fervently cultivated.} [Tacitus Annals 15.44;Marginal Jew;Meier;p.89-90] What were the abominable crimes, horrendous and shamefull practices of the Christians? revdauphinee answered on 10/08/04: due to the practice of communion and the reference to the bread becoming flesh they were often falsly accused of canibalism Saladin rated this answer paraclete rated this answer

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HANK1 asked on 10/07/04 - THANK YOU! "To lose someone who's loved you, Having held you long against the darkness, And felt the press of friends upon your sadness, Need cutting through your torment like a knife." "Kindness is a sign of inner plenty: Yours does much to mitigate my pain. Of grief comes neither clarity nor gain Unless friends fill its passion with their beauty." Poet: Nicholas Gordon HANK revdauphinee answered on 10/08/04: welcome back and remember your loss is heavens gain Dorothy HANK1 rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 10/07/04 - No Weapons of Mass Destruction? What does this new report tell you about the character of those who were making the allegations of teh existance of WMD. It tells you that they are loose with the truth. This would not be of particular consequence, excepting that GWH has attempted to hold the high moral ground by suggesting his actions, predicated on a lie, were motivated by God. As God is not a liar, one can only conclude that Bush is. So here we have a lie that has cost 1,000 american soldiers their lives as well as the lives of an unknown number of Iraqi, but many times the American losses. This is an emotive issue because it goes to the question of the morality of a man who suggests he is trustworthy enough to lead the free world. revdauphinee answered on 10/08/04: this administration owes the American people an apology for getting us inTo this mess but dont hold your breath waiting!to bad so many sons and daughers must die to allow the house of Bush and the House of Saudi to prosper! paraclete rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 10/06/04 - consider the ant! At the risk of being accused of spamming the Board I just wanted to share this with you as the thought for today. Brenda wanted to learn to mountain climbing so she went with a group to climb a high and steep cliff of rock. In spite of her "beginner's nerves,", Brenda put on climbing gear and started up the face of that rocky precipice. After nearly an hour of hard climbing, the group stopped to rest a few minutes. Still tied to the rope that connected all the climbers, Brenda sat down on a small ledge, thankful for the chance to catch her breath. As she sat there, whoever was above her made a mistake and jerked the rope. The taut line struck Brenda's eye, knocking out one of her contact lenses. Blurry-eyed and fearful, Brenda felt all around the ledge, hoping beyond hope that she might somehow find her lost contact. But it was nowhere to be found. Sadly. Brenda faced the likelihood that her contact lens was forever lost among the rocks and rubble that lay below her. As Brenda sat there she suddenly thought of that Bible verse that says, "The eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth." Brenda recited that verse aloud to God, then prayed, "Lord, You can see all these mountains. You know every single stone and and grain of sand that's on those mountains and You know exactly where my contact lens is. Please help me find it." Hours later, after the group reached the mountain's summit and began the long descent back down, they encountered a new party of rock climbers coming along. A woman in the group shouted out, "Hey, you guys! Did anybody lose a contact lens?" Well, that would be startling enough, wouldn't it? The woman had found Brenda's contact lens! But the truly amazing thing is HOW she came to discover it. While climbing, the woman had spotted an ant, moving slowly across the face of the rock that she was clinging to. To the woman's amazement, a contact lens was grasped firmly in the ant's mandibles. So Brenda's lost contact was found -- by an ANT! That evening Brenda told her dad, a cartoonist, about her amazing experience. Her dad drew a picture of that ant lugging the contact lens and saying, "Lord, I don't know why You want me to carry this thing. I can't eat it and it's awfully heavy. But if this is what You want me to do, so be it." If ever your burdens seem heavy and meaningless, remember that ant and pray, "God, I don't know why you want me to carry this load. I see no good in it and it's awfully heavy. But if this is what You want me to do, so be it." Go to the ant, you sluggard! Consider her ways and be wise (Proverbs 6.6, NKJ) revdauphinee answered on 10/08/04: great modern day parable! paraclete rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 10/06/04 - A Few Words? Three boys are in the schoolyard bragging about their fathers. The first boy says, "My Dad scribbles a few words on a piece of paper, he calls it a poem, they give him $50." The second boy says, "That's nothing. My Dad scribbles a few words on a piece of paper, he calls it a song, they give him $100." The third boy says, "I got you both beat. My Dad scribbles a few words on a piece of paper, he calls it a sermon and it takes eight people to collect all the money!" revdauphinee answered on 10/08/04: good one ! paraclete rated this answer

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ROLCAM asked on 10/06/04 - SEARCHING ?? I am genuinely searching what the true purpose of man�s life on earth is. What help can you offer ? revdauphinee answered on 10/06/04: we were created to be companions to God but we blew it in eden!he must have been so dissapointed with us!But he loves us still. Saladin rated this answer Mathatmacoat rated this answer ROLCAM rated this answer

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ROLCAM asked on 10/06/04 - RECIPROCATION ?? Let's face it, the Lord is crazy about us !! Are we crazy about HIM ?? revdauphinee answered on 10/06/04: if we are not we should be! ROLCAM rated this answer

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STONY asked on 10/05/04 - ON THE CHARACTER OF PRESIDENT BUSH... >> How many times do we just say that we will pray for someone and >>not stop right then and there and do just that. Next time someone >>ask you to pray for them, STOP, LISTEN, PRAY! >> ...This is Powerful... >> >> >> >> The President has a lesson for us >> >> By Paul Jetter, Columnist >> >> Piqua Daily Call >> >> Piqua, Ohio, August 2004 >> >> My son worked this summer in Washington, D.C. A friend of his >>works for Laura Bush in the White House. She planned an event for >>the award winners of a program called "Preserve America." One of >>the award winners sent back an email about his experience during >>the time he was in the Oval Office to be recognized. I would like >>to share part of his email with you. >> >> "On our way out of the office we were to leave by the glass >>doors on the west side of the office. I was the last person in the >>exit line. As I shook his hand one final time ... I then did >>something that surprised even me. I said to him, 'Mr. President, I >>know you are a busy man and your time is precious. I also know you >>to be a man of strong faith and I have a favor to ask you.' As he >>shook my hand he looked me in the eye and said, 'Just name it.' "I >>told him that my step-Mom was at that moment in a hospital having a >>tumor removed from her skull and it would mean a great deal to me >>if he would consider adding her to his prayers that day. >> >> He grabbed me by the arm and took me back toward his desk as he >>said, 'So that's it. I could tell that something is weighing heavy >>on your heart today. I could see it in your eyes. This explains >>it.' From the top drawer of his desk he retrieved a pen and a note >>card with his seal on it and asked, 'How do you spell her name?' He >>then jotted a note to her while discussing the importance of family >>and the strength of prayer. >> >> "When he handed me the card, he asked about the surgery and the >>prognosis. I told him we were hoping that it is not a recurrence of >>an earlier cancer and that if it is they can get it all with this >>surgery. He said, >> >> 'If it's okay with you, we'll take care of the prayer right now. >>Would you pray with me?' I told him yes and he turned to the staff >>that remained in the office and hand motioned the folks to step >>back or leave. He said, 'Bruce and I would like some private time >>for a prayer.' >> >> "As they left he turned back to me and took my hands in his. I >>was prepared to do a traditional prayer stance standing with each >>other with heads bowed. Instead, he reached for my head with his >>right hand >> >> And pulling gently forward, he placed my head on his shoulder. >>With his left arm on my mid back, he pulled me to him in a >>prayerful embrace. He >> >> Started to pray softly. I started to cry. He continued his >>prayer for Loretta and for God's perfect will to be done. I cried >>some more. My body shook a bit as I cried and he just held tighter. >>He closed by asking God's blessing on Loretta and the family during >>the coming >> >> Months. >> >> "I stepped away from our embrace, wiped my eyes, swiped at >> >> The tears I'd left on his shoulder, and looked into the eyes of >>our >> >> President. I thanked him as best I could and told him that my >>family and I would continue praying for him and his family. He has >>a pile of incredible stuff on his plate each day and yet he is >>tuned in so well to the here and now that he 'sensed' something >>heavy on my heart. >> >> He took time out of his life to care, to share, and to seek >>God's blessing for my family... >> >> "What a lesson for us all! In our busy world it is so easy to >>tell people we will pray for them and then forget all about it. How >>much better would it be if we took a moment and prayed with them >>right then. >> >> The Bible says we are to "Pray continually" l >> >> Thessalonians 5:17). >> >> I don't think that means to be always on our knees, but instead >>to be in tune with those around us and always ready to take their >>needs to our Heavenly Father. >> >> Paul Jetter is the pastor of Upper Valley Community >> >> Church in Piqua, Ohio. revdauphinee answered on 10/05/04: Not only does this sound suspicious it also sounds suspiciously like urban ledgend stuff to me !sory but I cant buy this from him>As for his needing prayer on this I do agree but for much different reasons than this implies sory! Saladin rated this answer STONY rated this answer

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ROLCAM asked on 10/04/04 - List your own practical engagements. These are the requirements:- 1)Defending the dignity of each and every person and family, and especially those most in need such as the poor; 2)Creating a distinct and proper relationship between politics and religion; 3)Forming a truly ecumenical and inter religious dialogue; and 4)Bringing about a culture of solidarity in a all countries truly open to the world. Would you care to suggest some practical engagements that would bring the above four items into the real world. ROLCAM. revdauphinee answered on 10/05/04: Stop worshiping the Almighty dollar and begin worshiping Almighty God! paraclete rated this answer ROLCAM rated this answer

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Mathatmacoat asked on 10/04/04 - A new face on an old theme? Could we see in GWB's claim to be guided in his actions by God the rise of Caesaropapism? revdauphinee answered on 10/05/04: he may claim he is ordained by God however this does not make it so !if he is a Christian where is his compassion? By their fruits shall ye know them! what has he done for the poor(allowed their jobs to be taken overseas in order to allow big business acess to cheap labour)the elderly(alowed execive profits to raise drug prices so that many of them must choose between food and medicine endangering their health ) to Americas sons and daughters (lied to them in order to go to war to avenge his father)Oh and convieneintly forgetting to pursue the true threat Saudi native Bin Lauden (most of the 9-11 terrorists were saudi nationals)whilst befriending Saudi royals who finance terrorism! Need I go on?? Matthew 7": 20. Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them. 21. "Not everyone who says to me, `Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. 22. Many will say to me on that day, `Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?' 23. Then I will tell them plainly, `I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!' Mathatmacoat rated this answer

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MaggieB asked on 10/03/04 - Do you think Satan can prevent the second coming of Jesus Christ? In a gathering of more than 4,000 pilgrims at a Jerusalem convention center Sunday, Pat Robertson warned that some Muslims were trying to foil "God's plan" to let Israel hold on to its lands. "I see the rise of Islam to destroy Israel and take the land from the Jews and give east Jerusalem to (Palestinian leader) Yasser Arafat. I see that as Satan's plan to prevent the return of Jesus Christ the Lord," said Robertson, a Christian broadcaster. Do you think Satan can prevent the second coming of Jesus Christ? Thanks, MaggieB revdauphinee answered on 10/04/04: No way!! however he is getting desperate to win more folks over to himself before this happens since he knows it cant be that much longer! MaggieB rated this answer

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Saladin asked on 10/03/04 - Enemies of God and Jesus Answers to a question I asked, seem to indicate that some experts view some other experts as hostile, unfriendly, and little more than a nuisance, and, to some extent, I understand what they are saying, but it raises in my mind a peculiar problem that I would like to share with you and see if you can see what it is that I am trying to say. An enemy of God and Jesus could be described as one who reads the scriptures and understands them differently than traditional wisdom has dictated they are to be understood. An enemy of God and Jesus could be described a someone who speaks against God and against Jesus and their teachings, either by denying the existence of God or the divinity of Jesus. An enemy of God and Jesus could be thought of as one who actively persecutes faithful believers and even seeks their destruction, and is, in some cases the instrument of their deaths. It is, perhaps, normal for us to be concerned for our safety and to shun and speak out against those whom we perceive for one of the above reasons, or for discrete but equally compelling causes, to stand against us, against our faith view, against our dearly held personal creed, against our personal convictions that we feel have been duly ratified as eternal truths by the action of God's Holy Spirit, or whom we classify for whatever reason as hostile to us, evento the point of fearing for our lives. Yet the question about ourselves and our enemies and how we should regard them and treat them rises out of the shadows of my mind, and I am left with an answer that might not suit everyone. Nevertheless, the force of this answer demands that it is at least considered, and that those who hear it stand open enough to consider it without rejecting it out of hand, and even consider whether it is Godly or Christlike to make this answer one's own. This is what I feel inspired to write. God has not at all times and in all places been believed, accepted, nor dutifully followed, and the same thing can be said about his Son Jesus Christ. Is it right that we make their enemies our own enemies? I think rather that it is not. My foundation scripture is Leviticus 19:18: "Thou shalt not avenge, nor bear any grudge against the children of thy people, but thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself: I am the LORD" I build on the principle of not being vengeful, of not holding grudges, even when we feel justified, and shore it up with the commandment to love others as we love ourselves. That reminds me of Peter's injunction to Christians: 1 Peter 3:8-9 "Finally, be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous: not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise blessing; knowing that ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing" This is a direct echo of what Jesus taught: Matthew 5:44-46 "But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; that ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust. For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? do not even the publicans the same?" None of which gives us licence to drive our enemies away, for the Lord has provided an even more compelling example to follow in our behaviour towards those we esteem as our enemies and have declared enemies of God and Jesus. We are introduced to a character at the stoning death of the protmartyr Stephen: Acts 7:58 "And cast [Stephen] out of the city, and stoned him: and the witnesses laid down their clothes at a young man's feet, whose name was Saul" Speaking of his activities around this time, Saul later said: Acts 22:3-5 "I am verily a man which am a Jew, born in Tarsus, of Cilicia, yet brought up in this city at the feet of Gamaliel, and taught according to the perfect manner of the law of the fathers, and was zealous toward God, as ye all are this day. And I persecuted this way (of thinking) unto the death, binding and delivering into prisons both men and women. As also the high priest doth bear me witness, and all the estate of the elders: from whom also I received letters unto the brethren, and went to Damascus, to bring them which were there bound unto Jerusalem, for to be punished. (Acts 26:11) And I punished them oft in every synagogue, and compelled [them] to blaspheme; and being exceedingly mad against them, I persecuted them even unto strange cities. " Like the light that blinded Saul on the Damascus way, preparing him for his conversion innto Paul, it struck me that when the Lord was ready to call the most extraordinary missionary of the primitive Church, he did not look to the body of apostles and disciples, but he looked to one who was, arguably, the greatest enemy of Christianity, and thus God, of that age. This came as a sobering thought, and led me to question whether those some now perceive as enemies, might not in God's good time become the staunchest Christians, encouraging, attractiong, and strangthening others also to follow them and heed the invitation to: "Come unto Christ and be perfected in him."? Does this not give us cause for greater care and a closer scrutiny of our hearts and motives when we haul ourselves up, often unbidden, into that high place known as the Seat of Judgement? What shall we be, missionaries or accusers? Who among us can determine righteously that such and such an expert is hopelessly lost and will never please God? Shopuld we rather look to see if se can discover a future Paul in a present Saul and thank God for opportunities to make Christianity appear attractive enough for even a rebel to pause for a sufficient time to hear its glorious message? If someone insults us we should not cast them off. If someone shows his ignorance, we ought not to condemn him, but try all the more to enlighten him. Thus we keep on witnessing in love until, as frequently happens, many of those who have been bitter enemies to the truth are converted to the Gospel or become our friends. It is a labor of love and of salvation. It is a labour that is worthy of the labourer who is worth the name of a fellowservant in the Lord's vineyard. Saladin revdauphinee answered on 10/04/04: I personaly resent the following statement you made in this posting "An enemy of God and Jesus could be described as one who reads the scriptures and understands them differently than traditional wisdom has dictated they are to be understood." since in effect this makes me out to be one of the enemies which I most definatly am not! I personaly do not accept much of that wich traditionaly taught!however did not Jesus himself not tell us Mark7: 6 He replied, "Isaiah was right when he prophesied about you hypocrites; as it is written: "`These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. 7 They worship me in vain; their teachings are but rules taught by men.' 8 You have let go of the commands of God and are holding on to the traditions of men." 9 And he said to them: "You have a fine way of setting aside the commands of God in order to observe your own traditions! Col.2:8 See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the basic principles of this world rather than on Christ. Saladin rated this answer Mathatmacoat rated this answer ATON2 rated this answer

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Saladin asked on 10/02/04 - Bootees Am I the only one that misses the bootees? All the insight, fun, and humanity seem to have evaporated with their dismissal. :( Saladin - with an eye to the future revdauphinee answered on 10/02/04: you may just be! I dont find all that infighting to be fun at all ,and sarcasm is not humanity! sory but we will have to agree to disagree on that one! Saladin rated this answer

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STONY asked on 10/02/04 - A SHORT DAMAGE REPORT/FLA. I LIVE ABOUT 1/2 WAY BETWEEN DAYTONA & ORLANDO. I HAD THE OPPORTUNITY TO GO TO MY DR. WHO IS IN ORLANDO YESTERDAY. FROM DELAND-ORLANDO THERE IS NOT A SINGLE STANDING BILLBOARD ON THE I-4 CORRIDORE. BREVARD COUNTY GOT HAMMERED REAL BAD AS SOME THERE ARE STILL W/O POWER AND COMPLETE MOBILE HOME PARKS ARE DISINTIGRATED. WITH THREE STOPRMS IN CENTRAL FLA AND ONE IN THE PANHANDLE I GUESS THAT MAKES THE ENTIRE STATE A DISASTER AREA. revdauphinee answered on 10/02/04: I truly feel for all Florida residents since we in Miss dodged the bullet when Ivan came through my prayers are with them all. hope this will be the end for a while, four is definatly enough. paraclete rated this answer STONY rated this answer

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MaggieB asked on 10/01/04 - The Lord Is My Programmer Not a question, just a note: The Lord Is My Programmer The Lord is my programmer, I shall not crash. He installed the software on the hard disk of my heart; All of His commands are user-friendly. His directory guides me to the right choices for His name's sake. Even though I scroll through the problems of life, I will fear no bugs, for He is my backup. His password protects me. He prepares a menu before me in the presence of my enemies. His help is only a keystroke away. Surely goodness and mercy will follow me all the days of my life, and my file will be merged with His and saved forever! Amen revdauphinee answered on 10/02/04: good posting thanks for it! MaggieB rated this answer

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STONY asked on 10/01/04 - I CANNOT HELP BUT WONDER..... I POSTED A NOTICE FOR PRAYER REQUEST A WHILE BACK AND WAS NOTIFIED THIS WAS 2 YEARS OLD AND THE HEALING HAD ALREADY COME. MOST OF THE RESPONSES I GOT WERE FROM PISSED OFF PEOPLE TELLING ME WHERE I COULD VERIFY THEIR ENTRIES, SNOPES.COM, ETC. SOME WERE SO QUICK TO COMPLAIN, I CANNOT BUT WONDER HOW MANY ACTUALLY THANKED GOD FOR HEALING THIS WOMAN!! SO SHE IS NOT SICK NOW, I GIVE GOD ALL THE GLORY FOR THAT. SO WHAT IS WRONG WITH YOU? WHAT PROBLEM DO YOU HAVE IN PRAISING THE HEALER? MAYBE ITS BECAUSE YOU HAVE NO RELATIONSHIP WITH HIM AT ALL. FOR THOSE WHO BROUGHT THE HEALING TO MY ATTENTION I APPLAUD YOU, FOR THOSE WHO COMPLAINED FOR NO OTHER REASON YOU ARE NOT EVEN FIT TO BE PITTIED. I PARTICULARLY LIKE THAT VERSE THAT SPEAKS OF YOU, "THEY WILL NOT HAVE NATURAL AFFECTION....."______________________STONY revdauphinee answered on 10/01/04: some folks just like to nit pick !You got no complaint from me and if she is healed then praise God for it! Saladin rated this answer STONY rated this answer

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Itsdb asked on 10/01/04 - A theocracy? In discussing his new book, 'Cruel and Unusual: Bush/Cheney's New World Order' (which I have not read), Mark Crispin Miller states concerning Bush, "the regime's goal is to abort democracy," and impose a theocracy on America...and the world, which means " means replacing the Constitution with the Pentateuch." "Mark Crispin Miller: I wrote Cruel and Unusual to make the case that Bush & Co. is fundamentally un-American -- an order wholly alien to the spirit of our founding documents. Certainly the regime represents some dark old strains in U.S. history: nativism, white supremacism, theocratic tyranny. But as far as our mainstream political traditions are concerned, Bush & Co. have simply junked them. They've hijacked the U.S. ship of state, and have it on a suicidal course. I argue that Bush & Co. is the anti-Jefferson. This regime is not conservative, but represents a radical subversive movement -- one now largely in control of all three branches of the government, and also dominant throughout the press. What ultimately drives them is irrational. Sure, they're in it for the money and the oil; but that's not all that's going on here. They're neo-Calvinists, quite clearly working toward the imposition of theocracy on the United States, and then on the whole world. (Although mostly atheists and Jews, the Straussian types around Rumsfeld and Cheney are fine with that agenda, as they believe that theocratic government is best, because it makes the populace compliant.)" ------------------------------------------------------ Anyone out there believe Miller is right? Why or why not? Steve revdauphinee answered on 10/01/04: whilst I am no supporter of G. W. I think that is utter rubish! I dont think him smart enough to conspire ! tomder55 rated this answer Itsdb rated this answer Saladin rated this answer

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ROLCAM asked on 10/01/04 - I am looking fot the strongest proof !! Who is the Son of God? How do we know? revdauphinee answered on 10/01/04: the scripture tells me in Mark1:9. At that time Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. 10. As Jesus was coming up out of the water, he saw heaven being torn open and the Spirit descending on him like a dove. 11. And a voice came from heaven: (("You are my Son,)) whom I love; with you I am well pleased." paraclete rated this answer MaggieB rated this answer ROLCAM rated this answer

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FormerJesusHelper76 asked on 09/30/04 - Please Pray! For My wife and her challenges in life with her decisions in career, and family. Her challenges with her very controlling family. My challenges in dealing with this crazyness. Please pray for me to have patience even though i know the control and interfering ways will always be there. Please pray for peace and understanding and for Gods will to be done in all situations. God bless! JH revdauphinee answered on 09/30/04: you are both in my prayers however the family should not be a problem if you follow the scripture Genesis2: 24. For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and they will become one flesh. the first obligation is to your spouse likewise hers is to you you can honor your parents but the first obligation is to the partner FormerJesusHelper76 rated this answer

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Saladin asked on 09/30/04 - Oecumenical possibilities. Do you think that the great schism between Romanism and Protestantism has gone on long enough? Do you consider it time for the jockeying for position and power to ended to bring these two movement together as one church? If so, what, one major concession would each body have to make to make real oecumenism possible and bring the war to an end? Please be polite and thoughtful. No rants against either body. Saladin revdauphinee answered on 09/30/04: there arte far to many differing beliefs between then for this ever to happen! paraclete rated this answer Saladin rated this answer

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ROLCAM asked on 09/30/04 - Worth your Christian consideration !! What is the true purpose of man�s life on earth ? revdauphinee answered on 09/30/04: to learn! ROLCAM rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 09/29/04 - For the modern person, a few extra commandments Thou shalt not teleport within sight of technologically-inferior species. Thou shalt not fast-forward through the commercials. Thou shalt not have misplaced priorities. Thou shalt not align yourself with the dark side of the force. Thou shalt not buy stuff made in sweat shops unless it's really trendy and just to die for. Thou shalt not drive old clothes to Goodwill in the Jag. Thou shalt not max out the plastic. Thou shalt not order anchovies on half the pizza. Thou shalt not practice bagpipes in an avalanche zone. Thou shalt not knowingly eat tofu. Thou shalt not drink pasteurized beer. Thou shalt not allow yourself to become excited while discussing mutual funds. revdauphinee answered on 09/30/04: thou shalt not eat sushi(raw fish is not safe) paraclete rated this answer

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Saladin asked on 09/29/04 - Is Schwarzenegger a Christian? THE NEW 2004 CALIFORNIA STATE EMPLOYEE HANDBOOK BY ARNOLD SCHWARZENEGGER SICK DAYS We will no longer accept a doctor's statement as proof of sickness. If you are able to go to the doctor, you are able to come to work. PERSONAL DAYS Each employee will receive 104 personal days a year. They are called Saturday and Sunday. LUNCH BREAK Skinny people get 30 minutes for lunch as they need to eat more, so that they can look healthy. Normal people get 15 minutes for lunch to get a balanced meal to maintain their average figure. Fat people get 5 minutes for lunch, because that's all the time needed to drink a Slim Fast. DRESS CODE It is advised that you come to work dressed according to your salary. If we see you wearing $350 Prada sneakers, and carrying a $600 Gucci Bag, we assume you are doing well financially and therefore you do not need a raise. If you dress poorly, you need to learn to manage your money better, so that you may buy nicer clothes, and therefore you do not need a raise. If you dress in-between, you are right where you need to be and therefore you do not need a raise. BEREAVEMENT LEAVE This is no excuse for missing work. There is nothing you can do for dead friends, relatives, or coworkers. Every effort should be made to have non-employees attend to the arrangements. In rare cases where employee involvement is necessary, the funeral should be scheduled in the late afternoon. We will be glad to allow you to work through your lunch hour and subsequently leave one hour early. RESTROOM USE Entirely too much time is being spent in the restroom. There is now a strict 3 minute time limit in the stalls. At the end of three minutes, an alarm will sound, the toilet paper roll will retract, the stall door will open, and a picture will be taken. After your second offense, your picture will be posted on the company bulletin board under Chronic Offenders. Thank you for your loyalty to our great state. We are here to provide a positive employment experience. THE GOVERNATER revdauphinee answered on 09/30/04: since he is married to a kenedy one would surmise he is a catholic! Saladin rated this answer

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hOPE12 asked on 09/29/04 - For mr. kioneGreek: Hello Koine, Please read all of this for I say it with honest concern. I must agree you gave me a black star because I did not answer the way you thought I should have answered. My answer if you were a teacher as Christ was a teacher you would realize the answer I gave is correct. In order to gain eternal life one must follow God's commandments and disown ones self and follow Jesus Christ. Look at my answer Mr. Kione, before giving out those black little stars. If you are a teacher one does not belittle a student but teaches them in a way that is kind and remember also in order to gain life one must love God with all their heart mind and soul and their neighbor as themselves. Do you Mr. Kione like to get little black stars? Or would you prefer to have someone explain what he or she feels is an error on your part to you? Which would Jesus Christ himself do as the greatest teacher who ever lived? Mr. Kione, life is to short for you to try and laud your self supposed intelligence on others. We live our life in following Christ and his example. Would he conduct himself as you do? Would he teach by giving out little black stars? Or would he try to win others over by kindness, mildness, self-control, and above all with a spirit of love. Remember what the quality of love does and does not do? Remember these 2 scriptures when trying to teach other Mr. kioneGreek, 1 Corinthians 13 "If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels but do not have love, I have become a sounding [piece of] brass or a clashing cymbal. 2 And if I have the gift of prophesying and am acquainted with all the sacred secrets and all knowledge, and if I have all the faith so as to transplant mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. 3 And if I give all my belongings to feed others, and if I hand over my body, that I may boast, but do not have love, I am not profited at all.4 Love is long-suffering and kind. Love is not jealous, it does not brag, does not get puffed up, 5 do not behave indecently, does not look for its own interests, does not become provoked. It does not keep account of the injury. 6 It does not rejoice over unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth. 7 It bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. 8 Love never fails." The second one that helps to keep me humble is Luke 17:7-10 Which says:� �Who of YOU is there that has a slave plowing or minding the flock who will say to him when he gets in from the field, �Come here at once and recline at the table�? 8 Rather, will he not say to him, �Get something ready for me to have my evening meal, and put on an apron and minister to me until I am through eating and drinking, and afterward you can eat and drink�? 9 He will not feel gratitude to the slave because he did the things assigned will he? 10 So YOU, also, when YOU have done all the things assigned to YOU, say, �We are good-for-nothing slaves. What we have done is what we ought to have done.�� So if we have the ability to teach and the gift of knowledge then that is great, but how much better it is to share that gift then flaunt it in front of others. For remember we have nothing that we have gained that did not come from God. So why should we brag or flaunt our intelligence in front of others. For what we have gained from God, we can also loss. Have a good day and remember not all have the same level of knowledge, and if we find ourselves with more then the next person why not share it instead of flaunting it? That is what Jesus would do, we are not greater then Jesus. BTW: I don�t mind black little stars, as long as they do not come from God Have a good evening. :0) Take Care, Hope12 revdauphinee answered on 09/29/04: good for you Hope! some folks come to glorify themselves instead of God! koinegreek rated this answer Saladin rated this answer grayeagle_50 rated this answer hOPE12 rated this answer

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STONY asked on 09/29/04 - WANT TO BE PATRIOTIC AND DO THE CHRISTIAN THING? PLEASE READ AS FOLLOWS: Bobby S. Briggs, MSgt, USAF >>>>>823 ESFS/SFOC Flight Sergeant >>>>>BAGHDAD, AB IRAQ Tough times don't last... Tough people do !!! My name is Gary Hogan Some of you receiving this know me, some do not. My wife, Cindy, is 32 years old and has just been diagnosed 3 days ago with stage 4 cervical cancer and her chances for survival are very slim. She was pregnant with our second child and had miscarried recently at 3 months, and now we know why. This is a request for you to forward this e-mail to everyone you know asking for prayer. The more people that pray for her to be healed, the better. Pray and forward. It only takes a second to hit "forward". Please do it and don't delete this, your prayer will save her life. Please pray and ask everyone you know to pray for the HEALING of Cindy, removal of all cancer in her body so she may enjoy all that life has to offer, and to continue to be the wonderful mother to our 5 year old son, Michael. The power of Prayer is unsurpassed I want the whole world to have her in their p rayers the next few weeks. God will hear our cry. Please do not be offended by my plea. This is only a request for your help. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for reading this and helping with our request for healing. No words can express the power we have when we each do a little to come together. Regards, Cindy's in-love husband - Gary Thank you, and please send it to the far reaches of our world. "THAT IS THE VERY LEAST I CAN DO IS PUT THIS REQUEST BEFORE ALL OF YOU BELIEVERS AND LET YOUR POWER OF PRAYER ACT ON THE SITUATION." ........YBIC, TONY revdauphinee answered on 09/29/04: who cares where this originated ,we need to pray for all our people in this war both military and civilians and also for the families here at home I once was a military wife I know how hard it can be ,they all need our prayers! and to even sugest we ignore this (even if it is an old posting !does it not bring the needs to us?)is wrong !lets pray for all of them and also for and ending to this and all other conflicts in the earth,so that families can be reunited in peace! CeeBee2 rated this answer Saladin rated this answer STONY rated this answer

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ROLCAM asked on 09/29/04 - We can all use this. It's a simple prayer, you got 30 seconds? Dear Friends, Heavenly Father, Most Gracious and Loving God, I pray to you that you bless my family and me. I know that you recognize, that a family is more than just a mother and father, sister and brother, husband and wife, but all who believe and trust in you. Father, I send up a prayer request for your blessing for not only the person who sent this to me, but for me and all that I have forwarded this message on to. And that the power of joined prayer by those who believe and trust in you, is more powerful than anything. I thank you for your blessings. Father GOD; deliver the person reading this right now from burdens. Release your Godly Wisdom that I may be a good steward over all that YOU have called me to be in my Blessings. Father, for I know how wonderful and mighty you are and how if we just obey you and walk in your word and have the faith of a mustard seed that You will pour out blessings. I thank you now Lord for the recent blessings I received and for the blessings yet to come because I know you are not done with me yet. In Jesus Name, I pray, Amen. ROLCAM. revdauphinee answered on 09/29/04: all prayer is worthy of notice .Thank you for this one! ROLCAM rated this answer

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ROLCAM asked on 09/28/04 - QUOTES # 2. "It ain't the parts of the Bible that I can't understand that bother me, it is the parts that I do understand." -- Mark Twain. This quotation sounds very paradoxical to me. What is your experience with the BIBLE ? Are there any particular things that you really cannot understand? Do they bother you? ROLCAM. revdauphinee answered on 09/29/04: NO I have found some profound things in scripture I dont think it is the understanding that gives people trouble but rather the accepting! ROLCAM rated this answer

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ROLCAM asked on 09/28/04 - QUOTES # 1. "So far as I can remember, there is not one word in the Gospels in praise of intelligence." -- Bertrand Russell. Can anyone challenge this quotation ? ROLCAM. revdauphinee answered on 09/29/04: ARE NOT THE FOLLOWING PRAISING INTELEGENCE? Proverbs 20 15. Gold there is, and rubies in abundance, but lips that speak knowledge are a rare jewel. Job 12: 11. Does not the ear test words as the tongue tastes food? 12. Is not wisdom found among the aged? Does not long life bring understanding? Job 28: 12. "But where can wisdom be found? Where does understanding dwell? 13. Man does not comprehend its worth; ROLCAM rated this answer

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Bradd asked on 09/28/04 - Creed or Ethic? What is Christianity to you? Is it simply enough to believe (in any one of the various ways), and/or is ethical action also necessary? Does a creed have value without an ethic? Can one believe - and "be saved" - without acting on the right or wrong of a situation? Do "works" (ethics) matter at all? revdauphinee answered on 09/29/04: while works alone will not save you if one truly has faith one will want to do works is it not writen (Jas.2:14-20. 14 What good is it, my brothers, if a man claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save him? 15 Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. 16 If one of you says to him, "Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed," but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it? 17 In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead. Bradd rated this answer

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Mathatmacoat asked on 09/28/04 - Just a thought! Should we heed the warnings of imminent disaster? Hope's question set me to thinking. Jesus gave a us a warning of imminent disaster, but just as many would not heed the warning of a coming hurricane, many have not heeded his warning. Pride, or stupidity, got the better of them and they said I'll be okay. Where I come from we have a word (or two) for it. She'll be right! Meaning it can't happen to me, I'm bullet proof. God has a way of humbling us. Too bad sometimes it takes a natural distaster to get us to see how stupid our attitudes really are. revdauphinee answered on 09/29/04: the bible tells us to be prepared Ephesians 6:3. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. 1 Peter 1;13. Therefore, prepare your minds for action; be self-controlled; Mathatmacoat rated this answer

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STONY asked on 09/28/04 - ONCE AGAIN KOINEGREEK YOU DON'T KNOW ONE VERSE FROM ANOTHER IN SIMPLE TERMS YOU ARE BIBLICALLY DEFICIENT!! 21 Then Jesus beholding him loved him, and said unto him, One thing thou lackest: go thy way, sell whatsoever thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, take up the cross, and follow me. YOU SPOUT OFF OF YOUR KNOWLEDGE OF GREEK BUT YOU KNOW NOTHING OF THE BIBLE. revdauphinee answered on 09/29/04: stoney if I was part of any choir theyd never sing again !I cant cary a tune in a bucket> STONY rated this answer

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STONY asked on 09/28/04 - ONCE AGAIN KOINEGREEK YOU DON'T KNOW ONE VERSE FROM ANOTHER IN SIMPLE TERMS YOU ARE BIBLICALLY DEFICIENT!! 21 Then Jesus beholding him loved him, and said unto him, One thing thou lackest: go thy way, sell whatsoever thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, take up the cross, and follow me. YOU SPOUT OFF OF YOUR KNOWLEDGE OF GREEK BUT YOU KNOW NOTHING OF THE BIBLE. revdauphinee answered on 09/28/04: AMEN to that. Saladin rated this answer STONY rated this answer

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CeeBee asked on 09/28/04 - Concerning preachers of the Gospel In an earlier question ("Kerygma") the discussion came to this: Will God damn someone who has heard the Gospel and rejected it because the messenger was off-putting? Maybe that poor excuse for witnessing has closed the listener's ears. [There are] not a few preachers/teachers whose delivery of the Gospel leaves an awfully lot to be desired and who have totally turned off listeners by their style (lack of style??) and manner. What do you think? revdauphinee answered on 09/28/04: he may damm the messenger if he presented the word in such a way that the person was put off by the presentation of it but I dont think the person rejecting it would share the blame in this !Surely a person wishing to take gods message to others would first pray to make a good presentation and be guided by God who I dont feel would alow this to happen if the presenter was truly dedicated. CeeBee rated this answer

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STONY asked on 09/28/04 - TO GOOD NOT TO SHARE... Subject: Recall notice... > >The Maker of all human beings is recalling all units manufactured, regardless of make or year, due to a serious defect in the primary and >central component of the heart. This is due to a malfunction in the original prototype units code named Adam and Eve, resulting in the reproduction of the same defect in all subsequent units. This defect has been technically termed, "Sub sequential Internal Non-morality", or more commonly known as S.I.N., as it is primarily expressed. >Some other symptoms: > 1. Loss of direction 2. Foul vocal emissions 3. Amnesia of origin 4. Lack of peace and joy 5. Selfish, or violent behavior 6. Depression or confusion in the mental component 7. Fearfulness 8. Idolatry 9. Rebellion The Manufacturer, who is neither liable nor at fault for this defect, is providing factory authorized repair and service free of charge to correct this SIN defect. The Repair Technician, JESUS, has most generously offered to bear the entire burden of the staggering cost of these repairs. There is no additional fee required. The toll free number to call for repair in all areas is: P-R-A-Y-E-R. Once connected, please upload your burden of SIN through the REPENTANCE procedure, then download GOD'S SPIRIT from the Repair Technician, JESUS, into the heart component. No matter how big or small the SIN defect is, JESUS will replace it with: 1. Love 2. Joy 3. Peace 4. Patience 5. Kindness 6. Goodness 7. Faithfulness 8. Gentleness 9. Self control Please see the operating manual, the B.I.B.L.E. (Believers Instructions Before Leaving Earth), for further details on the use of these fixes. As an added upgrade, the Manufacturer has made available to all repaired units a facility enabling direct monitoring and assistance from a resident >Maintenance Technician, the Holy Spirit. Repaired units need only make Him welcome and He will take up permanent residence on the premises! WARNING: Continuing to operate the human being unit without correction voids any manufacturer warranties, exposing the unit to dangers and problems too >numerous to list and will result in the human unit being permanently impounded. For free emergency service, call on JESUS. DANGER: The human being units not responding to this recall action will have to be scrapped in the furnace. The SIN defect will not be permitted to enter Heaven so as to prevent contamination of that facility. Thank you for >your >attention. Please assist where possible by notifying others of this important recall notice!!! No food will satisfy my heart nor fill the emptiness in my soul. That is what Jesus Christ is for. He is the "real meat" and the "bread of life" and I am to feed on Him. revdauphinee answered on 09/28/04: have seen this before but it is relevant none the less thank you ! STONY rated this answer

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Saladin asked on 09/27/04 - Der letzten tagen Since the days of Jesus, Christians have believed they were living in the last days and that this present world order would be replaced by God's kingdom. Christians have consistently been disappointed because, to date, this has not happened. Who can think of the Fifth Monarchy Men without smiling, or consider the many who have gone into the mountains to await the Parousia only to have to walk down again in the morning feeling, perhaps, a little humbled? Now I ask for your opinions on the Second Coming. How close do you think it is, and why do you think it is as close as you think it is? Saladin revdauphinee answered on 09/28/04: with technology today as it is I do not think we are far from it since we are told that people will have to take the mark of the beast in the end times and we now have microchips that can be emplanted this to me is but one of the signs .the end could not come untill all that was prophecied was in place and never before in history has it been so !today it is also the jews have been gathered back into the land of israel another sign !all the prophecy spoken of the end times in scriptureis now in place so I personaly dont think it will be long!However we are also told the time no man knows! Saladin rated this answer sapphire630 rated this answer

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hOPE12 asked on 09/27/04 - Should we heed warnings of imminent disasters? Hello everyone, Please excuse the longness of this post, but I really want to stimulate some real thoughts on this matter. So please feel free to give your thoughts also. This is a follow-up post to my other post intitled � to blame or not to blame.� Many of you had felt that the parents of the 12 year old girl who got killed because her parents decided to stay in their trailer even though authorities had warned them to leave was not at fault. Here is my follow-up response to those replies. Some natural disasters cause a disruption in the lives of people; others, great destruction of life and property. Usually, though, such affect only a small part of the earth and its population at any one time. We today face many disaster�s and we are given many warnings. We are told in the Bible to heed warnings. We are also told that the authorities or governments are placed in authority by God. Christians are in subjection to political governments and authorities of this world of which Satan the Devil is the invisible �ruler� and �god�? Romans 13:1-4 13 Let every soul be in subjection to the superior authorities, for there is no authority except by God; the existing authorities stand placed in their relative positions by God. 2�Therefore he who opposes the authority has taken a stand against the arrangement of God; those who have taken a stand against it will receive judgment to themselves. 3�For those ruling are an object of fear, not to the good deed, but to the bad. Do you, then, want to have no fear of the authority? Keep doing good, and you will have praise from it; 4�for it is God�s minister to you for your good. But if you are doing what is bad, be in fear: for it is not without purpose that it bears the sword; for it is God�s minister, an avenger to express wrath upon the one practicing what is bad. Titus 3:1-2 3 Continue reminding them to be in subjection and be obedient to governments and authorities as rulers, to be ready for every good work, 2�to speak injuriously of no one, not to be belligerent, to be reasonable, exhibiting all mildness toward all men. 1 Peter 2:13 13�For the Lord�s sake subject yourselves to every human creation: whether to a king as being superior That my fellow experts is the whole issue, we are to be obedient to the government in all things if it does not go against God�s laws. The government and authorities give warning to safe people life in a disaster, so if people do not heed those warning are they being obedient to what God tells them to do. I the above scriptures God says we must obey the ones in authority. They gave a warning to this family and they did not heed it. They could not have stayed because of elderly parents. Does not their choice to stay disobey God�s laws to listen to the government as long as it does not go against God�s laws. They could have gotten help even if very poor. why because where this horrible thing took place we have all the help we need and then some. Some people volunteer to help those who are poor, sick and not able to help themselves when hurricanes happen here in south Florida. I know because my family always gets help from them. So that is no reason not to heed the warning when given. Now if you want to take this even to a higher lever of things, think about this and our obedience to warnings that are given. Our present generation, is facing a disaster of earth-wide dimensions that will affect all us soon. It�s is not a nuclear war between the superpowers, although that would be a terrible disaster. But I am speaking of God�s expressed purpose to remove all badness from the face of the earth. The earth-wide scope of this disaster was expressed by Jesus in his prophecy pertaining to the conclusion of the system of things: �Then there will be great tribulation such as has not occurred since the world�s beginning until now, no, nor will occur again. In fact, unless those days were cut short, no flesh would be saved.� Matthew 24:3, 21,�22. If we can not listen to man�s warnings of danger and get the sense of the seriousness, how will we ever get the sense of God�s warning of imminent danger? God takes warnings serious and so should we. We all need to take heed of God�s warnings and taking warnings today of pending disasters will train us to better heed to warnings that God gives to us that means our eternal life. If we do not heed the warnings of those in authority, we can loss our fleshly life, but if we do not heed God�s warnings we loss even more, our eternal life. Notice these warnings below: Rev. 16:15 Critical warning, �Look! I am coming as a thief. Happy is the one that stays awake and keeps his outer garments,� was given by the glorified Jesus Christ against a prophetic background now being dramatically staged on a world-wide scale. There is, however, more we can do to stay awake. An important second thing is: Pray in all earnestness. After warning us against being distracted by the ordinary pursuits of life, Jesus gave this counsel: �Keep awake, then, all the time making supplication that you may succeed in escaping all these things that are destined to occur, and in standing before the Son of man.��Luke 21:36. Take care, Hope 12 revdauphinee answered on 09/27/04: to stay in an area when told to evacuate is not just dissobedience it is utter foolishness those parents are very much at fault! Saladin rated this answer hOPE12 rated this answer Mathatmacoat rated this answer

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hOPE12 asked on 09/27/04 - Hello Everyone, I have been off the board for a while; hurricane Jeanne had paid a visit this weekend in South Florida. I was reading the board today and just realized that Hank�s Wife Carol Died? Do I understand this correctly? I am deeply sad to hear such news. When someone as close as a mate dies, all we can do is be supportive. I have spoken with hank over some time now and have always found him to be respectful of me and always concerned about others. I also know that hank wife; Carol was sick and undergoing treatment for Cancer. In many of my posts I always ask him about his wife Carol and Hanks response has always been on how appreciative he was for me caring about her. Without the need of taking sides on the matter, we all need to be supportive of Hank at this time, no matter what disagreements any have had with Hank in the past or at present. What if this was your mate? Think about that, and if we can not find love and compassion in our hearts for Hank at this time, when he needs us the most, then something is lacking in us. Love does not ever question such a statement about the death of someone so close as a mate. Why would anyone make up such a thing? I personally give to Hank my support and Christian love and hope he will return to the board as soon as he has found a way to deal with his loss. I also want Hank to know that I have respect for him and my prayers will be with him. You friend and fellow expert, Hope12 BTW: Please be respectful for we all on this board have the right to state our sincere feelings without any derogatory remarks from any who feel otherwise. revdauphinee answered on 09/27/04: welcome back Hope and I agree with you on this one. I cant believe how anyone could be disrespectfull to him at a time like this > johnh1234 rated this answer purplewings rated this answer hOPE12 rated this answer

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Saladin asked on 09/26/04 - Kerygma Do prefer NT apostolic kerygma to the dogmas of later centuries? Sal revdauphinee answered on 09/27/04: im with Bryson on this one! Saladin rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 09/26/04 - What does Revival mean to you? After the revival had concluded, the three pastors were discussing the results with one another. The Methodist minister said, "The revival worked out great for us! We gained four new families." The Baptist preacher said, "We did better than that! We gained six new families." The Presbyterian pastor said, "Well, we did even better than that! We got rid of our 10 biggest trouble makers!" revdauphinee answered on 09/27/04: revival means to bring something back to life most churches truly need revival cause as far as spirituality goes they are dead! paraclete rated this answer

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lucpi asked on 09/26/04 - I have lost my way Will someone please tell me whether this is an old folks home or a mental hospital? I see that there are many senior citizens here. Many of them yell at one another, & some keep repeating what they say. revdauphinee answered on 09/26/04: Im a senior citizen but dont think im ready for a home quite yet thank you!However this forum quite often resembles a mental institution. johnh1234 rated this answer lucpi rated this answer

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Saladin asked on 09/25/04 - Please remember Hank and his family in your prayers and thoughts Hank has revealed that his beloved wife, Carol, lost her battle with cancer earlier this week. Would you please remember him and his family in your prayers and thoughts at this sad time? Thank you. Saladin revdauphinee answered on 09/25/04: this is such sad news He will be in my prayers . LTgolf rated this answer Saladin rated this answer

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Saladin asked on 09/25/04 - What do you think this really means? Hebrews 13:2 Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares. Does it only refer to stranger with wings sticking out of their backs, or does it mean strangers whose wings are folded beneath their jackets out of sight? This is a serious question. Please try to do justice to it in a sensible way. Saladin - the angel child revdauphinee answered on 09/25/04: the angels we most often encounter have no wings are not any different in appearance in fact seem most ordinary as i wrote I encountered one just recently on my way home from W.Viginia For it is by their works that ye know them! Bradd rated this answer Saladin rated this answer

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excon asked on 09/25/04 - A question for my Christian friends Hello Christians and wannabes, I don't believe in hitting. I also, don't live up to my beliefs (do you?). Am I a hitter? Am I a hypocrite? I've lied, but I strive not to. I actually haven't lied for some time. How long do I have to go before I can say that I'm not a liar? Can I ever? I do, or don't do these things, not based on any religious principal, but because I think they are the right things to do. How can I make a distinction about right and wrong behavior without any religious guidance? Or can I? excon revdauphinee answered on 09/25/04: sure you can !I know many folks who are not believers who are law keepers and moral people ,Religion does help but one can be moral without them .However I do feel religion has a place for are not most laws based on religious faith ? excon rated this answer

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Saladin asked on 09/24/04 - Question As a Christian, do you believe that God can still grant visions to people as he used to in the dim and distant past, or has he somehow lost the power to do so? Genesis 46:2 2 And God spake unto Israel in the visions of the night, and said, Jacob, Jacob. And he said, Here [am] I. Job 4:12 12 � Now a thing was secretly brought to me, and mine ear received a little thereof. Job 4:13 13 In thoughts from the visions of the night, when deep sleep falleth on men Daniel 7:7 7 After this I saw in the night visions, and behold a fourth beast, dreadful and terrible, and strong exceedingly; and it had great iron teeth: it devoured and brake in pieces, and stamped the residue with the feet of it: and it [was] diverse from all the beasts that [were] before it; and it had ten horns. Daniel 7:13 13 I saw in the night visions, and, behold, [one] like the Son of man came with the clouds of heaven, and came to the Ancient of days, and they brought him near before him. Proverbs 29:18 18 � Where [there is] no vision, the people perish Numbers 24:4 4 He hath said, which heard the words of God, which saw the vision of the Almighty, falling [into a trance], but having his eyes open: Ezekiel 8:4 4 And, behold, the glory of the God of Israel [was] there, according to the vision that I saw in the plain. Daniel 2:19 19 Then was the secret revealed unto Daniel in a night vision. Then Daniel blessed the God of heaven. &c. Saladin - revdauphinee answered on 09/25/04: god can do anything he desires to if he wishes to reveal through visions then he will do so The only thing he will not do is lie If a vision contains false infomation then it is not of God! Saladin rated this answer

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Mathatmacoat asked on 09/24/04 - Here's a though! Could contributing to this Board be considered gathering together in Christian fellowship? revdauphinee answered on 09/25/04: depends what is in your heart when you come here! Mathatmacoat rated this answer

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Saladin asked on 09/24/04 - Christians go to Church if they are able. Do you agree or disagree with that statement? Is it possible to be a committed Christians but refuse to attend church? Scriptural citations are welcome if you can find any that address the subject. Saladin - the 'Lux' of Luxor! revdauphinee answered on 09/25/04: the bible tells us we are to fellowship with believers I do this ,It does not tell us it must be in a building owned by an organisation whos tenets we do not find to follow his teachings !who is more interested in the Almighty dollar than it is in the almighty.One who does not follow all his laws such as keeping the sabath as stated in the commandments and wich Jesus himself observed Lk.4:16 He went to Nazareth, where he had been brought up, and on the Sabbath day he went into the synagogue, as was his custom. And he stood up to read. if it was binding on Christ then it is the day I will keep! Exodus 20: 8. "Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy. 9. Six days you shall labor and do all your work, 10. but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the LORD your God. what else do we find in organised religion Child abuse! Missapropreation of funds (stealing) false witness (lying) worshiping of Idols(or the preacher) are these atributes of christ ??so tell me why I am wrong in not suporting such places ?No I will not attend not suport them I worship my Lord as he tells me (Matt.6:6. But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. ) Saladin rated this answer

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STONY asked on 09/24/04 - MAY BE GONE FOR A WHILE... SEE YA ALL AFTER JEANNE'S VISIT!! revdauphinee answered on 09/25/04: will be praying for you ! STONY rated this answer

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ethical_reason asked on 09/24/04 - My spankin curiosity! Mostly for Aton I'm confused why people are confused about my motives(?) or reasons(?) in this response: http://www.answerway.com/viewans.php?category=633&ansid=119534&quesid=31995&ret=rate LTgolf said: "Hank says to spank and you give him a black star,,Bishop Chuck says to spank and you give him ten stars,,hmmmmm something fishy about that." But bishop did not say he was pro-spanking he said it worked for him And ZEUSX said, "Your confused" Which of course is just acidic and pointless. But I'm most curious about this from ATON2" "What is your story??? Are you trying to play both sides??? You can't seem to make up your mind. Were YOU spanked as a child??? Is that what makes you so confrontational with older experts??? Just curious :) :) When was I confrontational specifically with older experts? I don't know people's ages here, personally I'm 26. What "both sides" are you talking about? Why can't I seem to make up my mind? About what? just curious revdauphinee answered on 09/24/04: did I or did I not say not to do this in anger ?the story Aton told was of a mother out of controll,I do not advocate taking ones frustrations out on ones kids but I remain in the firm belief that a firm hand applied to a kids but gives results .so for those who dissagree with me then that is there right we just have to agree to disagree . ethical_reason rated this answer Krewton rated this answer queenybee rated this answer

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ethical_reason asked on 09/24/04 - My spankin curiosity! Mostly for Aton I'm confused why people are confused about my motives(?) or reasons(?) in this response: http://www.answerway.com/viewans.php?category=633&ansid=119534&quesid=31995&ret=rate LTgolf said: "Hank says to spank and you give him a black star,,Bishop Chuck says to spank and you give him ten stars,,hmmmmm something fishy about that." But bishop did not say he was pro-spanking he said it worked for him And ZEUSX said, "Your confused" Which of course is just acidic and pointless. But I'm most curious about this from ATON2" "What is your story??? Are you trying to play both sides??? You can't seem to make up your mind. Were YOU spanked as a child??? Is that what makes you so confrontational with older experts??? Just curious :) :) When was I confrontational specifically with older experts? I don't know people's ages here, personally I'm 26. What "both sides" are you talking about? Why can't I seem to make up my mind? About what? just curious revdauphinee answered on 09/24/04: I am 64 and yes I was spanked ,and yes I am for limited use of it as long as one does not cross the boundary into beatings and for some folks this is not easy! so I say you spank to correct, never when you are angry as this tends to alow one to be out of controll it is a fine line to walk but it does command respect no matter what you think when parents used this method of correction children were more respectfull and in controll today kids are running wild and often controll the parents instead of the other way around! ATON2 rated this answer ethical_reason rated this answer queenybee rated this answer Saladin rated this answer

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Saladin asked on 09/23/04 - Resurrection A few years ago I attended the funeral of a friend. The service was led by an Episcopalian minister who told her boys that she would continue to live because her genes were in their bodies. He did not speak of the resurrection from the dead. Is it common among Christians to spiritualise the resurrection of Jesus and therefore not look forwards to a literal resurrection of our bodies after death? What have you found? revdauphinee answered on 09/24/04: just another reason I will not involve myself with organised religion any more! Saladin rated this answer

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kindj asked on 09/23/04 - Taking a few days off I've decided (in about the last 15 minutes) that it's time to take a break. Sleep has not been my friend in the last two or three weeks, and it's taking it's toll on me and my overall attitude towards just about everything. May come back Monday, may be a week or so--whenever it passes this time. "'Scuze me while I tend to how I feel These things return to me that still seem real" --Metallica DK revdauphinee answered on 09/23/04: will miss you but after my recent trip I understand ! kindj rated this answer Saladin rated this answer

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kindj asked on 09/23/04 - This is ridiculous... I've been following with great interest the ongoing debate (again) concerning corporal punishment, which is an issue I continually re-evaluate in my own life, both reflecting back on my childhood, and now as a parent myself. I wholeheartedly respect every one of your opinions, even those I disagree with, just as I respect your inherent right to hold those opinions. But the way some of you are expressing them is completely off the mark, in my ever so humble opinion. Since we have so many expert parents on this board (I won't ask the kids :) ) I thought I'd toss this out: Some of you know me a little bit, but none of you know me well. However, those that know even a little know that I would gladly step in front of a freight train for my kids, and if you don't know that, then you do now. I have three boys, each one rowdier and more "boy-ish" than the one that came before them. They are my pride and joy, and aside from my wife, one of my sole reasons for living these days. The oldest is a teenager now, God help me. Fourteen years old, and knows it ALL. He's actually my stepson, but I married his mom when he was just shy of two, and therefore I"ve always been there as the dad. I love this kid, and he's a great kid. When he was younger he was the sweetest, most polite, well-mannered kid you'd ever want to meet, most of which was due to the way that my wife and I raise our kids. We teach them these things, and show them how life is much more rewarding when they follow the rules. I think I've spanked him maybe three times in the last 12 years, all three times when he was under 5 and engaging in dangerous behavior, such as running into the street, putting a ladder up against the house and starting to climb up, and something else I don't remember. These days, however, that kid is gone from our house. He's a straight-A student, involved in a few extra-curricular activities that he excels in, and active in the church. Trouble is, he's developed a real smart mouth in the house, especially toward his mother. I take a particularly dim view of disrespect, especially to one's own mother who has done nothing to deserve it. Outside the house, he treats everyone great. To those in the family, he is totally different. Now my question is this: what, in y'all's expert opinion, is the best course of action here? Because I'll tell you this, if a grown man spoke to my wife the way this kid has, I'd beat the ever-loving sh*t out of him, with no apologies. One day this boy is going to shoot off his mouth to the wrong person, and they are NOT going to spank him, they're going to beat him senseless. Hell, in this screwed up day and age, they might just stab or shoot him. It's happened, you know. So do I wait for someone to do that, or intervene now with a milder form of the same punishment that he is sure to receive one day at the hands of someone that doesn't love him? Am I really doing him any favors by not stepping in now? Fact is, our kids are being sent out into a world where actions have consequences, and some of those consequences are physically painful. We can debate all day whether that's right or wrong, but that is quite simply the way it is. If you don't believe me, walk on over to the corner where those bikers are hanging out and say something stupid to them. Are we doing our children any favors by not modeling the reality of the world where appropriate? You don't train for a baseball game by playing football, you know. I AM NOT advocating hitting our kids with our fists or with any object. I am limiting corporal punishment to a swat on the behind with an open hand. Hardly the type of thing to spawn ax murders, or we would see more of them, I think. We could all go on and on about how WE were raised, but that doesn't mean much when we're talking about the here and now, and the realities that go with it. DK revdauphinee answered on 09/23/04: if more kids got a swat on the behind once in a while there would be less juvenile crime today!Dont get me wrong im not for child abuse or beating but the lord for some reason created the adult hand just right for swatting a childs behind and if it was used a little more these days kids would have more respect .My mom spanked me and it hasnt warped me (at least not much LOL) ATON2 rated this answer ethical_reason rated this answer kindj rated this answer LTgolf rated this answer ZEUSX rated this answer

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Saladin asked on 09/23/04 - Grief and the Christian Should Christians grieve when loved ones die, considering the promise that we shall meet again beyond this vale of tears? Please say why you think they should, or should not grieve. revdauphinee answered on 09/23/04: grief is for our own loss not for a saved loved ones passing on ! Saladin rated this answer

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STONY asked on 09/23/04 - AT 10 A.M. ON NBC THIS MORNING THEE WAS SOME QUESTION OF JOHN KERRY GETTING A DIVORCE. NOW, WOULDN'T THAT PUT HIM IN THE SAME CATAGORY AS FORMER PRESIDENT CLINTON. HOW CAN YOU BELIEVE HE WOULD KEEP HIS VOWS TO AMERICA IF HE CANNOT KEEP HIS VOWS TO HIS OWN WIFE? BRAIN FOOD, SOMETHING TO CHEW ON. revdauphinee answered on 09/23/04: how many CEOs of large companies are divorced?does this affect the way they run very succesfull buisinesses?No! While morality is prefered it has little to do with ability to run a buisiness or a country! STONY rated this answer

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Pamela asked on 09/15/04 - Why dont you all put the blame where it belongs? Stephen S. Clarification/Follow-up by Pamela on 09/15/04 3:37 pm: ATON2 John: Don't waste your sympathy on another of Pamela's scams. She stated in public that was leaving the board...she cannot force herself to give up her hate platform...so she invents this phantom husband, and a phantom breakdown. This is a woman who massages naked men for a living!!!! Do you think words are going to send her into a nervous breakdown?????? Took me a while to find out how to copy paste Stephen S revdauphinee answered on 09/23/04: I had hoped by the time I got home this nonesence would be over I was wrong! Pamela rated this answer

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FormerJesusHelper76 asked on 09/14/04 - IMAGINE! We are taught in the bible not to imagine about the heaven and what it could look like or what it is like. Yet at the same time we are taught to focus and draw our attention on the world that is unseen. What are your thoughts? There was one pastor that actually talked about heaven and that described how it would be. He said that it is not like what most people think that our spirits will be floating around and that we do not actaully have bodies. He said on the other side we will be given new bodies real bodies that inbody our soul/spirit. That we will be given perfect bodies. What are your thoughts on this idea! Joe revdauphinee answered on 09/16/04: Like saladin I would like to get the bibble reference to not thinking about heaven! FormerJesusHelper76 rated this answer

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Saladin asked on 09/13/04 - God's question When a person presents him or herself before the gates of heaven, what do you say will be the most important question God can ask of him/her? revdauphinee answered on 09/13/04: if the person is a member of answerway hell probably ask us who hacked into pams account! johnh1234 rated this answer Saladin rated this answer paraclete rated this answer Uni-Agdistis rated this answer Pamela rated this answer ATON2 rated this answer

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Saladin asked on 09/13/04 - Question Do you think that Christianity will make a return to the board anytime soon? Five stars, even if you make me laugh! revdauphinee answered on 09/13/04: maybee its hiding behind all those hackers! VisionsInBlue rated this answer Saladin rated this answer johnh1234 rated this answer

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sapphire630 asked on 09/13/04 - clearing up about JOY...hopefully I haven't got the slightest idea about what the problem here is because I don't have the time to read thru everything like I did on Askme.com. I didn't even realize Liz was Joy or Pam was Bioharmony. After I read that in a previous post and that Joy's post had something mean I started thinking about Joy and remembered that we would not hear from her for long periods of time because of her illness. Her son Romulus use to sign on her screen name and would post crazy things that usually had everybody on the Spiritual board laughing. One time he posted that he was auctioning off the universe and I bought all the boxes of paradoxes. Sometimes he would say things that upset some people because they thought it was Joy until they realized it was Romulus. I am sure Chouxx remembers this. SO if somebody is 'hacking' Joys screen name it most probably Romulus. revdauphinee answered on 09/13/04: personaly I think it is arogant of pam to think she is that important that anyone would waste their time on her! Uni-Agdistis rated this answer paraclete rated this answer Liz22 rated this answer sapphire630 rated this answer

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hOPE12 asked on 09/13/04 - Aton and Pamela, it is time to make peace! I would like you each to state your problem bere on the board so everyone can see what is going on here. If you are being honest with each other, you should be able to state you facts in front of everyone on the board. There should be nothing to hide. Here is my suggestion rather then argue. Why not state your facts and work out one thing at a time. As to Joy, if she is involved she needs to state her facts. Once all is said and done then you two Aton and Pamela need to forgive and forget. If you can't forgive each other then you need to move on to other matters. This argunentative attitude is not going anywhere at all and it is very discouraging to see it every day on this board. Pamela, please you are a Christian, please forget about it. Aton has a problem with JW and you keeping this argument going does not help the rest of us any. Please, Please let it go. PS: This is me hope, not Aton. To prove it here is todays text: Daniel 11:45 Christian Love, hope12 revdauphinee answered on 09/13/04: at least Aton is not acusing anyone of hacking !I for one dont think anyone and I do mean anyone on here would stoop to that and if your accusing someone you need to have your facts straight its sounds like a bunch af childish sillyness to me grow up all of you ! ATON2 rated this answer hOPE12 rated this answer Pamela rated this answer

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Pamela asked on 09/13/04 - All I know is that Liz would never attack me like that I posted a private question to Liz three days ago and she has not answered it. She is probably too ill. This tells me that someone has hacked into her profile and used it to smear HER by having her attacking me in amanner that is completely out of character for her. That is not a deleusion - it is a deduction. If Joy is really on this Board please answer - an ID check: What is the name of the street you live in, dear Joy? revdauphinee answered on 09/13/04: are you by this acusing Aton of this ?Im sure he would have better things to do ! Liz22 rated this answer Pamela rated this answer

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Laura asked on 09/13/04 - Gluttony! I was wondering just exactly what God would consider gluttony. The world today is so stuck on "thin", but has it always been that way? I see beautiful pictures of women of times past portrayed as anything but thin. Yet they are still beautiful. Do we place too much importance on "thin"? I know many people who are overweight and stressed about it all the time, which in turn brings down their self esteem. God bless. Laura revdauphinee answered on 09/13/04: yes we do put to much emphasis on thin,however glutonny is a sin there is nothing I despise more than a 350 lbs preacher stading in a pulpit preaching against drinking! he should take the plank out of his own eye before he attemts to run his brothers life!overeating is just as wrong as getting drunk for we are told to do all things in moderation Ecclesiastes 7:18 The man who fears God will avoid all [extremes]. Laura rated this answer

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Pamela asked on 09/12/04 - Do any of you believe that Joy would say this? Clarification/Follow-up by Liz22 on 09/12/04 10:12 pm: Aton, she is the most Vicious person I have ever met on line and even on this Planet! Now I know what you had to put up with. How in the world did you do it? revdauphinee answered on 09/13/04: what makes you feel you are important enough that someone would waste precious time hacking into your account?sounds a little arrogant to me as for them doing it to me if thats what blows their dress up go ahead I have nothing yo hide ! Pamela rated this answer

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CeeBee asked on 09/13/04 - Living in the Now I am owned by four cats. I watch them as they sit motionlessly and stare at nothing, and wonder what they are thinking. Unlike us, cats don't regret the past ("Darn, I shouldn't have jumped up on the dining room table last night while they were eating") nor do they worry about the future ("I sure hope she remembers to feed me tonight before she goes to bed"). Cats live in the moment. They luxuriate totally in that pile of clean clothes I just brought up from the dryer, and have an entire vacation all afternoon while sitting in the big sunny window that looks out onto the back yard. Would that we too could be like cats - have no regrets, no worries, just live in the Now. That is how I think of Paradise - living forever at peace in the Now. What do you do that totally absorbs your attention, that allows you to live in the Now? revdauphinee answered on 09/13/04: I have always been a cat person unfortianatly do not own onw at the present time but love em all! CeeBee rated this answer

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hOPE12 asked on 09/13/04 - Can our Behavior bring Hardship to others: Hello Everyone: Some on this board claim to be Christians, some are Jewish, others are Muslim and some are atheists. My question is this, no matter what group we belong to or what religion, can our behavior bring negative responses on other mmebers of that group? If so, what can be done about it? If a person is the one with the negative behavior, what can they do? Should all members of a group be judged negatively due to the actions of one or two? What is your opinion on this matter? Take care, Hope12 revdauphinee answered on 09/13/04: as I said previously every one has oppinions and they are entittled to! what they are not supposed to do is to try and force those oppinions on others .Aton and I do not agree on most everything but thats ok I see no need to get ugly about it we just agree to disagree !why cant others do likewise!diversity is what keeps this site interesting but we dont need to fight over it each of us knows what we believe so discuss and then let it go ! ATON2 rated this answer Chouxxx rated this answer hOPE12 rated this answer johnh1234 rated this answer Saladin rated this answer Uni-Agdistis rated this answer

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ATON2 asked on 09/13/04 - Body count!!! Another 80 civilians were killed in Iraq, yesterday. At this rate, in four more years of a Bush admnistration we can totally cleanse Iraq of those heathen Muslims!!! Hallelujah!!!! Are Christians sick enough of blood to bring this bloody, war-mongering, administration to an end????????? revdauphinee answered on 09/13/04: obviously not !most think because he "claims" to be a Christian anything he does is ok!I do not think someone who lies to get his country into a war can be much of a follower of Christ!they used to say its the economy stupid! not now, we must say its the oil; money! ATON2 rated this answer

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HANK1 asked on 09/13/04 - A QUESTION: Why does religion talk about peace for everyone? HANK revdauphinee answered on 09/13/04: because it is sorely needed !cant find much here on this board these days though can we? ATON2 rated this answer HANK1 rated this answer johnh1234 rated this answer

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Bobbye asked on 09/13/04 - RONNIE BRAY! "A donde? A donde? A donde, mi amigo?" Where? Where is Ronnie Bray since his move across country? Has anyone heard from him and Gay? Thanks. Bobbye revdauphinee answered on 09/13/04: as I said once before in the words of the famous Rodney King "why cant we all just get allong??? Bobbye rated this answer Saladin rated this answer

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Pamela asked on 09/13/04 - Does anyone here believe Joy would say this also? Clarification/follow-up by Liz22 on 9/12/O4 9:37 p.m: How dare you Pam, do you know what a liar you are? The one reason I left the JWs is because of ones like you. Aton is absolutely right about you, and you are not my friend. Now please leave me alone. !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! revdauphinee answered on 09/13/04: dont you think this whole thing is begining to get a little childish ?we all have the right to our own oppinions we o not have the right to force those oppinions on anyone else! Liz22 rated this answer Pamela rated this answer

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Liz22 asked on 09/12/04 - Why? Pam I am going to continue to be a Christian, and I will Pray for you. Please, try to be nice on the board and nice to others. You JWs need to go by your Bible more instead of the Watchtower. May the Lord Jesus forgive you, and he is my GOD. revdauphinee answered on 09/13/04: may not do her much good since the bibble used by JW is not the one used by the rest of us! Liz22 rated this answer

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Pamela asked on 09/12/04 - The Flood - just a myth? Jesus spoke of the Flood in Matt chapter 24. So did Peter. Did it really happen, or was it just a pagan myth? revdauphinee answered on 09/13/04: yes it happened and since you are fond of researching try finding it in the following none scriptual references the Sammaritan Penteteuch (5th century BC) Targums (5th century BC) Berrosus (275 BC) Nicholas of Damascus (50 BC) Josephus (AD 75) Theopholus of Antioch (AD 180) Eusebius (3rd century AD) Epiphanius (4th centuryAD) Isidore of seville (6th century AD Al Msadi (10 th century) Iba Hankal (10 th century) Bejamin of Tudela (12 th century) and the Quoran 7th century) those should keep you buisy for a while, but if not I have several more for you! Dorothy Pamela rated this answer

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Saladin asked on 09/12/04 - When? Can you say to within fifty years when Jesus will come back? Share your ideas and opinions. revdauphinee answered on 09/13/04: No one can for it is wrttten Matthew 24:42. "Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come. 44. So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him. Thessalonians 5 1. Now, brothers, about times and dates we do not need to write to you, 2. for you know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. 1st Timmothy 6: 14. to keep this command without spot or blame until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ, 15. which God will bring about (in his own time)--God, the blessed and only Ruler, the King of kings and Lord of lords, Saladin rated this answer

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STONY asked on 09/12/04 - HALLELUIAH!! ALMOST 6 DAYS AND 12 HOURS TO THE MINNUTE POWER WAS RESTORED IN MY NEIGGHBORHOOD YESTERDAY. 9 SERVICE SHOWED UP AND IN LESS THAN AN HOUR THEY HAD CHANGED OUT THE BLOWN TRANSFORMER. SO, IF YOU COME TO VISIT ME NOW YOU'D BETTER BRING A SWEATER BECAUSE I HAVE THE AIR CONDITIONER SET TO KEEP A BEER COLD WHILE IT SETS ON THE TABLE. IN A FEW DAYS WHEN I FEEL BETTER AGAIN I MAY CUT IT BACK LONG ENOUGH TO LET THE ICE CRYSTALS FORMING ON THE WINDOW TO MELT!! THANK YOU JESUS, THIS HAS BEEN A MISERABLE WEEK. IN FACT IN 30 YEARS I'VE LIVED IN FLA. THIS IS THE WORSE STORM I'VE EVER SEEN. BEAR IN MIND THAT ANDREW DID NOT HIT CENTRAL FLORIDA. revdauphinee answered on 09/13/04: thanks for the advice stony Ive done that next I will be hitting the road ive sat out my last hurricain headed up North for a week or two STONY rated this answer

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Pamela asked on 09/12/04 - A prayer for Joy (Liz 22) Please keep dear Liz in your prayers as she is very ill right now. Mal 4:2 May the sun of righteousness (Jesus) arise with healing in his wings. revdauphinee answered on 09/12/04: consider it done! Pamela rated this answer

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Saladin asked on 09/12/04 - The Sabbath Day Which day is the true Christian Sabbath Day? revdauphinee answered on 09/12/04: God told us to remember the sabbath (saturday) he has never changed his mind even if men have!Jesus said (Lk.16:17 It is easier for heaven and earth to disappear than for the least stroke of a pen to drop out of the Law. )Jesus himself observed the sabath as saturday and if its right for him then its right for me!others can give all sorts of reasons for why sunday is ok but i prefer Gods word to thiers, Saladin rated this answer

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STONY asked on 09/12/04 - HALLELUIAH!! ALMOST 6 DAYS AND 12 HOURS TO THE MINNUTE POWER WAS RESTORED IN MY NEIGGHBORHOOD YESTERDAY. 9 SERVICE SHOWED UP AND IN LESS THAN AN HOUR THEY HAD CHANGED OUT THE BLOWN TRANSFORMER. SO, IF YOU COME TO VISIT ME NOW YOU'D BETTER BRING A SWEATER BECAUSE I HAVE THE AIR CONDITIONER SET TO KEEP A BEER COLD WHILE IT SETS ON THE TABLE. IN A FEW DAYS WHEN I FEEL BETTER AGAIN I MAY CUT IT BACK LONG ENOUGH TO LET THE ICE CRYSTALS FORMING ON THE WINDOW TO MELT!! THANK YOU JESUS, THIS HAS BEEN A MISERABLE WEEK. IN FACT IN 30 YEARS I'VE LIVED IN FLA. THIS IS THE WORSE STORM I'VE EVER SEEN. BEAR IN MIND THAT ANDREW DID NOT HIT CENTRAL FLORIDA. revdauphinee answered on 09/12/04: you sound like me my kids say it is cold enough to kill hogs in my appt.it may me our time next it is looking more and more that Ivan the terrible may come her to visit. STONY rated this answer

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ethical_reason asked on 09/12/04 - VIB, nay, anyone being Christian I know (and knew) that VIB says she's Christian (just as much as Aton eludes the question) but she follows almost none of the tenants of the bible. So, I took the leap and labeled her a non-Christian. I apologize if I was wrong. <---- I'm serious, no joke, I'm sorry. However, this brings me to another question. To be Christian do you only have to believe Christ existed, or do you have to follow all of the bible's tenets. Or is it in the middle, something like making an effort to follow the tenets of the bible. If so, how does this make someone who claims to make an effort to follow said tenets but then does not and blames the failure on human error, even though it is every time. <---basically that means: does someone who deludes themselves into believing that they are Christian actually qualify as being Christian just because they think they are? Or is there more to it that is separate from someone's belief about themselves. revdauphinee answered on 09/12/04: one must acept that Christ is messiah and that he died for your sins your own actions will not make you a christian a relationship with Christ will< ethical_reason rated this answer

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ethical_reason asked on 09/12/04 - Fighting on this board and why I think... Just in case others also continue these fights under the guise of it somehow being helpful. Uni said that he/she believed that the fights on this board were helpful because they were cathartic. She said this next thing while refering to a comment I made that the debates on this board are not cathartic: "That is your opinion which you have a right to express .....however, when it comes to taking someone�s word re: arguments and catharsis .... I will most definitely not take your word.... but that of multiple psychologists who are infinitely better prepared than you in the issue of 'heated arguments' and their therapeutic benefits." I am aware that heated arguments are cathartic. The ones that have been specific to this board are in large number not helpful are all. (So, uni, I'm not making a comment on all arguments) On this board people are not arguing out of frustration that has simply been built up. On this board it is a high school game of one-up-man-ship. It, therefore, is not helpful in any way, but simply feels temporarily relieving to whoever won. The problem with that is that there is a loser, and it then takes a big person to let it go. More than 50% of the people on this board are not big people, so they don't let it go. This means we get a 25% return to fighting phenomenon More if you dynamically adjust the numbers for appropriate demographic consideration of who fights and when because when a fight starts it usually targets one of the people in the 50% range (mentioned last sentence.) This then causes the cycle to repeat. With those numbers the fighting would end eventually, but it would take a long time and there are a very few bad seeds on this board secretly and openly starting new fights, some stating that the fights are even helpful. Hence we get no end to fighting. Yes, Uni, this is always a bad thing. The solution to all of this would be a total non-involvement in the fight. Because the few people who are just bringing up new fights are wanting that attention. It's just Khoral in a different form. A form that gives the appearance that Khoral-like person is actually respectable. A form that is much more dangerous than Khoral because he/she is difficult to spot (I�m not saying I�ve spotted them or not.) The only way to get rid of Khoral was ignoring him. The same is true for these fights. The problem is that Hank (and others) already tried to get this to happen and no one played along (including me). You see, here we run into a problem of leadership and integrity. If say you (yes you who are reading this right now) were to decide that I was correct and decide to not get involved then you would have to do it with the knowledge that you would be the only one. This (for us group oriented people) would feel alienating, and in truth could get some of the bad 1 or 2 individuals on this board turning on you and getting the group to do the same. So for safeties sake no one wants to take that first step. That is an integrity issue with the person (which means I�ll probably get a lot of disagreement on parts of this, whether I am right or not). OK, moving on, a leader can overcome that feeling by getting the emotions up in everyone all around and then directing them, this would overcome that last issue because then the whole group would be involved, so no stoic and brave individuals needed to take the first step. The problem with a message board like this is it�s nigh impossible to affect anyone emotionally. Hence, no likely solution. But, people can be motivated to do evil in this same emotional way. Hence the danger of people going on believing that these fights are helpful, as Uni would have you believe. -ER revdauphinee answered on 09/12/04: didnt think anyone took the board that seriously I enjoy everything about it even when folks disagree thats what makes it interesting without the diversity I doubt it would be as succesfull at least it would not be as interesting !(to me anyway) HANK1 rated this answer johnh1234 rated this answer ethical_reason rated this answer ATON2 rated this answer Uni-Agdistis rated this answer

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johnh1234 asked on 09/12/04 - A note to ER: You seem to be disturbed about what has been happening on Answerway in the past week or so. Just look through the eyes of a newcomer and see what I see. Hank - loves his wife, the cubs and dressing on his salad. CeeBee - knowledgeable. Always offering food and solace. VisionsInBlue - funny, tells it as it is, does not back down because she is always right, oh and beautiful as well, as she has stated. Aton - Great knowledge, sharp wit, ruffles feathers but seems to care about his fellowman as exhibited by his concern for Stony. Pamela - Great researcher, will go on and on about proving a point. Uni - Great wit, smarts, a no nonsense type. Chouxxx - Can be abrasive, opinionated, but does back down when corrected. A good person. Rev - a gentle breeze, with good humor and compassion. Paraclete - Friendly, opinionated, seems not to think much of us Americans. Bradd - Funny, sharp, fair, wants to become a Muslim.LOL Liz22 - A gentle woman with good common sense and a healthy belief in Christianity. Excon - Can't figure him out but he is smart, does not judge, and likes sex. Stony - Writes in caps and has no electricity. Bishop_Chuck - Good common sense and very friendly. A fair man, with a bit of salt at times. Bal317 - Good person, wife, mother. Very sincere and fair. Bobbye - Great knowledge of scripture, compassionate. Hope12 - Someone who is rarely here but seems to be a person who helps others. Saladin - A nice mystery with a great brain and sense of humor. Mathatmacoat - Too smart for his own good! Koinegreek - The once or twice a week resident who never answers a question. The lone black star man/woman. ER - Does not like disputes and has a one word answer and if we are lucky we get a whole sentence. A good person who would probably make a great politician. If I did not mention someone I am sorry. In time I will, hopefully, get to know all of you. I hope that I did not offend anyone. I just voiced what I see. All of you are very different, yet blend well together. I enjoy reading your questions and answers and hope that one day I can be as comfortable with all of you as you are with each other. So, ER, don't fret over trivial debates. All of you make Answerway what it is and it is a great place to be. John revdauphinee answered on 09/12/04: I like what you said about me even if I only wish it were true! actualy I am old cranky and oppinionated .(and I cant type well. johnh1234 rated this answer Chouxxx rated this answer Uni-Agdistis rated this answer

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ethical_reason asked on 09/11/04 - can't we all just... ah forget it... So, I understand why non-Christians such as Aton and VIB might be fighting all the time, but why are some of you Christians fighting? Oh wait, after looking over the profiles. How many Christians and non-Christians do we actually have? I'll start: Non-Christian ok, you go revdauphinee answered on 09/11/04: we are humans who have oppinions God gave us that right! ethical_reason rated this answer Uni-Agdistis rated this answer

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Saladin asked on 09/11/04 - Why do true Christians fight each other over trivial matters? Is it required by their religion? Scriptural answers please (if you can). revdauphinee answered on 09/11/04: because they can! ATON2 rated this answer Saladin rated this answer Uni-Agdistis rated this answer

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ethical_reason asked on 09/11/04 - I'm shocked Only madima, Bobbye, Saladin, JeffreyBryson actually answered my last question. And Bradd obviously understood it as well. Let me try again with the most important part, which was left out of most of the answers: Is truth dependant on the purity of the source? Does something remain true or stop being true when spoken by someone with a forked tongue, hypocritical motive, or evil/crazy intentions? revdauphinee answered on 09/11/04: Does something remain true or stop being true when spoken by someone with a forked tongue, hypocritical motive, or evil/crazy intentions? If it is true it matters not who relates it truth is truth ! ATON2 rated this answer Bradd rated this answer ethical_reason rated this answer

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Chouxxx asked on 09/11/04 - Sorry Folks, My clarification didn't go through, so let me ask:: Why all the hostility directed toward me, Uni? I'm at a loss. Choux revdauphinee answered on 09/11/04: who is being hostile now??not me I hope ! VisionsInBlue rated this answer Chouxxx rated this answer Uni-Agdistis rated this answer ATON2 rated this answer

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ethical_reason asked on 09/11/04 - Being a hypocrite Why do you believe that being a hypocrite is bad? If I insult people, but I state matter of fact-ly that it is wrong to insult people, does it make my statement any less valid? Is something true whether or not the source is pure? What's up? revdauphinee answered on 09/11/04: why is being a hypocrite bad? because it is tantamount to lying to oneself!its doing what even you dont believe in in your heart. Uni-Agdistis rated this answer ethical_reason rated this answer

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Chouxxx asked on 09/10/04 - Are Americans Too Soft? I have watched the news about the aftermath of the two hurricanes and oncoming Ivan. I have never heard so much bellyaching about loss of electricity for a couple of days. Inconvenience of any kind like I couldn't find any gas till the tenth stop I made. If I *chose* to live in a *tropical* climate, I would know that hurricanes are a *downside* to living in paradise!!! A severe downside!!!!! Maybe those in Florida left Chicago-land(for example) because of long winters and chance of killer snowstorms as the *downside*. Or, hot humid summers; we lost over 50 senior citizens in a heat wave a couple of years ago, far more than Floridians lost in the current hurricanes! Why are so many Americans soft now? Not so in my generation. I think it may have something to do with the Christian religious attitudes that have surfaced in the last 40 years or so. Kind of McChristianity, wishing blessings to everyone as an insincere feelgood, living in a cocoon of religious fantasy, expecting no problems in life to overcome and being unprepared when problems surface. Do you think prosperity and McChristianity have made Americans weak?? revdauphinee answered on 09/10/04: yes because they are forgetting he said (Matt.10:34-36 34 "Do not suppose that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I did not come to bring peace, but a sword. Chouxxx rated this answer paraclete rated this answer

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STONY asked on 09/10/04 - A ? FOR ALL OF YOU FLA. FOLKS IN THE WAKE OF FRANCES HOW DO YOU VIEW THE RECOVERY EFFORTS. MINE WAS THE 1ST ELECTRIC TO GO OUT LAST SAT. NITE; BUT WHEN THE ELECTRIC STARTED TO COME BACK ON IT WAS MCDONALD'S AND EVERY OTHER HAMBURGER JOINT IN TOWN WHO GOT POWER FIRST. MY NEIGHBOR ACCROSS THE STREET HAD TO THROW AWAY AN ENTIRE FREEZER FULL OF ELK AND DEER MEAT FROM A CANADIAN HUNTING TRIP AND WE LIVE 2 STREETS AWAY FROM THE N. BOULEVARD. EVERYONE IN TOWN HAS POWER BUT OUR LITTLE COMMUNITY OF SEVERAL BLOCKS, BUT NO ONE IS IN ANY HURRY TO GET US RESTORED WITH ELECTRIC. ANY COMMENTS ON HOW THIS COMPARES TO YOUR COMMUNITY? revdauphinee answered on 09/10/04: did you ever stop to think Mc donnalds could maybee feed more folk than You?just asking!I live in a hurricaine prone area on the Miss coast and I can only imagine the hardship you are going through, I went through Camile and Frederic however we must think, when this sort of thing frustrates us others are suffering also! Uni-Agdistis rated this answer MaggieB rated this answer paraclete rated this answer STONY rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 09/10/04 - Interesting comment? Here's a famous comment you might like to reflect on. "I've noticed that everyone who is for abortion has already been born" Ronald Reagan revdauphinee answered on 09/10/04: this is true! paraclete rated this answer

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Saladin asked on 09/09/04 - One minute to live If you had one minute to live and were granted an open microphone to broadcast a final message to all the world, what would your message be? revdauphinee answered on 09/10/04: to the world very little !I would be too buisy falling to my knees in prayer Saladin rated this answer

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Pamela asked on 09/09/04 - Liz sent this to me - hope you like it. > > > >Subject: FORREST GUMP GOES TO HEAVEN > The day finally arrived; Forrest Gump dies and goes to Heaven. He is at the >Pearly Gates, met by St. Peter himself. However, the gates are closed and >Forrest approaches the Gatekeeper. >St. Peter says, "Well, Forrest, it's certainly good to see you. We have >heard >a lot about you. I must tell you, though, that the place is filling up >fast, >and we've been administering an entrance examination for everyone. The test >is short, but you have to pass it before you can get into Heaven." > >Forrest responds, "It shor is good to be here, St. Peter, sir. But nobody >ever tolt me about any entrance exam. Shor hope the test ain't too hard; >life was >a big enough test as it was." >St. Peter goes on, "Yes, I know, Forrest, but the test is only three >questions. > >First: What two days of the week begin with the letter T? > >Second: How many seconds are there in a year? > >Third: What is God's first name?" > >Forrest leaves to think the questions over. He returns the next day and >sees >St. Peter, who waves him up and says, "Now that you have had a chance to >think >the questions over, tell me your answers." >Forrest says, "Well, the first one -- which two days in the week begin with >the letter "T"? Shucks, that one's easy. That'd be Today and Tomorrow. The >Saint's eyes open wide and he exclaims, "Forrest, that's not what I was >thinking, >but you do have a point, and I guess I didn't specify, so I'll give you >credit for that answer. How about the next one?" asks St. Peter. > >"How many seconds in a year?" > >"Now that one's harder," says Forrest, "but I thunk and thunk about that >and >I guess the only answer can be twelve." >Astounded, St. Peter says, "Twelve? Twelve!? Forrest, how in Heaven's name >could you come up with twelve seconds in a year?" > >Forrest says "Shucks, there's gotta be twelve: January 2nd, February 2nd, >March 2nd . .." >"Hold it, " interrupts St. Peter. "I see where you're going with this, and >I >see your point, though that wasn't quite what I had in mind.....but I'll >have >to give you credit for that one, too. Let's go on with the third and final >question. Can you tell me God's first name"? > >"Sure", Forrest replied, "its Andy." > >"Andy?!" exclaimed an exasperated and frustrated St. Peter. "Ok, I can >understand how you came up with your answers to my first two questions, but >just how >in the world did you come up with the name Andy as the first name of God?" > >"Shucks, that was the easiest one of all," Forrest replied. "I learnt it >from >the song. . "ANDY WALKS WITH ME, ANDY TALKS WITH ME, ANDY TELLS ME I AM HIS >OWN. . . " >St. Peter opened the Pearly Gates and said: "Run Forrest, run." revdauphinee answered on 09/10/04: that was great thank you so much Pamela rated this answer

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Pamela asked on 09/09/04 - A dilemma Australian law enforcement authorities are in the process of making a pedophile register so they can keep tabs on convicted pedophiles when released from jail. They need that to ensure that parole conditions such as staying 100 yards away from a shcool or playground are being observed and that pedophiles are taking their meds -Androcur ( chemical name cyproterone) - a form of chemical castration. Some are saying that photos and names should be made public so that parents can know if a pedophile lives next door. Civil liberties groups say this will lead to vigilantes ostracising the wrong people due to mistaken identity as happended a few years ago in England. If you were in charge of law enforcement, what would you do? revdauphinee answered on 09/10/04: what would I do ?Id make sure anyone who ever harmed a child did not ever see freedom again.but then thats just my oppinion. Pamela rated this answer

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Chouxxx asked on 09/09/04 - God's Name I'm confused about what is the relevance of "God's name". Why? Why does Elliot spell God's name G-D, or is that God's name? Why the conversation about whether God is Lord, or King or somwthing else or his real name???? Thanks a lot for answering. Choux revdauphinee answered on 09/10/04: th eonly name time God was asked his name his reply was "I am" wich to me says he exists and that is all we need to know the many names we humans give him are for our own benefit not his!the important part is that he tells us Exodus 20 1. And God spoke all these words: 2. "I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery. 3. "You shall have no other gods before me. Chouxxx rated this answer

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Saladin asked on 09/09/04 - A question When we serve God generously with time and checkbooks but hold back parts of our inner selves, does it mean that we are not yet fully His! revdauphinee answered on 09/09/04: yes since he is more interested in our souls than in our money,organised religion is the one that wants your money.It would be better spent in feeding a homeless person or giving aid to the poor or even hurricaine releif> Saladin rated this answer

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ETWolverine asked on 09/09/04 - At Pamela's request, I am posting this here. Pamela asked me to post this here. I'm not sure why, but please feel free to comment. ----------- Can you post your answer to the Christianity Board? Pamela 09/08/04 A contradiction? Gen 4:26 says there was a calling on the name of the LORD (YHWH) in the days of Enosh. Yet in Ex 6:3 Jehovah (YHWH) tells Moses that His Name was not known to their forefathers. How do your teachings explain this apparent discrepancy? Answered By Answered On ETWolverine 09/09/04 I will first post my answer here, and then the entire thing to the Christianity Board. The name of G-d was well-known in the time of Adam and his immediate decendents, as well as to Noah and HIS decendents. That is clear from the fact that both Adam and Noah conversed with G-d. Even the residents of Babel who swore to build a tower to reach G-d and attempt to dethron Him (for what reason I have no idea) knew the name of G-d. It is further clear that Abraham, Isaac and Jacob all had direct contact with G-d and all knew His name as well. Joseph and his brothers probably did not have DIRECT contact with G-d, but rather through dreams... yet they still knew His name, and followed His laws. The change came in Egypt. Depnding on what comentary you believe, the decendents of Jacob were slaves in Egypt for anywhere from 270 to 400 years. During that time, they lost their faith, and thus their connection to G-d. With only a few exceptions, they forgot G-d. So when G-d tells Moses that his forefathers did not know His name, G-d was referring to his IMMEDIATE anscesstors... those living AFTER Joseph's death and the deaths of the rest of the Sons of Jacob, not every ancestor going back to the time of Adam. Hope this helps. Elliot revdauphinee answered on 09/09/04: thanks elliot for this ETWolverine rated this answer Pamela rated this answer

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ROLCAM asked on 09/08/04 - Do you believe this without reservation? "The things which are impossible with men are possible with God." revdauphinee answered on 09/09/04: Most definatly Yes! ROLCAM rated this answer

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hOPE12 asked on 09/08/04 - Hello Everyone: I just wanted to take a moment to let you all know my family and I are fine. We just got our power back and helping some of our neighbors whose trees and other things that were damaged. Now we are just waiting to see what Ivan will do. I hope all that live in Florida and up the East Coast are okay. Just wanted to let you all know this. We were under a mandatory evacuation and had to go to the shelter. We were there for a few days and it was hard to sleep. I was on earlier but just too tire to type so I came on now just to let you all know we are fine, thanks. Take care, Hope12 revdauphinee answered on 09/09/04: great to hear you are ok now all of us (im on the gulf coast in Miss need to pray we dont have to suffer the wrath of Ivan! hOPE12 rated this answer

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Chouxxx asked on 09/08/04 - Commandment Number Four must have revision immediately. I will give you some background on why. From the distant past even into the Victorian age, children were seen as minature adults. As we have learned in the twentieth century, children are in no way minature adults, far from it! The focus of the parent child relationship must change to:::: parents, do not *harm* your children physically or emotionally. Therein lies how to make changes in societal crime and dis-ease. revdauphinee answered on 09/09/04: your statement " that good parents make good children"Is not always true I have in my life met some awfull people who had exelent parents It has to be said that while you statement is a good idea ,it is not always a fact . Chouxxx rated this answer

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Pamela asked on 09/08/04 - "The resident encyclopedia" Thanks for the compliment saladin. Ive got a fairly good memory but I aint THAT good! Just have a good library of three encyclopediae, 10 science and history textbooks as well as four Bibles etc. revdauphinee answered on 09/08/04: Pam your library sounds almost as good as my own I got you on the bibbles though!like Aton you and i may dissagree in certain points however neither of is is ashamed to claim we follow Christ !Unlike some we know on here,I have more respect for a pagan who at least will admit he is one. Pamela rated this answer

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Pamela asked on 09/08/04 - "A dangerous precedent" - Kophi Annan c. March 2003. The Russian authorities have just announced they will engage in a pre-emptive first strike on any terrorist bases anywhere in the world. An understandable reaction to the recent massacre but what if their intelligence agents get it wrong (sound familiar?) and THEY attack a school? revdauphinee answered on 09/08/04: about time the rest of the world woke up to the threat these Muslim terrorists pose .Yoo bad so many children had to die to wake them up! Mathatmacoat rated this answer Pamela rated this answer tomder55 rated this answer

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arcura asked on 09/08/04 - Are you concerned? The latest of many modern Islamic atrocities of invading a school during which they kill hundreds and shoot fleeing children in the back is more than merely being upsetting. Such a thing breeds a number of thoughts and emotions including anger, sorrow, compassion and concern. Are you concerned? When an Islamic cleric says that there will soon no longer be an Israel, are you concerned? When mosques are being built through what is called Christendom and it is nearly impossible to build a small Christian Church in a Muslim country, are you concerned. There are now large mosques built near churches throughout Europe and one of the largest in Rome just a short distance down the river from St. Peter�s Cathedral and the term Europe is now been said by some to be Euabia, are you concerned? When the Imam of Italy says that Rome will be the future capital of Islam, are you concerned? When Islam leaders claim that the United States will eventually be more Muslim that anything else and that the majority in congress will be of Islamic belief, are you concerned? When a militant Muslim leader says that they will not breed Christianity out of existence that they have a better, quicker way, are you concerned? When some of our politicians (not traditional Democrats and Republicans, but mainly RADICAL Democrats) say that these are idle threats, are you concerned? When it is politically incorrect to criticize Islam but it�s OK to blast, debase, and slur Christianity, are you concerned? revdauphinee answered on 09/08/04: I have long been concerned and have been labled as anti Muslim (which I admit to )and racist for my views read in john 16 :2 a time is coming when anyone who kills you will think he is offering a service to God. (Allah) 3. They will do such things because they have not known the Father or me. 4. I have told you this, so that when the time comes (is it not here?)you will remember that I warned you. I did not tell you this at first because I was with you. we have been warned (and anyone who claims to work in the name of God (Allah) is not worshiping the God I worship but is of Satan )should not kill children for it it writen not one hair of thier heads should be touched arcura rated this answer ATON2 rated this answer Pamela rated this answer Saladin rated this answer

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ATON2 asked on 09/08/04 - Stony????? Has anyone heard from Tony??? It's been more than a week since his last sign-in, and I think he was right in the path of the hurricanes. revdauphinee answered on 09/08/04: glad to hear he was ok im now praying hard both of us (I am on the miss gulf coast )escape the wroth of Ivan the terrible ATON2 rated this answer

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johnh1234 asked on 09/08/04 - The Eight Commandment The eight Commandment states: Thou Shall Not Steal. During world war II there was a widowed mother with four children. She had no means of support, no one to depend on and no money. Her children were starving. One day she went into town and stole a loaf of bread and some potatoes. Did she break that Commandment? Was she sinful in taking what was not hers to feed her children? What would have you done if you were in her shoes? revdauphinee answered on 09/08/04: probably the same thing she did for scripture also says in 1st Timmothy 8. If anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for his immediate family, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever. johnh1234 rated this answer

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Pamela asked on 09/08/04 - The slap Check out the following I foun don Excite: 3. Period Piece * Study Guide ... slap that she refers to is a Jewish tradition in which the mother lightly and lovingly slaps her daughter's face when she learns of her daughter's menarche. ... http://www.jayrosenblattfilms.com/period_guide.html When I first started my period I was (ironically) at the Kingdom Hall, my place of worship. I went to my mother and told her and she said: "Congratulations on becoming a woman" She then got my dad's car keys and took me home. Id had no premenstrual pains so I was not prepared. That made me feel good about menstruation. Ive often seen women of Mediterranean origin pinching kids cheeks and tapping their cheeks with a smile on their faces. Obviously an expression of affection, not contempt. revdauphinee answered on 09/08/04: maybee im jus old and old fashioned, but my mamma told me not to discuss such things in mixed company can we please change the sublect? Saladin rated this answer Pamela rated this answer ATON2 rated this answer

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Chouxxx asked on 09/07/04 - Evil Pursuits If an individual, say a Christian, sees others, perhaps Christians or perhaps not, in pursuit of an evil enterprise, do you think that it is a Christian's responsibity to resist these evil pursuits with all resources available to them? Specifically, German Christians who didn't resist the extermination policy toward the Jews. Or, contemporary Fundamentalists who want public, secular schools to teach religous myth as fact as part of the regular curriculum. Or, contemporary religions that forcefully practice the oppression and de-humanization of women. What is a Christian's responsibility, or anyone's responsibility in the face of evil?? revdauphinee answered on 09/08/04: interesting question! however you fail to take in to consideration the fact that what one person sees as evil may not be that of others,for instance I do not (and I am not a fundamentalist)accept the theory of evolution as fact and yes I do believe we should allow "equal time" for the teaching of creationism in public schools .a Muslim may not see denegrating women as evil while I do so a person who answers your question can only do so from their own perspective. (exscuse the spelling im haveing trouble with my contacts today) Chouxxx rated this answer Pamela rated this answer

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Chouxxx asked on 09/07/04 - "Let He Who Is Without Sin... cast the first stone." This verse is a cornerstone of Christianity. How does your understanding of this verse impact you in your personal lives, or does it? What is your understanding of the meaning of this verse? revdauphinee answered on 09/08/04: it means if those who are sinless are the ones to cast stones none would be cast.In a perfect world this would be true but humans are not perfect they are just forgiven Chouxxx rated this answer

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Pamela asked on 09/07/04 - Did the exodus really happen? A user in attacking God's word has said that the exodus never happened. While history does not confirm the miracles of the Bible, it does confirm the fact that the Jews sojourned in Egypt and later left to go to Canaan. "Josephus quoting the Egyptian historian Manetho: "Our people have come into Egypt many ten thousands in number...."We went out of that country afterward and settled in that country that is now called Judea" Against Apion Book I (26) Complete Works of Flavius Josephus He also quote Lychimachus in (34) revdauphinee answered on 09/08/04: there are also those who say the hollacaust never happened and I can testify that it did! I was alive at the time do not believe everything people say,believe God . Pamela rated this answer

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dapromise asked on 09/07/04 - Christians & Musical Instruments It is wrong for Christians to use musical instruments in worship. I believe this statement is false, but I have to have proof from the Bible to support my side. Besides in the Chronicles, Psalms, Nehemiah, Amos, and Isaiah, where else in the Bible are there scriptures that support this? I have a couple here� however, during some research I discovered that musical instruments are not mentioned of in the New Testament? Please help me find more verses and possibly explain your point of view? Thanks, and God bless! Verses I found: 1 Chronicles 15:16 1 Chronicles 16:42 1 Chronicles 23:5 2 Chronicles 5:13 2 Chronicles 7:6 2 Chronicles 29:27 2 Chronicles 30:21 Nehemiah 12:36 Amos 6:5 Isaiah 38:20 revdauphinee answered on 09/08/04: with all that humanity has to conted with why do folks insist in inventing sins that dont exist?music is joyfull the Lord approves of it dont let men deny you its beauty if musical instumens anre sinful then why will the lord himself give them to his servants? as in Rev.15:2-3. 2 And I saw what looked like a sea of glass mixed with fire and, standing beside the sea, those who had been victorious over the beast and his image and over the number of his name. (((They held harps given them by God ))) dapromise rated this answer

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Chouxxx asked on 09/07/04 - SIN I looked up the definition of sin in my on-line dictionary. It defined sin as::: A transgression of a religious or moral law especially when *deliberate*. In addition, something shameful,deplorable or utterly wrong. Some Christians like to define sin as a "failure to make the mark" which is a somewhat bland interpretation of the word sin which we see is something very serious and deplorable. I have noticed that some Christians choose to define themselves as sinners. I believe that they take on this label and *luxuriate* in it for their own "neurotic purposes". For, if they committed sins and were forgiven by God, why can't they move on to a higher level of Christianity??? I'm serious. Isn't it a greater sin to obsess about sinning than an actual sin? revdauphinee answered on 09/07/04: we must first recognise that we are sinners before we can accept forgiveness then yess we should accept that we are forgiven and not obsess about it. ATON2 rated this answer Chouxxx rated this answer

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sapphire630 asked on 09/07/04 - Re: Pat Robertson post.... Robertson also announced then that the Christian Broadcasting Network will provide worldwide coverage of the Second Coming of Jesus Christ from the Mount of Olives in Jerusalem. Please explain to me how, if Christians are going to be 'raptured in the twinkling of an eye' would the above be possible...and who would be left sitting there watching CBN as it happened? I have heard Pat say some off the wall stuff but this one seems to be the most send my head swimming of things that I have heard him say. revdauphinee answered on 09/07/04: thats "the Gospel acording to Pat"!not Gods truth.I take most of his and oral Roberts stuff and consider the source then ignor it! sapphire630 rated this answer

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ETWolverine asked on 09/07/04 - To PAM and everyone else... regarding the menstruation question. Pam, you wrote this: >>>Another Jewish custom is for mothers to slap the face of a daughter when she starts menstruating.<<< Where in the hell did you get this piece of nonsense!?! As an Orthodox Jew who follows the laws of "family purity" (which includes the laws regarding seminal emissions and menstruation) I can tell you for a fact that this is ABSOLUTELY untrue. There is no such custom or law in Judaism. Complete and utter nonsense. Now, as for how we (Orthodox Judaism) see sex: Sex is not only not "unclean", it is considered both a requirement and a beautiful thing when done within the bounds of marriage and within the laws of Family Purity. t is also considered a REQUIREMENT or COMMANDMENT. What does this mean? Sex between a married couple is perfectly acceptable during any time that is permitted under the Law. That means we can have sex as long as the woman is not menstruating. Once she is menstruating, we are required to wait until her period stops and count seven days. Then she must bath in a ritual bath called a mikvah. After that sex is once again permitted until her next period. That means, as a general rule, that we can have sex approximately half of the time, and are forbidden the other half. Part of the reason is biological... the period of time that begins two weeks AFTER menstruation is the time of highest ovulation in a woman. Sex during this time has the hihest chance of resulting in pregnancy, which is, of course, the point of sex. Another part of the reason for this is for the comfort of the woman. I have yet to meet a woman who really feels comfortable having sex when they are menstruating. Leaving aside the cramps and bloating, most women are more than a little insecure about their periods, and their emotions are all over the place, making sex uncomfortable for both parties involved. Third is the medical reasons... the higher risk of various sorts of infections during menstruation. Another less talked about reason for these laws is the anticipation that it builds between two people in love... which actually makes the sex better than if they just did it all the time. Think of it as 2 weeks of mental foreplay, followed by... I'll let you imagination take it from there. As for why menstruation itself is considered "unclean"... the answer is that it is because of the blood. Blood is, by nature, a spiritually unclean substance in most cases. The word for this spiritual uncleanliness in Hebrew is "Tumah"... but there is no similar term or concept in English, so it is hard to explain. With the exception of blood from certain sacrafices which was required to be sprinkled on the Alter in the Great Temple, blood was generally seen as a spiritually impure substance that transfers tumah. There are different levels of Tumah, with menstruation actually being the second lowest level of tumah (seminal emissions being the lowest). Dead bodies are the highest level of tumah... the hardest to get rid of, ritualistically speaking. All the woman needs is to wait 7 days and then take a bath. For dead bodies, you need a red heifer (and there hasn't been a kosher red heifer in several hundred years) to be properly slaughtered, burned, the ashes mixed with the proper herbs, mixed with the right amount of water, the proper sacrifices (which also can't be done without the Great Temple which hasn't existed in 2 millenia), ritual baths, etc. etc. yadda, yadda... The point is that while menstruation may be considered unclean, sex is NOT. Elliot revdauphinee answered on 09/07/04: eliot thank you for setting her straight on this however since she claims to know everything I doubt she will acept your explanation anyway. ETWolverine rated this answer Pamela rated this answer

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FormerJesusHelper76 asked on 09/06/04 - Witnessed An Accident Very scary. On the way home the traffic opposite of me. Actually seen the accident as it happened. Did not look good at all. Two trucks. Both looked like they jack kniffed and one trailer rolled over and hit the barrier. I imagine that many many cars were involved as well. The speed limit is 100 km/h. It was a very scary thing to witness. Do not know the extent of injuries. Just have your prayers and thoughts on all who were involved. Joe revdauphinee answered on 09/06/04: all one can do is pray for those who were involved> FormerJesusHelper76 rated this answer

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Saladin asked on 09/06/04 - Christianity's comeback Look at the questions from the third September to today and tell me what they have to do with Christianity. revdauphinee answered on 09/06/04: first answer my question!for if you arnt one how would you know? ATON2 rated this answer HANK1 rated this answer Saladin rated this answer

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VisionsInBlue asked on 09/06/04 - Please list your sins here: If we are talking self improvement, this should be fun. Let's see some self criticism, the ways we sin and what we consider sin when it comes to us. NOT other people. I'll start: I'm not tolerant, have a very short fuse, therefore get irritated and am mean to people. I don't help anybody unless I see something in it for me. My attention span is short and so is my patience with people in general. Sometimes I lie, sometimes I cheat. I'm also very arrogant and self centered. Selfish too. I drink on occasion and have extramarital affairs (probably because I'm not married, right). I tend to think that I'm smarter than others (probably because I am) and I like to tell them so. I love myself too much and don't miss an opportunity to adore myself in the mirror. But I said that already. All in all, to be on the safe side, people should stay away from me because you never know... ;) Now you. revdauphinee answered on 09/06/04: as long as I have lived, I think I have committed most all sins of humanity! the thing redeeming, is that Jesus took them all on for me and made so great a sacrifice so I am forgiven! MaggieB rated this answer VisionsInBlue rated this answer

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HANK1 asked on 09/06/04 - SELF-IMPROVEMENT: I strive for perfection in everything that I do. My participation at Answerway is no exception. So, guys, I want to know this: What can HANK do to improve his participation at Answerway? Say anything you want! I will NOT take it with a grain of salt! Nor will I report any comment etc. Fair enough? Maybe something will come of it! If I need to explain myself, I shall ... even though it will be a first! Go to it ... HANK revdauphinee answered on 09/06/04: while we all strive for perfection It cannot be acheived by humans on this earth this is why we need Christ ,I find no fault in your performance here as is ! Chouxxx rated this answer HANK1 rated this answer Saladin rated this answer

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HANK1 asked on 09/06/04 - ANONYMOUS USER! If an Anonymous User or a new Expert asked you this question ... Do you ever get tired of doing what's right? ( .... and don't ask me the meaning of 'what's right.') ... what would your answer be? HANK revdauphinee answered on 09/06/04: My answer to an anonymous user would be no different to any answer i would give anyway. HANK1 rated this answer

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Saladin asked on 09/05/04 - Christianity Will Christianity make a comeback to the Christianity Board? All answers get ten stars. revdauphinee answered on 09/05/04: when did it leave? Christians are not meant to be one dimentional we care about many things we are interested in many things Jesus came to give us abudant life not one track minds Pamela rated this answer Saladin rated this answer

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HANK1 asked on 09/05/04 - TIRED? Do you ever get tired of doing what's right? * .... and don't ask me the meaning of 'what's right.' HANK revdauphinee answered on 09/05/04: im tired of everything i even get up in the morning tired Saladin rated this answer HANK1 rated this answer

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Pamela asked on 09/04/04 - Old earth or young earth creationism? Answers to a question by graeylin in the Religion Board has me wondering how many on this Board believe in the young earth creation theory ( ie that the earth was created on the first "day" in Genesis 1 and that each day was 24 hours long) or that the "days" of creation begin with Gen 1:3 as introducing the first "day" and that the words "In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth" refer to long before the first "day" (Gen 1�) allow ing for the earth to be 4.6 billion years old. revdauphinee answered on 09/05/04: since to the Lord a day is as a thousand years and since time per se is a man made idea it does not matter does it Pamela rated this answer

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Toms777 asked on 09/04/04 - Give me Liberty or Give me Death The latest issue of the Saints Alive newsletter has an interesting quote in it. Here is the excerpt: "Patrick Henry, who is called the firebrand of the American Revolution, is still remembered for his words, �Give me liberty or give me death.� But in current textbooks the context of these words is deleted. Here is what he actually said: �An appeal to arms and the God of hosts is all that is left us. But we shall not fight our battle alone. There is a just God that presides over the destinies of nations. The battle sir, is not to the strong alone. Is life so dear or peace so sweet as to be purchased at the price of chains and slavery? Forbid it almighty God. I know not what course others may take, but as for me, give me liberty, or give me death." These sentences have been erased from our textbooks. Was Patrick Henry a Christian? You be the judge. The following year, 1776, he wrote this: "It cannot be emphasized too strongly or too often that this great Nation was founded not by religionists, but by Christians; not on religions, but on the Gospel of Jesus Christ. For that reason alone, people of other faiths have been afforded freedom of worship here." Why do you think that virtually everytime that you see this quote, the context of it from a Christian perspective is omitted? revdauphinee answered on 09/04/04: because there are those who would remove any vestige of Christ from modern life pray they fail! Chouxxx rated this answer Saladin rated this answer Toms777 rated this answer

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Saladin asked on 09/04/04 - Horse diapers and scolds' bridles Having witnessed the reintroduction of diapers for horses for ourselves, will other once fashionable objects such as the scolds' bridle reappear? revdauphinee answered on 09/04/04: this is one old nag that says no! johnh1234 rated this answer Saladin rated this answer

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johnh1234 asked on 09/04/04 - Friendship When you gain a friend, gain him through testing, and do not trust him hastily. For there is a friend who is such at his own convenience, but will not stand by you in your day of trouble. And there is a friend who changes into an enemy, and will disclose a quarrel to your disgrace. And there is a friend who is a table companion, but will not stand by you in your day of trouble. In your prosperity he will make himself your equal, and be bold with your servants; but if you are brought low he will turn against you, and will hide himself from your presence. A faithful friend is a sturdy shelter: he that has found one has found a treasure. There is nothing so precious as a faithful friend, and no scales can measure his excellence. A faithful friend is an elixir of life; and those who fear the Lord will find him. Whoever fears the Lord directs his friendship aright, for as he is, so is his neighbor also. Christianity. Bible, Sirach 6.7-17 Being that some have been hurt on here does not mean that you do not have a friend in him or her. I thought this would be an appropriate time to place this for all of us. There are many treasures here and I have read enough posts to see that when one is in trouble all of you are the first to console. Okay now I can guzzle some beer. John revdauphinee answered on 09/04/04: after reading the first verse I had to make the comment that anyone who would do the things portraid here is not your friend! johnh1234 rated this answer Chouxxx rated this answer

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Pamela asked on 09/03/04 - From Eden To Exile Has anyone on this Board read this book? Written by an Egyptologist and historian it traces Bible history and even the name of God - Yah - back to many references from the writings and inscriptions on artefacts of the Sumerians, Akkadians and Anatolians. It is ISBN 0 09 941566 6. I found only three mistakes - the author did not know there was an old and more recent city of Jericho and that the city of Babel was around when Sargon I was ruler. And also the common mistake of all historians, making the Babylonian exile 50 years instead of 70 as recorded in the Bible and the writings of Josephus. The author proves the new chronology making Pharoah Dudimosis (Thutmosis I) as the Pharoah of the exodus instead of Rameses II Well worth a read for all history buffs. revdauphinee answered on 09/04/04: Im sure the author researched his book what makes you feel you are more expert than he? Pete_Hanysz rated this answer Pamela rated this answer ATON2 rated this answer

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Pamela asked on 09/03/04 - The use of the tongue or in this case - keyboard The wise man Solomon once said: "Reckless words pierce like a sword but the tongue of the wise brings healing" Prov 12:18. (NIV) Instead of calling others liars, silly or stupid when we dont agree with them, or even telling another user to leave the Board, how can we all improve the quality of posts on this Board? What can we do when someone does insult us or post what we believe is misinformation? revdauphinee answered on 09/04/04: ever heard of turning the other cheek? johnh1234 rated this answer Pamela rated this answer Saladin rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 09/02/04 - It can happen? A man died and went to Heaven. After reaching the gates to Heaven the man was talking with Saint Peter and he asked, "I know I was good during my life, and I really appreciate being brought to Heaven but I'm really really curious. What does Hell look like?" So Saint Peter thought about it a moment and finally said, "I'll tell you what, I'll let you see what Hell looks like before you are officially entered into Heaven. Come with me." And so Saint Peter lead the man to an elevator and said, "Take this elevator to the very bottom floor. When the door opens you will see what Hell looks like, but whatever you do, do not get out of the elevator." "Thank you", replied the man who climbed into the elevator and hit the button for the lowest floor. After nearly an hour waiting in the elevator the doors opened and the man peered out. Before him was a lifeless frozen wasteland. All the man could see were huge mountains of ice through blankets of snow. Remembering what Saint Peter said, the man quickly pushed the button for the top floor, the doors closed and he traveled back up to Heaven. After returning to Heaven the man approached Saint Peter and said, "I'm ready to enter into Heaven now but before I do I have just one more question." "Go ahead", replied Saint Peter. So the man asked, "I thought Hell would be fire and brimstone but instead all I saw was snow and ice. Is that what it's really like?" Saint Peter thought about this for a second and finally answered, "Snow and ice, huh? I guess the Americans finally left Iraq." revdauphinee answered on 09/03/04: I thought it was great thanks! paraclete rated this answer

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Pamela asked on 09/02/04 - Customs are not what they seem The recent posts about sexual attitudes and customs in Victorian England has reminded me of the fact that many customs both ancient and modern are not what they seem. Even with the placing of books by female authors and male authors on different shelves was not done out of some overt prudishness but rather was for a practical reason. Female authors were few compared to the number of male authors and so it was much easier to find a book by a female author if they were separated from those written by male authors. In the Law of Moses, a man having an emission of semen or a woman mentruating had to bathe and be "unclean" for a period of time. Does this mean that sex was viewed as something dirty? Another Jewish custom is for mothers to slap the face of a daughter when she starts menstruating. Is this an indication that menstruation is viewed by Jews as something unlean and contemptible? Some may think so. What do you think? revdauphinee answered on 09/03/04: Pam sounds a little like your obsessed with sex personaly i prefer to talk of other things (guess im still a little victorian!) ATON2 rated this answer Chouxxx rated this answer Pamela rated this answer

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ATON2 asked on 09/02/04 - For those interested in the truth! Since Pamela has opted to, once again, go public with her attempt to denigrate ATON. You might (or not) be interested in the truth that she claims is a 'bizarre' figment of ATON's Imagination: Gertrude Himmelfarb, one of America's most respected scholars of Victorian thought and culture wrote a book entititled: "Marriage & Morals among the Victorians". Publicity blurbs for the book read: "The conventional view of Victorianism - a "Family Shakespeare" purged of indecencies, PIANO LEGS SHEATHED IN PANTALOONS, and the works of male and female authors chastely residing on separate shelves -gives way to lthe subtle analysis of an ethos that combined a profound sense of social and moral responsibility with a remarkable tolerance for idiocycracy.." Fancy that 'piano legs sheathed in pantaloons'. As to horse diapers...at least 10 to fifteen locations adopted this Victorian nonsense, including Vienna, Mexico, Mississippi and Nevada which used oversize diapers from...of all places....AUSTRALIA!!!! dear Pamela's homeland. How bizarre is that???? You can find more on these subjects by the simple expedient, lost on Pamela, of typing in 'pantaloons for piano legs' and 'diapers for horses' into your search engines. You will find dozens of sights that cover both. revdauphinee answered on 09/02/04: as I said in my answer to pam this is quite believable I am myself from England and almost old enough (not quite)to remember Victoria she was quite a prudish old gal ATON2 rated this answer

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Pamela asked on 09/02/04 - Urbans myths Among one of his more bizarre claims a user has stated that in Victorian England they put diapers on horses as well as covering piano legs. Anyone ever seen a PAINTINGS from that period that shows piano legs ot table legs covered and horses wearing diapers? revdauphinee answered on 09/02/04: being from England and almost old enough (but not quite) to remember victoria this would not surprise me Queen Victoria was quite an uptight old gal! Pamela rated this answer

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ethical_reason asked on 09/02/04 - Why is everyone so mad at Choux Actually, why are VIB and Aton so mean to her? And VIB and Aton, why are you so mean to her? I'm coming back from being away a month or so, and I'd like to know what the deal is. revdauphinee answered on 09/02/04: why is it mean when one disagrees with someone ?just asking .In the imortal words of Rodney King ''Why cant we all just get along?"" Chouxxx rated this answer ethical_reason rated this answer johnh1234 rated this answer

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Bradd asked on 09/02/04 - The Lord's Prayer Have there ever been so few words that say so much? I guess there's something like it in Hinduism or some ancient Babylonian myth or some other mythology, but never quite in the same way as in this small piece of Christianity. Along with the Beatitudes, it is as perfect as prayer can be. Some of Jesus' sayings may have been interpolated later into the story, but all scholars agree this is original with that strange, mysterious wandering preacher from Galilee. "Our Father" - what could be more universal, more heartrending? "Who art in heaven" - that place of ultimate goodness we all yearn for. "Hallowed be Thy Name" - we are all prey to a need, the need to adore. "Thy Kingdom Come" - THY kingdom, not always the kingdom many of us seem to be seeking. "Thy Will Be Done" - Thine, not mine. "On Earth as it is in Heaven" - Someday, Lord, someday. "Give Us This Day, Our Daily Bread" - What more could we possibly need? Yet, we keep trying for more... "And Lead Us Not into Temptation" - We do that so well all by ourselves. "But Deliver Us From Evil" - Help us, Lord, help us. And let us help each other. It is not only the perfect ethic, it describes the perfect way to live. The Lord's Prayer is beautiful and good. Jesus gave us a hint of the Divine with this and, like all truly profound things, its simplicity touches all of us - the great and the ordinary. It is the ultimate leveler. revdauphinee answered on 09/02/04: good post ! Bradd rated this answer

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johnh1234 asked on 09/02/04 - If we are mere mortals we are all guilty of sin. Is there such a thing as acceptable everyday sin? I know that I cuss am I cursed to meet some sort of devil? Just curious. revdauphinee answered on 09/02/04: all have sinned and come short !however God is ready to forgive none of us are perfect if we were we would not need a savior ATON2 rated this answer johnh1234 rated this answer

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johnh1234 asked on 09/02/04 - Seems like there is much more than Christianity going on here on this board. You people make quite a nice mix of opinions. Maybe our creator sent me here in my time of need. No question, does not require an answer. Just read all your posts and they were better than watching my favorite show on TV. John revdauphinee answered on 09/02/04: if it wernt for this site I'd die of lonliness! but I come here and my day always gets brighter.even an argument on here makes it interesting and I feel I know most everyone personaly even though we never met nor will I consider all my friends Yes even you Aton LOL Chouxxx rated this answer johnh1234 rated this answer paraclete rated this answer

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Pamela asked on 09/01/04 - Prayers answered My older daughter is still winning her battle against cancer. Recent tests show no sign of the cancer coming back. My younger daughter has developed a serious health problem - kidney stones cause by long term high calcium levels which had not been found previously as it only made her lethargic but not caused any other noticeable symptoms. After removing 3 of 4 parathyroid glands the doctors found her calcium levels were still high. As my husband had a fifth parathyroid gland removed about 13 years ago, doctors figured my daugther may have inherited a fifth gland too- located in her elsewhere. They have have just found where it is - behind her left ear and intend to remove it next week. It means the calcium levels will return to normal - no more kidney stones. Im sure you agree that is reason to be thankful. Ive spent many hours praying for my two lovely daughters and God has answered my prayers. revdauphinee answered on 09/02/04: great news proving prayer works Pamela rated this answer

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Pamela asked on 09/01/04 - The psychics failed the test Yesterday we had a TV show here called Deal or No Deal where they put psychics to the test. The object of the game is to guess which one of 26 briefcases contains big money, the top prize being $2m. The psychic on the podium insisted hers was a big ( other cases included amount of $1 down to 50c) while the psychics holding the cases would win $1000 if they guessed the contents of their cases correctly before opening them. The winner ended up accepting a bank deal of about $30,000 even though a $500,000 case was still unopened. As it turns out, her chosen "big prize"case contained the lowest prize, 50C! And of the others only a few guessed right - no more than what usually happens when the 25 other cases are opened. revdauphinee answered on 09/02/04: Pam regarding the zzzzzs if you dont wish to respond to a persons answer why ask the question? johnh1234 rated this answer Pamela rated this answer VisionsInBlue rated this answer

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Chouxxx asked on 09/01/04 - What Would a Christian Do? Recently, an acquaintance gave my new, private e-mail address to two AW personnae without my approval. In my e-mail, I received soft core porn from one of these users. Thanks, Choux revdauphinee answered on 09/01/04: as I christian who gets this stuff occasionaly I block the sender Chouxxx rated this answer johnh1234 rated this answer VisionsInBlue rated this answer

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Chouxxx asked on 09/01/04 - Logos St. John tell us that Jesus is an embodiment of the Logos. "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him, and without him was not anything made that was made. In him was life and the life was the light of men." The Logos described by St. John is God Conscious of Himself. The One soul of the Universe which is conscious through all beings. We set out to find ourselves, but discover a "logos shared by all" because Logos is our essential common identity. Our bodies consisting of many parts is held together by one soul; so the universe is to be thought of an immense living being, which is held togher by one soul-the power and the Logos of God. St. John is making it clear that he is a personification of this One Soul of the Universe. Christ is in us all, because he is the essential divine nature we all share. Comments welcome.... revdauphinee answered on 09/01/04: correction Christ is in us all only when we invite him in and allow him to be !Christ is no gate crasher he will not dwell where he is not welcome Krewton rated this answer Chouxxx rated this answer ATON2 rated this answer Pamela rated this answer Saladin rated this answer

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Pamela asked on 09/01/04 - Oscar Wilde For the benefit of those who may have read Aton's comments about Oscar Widle. The following from Encarta. Note that he was convicted os sodomy involving a YOUNG man. Just how young the article does not say. In any case he later converted to RC, a church which does not condone homosexuality. LIFE Oscar Wilde Nineteenth-century Irish-born writer and intellectual Oscar Wilde led an eccentric life that fuelled his witty satires and epigrams on Victorian society. A member of the aesthetic movement in literature, Wilde advocated the idea of art for art�s sake. This selection comes from �The Ballad of Reading Gaol� (1898), a poem inspired by Wilde�s 18-month period of imprisonment.(p) 1992 Microsoft Corporation. All Rights Reserved./Culver Pictures Expand He was born Oscar Fingal O'Flahertie Wills Wilde on October 16, 1854, in Dublin, and educated at Trinity College, Dublin. As a youngster he was exposed to the brilliant literary talk of the day at his mother's Dublin salon. Later, as a student at the University of Oxford, he excelled in classics, wrote poetry (his long poem Ravenna won the coveted Newdigate Prize in 1878), and incorporated the Bohemian lifestyle of his youth into a unique way of life. At Oxford Wilde came under the influence of aesthetic innovators such as English writers Walter Pater and John Ruskin. As an aesthete, the eccentric young Wilde wore long hair and velvet knee breeches. His rooms were filled with various objets d'art such as sunflowers, peacock feathers, and blue china; Wilde claimed to aspire to the perfection of the china. His attitudes and manners were ridiculed in the comic periodical Punch and satirized in the Gilbert and Sullivan comic opera Patience (1881). Nonetheless, his wit, brilliance, and flair won him many devotees. Wilde's first book was Poems (1881). His first play, Vera, or the Nihilists (1882), was produced in New York, where he saw it performed while he was on a highly successful lecture tour. Upon returning to England he settled in London and married in 1884 a wealthy Irish woman, Constance Lloyd, with whom he had two sons. Thereafter he devoted himself exclusively to writing. In 1895, at the peak of his career, Wilde became the central figure in one of the most sensational court trials of the century. The results scandalized the Victorian middle class; Wilde, who had been a close friend of the young Lord Alfred Douglas, was accused by Douglas's father, the Marquess of Queensberry, of sodomy, an accusation that was upheld by the courts on Wilde's retrial in May 1895. Sentenced to two years of hard labour in prison, he emerged financially bankrupt and spiritually downcast. He spent the rest of his life in Paris, using the pseudonym Sebastian Melmoth. He was converted to Roman Catholicism before he died of meningitis in Paris on November 30, 1900. � 1993-2003 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved. revdauphinee answered on 09/01/04: did you know Oscar wilde was openly gay?If so then this article should have come as no surprise if anyone neede to convert he did! ATON2 rated this answer Pamela rated this answer Saladin rated this answer

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MaggieB asked on 09/01/04 - Consider, could you write eleven straight predictions that would take place in the year 4000 A.D.? It has been said that it is virtually impossible for anyone to make 11 straight predictions, 2000 years into the future. There is only one chance in 8 x 10 to the 63rd power, or 80 with 63 zeros after it that such a thing could be done. If such a set of predictions existed, it would have to be the Word of God. Consider, could you write eleven straight predictions that would take place in the year 4000 A.D.? Include the rebirth of a specific nation and exactly how it would be reborn. Include specific nations that would exist and certain nations that would be allied together, and the exact size of a nation�s army. Include what the people and church would be like. Also include the names of actual cities and name certain crops and fruit trees that would exist. Do eleven straight prophecies and be exactly correct on every single one. The Bible not only does this eleven times, but hundreds of times with absolute, perfect accuracy. If this is so, even the most skeptical person (that is truthful) would have to agree that there is indeed a God and the Bible has to be His Word. 2 Pet 1:20,21-KNOWING THIS FIRST, THAT NO PROPHECY OF THE SCRIPTURE IS OF ANY PRIVATE INTERPRETATION. FOR THE PROPHECY CAME NOT IN OLD TIME BY THE WILL OF MAN: BUT HOLY MEN OF GOD SPAKE AS THEY WERE MOVED BY THE HOLY GHOST. O FOOLS, AND SLOW OF HEART TO BELIEVE ALL THAT THE PROPHETS HAVE SPOKEN-Lk 24:25. However, believing there is a God and acknowledging the Bible is the Word of God does not save a person. A person needs to admit they are a sinner, repent, and receive Jesus Christ as their only hope of being saved. This is done by faith (or trust). Let's prove the Bible is true and we are nearing the end of the last generation before Christ returns. 1. The Jewish people would be scattered worldwide; yet Israel would become a nation again after a long time and at a time the Bible calls the "latter days"-ref Isa 66:8; Mic 5:3; Ezek 38:8. Against what appeared to be impossible odds, this prophecy has been fulfilled. It happened as predicted on May 14, 1948 after about 2500 years. That�s 1 out of 1. Note: Israel was destroyed in approximately 721 B.C. and Judah about 135 years later. Since that time, approximately fourteen different peoples have possessed the land of Israel. Yet as the Bible said, the nation of Israel would be reborn. The rebirth of Israel was a key sign, indicating we had entered a time period called the "latter days." It was the beginning of a countdown leading to the Tribulation and culminating with the Battle of Armageddon and the return of Jesus. Along with the fulfillment of this crucial event are over 360 prophecies that would all come together, so we might recognize that the Tribulation is very close at hand. Some of these are listed here. Yet the Bible foretells that most people would not believe these things, despite the overwhelming evidence of the signs from God�s Word being fulfilled exactly as predicted. As people refused to believe the flood was coming in Noah�s time, so people today willingly choose to disregard the signs of the times. 2. Israel shall be brought forth in one day, at once-ref Isa 66:8. Prophecy fulfilled-May 14, 1948. That�s 2 out of 2. Note: On Nov. 29, 1947, the General Assembly of the U.N. approved a resolution calling for the establishment of a Jewish state in Palestine. On the morning of May 14, 1948 (the last day of the British mandate), a meeting of the People�s Council took place in Israel to decide on the name of the state and to finalize the declaration. At precisely 4 pm, the proclamation ceremony began at the Tel Aviv museum. The 979 Hebrew words of the Scroll of Independence were read. All stood, and the scroll was adopted. The notorious White Paper, issued by the British in 1930 restricting Jewish immigration, was declared null and void. Members of the People�s Council signed the proclamation. David Ben-Gurion rapped his gavel, declaring, "The State of Israel is established. This meeting is ended." Israel was brought forth as a nation in one day, at once, exactly as predicted. At midnight, the British soldiers and high commissioner would leave. President Truman was swift in announcing U.S. recognition of Israel. The following morning, on May 15, Israel was under attack by the Egyptian, Syrian, Lebanese, Jordanian, and Iraqi forces. 3. Israel would be brought forth (or reborn) "out of the nations"-Ezek 38:8. Prophecy fulfilled-May 14, 1948. That�s 3 out of 3. Note: As previously stated, on Nov. 29, 1947, the General Assembly of the "United Nations" approved a resolution calling for the establishment of a Jewish state in Palestine. This prophecy was perfectly fulfilled. Consider, for centuries the land of Israel had been occupied by many nations. Israel was "brought forth out of the nations"�the children of Israel from many nations have been returning to their ancient homeland. 4. Israel must regain the city of Jerusalem-Joel 2:32; Isa 28:14; Ezek 22:19. This happened just as predicted in 1967. That�s 4 out of 4. Note: The Bible gives us two methods so we would know the time we are in. One is by Israel�s rebirth. The other, by a precise line of events that would all come together at one time. Israel was reborn on May 14th, 1948. The Bible indicates that from Israel�s rebirth a generation would not pass till all be fulfilled. We are not setting any date; however, it seems clear from Israel�s rebirth and the signs of the times� that we are living in the generation in which the Rapture and Tribulation will come and catch most people by surprise. Are you ready? 5. The Christian church at the time of the end would be lukewarm, neither cold nor hot for Jesus. Prophecy fulfilled. That�s 5 out of 5. Note: God will spew them out. Many ministers and people that call themselves a Christian will not be going to heaven. The Bible tells us�you have acquired wealth, but your true condition is wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked and you don�t know it-Rev 3:14-22. This is today�s church. Most preachers use little Scripture, but lots of worldly stories. Many sing a great deal, but put little emphasis on repentance, obeying, serving, and fearing God, on the fruits of the Spirit, Bible prophecy, water baptism by immersion, and studying your Bible faithfully every day. Many are only entertainment centers that teach what their members want to hear. Many (so-called Christians) are so lukewarm or dead, they don�t even bring their Bibles with them to the house of God. Some famous ministers and Bible schools think this is the best church age ever, yet the Bible clearly shows it is the worst and most deceived. 6. The Bible gives us over 50 descriptions about the people at the time of the end. These fit the people of today perfectly, but did not fit the people of fifty years ago. Here are some: A. Some would depart from the faith and go into devil worship-1 Tim 4:1. This is perfect. B. People would mock about the last days and not believe-2 Pe 3:3; Jude 18. C. People would become lovers of themselves-2 Tim 3:1,2. Remember the TV commercials�"I do it for me"? D. People would be disobeying their parents-2 Tim 3:1,2. E. People would be grateful for nothing-2 Tim 3:1,2. F. Homosexuality would increase-Lk 17:28,30; ref Gen 19:5; Ro 1:24,26,27. G. People would be without self-control in sex-2 Tim 3:1,2,6; Rev 9:21, Lk 17:28,30; Jude 7. Is this not the great sex generation? H. People would love pleasures more than God-2 Tim 3:1,2,4. This is true. Shall we go on a picnic, watch football, or sleep. Church?�we can go another time. Our American motto "In God we trust" has become a joke. Remember, these were all predicted centuries ago as part of the signs that we are at the time of the end. I. People would be taking drugs-Rev 9:21. The Greek word for sorceries, in Rev 9:21, means pharmaceuticals or drugs. God�s Word is 100% right on every one. That�s 6 out of 6. How could you have any doubts at this point? Note: Fifty years ago, many people seldom locked their doors at night. There was little or no profanity on television, radio, or in the movies. One of the biggest problems in public school was gum chewing. Those days are long gone. 7. There would be weapons that could destroy the world-Mk 13:20; Rev 6:8; Rev 9:18; Zech 14:8,12. Incredibly, this prophecy was written in the days of spears and arrows, yet today it is true. That�s 7 out of 7. Note: It is estimated that the combined nuclear arsenals of the USA and Russia (as of the year 2002) could kill every living thing on earth 6 times over. 8. The Gospel must be published in all the world-Mk 13:10. This seemingly impossible prophecy was written when there was no printing press, but today it is true. That's 8 out of 8. Note: In this last generation, to our knowledge, the Gospel is being published (or is about to be published) in the primary language of every nation of the world or "among all nations." In addition, the Gospel is available by short-wave radio nearly everywhere in the world. 9. In the "latter days" when Israel was once again a nation, there would be a great military power to the extreme north of Israel in the land of Magog (which is modern-day Russia)-Ezek 38:2-4,8,15,16. Incredible. That�s 9 out of 9. Note: How could the Bible have foretold the location of this nation, facts about its military, and even the time period it would come to pass? As was already said in Lk 24:25-O FOOLS, AND SLOW OF HEART TO BELIEVE ALL THAT THE PROPHETS HAVE SPOKEN. 10. There would be a nation to the far east of Israel, to the end of the earth. This nation would have an army of 200 million. This is astounding. How could the Bible have told the location of a nation and given such a huge figure regarding the size of its army nearly 2000 years ago? China has boasted that they could field an army of this exact figure. That�s 10 out of 10. 11. There would be an economic alliance of the nations of the Old Roman Empire. It would have a military capability. This is an exact description of the European Economic Community today (the EEC), which has already adopted the one-currency system for many of their member nations. It is written, IN THE DAYS OF THESE KINGS (these nations, which is now) SHALL THE GOD OF HEAVEN SET UP A KINGDOM-Dan 2:44. That�s 11 out of 11. We have just reached the point that seemed impossible�11 perfect predictions made thousands of years ago�with God nothing is impossible. Certainly, at this point, even the biggest skeptic should see the Bible is true, there is a God, and we are nearing the time of the end. About 22 prophecies in 11 sets have been given, all perfect and all written centuries ago. The chance that any person could do this 2000 years into the future is not possible. The Bible is the Word of God, and we have just proved it. Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ. God bless, MaggieB revdauphinee answered on 09/01/04: I probably couldent write even one but God can and did !beware of man made prophecy! MaggieB rated this answer

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hOPE12 asked on 09/01/04 - Weather changes and the Bible book of Revelations Hello, Here in Florida we are waiting for hurican Francis to hit. Charley just destroyed Fort Myers Florida. Now another one is heading this way. How is the weather where you live? Have you noticed many changes? Does it have anything to do with the Bible book of Revelations? revdauphinee answered on 09/01/04: living here in Mississippi I am aware of the danger you and all folks on the coast are in my prayers,I do believe scripture warns of such events dont you ?However here on the gulf coast this is not something new we hate them but many of us long time residents have learned to cope> hOPE12 rated this answer Uni-Agdistis rated this answer

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Itsdb asked on 09/01/04 - Please pray for Chechen school situation If you haven't heard, terrorists have seized a Chechen school, holding anywhere from 120 to 400 children hostage. It's reported they are threatening to kill a number of children and/or blow up the entire school. Please pray for the safety of the kids, school officials, the families, for a positive resolution, etc. This is sad and disgusting... revdauphinee answered on 09/01/04: they were already in my prayers I heard this morning unfortunatly some have already been murdered!No matter how they try and justify their actions this is murder > Itsdb rated this answer

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koinegreek asked on 09/01/04 - How do you write a letter to someone? Paul did it this way. I am Paul. I am [the] slave of Christ Jesus. I have been separated as an apostle, called into the gospel of God. which gospel God did previously promise through his prophets in his holy writings. All about his son, the one who became according to flesh, out of David's seed. Designated the son of God with power, according to spirit of holiness, as he was raised up out of those who died. We received grace and commission, on behalf of his name, in all the Gentiles, into obedience of faith. You are these Gentiles and You are Gentiles called of Christ Jesus. Grace and peace be to all of you from God our father and Lord Jesus Christ. Even all the ones in Rome, the beloved ones of God, holy ones called of God. Indeed, first of all, I am thanking my God through Christ Jesus concerning all of you because your faith is a spoken example in the whole world. Even as God is my witness whom I give divine service in my spirit in the gospel of his son as I am making you my unceasing reminder. revdauphinee answered on 09/01/04: silly question of cource we have !why cant you remember you are not our teacher pleace try not to be so condecending! johnh1234 rated this answer koinegreek rated this answer Saladin rated this answer

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FormerJesusHelper76 asked on 08/31/04 - Soulmate(s) Do you believe in soulmates? If you do not, please explain why. If you do what exactly do you believe about it. Do you believe that Each person only has one soulmate in the world. Thats it. Or do you believe that there are many soulmates that we could have? Is it possible having more then one soulmate. revdauphinee answered on 09/01/04: no I do not since our sould are endowed at birth and to believe in such a thing to me smells of reincarnation,an aspect i do not believe in, FormerJesusHelper76 rated this answer

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Liz22 asked on 08/31/04 - Protesters In New York? As Christians should we had joined in with the Protesters in New York last Saturday? And may I ask what were your comments on the Protesting against the President and the War do you think this war should end and bring the soldiers back home? As for myself, it made me feel proud in a way, like back in the 60s, it made me feel American again, free to take a stand for what I believe in. Thank you revdauphinee answered on 08/31/04: I for one thank my God for the priveledge of living in a country where we are alowed to protrst if we disagree with policy there are those in the word who do not have such a priveledge Chouxxx rated this answer tomder55 rated this answer Liz22 rated this answer

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koinegreek asked on 08/31/04 - Maybe? Baptist says it all revdauphinee answered on 08/31/04: ""they all come from punctured pomposities, blasted bigots, and harpooned hypocrites :) :) :) Not to mention 'impaled Inquisitors' LOL "" what does that make me Aton???

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STONY asked on 08/31/04 - ITS GOING TO TAKE ME A WHILE.... TO LEARN HOW TO BE SAD AND REJOICE AT THE SAME TIME. SATURDAY AUGUST 28, 2004 Hello Everyone, I got the call today that I knew was coming.....just didn't want it to come so quickly. Our classmate and friend Wayne Lynch passed away this morning around 5 A.M. Martha Sue and Wayne's wife was with him....each holding one of Wayne's hands. His family is much relieved that he is no longer in pain and suffering. Wayne requested to be cremated; therefore there will be a memorial service next Sunday, September 5, 2004, at 4 P.M., with visitation prior to the service ( 2 to 4 P.M. ), at Sharon Springs Park in Cumming, GA ( community building ). The Northside High School Class of 1966 will either send a plant or make a donation to the American Cancer Society as per Martha Sue's request. We will also send a really nice sympathy card to Wayne's family. Anyone wishing to contact Martha Sue and /or Wayne's family may do so at: Martha Sue Lynch Moncus, 3232 Bells Ferry Rd., Marietta, GA 30066 Please keep Martha Sue and Wayne's entire family in your thoughts and prayers. I GOT THIS IN THIS MORNINGS MAIL FROM PHYLLIS. revdauphinee answered on 08/31/04: REMEMBER EARTH LOSS IS HEAVENS GAIN STONY rated this answer

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ROLCAM asked on 08/31/04 - Just be honest !! Do you consider yourself to be a convinced Christian? What makes you so sure ? revdauphinee answered on 08/31/04: I am convinced Christ died for my sins if you mean thAT! ATON2 rated this answer ROLCAM rated this answer

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sapphire630 asked on 08/30/04 - Can you believe this one? Now the people that have nothing better to do than think up how things offend us so we have to better improve society by changing, now say that red ink to correct school work is traumatic to children so teachers should now correct papers in purple because it is the color of royalty and therefore gives children self esteem. I thought them wanting to ban recreational fishing because the fish that are thrown back are traumatically stressed the rest of their life was something; now we have to be careful about red ink with kids. I think the red pens should sue the purple pens over discrimination! I didn't even use the PC word on this one>>>How ya like that Paraclete?>>> Oh, and I agree with you on that! revdauphinee answered on 08/30/04: if the powers that be would care aboput educating our children and let the parents take care of the self esteem problem maybee we would have smarter kids instead of ones who worship self! kindj rated this answer sapphire630 rated this answer

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Laura asked on 08/30/04 - Say a prayer for them all. The average age of the military man is 19 years. He is a short haired, tight-muscled kid who, under normal circumstances is considered by society as half man, half boy. Not yet dry behind the ears, not old enough to buy a beer, but old enough to die for his country. He never really cared much for work and he would rather wax his own car than wash his father's; but he has never collected unemployment either. He's a recent High School graduate; he was probably an average student, pursued some form of sport activities, drives a ten year old jalopy, and has a steady girlfriend that either broke up with him when he left, or swears to be waiting when he returns from half a world away. He listens to rock and roll or hip-hop or rap or jazz or swing and a 155mm howizzitor. He is 10 or 15 pounds lighter now than when he was at home because he is working or fighting from before dawn to well after dusk. He has trouble spelling, thus letter writing is a pain for him, but he can field strip a rifle in 30 seconds and reassemble it in less time in the dark. He can recite to you the nomenclature of a machine gun or grenade launcher and use either one effectively if he must. He digs foxholes and latrines and can apply first aid like a professional. He can march until he is told to stop or stop until he is told to march. He obeys orders instantly and without hesitation, but he is not without spirit or individual dignity. He is self-sufficient. He has two sets of fatigues: he washes one and wears the other. He keeps his canteens full and his feet dry. He sometimes forgets to brush his teeth, but never to clean his rifle. He can cook his own meals, mend his own clothes, and fix his own hurts. If you're thirsty, he'll share his water with you; if you are hungry, his food. He'll even split his ammunition with you in the midst of battle when you run low. He has learned to use his hands like weapons and weapons like they were his hands. He can save your life - or take it, because that is his job. He will often do twice the work of a civilian, draw half the pay and still find ironic humor in it all. He has seen more suffering and death then he should have in his short lifetime. He has stood atop mountains of dead bodies, and helped to create them. He has wept in public and in private, for friends who have fallen in combat and is unashamed. He feels every note of the National Anthem vibrate through his body while at rigid attention, while tempering the burning desire to 'square-away' those around him who haven't bothered to stand, remove their hat, or even stop talking. In an odd twist, day in and day out, far from home, he defends their right to be disrespectful. Just as did his Father, Grandfather, and Great-grandfather, he is paying the price for our freedom. Beardless or not, he is not a boy. He is the American Fighting Man that has kept this country free for over 200 years. He has asked nothing in return, except our friendship and understanding. Remember him, always, for he has earned our respect and admiration with his blood. And now we even have woman over there in danger, doing their part in this tradition of going to War when our nation calls us to do so. As you go to bed tonight, remember this shot.. A short lull, a little shade and a picture of loved ones in their helmets....... "Lord, hold our troops in your loving hands. Protect them as they protect us. Bless them and their families for the selfless acts they perform for us in our time of need. Amen." Say a prayer for our ground troops in Afghanistan, sailors on ships, and airmen in the air, and for those in Iraq. Of all the gifts you could give a US Soldier, Sailor, Coastguardsman, Marine or Airman, prayer is the very best one. revdauphinee answered on 08/30/04: thanks for posting this it is needed .we should pray both for them and the parents they left home who wory daily for the safety of thier sons! ATON2 rated this answer Laura rated this answer tomder55 rated this answer

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Chouxxx asked on 08/30/04 - Second Reformation All Christians are familiar with the Reformation of the Christian church by Martin Luther. Christianity made great progress from that reformation. It is now time for a Second Reformation of Chrisitianity in order to save it from the dustbin of history. It is predicted accordint to current statistics and trends, that Christianity will be only a comparatively small religion on the world stage by the end of this millennum. I very much want Christianity saved. What aspects of Christianity do you think could benefit by reform?? revdauphinee answered on 08/30/04: thats easy all of it! but dont look for it in organised religion wich is nothing more than big business,interested only in profit and not real soul saving! Chouxxx rated this answer Saladin rated this answer

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koinegreek asked on 08/30/04 - How does Rev., defines "virgin"? Every woman has a duty when she is born. Her duty is to be a virgin for her husband. The Lamb has a wife, a bride. She MUST be virgin. So, in Rev., the woman clothed with the sun and moon appears to be that bride. But once she goes into the wildness and comes forth she is clothed as a harlot, unfit for the Lamb's wife, bride. So John wondered, marveled at how this could have possible happened. For John recognized her as the same woman, but clothed completely opposite. So now read Rev., 14:4. What are your answers now? Rev 21:9 And there came unto me one of the seven angels which had the seven vials full of the seven last plagues, and talked with me, saying, Come hither, I will shew thee the bride, the Lamb's wife. Rev 19:7 Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honour to him: for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and his wife hath made herself ready. Rev 14:4 These are they which were not defiled with women; for they are virgins. These are they which follow the Lamb whithersoever he goeth. These were redeemed from among men, [being] the firstfruits unto God and to the Lamb. Rev 2:20 Notwithstanding I have a few things against thee, because thou sufferest that woman Jezebel, which calleth herself a prophetess, to teach and to seduce my servants to commit fornication, and to eat things sacrificed unto idols. revdauphinee answered on 08/30/04: could this not aply to the church today, the church is supposed to be the bride of Christ! koinegreek rated this answer Uni-Agdistis rated this answer johnh1234 rated this answer

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Pamela asked on 08/29/04 - Chouxx comments on clergy and child abuse Chouxx - how can having church leaders with degrees mean children are less likely to be abused when there is so much scandal of child abuse in the Catholic and Anglican churches? Here in the state where I live there was a pedophile ring in youth camps operating for 40 years! Sunday schools and youth camps, which JWs DONT HAVE are what provide the perfect opportunity for these sick perverts to abuse kids.An extension of ther statute of limitations has seen several priests arrested and the local Anglican Bishop forced to resign because he allowed a pedophile priest to leave the country before reporting him for child rape to the police! My father was an elder for 30 years. He once had to deal with a pedophile and he not only reported the pervert to the police he also got his beaten wife and children out of the house and found them another home so the man could not find them after he was released from prison or if he was not convicted. My husband likewise has proven to be the milk of human kindness. My father never once spanked me I could not have asked for a happier childhood. Im sure I speak for the majority of witnesses. If it was any different I would not be a JW for sure! revdauphinee answered on 08/30/04: sinners come from all denominations and all walks of life! we cannot blame the organisation for their acts! however we can if they cover it up as has been done in the past! lets not be in denial this is rampant everywhere some even in the shcools !so lets not put the blame just on the church here> Pamela rated this answer

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Uni-Agdistis asked on 08/29/04 - New Translation of the bible..... New Bible translation Archbishop of Canterbury praises version for 'extraordinary power' Posted: June 24, 2004 1:00 a.m. Eastern � 2004 WorldNetDaily.com SOURCE: http://www.worldnetdaily.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=39114 A brand-new translation of the Bible � praised by Britain's archbishop of Canterbury, that nation�s senior Christian voice � flatly contradicts traditional core Christian beliefs on sex and morality. Titled "Good as New," the new Bible is translated by former Baptist minister John Henson for the "One" organization, to produce what the group calls a "new, fresh and adventurous" translation of the Christian scriptures. The 104th archbishop of Canterbury, Dr. Rowan Williams � leader of the Church of England � describes it is a book of "extraordinary power," but admitted many would be startled by its content. "Instead of condemning fornicators, adulterers and 'abusers of themselves with mankind'," says Ruth Gledhill, the London Times religious affairs correspondent, "the new version of his first letter to Corinth has St. Paul advising Christians not to go without sex for too long in case they get 'frustrated.'" "The new version, which Dr. Williams says he hopes will spread 'in epidemic profusion through religious and irreligious alike', turns St. Paul's strictures against fornication on their head," adds the Times. The One organization that produced the new Bible translation is dedicated to "establish[ing] peace, justice, dignity and rights for all." It is also focused on "sustainable use of the earth's resources," challenging "oppression, injustice, exclusion and discrimination" as well as accepting "one another, valuing their diversity and experience." According to Ekklesia, a London-based "theological think tank" that supports the "One" translation: The translation is pioneering in its accessibility, and changes the original Greek and Hebrew nomenclature into modern nicknames. St. Peter becomes "Rocky," Mary Magdalene becomes "Maggie," Aaron becomes "Ron," Andronicus becomes "Andy" Barabbas becomes "Barry." In keeping with the times, translator Henson deftly translates "demon possession" as "mental illness" and "Son of Man," the expression Jesus frequently used to describe himself, as "the Complete Person." In addition, parables are rendered as "riddles," baptize is to "dip" in water, salvation becomes "healing" or "completeness" and Heaven becomes "the world beyond time and space." Here's how Williams, the top Anglican archbishop, describes the new Bible: "Instead of being taken into a specialized religious frame of reference � as happens even with the most conscientious of formal modern translations � and being given a gospel addressed to specialized concerns � we have here a vehicle for thinking and worshipping that is fully earthed, recognizably about our humanity." In addition, notes Ekklesia, the archbishop praises Henson's translation for eliminating "the stale, the technical, the unconsciously exclusive words and policies" in other translations. Here, according to the London Times, are a few sample passages: Mark 1:4 Authorized version: "John did baptize in the wilderness, and preach the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins." New: "John, nicknamed 'The Dipper,' was 'The Voice.' He was in the desert, inviting people to be dipped, to show they were determined to change their ways and wanted to be forgiven." Mark 1:10-11 Authorized version: "And straightway coming up out of the water, he saw the heavens opened, and the Spirit like a dove descending upon him. And there came a voice from the heaven saying, Thou art my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased." New: "As he was climbing up the bank again, the sun shone through a gap in the clouds. At the same time a pigeon flew down and perched on him. Jesus took this as a sign that God's spirit was with him. A voice from overhead was heard saying, 'That's my boy! You're doing fine!'" Matthew 23:25 Authorized version: "Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites!" New version: "Take a running jump, Holy Joes, humbugs!" Matthew 26:69-70 Authorized version: "Now Peter sat without in the palace: and a damsel came unto him, saying, 'Thou also wast with Jesus of Galilee.' But he denied before them all, saying, I know not what thou sayest." New: "Meanwhile Rocky was still sitting in the courtyard. A woman came up to him and said: 'Haven't I seen you with Jesus, the hero from Galilee?" Rocky shook his head and said: 'I don't know what the hell you're talking about!'" 1 Corinthians 7:1-2 KJV: "Now concerning the things whereof ye wrote unto me: [It is] good for a man not to touch a woman. Nevertheless, [to avoid] fornication, let every man have his own wife, and let every woman have her own husband." New: "Some of you think the best way to cope with sex is for men and women to keep right away from each other. That is more likely to lead to sexual offences. My advice is for everyone to have a regular partner." 1 Corinthians 7:8-7 KJV: "I say therefore to the unmarried and widows, It is good for them if they abide even as I. But if they cannot contain, let them marry: for it is better to marry than to burn." New: "If you know you have strong needs, get yourself a partner. Better than being frustrated." -------------------------------------------------- Comments? revdauphinee answered on 08/29/04: what can you expect from a denomination that has an openly gay bishop! ATON2 rated this answer Krewton rated this answer Uni-Agdistis rated this answer

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koinegreek asked on 08/28/04 - My last comment. Do you have any? Full story: From Fenton to fortune in the name of God Carolyn TuftAND Bill Smith �2003, St. Louis Post-Dispatch 11/15/2003 Tahnee Jones (left) and Betty Jones, raise their hands during a prayer at Joyce Meyer's Life in the Word in Atlanta in August. (Robert Cohen/P-D) Story continues below adJoyce Meyer says God has made her rich. Everything she has came from Him: the $10 million corporate jet, her husband's $107,000 silver-gray Mercedes sedan, her $2 million home and houses worth another $2 million for her four children � all blessings, she says, straight from the hand of God. It's been an amazing run, nothing short of a miracle, says Meyer, a one-time bookkeeper who heads one of the world's largest television ministries. Her Life in the Word organization expects to take in $95 million this year. Just look around, she told reporters last month from behind her desk on the third floor of the ministry's corporate offices in Jefferson County. "Here I am, an ex-housewife from Fenton, with a 12th-grade education," she said. "How could anybody look at this and see anything other than God?" In many ways, Joyce Meyer is an American Cinderella. Describing herself as sexually abused as a girl and neglected and abandoned as a young wife, Meyer has remade herself into one of the nation's best-known and best-paid TV preachers. She has taken her "prosperity through faith" message to millions. "If you stay in your faith, you are going to get paid," Meyer told an audience in Detroit in September. "I'm living now in my reward." Meyer, 60 and a grandmother, runs the ministry with her husband, Dave, and the couple's four children. All of the family, including the children's spouses, draw paychecks from the ministry. But the way Meyer spends her ministry's money on herself and her family may violate federal law, legal and tax experts say. That law bars leaders of non-profits -- religious groups and other charities -- from privately benefiting from the tax-free money they raise. Last month, Wall Watchers, a watchdog group that monitors the finances of large Christian groups, called on the Internal Revenue Service to investigate Meyer and six other TV preachers to find out whether their tax-exempt status should be revoked. Meyer and her lawyer say she scrupulously abides by all federal laws. Meyer's rise to prominence followed years of struggle. But by 1998, Charisma & Christian Life magazine was calling her "America's most popular woman minister." Last year, Meyer was the keynote speaker at the Christian Coalition's Road to Victory tour, a gathering of some of the nation's most influential politically conservative leaders. And today, her TV shows, regional conferences and fund raising from her Web site bring an average $8 million a month to her ministry. Of that, the ministry says it spends about 10 percent � $880,000 a month � on charitable works around the globe. Her star has risen so high and so fast that it amazes even Meyer. "Dave and I feel almost like, 'Can this really be us?"' she said. "We feel like we're the most blessed and honored people on the face of the Earth." "Every nation, every city" Meyer's ministry stretches around the globe. From a 15-minute St. Louis-area radio show in 1983, it has spread to virtually every corner of the civilized world, largely through the reach of satellite and cable transmissions and the Internet. In the United States, her "Life in the Word" TV show airs on local channels in 43 states, from Pembina, N.D., and Crowley, La., to Boston, Detroit, Los Angeles and St. Louis. Meyer has become a household name in areas of Canada, Mexico, South America, Europe, Africa, Australia � about 70 countries in all, according to her ministry's magazine. She says the ministry gets 15,000 letters a month from India alone. In September, an Arabic language translation of her program began airing six times a day on the Life Channel network in the Middle East. Meyer hopes to use the network to bring the message of Christianity to 31 Islamic nations. "You've got to keep in mind that nobody's ever done this," Meyer said. "When a Western woman shows up in Western clothes, preaching the gospel of Jesus in the Arabic language, it's going to be rather interesting." Meyer and her husband say the ministry has the potential to reach 2.5 billion people every weekday. Despite the ministry's far-flung success, the couple say they still have work to do. "Every time we feel like we've reached our peak, God opens more doors," Dave Meyer says. The couple's recent slogan, printed on posters in the ministry's headquarters and on banners at its conferences, sets out an ambitious goal for the future: "Every nation, every city, every day." Devoted followers and dogged critics Meyer's hard-edged, often self-effacing preaching has won her legions of followers, many of them women who see her as part minister, part trusted friend. "She's so down-to-earth," bus driver Eva McLemore, 43, said at one of Meyer's recent conferences in Atlanta. "She makes you feel like she's your sister, that she can totally relate to you and understand you with no condemnation, no judgment." Her style also has prompted criticism from those who paint Meyer as a get-rich-quick carnival barker focused on one thing: how to get the most money from the most people in the shortest time. Ole Anthony, head of the Dallas-based religious watchdog Trinity Foundation, says, "She is in the typical genre of the TV evangelists who have become wealthy on the backs of the poorest people they are supposedly ministering to." Besides being a charismatic speaker, Meyer is the author of more than 50 books on a variety of topics, from self-help books on dieting and marriage to deeper, more philosophical themes. Two of her most recent books, "Knowing God Intimately" and "How to Hear From God," deal with building a faith-based relationship with God. She also sells audiotapes and videotapes, enough to fill several pages in the ministry's product catalog. Meyer makes no excuses for hawking her books and tapes and for relentlessly pleading for donations on her Web site, on her TV show and at her conferences. "They don't let me on that television for free," she said at the Atlanta conference. "The gospel is free, but the pipeline that carries it is not." A penchant for nice things Meyer is fond of nice things and is willing to spend for them. From an $11,000 French clock in the ministry's Fenton headquarters to a $105,000 Crownline boat docked behind her vacation home at Lake of the Ozarks, it's clear her tastes run more to Perrier than to tap water. "You can be a businessman here in St. Louis, and people think the more you have, the more wonderful it is," Meyer said in an interview. "But if you're a preacher, then all of a sudden it becomes a problem. "The Bible says, 'Give and it shall be given unto you.' " The ministry's headquarters is a three-story jewel of red brick and emerald-color glass that, from the outside, has the look and feel of a luxury resort hotel. Built two years ago for $20 million, the building and grounds are postcard perfect, from manicured flower beds and walkways to a five-story lighted cross. The driveway to the office complex is lined on both sides with the flags of dozens of nations reached by the ministry. A large bronze sculpture of the Earth sits atop an open Bible near the parking lot. Just outside the main entrance, a sculpture of an American eagle landing on a tree branch stands near a man-made waterfall. A message in gold letters greets employees and visitors over the front entryway: "Look what the Lord Has Done." About 510 people work there. It's an office much like that of any other business, where clerks open mail, accountants count money, editors tweak Meyer's videos, technicians copy tapes, and warehouse workers send out the tons of Meyer's tapes and books to paying customers. The only sign of a church inside is a chapel, but the public is kept out. Only employees worship there. The building is decorated with religious paintings and sculptures, and quality furniture. Much of it, Meyer says, she selected herself. A Jefferson County assessor's list offers a glimpse into the value of many of the items: a $19,000 pair of Dresden vases, six French crystal vases bought for $18,500, an $8,000 Dresden porcelain depicting the Nativity, two $5,800 curio cabinets, a $5,700 porcelain of the Crucifixion, a pair of German porcelain vases bought for $5,200. The decor includes a $30,000 malachite round table, a $23,000 marble-topped antique commode, a $14,000 custom office bookcase, a $7,000 Stations of the Cross in Dresden porcelain, a $6,300 eagle sculpture on a pedestal, another eagle made of silver bought for $5,000, and numerous paintings purchased for $1,000 to $4,000 each. Inside Meyer's private office suite sit a conference table and 18 chairs bought for $49,000. The woodwork in the offices of Meyer and her husband cost the ministry $44,000. In all, assessor's records of the ministry's personal property show that nearly $5.7 million worth of furniture, artwork, glassware, and the latest equipment and machinery fill the 158,000-square-foot building. As of this summer, the ministry also owned a fleet of vehicles with an estimated value of $440,000. The Jefferson County assessor has been trying to get the complex and its contents added to the tax rolls but has failed. Stylish sports cars and a plane Meyer drives the ministry's 2002 Lexus SC sports car with a retractable top, valued at $53,000. Her son Dan, 25, drives the ministry's 2001 Lexus sedan, with a value of $46,000. Meyer's husband drives his Mercedes-Benz S55 AMG sedan. "My husband just likes cars," Meyer said. The Meyers keep the ministry's Canadair CL-600 Challenger jet, which Joyce Meyer says is worth $10 million, at Spirit of St. Louis Airport in Chesterfield. The ministry employs two full-time pilots to fly the Meyers to conferences around the world. Meyer calls the plane a "lifesaver" for her and her family. "It enabled us, at our age, to travel literally all over the world and preach the gospel" with better security than that offered on commercial flights, she said. Security is important to Meyer, who says she has received death threats. She has a division of the ministry dedicated to her safety. Her officers wear pistols; they guard the headquarters' front gate, keeping out anyone but employees and invited guests. The ministry bought a $145,000 house where the security chief lives rent-free to keep him close to the ministry's headquarters. The family compound The ministry has also bought homes for other key employees. Since 1999, the ministry has spent at least $4 million on five homes for Meyer and her four children near Interstate 270 and Gravois Road, St. Louis County records show. Meyer's house, the largest of the five, is a 10,000-square-foot Cape Cod style estate home with a guest house and a garage that can be independently heated and cooled and can hold up to eight cars. The three-acre property has a large fountain, a gazebo, a private putting green, a pool and a poolhouse where the ministry recently added a $10,000 bathroom. The ministry pays for utilities, maintenance and landscaping costs at all five homes. It also pays for renovations. The Meyers ordered major rehab work at the ministry's expense right after the ministry bought three of the homes. For example, the ministry bought one home, leveled it and then built a new home on the site to the specifications of Meyer's daughter Sandra and her husband, county records show. Even the property taxes, $15, 629 this year, are paid by the ministry. Meyer called the homes a "good investment" for the ministry and said the ministry bears the cost of upkeep and maintenance because the family is too busy to take care of such tasks. "It's just too hard to keep up with something like that when you travel as much as we do," Meyer said. She said that federal tax law allows ministries to buy parsonages for their employees, so the arrangement does not violate any prohibitions against personal benefit. Meyer also said the decision to cluster the families together was a way to build a buffer to better ensure privacy and security. "We put good people all around us," she said. "Obviously, if I was trying to hide anything or thought I was doing anything wrong, I wouldn't live on the corner of Gravois and 270." The irrevocable trust Meyer says she expects the best, from where she lives to how she looks. Much of her clothing is custom-tailored at an upscale West County dress shop. At her conferences, she usually wears flashy jewelry. She sports an impressive diamond ring that she said she got from one of her followers. Meyer has a private hairdresser. And, a few years ago, Meyer told her employees she was getting a face-lift. Not everything is paid directly by the ministry. Last year, the Meyers bought a $500,000 atrium ranch lakefront home in Porto Cima, a private-quarters club at Lake of the Ozarks. A few weeks later, they bought two watercrafts similar to Jet Skis and a $105,000 Crownline boat painted red, white and blue that they named the Patriot. In 2000, the Meyers also bought her parents a $130,000 home just a few minutes from where the Meyers live. The Meyers have put the Mercedes, the lake house, the boat and her parents' home into an irrevocable trust, an arrangement that tax experts say would help protect them from any financial problems at the minisry. Meyer says she should not have to defend how she spends the ministry's money. "We teach and preach and believe biblically that God wants to bless people who serve Him," Meyer said. "So there's no need for us to apologize for being blessed." Meyer's "trusted" board For the most part, Meyer can spend the ministry's money any way she sees fit because her board of directors is handpicked. It consists of Meyer, her husband and all four of her children � all paid workers � as well as six of Meyer's closest friends. (Ministry officials said that daughter Laura Holtzmann has now resigned; state records still list her on the board.) "Our family is a huge help to us," Meyer said. "We couldn't do this if we didn't have somebody we trusted." Board members Roxane and Paul Schermann are such close friends that for more than a decade they lived in the Meyers' home. The ministry employed both of them as high-level managers and in 2001 bought them a $334,000 home. Roxane Schermann no longer works at the ministry; her husband continues as a paid division manager. The Schermanns bought the house at the same price from the ministry in January. Delanie Trusty, the ministry's certified public accountant, also serves as the ministry board's secretary. The board decides how the ministry's money is spent. The salaries of Meyer and her family are set by those board members who are not family members and are not employed by the ministry, Meyer's lawyer said. The arrangement meets IRS regulations, the lawyer said. "We certainly wouldn't have enemies and people we don't know" on the board, Meyer said. "That wouldn't make any sense. Anybody who has a board is going to have people in favor of you." Meyer and her ministry refuse to tell how much the ministry pays Meyer, her husband, her children and her children's spouses. "I don't make any more than I'm worth," Meyer said. "We're definitely within IRS guidelines." Such an overlap between top administrators and board members concerns the IRS because "the opportunity to manipulate and control the organization is easier to accomplish," said Bruce Philipson of St. Paul, Minn., the IRS group manager of tax-exempt organizations for this region. The followers stay loyal Meyer's followers don't seem to care how much of her ministry's money Meyer spends on herself. In interviews with some of her followers at her conference in Atlanta in August, all said they believe that Meyer helps them and that she deserves the wealth. William Parton, 32, an Atlanta policeman, said people should not care what Meyer does with the money. "I think if they believe they are doing what God has called them to do, and they have a following, and people enjoy listening to them, even if it's just for entertainment value, just like sports athletes, they deserve to live however their means dictate," he said. Michael Scott Horton, who teaches religious theology at Westminister Theological Seminary in Escondido, Calif., said attitudes such as Parton's are exactly what evangelists like Meyer bank on. "These poor people want to believe that they have that kind of faith," Horton said, "that they're going to risk it all on the say-so of this supposed man of God standing up in front of them." None of her critics seems to rile Meyer. She says her material success is a reflection of her commitment to God. As she puts it: "The whole Bible really has one message: 'Obey me and do what I tell you to do, and you'll be blessed.'" Reporter Carolyn Tuft E-mail: ctuft@post-dispatch.com Phone: 314-340-8105 Reporter Bill Smith E-mail: billsmith@post-dispatch.com Phone: 314-340-8125 revdauphinee answered on 08/29/04: sounds like we have a little jelousy at work here .I am not a myers fan since i suport no organised religion but as a sixty four year old woman myself who wears costume jewelry,tries to dress as well as my means allows, and yes I even colour my greying hair ,I still claim to be a Christian and you my friend are not our judge Matthew 7:1. Judge not, that ye be not judged. 2. For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again. 3. And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother's eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye?

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koinegreek asked on 08/28/04 - I caught her just in time. Did you? Joyce Meyers said, "I have the gift of con..." Did you get to caught this moment on TV? revdauphinee answered on 08/28/04: what is it with you do you have a thing for Joyce myers???for the Lords sake get a life!

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Chouxxx asked on 08/28/04 - Abortion vs. Capital Punishment We have had discussion about Abortion on the Board today. Which of you who are 'Pro-Life' are against the Death Penalty. In other words, Or do you favor killing via the death penalty? revdauphinee answered on 08/28/04: One can go to scripture for this (Exo.21:23-25 23 But if there is serious injury, you are to take life for life, however with the system we have today I do wory that an innocent person could be condemned Chouxxx rated this answer

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Pamela asked on 08/27/04 - Ignorance With respect I recommend some of the experts here do a web search for embryology or get hold of a good biology textbook. Some answers parrot the old fable promoted by those who are "pro choice" that an aborted embryo is just a clump of cells. Wrong! By the time a woman would even know she is pregnant (missed a period) - at least three weeks from conception - the baby has a beating heart and a two lobed brain. revdauphinee answered on 08/28/04: I myself have always been pro choice !however that choice should be made before the act that makes the child! Chouxxx rated this answer Pamela rated this answer

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Bishop_Chuck asked on 08/27/04 - Name Change OK, I was trying to get them just to replace Fr Chuck with Bishop Chuck due to my promotion within my church. But it appears, I merely had a new identy made. If anyone knows how to change your user name let me know. But I am not trying to "be" two differnt people, not trying to fool anyone, like Fr and Bishop Chuck would be a big fool thing. But I know having differnt names was a issue to some in the past, and I just wanted every to know, I had asked the answerway people to change my one user name for the other, but it appears, they only added the new one revdauphinee answered on 08/27/04: anyway congrats on the promotion! Bishop_Chuck rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 08/27/04 - A short Bible study for single men. Top Biblical ways to get a wife Find an attractive prisoner of war, bring her home, shave her head, trim her nails, and give her new clothes. Then she's yours. (Deuteronomy 21:11-13) Find a prostitute and marry her. (Hosea 1:1-3) Find a man with seven daughters, and impress him by watering his flock. -- Moses (Exodus 2:16-21) Purchase a piece of property, and get a woman as part of the deal. -- Boaz (Ruth 4:5-10) Go to a party and hide. When the women come out to dance, grab one and carry her off to be your wife. -- Benjaminites (Judges 21:19-25) Have God create a wife for you while you sleep. Note: this will cost you a rib. -- Adam (Genesis 2:19-24) Agree to work seven years in exchange for a woman's hand in marriage. Get tricked into marrying the wrong woman. Then work another seven years for the woman you wanted to marry in the first place. That's right. Fourteen years of toil for a woman. -- Jacob (Genesis 29:15-30) Cut off 200 foreskins off of your future father-in-law's enemies and get his daughter for a wife. -- David (I Samuel 18:27) Even if no one is out there, just wander around a bit and you'll definitely find someone. (It's all relative of course.) -- Cain (Genesis 4:16-17) Become the emperor of a huge nation and hold a beauty contest. -- Xerxes or Ahasuerus (Esther 2:3-4) When you see someone you like, go home and tell your parents, "I have seen a ...woman; now get her for me." If your parents question your decision, simply say, "Get her for me. She's the one for me." -- Samson (Judges 14:1-3) Kill any husband and take HIS wife. (Prepare to lose four sons though). -- David (2 Samuel 11) Wait for your brother to die. Take his widow. (It's not just a good idea, it's the law). -- Onan and Boaz (Deuteronomy or Leviticus, example in Ruth) Don't be so picky. Make up for quality with quantity. -- Solomon (1 Kings 11:1-3) A wife?...NOT!!! -- Paul (1 Corinthians 7:32-35) anyone want to try these? revdauphinee answered on 08/27/04: or you could move south and mary your cousin kindj rated this answer Uni-Agdistis rated this answer STONY rated this answer paraclete rated this answer

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STONY asked on 08/26/04 - MY APPOLOGIES... IF ANY OF YOU HAVE WRITTEN TO ME AND NOT GOTTEN A RESPONSE IN MY EMAIL IT IS BECAUSE YAHOO HAS A THING CALLED BULK MAIL. SOMETIMES REGULAR MESSAGES GET INTO THIS FOLDER AND WHEN I'M LOOKING AT 2600 MESSAGES IN BULK MAIL I SIMPLY DUMP THEM ALL. SORRY IF I HAVE INCONVIENCED ANYONE.......STONY revdauphinee answered on 08/26/04: no need for appologies you are in all our prayers STONY rated this answer

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STONY asked on 08/26/04 - THANK YOU ALL FOR YOUR PRAYERS........... THIS IS THE LATEST NEWS I RECEIVED TODAY ON WAYNE. Tony, I have been crying for the last half hour. Waynes sister called and said they had moved him into a hospice to die. He sleeps 24/7, and is given morphine all day and night. He knows no one, not even his own Mother. She said it would do no good for me to come tomorrow. I still offered, saying I had promised you that I would, but she said no, he will be gone probably before I get there. I am sorry I couldnt go sooner, and I feel as if I have let you down. Please forgive me. I lit a prayer fire and sent his name to God to be held gently and to go peacefully. Again, I am sorry. You, as always, are in my prayers. I dont where this feeling of complete despair is coming from, but I hope it leaves very soon. Love you, Rea I CAN ONLY PRESUME THAT GOD IN HIS INFINITE MERCY HAS TAKEN WAYNE HOME AND SET HIM FREE FROM THE PAINS OF THIS WORLD. HE WAS TRUELY ONE OF THE "GOOD GUYS" OF MY YOUTH. revdauphinee answered on 08/26/04: sometimes I feel the lord sets the spirit free before the body lets hope this is the case and all his pain is over! STONY rated this answer

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STONY asked on 08/26/04 - THIS IS HILLARIOUS!!! The Lord has a way of revealing those of us who really know him, and those that don't! Think about it! Kerry gave a big speech last week about how his faith is so "important" to him. In this attempt to convince the American people that we should consider him for president, he announced that his favorite Bible verse is John 16:3. Of course the speech writer meant John 3:16, but nobody in the Kerry camp was familiar enough with scripture to catch the error. And do you know what John 16:3 says? John 16:3 says; "They will do such things because they have not known the Father or me." The Spirit works in strange ways. Pass it on VOTE, VOTE, VOTE!! revdauphinee answered on 08/26/04: we also need to remember Mathew 7: 21. "Not everyone who says to me, `Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. 23. Then I will tell them plainly, `I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!' so remember when you vote that just claiming to be a Christian( a la G Bush and co) does not make you one! Chouxxx rated this answer ATON2 rated this answer STONY rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 08/26/04 - Just for a smile! An old, bearded shepherd, with a crooked staff, walks up to a stone pulpit and says... And lo it came to pass that the trader by the name of Abraham Com did take unto himself a young wife by the name of Dot. And Dot Com was a comely woman, broad of shoulder and long of leg. Indeed, she had been called Amazon Dot Com. And she said unto Abraham, her husband, "Why doth thou travel far, from town to town, with thy goods when thou can trade without ever leaving thy tent?" And Abraham did look at her as though she were several saddle bags short of a camel load, but simply said, "How, Dear?" And Dot replied, "I will place drums in all the towns and drums in between to send messages saying what you have for sale and they will reply telling you which hath the best price. And the sale can be made on the drums and delivery by Uriah's Pony Stable." (UPS) Abraham thought long and decided he would let Dot have her way with the drums, as long as he could have his way with her. And Dot said, "There will be a lot of banging in the land." And Abraham replied, "It is my most fervent wish that this be so." And the drums rang out and were an immediate success. Abraham sold all the goods he had, at the top price, without ever moving from his tent. But his success did arouse envy. A man named Maccabia did secrete himself inside Abraham's drum and was accused of insider trading. And the young did take to Dot Com's trading as doth the greedy horsefly to camel dung. They were called Nomadic Ecclesiastical Rich Dominican Siderites, or NERDS for short. And lo the land was so feverish with joy at the new riches and the deafening sound of drums, that no one noticed the real riches were going to the drum maker, one Brother William of Gates, who bought up every drum company in the land. And indeed did insist on making drums that would only work if you bought Brother Gates' drumsticks. And Dot did say, "Oh, Abraham, what we have started is being taken over by others." And as Abraham looked out over the Bay of Ezekiel, or as it came to be known, eBay, he said, "We need a name of a service that reflects what we are." And Dot replied, "Young Ambitious Hebrew Owner Operators." "Whoopee!", said Abraham. "No, YAHOO!", said Dot Com. revdauphinee answered on 08/26/04: that was great i love it! paraclete rated this answer

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Chouxxx asked on 08/25/04 - St Augustine I have been doing some reading in third and fourth century social and religious history, and learned something I consider fascinating. St Augustine, an early Christian theologian wrote that sex was an "unnatural act"(after he had dumped his mistress and child!) and he waxed "eloquent" on matters of sexual nature. Etc, etc. Anyway, at the time, the Roman and Greek Pagans and the Jews considered this belief sinful and unnatural! Did you know that Christianity is the ONLY RELIGION where sexual intercourse is considered "unnatural"?? I'd be interested in your reaction to these facts. revdauphinee answered on 08/26/04: it may be considered unatural by some this I wouldnt doubt! but as a true believer I know that nothing created by God is unatural ,It can be used unaturaly but thats a whole other thing! Chouxxx rated this answer Pamela rated this answer

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kindj asked on 08/25/04 - I don't know where to post this... ...but it's kinda cool, and has a bit of truth mixed in there. Read on: This was written by a Fulton County Police officer.... We live in strange times. Our sons are wearing their pants down to their knees and our fathers are wearing theirs so high they have to cut the pockets out to stick their arms through. Our daughters tell us we don't understand them but we can't understand them because their pierced tongue makes them lisp and spit all over us. We stare at their pierced eyebrow as our fatherly side urges us to be patient and try to understand them while the other side tells us that if we were to reach up there and rip it out it would hurt really bad and they probably wouldn't want to put another one of those things up there-or anywhere else. They would, however, probably report you to some piercing advocate group who would picket your house. Supposedly we live in an age of communication but it's getting hard to understand anyone. Daughters talk so fast that it's a blur. The only thing you can do is take a 50/50 chance and nod yes or no. Believe me, that's not a good policy. Boys are easier to understand because what few words they exchange with you are limited to "What?" and "That's a rip-off" and my favorite one: "No fair." Now, with age comes wisdom so we use what patience we have to at least try and sort things out. We ask the inevitable question "Did I act that stupid when I was a kid?" (Something, by the way, you never say aloud in the presence of your parents.) As we get older we find more subtle ways to handle all these questions. Newer parents go directly into anxiety but we older parents find ways to deal with it. I prefer to go to the basement and talk to the dogs. There's nothing like having a cigar and complaining to the dogs about your kids. Lately I've heard more and more people use the phrase "In a perfect world." In whatever situation they find themselves in, they ultimately say, "Well in a perfect world, these things wouldn't happen. In a perfect world, there wouldn't be crime or starvation or kids wearing their pants down to the knees or so many reality shows." Why do you even need to bring it up? Comparing what we do have to what we could have in a perfect world just isn't fair. It's not like talking about what we would do with the $296 million if we won the lotto. We have a chance to win the lotto. Maybe it's 1 in 76 million but it's a chance at least. The perfect world, well we just don't have a chance for it so why compare? It's futile. It's torture. The other day someone said: "You know, in a perfect world, we wouldn't have so much crime and hate." Who are you fooling? In a perfect world the first thing we make perfect is us! In a perfect world the hair on my head would grow and the hair in my nose would stop or at least slow down its rapid growth pattern. My knees would quit making that grinding sound. I could ask the store clerk where the size 32 waist jeans are located. The Braves would call. The Cubs would call. John Wayne would make another movie� Bo Derek calls. The lotto guys would call, twice-no, three times. The guy who broke into my car would call and beg to have the curse taken off. The lotto guy calls again wanting to add a zero at the end. The boat would clean itself, then, as if by magic, increase in value. That guy from FOX would call and ask me what I think of that whole little-people-v-camel race thing they're showing previews of. I know it's weird but for some reason I'd like to discuss it. Mel Gibson calls and says he's sick of people comparing us. Jeff Foxworthy calls for creative influence. The Braves would get past the playoffs and Vick would get past pre-season. You see? It just makes things worse. There's nothing tangible to hope for. I have to go. It's the phone. Let me guess: my daughter stapled herself to her door or my son got his pants caught in the escalator or Foxworthy reads this stuff or Bo's in town, or, just maybe, it's the little people. I better take this call in the basement. Tell the dogs to bring my cigars. revdauphinee answered on 08/26/04: in a perfect world we would be perfect people ! we arnt! Also how absolutly boring a perfect world would be Think about it? kindj rated this answer

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VisionsInBlue asked on 08/25/04 - Real vs. Imaginary I'm talking the Internet. What is it for you? What is allowed and what is not? Which rules do you think apply? Providing that you care, of course... Oh and please don't hit me with the scriptures... I wanna know what you really think. :) revdauphinee answered on 08/25/04: as for the internet apparently anything goes !as for this site wich like it or not bears the name of christ (ie: Christian)then tollerance ,caring kindness and a little humility could never hurt! Chouxxx rated this answer VisionsInBlue rated this answer

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sapphire630 asked on 08/24/04 - VERY best of THIS political campaign! www.jibjab.com click there and play LOL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! revdauphinee answered on 08/24/04: the best thing about any political campaign is the day its over! sapphire630 rated this answer paraclete rated this answer Pamela rated this answer tomder55 rated this answer

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sapphire630 asked on 08/24/04 - christians with no sense of humor what would you have if you put all the christians with no sense of humor together? revdauphinee answered on 08/24/04: never mind Aton Im here and im a democrat a christian and I think ive got a sence of humor.If you dont think God has a sence of humor go look in the mirror! sapphire630 rated this answer Mathatmacoat rated this answer Pamela rated this answer ATON2 rated this answer

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sapphire630 asked on 08/24/04 - politically correct or liberal I used the words the politically correct people instead of liberal and someone here answered something about why do you Americans use many words when you could use one? My only reply to that is who else coulda put the shoop in the shoop bop or the ramalama in the ramalama dingdong! revdauphinee answered on 08/24/04: Political correctness is one of the worst things we have ever created ,why not call a spade a spade and have done with it?the one that gets my goat is the phrase "Human resource" I personaly do not like being refered to as a resource!a resource is something you use do you realy want to be used? paraclete rated this answer sapphire630 rated this answer

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Chouxxx asked on 08/24/04 - Suprising Poll Results? On my ISP, the news today section noted the results of a poll taken of thrity year olds in different countries. The goal was to try to find out the country with the "loosest morals". The question asked was: how many lovers do you think is acceptable for a person of your age to have had(paraphrase). I was surprised at the answer, how about you? The number one country was Great Britain by far! They thought it was acceptable to have different lovers at the same time as well as to have had over 10 lovers(60%)by age 30. The French were WAY behind(only 30%!!!). Second was Germany with 52% agreeing with the statement and USA at 49%. Funny about stereotypes, they are not always true! For those who want additional conversation, how many lovers did you have in your life? [I had 20, but never when I was married; I'm 61 now and celibate for 20 years.] Do you think it is wrong to have lovers when you are not married? Live L'amour??? Cordially, Chouz revdauphinee answered on 08/24/04: As someone who grew up in great Britain this did not surprise me it has always been so!whats changed? Pamela rated this answer Chouxxx rated this answer

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HANK1 asked on 08/24/04 - CHRISTIANS AND CATHOLICS! A true Christian who is mature and thereby is well grounded in the doctrine in God�s Word, cannot carefully examine the Roman Catholic church and arrive at the conclusion that it is Christian. The contrast between the poor, persecuted, simple, humble church based on faith portrayed in the New Testament versus the billion dollar, popular, complex and mysterious, pompous Roman Catholic church based on fear and power, could not be greater. Do you think Catholics are Christians? HANK revdauphinee answered on 08/24/04: sory I do think they are followers of Christ (the people not the organisation )so of cource catholics are Christians,(as much as the rest of us )we are none of us perfect the ones who claim perfection are the ones I doubt!Christ himself said he came for the sick and the sinners the selfrightious ones have no part of him! HANK1 rated this answer

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hOPE12 asked on 08/23/04 - How does one cope with discouragement? Hello Everyone, Are you discouraged? In this age of uncertainty and strife, many people are. Some are discouraged because they are unemployed. Others are coping with the after math of an accident. Still others are struggling with family problems, a serious illness, or feelings of being lonely. When we become discouraged, where can we turn for help? A hug, or a kind word could help us. What about the Bible, can that help us and if so, how? Pretend I am discouraged and I come to you for help. How will you give me encouragement and using the scriptures, which one would you draw to my attention and why? Take care, Hope12 revdauphinee answered on 08/23/04: isaiah 41:10. So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. 11. "All who rage against you will surely be ashamed and disgraced; those who oppose you will be as nothing and perish. 12. Though you search for your enemies, you will not find them. Those who wage war against you will be as nothing at all. 13. For I am the LORD, your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you. hOPE12 rated this answer

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koinegreek asked on 08/22/04 - Testing yourselves? Holding yourselves? Examining yourselves? Believing NOT every spirit? What spirit are you? dokimazete � 1381 1Jn 4:1 � Beloved ones, all of you must NOT be believing every spirit, but all of you must be testing the spirits, pisteuO � 4100 1Jn 4:1 dokimazete � 1381 1Th 5:21 � All of you must be testing all things katechete � 2711 1Th 5:21 � All of you must be holding fast the good. dokimazete � 1381 2Co 13:5 � All of you must be testing yourselves peirazO � 3985 2Co 13:5 � All of you must be examining yourselves if you are in the faith revdauphinee answered on 08/22/04: peirazO � 3985 2Co 13:5 � All of you must be examining yourselves if you are in the faith try self examination Uni-Agdistis rated this answer

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HANK1 asked on 08/22/04 - HURRAY! Anytime you want to know what Koinegreek's up to, check out the following site: babelfish.altavista.com/ It's Alta Vista's Babel Fish Translation site! HANK revdauphinee answered on 08/22/04: dont realy care what he is up to he posted about anger and then proceeded to tell me I was not a Christian wich is the best way to make me angry personaly I feel his arogance is beyond comprehension HANK1 rated this answer

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koinegreek asked on 08/22/04 - Gospel? Who, if any, can tell the "gospel" as Jesus meant in this verse? metanoeO � 3340 Mk 1:15 � All of you must be repenting. And repenting is believing in the gospel. Gospel? pisteuO � 4100 Mk 1:15 � All of you must be believing in the gospel. And believing is repenting. Gospel? revdauphinee answered on 08/22/04: who if any?im sure you feel yourself more qualified than any of us but read the following Isaiah 2:17. The arrogance of man will be brought low and the pride of men humbled; the LORD alone will be exalted in that day, do you even realise how your arogance comes across?why not try humbling yourself before the Lord. paraclete rated this answer

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koinegreek asked on 08/22/04 - Three questions? Sinning addressed to all. Found only two times. Do you understand, Second Person Plural, Imperative? How many have replied in "anger" on this site? How many have "righteously awakened" on this site? eknEphO � 1594 1Co 15:34 � All of you must be righteously awakened AND hamartanO � 0264 1Co 15:34 � All of you must NOT be sinning. orgizomai � 3710 Eph 4:26 � All of you, when anger has fallen upon you, hamartanO � 0264 Eph 4:26 � All of you must NOT be sinning when anger has fallen upon you. revdauphinee answered on 08/22/04: I have replied in anger but only when provoked! and statements such as this ("Do you understand, Second Person Plural, Imperative")Is provocative and condecending!why do you continue to feel that everyone here needs you to educate them? We are for the most part adults, and from my limited understanding also well educated individuals who would be better reached by not being talked down to ! koinegreek rated this answer Liz22 rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 08/22/04 - When God Points The Way. Pastor Danny Nalliah has prophesied that Australia is at the crossroads. According to how it votes in the coming next election it will determine whether it goes towards the direction God has for its spiritual future or away from it. The Direction which will take it forward in God's plan is to reeelect the current government, not because John Howard is the man who will implement the plan appearently, but because his successor is the one God will raise up. This direction will only be brought about by prayer and not by political means. Australian Christians are called into two periods of fasting according to the pattern of Ester. When the election is announced they are called to pray and fast for three days, and again immediately before the election. So in the interests of us being on God's team and not because He is on our team and having Christian leadership where is is most needed, I call on the Australian contributors on this board to heed the call and pray, etc. Are you with me? Pastor Nalliah prophesied before the 2001 election that Australia was coming into a time where leadership would be more important that at any other time and this has proved accurate. revdauphinee answered on 08/22/04: " Australia was coming into a time where leadership would be more important that at any other time and this has proved accurate." dosent this apply to all nations? paraclete rated this answer

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ethical_reason asked on 08/21/04 - Yo, I'm back from my, erm... trip ;) Anyhow, How's things? revdauphinee answered on 08/22/04: just wondering where is erm...? ethical_reason rated this answer

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ROLCAM asked on 08/21/04 - A New Perspective. Four Commandments 1. Honor thy parents � one and all � For in each their own way, they did sacrifice for you. 2. Steal not � anything � Neither life nor property, nor effort Nor a just reputation from anyone. 3. Share your abundance � in material and knowledge � With the haves and the have-nots, To help pave the road for all. 4. Seek the Truth � Teach your Truth � Constantly and fervently, But with an open mind to the Truths of others. Please install these four Commandments in your daily living. ROLCAM. revdauphinee answered on 08/21/04: WHY FOUR ?Jesus only gave us two Matthew 22: 37 Jesus replied: "`Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' 38 This is the first and greatest commandment. 39 And the second is like it: `Love your neighbor as yourself.' 40 All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments." ) ROLCAM rated this answer

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ROLCAM asked on 08/21/04 - It is good to say thank you !! "We thank Thee for another day, That we may Love and Grow along the Way; Pray guide our feet where they may go, That we may help all others Grow." How often do you express these sentiments ? a)Once a day ? b)Once a week? c)Once a month? d)Once a year? ROLCAM. revdauphinee answered on 08/21/04: with my health if I open my eyes in the morning I thank GOD! ROLCAM rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 08/20/04 - A new twist on an old parable? A man was beaten up by robbers on a road to London. He lay there, half dead and in bad shape. A Vicar came along, saw him and passed by on the other side. Next, a monk came by but also walked quickly on the other side. Finally, a social worker came along, looked at the man and said "Whoever did this needs help!" revdauphinee answered on 08/20/04: life in a modern world! Pamela rated this answer paraclete rated this answer

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Chouxxx asked on 08/20/04 - Glory in War Recently we discussed whether there is glory in war as part of a question not specifically related to Christianity. I'd like to dig a little deeper. If anyone glorifies war, or romanticizes war, or declares that they war because "God" is on their side.......isn't this a bigger evil than war?? Specifically, Muslims who bomb innocents in the name of *God*. Lieutenant Boykin who preached Fundamentalist Christianity as part of his military role. God being on the side of the American forces. What do you think? In fact, aren't most of you are on your *God's* side??? revdauphinee answered on 08/20/04: the real question here is not whos side God is on, but rather whos on Gods side? Chouxxx rated this answer

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Bradd asked on 08/19/04 - The US and Allied Military in Iraq (This post isn't about Christianity, but I'm hardly setting a precedent). As the battle rages around that mosque, I think of what a few Roman Legions would have made of it, or how the Nazi Wehrmacht would have handled it. We all know the answer. The restraint shown is nothing short of amazing and not to be found anywhere in the long history of warfare. I'm against this war, but I recognize how such concern for collateral damage puts the soldiers in great peril. Had we had a will to destruction, Iraq would be a footnote today. Since we don't have a will to destruction, brave men and women pay the price. There is sadness and nobility in not being a murderous thug nation. Those who serve are never asked, they just go and perform their duty. Warriors die, war is brutal, and it's all such a hellish mixture of glory and misery. revdauphinee answered on 08/19/04: To bad the enemy dont show the same restraint remember just a few short weeks ago Christian churches were bombed in pakistan ATON2 rated this answer Bradd rated this answer ETWolverine rated this answer paraclete rated this answer

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FormerJesusHelper76 asked on 08/19/04 - Forgiveness, Is it possible in all circumstances? Is it possible to forgive a person who showed so much hatred and evil and tried their best to cause as much problems as possible. What happens if it is hard to forgive such evil acts? revdauphinee answered on 08/19/04: it may be hard to do but if we follow Jesus example then we must! FormerJesusHelper76 rated this answer

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ATON2 asked on 08/19/04 - Will Christian Republicans support any lies that get Bush reeleted???? It seems another Swiftboat Veteran for TRUTH has been playing with the truth!! WASHINGTON. A Vietnam veteran who claims Sen. John Kerry lied about being under fire during a Mekong Delta engagement that won Kerry a Bronze Star was under constant fire himself during the same skirmish, according to the man's own medal citation, a newspaper (Washington Post) reported. The newly obtained records of Larry Thurlow show that he, like Kerry, won a Bronze Star in the engagement and that Thurlow's citation said he was UNDER ATTACK. Thurlow, like Kerry, commanded a Navy Swift boat during the Vietnam War. Thurlow swore in an affidavit last month that Kerry was "NOT UNDER FIRE" when he rescued Lt. James Rassman from the Bay Hap River. Thurlow's records, obtained by the Post under the Fredom of Information Act, include references to 'enemy small arms and automatic weapons fire' directed at all five boats in the flotilla that day. In his Bronze Star citation, Thurlow is praised for helping a damanged Swift Boat "despite enemy bullets flying about him" Thurlow is a leading member of the Swift Boat Veterans for Truth, a public advocacy group of Vietnam veterans who have aired a television advertisement attacking Kerry's war record..... Thurlow described Kerry's Bronze Star citation as "totally fabricated," saying "I never heard a shot." Thurlow a registered Republican, said he was angry with Kerry for his anti-war activities after his return to the U.S.... "We weren't under fire," he insisted, speculating that Kerry could have been the source of at least some of the language used in the citation. Thurlow said he LOST his Bronze Star Citation more than 20 years ago. He said he would not authorize the release of HIS military records because he feard the Kerry campaing would discredit him. Members of Kerry's crew have said Kerry is telling the truth. Rassman (the rescued crewman) said he has vivid memories of enemies firing at him from both banks." My question: Can Christians of conscience continue to support a political party that relies on lies, deceit and mud slinging to get a fundamentalist Christian re-elected as President of the United States????? revdauphinee answered on 08/19/04: begining to wonder if I am the only democrat who lays claims to be a Christian it seems the republicans wish to take over my faith as well as everything else! ATON2 rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 08/18/04 - When free speech isn't free! A United States army general violated Pentagon rules with speeches in which he described the war on terror as a Christian battle against Satan, and he should be punished, according to an inspector-general's report revealed today. The Department of Defense's watchdog agency said Lieutenant General William Boykin, a top-ranking intelligence officer, used official data in some of the 23 religious-oriented speeches he gave after January 2002 which should have been cleared by the Pentagon. Boykin sparked a firestorm last October after giving speeches while in uniform in which he referred to the war on terror as a battle with Satan and said America had been targeted "because we're a Christian nation". Boykin was obliged to clear the speeches, given "the sensitive nature of his remarks concerning US policy and the likelihood that he would be perceived by his audiences as a DOD spokesman based on his official position and his appearance in uniform", the report said. Boykin, an evangelical Christian, also violated rules by failing to issue a required disclaimer at the speeches that he was not representing official Pentagon policy, it said. He also failed to report his receipt of one travel payment exceeding $US260 ($A360) from a non-government source, said the report, which was submitted to the Senate Armed Services Committee. The report said Boykin did make "good faith efforts" to consult legal advisers about his speaking activities and that should be considered when the Army Secretary assessed the seriousnesss of the violations. "We recommend that the acting secretary of the army take appropriate corrective action with respect to Lieutenant General Boykin," the report said. The investigation did not focus on whether the substance of Boykin's remarks was appropriate for a senior Pentagon official or whether it compromised his fitness for performing his duties. A Pentagon spokeswoman had no comment on the report, or what type of punishment the general would face. "That report has not been released. At this point it would be inappropriate for me to comment," said Navy Lieutenant Commander Jane Campbell. Muslim groups and US lawmakers condemned Boykin's comments when they were reported last year and President George W Bush said the remarks "didn't reflect my opinion". At the time, Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld praised Boykin's "outstanding record" and refused to reprimand the general, who played a role in a 1993 clash with Somali warlords and the ill-fated hostage rescue attempt in Iran in 1980. Since then, Muslim groups also raised questions about what role Boykin, deputy undersecretary of defence for intelligence, may have played in creating US military interrogation policy amid a scandal over the abuse of prisoners in Iraq. Boykin issued a written apology last October to anyone offended by his remarks, but did not take any of them back. Reuters It seems that George Bush can be on a mission from God in his war against the axis of evil, but Boykin shouldn't follow his commander in chief's lead? revdauphinee answered on 08/19/04: free speech is free only if you agree with the administration if you say anything publicly against them you may lose your job!ask whoopi ATON2 rated this answer paraclete rated this answer

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HANK1 asked on 08/18/04 - JUST WONDERING! Could a God-fearing Christian be a close friend of an atheist? An agnostic? HANK revdauphinee answered on 08/18/04: yes not only could they, they should! because more can be accomplished for Christ by our example than by our words.I was for a time agnostic it was watching the life of a christian co worker that brought me to belief and he never even knew it!But being a friend means not preaching let them see your faith in your actions HANK1 rated this answer kindj rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 08/17/04 - Man, it's getting complicated out there? It seems the Muslims are willing to have the Pope negotiate for them. I expect they think a Christian will have more chance of persuading the Americans that their continued course of action in Iraq is ill advised. August 18, 2004 The radical Shiite preacher Moqtada al-Sadr has invited the Pope to help solve the conflict between his militia and US-led Iraqi government forces in the holy city of Najaf. "We welcome the offer from the Pope at the Vatican and we invite him to solve the crisis," a Sadr spokesman, Ahmed al-Shaibani, said yesterday. The Vatican offered on Monday to mediate to avoid further bloodshed and destruction in Najaf, where Sadr's militia are holed up in the centre of the city around the Imam Ali shrine, one of the holiest sites in Shiite Islam. "If asked, John Paul II would gladly accept a mediation role," the Vatican Secretary of State, Cardinal Angelo Sodano, told Italian public radio. Intense fighting broke out again yesterday between US-led forces and militants in Najaf, while in Baghdad insurgents fired mortar bombs into a crowded street near a police station, killing at least seven people and wounding 42, the Interior Ministry said. Heavy gunfire and mortar bombs boomed around the Imam Ali mosque in Najaf as 70 political and religious delegates from a national conference in Baghdad were due to arrive to meet Sadr and urge him to leave. The convoy delayed travelling to the city amid security fears. "We received reports that there would be ambushes on the way to Najaf targeting the delegation," said Fawzi Hamza, an independent politician leading the team. He said the mission had not been cancelled, adding that for security reasons he could not say when the team would leave. The delegation intends to present Sadr and his forces with a list of demands: leave the shrine, disarm and join the political process. In exchange, Sadr and members of his Mahdi Army militia will receive amnesty and safe passage out of the shrine. Although Sadr has agreed to meet the delegation, there are no signs that he would abandon his fight to drive US forces out of Iraq - one he has vowed to pursue until "victory or martyrdom". The police chief of Najaf, Ghalib al-Jazaari ,who says militants kidnapped his father, threatened early yesterday to storm the shrine if militiamen refused to disarm and leave. Major-General Jazaari said gunmen broke into his family's house in the southern city of Basra, beat up his sisters and snatched his 80-year-old father, Hadi Kudhaiyer al-Jazaari. He said the gunmen were accompanied by police loyal to Sadr, and he blamed Sadr's local aides, saying they asked him to take his father's place in captivity if he wanted him released. "Even if there are negotiations, the militiamen have to disarm and leave not just the shrine but the province," General Jazaari said. In Baghdad, the mortar bombing coincided with the national conference being held in the central fortified green zone. The delegates were due to elect a 100-member assembly to oversee elections in January. Insurgents had also fired several mortar bombs near the green zone on Sunday as the conference opened, killing two people. Los Angeles Times, Agence France-Presse, Reuters What they think a sick, 80 year old might achieve over their own negotiators is problematic but what do you think? revdauphinee answered on 08/18/04: do you realy think the Muslims are going to heed the Christian pope ?the leader of some of the so called infidells?come on! MaggieB rated this answer paraclete rated this answer

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Mathatmacoat asked on 08/17/04 - A gentle observation? Better the lie -- Benevolent, Than the truth -- Malevolent, O' - Silence -- Omnipotent. John Meacock revdauphinee answered on 08/18/04: lies eventualy always lead to hurts Mathatmacoat rated this answer paraclete rated this answer

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Pamela asked on 08/18/04 - Stem cells for diabetes - not from embryos ! Dear Rev: Especially for you from the cordblood.org.: Emerging Clinical Stem Cell Applications Alzheimer's Disease Parkinson's Disease Stroke Doctors are focusing on the ability of the stem cell to differentiate into nerve cells. The approach to treatment would be to regenerate new and healthy nerve cells (tissue) to reduce, alleviate, or eliminate the symptoms or effects of diseases like Alzheimer�s and Parkinson�s and repair damage caused by stroke. Sanchez-Ramos, J., Song, S., Kamath, S., et al. Expression of neural markers in human umbilical cord blood. Experimental Neurology. 2001;171:109-115. Chen, J., Sanberg, P., Li, Y., et al. Intravenous administration of human umbilical cord blood reduces behavioral deficits after stroke in rats. Stroke. 2001;32:2682-2688. Diabetes Success using stem cells to regenerate pancreas function and insulin production. May help insulin dependent patients become free of adjunctive therapy (such as insulin injections). Domenick, M., Ildstad, S. Impact of bone marrow transplantation on type I diabetes. World Journal of Surgery. 2001;25:474-480. Heart Disease Success regenerating heart tissue and blood vessels for treatment of heart disease or traumatic injury to the heart. Assmus, B., Schachinger, V., Teupe, C., et al. Transplantation of progenitor cells and regeneration enhancement in acute myocardial infarction (TOPCARE-AMI). Circulation. 2002;106:3009-3017. Liver Disease Stem cells differentiated into liver cells in mice. Future applications may include repairing liver damage caused by cirrhosis, viral infection, trauma, chemotherapy, or radiation therapy. Wang X., Ge S., McNamara G., et al. Albumin-expressing hepatocyte-like cells develop in the livers of immune-deficient mice that received transplants of highly purified human hematopoietic stem cells. Blood. 2003;101(10):4201-4208. Lupus Following stem cell transplantation patients with severe lupus have been able to regenerate blood cells that are completely free of the disease. Brunner, M., Greinix, H., Redlich, K., et al. Autologous blood stem cell revdauphinee answered on 08/18/04: My point was and is as long as folks want children and invitro is available these cells will be there! which is better to use them for human good or throw them away.I thank God that not all Christians are as narrow minded as you seem to be!and since I suffer for two of the diseases you have in your post Lupus and diabetes dont ever excpect me to be against ""anything"" that promices help> Pamela rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 08/17/04 - To koinegeek This is not so much of a question as an observation. You need to stop watching the one eyed idol. revdauphinee answered on 08/17/04: a big Amen on that one he needs to get a life! paraclete rated this answer Uni-Agdistis rated this answer

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koinegreek asked on 08/17/04 - "American Idol." WASHINGTON - They came with their wraparound shades, hair-styling tools and other items essential for a shot at fame. Thousands of people, many appearing to be teenagers or in their twenties, flooded into the Washington Convention Center this week to audition for Fox's popular "American Idol." Is "idol" the correct word? revdauphinee answered on 08/17/04: idiot might be ATON2 rated this answer paraclete rated this answer

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koinegreek asked on 08/17/04 - Yes, I watched Joyce Meyers long enough to prove. exhibitionist, show-off flaunt, flash, show off, ostentate, swank Since you all can't answer questions, what is your opinion? Each to their own opinion? revdauphinee answered on 08/17/04: My oppinion is you have a stupid obsession to this silly stuff!You asked for oppinions you got it! paraclete rated this answer

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koinegreek asked on 08/17/04 - "F" is a grade for failure. 1Jn 5:21 in the Greek says" Joyce Meyers rings are "idols" 1Jn 5:21 says, "All of you must "guard" yourselves against showy things." revdauphinee answered on 08/17/04: get a life !!WEARING A RING is nothing else but wearing a ring I like jewelry I certainly dont worship it!By the way what has Joyce done to you? ATON2 rated this answer demie rated this answer paraclete rated this answer

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sapphire630 asked on 08/17/04 - In the news today... TZOVA, Israel (Reuters) - A British archeologist has dug up evidence linking John the Baptist to a cave used for bathing rituals in hills near Jerusalem in what he said could be one of the biggest recent finds for Christian history. Shimon Gibson, who has been digging in the Holy Land for nearly three decades, told Reuters he believed the cave, hewn 24 yards deep into a rocky hillside, might also have been visited by Jesus as well as New Testament preacher John. Discovered by Gibson in 1999, excavations at the cave since then have revealed a large bathing pool as well as objects used for anointing rituals that would be quite different from those used by most Jews there nearly 2,000 years ago. Gibson, 45, said evidence of specific links to John at the site came from drawings made 400 to 500 years later, which portrayed him in a similar way to other Byzantine art. One of the pictures also showed John's severed head. "Nothing like this has been found elsewhere," Gibson said. "It is the first time we have finds from the early baptismal period ... It is an amazing discovery that happens to an archeologist once in a lifetime." The discovery, 15 minutes drive into hills west of Jerusalem, is due to be announced officially Tuesday, ahead of the launch of a book by Gibson. Any discovery of sites linked to the Bible is certain to stir controversy and its share of skepticism, but Gibson said he had carried out many tests to satisfy himself that his theory was sound. The Bible describes John performing baptisms -- including that of Jesus -- in the River Jordan, a good 25 miles east over the Judean desert. But Gibson said the site at Tzova could be linked to early years "when John sought solitude 'in the wilderness."' "In addition to John the Baptist, there's a possibility that Jesus used this cave as well," said Gibson. The site at the edge of a kibbutz's nectarine orchard, is about three miles from the village of Ein Kerem, which has traditionally been seen as John's birthplace and is the site of several churches dedicated to him. Steps lead straight from the door down to the pool at the bottom of the cave, which is four yards high and about the same wide. Gibson said he believed it had been so well preserved because it had been lost around the time that Crusaders arrived in the late 11th Century in a fight to end Muslim rule over the Holy Land. Other Biblical sites that were identified by then tended to be the subject of major subsequent building work, which made modern archeological digging very difficult, Gibson said. Gibson said he was sure the cave could not have been put to other uses -- as a water store or a hideout for example -- or that it was used by any other group carrying out similar types of rituals around the same time as John. "I don't believe in that kind of coincidence," said Gibson, who said he was not religious himself. "Pilgrims will be flocking to the cave." revdauphinee answered on 08/17/04: you wont believe this but I am listening to this same thing on tv while typing this talk about a coincidence paraclete rated this answer

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Pamela asked on 08/16/04 - Adult stem cells As a follow up to my last post - here is one report from New Scientist of adult stem cells ( not embryonic) being successful in repairing damaged nerves. This has since been used for Parkinsons as well: Adult stem cells tackle multiple sclerosis Treatment with adult stem cells has cured mice suffering with a form of multiple sclerosis, say Italian researchers. Almost a third of the mice recovered completely from paralysis of their back legs, and the rest all showed substantial improvement. "It was amazing," says Angelo Vescovi, of the San Raffaele Hospital in Milan. He has now begun experiments giving human adult stem cells to monkeys with the nerve and brain damage seen in MS. But he warns that success in mice does not guarantee success in humans: "I wouldn't want to raise expectations." Vescovi, Gianvito Martino and colleagues injected the diseased mice with stem cells that had been extracted from the brains of adult mice and multiplied in the lab. The cells were injected in the bloodstream or spinal cord. Postmortems on the mice showed that the stem cells had migrated to and then repaired damaged areas of the nerves and brain. In particular, the myelin sheaths of nerve cells were restored, after having been worn away. Seek and repair Demonstrating that stem cells can locate and repair a multitude of damaged sites by themselves is highly significant for the treatment of MS. "The problem with MS is that we don't know where the lesions are," says Vescovi. Vescovi stresses that his team's apparent success with adult stem cells should not used as a reason to halt research on embryonic stem cells. Pro-life groups object to research on ESCs because this involves the destruction of embryos aged up to 14 days. These groups argue that adult stem cells are just as promising for medical research. Although Vescovi does not think embryos should created solely to supply stem cells, he believes it is justified to extract them from spare IVF embryos that would otherwise be "put down the sink". The European parliament last week voted for draconian new laws to restrict research on embryonic stem cells and on cloning of cells to create tissues for transplant. But the most restrictive measures could be removed as the proposed laws pass through subsequent stages of the legislative process. Journal reference: Nature (vol 422, p 688) revdauphinee answered on 08/17/04: great for you to have your way! but obviously you unlike myself do not suffer from uncurable diseases that this could help find a cure for Because of folks who think your way millions of people like myself are doomed to suffer when stem cells could offer hope ! Pamela rated this answer

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koinegreek asked on 08/17/04 - Does the word "men" in this verse include "women?" why or why not? Acts 2:22 Ye men of Israel, hear these words; Jesus of Nazareth, a man approved of God among you by miracles and wonders and signs, which God did by him in the midst of you, as ye yourselves also know: revdauphinee answered on 08/17/04: when it was written and in the society of the times it was written in I am sure it did not however we do not now live in those times!Unfortianatly many of our sisters in the world (ie., those living under taliban like conditions it still applies )we should pray for thier enlightenment.For it is written Galatians 27. for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. 28. There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free,(( male nor female,)) for you are all one in Christ Jesus. 29. If you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise. paraclete rated this answer

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Chouxxx asked on 08/17/04 - "stupid girl mentality"... Social scientists have long been puzzled why at around age 12, most women give up on themselves and chose to seek their identity through men and getting approval. I'm too busy now reading, so why don't some of the Board members give their opinions? revdauphinee answered on 08/17/04: can only speak for myself and as a woman of age I realise I need no one to validate me. Chouxxx rated this answer

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koinegreek asked on 08/17/04 - Who can expound this verse? Do not forget the Amen. 1Jn 5:21 Little children, keep yourselves from idols. Amen. revdauphinee answered on 08/17/04: Idols come in many forms!selfrightiousness cna be one as can money or possesions !

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MaggieB asked on 08/16/04 - "mean girl mentality" in American society The following is a article of which I copied from a news column. Why do you feel these young women are acting as they do? Is it because of "radical femenine groups" or just wanting to be equal physically, mentally, intellectually to the gender of men? ...A military watchdog believes the radical feminist agenda has resulted in what she calls a "mean girl mentality" in American society, and for that reason, it should come as no surprise that a female soldier is enmeshed in the Abu Ghraib prison controversy. A military tribunal at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, is determining the fate of U.S. Army Private Lynndie England, who faces up to 38 years in prison if convicted of all charges. Photographs appearing in the worldwide press included some shocking images of England, posing with debased Iraqi prisoners. While some suggest the female soldier has been particularly vilified for her part in the scandal because she is a woman, others insist she is an aberration who, like the other soldiers involved, strayed far outside typical U.S. military discipline. But Elaine Donnelly of the Center for Military Readiness says England is merely a product of a feminist-influenced, "male-bashing" society and liberal social engineering. "It kind of underlies everything about feminism that one way to beat men is to literally beat them, to be stronger than them, to demean and humiliate them," Donnelly says, "and I think that's why it caused such a stir worldwide, and why the United States military is paying a price right now for it." The CMR spokeswoman says cultural degradation has occurred in both military and civilian society as a result of this feminist mentality, "the culture of girls being tough and beating up other people." [Chad Groening] MaggieB revdauphinee answered on 08/17/04: why pick on the one woman involved? there are several men who In my oppinion probably instigated this , Miss English was probably foolish in trying to impress her male counterparts she like the rest of us was conditioned to please men (the men she worked with who more than likely looked on the foriegn prisoners as less then human)that is if it wasnt just policy in this prison! lucpi rated this answer MaggieB rated this answer

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Pamela asked on 08/16/04 - Adult stem cells As a follow up to my last post - here is one report from New Scientist of adult stem cells ( not embryonic) being successful in repairing damaged nerves. This has since been used for Parkinsons as well: Adult stem cells tackle multiple sclerosis Treatment with adult stem cells has cured mice suffering with a form of multiple sclerosis, say Italian researchers. Almost a third of the mice recovered completely from paralysis of their back legs, and the rest all showed substantial improvement. "It was amazing," says Angelo Vescovi, of the San Raffaele Hospital in Milan. He has now begun experiments giving human adult stem cells to monkeys with the nerve and brain damage seen in MS. But he warns that success in mice does not guarantee success in humans: "I wouldn't want to raise expectations." Vescovi, Gianvito Martino and colleagues injected the diseased mice with stem cells that had been extracted from the brains of adult mice and multiplied in the lab. The cells were injected in the bloodstream or spinal cord. Postmortems on the mice showed that the stem cells had migrated to and then repaired damaged areas of the nerves and brain. In particular, the myelin sheaths of nerve cells were restored, after having been worn away. Seek and repair Demonstrating that stem cells can locate and repair a multitude of damaged sites by themselves is highly significant for the treatment of MS. "The problem with MS is that we don't know where the lesions are," says Vescovi. Vescovi stresses that his team's apparent success with adult stem cells should not used as a reason to halt research on embryonic stem cells. Pro-life groups object to research on ESCs because this involves the destruction of embryos aged up to 14 days. These groups argue that adult stem cells are just as promising for medical research. Although Vescovi does not think embryos should created solely to supply stem cells, he believes it is justified to extract them from spare IVF embryos that would otherwise be "put down the sink". The European parliament last week voted for draconian new laws to restrict research on embryonic stem cells and on cloning of cells to create tissues for transplant. But the most restrictive measures could be removed as the proposed laws pass through subsequent stages of the legislative process. Journal reference: Nature (vol 422, p 688) revdauphinee answered on 08/16/04: as i clarified on your last posting if the stem cells are left over from IVF then what is the alternative use them or throw them away? Pamela rated this answer

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Chouxxx asked on 08/16/04 - Posts since Aug 11 Has anyone else noticed that all the posts since August 11(save CeeBee's), are childish and boring? Why is that? Can't we debate and discuss some interesting matters? I'll start tomorrow or the next day; I'm too busy now. Take care! Choux revdauphinee answered on 08/16/04: thanks for calling us childish however Jesus once said (Matt.18 3 And he said: "I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. ) I guess we are on the right path then! Chouxxx rated this answer Liz22 rated this answer paraclete rated this answer Uni-Agdistis rated this answer

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FormerJesusHelper76 asked on 08/16/04 - Pray Please Please pray for my Grandmother. She is in the hospital with Bronchial anomonia, and Emphaseema. Thank you. Joe revdauphinee answered on 08/16/04: consider this done! FormerJesusHelper76 rated this answer

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Pamela asked on 08/16/04 - Cloning embryos A shortage of IVF leftover embryos has led to the UK government approving the cloning embryos for research. How do you feel about this? revdauphinee answered on 08/16/04: I as a diabetic whose life is made harder by it, thank God since this could lead to a cure! Pamela rated this answer Uni-Agdistis rated this answer powderpuff rated this answer

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FormerJesusHelper76 asked on 08/15/04 - Politics: Christianity. Do you believe that politics and voting is a duty we need to complete as individuals? Some people believe that Christanity or religion have nothing to do with politics. Some people believe that The laws of the land and moral issues of this world have nothing to do with politics. I think it has everything to do with voting and politics. I believe how we vote and who we vote for and etc... actually effects the laws and how we live our lives, what is moral and what is not. What do you think? Love to hear all your opinions and thoughts and followups if needed. Everybody gets 5 stars. Everybodys opinion is important and i think its important that we all share it, learn what each other thinks and share our thoughts with others. No matter what we do or do not agree with. Lets all get along. Joe revdauphinee answered on 08/15/04: we as Christians have the right and duty to vote for the leaders we wish to be governed by!if we stand idly by we will get what we deserve Liars drug abusers and imorality ,seems like theese are our choices these days! FormerJesusHelper76 rated this answer CeeBee rated this answer

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CeeBee asked on 08/15/04 - "Suffering is part of God's plan" -- This is a quote from the Pope, during his visit this weekend to Lourdes. I'm sure we experts have batted this subject around before (I didn't bother to dig into the archives...), but I just don't agree with the Pope. I don't believe suffering is part of God's plan. I believe God created/creates only perfection, and does not want His creation to suffer. I have my own opinion on the source of suffering, and I know each of you does too. I guess my question is not so much about suffering itself but more why would the Pope say that. Is it semantics in that he means God uses our suffering in His plan - uses our suffering as an opportunity for us to grow in love for Him and love for each other? Or does the Pope believe that God causes suffering? Help me with this!!! revdauphinee answered on 08/15/04: I agre we humans bring the suffering upon ourselves Gods original plan had no place for it ,If we had gone with his plan we would be living in an eden like paradice here on earth!Instead of the mess mankind has made of it! Pete_Hanysz rated this answer CeeBee rated this answer

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Pamela asked on 08/14/04 - Who would you vote for? Like with the US our elections are coming up soon here in Australia. The leaders of both our major political parties, one currently in government and the other being the opposition leader both have a track record for lack of respect for the sanctity of human life. Our current Prime minister continues to justify joining the coalition of the killing-er,-willing in Iraq with the thousands of civilian casualities including many children ("collateral damage"). The leader of the opposition supports abortion on demand. So who of these could any Chrsitian in good conscience vote for? revdauphinee answered on 08/15/04: Pam I also fear what happens after the Us leaves i think the irqi people may end up with worse than sadam if they end up with a radical Islamic gov >and for Paraclete I agree we do have many qualified people in this country to be president unfortianatly they are not the ones that are running for that office! Pamela rated this answer paraclete rated this answer

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Pamela asked on 08/14/04 - Who would you vote for? Like with the US our elections are coming up soon here in Australia. The leaders of both our major political parties, one currently in government and the other being the opposition leader both have a track record for lack of respect for the sanctity of human life. Our current Prime minister continues to justify joining the coalition of the killing-er,-willing in Iraq with the thousands of civilian casualities including many children ("collateral damage"). The leader of the opposition supports abortion on demand. So who of these could any Chrsitian in good conscience vote for? revdauphinee answered on 08/14/04: sounds like you folks have the same problem we have here in the US the only thing i can ask is wich is the lesser of two evils?that is why i wont vote Bush ! Pamela rated this answer paraclete rated this answer

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Fr_Chuck asked on 08/13/04 - New Web Site Our church stated a new web site, nothing professional by any means, and it still has some flaws to be worked out in the future. But I though a few of you might like to see it, and then I am sure some will not. www.servants-of-the-good-sheperd.org revdauphinee answered on 08/13/04: nice site and an interesting one Fr_Chuck rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 08/13/04 - If it wasn't fraud, what was it? Fraud The intentional deception of a person for the purpose of depriving him of property or causing him injury in other ways. 'Weeping' Virgin Mary wasn't fraud, rules Church August 13, 2004 - 3:21PM A Brisbane community centre did not commit fraud or gain financially from a weeping Virgin Mary statue hoax, the Catholic Church has found. Thousands of people flocked to the Vietnamese Community Catholic Centre at Inala in southern Brisbane after a statue of the Virgin Mary was reported in May to be weeping tears and bleeding. Dozens of other religious artefacts at the centre were also said to have started weeping in subsequent weeks. But an investigation by the Catholic Church dispelled claims of a miracle after it found the tear-like substance to be commercially available rose oil, possibly injected into two tiny holes found in the base of the statue. An internal audit found the Inala centre had raised about $41,000 during the time the phenomena were first reported until they were removed from public view on July 29, Brisbane Archbishop John Bathersby said today. Of that amount, about $16,000 was found to be profit from the sales of statues and other religious items, while the balance was gained through increased Mass collections during the period. Archbishop Bathersby said the Vietnamese centre would not receive any financial gain from the phenomena, with all money raised to be donated to Caritas Australia for use in aid projects in Sudan and Bangladesh. He said all money raised had been properly accounted for in the usual Parish reporting practice and remained deposited in the Vietnamese Catholic Community's accounts. The archbishop said he felt assured by results of the investigation that "no known financial fraud had been committed". "To the best of our knowledge the Vietnamese Catholic Community Centre has made no substantial gain from these incidents and any financial gain will be donated to Caritas Australia," Archbishop Bathersby said. "However, if any person felt they were a victim of or had been defrauded by the events, I would give them every encouragement to contact police and report their concerns." Archbishop Bathersby said the archdiocese would offer every cooperation to the police if any investigation was to take place. A police spokeswoman said no complaints regarding the statues had been lodged. Archbishop Bathersby said Father Joseph Liem, the associate pastor at the centre who publicly professed his belief a miracle had occurred, would remain in Inala for the duration of his current appointment. AAP I don't get it do you? It wasn't fraud and the Church didn't benefit financially. I wonder who did benefit from this deception which deprived certain people of their money? revdauphinee answered on 08/13/04: If it looks like a rose and smells like a rose then my advice is beware of the thorns!Just another example of the fleecing of his sheep,rather than the feeding of them! Dorothy paraclete rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 08/12/04 - Is there someone who would place a stone on your grave? In 313 AD the Roman Emperor Constantine gave freedom of religion to his subjects. But one church official, the patriarch Cyrillus, did not get the message. He urged his followers to grab one well-known pagan and hack her to bits. Other officials found Cyrillus repelling and when he died, one bishop said at his funeral: "At last this odious man is dead. His departure causes his survivors to rejoice, but is bound to distress the dead. They will not be long in becoming fed up with him and sending him back to us. Therefore, place a very heavy stone on his tomb so that we will not run the risk of seeing him again, even as a ghost." Could this be the reason why we take so much trouble to make sure the dead stay buried? revdauphinee answered on 08/13/04: since I believe only the body is dead the spirit lives on the placing of stones seems useless ,however in Jewish traditions people place small stones on graves to remember thier dead.I would hope for someone to do that in rememberance of my path here! paraclete rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 08/12/04 - What is the appropriate amount to give to God? Following up on my last posting, we should ask the question what is the appropriate share of our income to give to God? The Old Testament required a tithe, a tenth of all income, but is that the correct interpretation? And to what extent does this apply to the Christian? You cannot find anywhere in the New Testament where the tithe was confirmed. Is there a different standard for the clergy? Should the Aaronic tithe be expected of the clergy? revdauphinee answered on 08/13/04: speaking truth does not make one popular but it may make one right!todays churches have just about all of them corupted at least some part of the teachings to suit thier own agendas!this is why as a true believer in Christs teachings I will not affiliate myself with any of them> excon rated this answer paraclete rated this answer Mathatmacoat rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 08/12/04 - What is the appropriate amount to give to God? Following up on my last posting, we should ask the question what is the appropriate share of our income to give to God? The Old Testament required a tithe, a tenth of all income, but is that the correct interpretation? And to what extent does this apply to the Christian? You cannot find anywhere in the New Testament where the tithe was confirmed. Is there a different standard for the clergy? Should the Aaronic tithe be expected of the clergy? revdauphinee answered on 08/12/04: the tithe was meant to go into the store house not into the coffers of church organisations,it was to help the poor in times of need .Jesus said feed my sheep i would rather buy food to take to the soup kitchen than place money in in the dubious hands of some preacher in an armani suit with a new caddy parked outside.who frown on poor folks who try to enter there hallowed halls not dressed acording to the so called code! Pete_Hanysz rated this answer CeeBee rated this answer paraclete rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 08/11/04 - How can we get some of this? Just picked this up off CNN Join Paula for a few laughs when we take a look at the newest trend in stand-up comedy -- Christian comedians Now that's what we need Christian Comedians, it must be right, CNN have hopped on the bandwagon. revdauphinee answered on 08/11/04: there are some great ones out ther !chondra haris is one paraclete rated this answer

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koinegreek asked on 08/11/04 - Earthly wisdom? James says, come forward and admit it but do not boast. Each one on this site should come forward and admit how you have answered in earthly wisdom. Who's first? I have not viewed one answer by you non-experts that had wisdom from above. Who's first again? revdauphinee answered on 08/11/04: I never claim wisdom all I know I learned from others! ATON2 rated this answer

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Itsdb asked on 08/10/04 - Boundaries On Choux's 'Sex and Religion and Gov't' question, I stated my belief that we still need boundaries. The distinguished Aton raised the issue of "Who decides what the bounderies are, and who chooses those who set the boundaries?" So in honor of your inquiry my friend, I'm throwing it out for discussion. Are boundaries a problem, or are they necessary? Who should decide what those boundaries are? Are we obligated to live within the boundaries set by others, or as one commented "in a free society, I'll set my own?" I have no particular issue in mind, just the who, what, where and why do we draw the line, if indeed there needs to be a line? revdauphinee answered on 08/10/04: boundaries begin when one involves others! Itsdb rated this answer Pete_Hanysz rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 08/09/04 - For all of you who think there is not much happening. I have just recieved this email report and I would like to share it with you to encourage you that God is moving powerfully in the world, and suprise, suprise He isn't waiting for us. Date: Mon, 9 Aug 2004 12:34:03 -0700 THOUSANDS RUN FORWARD TO BREAK THE CURSE Reported by FGBMFI VOICE Editor, Bob Armstrong Friday Night, August 6, 2004 Thousands in the mighty sea of humanity in the National Stadium in Abuja, Nigeria literally ran forward to receive deliverance. Richard Shakarian, International President of FGBMFI, challenged the throng to release the bondages of the past, and to run forward to receive the hope and light of the future, Jesus Christ. Tonight, God will break it off of you. I dont want you to walk, I want you to run. Run from death and darkness�run to life! Run for your life! This historical service was the most memorable one in the history of the Fellowship. As far as the eye could see, people began to run forward, even in the middle of the lines of the athletic running track, to receive deliverance from witchcraft and spirits that have kept the Nigerians from receiving all that God has for them. What has been known as the Dark Continent of Africa, shall now be known as the continent of light and hope for the world - Richard Shakarian urged the tens of thousands gathered in the stadium. He re-enforced the vision of praying with 100 million people. The International President shared the prophetic vision the Holy Spirit gave to him enroute to Nigeria He challenged people, crammed together from many scores of nations, to move to a higher level of what God wanted for them. Shake it off - was the command Shakarian gave to the crowd. He referred to shaking off the bondages that have held back both sinners, and Christians alike, in Africa. Richard urged the people to not be bound by their past, or their church background, but to shake off the past and step up to what the Holy Spirit has for them in the future by saying, You are the light for all of Africa, and even the world. Receive what the Holy Spirit has for you! The anointing was obviously much in evidence as the cries of desperate people were lifted up for deliverance, thousands even from witchcraft. Many, deep-seeded bondages were broken off of people, as they witnessed the power of God falling over the altar area and throughout the stadium. Richard Shakarian urged - God will not bless you unless you are cleaned up of your fetishes, your spiritism, and your witchcraft. He will not tolerate a double-minded situation anymore. He will not accept evil in His presence, regardless of your position. As thousands thrust forward to the altar, running, they received the challenge from Richard Shakarian: Tonight, God will break those chains and those bondages off you. The Holy Spirit will break the hold of the dark side. Your strength is not enough to break the generational chains around your neck. The stink of evil and rebellion are still there. But God said, I will break it off of you tonight! After an intense time of weeping, crying, moaning, deliverance and prayer, the crowd started dancing as a time of anointed, musical jubilee. From Greg Volz, formerly of Petra, to numerous energetic worship teams from Nigeria, the jam session electrified the participating audience. Gregs wife, Barbara Volz, had earlier given her heart-wrenching testimony of how God healed her of multiple sclerosis, even after appearing on the Jerry Lewis Telethon for years. The night of breakthrough and deliverance for thousands was capped off with the singing of How Great Thou Art by the operatic voice of Rabbi Samuel De Palma from Pennsylvania. It was more than just an historical night for the Fellowship, it was the igniting of thousands of hungry hearts to bring the Holy Spirit to all of Africa, and beyond! What does it take for us to shake off those old associations that bind us up and keep us from showing forth teh fullness of God? revdauphinee answered on 08/10/04: It never ceaces to amaze me when I agree with Aton! I hope this is genuine, but it sounds a lot like mass hypnosis to me! ATON2 rated this answer paraclete rated this answer

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sapphire630 asked on 08/09/04 - Sins of the father The 'sins' of the father (mother) on the son (daughter) What seems evident to me is how you see parents with a negative attitute parents abusing each other or their kids parents with a drug or alchol problem bigotry, etc.... I have known so many people that swear they will grow up to be the total opposite of the abusive parent, yet once they grow up they end up on drugs or an alcholic and abuse their significant other and children. They repeat the very things they swore they would NEVER do because they do not know how to break the cycle or they get so caught up in denial that they ARE doing that very thing. Do you think this could be considered a generational curse in a sense? revdauphinee answered on 08/10/04: no because I know folks who did do what they said they would and are completly different from thier parents!

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HANK1 asked on 08/09/04 - IN RE: MY WIFE, CAROL: * This doesn't need answering! Carol will be going to Barnes Hospital in St. Louis in three days (Thursday) to get another Catscan. She has five lesions on her liver ... as some of you may remember ... and we need to see if they have changed in appearance in three months. (This is usually typical of lung cancer) She still has her two tumors in her middle chest area but they're 'resting.' In short, she's going to get a body scan! All prayers appreciated ... of course! HANK revdauphinee answered on 08/10/04: you both will remain in my prayers. HANK1 rated this answer

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HANK1 asked on 08/09/04 - ATON: Someone has nominated you for President. Check out the Expert Forum. HANK revdauphinee answered on 08/10/04: after reading the answer he gave I second the nomination .May just write him in for real LOL ATON2 rated this answer HANK1 rated this answer Uni-Agdistis rated this answer

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STONY asked on 08/09/04 - IN LIEU OF ATON'S RESPONSE... TO MY QUESTION ON PROTECTING YOUR SPIRIT; WHAT I POSTED WAS THE REVERSAL OF EVERY CURSE LISTED IN DEUT. CH. 28. YOU MIGHT ASK, WHY IS THIS HAPPENING TO ME? A GOOD CHANCE IS IT HAD NOTHING TO DO WITH YOU TO START WITH. EVERYONE KNOWS THE VERSE ABOUT HOW GENERATIONAL CURSES GO TO THE 3RD AND 4TH GENERATION. BUT, THE BIBLE ALSO SPEAKS OF CURSES GOING TO THE 10TH GENERATION. THE MATHEMATICAL PROBABILITIES OF A 10TH GENERATION CURSE IS SOMEWHERE ABOUT 1900. SOMEONE IN YOUR GENERATIONAL LINE WITHIN THOSE 1900 PEOPLE COULD HAVE DONE SOMETHING THAT VERY MUCH DISPLEASED GOD AND THE TROUBLES ARE WORKING THEMSELVES DOWN TO YOU. JESUS SAID, "BE NOT DISMAYED" GENERATIONAL CURSES CAN BE BROKEN IN SOLEMN PRAYER AND USUALLY ON YOUR KNEES. THANK YOU ATON FOR CAUSING ME TO DIG DEEPER AND PRESENT THE WHOLE PICTURE. revdauphinee answered on 08/09/04: AMEN TO THE FOLLOWING 30 Instead, everyone will die for his own sin; whoever eats sour grapes--his own teeth will be set on edge. ATON2 rated this answer STONY rated this answer

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Bradd asked on 08/09/04 - Religious Liberty - Myths Suggested by so much confusion in the posts below on Church and State--- Myth - "There is NO constitutional basis for the separation of Church and State". False - Of course, there is. The First Amendment states - 'Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof...'. This is the BASIS for the separation of Church and State. What the poster has confused is that the words are not found in the Constitution, thereby implying that the principle is invalid. Not so. A legal or judicial principle does not have to be found word-for-word in the Constitution for it to be valid. By that logic, pedophilia should be legal because the word itself is not found in the Constitution. Myth - "The true meaning (of separation) was to protect the Church from the State". False - It protects both from each other. Although in the context of the times, the greater fear was a state with an established religion. The European nations had a thousand-year history of religion-dominated governments. This led to periodic persecutions of 'non-conforming' faiths, and to the post-Reformation internal religious wars. The US purposely wanted to avoid a New England-type theocracy or a British-style established Anglicanism, and became the first nation is history to separate church and state. The phrase itself was coined by Thomas Jefferson. Myth - "Established religions and anyone else can support a political candidate because we have free speech in America". False - "Established religions" (I assume the reference is to the RevDauphnee question) can not support a political candidate since it violates the tax-exemption privilege of a 501(c)3 organization. Tax-payer money can not be used to support a political candidate. It is not a free speech issue. Churches CAN speak out on the issues, but cannot directly support a candidate. revdauphinee answered on 08/09/04: a lot of folk tell me its ok for the church to say what it wants even if we cant have the ten commandments in public buildings.If we have seperation then I thenk it behoves us to have it work both ways !wonder how long the present gov would remain quiet if the churches were promoting someone other than Bush,would the preacher lose his job ala the dixie chicks and whoopi? tomder55 rated this answer excon rated this answer Bradd rated this answer

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Chouxxx asked on 08/08/04 - Sex and Religion and Gov't A federal appeals court upheld an Alabama law banning the sale of sex toys, ruling that EVEN MARRIED PEOPLE have no constitutional right to sexual privacy. In a 2-1 decision, the appeals court ruled that Alabama has the legal authority to prohibit activities it finds IMMORAL. Giving people the right to buy sex toys, the court said, could open the door to legalized adult incest, prostitution, obscenity, and the like. Only in America! Does the government belong in your bedroom? revdauphinee answered on 08/09/04: didnt george Orwell once tell us Big brother would be watching us.but thats ok next door here in Miss you can buy all you want! ATON2 rated this answer Chouxxx rated this answer Pete_Hanysz rated this answer

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HANK1 asked on 08/08/04 - US VS THEM! (This must be an issue in 2004. It pertains to ALL religions!) SOCIAL SECURITY: (This is worth reading. It is short and to the point.) Perhaps we are asking the wrong questions during election years. ! Our Senators and Congresswomen do not pay into Social Security and, of course, they do not collect from it. You see, Social Security benefits were not suitable for persons of their rare elevation in society. They felt they should have a special plan for themselves. So, many years ago they voted in their own benefit plan. In more recent years, no congressperson has felt the need to change it. After all, it is a great plan. For all practical purposes their plan works like this: When they retire, they continue to draw the same pay until they die. Except it may increase from time to time for cost of living adjustments. For example, former Senator Byrd and Congressman White and their wives may expect to draw $7,800,000.00 (that's Seven Million, Eight-Hundred Thousand Dollars), with their wives drawing $275,000.00 during the last years of their lives. This is calculated on an average life span for each of those two Dignitaries. Younger Dignitaries who retire at an early age, will receive much more during the rest of their lives. Their cost for this excellent plan is $0.00. NADA....ZILCH.... This little perk they voted for themselves is free to them. You and I pick up the tab for this plan. The funds for this fine retirement plan come directly from the General Funds; "OUR TAX DOLLARS AT WORK"! From our own Social Security Plan, which you and I pay (or have paid) into, -every payday until we retire (which amount is matched by our employer)- we can expect to get an average of $1,000 per month after retirement. Or, in other words, we would have to collect our average of $1,000 monthly benefits for 68 years and one (1) month to equal Senator! Bill Bradley's benefits! Social Security could be very good if only one small change were made. That change would be to jerk the Golden Fleece Retirement Plan from under the Senators and Congressmen. Put them into the Social Security plan with the rest of us ... then sit back and watch how fast they would fix it. Spread the word, guys! HANK revdauphinee answered on 08/08/04: I agree I am on the plan the rest of us have, and out of that plan I am expected to pay $400 rent $100 electricity $25 water $500 meds thats more than my $1000 the rest comes from where? ? food ? doctor bills ? phone ? gas ? automobile upkeep ? clothing forget about entertainment.If it wernt for help from my Kids I couldnt make it.And many do not recieve such helpAnd before you say I should have saved I did! but my youngest daughter got on drugs several years ago and rehab for cost me all of my savings !should I have let her go since the rehab saved her life? HANK1 rated this answer

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Chouxxx asked on 08/08/04 - Life Elsewhere in the Universe This morning, I saw a "crawl" at the bottom of a Sunday morning political talk show that said we are very close to discovering life other than on earth. Would this discovery have any effect on your Christian views? revdauphinee answered on 08/08/04: Not realy, for christ himself said in John 10: 16 I have other sheep that are not of this sheep pen. I must bring them also. They too will listen to my voice, and there shall be one flock and one shepherd. ) paraclete rated this answer ATON2 rated this answer Chouxxx rated this answer

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jillian asked on 08/08/04 - Need an explanation Hello, I have been mulling this over and cant get a handle on it. Jesus told the thief on the cross, Today you will be with Me in paradise. But then it says Jesus told those he appeared to He had not yet ascended to His Father. Also, that he preached to souls in hell. Whre did he take the thief? Is paradise the same as Heaven? Heaven being where we assume God dwells. I have been enjoying reading you here although it is not exactly what i was thinking it would be when I came looking lol. revdauphinee answered on 08/08/04: the meaning of this often questioned statement rests with the punctuation It should read I tell you today, you will be with me in heaven! wich conveys a much different meaning than I tell you,today you will be with me in heaven. the difference being he is saying it today rather than is will hapen today! jillian rated this answer Pete_Hanysz rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 08/06/04 - Is this a joke? Bush bashing is an Australian past time but we never expected it to mean bashing George Bush. But the boy gives us so much material, we just cant resist the temptation. "Our enemies are innovative and resourceful, and so are we," Bush said. "They never stop thinking about new ways to harm our country and our people, and neither do we." This guy really needs to fire his script writer and his PR consultants. revdauphinee answered on 08/08/04: while I will admit to seeing mores movie (loved it) my information comes from reading rather then movies just finifhed House of Bush house of saudi by craig unger got most of my info there not from the movie! ETWolverine rated this answer paraclete rated this answer

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ATON2 asked on 08/07/04 - Not a question. No question here, just to explain the double ratings. My new computer needs to be whupped into shape; ...it stops dead on submissions and, in my impatience I usually end up hitting the submit button twice. For you 5-star recipients it is an undeserved bonus...and for you 2-star recipients an unwarrented punishment. Just ignore the duplicate ratings :) :) revdauphinee answered on 08/07/04: have the same problem myself on occasion. VisionsInBlue rated this answer ATON2 rated this answer Uni-Agdistis rated this answer

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HANK1 asked on 08/06/04 - TRUE OR FALSE? People have changed more than the business organizations upon which they depend. The last fifty years have seen the rise of a new breed of individuals, yet corporations continue to operate according to a logic invented at the time of their origin, a century ago. The chasm that now separates individuals and organizations is marked by frustration, mistrust, disappointment, and even rage. It also harbors the possibility of a new capitalism and a new era of wealth creation. True OR False? HANK revdauphinee answered on 08/06/04: the business comunity has caused the distrust and disapointment by mistreating both employees and customers .You reap what you sew! HANK1 rated this answer

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HANK1 asked on 08/06/04 - BUSH AND THE JOB MARKET! I go under the premise that corporations are responsible for our economy in America and not the White House. (I think many will agree with me) Anyway, I have a question: Why does Kerry blame Bush for our unemployment statistic? Our President can't do a thing about jobs being sent overseas! HANK revdauphinee answered on 08/06/04: the Bush administation made it easier for corporations to outsource our jobs overseas so they must be held accountable! ATON2 rated this answer HANK1 rated this answer MaggieB rated this answer

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STONY asked on 08/06/04 - DO YOU CHRISTIANS KNOW HOW TO PROTECT YOUR SPIRIT? I WILL NEVER AGAIN CONFESS "I CAN'T." SEE PHIL. 4:13 " "LACK." PHIL 4:19 "FEAR." 2TIM 1:7 "DOUBT AND LACK OF FAITH." ROM. 12:3 "WEAKNESS." PS. 27:1 "SUPREMACY OF SATAN ON MY LIFE." 1 JN. 4:4 "DEFEAT." 2 COR. 2:1 "LACK OF WISDOM." 1 COR. 1:30 "WORRIES AND FRUSTRATIONS." 1 PT. 5:7 "SICKNESS." MATT. 8:17 "BONDAGE." 2 COR. 3:17 "CONDEMNATION." ROM. 8:1 "LONLINESS." MATT. 28:20 & HEB. 13:5 "CURSES OR BAD LUCK." GAL.3:13-14 "DISCONTENT." PHIL. 4:11 "UNWORTHINESS." 2 COR. 5:21 "CONFUSION." 1 COR. 14:33 ""PERSECUTION." ROM. 8:31 "DOMINATION OF SIN OVER MY LIFE." ROM. 8:2 PS.103:12 "INSECURITY." PR. 3:24 & 26 "FAILURE." ROM. 8:37 "FRUSTRATION." ISA. 26:3 "FEAR OF THE FUTURE." 1 COR. 2:9-10 "TROUBLES." JOHN 16:33 THERE WAS NEITHER TIME OR ROOM TO CUT & PASTE ALL THESE SCRIPTURES SO THE GROUND WORK IS LAID BEFORE YOU. ALL YOU NEED DO IS READ IN YOUR BIBLE. revdauphinee answered on 08/06/04: B asic I nstruction B ook (for) L ife (on) E arth! ATON2 rated this answer STONY rated this answer Uni-Agdistis rated this answer

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STONY asked on 08/06/04 - LAURA..... SOMETIMES GOD ALLOWS US TO BE PUT INTO A POSITION WHERE THE ONLY WAY OUT IS TO LOOK TO HIM FOR THE ANSWERES. I WILL CERTAINLY PRAY FOR YOUR FAMILY & SEEK GOD'S BLESSINGS ON EVERYONE. revdauphinee answered on 08/06/04: laura while it is often hard to see, all things do work for good in those who believe you are in my prayers STONY rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 08/06/04 - Is this a joke? Bush bashing is an Australian past time but we never expected it to mean bashing George Bush. But the boy gives us so much material, we just cant resist the temptation. "Our enemies are innovative and resourceful, and so are we," Bush said. "They never stop thinking about new ways to harm our country and our people, and neither do we." This guy really needs to fire his script writer and his PR consultants. revdauphinee answered on 08/06/04: george Bush runs the country and the Saudis run george bush so bash away i may even join you ATON2 rated this answer Mathatmacoat rated this answer paraclete rated this answer

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ROLCAM asked on 08/06/04 - Let's all blame big daddy. Out of the many interesting life moments, one particular experience remains imprinted in my memory. Walking out of the intensive therapy unit one day I see a frail old lady who had just lost her son and was uncontrollably expressing herself against God and asking how He could have taken away her son. Numerous people stared at her, some in sympathy, some in judgment. A priest went near her, sat down, looked her in the eye and said: "It is OK to get angry and God who loves you is OK with you using Him as a punching bag". The woman stopped crying, looked at the priest and, in her delicate old voice, thanked him. What are your views on this ? Should we blame daddy? revdauphinee answered on 08/06/04: we should not but at the time of grief we sometimes do and God understands this! what we cant grasp is that to us as humans death is an end while to God and the obnes who pass ocer it may be just another begining. ROLCAM rated this answer

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Chouxxx asked on 08/05/04 - Catholic Television I stopped channel surfing on the Catholic Cable TV Station last week and listened for awhile. The priest was talking about the *person* of the Father, the *person* of the Son and the *person* of the HolyGhost. So, three Gods; the Trinity really means three Gods. I thought Christianity claims to be monotheistic?? Do any other denominations of Christianity believe in the Trinity, three gods?? revdauphinee answered on 08/05/04: just as to a husband I would be a wife, and to a parent a daughter, and to a child parent. I am still just one person me! so it is with God he has three personalities but he is still just one GOD~! paraclete rated this answer Chouxxx rated this answer

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Chouxxx asked on 08/05/04 - Theocracy The aim of Islam through the terrorists, the Islamic "Scholars", and middle-of-the road and poor Muslims is to turn every country on earth into an Islamic Theocracy. I am not sure that everyone understands that so I'll make it clear. Their tactics are terror to wear down people's spirits, immigration, use Western institutions such as the court systems and the welfare systems against us, and overpopulate overpopulate, overpopulate. Therefore, the great hatred they have for democracy, Americans and everyone really, and women, and modernity, and rational thought and critical thinking. Anyway, I want to know seriously if the Christians here on the Board think that their goal of turning AMerica into a Christian Theocracy, of sorts, as a goal in a global power struggle is really helpful at all? revdauphinee answered on 08/05/04: turning this country into one run by denominational christians would be as bad as the taliban taking over! I am a follower of Christ but I am not a fool, and I would never want to live in a country ruled by some of the narow minded folk Ive met who hide behind fake religiosity !I know my saying this will offend some of them but Christ tells me I should be truthfull! CeeBee rated this answer Pete_Hanysz rated this answer Pamela rated this answer Chouxxx rated this answer ATON2 rated this answer paraclete rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 08/05/04 - It's a little like this around here. In Jerusalem, an English female journalist heard about an old rabbi who visited the Wailing Wall to pray, twice a day, everyday, for a long, long time. In an effort to check out the story, she goes to the holy site and there he is! She watches the bearded old man at prayer--and after about 45 minutes, when he turns to leave, she approaches him for an interview. "I'm Rebecca Smith from the BBC, sir, how long have you been coming to the Wailing Wall and praying?" For about 50 years, he informs her. ൺ years! That's amazing! What do you pray for?" "I pray for peace between the Jews and the Arabs. I pray for all the hatred to stop and I pray for all our children to grow up in safety and friendship." "And how do you feel, sir, after doing this for 50 years?" "Like I'm talking to a brick wall." revdauphinee answered on 08/05/04: MUCH TRUTH IS SPOKEN IN JEST! paraclete rated this answer

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STONY asked on 08/05/04 - ONE MORE FOR YOUR FUNNYBONE... Painting Job There was a tradesman, a painter called Jock, who was very interested in making a penny where he could, so he often would thin down paint to make it go a wee bit further. As it happened, he got away with this for some time,but eventually the Baptist Church decided to do a big restoration job on the painting of one their biggest buildings. Jock put in a bid, and because his price was so low, he got the job. And so he set to erecting the trestles and setting up the planks, and buying the paint and, yes, I am sorry to say, thinning it down with turpentine. Well, Jock was up on the scaffolding, painting away, the job nearly completed when suddenly there was a horrendous clap of thunder, and the sky opened, the rain poured down, washing the thinned paint from all over the church and knocked Jock clear off the scaffold to land on the lawn surrounded by telltale puddles of the thinned and useless paint. Jock was no fool. He knew this was a judgment from the Almighty, so he got on his knees and cried: "Oh, God! Forgive me! What should I do?" And from the thunder, a mighty voice spoke... "Repaint! Repaint! And thin no more !!!!" revdauphinee answered on 08/05/04: ROFL STONY rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 08/05/04 - Guilty as charged. I see you are becoming serious again so in order to arrest this trend A pastor who was badly overworked went to the local medical center and was able to have a clone made. The clone was like the pastor in every respect-except the clone used extraordinarily foul language. The cloned pastor was exceptionally gifted in so many other areas of pastoral work, but finally the complaints about the dirty language were too much. The pastor was not too sure how to get rid of the clone so that it didn�t look like murder. The best thing, it seemed, was to make the clone�s death look like an accident. So the pastor lured the clone onto a bridge in the middle of the night and pushed the clone off the bridge. Unfortunately there was a police officer who happened by at that very moment and arrested the pastor for making an obscene clone fall. revdauphinee answered on 08/05/04: good one !thanks again paraclete rated this answer

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VisionsInBlue asked on 08/04/04 - Questions? Comments? Recently I mentioned the fine British (last I heard he lived in NYC) gentleman by the name of Matt Johnson and his band TheThe. This is one of my fave songs from their album Mind Bomb released in 1989. Armageddon Days Are Here (Again) Are you ready for Jesus? Uh huh Buddha? Yeah Muhammad? Ok Well, I like this Let's Go They're 5 miles high as the crow flies Leaving vapour trails against a blood red sky Moving in from the East towards the West With Balaclava helmets over their heads, yes But if you think that Jesus Christ is coming Honey you've got another thing coming If he ever finds out who's hi-jacked his name He'll cut out his heart and turn in his grave Islam is rising The Christians mobilising The world is on its elbows and knees It's forgotten the message and worships the creeds It's war, she cried It's war, she cried This is war Drop your possessions all you simple folk You'll fight them on the beaches in your underclothes You'll thank the good Lord for raising the Union Jack You'll watch the ships sail out of harbour And the bodies come floating back Watch the ships sail out of harbour And the bodies come floating back But if you think that Jesus Christ is coming Honey you've got another thing coming If he ever finds out who's hi-jacked his name He'll cut out his heart and turn in his grave Islam is rising The Christians mobilising The world is on its elbows and knees It's forgotten the message and worships the creeds "Get the gun, get the gun, get the gun" "Stay away from the gun, stay away from the gun" If the real Jesus Christ were to stand up today He'd be gunned down cold by the CIA Oh, the lights that now burn brightest behind stained glass Will cast the darkest shadows upon the human heart But God didn't build himself that throne God doesn't live in Israel or Rome God doesn't belong to the yankee dollar God doesn't plant the bombs for Hezbollah God doesn't even go to church And God won't send us down to Allah to burn God will remind us what we already know That the human race is about to reap what it's sown Islam is rising The Christians mobilising The world is on its elbows and knees It's forgotten the message and worships the creeds The world is on its elbows and knees It's forgotten the message and worships the creeds The world is on its elbows and knees It's forgotten the message and worships the creeds The world is on its elbows and knees It's forgotten the message and worships the creeds Armageddon days are here again Armageddon days are here again Armageddon days are here again Armageddon days are here And so... I'm dying to hear the comments... :) revdauphinee answered on 08/04/04: ""But if you think that Jesus Christ is coming Honey you've got another thing coming"" I dont "think" he is I know! he is!and not soon enough for me. John 14:2. In my Father's house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. 3. And if I go and prepare a place for you, ((((I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.))) ATON2 rated this answer CeeBee rated this answer Pete_Hanysz rated this answer VisionsInBlue rated this answer

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Chouxxx asked on 08/04/04 - Channel Surfing Just as background, I am homebound and have become the queen of media because I watch TV, listen to the radio, get info off the Internet, read a Sunday paper. Anyway, I have been channel surfing for a while, and I happened upon something interesting on the Fundamentalist Christianity TV channel(there is a Catholic channed, but more about that later). Benny Hinn was evangelizing in Australia. Now, I understand why there are Fundamentalist from Australia. How long have American Evangelists been operating in Australia?? How many Australians are Fundamentalists? What other Evangelists make appearances in Australia?? Thanks in advance, Choux revdauphinee answered on 08/04/04: would be interesting to see Benny Hinns financial reports !Jesus said we were to feed his sheep most televangelists fleese his sheep! ATON2 rated this answer Chouxxx rated this answer paraclete rated this answer

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HANK1 asked on 08/04/04 - FOR MATHATMACOAT: "I have been a Christian for many years and have helped in many capacities in the church. perhaps I can help others to understand the blessing which Jesus Christ gave us so long ago." The above appears in your Profile under Christianity! Since I am a great admirer of yours, would you please explain these declarations? Thank you! revdauphinee answered on 08/04/04: seems to mean the idea Jesus gives in Matthew 28:19. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20. and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." HANK1 rated this answer Mathatmacoat rated this answer paraclete rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 08/04/04 - Since Rolcam has started the ball rolling Let me ask you. Do you have a problem with Christian Charismatics? I ask this because the subject is so little discussed. revdauphinee answered on 08/04/04: sory to have to say this but I do!when I see a person acting the way some do the first question that comes to my mind is ,is this a way I could see Jesus himsef act?My answer is generaly no! ATON2 rated this answer paraclete rated this answer

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Pamela asked on 08/04/04 - Erosion of values The tragic loss of life in the Paraguayan fire due to security guards locking the doors of a department store so that people would not take goods without paying demonstrates how our materialistic society values property and money more than life. Even firefighters were shot at for breaking thw windows to rescue those who were trapped inside. Of course the action by the guards will lead to huge payouts in compensation and may very well bankrupt the store owners. But that wont bring back those who have been lost. To what extent should lives be endangered just to protect property? revdauphinee answered on 08/04/04: never! all the material wealth in the world is not worth one human life. Pamela rated this answer

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Bradd asked on 08/04/04 - Aw, gee, Rolcam Give us a break, willya? Even Hank is taking a breather. Going back to his Strunk and Wagnell's or whatever. Wagnell's? Strunk and CeeBee, maybe? Pass the aspirin. And YOU, Uni, do NOT post 3 million url's here. We're all tired. Although your own opinions are always welcome - funny and to the point. Anyway, Rolcam, why don't you just private message to Koinegreek and the two of you can freak and geek to your heart's content. Spare the rest of us. Rolcam, the Roman Catholic Church OBVIOUSLY has the ONLY means to salvation. Depends on the level of salvation you want. Two rooms with a view on the top floor is a little more expensive than the basement. Just buy all those indulgences. Or - just believe that you're saved and you can have, or do, anything you want. My kind of religion! When I first came here, I expected discussions of merit. What I got was pablum, much silliness, and a whole lot of condemnation of those who, no fault of their own, are deemed unworthy by one group or another. Wot gives? Jesus himself gave the answer once and for all - love God and yourself and one another. It's pretty simple. The posts here about killing Muslims are strange and scary. Some of you may be unaware that Islamic civilization contributed ENORMOUSLY to our Western world. Without Islam we never would have heard about much of Greek philosophy (the essence of Christian philosophy), and Aristotle among others. When I read here from a Christian "expert" to "nuke" Iraq, it makes me wonder. And makes me think of the graves in Normandy where so many young Americans lie because they fought against the very thing proposed here by some. Christianity, like Islam, has its evil aspects. revdauphinee answered on 08/04/04: compare Islam from the quoran sura 9 verse 29 You shall fight against those who do not believe in Allah the dinner table 5.51O you who believe! do not take the Jews and the Christians for friends; they are friends of each other; and whoever amongst you takes them for a friend, then surely he is one of them; surely Allah does not guide the unjust people. christianity from the Bible (Prov.25:21-22 21 If your enemy is hungry, give him food to eat; if he is thirsty, give him water to drink. Prov.24:17-18 17 Do not gloat when your enemy falls; when he stumbles, do not let your heart rejoice, do you notice anything different here??? ATON2 rated this answer Bradd rated this answer paraclete rated this answer

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ROLCAM asked on 08/04/04 - Do you have a problem series # 4. With any passages in the Bible ? revdauphinee answered on 08/04/04: not if it is taken in context and it is remembered that the times and societies the writers lived in and the times we live in are not one and the same even an ispired writer can only write from his own perception of things paraclete rated this answer ROLCAM rated this answer

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ROLCAM asked on 08/04/04 - Do you have a problem series # 3. Specifically with ROME in the religious context? revdauphinee answered on 08/04/04: dont concern myself with Rome! ROLCAM rated this answer

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ROLCAM asked on 08/04/04 - Do you have a problem series # 2 ? Specifically with Christianity ? revdauphinee answered on 08/04/04: Not if its real and not the watered down version some folk buy in to! ROLCAM rated this answer

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ROLCAM asked on 08/04/04 - Do you have a problem series # 1. With religions generally ? revdauphinee answered on 08/04/04: yes I have a big problem with organised religion since I feel it tends more to be a business interested in making money rather than a help for those in need .for instance we have one church in my aria that has plush wall to wall carpet crystal chandeliers ,the paster who is exquisitly dressed drives around in late model cadilac .while just a few yards down the road there are homeless people sleeping under a bridge .ask yourself would Jesus aprove? ROLCAM rated this answer

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Chouxxx asked on 08/03/04 - New TV Show in Iraq There is a new TV Show in Iraq, and it is the most popular show in the country. It is a reality show funded by wealthy benefactors. The show is about how a family whose home has been destroyed in the war has their home rebuilt and certain amenities are included like a new television set and other stuff. I found this news item to be very interesting. Private parties are funding the building of new homes for families in Iraq. This is a very Christian thing to do. What do you think? revdauphinee answered on 08/04/04: my answer as you say is not like me ,I am a complex person those who think they know me often do not.However do yopu truly think throwing stuff (tvs ect.,) would truly solve anyones problems?we in the west would probably be a lot better off without a lot of our stuff! Chouxxx rated this answer paraclete rated this answer

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Laura asked on 08/03/04 - As a Christian, how should Kerry handle his fiesty wife? He seems to be wanting to take the high road and focus on the issues, and she goes around telling folks who are pro Bush "they want four more years of hell"...Her comments seem to be more news worthy than his. Maybe he should pull back on her riegns a bit. What do you think? God bless. Laura revdauphinee answered on 08/03/04: why should he have to do anything? she is a person in her own right ,she is not his posesion to be controled If someone tried to make me say something against my will I would probably tell them to shove it also! I admire her for being her own person and not a posession! ATON2 rated this answer CeeBee rated this answer Chouxxx rated this answer Laura rated this answer

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Liz22 asked on 08/03/04 - Need Prayers! Hello experts, just got back from the ER, my son had his had his friend over who's name is Jerod well, when Jerod was going home on his bike he ran right out into a Truck, the truck was going 45miles per hour, the driver didn't see him for he was looking at the other side of the street for a house number he was suppose to Moe their lawn, well I heard screams and most of the neighbors were afraid to go out to Jerod whom is a small child because they thought he was dead, but I did and held pressure to his open skull he lost a lot of blood, and they moved him to a better hospital in Grand Rapids Michigan. I am asking you for your Prayers that this child will come home he is only twelve and to drive with care never knowing a child could be near, and lets learn to never take life for granted, one minute a love one is laughing the next they are in the Trauma Unit fighting for their life. Love one another, never take life for granted. Thank all of you, and I will fill you in tomorrow night as for now, we need Prayers for this little boy. Thank you. revdauphinee answered on 08/03/04: consider it done! Liz22 rated this answer

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Chouxxx asked on 08/03/04 - New TV Show in Iraq There is a new TV Show in Iraq, and it is the most popular show in the country. It is a reality show funded by wealthy benefactors. The show is about how a family whose home has been destroyed in the war has their home rebuilt and certain amenities are included like a new television set and other stuff. I found this news item to be very interesting. Private parties are funding the building of new homes for families in Iraq. This is a very Christian thing to do. What do you think? revdauphinee answered on 08/03/04: sory but i find this a very American thing to do better living through television!do we realy think a new television will solve these folks problems?? Chouxxx rated this answer paraclete rated this answer

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Uni-Agdistis asked on 08/03/04 - Equal time ...... Bush or Kerry ....Kerry or Bush. . Bush Planned Iraq 'Regime Change' Before Becoming President By Neil Mackay 15 September 2002: A SECRET blueprint for US global domination reveals that President Bush and his cabinet were planning a premeditated attack on Iraq to secure 'regime change' even before he took power in January 2001. The blueprint, uncovered by the Sunday Herald, for the creation of a 'global Pax Americana' was drawn up for Dick Cheney (now vice- president), Donald Rumsfeld (defence secretary), Paul Wolfowitz (Rumsfeld's deputy), George W Bush's younger brother Jeb and Lewis Libby (Cheney's chief of staff). The document, entitled Rebuilding America's Defences: Strategies, Forces And Resources For A New Century, was written in September 2000 by the neo-conservative think-tank Project for the New American Century (PNAC). The plan shows Bush's cabinet intended to take military control of the Gulf region whether or not Saddam Hussein was in power. It says: 'The United States has for decades sought to play a more permanent role in Gulf regional security. While the unresolved conflict with Iraq provides the immediate justification, the need for a substantial American force presence in the Gulf transcends the issue of the regime of Saddam Hussein.' Much more at: http://www.informationclearinghouse.info/article1221.htm revdauphinee answered on 08/03/04: lets face it it all boils down to whos lies you accept !we must vote for the lesser of two evils for we dont have a great choice this time around !as I said before I intend to vote against Bush not just for kerry i dont much care for either of them but I will vote and hope for a better future (that I may not get!) paraclete rated this answer Uni-Agdistis rated this answer

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HANK1 asked on 08/03/04 - LAST POST FOR AWHILE ... Why do you think or know there is a God? HANK revdauphinee answered on 08/03/04: when we look at a thing that is man made say for instance an automobile we know there is intelegence behind its conception .Can we look at say a rose and deny the same aplies to it???this is why I believe in God! HANK1 rated this answer

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STONY asked on 08/03/04 - I GOT THIS FROM A DEAR FRIEND... THOUGHT YOU MIGHT ENJOY CHECKING IT OUT. http://www.levitt.com/ubb/ultimatebb.php?ubb=get_topic;f=1;t=001465 revdauphinee answered on 08/03/04: I am a great fan of Zola have even met the man personaly, but like myself he will put himself in a position to enable his own choices ,dont we all? STONY rated this answer

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Pete_Hanysz asked on 08/03/04 - Touched by God? How is one able to tell the difference between the work of a man inspired by the "Holy Spirit" & the rants of an unsound mind. David Koresh for example. Pete revdauphinee answered on 08/03/04: Mathew 7:20 wherefor by their fruits shall ye know them! CeeBee rated this answer Pete_Hanysz rated this answer

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kindj asked on 08/03/04 - Christians in Iraq: revisited Thanks to all who answered my first question regarding Saddam and Christians. There was a lot of good, helpful information there, and ONLY ONE person clearly didn't have a handle on what I was asking, and that I was asking because I honestly didn't know. Not too bad for these parts. So here's round two: According to the fine answers that I received, Saddam was actually quite tolerant of the small Christian community, much to my surprise. So where are the stories of persecution coming from, even prior to SH's "relocation?" According to one answer, it's the Muslim community, or some faction of it, that's responsible for most of it. Would that be right? Aton, don't get me wrong here. I'm NOT setting the stage for a Muslim vs. Christian cage match, just trying to get the facts for my own knowledge. K? I'm well aware that this goes on in other countries with different faiths involved, and some where there's NO faith involved, but it's Iraq I'm trying to learn about now. DK revdauphinee answered on 08/03/04: Idont believe everything I read however the press would have us believe we have been reluctant to atack mosques even when we were being attacked from them however with the promice of being a muslim basher once more where is the moslem restraint?they seem to have no such problem attacking the christians place of worship! kindj rated this answer

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HANK1 asked on 08/03/04 - EXPERTS: PLEASE SLOW DOWN WHEN READING POSTS. Speed reading just doesn't get it! It causes too much of a need for clarifications, follow ups and negative comments about this and that! Understand what you read before posting accusations and innuendos. It's really that simple! Thanks. HANK revdauphinee answered on 08/03/04: Im guilty of scanning often and admit on more than one I truly missed the point , but my attention span is very short and some postings (including a few of my own ) are rather long! HANK1 rated this answer

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koinegreek asked on 08/02/04 - $64,000 question? What causes Baptists to be so dumb in scripture? You name it? You can find "Baptist" attached to independent, missionary, southern, american, free will, etc., What is it exactly that causes them to be so dumb in scripture? revdauphinee answered on 08/03/04: because all the above are run by falable Human beings more than by God!

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koinegreek asked on 08/02/04 - I really know you cannot? Can you identify the "name" of the founder of Baptists? Can you identify the "name" of the founder of Methodists? Can you identify the "name" of the founder of Christians? Acts 4:18 And they called them, and commanded them not to speak at all nor teach in the name of Jesus. revdauphinee answered on 08/02/04: If they are truly Christians then only Christ can be named as founder!But since i have little use for organised religions I think youd better look elswhere

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sapphire630 asked on 08/02/04 - Politically Correct According to the liberals being politically correct means not discriminating and not hurting anybodys feelings so for the Veterans against Kerry and the fightfighters against Bush---my not wanting to offend anyone maybe I should not vote????? Pleazzz---I am not looking for any serious replies here!!!! Just in my (sarcastic) mood at the minute... revdauphinee answered on 08/02/04: we all need to vote and we must vote our concience we only get what we ask for and no vote is always a vte for the one you realy dont want.I must admit this one is a vote for the lesser of two evils cause neither one is great but from my postings all know who I will vote for but it truly wont be a vote for but rether a vote against .wish we had better leaders but we got to work with what we got ! sapphire630 rated this answer

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HANK1 asked on 08/02/04 - A THOUGHT OR TWO ABOUT GOD: Does God have enough energy to rule the Universe? Seems to me that His motor might be sputtering a bit since there's still evil in the World. If this IS the case, why don't all people give a bit of their energy to Him by abiding by His word 24/7? By doing this, we will generate the additional power He might need to clean up the uneasiness that prevails in our minds! Adversely, everytime a person commits an evil act, it saps a bit of energy from our Maker. Thus, one cancels out the other, e.g. a bad act cancels out a good act! This thinking, of course, leads us to a fork in the road ... one leads to mediocrity, the other to perfection. Solution? Set your TARGETS OF PURPOSE as a top priority! It's the positive use of this knowledge that can allow us to progress as one people within any civilized alliance. Notably, the correct and proper use of this knowledge, utilizing acceptable customs and righteous principles that I call TARGETS OF PURPOSE. Since conscience and fixed determinations help set one's heart upon moral ambition, let fidelity and the use of complete certainty rule it. These are my TARGETS OF PURPOSE! "The man who is tenacious of purpose in a rightful cause is not shaken from his firm resolve by the frenzy of his fellow citizens clamoring for what is wrong, or by the tyrant's threatening countenance." -- Horace (65-8 B.C.) (To be continued) HANK revdauphinee answered on 08/02/04: "why don't all people give a bit of their energy to Him by abiding by His word 24/7? By doing this, we will generate the additional power He might need to clean up the uneasiness that prevails in our minds!" sounds like a good idea except for the fact that God does not need us !We need him! Bobbye rated this answer CeeBee rated this answer HANK1 rated this answer

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ATON2 asked on 08/02/04 - More on the Bush/Cheney team politicizing God!! From The New Federalist, June 12, 2004: "Southern Baptists 'Appalled' at Bush Campaign Demands." President George W.Bush has angered his most loyal supporters, the Southern Baptists, by suggesting that church members should provide his reelection campaign with their local church directories, among other things. "I'm appalled that the Bush-Cheney campaign would intrude on a local congregation in this way," said Richard Land, president of the Southern Baptist Convention's Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission. "The bottom line is, when a church does it, it's not partisan and appropriate. When a campaign does it, it's partisan and inappropriate. I suspect this will rub a lot of pastors' fur the wrong way." Land added that while it's one thing for a church member to go out and work for a campaign, "it's another and totally inappropriate thing for a political campaign to ask workers who may be church members to provide church member information throught the use of directories to solicit partisan support." Bush recently addressed the Baptists' National Convention by video link for the third year in a row." To my mind this is a devious and improper as Bush trying to co-erce the Pope into coming down hard on John Kerry, simply because Kerry is a Catholic. More of the sneaky Bush/Cheney strategy of divide and conquer. Comments??? No automatic 5-stars. Responses will be judged on content alone :) revdauphinee answered on 08/02/04: when religion gets into anything it is quickly told we have seperation of Church and state, but when is coming from the other side of the equasion the goverment sees no seperation then!!seems like a one way street here! ATON2 rated this answer

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MaggieB asked on 08/01/04 - Urban Legends and Folklore/'all human beings begin life as a feces'? Urban Legends and Folklore G.W. Bush Refers to Fetus as 'Feces' in Right-to-Life Speech Netlore Archive: Did President G.W. Bush really say in a speech to a right-to-life group that 'all human beings begin life as a feces'? Description: Email joke Circulating since: July 2004 Status: False Analysis: See below Email example contributed by Clark V., 13 July 2004: Subject: Bush mis-speaks in an interesting way. Is this who we want representing our country? NEWSWEEK reports that President Bush, appearing before a right-to-life rally in Tampa, Florida on June 17, stated: "We must always remember that all human beings begin life as a feces. A Feces is a living being in the eyes of God, who has endowed that feces with all of the rights and God-given blessings of any other human being." The audience listened in disbelief as the President repeated his error at least a dozen times, before realizing that he had used the word 'feces" when he meant to say "fetus." Comments: False. President Bush has been known to commit verbal gaffes on occasion, but nothing on the order of mistaking the word "feces" for "fetus" a dozen times in a row in a single speech. I'm not sure it's even humanly possible. As it happens, Bush was in Tampa, Florida on June 16, 2004, the day before this event supposedly took place, but according to the White House press log he gave no speeches in Tampa on June 17. No such news item appeared in Newsweek, nor any other venue, for that matter. revdauphinee answered on 08/02/04: Maggie urban ledgend or not you will not change my mind for if we have 4 more years od Saudi (sory Bush) we may not have a country at all I cannot see why anyone in a right mind can like this man let alone vote for him his arogance is sickening MaggieB rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 08/01/04 - Another wake up call? Is this what good Christian men died for in Iraq? So that Iraq's Christians could be attacked and killed. So that Iraqi Muslims would be free to kill Christian's. So that Muslims could bomb places of worship. All I can say to this is wake up America, this could be you. Coordinated Attacks on Churches Naseer Al-Nahr � Arab News BAGHDAD, 2 August 2004 � At least nine people were killed and dozens injured in a series of coordinated attacks on churches across Iraq yesterday. The attacks came as talks for the release of seven hostages collapsed. Police and government officials said at least three people were killed in Baghdad, two of whom perished when one of the bombs exploded inside a huge church and seminary compound in southern Baghdad, causing massive damage. But a rescue worker at the Al-Dura compound said he pulled out six dead women and two dead children from the debris, though there was no immediate confirmation from medics. Dozens of wounded were admitted into hospitals as the explosions unleashed chaos on the capital�s streets, officials said after the attacks, the first on Christian places of worship in post-Saddam Iraq. The first car was detonated by a suicide bomber outside an Armenian church in Baghdad�s upmarket district of Karada, said policeman Haidar Abdul Hussein. Minutes later, a second car bomb exploded there. At about the same time, another bomb exploded near a Catholic Syriac church. Police reported a fourth explosion in Baghdad, outside a Chaldean Catholic church in the east of the city. Thick black smoke billowed in the sky above Karada, clearly visible for miles, as ambulances screamed through the streets and firemen battled to contain the blaze. At Al-Dura, the ravaged compound resembled a war zone. The car exploded as worshippers were leaving the church after services. �I went in right after the explosion to help with the dead and injured. I pulled out three women who were dead, before Iraqi police chased me away,� said Shaker Mahmud, 32. �Six women and two children were killed,� said Alaa Andreas, a rescue volunteer. The glass windows of the church were shattered. Nervous Iraqi police officers fired into the air around the sites of the explosions as US helicopters circled above and American soldiers deployed in force around the besieged churches. �It�s a crime. It�s Sunday, we were at mass. There were a lot of women and children,� said Bishop Raphael Kutami at the Syriac church. �There are so many injured and we don�t know how many. We were coming out of the church� when the bomb exploded, said another priest at the same church. In Mosul, 370 km north of the capital, two car bombs exploded in the early evening outside the Mar Polis church in the central Mohandeseen neighborhood, said Maj. Mohammed Omar Taha. Medics there said one person was killed and 11 were wounded in the bombings. In Kirkuk, a district police chief said an explosion went off at around 7.45 p.m. in a Christian residential neighborhood, but that there were no casualties because most people were at church. As for hostages, Iraqi insurgents freed a Lebanese, but there was no word on another Lebanese seized in a growing wave of kidnappings of foreigners. In a separate hostage standoff, a Kuwaiti company and a top Iraqi mediator dismissed reports that a group of seven foreign truck drivers � three Indians, three Kenyans and an Egyptian � had been freed. �Iraqi commando forces carried out a military operation on the kidnappers of Vlad Damaa and released him half an hour ago,� a Lebanese source said in Beirut, declining to give any more details. Damaa was seized at gunpoint on Friday from a construction concern he runs with a brother that sells prefabricated buildings to US forces in Iraq, his family said. The second Lebanese hostage, Antoine Antoun, was kidnapped from his Baghdad dairy along with a Syrian trucker by gunmen, relatives said. In the case of the seven truckers, the Iraqi tribal leader mediating with kidnappers for their release denied they had been freed as was claimed by the Kenyan government. Sheikh Hisham Al-Dulaymi said negotiations to secure the hostages� release had broken down and there was no longer contact with the hostage-takers. Rana Abu-Zaineh, a spokeswoman for the Kuwaiti company the hostages work for, also said the report was false. She said negotiations to release the hostages failed after Dulaymi pulled out of the talks, and the company was working to persuade Dulaymi to continue pursuing their release. In a letter to Dulaymi, the kidnappers said: �The Kuwaiti firm is stalling in responding to our demands, and the embassies and foreign governments do not care. �We hope you announce your withdrawal from the negotiations... and we will do what is necessary concerning the hostages.� revdauphinee answered on 08/01/04: All I can say to this is wake up America, on this I aggree but because Bush ""claims"" He is a christian many folks refuse to wake up!!! ATON2 rated this answer paraclete rated this answer

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MaggieB asked on 08/01/04 - Urban Legends and Folklore/'all human beings begin life as a feces'? Urban Legends and Folklore G.W. Bush Refers to Fetus as 'Feces' in Right-to-Life Speech Netlore Archive: Did President G.W. Bush really say in a speech to a right-to-life group that 'all human beings begin life as a feces'? Description: Email joke Circulating since: July 2004 Status: False Analysis: See below Email example contributed by Clark V., 13 July 2004: Subject: Bush mis-speaks in an interesting way. Is this who we want representing our country? NEWSWEEK reports that President Bush, appearing before a right-to-life rally in Tampa, Florida on June 17, stated: "We must always remember that all human beings begin life as a feces. A Feces is a living being in the eyes of God, who has endowed that feces with all of the rights and God-given blessings of any other human being." The audience listened in disbelief as the President repeated his error at least a dozen times, before realizing that he had used the word 'feces" when he meant to say "fetus." Comments: False. President Bush has been known to commit verbal gaffes on occasion, but nothing on the order of mistaking the word "feces" for "fetus" a dozen times in a row in a single speech. I'm not sure it's even humanly possible. As it happens, Bush was in Tampa, Florida on June 16, 2004, the day before this event supposedly took place, but according to the White House press log he gave no speeches in Tampa on June 17. No such news item appeared in Newsweek, nor any other venue, for that matter. revdauphinee answered on 08/01/04: " Bush has been known to commit verbal gaffes " at least this is true.what about the non verbal ones he has commited ???Like kissing up to the Saudis ATON2 rated this answer MaggieB rated this answer

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HANK1 asked on 08/01/04 - THE MIND OF GOD! For many, many months, I've been reading scripture, posting questions, answering questions, reading comments, reading clarifications and posting same! I feel that it's time to allow our brains to work overtime and try to get INSIDE the brain of God. This will take us to a higher level of understanding re: how we can live Utopian lives. Any suggestions re: how we can proceed? (Really THINK about this question before answering. THANKS!) HANK revdauphinee answered on 08/01/04: I have to agree with the first answer here the thing to do is not to try and get into Gods mind but rather let him get into ours! ATON2 rated this answer CeeBee rated this answer HANK1 rated this answer

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ATON2 asked on 08/01/04 - Is this how George W. Bush really feels about the issue??? "Newsweek reports that President Bush, appearing before a right-to-life rally in Tampa, Florida, in June 17, stated: "We must alwlays remember that all human beings begin life as a FECES. A FECES is a living being in the eyes of God, who has endowed that FECES with all the rights and God-given blessings of any other human being." The Audience listened in disbelief as the President repeated his error at least a dozen times, before realizing that he had used the word "FECES" when he meant to say "FETUS"!!!!! David Emory, Forum Host.."Thinkers" My question: Do you think this was a Freudian slip on Dubbya's part...letting us know how he really felt about the whole anti-abortion crusade..or how he really felt about human beings??????? revdauphinee answered on 08/01/04: maybee a freudian slip based on the fact that he considers us all FECES! ATON2 rated this answer Chouxxx rated this answer Uni-Agdistis rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 07/31/04 - Back to the future II Take a pew at God's cafe, sit back and savour a sermon By Sarah Price August 1, 2004 The Sun-Herald The continuing decline in numbers in the Anglican Church has prompted calls for leaders to consider potentially radical changes in the way the church ministers to the faithful, including implementing cafes in churches. A report from Wayne Brighton, a researcher with the General Synod Office of the Anglican Church, has painted a bleak outlook for the church, with a diminishing and greying congregation. The church has been asked to consider more community-based approaches, including cafe churches where the setting was more familiar and more flexible. Cafe churches involve people sitting at tables and chairs, drinking and eating and talking, rather than being preached at from a pulpit. "Folks are used to sitting in cafes," Mr Brighton said. "They can get up and walk out or walk around." Mr Brighton said churches needed to realise that people lived differently. "They live in networks, not neighbourhoods," he said. Churches were built at a time when people lived in suburbs and walked to their corner shop, but that was no longer the case. In 2001, when the last major church attendance survey was taken, there were about 123,000 fewer Anglicans than a decade earlier, Mr Brighton said. The estimated weekly attendance decreased by 7 per cent over the same period. In 1991, fewer than one in five Anglicans were over 70 years of age, but, by 2001, that ratio was nearly one in three. Mr Brighton said churches would like more people to come along, "so long as they do what they want them to do". "To some extent there would be an unwillingness to realise the cultural gaps between what they do on a Sunday and what other people do," he said. Churches had to pay much closer attention to communities and what they wanted. "People make choices," he said. "Folks aren't going to come to church because it's Anglican and they're Anglican and it's five minutes down the road. "It's really how we live, not where we live that's important." Mr Brighton said the Sydney diocese was an exception to the rule as its congregation had grown. The diocese was also trying to make services more attractive to people by using, in some cases, contemporary music during services and more modern orders of service, which included the use of contemporary and inclusive language. Cafe churches have already been endorsed by the Church of England in Britain as a way to reach more parishioners and to counter declining numbers. I know it takes a while for things to filter through down here, but I have to ask, are these people stuck in a time warp? Didn't Paul say, haven't you got homes to eat and drink in? Certain church have been growing for decades becuase they updated their services without changing the message. These people havn't turned their church into a cafe. revdauphinee answered on 08/01/04: anything to make more money thought up by organised religion!I bet if you wanted a cup of cofee they would charge you !A far cry from "feed my sheep"Maybee the special of the day could be loaves and fishes! the Lord did say feed my sheep and not fleece my sheep! paraclete rated this answer

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Chouxxx asked on 07/31/04 - Pope's Comments To Women Yesterday Yesterday, the Pope made some comments regarding his opinion on Feminism and Women. He said that, darn it, I forgot, does anyone else remember? Little help here, if you can. I have some retorts. Thanks, Choux revdauphinee answered on 07/31/04: it maters not what the Pope sya for scripture tells us inGalatians 3: 27. for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. 28. There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, (((male nor female,))) for you are all one in Christ Jesus. Chouxxx rated this answer

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Uni-Agdistis asked on 07/31/04 - Human Rights - whose rights ??? Ghost prisons a blot on America's moral leadership The Bush administration holds alleged terror suspects incommunicado all over the world, blatantly violating basic human rights By Isabel Hilton THE GUARDIAN , London Friday, Jul 30, 2004,Page 9 The delegates gathered in Boston for the Democratic convention are now reported to be overwhelmingly opposed to the war in Iraq. But if their belated opposition is to change the policy of a future Kerry administration, it will require a return to respect for the law. The delusion that officeholders know better than the law is an occupational hazard of the powerful and one to which those of an imperial cast of mind are especially prone. Checks and balances -- the constitutional underpinning of the democratic idea that no one individual can be trusted with unlimited power -- are there to keep such delusions under control. The Abu Ghraib photographs awakened many in the US to the abuses that lie beneath the rhetoric of the global war on terror but the institutions responsible have not taken the message on board. On the day the Congressional report into Sept. 11 was published, another document was quietly released -- a military report that exonerated the high command for the Abu Ghraib abuses. The implications go beyond Abu Ghraib: without a repudiation of the administration's actions, there will be no remedy for the even more sinister treatment of the unknown number of prisoners not captured on camera -- those who have been kidnapped and disappeared by US forces across the world. Under military order No. 1, issued by US President George W. Bush in Nov. 2001, the president gave himself the right, in defiance of national and international law, to detain indefinitely any non-US citizen anywhere in the world. Many ended up in Guantanamo where at least some of their names were discovered. Others simply vanished. They became in the US euphemism, "ghost prisoners", an unrecorded host held in secret, their detention denied, hidden from the Red Cross, legal or family access barred, their fate in the hands of unaccountable and unnamed US personnel. When disappearance became state practice across Latin America in the 70s it aroused revulsion in democratic countries where it is a fundamental tenet of legitimate government that no state actor may detain -- or kill -- another human being without having to answer to the law. Not only has Bush discarded that principle, he even brags about it. In his state of the union address in February last year, he said: "More than 3,000 suspected terrorists have been arrested in many countries. Many others have met a different fate. Put it this way, they're no longer a problem to the United States and our friends and allies." What are we to understand by this? That they have been murdered? That they are rotting in some torture cell in Jordan, or Egypt, or Diego Garcia? And, given the US record on "suspected terrorists" -- who have included taxi drivers and their passengers, boys of 13, old men who could hardly walk and migrants whose crime was to overstay a visa -- how can we trust a practice that disposes of people first and asks questions afterwards? Nobody knows how many ghost prisoners there are. The US, as the Latin American dictatorships did, strains to ensure that we do not find out. In Iraq, of the roughly 12,000 detained after the US invasion, some appeared on lists, others vanished because of chaos and incompetence. Others died under interrogation. Beyond the Iraqi jails, others -- including, but not limited to, the dozen or so high-profile al-Qaeda detainees captured since the war in Afghanistan -- have disappeared into the international ghost prison system, detained in one country and secretly transferred to another in what the official euphemism describes as "extraordinary rendition." Extraordinary rendition was codified in the Clinton administration. Under Bush it has been hugely expanded. As the US coordinator for counterterrorism, Cofer Black, acknowledged in April last year, "a large number of terrorist suspects were not able to launch an attack last year because they are in prison. More than 3,000 of them are al-Qaeda terrorists and they were arrested in over 100 countries." Representative Edward Markey, who last month introduced a bill to make extraordinary rendition illegal in US law, has noted that in the year after Sept. 11, George Tenet, then director of the CIA, admitted to the rendition of 70 people, describing them all as terrorists. Maher Arar, though, is not a terrorist. He is one of the few "ghost prisoners" who have emerged to testify to the reality behind extraordinary rendition. A Syrian-born Canadian, Arar was detained while changing planes in New York in 2002. His name was on a terrorist watch-list but he was not charged in the US or even extradited to Canada, a friendly country with an inconvenient regard for the rule of law. Instead he was flown to Jordan, then sent on to Syria, a state that the US categorizes as one that practises torture. One CIA agent explained to a reporter how it worked in the 1990s. "We'd arrest them and send them to Jordan or Egypt, and they'd disappear," he said. They were not charged in the US, he said, because the evidence would not hold up in court. The evidence against Maher Arar did not even hold up in a Syrian court. His crime was that his mother's cousin had joined the Muslim Brotherhood long after Maher moved to Canada. After 10 months of torture and incarceration in a cell the size of a grave, he was allowed to resume his journey home. Now he is suing the US government. Some indication of the scale of the network of detention centers can be gleaned from a recent report by Human Rights First, formerly the Lawyers' Committee for Human Rights. In Afghanistan, they say, in addition to the Bagram and Kandahar bases, the US acknowledges 20 other centers. In Iraq, there are three official centers, including Abu Ghraib, and an additional nine US military facilities. In Pakistan, a prison at Kohat, near the Afghan border, is under US control. In Jordan, the al-Jafr prison in the southern desert is used as a CIA detention center. Human Rights First suspects that prisoners are held on US military ships and in bases such as Diego Garcia. Other prisoners have been "rendered" to Egypt and, as in the Arar case, to Syria, both countries in which torture is well established. Torture is illegal in the US. Facilitating torture elsewhere is also illegal under the convention against torture, to which the US is a signatory. "I think it's time," said Jamie Fellner of Human Rights Watch, "that we began to recognize that ghost prisoners are the new disappeared. And disappearance is almost invariably associated with mistreatment and torture." Markey has taken a stand. "Extraordinary rendition is the 800lb gorilla in our foreign and military policy-making that nobody wants to talk about. It involves our country outsourcing interrogations to countries that are known to practice torture, something that erodes America's moral credibility," he said. SOURCE: NEWS WE DON'T HEAR ABOUT IN THE USA. My question - What happened to human rights that Bush claims he upholds???? Are human rights to br upheld ONLY for those Bush chooses???? revdauphinee answered on 07/31/04: Bush is a Law unto himself where is free speech gone in this country?if you dont believe you can lose your job for speaking freely about Bush ask whoopie and Linda Ronstad? is speech only free if your in agreement with the powers that be??semms like it! ATON2 rated this answer Bobbye rated this answer Uni-Agdistis rated this answer

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HANK1 asked on 07/31/04 - ABOUT FOOLS! �Fools show their anger at once, but the prudent ignore an insult� (Proverbs 12:16, NRSV). Is this good or bad advice? revdauphinee answered on 07/31/04: and some folks just dont get mad they get even! HANK1 rated this answer

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ATON2 asked on 07/31/04 - Care to try a "Bush league" test????? Satirist Paul Slansky has written a throughly researched and factual book (that seems to be an epidemic right now): "The George W. Bush Quiz Book". This seems a perfect time to share some highlights: 1. What WAS NOT a favorite pastime of George W. Bush as a young boy? A) Playing baseball. B) Reading books. C) Collecting baseball cards. D) Blowing up frogs with firecrakers. ANSWER: B 2. How Did Goerge W. Bush make his fortune? A) He 'hit the big one' with a West Texas oil well. B) He got a huge advance for his autobiography. C) Having used various family connections to raise the money to buy the Texas Rangers, and having wheedled $135 million worth of corporate welfare out of the state, which levied a sales tax to build a new stadium for the team, he made almost $15 million on his original $606,000 investment when the team was sold. D) Kickbacks from executioners. ANSWER: C 3. What was the title of George W. Bush's campaign autobiography, which was actually written by his aide Karen Hughes? A) Don't Call Me Junior! B) The Cattleless Hat. C) A Charge to Keep. D) The Jerk Behind the Smirk. ANSWER: C 4: During an appearance on David Letterman's show; George W. Bush found that his eyeglasses needed cleaning. As the show's producer, Maria Pope, leaned over the desk to confer with Letterman during a commercial break, Bush leaned forward in his chair, grabbed a corner of Pope's jacket, and wiped his filthy specs with it. TRUE or FALSE? ANSWER: TRUE 5. Complete George W. Bush's defiant statement about the terrorists: "They will not.........." A) tie America hostage B) hold America blackmail C) squeeze America hostile D) blow America down ANSWER: B 6. How did George W. Bush describe his wife, Laura? A) My much better half. B) The only woman I've ever loved C) The cream in my coffee D) The lump in the bed next to me. ANSWER: D Four more years???????? revdauphinee answered on 07/31/04: Four more years???????? Not if God truly answers my prayers! ATON2 rated this answer CeeBee rated this answer

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HANK1 asked on 07/31/04 - LISTEN AND LEARN! In the New Testament, James warned against speaking carelessly: �Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, for man�s anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires� (Jas. 1:19 ). Is this good or bad advice? revdauphinee answered on 07/31/04: It is exelent advice but for Humans it is like most advice hard to follow! HANK1 rated this answer

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MaggieB asked on 07/31/04 - Howard Meek thinks someone is out to steal his God, according to the Nashville Eye published on this Wednesday, 07/14/04 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The article that Aton posted from The Tennessean Newspaper was an "opinion of Howard Meeks" and here is an "opinion about Howard Meeks in the same newspaper by Mark A. Rose" of Mt. Juliet,TN. Mark A. Rose: Stealing God's thunder? No, just following His commands By MARK A. ROSE Howard Meek thinks someone is out to steal his God, according to the Nashville Eye published on this page July 2. As a right-wing, Bush-supporting, God-fearing Christian myself, I am certainly not chasing after Meek's God. I do not possess the theological omniscience to speak directly for God without the use of Scripture, nor can I possibly fashion God in my own image, so I will simply respond with what I understand to be Biblical. I agree that Christ showed great compassion toward the poor, and I do not believe God gave us the earth simply to be trashed. At the same time, however, I believe God expects His believers to speak out against evil where it exists. This is where Meek and I diverge. God is indeed the ultimate arbiter of what is good and evil, but God also makes it very clear throughout Scripture where moral boundaries lie. (The Ten Commandments are a good place to start.) Meek seems to think the lines between good and evil are simply too nebulous for man to take it upon himself to point to what is evil. It's funny that Meek casts his own moral judgments against those who cast moral judgments. While castigating the Moral Majority, conservative talk radio and President Bush for morality theft, he expresses no outrage over the mass murderer Saddam Hussein, no outrage over the militant Islamists who caused 9/11 and no outrage over the insurgents who have beheaded two Americans and proudly shared their videotaped savagery with the rest of the world. I also disagree that God expects us all to work together. I don't believe he does. I believe God expects His believers to work together to accomplish what is laid out before us. But to compromise our beliefs with the godless people at the United Nations in order to arrive at a solution that may be unbiblical? I don't believe that's part of the plan. So, Mr. Meek, fear not. I have yet to meet a Christian who believes God is an American or a Republican. He's God. I am more beholden to Him than I am the United States or the Republican Party. But while I am alive in this world, I want to do my very best to live my life according to God's rules. And that includes taking my beliefs off the shelf and sharing them with others. Sometimes that does involve making moral judgments, saying things that are unpopular and acting ''unilaterally.'' No one I know has stolen Meek's God. He doesn't belong to any one person or group, after all. He is His own being, available to each individual to accept or reject. Mark A. Rose is a resident of Mt. Juliet. Is Mr. Meeks (who appears to be a Christian) a friend or family member of Aton? Is that why Aton posted the article? The main thought is exactly what Mr. Rose said: No one I know has stolen Meek's God. He doesn't belong to any one person or group, after all. He is His own being, available to each individual to accept or reject. MaggieB revdauphinee answered on 07/31/04: the members of the Bush administration my worship a God but I dont think its the same one I worship!someday they will find out who is realy in controll here and its not GWBush MaggieB rated this answer

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ATON2 asked on 07/30/04 - "Just who are they to stake a political claim on God?" From a letter to Nashville Eye, from Howard Meek, a Nashville, Tennessee resident: "The majority of Americans are still God-loving people. And I am one of them. But lately I've been feeling like someone is trying to steal my God and use him for political purposes. And their politics are not the same as mine! Surely you have noticed that the Republicans have been politizing the president's faith and inferring that God has expecially sanctioned his presidency and policies. So not only are his opponents "unpatriotic", they are also ungodly. This is quite amazing since MY God's priorities have always been the poor, not the privileged which this administation always puts first. And MY God expects us to be good 'caretakers' of the earth he created. Most of all, MY God expects us to work TOGETHER - not unilaterally - to solve the world's problems and corral its "misfits". And since he recognizes how imperfect even presidents can be, he doesn't consider any of them infallible. So he doesn't like them declaring who is "good or evil." He alone makes that decision. Oh yes, MY God is very slow to go to war. He knows the consequences and how wise it is to pursue all other avenues first. He knows if we pursue the eye-for-eye strategy, we may all end up blind. This morality theft by Republicans began years ago, with the fusion of the Moral Majority with Ronald Reagan's presidency. It's been kept alive by TV and radio evangelists and conservative talk radio. And by the complicit indifference of mainstream Christians. Shame on them. But you know what? It isn't just my God they've been stealing; it's the God of all of us -all who believe that God doesn't belong to one party or one nation. Sure, we are glad our president prays. But really, does anyone believe that all presidents don't pray? And, Gee, Islamic radicals pray - five times a day..on their knees! And is it reasonable to believe that God favored the Iraq war when the leaders of Bush's own denominination did not? It was also opposed by the Pope, the Council of Bishops, the National Council of Chruches and many leading religious leaders? And that the United Nations and the leaders of many of the major nations of the world? Isn't that just more of the hubris of this presidency??" Comments anyone?? revdauphinee answered on 07/31/04: I like the quote made by John Kerry the other evening one first said by Washington, "the question is not if in this war God is on our side ?but rather are we on Gods side? As I said GW says he is a Christian but if I say I am a fish does this make me one? ATON2 rated this answer CeeBee rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 07/30/04 - Having trouble saving your work? If you are having difficulty saving your work on your computer it could be your religious perspective is getting in the way From: zastre@csr.csc.UVic.CA (Michael Zastre) In keeping with the spirit of the "Screen Savior", this brings one to wonder how word processor messages would differ if written by adherents to some different Christian denominations, especially the message seen when quitting before saving work. Non-sectarian: Do you wish to Save your work? Roman Catholic: Registry indicates user is Female; only Males are able to Save. Anglican: Your work may or may not be Saved. Lutheran: If you don't follow the instruction manual, don't expect your work to be Saved. Mennonite: Document contains the word "dancing" it cannot be Saved. JWs: You are user #144,001; your work cannot be Saved. Mormon: Could we interest you in Saving your work? Millenarian: It is almost too late to Save your work. S. Baptist: If your work was not Saved, it is because you are evil. TV Preacher: This program has made mistakes in the past, but it will try to Save *this* file. Born-again: Before Saving your work, this program will erase all existing data; Proceed? Faith healers: If you believe your work will be Saved, it will be Saved. revdauphinee answered on 07/30/04: If you believe your work will be Saved, it will be Saved. AMEN paraclete rated this answer

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Laura asked on 07/29/04 - Helping out family One of our children is in a real financial pinch. An unexpected loss of part of her income has forced her to seek help from us. I don't mind at all, but I have a question. If helping her means that we have to give less at church on Sunday, do you think God minds? God bless. Laura revdauphinee answered on 07/30/04: Laura help your child the church will survive !churches in this day and age are nothing more than big business anyhow.Jesus helped those in need is your child in need? Help her! Laura rated this answer Liz22 rated this answer

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STONY asked on 07/29/04 - TO MASSAGE YOUR FUNNY BONE... Subject: Parrot A woman went to a pet shop & immediately spotted a large, beautiful parrot. There was a sign on the cage that said $50.00. Why so little," she asked the pet store owner. The owner looked at her and said, "Look, I should tell you first that this bird used to live in a house of Prostitution, & sometimes it says some pretty vulgar stuff." The woman thought about this, but decided she had to have the bird anyway. She took it home & hung the bird's cage up in her living room & waited for it to say something. The bird looked around the room, then at her, & said, "New house, new madam." The woman was a bit shocked at the implication, but then thought "that's really not so bad." When her 2 teenage daughters returned from school the bird saw & said, "New house, new madam, new girls." The girls & the woman were a bit offended but then began to laugh about the situation considering how & where the parrot had been raised. Moments later, the woman's husband Keith came home from work. The bird looked at him & said, "Hi, Keith." revdauphinee answered on 07/30/04: LOL STONY rated this answer

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ATON2 asked on 07/30/04 - Is Ron, Jr. right????? From the New York Daily News, July 30, 2004. RON THROWS LEFT AT RIGHT WING Ronald Reagan must be turning in his grave. In a scathing new critique, Reagan's rebellious son, Ron, calls President Bush a liar and rips the Republican Party for kowtowing to religious bigots and corporate crooks. "George W. Bush and his administration have taken normal mendacity to a startling new level far beyond lies of conveneience." Ron Reagan writes in a 4,100 word screed for next month's Esquire magazine. "They traffic in BIG lies." The son of the GOP icon said Bush's Republican Party is NOT his late father's Grand Old Party --and says Bush is not fit to wear the Gipper's boots. "My father, acting roles excepted, never pretended to be anyone but himself," Reagan writes. "His Republican Party, furthermore, seems a far cry from the current model, with it's cringing obeisance to the religious right." And Bush, Reagon writes, "is eloquent NOT because he cannot speak, but because he doesn't bother to think." The blistering broadside appeared just days after Reagan slammed stem cell research opponents -but not Bush by name - at the Democratic Convention. It came amid reports that Nancy Reagan will boycott the upcoming Republican convention - to the dismay of Reagan's adopted son, conservative commentator Michael Reagan. The Bush administration has lied about why they invaded Iraq and "even as of this writing, Dick Cheney clings to his mad assertion that Saddam (Hussein) was somehow at the nexus of a worldwide terror network," Reagan writes. The Bushies are in bed with "Fortune 500 fat cats", "rascal evangelists", "homophobic bigots", and "assorted purveyors of junk science." While Reagan's son did not endorse John Kerry at the convention, he appears to do so in his article. "We can choose, as a bumper sticker I spotted in Seattle put it, Someone Else for President," he said. But Bush remains a formidable opponent because he has a solid right-wing base that views his critics as "agents of Satan," according to Reagan. "Bush could be shown up on a video canoodling with Paris Hilton and STILL bank on their votes," he said." My question: Do you belive the Right Wing Religious Zealots will really vote for Bush, despite the fact that he lied, that he has brought our nation into disrepute all over the world, that he has settled our children and grandchildred with a trillion dollar debt, the he has, almost single handedly been responsible for the deaths of 909 of our sons and daughters......simply because he panders to their fundamentalist religious prejudices???????? And is this the proper way for a Christian to consider a candidate for the presidency????? revdauphinee answered on 07/30/04: Aton dont believe it I think we may agree on something! and Laura "Gore is probably wiping his brow in relief that he wasn't elected " problem is Gore was! Bush is the one who wasnt, so many people were disenfranchised during the election thievery ATON2 rated this answer Bobbye rated this answer

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ATON2 asked on 07/30/04 - Is Ron, Jr. right????? From the New York Daily News, July 30, 2004. RON THROWS LEFT AT RIGHT WING Ronald Reagan must be turning in his grave. In a scathing new critique, Reagan's rebellious son, Ron, calls President Bush a liar and rips the Republican Party for kowtowing to religious bigots and corporate crooks. "George W. Bush and his administration have taken normal mendacity to a startling new level far beyond lies of conveneience." Ron Reagan writes in a 4,100 word screed for next month's Esquire magazine. "They traffic in BIG lies." The son of the GOP icon said Bush's Republican Party is NOT his late father's Grand Old Party --and says Bush is not fit to wear the Gipper's boots. "My father, acting roles excepted, never pretended to be anyone but himself," Reagan writes. "His Republican Party, furthermore, seems a far cry from the current model, with it's cringing obeisance to the religious right." And Bush, Reagon writes, "is eloquent NOT because he cannot speak, but because he doesn't bother to think." The blistering broadside appeared just days after Reagan slammed stem cell research opponents -but not Bush by name - at the Democratic Convention. It came amid reports that Nancy Reagan will boycott the upcoming Republican convention - to the dismay of Reagan's adopted son, conservative commentator Michael Reagan. The Bush administration has lied about why they invaded Iraq and "even as of this writing, Dick Cheney clings to his mad assertion that Saddam (Hussein) was somehow at the nexus of a worldwide terror network," Reagan writes. The Bushies are in bed with "Fortune 500 fat cats", "rascal evangelists", "homophobic bigots", and "assorted purveyors of junk science." While Reagan's son did not endorse John Kerry at the convention, he appears to do so in his article. "We can choose, as a bumper sticker I spotted in Seattle put it, Someone Else for President," he said. But Bush remains a formidable opponent because he has a solid right-wing base that views his critics as "agents of Satan," according to Reagan. "Bush could be shown up on a video canoodling with Paris Hilton and STILL bank on their votes," he said." My question: Do you belive the Right Wing Religious Zealots will really vote for Bush, despite the fact that he lied, that he has brought our nation into disrepute all over the world, that he has settled our children and grandchildred with a trillion dollar debt, the he has, almost single handedly been responsible for the deaths of 909 of our sons and daughters......simply because he panders to their fundamentalist religious prejudices???????? And is this the proper way for a Christian to consider a candidate for the presidency????? revdauphinee answered on 07/30/04: they probably will and its to bad !people should realise that saying one is a christian no more makes you one than my saying I am a fish makes me a fish!George Bush is hiding behind his so caled faith !whilst I do not like michael (cant remember his last name i went to see Fahrenhit 9/11 last evening !I went prepared not to like it but guess what its telling the truth and should be mandatory viewing for all before the election.I am also reading a book called House of Bush house of Saud by Craig Unger and recomend it highly if you want the truth about G W. Bush My eyes have been opened! as for young Mr Reagan he has my full suport as a diabetic who would love a cure to be found! ATON2 rated this answer

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koinegreek asked on 07/29/04 - forty years of ignorance Hey, come out of your ignorance...Will you? revdauphinee answered on 07/29/04: ever hear "Judge not lest ye be judged???

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koinegreek asked on 07/29/04 - As a baptist I had a feeling you are a phony. Your spirit is now revealed as of the devil. revdauphinee answered on 07/29/04: Laura im with you and liz on this one! Liz22 rated this answer MaggieB rated this answer

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koinegreek asked on 07/29/04 - As a baptist I had a feeling you are a phony. Your spirit is now revealed as of the devil. revdauphinee answered on 07/29/04: Laura im with you and liz on this one! Liz22 rated this answer

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Mathatmacoat asked on 07/29/04 - Some people are just plain stupid? You will recall I told you about this when it was first reported. Now it's confirmed as a hoax. What do people hope to gain from a deception of this sort? 'Bleeding, weeping' Virgin Mary a hoax: archbishop July 29, 2004 - 4:45PM The hand of man rather than God made religious icons appear to bleed and weep blood at a Brisbane Catholic Church, an investigation has found. Brisbane Catholic Archbishop John Bathersby said today the substance that seeped from a statue of the Virgin Mary, pictures of Christ and crucifixes was not supernatural or a miracle, but synthetic. He called on the person or persons responsible for the hoax to come forward and tell the truth. He said a panel of experts could not be satisfied "that the phenomenon was, within the proper meaning of the word, a miracle". The phenomena, which began at the Vietnamese Catholic Community Church in Inala in Brisbane's west on May 21, attracted thousands of people who thought they were seeing the lord's work in action. But believers, who are still trickling in from around the country and across the world, today said the official findings made no difference to their conviction that God had given them a sign. Anne Nguyen, who had flown from California to visit the church, said it did not matter to her what the church had ruled - she still believed. "We still believe - the rest doesn't matter," she said. Staff at the Vietnamese Catholic Community Church today refused to comment on the church's findings. Archbishop Bathersby said he hoped people who had returned to the faith as a result of the bleeding icons would not be disillusioned by the experience. He said the investigation into the weeping icons, headed by Father Dr Adrian Farrelly, had been both meticulous and extensive, involving scientific investigation and witness interviews. Archbishop Bathersby said in light of the findings he had instructed the church to remove all the icons from public worship. He also ordered an extensive investigation into the amount of money raised through the sale of icons and the passing of the collection plate at the Inala church since news of the weeping artefacts emerged. Archbishop Bathersby said allegations that the church had been profiting from DVDs of television news stories on the phenomena were unfounded. AAP revdauphinee answered on 07/29/04: while I do feel that with God all things are possible I for one never acept this sort of stuff .when Jesus said "it is finished "he meant that the rest was up to us !he need not send such signs he gave his life if we dont believe because of that then there is no hope for us. paraclete rated this answer Mathatmacoat rated this answer

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koinegreek asked on 07/28/04 - Oh Liz22, you have put your finger on it? Poreuomai Mt 28:19. Here is the Greek word. This word has nothing to do with "GO" so have you learnt one lesson? revdauphinee answered on 07/28/04: Do we have a greek board???Why not start one! Im sure those who find it facinating would like that Chouxxx rated this answer HANK1 rated this answer paraclete rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 07/28/04 - The Problems of Thinking It started out innocently enough. I began to think at parties now and then to loosen up. Inevitably though, one thought led to another, and soon I was more than just a social thinker. I began to think alone - "to relax," I told myself - but I knew it wasn't true. Thinking became more and more important to me, and finally I was thinking all the time. I began to think on the job. I knew that thinking and employment don't mix, but I couldn't stop myself. I began to avoid friends at lunchtime so I could read Thoreau and Kafka. I would return to the office dizzied and confused, asking, "What is it exactly we are doing here?" Things weren't going so great at home either. One evening I had turned off the TV and asked my wife about the meaning of life. She spent that night at her mother's. I soon had a reputation as a heavy thinker. One day the boss called me in. He said, "Skippy, I like you, and it hurts me to say this, but your thinking has become a real problem. If you don't stop thinking on the job, you'll have to find another job." This gave me a lot to think about. I came home early after my conversation with the boss. "Honey," I confessed... "I've been thinking..." "I know you've been thinking," she said, "and I want a divorce!" "But Honey, surely it's not that serious." "It is serious," she said, lower lip aquiver. "You think as much as college professors, and college professors don't make any money, so if you keep on thinking we won't have any money!" "That's a faulty syllogism," I said impatiently, and she began to cry. I'd had enough. "I'm going to the library," I snarled as I stomped out the door. I headed for the library, in the mood for some Nietzsche, with an AM station on the radio. I roared into the parking lot and ran up to the big glass doors...they didn't open. The library was closed. To this day, I believe that a Higher Power was looking out for me that night. As I sank to the ground clawing at the unfeeling glass, whimpering for Zarathustra, a poster caught my eye. "Friend, is heavy thinking ruining your life?" it asked. You probably recognize that line. It comes from the standard Thinker's Anonymous poster. Which is why I am what I am today: a recovering thinker. I never miss a TA meeting. At each meeting we watch a non-educational video; last week it was "Porky's." Then we share experiences about how we avoided thinking since the last meeting. I still have my job, and things are a lot better at home. Life just seemed...easier, somehow, as soon as I stopped thinking. I know I have been experienced the problems of thinking lately have you? I keep praying Lord what on Earth am I doing here ? revdauphinee answered on 07/28/04: problem is some folks here wish to do the thinking for you and not allow you to do it yourself! Chouxxx rated this answer paraclete rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 07/28/04 - Isn't nice we are beyond all this? Translated from latin scroll dated 2BC Dear Cassius: Are you still working on the Y zero K problem? This change from BC to AD is giving us a lot of headaches and we haven't much time left. I don't know how people will cope with working the wrong way around. Having been working happily downwards forever, now we have to start thinking upwards. You would think that someone would have thought of it earlier and not left it to us to sort it all out at this last minute. I spoke to Caesar the other evening. He was livid that Julius hadn't done something about it when he was sorting out the calendar. He said he could see why Brutus turned nasty. We called in Consultus, but he simply said that continuing downwards using minus BC won't work and as usual charged a fortune for doing nothing useful. Surely we will not have to throw out all our hardware and start again? Macrohard will make yet another fortune out of this I suppose. The money lenders are paranoid of course! They have been told that all usury rates will invert and they will have to pay their clients to take out loans. Its an ill wind ...... As for myself, I just can't see the sand in an hourglass flowing upwards. We have heard that there are three wise men in the East who have been working on the problem, but unfortunately they won't arrive until it's all over. I have heard that there are plans to stable all horses at midnight at the turn of the year as there are fears that they will stop and try to run backwards, causing immense damage to chariots and possible loss of life. Some say the world will cease to exist at the moment of transition. Anyway, we are still continuing to work on this blasted Y zero K problem. I will send a parchment to you if anything further develops. If you have any ideas please let me know, Plutonius revdauphinee answered on 07/28/04: another great one thanks ,one thing that came to mind for me is I hate the fact that is is now politicaly incorect to say BC and AD we now have before the comon ere BCA and in the comon era CA MaggieB rated this answer paraclete rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 07/28/04 - RECALL NOTICE: The Maker of all human beings is recalling all units manufactured, regardless of make or year, due to the serious defect in the primary and central component of the heart. This is due to a malfunction in the original prototype units code named Adam and Eve, resulting in the reproduction of the same defect in all subsequent units. This defect has been technically termed, "Sub-sequential Internal Non-morality", or more commonly known as SIN, as it is primarily expressed. Some other symptoms are (a) Loss of direction (b) Foul vocal emissions (c) Amnesia of origin (d) Lack of peace and joy (e) Selfish, or violent behavior (f) Depression or confusion in the mental component (g) Fearfulness (h) Idolatry (i) Rebellion. The Manufacturer, Who is neither liable nor at fault for this defect, is providing factory authorized repair and service free of charge to correct this SIN defect. The RepairTechnician, Jesus, has most generously offered to bear the entire burden of the staggering cost of these repairs. There is no additional fee required. The toll free number to call for repair in all areas is: P-R-A-Y-E-R. Once connected, please upload your burden of SIN through the REPENTANCE procedure. Next, download ATONEMENT from the Repair Technician, Jesus, into the heart component. No matter how big or small the SIN defect is, Jesus will replace it with: (a) Love (b) Joy (c) Peace (d) Patience (e) Kindness (f) Goodness (g) Faithfulness (h) Gentleness (i) Self Control Please see the operating manual, HOLY BIBLE, for further details on the use of these fixes. As an added upgrade the manufacturer has made available to all repaired units a facility enabling direct monitoring and assistance from a resident Maintenance Technician, the Holy Spirit. Repaired units need only make Him welcome and He will take up permanent residence on the premises! WARNING: Continuing to operate the human being unit without correction, voids the Manufacturer's warranty, exposing the unit to dangers and problems too numerous to list and will result in the human unit being permanently impounded. For free emergency service, call on Jesus. DANGER: The human being units not responding to this recall action will have to be scrapped in the furnace. The SIN defect will not be permitted to enter Heaven so as to prevent contamination of that facility. Thank you for your attention. Please assist where possible by notifying others of this important recall notice. Have you been subject to a recall notice? revdauphinee answered on 07/28/04: I for one loved it and i would never leave the board because of it I think its a great post paraclete rated this answer

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ROLCAM asked on 07/27/04 - NOT FORGETTING MY FRIENDS !! A GOOD STORY. During the waning years of the depression in a small Idaho community, I used to stop by Mr. Miller's roadside stand for farm fresh produce as the season made it available. Food and money were still extremely scarce and bartering was used extensively. One day Mr. Miller was bagging some early potatoes for me. I noticed a smallboy, delicate of bone and feature, ragged but clean, hungrily appraising a basket of freshly picked green peas.I paid for my potatoes but was also drawn to the display of fresh green peas. I am a pushover for creamed peas and new potatoes. Pondering the peas, I couldn't help overhearing the conversation between Mr. Miller and the ragged boy next to me. "Hello Barry, how are you today?" "H'lo, Mr. Miller. Fine, thank ya. Jus' admirin' them peas ... sure look good." "They are good, Barry. How's your Ma?" "Fine. Gittin' stronger alla' time." "Good. Anything I can help you with?" "No, Sir. Jus' admirin' them peas." "Would you like to take some home?" "No, Sir. Got nuthin' to pay for 'em with." "Well, what have you to trade me for some of those peas?" "All I got's my prize marble here." "Is that right? Let me see it." "Here 'tis. She's a dandy." "I can see that. Hmmmmm, only thing is this one is blue and I sort of go for red. Do you have a red one like this at home?" "Not zackley ... but almost." "Tell you what. Take this sack of peas home with you and next trip this way let me look at that red marble." "Sure will. Thanks Mr. Miller." Mrs. Miller, who had been standing nearby, came over to help me. With a smile she said, "There are two other boys like him in our community, all three are in very poor circumstances. Jim just loves to bargain with them for peas, apples, tomatoes, or whatever. When they come back with their red marbles, and they always do, he decides he doesn't like red after all and he sends them home with a bag of produce for a green marble or an orange one, perhaps." I left the stand smiling to myself, impressed with this man. A short time later I moved to Colorado but I never forgot the story of this man, the boys, and their bartering.Several years went by, each more rapid than the previous one. Just recently I had the occasion to visit some old friends in that Idaho community and while I was there I learned that Mr. Miller had died. They were having his viewing that evening and knowing my friends wanted to go, I agreed to accompany them. Upon arrival at the mortuary we fell into line to meet the relatives of the deceased and to offer whatever words of comfort we could. Ahead of us in line were three young men. One was in an army uniform and the other two wore nice haircuts, dark suits and white shirts .. all very professional looking. They approached Mrs. Miller, standing composed and smiling by her husband's casket. Each of the young men hugged her, kissed her on the cheek, spoke briefly with her and moved on to the casket. Her misty light blue eyes followed them as, one by one, each young man stopped briefly and placed his own warm hand over the cold pale hand in the casket. Each left the mortuary awkwardly,wiping his eyes. Our turn came to meet Mrs. Miller. I told her who I was and mentioned the story she had told me about the marbles. With her eyes glistening, she took my handand led me to the casket. "Those three young men who just left were the boys I told you about. They just told me how they appreciated the things Jim "traded" them. Now, at last, when Jim could not change his mind about coloUr or size ... they came to pay their debt."We've never had a great deal of the wealth of this world," she confided, "but right now, Jim would consider himself the richest man in Idaho." With loving gentleness she lifted the lifeless fingers of her deceased husband Resting underneath were three exquisitely shined red marbles. Moral: We will not be remembered by our words, but by our kind deeds. Life is not measured by the breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath. Today .. I wish you a day of ordinary miracles ......... A fresh pot of coffee you didn't make yourself ......... An unexpected phone call from an old friend ......... Green stoplights on your way to work ........ The fastest line at! the grocery store .......... A good sing-along song on the radio ......... Your keys right where you left them They say it takes a minute to find a special person, An hour to appreciate them, A day to love them, But an entire life to forget them. Send this to the people you'll never forget. If you don't send it to anyone, it means you are in too much of a hurry, and that you've probably forgotten your friends. ROLCAM. revdauphinee answered on 07/27/04: great story thank you so very much for posting it ROLCAM rated this answer

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MaggieB asked on 07/27/04 - Re: Attire to wear to church This may sound like a lie but it is the truth. Myself and one of my daughters and her children are some of the best dressed women in church, not bragging and not for a show. We shop at the thrift stores, consignment shops and Goodwill stores. We have name brand clothes for as little as a $1, nothing ever over $5. The beauty of this is we recycle these clothes by taking them to a consignment shop and re-selling them and make enough to buy new ones. We also donate many of our clothes and shoes to the shelter , along with household items that we don't use anymore. We paid $8 recently for a beautiful name brand suit for my husband (all 3 pieces). Now, you are probably saying what has that got to do with Christianity? We have more funds for which we can help those who are in need and there are many and that is what loving your neighbor and God is all about. We as Christians have been given a mission. BTW, do any of you have any "fun" ideas to raise funds to send children to camp? Thanks, MaggieB revdauphinee answered on 07/27/04: hey some of my nicest things were bought at the goodwill.the rich folk in my area donate things they tire of, so I often find good name brand expesive clothing in them MaggieB rated this answer

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HANK1 asked on 07/26/04 - DO YOU BELIEVE IN LOVE AT FIRST SIGHT ... ... or do you want me to walk by again? HANK revdauphinee answered on 07/26/04: No! cause you cant know one at first sight sometimes even after years of mariage you still dont know them! HANK1 rated this answer

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kindj asked on 07/26/04 - Joseph Did Joseph, the earthly father of Jesus, die before Jesus began his public ministry? What evidence do we have, either for or against his death during Jesus' lifetime? Just curious, as the Scriptures are quiet about him since the incident at the temple when Jesus was 12. DK revdauphinee answered on 07/26/04: while there is no evidence to the fact that he did die general belief is that this is true. ATON2 rated this answer kindj rated this answer paraclete rated this answer

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kindj asked on 07/26/04 - Joseph Did Joseph, the earthly father of Jesus, die before Jesus began his public ministry? What evidence do we have, either for or against his death during Jesus' lifetime? Just curious, as the Scriptures are quiet about him since the incident at the temple when Jesus was 12. DK revdauphinee answered on 07/26/04: while there is no evidence to the fact that he did die general belief is that this is true. ATON2 rated this answer kindj rated this answer

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koinegreek asked on 07/26/04 - For Liz22 For Liz22. In the question, "Did you go?" All four verses have the Greek word translated "Go ye" in Mt 28:19. But, "they have gone" "Who is gone" "went away" is the accurate meaning instead of "Go." See, within a very short time in Acts everyone heard the gospel in their OWN language. The gospel has already been done to all nations. revdauphinee answered on 07/26/04: here we go again ! Krewton rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 07/26/04 - Here's an interestin thought. The harder it is to prove something the more important it is. If you can define it easily or prove its existance easily, it probally isn't that important. What do you think? revdauphinee answered on 07/26/04: this is true! however if something truly dosent exist then is there realy a need to prove it??? paraclete rated this answer

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Pamela asked on 07/26/04 - Honest atheists reject God for emotional reasons Two atheists - Richard Dawkins and the late Fred Hoyle both have admitted in their books that they dont believe in God because of the existance of evil. It is by their own admission an emotional rather than rational decision. An intelligent Creator would not allow bad things to happen, so they say. How do you answer these objections when raised by atheists? revdauphinee answered on 07/26/04: If evil did not exist God would be unnececary ! ATON2 rated this answer Krewton rated this answer Pamela rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 07/26/04 - Could this catch on? Churches sing from the same hymn sheet By Barney Zwartz July 26, 2004 Fifteen Australian churches have signed a historic "covenant of co-operation" under which they will recognise each other's baptism and ministries - and even share their clergy. Some will share church buildings, different congregations filling the same pews but in separate services. The Uniting Church of Australia's president, Dean Drayton, called it "a really dramatic statement of intent and hope" that could not have happened anywhere else in the world. Australia's Catholic ecumenical leader, Townsville Bishop Michael Putney, said: "It's not rhetoric or pious talk. It's a commitment to act. This is a very significant ecumenical event in Australian church history." The churches are members of the National Council of Churches in Australia. They comprise the Catholic, Anglican, Uniting, Lutheran and Congregationalist churches, the Churches of Christ, Quakers, Salvation Army and seven Orthodox churches. The council's general secretary, John Henderson, said not every church had signed every section of the covenant, such as intercommunion. Communion is still the biggest challenge: the Catholics and Orthodox churches do not allow people not baptised into their churches to take the sacrament. Few of the 15 churches have signed that. But the churches have committed themselves to recognising each other's baptism and ministries, sometimes sharing property and clergy, and developing closer relations. "We are trying to tease out what churches mean by common faith and common cause," Mr Henderson said. He said the public would notice when churches started sharing property and clergy, which was already happening. "I recently visited a church near Perth that had both Catholic and Uniting Church signs out front, and which share equally." All but four Orthodox churches agreed to share physical resources, such as church buildings, and eight churches agreed to pursue common mission and ministry. Anglicans agreed to share ordained ministers with the Lutheran and Uniting churches, and the Uniting Church with the Churches of Christ and Lutherans. All 15 churches agreed to join in common prayer, and to seek a more visible expression of unity. Dr Drayton said it was an enormous step for all the national churches to say they want to work towards union in the future. "It's distant, but the intention is there," he said. "I don't think this could have happened in any other country in the world. "Since the [16th century] Reformation, churches have more commonly kept on dividing and dividing again. But here are representatives of the church saying let's work towards a common goal. That's a really dramatic statement of intent and hope." The conservative leadership of the Anglican church in Sydney is likely to ignore the move towards unity taken by its colleagues around the country. The conservative Baptist, Presbyterian and Pentecostal churches are not among the National Council of Churches. But Bishop Putney, chairman of the Australian Catholic Bishops' Conference ecumenism committee, said the covenant was "a serious commitment we make to each other to acknowledge where we have reached and commit ourselves to go further". Recognising each other's baptism was the foundation for everything else." This may open the way for that last great end time revival prophesied to begin in Australia. revdauphinee answered on 07/26/04: It could also usher in the one world religion prophecied Jus more organisation and nothing God would concern himself with (Matt.15:9; They worship me in vain; their teachings are but rules taught by men.' " ) paraclete rated this answer

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CeeBee asked on 07/25/04 - A thought as you begin your week -- Obedience keeps the rules; Love knows when to break them. (Anthony de Mello) revdauphinee answered on 07/26/04: how true this is and how like advice christ himself might give! (Matt.15:9; They worship me in vain; their teachings are but rules taught by men.' " ) CeeBee rated this answer

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koinegreek asked on 07/25/04 - Did you go? Did you go? What �word� does these four verses have in common? There I sat in the pew! The preacher used Mt. 28:19 and the only word he zeroed in on was �GO!� Nobody was �going!� not even me! But he made it plain, If you YOU were not �going!� you YOU were NOT following the command of Jesus. Acts 1:4 And, being assembled together with [them], [Jesus] commanded them that they should not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father, which, [saith he], ye have heard of me. �Not depart� sounds like the opposite of �GO!� Did Jesus change his mind? Acts came AFTER Matthew's timeframe. Jude 1:11 Woe unto them! for they have gone in the way of Cain, and ran greedily after the error of Balaam for reward, and perished in the gainsaying of Core. 1Pet 3:22 Who is gone into heaven, and is on the right hand of God; angels and authorities and powers being made subject unto him. Mt 28:16 Then the eleven disciples went away into Galilee, into a mountain where Jesus had appointed them. Mt 28:19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: revdauphinee answered on 07/26/04: the phrase he should have used is have you done so not did you go .well have you ??? Mt 28:19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:

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Pamela asked on 07/25/04 - I'll make those jokes serious (2) The monk and the vow of silence: Are Christians required to practise extreme asceticism? Does asceticism atone for sin? revdauphinee answered on 07/26/04: Jesus is the only atonement for sin ,and he also gave us life not for extreme asceticism but rather that we live it more abundantly! Pamela rated this answer

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koinegreek asked on 07/25/04 - You said "I USE A YOUNG'S ANALYTICAL CONCORDANCE AT HOME FOR WORD STUDIES." Young's is NOT a word study. revdauphinee answered on 07/26/04: Nor is answerways Christianity board! STONY rated this answer

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HANK1 asked on 07/25/04 - SPIRITUALITY: When was the last time you leapt out of bed in the morning, excited about the day ahead? How about the last time you stopped to smell the flowers? Danced in the rain and jumped in puddles? Or felt totally at peace in your world? HANK revdauphinee answered on 07/25/04: at my age and in my health jumping out of my bed is out of the question, just getting out I consider a victory ! however I get your point! HANK1 rated this answer

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HANK1 asked on 07/24/04 - HOW DO YOU SPEAK TO AN ANGEL? ... that's the question! HANK revdauphinee answered on 07/25/04: with complete honesty and carefully cause we all know (2Cor.11:14-15 14 And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light. HANK1 rated this answer

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Pamela asked on 07/24/04 - Catholic humor A man joined a monastry where it was required he keep a vow of silence, being allowed to say only a few words to the bishop every three years. At the end of the first three years he went to the bishop and said:"Im cold" At the end of the secodn three years he went to the bishop and said: "Food's lousy" At the end of the thrid three years he went to the bishop and said: "Bed's hard" At the end of the fourth three years he west to the bishop and said: "Im leaving". "Just as well" said the bishop. "You've done nothing but complain since you came here!" revdauphinee answered on 07/25/04: Pam while an occasional joke spices this place up, and I am all in favour of humor! however it is not the main purpose for us being here the reason we are here is for questions and comments on Christianity Pamela rated this answer

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HANK1 asked on 07/24/04 - ONE OPINION OF THE GOLDEN RULE! "Every religion emphasizes human improvement, love, respect for others, sharing other people's suffering. On these lines every religion had more or less the same viewpoint and the same goal." - The Dalai Lama What do Mathatmacoat, Paraclete and Koinegreek have in common? HANK revdauphinee answered on 07/25/04: eventualy they as all of us will have to answer to God! HANK1 rated this answer

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Pamela asked on 07/24/04 - Gday Gday from downunder. I hope my sojourn on this Board will be a long and interesting one. How many on this Board are actually followers of the Christian religion? revdauphinee answered on 07/24/04: I am a Christian I am not however a believer in most organised religion since I feel it is more interested in serving its own agenda than that of Christ. I also hope your time on the board will be a long one, I can guarantee it will be interesting to say the least! Pamela rated this answer paraclete rated this answer

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Pamela asked on 07/24/04 - The old excuse Adam and Eve were in the garden of Eden and God noticed that Adam was a bit slow about certain instructions He had given. So He called Adam to Him: "Adam" God said. "I want you to go give Eve's hand a squeeze" Adam said: "LORD, what's a squeeze?" So God explained what a squeeze was, and Adam went off to find Eve. A few minutes later, Adam returned with a smile on his face. So God daid: "Adam, I want you to go and give Eve a kiss" Adam asked "LORD, what'a a kiss?" So God explained what a kiss was and Adam went off again to find Eve. A few minutes later He returned, with a puzzled expression on his face. "LORD, I have to ask" said Adam. "What's a headache?" revdauphinee answered on 07/24/04: and God answered something men give women! Pamela rated this answer paraclete rated this answer Uni-Agdistis rated this answer

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koinegreek asked on 07/23/04 - Is this final for you? Acts 2:5 Now there were dwelling in Jerusalem, Jews, pious men from every nation *under *heaven. Acts 2:5 And there were dwelling at Jerusalem Jews, devout men, out of every nation under heaven. Acts 2:5 And there were dwelling in Jerusalem Jews, devout men from every nation of those under the heaven, Matt 28:19 "all the nations" is plural. Acts 2:5...."every nation" is singular. Rom 16:26 all nations But now is made manifest, and by the scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, made known to all nations for the obedience of faith: Col 1:23 every creature If ye continue in the faith grounded and settled, and [be] not moved away from the hope of the gospel, which ye have heard, [and] which was preached to every creature which is under heaven; whereof I Paul am made a minister; revdauphinee answered on 07/23/04: they spoke of what they knew! and back then some folks thought the world was flat ,why go into every small detail?? take the whole passage and the message it gives.Its the message that matters not the every word! ATON2 rated this answer CeeBee2 rated this answer MaggieB rated this answer

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MaggieB asked on 07/23/04 - Scripture from Isaiah for you to discern and respond: Some of us on the CB have the belief that Jesus is God, others say no. I give you this Scripture from Isaiah for you to discern and respond: Isaiah 9:6. "For a child will be born to us, a son will be given to us; And the government will rest on His shoulders; And His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace." Thanks, MaggieB revdauphinee answered on 07/23/04: AMEN!! MaggieB rated this answer

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koinegreek asked on 07/23/04 - How does your answer compare? "Every Nation Under Heaven. Not known world! Acts 2:5 Now there were dwelling in Jerusalem, Jews, pious men from every nation *under *heaven. Acts 2:5 And there were dwelling at Jerusalem Jews, devout men, out of every nation under heaven. Acts 2:5 And there were dwelling in Jerusalem Jews, devout men from every nation of those under the heaven, revdauphinee answered on 07/23/04: have to agree with Ceebee on this one " I can't believe God wants us to get bogged down in picking on each word; it's the message that's important, "! ATON2 rated this answer CeeBee2 rated this answer MaggieB rated this answer paraclete rated this answer

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koinegreek asked on 07/23/04 - My very first YES or NO question? Did the Apostles "spread" the Gospel to the whole world in their time? Just a YES or NO? revdauphinee answered on 07/23/04: No they did not !But Jesus instructed us to do so !Matthew 28: 18. Then Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20. and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."

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hOPE12 asked on 07/22/04 - Hello Everyone How have you all been. I have been away for some time now and I am finally back. What is new and have you all missed me at all? :0) I hope you have. I certainly have missed being here. Anyway I wanted to get everyones opinion on this issue of the Dentist father who left his son in the car for three hours in 120 degree temp? Then after three hours he remembered he had left his son in the car and when he went for him, found him dead. He was three years old. This happened in Florida where it is extremly hot this time of year. Some feel sorry for the dad because they say he just forgot about him. Others think he is quilty of child neglect and abuse. What is you opinion on this issue as a Christian and a parent? Take care, Hope12 What is your opinion on this issue. revdauphinee answered on 07/22/04: I live in the south also and today it was a heat index of 112 I wouldnt leave my dog out in that it was negligence .child abuse and murder !!!There is NO EXcuse!!! hOPE12 rated this answer paraclete rated this answer

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Liz22 asked on 07/22/04 - The name Pharisee? Hello Experts. I had recently quit my Church and now am studying The Bible at home and on the Internet I had found that most of the scriptures to do not match up with that of the Bible teaches us to love our enemies and our neighbors and also the name Pharisee is never heard in my Church "The name Pharisee occurs 54 more times than the infamous name of Judas, and twenty times more often than the name of Pontius Pilot. It is without a doubt the most infamous name in the New Testament, second only to Satan. Jesus consistently denounced them as associates of Satan and his lies. Yet the word "Pharisee" has been pointedly ignored and all but forgotten in modern Christendom. It may be the most avoided word found in the Bible. Many church pastors and most televangelists are capable of preaching the year through without ever mentioning the word Pharisee, except in passing over it like an extinct and irrelevant species. Bible study courses rarely mention who the Pharisees were, and why Jesus pronounced upon them so harshly. Could it be that any celebrity Christian who wants keep his TV contract knows that he must never suggest that the Pharisee's war on Jesus has anything at all to do with us, or that this anti-Christ sect may have survived to this day?" What is your opinion on this word? Thank you. revdauphinee answered on 07/22/04: a pharisee is a person whos main concern is following the law to the letter with little concern to the human ellement that may be causious in breaking that law .for instance he was accused of healing the sick on the sabath by them ,question is is it better to obey the law or cure the sick?? ETWolverine rated this answer Liz22 rated this answer MaggieB rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 07/21/04 - Man its getting weird out there Two-part church may be its saviour, say clergy July 22, 2004 Proposals to divide the Church of England into two - one part with female clergy and one without - are being discussed by church leaders to avert an exodus of traditionalists when women become bishops. The Archbishop of York, Dr David Hope, has said he believes such a scheme, although highly controversial, is probably the only way to hold the church together if it decides to consecrate women. He has privately won support from the Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr Rowan Williams, who agrees the options facing the church are limited. Both are worried that more than 300 traditionalist clergy could quit in protest, potentially costing tens of millions of pounds in hardship payments to those who leave. Dr Hope is keen to encourage a compromise between diehard traditionalists and middle-of-the-road Anglicans that will minimise the structural divisions within the church. The diehards are demanding a "third province", a church-within-a-church with its own archbishop, bishops and training colleges operating in parallel with the remainder of the church, but with no female clergy. But Dr Hope prefers a scheme which, rather than creating parallel structures, enshrines the rights of traditionalist parishes that could find themselves in dioceses headed by women bishops or liberals. Under such a scheme, parishes opposed to women's ordination would be able to reject the pastoral care of their diocesan bishop and choose to be ministered to by a like-minded traditionalist bishop, if necessary, from outside the diocese. Parishes can already opt for "flying" bishops under provisions introduced for traditionalists when women were ordained priests 10 years ago. The measure will have to pass through Parliament and MPs could reject the whole reform if there is no adequate package of hardship payments attached for those who leave. The Telegraph, London Now I was under the distinct impression that the Lord blessed unity, how can he bless this? revdauphinee answered on 07/22/04: So gay men are ok but women are not???? MaggieB rated this answer paraclete rated this answer ATON2 rated this answer

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HANK1 asked on 07/21/04 - CHRISTIANITY! Why do you believe Christianity is true? HANK revdauphinee answered on 07/22/04: because i can remember what my life was like before Christ came into it and I never wish to go there again HANK1 rated this answer MaggieB rated this answer

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HANK1 asked on 07/21/04 - PURITY ... BY REQUEST! Ten Mistaken Beliefs Singles have about sex and purity: 1. Sex is a dirty word- a shameful act... Wrong - Sexuality is innate. It is God-given � integral to our identity as image-bearers of God. Gen 1:27 "So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them." God made up the whole idea of sex providing the context for it to be experienced � within a loving, heterosexual marriage relationship. Gen 2:24-25 "For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and they will become one flesh. The man and his wife were both naked, and they felt no shame." The drive to be completed sexually is part of our make-up. But, sex outside of marriage is a poor substitute for the real thing God made it to be and will result in feelings of dirtiness, guilt and shame. 2. Sexual purity is an impossible dream� Wrong again. If God calls for a standard to be lived out � when a person surrenders his/her life to Christ - it must be possible. Sexual purity is possible when God is in control of your life� when you are living for His purpose. R. Warren writes: �knowing your purpose simplifies your life. It defines what you do and what you don�t do. Your purpose becomes the standard you use to evaluate which activities are essential and which aren�t. You simply ask, �Does this activity help me fulfill one of God�s purposes for my life?� Without a clear purpose you have no foundation on which you base decisions, allocate your time, and use your resources. You will tend to make choices based on circumstances, pressures, and your mood at that moment.� 1 Cor 6:18-20 "Flee from sexual immorality. All other sins a man commits are outside his body, but he who sins sexually sins against his own body. Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; 20 you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body." Gal 5:22-24 "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. 24 Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires." 3. God won�t hold it against me if I commit this kind of sin� God�s plan for purity is integral to a life of faith.....It�s not an option. A Christian who is living in immorality is sinning against God - this sin will cause a rift with God. Col 3:5-7 "Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry. Because of these, the wrath of God is coming." 4. What I dwell on doesn�t hurt anyone. I only thought about having sex with that woman/man � so that doesn�t count� Matt 5:28-29 "But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart." Source: Lifecare Ministries Interesting! Any comment(s)? HANK revdauphinee answered on 07/22/04: sex is a gift of GoD under the right conditions how can it be bad !But like any good thing it can be abused! HANK1 rated this answer

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koinegreek asked on 07/22/04 - Should? Joyce Meyers preaching be with rings on her fingers or not! If you caught Joyce Meyers bringing the "word" to every nation, every city, every person, did you get lost in her ringly attire? In fact, do you believe that was the Apostles job to take the WORD to every nation? Give at least one scripture? revdauphinee answered on 07/22/04: good heaven is that all the fault you can find with the lady?Joyce is preaching the gospel does it matter that she wears a ring or two I myself do the same! when are folks going to learn God dosent care whats on your back he cares about what is in your heart! koinegreek rated this answer MaggieB rated this answer Mathatmacoat rated this answer paraclete rated this answer

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sapphire630 asked on 07/20/04 - God speaks to me.... to you, to each of us but does that mean what we hear is what he said? what he meant? or the way we preceive things? Is what we hear (or think we hear) absolute truth or is it what is meant for our own personal edification? I'd go on but I'll let you all add to... or reply. revdauphinee answered on 07/20/04: true I have a conversation with him daily but often do not listen! Krewton rated this answer sapphire630 rated this answer

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darkstar asked on 07/20/04 - hate, hate, and more hate hate, hate, hate, more hate...and intolerance...whats with all the biogtry around here anymore? revdauphinee answered on 07/20/04: I for one dont hate anyone I may greatly dislike the beliefs of a person but hate is so debilitating its not worth the effort and the only one it hurts is the one who hates for the one you hate dosent even care !Hate always turns inward .Not that im saying Im perfect im not there are many folks I prefer not to be around or even hear from however hate is no part of it .I just prefer to live a life without conflict at my age i prefer peace! Uni-Agdistis rated this answer MaggieB rated this answer darkstar rated this answer powderpuff rated this answer Krewton rated this answer ATON2 rated this answer paraclete rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 07/19/04 - Ok the gloves are off who are you? Our worthy non-secular humanist and non-Christian made the following remark "I AM THE ONLY ONE WHO PRESENTS MYSELF AS I REALLY AM" This begs the question, who are the rest of you? Is this a grotesque masquarade ball? You can certainly find out who I am by following the links, but who are the rest of you. Most of you are totally anonymous, fully protected in you virtual cocoons. revdauphinee answered on 07/19/04: not at all I use my real name and never has anyone accused me of not stating my true feelings VisionsInBlue rated this answer paraclete rated this answer Uni-Agdistis rated this answer JeffreyBryson rated this answer ATON2 rated this answer

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darkstar asked on 07/19/04 - i wonder why why is it i wonder...that even here on the internet, human beings have such a hard time excepting the vast diverity in life and the beliefs we each have for ourselves in so far as to how "God" would want us to treat others? in my eyes the person with all the smarts and riches is no more valueable to the earth or other humans then the beggar who has very little is...all have enormous things to contribute to the world...even with all their different beliefs...or faiths....because no one here can say that God has spoken directly to them..or they are lieing, respectfully, darkstar revdauphinee answered on 07/19/04: I also must dissagree God does speak to us in many ways through the scriptures yes but also in the still smalll voice of concious for we all know when we are not in his grace even if we dont want to admit it.I know when I do wrong I know it in my heart I may never ever admit it but I KNOW! ATON2 rated this answer darkstar rated this answer Krewton rated this answer

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Bradd asked on 07/18/04 - Do We Ever Learn? QUOTE -- "My favorite group, the Hindus from India, are all peaceful, fun-loving people, very naturally human and mannerly, spontaneous and divine". -- END QUOTE. Compare this to a letter from a plantation owner in the American South in 1840 referring to his black slaves. "They [African black slaves] are peaceable, dance and sing and have fun, are a natural folk and ain't bothr'd by worldly stresses. They [spontaneous] and are God's childrin". They probably had "rhythm", too. I would have expected a little more understanding from a "secular humanist". The constant criticisms from this secular humanist ring hollow. revdauphinee answered on 07/18/04: "I would have expected a little more understanding from a "secular humanist". Never expect anything and youll never be disapointed! ATON2 rated this answer Bradd rated this answer Chouxxx rated this answer paraclete rated this answer

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Ccl471 asked on 07/18/04 - Abraham's Ethnic Background The Bible, in Genesis, says Abraham(originally Abram) came from Ur of the Chaldees. Does that mean his ethnicity was originally Chaldean? Many thanks, C.L. revdauphinee answered on 07/18/04: today i think he would have been considered an iraqi! Krewton rated this answer

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HANK1 asked on 07/18/04 - A GOOD ENDING! Utopia is an ideal state where all is ordered for the best of mankind as a whole, and evils such as poverty and misery do not exist! Are you capable of living in Utopia? (No philosophical or psychological answers, please. Just think about the above and let me know if you qualify to live in this ideal state ... or why you would get bumped the first day you take up residence!) HANK revdauphinee answered on 07/18/04: humans could not achieve this sort of a state since humans are not perfect this is why we as Christians look to heaven for utpia!for then we will have shed our human form ! HANK1 rated this answer MaggieB rated this answer Krewton rated this answer

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HANK1 asked on 07/17/04 - HEROISM! Honesty is a pleasure. It allows you a clear conscience and sweet dreams. But what is honesty? It's a virtue that requires moral and ethical understanding. It allows you respect and merit from even the unworthy. Forthright, honorable, trustworthy and truthful inclinations partition themselves from the inadequate personality - the enemy! From the opponents of justice and all else that is good and bad, the characteristics of the human mind chant words of praise for celebration and passion respectful to all of mankind. It's a medium of artistic expression which solidifies a Christian's foundation for living. It nullifies the ordinary, the fraudulent, the deceitful! The honest person is HEROIC! * From my manuscript "Never A Toadstool" (Copyrighted) Does it take energy to battle burdens? HANK revdauphinee answered on 07/17/04: I maintain it is much easier to tell the truth cause im just to lazy to remember lies when one lies one must remember what you said so that you can back up the lie myself I find this too much trouble the truth is always easier . HANK1 rated this answer

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excon asked on 07/17/04 - "I am not a crook" she said. Hello experts: I am no fan of Martha Stewart, (although I just made a lovely place setting that she showed me how to do) but sometimes we can�t see the trees. But, I�ve been in the forest and I see the trees. You should know that I find my support of the prosecution in this matter rather loathsome, however, a tree, is a tree, is a tree: Martha Stewart used inside information to save herself $45,000. Some people say, well she�s got millions so what does $45,000 matter? Some people say, well nobody really lost any money. Some people will say, well they went after her because she�s �Martha�. 1) The $45,000 she saved came directly out of the pockets of Imclone shareholders. These are real people who got ripped off. 2) They went after her not because she�s a she or she�s Martha, they went after her because she is the CEO of a public company and should be held to a higher standard than you or I. 3) Is she a crook? Ummm�. Yup! And a liar. 4) Can crooks and liars be good Christians? That�s not for me to decide. And, before I start hearing from the likes of Fr. Chuck and the talk radio crowd, how Martha Stewart is going to a �country club�, let me enlighten you. The Danbury prison camp where she�ll go, is located right next to a maximum security prison. The hacks (corrections officers) rotate between the facilities. Now, your average hack, if he didn�t work for the federal government, would have a hard time being hired at 7-Eleven. This is generally an individual who is at the lower end of the socio-economic spectrum. Now, when this hack is working in the big house, he�s surrounded by a lot of real bad dudes. Many wouldn�t think twice about slitting his throat. Hacks know that. Frankly, they�re scared to death inside (like everybody else in there). Consequently, they treat those guys with a great deal of respect and deference. But, when they rotate out to the camp, where the short timers are, they can be as dirty as they want, and they are. They know that these people won�t retaliate. They love to have power over otherwise powerful people. Can you imagine how much they�ll get off making Martha clean a sidewalk with a toothbrush? Yes, there are no walls at the camp. But, walls don�t make a prison. They�re going to make her time in there miserable. Now, do I care? No. I just don�t want you to think that she�s going on a cruise. So, what�s my question? I dunno. excon revdauphinee answered on 07/17/04: after reading this (and I dont follow anything Martha does or has done mutch)I am reminded of an old saying from the old Berretta show (come home to roost on its star)If you cant do the time dont do the crime!! Chouxxx rated this answer excon rated this answer

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ROLCAM asked on 07/17/04 - JUDAH'S LINEAGE ?? The following question ,which I found quite profound was put to me in another place:- If Joseph is not Jesus's blood father, then how does Jesus possibly retain the lineage of Judah through him? I proceeded to supply the following answer:- God as you know created Adam and Eve without a father. (All is possible to GOD)!! God allowed his only son JESUS to come into this world through a chosen Virgin named Mary who was his Earthly Mother,this was all done with the help of the HOLY SPIRIT.(All is possible to GOD). Mary had Joseph as her earthly husband, by this fact he became Jesus's earthly father. They brought him up as their son. It was by this method that Jesus obtained the lineage of Judah. I am inviting comments from as many members as possible for their views. Best wishes,always. ROLCAM. revdauphinee answered on 07/17/04: In Judaism the line is through the mother not the father so this could be the way !however as you stated .(All is possible to GOD). ATON2 rated this answer CeeBee rated this answer paraclete rated this answer ROLCAM rated this answer

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MaggieB asked on 07/17/04 - JAMES 2:14 "What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him?" JAMES 2:14. In your own honest opinion, what do you discern from this Scripture? Thanks, MaggieB revdauphinee answered on 07/17/04: Yes it is the faith that saves! however with that Faith comes the desire to do good works, if we do not posess that desire then maybee we need to question our fath! MaggieB rated this answer

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HANK1 asked on 07/16/04 - MARTHA STEWART! Stewart's sentence of ten months total confinement, five months in prison and five months of home confinement, was at the low end of sentencing guidelines. Stewart will also serve 2 years probation, with the home confinement part of that probation, and she was fined $30,000. Judge Miriam Goldman Cedarbaum stayed the sentence while Stewart appeals. During the home confinement Stewart would be able to go to work. Is Martha Stewart a Christian? revdauphinee answered on 07/16/04: never been a Martha fan but I do feel she is a victim rather than a real criminal!as for her religion I dont know about that> HANK1 rated this answer

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excon asked on 07/16/04 - What did he know, and when did he know it? Hello experts: When did Jesus figure out he was Gods son? Did he know it during his early years? If Jesus did come back today, how would you know it was him? Would he appear like a vision in the sky? What would happen if he appeared like an ordinary man? Would you believe it was him without any miracles or supernatural stuff going on around him? What if he just appeared here on the Christianity board as an expert? Would you believe him? Will he appear to me the same as he appears to you? excon revdauphinee answered on 07/16/04: There are some on here who think they are him! excon rated this answer ATON2 rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 07/16/04 - Honest Christianity Here are some thoughts which we should all take on board. They are from a book called honest christianity. "If someone who had never heard of Christians or Christianity were to emerge into America at the end of the Twentieth Century, would she be able to tell the difference between the Republicans, the Democrats, and the Christians? between the Christians and the Rotary Club? the Christians and the country club? Or, would the Christians be just another political party, civic group, or social club? Sadly, I think this is a serious question, especially the part about the difference between the Christians and the political parties. Christians, by definition, practice, faith, and claim, are followers of the teachings of Jesus Christ. And, Christians believe certain things about this 1 B.C. Jewish rabbi: we believe in his divinity, the virgin birth, the preachings and precepts, the crucifixion, and the resurrection. But most importantly -- and my own prejudices are showing now -- we believe most strongly that the gospel of Jesus is an action gospel, a loving gospel, and an inclusive gospel. Jesus took his preaching and healing and his example to the poor, the outcast, the minority, the stranger, and the powerless. He preached the love, peace, mercy, and humility of Judaism. These teaching were in opposition to the legalistic religion of the rich and powerful and they killed him because of his challenge to them. Today, the same division exists. The Christians with the 800 numbers and the television stations are the legalistic Christians. Christianity is not about predicting the second coming, it's not about controlling the public schools or coded prophecies in the old Hebrew texts. Christianity is about loving the least of these, all of whom are our brothers, right where they are, just the way they are. It's about going to the same people Jesus went to -- the outcast, the old, the feeble, the sick, the poor. Did you ever notice that nowhere in the Bible are the poor ever held responsible for their condition? Instead, when we read of the poor in the Bible, they are described as being the victims of injustice and unrighteousness, not the victims of laziness. ( Tell that to your local aristocrat whenever he declares that "The Lord helps those who help themselves." Exactly where in the Scriptures is that found? I'll save you the time -- it's not. Someone else made that up.)" (In fact, the Jewish representatives on these Boards, recently took responsibility for the jews making it up, edging out Aesop a greek teller of fables. ) revdauphinee answered on 07/16/04: I agree with the above however one can be Christian and take an interest in the political events of ones country can one not? paraclete rated this answer

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mr_internet asked on 07/16/04 - 700 club and Jesus Somebody (I think Robert) from 700 wrote a book in which he predicted Jesus will come during the 2003-2004 period. Can you give me the exact qoute from that book? Thank you revdauphinee answered on 07/16/04: If anyone predicted the time or date then they do not know the scripture for it is written in Mark 13:32. "No one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. 33. Be on guard! Be alert ! You do not know when that time will come. However it behoves us all to be prepared! MaggieB rated this answer mr_internet rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 07/15/04 - Church Dictionary Can you Identify with this? AMEN The only part of a prayer that everyone knows. BULLETIN Your receipt for attending Church. CHOIR A group of people whose singing allows the rest of the congregation to lip-sync. HYMN A song of praise usually sung in a key two octaves higher than that of the congregation's range. RECESSIONAL HYMN The last song at Church often sung a little more quietly, since most of the people have already left. INCENSE Holy Smoke! JUSTICE When kids have kids of their own. PEW A medieval torture device still found in traditional churches. RECESSIONAL The ceremonial procession led by parishioners trying to beat the crowd to the parking lot. RELICS People who have been going to Church for so long, they actually know when to sit, kneel, and stand. TEN COMMANDMENTS The most important Top Ten list not given by David Letterman. USHERS The only people in the Church who don't know the seating capacity of a pew. BELLFRY Where the Church keeps its bats revdauphinee answered on 07/16/04: this was great thanks! paraclete rated this answer

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Bradd asked on 07/15/04 - Fundamentalism - Fundamentalism (I think of it as "Bible idolatry") arises from the Protestant Reformation - essentially a reaction against "Papism", and especially from the writings of Calvin via John Knox. Having said that, fundamentalism has a lot going for it. Theology and philosophy aside, it works! I've seen it work. Most "born agains" can't read Hebrew or Greek (who of us can?), yet their lives have been changed by accepting Jesus as their personal saviour. The typical fundie lives a quiet life, rears their kids as best they can, and forms the solid heartland of a society that is awash in the media-driven trash of permissiveness (the greater idol) and that gives us a message of "anything goes". Their rigidity is the other side of the coin, but it's critical to have something to hold onto. The fundies anchor us and remind us of important truths. Those of us who think we are so clever would do well to recognize the contribution the fundies make, and have made, throughout history. So, Krewton et al, hang in there. You have much to teach us "progressives". revdauphinee answered on 07/15/04: I say amen to that ! ATON2 rated this answer Bradd rated this answer Krewton rated this answer

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Krewton asked on 07/14/04 - Aton, why are you here? Obviously, you don't believe anything the Bible says. You don't believe Jesus is the Messiah. You say the Bible is basically a pack of lies written by men with a hidden agenda. So why do you come to a "Christianity" forum? I do not get it. I would openly admit that maybe I'm missing something here, but please explain to me why a "Hostile" unbeliever such as yourself is here. I know I'll probably get booted for this one but, I don't care anymore.This forum is more of a hurt to me than a help anyway now. revdauphinee answered on 07/14/04: Krewton you have at least one supporter here myself I find Aton both atagonistic and disagreable ,looking for nothing here but arguments! ATON2 rated this answer Bobbye rated this answer Krewton rated this answer paraclete rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 07/14/04 - Its a disgrace.. even the rich in America know Bush must go. The billionaire host of The Apprentice has weighed in on the Bush Administration's decision to invade Iraq, calling it a "brutal mistake" that would "make it very hard for [President George] Bush to get re-elected". Donald Trump's numerous development projects have been checked by the war. "You can't get concrete. You can't get steel. You can't get anything in this country," Mr Trump said. "You know where all our steel's going? It's going to Iraq, because we're rebuilding Iraq." Mr Trump was talking at the weekend during a party thrown by the NBC network for television critics and the stars of its new and returning series. The Apprentice became NBC's biggest hit last season, with Mr Trump emerging as an even bigger celebrity than he had been. "Look, the war is a disaster. The war should not have been entered into," he told The Dallas Morning News. "To lose all of those thousands and thousands of people, on our side and their side. I mean, you have Iraqi kids, not only our soldiers, walking around with no legs, no arms, no faces. All for no reason. It is a disgrace." revdauphinee answered on 07/14/04: I do feel we were led into this war under false pretences and outright lies, for Bushes own agendas! However as I wrote recently about Babylon and prophecy!this war had to happen one way or another, so I guess in a way it is Gods wish .anyway we are there now and must finish what we started ,the thing I fear the most is a hasty US retreat and the falling of iraq into the hands of an iranian type government,then the ones who gave thier lives will have died in vain! tomder55 rated this answer paraclete rated this answer ATON2 rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 07/14/04 - Here we go again. When will the Vatican get its act together and deal with homsexuality and pedophel Austrian Catholic Church in turmoil over sex scandal July 14, 2004 The Roman Catholic Church in Austria said it was launching an internal inquiry after a sex and pornographic pictures scandal prompted resignations at the head of a church college for clerics. "We do not want to hide from this problem," said Bishop Egon Kapellari, the head of the country's Catholic Bishops' Conference, referring to the emergence of thousands of pornographic pictures said to show sex acts committed at the Sankt Poelten seminary, some of them involving under-age boys and even animals. Earlier, the church news agency Kathpress said the deputy head of the seminary, Wolfgang Rothe, had resigned after some of the pictures published in the weekly magazine Profil showed him embracing young students at the all-male institution. The seminary director, Ulrich Kuechl, resigned last week, and the bishop of Sankt Poelten, Kurt Krenn, was also under increasing pressure to step down. Profil charged that Krenn, who is said to be close to both Rothe and Kuechl, had sought to prevent an inquiry into the scandal, describing the alleged sex acts as merely "boyish pranks" that had "absolutely nothing to do with homosexuality". Krenn, known for his conservative church views, was reported to be refusing to resign over the issue. However Bishop Kapellari said: "When an affair of this nature is revealed to the public, a bishop cannot minimise it. "On the contrary, he should take immediate measures." The ORF radio station said on Monday that senior church figures were on the point of petitioning the Vatican to remove Krenn. However in Rome, the deputy head of the Vatican press service, Ciro Benedettini, told the Austrian APA news agency that the Holy See had no comment to make on the issue. "What happened is shattering," said Martin Walchhofer, the head of the Austrian network of Catholic seminaries. "The responsibility lies with the bishop," he added. Paul Zulehner, a theologian, said Bishop Krenn should acknowledge that he was "sick" and resign. The scandal emerged when Profil published pictures of seminary officials, including Rothe, caressing and kissing student priests. The pictures - about 40,000 in all - were found on the computers of several priests, the magazine said. It added that prosecutors had opened an investigation into the seminary, and also had retrieved pornographic films. Acts depicted in the photographs allegedly included sex with minors and animals, the magazine said. It added that the practices had allegedly been going on for years, and only emerged when certain priests decided that they could no longer remain silent. AFP revdauphinee answered on 07/14/04: Just my oppinion (everyone has them)God built sexuality into humans and this problem will continue as long as this denomination insists on hiding this fact and denying their priests the outlets of marrying !also I am of the oppinion secrecy has no place in faith! paraclete rated this answer ATON2 rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 07/14/04 - It's official - A minister should believe in God. The Danish Government has upheld a decision by the state Lutheran church to suspend a minister who publicly denied the existence of God, opening the way for him to be fined or sacked. The Reverend Thorkild Grosboell, a pastor in Taarbaek, a town of 51,000 just north of Copenhagen, was suspended by the bishop of his diocese on June 10 following a sermon in which he said God had "abdicated". In Denmark, where about 85 per cent of people belong to the state Evangelical Lutheran Church but only 5 per cent regularly attend services, Lutheran ministers are employed by the Government. On Monday the Justice Minister, Lene Espersen, backed Mr Grosboell's suspension and said his case would go before a disciplinary labour court consisting of two theologians and a presiding judge, who will decide if he should be sacked or fined. Ms Espersen said in a statement that Mr Grosboell "had damaged the state church ... and had not shown loyalty to the state church". She said the minister's hearing, a rare event, would begin some time after September 1. Mr Grosboell could appeal against its verdict to a judicial court. The minister has been under strict supervision since he was first suspended after a May 2003 interview in which he said "there is no heavenly God, there is no eternal life, there is no resurrection". His suspension was lifted after he retracted his statement. But he was slapped with a new suspension after saying in a sermon on May 16 that "God had abdicated in favour of his son, hence in our favour. "Therefore there is no longer a heavenly guarantee or an interfering might, there is only the godly kingdom [on Earth] that is achieved by us and between us. So if it fails, there is nothing." Bishop Lise-Lotte Rebel said Mr Grosboell's sermon was "clearly incompatible with the state church's faith". He had "spoken in a strongly provocative, hurting and confusing way", the bishop said. Associated Press This begs the question, what does the ministry in various churches actually believe? revdauphinee answered on 07/14/04: ""Lutheran ministers are employed by the Government."" therin lies the problem!if he is employed by the state then he is answerable to the state ! we who are employed by God must answer to God! paraclete rated this answer

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Mathatmacoat asked on 07/13/04 - Is religion what distinguishes man from the animals? "Man is the religious animal. He is the only religious animal. He is the only animal that has the True Religion �- several of them. He is the only animal that loves his neighbor as himself and cuts his throat, if his theology isn't straight. He has made a graveyard of the globe in trying his honest best to smooth his brother's path to happiness and heaven." (Mark Twain / 1835 - 1910) Twain cannot be right, since if animals arn't religious and man is, then man cannot be an animal. revdauphinee answered on 07/13/04: Man is not an animal, he is a special creation of GOD! Made in Gods own image. Mathatmacoat rated this answer ATON2 rated this answer

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Chouxxx asked on 07/13/04 - Afterlife Why do Christians want to live on somehow after they die? revdauphinee answered on 07/13/04: why not??? MaggieB rated this answer Chouxxx rated this answer Bobbye rated this answer

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Krewton asked on 07/13/04 - How do you discipline your children? Liberal Aton has just bashed me for making my kids mind. I disagree with him, my kids are two well behaved children as a result of my sparingly used but firm discipline. Any one else ever spank their kids? Or am I the only bad parent on this forum? revdauphinee answered on 07/13/04: if you said the sky was blue Aton would logicly explain why it could not be! Krewton rated this answer ATON2 rated this answer

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HANK1 asked on 07/13/04 - LIFE AFTER DEATH! If life after death cannot be proved scientifically, is it then intellectually irresponsible to accept it? HANK revdauphinee answered on 07/13/04: Christians cannot ever rely on intelect or logic we accept on faith! (Jn.20:29 Then Jesus told him, "Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed." ATON2 rated this answer HANK1 rated this answer

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STONY asked on 07/13/04 - SORRY ABOUT ALL THE SCREW-UPS... YESTERDAY I WAS USING A SPANISH ORIENTED COMPUTER AND I NOTICE TODAY A LOT OF SYMBOLS I DO NOT RECOGNIZE. SO, JUST READ PAST THE ILLEGIBLE AND THE REST WILL MAKE SENSE. SORRY FOR ANY INCONVIENCE.......STONY revdauphinee answered on 07/13/04: stoney my computer is in english and I still screw up daily no appology needed! STONY rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 07/12/04 - Will He recognise you? As Bill was approaching mid-life, physically he was a mess. Not only was he going bald, but years of office work had given him a large pot belly. The last straw came when he asked a woman co-worker out on a date, and she all but laughed at him. That does it, he decided. I'm going to start a whole new regimen. He began attending aerobics classes. He started working out with weights. He changed his diet. And he got an expensive hair transplant. In six months, he was a different man. Again, he asked his female co-worker out, and this time she accepted. There he was, all dressed up for the date, looking better than he ever had. He stood poised to ring the woman's doorbell, when a bolt of lightning struck him and knocked him off his feet. As he lay there dying, he turned his eyes toward the heavens and said, "Why, God, why now? After all I've been through, how could you do this to me?" From up above, there came a voice, "Sorry. I didn't recognize you." revdauphinee answered on 07/12/04: rofl!!! paraclete rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 07/12/04 - Won't be long now! At the construction job There's this cathedral that's still being worked on, and the workers have rigged a "cage elevator" inside so they can get material up and down to the upper floors. A characteristic of these "cage elevators" is that the doors (gate) must be closed manually for them to be "called" to another floor. One day one of the workers, Peter by name, takes the elevator to the top floor, and it is subsequently needed on the first floor by the sexton. Unfortunately, Peter forgot and left the door open. After the sexton rings for the elevator a couple times, to no avail, he yells up for the worker to send the lift back down. Visitors to the cathedral were treated to this sight: The sexton of the cathedral, head tipped up, yelling up to the heavens: "Peter! CLOSE THE GATES!!!" revdauphinee answered on 07/12/04: that was great I loved it!! paraclete rated this answer

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ethical_reason asked on 07/11/04 - Imagine jesus grabbing a kid and pulling him across his knee and spankin' him Imagine Jesus grabbing a kid and pulling him across his knee and spankin' him, in any form or to any degree, can you imagine it? It seems wrong to me, seems like he would just talk to the kid. revdauphinee answered on 07/11/04: I have to agree with ethical reason on this one I have 4 grown kids all of whoom I raised myself and the only thing spanking does is teach them if your big enough and mean enough you can get your way!Is this realy a lesson you want them to learn??there are other ways to teach and safeguard your kids> ATON2 rated this answer ethical_reason rated this answer

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WarBunney asked on 07/11/04 - Question about Jesus Was jesus without sin? revdauphinee answered on 07/11/04: even with temptation by Satan himself the answer to your question is yes he was without sin! (Rom.8:7 the sinful mind is hostile to God. It does not submit to God's law, nor can it do so. ) 2nd corinthians 5: 21. God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. hebrews 4: 15. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are--yet was without sin. Doc05 rated this answer MaggieB rated this answer

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koinegreek asked on 07/10/04 - Can you discern? The roots of Greek vs. the scattered leaves of English? 1. Discerning 1Cor. 12:13 All of us, IN one spirit, had been baptized INTO one body. The body of Christ. 2. Discerning the water or the body of Christ. Gal 3:27 All of you had been baptized INTO [the body of] Christ did put on Christ. 1Cor 10:2 They all had been baptized INTO Moses IN the cloud and IN the sea; 1Cor 1:15 None of you had been baptized INTO my own name. 1Cor 1:13 None of you had been baptized INTO Paul's name. Rom 6:3 All of us had been baptized INTO [the body of] Christ Jesus. All of us had been baptized INTO his death. revdauphinee answered on 07/10/04: since I am not even the slightest bit interested the answer must be a resounding NO! Uni-Agdistis rated this answer Doc05 rated this answer

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MaggieB asked on 07/10/04 - What is your mission in life? God gave all Christians a mission to spread the good news of the Gospel, about His grace, to be witnesses for Him. What other mission has He given you? revdauphinee answered on 07/10/04: to use the inteligence he gives me for good and to learn! MaggieB rated this answer

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JeffreyBryson asked on 07/09/04 - Some "lightness" especially for you, Uni. BLONDE ON THE SUN A Russian, an American, and a Blonde were talking one day. The Russian said, "we were the first in space!" The American said, "We were the first on the moon!" The Blonde said, "So what? We're going to be the first on the sun!" The Russian and the American looked at each other and shook their heads. "You can't land on the sun, you idiot! You'll burn up!" said the Russian. To which the Blonde replied, "We're not stupid, you know. We're going at night!" revdauphinee answered on 07/09/04: thanks I was ready for that my day has not been going great and a little humor always helps JeffreyBryson rated this answer Uni-Agdistis rated this answer

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tomder55 asked on 07/09/04 - Robert Reich says that the ultimate enemies are: those who believe in God. According to Robert Reich (former Labor Secretary for President Clintoon) :"The great conflict of the 21st century will not be between the West and terrorism. Terrorism is a tactic, not a belief. The true battle will be between modern civilization and anti-modernists; between those who believe in the primacy of the individual and those who believe that human beings owe their allegiance and identity to a higher authority; between those who give priority to life in this world and those who believe that human life is mere preparation for an existence beyond life; between those who believe in science, reason, and logic and those who believe that truth is revealed through Scripture and religious dogma. " According to Rammesh Ponnuru ;who wrote about this in the National Review "This goes well beyond the common denunciation of "fundamentalism" where that term is meant to describe an ideology that seeks the imposition of religious views on non-believers(by liberal critics). .....It is a denunciation � as a graver threat than terrorists � of people who believe that the world to come is more important than this world, or that all human beings owe their allegiance to God." Do you think that if you owe your allegiance and identity to a higher authority that you are anti-modernist and possibly even a terrorist as he implies ? Isn't it a false dichotomy he makes when he asserts an inherent conflict exists "between those who believe in science, reason, and logic and those who believe that truth is revealed through Scripture and religious dogma." There is room for both in ones life . revdauphinee answered on 07/09/04: even the terrorist claim belief in A God so is it two Gods at war or just heard headed people??? tomder55 rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 07/08/04 - The Eternal Question? Why are we still there? It is time to take a very serious look at our involvement. Every day there are news reports about more deaths. Every night on the TV are photos of death and destruction. Why are we still there? The land is too large to secure all of it. We can't even secure the borders. Why are we still there? We deposed the previous ruler. Why are we still there? there are more than 1000 religious sects. Bad people can roam anywhere, and we can't possibly police the whole place. Why are we still there? Refugees have fled by the thousands, their homes in flames. Why are we still there? It will cost billions to rebuild, which we can't afford. Why are we still there? And to repeat... Every day we hear of more Americans killed in this angerous land! It is clear! We MUST abandon California. revdauphinee answered on 07/09/04: because there are those of us (not me)whos greatest desire is power over others!! paraclete rated this answer

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koinegreek asked on 07/07/04 - What "gender" is "body" in English grammar? What is written in the English language is usually common and understood by the English reader. �This; That; These; Those;� English Demonstrative Pronouns. EDP serve to point out particular persons, places, or things, even though they may not be named directly. EDP may sometimes refer to a complete idea expressed elsewhere. Examples: �This� is my son. "houtos" is my son. [masculine gender] �This� is my daughter. "autE" is my daughter. [feminine gender] �This� is my body. "touto" is my body. [??? gender] Lets analyze �these� examples: 1. In English �this� is always spelled the same. 2. In Greek �this� is spelled three ways: masculine, feminine and neuter gender. 3. In Greek, why can't we write: "houtos" is my body? "autE" is my body? Because �body� is neuter gender and must be written "touto" is my body. �houtos� is masculine. �autE� is feminine. �touto� is neuter. Naturally, we know that "son" is masculine gender and "daughter" is feminine gender. Really, what I said is: This son is mine. �houtos� son is mine. This daughter is mine. �autE� daughter is mine. But what gender is �body� in English? In Greek, �body� is always neuter gender therefore, ["touto"] this is my body. revdauphinee answered on 07/07/04: here we go again I thought we had gotten away from this !guess I was wrong.when I want lessons I can go to school on here I just want oppinions and conversation. Doc05 rated this answer paraclete rated this answer

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Bobbye asked on 07/06/04 - HOW MANY "EXPERTS" POSSESS ONLY A "PASSIVE MIND?" One of our "experts" responded as follows re my initial post concerning "Freedom." Below is the last sentence of his response. I thought this was a place to "express" thoughts -- it's called "Q&A." (Bobbye) ===============. HIS COMMENT: "I think there must be a number of people here with passive minds, you know, when you get a thought you just have to express it." ==============. Henceforth, shall we allow only the "brilliant," (and whom shall we appoint as judges to attest to such brilliance?); the "rude," or only those that "tickle our fancy" to be posted? I hold to the adage: "To each his own." WHAT IS YOUR OPINION RE EXPRESSING YOUR THOUGHTS ON THIS C. BOARD? (By the way, this one doesn't live in America, so our "freedoms" are not cherished by him.) Thanks, Bobbye revdauphinee answered on 07/07/04: always have said what I thought ,always will !even when most disagree we all have the right to our oppinions!we dont have the right to force them on others > Bobbye rated this answer

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HANK1 asked on 07/05/04 - OBJECT OF RELIGION: In Thomas Paine's "The Rights Of Man," he penned, "My country is the WORLD and my RELIGION is to do good." If I told you that I feel the same way, would you believe me? What is your dedication? HANK revdauphinee answered on 07/05/04: good ideals! unfortunatly I am a human and must admit I have faults and sometimes what I do is not always good!But I do know I am forgiven, bluevision rated this answer HANK1 rated this answer

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MaggieB asked on 07/04/04 - Proof of the missing day/Joshua 10:8 and 12,13 and 2 Kings 20:9-11. Proof of the missing day A neat little bit of fact.... For all you scientists out there and for all the students who have a hard time convincing these people regarding the truth of the Bible...here's something that shows God awesome creation and shows that He is still in control. Did you know that the space program is busy proving that what has been called "myth" in the Bible is true? Mr. Harold Hill, President of the Curtis Engine Company in Baltimore Maryland and a consultant in the space program, relates the following development. "I think one of the most amazing things that God has for us today happened recently to our astronauts and space scientists at GreenBelt, Maryland. They were checking the position of the sun, moon, and planets out in space where they would be 100 years and 1000 years from now. We have to know this so we won't send a satellite up and have it bump into something later on its orbits. We have to lay out the orbits in terms of the life of the satellite, and where the planets will be so the whole thing will not bog down. They ran the computer measurement back and forth over the centuries and it came to a halt. The computer stopped and put up a red signal, which meant that there was something wrong either with the information fed into it or with the results as compared to the standards. They called in the service department to check it out and they said "what's wrong?" Well, they found there is a day missing in space in elapsed time. They scratched their heads and tore their hair. There was no answer. Finally, a Christian man on the team said, "You know, one time I heard about the sun standing still." While they didn't believe him, they didn't have an answer either, so they said, "Show us". He got a Bible and went back to the book of Joshua where they found a pretty ridiculous statement for any one with "common sense." There they found the Lord saying to Joshua, "Fear them not, I have delivered them into thy hand; there shall not a man of them stand before thee." Joshua was concerned because he was surrounded by the enemy and if darkness fell they would overpower them. So Joshua asked the Lord to make the sun stand still! That's right-"The sun stood still and the moon stayed---and hasted not to go down about a whole day!" (Joshua 10:12-13) The astronauts and scientists said, "There is the missing day!" They checked the computers going back into the time it was written and found it was close but not close enough. The elapsed time that was missing back in Joshua's day was 23 hours and 20 minutes-not a whole day. They read the Bible and there it was "about (approximately) a day" These little words in the Bible are important, but they were still in trouble because if you cannot account for 40 minutes you'll still be in trouble 1,000 years from now. Forty minutes had to be found because it can be multiplied many times over in orbits. As the Christian employee thought about it, he remembered somewhere in the Bible where it said the sun went BACKWARDS. The scientists told him he was out of his mind, but they got out the Book and read these words in 2 Kings that told of the following story: Hezekiah, on his deathbed, was visited by the prophet Isaiah who told him that he was not going to die. Hezekiah asked for a sign as proof. Isaiah said "Do you want the sun to go ahead 10 degrees?" Hezekiah said "It is nothing for the sun to go ahead 10 degrees, but let the shadow return backward 10 degrees.." Isaiah spoke to the Lord and the Lord brought the shadow ten degrees BACKWARD! Ten degrees is exactly 40 minutes! Twenty three hours and 20 minutes in Joshua, plus 40 minutes in Second Kings make the missing day in the universe!" Isn't it amazing? References: Joshua 10:8 and 12,13 and 2 Kings 20:9-11. Isn't it amazing? revdauphinee answered on 07/04/04: as a christian I need no proof but isnt it great the rest of the world is finaly catching up with us? Dorothy Bradd rated this answer MaggieB rated this answer

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VisionsInBlue asked on 07/04/04 - Words I see that many of you got offended by ER's words... So what I want to know is... why? Lemme explain the question. Cursing... It's unfit at times, still many of us use it on a daily basis. I know I do. I will not use it here because it's inappropriate and against the rules, I will not use it in business meetings and such as it is out of place, but I do curse when I'm with the boyz on the construction site (sometimes they don't comprehend a sentence if it doesn't contain at least 4 F words *grin*) and I do use it when I'm with friends. I don't see it as being WRONG in the proverbial sense of the word, meaning that there are things MUCH more important than that... And so, I'm asking: in your opinion, does cursing make anyone a bad Christian and/or person, how many of you TRULY never use those words in daily life (personally, I know perhaps ONLY 3 people whom I have NEVER heard uttering anything even remotely similar to the F word) and how many of you are truly offended when they hear people curse? I apologize if this question offends anyone, it is not here to stir trouble, I'd honestly like to hear personal views on this. Because ER got so many black stars which, of course are justified if they are coming from people who really never use such language. As I said in my rating comment to him, I can't be offended by something that I do every day. Thanks and happy 4th everyone! revdauphinee answered on 07/04/04: "does cursing make anyone a bad Christian and/or person, " Im afraid I believe it does for there are many admonitions in scripture against it and I do not believe a christian would wish to be know for it .I cerainly would not associate bad language with any one who claimed to be Christian. Revelation 13:5. The beast was given a mouth to utter proud words and blasphemies and to exercise his authority 2nd Peter 2:0. This is especially true of those who follow the corrupt desire of the sinful nature and despise authority. Bold and arrogant, these men are not afraid to slander celestial beings; James 5:Above all, my brothers, do not swear--not by heaven or by earth or by anything else VisionsInBlue rated this answer

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Triton asked on 07/03/04 - last days Does anyone here get that feeling where with all the advances in computer technology, the idea of globalization. The (new world order) ideas. That we just may be fast approaching the last days? revdauphinee answered on 07/03/04: we are not aproaching them friend we are in em!daniel prophecied in Daniel 12: 4. But you, Daniel, close up and seal the words of the scroll until the time of the end. (Many will go here and there to increase knowledge.") Doc05 rated this answer Liz22 rated this answer Triton rated this answer MaggieB rated this answer tomder55 rated this answer Krewton rated this answer Mathatmacoat rated this answer

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Bobbye asked on 07/02/04 - FREEDOM: #2 I can only respond to Hank's comment directly to "Hank." Although his comment is public, my response to him is private, so I'll post here. =========. Hank's comment to me re "illusion" and "The Cross." "Bobbye: In re: My answer to this post! I said whoever thinks freedom is an illusion is running a quart low. This has nothing to do with Jesus asking forgiveness while being crucified!" My response to Hank: "Hank, please read my comment again. This HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH JESUS' ASKING FORGIVENSS. IT DIDN'T HAPPEN. I mentioned it was the SAME EXPERT who said "freedom is an illusion" who responded that Jesus, on The Cross, asked the Father to forgive Him, indicating that He had sinned." The comparison was to identify the "expert." It had nothing to do with the Freedom post or The Cross. Hopes this clarifies the situation. bobbye revdauphinee answered on 07/02/04: Just wondering when Jesus asked God to forgive him?he did nothing wrong!he asked only for forgiveness for us as far as I know? Bobbye rated this answer HANK1 rated this answer

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Petesharky asked on 07/02/04 - Faith Lately I have been doubting my faith. I was raised in a religious family as a Roman Catholic. Lately I have begun to doubt my faith and the exsistance of God. Sometimes it seems that Man has more of a play in the word of God than God ever did. revdauphinee answered on 07/02/04: your last question should be your answer .I have a great car it was not made by accident it did not just happen there was intelegent planing involved how then can one even imagine this earth and all its contenets as complex as they all are did??? Doc05 rated this answer Petesharky rated this answer

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Bobbye asked on 07/01/04 - "FREEDOM!" Religious freedom; national freedom, etc. WHAT IS YOUR DEFINITION OF FREEDOM? The Fourth of July should remind all of us to give thanks for the freedoms enjoyed in America. The purpose of my post is that an expert responded to one of my responses that "Freedom is an illusion ...." If the above is true (re "illusion"), I'm enjoying the "illusion" in this blessed nation in which we live. What if this expert lived where there are no freedoms? Would "freedom" (as the expert defined as "illusion") become more of a reality? Bobbye revdauphinee answered on 07/02/04: as an imigrant to this great country myself I must say if he feels we dont have freedom here, might I sugest he try living somewhere else! I have travelled extensively this is why I am greatfull to my God for giving me the priveledge of living here in the USA!It may not be perfect but it is the closest one can find here on earth believe me! Dorothy Bobbye rated this answer MaggieB rated this answer

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ROLCAM asked on 07/01/04 - Where and when ? When will I see Your face again? revdauphinee answered on 07/01/04: we see it when we look in the eyes of our neighbours ROLCAM rated this answer

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ROLCAM asked on 07/01/04 - Does the Lord forget us? How long, O Lord, will you forget me? Is any one anxious to know the answer to this question? revdauphinee answered on 07/01/04: one who truly knows the Lord will rest in the assurance that he does not forget! however we also know he will work in his time and not ours, and that all things work for good in those who believe! MaggieB rated this answer ROLCAM rated this answer

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VisionsInBlue asked on 06/30/04 - A Question for Mathwhatshisname: "I fail to see the relevance of a non Christian discussing Christianity since what christian thought do they bring to the discussion." This is what you said to ER. Please expound. You don't want me thinking that you have something against people of other faiths posting here? I seem to remember, not so long ago... Our Mormon friends screaming discrimination to high heavens after reading posts much similar to this one. Far as I think, everybody and anybody is most welcome to post here. As long as they don't write comments such as this one of yours. Now I want you to nicely apologize to anybody you have offended. So what is it gonna be? Who posts and who doesn't? And how is this discrimination Christian? revdauphinee answered on 06/30/04: I dont feel a none christian can give answers from a christian viewpoint but they can make us think!And im always up for that. Being Christian should not be a requisite for posting on here but maybee it should for claiming expertise in the subject! darkstar rated this answer Itsdb rated this answer Mathatmacoat rated this answer paraclete rated this answer Uni-Agdistis rated this answer VisionsInBlue rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 06/30/04 - The truth is stranger than fiction A Jewish lawyer was troubled by the way his son turned out, and went to see his Rabbi about it. "I brought him up in the faith, gave him a very expensive bar mitzvah, cost me a fortune to educate him. Then he tells me last week he has decided to be a Christian. Rabbi... where did I go wrong?" "Funny you should come to me," said the Rabbi. "Like you, I, too, brought my boy up in the faith, put him through University, cost me a fortune, then one day he comes and tells me he has decided to become a Christian." "What did you do?" asked the lawyer. "I turned to God for the answer," replied the rabbi. "And what did he say?" He said, "Funny you should come to me..." revdauphinee answered on 06/30/04: great! paraclete rated this answer

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hOPE12 asked on 06/29/04 - What do you think? Hello Everyone, With all the beheading and killing going on in the name of God. I thought I would post this poem I felt fits the discrption of such horror. Insanity is all I See A man died today, his captors said "there can be no other way". A man died today, his troops say: "it's the only way." To kill, To maim, to see so many slain. They say it is to keep the world sane, But insanity is what I see. People say that they are protecting the land of the free, But insanity is what i see They say two wrongs don�t make a right, but not so to those in this fight. I will torture and behead you and you will shoot me, they say this will bring democracy. Insanity is all that I can see. For many men died today, both sides have said, �it�s the only way.� But neither side is right, They will never end this fight. Insanity is all that I can see! What does a Christian parent tell there child? How can they say the USA is right? Look what they are doing. The Irags are now boss of their own country, why don't the US just leave? How many more young men need to be beheaded before they leave? I look forward to your answers: Take care, Hope12 revdauphinee answered on 06/29/04: I was and am against war in any form however we are there and if we now just up and walk away God help the poor folks in Iraq they would end up much worse than they were with sadam !The government there is not yet strong enough to prevent civil war .and would sucum to just what these terrorist groups want an islamic government such as the one in Iran wich eventualy would become if united a great threat to the peace of all of us! hOPE12 rated this answer

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hOPE12 asked on 06/29/04 - What do you think? Hello Everyone, With all the beheading and killing going on in the name of God. I thought I would post this poem I felt fits the discrption of such horror. Insanity is all I See A man died today, his captors said "there can be no other way". A man died today, his troops say: "it's the only way." To kill, To maim, to see so many slain. They say it is to keep the world sane, But insanity is what I see. People say that they are protecting the land of the free, But insanity is what i see They say two wrongs don�t make a right, but not so to those in this fight. I will torture and behead you and you will shoot me, they say this will bring democracy. Insanity is all that I can see. For many men died today, both sides have said, �it�s the only way.� But neither side is right, They will never end this fight. Insanity is all that I can see! What does a Christian parent tell there child? How can they say the USA is right? Look what they are doing. The Irags are now boss of their own country, why don't the US just leave? How many more young men need to be beheaded before they leave? I look forward to your answers: Take care, Hope12 revdauphinee answered on 06/29/04: I was and am against war in any form however we are there and if we now just up and walk away God help the poor folks in Iraq they would end up much worse than they were with sadam !The government there is not yet strong enough to prevent civil war .and would sucum to just what these terrorist groups want an islamic government such as the one in Iran wich eventualy would become if united a great threat to the peace of all of us! hOPE12 rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 06/28/04 - Megachurches Here is a topic we haven't even scratched the surface of. How many of you have been or are part of a megachurch? I have attended a church of 3,500 once but it was for a conference so I suppose it doesn't count. I can't say I found the atmosphere more spiritual than my local church and it was a good deal more cramped. The first systematic survey of U.S. megachurches has shown that while they average some 3,850 worshipers weekly, a full 50 percent of them say they feel like "a close-knit family." The study also found that the very big congregations affiliated with a denomination tend to have tenuous ties at best to their national bodies. Theological Character of Megachurches: Evangelical 48% Charismatic 14% Moderate 12% Pentecostal 11% Traditional 8% Seeker 3% Fundamentalist 2% Other 3% revdauphinee answered on 06/28/04: by now my oppinion of most denominational churches is known to most on here I feel they are rapidly deteriating into big business and the business is hardly Christlike so I avoid this as much as possible Dorothy paraclete rated this answer

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STONY asked on 06/28/04 - I TRIED TO COPY THIS BUT IT WON'T WORK OUT... SO YOU'LL HAVE TO VISIT THE SITE YOURSELVES. THIRTY-SIX CHRISTIAN WAYS TO REDUCE STRESS http://wandascountryhome.com/raindrops/index.html ANT COMMENTS OR CONJECTURE? revdauphinee answered on 06/28/04: I also tryed to copy to no availl however i did print it to give to a troubled friend thanks! Doc05 rated this answer STONY rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 06/28/04 - For all those who like a little old time christian religion. visit http://www.cyberhymnal.org/htm/h/o/holyholy.htm Here's the question, How come Christian song writers dont write music like this anymore. Is it that they have become too sophistocated or has the use of different instruments liberated us from the old poetic forms too? revdauphinee answered on 06/28/04: thanks for the site I truly enjoyed it even bookmarked it for future visits .As for you question could it be that todays siciety puts so little emphasis on spirituality and more on Materialism! Dorothy paraclete rated this answer

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HANK1 asked on 06/27/04 - RE: COMPARISON QUESTION! I have found it to be impossible to add a clarification/follow-up to a question I just asked. So, all I can do is post the following re: Gnosticism: "The doctrine of salvation by knowledge. This definition, based on the etymology of the word (gnosis "knowledge", gnostikos, "good at knowing"), is correct as far as it goes, but it gives only one, though perhaps the predominant, characteristic of Gnostic systems of thought. Whereas Judaism and Christianity, and almost all pagan systems, hold that the soul attains its proper end by obedience of mind and will to the Supreme Power, i.e. by faith and works, it is markedly peculiar to Gnosticism that it places the salvation of the soul merely in the possession of a quasi-intuitive knowledge of the mysteries of the universe and of magic formulae indicative of that knowledge. Gnostics were "people who knew", and their knowledge at once constituted them a superior class of beings, whose present and future status was essentially different from that of those who, for whatever reason, did not know." Source: New Advent HANK revdauphinee answered on 06/27/04: But may I pose another question is knowledge without Christ enough? I dont think so!Its been my observation that knowledge can also be a dangerous thing!My schooling made me have doubts as to the truth of the scriptures, it was only when I steped outside of learning and took it on faith that it was possible for me to accept Christ! ATON2 rated this answer HANK1 rated this answer MaggieB rated this answer

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Mathatmacoat asked on 06/27/04 - Another questions for the experts of answerway How many "true", as opposed to "nominal" Christians are there contribting to this site? revdauphinee answered on 06/27/04: I claim that distinction for my self but in the final analasis only Jesus himself could truly define if we are truly following him.I am a Christian but I am also human and Humans are none of us perfect we are just forgiven! paraclete rated this answer Mathatmacoat rated this answer

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HANK1 asked on 06/26/04 - JUNE 30TH ... That's the date the United States is going to give Iraq back to the Iraqis. Your thoughts re: a smooth or rough landing! HANK revdauphinee answered on 06/26/04: its what hapens next that scares me !and if you are an American and a Christian yopu need to think about it and the terrorist would love to send us all home and I dont mean back to the US think about it!! HANK1 rated this answer MaggieB rated this answer paraclete rated this answer

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HANK1 asked on 06/26/04 - A COMPARISON! Please compare Gnosticism with Christianity ... if there IS a comparison to be made! HANK revdauphinee answered on 06/26/04: Im just begining to study this subject but so far it seems the Jesus of Gnostism is not the divine one of Christianity but more just human>I may be wrong but so far this is what im getting out of it> HANK1 rated this answer Krewton rated this answer

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Mathatmacoat asked on 06/26/04 - The BIG Question? after reading a lot of the postings here over time, it occured to me to ask you What is a "Christian" country? When does a country cease to be a "Christian" country? How can we produce a "Christian" country in the third millenium? revdauphinee answered on 06/26/04: we cant we can onlythink for ourselves and not for others!Leave the rest to God! Mathatmacoat rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 06/25/04 - A short lesson on the time value of money? The supplicant says to God, "I'll bet a thousand years is just like a moment to you." God replies, "Yes, that's right." The supplicant says, "God, I'll bet a million dollars is just like a penny to you." God replies again, "Yes, that's so." The supplicant asks, "Would you give me a million dollars?" God: "Yes, and it�ll take just a moment." revdauphinee answered on 06/25/04: that was great! paraclete rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 06/25/04 - Even the truth can look like a lie I see that you have become too serious once again and its time for your injection. A clergyman was walking down the street when he came upon a group of about a dozen boys, all of them between 10 and 12 years of age. The group surrounded a dog. Concerned lest the boys were hurting the dog, he went over and asked, "What are you doing with that dog?" One of the boys replied, "This dog is just an old neighborhood stray. We all want him, but only one of us can take him home. So we've decided that whichever one of us can tell the biggest lie will get to keep the dog." Of course, the reverend was taken aback. "You boys shouldn't be having a contest telling lies!" he exclaimed. He then launched into a ten minute sermon against lying, beginning, "Don't you boys know it's a sin to lie," and ending with , "Why when I was your age, I never told a lie." There was dead silence for about a minute. Just as the reverend was beginning to think he'd gotten through to them,the smallest boy gave a deep sigh and said, "All right, give him the dog." So who can see the parable in this? revdauphinee answered on 06/25/04: good point paraclete rated this answer

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STONY asked on 06/25/04 - IF BEHEADING IS THERE WAY OF DOING BUSINESS.... THEN WHY NOT LET IT BECOME THE NORM FOR THE COUNTRY. AS THEY SAY WHEN IN ROME ACT LIKE A ROMAN. IF ARMEGGEDON IS INEVITABLE THEN WHY NOT BRING IT AS SOON AS POSSIBLE? IF THE IRAQUI'S SAW THEE OWN MEN BEING BEHEADED THE ATTITUDE MIGHT CHANGE. UNDERSTAND EXACTLY WHAT THIS ATTROCITY IS, JUST BECAUSE THE HEAD IS SEVERED THE BRAIN IS NOT DEAD, YOU STILL FEEL THINK, SEE, SMELL, HEAR BUT YOU CANNOT SCREAM AND WHEN ENOUGH BLOOD HAS DRAINED OUT DEATH ENSUES. revdauphinee answered on 06/25/04: I agree we claim we are better than that but we can read (Exo.21:23-25 23 But if there is serious injury, you are to take life for life, 24 eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot, 25 burn for burn, wound for wound, bruise for bruise. ) maybee this is the only language they can understand ! ATON2 rated this answer CeeBee rated this answer Krewton rated this answer LTgolf rated this answer paraclete rated this answer STONY rated this answer Uni-Agdistis rated this answer

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CeeBee asked on 06/25/04 - Do you have a favorite pew or seat? Worshipers find the perfect spot Week after week, many regular churchgoers return to the pew they call their own By Shia Kapos Special to the Chicago Tribune Published June 25, 2004 Every Sunday finds Mary Johnson in the same seat at Emmanuel Baptist Church: the fourth pew, next to the aisle closest to the north wall. She's been sitting there for 27 years. Twenty years earlier, when she attended a different church, she sat in a similar spot. By now she can't quite remember how it was she chose this particular pew. But she isn't about to change her habit. "It's comfortable. It's the best place for me," said the 83-year-old Sunday school teacher and former U.S. Postal Service employee, adjusting herself recently on the soft red cushion in her South Side church. In churches nationwide, worshipers like Johnson can be observed taking the same pew week after week. They sit up front so they can see and hear. They sit in back because they don't want to bother anyone--or they want to make a quick exit. And woe to the poor fair-weather visitor who doesn't see that invisible "reserved" sign. In his early days at St. Peter's Episcopal Church on Belmont Avenue, Rev. James Dunkerley remembers there was a woman in her 70s who had been sitting in the same spot since she was a little girl. "One day, a man sat in her pew. There was no one else in the church and she went right behind him and told him, 'You're sitting in my pew.'" "Of course he moved," Dunkerley said. Up until the mid-1900s, it was common for regular members of a congregation to pay the church to sit in a specific seat or pew, a practice called "pew rent." Some churches listed the family's name on the pew and also marked where the free and visitor seating was located. Today, although seating is open, many regular churchgoers still flock to the same spot every Sunday. Sociologists who study behavior say it's not a particularly churchly phenomenon--just human nature. "It's all about nesting and feeling comfortable in a familiar place," said Northwestern University sociologist Bernard Beck. "It's the same question you might have about students. What makes them sit in the front or the back of the classroom or sit where they do in a movie theater?" Interviews with a variety of Chicago worshipers from different denominations indicate most people sit where they do for reasons of comfort. That's why Johnson likes her spot in the front of the church. With a full view of the congregation and minister, "I can see and hear everything," she said. Betty O'Toole, 72, has been sitting in the same area--the third, fourth or fifth row on the right side--at Old St. Patrick's Catholic Church in downtown Chicago for about 20 years. "I'm short so I like to sit up front so I can see," said O'Toole, adding that it also makes it easier for her and her husband to volunteer as Eucharistic ministers. "If we don't sit up front we've got to truck up from the back of the church." Other parishioners find they feel more comfortable in the back pews. "I was late enough over the years that I didn't want people to notice," said Tim Gunning, 75, who sits in the second row from the back at Old St. Pat's. Now, more than a dozen years later, he still sits in the same spot, even though he usually makes it to church on time. "I'm arthritic so I wait for the crowd to go by before I get up....I enjoy seeing people as they leave. I like the people-watching," he said. Sitting toward the rear also allows for quick getaways. "When I had young kids, we sat in back so we could exit quickly and not disturb anyone," said Elaine Sakellarion, 72, of St. Timothy's Catholic Church on the Northwest Side. "It just became habit." Clergy are both amused and heartened to see the same faces in the same spots each week. "There's a saying about getting to church early before all the best seats in the back are taken," said Rev. John Adamcio of Holy Trinity Cathedral of the Orthodox Church in America on the West Side. He and other church leaders said the parishioners who sit closest to the pulpit tend to be those who sit in the same seats week after week. Beck, the sociologist, said there are four basic reasons for the behavior: practicality (you want to see and hear clearly), comfort ("I'm used to it so why change"), territorial instincts (sitting in a favorite spot week after week all but marks it as your own) and status. "Some parishioners might see those who sit up front as being more pious and those skulking in the back as less so," he said. Parishioners and priests know there's a dark side to the pew positioning. They've heard stories of voices raised, but it's not anything they like to discuss. "It's church after all," said one woman who didn't want to talk about the tiff she saw over a cherished seat. "People can get pretty possessive," Adamcio said. "We are creatures of habit. We like consistency, and where we sit each Sunday lends to that." For her part, Mary Johnson said she won't interfere if a visitor who doesn't know better takes "her" seat. But if it's a fellow parishioner? "Well," she said, smiling, "I don't mind stating my opinion." Copyright � 2004, Chicago Tribune revdauphinee answered on 06/25/04: ""woe to the poor fair-weather visitor who doesn't see that invisible "reserved" sign."" Is this Christian?does it open up for unbelievers to attend our church? CeeBee rated this answer

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Liz22 asked on 06/24/04 - Gambling? Hello Experts In some Churches they have Bingo and sometimes you can win a fairly nice amount of money You buy your cards sometimes over twenty dollars worth When I use to go to a Church that I did not belong to I was completely addicted I was hooked and could not wait for Wednesday nights some would have over thirty cards and there was no way I could keep up you could smoke cigarettes and drink coffee almost to midnight, although this was twenty years ago is it still like that today? For I have not been to another Church but it sure was fun back than I even sold my homemade milk Chocolate fudge right there on my table for three dollars a pound. I don't mean to sound like Martha Stuart but in light of all this, would one still argue there is nothing wrong with gambling? Thank you. Liz. revdauphinee answered on 06/25/04: some do while some are adamantly against this personaly I have divergent ideas on gambling ,while it is truly a sin to deprive ones family as some do in order to do. Games such as Bingo (and fyi this is never done in the church but usualy in an ajoyning building.) often raise much needed funds to further church projects. Also one cannot say that scripture is definatly prohibative since we find numerous cases in scripture where it is condoned (gambling) (Prov.16:33 The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the LORD. Prov.18:18 Casting the lot settles disputes and keeps strong opponents apart. The scapegoat chosen by, (Lev.16:8-10. 8 He is to cast lots for the two goats--one lot for the LORD and the other for the scapegoat. (Num.26:55 Be sure that the land is distributed by lot. What each group inherits will be according to the names for its ancestral tribe. Josh.18:10 Joshua then cast lots for them in Shiloh in the presence of the LORD, and there he distributed the land to the Israelites according to their tribal divisions. -Priests and Levites designated by, for sanctuary service, (1Chr.24:5-31 5 They divided them impartially by drawing lots, for there were officials of the sanctuary and officials of God among the descendants of both Eleazar and Ithamar. (Ac.1:26. Then they cast lots, and the lot fell to Matthias; so he was added to the eleven apostles. ) Liz22 rated this answer

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STONY asked on 06/24/04 - WHILE PLAYING ON THE WEB I FOUND THIS..... PERTINENT FOR EVERYONE WHO HAS FAMILY AND FRIENDS IN THE MILITARY ESPECIALLY IRAQ AND AFGHANISTAN. Click to scroll to commentary. Thuraya attacks U.S. military ban on its satphones Reuters | 4/02/03 Posted on 04/02/2003 2:31:37 AM PST by kattracks Thuraya attacks U.S. military ban on its satphones DUBAI, April 2 (Reuters) - Gulf telecoms firm Thuraya criticised on Wednesday a U.S. ban on some journalists from using its satellite phones in Iraq, saying it was very unlikely the signal could reveal the location of American troops. Some reporters with U.S. forces in Iraq have been banned from using Thurayas, apparently because of fears the signal could be intercepted. At least one journalist's handset has been confiscated. Chairman Mohammed Omran told Reuters Thuraya's complex encryption system would make it very difficult to locate journalists using the phone while travelling with U.S. troops. "The journalists should not be prevented (from using Thurayas). It is highly unlikely that our phones are endangering anyone's lives," Omran said. "Callers must specifically request to see their position and even when they do, the information beamed back to them via satellite is encrypted and the code is difficult to crack," he said. But he added: "There is no system in the world that cannot be penetrated." An official at U.S. Central Command in Qatar said the ban was not intended to restrict media coverage of the war, but to safeguard against attacks by Iraqis. Several technical experts, however, said they were unaware of any field-level technology that could be used to find users. Thurayas use a highly-accurate Geographical Positioning System (GPS), which can identify a user to within 100 metres (yards) and which could be a reason for military concern. Rival Iridium satellite phones, which are used by the U.S. military, are said to have less accurate GPS. Iridium satellite phones download their user location and billing data to the United States. Thuraya location data is downloaded to Thuraya headquarters in Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates. 04/02/03 05:27 ET -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- TOPICS: Front Page News; News/Current Events; War on Terror KEYWORDS: GPS; IRAQIFREEDOM; SATELLITEPHONES; TECHNOLOGY -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1 posted on 04/02/2003 2:31:37 AM PST by kattracks [ Post Reply | Private Reply | View Replies ] -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- To: kattracks But he added: "There is no system in the world that cannot be penetrated." More than enough reason to yank the phones right there, IMHO. 2 posted on 04/02/2003 2:37:28 AM PST by Timesink (Six hundred and four, Toxteth O'Grady, USA.) [ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies ] -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- To: kattracks Chairman Mohammed Omran Umm yeah we trust ya! 3 posted on 04/02/2003 2:50:16 AM PST by Iwentsouth [ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies ] -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- To: kattracks This man's priorities are out of order. 4 posted on 04/02/2003 3:01:41 AM PST by Tax Government [ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies ] -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- To: kattracks "Thuraya location data is downloaded to Thuraya headquarters in Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates." Interesting. So we have embedded reporters, who we make a big deal out of not revealing their locations during operations, using a phone that is continually reporting their position back to the UAE. What is the status of the UAE in all of this? What if they were penetrated by some intel service who was accessing this data and reporting it to some unfriendlies??? 5 posted on 04/02/2003 3:25:14 AM PST by sd-joe [ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies ] -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- To: sd-joe The UAE is an ally and has been far more helpful than Canada. 6 posted on 04/02/2003 3:30:12 AM PST by marktwain [ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 5 | View Replies ] -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- To: kattracks With all the help Iraq has received from France, Germany and Russia. It would be a safe bet that one of those countries has "helped" Iraq with the technology to pinpoint people using the Sat Phones. 7 posted on 04/02/2003 3:47:14 AM PST by txradioguy (HOOAH! Not just a word, A way of life!) [ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies ] -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- To: Iwentsouth http://www.thuraya.com/contact/ 8 posted on 04/02/2003 3:54:40 AM PST by jimbo123 [ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 3 | View Replies ] -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- To: kattracks We probably found out we could trace them in about 7 seconds... 9 posted on 04/02/2003 4:22:32 AM PST by trebb [ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies ] -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- To: kattracks Chairman Mohammed Omran told Reuters Thuraya's complex encryption system would make it very difficult to locate journalists There may be no encryption system at all within the Thuraya company itself. So if any employees of the company are more loyal to Iraq than to us, they could give away the locations. More likely than that too, is the keys to the encryption system are already in the hands of the enemy, so it's not secure. 10 posted on 04/02/2003 4:49:08 AM PST by FL_engineer (Freedom_Loving_Engineer) [ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies ] -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- To: kattracks France Telecom Mobile Satellite Communications completes its comprehensive range of mobile satellite services with Thuraya THIS explains it all... 11 posted on 04/03/2003 6:48:38 PM PST by LayoutGuru2 (In the name of diversity, we are all becoming exactly the same.) [ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies ] Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those revdauphinee answered on 06/24/04: how many here trust the Saudi;s?other than ATON! ATON2 rated this answer paraclete rated this answer STONY rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 06/24/04 - being a missionary can sometimes lead to the unexpected A critically injured American missionary survived a night in icy conditions wearing nothing but a T-shirt and socks after falling 70 metres from a cliff south of Sydney. A trail of clothing led rescuers to 20-year-old Matthew Weirich at 9.45am today after he fell from the Grand Canyon Lookout in the Morton National Park in the NSW Southern Highlands yesterday afternoon. Mr Weirich, a visiting missionary with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, was out walking with fellow missionaries when he fell from the cliff while trying to retrieve his lost shoe. The church's media spokesman John Millar said his fitness, thanks to being an an All American pole vaulter, and God led to Mr Weirich's survival. "His physical wellbeing, plus his faith in God, all contributed to the fact that he survived. It really is a miracle that he survived," Mr Miller said. Mr Weirich, one of eight children, had spent the last 20 months in nearby Mittagong and was soon to return home to Fredericksburg, Texas to continue his studies. An extensive air and land search culminated in his rescue today. Temperatures in the area plunged to just two degrees overnight and the Texan had shed most of his clothing in a hypothermic-induced delirium. Paramedics had to sedate the agitated, semi-conscious American before winching him 60 metres up to a hovering Westpac Rescue Lifesaver Helicopter which rushed him to Wollongong Hospital. He remained in a serious but stable condition in the intensive care unit today and spinal and head injuries. NSW Ambulance Service paramedic Bob Lyall, one of three paramedics winched in to rescue Mr Weirich, said his fall must have been broken by a tree, considering his injuries and that he had crawled over 40 metres down the rugged mountain. "He was in very good condition considering he had been lying there in nothing but a T-shirt and a pair of socks," Mr Lyall said. "Most of his clothing was a fair way back up the hill so I think he probably spent the night with not much on." He said the terrain was difficult, with the winch being blocked at times by thick trees, vines and climbers. Inspector Alan Smith, from the Camden Local Area Command, said the American was lucky to be alive. "He's an extremely lucky man. Just how he came to end up where he did, maybe we will never know," Insp Smith said. AAP revdauphinee answered on 06/24/04: God was certainly with him on this one! paraclete rated this answer

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Doc05 asked on 06/24/04 - TAPS I received this e-mail today. I didn't know where to share it with all of you, so I am posting it here. It touched me and I hope that it will touch all of you as well. It is from my girlfriends son Jad, who once again is being deployed to Iraq. Diana TAPS We in the United States have all heard the haunting song, "Taps." It's the song that gives us that lump in our throats and usually tears in our eyes. But, do you know the story behind the song? If not, I think you will be surpries. Reportedly, it all began in 1862 during the Civil War, when Union Army Captain Robert Ellicombe was with his men near Harrison's Landing in Virginia. The Confederate Army was on the other side of the narrow strip of land. During the night, Captain Ellicombe heard the moans of a soldier who lay severely wounded on the field. Not knowing if it was a Union or Confederate soldier, the Captain decided to risk his life and bring the stricken man back for medical attention. Crawling on his stomach through gunfire, the Captain reached the stricken soldier and began pulling him toward his encampment. When the Captain finally reached his own lines, he discovered it was actually a Confederate soldier, but the soldier was dead. The Captain lit a lantern and suddenly caught his breath and went numb with shock. In the dim light, he saw the face of the soldier. It was his own son. The boy had been studying music in the South when the war broke out. Without telling his father, the boy enlisted in the Confederate Army. The following morning, heartbroken, the father asked permission of his superiors to give his son a full military burial, despite his enemy status. His request was only partially granted. The Captain had asked if he could have a group of Army band members play a funeral dirge for his son at the funeral. The request was turned down since the soldier was a Confederate. But, out of respect for the father, they did say they could give him only one musician. The Captain chose a bugler. He asked the bugler to play a series of musical notes he had found on a piece of paper in the pocket of the dead youth's uniform. This wish was granted. The haunting melody, we now know as "Taps" ... used at military funerals was born. The words are ... Day is done ... Gone the sun ... From the lakes ..... From the hills ... From the sky ... All is well ... Safely rest ... God is nigh . Fading light ... Dims the sight ... And a star ... Gems the sky... Gleaming bright ... From afar ... Drawing nigh . Falls the night ... Thanks and praise ... For our days .... Neath the sun .... Neath the stars,.. Neath the sky ... As we go ... This we know .. God is nigh .... I, too, have felt the chills while listening to "Taps" but I have never seen all the words to the song until now. I didn't even know there was more than one verse. I also never knew the story behind the song and I didn't know if you had either so I thought I'd pass it along. I now have an even deeper respect for the song than I did before. REMEMBER THOSE LOST AND HARMED WHILE SERVING THEIR COUNTRY. And also those presently serving in the Armed Forces.. . revdauphinee answered on 06/24/04: we sure need to pray for both our dead and those who serve us all! Doc05 rated this answer

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HANK1 asked on 06/23/04 - THANKS, GUYS! I've never seen things going better on this Board than they are presently. We're all acting like Experts ... with a great degree of sophistication. I like that! Anyway, it took awhile but we're right where I thought we would be at this time ... and it means alot to me ... and others. To show my appreciation, I'll win a golf tournament for you this weekend. HANK revdauphinee answered on 06/23/04: thanks it has been great hasne it? Dorothy HANK1 rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 06/23/04 - What was the real motive behind this death? was the death of the South Korean hostage political as we are expected to believe or is it a simple case of Muslims persecuting Christians? "Seoul: On Monday, Kim Sun-il stood gesticulating as he shouted desperately at the camera, "I don't want to die". Then the Arabic interpreter and devout Christian who dreamed of missionary work in the Arab world knelt silently and impassively before his Muslim militant captors beheaded him. The scenes from video tapes aired on Arabic television station Al Jazeera were broadcast repeatedly on South Korean television, sending a chill through many people who already had reservations about the government's plan to send troops to Iraq. The militants had demanded South Korea withdraw some 670 military medics and engineers already in Iraq and drop plans to send 3,000 more troops to help rebuild the country. South Korea rejected the demand, and reiterated after news of Kim's death that the deployment would go ahead. The seventh of his father's eight children, Kim had been working in Iraq as an interpreter for the past year. As a Christian, he mixed that work with evangelising, media reports say. "Don't worry about me, mum. I feel comfortable," Kim told his mother when she asked about the danger he faced in Iraq during their last telephone conversation in April. Kim was born in September 1970 and graduated with a degree in Arabic from South Korea's top language school, Hankuk University of Foreign Studies, in February 2003. Kim first studied English at a college that is now Youngsan University, graduating with a diploma in 1992, officials say. He then majored in theology at Kyungsung University, again in his hometown of Pusan, earning a degree in February 1994. "He is introverted, kindhearted and studies hard," his mother said on YTN television before his death was announced. She and her husband said their son "lived with no greed". Kim, who was single, had planned to return to the southern port city of Pusan in July to celebrate his father's 70th birthday. Kim was to have been ordained as a Christian minister and dreamed of being a missionary in the Arab world, media reports say. He entered Iraq on June 15, 2003, said the South Korean Foreign Ministry, one of a handful of South Koreans doing business in a highly dangerous environment. Almost all plan to leave the country within days. Kim worked for Gana General Trading, a firm with 12 employees in Iraq to supply goods to the US military. He was kidnapped in Fallujah on June 17 and his company's president initially sought to negotiate his release without involving the South Korean government, the ministry said. It was not clear why Kim was in the Fallujah area, which is a particularly high-risk region in a dangerous country. Reuters revdauphinee answered on 06/23/04: a simple case of Muslims persecuting Christians? and at the risk of my again being called a hater and a bigot read the following from there holy book sura 9 verse 29 You shall fight against those who do not believe in Allah the dinner table 5.51O you who believe! do not take the Jews and the Christians for friends; they are friends of each other; and whoever amongst you takes them for a friend, then surely he is one of them; surely Allah does not guide the unjust people. ATON2 rated this answer Bobbye rated this answer MaggieB rated this answer paraclete rated this answer

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Krewton asked on 06/23/04 - What is the definition of a Christian? Since we all answer questions on a Christianity forum, the definition of the word "Christian" would seem to be an important definition indeed. revdauphinee answered on 06/23/04: a person who follows Christ may call themselves Christian but it is only through a personal relationship with him that we can truly join this fellowship just saying you are a Christian no more makes you one than swiming makes you a fish! Bobbye rated this answer Krewton rated this answer MaggieB rated this answer

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HANK1 asked on 06/22/04 - FREE THE LION? "If freedom is outlawed, only outlaws will be free." - Edward Abbey Who are the outlaws! revdauphinee answered on 06/22/04: so true! HANK1 rated this answer

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Bobbye asked on 06/21/04 - CHRISTIANITY? Tax-exempt? I received an e-mail Sunday, which provided the following info. (1)http://www.letusreason.org/Pent49.htm "Trinity Broadcasting was established in 1973, and has grown into the world's largest religious broadcaster, with more than 1,200 outlets ( November 1999 figures.) The Crouches oversee a $100-million-plus-a-year enterprise. ==================. (2) THIS WAS CARRIED IN THE NEWSPAPERS SUNDAY. TODAY, IT IS ON MSN HOME PAGE. =========. American Idol Christian Version to Debut Jun 18, 6:02 AM EST The Associated Press ORLANDO, Fla. -- The management company that represents Britney Spears and 'N Sync is searching for a divine voice. "Gifted," a Christian version of the popular American Idol TV show, is scheduled to debut in October on Trinity Broadcasting Network, the Costa Mesa, Calif.-based conglomerate that features such well-known evangelists as Benny Hinn. The Orlando-based Wright Entertainment Group is part of a joint venture with Matt Crouch, son of the founders of Trinity Broadcasting Network, to create the talent-search show, Wright spokesman Philip McIntyre said. McIntyre said the joint venture, called Wright Generation, is negotiating with a private investor to finance the project. "It is our goal to wrap God's message � His love � in acceptance, and in a way that blends seamlessly into `pop' culture while still upholding the values we, as Christians, value most," Wright Generation's mission statement reads. A cross-country summer bus tour to 11 Trinity stations is planned, where auditions will be held for solo singers, ages 18-24. The network reaches 70 million homes. The tour, scheduled to begin July 26, will stop in Florida, Georgia, Alabama, Tennessee, Illinois, Texas, Oklahoma, Colorado, New York, California and Washington state. Contestants will perform gospel or contemporary spiritual songs. Two finalists will be chosen at each stop. The 24 finalists will be flown to Hollywood, where they will perform before a live studio audience and be evaluated by celebrity judges. Eight will go on to the finals, where the television audience will choose the winner, whose career will be managed by Wright and Crouch. ===============. [Please keep in mind that the search for a "private investor" is a repeat of Matt Crouch's "search" when he wanted to purchase the Knotts Berry Building in order to compete with Spielberg (his own words) in the movie industry. The "search" made it as far as the Board of Directors of TBN, who became fearful that their non-profit status would become jeopardized if they began "investing in real estate" with tax-exempt contributions.) THE QUESTION: Should TBN be competing in this market? (If you believe the "private investor" is anyone other than TBN --tax-exempt -- please do not fall for such deception. This is why the name "Christian" is besmirched over the world that it claims it is "trying to win.") Thank you. Bobbye revdauphinee answered on 06/21/04: another example of Christians failing Jesus teaching (Rom.12:2 Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. (Col.3:2,5 2 Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. 2Tim.3:2-7 2 People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, Bobbye rated this answer MaggieB rated this answer paraclete rated this answer

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MaggieB asked on 06/20/04 - sincere to their religion The following is 'part' of an news article on Yahoo re the slaying of Paul Johnson (American in Saudi Arabia).**** We have been told and led to believe that the Islamic Religion is a peaceful religion but this part of the article "stood out" and if anyone can explain how doing what these people did is peaceful, please feel free to show just cause! ****According to the account of Johnson's kidnapping, militants wearing police uniforms and using police cars set up a fake checkpoint June 12 on al-Khadma Road, leading to the airport, near Imam Mohammed bin Saud University. "A number of the cooperators who are sincere to their religion in the security apparatus donated those clothes and the police cars. We ask God to reward them and that they use their energy to serve Islam and the mujahedeen," the article read. When Johnson's car approached the checkpoint, the militants stopped his car, anesthetized him and carried him to another vehicle, the article said. Earlier Saudi newspaper reports had also said Johnson was drugged during the kidnapping.**** Thank you, MaggieB revdauphinee answered on 06/20/04: I have been telling folks this idea of Islaam as a peacefull religion is a farce . from the quoran sura 2 The heifer 2/191 you may kill those who wage war against you,and you may evict them whence they evicted you .oppression is worse than murder.if they attack you you may kill them.This is the just retribution for those disbelievers. sura 9 verse 29 You shall fight against those who do not believe in Allah the dinner table 5.51O you who believe! do not take the Jews and the Christians for friends; they are friends of each other; and whoever amongst you takes them for a friend, then surely he is one of them; surely Allah does not guide the unjust people. ATON2 rated this answer MaggieB rated this answer paraclete rated this answer tomder55 rated this answer

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HANK1 asked on 06/20/04 - WHAT'S A BLUDGER? Is it a Christian who lives off the efforts of others and doesn't make a fair contribution to a cause? revdauphinee answered on 06/20/04: I dont think one can be a bludger and also be a Christian! AliMcJ rated this answer HANK1 rated this answer

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HANK1 asked on 06/20/04 - CONVERSATION! How do you start evangelistic conversations? revdauphinee answered on 06/20/04: ask them what they do then I find its easy when I tell them what I do conversations go from there biggest thing to do is learn to listen> HANK1 rated this answer

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HANK1 asked on 06/20/04 - STARTING POINT! During conversations with unbelievers about the gospel, how do you keep the discussion going when they make some sort of blanket objection to Christianity? revdauphinee answered on 06/20/04: ask them why they say that and go from there!that is a great way to get a discussion started but one must remember its a two way conversation be a good listener. HANK1 rated this answer

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Bradd asked on 06/20/04 - Martin Luther Do Martin Luther's protests against the Catholic Church remain valid today? Please refrain from examining one by one his 95 Theses and/or providing links for your answer. Just your own point of view. Thank you. revdauphinee answered on 06/20/04: from my own point of view not only is it valid, but in my oppinion as a true protestant, I feel that denominationalism in any form is an enemy of true Christianity since they tend to put denominational tenents ahead of Christ himself! in any cases.I have often said if Christ to returned today he would be rejected by many Churches because he did not fit their criteria. Bradd rated this answer paraclete rated this answer

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Palanquin asked on 06/19/04 - Presidential Medal of Freedom for President Hinckley Mormon Church President Gordon B. Hinckley will be awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom � the nation's highest civil honor � on his 94th birthday by President Bush during ceremonies Wednesday at the White House. He is one of only twelve recipients on the Bush's 2004 honors list, which includes Pope John Paul II, who received the award on a visit by President Bush June 4 at the Vatican. Among the others to be honored are Doris Day and Rita Moreno, Arnold Palmer and Gilbert Grosvenor, chairman of the National Geographic Society. News of Hinckley's award came from the White House on Friday applauding his leadership of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, both as its president since 1995 and for some 37 years previous as a general authority. "In those capacities, he has inspired millions and has led efforts to improve humanitarian aid, disaster relief and education funding across the globe," said the announcement. President Hinckley said, "I will be deeply honored to receive this prestigious award from the president of the United States. I am profoundly grateful. In a larger sense, it recognizes and honors the church, which has given me so many opportunities and whose interests I have tried to serve. "To the church, to my associates and to our people everywhere, I extend my gratitude and with each of you share the honor of this recognition." Orrin Hatch, Republican Senator from Utah, called the honor well-deserved. "You couldn't find a better person in the world to receive it than President Hinckley," said Hatch, adding that Bush has a "very high opinion" of the LDS faith and its leader. Bush "has seen his worldwide humanitarian efforts as well as religious efforts," Utah's senior senator said. "I can guarantee you that he is well aware, as was his father, of what President Hinckley has done." Hatch indicated that he was especially pleased the award will be presented on President Hinckley's birthday. "I want to personally thank the president for doing this for this great man on his birthday," he said. The Presidential Medal of Honor was established by President Truman in 1945 to recognize civilians for their service during World War II. It was reinstated by President Kennedy in 1963 to honor distinguished service. Since then, more than 400 people have been so recognized. Others to be honored at the ceremony Wednesday include Robert L. Bartley; former Sen. Edward W. Brooke; Carnegie Corp. president Vartan Gregorian; entrepreneur Estee Lauder; ophthalmologist Arnall Patz; Commentary magazine editor Norman Podhoretz; and Walter B. Writson, Economic Policy Advisory Board chairman under Ronald Reagan. The award has been regularly bestowed upon leaders, activists and notables from across the country and around the world, including former U.S. presidents Jimmy Carter, Gerald Ford and Ronald Reagan; current Secretary of State Colin Powell; former South African president Nelson Mandela; activist Jesse Jackson; Czech leader Vaclav Havel; and Cardinal Joseph Bernadin. This year's list of recipients is the first to recognize two world faith leaders in the past decade. In honoring Pope John Paul II earlier this month during a visit to Europe, Bush described the Catholic leader as a devoted servant of God who "has championed the cause of the poor, the weak, the hungry and the outcast. He has defended the unique dignity of every life, and the goodness of all life. Through his faith and moral conviction, he has given courage to others to be not afraid in overcoming injustice and oppression. His principled stand for peace and freedom has inspired millions and helped to topple communism and tyranny." Wednesday's ceremony will be held in the East Room of the White House. Who do YOU think deserves a Presidential Medal of Honor for their services to Christianity? revdauphinee answered on 06/19/04: Cant help but wonder what great things Doris Day and Rita Moreno, Arnold Palmer have done besides play golf and make movies ,I have nothing against these folks but to give them medals!~ seems like we are turning into the Brits ( I used to be one so I feel free to critisize )who dish out knighthoods to those who's only credits are making themselves rich.It is my feeling such honors should be saved for truly heroic folks,Just my opinion and we all have them!I may be wrong! Palanquin rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 06/18/04 - monastic silence You insist on being serious so I'll have to give you another injection A man is driving down the road and breaks down near a monastery. He goes to the monastery, knocks on the door, and says, "My car broke down. Do you think I could stay the night?" The monks graciously accept him, feed him dinner, even fix his car. As the man tries to fall asleep, he hears a strange sound. The next morning, he asks the monks what the sound was, but they say, "We can't tell you. You're not a monk." The man is disappointed but thanks them anyway and goes about his merry way. Some years later, the same man breaks down in front of the same monastery. The monks gain accept him, feed him, even fix his car. That night, he hears the same strange noise that he had heard years earlier. The next morning, he asks what it is, but the monks reply, "We can't tell you. You're not a monk." The man says, "All right, all right. I'm dying to know. If the only way I can find out what that sound was is to become a monk, how do I become a monk?" The monks reply, "You must travel the earth and tell us how many blades of grass there are and the exact number of sand pebbles. When you find these numbers, you will become a monk." The man sets about his task. Some forty-five years later, he returns and knocks on the door of the monastery. He says, "I have traveled the earth and have found what you have asked for. There are 145,236,284,232 blades of grass and 231,281,219,999,129,382 sand pebbles on the earth." The monks reply, "Congratulations. You are now a monk. We shall now show you the way to the sound." The monks lead the man to a wooden door, where the head monk says, "The sound is right behind that door." The man reaches for the knob, but the door is locked. He says, "Real funny. May I have the key?" The monks give him the key, and he opens the door. Behind the wooden door is another door made of stone. The man demands the key to the stone door. The monks give him the key, and he opens it, only to find a door made of ruby. He demands another key from the monks, who provide it. Behind that door is another door, this one made of sapphire. So it went until the man had gone through doors of emerald, silver, topaz, amethyst. Finally, the monks say, "This is the last key to the last door." The man is relieved to no end. He unlocks the door, turns the knob, and behind that door he is amazed to find the source of that strange sound. But I can't tell you what it is because you're not a monk. revdauphinee answered on 06/19/04: yet the wise monk will keep on asking? paraclete rated this answer

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Palanquin asked on 06/18/04 - What do you think of this? In the dedication of the authorized version of King James, the translators say that the writings of that monarch "in defense of the Truth .... hath given such a blow unto that man of sin, as will not be healed." In the Westminster Confession it is expressly stated that, the head of the Roman church is "that antichrist, that man of sin and son of perdition, that exalteth himself in the church against Christ and all that is called god." This was the view of Cranmer, Ridley, Latimer, Hooper, Luther, Calvin, Melancthon, Beza and many others. What do you think about this. Were they right or wrong? revdauphinee answered on 06/18/04: at that time if you didnt believe that you didnt live long Palanquin rated this answer

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Laura asked on 06/18/04 - My apoligies I must have heard the tiniest snippit of negative information about Mr Johnson on the news. Everything since has been all positive. That this man was truly a victim and a hostage. I'm sorry to anyone that I may have offended. God bless. Laura I wanted to post this on my first post but I went to my quick links and clicked to remove the quesion altogether.. I didn't realize that it just removes the question from your own archives. That's dumb! revdauphinee answered on 06/18/04: where are the voices who critisized us for prisoner abuse today??we hear no Muslim condemnation for this ! ATON2 rated this answer CeeBee rated this answer Laura rated this answer Palanquin rated this answer

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Laura asked on 06/18/04 - Just heard on the news I just heard on the news that the hostage in Iraq, Mr Johnson was beheaded. Earlier the news was talking about ties that he had with the Islam community and that he had been considering changing to Islam. The hostage that was killed earlier also had ties to Islam and was said to be a sympothizer.. I hate to say it, but is it possible that these men are actually martyr's to the cause of Islam and not hostages?? God bless their families and keep them safe. Laura revdauphinee answered on 06/18/04: these families need to be in our prayers today !((If this is what a ""peacefull religion (Islam) is about)) I thank God I am a Christian ATON2 rated this answer kindj rated this answer Laura rated this answer

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ROLCAM asked on 06/17/04 - Who inspires you ? Who inspires you ? revdauphinee answered on 06/18/04: thats easy, Jesus ! ROLCAM rated this answer

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Bobbye asked on 06/17/04 - "CRUCIFIXION OF JESUS" Recently, it was stated by one of the experts that "at The Crucifixion Jesus asked The Father to forgive Him -- thus proving that He (Jesus) had sinned." Another commented in essence that "I'd never thought of this. Good point." (Not verbatim, but the essence of the comment.) I FEEL THIS NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED HERE;I.E., NOWHERE IN SCRIPTURE DID JESUS ASK THE FATHER TO FORGIVE HIM, NOR DID HE EVER IMPLY THAT HE HAD SINNED AND NEEDED FORGIVENESS FROM THE FATHER. In Gethsemane (the night prior to The Crucifixion) Jesus prayed with "sweat drops of blood" SO THAT HE MIGHT NOT FAIL IN THE WILL OF THE FATHER -- not that He would sin!!!!!!!! He prayed often that He might always do THE WILL OF THE FATHER! Luke 23:34, "Then said Jesus, Father FORGIVE THEM; for THEY know not what THEY do. And they parted his raiment, and cast lots." Jesus was asking for forgiveness for those who were responsible for His Crucifixion -- not for forgiveness of a personal sin. At the time this was posted I was too busy to address the error. Thus this post at this time. Has anyone read IN SCRIPTURE where Jesus asked "forgiveness" -- implying that He had sinned? Please provide Scriptural proof for such a response. Thanks. Bobbye revdauphinee answered on 06/18/04: the only sin that ever came upon Jesus was the sin of us whoom he died for, he had no need for forgiveness himself! for he did only Gods will! Bobbye rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 06/17/04 - Its getting serious again? I see the Christians are starting to take themselves seriously again and so its time for another injection of your medicine Three friars were behind on their belfry payments, so they opened a small florist shop to raise funds. Since everyone liked to buy flowers from the men of God, the rival florist across town thought the competition was unfair. He asked the good fathers to close down, but they would not. He went back and begged the friars to close down, but they would not. He asked his mother to go and ask the friars to get out of the business. They would not. So, the rival florist hired Hugh McTaggart, the roughest and most vicious thug in town to persuade them to close. Hugh beat up the friars and trashed their store, saying he'd be back if they didn't close their business. Terrified, they did so - thereby proving that: Hugh, and only Hugh can prevent florist friars. revdauphinee answered on 06/17/04: ROFL paraclete rated this answer

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Fulmens asked on 06/17/04 - question about mormonism... i was told, and also read, that mormons believe that 1-God is being made of flesh and bone 2-God has a wife, also of flesh and bone 3-that the trinity is not 1 God divided into 3 parts (fahter, son, holy spirit), but 3 actual gods... this sounds illogical and propostrous... is this at all true of mormonism? revdauphinee answered on 06/17/04: since there are Mormons here I will leave this answetr to them!

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Petesharky asked on 06/17/04 - The world without Religion. I wonder what the world would be like if man never thought up the idea of "God." How much more advanced could we have become if there wasn't the worry of something being morally against God. revdauphinee answered on 06/17/04: a world with no concept of morality would not last long (due to disease for one thing)Murder would be okay ,you could not own anything someone else would feel free to take what was yours,no one would be truthfull so one could never trust anyone .Think about it how awfull life would be ,and it is certaily not a world I would want to live in ! Palanquin rated this answer Petesharky rated this answer

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Palanquin asked on 06/16/04 - Do Christians have sense of humor? Q: How many question and answer board experts does it take to change a light bulb? A: 1,331: * 1 to change the light bulb and to post to the mail list that the light bulb has been changed * 14 to share similar experiences of changing light bulbs and how the light bulb could have been changed differently. * 7 to caution about the dangers of changing light bulbs. * 27 to point out spelling/grammar errors in posts about changing light bulbs. * 53 to flame the spell checkers * 156 to write to the list administrator complaining about the light bulb discussion and its inappropriateness to this mail list. * 41 to correct spelling in the spelling/grammar flames. * 109 to post that this list is not about light bulbs and to please take this email exchange to alt.lite.bulb * 203 to demand that cross posting to alt.grammar, alt.spelling and alt.punctuation about changing light bulbs be stopped. * 111 to defend the posting to this list saying that we are all use light bulbs and therefore the posts **are** relevant to this mail list. * 306 to debate which method of changing light bulbs is superior, where to buy the best light bulbs, what brand of light bulbs work best for this technique, and what brands are faulty. * 27 to post URLs where one can see examples of different light bulbs * 14 to post that the URLs were posted incorrectly, and to post corrected URLs. * 3 to post about links they found from the URLs that are relevant to this list which makes light bulbs relevant to this list. * 33 to concatenate all posts to date, then quote them including all headers and footers, and then add "Me Too." * 12 to post to the list that they are unsubscribing because they cannot handle the light bulb controversy. * 19 to quote the "Me Too's" to say, "Me Three." * 4 to suggest that posters request the light bulb FAQ. * 1 to propose new alt.change.lite.bulb newsgroup. * 47 to say this is just what alt.physic.cold_fusion was meant for, leave it here. * 143 votes for alt.lite.bulb. Do Christians need a sense of humor? revdauphinee answered on 06/17/04: we were made in Gods own image therefore God also has a sense of Humor if you dont believe that try looking in the mirror! Palanquin rated this answer Uni-Agdistis rated this answer

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Palanquin asked on 06/16/04 - Where are the experts? Where are the real Christian experts in this chat room? revdauphinee answered on 06/16/04: there are lots of Christians here Palanquin rated this answer Uni-Agdistis rated this answer

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Doc05 asked on 06/16/04 - When did Jesus come to know who He was? Who his Father was? Some think that it came upon Him gradually when He was an adult - yet at the age of twelve - there was a strong indication that He knew who His Father was. What do you think? revdauphinee answered on 06/16/04: I feel he always knew He was fully man and fully God so the God awareness in him knew Doc05 rated this answer

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Laura asked on 06/16/04 - I believe in the Immaculate Conception! I believe in the Immaculate Conception!! I certainly believe in the Immaculate Conception..I believe that Mary was a virgin before as well as throughout her pregnancy with Jesus. I believe that she was chosen by God because she was faithful and that God chose this woman for a most special purpose. The problem comes afterward when she went on to live her life with her husband. I think that it's unreasonable to think that Mary remained a virgin for life. First of all, sex between a husband and wife is not sin, and second of all the Bible makes references to other children that Mary had. I know that many believe that these brothers and sisters of Jesus may have been children by a former marriage of Joseph or that they were cousins or perhaps just a saying of some sort, but I don't think so. I never could figure out why it would have been such a big deal if Mary went on to have a "life" after Jesus birth! What do you think? God bless. Laura revdauphinee answered on 06/16/04: I am in total agreement with you scripture even hints that she had a normal maried life after Jesus birth Matthew 1: 24. When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife. 25. ((But he had no union with her until she gave birth to a son)). And he gave him the name Jesus. Marys ""perpetual virginity"" is a catholic belief Laura rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 06/15/04 - something to be thankfull for? We have all learned to live with "voice mail" as a necessary part of modern life. But have you wondered what if God decided to install voice mail? Imagine praying and hearing this: "Thank you for calling My Father's House. Please select one of the following options: Press 1 for Requests Press 2 for Thanksgiving Press 3 for Complaints Press 4 for All Other Inquiries." What if God used the familiar excuse... "I'm sorry, all of our angels are busy helping other saints right now. However, your prayer is important to us and will be answered in the order it was received, so please stay on the line." If you would like to speak to: Gabriel, Press 1 Michael, Press 2 For a directory of other angels, Press 3 If you'd like to hear King David sing a Psalm while you are holding, please press 4. To find out if a loved one has been assigned to Heaven, Press 5, enter his or her social security number, then press the pound key. (If you get a negative response, try area code 777.) For reservations at "My Father's House," please enter J-O-H-N, followed by 3-1-6. For answers to nagging questions about dinosaurs, the age of the earth and where Noah's Ark is, please wait until you arrive here. Our computers show that you have already prayed once today. Please hang up and try again tomorrow so that others may have a chance to get through. This office is closed for the weekend to observe a religious holiday. Please pray again Monday after 9:30 am. If you need emergency assistance when this office is closed, contact your local pastor." Thank God (today) that He doesn't have voice mail and He listens whenever we pray and that will never change. revdauphinee answered on 06/16/04: I thank him for not having it although the musac played while on hold may be a little better than that here on earth! paraclete rated this answer

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Laura asked on 06/15/04 - Demons Do you believe that people can be possessed by demons? Do you believe that people may be walking around possessed or opressed by demons, living miserable lives and not know the cause? Thinking that they have some sort of medical problem or something but it's actually something of a negative spiritual nature? In the Christian community, how does one tell if a person is oppressed or possessed? God bless. Laura revdauphinee answered on 06/15/04: yes i do believe this !as for my knowing the difference ,no I dont but never the less I do believe it! ATON2 rated this answer Laura rated this answer

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HANK1 asked on 06/15/04 - GOD! Who coined the name GOD ... and WHY? revdauphinee answered on 06/15/04: mankind from the begining of time have refered to the objects they worship as gods ,therefore it is natural from the begining that the diety was refered to by the title God!The only name that the God of Judao Christian tradition gave for himself was ""I am"" (Exo.3:14 God said to Moses, "I AM WHO I AM. This is what you are to say to the Israelites: `I AM has sent me to you.'" ) HANK1 rated this answer Laura rated this answer

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arcura asked on 06/15/04 - Why Not Sola Scriptura ? BY Grace D. MacKinnon 06/15/04 Dear Grace, My Protestant friends say that I should only follow what the Bible says and that Catholic tradition is not from God. What do I say to them? Answer: You need to tell them that Catholicism is not a religion of the Bible alone. This is one important area where we differ strikingly from our Protestant brothers and sisters in Christ who believe in Sola Scriptura � the Bible alone as authority. Jesus' last command to His Apostles before ascending to heaven was that they �go out and make disciples of all the nations...teaching them to observe all I have commanded you.� He even added a promise � �I am with you always, until the end of the world� (Mt 28: 19-20). At that point, Jesus did not give them a book to follow. That �book,� which contained the New Law � the New Testament � did not even begin to be written until 50-100 AD. Some people have a tendency to treat the Bible as if it is a book that simply fell down from the sky one day, all written and bound just as we see it today. In reality, however, it was not until the year 393 AD that the books of the New Testament were formally accepted and approved by the Catholic Church at the Council of Hippo. For nearly 400 years, the early Church did not yet have an officially approved New Testament. So, what or who did the Church (the followers of Christ) follow for those first 400 years? It was the teaching of the Apostles! � those whom Jesus had left in charge of His Church, telling them that He would be with them to the end. Therefore, what Jesus left on earth to complete His mission was the Church, guided by the Holy Spirit. This oral teaching is what the Catholic Church calls Tradition with a capital �T.� It comes from the Latin word tradere, which means, �to hand down.� The Apostles handed down what they received from Christ Himself and Christ was God. Another important fact that many do not have clear is that for the first three-fourths of the entire history of Christianity, the only Christian Church was the Catholic Church. It was at the Protestant Reformation in the sixteenth century that the great division occurred � one that still remains to be healed. Jesus told His disciples: "He who hears you hears Me, and he who rejects you rejects Me" (Luke 10:16). This oral teaching was accepted by Christians, just as they accepted the written teaching that came to them later. The Church, in the persons of the Apostles, was given the authority to teach by Christ; the Church would be His representative. That is why He commissioned them, saying, "Go and make disciples of all nations" (Mt 28:19). It is the firm belief of the Catholic Church that God has revealed Himself to His creation through both Sacred Tradition and Sacred Scripture, and that these are interpreted by the only authoritative and authentic interpreter of the Word of God � the Church. The Bible itself tells us that the Church is �the pillar and foundation of truth� (1 Tm 3:15). Why would it say that so clearly if it were the Bible alone that we should follow? Yes, the Bible is at the heart of our faith, but we have more than the �written� Word of God. In fact, John states for us that there are so many things that Jesus did, but if these were to be written down, the whole world could not contain all the books that would have to be written (Jn 21:25). We are truly blessed with our rich Sacred Tradition. To fully understand the role of Tradition in the Church, one must study Church history. It is all there, and for many it would be a real eye-opener. revdauphinee answered on 06/15/04: whilst it may be true that the Catholic church holds tradition with such great respect ,Christ himself very often rejected traditionds as in the following instances Col.2:8 See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the basic principles of this world rather than on Christ. Matthew 15: 3 Jesus replied, "And why do you break the command of God for the sake of your tradition? :6Thus you nullify the word of God for the sake of your tradition. Mark7:6 He replied, "Isaiah was right when he prophesied about you hypocrites; as it is written: "`These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. 7 They worship me in vain; their teachings are but rules taught by men.' 8 You have let go of the commands of God and are holding on to the traditions of men." 9 And he said to them: "You have a fine way of setting aside the commands of God in order to observe your own traditions! These are but a few instances of his discrediting traditions so personaly i feel I wuld rather follow the word as written in scripture than that of any man made tradition! -The word of God, (Jer.30:2. "This is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says: `Write in a book all the words I have spoken to you. ) (2Tim.3:16. All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, ) arcura rated this answer Bobbye rated this answer kindj rated this answer Laura rated this answer MaggieB rated this answer paraclete rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 06/14/04 - Pay for Prayer? With Catholic clergy in short supply in the US, Indian priests are picking up some of their work, saying Mass for special intentions, in a sacred if unusual version of outsourcing. American, as well as Canadian and European, churches, are sending Mass intentions, and requests for services like those to remember deceased relatives and thanksgiving prayers, to clergy in India. About 2 per cent of India's more than 1 billion people are Christians, most of them Catholics. In Kerala, a state on the south-western coast with one of the largest concentrations of Christians in India, churches often receive intentions from overseas. The Masses are conducted in Malayalam, the native language. The intention - often a prayer for the repose of the soul of a deceased relative, for a sick family member, thanksgiving for a favour received or a prayer offering for a newborn - is announced at Mass. The requests are mostly routed to Kerala's churches through the Vatican, the bishops or through religious bodies. Rarely, prayer requests come directly to individual priests. While most requests are made via mail or through travelling clergymen, a significant number arrive via email, a sign that technology is expediting this practice. In Kerala's churches, memorial and thanksgiving prayers conducted for local residents are said for a donation of 40 rupees ($1.30), whereas a prayer request from the US typically comes with $US5 the Indian priests say. Bishop Sebastian Adayanthrath, the auxiliary bishop of the Ernakulam-Angamaly diocese in Cochin, a port town in Kerala, said his diocese received an average of 350 Mass intentions a month from overseas. Most were passed to needy priests. In Kerala, where priests earn $65 a month, the money is a welcome supplement, Adayanthrath said. But critics of the phenomenon said they were shocked that religious services were being sent offshore, or outsourced, a word normally used for clerical and other office jobs that migrate to countries with lower wages. In London, Amicus, the trade union that represents 1.2 million British workers, called on the Government and workers to treat outsourcing as a serious issue. In a news release, David Fleming, national secretary for finance of Amicus, said the assignment of prayers "shows that no aspect of life in the West is sacred". "The very fabric of the nation is changing," he said. "We need to have a long, hard think about what the future is going to look like." Yet congregations in Kerala say the practice of ordering prayers is decades old. "The church is not a business enterprise, and it is sad and pathetic to connect this practice to outsourcing software work to cheaper labour destinations," said the Reverend Vincent Kundukulam of St Joseph Pontifical Seminary in Aluva, near Cochin. In Bangalore's Dharmaram College, Rector James Narithookil said he often received requests for Mass intentions from abroad, which he distributed among the 50 priests in his seminary. Most of the requests from the US were for requiems, with donations of $US5 to $US10, he said. Adayanthrath said sending Mass intentions overseas was a way for rich churches short on priests to share and support smaller churches in poorer parts of the world. The Reverend Paul Thelakkat, a spokesman in Cochin for the Synod of Bishops of the Syro-Malabar Church, said: "The prayer is heartfelt, and every prayer is treated as the same whether it is paid for in dollars, euros or in rupees." The New York Times What do you think experts? should the Church expect and accept payment for prayer. I would have expected that it is a Christian duty to pray for those in need without payment? If you carry this thing to its logical conclusion, you don't need churches in america, or anywhereelse for that matter, just outsource the whole thing to India for a small weekly fee, and get on with your otherwise meaningless lives. Who knows, we may see the trade in Indian indulgences get going soon. revdauphinee answered on 06/15/04: no one should pay money for prayer anywhere we have and advocate in heaven who will intervene with the father fo free!we who believe have full access to him his name is Jesus and he does not charge for our prayers > ethical_reason rated this answer MaggieB rated this answer paraclete rated this answer

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Laura asked on 06/14/04 - Someone posed this question to me... Lauralee: Do you HONESTLY believe your salvation rests on your belief that Jesus was sinless??????? Hebrews 4:15 For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are�yet was without sin. Hebrews 9:7 But only the high priest entered the inner room, and that only once a year, and never without blood, which he offered for himself and for the sins the people had committed in ignorance. Jesus was the final high priest. He poured out his "sinless" blood for all of mankind. Yes I do believe my salvation rests in that fact!! If Jesus had sinned, he would have been just another man. The sacrafice would have been without merit. Jesus was "not" just another man. Anyone else have any opinions about Jesus' state regarding sin? God bless. Laura revdauphinee answered on 06/14/04: yes I do believe that Jesus was sinless untill he took all our sin upon himself and payed the final sacrifice .He was definatly not just a man! he was fully God and fully Human! kindj rated this answer Krewton rated this answer Laura rated this answer MaggieB rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 06/14/04 - Do Christians have a responsiblity to reduce greenhouse gas emissions? At 0930 on 1 Oct 2003, the Honorable John McCain of Arizona opened a committee hearing of the U.S. Senate on The Case for Climate Change Action. He began by stating "there is broad scientific consensus that global warming is occurring, that human activity is causing it [via greenhouse gas emissions], and that its consequences are extremely serious." Declaring that "no excuse for inaction on this issue is acceptable," he went on to say that he and Senator Joseph Lieberman "believe that a market-based approach, combined with mandatory caps and federal oversight, offers the best way for the nation to respond to a growing global environmental threat." Hence, he reported they were calling for "a mandatory carbon dioxide reduction program." One of the witnesses presenting testimony in support of this legislative initiative was the Executive Director of the National Religious Partnership for the Environment, Mr. Paul Gorman, who invoked various religious reasons for supporting what he called "an energy policy which reduces greenhouse gas emissions." As there is nothing in Holy Writ that even remotely broaches this subject, however, he was forced to rely on concepts that can readily be misapplied if one does not have his facts straight, i.e., if he does not correctly understand a number of scientific truths. Mr. Gorman cited Genesis 1:31, stating humankind is called to stewardship of God's creations. We agree. He cited Psalms 24:1, concluding that creation's gifts are intended for the well-being of all. We agree. He cited Psalms 82:3 and Mathew 25:35, declaring we have an obligation to defend the poor and the orphan, do justice to the afflicted, and care for vulnerable people. We agree. And he cited Genesis 9:12, stating we have an obligation to the future well-being of all life on earth. And, again, we agree. So where's the argument? Why does Mr. Gorman believe there should be "an energy policy which reduces greenhouse gas emissions and steadily moves us beyond reliance on fossil fuels," and we do not? The reason certainly cannot be religious; for we agree on the basic meanings all of the scriptures he cited. Much more likely, our divergent views are the result of Gorman's ignorance of a number of scientifically-demonstrable truths and what they imply about the future. Consider the study of Tilman et al. (2001), who conclude that our projected inability to meet the doubled world food demand that will likely exist in the year 2050 will exact an environmental toll that "may rival climate change in environmental and societal impacts." Based upon historical and projected population trends, and even considering expected concomitant advances in technological expertise, they calculate that over the next fifty years, the net loss of natural ecosystems to cropland and pasture in developing countries will amount to about half of all potentially suitable remaining land, which could, in their words, "lead to the loss of about a third of remaining tropical and temperate forests, savannas, and grasslands." And in a worrisome reflection on the consequences of these land use changes for global biodiversity, they rightly report that "species extinction is an irreversible impact of habitat destruction." What do these observations have to do with the air's CO2 concentration? Plenty, for Idso and Idso (2000) have calculated that the shortfall in farm production foreseen by Tilman et al. can be overcome - but just barely - by the additional benefits anticipated to accrue from the aerial fertilization effect of the ongoing rise in the air's CO2 content, assuming, of course, no forced cutbacks in anthropogenic CO2 emissions. Therefore, in light of this knowledge, which rests on a firm foundation of experimental and observational data, as opposed to highly questionable computer projections of future climate change, it can be appreciated that attempts to reduce the rate of rise of the air's CO2 content will seriously impair our ability to feed humanity fifty years from now, while maintaining sufficient land to support what currently remains of earth's natural ecosystems. Viewed in this light, Gorman's appeal to "stewardship, covenant, justice, [and] intergenerational equity" for humanity and nature alike would suggest just the opposite policy of that proposed by McCain and Lieberman. Consider also the study of Wallace (2000), who states that "the massive and inexorable increase in the number of human beings in the world should be recognized for what it is - the most important global change facing mankind." The rationale for this statement derives from four simple facts. First, the projected increase in the number of people that will join our ranks in the coming half-century - a median best-guess of 3.7 billion - is more sure of occurring than is any other environmental change currently underway or looming on the horizon. Second, these extra people will need a whopping amount of extra food. Third, it will take an equally whopping amount of extra water to grow that extra food. And fourth, there is no extra water. "Over the entire globe," therefore, says Wallace, "a staggering 67% of the future population of the world may experience some water stress." And this situation translates into one of food insufficiency. And food insufficiency means malnutrition and, in extreme cases, starvation. So what's the solution? There's only one answer, according to Wallace: we must produce much more food per unit of available water. Fortunately, this is precisely what happens when the air's CO2 content rises. Elevated levels of atmospheric CO2 reduce plant water loss while they simultaneously enhance plant photosynthesis, which dramatically boosts plant water use efficiency and enables earth's vegetation to produce considerably more food per unit of available water than it does currently. Literally thousands of laboratory and field experiments have verified this fact beyond any doubt whatsoever. Once again, therefore, well-established scientific knowledge clearly demonstrates that the ultimate consequences of the McCain-Lieberman proposal would be at severe cross-purposes with the religious principles that Gorman invokes in support of their bill. The take-home message of our analysis of this subject is that religious principles cannot be properly applied without a knowledge of pertinent scientific facts. We all (hopefully) want to see stewardship, justice, and intergenerational equity prevail within the context of what to do, or not do, about the ongoing rise in the air's CO2 content. But those desires cannot be brought to fruition in a state of ignorance of how the world of nature operates. We must do what we do on the basis of truth, else before long we may find ourselves anxiously engaged in activities that are at cross-purposes with the mind and will of God. Sherwood, Keith and Craig Idso Experts do you believe the central thesis of this article? "The take-home message of our analysis of this subject is that religious principles cannot be properly applied without a knowledge of pertinent scientific facts." revdauphinee answered on 06/14/04: we most certainly should take care ot the earth, but not to the extent of worrying! for the God who created it also tells us he can repenish it! so all the doom sayers have realy no religious grounds whatsoever!or an excuse for creating panic such as a recent movie tends to do! Isaiah 65: 17. "Behold, I will create new heavens and a new earth. The former things will not be remembered, nor will they come to mind. 2 Peter 3: 13. But in keeping with his promise we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, the home of righteousness. Revelation 21:Revelation 21 1. Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea. ATON2 rated this answer Mathatmacoat rated this answer paraclete rated this answer tomder55 rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 06/13/04 - In the interests of keeping the flow going? Just to keep us active while we await the return of our more prolific posters. GOD'S EMAIL One day God was looking down at Earth and saw all of the evil that was going on. He decided to send an angel down to Earth to check it out. So He called one of His best angels and sent the angel to Earth for a while. When she returned she told God, yes it is bad on Earth, 95% is bad and 5% is good. Well, He thought for a moment and thought maybe He'd better send down a second angel to get another point of view. So God called another angel and sent him to Earth for a time too. When the angel returned he went to God and told him "Yes, the Earth is in decline. 95% is bad and 5% is good." God said this was not good. So He decided to send e-mail to the 5% that were good. He wanted to encourage them, give them a little something to help them keep going. Do you know what that e-mail said? --- --- --- --- Oh, you didn't get one either, huh? Bummer. revdauphinee answered on 06/13/04: no I didnt ,I know i got problems but he forgives me anyway ! paraclete rated this answer

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ROLCAM asked on 06/13/04 - Inspired by HANK1 with Thanks !! In one of the replies to one of my posts, Hank included an answer which was inspired to him by John Wagner. Without bothering Hank, I set out to trace the full story. I now have very much pleasure in enclosing the site where this wonderful article by John Wagner can be read. The site :- http://www.openbibleministries.com/11jesus_marginalized.html Best regards to all that read it. ROLCAM. revdauphinee answered on 06/13/04: I had no problems finding the site thanks for posting it.The thing that stood out when I read it was the following "The pressure was to become a �counselor�, a �social worker�, or a �religious facilitator�; but not a Christian, Pentecostal, clergyman with a mandate to reach servicemen and women for Christ." This is in direct opposition to the order given by Christ to his followers in Matthew 28:18. Then Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20. and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. ROLCAM rated this answer

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ROLCAM asked on 06/13/04 - RELIGION ?? Do you think that religion is being marginalised? If so,what do you believe are the reasons for this happening? revdauphinee answered on 06/13/04: sure it is, for folks want to do thier own thing they do not want faith based morals! MaggieB rated this answer ROLCAM rated this answer

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Laura asked on 06/12/04 - Come on ATON Look at the list of the top ten in Christianity.. And there are several others who post... Almost, probably 99% of the posts are from people who are experts on the board. If we stop posting. We might as well hang it up and call it a day. Unless you can come up with a better solution, all we have is each other.. If the experts stop posting questions, there won't be an answerway!! God bless. Laura revdauphinee answered on 06/12/04: I agree ! Krewton rated this answer Laura rated this answer

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HANK1 asked on 06/12/04 - JESUS! Did Jesus ever commit a sin? HANK revdauphinee answered on 06/12/04: NO! HANK1 rated this answer Krewton rated this answer MaggieB rated this answer

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HANK1 asked on 06/12/04 - REALITY! Is there a place for REALITY in religion? HANK revdauphinee answered on 06/12/04: God is real !so is evil! so yes we must have a place for reality ATON2 rated this answer HANK1 rated this answer

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HANK1 asked on 06/12/04 - BREAD! Do some people actually believe that God will put bread on the table in time of need? HANK revdauphinee answered on 06/12/04: My mother put this cleary when she told me "Gos helps those who help themselves!While I do believe god takes care of us why should or would he provide for a lazy person?? HANK1 rated this answer

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HANK1 asked on 06/12/04 - COMMUNICATION! Ever heard, "God told me what to do?" Please explain! HANK revdauphinee answered on 06/12/04: a christian should be very sure of themselves before using such a statement !I do believe he still speaks tpo his flock however he is not the only one who speaks for scripture also tels us 2Cor.11:3; But I am afraid that just as Eve was deceived by the serpent's cunning, your minds may somehow be led astray from your sincere and pure devotion to Christ. ) HANK1 rated this answer

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Fr_Chuck asked on 06/12/04 - Christians win this one in court It is truely sad that our nation has lowered its moral standards to such a point, that such actions in court are needed. But at least in some states the courts appear to be up holding moral values. 10-June-2004 -- Catholic World News Brief JUDGE PERMANENTLY BARS MAYOR FROM SAME-SEX UNIONS New Paltz, New York, Jun. 10 (LifesiteNews.com/CWN) - Judge E. Michael Kavanagh, of the Ulster County Supreme Court in New York, issued a permanent injunction yesterday that ordered Jason West, the 26-year-old part-time mayor of New Paltz, New York, to stop solemnizing same-sex "marriages." The injunction was issued in a lawsuit brought by Robert Hebel, a member of the New Paltz Board of Trustees. On February 26, Mayor West announced he would solemnize marriages of same-sex couples. On February 27, West solemnized the marriages of 25 same-sex couples. He then created an "Affidavit of Marriage" and a "Contract of Marriage" that he posted on the village's web site. He said he was issuing these documents "in lieu of a Certificate of Marriage" because the town clerk refused to issue a license. By March 1, the website created a "Marriage Waiting List," with the next ceremonies scheduled for Saturday, March 6. West, who is a member of the Green Party, thought it was "funny" that he had provoked a fight, concluding, "This is the best day of my mayoral career." New York law states that parties to a marriage must "solemnly declare" that "they take each other as husband and wife." A marriage license must include a "statement or affidavit" containing information from the "groom," who is also called the "husband" and the "bride." It is a criminal misdemeanor for any person to solemnize a marriage "without a license being presented to him," and violations are punishable with a fine of not less than $50.00 or by imprisonment up to 1 year. On March 2, Donald Williams, Ulster County district attorney, charged West with a 19-count indictment for illegally solemnizing same-sex marriages without a license. Judge Kavanagh's decision stated, "The impact of [Mayor West's] position, that an elected official may willfully violate a law anytime he or she believes it is unconstitutional, has profound and unsettling implications. This view, if accepted, would mean that the mayor is a law unto himself and would in certain circumstances have power that is simply incompatible with a democratic form of government based on the rule of law." revdauphinee answered on 06/12/04: about time a judge enacted the Law of the land instead of creating his own ! Fr_Chuck rated this answer

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HANK1 asked on 06/11/04 - PEOPLE! Is it realistic to trust people in 2004? HANK revdauphinee answered on 06/12/04: some you can but not many unfortunatly one must be very carefull in whoom we place our trust these days! HANK1 rated this answer

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arcura asked on 06/10/04 - Funny life in a Christian Family. Jesica Leonhart tells of this Christian family event. Have you had any that may be similar? My mom always had a problem with patience when it came to ketchup. She couldn't stand how slowly it flowed out of the bottle, especially when it was just opened for the first time. When I was about seven Mom opened a new bottle of ketchup and was doing her usual shaking of the bottle. Impatient as always, she asked me to answer the doorbell as she smacked the bottom of the bottle trying to entice the ketchup out. I could hear the "slap-slap-slap" of her palm on the bottle bottom as I pulled open the front door to see Father Francis Early on the steps. "Is your mother home?" asked our pastor. I nodded. "She's in the kitchen, hitting the bottle." revdauphinee answered on 06/10/04: heard this years ago but cant remember where its still funy though arcura rated this answer

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sapphire630 asked on 06/09/04 - What I see kids being taught I read all kinds of stuff about how kids are being suspended, expelled and even being thrown in jail for various things because the teachers "don't want to deal with it" as well as zero tolerance. What I see the outcome of this being is the kids see how unjust or society is. The first incident I remember hearing was about the boy wearing the fireman outfit and a plastic ax to school on halloween. Fortunely the firemaen fought that suspension. Then I heard of a boy, who when the teacher told them to draw a picture commerating Memorial Day, he drew his Uncle in the service complete with a gun. He was suspended for drawing a gun. Then there was the incident where the police went into a High School early in the morning when the poorer kids were being bussed and they heard guns to their heads as they searched their lockers. They were done and gone before the richer kids got there. I heard many schools are putting kids in Juvenile jail if they can't sit still in class. The lastest 2 things I have heard are: A teen age boy drove to school. In his car, he had the metal gym bats he was authorized to have and an 8 inch wooden bat that fell of one of his trophies. The school suspended him for the wooden trophy bat and is leaning toward expelling him. A young boy wrote a paper about what he learned from something he did wrong at school. The problem was it was sarcastic and full of violence and sex. The teacher gave him an A and sent the paper to be published on a website. I know teachers don't want to deal with kids nowadays because students are getting violent with teachers and so forth, but isn't the way they go about it teaching them how unjust our society is or some wrong values? revdauphinee answered on 06/10/04: what can we expect from a society where believing in Chist is outlawed and when a child is too much trouble for the teachers his /her parents are told to put the child into a drug induced state(Ridelin)where is this country going to be when these kids grow up is what bothers me? Krewton rated this answer sapphire630 rated this answer

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STONY asked on 06/09/04 - A BIT OF HUMOR TO START YOUR DAY.... It's all in how you look at it! Compared with Gasoline Think a gallon of gas is expensive? This makes one think, and also puts things in perspective. Diet Snapple 16 oz $1.29 ...... $10.32 per gallon Lipton Ice Tea 16 oz $1.19 ...........$9.52 per gallon Gatorade 20 oz $1.59 ..... $10.17 per gallon Ocean Spray 16 oz $1.25 .......... $10.00 per gallon Brake Fluid 12 oz $3.15 ........... $33.60 per gallon Vick's Nyquil 6 oz $8.35 ... $178.13 per gallon Pepto Bismol 4 oz $3.85 .... $123.20 per gallon Whiteout 7 oz $1.39 ....... . $25.42 per gallon Scope 1.5 oz $0.99 .....$84.48 per gallon And this is the REAL KICKER... Evian water 9 oz $1.49..........$21.19 per gallon?! $21.19 for WATER - and the buyers don't even know the source. (Evian spelled backwards is Naive.) So, the next time you're at the pump, be glad your car doesn't run on water, Scope, or Whiteout, or God forbid Pepto Bismal or Nyquil. Just a little humor to help ease the pain of your next trip to the pump... revdauphinee answered on 06/09/04: I dont complain about gas prices !I was in Europe a few years ago and payed over $3.00 a gallon there so weve still got a way to go to catch up with what they were paying then>we here in the USA truly have no idea just how lucky we are ! Dorothy STONY rated this answer

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MaggieB asked on 06/08/04 - What is wrong with this picture???? These are the very LATEST UPDATE PAGES about the persecution. 8 Million Christians & Non-Muslims have been exterminated since 1988 by the fastest growing religion in the world, the 1.8 Billion Muslims. You may say, we haven't heard about this. That is the biggest part of the story. The news media has avoided sharing any of the data that thousands of christians and missions organizations have been trying to get them to acknowledge. CrossRoads Network has been sharing this since 1994. Muslim Growth Areas One of our favorite sites is a leader among many who have branched out in so many ways to help people. Go to WWW.Persecution.com. They have led many who have joined the battle of getting the news to acknowledge what is happening. Now there are hundreds of great web sites, who are called to document these last days events. But the News continues to ignore the story. Many countries that took hundreds of years of missions work to develop. Some even dating back to the early church, are completely overrun by Muslims. Somalia boasted in it's news that there is not one church left in all of Somalia. Two months later our President sent the marines into the country, not knowing a thing about the complete overthrow of Christianity by Muslims in Somalia. Another example is Kosovo, go to their web page and see all the churches burned down since 2000. 8 Million have been killed, are missing, or have been forced to convert and cannot be found. 8 Million is more that the Nazi Camps Killed. This is more than all the christians who were killed in the 10 Roman Persecutions between A.D. 64 through A.D. 313. This 8 million, is more than all the christians that have been killed since 55 A.D. These facts were also quoted by Dr. James Kennedy on the Coral Ridge Hour in 1993. He said the Persecution of Christians is one of the most concealed news stories of this century. We are reminided of the days when the media hid the truth of the concentration camps from the American people during the early parts of WW2. Go to Google, or Webcrawler, type, destruction, kosovo, persecution, you'll see the Page at the top with the destroyed churches in Kosovo. It's happening everywhere. Pakistan, Liberia, Algeria, well go and see. Decent comments are welcome! God bless, MaggieB revdauphinee answered on 06/08/04: I have been trying to point out the violence connected with this religion but no one wants to hear it ! MaggieB rated this answer

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MaggieB asked on 06/08/04 - What is wrong with this picture???? These are the very LATEST UPDATE PAGES about the persecution. 8 Million Christians & Non-Muslims have been exterminated since 1988 by the fastest growing religion in the world, the 1.8 Billion Muslims. You may say, we haven't heard about this. That is the biggest part of the story. The news media has avoided sharing any of the data that thousands of christians and missions organizations have been trying to get them to acknowledge. CrossRoads Network has been sharing this since 1994. Muslim Growth Areas One of our favorite sites is a leader among many who have branched out in so many ways to help people. Go to WWW.Persecution.com. They have led many who have joined the battle of getting the news to acknowledge what is happening. Now there are hundreds of great web sites, who are called to document these last days events. But the News continues to ignore the story. Many countries that took hundreds of years of missions work to develop. Some even dating back to the early church, are completely overrun by Muslims. Somalia boasted in it's news that there is not one church left in all of Somalia. Two months later our President sent the marines into the country, not knowing a thing about the complete overthrow of Christianity by Muslims in Somalia. Another example is Kosovo, go to their web page and see all the churches burned down since 2000. 8 Million have been killed, are missing, or have been forced to convert and cannot be found. 8 Million is more that the Nazi Camps Killed. This is more than all the christians who were killed in the 10 Roman Persecutions between A.D. 64 through A.D. 313. This 8 million, is more than all the christians that have been killed since 55 A.D. These facts were also quoted by Dr. James Kennedy on the Coral Ridge Hour in 1993. He said the Persecution of Christians is one of the most concealed news stories of this century. We are reminided of the days when the media hid the truth of the concentration camps from the American people during the early parts of WW2. Go to Google, or Webcrawler, type, destruction, kosovo, persecution, you'll see the Page at the top with the destroyed churches in Kosovo. It's happening everywhere. Pakistan, Liberia, Algeria, well go and see. Decent comments are welcome! God bless, MaggieB revdauphinee answered on 06/08/04: I have been trying to point out the violence connected with this religion but no one wants to hear it ! MaggieB rated this answer

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Toms777 asked on 06/07/04 - US Not Bound by Torture Laws? Can any Christian continue to support a government that endorses the use of torture? http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/3783869.stm revdauphinee answered on 06/07/04: my answetr was for Cherab I was so astounded when I found I agreed I messed up Dorothy Cherab rated this answer Toms777 rated this answer

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Cherab asked on 06/07/04 - Separation of church and state In the matter of the separation of church (or religion) and state, if you think that separation ought not to take place, how do you answer: 1. If church and state are to have alegal relationship, which church should it be? 2. If religion and state are to be conjoined in a legal partnership, which religion should it be? 3. How would a church or religion qualify for conjoination? Would it be on grounds of membership with the largest membership getting the legal handshake? 4. Would it be on grounds of historicity, with the winner being that church/religion that has been longest established in the USA? 5. Would it be on grounds of world population and adherents of faith etc? 6. Would it be on the grounds of anticipated membership, say, a hundred years from now? How would you select which faith/denomination was in partnership with the state? :) revdauphinee answered on 06/07/04: "now what can we do ?"well for a start we can research and find the truth in everything we hear or read too many folks are being misled by the liberal media withour using our God given talents to find out if what they are telling us is realy true or just a part of the liberal Agenda.There is another war this country is in at present it is the war with those aho are the enemies of Christianity and when we put our heads in the sand and refuse to admit this we are aiding the enemys of all that we stand for. we are laying the footwork for the persecutions of Christians to come!Christ himself told us that Luke 21 :12. "But before all this, they will lay hands on you and persecute you. They will deliver you to synagogues and prisons, and you will be brought before kings and governors, and all on account of my name. 13. This will result in your being witnesses to them. 14. But make up your mind not to worry beforehand how you will defend yourselves. 15. For I will give you words and wisdom that none of your adversaries will be able to resist or contradict. 16. You will be betrayed even by parents, brothers, relatives and friends, and they will put some of you to death. 17. All men will hate you because of me. Cherab rated this answer

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STONY asked on 06/07/04 - ONE AMERICAN ON APOLOGETICS... SINCE MOST EVERYONE HERE REVEALS THEIR FEELINGS IN ONE WAY OR ANOTHER I THOUGHT THIS MAN'S WERE APPROPRIATE................. APOLOGY I heard some Arabs are asking for an apology for Iraqi prisoner abuse at Abu Gahreb prison. I humbly offer mine here: -- I am sorry the last seven times Americans took up arms and sacrificed the blood of our youth it was in defense of Muslims (Bosnia, Kosovo, Sudan, Persian Gulf War, Kuwait, etc.). -- I am sorry there was no such call for an apology from the Muslim extremists after 9/11. -- I am sorry all of the murderers on 9/11 were Arabs. -- I am sorry Arabs have to live in squalor under savage dictatorships. -- I am sorry Arab leaders squander their oil wealth. -- I am sorry Arab governments breed hate for the United States in their religious schools. -- I am sorry Yasir Arafat was kicked out of every Arab country and hijacked the Palestinian "cause." -- I am sorry no other Arab country will take in the Palestinians or offer more than a token amount of financial help to those same Palestinians. -- I am sorry the United States has to step in and be the biggest financial supporter of poverty stricken Arabs while the insanely wealthy Arabs blame the United States for their plight. -- I am sorry our own left wing elite and news media can't understand any of this. -- I am sorry the United Nations scammed the poor people of Iraq out of the "food for oil" money so they could get rich while the common folk suffered. -- I am sorry some Arab governments pay the families of homicide bombers upon their deaths after they kill hundreds of innocent men, women and children. I am also sorry that those same bombers are overwhelmed with the thought of sex -- seeking to be rewarded with 72 virgins. -- I am sorry homicide bombers think babies are a legitimate target. -- I am sorry our troops closed the rape rooms and the filling of mass graves of Iraqi dissidents by Saddam Hussein. -- I am sorry Muslim extremists have killed more Arabs than any other group. --I am sorry foreign-trained terrorists are trying to seize control of Iraq and turn it into a terrorist state. -- I am sorry we don't drop a few dozen Daisy-Cutters on Fallujah. -- I am sorry when each time I see terrorists hide, they find a convenient "holy site." -- I am sorry Muslim Extremists didn't apologize for driving jets into the World Trade Center towers that collapsed and destroyed St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church -- one of OUR holy sites. -- I am sorry they didn't apologize for flight 93 and 175, the USS Cole, the embassy bombings, etc. -- I am sorry Michael Moore is American. -- I am sorry the French don�t remember who liberated them during World War II. America will get past this latest absurdity. We will punish those responsible because that's what we do. We hang out our dirty laundry for all the world to see and then move on. We don't hide this stuff like all countries that are now demanding an apology. Remember, thought that, until they were captured, we were trying to kill these same prisoners. Our compassion is tempered with the vivid memories of our own people killed, mutilated and burnt amongst a joyous crowd of celebrating Fallujans and the beheading of our citizens in the name of God. NOW, LETS NOT BE SHY HERE EXPRES YOURSELVES!! JUST REMEMBER OPINIONS ARE LIKE EARS, EVERYBODY HAS THEM. revdauphinee answered on 06/07/04: tell them we will ""consider"" an apology when they appologise for beheading one American citisen and murdering thousands on 9/11 and since I have both ears and oppinions in my oppinion Michael Moore is a publicity seeking idiot, ATON2 rated this answer excon rated this answer MaggieB rated this answer STONY rated this answer

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Cherab asked on 06/07/04 - Separation of church and state In the matter of the separation of church (or religion) and state, if you think that separation ought not to take place, how do you answer: 1. If church and state are to have alegal relationship, which church should it be? 2. If religion and state are to be conjoined in a legal partnership, which religion should it be? 3. How would a church or religion qualify for conjoination? Would it be on grounds of membership with the largest membership getting the legal handshake? 4. Would it be on grounds of historicity, with the winner being that church/religion that has been longest established in the USA? 5. Would it be on grounds of world population and adherents of faith etc? 6. Would it be on the grounds of anticipated membership, say, a hundred years from now? How would you select which faith/denomination was in partnership with the state? :) revdauphinee answered on 06/07/04: the **Supreme Court ruled that the First Amendment erected a "wall of separation" between church and state which must be kept "high and impregnable." Astonishingly, the Court cited no precedent from previous rulings. The case was an official betrayal of America's Christian heritage. also {{{{Article I. - The Legislative Branch Note Section 1 - The Legislature All legislative Powers herein granted shall be vested in a Congress of the United States, which shall consist of a Senate and House of Representatives.)))) note **the supreme court was never granted this power ATON2 rated this answer Cherab rated this answer

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Liz22 asked on 06/07/04 - No part of this world? Can someone please clarify to me what Jesus meant by when he said' we are to be no part of this world? Can anyone tell me where I can find this scripture? How could one live in this world but be of no part of it? Thank you. Liz. revdauphinee answered on 06/07/04: 15. Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 16. For everything in the world--the cravings of sinful man, the lust of his eyes and the boasting of what he has and does--comes not from the Father but from the world. 17. The world and its desires pass away, but the man who does the will of God lives forever. Liz22 rated this answer

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kindj asked on 06/07/04 - Persecution I engaged in an extraordinarily dangerous activity over the weekend, and count myself lucky and blessed to have survived the experience intact and still of relatively sound mind. I was thinking. I was thinking about Itsb's question regarding the ACLU's activities in the Granola State, aka California, and may have arrived at some conclusions. I hear a lot of Christians in America worrying a lot about "persecution" by the gov't and by the citizenry. Initially I thought, "Yeah, they're right! We don't have to take this!! They're stepping all over our rights!" and all that other stuff. And yes, it's true: Things that were once assumed and taken for granted are no longer so certain. The central gov't is beginning to dictate what may and may not appear in and on public (gov't owned) buildings. The tax-exempt status of the church is now in question. Even our schoolkids are (in some places) being told not to wear some Christian-oriented T-shirts. I have fought and will continue to fight against SOME of these moves, but I had to stop and ask myself, "Persecution? Does it REALLY fit THAT bill?" I don't think so. When our churches (regardless of the ethnic makeup of them) are destroyed, then maybe. When we are denied jobs because we are Christians, maybe. When we can't shop at certain places or eat in certain restaurants, maybe. When we are sought out and beaten and murdered because of our faith, then maybe. When we are completely and totally abandoned and foresaken by mankind because of our choice to follow the Master, then maybe. If and when all of these things occur, then I'll use the word "persecution." But I'll use it with joy, for then I'll know for sure that the Day of the Lord is at hand. And I'll remember the words of Paul: Rom 8:35 35 Who will separate us from the love of Christ? Will tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? The answer of course, as all of you scholars know, is nothing, no one can ever separate us from the love of Christ. And THAT'S what it's all about. For those who are concerned about restrictions on your ability to evangelize (if "evangelize" is even a real word), understand this: Where the persecution is the greatest in the world right now, there the Christian faith is growing the fastest. Those are my thoughts on this way-too-early-for-me Monday morning. If I've missed the boat anywhere, somebody please let me know. DK revdauphinee answered on 06/07/04: the thing I find wrong is your quote "The central gov't is beginning to dictate what may and may not appear in and on public (gov't owned) buildings." it is not the central govenment that is causing this it is the ctions of the ACLU and liberal Judges who have taken on more authority that the constitution designed them to have!we are rapidly becoming a country that is not governed by the people but rather by the Judges!who are forming laws where they are only supposed to enforce them.the thing that distresses me is that it seems that the only religion seperated out for these discriminationary practices is the one to wich I belong Christianity> ATON2 rated this answer kindj rated this answer

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Cherab asked on 06/06/04 - What is "Fundamentalism" or 'fundamentalism'? Fundamentalism is: 1. a movement in American Protestantism that arose in the early part of the 20th century in reaction to Modernism and that stresses the infallibility of the Bible not only in matters of faith and morals but also as a literal historical record, and: The beliefs held by those in this movement, or: Strict adherence to any set of basic ideas or principles. A person can be a Fundamentalist by believing in a set of basic (or fundamental) principles that are non-negotiable without being a militant fundamentalist. Militantism is being vigorously active, aggressive, and often combative, especially in support of a cause. Fundamentalists are those who hold in their head a fixed set of religious teachings that they believe (rightly or wrongly) are FUNDAMENTAL to their belief system. Militants are those who hold any such firm beliefs, but who in a spirit of warfare carry the message of their own 'rightness' and everyone else's 'wrongness' out into the camps of their enemies to do battle. They are pugnacious, embittered, unpleasant, self-righteous, selfish, ignorant, antisocial, and deluded. Give me a dyed-in-the-wool Fundamentalist, and I can be his friend. But, rotten-to-the-core Militants are alienated, friendless, steeped in indifference to the feelings and beliefs of others, and unapproachable except on 'battle grounds' as armed and determined enemies, and it is from their ranks that terrorists and terrorism arises. You will recognize them because they have their scriptures in one hand: Old Testament, New Testament, Koran, Mein Kampf, The Protocols of the Elders of Zion, The Awful Disclosures of Maria Monk, Thirty Years a Watchtower Slave, etcx., and other weapons that, if they ar enot fundamentally so, become weapons of division and hatred intheir hands. In the other hand and proceeding from their mouths are the swords of Shaitan, the separator, the divider, the destroyer, the unpleasant, and the very antithesis of all things godly and good. Not all Militants are religious in the generally accepted sense. Anyone who picks out an enemy for his or herself and pursues them in any way, it a Militant, and as such is an enemy of mankind. They are religiose rather than religious, self-seeking rather than generous, morose rather than happy, and dull of mind rather than inltelligent. From their mouths there never issues words of comfort or esteem for others, for they are in the tearing down business, and not in the elevating business of raising up a humanity in need of lifting. They are sociopathic, humorless, carping creatures, whose own profound misery must be visited on everyone who is in disagreement with their philosophy of wretchedness. They are present on this board, and are easily identifiabl;e by their constant putting down and criicizing of others, while they make little or no positive contribution. They are as the ancient Amalekites who picked off the weakened stragglers of the Children of Israel as they journeyed through the wilderness. There IS a differenmce between Fundamentalists and Militants, the that difference is well worth noting, lest out with the bathwater goes the valuable baby. :) revdauphinee answered on 06/06/04: I guess this was meant for me however your oppinions of me are not a concern of mine since you seem to go out of your way to criticise others who do not hold your liberal views. Dorothy ATON2 rated this answer Cherab rated this answer Liz22 rated this answer paraclete rated this answer

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PraiseJah asked on 06/06/04 - How about some good clean fun? > Two peanuts walk into a bar > One was a salted. > ********** > A jump-lead walks into a bar. > The barman says "I'll serve you, but don't start anything." > ********** > A man walks into a bar with a slab of asphalt under his arm and says: > "A beer please, and one for the road." > ********** > Two aerials meet on a roof, fall in love get married. > The ceremony wasn't much but the reception was brilliant. > ********** > Two cows standing next to each other in a field, Daisy says to Dolly > "I was artificially inseminated this morning." > "I don't believe you," said Dolly. > "It's true, no bull!" > ********** > Two hydrogen atoms walk into a bar. > One says, "I've lost my electron." > The other says, "Are you sure?" > The first replies, "Yes, I'm positive..." > ********** > A man takes his Rottweiler to the vet and says, > "My dog's cross-eyed, is there anything you can do for him? " > "Well," says the vet, "let's have a look at him" > So he picks the dog up and examines his eyes, then checks his teeth. > Finally, he says "I'm going to have to put him down." > "What? Because he's cross-eyed?" > "No, because he's really heavy" > ********** > I went to buy some camouflage trousers the other day but I couldn't find > any. > ********** > I went to the butchers the other day and I bet him 50 dollars that he > couldn't reach the meat off the top shelf. > And he said, 'no, the steaks are too high.' > ********** > My friend drowned in a bowl of muesli. > He was pulled in by a strong currant. > *********> ********** > What do you call a fish with no eyes? > A fsh revdauphinee answered on 06/06/04: I love em PraiseJah rated this answer

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XCHOUX asked on 06/05/04 - Scapegoat The basis of Christianity in the New Testament is the ancient Hebrew concept of a scapegoat. Christ was the scapegoat for all humankind. He was sacrificed to GodAlmighty to "cover" the sins of mankind against the wrath of God. Christ's sacrifice is an umbrella under which Christians can seek refuge from God's punishment. Comments? revdauphinee answered on 06/05/04: this is true Krewton rated this answer XCHOUX rated this answer

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XCHOUX asked on 06/05/04 - Ten Most Dangerous Foods What are the ten foods most likely to contain bacteria of some sort that will cause illness? These are pretty easy, so how about three examples?? revdauphinee answered on 06/05/04: compliments of wall Mart connect.com The Dirty 10: 1. Chicken In one study cited by Men's Health, more than 40 percent of chicken samples contained bacteria that can sicken, including E. coli. 2. Ground Beef Simply because of the way ground beef is made through heavy processing, it has the potential to be loaded with deadly E. coli bacteria and more. 3. Ground Turkey One in four packages of ground turkey tested by Men's Health contained bacteria. This becomes a greater concern as more people substitute ground turkey for ground beef thinking it's a healthier alternative. 4. Oysters Beware of raw oysters! Many are tainted not only with bacteria, but also the Norovirus. 5. Eggs The incredible edible egg is also associated with more than 600,000 cases of food poisoning each year and more than 300 deaths. Cook eggs completely and never eat them raw. Bobbye rated this answer Cherab rated this answer Doc05 rated this answer paraclete rated this answer XCHOUX rated this answer

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XCHOUX asked on 06/05/04 - World Fundamentalist Movements In a new book, Malise Ruthven talks about Fundamentalism since the end of the Cold War in 1989. Fundamentalism as a revolt against modernity. The authors lists the common factors that the Fundamentalist movements in Islam, Christianity, Judaism, Buddhism, and Hunduism have in common. Adherence to textural and scriptural literalism, rejection of pluralisn, apocalyptic embrace of violence, and the repression of women. Fundamentalism has emerged as the greatest threat to world peace. So, you can see why I am so anti-Fundamentalism no matter what. Do you agree with this author's assessment? Do you have any comments? revdauphinee answered on 06/05/04: Im with Krewton!couldnt have put it better myself!exept for the baptist part! Cherab rated this answer Krewton rated this answer MaggieB rated this answer XCHOUX rated this answer

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cliff_dweller asked on 06/05/04 - Pastoral Work Hi all, back again. I was wondering if you knew what the best way to get into ministry was. Going to school? Finding a church, founding a church? Do you know of any resources? Thanks! revdauphinee answered on 06/05/04: depends on what your denomination is go talk to your paster he can put you on the right track ! cliff_dweller rated this answer

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ROLCAM asked on 06/05/04 - Why did such a clever man say this ?? Thomas Edison, American inventor (1847-1931). "Religion is all bunk." ROLCAM. revdauphinee answered on 06/05/04: maybee he wasnt a bright a bulb as we thought! ROLCAM rated this answer

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arcura asked on 06/04/04 - History - A conflict resolved. Several centuries ago, the Pope decreed that all the Jews had to convert or leave Italy. There was a huge outcry from the Jewish community, so the Pope offered a deal. He would have a religious debate with the leader of the Jewish community. If the Jews won, they could stay in Italy. If the Pope won, they would have to leave. The Jewish people met and picked an aged but wise Rabbi, Rabbi Moishe, to represent them in the debate. However, as Moishe spoke no Italian and the Pope spoke no Yiddish, they all agreed that it would be a "silent" debate. On the chosen day, the Pope and Rabbi Moishe sat opposite each other for a full minute before the Pope raised his hand and showed three fingers. Rabbi Moishe looked back and raised one finger. Next the Pope waved his finger around his head. Rabbi Moishe pointed to the ground where he sat. The Pope then brought out a communion wafer and a chalice of wine. Rabbi Moishe pulled out an apple. With that, the Pope stood up and declared that he was beaten, that Rabbi Moishe was too clever and that the Jews could stay. Later, the Cardinals met with the Pope, asking what had happened. The Pope said, "First I held up three fingers to represent the Trinity. He responded by holding up one finger to remind me that there is still only one God common to both our beliefs. Then, I waved my finger to show him that God was all around us. He responded by pointing to the ground to show that God was also right here with us. I pulled out the wine and wafer to show that God absolves us of all our sins. He pulled out an apple to remind me of the original sin. He had me beaten and I could not continue." Meanwhile the Jewish community was gathered around Rabbi Moishe. "How did you win the debate?" they asked. "I haven't a clue," said Moishe. "First he said to me that we had three days to get out of Italy, so I said to him, Up yours! Then he tells me that the whole country would be cleared of Jews and I said to him, we're staying right here." "And then what," asked a woman. "Who knows?" said Moishe. "He took out his lunch so I took out mine." revdauphinee answered on 06/05/04: good one! arcura rated this answer

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XCHOUX asked on 06/04/04 - Cool Baby Names According to the ladies who wrote the book about cool baby names, there are five names that parents should not name their children in order to spare the child excessive teasing. Can you name one? (Answer Later) revdauphinee answered on 06/04/04: I read an article today about this so I guess im cheating but the list was Those names you should never use are: Norbert Bertha Delbert Hortense Hyman Dorothy ( I added the last personaly cause I never liked it LOL XCHOUX rated this answer HANK1 rated this answer Cherab rated this answer

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arcura asked on 06/04/04 - Why does God allow things like this to happen? This is story is real! Next time you have a bad day at work...think of this guy. Rob is a commercial saturation diver for Global Divers in Louisiana. He performs underwater repairs on offshore drilling rigs. Below is an E-mail he sent to his sister. She then sent it to radio station 103.2 on FM dialing Ft. Wayne, Indiana, who was sponsoring a worst job experience contest. Needless to say, she won. Hi Sue: Just another note from your bottom-dwelling brother. Last week I had a bad day at the office. I know you've been feeling down lately at work, so I thought I would share my dilemma with you to make you realize it's not so bad after all. Before I can tell you what happened to me, I first must bore you with a few technicalities of my job. As you know, my office lies at the bottom of the sea. I wear a suit to the office. It's a wetsuit. This time of year the water is quite cool. So what we do to keep warm is this: We have a diesel powered industrial water heater. This $20,000 piece of equipment sucks the water out of the sea. It heats it to a delightful temperature. It then pumps it down to the diver through a garden hose, which is taped to the air hose. Now this sounds like a darn good plan, and I've used it several times with no complaints. What I do, when I get to the bottom and start working, is take the hose and stuff it down the back of my wetsuit. This floods my whole suit with warm water. It's like working in a Jacuzzi. Everything was going well until all of a sudden, my butt started to itch. So, of course, I scratched it. This only made things worse. Within a few seconds my butt started to burn. I pulled the hose out from my back, but he damage was done. In agony I realized what had happened. The hot water machine had sucked up a jellyfish and pumped it into my suit. Now since I don't have any hair on my back, the jellyfish couldn't stick to it. However, the crack of my butt was not as fortunate. When I scratched what I thought was an itch, I was actually grinding the jellyfish into the crack of my butt. I informed the dive supervisor of my dilemma over the communicator. His instructions were unclear due to the fact that he, along with five other divers, were all laughing hysterically. Needless to say I aborted the dive. I was instructed to make three agonizing in-water decompression stops totaling thirty-five minutes before I could reach the surface to begin my chamber dry decompression. When I arrived at the surface, I was wearing nothing but my brass helmet. As I climbed out of the water, the medic, with tears of laughter running down his face, handed me a tube of cream and told me to rub it on my butt as soon as I got in the chamber. The cream put the fire out, but I couldn't poop for two days because my butt was swollen shut. So, next time you're having a bad day at work, think about how much worse it would be if you had a jellyfish shoved up your butt. Now repeat to yourself, "I love my job, I love my job, I love my job". revdauphinee answered on 06/04/04: he truly deserved to win that prize but when one thinks about it we should thank God he loves his Job I wouldnt want it! arcura rated this answer

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Fr_Chuck asked on 06/04/04 - Picket of store for not supporting troops. This one is about hard to believe. But here in beautiful downtown Sparta TN, a Raceway Gas station, refused to serve two service men, and then latter that day refused to serve the wife of a serviceman. They say they don't support the war and the soldiers that fight in it. It is hard to beleive that could happen in a town of 5000 in backtown TN. Most of the town is either past military, or have family in the military. Things like veteran day and memorial day are "big" things in town. So now large crowds of people have been picketing the store for the past two days. This is a torn issue for me, since I support the troops and don't beelive we should disrespect them, for choices that our government leaders do. But on the other hand, I also beleive in a stores right to not sell to someone if they don't want to. Of course most stores have to because sex,religion, race and so on, are are protected. Do you beleive that a a persons legal occupation should be grounds to be discrminated by?? revdauphinee answered on 06/04/04: I fI knew of a store or any establishment that was guilty of such a thing they would never ever get a peny of my business !Its ok to be against the war thats a perogative we all have however these men and they are men not boys did not start the war they are mearly serving thier country and should be greatly respected for it ! Fr_Chuck rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 06/04/04 - Marriage after Divorce Etc. This has hit the headlines again with the relationship between Prince Charles and Mrs Parker Bowles and the Church of England is urging the Prince to "Marry" and legitimise the relationship. As this fellow is likely to be the head of the Church of England one day in a place where the seperation of Church and State is a myth lost in the antipiies, what do you think? Church leaders have cleared the way for Britain's heir to the throne Prince Charles to marry his long-time companion and fellow divorcee Camillia Parker Bowles, although it could still be some time before wedding bells peal, The Times newspaper reported yesterday. In a front page report, it said Rowan Williams, who as Archbishop of Canterbury is the worldwide leader of the Anglican Church, had given his personal blessing for the Prince of Wales, 55, to marry Parker Bowles, 56. Charles was previously married to Princess Diana, who died in a car crash in Paris in August 1997 - a year after the couple divorced and two years after Parker Bowles divorced her own husband. The issue of whether the royal heir can marry a divorcee has vexed constitutional experts for years, since the British monarch is the titular head of the Anglican Church and thus officially expected to be beyond moral reproach. Conservative Anglicans have long expressed opposition to Charles and Parker Bowles marrying in a church, given their well-documented adultery with each other before the breakdown of their respective marriages. But The Times said the couple now were "actively considering wedding plans", after Williams - well known for his liberal views - dropped his objections to the union following secret talks with the prince. Marriage is now a definite possibility, a friend of Charles who was "authorised" to speak on his behalf, was quoted in The Times as saying. "It would be wrong to give the impression that they have not talked about it. That would not be right," the friend said. "But no one will rush into it or bounce them into it. It's a personal decision." However, the friend added that any announcement would be impossible before the conclusion of a formal British police inquiry into Diana's death as part of an ongoing English coroner's inquest. That means that nothing will happen until "next year at the earliest", the friend said. revdauphinee answered on 06/04/04: as a former Brit the church there never had seperation of church from anything it is a state instituted church, named the church of England,and mostly a dead church for not many of the population even attend any church.also while the arch bishop may have accepted Cammelia as a future queen I feel the british people never will!they loved and adored Dianna and have not forgotten her. Cherab rated this answer paraclete rated this answer

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XCHOUX asked on 06/03/04 - Boogeyman Why do some Christian religions and the Islamic religion have to have someone to blame, a boogeyman, in order to rally the faithful to the cause, their God. Fundamentalist Christians attack the ACLU, Catholics(Christians!), atheists, the media, they are all over the map. Why? The Muslims attack Jews and the Americans as Infidels, as well as others. I really wonder... What is lacking in these religions or in the followers that causes them to be haters? revdauphinee answered on 06/03/04: the reason I am against the Aclu is becasue i feelk they re against everything I believe in they have declaired war on Christianity ib America an the agenda of the aclu seems to be to remove everything even remotly associated with Christ or Christianity from our society .they dont persecute any faith but Christianity .I dont see them trying to remove any other religious symbolism from our lives just Christian ones .I heard on the news the other day that children in some school were being forced to say islamic prayers in a history class why dont the Aclu do something about that we cant have our cristian kids saying Christian prayers !they succeded in having a a small cross taken from the symbol of Los Angeles that has been there for years yet say nothing aboput citizrns having to hear the muslim call to prayer in a mid western town .If wqe are going to purge our society of religion then let be all religions not just the one I chose to believe> arcura rated this answer Cherab rated this answer XCHOUX rated this answer

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XCHOUX asked on 06/03/04 - Boogeyman Why do some Christian religions and the Islamic religion have to have someone to blame, a boogeyman, in order to rally the faithful to the cause, their God. Fundamentalist Christians attack the ACLU, Catholics(Christians!), atheists, the media, they are all over the map. Why? The Muslims attack Jews and the Americans as Infidels, as well as others. I really wonder... What is lacking in these religions or in the followers that causes them to be haters? revdauphinee answered on 06/03/04: the reason I am against the Aclu is becasue i feelk they re against everything I believe in they have declaired war on Christianity ib America an the agenda of the aclu seems to be to remove everything even remotly associated with Christ or Christianity from our society .they dont persecute any faith but Christianity .I dont see them trying to remove any other religious symbolism from our lives just Christian ones .I heard on the news the other day that children in some school were being forced to say islamic prayers in a history class why dont the Aclu do something about that we cant have our cristian kids saying Christian prayers !they succeded in having a a small cross taken from the symbol of Los Angeles that has been there for years yet say nothing aboput citizrns having to hear the muslim call to prayer in a mid western town .If wqe are going to purge our society of religion then let be all religions not just the one I chose to believe> CeeBee rated this answer XCHOUX rated this answer

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darkstar asked on 06/03/04 - somehow i just don't understand i have never been able to understand this concept, and i don't mean any offense by it but with the separation of church and state that is supposed to be the law...i thought, why would the president of the usa say he is against gay marriage? in most if not all legal marriages God and scripture is quoted, so why should the government be able to say who can marry who?, in all honesty and respect, darlene revdauphinee answered on 06/03/04: the idea of seperation was so that no state church (such as the church of England)could be established it was never intended as many claim to day to mean we would have no religion! the founders of this country came from places where established religions were extreemly restrictive ,and they came here for freedom from forced worship in fact this country contrary to the UCLU was founded by Christians on Christian principals !Thy wanted freedon "OF"religion never freedom from religion! darkstar rated this answer paraclete rated this answer

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darkstar asked on 06/03/04 - what do you believe? Mark chapter 12, verse 25." For when they rise from the dead, neither do men marry nor are women given in marriage, but are as angels in the heavens". Mormons believe that man and woman can be married for all eternity and also believe that man may take on more wives in heaven, what do you believe?, respectfully, darlene revdauphinee answered on 06/03/04: I am not a mormon so I believe in scripture! mariage was created so that humans could multiply ,In heaven there will be no need for that . Bobbye rated this answer darkstar rated this answer

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excon asked on 06/02/04 - Fun, or the lack thereof. C�mon Christians tell me the truth. What is it that you have against people enjoying their selves. Sex seems to be a preoccupation with you people. People can�t read about it, watch it on TV, learn about it in school, and it has to be done the way the church decides it should. Drugs? Can�t do that � its way too much fun. Alcohol? Well, that�s what we use to get high with, and we shouldn�t, but we�re gonna anyway, and you can�t stop us. But we can stop you from using the drugs you like. So, what do have against fun? excon revdauphinee answered on 06/02/04: what makesyou think Christians dont have fun?Christians can do anything thy want to its just that our want to's change !as for taking a drink read the following (here I go stepping on toes again ) (Matt.11:19 The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, `Here is a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and "sinners." ' But wisdom is proved right by her actions." ever heard of a nonedrinker being called a drunkard? His first miracle was turning water into wine when he was partying at a wedding! the bible tells us not to get drunk not not to have A drink occasionaly(contrary to popular thinking)and for those who dissagree it was wine they drunk not grape juice he was a jew remember not a baptist! (Prov.31:6-7 6 Give beer to those who are perishing, wine to those who are in anguish; 7 let them drink and forget their poverty and remember their misery no more. (1Tim.5:23. Stop drinking only water, and use a little wine because of your stomach and your frequent illnesses. ) Cherab rated this answer excon rated this answer kindj rated this answer

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STONY asked on 06/02/04 - EVER WONDER WHATS REALLY GOING ON IN IRAQ? THEN CHECK THIS OUT..... Subject: Fw: Iraq Date: Tue, 1 Jun 2004 12:38:58 -0700 > Sent: Saturday, May 01, 2004 7:04 AM > Subject: Iraq > > > This is a letter from Ray Reynolds, a medic in the Iowa Army National > Guard, > > serving in Iraq: > > > > As I head off to Baghdad for the final weeks of my stay in Iraq, I > > wanted to say thanks to all of you who did not believe the media. They > have > > done a very poor job of covering everything that has happened. I am sorry > > that I have not been able to visit > > all of you during my two-week leave back home. And just so you can rest > at > > night, knowing something is happening in Iraq that is noteworthy, I > thought > > I would pass this on to you. > > > > This is the list of things that has happened in Iraq recently: (Please > > share it with your friends and compare it to the version that your > paper/TV > > is putting out.) > > * Over 400,000 kids have up-to-date immunizations. > > * School attendance is up 80% from levels before the war. > > * Over 1,500 schools have been renovated and rid of the weapons > > stored there so education can occur. > > * The port of Uhm Qasar was renovated so grain can be off-loaded > > from ships faster. > > * The country had its first 2 billion barrel export of oil in > > August. > > * Over 4.5 million people have clean drinking water for the first > > time ever in Iraq. > > * The country now receives 2 times the electrical power it did > > before the war. > > * 100% of the hospitals are open and fully staffed, compared to > 35% > > before the war. > > * Elections are taking place in every major city, and city > councils > > are in place. > > * Sewer and water lines are installed in every major city. > > * Over 60,000 police are patrolling the streets. > > * Over 100,000 Iraqi civil defense police are securing the > country. > > * Over 80,000 Iraqi soldiers are patrolling the streets side by > side > > with US soldiers. > > * Over 400,000 people have telephones for the first time ever > > * Students are taught field sanitation and hand washing techniques > > to prevent the spread of germs. > > * An interim constitution has been signed. > > * Girls are allowed to attend school. > > * Textbooks that don't mention Saddam are in the schools for the > > first time in 30 years. > > > > Don't believe for one second that these people do not want us there. > I > > have met many, many people from Iraq that want us there, and in a bad way. > > They say they will never see the freedoms we talk about, but they hope > their > > children will. We are doing > > a good job in Iraq and I challenge anyone, anywhere to dispute me on these > > facts. So If you happen to run into John Kerry, be sure to give him my > > email address and send him to Denison, Iowa. This soldier will set him > > straight. If you are like me and > > very disgusted with how this period of rebuilding has been portrayed, > email > > this to a friend and let them know there are good things happening. > > > > Ray Reynolds, SFC > > Iowa Army National Guard > > 234th Signal Battalion > revdauphinee answered on 06/02/04: this posting should be tittled "things you wont hear on the news" thanks for posting it America need s to hear some of the good we are doing there ATON2 rated this answer STONY rated this answer Toms777 rated this answer

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hOPE12 asked on 06/02/04 - Something to think about and smile! Hello Experts, Living on Earth is expensive, but it does include a free trip around the sun every year. How long a minute is depends on what side of the bathroom door you're on. Birthdays are some thing everyone dreads, but thing about it, the more you have, the longer you live. Happiness comes through doors you didn't even know you left open. Ever notice that the people who are late are often much jollier than the people who have to wait for them? If Wal-Mart is lowering prices every day, how come nothing is free yet? You may be only one person in the world, but you may also be the world to one person. Some mistakes are too much fun to only make once. Don't cry because it's over; smile because it happened. We could learn a lot from crayons: some are sharp, some are pretty, some are dull, some have weird names, and all are different colors....but they all exist very nicely in the same box. A truly happy person is one who can enjoy the scenery on a detour. Have an awesome day, and know that someone who thinks you're great has thought about you today!.. "And that person was me."..... Please don't keep this message to yourself.....send it to those who mean so much to you.... "NOW".. Working for God on earth does not pay much, but His Retirement plan is Great! Take care, Hope12 revdauphinee answered on 06/02/04: thanks so much Hope !the way I feel today I needed that! Dorothy hOPE12 rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 06/02/04 - A beautiful message my son has just gladdened my heart by reminding me God is in the little things >Subject: This is a beautiful beautiful message... >Don't stress about the small stuff!! > >After Sept. 11th, one company invited the remaining members of other companies,who had been decimated by the attack on the Twin Towers to share their available office space. > At a morning meeting, the head of security told stories of why these people were alive...... > >and all the stories were just: The 'L I T T L E' things. > >As you might know, the head of the company got in late that day because his son started kindergarten. > >Another fellow was alive because it was his turn to bring donuts. > >One woman was late because her alarm clock didn't go off in time. > >One was late because of being stuck on the NJ Turnpike because of an auto accident. > >One of them missed his bus. > >One spilled food on her clothes and had to take time to change. > >One's car wouldn't start. > >One went back to answer the telephone. > >One had a child that dawdled and didn't get ready as soon as he should have. > >One couldn't get a taxi. The one that struck me was the man who put on a new pair of shoes that morning, took the various means to get to work but before >he got there, he developed a blister on his foot. > >He stopped at a drugstore to buy a Band-Aid............. That is why he is alive today. > >Now when I am stuck in traffic, miss an elevator, turn back to answer a ringing telephone ... all the little things that annoy me. > >I think to myself, this is exactly where I'm supposed to be at this very moment. > >Next time your morning seems to be going wrong, the children are slow getting dressed, you can't seem to find the car keys, you hit every traffic light, don't get mad or frustrated; someone is watching over you. > >May that someone continue to bless you with all those annoying little things and may you remember their possible purpose. > >Pass this on to someone else, if you like. > >There is NO LUCK attached. If you delete this, it's okay. so what do you think how many thousands are alive because God is in the little things. And if there is cynic who dares to say coincidence, I will just say when I see coincidence I see God at work revdauphinee answered on 06/02/04: the saying "God works in mysterious ways "proved true again! MaggieB rated this answer paraclete rated this answer

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ROLCAM asked on 06/02/04 - Should the Church have a say? Should the Church have a say? The Church is often caught between rock and a hard place when it comes to discussing issues like the economy and issues of a political nature and comes under fire from two sides. There are those who want her to be more vociferous and accuse the Church of mincing words or muffled silence. What are your views? revdauphinee answered on 06/02/04: Im sure someone on here will tell you about the seperation of Chrch and state nonesence hower did Jesus seperate them??no Christians are citizens and we have oppinions just like anyone else why should we not speak! paraclete rated this answer ROLCAM rated this answer Bobbye rated this answer

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ethical_reason asked on 06/02/04 - has anything really interesting happened on this board? I've been without computer for a few days and you guys have written over two pages of stuff. revdauphinee answered on 06/02/04: maybee !I for one got sick and tired of reading all the bleeding heart stuff and decided to tell it how I realy feel from now on.May step on a lot of toes but to tell the truth I realy dont care anymore> Bobbye rated this answer ethical_reason rated this answer kindj rated this answer MaggieB rated this answer

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Cherab asked on 06/01/04 - How will Christians react to this? Sanctions and the threatened war against Iraq Letter from Ramsey Clark to UN Security Council The following letter by Former U.S. Attorney General Ramsey Clark has been sent to all members of the UN Security Council, with copies to the UN General Assembly and Senator Biden of the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations. Please circulate. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- July 29, 2002 Dear Ambassador, Any remaining hope the peoples of the United Nations have to save succeeding generations from the scourge of war through the United Nations would be crushed by another United States attack on Iraq. Threats to attack, invade and overthrow the government of Iraq by President George Bush, Vice President Cheney, Secretary of Defense Rumsfeld, various cabinet officers and Pentagon officials have been routine for a year. The psychological warfare is itself a crime against peace and violates the U.N. Charter. Today's front-page headline story in the New York Times, "U.S. Exploring Baghdad Strike As Iraq Option," is typical of the in terrorem intention of the threats. The danger to civilian life in Baghdad from such a strike would be enormous. The United Nations must act to prevent an attack by the United States Against Iraq. If the United Nations is unable to restrain the United States, a permanent member of the Security Council, from committing crimes against peace and humanity as well as war crimes against a nation that has already been violated by the U.S. beyond endurance, then what is the United Nations worth? At the very least, opposition to any attack or attempt to overthrow the government of Iraq by force must be publicly expressed by the United Nations. United States bombed defenseless Iraq mercilessly for forty-two days in 1991. The U.S. led and glorified the massive assault on Iraq in January and February 1991. The Pentagon announced it conducted 110,000 aerial sorties against the defenseless "cradle of civilization," dropping 88,500 tons of bombs. The widespread bombing destroyed the economic viability of the civilian society throughout the nation. It killed tens of thousands of Iraqi citizens and others. A major part of the bombing was directed at civilians and civilian facilities. It was less accurate than the recent indiscriminate attacks in Afghanistan. U.S. bombs destroyed Iraqi water systems, electric power transmission, communications, transportation, manufacturing, commerce, agriculture, poultry and livestock, food storage facilities, markets, fertilizer and insecticide production, business centers, archeological and historical treasures, apartment houses, residential areas, schools, hospitals, mosques, churches and synagogues. The Pentagon stated its casualties were 156. One third were from "friendly fire" the rest were accidental. The U.S. had no combat casualties. The United States forced the Imposition of Genocidal Sanctions on Iraq in 1990. The U.S. crafted economic sanctions against Iraq which the Security Council approved on August 6, 1990, the 45th anniversary of the U.S. atomic bomb attack on Hiroshima. Those sanctions are the direct cause of the very cruel deaths of more than a million people. This is the greatest crime against humanity, in the last decade of the most violent century in history. Each painful death of an individual wasting away - from malnutrition; Kwashiorkor; the rush of dehydration from contaminated water and from diseases - was preventable. The sanctions continue to this time to cause hundreds of deaths each day. Every United Nations agency dealing with food, health and children - including FAO, WFP, WHO, UNICEF - has proclaimed the horror, magnitude and responsibility for this human catastrophe. The great majority of the deaths caused by the sanctions are infants, children, the elderly, the chronically ill and emergency medical cases. These are the people most vulnerable to polluted water, malnutrition, and the lack of medicines and medical equipment and supplies. U.S. claims that it is the Iraqi government that is responsible for deaths from shortages of food and medicine are false. The U.S. blocked oil sales by Iraq for six years before appearing to yield to humanitarian pleas to permit oil sales to purchase food and medicine. Since 1997, when sales began, it has effectively frustrated and delayed the Oil for Food program, which does not provide sufficient income at the levels approved to stop the daily deterioration of health and growing death rates in Iraq. Before sanctions there was virtually no malnutrition in Iraq and free hospital, health services and medicines were a model for the region. Its present system of government distribution of available food staples is a model of fairness and efficiency, lacking only in quantity and variety of food. United States military aircraft have attacked Iraq at will for Eleven Years The U.S. has engaged in air strikes against Iraq at will since March 1991, when the massive attacks averaging one aerial sortie every 30 seconds ended. Without losing a single plane, U.S. attacks have killed: cleaning personnel at the Al Rashid Hotel in Baghdad in a failed attempt to assassinate Saddam Hussein; scores of people each year in attacks on radar stations in or near the U.S.-imposed no-fly zones; all the persons aboard a U.N. helicopter shot down by U.S. aircraft; and civilians from all walks of life, including the internationally famous artist and Director of Iraqis' National Center for Arts, Leila al Attar. Iraq is not a threat to the US, countries in the region or others The U.S. has falsely claimed that Iraq is working to develop weapons of mass destruction to attack the U.S., Israel, its neighbors and others. The U.S. claimed its 1991 attacks destroyed 80% of Iraq's military capacity. The U.N. inspection efforts claimed to discover and dismantle 90% of Iraq's post-1991 capacity to develop weapons of mass destruction. Iraq, its peoples and resources are exhausted. It has a "stunted" generation of children under age 10 and a debilitated population at all ages. It is the victim of the worst crime against humanity in recent decades. The United States is the Greatest Purveyor of Violence on Earth Two of the highest U.N. officials responsible for U.N. weapons inspection within Iraq and a principal U.S. citizen participating in the inspections have resigned, denounced the sanctions and denied that there is a threat that Iraq will develop weapons of mass destruction. The U.S. has more nuclear weapons than all other nations combined as well as the most sophisticated and numerous systems for the delivery of nuclear weapons, including the Trident II submarine fleet. It possesses the greatest stockpiles of chemical and biological weapons and the most advanced and extensive research in mass destruction weaponry in the world. Military spending by the U.S. exceeds that of the nine next largest budgets for war combined. President Bush has repeatedly declared the right to strike first. The U.S. attacked Hiroshima and Nagasaki with atomic bombs and continues to justify those acts. The U.S. has renounced treaties controlling nuclear weapons and their proliferation; voted against the protocol enabling enforcement of the Biological Weapons Conventions; and rejected the treaty banning land mines, the International Criminal Court and virtually every other international effort to control and limit war. The U.S. War Against Terrorism is a declaration of right by the U.S. to attack first - anyone, anywhere, on mere suspicion, or without excuse, unilaterally. The U.S. wants to overthrow the government of Iraq and many others in violation of law. Unless restrained the chance for peace and global equality of economic, social, cultural and political opportunity among nations will be lost. Which government presents the greater threat to peace globally or for Mesopotamia and its neighbors - the U.S. or Iraq? An attack by the United States on Iraq to overthrow its government would be a flagrant violation of the U.N. Charter, the Nuremberg Charter and International Law If, as promised so many times, the U.S. does attack Iraq to overthrow its government, it will be the most notorious, arrogant and contemptuous violation of the Charter of the United Nations, the Nuremberg Charter and international law yet experienced, or likely hereafter. Only absolute power unrestrained by any rule of law or standard of human decency openly taunts an intended victim as President Bush has taunted Iraq. Because the U.S. has committed historic injustices against Iraq, most during his father's presidency, and still seeks dominion in the region, President Bush, his Vice President and others in his administration hate Iraq and want finally to destroy it. I am writing this letter to you; to each U.N. Representative of a Security Council Member; the President of the General Assembly; and President Bush. This is one of a series of letters describing and protesting U.S. and UN wrongs against Iraq. The threatened wrong addressed here is the worst. If twelve years after its devastating aerial assault and after twelve years of genocidal sanctions, the omnipresent risk and frequent fact of random attack with the ever present stalking by U.S. aircraft and endless threats against its helpless victim, the U.S. commits its coup de grace on the people of Iraq to the silence of the U.N. and wealthy nations of the world, human shame and impotence will doom us to ever greater violence. A U.S. assault on Iraq will cause more and greater violence; Urgent action by the UN to prevent a U.S. assault of Iraq is required I urge you to immediately activate the United Nations, the General Assembly, the Security Council and all its agencies to denounce the continuing threats by the United States against Iraq, to demand immediate cessation of the threats and to warn the United States that an attack by it on Iraq will violate the Charter of the United Nations, international law and the friendship of all who seek peace and respect the dignity of humanity. An attack by the U.S. on Iraq would violate the Constitution and Laws of the United States requiring Impeachment, Trial before the US Senate and Criminal Charges in Federal Courts against President Bush and all officials responsible An attack on Iraq by the United States would also violate the Constitution and laws of the United States and expose President Bush to impeachment by the House of Representatives under the Constitution of the United States for the highest of crimes, those against peace and humanity, to judgment by the United States Senate and trial in federal court for crimes charged. Unfortunately in recent years our Constitution has been more honored in the breach than in faithful observance of the rights it is intended to protect for all. But the effort to hold accountable any U.S. authority who participates in an assault against Iraq will be made here by those who love their country and for that reason insist that its acts be just. Sincerely, Ramsey Clark [International Action Center, 39 W. 14th St, #206, NY, NY, 10011 212-633-6646 Fax: 212-633-2889 iacenter@action-mail.org www.iacenter.org Founded by Ramsey Clark.] revdauphinee answered on 06/02/04: to Cherab My lord you asked for an explanation !dont you watch the news ,all the UN is good for is stealing money meant for food supplies to such as Iraq so why should we even care what they think? Cherab rated this answer tomder55 rated this answer

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Cherab asked on 06/01/04 - How will Christians react to this? Sanctions and the threatened war against Iraq Letter from Ramsey Clark to UN Security Council The following letter by Former U.S. Attorney General Ramsey Clark has been sent to all members of the UN Security Council, with copies to the UN General Assembly and Senator Biden of the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations. Please circulate. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- July 29, 2002 Dear Ambassador, Any remaining hope the peoples of the United Nations have to save succeeding generations from the scourge of war through the United Nations would be crushed by another United States attack on Iraq. Threats to attack, invade and overthrow the government of Iraq by President George Bush, Vice President Cheney, Secretary of Defense Rumsfeld, various cabinet officers and Pentagon officials have been routine for a year. The psychological warfare is itself a crime against peace and violates the U.N. Charter. Today's front-page headline story in the New York Times, "U.S. Exploring Baghdad Strike As Iraq Option," is typical of the in terrorem intention of the threats. The danger to civilian life in Baghdad from such a strike would be enormous. The United Nations must act to prevent an attack by the United States Against Iraq. If the United Nations is unable to restrain the United States, a permanent member of the Security Council, from committing crimes against peace and humanity as well as war crimes against a nation that has already been violated by the U.S. beyond endurance, then what is the United Nations worth? At the very least, opposition to any attack or attempt to overthrow the government of Iraq by force must be publicly expressed by the United Nations. United States bombed defenseless Iraq mercilessly for forty-two days in 1991. The U.S. led and glorified the massive assault on Iraq in January and February 1991. The Pentagon announced it conducted 110,000 aerial sorties against the defenseless "cradle of civilization," dropping 88,500 tons of bombs. The widespread bombing destroyed the economic viability of the civilian society throughout the nation. It killed tens of thousands of Iraqi citizens and others. A major part of the bombing was directed at civilians and civilian facilities. It was less accurate than the recent indiscriminate attacks in Afghanistan. U.S. bombs destroyed Iraqi water systems, electric power transmission, communications, transportation, manufacturing, commerce, agriculture, poultry and livestock, food storage facilities, markets, fertilizer and insecticide production, business centers, archeological and historical treasures, apartment houses, residential areas, schools, hospitals, mosques, churches and synagogues. The Pentagon stated its casualties were 156. One third were from "friendly fire" the rest were accidental. The U.S. had no combat casualties. The United States forced the Imposition of Genocidal Sanctions on Iraq in 1990. The U.S. crafted economic sanctions against Iraq which the Security Council approved on August 6, 1990, the 45th anniversary of the U.S. atomic bomb attack on Hiroshima. Those sanctions are the direct cause of the very cruel deaths of more than a million people. This is the greatest crime against humanity, in the last decade of the most violent century in history. Each painful death of an individual wasting away - from malnutrition; Kwashiorkor; the rush of dehydration from contaminated water and from diseases - was preventable. The sanctions continue to this time to cause hundreds of deaths each day. Every United Nations agency dealing with food, health and children - including FAO, WFP, WHO, UNICEF - has proclaimed the horror, magnitude and responsibility for this human catastrophe. The great majority of the deaths caused by the sanctions are infants, children, the elderly, the chronically ill and emergency medical cases. These are the people most vulnerable to polluted water, malnutrition, and the lack of medicines and medical equipment and supplies. U.S. claims that it is the Iraqi government that is responsible for deaths from shortages of food and medicine are false. The U.S. blocked oil sales by Iraq for six years before appearing to yield to humanitarian pleas to permit oil sales to purchase food and medicine. Since 1997, when sales began, it has effectively frustrated and delayed the Oil for Food program, which does not provide sufficient income at the levels approved to stop the daily deterioration of health and growing death rates in Iraq. Before sanctions there was virtually no malnutrition in Iraq and free hospital, health services and medicines were a model for the region. Its present system of government distribution of available food staples is a model of fairness and efficiency, lacking only in quantity and variety of food. United States military aircraft have attacked Iraq at will for Eleven Years The U.S. has engaged in air strikes against Iraq at will since March 1991, when the massive attacks averaging one aerial sortie every 30 seconds ended. Without losing a single plane, U.S. attacks have killed: cleaning personnel at the Al Rashid Hotel in Baghdad in a failed attempt to assassinate Saddam Hussein; scores of people each year in attacks on radar stations in or near the U.S.-imposed no-fly zones; all the persons aboard a U.N. helicopter shot down by U.S. aircraft; and civilians from all walks of life, including the internationally famous artist and Director of Iraqis' National Center for Arts, Leila al Attar. Iraq is not a threat to the US, countries in the region or others The U.S. has falsely claimed that Iraq is working to develop weapons of mass destruction to attack the U.S., Israel, its neighbors and others. The U.S. claimed its 1991 attacks destroyed 80% of Iraq's military capacity. The U.N. inspection efforts claimed to discover and dismantle 90% of Iraq's post-1991 capacity to develop weapons of mass destruction. Iraq, its peoples and resources are exhausted. It has a "stunted" generation of children under age 10 and a debilitated population at all ages. It is the victim of the worst crime against humanity in recent decades. The United States is the Greatest Purveyor of Violence on Earth Two of the highest U.N. officials responsible for U.N. weapons inspection within Iraq and a principal U.S. citizen participating in the inspections have resigned, denounced the sanctions and denied that there is a threat that Iraq will develop weapons of mass destruction. The U.S. has more nuclear weapons than all other nations combined as well as the most sophisticated and numerous systems for the delivery of nuclear weapons, including the Trident II submarine fleet. It possesses the greatest stockpiles of chemical and biological weapons and the most advanced and extensive research in mass destruction weaponry in the world. Military spending by the U.S. exceeds that of the nine next largest budgets for war combined. President Bush has repeatedly declared the right to strike first. The U.S. attacked Hiroshima and Nagasaki with atomic bombs and continues to justify those acts. The U.S. has renounced treaties controlling nuclear weapons and their proliferation; voted against the protocol enabling enforcement of the Biological Weapons Conventions; and rejected the treaty banning land mines, the International Criminal Court and virtually every other international effort to control and limit war. The U.S. War Against Terrorism is a declaration of right by the U.S. to attack first - anyone, anywhere, on mere suspicion, or without excuse, unilaterally. The U.S. wants to overthrow the government of Iraq and many others in violation of law. Unless restrained the chance for peace and global equality of economic, social, cultural and political opportunity among nations will be lost. Which government presents the greater threat to peace globally or for Mesopotamia and its neighbors - the U.S. or Iraq? An attack by the United States on Iraq to overthrow its government would be a flagrant violation of the U.N. Charter, the Nuremberg Charter and International Law If, as promised so many times, the U.S. does attack Iraq to overthrow its government, it will be the most notorious, arrogant and contemptuous violation of the Charter of the United Nations, the Nuremberg Charter and international law yet experienced, or likely hereafter. Only absolute power unrestrained by any rule of law or standard of human decency openly taunts an intended victim as President Bush has taunted Iraq. Because the U.S. has committed historic injustices against Iraq, most during his father's presidency, and still seeks dominion in the region, President Bush, his Vice President and others in his administration hate Iraq and want finally to destroy it. I am writing this letter to you; to each U.N. Representative of a Security Council Member; the President of the General Assembly; and President Bush. This is one of a series of letters describing and protesting U.S. and UN wrongs against Iraq. The threatened wrong addressed here is the worst. If twelve years after its devastating aerial assault and after twelve years of genocidal sanctions, the omnipresent risk and frequent fact of random attack with the ever present stalking by U.S. aircraft and endless threats against its helpless victim, the U.S. commits its coup de grace on the people of Iraq to the silence of the U.N. and wealthy nations of the world, human shame and impotence will doom us to ever greater violence. A U.S. assault on Iraq will cause more and greater violence; Urgent action by the UN to prevent a U.S. assault of Iraq is required I urge you to immediately activate the United Nations, the General Assembly, the Security Council and all its agencies to denounce the continuing threats by the United States against Iraq, to demand immediate cessation of the threats and to warn the United States that an attack by it on Iraq will violate the Charter of the United Nations, international law and the friendship of all who seek peace and respect the dignity of humanity. An attack by the U.S. on Iraq would violate the Constitution and Laws of the United States requiring Impeachment, Trial before the US Senate and Criminal Charges in Federal Courts against President Bush and all officials responsible An attack on Iraq by the United States would also violate the Constitution and laws of the United States and expose President Bush to impeachment by the House of Representatives under the Constitution of the United States for the highest of crimes, those against peace and humanity, to judgment by the United States Senate and trial in federal court for crimes charged. Unfortunately in recent years our Constitution has been more honored in the breach than in faithful observance of the rights it is intended to protect for all. But the effort to hold accountable any U.S. authority who participates in an assault against Iraq will be made here by those who love their country and for that reason insist that its acts be just. Sincerely, Ramsey Clark [International Action Center, 39 W. 14th St, #206, NY, NY, 10011 212-633-6646 Fax: 212-633-2889 iacenter@action-mail.org www.iacenter.org Founded by Ramsey Clark.] revdauphinee answered on 06/01/04: " what is the United Nations worth?" Not much it seems when we look at the actions taken in the oil for food program! Cherab rated this answer tomder55 rated this answer

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Cherab asked on 06/01/04 - Satan's Scriptura You might be familiar with the saying, "Satan will cite scripture for his own purposes." What scriptures have you known Satan to quote? revdauphinee answered on 06/01/04: Gen.3:1,4,5 1 Now the serpent was more crafty than any of the wild animals the LORD God had made. He said to the woman, "Did God really say, `You must not eat from any tree in the garden'?" 4 "You will not surely die," the serpent said to the woman. 5 "For God knows that when you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil." ) Lk.4:2,6 2 where for forty days he was tempted by the devil. He ate nothing during those days, and at the end of them he was hungry. 6 And he said to him, "I will give you all their authority and splendor, for it has been given to me, and I can give it to anyone I want to. Cherab rated this answer

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kindj asked on 06/01/04 - Should we pray for peace? Someone asked me a strange question yesterday, and I didn't really know how to answer. Given the following passage: Mt 24:6 "You will be hearing of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not frightened, for those things must take place, but that is not yet the end." Should we bother praying for peace, when Jesus himself told us that "those things must take place?" Is praying for peace futile? DK revdauphinee answered on 06/01/04: no praying is never futile !true peace is in ones mind if you have peace inside, the world cannot harm you! kindj rated this answer

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XCHOUX asked on 06/01/04 - What is Perfect? Over the months, we read in answers that Christians are supposed to try to be perfect. Perfect how? Dare I say, perfect, why? If those that answer could be specific. Thanks, Choux revdauphinee answered on 06/01/04: as I said in a previous answer Christians are not perfect we are just forgiven! XCHOUX rated this answer

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bluevision asked on 06/01/04 - homosexuality There has been too much talk on homosexuality on this board, but not many experts really understand it. Some experts even think that all homosexuals are born that way. Let's read what Robert Berkow, M.D. & Mark H. Beers, M.D. said about homosexuality: "It is estimated that about 6 to 10% of adults are involved exclusively in homosexual relationships throughout their lives. A much higher percentage of people have experimented with same-sex activities in adolescence but are heterosexually oriented as adults. The causes of homosexuality are not known, nor are the causes of heterosexuality. No particular hormonal, biologic, or psychologic influences have been identified as substantially contributing to a person's sexual orientation. Homosexuals discover that they are attracted to people of the same sex, just as heterosexuals discover that they are attracted to people of the opposite sex. The attraction appears to be the end result of biologic and environmental influences and isn't a matter of delibrate choice. Therefore, the popular term "sexual preference" makes little sense in matters of sexual orientation." revdauphinee answered on 06/01/04: if as you say There has been too much talk on homosexuality on this board,then why are we again beating a dead horse?? bluevision rated this answer Doc05 rated this answer hOPE12 rated this answer Krewton rated this answer Uni-Agdistis rated this answer

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HANK1 asked on 06/01/04 - DEVELOP A COMMON SENSE REPUBLIC! Someone on this Board said we at Answerway, namely the Christianity board, need to have a cause to pursue ... in a way that could be quite rewarding to us and others! You might deem the following to be 'far out' but see what what you think. Just remember that all that's being written applies to life on the LOCAL level ... and to ALL people: Our 'Charter of Decency' would include the following ... in part: The principal places of business in our Republic, e.g. town, city, village etc., would be located in each NEIGHBORHOOD in said Republic comprising about 1,000 citizens per. One representative from each NEIGHBORHOOD would meet with all citizens of said NEIGHBORHOOD quarterly at a town hall meeting which would be centrally located in the Republic. Neighborhoods would be numbered. The business of each Republic would be conducted and managed by all people in said Republic at a town meeting or by a representative from each NEIGHBORHOOD as a designate. Only the people would have the power to approve and to adopt the by-laws of a Republic. The qualifications, time and place of elections on issues and the optional choosing of a representative from each NEIGHBORHOOD would be sustained by the people and only the people. There shall be no officers, e.g. treasurer, vice-president etc., in a Republic. A general accounting office would serve the NEIGHBORHOODS and report to the people. Each NEIGHBORHOOD would appoint a different person or persons to manage this accountability quarterly. An appointee or representative may be removed with due cause at any time only upon an affirmative vote of 51% by the people of a NEIGHBORHOOD. There's much more but ... opinions are needed before I waste my time! This is just the jist of my concept ... which has been written, complete with a Constitution! IS THIS A DUPLICATE OF THE ALDERMANIC PROCESS? NO ... BECAUSE EVERY PERSON IN A NEIGHBORHOOD HAS A CHANCE TO VOTE ON AN ISSUE IN PERSON BEFORE SAID ISSUE IS SUBMITTED TO A COUNCIL OF REPRESENTATIVES AT A TOWN HALL MEETING! If we can control our own NEIGHBORHOODS, we can control our Republics! If we can control our Republics, we can control our STATES because of one-on-one ENFORCEMENT! This, of course, would apply to ALL aspects of state government. Personally, I need self-fulfillment, self-esteem and a need to belong to Societal elegance. What about you? Thomas Jefferson told us that we are entitled to be harbingers of change. The minimal collapse of today's industrial system and our negative societal references offer us a chance to development a new kind of civilization that's within our reach. WE NEED TO BOND WITH ALL PEOPLE IN OUR NEIGHBORHOODS. This would be Christianity at its best! And this is the reason for my post! HANK revdauphinee answered on 06/01/04: A COMMON SENSE REPUBLIC would have to be based on the predicate that all have common sense ,some do some dont! HANK1 rated this answer

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HANK1 asked on 06/01/04 - ONLY FOOLS FEEL INFERIOR! The authors of "Great Traditions in Ethics" interpret one aspect of subjectivism that's attributed to American philosopher, John Dewey. It relates, "The social implications of experimentalism in ethics are developed through a subtle criticism of subjectivism and egoism in ethical theories." Dewey includes in his criticism theories which are not ordinarily classified as subjective, e.g. philosophical realism, in which values are regarded as independent of human experience. However, Dewey makes the charge of subjectivism because, on such a view, moral improvement is made to depend solely upon changes within individuals; the social context of human actvity and its definitive role in modifying values that are neglected. In my opinion, values have absolutely nothing in common with human experience. They should be taught, understood and practiced at an early age, resulting in the creation of remarkable people who will damn the misfits in Society who are now damning us without reservation. Plato believed the creative personality was forced into living in "a society in which his fellows are ordinary human beings" and that "the task (of the creative personality) is to make his fellows into his followers." But aren't worthy, free-willed people independent disciples of MORALITY who don't need a leader because they abide by the sovereignty of a principled foundation on which to build? I lead myself with the help of God ... only fools feel inferior! HANK revdauphinee answered on 06/01/04: Hank God created us an he is not a creator of inferior products Dorothy Cherab rated this answer HANK1 rated this answer

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tomder55 asked on 06/01/04 - Cardinal Law(less) Up until this week, only one bishop had been held accountable for his role in knowingly transferring sexually abusive priests. That bishop was Boston's Bernard Cardinal Law. Now Cardinal Law has been named to head the St. Mary Major Basilica in Rome, and the number of bishops held accountable has dropped back to zero. There is every reason to believe Cardinal Law will live in a style similar to the previous archpriest of the basilica, who according to the New York Times, received a monthly stipend of $12,000 per month ($144,000 annually) and lived in a "palatial apartment," a "classical Roman apartment with frescoes on the wall." Cardinal Law also continues to serve on a number of influential Vatican committees. And, as a Cardinal, he will be able to vote for the next Pope. In bitter irony, news of Cardinal Law's appointment came two days after the Archdiocese of Boston announced it was closing 65 of its 357 parishes due to financial problems that developed under his stewardship. The Boston Archdiocese now plans to sell parish property for $300 to $400 million. There has still been no public accounting for this financial crisis. Is this what accountability looks like to the Vatican? revdauphinee answered on 06/01/04: Matt.18:6 But if anyone causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him to have a large millstone hung around his neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea. tomder55 rated this answer XCHOUX rated this answer

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hOPE12 asked on 05/31/04 - Thank you: Hello Experts, To those of you who answered my question on homosexuality with respect and dignity, I thank you from my heart and I will be rating you as soon as I finish reading them all. At this time though I will be leaving answerway for the reason that I am sad on how many have given some answers that were rude and also called other names all because of differences of opinion. Yet this is suppose to be a Chrisitian board. Even if it wasn't, where is the respect that one should have for another human being? Doc, was called a non-Christian and Laura has been shown disrespect, and so were some others. Any one who was giving their opinion which went against what another thought another believed was treated rude and without concern for their emotional and well being. I always thought that adults can converse in a respectful and dignified manner. I think I was wrong. Now in order to keep myself respectful of ALL humans, I need to leave this board. I wish you all good thinks for I never meant any harm or for any to be mistreated. I posted this serious question because I thought that was what being an expert was all about. Thanks for your answers again and before I leave I will rate them. Take care, Hope12 revdauphinee answered on 06/01/04: Hope please dont leave because folks may not feel the same about something you believe in many many dissagree with me on oh so many things we are a diverse people and that is what makes this site so interesting if everyone felt the same about every subject we would have no need for sites such as this it is in out diversity that we can often find knowledge who knows you may even change someones mind!so plese concider staying we do need all of us Dorothy hOPE12 rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 06/01/04 - a serious question? Allright, we've been up it, over it, under it and we still don't know the answer. I say this because our expectation is that Christians are perfected ones. But we are the church, the called out ones. All christians supposed to be perfect revdauphinee answered on 06/01/04: Christians are none of us perfect ,we are just forgiven! Christ was the only perfect one! MaggieB rated this answer paraclete rated this answer

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Doc05 asked on 05/31/04 - Remembering our soldiers on Memorial Day With all the discussions that we went through today, I hope that no one has forgotten that this is Memorial Day and I would like all of us to say, if you haven't already, a prayer for all the soldiers who died in all the wars so that we might have our freedom. Also, a prayer for those who lost their lives on that horrific day 9/11, who were soldiers of fate. May God bless all our soldiers and our country. Blessings, Diana revdauphinee answered on 05/31/04: I remember WW2 I was there! Thank God for America or I wouldnt be here today! This is why I got so mad I posted my last statement !we are at war again and dont let anyone be fooled our enemy is if anything even worse .they came for the Jews and no one spoke out ,the new enemy is comming after us the Christians and I for one a messianic Jew intend to speak as long as I have breath !Remember on this day those who gave there lives for freedom but dont forget History forgotten repeats itself! Doc05 rated this answer

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hOPE12 asked on 05/31/04 - A serious question, requiring a serious answer: Hello Experts, Please read all of these comments because I am searching for answers not playing games. You are experts on the �Christianity Board� and I have a serious question that needs answering. I first need to apologize for any arguments or disagreements that my post about homosexuality has caused. I did not mean to cause any difficulting among the experts. I am searching for an answer on the Christianity board. I am truly trying to find the answer for a few questions I have. All the posts or comments where people say they are bored or tired of the question, I want you all to know, I did not post this question to disrupt this board. You are all experts and I am in need of an answer. Please answer my question for me. I recently made friends with someone who used to be a homosexual. They are now a practicing Christian and married and have children. I am trying to understand, if she was born a homosexual and she claims she was, and that was natural for her how could she then change into someone who is now married to a man and happy. What happen to her homosexual genes? I first thought of two sides to the matter: First a look at a Christians point of view taught to us in God�s word the Bible: The Bibles viewpoint is crystal clear: �You will not have intercourse with a man as you would with a woman. This is a hateful thing,� states the Bible. Leviticus 18:22 22���And you must not lie down with a male the same as you lie down with a woman. It is a detestable thing. The New Jerusalem Bible) No apologies, no concessions, no ambiguity�homosexuality is detestable in God�s sight. For ancient Israelites living under the Mosaic Law, the penalty was death Leviticus 20:13 13���And when a man lies down with a male the same as one lies down with a woman, both of them have done a detestable thing. They should be put to death without fail. Their own blood is upon them. Leviticus 20:13 13���And when a man lies down with a male the same as one lies down with a woman, both of them have done a detestable thing. They should be put to death without fail. Their own blood is upon them. And with the advent of Christianity, God�s condemnation of homosexuality continued. �1�Corinthians 6:9,�10. 1 Corinthians 6:9-11 9�What! Do YOU not know that unrighteous persons will not inherit God�s kingdom? Do not be misled. Neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men kept for unnatural purposes, or men who lie with men, 10 nor thieves, nor greedy persons, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortionists will inherit God�s kingdom. 11�And yet that is what some of YOU were. But YOU have been washed clean, but YOU have been sanctified, but YOU have been declared righteous in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ and with the spirit of our God. Then there is the point of view of many who say homosexuality is a genetic matter and that they are born that way. Now all of a sudden I am learning that some men and women who where homosexuals have changed their lives and have brought it into God�s way of thinking. My post was for the purpose of trying to understand how a person who is born a homosexual, how they can change that function if it is natural? I have also seen some that were homosexuals get married to the opposite sex and have children and are now happy. How is that possible if my friend was born a homosexual? How can they just turn off the genes that have the homosexual tendencies? Because of my lack of comprehension on this matter and seeing that you are so sure about homosexuals being born that way, can you as an expert, explain these things to me please. Isn�t this where we must ask our questions that need to be answered by experts such as yourselves? Please I need an explanation about this; I do not truly understand it. Don�t get angry and don�t think I am playing around, I am not. I am really looking for answers to my questions. As an expert can you please answer them for me? I appreciate your time and efforts: Please stop all the hate remarks to others and please answer my question, isn�t that why you are all here in the first place? Thank you very much and have a great day. Hope12 revdauphinee answered on 05/31/04: praise God for your friend she is a true christian and should be prayed for .babies when born have no sexual feelings whatsoever this is something we choose as teens and we can change if we choose wrongly Gos loves us all and hopes we will chose to live in his will your friend has done this and has been rewarded by being now happy paraclete rated this answer hOPE12 rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 05/31/04 - Kids explain bible The following statements about the Bible were written by children and have not been retouched or corrected (ie. bad spelling has been left in): 'In the first book of the Bible, Guinessis, God got tired of creating the world, so he took the Sabbath off.' 'Adam and Eve were created from an apple tree.' 'Noah's wife was called Joan of Ark.' 'Noah built an ark, which the animals come on to in pears.' 'Lot's wife was a pillar of salt by day, but a ball of fire by night.' 'The Jews were a proud people and throughout history they had trouble with the unsympathetic Genitals.' 'Samson was a strongman who let himself be led astray by a Jezebel like Delilah.' 'Samson slayed the Philistines with the axe of the Apostles.' 'Moses led the Hebrews to the Red Sea, where they made unleavened bread which is bread without any ingredients.' 'The Egyptians were all drowned in the dessert. Afterwards, Moses went up on Mount Cyanide to get the 10 amendments.' 'The first commandment was when Eve told Adam to eat the apple.' 'The seventh commandment is thou shalt not admit adultery.' 'Moses died before he ever reached Canada.' 'Then Joshua led the Hebrews in the battle of Geritol.' 'The greatest miracle in the Bible is when Joshua told his son to stand still and he obeyed him.' 'David was a Hebrew king skilled at playing the liar. He fought with the Finklesteins, a race of people who lived in Biblical times.' 'Solomon, one of David's sons, had 300 wives and 700 porcupines.' 'When Mary heard that she was the mother of Jesus, she sang the Magna Carta.' 'When the three wise guys from the east side arrived, they found Jesus in the manager.' �Jesus was born because Man had an immaculate contraption.' 'St John, the blacksmith, dumped water on his head.' �Jesus said the Golden Rule, which says to do one to others before they do one to you.' 'He also explained, "A man doth not live by sweat alone."' 'It was a miracle when Jesus rose from the dead and managed to get the tombstone off the entrance.' 'The people who followed the Lord were called the 12 decibels.' 'The epistles were the wives of the apostles.' 'One of the opossums was St Matthew who was also a taximan.' 'St Paul cavorted to Christianity. He preached holy acrimony, which is another name for marriage.' 'A Christian should have only one spouse. This is called monotony.' Bless their little hearts! which one do you like the best? all in the interests of levity by the way revdauphinee answered on 05/31/04: dont allow those who are critisizing bother you even gods word says there is a time for laughter i loved it (Ecc.3:4. a time to weep and((( a time to laugh,))) a time to mourn and a time to dance, ) paraclete rated this answer MaggieB rated this answer

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ROLCAM asked on 05/31/04 - Religious Education ?? 'Whatever Happened to Religious Education?' revdauphinee answered on 05/31/04: dont know the taliban had it the muslims still do !Maybee Christian kids are to free thinking to go blow themselves up! paraclete rated this answer ROLCAM rated this answer

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ROLCAM asked on 05/30/04 - Comments at a Funeral. (JOKE)! Three friends die in a car accident and they go to an orientation in heaven. They are all asked, "When you are in your casket and friends and family are mourning you, what would you like to hear them say about you? The first guy says,"I would like to hear them say that I was a great doctor of my time, and a great family man." The second guy says, "I would like to hear that I was a wonderful husband and school teacher which made a huge difference in our children of tomorrow." The last guy replies, "I would like to hear them say ... Look, He's Moving!" revdauphinee answered on 05/31/04: good one thanks ROLCAM rated this answer

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VisionsInBlue asked on 05/30/04 - OK, I don't understand... Been trying, been reading and... I just don't get it. 1. Why would being a homosexual be a sin in the first place? People are born that way. PERIOD. 2. Even if it's a "sin"... So freakin' what? They aren't hurting anybody. How is somebody's sexual preference any of our business? 3. Why are so many words devoted to the subject? Don't you think that energy would be better spent talking about crime and things that DO hurt other people? 4. How come some of you reject science in this area and welcome it in all the others? What if God showed up today to tell you that you can't use your refridgerators? I'm sure everyone would jump into inconvenience... Now I want all of you who are so loud about homosexuality being a deadly sin to go and do something... anything for a gay person/cause/organization. I'd really like to see some action on "Christians being for acceptance". Words don't count. revdauphinee answered on 05/30/04: why cant we do as God does and just love the sinner without condoning the sin??yet for a believing Christian the act is a sin!we re all sinners we lie we steal we bear false witness homosexuality is sin but as I said we are all guilty of sin and there are no degrees of sin CeeBee rated this answer VisionsInBlue rated this answer ATON2 rated this answer

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XCHOUX asked on 05/30/04 - Sharing a Miracle I would like to share what I call a miracle. During the past week when there were news stories about Arab Terrorists, I have not had an emotional reaction and become filled with rage. I am not sure why. I have had terrible reactions since 9-11. I have even posted questions and answers on Answerway with no emotional response. For me, this is a miracle! Anyone else had a miracle this week? Comments? revdauphinee answered on 05/30/04: with all of my illnesses just getting up in the mornin g is miracle enough for me LOL MaggieB rated this answer XCHOUX rated this answer

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hOPE12 asked on 05/30/04 - Born in the Wrong Body? What do you think? Transsexualism� is a word appearing with growing frequency in the news. A transsexual is not merely a transvestite (one who dresses in clothes of the opposite sex), nor necessarily a homosexual (though that may be the case). A transsexual is a person who rejects the sex with which he or she was born and takes up the life of the other sex. Claiming they were, in effect, �born in the wrong body,� many have undergone radical surgery and hormone treatments to attain a sexual transformation. A hermaphrodite is an unfortunate person whose sex is ambiguous by birth; a transsexual, on the other hand, is one who, for �psychiatric� reasons, decides to undergo surgery and be physically changed from one sex to another. Regarding the latter, the comments of Albert Rosenfeld, science editor of Saturday Review/World, are appropriate: �I have been surprised to hear so little debate or discussion about the ethics of surgical sex change for purely psychiatric reasons .�.�. The transsexual phenomenon points up our propensity for underrating people�s willingness to accept circumstances they would once have considered outlandish�and for underestimating the speed at which this process occurs.� Is it possible to change a normal person (not a hermaphrodite of ambiguous sex) from one gender to another? Is this also genetic or is it a learned behavior beginning with a persons inward desires? Or Do you feel the remedy for those with such inclinations are not surgery but a change in outlook, �being made new in the force actuating their minds� with the aid of God�s Word. Eph. 4:22-24. Do you know personally of any one who was a Transsexual or a homosexual who have changed their behavior by means of the Study and application of God�s Word in their daily life? If so would you please share it with us? Thank you, Hope12 revdauphinee answered on 05/30/04: anyone can change but first you must want to !with God anything is possible! and sory I personaly cant acept the born in the wrong body stuff! but then thats just my oppinion I could be wrong! PraiseJah rated this answer ATON2 rated this answer hOPE12 rated this answer

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Laura asked on 05/30/04 - Acceptence of differant opinions. I can only speak for myself. My intention here is not to put words in anyone elses mouth. This is my opinion. Some may agree. Some may not. With the exception of a few spats here and there, I don't understand how anyone can say that the Christians on the board are not forgiving, honest, good people simply trying to make it through just like anyone else. If some expect Christians to be accepting of behavior that they believe through reading God's Word to be wrong, then they will probably be waiting a long time. But that doesn't make us unforgiving, dishonest, bad or evil or anything else. It just means we have a differant opinion. We are still Christians and trying through everyday living to be pleasing to God. Sure we make mistakes, but doesn't everyone? That is not meant to be rude. It's just that Acceptence is a two way street. I respect other's opinions but I don't have to agree with them. I don't question where or why some feel the way they do about certain things. It seems to me that some don't in all honesty respect the opinions of some Christians on the board because of where or why they feel the way they do. Because we believe something we feel God is telling us in His Word doesn't mean we are backwards. You know, we could be right. But even it we're not, it's still our opinion, and one to be respected just as those who don't believe or who are Christians, but feel differently about something expect us to be accepting of their views. I may accept your views as coming honestly from your heart and something that you believe to be true. But I don't have to adhere to that view or agree with it. But none of us should put each other down (as individuals) because of our opinions. It just means that most of us believe that God doesn't change just because man would like him to change. We believe His Word to be inspired by Him. Not just words written down by men for no intent or purpose other than to hand down rules. The Word is God's intent for man. That is what the Christian believes. Why do you wish for us to conform to the world? Or perhaps is it that some would like us to believe whatever we wish, but to keep it to ourselves because it is offensive? Why can't be believe the way we believe without being called names for it? I don't understand that, though through God's Word I am prepared for it. A side note. I also don't understand those who profess Christianity and belittle those who disagree with them. No one should belittle anyone else for their opinion. But it is a two way street. Just my opinon. Thanks for listening. What's your opinion on the subject?? God bless. Laura revdauphinee answered on 05/30/04: I agree, many have accused me of hating just because my views differ from thiers I hate no one! my faith wont allow it, however it is also because of that same faith that I cannot agree with some beliefs that others may hold.I f I feel someone is on th wrong track I will tell them! but never do I hate them for God tells me we are to love even our enemies. Dorothy Toms777 rated this answer Laura rated this answer Cherab rated this answer MaggieB rated this answer ATON2 rated this answer

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ROLCAM asked on 05/30/04 - A Short Prayer. Dear Members, With no apologies ,I would like to share this wonderful short prayer that I have come across:- May today there be peace within.May you trust your highest power that you are exactly where you are meant to be. May you not forget the infinite possibilities that are born of faith. May you use those gifts that you have received, and pass on the love that has been given to you.... May you be content knowing you are a child of God... Let this presence settle into our bones, and allow your soul the freedom to sing, dance, praise and love. It is there for each and every one of you. Fondest regards to all. ROLCAM. revdauphinee answered on 05/30/04: good post thank you ! ROLCAM rated this answer

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MaggieB asked on 05/29/04 - Needed!! another prayer request! I just received this e-mail: Suicide, missile attacks are ready 'to strike at Anglo-Saxon culture' -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Posted: May 28, 2004 5:00 p.m. Eastern � 2004 WorldNetDaily.com An official of Iran's Revolutionary Guards has threatened the United States and other Western nations with suicide and missile attacks aimed at 29 sensitive sites. "Our missiles are now ready to strike at their civilization, and as soon as the instructions arrive from leader ['Ali Khamenei], we will launch our missiles at their cities and installations," the Revolutionary Guard adviser said in a speech reported by the London Arabic-language daily Al-Sharq Al-Awsat, according to Middle East Media Research Institute, or MEMRI. He also threatened to "take over" Britian. The paper reported "an Iranian intelligence unit has established a center called The Brigades of the Shahids of the Global Islamic Awakening to replace the Iranian Revolutionary Guards' Department of Liberation and Revolutionary Movements, which had been in charge of helping and training revolutionary forces across the world." A source close to the Revolutionary Guards intelligence confirmed confirmed the establishment of a new office that has begun registering the names of suicide volunteers to be sent to Iraq, Palestine and Lebanon, the London paper said. In a tape of the speech obtained by the paper, the official spoke of Tehran's "secret strategy" aimed at taking over the Arab and Muslim countries by means of helping revolutionary forces and organizations." The official, identified only with the initials H.A., has published a number of works on exporting the Islamic revolution and struggling against the U.S. "In his speech at a secret conference attended by students who are members of the Ansar Hizbullah movement at Al-Hussein University, the official harshly criticized reformist President Muhammad Khatami and his "dubious idea" of dialogue between civilizations. "We do not want to take over the British Embassy, since [the British] have already cleared the embassy of documents; we must take over Britain [itself]," he said. "The West sees us as terrorists, and depicts our strategy as terrorism and repression," the officials continued. "Had our youth agreed to Khatami's teachings and interpretations, it would never have fought the arrogance [U.S.], and would never have defended the holy places -- because Khatami speaks always of being conciliatory, of patience, and of rejecting terrorism, while we defend [the line of] toughness and war against the enemies of revolutionary Islam. I take pride in my actions that cause anxiety and fear to the Americans." He continued: "'Haven't the Jews and the Christians achieved their progress by means of toughness and repression? We have a strategy drawn up for the destruction of Anglo-Saxon civilization and for the uprooting of the Americans and the English. "Our missiles are now ready to strike at their civilization, and as soon as the instructions arrive from leader ['Ali Khamenei], we will launch our missiles at their cities and installations. "Our motto during the war [in Iraq] was: Karbala, we are coming, Jerusalem, we are coming. And because of Khatami's policies and dialogue between the civilizations, we have been compelled to freeze our plan to liberate the Islamic cities. And now we are [again] about to carry out the program. Later in his speech, the official declared "the global infidel front is a front against Allah and the Muslims, and we must make use of everything we have at hand to strike at this front, by means of our suicide operations or by means of our missiles. There are 29 sensitive sites in the U.S. and in the West. We have already spied on these sites and we know how we are going to attack them." He emphasized, "If Israel dares attack the [nuclear] installations at Bushehr, our losses will be very low, because [only] one structure will be destroyed -- while we have means of attacking Israel's nuclear facilities and arsenals such that no trace of Israel will remain." The previous day, according to MEMRI, Iranian sources had statements on the same issue. At a ceremony marking the four-year anniversary of Israel's withdrawal from southern Lebanon, Ali Akbar Makhatashemi-Pour, reformist MP and secretary-general of the International Committee for the Support of the Palestinian Intifada, called on Muslim countries to open their borders with Iraq to troops of Muslim martyrdom bombers. "We, the Muslim countries, must create a storm front against the U.S. and Israel," he said. "The half-million member organization that was created in Beirut [Hezbollah] is not sufficient. Many young Muslims are willing to carry out martyrdom operations against the American Crusaders." According to the Iranian reformist paper Sharq, the Persian-language Ruydad website cited Hezbollah-Iran activist Forouz Rajaii-Far saying "martyrdom operations are the only option to expel the Americans and British from Iraq." Rajaii-Far said a Basij activist from Elm Vasonaat University in Iran acknowledged a group calling itself the "To Karbala Battalion" was sent Thursday to Karbala to fight the coalition forces. Thank you & God bless, MaggieB revdauphinee answered on 05/29/04: and folks still insist this is not a holy war!! MaggieB rated this answer Toms777 rated this answer

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MaggieB asked on 05/29/04 - "The throne of grace" How much confidence do you as a Christian have in approaching "the throne of grace"? On what do you base your confidence? MaggieB revdauphinee answered on 05/29/04: all confidence !based on Gods word MaggieB rated this answer

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Bobbye asked on 05/29/04 - PLEASE PRAY! It was just announced on national news that terrorists have taken hostages in Saudi Arabia and some are Americans. The Prince of Saudi Arabia is in the U.S. and was on the 'phone with the news media. PLEASE PRAY FOR ALL HOSTAGES, REGARDLESS OF NATIONALITY! Thanks. bobbye revdauphinee answered on 05/29/04: this goes without saying we need to pray for all people who are risking their lives for peace Bobbye rated this answer MaggieB rated this answer

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Bradd asked on 05/29/04 - The Bible and Christianity Is it possible to mistake the Bible for Christianity? There are so many Bible references and quotes here that I wonder if it could be a case of not seeing the forest for the trees. With so many versions and translations and interpretations, how is one to seriously consider the Bible as the inerrant word of God? Which version is inerrant? Which interpretation? The Catholics say one thing, the Jehovah Witnesses another, the Mormons and Baptists and Episcopalians something else, and nobody agrees. Is any one view superior to all others? Do people REALLY believe their view is the ONLY view? And others are doomed to perdition? Are strict Biblical views a reflection of the people holding such views - their psychology, rooted in fear and ignorance, demanding eternal hellfire for anyone who believes differently? Was it the intention of God to send Bible readers into a Babel of difference and confusion? If this page is an accurate reflection of Christianity, which it probably is, then these questions deserve some answers. Why is religion, not just Christianity, so divisive among its followers? The same thing occurs in Islam and Judaism. Probably with Odin and Zeus, too, way back when. revdauphinee answered on 05/29/04: the bible is a history book it mattters not the translation, the history does not change! it is Christs life and death that make a Christian .the diferences are human things not Gods I am a beliver in the bibles ability to speak for itself when read !Catholics believe more in tradition than in just the word ,Mormons accept the book of Mormon Jews reject the new testament these are all human choices not Gods choice! Bradd rated this answer Cherab rated this answer

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HANK1 asked on 05/29/04 - HERE'S A HARD ONE: God makes a most startling promise in Romans 8:28. It says, "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose." This verse does NOT teach that life will be free of pain and difficulties. But it DOES claim that God will take all the events of our lives, EVEN THE BAD THINGS, the disasters and the trials, and bring GOOD out of them. The disasters and trials do NOT come from God. They are the result of the sinful nature of the world in which we live. But God is so wise and powerful that He can take the bad things that happen to us and work them out for our GOOD. He can take the pain caused by sin and hatred and still bring about pleasing results for US. I repeat ... for US! Questions: Who is US? Is this promise unbelievable? HANK revdauphinee answered on 05/29/04: hank you asked "... if two people are equal, why should one die and not the other ... as in war etc. The answer may be because God does not look on death in the same way as we humans do Isaiah 55: 8. "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways," declares the LORD. To humans death is an end but not to God it is just another dimension of life! HANK1 rated this answer Toms777 rated this answer

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XCHOUX asked on 05/29/04 - The Individual vs. The Common Good What does Christianity have to say regarding the individual's worth compared to the common good of societies? And, Christianity compared to Islam. Christianity vs Judaism? revdauphinee answered on 05/29/04: a christian knows that he is so worthy that even the hairs on his head are numbered Lk.12:7. Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Don't be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows. ) 1st Peter 1: 3. Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4. and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade--kept in heaven for you, XCHOUX rated this answer

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XCHOUX asked on 05/29/04 - Good Works Do you think it matters if a person does good works (such as volunteers his time for a good cause, financially supports a child, whatever) for their own self-satisfaction or for the good of the community or others. In other words, does it matter what a person's motives are for doing good? Is it only the result that counts? revdauphinee answered on 05/29/04: since good works wont save you it realy doesnt mater why you do them! the thing is if you are saved and believe Christ died to redeem you, you will have a desire to do good works! XCHOUX rated this answer

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hOPE12 asked on 05/29/04 - Are people born Gay? Hello Experts, I am in all fairness going to ask this quesiton. Please be polite and answer according to what you feel and according to your own practices and religions. Anyone who is rude or degrading in their answer will be automatically given a black star, with no commnets to follow. We can all respond and answer this question below but please give sound reasons why you believe the way you do. All religious and medically sound reasons are good. Now here is my question, please remember now to be polite and mature in your answers. Thank you! :0) In you personal understanding and knowledge do you believe that Gay persons are born Gay? If so, Why do you say they are? If not, Why do you say they are not born Gay? Wow! Now think before answering and answer with dignity and respect for others believes. Take care, Hope12 revdauphinee answered on 05/29/04: please see my previous answer hOPE12 rated this answer

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hOPE12 asked on 05/29/04 - Being born Gay Hello Experts, I am in all fairness going to ask this quesiton. Please be polite and answer according to what you feel and according to your own practices and religions. Anyone who is rude or degrading in their answer will be automatically given a black star, with no commnets to follow. We can all respond and answer this question below but please give sound reasons why you believe the way you do. All religious and medically sound reasons are good. Now here is my question, please remember now to be polite and mature in your answers. Thank you! :0) In you personal understanding and knowledge do you believe that Gay persons are born Gay? If so, Why do you say they are? If not, Why do you say they are not born Gay? Wow! Now think before answering and answer with dignity and respect for others believes. Take care, Hope12 revdauphinee answered on 05/29/04: a new born baby has no sexuality this is something that is learned ,hensforth I do not believe people are born ( "Gay" Oh how I wish this word still meant what it used to )homosexual. It is a choice they make saying they are born that way is an excuse for a wrong choice! hOPE12 rated this answer Toms777 rated this answer

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HANK1 asked on 05/29/04 - HERE'S A HARD ONE: God makes a most startling promise in Romans 8:28. It says, "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose." This verse does NOT teach that life will be free of pain and difficulties. But it DOES claim that God will take all the events of our lives, EVEN THE BAD THINGS, the disasters and the trials, and bring GOOD out of them. The disasters and trials do NOT come from God. They are the result of the sinful nature of the world in which we live. But God is so wise and powerful that He can take the bad things that happen to us and work them out for our GOOD. He can take the pain caused by sin and hatred and still bring about pleasing results for US. I repeat ... for US! Questions: Who is US? Is this promise unbelievable? HANK revdauphinee answered on 05/29/04: and i can attest that when one looks back on life (as at my age I often do) you can many times see that some good comes even from the harshes of times.We were never promised life would be easy, we were however promised that through it all if we believe then he will be with us!And believe me he is. Bobbye rated this answer HANK1 rated this answer MaggieB rated this answer Toms777 rated this answer

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madima asked on 05/29/04 - Request for prayers I wish to request for prayers for my soul sister, Veronica, an AW expert on another board, whose faith is now being put to the test. I also wish to request for prayers for the repose of her only cousin�s soul, Jose Valentin, who passed away this week, at 6 AM, May 26. Veronica has lost many of her loved ones, one after the other, since 2003. Last year, she lost her son Phoenix, and then Mario, the man she loves, who was like a brother to me, was killed. I have always counted on my AW family and the kind experts of this board as prayer warriors in time of need. Thank you and may God be with you all. revdauphinee answered on 05/29/04: I will add these folks to my prayer list ,She needs to know that in jesus these folks are not Lost! they have just moved on, our lives are not confined to our time here on earth. God has better things waiting for us when he feels we are ready for them. death is but a door we must pass through nothing more! madima rated this answer

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hOPE12 asked on 05/28/04 - This was sent to me. Hello Experts, This was sent to me and I thought it was cute. RETARDED GRANDPARENTS (Retirement in the eyes of a child) After spring break, a teacher asked her young pupils how they spent their holiday away from school. One child wrote the following: We always used to spend the holidays with Grandma and Grandpa. They used to live in a big brick house but Grandpa got retarded and they moved to Arizona. Now they live in a tin box and have rocks painted green to look like grass. They ride around on their golf carts and wear name tags because they don't know who they are anymore. They go to a building called a wrecked center, but they must have got it fixed because it is all okay now. They play games! and do exercises there, but they don't do them very well. There is a swimming pool too, but in it, they all jump up and down with hats on, while they talk to each other. I guess they don't know how to swim. At their gate, there is a dollhouse with a little old man sitting in it. He watches all day so nobody can escape. Sometimes they sneak out. They go cruising in their golf carts. Nobody there cooks, they eat out. And, they eat the same thing every night----- early birds. Some of the people can't get out past the man in the dollhouse. The ones who do get out, bring food back to the wrecked center and call it pot luck. My Grandma says that Grandpa worked all his life to earn his retardment and says I should work hard so I can be retarded someday too. When I earn my retardment, I want to be th! e man in the dollhouse. Then I will let people out so they can visit their grandchildren. Take care, Hope12 revdauphinee answered on 05/28/04: I guess im one of the retarded(retired) this posting has a lot of truth hidden in the humor retirement sure aint all its made out to be ,especialy for those of us who live it alone! hOPE12 rated this answer

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hOPE12 asked on 05/28/04 - Signs of the times: Hello Experts, Many children in todays world committ suicide. Why? Can Television, movies, video games, music or movies have anything to do with it? Who is to blame for such young peoples actions? Take care, Hope12 revdauphinee answered on 05/28/04: many times it is because they feel no one cares,society has become a place where instead of a present parent they live in a world of tv movies and rap music ! hOPE12 rated this answer

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hOPE12 asked on 05/28/04 - The Same Sex Marriages: Hello Experts, As a Christian or as a religious person who believe in the Bible, what is you honest opinion of those getting married to each other who are of the same sex? Please give your honest feelings on this issue. Even if you are not a Christian do you approve of these marriage? If so, Why do you approve? What benefits and what consequences do you forsee for them? If not, Why do you not approve? What benefits are there for not allowing such marriages to take place? Do you think by letting the same sex marry will make a better or worse society? Take care, Hope12 revdauphinee answered on 05/28/04: as a christian I do not approve since scripture tells us Leviticus 18:22 22. "`Do not lie with a man as one lies with a woman; that is detestable. Genesis 2:she shall be called `woman, ' for she was taken out of man." 24. For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and they will become one flesh. Romans 1: 27. In the same way the men also abandoned natural relations with women and were inflamed with lust for one another. Men committed indecent acts with other men, and received in themselves the due penalty for their perversion. 28. Furthermore, since they did not think it worthwhile to retain the knowledge of God, he gave them over to a depraved mind, to do what ought not to be done. 29. They have become filled with every kind of wickedness, evil, greed and depravity. Fr_Chuck rated this answer hOPE12 rated this answer MaggieB rated this answer

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XCHOUX asked on 05/28/04 - Forgiveness Another viewpoint of forgiveness. We often see ourselves in a most favorable light! Of course. However, when it comes to forgiveness we forget that others forgive us our failings many times a day. That has been my observation. Why can't we forgive others? Not dwell, move on! There is no reason. If having that person in our lives makes us miserable, take action. We have a right to select our relationships. We have a duty to be our best honest selves. revdauphinee answered on 05/28/04: whilst it may be easy to forgive small wrongs done to us there are sometimes more serious things such s for instance the murder of a loved one we should forgive but i imagine it would be so hard XCHOUX rated this answer

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XCHOUX asked on 05/28/04 - Demons vs. Santa Claus Demons and Santa Claus both "exist" people discuss them, they have properties, there is some emotion attached....however, they exist as fictional characters. They are imaginary; created by a storeyteller to explain abstract ideas. That is what people did before knowledge. They are mythic. Is there any reason to believe in either in the TwentyFirst Century? revdauphinee answered on 05/28/04: sory but you are wrong!demons do exist! and so once did Saint Nicholas he was a real person The true story of Santa Claus begins with Nicholas, who was born during the third century in Patara, a village in what is now Turkey. His wealthy parents, who raised him to be a devout Christian, died in an epidemic while Nicholas was still young. Obeying Jesus' words to "sell what you own and give the money to the poor," Nicholas used his whole inheritance to assist the needy, the sick, and the suffering. He dedicated his life to serving God and was made Bishop of Myra while still a young man. Bishop Nicholas became known throughout the land for his generosity to the those in need, his love for children, and his concern for sailors and ships. paraclete rated this answer XCHOUX rated this answer

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CeeBee asked on 05/28/04 - Forgiving and Forgetting -- As I read the responses to Cherab's question below, I noticed there is a difference of opinion among experts about forgiving and forgetting. Some said once we forgive, we are to forget. Others said it's only the forgiving that's important; the forgetting is not. If we forgive quickly and casually ("cheap forgiveness"), we are only trying to make peace. Real forgiveness is hard and thoughtful work; it is done one day at a time, one experience at a time. When we forgive, we don't forget or deny the effects of a wrongdoing, and we don't excuse. Real forgiveness is the path to healing and peace that allows us to honor ourselves and our feelings. The hard work of real forgiveness is to see the offense, forgive it by withdrawing the penalty toward the offender (i.e., resentment, lack of trust), and allow the relationship to continue -- but with care and wisdom. Our forgetting the offense would risk the repeat of abuse and injustice. Do you agree with any of the above -- or not? revdauphinee answered on 05/28/04: we are commanded to forgive but it is not always easy to forget ! CeeBee rated this answer

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Doc05 asked on 05/28/04 - Is the Bible and the Book Of Mormon accepted by the Latter-day Saints? I am interested in knowing if both are accepted and if God is yet to reveal many other great things in the future? revdauphinee answered on 05/28/04: yes but only by them! Cherab rated this answer darkstar rated this answer Doc05 rated this answer paraclete rated this answer

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cliff_dweller asked on 05/28/04 - I'm Back Sorry to you all for disappearing for so long with no warning. I have been at school and working 70 hours a week on top of it so once I get my finals done on wed I will be comming back here. I hope that you all are well and firmly entrenched in God's Grip!!! revdauphinee answered on 05/28/04: welcome back nice to see you here again Dorothy cliff_dweller rated this answer

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ROLCAM asked on 05/28/04 - Bottom Line. Knowing Jesus is the bottom line !! Please discuss. revdauphinee answered on 05/28/04: sure it is but before we know him someone has to introduce us! as in any relationship ROLCAM rated this answer

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ROLCAM asked on 05/28/04 - Bottom Line. Knowing Jesus is the bottom line !! Please discuss. revdauphinee answered on 05/28/04: sure it is but before we know him someone has to introduce us! as in any relationship ROLCAM rated this answer

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Cherab asked on 05/27/04 - Are demons real or what? Some believe demons are little red imps floating around people giving them bad ideas that seem great, and some believe that demons are just excuses for human weaknesses. I used to be indecisive about this, but now I'm not so sure. What do you believe about demons etc? ----------------- Survey question: (no marks given for this one, only for the actual question above) Should questioners rate their questions with some indication of the degree of difficulty? If so, should we use five crosses (+ + + + +) for the hardest, and one cross (+) for simple ones? Would that be helpful? :) revdauphinee answered on 05/27/04: I believe in scripture and scripture tells me that demons do exist therefore I believe in demons! 1Tim.4:1 The Spirit clearly says that in later times some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons. Cherab rated this answer

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Laura asked on 05/27/04 - Say a little prayer please! My son just left for the pre-trial hearing today. As you know, he was given emergancy custody until the trial date. His attorney thinks there is a good chance that they can settle today. Please pray that all goes well and that ultimately everything goes for what is in the best interests of the kids. He knows he will get custody, but the sticking point is that he is stationed in New York and they have a problem with that because of visitation issues. Lawyers have ways of working these things out, so I just ask for a little help from above and wisdom for the attorney. God bless and thanks. Laura revdauphinee answered on 05/27/04: as always my prayers are with you and yours Dorothy Laura rated this answer

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tomder55 asked on 05/27/04 - Hide the alter boys ! Cardinal Law was given a ceremonial post by the Vatican today .No punishment, but a reward for his coverup of priestly child abuse for years. Boston attorney Mitchell Garabedian, who represents more than 130 alleged victims of sexual abuse by priests, said the Vatican was sending a bad message by giving Law a high profile new job. "He apparently is being transferred to a position that is comfortable and appears to be some sort of reward," Garabedian said. "The Vatican either doesn't understand the problem of clergy sex abuse, or it doesn't care. That shows by this new prestigious post given to Cardinal Law." Unfortunately, I have to agree with this statement. This just doesn't look good. Not that the position is any more than a local parish Rector, but "Any appointment via the Pope carries with it an appearance of prestiege. I think this is a mistake. Meanwhile the Archdiocese of Boston is closing 65 parishes due to low attendance since the scandal broke.That's over 18% of the parishes . Cardinal Law is a criminal. He is guilty of being an accessory after the fact, and possibly even an accessory during and before the fact. He belongs in a prison, not a basilica. www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,121069,00.html revdauphinee answered on 05/27/04: for the crimes against his little ones the Lord will surly punnish them even if the vatican doesnt ! tomder55 rated this answer

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Laura asked on 05/27/04 - Have you? Isaiah 26:3 - Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee. This verse is sometimes hard to achieve. So many things get in the way. Has anyone on the board truly had sustained perfect peace? If so, please give suggestions for attaining it. God bless. Laura revdauphinee answered on 05/27/04: I dont think perfect peace here on earth is realy atainable, but putting ones mind on God cant hurt! Laura rated this answer

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ROLCAM asked on 05/27/04 - BLESSINGS TO ALL!! GREAT TRUTHS THAT LITTLE CHILDREN HAVE LEARNED: 1) No matter how hard you try, you can't baptize cats. 2) When your Mom is mad at your Dad, don't let her brush your hair. 3) If your sister hits you, don't hit her back. They always catch the second person. 4) Never ask your 3-year old brother to hold a tomato. 5) You can't trust dogs to watch your food. 6) Don't sneeze when someone is cutting your hair. 7) Never hold a Dust-Buster and a cat at the same time. 8) You can't hide a piece of broccoli in a glass of milk. 9) Don't wear polka-dot underwear under white shorts. 10) The best place to be when you're sad is Grandpa's lap. GREAT TRUTHS THAT ADULTS HAVE LEARNED: 1) Raising teenagers is like nailing Jell-O to a tree. 2) Wrinkles don't hurt. 3) Families are like fudge...mostly sweet, with a few nuts. 4) Today's mighty oak is just yesterday's nut that held its ground. 5) Laughing is good exercise. It's like jogging on the inside. 6) Middle age is when you choose your cereal for the fibre, not the toy. GREAT TRUTHS ABOUT GROWING OLD 1) Growing up is mandatory; growing old is optional. 2) Forget the health food. I need all the preservatives I can get. 3) When you fall down, you wonder what else you can do while you're down there. 4) You're getting old when you get the same sensation from a rocking chair that you once got from a roller coaster. 5) It's frustrating when you know all the answers but nobody bothers to ask you the questions. 6) Time may be a great healer, but it's a lousy beautician. 7) Wisdom comes with age, but sometimes age comes alone. THE FOUR STAGES OF LIFE: 1) You believe in Santa Claus. 2) You don't believe in Santa Claus. 3) You are Santa Claus. 4) You look like Santa Claus. SUCCESS: At age 4 success is . not peeing in your pants. At age 12 success is . . . having friends. At age 16 success is . . . having a drivers license. At age 35 success is . . . having money. At age 50 success is . . . having money. At age 70 success is . . . having a drivers license. At age 75 success is . . . having friends. At age 80 success is . . not peeing in your pants. Pass this on to someone who could use a laugh. Always remember to forget the troubles that pass your way; BUT NEVER forget the blessings that come each day. I LOVE JESUS !! DO YOU ?? ROLCAM. revdauphinee answered on 05/27/04: another thing about getting old is that my joints go out more than I do! Ps Aton is only happy when being negative believe me when I tell you someone else displaying his love for Jesus brough me to salvation.Keep it up I love jesus also ! ROLCAM rated this answer

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ROLCAM asked on 05/27/04 - Here is a story with a good moral to remember... An old man, a boy and a mule were going to town. The boy rode on the mule and the old man walked. As they went along they passed some people who remarked it was a shame the old man was walking and the boy was riding. The old man and the boy thought that maybe the critics were right, so they changed places. Later, they passed some more people that remarked, "What a shame he makes that little boy walk." They then decided they both would walk. Soon they passed some more people who thought they were stupid to walk when they had a decent mule to ride. So, they both rode the mule Now they passed some more people that shamed them by saying how awful to see such a load on a poor mule. The boy and the man said they were probably right, so they decided to carry the mule. As they crossed a bridge, they lost their grip on the animal and he fell into the river and drowned. The moral of the story? You can please some people some of the time,but you cannot please all the people all of the time. What are your experiences on this matter? revdauphinee answered on 05/27/04: I found the truth in this story years ago!so just try to do what is right and dont wory about others oppinings ROLCAM rated this answer

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Cherab asked on 05/26/04 - What a bishop said I was reading in my "garden" and noted this little gem written by Origenes Adamantius [Trs. Bettinson, from Conta Celsum, v. 63] and I post it to invite Christians to comment appropriately. [Celsus speaks of the bitter hate between Christian sects] When the heretodox will not be persuaded to follow the injunction: 'An heretical man, after a first and a second admonition, avoid, knowing that such a man is perverse, and a sinner, self-condemned.' Nevertheless, those who bear in mind the saying, 'Blessed are the peacemakers', 'Blessed are the meek,' would bear no malice towards those who falsify the teachings of Christianity; and when men have been led astray they would not call them 'sorcerers' or 'malignant trouble-makers'. 2 questions: [1] Can modern Christians follow this ancient inspired counsel, or [2] has it become impossible through bigotry and prejudice to do more than pay lip service to the Beatitudes of Jesus Christ? html code off (I hope) :) revdauphinee answered on 05/27/04: Matthew 10: 14. If anyone will not welcome you or listen to your words, shake the dust off your feet when you leave that home or town. 15. I tell you the truth, it will be more bearable for Sodom and Gomorrah on the day of judgment than for that town. 16. I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves. Cherab rated this answer

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hOPE12 asked on 05/26/04 - God's Creations are Awesome! Hello Everyone, If you want to see something amazing and really see how Awesome our Creator is, go to this link http://www.criteriumusa.com/pages/space/survey01.asp After you go there and follow the journey, tell me what you think. Take care, Hope12 revdauphinee answered on 05/27/04: I did not need a web site to know my God is awsome but thanks anyway hOPE12 rated this answer

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hOPE12 asked on 05/26/04 - We are watching for another attack Hello Experts, I was watching the news last night and we are again under a warning. How do you and your family heed these warnings? What do you say to your children when they come home from school talking about what the teacher said about being careful not to go into crouds? Enough is enough, why worry children about such matters? Take care, Hope12 revdauphinee answered on 05/27/04: of cource they will attempt to atack us again but if we cower in our homes afraid they have won already! hOPE12 rated this answer

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hOPE12 asked on 05/26/04 - American Idol Hello Experts, I was talking with a friend and they said American Idol is not Christian. What do you think? Take care, Hope12 revdauphinee answered on 05/27/04: Just because we are Christians does not mean we cannot watch anything but Christian based programs this is silly!I watch CSI every tim I can and even though it is by no means a christian show I see nothing wrong in my enjoyment of it !If we confine ourselves to only religious shows i believe we become what the Catholics call scrupilosity and that turns folks away from christ not to him. we can be in the world yet not off the world when on lets religion completly take over we are no better than th taliban.Love God But go on living! hOPE12 rated this answer Krewton rated this answer

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hOPE12 asked on 05/26/04 - How Much Do You Value Life? Hello Experts, Please give your opinion: Late one summer evening in New York an elderly Christian couple were walking home from a Bible class. Suddenly three young men approached, and one of them accosted the husband. Not suspecting anything, he paused to give a listening ear. The man pointed a large knife at him and said: �Give me your money and you won�t get hurt!� The elderly man offered to give him the contents of his wallet, but the young man wanted the wallet also. Then the robber shouted to the wife, who had stepped out on the street when she saw what was happening: �Your money too!� Raising her hands, she said: �Sorry! I don�t have any money. Do you want our Bibles?� In passing it might be added that two days later the cards from the man�s wallet came back in the mail. How foolish it would have been for the Christian to have resisted or argued with an armed robber! Yet, we repeatedly hear of people who will argue or resist the efforts of an armed robber to get their money, as though any amount of money was worth risking one�s life. It is especially sad when a person does not appreciate that he is actually taking this chance. For instance, the New York Times, , told of �A Grocer and His Dream Killed by Robbers in Brooklyn.� Around midnight this man was caring for his grocery store in a high-crime section of Brooklyn when two men came into the store, shot him dead and then robbed him. The Times quoted his wife as saying: �I told him not to stay open so late. . . . He said, �No, we need the money.� Twice before he was held up. Once they put the [gun] against his head and pulled the trigger. But the gun did not fire.� Just to make a few more dollars this man was willing to risk his life by keeping the store open so late at night. It was not as if he needed those few extra dollars, for the report told that within three months after he had bought the store he had been able to pay off his indebtedness. So, by his being willing to take that risk, had he not really failed to show appreciation for the value of his life? Can we sometimes do the same? Take care, Hope12 revdauphinee answered on 05/26/04: I dont feel that a man working late to support his family is not valuing his life he may value his family more .He may even have been a Christian who placed his life in Gods hands and refused to be overly concerned !Is it wrong for the person who knows his life is in danger daily to go into the missionary field in a dagerous land?? Cherab rated this answer hOPE12 rated this answer

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hOPE12 asked on 05/26/04 - Jesus Return Hello Experts, Does not 2 John 7 show that Jesus would return in the flesh? What is your understanding of 2 John 7 ? Take care, Hope12 revdauphinee answered on 05/26/04: while I am firm believer in the return of Jesus this passage does not refer to the future but the past event. 2John 1:7. Many deceivers, who do not acknowledge Jesus Christ as coming in the flesh, have gone out into the world. hOPE12 rated this answer

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HANK1 asked on 05/25/04 - TO MY FRIENDS: Negligence is sinful activity that encompasses the actions of the responsible, the careful, the prudent, the reasonable. So, LET'S PLAY BALL! I'm stayin'! "Men by their constitutions are naturally divided into two parties: Those who fear and distrust the people, and wish to draw all powers from them into the hands of the higher classes; and those who identify themselves with the people, have confidence in them, cherish and consider them as the most honest and safe, although not the most wise depository of the public interests. In every country, these two parties exist; and in every one where they are free to think, speak and write, they will declare themselves." - Thomas Jefferson in a letter to Henry Lee dated August 10, 1824. Jefferson also relates, "Enlighten the people generally, and tyranny and oppressions of body and mind will vanish like evil spirits at the dawn of day." We now have rationalistic methods and skepticism about established dogmas, my friends. Let's make HONESTY a pleasure and a virtue that requires moral and ethical understanding. As I said, LET'S PLAY BALL! * Thanks for the great support, guys! HANK revdauphinee answered on 05/25/04: I have to tell you how pleased this makes me! Dorothy darkstar rated this answer HANK1 rated this answer Uni-Agdistis rated this answer XCHOUX rated this answer

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MaggieB asked on 05/24/04 - Self-Indulgence Is self-indulgence actually a spiritual sin? Your comments are welcomed, MaggieB revdauphinee answered on 05/24/04: doesnt it depent a lot in what you are indulging?? Cherab rated this answer MaggieB rated this answer

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hOPE12 asked on 05/24/04 - An Illustration: Hello Experts, This is an illustration given at one of our Congregation meetings, I thought you might like it. It really made me think about my conduct. It goes like this: There was a farmer who raised sheep and had trouble with wolves stealing his sheep. He loved his sheep and didn't want to lose even one of them. One day the wolves came and the farmer quickly raised his rifle and POW! - killed every wolf he shot at. As he turned his rifle toward a shadow he saw a puppy wolf huddling beside a fence post shivering. The farmer felt sorry for him, picked him up, tucked him inside his coat and took him home. As time passed, the farmer grew to love the puppy wolf and took him everyday to help him tend his sheep. The sheep loved the puppy wolf too and thought of him as one of them. The puppy wolf learned to call the sheep by their names, just like the farmer did. It wasn't long before he grew to full size and the farmer trusted him to care for his sheep while he rode to town to buy supplies. Then one day the puppy wolf was running in the farmer's field and heard howling in the woods. He ran to the edge of the fence and watched as a pack of wolves approached. They seemed happy to see him although he didn't recognize them. One by one they told him of all the fun they were having, running anywhere they wanted, doing whatever they pleased...no one telling them what to do! They invited him to come on the other side of the fence with them. The puppy wolf thought about the fence and how he'd never been on the other side of it. The more he listened he began to wonder if he was missing out on something. It only took another minute and he dug under the fence and left with the pack. For three seasons he lived with the wolves. They had plenty to eat and did whatever they wanted. It was such fun and he was glad for the choice he made. But winter came and everyone became hungry and restless. It was cold, so cold, they had no where to sleep. The puppy wolf began to think about the farmer and how he'd never slept cold and never felt hunger. Soon he heard the leader of the pack announce it was time to steal some of the farmer's sheep, so they could survive the winter. The puppy wolf loudly exclaimed, "NO, they are my friends, don't hurt them". But the leader said, "You're one of us now, do as you're told!" They all began to run fast toward the farmer's property. The puppy wolf reluctantly followed. Soon they arrived and began to dig under the farmer's fence. The farmer heard his sheep cry out so he grabbed his rifle and ran to shoot at the wolves. BANG! He killed one after another and soon was face to face with a wolf backed up against the fence post who cried out, "Wait, don't shoot me. I'm the puppy you raised. I'm your friend. Don't you remember me?" But the farmer looked at the wolf and saw how matted his coat was and how he smelled like the rest of the pack. He said to the wolf, "I don't know you." He raised his rifle and shot....BANG!!! The wolf was dead! After this illistration ended,there was silence in the auditorium, and then the person giving the talk said, "Friends, when Armageddon comes and Jesus is doing his destruction work, will he recognize you"? May we all be recognized by our leader, Jesus Christ! Take Care, Hope12 revdauphinee answered on 05/24/04: good question and food for thought! hOPE12 rated this answer

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STONY asked on 05/24/04 - ON THE LIGHTER SIDE.... A new pastor was visiting in the homes of his parishioners. At one house it seemed obvious that someone was at home, but no answer came to his repeated knocks at the door. Therefore, he took out a card and wrote "Revelation 3:20" on the back of it and stuck it in the door. When the offering was processed the following Sunday, he found that his card had been returned. Added to it was this cryptic message, "Genesis 3:10." Reaching for his Bible to check out the citation, he broke up in gales of laughter. Revelation 3:20 begins "Behold, I stand at the door and knock." Genesis 3:10 reads, "I heard your voice in the garden and I was afraid for I was naked." Remember when the funniest jokes were the clean ones? They still are! "A cheerful heart is good medicine" (Prov. 17:22a) revdauphinee answered on 05/24/04: this was so funy ive sent it on to my daughter knowing that since I tell her she put the hour in shower she will appreciate it STONY rated this answer

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STONY asked on 05/24/04 - A PRAYER REQUEST FROM THE FIELD... THIS CAME FROM THE PHILLIPINES TO MY BROTHER IN PHOENIX AND THEN TO ME.......STONY Hi, This is a prayer request from a missionary couple who minister in the Philippines. Steve Subject: Missionary update and prayer requests . . . Hi Steve, Here is an update regarding a few areas wherein we are requesting prayer needs at this time: * Pray for favor to get our 9G missionary visa approved for re-issue on another year or two basis with full missionary-status. It is getting more and more difficult for Protestant and Gospel missionaries to get re-newal of their missionary status, due mostly to catholic resistance within government agencies. We will be filing for renewal of our missionary-status this next week. * Pray for favor with local radio stations as I begin to launch a Gospel radio broadcast program to be called, "THE TRUTH THAT WILL SET YOU FREE" ! - it will be a mixture of good Gospel music and commentary and teachings. * Pray for our Bible-studies (mostly among young people, ages 18 to 25) to prosper as we seek to make disciples among these youth groups. * Pray for much fruit and many souls to be touched at the two government hospitals where we are working in conjunction with LIVING WORD CHRISTIAN MINISTRIES in their outreaches there. We have provided TV, VCR, videos, and a "mobile cabinet" for use in all the wards at both Southern Island Hospital, and the Cebu City Medical Center. - [both being hospitals serving the poorest of the poor.] * Pray that gospel literature (and especially the discipleship materials) we are publishing will be greatly used by the Lord to further both salvation, conversion, and discipleship among people in both central and southern Philippines. * Please pray for our health, both Lynne and myself. Pushing past 60 means greater need for grace, health and strength to continue with the work unabated. ! I have energy problems and knee problems; Lynne is still walking with a cane, but is much better and fairly mobile, thank God. * Finally, please pray for our protection. Recent events have made Americans a high-profile target among those (especially Islamic extremists) who are looking for either kidnapping ransom, or revenge against America. We try to watch our whereabouts, especially after dark and stay away from dangerous areas of the country. We do trust the LORD, but covet your prayers in this area as well. We love you and appreciate your care, prayer, concern, and support more than you could know. blessings and kind regards, in Jesus and for Him. Len & Lynne Hummel Clearlight Christian Mininistries * Jeremiah 9:23-24 * * Jude 24,25 ** revdauphinee answered on 05/24/04: I agree to pray for these and remind all we need to also pray for all those in the missionary fields everywhere! MaggieB rated this answer STONY rated this answer

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hOPE12 asked on 05/24/04 - Christian Personality: Hello Everyone, We live in a world full of hatred and crime and much stress. Knowing this, the Bible counsels at Ephesians 4:20-5:2 20�But YOU did not learn the Christ to be so, 21�provided, indeed, that YOU heard him and were taught by means of him, just as truth is in Jesus, 22�that YOU should put away the old personality which conforms to YOUR former course of conduct and which is being corrupted according to his deceptive desires; 23�but that YOU should be made new in the force actuating YOUR mind, 24�and should put on the new personality which was created according to God�s will in true righteousness and loyalty. 25�Wherefore, now that YOU have put away falsehood, speak truth each one of YOU with his neighbor, because we are members belonging to one another. 26�Be wrathful, and yet do not sin; let the sun not set with YOU in a provoked state, 27�neither allow place for the Devil. 28�Let the stealer steal no more, but rather let him do hard work, doing with his hands what is good work, that he may have something to distribute to someone in need. 29�Let a rotten saying not proceed out of YOUR mouth, but whatever saying is good for building up as the need may be, that it may impart what is favorable to the hearers. 30�Also, do not be grieving God�s holy spirit, with which YOU have been sealed for a day of releasing by ransom. 31�Let all malicious bitterness and anger and wrath and screaming and abusive speech be taken away from YOU along with all badness. 32�But become kind to one another, tenderly compassionate, freely forgiving one another just as God also by Christ freely forgave YOU. 5 Therefore, become imitators of God, as beloved children, 2�and go on walking in love, just as the Christ also loved YOU and delivered himself up for YOU as an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling odor." All this is what we should be striving to do as Christians, but when life get unfair, ungly, unjust how do you personally strive to put on that new personality? How do you balance the injustice with a Christian new personality? Take care, Hope12 revdauphinee answered on 05/24/04: this is what we as Christs followers are supposed to do but we being human find it hard to do so! hOPE12 rated this answer

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hOPE12 asked on 05/24/04 - What do you do as a Christian? Hello Experts, When something is done to you that is unfair, as a Christian what can you do? What and how do you handle such a matter? Should we just give up? Take care, Hope12 revdauphinee answered on 05/24/04: pray an turn the other cheek!I am still human so this does not come easy and many times I fail but this is the Christian thing to do! hOPE12 rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 05/24/04 - what do you think? Miracle or manifestation? May 24, 2004 - 3:52PM Thousands of believers are looking for their own miracle in a small Brisbane Catholic church where statues have supposedly started bleeding and weeping rose oil tears. The Vietnamese Community Church, in the south-western suburb of Inala, is the centre of the religious fervour with many attendees believing the apparent phenomena is a sign of hope from God in a world now fraught with uncertainty. "We need this - we need something positive to believe in with everything that's happening in the world at the moment," said Mike Hill, from the nearby suburb of Gailes, today. Church spokesman Vincent Do said the abnormalities, which are the first recorded religious phenomena to occur in Australia since a fence post in Sydney's Coogee reportedly took on the image of the Madonna, began more than a week ago when rose oil started flowing from the eyes, nose, forehead and fingers of a statue of the Virgin Mary. He said on Friday drops of blood began falling from the corner of Mary's robe onto her feet and a small cross of Jesus on the altar also began to bleed. During the Friday night mass, blood again flowed from the small cross and from Jesus' wounds on a larger crucifix behind the altar, in front of dozens of witnesses. On Saturday, in front of yet more witnesses, another cross and the statue of a saint also began to bleed. Mr Do said news of the phenomenon had spread quickly, with people coming from as far as Sydney and Melbourne to witness the sight. He said Catholic Church authorities had yet to examine the phenomena, but he was sure the evidence would soon be tested. Most of the affected paraphernalia has now been locked behind glass to protect it for later analysis, while a white table cloth that bears a large rose oil stain has also been folded up out of harms way. Bill White, of Logan in Brisbane's south, said he had come to the church feeling sceptical but soon changed his mind. "It's quite an awesome feeling, I've seen things on TV like this before where they had things injected with a slow release - but I can't see anything like that," he said. Worshippers have brought in dozens of their own statues of the Virgin Mary, Jesus Christ and the saints in the hope the blessings will be passed on. Ornate flower offerings also decorate the community church, brought by everyday people who believe a miracle has occurred. AAP revdauphinee answered on 05/24/04: while admittedly nothing is impossible with God I personaly am a sceptic when it comes to things such as this!there is just too much room for human trickery here ! paraclete rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 05/24/04 - what do you think? Miracle or manifestation? May 24, 2004 - 3:52PM Thousands of believers are looking for their own miracle in a small Brisbane Catholic church where statues have supposedly started bleeding and weeping rose oil tears. The Vietnamese Community Church, in the south-western suburb of Inala, is the centre of the religious fervour with many attendees believing the apparent phenomena is a sign of hope from God in a world now fraught with uncertainty. "We need this - we need something positive to believe in with everything that's happening in the world at the moment," said Mike Hill, from the nearby suburb of Gailes, today. Church spokesman Vincent Do said the abnormalities, which are the first recorded religious phenomena to occur in Australia since a fence post in Sydney's Coogee reportedly took on the image of the Madonna, began more than a week ago when rose oil started flowing from the eyes, nose, forehead and fingers of a statue of the Virgin Mary. He said on Friday drops of blood began falling from the corner of Mary's robe onto her feet and a small cross of Jesus on the altar also began to bleed. During the Friday night mass, blood again flowed from the small cross and from Jesus' wounds on a larger crucifix behind the altar, in front of dozens of witnesses. On Saturday, in front of yet more witnesses, another cross and the statue of a saint also began to bleed. Mr Do said news of the phenomenon had spread quickly, with people coming from as far as Sydney and Melbourne to witness the sight. He said Catholic Church authorities had yet to examine the phenomena, but he was sure the evidence would soon be tested. Most of the affected paraphernalia has now been locked behind glass to protect it for later analysis, while a white table cloth that bears a large rose oil stain has also been folded up out of harms way. Bill White, of Logan in Brisbane's south, said he had come to the church feeling sceptical but soon changed his mind. "It's quite an awesome feeling, I've seen things on TV like this before where they had things injected with a slow release - but I can't see anything like that," he said. Worshippers have brought in dozens of their own statues of the Virgin Mary, Jesus Christ and the saints in the hope the blessings will be passed on. Ornate flower offerings also decorate the community church, brought by everyday people who believe a miracle has occurred. AAP revdauphinee answered on 05/24/04: while admittedly nothing is impossible with God I personaly am a sceptic when it comes to things such as this!there is just too much room for human trickery here ! paraclete rated this answer

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Mathatmacoat asked on 05/23/04 - Is Christian Fundamentalism here to stay? please read this article and lets have your opinions http://theage.com.au/articles/2004/05/23/1085250867903.html revdauphinee answered on 05/23/04: I will answer you in just one word "Yes" Krewton rated this answer MaggieB rated this answer Mathatmacoat rated this answer paraclete rated this answer

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Mathatmacoat asked on 05/23/04 - Is Christian Fundamentalism here to stay? please read this article and lets have your opinions http://theage.com.au/articles/2004/05/23/1085250867903.html revdauphinee answered on 05/23/04: I will answer you in just one word "Yes" Krewton rated this answer Mathatmacoat rated this answer paraclete rated this answer

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Krewton asked on 05/23/04 - How do you stop grinding an spiritual axe? I realize that the Bible says "lest I forgive neither will I be forgiven", thus this post. My wife's Grandmother is now in her late 70's and has had a severe stroke. The stroke has paralyzed her and left her without most of her reasoning faculties. Most I said, remember this. I have been married 16 years and have rarely gotten along with her. She was always a mean, bitter, angry person. Basically her and I didn't see eye to eye on discipline on my kids. I'm old school, my kids mind,period. Thus I have two great well mannered children. More than once I have had to tell her to mind her own business. So basically I don't receive Christmas cards from her. She gives her husband of 50+ years hell here on earth, even when she comes around periodically, she still gives it to him. I suppose what I'm getting at is, I know I should have compassion for her and pray that she gets well, but basically I am cold as a piece of steel, neither caring about her welfare, or even feeling guilty about not caring. Basically my outlook is, now she is out of my business period. I know I need to drop this attitude, but I can't, so I'm asking you experts to help me by praying for me. Thanx and God Bless. revdauphinee answered on 05/23/04: I will keep you in my prayers ,for I know from whence you come my own mother was hard to live with in her final days however she did some things right for if not for her you wouldnt have your wife !the best thing I found to do is pray about it it always helps me Dorothy Cherab rated this answer Krewton rated this answer MaggieB rated this answer

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HANK1 asked on 05/23/04 - MY LAST POST AT ANSWERWAY! Unhappiness is the inevitable lot of anyone who desires that which a person cannot obtain. The wise man, then, resigns himself to limiting his desires to matters within his control. With respect to desires which cannot be satisfied, he is literally apathetic. He knows that whatever is beyond an individual's control is irrelevant to ethics. The virtuous man finds within himself all that is necessary to achieve happiness. Morally, he is entirely self-sufficient! This is God's plan! To ANSWERWAY'S young Experts and Users: At birth, you know nothing. In grade school, you learn something. In high school, one should prepare oneself for higher learning, whether it be in college or out in Society as an adult. In any event, you'll soon know the meaning of competition -- your 'enemy.' You must possess the ability and skill to compete. You must win ... but NOT at all costs! Always allow morality and ethics to invade your attitude toward your opponent. There is a difference in the two. The former applies to your duty as a citizen of Society that allows you the know the difference between right and wrong. The latter applies to this duty as well but usually pertains to a specific profession. In all respects, be a good winner ... and a good loser. Condition yourself to deny trivia while being reputable. To ALL of you: My favorite quote: "There are three classes of intellects: one which comprehends by itself; another which appreciates what others comprehend; and a third which neither comprehends by itself nor by the showing of others; the first is the most excellent, the second is good, the third is useless." - Machiavelli's "The Prince" (1532) The following applies to the "useless:" "Most men are so completely corrupted by opinion that they would rather be notorious for the greatest calamities than suffer no ill and be unknown." - Dio Chrysostom Always remember that God values us more highly than we could ever imagine, far beyond what we deserve. Similarly, like a conscientous father, the Lord calls us to live at a level of LOVE and KINDNESS beyond that which we would normally desire. (I'll be leaving Answerway Tuesday, May 25, 2004!) Thank you ALL for your love and kindness. Stay healthy and may God Bless! Your Friend ... Always, HANK (& CAROL) revdauphinee answered on 05/23/04: I truly hate this I wish you would reconsider Dorothy HANK1 rated this answer Toms777 rated this answer

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Answerway asked on 05/22/04 - Answerway.com Official Note All postings that do not deal with a specific Christianity question should and from now on will be directed and posted in the forum, not here on the question board. This was made very clear in a previous post by Answerway.com. Here is a list of inappropriate postings here, all of which could have warranted suspension, but will be given one more chance. - HANK1's post on wetellyou name and password - Petesharky's post on HANK AND THE CHERABNET - Laura's post on Hello Hank and wetellyou postings - hOPE12's For Hank and wetellyou information - HANK1's request to CHERAB to answer his questions AND numerous other inappropriate christianity postings - Cherab's From Hanky To Cherub: Don't you dare leave us! You're a peach and I'd miss you. - hOPE12's Hank please email me at - PraiseJah's addressing Cherab-Ronnie B etc... So go to the Christianity FORUM and exercise your rights as Christians or whatever religious affiliations you may be, but do not pollute the public questions boards any further. Answerway.com Support revdauphinee answered on 05/22/04: thank you Cherab rated this answer Answerway rated this answer

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STONY asked on 05/22/04 - FROM MY SISTER IN CALIFORNIA.... THE LETTER IS EDITED BUT NOT THE STORY. With love, Vicki xxoo!!! There was once a man who didn't believe in God, and he didn't hesitate to let others know how he felt about religion and religious holidays, like Christmas. His wife, however, did believe, and she raised their children to also have faith in God and Jesus, despite his disparaging comments. One snowy Christmas Eve, his wife was taking their children to a Christmas Eve service in the farm community in which they lived. She asked him to come, but he refused. "That story is nonsense!" he said. "Why would God lower Himself to come to Earth as a man? That's ridiculous!" So she and the children left, and he stayed home. A while later, the winds grew stronger and the snow turned into a blizzard. As the man looked out the window, all he saw was a blinding snowstorm. He sat down to relax before the fire for the evening. Then he heard a loud thump. Something had hit the window. Then another thump. He looked out, but couldn't see more than a few feet. When the snow let up a little, he ventured outside to see what could have been beating on his window. In the field near his house he saw a flock of wild geese. Apparently they had been flying south for the winter when they got caught in the snowstorm and couldn't go on. They were lost and stranded on his farm, with no food or shelter. They just flapped their wings and flew around the field in low circles, blindly and aimlessly. A couple of them had flown into his window, it seemed. The man felt sorry for the geese and wanted to help them. The barn would be a great place for them to stay, he thought. It's warm and safe; surely they could spend the night and wait out the storm. So he walked over to the barn and opened the doors wide, then watched and waited, hoping they would notice the open barn and go inside. But the geese just fluttered around aimlessly and didn't seem to notice the barn or realize what it could mean for them. The man tried to get their attention, but that just seemed to scare them and they moved further away. He went into the house and came with some bread, broke it up, and made a bread crumb trail leading to the barn. They still didn't catch on. Now he was getting frustrated. He got behind them and tried to shoo them toward the barn, but they only got more scared and scattered in every direction except toward the barn. Nothing he did could get them to go into the barn where they would be warm and safe. Why don't they follow me?!" he exclaimed. "Can't they see this is the only place where they can survive the storm?" He thought for a moment and realized that they just wouldn't follow a human. "If only I were a goose, then I could save them," he said out loud. Then he had an idea. He went into barn, got one of his own geese, and carried it in his arms as he circled around behind the flock of wild geese. He then released it. His goose flew through the flock and straight into the barn--and one by one the other geese followed it to safety. He stood silently for a moment as the words he had spoken a few minutes earlier replayed in his mind: "If only I were a goose, then I could save them!" Then he thought about what he had said to his wife earlier. "Why would God want to be like us? That's ridiculous!" Suddenly it all made sense. That is what God had done. We were like the geese--blind, lost, perishing. God had His Son become like us so He could show us the way and save us. That was the meaning of Christmas, he realized. As the winds and blinding snow died down, his soul became quiet and pondered this wonderful thought. Suddenly he understood what Christmas was all about, why Christ had come. Years of doubt and disbelief vanished like the passing storm He fell to his knees in the snow, and prayed his first prayer: "Thank You, God, for coming in human form to get me out of the storm!" FOR OUR NEWCOMER LIZBETH, THERE ARE ALL SORTS OF THINGS WE CAN SHARE WITH EACH OTHER TO LIFT UP AND ENCOURAGE ONE ANOTHER.............STONY revdauphinee answered on 05/22/04: that was a great story thanks STONY rated this answer

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CeeBee asked on 05/21/04 - Liturgy, Part II -- My home congregation introduced a rock service to be held twice a month. The hope was to draw in young people. Do you think a rock service with a live rock band and noise and hand clapping and foot stomping and lively singing is God-pleasing? If yes, why? If not, why not? revdauphinee answered on 05/22/04: the Lord loves music read the following it has always been part of his praise (2Chr.5:12,13 12 All the Levites who were musicians--Asaph, Heman, Jeduthun and their sons and relatives--stood on the east side of the altar, dressed in fine linen and playing cymbals, harps and lyres. They were accompanied by 120 priests sounding trumpets. 13 The trumpeters and singers joined in unison, as with one voice, to give praise and thanks to the LORD. Accompanied by trumpets, cymbals and other instruments, they raised their voices in praise to the LORD and sang: "He is good; his love endures forever." CeeBee rated this answer

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Mathatmacoat asked on 05/20/04 - Hello again experts! Commenting on an answer a thought occured to me and perhaps the experts here can answer it. What is it about the name of Jesus that brings out the worst? We can see and hear that people can make reference to God, call Him by many names depending upon your religion, but when you use the name of Jesus, people remove themselves from your presence as quickly as possible, saying they dont want to discuss religion or turning the name into a curse. Why is this? Why are people offended by the name Jesus? There is even one group who say they will not use the name Jesus less any man be offended. Why should people be offended by the name Jesus? revdauphinee answered on 05/21/04: sinners do not wish to have a reminder of thier sin! Mathatmacoat rated this answer

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Mathatmacoat asked on 05/20/04 - Hello Experts! I have a question for you! How do you show brotherly love when your brother is trying to kill you? Should I give up my life when my brother attacks me? When is it permissable for me to take the life of another? revdauphinee answered on 05/21/04: everyone has right to defend themselves!but as was said better to just avoid him if you truly fear him and also pray for him! Cherab rated this answer Mathatmacoat rated this answer

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sapphire630 asked on 05/20/04 - see ya I might be going to New York City to go shopping on Saturday with some girls from my law class. IF I happen to still be there on Monday A.M. I will go to be one of the crowd at the Today show and hold a sign saying HEYA answerway.com luv sapph! I think I will be back before Monday if I go though. revdauphinee answered on 05/21/04: have a great and safe trip Dorothy sapphire630 rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 05/19/04 - Cyber Church Attacked! The world's first three-dimensional cyber church has had to close its pulpit to ordinary worshippers after a large number of people logged in and used swear words in the establishment. The Church of Fools said it had tightened security, including withdrawing the "preach button" and putting in more wardens to stop people from using abusive language. The British-based wardens said a "smite" button was used to eliminate troublemakers but they had encountered particular difficulties at night when they were asleep and people from the US and Australia had logged on. One person logged in as Satan, entered the pulpit and started to blaspheme. The 3D establishment, complete with a stained glass window, gothic arches, pews, and a crypt was launched last week at the Christian Resources Exhibition in Esher, Surrey. Members of the congregation - represented by cartoon "avatars" or 3D cartoons - are able to cross themselves, bless and walk and kneel in the church. Wardens struggled to oversee 60,000 visits to the church during the first two days of opening. It has attracted between 5000 and 10,000 visits a day since then. Stephen Goddard, spokesman for the church, said the abuse was "disappointing" but was a sign the establishment was reaching thousands of people who had no normal contact with the church. He compared the difficulties with the problems faced by John Wesley, the 18th-century founder of Methodism. "When Wesley started off all those years ago preaching to the unconverted, he was shouted at, spat at and abused and people brayed like donkeys to put him off preaching," he said. "When you go out into a different culture first you are going to suffer abuse. We are not worried about it and it does not offend us. "We have to do what we can to prevent it." PA Nothing new here, just a repeat of the idiocy which has plagued Christian web sites and Boards. When you call yourself the Church of Fools you have to expect the fools to attend, or are only the righteous allowed? revdauphinee answered on 05/19/04: anyone who is a christian knows Satan will attack anything that shows any efectiveness in promoting Christ!when folks attack me I know I am doing something right for Christ! Cherab rated this answer Fr_Chuck rated this answer Krewton rated this answer paraclete rated this answer Uni-Agdistis rated this answer

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Fulmens asked on 05/19/04 - free will?? wha do you think? i would like to know your comments on our belief that God has given us free will. my comment is this: God is omnipotent, there is nothing He cant do or see or hear. free will means we can chose our life style and which path to follow, be it Jesus' or Lucifer's. now, since we have free will, this means that God has no control over us, and that he has no idea what we will do next. we are free to do what we please, what our brain tells us to do in a second. that is why He sent Jesus to teach us the right path to His kingdom and what we need to do to be saved. we either chose His path or we dont. however, God is omnipotent, all knowing and all seeing, so He must know what we will do next, and since He does, we have no control over our lives because the path we take is already witten, and cant be changed. He knows what's going to happen already, and it cant be changed, meaning we have no free will because our path is already set. but if you say no, he does not know what's going to happen because he gave us free will, then you are implying He is NOT omnipotent. what do you think about free will? revdauphinee answered on 05/19/04: hw gives us free will so we wont just be like robots He can, and could controll us, he chooses not to, in order that we who follow his way do it because we desire to not because we have to! Fulmens rated this answer MaggieB rated this answer

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PraiseJah asked on 05/19/04 - Rev 11:18 - "destroying those who destroy the earth" (NIV) How can we as individuals avoid being among those who are destroying the earth with pollution? revdauphinee answered on 05/19/04: try to avoid using chemical cleaning agents in favour of more natural ones! PraiseJah rated this answer

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MaggieB asked on 05/19/04 - A Marine sees what defeatists don't/a view from the better side Page 21A USA Today, May 19, 2004 A Marine sees what defeatists don't My view from Iraq is better than the media's (and closer to reality) By Ben Connable RAMADI, Iraq -- This is my third deployment with the 1st Marine Division to the Middle East. This is the third time I've heard the quavering cries of the talking heads predicting failure and calling for withdrawal. This is the third time I find myself shaking my head in disbelief. Setbacks and tragedy are part and parcel of war and must be accepted on the battlefield. We can and will achieve our goals in Iraq. Waiting for war in the Saudi Arabian desert as a young corporal in 1991, I recall reading news clippings portending massive tank battles, fiery death from Saddam Hussein's ''flame trenches'' and bitter defeat at the hands of the fourth-largest army in the world. My platoon was told to expect 75% casualties. Being Marines and, therefore, naturally cocky, we still felt pretty good about our abilities. The panicky predictions failed to come true. The flame trenches sputtered. Nobody from my platoon died. Strength, ingenuity and willpower won the day. Crushing the fourth-largest army in the world in four days seemed to crush the doubts back home. Twelve years passed, during which time America was faced with frustrating actions in Somalia and the Balkans. Doubt had begun to creep back into public debate. In the spring of last year, I was a Marine captain, back with the division for Operation Iraqi Freedom. As I waited for war in the desert, just 100 miles to the north from our stepping-off point in 1991, I was again subjected to the panicky analyses of talking heads. There weren't enough troops to do the job, the oil fields would be destroyed, we couldn't fight in urban terrain, our offensive would grind to a halt, and we should expect more than 10,000 casualties. Remembering my experience in Desert Storm, I took these assessments with a grain of salt. As a staff officer in the division command post, I was able to follow the larger battle as we moved forward. I knew that our tempo was keeping the enemy on his heels and that our plan would lead us to victory. But war is never clean and simple. Mourning our losses quietly, the Marines drove to Baghdad, then to Tikrit, liberating the Iraqi people while losing fewer men than were lost in Desert Storm. In May of last year, I was sitting with some fellow officers back in Diwaniyah, Iraq, the offensive successful and the country liberated from Saddam. I received a copy of a March 30 U.S. newspaper on Iraq in an old package that had finally made its way to the front. The stories: horror in Nasariyah, faltering supply lines and demonstrations in Cairo. The mood of the paper was impenetrably gloomy, and predictions of disaster abounded. The offensive was stalled; everyone was running out of supplies; we would be forced to withdraw. The Arab world was about to ignite into a fireball of rage, and the Middle East was on the verge of collapse. If I had read those stories on March 30, I would have had a tough time either restraining my laughter or, conversely, falling into a funk. I was concerned about the bizarre kaleidoscope image of Iraq presented to the American people by writers viewing the world through a soda straw. Returning to Iraq this past February, I knew that the Marines had a tremendous opportunity to follow through on our promises to the Iraqi people. Believing in the mission, many Marines volunteered to return. I again found myself in the division headquarters. Just weeks ago, I read that the supply lines were cut, ammunition and food were dwindling, the ''Sunni Triangle'' was exploding, cleric Muqtada al-Sadr was leading a widespread Shiite revolt, and the country was nearing civil war. As I write this, the supply lines are open, there's plenty of ammunition and food, the Sunni Triangle is back to status quo, and Sadr is marginalized in Najaf. Once again, dire predictions of failure and disaster have been dismissed by American willpower and military professionalism. War is inherently ugly and dramatic. I don't blame reporters for focusing on the burning vehicles, the mutilated bodies or the personal tragedies. The editors have little choice but to print the photos from the Abu Ghraib prison and the tales of the insurgency in Fallujah. These things sell news and remind us of the sober reality of our commitment to the Iraqi people. The actions of our armed forces are rightfully subject to scrutiny. I am not ignorant of the political issues, either. But as a professional, I have the luxury of putting politics aside and focusing on the task at hand. Protecting people from terrorists and criminals while building schools and lasting friendships is a good mission, no matter what brush it's tarred with. Nothing any talking head will say can deter me or my fellow Marines from caring about the people of Iraq, or take away from the sacrifices of our comrades. Fear in the face of adversity is human nature, and many people who take the counsel of their fears speak today. We are not deaf to their cries; neither do we take heed. All we ask is that Americans stand by us by supporting not just the troops, but also the mission. We'll take care of the rest. Maj. Ben Connable is serving as a foreign-area officer and intelligence officer with the 1st Marine Division. USA TODAY revdauphinee answered on 05/19/04: we all need to know that with regards to the media good news is not news worthy!they would far rather be telling us of the mayhem and destruction than of any good deeds being done! MaggieB rated this answer

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MaggieB asked on 05/19/04 - Thought some of you might find this article interesting. I did. There is a way to understand each others religious preferences and get along in this world. The Muslim in this article showed love and compassion for a Christian minister/fellowman. As the song goes, "What the world needs now, is love sweet love" is very true. It appears that the Muslim was showing the true Islamic faith, not the Islamic extremists who are using Islam to hide behind in their terriorists activities. _________________ May 19, 2004 INDONESIA (Compass Direct) After several appeals, imprisoned pastor Rinaldy Damanik, who many believe was framed on false charges of illegal weapons possession, has finally received permission to travel to Jakarta for urgent medical treatment. He has suffered severe kidney problems. Doctors believe the facilities for his needed surgery can only be found in Jakarta and that his condition has worsened due to the delay in appropriate medical treatment. A release from the World Evangelical Alliance Religious Liberty Commission tells the story of a Muslim cleric who, some months ago, had a vision that he should visit Damanik in prison. Meeting him and being deeply impacted by Damanik's faith, this man went to the prison authorities and pleaded with them, in tears, to have him transferred to the hospital in Jakarta. Pray for successful surgery for Pastor Damanik, trusting God's love and mercy toward this faithful servant. Pray Pastor Damanik will be a witness of Jesus' love to those who never heard of Him. Pray for the Muslim cleric that God will lead, guide, and direct him into bigger and better paths. ____________ God bless, MaggieB revdauphinee answered on 05/19/04: no doubt there are some truly good folks in the muslim world however the teaching of the quoran in many parts is not condusive to this ! MaggieB rated this answer

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HANK1 asked on 05/19/04 - WHAT'S A CHERAB ... SPELLED WITH A 'U?' The plural of Cherub is Cherumbim and is the name given to certain symbolical figures frequently mentioned in Scripture! "They are first mentioned in connection with the expulsion of our first parents from Eden (Gen. 3:24). There is no intimation given of their shape or form. They are next mentioned when Moses was commanded to provide furniture for the tabernacle (Ex. 25:17-20; 26:1, 31). God promised to commune with Moses "from between the cherubim" (25:22). This expression was afterwards used to denote the Divine abode and presence (Num. 7:89; 1 Sam. 4:4; Isa. 37:16; Ps. 80:1; 99:1). In Ezekiel's vision (10:1-20) they appear as living creatures supporting the throne of God. From Ezekiel's description of them (1;10; 41:18, 19), they appear to have been compound figures, unlike any real object in nature; artificial images possessing the features and properties of several animals. Two cherubim were placed on the mercy-seat of the ark; two of colossal size overshadowed it in Solomon's temple. Ezekiel (1:4-14) speaks of four; and this number of "living creatures" is mentioned in Rev. 4:6. Those on the ark are called the "cherubim of glory" (Heb. 9:5), i.e., of the Shechinah, or cloud of glory, for on them the visible glory of God rested. They were placed one at each end of the mercy-seat, with wings stretched upward, and their faces "toward each other and toward the mercy-seat." They were anointed with holy oil, like the ark itself and the other sacred furniture. "The cherubim were symbolical. They were intended to represent spiritual existences in immediate contact with Jehovah. Some have regarded them as symbolical of the chief ruling power by which God carries on his operations in providence (Ps. 18:10). Others interpret them as having reference to the redemption of men, and as symbolizing the great rulers or ministers of the church. Many other opinions have been held regarding them which need not be referred to here. On the whole, it seems to be most satisfactory to regard the interpretation of the symbol to be variable, as is the symbol itself. "Their office was, (1) on the expulsion of our first parents from Eden, to prevent all access to the tree of life; and (2) to form the throne and chariot of Jehovah in his manifestation of himself on earth. He dwelleth between and sitteth on the cherubim (1 Sam. 4:4; Ps. 80:1; Ezek. 1:26, 28)." Source: Christian Answers.net I know that Cher is a river which flows in France near Tours but ... what's a Cherab ... spelled with an 'a?' HANK revdauphinee answered on 05/19/04: hank in my dictionary it means iritant! Cherab rated this answer HANK1 rated this answer Liz22 rated this answer paraclete rated this answer Toms777 rated this answer Uni-Agdistis rated this answer

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ROLCAM asked on 05/18/04 - More about angels. !! How much do you personally know about them? Are you personally conscious that they are more than messengers? Do you feel protected in any way by your guardian angel? ROLCAM. revdauphinee answered on 05/18/04: sory bobbye it is you who missunderstood I never meant they appeared as humans I was just commenting from the scripture maybee I should have left out the word Human (I meant they appeared to humans not as humans) again I repeat 2nd Corinthians 14. And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light. meaning he appears to humans as such Bobbye rated this answer ROLCAM rated this answer

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Petesharky asked on 05/18/04 - Gay Marriage 2 Gay marriage is a choice that should be left to the participants. No one judges a straight couple who marries even if the guy is 5' tall and weighs 500lbs and the girl is a stunning beauty queen. It is not the business of the Church especially who houses so many closet homosexuals that just never knew how to handle their feelings and went into priest hood only to take out their frustrations on young boys and other priests. What business is it of yours who gets married to who? What gives you or anyone else the right to say what is right or wrong, and to use the Bible to promote your hatred and prejudice? Ignorant and stupid is no way to go through life. Who are you to decide who can be happy and who can't just because you think what they are doing is wrong? I am sure I will get a load of quotes from the bible so I will post the first 2. "Let ye who lives without sin cast the first stone." How about "Judge not lest ye be judged." My oldest brother who is 14 years older than me is gay and if he came home tomorrow and said that he was getting married I would be happy for him. Pete revdauphinee answered on 05/18/04: I agree it is not my business however it is Gods he will be the final judge not I Petesharky rated this answer

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Uni-Agdistis asked on 05/18/04 - ....and speaking of angels and marriages ..... GUARDIAN ANGEL A man was walking in the street when he heard a voice: "Stop! Stand still! If you take one more step, a brick will fall down on your head and kill you." The man stopped and a big brick fell right in front of him. The man was astonished. He went on, and after awhile he was going to cross the road. Once again the voice shouted: "Stop! Stand still! If you take one more step a car will run over you and you will die." The man did as he was instructed, just as a car came careening around the corner, barely missing him. "Where are you?" the man asked. "Who are you?" "I am your guardian angel," the voice answered. "Oh yeah?" the man asked. "And where the hell were you when I got married?" revdauphinee answered on 05/18/04: maybee the e mail comment was a joke made by God?? Psalm 2: 4. The One enthroned in heaven laughs; you see we are truly made in his image! Uni-Agdistis rated this answer

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Petesharky asked on 05/18/04 - Gay Marriage 2 Gay marriage is a choice that should be left to the participants. No one judges a straight couple who marries even if the guy is 5' tall and weighs 500lbs and the girl is a stunning beauty queen. It is not the business of the Church especially who houses so many closet homosexuals that just never knew how to handle their feelings and went into priest hood only to take out their frustrations on young boys and other priests. What business is it of yours who gets married to who? What gives you or anyone else the right to say what is right or wrong, and to use the Bible to promote your hatred and prejudice? Ignorant and stupid is no way to go through life. Who are you to decide who can be happy and who can't just because you think what they are doing is wrong? I am sure I will get a load of quotes from the bible so I will post the first 2. "Let ye who lives without sin cast the first stone." How about "Judge not lest ye be judged." My oldest brother who is 14 years older than me is gay and if he came home tomorrow and said that he was getting married I would be happy for him. Pete revdauphinee answered on 05/18/04: Yopu should love your brother God does however he does not love his lifestyle! God in the beginiong created a couple consisting of a man and a woman and when he changes this only then should we accept it Genesis 1 :27. So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them. 28. God blessed them and said to them,((( "Be fruitful and increase in number;))) fill the earth and subdue it. How can a homosexual couple increase ??? Petesharky rated this answer

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Petesharky asked on 05/18/04 - Gay Marriage Gay marriage is a choice that should be left to the participants. No one judges a straight couple who marries even if the guy is 5' tall and weighs 500lbs and the girl is a stunning beauty queen. It is not the business of the Church especially who houses so many closet homosexuals that just never knew how to handle their feelings and went into priest hood only to take out their frustrations on young boys and other priests. revdauphinee answered on 05/18/04: churches that claim to be Chist followers shoule in all things first go to the scriptures and in leviticus when the Law is given bu the Lord we find Leviticus 18:22 22. "`Do not lie with a man as one lies with a woman; that is detestable. are we to consider ourselves followers of god if we do not follow his word??? he also tells us to love the sinner while hating the sin ,it is not the homosexual that is abhorent but his actions! Petesharky rated this answer

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ROLCAM asked on 05/18/04 - More about angels. !! How much do you personally know about them? Are you personally conscious that they are more than messengers? Do you feel protected in any way by your guardian angel? ROLCAM. revdauphinee answered on 05/18/04: psalms 91: 9. If you make the Most High your dwelling-- even the LORD, who is my refuge-- 10. then no harm will befall you, no disaster will come near your tent. 11. For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways; 12. they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone. 13. You will tread upon the lion and the cobra; you will trample the great lion and the serpent. Bobbye rated this answer ROLCAM rated this answer

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ROLCAM asked on 05/18/04 - Did you realise ?? Knowledge of angels. We are surrounded by angels. If we stop to think about it, wherever we go, there is no more popular image in art than an angel. From the awe-inspiring cherubim and seraphim with their blinding lights and multiple wings to splendidly handsome archangels encased in glittering armour to cascades of chubby, cheeky, pink and white putti tumbling off billowing clouds in a tangle of diaphanous drapery, angels are all over the place; not only in our churches but in our homes and on the streets! Do you know that each of us has a guardian angel? revdauphinee answered on 05/18/04: One must be extreemly careful regarding Angels we surley do all have guardian angels however we must never forget it tells us in scripture " 2 Corinthians:14. And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light. " lest we be decieved! ROLCAM rated this answer

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Cherab asked on 05/15/04 - The test: MENE MENE TEKEL UPHARSIN There are people who loathe Bach and can�t stand Beethoven. It was once as popular among clever and educated people to disdain Homer and Shakespeare as barbaric as it is now proper to rhapsodize about them. It is said that John Stuart Mill, the man with the fabulous Intelligence Quotient, read the New Testament with relish until he got to the Gospel of John, when he tossed the book aside before reaching the sixth chapter with the crushing and final verdict, �This is poor stuff!� "M'sieu Honore de Balzac�s place in French literature," Eugene Poitou wrote in 1856, "will be neither considerable nor high." An editor at the San Francisco Examiner, rejecting a submission in 1889, implied that the author did not have much of a future in belles lettres: "I�m sorry, Mr. Kipling, but you just don�t know how to use the English language." "Do you not know," exclaimed Samuel Taylor Coleridge in disgust, "that there is not perhaps one page in Milton�s Paradise Lost in which he has not borrowed his imagry [sic] from the scriptures?" The Germans call this Schadenfreude � in seeing its detractors themselves reap the wrath of the critics. Surveying the works of Mark Twain, one authority predicted in 1901 that "a hundred years from now it is very likely that 'The Jumping Frog' alone will be remembered." Oscar Wilde�s The Picture of Dorian Gray was said to be �tedious.� As one critic said of Ibsen�s great play A Doll�s House, "it was as though someone had dramatized the cooking of a Sunday dinner." Fashions and tastes are notoriously variable. Enthusiasts for the music of Johann Sebastian Bach will scarcely need reminding that his wide popularity today is of relatively recent date. Albert Schweitzer played an important role in the Bach revival early in the last century. Virtually any good book on Beethoven will testify to the derision his Seventh Symphony received from contemporary critics. It was Thomas Stearns Eliot who helped to restore John Donne and the metaphysical poets to an important place in the history of English literature. Rudyard Kipling � he who did not "know how to use the English language" � won the Nobel Prize for Literature and then suffered a long decline in literary reputation as his political views went out of fashion. But now, Kipling is enjoying a resurgence of critical esteem. An entire book could be devoted to the ebb and flow of critical opinion on Shakespeare. Leo Tolstoy�s disdain for the great playwright is well known. But he was not alone. Of Hamlet, Voltaire said that "it is a vulgar and barbarous drama, which would not be tolerated by the vilest populace of France, or Italy. One would imagine this piece to be the work of a drunken savage." "This is Pure melodrama," wrote George Bernard Shaw of Othello. "There is not a touch of characterization that goes below the skin." Shaw�s opinion of Antony and Cleopatra was no higher: "To say that there is plenty of bogus characterization in it is merely to say that it is by Shakespeare." After seeing a performance of A Midsummer Night�s Dream in 1662 London, Samuel Pepys confided to his diary that it was "the most insipid, ridiculous play that I ever saw in my life." "Shakespeare�s name, you may depend on it," Lord Byron assured James Hogg in 1814, "stands absurdly too high and will go down. He had no invention as to stories, none whatever. He took all his plots from old novels." These knowledgable critics were weighed in the balance and found wanting of merit in placing a value on the work of others. They are cautionary tales for any wise enough to heed and avoid these common pitfalls when the only criteria applied is an individual's limited understanding of what is really going on. I aint nobody, but I know a someone when I see one. I have witnessed three 'someones' on the Christianity Board. All others have been found wanting, as the scriptures says: And this is the writing by God's hand and that was written: MENE, MENE, TEKEL, UPHARSIN. MENE: God has seen your performances and he has condemned it. TEKEL: God has weighed your heart in his scales against ma'at and He has found you do not weigh enough to be saved. UPHARSIN: What you had will be given to your enemies. Saul was reprimanded by Jesus for persecuting him, but Saul had not seen Jesus, but because he had persecuted Christians Jesus counted it the same as persecuting himself. According to Matthew's Gospel (Matthew 25:31-46), those who do kindness to others are blessed as if they had done them directly to Jesus. Those who withhold kindeness from others, even from the lowliest of people will be condemned as if they had withheld blessing from Jesus. How did you fare when faced with the test? revdauphinee answered on 05/16/04: I still feel this abuse of the English language is blatant discrimination and debasement to those who truly are illiterate through no fault of their own! and is relative to racisam, sory its just my oppinion and we all have them! Cherab rated this answer

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HANK1 asked on 05/15/04 - TO CHERAB: Either wise up or get the hell off of this Board! You've had chances to tell us WHY you write in the language that you do! In return, NOTHING! So, do yourself a favor! Spend your time elsewhere! HANK revdauphinee answered on 05/15/04: have to agree with you but some folks need to be hit over the head with a 2X4 before one can get through to them, myself I am trying to do like I do with Aton and ignore them wich is hard cause they are as iritating as fleas but all one can do is try! CeeBee rated this answer Cherab rated this answer HANK1 rated this answer Toms777 rated this answer

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MaggieB asked on 05/14/04 - church wedding of a lesbian couple NEWS BRIEFS (http://headlines.agapepress.org/archive/5/142004h.asp) ...The president of the Unitarian Universalist Association, Rev. William Sinkford, plans to preside at the church wedding of a lesbian couple on Monday, when same-sex marriage is to become legal in Massachusetts. Other religious groups supporting homosexual marriage include Reconstructionist and Reform Jews. The United Church of Christ, American Baptists, and Quakers will let clergy decide for themselves. But the Roman Catholic Church and most mainstream denominations are barring their clergy from performing same-sex wedding ceremonies. That includes the United Methodists, the Evangelical Lutherans, the Presbyterian Church (USA), and the Greek Orthodox church. The Episcopal Diocese of Massachusetts supports homosexual marriage, but will not let its clergy perform them for now because of restrictive language in the canons and prayerbook of the church. Your comments are welcomed. Please be nice and avoid any "gutter" type responses. MaggieB revdauphinee answered on 05/15/04: still say God made Adam and Eve ,not Adam and steve so I guess y'all know where I stand on this! ATON2 rated this answer MaggieB rated this answer paraclete rated this answer

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Bradd asked on 05/14/04 - Nitwittery Spare me the notion that Cherab the nitwit is somehow interesting in he/she/its use of phonetic language. It is annoying and it knows that - hence it continues. Instead of one-starring it, maybe the best approach is to ignore it. Soon, without the replies it so desperately needs for its sustenance, it will go away. As someone so accurately noted, its fun to see this stuff from a two-year-old, but sad to see it from an adult. Stop the sadness. Leave us, Cherab. revdauphinee answered on 05/15/04: I also think ignoring it is the best solution ! Bradd rated this answer CeeBee rated this answer Toms777 rated this answer Uni-Agdistis rated this answer

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HANK1 asked on 05/14/04 - F.Y.I. "AskMe is the leading provider of software solutions that enable global 2000 companies to create and manage Employee Knowledge Networks (EKNs)." Remember AskMe as a Q/A site? Any memories? HANK revdauphinee answered on 05/15/04: I have to agree with Uni-Agdistis on that one! maybee more than one however it was caused by a few causing trouble and I sometimes wory this one will go the same way.Too bad it happened cause i truly enjoyed ask me ! HANK1 rated this answer

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MaggieB asked on 05/14/04 - LETTER FROM A FARM KID, NOW AT SAN DIEGO MARINE CORPS RECRUIT DEPOT. LETTER FROM A FARM KID, NOW AT SAN DIEGO MARINE CORPS RECRUIT DEPOT. Dear Ma and Pa: I am well. Hope you are. Tell Brother Walt and Brother Elmer the Marine Corps beats working for old man Mince by a mile. Tell them to join up quick before maybe all of the places are filled. I was restless at first because you got to stay in bed till nearly 6 a.m., but am getting so I like to sleep late. Tell Walt and Elmer all you do before breakfast is smooth your cot and shine some things. No hogs to slop, feed to pitch, mash to mix, wood to split, fire to lay. Practically nothing. Men got to shave but it is not so bad, there's warm water. Breakfast is strong on trimmings like fruit juice, cereal, eggs, bacon, etc., but kind of weak on chops, potatoes, ham, steak, fried eggplant, pie and other regular food, but tell Walt and Elmer you can always sit by the two city boys that live on coffee. Their food plus yours holds you till noon when you get fed again. It's no wonder these city boys can't walk much. We go on "route marches", which the platoon sergeant says are long walks to harden us. If he thinks so, it's not my place to tell him different. A "route march" is about as far as to our mailbox at home. Then the city guys get sore feet and we all ride back in trucks. The country is nice but awful flat. The sergeant is like a school teacher. He nags a lot. The Capt. is like the school board. Majors and colonels just ride around and frown. They don't bother you none. This next will kill Walt and Elmer with laughing. I keep getting medals for shooting. I don't know why. The bulls-eye is near as big as a chipmunk head and don't move, and it ain't shooting at you like the Higgett boys at home. All you got to do is lie there all comfortable and hit it. You don't even load your own cartridges. They come in boxes. Then we have what they call hand-to hand combat training. You get to wrestle with them city boys. I have to be real careful though, they break real easy. It ain't like fighting with that ole bull at home. I'm about the best they got in this except for that Tug Jordan from over in Silver Lake. I only beat him once. He joined up the same time as me, but I'm only 5ƌ" and 130 pounds, and he's 6Ǝ" and weighs near 300 pounds dry. Be sure to tell Walt and Elmer to hurry and join before other fellers get onto this setup and come stampeding in. Your loving daughter, Gail. Had thoughts that we may need some "humor" on the board. God bless, MaggieB revdauphinee answered on 05/15/04: good one thanks MaggieB rated this answer

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arcura asked on 05/13/04 - Nice little story..... One of my sisters-in-law sent me this little story. I thought you might enjoy it... Peace and kindness, arcura +++ The Little Hut The only survivor of a shipwreck was washed up on a small, uninhabited island. He prayed feverishly for God to rescue him, and every day he scanned the horizon for help, but none seemed forthcoming. Exhausted, he eventually managed to build a little hut out of driftwood to protect himself from the elements, and to store his few possessions. But then one day, after scavenging for food, he arrived home to find his little hut in flames, the smoke rolling up to the sky. The worst had happened - everything was lost. He was stunned with grief and anger. "God, how could you do this to me?" he cried. Early the next day, however, he was awakened by the sound of a ship that was approaching the island. It had come to rescue him. "How did you know I was here?" asked the weary man of his rescuers. "We saw your smoke signal," they replied. It's easy to get discouraged sometimes when things appear to be going badly. But we shouldn't lose heart, because God is at work in our lives, even in the midst of pain and suffering. Remember, next time your little hut is burning to the ground, it just may be a smoke signal that summons the grace of God. For all the negative things we have to say to ourselves, God has a positive answer for it: You say, "It's impossible". God says: "All thing are possible". (Luke 18:27) You say, "I'm too tired." God says: "I will give you rest". (Matt 11:28-20) You say, "Nobody really loves me". God says: "I love you". (John 3:16 -John 13:34) You say, "I can't go on." God says: "My grace is sufficient." (II Cor.12:9- Psalm 91:15) You say, "I can't figure things out." God says: "I will direct your steps." (Proverbs 3:5-6) You say, "I can't do it." God says: "You can do all things in Me." (Phil 4:13) You say, "It's not worth it." God says: "It will be worth it."(Romans 8:28) You say, "I can't forgive myself." God says: "I forgive you." (I John 1:9 - Romans 8:1) You say, "I can't manage." God says: "I will supply all your needs." (Phil 4:19) You say, "I'm afraid." God says: "I have not given you a spirit of fear." (II Tim. 1:7) You say, "I'm always worried and frustrated". God says: "Cast all your cares on ME (I Peter 5:7) You say, "I don't have enough faith." God says: "I've given everyone a measure of faith." (Romans 12:3) You say, "I'm not smart enough." God says: "I give you wisdom." (I Cor. 1:30) You say, "I feel all alone." God says: "I will never leave you or forsake you." (Heb. 13:5) There are some times that we all feel our huts are burning. revdauphinee answered on 05/15/04: this is oh so true when I look back at the most devastating events in my life ,on looking back I almost always see something good came out of even the worst of times proving that God klnows what he is doing in our lives even if we cannot always see it at the time! arcura rated this answer

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hOPE12 asked on 05/13/04 - Horse, Tongue and the bridle. Hello again, What does the bridled horse have to do with the human tongue? The Encyclopaedia Britannica state: "that a set of ostrapes that makes the bit secure in the animals mouth and can ensure that a human can control the horse. The bridle has proved invaluable for taming and riding a horse." Knowing this what relevant lesson can we clean from this? Take care, Hope12 revdauphinee answered on 05/13/04: James 3 3. When we put bits into the mouths of horses to make them obey us, we can turn the whole animal. 4. Or take ships as an example. Although they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are steered by a very small rudder wherever the pilot wants to go. 5. Likewise the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark. 6. The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole person, sets the whole course of his life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell. 7. All kinds of animals, birds, reptiles and creatures of the sea are being tamed and have been tamed by man, 8. but no man can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. 9. With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in God's likeness. 10. Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers, this should not be. 11. Can both fresh water and salt water flow from the same spring? hOPE12 rated this answer

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hOPE12 asked on 05/13/04 - Creation Hello Experts, What in Creation helps you personally see the glory of God? How does this creation give glory to God? Take care, Hope12 revdauphinee answered on 05/13/04: everything around me! how could nature just happen ?does a rose happen by accident I think not there has to be intelegent design! hOPE12 rated this answer

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hOPE12 asked on 05/13/04 - Belonging to a Church? Hi Everyone, In your opinion, does a person need to belong to a Church, in order to have a relationship with God? If so, why do you so say? If not, why do you so say? Take care, Hope12 revdauphinee answered on 05/13/04: No theY dont! there are many times when folks have proven to be great christians outside of organised religion!much of organised religion promotes itself more than Christs true teachings,I personaly know of Churches who have dress codes that would keep Jesus hinmself out ! hOPE12 rated this answer

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MaggieB asked on 05/12/04 - An Interesting Article/American GIs in Iraq Witness Testifies to Compassion, Care Expressed by American GIs in Iraq Also, Family Advocate Not Surprised by Prisoner Abuse at Abu Ghraib By Bill Fancher May 12, 2004 (AgapePress) - Families and friends of the American GIs being court-martialed for their mistreatment of Iraqi prisoners are saying that kind of action is contrary to the character of these soldiers. One observer -- Col. Oliver North -- says that while the national media continues to pound out stories about the indecent treatment of some of those prisoners, the truth about the majority of American troops is being obscured. What are U.S. troops really like? Oliver North recently returned from Baghdad where he spent three weeks with American troops. The retired Marine officer says the true picture of the character of those troops can be seen in what he witnessed as he sat in a medivac helicopter and watched a corpsman carrying an Iraqi on his back. "And then he staggers aboard the helicopter and places the wounded Iraqi gently next to the wounded Marines, all of them tended with the same battle dressings by that same corpsman," North recalls. "As he staggered back off the helicopter, a reporter shouted out to him: 'What did you do that for? Didn't you notice it was an Iraqi?' And the young corpsman looked over at [the reporter] with disgust and said: 'Didn't you notice he was wounded?'" Addressing a Washington audience during National Day of Prayer events, North said that U.S. troops in Iraq are courageous and honorable -- and that all Americans should be proud of the soldiers those young people have turned into. "That same youngster now mends and tends his own clothing. He keeps his feet dry and his canteens full. He's totally self-sufficient," North stated. "The kid who once wouldn't share a candy bar with his little brother now gives away his last drop of water to a wounded comrade, gives his only MRE to a hungry Iraqi kid, and splits his ammo with a mate in a firefight." This, North said, is the true picture of American troops. Cultural Deviance Still, Americans are reacting with disbelief and anger regarding the mistreatment and sexual abuse of Iraqi prisoners. Pro-family consultant Pat Trueman with the Family Research Council says the public should not be surprised that Americans are capable of such dehumanizing treatment. He says those involved in the abuses grew up in a culture that embraces such behavior. "I would guess that everyone who is involved in this sexual deviance ... is not new to this genre of material," Trueman laments. "They've viewed it on the Internet, they've probably purchased it, they've probably participated in this kind of activity." This kind of treatment is nothing new, says the long-time defender of family values. "I think there's a common thread in the kind of humiliation and sexual deviance that we saw in this prison in Iraq that you see among pornographers, among consumers of pornographic material, among sexual traffickers worldwide," he says. According to Trueman, this kind of treatment of human beings can even be found in music videos and video games available through the American media. revdauphinee answered on 05/12/04: still think these kids are going to be the scapegoats for the higher ups who give the orders its too bad tomder55 rated this answer MaggieB rated this answer ATON2 rated this answer

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MaggieB asked on 05/12/04 - Pledge of Allegiance/ one nation under God My husband served with Senator John McCain aboard the USS Forrestal during the Viet Nam War and Senator McCain was shot down over Viet Nam while serving with the U.S. Navy on the Forrestal. Some of you may have read the following but I think it quite interesting and so I am posting it for all to read: In light of the recent appeals court ruling in California, with respect to the Pledge of Allegiance, the following recollection from Senator John McCain is very appropriate:. "The Pledge of Allegiance" - Senator John McCain As you may know, I spent five and one half years as a prisoner of war during the Vietnam War. In the early years of our imprisonment, the NVA kept us in solitary confinement or two or three to a cell. In 1971 the NVA moved us from these conditions of isolation into large rooms with as many as 30 to 40 men to a room. This was,as you can imagine, a wonderful change and was a direct result of the efforts of millions of Americans on behalf of a few hundred POWs 10,000 miles from home. One of the men who moved into my room was a young man named Mike Christian. Mike came from a small town near Selma, Alabama. He didn't wear a pair of shoes until he was 13 years old. At 17, he enlisted in the US Navy. He later earned a commission by going to Officer Training School. Then he became a Naval Flight Officer and was shot down and captured in 1967. Mike had a keen and deep appreciation of the opportunities this country and our military provide for people who want to work and want to succeed. As part of the change in treatment, the Vietnamese allowed some prisoners to receive packages from home. In some of these packages were handkerchiefs, scarves and other items of clothing. Mike got himself a bamboo needle. Over a period of a couple of months, he created an American flag and sewed on the inside of his shirt. Every afternoon, before we had a bowl of soup, we would hang Mike's shirt on the wall of the cell and say the Pledge of Allegiance. I know the Pledge of Allegiance may not seem the most important part of our day now, but I can assure you that in that stark cell it was indeed the most important and meaningful event. One day the Vietnamese searched our cell, as they did periodically,and discovered Mike's shirt with the flag sewn inside, and removed it. That evening they returned, opened the door of the cell, and for the benefit of all of us, beat Mike Christian severely for the next couple of hours. Then, they opened the door of the cell and threw him in. We cleaned him up as well as we could.. The cell in which we lived had a concrete slab in the middle on which we slept. Four naked light bulbs hung in each corner of the room. As I said, we tried to clean up Mike as well as we could. After the excitement died down, I looked in the corner of the room, and sitting there beneath that dim light bulb with a piece of red cloth, another shirt and his bamboo needle, was my friend, Mike Christian. He was sitting there with his eyes almost shut from the beating he had received, making another American flag. He was not making the flag because it made Mike Christian feel better. He was making that flag because he knew how important it was to us to be able to Pledge our allegiance to our flag and country. So the next time you say the Pledge of Allegiance,you must never forget the sacrifice and courage that thousands of Americans have made to build our nation and promote freedom around the world. You must remember our duty, our honor, and our country "I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible,with liberty and justice for all." revdauphinee answered on 05/12/04: to bad those of us safe and sound in our own little worlds do not have the same appreciation for those words! Cherab rated this answer MaggieB rated this answer

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MaggieB asked on 05/12/04 - What do you think of our immigration laws? Many American jobs are being transferred to "cheap labor" countries and positions that are available here in the U.S. are being filled by immigrants of different races and creeds who come here because of they want the freedom and better wages that is provided. How do you feel re the immigration laws? Should we close the "flood gates" so to speak or should we continue to let any and every immigrant, whether legal or not continue to come here and live? ...An immigration reform activist says Muslim websites are encouraging people from Islamic countries to colonize the United States. Susan Tully, Midwest director at the Federation for American Immigration Reform, says she is concerned about what is happening in towns like Hamtramck, Michigan, where Muslims have virtually taken over the community. Tully says Muslims are not encouraging people to become part of the American dream. "They're not coming here to become Americans," she says, "they're coming here, as these websites are saying, and promoting colonization of their own religion, of their own culture in towns and taking them over." She contends that is exactly what is haywire about current immigration policy in the U.S. "It is not any longer about what's good for America," she says, "it's about what's good for everyone else -- and America has to stand by and let it happen." Tully says Muslims understand that their religion is different and not acceptable to most Americans, so by colonizing an area they can take it over to the point where they make the rules. revdauphinee answered on 05/12/04: I dont know what has happened in the last 40 yrs !whaen I cam ehere i had to go to the embasy first and apply to come it took a long time and I had to havr someone here sponsor me >I dont know how it is done now but I do think some changes should be made to secure the borders as an Imigrant myself who truly loves my new country I think if it was a little harder those who come these days might appreciate this country more. As for Muslims they because of there faith wish to have the whole world Muslim (as in truth we Christians would also like it to be Christian!))But rather than converting people to christ they want an islamic world by any means possible if they cant force us into it they will do it another way Cherab rated this answer kindj rated this answer MaggieB rated this answer

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STONY asked on 05/12/04 - NOW THIS OUGHT TO PUT A SHARP CREASE IN YOUR PANTS... A REPORT FROM MY BROTHER IN PHOENIX..... SUBJECT: Justice- PLEASE TAKE THE TIME TO READ IT ALL. Remember the guy who got on a plane with a bomb built into his shoe and tried to light it? His trial is over. How much of this Judge's comments did you hear on TV? Everyone should hear what the judge had to say. This is worthy of your time. The real eye opener is that the News did not report anything on it. US District Court Judge William Young statement in sentencing "shoe bomber" Richard Reid: --------------------- JUDGE WILLIAM YOUNG, SENTENCES THE SHOE BOMBER US District Court Judge William Young made the following statement in sentencing "shoe bomber" Richard Reid to prison. It is noteworthy, and deserves to be remembered far longer than he predicts. I commend it to you and anyone you might wish to forward it to. (I hope you will read every word! Pray for more judges like this one.) "January 30, 2003, United States vs.. Reid. Judge Young: "Mr. Richard C. Reid, hearken now to the sentence the Court imposes upon you. "On counts 1, 5 and 6 the Court sentences you to life in prison in the custody of the United States Attorney General. "On counts 2, 3, 4 and 7, the Court sentences you to 20 years in prison on each count, the sentence on each count to run consecutive with the other. "That's 80 years. "On count 8 the Court sentences you to the mandatory 30 years consecutive to the 80 years just imposed. The Court imposes upon you each of the eight counts a fine of $250,000 for the aggregate fine of $2 million. "The Court accepts the government's recommendation with respect to restitution and orders restitution in the amount of $298.17 to Andre Bousquet and $5,784 to American Airlines. "The Court imposes upon you the $800 special assessment. "The Court imposes upon you five years supervised release simply because the law requires it. But the life sentences are real life sentences so I need go no further. "This is the sentence that is provided for by our statutes. It is a fair and just sentence. It is a righteous sentence. "Let me explain this to you: We are not afraid of any of your terrorist co-conspirators, Mr. Reid. We are Americans. We have been through the fire before. "There is all too much war talk here. And I say that to everyone with the utmost respect. Here in this court, where we deal with individuals as individuals, and care for individuals as individuals, as human beings we reach out for justice, you are not an enemy combatant. "You are a terrorist. "You are not a soldier in any war. "You are a terrorist. "To give you that reference, to call you a soldier, gives you far too much stature. "Whether it is the officers of government who do it or your attorney who does it, or that happens to be your view, "You are a terrorist. And we do not negotiate with terrorists. "We do not sign documents with terrorists. "We hunt them down one by one and bring them to justice. So war talk is way out of line in this court. "You are a big fellow. But you are not that big. You're no warrior. I know warriors. You are a terrorist. "A species of criminal guilty of multiple attempted murders. "In a very real sense Trooper Santiago had it right when you first were taken off that plane and into custody and you wondered where the press and where the TV crews were and he said you're no big deal. "You are no big deal. "What your able counsel and what the equally able United States attorneys have grappled with and what I have as honestly as I know how tried to grapple with, is why you did something so horrific. "What was it that led you here to this courtroom today? "I have listened respectfully to what you have to say. And I asked you to search your heart and ask yourself what sort of unfathomable hate led you to do what you are guilty, and admit you are guilty of doing. "And I have an answer for you.. "It may not satisfy you. But as I search this entire record it comes as close to understanding as I know. It seems to me you hate the one thing that is most precious: You hate our freedom. "Our individual freedom. Our individual freedom to live as we choose, to come and go as we choose, and to believe or not believe as we individually choose. "Here, in this society, the very winds carry freedom. They carry it everywhere from sea to shining sea. "It is because we prize individual freedom so much that you are here in this beautiful courtroom. So that everyone can see, truly see, that justice is administered fairly, individually, and discreetly. "It is for freedom's sake that your lawyers are striving so vigorously on your behalf, have filed appeals, and will go on in their representation of you before other judges. "We are about it. Because we all know that the way we treat you, Mr. Reid, is the measure of our own liberties. "Make no mistake though: It is yet true that we will bear any burden, pay any price, to preserve our freedoms. "Look around this courtroom. Mark it well. "The world is not going to long remember what you or I say here. Day after tomorrow it will be forgotten. But this, however, will long endure. Here in this courtroom and courtrooms all across America, the American people will gather to see that justice, individual justice. Justice, not war. Individual justice is in fact being done. "The very President of the United States through his officers will have to come into courtrooms and lay out evidence on which specific matters can be judged. And juries of citizens will gather to sit and judge that evidence democratically - to mold and shape and refine our sense of justice. "See that flag Mr. Reid? "That is the flag of the United States of America. "That flag will fly there long after this is all forgotten. That flag stands for freedom. It always will. "Custody, Mr. Officer. Stand him down." How much of this Judge's comments did you hear on our TV sets? ZERO! revdauphinee answered on 05/12/04: DIDNT HEAR A WORD OF IT !What bothers me is that this man was English was he not !I used to be a british citizen,wich causes me to wonder WHy!I dont understant terrorist mentality in anyone but in a British citisenI just cant understand him but then I dont understand them no matter where they come from ethical_reason rated this answer MaggieB rated this answer STONY rated this answer

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sapphire630 asked on 05/12/04 - ? to do with end times From everything I have learned about the end times both Christian and secular teachings there will be a one world government, cashless society, restricted freedom, etc... leading up to the anti-christ & mark of the beast. We already are headed toward a completely cashless society and have the chip implants that people say will be used for the mark of the beast. When I ask people what they think or how they think we will end up from where we are to this point one thing most people say, "Our government would never allow it and definitely not be part of it." My question then is how do you think American will end up a part of the end time thing? Do you think we will wake up one day turn on the TV and there is the anti-christ saying he is holding Washington D.C. hostage and we all have to go get the mark of the beast? Or do you think the one world government will be gradually slipped in on us and nobody will see it and how do you think it could happen? Or what other way do you think we will get to this point? I usually just give 5 stars for every reply Here I am giving 5 only to replies that have a thought out answer. revdauphinee answered on 05/12/04: I think we are so gulable it may be slipped in almost without our knowing ( at least it will for those who are not believers !and the rest of us will be dealt with! the ground work for a great anti christian movement is already underway dont you think!one can display any religious symbol as long as it is not christ orientated,you can say anything you wish as long as it is not a prayer to Jesus.our children can read the worst books they desire as long as they dont read the bible in school.we are closer to ACCEPTING ANTI CHRIST EACH DAY ! sapphire630 rated this answer Cherab rated this answer

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ethical_reason asked on 05/12/04 - since this has become the "war" board, paraclete and ... Paraclete and others of you (in one way or another) indicated the idea (or support of the idea) that the way we treated the prisoners was comparable to the way the Nazi's treated their prisoners. Paraclete, you also indicated that it compares to communism. For everyone's information, communism is an economic system. The Nazi�s (while communists) were practicing a distorted form of socialism, that is what you meant Paraclete. But, back to the idea that our torture is in any way like Nazi Germany. The statements mildly offend me, not emotionally but intellectually. So, I want to talk about it openly. Perhaps some of you are so far removed from the holocaust (or even do not think that it happened) that you feel the comparison is fair. So, for your education, I�ll only take actual corroborated reports and medical findings of how Nazi�s treated their prisoners. And here is a quick and dirty comparison (please do not read if offended by descriptions of violence): USA: Breaking chemical lights and pouring the phosphoric liquid on detainees Nazi: Pouring boiling oil and acid onto detainees and documenting how the skin melts. USA: pouring cold water on naked detainees Nazi: pouring water one drop at a time onto a naked detainee in a refrigerator and documenting their emotional state as they die. USA: beating detainees with a broom handle and a chair Nazi: Raping detainees with a broom handle after beating them, then pulling out their teeth and forcing felatio until they die of suffocation and blood in the lungs. USA: threatening male detainees with rape Nazi: Raping male or female detainees in indescribable ways USA: allowing a military police guard to stitch the wound of a detainee who was injured after being slammed against the wall in his cell Nazi: I don�t know of anything that was this nice, but I�m sure it happened. USA: sodomising a detainee with a chemical light and perhaps a broom stick Nazi: Covered above USA: and using military working dogs to frighten and intimidate detainees with threats of attack, and in one instance actually biting a detainee. Nazi: Raping a prisoner with a dog and then allowing the dogs to eat the prisoner alive. They also did countless unimaginable medical tests, there is still an ongoing medical debate as to whether we should use the results found in their tests. The tests involved putting humans through the kind of tests we used to put animals through before their was PETA. And the tests they did on genetic twins were possibly worse than all of this. I studied all of this in high school and then college, a little in med school and it�s all over the internet. I am confused as to why this is not known by everyone at least a little. revdauphinee answered on 05/12/04: as a person who lived in europe during ww2 no one will deny that the nazis were animals however surely we do not ever want to stoop to that level?what those soldiers did was wrong to say the least however I for one feel sure teese few soldiers mostly non coms did not take this upon themselves there has to be knowledge higher up the chain of command (but will they ever be brought to task for it?I feel no this is going to be placed on the privates and non coms as it always is! Also the press posting these photos must take the blame in part for the beheading of the american shown on the internet I wonder where all the protests about this in the Arab world are today?? ethical_reason rated this answer

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tomder55 asked on 05/12/04 - Operation Iraqi Children enter here revdauphinee answered on 05/12/04: good site and thanks for providing the link tomder55 rated this answer

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Itsdb asked on 05/11/04 - Will there be any outrage? Will there be any outrage over the beheading of American Nick Berg by the hooded men shouting "Allahu Akbar!" - "God is great?" http://www.news24.com/News24/World/Iraq/0,6119,2-10-1460_1525439,00.html Steve revdauphinee answered on 05/11/04: with the treatment of th prisoners this is what we reaped Hate to say it but there will be more! darkstar rated this answer Itsdb rated this answer powderpuff rated this answer tomder55 rated this answer Toms777 rated this answer

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sapphire630 asked on 05/11/04 - What's wrong with my common sense I read that Mike Madden (a sports newscaster)made a comment something about comparing the wrongful (to put it mildly) treatment of prisoners could be compared to College faternity initiations or hazing so whats the problem? What is wrong with this picture? First of all if something like college hazing pranks by immature college students can be made a comparison to the integrety of our country and what they did to the prisoners a reason for it to be acceptable then it seems to me 2 wrongs do make a right. Thereby college students should no longer get in trouble over student pranks because after all they would therefore have set a precident of what makes the treatment of the prisoners acceptable. Whats the logic here as I sho' can't figure it out. Shouldn't we be concerned with the integrity of our country instead of making lame excuses? revdauphinee answered on 05/11/04: did you see the photo of the enemy beheading an american on camera ??This is the result of those so called hasing tactics ,go explain to the young mans father it was just like hazing! Bobbye rated this answer sapphire630 rated this answer

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Doc05 asked on 05/11/04 - Thank you, thank you all and my God bless all of you! We just got the results, it was benign! We both thank you for your prayers and support. You know, with all that I have learned on here, and the little input that I have given - I realized how very much we are a family. God has blessed all of us. Whether we bicker, disagree, whatever - bottom line is that we do care for one another and through God we are all brothers and sisters. I have never felt such genuine concern and compassion as I did from all of you. I know that some of you might find this sugary, but I mean it with all of my heart and may God bless each and every one of you and you all will be in my prayers for as long as I exist. Diana revdauphinee answered on 05/11/04: great news never forget we have a God who is in the miracle business Doc05 rated this answer

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hOPE12 asked on 05/11/04 - To all: I have noticed there are those who seem to be upset with the person, Id name, Cherab. just a bit of info. I am not sure about others but the posts made by Cherab are not of normal English the way you an I speak it. However, after a close consideration on this matter, I checked her profile and she has been a Christian for some 30 years so she could not be such a young person. I also am familiar with the fact that just because that Cherab writes the way he/she does makes me feel he/she is not ready to allow us to really get to know them as a real person. As to Cherab being lonely, I believe that is also very possible. You see all this I feel is notonly because of loneliness but also because their wanting to meet others but he/she is too shy and afraid of being rejected by others. Someone who is not very well know does not always know what to say or how to say it. I also feel like Diana said this person is very intellegent with a very high IQ. Anyone who can write like that and keep it up is certainly not slow. I count myself as of normal intellegence and it takes me some time to figure out what Cherub is saying. So if it is hard for us to read then you know it take intellegence to keep up the front. Just my point of view. I do however feel that until one know for sure what is going on with Cherab or even if this person lets us close to them, we need to show them love and compassion as Diana has already stated. Why? Because if a person is lonely, or shy, or just afraid of being rejected, they too need love. After all are we not on this board to help others? Take care, And thanks for reading my opinion. Hope12 revdauphinee answered on 05/11/04: sory to dissagree with you this person is not someone to be overly concerned about, a person who goes out of thier way to be a total iritant and obviously enjoys doing it even to the point of using the scriptures whilst doing so is a poor example of christian love for ones fellows!this is a person who truly enjoyes being a childish nuisance ! Cherab rated this answer hOPE12 rated this answer Uni-Agdistis rated this answer

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kindj asked on 05/11/04 - A reminder: "Do not grumble against one another, brethren, lest you be condemned . . . " (James 5:9). James is speaking of unjust criticism and nitpicking-biting at each other's heels, so to speak. As Christians, our numbers are relatively small. Our task is immense. The time is short. We squander our time by grumbling and complaining about each other when we should be closing ranks and marching forward. Don't do that, James says. A quote from Greg Laurie I fully agree. What'cha think, y'all? DK revdauphinee answered on 05/11/04: if a person is in error is it not a duty for the Christian to point this out to them even if they then take offence to you??this is what makes this site interesting, if we were all in total agreement then we would either have no need fro the site or to say th least it would be most boring! kindj rated this answer

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Bradd asked on 05/10/04 - Iraq Somehow the war in Iraq has made it to the Christianity page (often under the most lame of excuses). I suppose this is because the rest of AW is pretty dull and slow. Anyway, reasonable men and women can disagree on why the US is there - that part is ok. (I will briefly note that every reason given to the world for the invasion of Iraq by Bush et al has proven to be without substance, and even his erstwhile supporters are leaving a sinking ship). However, when "Christians" support (or don't clearly and vehemently speak out against - silence indicating approval) the treatment of Iraqi prisoners the way some have done here (read the previous stuff) it makes me shudder. The only analogy I can come up with, sadly, is the attitude of the Nazis toward Jews and gypsies and Slavs in 1930's Germany. Far-fetched? Not really. When we begin to de-humanize the other guy, as has been done by American prison guards, we tread on perilous ground. revdauphinee answered on 05/10/04: we all know of the terrible things these folks are capable of doing however we claim to be Christians we should never stoop to there level Bradd rated this answer tomder55 rated this answer

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Doc05 asked on 05/10/04 - I would like to ask all of you Tomorrow my daughter is going for a biopsy - what I am asking for is for all of you, who have become my extended family, to pray that the findings will be negative. For the first time in my medical career, I am so very worried. I find comfort in the Bible and in prayer. Thank you all. revdauphinee answered on 05/10/04: you and yours will be in my prayers ,please keep us informed we do care Dorothy Doc05 rated this answer

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Doc05 asked on 05/10/04 - What are we, as Christians, to do now? The war happened, there is no taking back what was done and is still being done. The question is - what can we do now? There were massive demonstrations all over the world, as were in the US, but the winds of war just ignited and spread. Now how do we redeem the past and rectify the future? revdauphinee answered on 05/10/04: the very least we can do is pray! Doc05 rated this answer Toms777 rated this answer

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ROLCAM asked on 05/10/04 - MOTHERS. MOTHERS For those of us who are lucky to still be blessed with our Mom this is beautiful. For those who aren't, this is even more beautiful. The young mother set her foot on the path of life. "Is this the long way?" she asked. And the guide said "Yes, and the way is hard. And you will be old before you reach the end of it. But the end will be better than the beginning." But the young mother was happy, and she would not believe that anything could be better than these years. So she played with her children, she fed them and bathed them, and taught them how to tie their shoes and ride a bike and reminded them to feed the dog and do their homework and brush their teeth. The sun shone on them and the young Mother cried, "Nothing will ever be lovelier than this." Then the nights came, and the storms, and the path was sometimes dark, and the children shook with fear and cold, and the mother drew them close and covered them with her arms, and the children said, "Mother, we are not afraid, for you are near, and no harm can come." And the morning came, and there was a hill ahead, and the children climbed and grew weary, and the mother was weary. But at all times she said to the children, "A little patience and we are there." So the children climbed, and as they climbed they learned to weather the storms. And with this, she gave them strength to face the world. Year after year, she showed them compassion, understanding, hope, but most of all ....unconditional love. And when they reached the top they said, "Mother, we could not have done it without you." The days went on, and the weeks and the months and the years, and the mother grew old and she became little and bent. But her children were tall and strong, and walked with courage. And the mother, when she lay down at night, looked up at the stars and said, "This is a better day than the last, for my children have learned so much and are now passing these traits on to their children." And when the way became rough for her, they lifted her, and gave her their strength, just as she had given them hers. One day they came to a hill, and beyond the hill, they could see a shining road and golden gates flung wide. And mother said: "I have reached the end of my journey. And now I know the end is better than the beginning, for my children can walk with dignity and pride, with their heads held high, and so can their children after them." And the children said, "You will always walk with us, Mother, even when you have gone through the gates." And they stood and watched her as she went on alone, and the gates closed after her. And they said: "We cannot see her, but she is with us still. A Mother like ours is more than a memory. She is a living presence." Your Mother is always with you. She's the whisper of the leaves as you walk down the street, she's the smell of certain foods you remember, flowers you pick and perfume that she wore, she's the cool hand on your brow when you're not feeling well, she's your breath in the air on a cold winter's day. She is the sound of the rain that lulls you to sleep, the colours of a rainbow, she is Christmas morning. Your Mother lives inside your laughter. And she's crystallized in every tear drop. A mother shows every emotion.......... happiness, sadness, fear, jealousy, love, hate, anger, helplessness, excitement, joy, sorrow..... and all the while, hoping and praying you will only know the good feelings in life. She's the place you came from, your first home, and she's the map you follow with every step you take. She's your first love, your first friend, even your first enemy, but nothing on earth can separate you. Not time, not space...............not even death! PASS THIS ON TO ALL THE MOTHERS, DAUGHTERS AND SONS YOU KNOW.... MAY WE NEVER TAKE OUR MOTHERS FOR GRANTED revdauphinee answered on 05/10/04: mothers day is a wonderfull time for those of us who have good and adoring mothers that we love however this is not the experience for everyon lets send up a prayer for those who are alone who have raised their children only to become neglected and forgotten on old age for there are many!I have a neoghbout who I know felt bad to see all the cars outside my home sunday when her own kids didnt even bother to call for these folks we need to pray,I asked her over but she said it would just make it worse i felt so bad for her! ROLCAM rated this answer

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arcura asked on 05/09/04 - An interesting E-mail I got from a friend... By: Rabbi Moshe Yess The overwhelming majority of the emails I have authored these past few years have been of an informational nature. To the best of my abilities have I attempted to share with the public that we are now indeed in the End of Days period, that we are in store for the biggest Transition humanity has ever known, that events on the news fit like a hand in a glove to the Bible's Prophecies pertaining to the one and only King Messiah Event promised in the 5 Books of Moses. We are very close indeed to the greatest upheaval in human history. Although unspeakable and absolute evil is becoming normalized and tolerated...the rise of this evil is direct evidence of the parallel rise of the ultimate Holiness associated with the Messianic Era. That's how it works. The final battle between the two is now viewable on the news nightly. I have refrained from sermonizing because I assume that all of our members have that same little voice inside (as I do) that tells us when we are facing a right from wrong decision situation. I detest preachers who terrorize folks via fire and brimstone sermons coercing them into a fear-driven obedience to God. Such obedience is not genuine. As soon as the Hell and Damnation sermon is over the fear usually dissipates and people go back to doing whatever they chose. The fundamental distance from God is not repaired by such sermons. People are terrorized for a bit and made to feel low, worthless and sinful...as opposed to being inspired to return via love to our common Father in Heaven. What follows below is a quiet voice. A voice that knows authoritively of what it speaks. A voice of genuine concern and brotherly love that, through the self evident truths of which it speaks, reaches out to every soul and thereafter it warmly, politely and respectfully opens a door to Holiness that everyone can enter. I urge all reading this to get yourself into an undistracted situation and read what follows. Bring some Kleenex, too. Note: if you want to read the rest go to this ULR�. http://www.chabad.org/library/article.asp?AID=42595 revdauphinee answered on 05/10/04: your comment and I quote " I detest preachers who terrorize folks via fire and brimstone sermons coercing them into a fear-driven obedience to God. Such obedience is not genuine. " I also find this abhorent since God truly desires our love ,and I know of no one who was ever scared into loving do you?? arcura rated this answer

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PraiseJah asked on 05/09/04 - The consequences of a lie Today an Australian journalist interviewed a former CIA officer - Robert Barr. In explaining that the CIA would order torture and abuse of Iraqi prisoners he stated that they are wanting information about Iraq's involvement in 9/11. But we all know that, along with those invisible WMD's was one of the lies told to justify the attack on Iraq. Now it has backfired on the US's reputation and attempts to bring stability in Iraq. Shame! Shame! Shame! revdauphinee answered on 05/09/04: we are not at war in Iraq because of 9/11 we are at war because Sadam put a contract out on Bush senior! arcura rated this answer ATON2 rated this answer PraiseJah rated this answer Toms777 rated this answer Uni-Agdistis rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 05/09/04 - The arrogance of office? "By the end, Rummy was channelling Jack Nicholson's Colonel Jessup, who lashed out at the snotty weenies questioning him while they sleep "under the blanket of the very freedom I provide, then question the manner in which I provide it". Asked how we can get back credibility, Rummy bridled. "America is not what's wrong with the world," he said, adding: "I read all this stuff - people hate us, people don't like us. The fact of the matter is, people line up to come into this country every year because it's better here than other places, and because they respect the fact that we respect human beings. And we'll get by this." Maybe. But for now, the hawks who wanted to use American might to scatter US values like flower petals all across the world are reduced to keeping them from being trampled by Americans. As Rummy would say, not a pretty picture. The New York Times" In all of this we see the loss of christian values and "the dont question me I've got a job to do" attitude which makes this man no better than the dictator he worked to depose. This is the plot which spawned countless conspiracy novels being worked out in real life. So is John Dean, author of Worse than Watergate right. Dean: "But in my personal history, I couldn't live with the lie." So John Dean, the former White House lawyer, turned his personal history into American history. He became the first member of the Nixon Administration to break ranks and tell investigators of the elaborate cover-up of criminal activities that had been ordered by the White House. He was charged with obstruction of justice. He was placed in a witness protection program. He gave public testimony to congressional investigators, which helped bring down the presidency of Richard Nixon. "George W. Bush and Richard B. Cheney have created the most secretive presidency of my lifetime. Their secrecy is far worse than during Watergate, and it bodes even more serious consequences. Their secrecy is extreme - not merely unjustified and excessive but obsessive . . . It has given us a presidency that operates on hidden agendas. To protect their secrets, Bush and Cheney dissemble as a matter of policy. In fact, the Bush-Cheney presidency is strikingly Nixonian, only with regard to secrecy far worse . . . This administration is truly scary and, given the times we live in, frighteningly dangerous." The phone interview with Dean was no different: "All Bush does is campaign and raise funds, while Cheney runs the country," he says. "Cheney is so able and so shrewd that he lets George Bush wake up each morning thinking he is the President . . ." Powerful, but Worse Than Watergate is not an expose of a Watergate-type scandal. It is about the influence of money, a culture of secrecy, and the cover-up of the reasons for the war on Iraq." "So hot is Dean's rhetoric in Worse Than Watergate, and that of all the other conspicuous Bush-accusers, that their chorus collectively raises questions about what will happen to the American body politic if George Bush rolls to re-election this November on the votes of conservative Christians and with the aid of a huge corporate slush fund. America will be a divided giant" Christians, here on this board, if this is even fractionally true, then we have a serious reason to redouble our efforts in prayer that God's will be done in this world, in Iraq, in the US, and above all in the lives of the leaders. revdauphinee answered on 05/09/04: AMEN!!! paraclete rated this answer

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ROLCAM asked on 05/09/04 - Religious Community Site. SEE:- http://www.davidreeves.com/index.php It contains all 66 books of the Bible. ROLCAM. revdauphinee answered on 05/09/04: thanks looks like an interesting site will explore it further later ROLCAM rated this answer

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Uni-Agdistis asked on 05/08/04 - Mothers and grandmothers.... A peaceful and serene day ..... To those who are with us and those whose long journey has begun ... motherly love knows not either time or absence ... love remains and remembers. Best wishes, Uni revdauphinee answered on 05/09/04: thank you for the thought Uni-Agdistis rated this answer

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Cherab asked on 05/08/04 - sens or nonsens???? and it is writun in the book of salmes, the abitacioun of hem be made desert: and be there noon that dwelle in it, and another take his bischopriche is it sens or nonsens????? revdauphinee answered on 05/09/04: the way you wrote it the only answer can be that it is utter nonesence! i dont know in English it might concevably make sense, but who can tell?? Cherab rated this answer Toms777 rated this answer

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Cherab asked on 05/08/04 - is this bible aprovd? Theophostic Prayer Ministries! Theophostic Prayer Ministry believes a person's primary present emotional pain comes from the misinterpretations (lies) learned during life experiences and not from the memories of these events themselves. For example, a child feels shame not because his father divorced his mother but because he may believe it was his fault (the lie). When I have negative emotional response in the present, it can almost always be traced back to an earlier event. In this earlier event there will be a belief that was established from which this negative emotion is rooted. My present feelings are generally indicative of what I believe. Theophostic Prayer Ministry recognizes that behavior is greatly influenced by the knowledge stored in the mind. Therefore, in order to act differently, we must be "renewed in our minds." This renewal must not be limited to the cognitive passing of information from counselor/minister to the one receiving ministry but include experiential �knowing� through prayer that comes by the presence of Christ. Only the Spirit of the Living Lord Jesus can set us free of the lies we experientially believe as we take our requests for truth to Him in prayer. The facilitator/counselor plays a vital part in this prayer process but it is the Spirit of God who intercedes with truth. Theophostic principles understand present behavior to be motivated primarily from "experiential knowledge" (mental information that is derived from that which we have actually experienced) and not from logical truth (data believed as truth but never realized through experience.) Theophostic Prayer Ministry primary focus is about renewing the mind at the experiential level of consciousness. For those who have strong willpower and self discipline, they are able to push through the negative feelings that surface when lie-base experiential pain is triggered and choose to obey the logical truth they know. However, many fail at this juncture. Theophostic Prayer Ministry seeks to expose and dispel the lies that produce this pain so that people can choose to walk in the truth they know more easily. Theophostic Prayer Ministry recognizes that a primary source of the emotional pain one may experience in the present has an experiential source and beginning, which is lie-based. If it is true that emotional pain can be rooted in this original historical faulty thinking, true release of the emotional pain in the present will not likely occur unless the person is able to return to the original memory event where the lie was first embedded. Theophostic Prayer Ministry recognizes the futility of trying to talk a person out of their experiential false belief and talking them into a new belief system and acknowledges that apart from a word or realization of truth from the Holy Spirit through prayer, nothing significant will ever happen. Theophostic Prayer Ministry acknowledges that Jesus is the only one who can truly release the wounded person from their emotional/mental bondage. This does not invalidate the role of the counselor/minister as a listener and intercessor but acknowledges that apart from Christ we are ineffective in accomplishing God�s desire for the wounded soul. Theophostic (God's Light) is all about the Lord Jesus. Our Christian Counseling Ministry has achieved a dynamic breakthrough with thousands around the world reporting incredible results. Thousands of Pastors, Professional Counselors, and Lay Counselors world-wide have found our training program to be highly effective with: Sexual Abuse Issues Marital Issues Substance Abuse and other addictive behaviors Traumatic memory Post traumatic stress syndrome Grief and Loss Eating Disorders Children's issues Dissociative Disorders (DID) Homosexuality Satanic Ritual Abuse (SRA) All lie-based issues If what you gain from the video seminar does not dramatically enhance your counseling ministry we will refund your purchase including shipping and handling charges. If you are new to Theophostic Prayer Ministry, then find out the answer to "What is Theophostic Prayer Ministry" by going here. Spring Issue of Theophostic Journal just released. Click here for free samples! New Resource! The Theophostic Prayer Ministry Guidelines are now online. New FAQ! Is TPM the same as Recovered Memory Therapy? Discussion Forum | Products | Chatroom revdauphinee answered on 05/09/04: sounds like a bunch of psycho babble to me Cherab rated this answer paraclete rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 05/08/04 - The legacy of evangelisation Vanuatu villagers in bloody cult clash By Nick Squires May 9, 2004 The Sun-Herald It has all the makings of a Hollywood blockbuster: a smouldering volcano, a jungle battle, a bizarre cult and a self-styled messiah called Prophet Fred. But the feud that has broken out between two villages in the South Pacific nation of Vanuatu is all too real for the dozens of men in hospital with axe and spear wounds. It has split one of the world's last surviving cargo cults, one of the strangest legacies of European colonisation of the South Seas. The John Frum movement first emerged in Vanuatu in the 1930s when the islands were jointly ruled by Britain and France as the New Hebrides. Rebelling against the aggressive proselytising of Presbyterian missionaries, dozens of villages on the island of Tanna put their faith in a mysterious outsider called John Frum. They believed he would drive out their colonial masters and re-establish their traditional ways. The cult was reinforced during World War II when the US military arrived with huge amounts of "cargo" - tanks, ships, weapons, medicine and food. On Tanna, islanders became convinced that John Frum was an American. They have spent the past 60 years dressing up in home-made US army uniforms, drilling with bamboo rifles and parading beneath the Stars and Stripes in the hope of enticing a delivery of "cargo" again. Two weeks ago, however, the normally peace-loving movement was shattered when a simmering feud with a rival village erupted into violence in this all but forgotten part of the Pacific. In a bloody encounter with knives, slingshots, axes and bows and arrows, John Frum believers clashed with the members of a breakaway Christian sect led by a softly spoken villager Fred Nasse, who calls himself Prophet Fred. Six houses and a thatched Presbyterian church were burnt down during a battle that involved 400 islanders. As 25 seriously injured villagers were taken to hospital, armed police were rushed from the capital Vila. The two factions live in villages separated by 460 metres of dense jungle in the shadow of Mount Yasur, a volcano that regularly pours out sulphurous smoke. Until the recent violence, villagers lived a near idyllic existence, tending gardens of sweet potato, sugar cane and bananas, fishing from dug-out canoes and hunting wild pigs and fruit bats in the forest. The elders of Sulphur Bay village explained their loyalty to Prophet Fred. "In the past we believed in John Frum, but now we believe in Jesus," said Alfred Wako, 49. "The John Frum people don't go to church and they don't send their children to school. They believe in the old rituals. They are heathens." The villagers said Prophet Fred convinced them to turn to Christianity. Kirk Huffman, an anthropologist who lived in Vanuatu for 17 years, said: "Nobody knows who John Frum was, though it is irrelevant whether he was a real person or a spirit. Movements like these were a way for traditional people to come to terms with colonialism and Christianity." The two sides met in a reconciliation ceremony last week, but few believe the mini-war is over. revdauphinee answered on 05/09/04: dont be amazed there are folks here very much like these folks ,only there God is George Bush not John Frum ! paraclete rated this answer

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Cherab asked on 05/08/04 - cabbie Sent: Thursday, May 06, 2004 3:03 PM Subject: cabbie A passenger in a taxi tapped the driver on the shoulder to ask him something. The driver screamed, lost control of the cab, nearly hit a bus, drove up over the curb, and stopped just inches from a large plate window. For a few moments everything was silent in the cab, then the driver said to the passenger, "Look mate, don't ever do that again. You scared the daylights out of me"! The passenger, who was also frightened, apologized and said he didn't realize that a tap on the shoulder could frighten him so much, to which the driver replied, "I'm very sorry, it's really not your fault at all. Today is my first day driving a cab. I've been driving a hearse for the last 25 years! revdauphinee answered on 05/08/04: that one got a laught even out of me! Cherab rated this answer

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arcura asked on 05/08/04 - The secular-liberal war against religion. Is war being waged against those of Judeo-Christian belief? +++ What with the current ban on the Ten Commandments, the elimination of the study of religion in school curriculums, no prayer in schools, and the attempt to strike �under God� from the Pledge of Allegiance. Also consider the prohibition of churches in certain zoning area, the prohibition of Christian or Jewish speakers in schools and other forums, the misinterpreting of the Constitution of the United States. +++ Effectively the secular liberals have launched a campaign to not allow government to be involved with religion al all. +++ The claim that those who believe in God are discriminating against those who don�t is false. It is the Judeo-Christians who are being discriminated against. In fact what they are doing is unconstitutional. How? By denying the free exercise of religion they are effectively revoking that religious liberty originally granted to all citizens regardless of their faith. +++ This war against religion is a cultural war. Homosexuality, pro abortionists, the pro-promiscuity liberals and other immoral minority groups are being used as a weapon to assault religion and traditional cultural morality and institutions use as marriage and family. The �counterculture� with the help of the secular ultra liberal media has gaining in their domination of mainstream North American. +++ Should those of religious faith fight back? +++ If so how? +++ Peace and kindness, arcura revdauphinee answered on 05/08/04: I am usualy not a fan of Pat Robertson but his book The ten offences is a prety good read I have just finished it and found it good enough to recomend arcura rated this answer

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bluevision asked on 05/08/04 - un-American, un-Christian, inhuman Do you think that those US troops who abused the Iraqi prisoners are brutal & sadistic by nature, or they have been transformed into such animals by the war? Who should be responsible for their un-American, un-Christian & inhuman behavior? Bush & Rumfeld have apologized for their behavior, so don't tell me what they did was a way to interrogate the prisoners. As more facts about the war are disclosed, the world would see that the war is a disaster, a shame & a failure. Saddam Hussein has been captured, so what? There are many other Iraqi leaders who behave like him, just as there are many Americans who are as bad as him, if not worse. revdauphinee answered on 05/08/04: these atrocities happened because they were allowed to !we will punish the ones in the pictures to make them an example but I fear the ones truly responsible higher ups oficers who knew about this will weather the storm (Rumsfield and Bush are allready covering themselves) it is always the lower echelon who pays for these things .as a former Army wife I know no PFC would take this on without anyone higher up knowing about it bluevision rated this answer

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Cherab asked on 05/07/04 - more questins than ansers HUMILIATED AND SHAMED BUT RUMSFELD REFUSES TO QUIT DONALD Rumsfeld was last night clinging on to his job as United States defence secretary, refusing to resign despite offering a humiliating apology and accepting full responsibility for the brutal abuse of Iraqi prisoners. Full story: http://news.scotsman.com/paperboy.cfm?id=525712004 FOURTH SOLDIER BACKS CLAIMS OF ABUSE BY UK ARMED FORCES A FOURTH soldier has come forward claiming to have further evidence about British troops abusing Iraqi prisoners - including more allegations that "trophy photos" were taken. Full story: http://news.scotsman.com/paperboy.cfm?id=525892004 revdauphinee answered on 05/08/04: I watched the Senate hearings and to me instead of appearing "HUMILIATED AND SHAMED" RUMSFELD apeared to be arogant and disgusted that he should have to be questioned ,words like his so called appology are shallow when they are not for real , This man should be fired if as stated by the president he did not inform him about this (I dont believe Bush was not informed he has lied many times before )But giving Bush the benifit this time should he have people in high office that keep truths like these from him???Makes one wonder what else is going on that we are in the dark about!!Goverment by the people require an informed people! Cherab rated this answer

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PraiseJah asked on 05/07/04 - Sex - is it the original sin? A user has suggested that Christians malign sex. Is that what you believe? Or is it just a case that for the benefit of all we promote monogamy - play only in your own back yard! revdauphinee answered on 05/08/04: No! sex is not the original sin!dissobedience to God was and is ! Genesis2: 15. The LORD God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it. 16. And the LORD God commanded the man, "You are free to eat from any tree in the garden; 17. but you must not eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, for when you eat of it you will surely die." Genesis3: 6. When the woman saw that the fruit of the tree was good for food and pleasing to the eye, and also desirable for gaining wisdom, she took some and ate it. She also gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate it. PraiseJah rated this answer Toms777 rated this answer

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HANK1 asked on 05/07/04 - RECOGNITION! "As a nation, we observe and participate in various national cultural and social awareness events through mass media attention and educational curriculum. However, we have not allocated appropriate recognition of the most important presence in the world today, an entity that impacts each and every American in a significant way, the Armed Forces of the United States of America. National Military Appreciation Month (NMAM), as designated by Congress, provides a period encompassing both the history and recognition of our armed services with an in-depth look at the diversity of its individuals and achievements. It allows Americans to educate each generation on the historical impact of our military through the participation of the community with those who serve encouraging patriotism and love for America - a "reconnecting the Family of America". The month gives the nation a forum, a framework, a time and place on which to focus, to draw attention and express our appreciation for our armed services via multiple venues and to recall our valuable history. The ideas to implement this are only limited by our imaginations. Museums, civic centers, libraries can have exhibits. Additionally, schools might invite active military and veterans to visit with students, and cities and towns can offer proclamations and special observances. National Military Appreciation Month (May) includes VE Day, Military Spouse Day, Loyalty Day, Armed Forces Day/Week, National Day of Prayer, and Memorial Day. This very important month therefore, honors those Americans who have given their lives in defense of our nation's freedom and the men and women now serving in uniform. It recognizes those on active duty in all branches of the services, the National Guard and Reserves plus retirees, veterans, and all of their families - well over 80 million Americans and more than 227 years of our nation�s history. Let us celebrate them just as we celebrate the other important entities that make up this wonderful country of ours." Source: National Military Appreciation Month - May, 2004 It's MAY, my friend! HANK revdauphinee answered on 05/08/04: At the present I feel it is more important than ever to recognise the many great folks serving our country at a time when just a few bad eggs are making the rest look bad !we must not take our eyes off the ones who truly enlist to protect and serve!we shold pray for the protection of our people serving everywhere today!As an emigrant into this great country I know I will! HANK1 rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 05/07/04 - Some Americans have seen the light? The war on terrorism is a war of ideas. The credibility of America's ideas is under threat, writes Thomas L. Friedman. America is in danger of losing something much more important than just the war in Iraq. It is in danger of losing its place as an instrument of moral authority and inspiration in the world. I have never known a time in my life when America and its president were more hated around the world than today. I was recently in Japan, and even young Japanese dislike us Americans. It's no wonder that so many Americans are obsessed with the finale of the TV sitcom Friends right now. They're the only friends Americans have, and even they're leaving. The Bush Administration needs to conduct a total overhaul of its Iraq policy; otherwise it is courting a total disaster for all Americans. That overhaul needs to begin with President George Bush firing his Defence Secretary, Donald Rumsfeld - today, not tomorrow or next month, today. What happened in Abu Ghraib prison was, at best, a fundamental breakdown in the chain of command under Rumsfeld's authority, or, at worst, part of a deliberate policy somewhere in the US military-intelligence command of sexually humiliating prisoners to soften them up for interrogation, a policy that ran amok. Either way, the Defence Secretary is ultimately responsible, and if America is going to rebuild its credibility as an instrument of humanitarian values, the rule of law and democratisation, in Iraq or elsewhere, Bush must hold his own Defence Secretary accountable. Words matter, but deeds matter more. If the Pentagon leadership ran any US company with the kind of abysmal planning in this war, it would have been fired by shareholders months ago. I know that tough interrogations are vital in a war against a merciless enemy, but outright torture, or this sexual-humiliation-for-entertainment, is abhorrent. I also know that the sort of abuse that went on in Abu Ghraib prison goes on in prisons all over the Arab world every day, as it did under Saddam Hussein - without the Arab League or al-Jazeera saying a word about it. I know they are shameful hypocrites, but I want my country to behave better - not only because it is America, but also because the war on terrorism is a war of ideas, and to have any chance of winning we must maintain the credibility of our ideas. We were hit on September 11 by people who believed hateful ideas - ideas too often endorsed by some of their own spiritual leaders and educators back home. We cannot win a war of ideas against such people by ourselves. Only Arabs and Muslims can. What we could do - and this was the only legitimate rationale for this war - was try to help Iraqis create a progressive context in the heart of the Arab-Muslim world where that war of ideas could be fought. But it is hard to become partners with someone when you become so radioactive no one wants to stand next to you. We have to restore some sense of partnership with the world if we are going to successfully partner with Iraqis. Bush needs to invite to Camp David the five permanent members of the United Nations Security Council, the heads of NATO and the UN, and the leaders of Egypt, Jordan, Saudi Arabia and Syria. There, he needs to eat crow, apologise for his mistakes and make clear that he is turning a new page. Second, he needs to explain that we are losing in Iraq, and if we continue to lose then the US public will eventually demand that we quit Iraq, and it will then become Afghanistan on steroids, which will threaten everyone. Third, he needs to say he will be guided by the UN in forming the new caretaker government in Baghdad. And fourth, he needs to explain that he is ready to listen to everyone's ideas about how to expand America's force in Iraq, and have it work under a new UN mandate, so it will have the legitimacy it needs to crush any uprisings against the interim Iraqi government and oversee elections - and then leave when appropriate. And he needs to urge them all to join in. Let's not lose sight of something - as bad as things look in Iraq, it is not yet lost, for one big reason: America's aspirations for Iraq and those of the Iraqi silent majority, particularly Shiites and Kurds, are still aligned. We both want Iraqi self-rule and then free elections. That overlap of interests, however clouded, can still salvage something decent from this war - if the Bush team can finally find the courage to admit its failures and dramatically change course. Yes, the hour is late, but as long as there's a glimmer of hope that this Bush team will do the right thing, we must insist on it, because America's role in the world is too precious - to America and to the rest of the world - to be squandered like this. Three-time Pulitzer Prize winner Thomas L. Friedman is the foreign affairs columnist of The New York Times. Let's hope that this isn't just a voice crying in the wilderness! revdauphinee answered on 05/07/04: Bush does not need to go to the members of the united Nation what needs to be done is for us to replace Bush!If as he claims he did not know about these atrocities then he is doing a lousy Job!and if he did know as I believe and covered it up untill the pictures leaked out then he is worse than a liar!Rumsfield should be imediatly fired if he kept this from Bush, but I dont believe he did I have never been a Bush supporter and his foreign policy is bringing America down lower than it has ever been! But then what can one expect of a person who stole the election in the first place? Bobbye rated this answer Cherab rated this answer paraclete rated this answer

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Cherab asked on 05/07/04 - wots yot tuchstone? spilin an gramma??? June 13, 2003 10:39 PM The Double Life By Don Blanding (C) 2003 Donald Blanding How very simple life would be If only there were two of me A Restless Me to drift and roam A Quiet Me to stay at home. A Searching One to find his fill Of varied skies and newfound thrill While sane and homely things are done By the domestic Other One. And that's just where the trouble lies; There is a Restless Me that cries For chancy risks and changing scene, For arctic blue and tropic green, For deserts with their mystic spell, For lusty fun and raising Hell But shackled to that Restless Me My Other Self rebelliously Resists the frantic urge to move. It seeks the old familiar groove That habits make. It finds content With hearth and home dear prisonment, With candlelight and well loved books And treasured loot in dusty nooks, With puttering and garden things And dreaming while a cricket sings And all the while the Restless One Insists on more exciting fun It wants to go with every tide, No matter where� just for the ride. Like yowling cats the two selves brawl Until I have no peace at all. One eye turns to the forward track, The other eye looks sadly back, I'm getting wall-eyed from the strain, (It's tough to have an idle brain) But One says "Stay" and One says "Go" And One says "Yes," and One says "no," And One Self wants a home and wife And One Self craves the drifter's life. The __________ Fellow always wins I wish my folks had made me twins. Which fellow wins for you? When I read my poem, I realize how much I have changed in the last few years. Until about 2 years ago, I would have inserted **"restelss"** (as is the actual ending to the poem). Now I read it and I feel "Yes! Yes! that's exactly how I feel!" until I get to the last stanza, and realize that lately the quiet me has been winning every time. It's the root of all my complaining about work and Tokyo, and *anyhting* else... I have *stoped* moving forward and I hate it. DON BLANDING wots yor tuchston? spilin an gramma or sumthin more human? revdauphinee answered on 05/07/04: the mere posting of this proves to me that you are not the ignorant person you attempt to be ,You asked for respect in a previous posting to me! how can I respect someone who who missuses a God given inteligence in order to iritate others!Not only do you prove to be an iritant you also demean those unfortunates who due to lack of opportunity truly are not able to enunciate clearly Cherab rated this answer Toms777 rated this answer Uni-Agdistis rated this answer VisionsInBlue rated this answer

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excon asked on 05/07/04 - Dinosaur bones Hello, Where does a creationist think dinosaur bones come from? The devil? Does he deny they exist? excon revdauphinee answered on 05/07/04: As a creationist I for one know the dinosaurs were created by God just like everything else was !what do you think the creature called leviathon was? Ps.104:26. There the ships go to and fro, and the leviathan, (which you formed to frolic there. ) Ps.74:14. It was you who crushed the heads of Leviathan and gave him as food to the creatures of the desert. ) excon rated this answer paraclete rated this answer PraiseJah rated this answer

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Cherab asked on 05/06/04 - wot is man???? I heard it that god mad us becaous he was lonley. what du ewe think? does god feel things like we do or has he no feelings like in thecreed? five * * * * * for all plite answers. revdauphinee answered on 05/06/04: He made us in his image and we have feelings so i think he does also! with all due respect your gramma is becoming anoying why not give it up and act as intelegent as he made you??? Cherab rated this answer Toms777 rated this answer Uni-Agdistis rated this answer

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Cherab asked on 05/06/04 - deecency In Media � Act Now! Don�t Let the Proposed Media Decency Bill Die Next Week in the Senate! Act Now Before It�s Too Late by Steve DeVore Following Janet Jackson�s Super Bowl �wardrobe malfunction�, public outrage has sparked FCC commission hearings and a flurry of legislative activity designed to help American�s reclaim their airways for decency. The legislation would severely punish broadcasters who violate indecency laws but the bill is now in jeopardy and unless the senate votes on the bill in the next few days, it will probably suffer a silent ignominious death. Kansas U.S. Senator Sam Brownback sponsored Senate Bill 2056 �to increase the penalties for violations by television and radio broadcasters of the prohibitions against transmission of obscene, indecent, and profane language.� Broadcasters have responded to the proposed legislation. First, they said they would self-police. The legislation isn�t necessary. They would give their local affiliates, without reprisal, the right not to broadcast programming that was considered offensive to local viewers. Then, they resisted. They have unfurled the banner of the First Amendment and utter the usual buzzwords: free speech, censorship and "creative integrity." (Note: This �creative integrity� argument comes from NBC president Robert Wright, who wrote a bold editorial in the Wall Street Journal claiming television networks are the titans of "creative integrity," and must not be protested. "Ultimately,� Wright wrote, �we have much less to fear from obscene, indecent or profane content than we do from an overzealous government willing to limit First Amendment protections and censor creative free expression. That would be indecent," [�The Big Chill� by Robert Wright, President NBC Network, Wall Street Journal, Monday, April 19, 2004]. Of all of the broadcast networks, NBC is the worst offender when it comes to sexual, violent, and profane content.) And finally, they threaten to sue for the right to continue to merchandise sleaze if the government begins to regulate the public airways. Why, after all the public outrage, the fiery senate hearings, the promised crack-down on media indecency via legislation, has the fury died? I believe it is a combination of political opportunism (grandstanding), public apathy, and big money The Super Bowl drew 140 million U.S. viewers. Over two-thirds of these viewers are not frequent watchers of network television. On a good night, network television draws about 44 million viewers. The non-watchers were not aware of how tawdry network television had become. When they were exposed to a concentrated dose, they were appalled and outraged. They spoke out and demanded action. We are now currently in an election year. Savvy politicians saw an opportunity to jump on the �decency in media� bandwagon and ride the public wave of outrage. They held hearings, press conferences, and promised Americans they would once and for all clean up America�s television wasteland. By doing this, they got free publicity on the very media they were decrying. Concerned about possible censorship, stifling of creative talent, and the potential loss of advertising revenues (billions of dollars) that titillating and salacious programming generates, the television network lobbying machine went into action. Remember, it�s an election year. Politicians need money to be re-elected and they need positive media exposure. Media can make or break a politician. The networks and their local affiliates hold the trump cards in a politician�s re-electability. In essence, media lobbyists say, �leave us alone and we�ll leave you alone�play ball with us and we�ll play ball with you.� What I am saying here is that we may be looking at a symbiotic relationship between politicians and media ownership. Don�t Drop the Ball Now But what about all this public outrage? What about the incensed citizenry �the angry critical mass of voters? Both politicians and media understand the cycle of public apathy. The public vents its outrage and delegates its desire to act to the politicians who promise to take action. This promise placates the public. Time passes and emotions cool. This passage of time allows the lobbyists to do their work. Nothing gets done. Separated by time from the initial inciting emotions, citizens soon forget the cause of their outrage, gradually begin to accept the status quo, and eventually embrace it. The networks then begin to gradually increase the intensity of sex, violence, and profanity until, like the Super Bowl, there is another blowout. Historically this cycle appears every four years. Is it only coincidence that this seems to correspond to the general four year election year? I don�t think so. So, where are we at now? Senate Bill 2056 is languishing. Unless there is another public outcry and the outcry is now, the bill will probably die in the next few days. We need you to take immediate action to tell your Senators and Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist to vote on S. 2056 now! If we are to be successful in our efforts to reduce the obscene, indecent, and profane broadcasts from the public airwaves, then the FCC must have the power to impose meaningful fines and/or revoke station licenses of broadcasters who break the law. Senate Bill 2056 gives them this power. I encourage the 400,000 -- plus Meridian Magazine readers to let their collective voice be heard by acting now before it's too late. You can take action by going to http://www.cleantv.net/action/2056.htm. And share this alert to everyone who shares your concern on this issue. revdauphinee answered on 05/06/04: I also wish they would remove all the viagra and cialys adds along with ads for feminine hygene products we all know we use then do we realy need them advertised in prime time??? Cherab rated this answer

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Cherab asked on 05/06/04 - The american weigh? they say the american wey is not the wey they treet iraqs prisoners. Is it or no? american solders humiliated and bebassed iraq men prisoners making naked public b4 men & wimmen and making sexial behavers to them. dog leads electricity shoks huds wires heeps of nakked boddies. apologizes? no. head bushwakker says not american. war crimes or hi skool hazing? three cheers 4 the red wite and duh! American way. is democrasy? american way, football teem big boys use broom staves put up rectoms of jr boys. American way? american way, drunk crazy girls hit girls with paint cans pour paint and injoor. american way? American way, haxzers beat on kids make eat pigs intestinals. american way? bushwakker says what troops do in iraq not american way. Ewen eye no it IS american way. america sick getting sicker. american weigh not best way. not gods way. not jesus way. not all americans bad but this thing is american way. what to do about change it? serius question. revdauphinee answered on 05/06/04: what do you expect when we are fast becoming a Godless nation !No prayer in school no trn commandments no mention of God ! Cherab rated this answer

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ROLCAM asked on 05/06/04 - SIMPLE QUESTION ?? Why did God choose men to write the Bible and not do it Himself? revdauphinee answered on 05/06/04: with all God has to do maybee he could not find the free time? Dont all CEO's delegate?? Uni-Agdistis rated this answer MaggieB rated this answer ROLCAM rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 05/06/04 - Here we go again Allegation, denial and whatever? Theres's something rotten in the state of Denmark or is it in those Unnnited States? The Walt Disney Company is blocking its Miramax Films division from distributing Michael Moore's documentary Fahrenheit 9/11, which criticises President George W Bush's handling of September 11 and connects the Bush family with that of Osama bin Laden. Moore attributes Disney's decision to concerns that the documentary will endanger tax breaks the company receives from Florida, where Bush's brother Jeb is governor. "I would have hoped by now that I would be able to put my work out to the public without having to experience the profound censorship obstacles I often seem to encounter," Moore wrote in a statement on his Web site. The filmmaker did not immediately respond to a request for comment from The Associated Press. Miramax confirmed that Disney told the company it can't release the film. "We hope to amicably resolve the situation in the near future," Miramax spokesman Matthew Hiltzik told The Associated Press. Disney representatives Zenia Mucha and John Spelich did not return calls. Disney has a contractual agreement with Miramax principals Bob and Harvey Weinstein allowing it to prevent the company from distributing films under certain circumstances, such as an NC-17 rating which bars anyone under age 17 from being admitted to the film, or a budget of more than $US30-35 million ($A41-48 million). "Some people may be afraid of this movie because of what it will show," Moore wrote. "But there's nothing they can do about it now because it's done, it's awesome, and if I have anything to say about it, you'll see it this summer - because, after all, it is a free country." According to The New York Times, which first reported the story, Fahrenheit 9/11 describes decades-old financial links between the Bush family and prominent Saudi Arabian families. The film says the government helped members of bin Laden's family leave the United States after the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. The confrontational Moore won an Oscar for his 2002 documentary Bowling for Columbine, about the Columbine High School shooting and US gun control policy. The film earned $US21.6 million at the box office, making it the highest-grossing documentary ever. He is also known for the 1989 film Roger & Me, which explored the effects of General Motors on his hometown of Flint, Michigan. Fahrenheit 9/11 will have a high-profile screening as one of 18 films in competition at the Cannes Film Festival, which begins May 12. Moore ran into similar interference with his book "Stupid White Men," which almost never made it to print. Publication was postponed after September 11, and publisher HarperCollins considered cancelling the book or editing its criticisms. � 2004 AAP Now why would these guys want to step away unless they could loose more money by helping to bring truth forward than they could by stoping it. Michael moore has some radical views but suppressing them serves no one. and What is now happening is that Disney, once famed for its wholesome approach to film making is running for its life. how cynical have they become, but then its america and the Dollar rules Ok! revdauphinee answered on 05/06/04: by doing this and by bringing attention they are truly doing Moore a favour what better publicity could he wish for ??this means if (and it will) it is ever released everyone will want to see it just out of curiosity paraclete rated this answer Toms777 rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 05/06/04 - Bringing the Church into disrepute I know we have heard it all before but is there some place on Earth where the catholic clery haven't abused children? Irish nuns apologise for abuse May 6, 2004 - 12:30PM In unusually emphatic terms, an order of Catholic nuns apologised for abusing generations of children in its care in Ireland. The Congregation of the Sisters of Mercy, which has run homes for orphans and other disadvantaged youths since the 1830s, unveiled a statement that sought to quell criticism of its earlier efforts to say sorry. "We have in the past publicly apologised to you," the order said in a letter addressed to its victims. "We know that you heard our apology then as conditional and less than complete. Now, without reservation, we apologise unconditionally to each one of you for the suffering we have caused." Sister Breege O'Neill, spokeswoman for the order, told a Dublin press conference the nuns had spent several years coming to terms with growing public anger at the abuse scandals being unearthed within the Catholic Church in Ireland and several other western countries. She noted that the process began for the order in 1996, when Ireland's state-run RTE network broadcast a documentary titled Dear Daughter, that detailed the regime of abuse that prevailed at one Sisters of Mercy-run orphanage in Dublin in the 1950s and 1960s. Former residents of the since-closed Goldenbridge orphanage recalled how they were beaten with chair legs and rosary beads, among other forms of corporal punishment. Religious commentators described the statement as unprecedented in Ireland, where church authorities were long unwilling to report cases of abuse to civil authorities and, have sought to spread blame to state agencies. The order also announced it would establish a toll-free help line for victims of abuse in its institutions. Christine Buckley, a former Goldenbridge orphanage resident who is a prominent campaigner for the rights of abused children, said the Sisters of Mercy had achieved a measure of contrition that no other Catholic organisation had managed in Ireland. "Today a little bit of light has come," said Buckley, a previous fierce critic of the Sisters of Mercy. "I have to state I admire their bravery." � 2004 AAP revdauphinee answered on 05/06/04: like all abuse they id it because they could !If light had not been shed on all this abuse it would be still going on.Repentance means making amends not just appology paraclete rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 05/05/04 - How can a "Christian" Nation led by a "Christian" President put itself beyond the La On torture, only the US is beyond international law May 6, 2004 On July 1, 2002, the world community, through the United Nations, set up the International Criminal Court to bring to justice perpetrators of crimes against humanity and crimes of war. Most nations, including US allies, agreed to be bound by its jurisdiction, with the one major exception being the United States. With the revelations about human rights abuse in Iraq we now know why ("Troops have been abusing Iraqis for months: Amnesty",). revdauphinee answered on 05/06/04: our arogance is astounding!we would be outraged if this were done by some one else and demand the world do something !but when it is us we (take care of it ourself)certainly wont let anyone else !If I break the law is my own family allowed to be my judge??? Cherab rated this answer ATON2 rated this answer paraclete rated this answer

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Cherab asked on 05/05/04 - Is it time to pay this bill? On this day in 1626 Manhattan Island was bought from native Americans by Peter Minuit for goods and trinkets to the equivalent of $24. Is it now time to pay the injuns what its worth? revdauphinee answered on 05/06/04: Q) if they believe that the earth can't be owned, why did they sell? A) Ill sell you the Brooklyn Bridge if your stupid enough to buy it from me! By the way Cherab dont you find it time consuming to spell so badly or do you just like to demean folks who truly are illiterate?? Cherab rated this answer

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PraiseJah asked on 05/05/04 - The Book of Hiram The latest in a series of books defaming our Savior is the Book of Hiram which makes the absurd claim that all the kings of Israel from Solomon and also the would be King, Our Lord Jesus embraced a Venus cult. Like the Da Vinci Code and the writings of Barbara Theiring who claims Jesus was an Essene living with the Qumran coommunity after his death, this work claims proof that contradicts the evidence of eyewitnesses - the gospels. I have not read it, only a write up in a brochure from a book club. I could not in all coscience pay good money to blasphemers. Who would you believe if you were a judge in a court and had to decide which version of Jesus was correct? And apart from making money out of selling controversial books, do you think these writers have ulterior motives? revdauphinee answered on 05/05/04: 2 Timothy 3 1. But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days. 2. People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, 3. without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, 4. treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God-- 5. having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with them. 6. They are the kind who worm their way into homes and gain control over weak-willed women, who are loaded down with sins and are swayed by all kinds of evil desires, (((7. always learning but never able to acknowledge the truth. )))) Bobbye rated this answer Cherab rated this answer PraiseJah rated this answer

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Bobbye asked on 05/05/04 - "BRUCE" or "CopDoc": Has anyone heard from him or know the state of his health? Thanks. bobbye revdauphinee answered on 05/05/04: I used to have Bruces e mail adress but when my computer crashed I lost it!I also would like to hear from him Bobbye rated this answer Cherab rated this answer

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Bobbye asked on 05/05/04 - "POOP-FOR-BRAINS FUNDAMENTALISTS" This was a recent comment from an "expert" on this "Christianity Board." "...he justifies to the Poop-For-Brains Fundamentalists with words like the Rapture, pure fantasy!!!" No one is demanding that anyone post on this Board if it is so repulsive that one must brutalize with her words. Are these comments that any "expert" should be using toward those with whom she disagrees? Bobbye revdauphinee answered on 05/05/04: No!and I guess his comments are meant for me since I am an adament believer ! Bobbye rated this answer PraiseJah rated this answer

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mr_internet asked on 05/05/04 - Howmany miles is Jesus willing to drive to get to McDonald's? ***I will rate all responses with 5 stars.*** Okay, okay, that title was ment to be a joke. Some people say: "your questions have nothing to do with Christianity." Well, I know but the members of this board are very active. So in the title I tried to give it a religious flavour. But here is my real question (it is not a joke): 1. Howmany miles are you willing to drive to get to buy something from McDonalds? 2. Howmany miles or yards are you willing to walk to get to McDonald's? Please provide a number not pharases like: "few miles." Thank you revdauphinee answered on 05/05/04: If I made a joke about mohammed would it also amuse you??? ATON2 rated this answer Bobbye rated this answer Cherab rated this answer mr_internet rated this answer

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ethical_reason asked on 05/05/04 - I don't find it funny. The fatalistic BS of the rapture is Bush's justification for pulling the plug on all the eco-friendly stuff we used to do under Clinton. Bush is under this delusion that because we are in the end of days he is totally justified in his live for the moment attitude. I wouldn't be surprised if the war in Iraq is some sort of Jihad. revdauphinee answered on 05/05/04: while I am not a supporter of Bush your (or his if your right ) is flawed since jesus told us the time of the end is known to no man not even Jesus .But if he does believe he is on a holy mission then why is he wasting his time in Iraq?scripture tells us the antichrist will rule from Babilon so his attemts to democratise Iraq seems fruitless to me!If we are truly in the end times its just not going to happen! ATON2 rated this answer ethical_reason rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 05/05/04 - The trial of God. "The ancient man approached God as the accused person approaches his judge. For the modern man the roles are reversed. He is judge; God is in the dock." CS Lewis Have we in this enlightened age put God on trial? It so what hope is there for us? revdauphinee answered on 05/05/04: I feel this is true for many folks ,they look for him to proove his existance !and he is not compelled to do so! James 1:5-7 5. If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. 6. ((But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt,)) because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. 7. That man should not think he will receive anything from the Lord; paraclete rated this answer

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Doc05 asked on 05/04/04 - When things become to hard Why is it that when we face adversity, some tend to stop believing in God and Jesus? I know that I myself, have had this happen to me when I lost my best friend who was 33 and left two small children to basically fend for themselves. However, as much as I contemplated just stopping to believe in Him - I found myself praying even more. Has anyone felt the way I did when something happened that we thought was unfair? revdauphinee answered on 05/05/04: in times such as those read and meditate on the following Footsteps In The Sand One night a man had a dream. He dreamed he was walking along the beach with the Lord. Across the sky flashed scenes from his life. For each scene, he noticed two sets of footprints in the sand: one belonging to him, and the other to the Lord. When the last scene of his life flashed before him he looked back, at the footprints in the sand. He noticed that many times along the path of his life there was only one set of footprints. He also noticed that it happened at the very lowest and saddest times of his life. This really bothered him and he questioned the Lord about it: "Lord, you said that once I decided to follow you, you'd walk with me all the way. But I have noticed that during the most troublesome times in my life there is only one set of footprints. I don't understand why when I needed you most you would leave me." The Lord replied: "My son, My precious child, I love you and I would never leave you, During your times of trial and suffering, when you see only one set of footprints, it was then that I carried you." Attributed to Mary Stevenson Doc05 rated this answer

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HANK1 asked on 05/03/04 - DECENCY! "Senator Wants Momentum Kept Up On Indecency Crackdown" Bill Fancher Agape Press May 3, 2004 "Some members of Congress are ready to help the Federal Communications Commission in its crackdown on indecent content in the entertainment industry. After promising to clean up their act, some of the major media networks are having second thoughts and want the FCC to lower its standards and allow more vulgar speech and programming. But Kansas Republican Senator Sam Brownback is working hard to get a decency bill passed that would hit the rebellious members of the industry hard. Brownback says he applauds the efforts of certain members of the industry that have stepped up to initiate "zero tolerance" policies regarding broadcast indecency and have put in place provisions that observe the rule of thumb, "When in doubt, leave it out." On the other hand, the senator says, "I want to castigate others that have said those sort of things, and yet have not been willing to live by those provisions." The Kansas conservative is working along with other key senators to ensure the passage of legislation that will force entertainment industry icons to comply with the regulating agency's decency standards. "We are in negotiations on the [Senate] floor to get floor time. I think we're going to get support from the Democrat leadership to bring this up," he says. Brownback notes that the proposed legislation would increase fines for decency standard violations tenfold. In addition, he says the bill "puts a three-strike provision on radio stations and television stations that violate the decency provisions three times." For such offenders, the legislation would automatically start revocation hearings to determine whether the violator's broadcasting license should be rescinded. Brownback asserts that the issue of indecency is one that must be addressed quickly -- particularly now, while public sentiment is strong in favor of the crackdown." Source: Crosswalk.com Should we put this article in a time capsule and check it a year from now? HANK revdauphinee answered on 05/03/04: Im not a republican but cudos to Senator Sam Brownback never the less! HANK1 rated this answer

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Bobbye asked on 05/03/04 - ESCAPE OF TOM HAMIL IN IRAQ FROM HIS CAPTORS! "TO GOD BE THE GLORY!" Don't know how many have kept up with the kidnapping of Tom Hamil, the truck driver who was taken hostage in Iraq early one morning three weeks ago. (It was 1:00 a.m. in my city when the news flashed and the Australian cameraman got a great shot of Mr. Hamil's sitting in the car with his abductors. The camerman has presence of mind to ask his name just before they whisked Mr. Hamil off to what most thought "sudden death" -- with a wounded arm, a shaking voice, and tears about to flow from the eyes of a strong, burly man.) From that moment forward I felt impressed to pray for Mr. Hamil and his wife (who had just undergone heart surgery here in the states). I asked several churches to pray; students prayed each evening in class; and I would find myself awakening early morning to pray for Mr. Hamil's rescue. PEOPLE ASKED ME EVERY DAY: "What is your interest in this particular person?" To which I could only reply: "God has led me to pray for him and his family. It was no accident that I was up at that time of morning and saw the 'breaking news.'" Three mornings before this past Sunday I awaked each morning with the leading to pray for his "escape" -- rather than his rescue -- and that he would not be killed in the escape! IT WAS HEADLINES TODAY ON OUR DAILY NEWSPAPER RE HIS ESCAPE BY REMOVING A DOOR (after hearing the coalition moving in his area). He removed the door and then ran a mile to catch up with the troops; whereupon, they returned and captured the abductors. To be able to run a mile after three weeks with poor nourishment and an infected wound in the arm -- not knowing what lay ahead -- was in itself a miracle. There is no limit to the human will re survival -- particularly when people are praying. OF COURSE, HIS FAMILY, FRIENDS AND CHURCH WERE PRAYING! TO GOD BE THE GLORY! GREAT THINGS HE HAS DONE! Your sentiments/comments are welcomed. Bobbye revdauphinee answered on 05/03/04: not only his friends family and church but every one here in his home state!we had no doubt that God answers prayer! ATON2 rated this answer Bobbye rated this answer

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mr_internet asked on 05/03/04 - few Questions for you... ***All answers will be rated 5 star*** I am trying to see if users can easily nagivate our site and find the information they want. So, please see if you can complete the following tasks and let me know what you did to get those information. (i.e. you want to findout about class grade for "Geog 102". So what you do is that you click on the "Geog 102" and then click on the "Grades" and read the information presented on the table). Please goto this site and answer the following questions: http://userpages.umbc.edu/~acampi2/ifsm403/project/ Now try to find the following. 1. Tell me when did Dr. Harries (the teacher) graduate and from what school. 2. I am taking "Geog 102" and I want to buy the required text book(s). What should I buy? 3. I am really interested in the The Geography of religion but I don't know if this course will cover that or not. Can you help me to findout (Assume I am taking "Geog 102")? 4. I was wondering howmany chapters from the text book we will complete by the end of the year. Can you help me to figure that out (Assume I am taking "Geog 102")? revdauphinee answered on 05/03/04: what in the world has this to do with Christianity??? paraclete rated this answer

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mr_internet asked on 05/03/04 - few Questions for you... ***All answers will be rated 5 star*** I am trying to see if users can easily nagivate our site and find the information they want. So, please see if you can complete the following tasks and let me know what you did to get those information. (i.e. you want to findout about class grade for "Geog 102". So what you do is that you click on the "Geog 102" and then click on the "Grades" and read the information presented on the table). Please goto this site and answer the following questions: http://userpages.umbc.edu/~acampi2/ifsm403/project/ Now try to find the following. 1. Tell me when did Dr. Harries (the teacher) graduate and from what school. 2. I am taking "Geog 102" and I want to buy the required text book(s). What should I buy? 3. I am really interested in the The Geography of religion but I don't know if this course will cover that or not. Can you help me to findout (Assume I am taking "Geog 102")? 4. I was wondering howmany chapters from the text book we will complete by the end of the year. Can you help me to figure that out (Assume I am taking "Geog 102")? revdauphinee answered on 05/03/04: what in the world has this to do with Christianity??? mr_internet rated this answer paraclete rated this answer

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ethical_reason asked on 05/02/04 - A Koran or bible question So, if the Israelis were actually promised the land by god through Moses, then is there something in the Koran or later in the bible that changes that? And if not, why aren�t the Palestinians just saying, �yep, the land is yours.� since muslims don't refuse the bible they just say that the Koran is greater. revdauphinee answered on 05/02/04: because this would not suit there agenda !and because the qoran tells them the christian an jews are not to be taken as friends Cherab rated this answer Toms777 rated this answer ethical_reason rated this answer paraclete rated this answer

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XCHOUX asked on 05/02/04 - Goal of Islamic Leadership Make no mistake fellow Christianity Board members, the goal of Islam is world domination. They even call Great Britain the future Islamic County of England. Intelligent people in the Free World Leadership recognize this but do not articulate it. The attacks of 9-11 were Islam's attack on America in an attempt to destroy the sources of power in America..NewYork Twin Towers, a place where much of the "Money Market Stock and Bond" business is/was done. Washington DC where the country is governed from. So, you see we are in a real war against cowards and grandiose madmen hyped-up with their own importance despite the fact that their culture has produced nothing worthwhile in many centuries. Jealous of their real lack of power in the world. Blaming Jews and anyone else to deflect eyes from the truth. Islam is an evil religion....a violent religion. Get a grip, we are in it for the long haul. revdauphinee answered on 05/02/04: on this you and I agree !wht a delight to find someone else enlightened! XCHOUX rated this answer paraclete rated this answer tomder55 rated this answer ETWolverine rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 05/02/04 - Are the incidents in Iraq racially not religiously motivated motivated? "Recently, a British officer said the US troops saw the Iraqis as �untermenschen�, a term Hitler used to describe Jews, gypsies and other �racially inferior� groups: "My view and the view of the British chain of command is that the Americans' use of violence is not proportionate and is over-responsive to the threat they are facing. They view (the Iraqi people) as untermenschen. They are not concerned about the Iraqi loss of life in the way the British are. Their attitude towards the Iraqis is tragic, it's awful.�" If this is the way the American soldier comes across in Iraq, is the Iraqi insurgency a racial, rather than religious, backlash? revdauphinee answered on 05/02/04: as a former british person I can only say as Jesus once said do not try to take the splinter out of your brothers eye till you first take the log out of your own!the British are not now nor ever have been saints! paraclete rated this answer Cherab rated this answer

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PraiseJah asked on 05/02/04 - pnac, GW and 9/11 GW is pleading the "Schultz defense" (I knew nothing. I saw nothing) with respect to a memo sent by an intelligence agency one month before 9/11 warning of Bin Laden's plan to use hijacked planes and that New York building would be targeted. The PNAC document (1997) previously posted here was signed by several who are now members of the Bush admin as well as GW's brother Jeb. There is a section on the PNAC site about "Defense and Security" and in it it states clearly that they needed a "Pearl Harbor" attack to give impetus to their plans to challenge hostile regimes. This document dated 2000 suggests that such an attack on home soil would certainly suit their purposes. I have tried to bring it up but my computer appears to have lost my Adobe acrobat reader!! Given that GW is refusing to give evidence under oath at a public hearing about what he knew before 9/11 ( which of itself, like with the 5th Ammendment plea, is very questionable), do you think that that, coupled with the somewhat open statement about needing an attack on home soil, thast this indicates that GW did see the memo but chose to ignore it? While I dont subscribe to the conspiracy theory that the Bush admin. actually planned 9/11 I do think it was convenient for them to ignore the warnings. What do you think? For those not familair with the 1960's TV show Hogan's Heroes, Schultz was the guard in a prison camp in WW2 and often said "I see nothing" when he did in fact see Hogan and his men engaging in espionage or planning escapes. revdauphinee answered on 05/02/04: personaly while I do not think they had anything to do with the attack I certainly think it played right into GWs hands by giving him the excuse he needed to go into Iraq and get sadam who he perceived as a threat not to America but rather to his daddy! PraiseJah rated this answer

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Cherab asked on 05/01/04 - Pictures from Iraq I just seen some pictures from iraq on TV news. Is this democracy and how is it better than Saddam? What did it do to your stomach? revdauphinee answered on 05/02/04: when are we going to learn one cannot force democracy or any other way of life on those who do not want it!! Cherab rated this answer

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Cherab asked on 04/30/04 - Have you seen the Passion about Jesus? Did it affect your personal faith in any way? revdauphinee answered on 05/02/04: I liked it and think it a great tool to bring Christ gift to the forefront ,also if aton avoids blood wish he would explain why he always goes for th jugular with people of faith?? Cherab rated this answer

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PraiseJah asked on 04/30/04 - My daughter has cancer We have just learned that my daughter has a very rare aggressive form of cancer of the peritoneum - the serous membrane that is wrapped around the abdominal organs to prevent harm from friction. There are only 30 known cases world wide, which means that my daughter had a better chance of winning a lottery jackpot than getting this cancer. She unlike me is a not a baptised Christian but she likes reading the Bible and believes that only God's kingdom will bring peace to the earth. And she has done this for the last two years. Some of you may believe she will go to hell when she dies because she is not baptised. This could be very soon - even with treatment as only 6 of the 30 know cases have survived it. We believe she will be raised on "the last day" or during the thousand year reign because as Paul said there is to be a resurrection of the "just" ( those who have been declared righteous by faith) and of the unjust. Acts 5:28,29. But regardless of what you personally believe I ask that you pray for her. Thanks. revdauphinee answered on 05/02/04: the truth (even if your denomination does not accept this as fact) is That is belief in and accepting that Jesus is our saviour that saves us and not baptism!Baptism is an act of obedience to Gods will but it in and of itself will not save you!so if your daughter believes she will by no means go anywhere but to heaven !apart from this I will keep wll of you in my prayers because I know God CAN heal and he is still in the miracle business God bless you Dorothy PraiseJah rated this answer paraclete rated this answer

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ROLCAM asked on 04/29/04 - Drinking from my saucer. To All at ANSWERWAY!! IT WOULDN'T HURT ANYONE, IF THIS ONE WENT AROUND AND AROUND. I've never made a fortune, and it's probably too late now. But I don't worry about that much, I'm happy anyhow. And as I go along life's way, I'm reaping better than I sowed. I'm drinking from my saucer, 'Cause my cup has overflowed. Haven't got a lot of riches, and sometimes the going's tough. But I've got loving ones all around me, and that makes me rich enough. I thank God for his blessings, and the mercies He's bestowed. I'm drinking from my saucer, 'Cause my cup has overflowed. I remember times when things went wrong, My faith wore somewhat thin. But all at once the dark clouds broke, and the sun peeped through again. So Lord, help me not to gripe, about the tough rows I have hoed. I'm drinking from my saucer, 'Cause my cup has overflowed. If God gives me strength and courage, When the way grows steep and rough. I'll not ask for other blessings, I'm already blessed enough. And may I never be too busy, to help others bear their loads. Then I'll keep drinking from my saucer, 'Cause my cup has overflowed. When I think of how many people in this world have it worse than I do. I realize just how lucky most of us really are. Don't be too busy today...Share this inspiring message with friends and family. Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures. GOD BLESS YOU , EVERY ONE ! ROLCAM. revdauphinee answered on 05/02/04: think its great in spite of Atons comments he never has anything good to say anyway! ATON2 rated this answer ROLCAM rated this answer

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sapphire630 asked on 04/29/04 - I heard this on the news They were reading some new rules from the Pope. They said the Pope doesn't want people to read the Bible. I knew back in the 60's Catholics were discouraged from reading the Bible because "only the church could properly interpret it to the congregation" I thought that teaching was done away with. Is it back or did the Pope just mean they could not give the readings from the Bible during the church service. Just wondering. revdauphinee answered on 04/29/04: havent heard this one yet but would not be surprised at any denomination stating this !why allow folks to read the truth for themselves when we feel we are better able to tell them what they need to believe sapphire630 rated this answer tomder55 rated this answer

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Cherab asked on 04/29/04 - Different churches Why do you think there are so many churches and what do you think God thinks about them? That's two questions. revdauphinee answered on 04/29/04: because humans wish to follow thier own agendas instead of just Gods !I think God wonders why we who claim his name are so foolish Cherab rated this answer paraclete rated this answer

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koinegreek asked on 04/29/04 - I had Mt 21:28 in mind. Is this basic to every human? 28But what think ye? A certain man had two sons; and he came to the first, and said, Son, go work to day in my vineyard. 29He answered and said, I will not: but afterward he repented, and went. 30And he came to the second, and said likewise. And he answered and said, I go , sir: and went not. revdauphinee answered on 04/29/04: no some procrastinate some do not

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koinegreek asked on 04/29/04 - I had Mt 12:36 in mind. Does this apply to every human? 36But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment. 37For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned. revdauphinee answered on 04/29/04: yes I believe it does

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XCHOUX asked on 04/28/04 - The Garden of Eden For Elliot and All: Genesis: A book of the Bible in the Old Testament favored by Christians and Jews. The Jewish folklore blames a WOMAN, Eve, for the expulsion of "Adam and Eve" from the Garden of Eden, a mythical place where there were no problems no suffering. Anyone who believes in GodAlmighty or that the Bible is a literal interpretation of events in ALL CASES, must accept this SLANDER ON WOMEN as part of their religious beliefs. Even when our "Lying Eyes" show us that men, psat and present, cause the most misery and suffering on Earth. Lost my place in a clarification, sorry. Cordially, Chou revdauphinee answered on 04/28/04: sory the man was supposed to take care and protect his helpmeet ,he must not have been looking when satan showed up! XCHOUX rated this answer ATON2 rated this answer

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Cherab asked on 04/28/04 - they don;'t slaute the flag but deserve our salutes for what they have done for religious freedo http://www.freeminds.org/history/conflicts.htm - read the whole article and see how they have advanced religious freedom even though they are hated by some other snmall 'c' christians. revdauphinee answered on 04/28/04: have to agree with hank on this one !and im an emigrant! Cherab rated this answer

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arcura asked on 04/27/04 - Prayer request, please. On Wednesday the 28th (tomorrow) I go into the hospital for �pre op�. On Thursday Morning they are going to do some procedures on my heart installing some stents (three, I think). This is a much less invasive work on the heart than open heart surgery, but at the age of 71 it�s more troublesome than if I were 450 or 60. So I respectfully request your prayers for a good survival for me and steady hands and good work by the doctors and nurses. God bless you all, my friends, with peace and kindness and His healing of mind, body, and spirit for all that can use it. Arcura (Fred Brown) revdauphinee answered on 04/28/04: consider this done arcura rated this answer

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Cherab asked on 04/26/04 - Christianity Isn't it about love? ~Cherab~ revdauphinee answered on 04/27/04: Human love can never come close to the enormanty of Gods love Cherab rated this answer Krewton rated this answer

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PraiseJah asked on 04/26/04 - Evangelizers Jesus indicated by way of a commandment that all his followers should be evangelizers. Matthew 28:19,20. Do you think the member churches of Christendom are fulfulling Jesus' commandment? revdauphinee answered on 04/27/04: Many of todays denominational churches will be amongst those of whoom he said Matthew 7: 21. "Not everyone who says to me, `Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. 22. Many will say to me on that day, `Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?' 23. Then I will tell them plainly, `I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!' paraclete rated this answer PraiseJah rated this answer

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HANK1 asked on 04/26/04 - BROTHERLY LOVE? I have this millionaire brother who is an egomaniac! He worships $$$, lives in Florida and is married to a playgirl who's 20 years his junior! I received a letter from him today telling me that I was a real nut for marrying my present wife, Carol, nine years ago because she was poor and lived in a mobile home! He's known about her cancer from the git-go! Carol and I dated in high school years ago and she became a widow in 1994! Is there any hope for this turkey in the eyes of God? revdauphinee answered on 04/27/04: as long as Christ lives there will be hope,pray believe me God is still in the miracle working buisiness. Dorothy HANK1 rated this answer

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Bobbye asked on 04/26/04 - "CHRISTIANITY!" Is it "superstitious and childish" as one expert has described? Thanks. Bobbye revdauphinee answered on 04/26/04: the ones who put down Christianity feel they are the inelectuals of the world however scripture tells us of this worldly wisdom Ecc.1:18 For with much wisdom comes much sorrow; the more knowledge, the more grief. they need to turn in that worldly knowledge for a little spiritual knowledge! Bobbye rated this answer MaggieB rated this answer

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Bobbye asked on 04/26/04 - ARE WE "FORGIVEN" ACCORDING TO I JOHN 1:9? "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to FORGIVE us our sins and CLEANSE us from all unrighteousness." (1) If so, do past sins "exist" -- other than in the minds of those to whom you have admitted these sins? (2) Should one expert spotlight the deeds of another on these Boards? (I refer to a glaring "announcement" by one expert in response to another expert's post re Salvation. Why not just answer the question and OMIT the "sins" of the one who posted if you don't agree with the question? A Christian's "past" is in the sea of God's forgetfulness! THANK GOD! revdauphinee answered on 04/26/04: confessing sin to God is like putting a drop of water in the ocean ,no one could find that one drop after its in so it is with sin .He died for ALL our sins not just a few of them Bobbye rated this answer HANK1 rated this answer

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Bobbye asked on 04/26/04 - "GRACE!" (1)What is it? (2)Why Grace? (Not speaking of the "thanks" you give at mealtime called "grace." I'm speaking of "grace, through faith" whereby we receive Salvation.) Ephesians 2:8 NKJV: "For by GRACE you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast." Your thoughts? (1) What is it? (2)Why Grace? Thanks. Bobbye revdauphinee answered on 04/26/04: its a gift !we must reach out and take it thats all ! If someone tells you they have a new car you can have for free ,what good will that do you if you refuse to go get it?? Bobbye rated this answer MaggieB rated this answer

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HANK1 asked on 04/26/04 - CAN WE BE SAVED? The apostle Paul was asked this same question (Acts 16:30-31) and his answer was "believe in the Lord Jesus Christ and you will be saved." (compare John 3:16) If you believe that Jesus Christ paid the penalty for your sins, then you are saved! (Ephesians 1:13) God's gift of acceptance is available to everyone who changes their mind and decides to believe in Christ. Notice that absolutely NOTHING ELSE is required! "I would rather live my life as if there is a God and die to find out there isn't, than live my life as if there isn't and die to find out there is." - Author Unknown There you have it, my friend! Time to find your Savior and relax! Life is not a rehearsal! Comments? HANK revdauphinee answered on 04/26/04: amen !!salvation is so simple ,It makes one wonder why many folks try to complicate it !Its a gift one just has to reach out and recieve it! HANK1 rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 04/25/04 - Has the worm turned or is it just wriggling? By Brett Thomas April 25, 2004 Support withdrawn . . . Advertisers gave in to pressure over The L Word TV show. Five major Australian companies have bowed to pressure from a small, Victorian-based Christian organisation and pulled advertising from Channel Seven's new lesbian drama series The L Word. In a move that echoes the efforts of the American religious right, which wields considerable power over programming on US free-to-air television, the Saltshakers organisation lobbied the companies to disassociate themselves from The L Word, which screens at 10.30pm on Wednesdays. The five companies involved - Just Jeans, DaimlerChrysler, Roche, Allianz and Centrum - have since confirmed to Saltshakers through letters and email that their advertisements would no longer be screened during the show. Although The L Word, which Seven bought from American pay TV network Showtime, features nudity and explicit lesbian sex scenes, Saltshakers' major concern was that it advocated "self-insemination" in the form of a female couple who use donor sperm in an attempt to become pregnant. "I think there are a lot of people out there concerned, and companies concerned that their ads may be supporting women self-inseminating and women bringing children into the world who haven't got fathers," said Saltshakers chief executive Peter Stokes. While Mr Stokes saw the ad bans as a "bit of a win" for the Christian right, the gay community has expressed outrage and the advertising industry some bemusement at the situation. "There are a lot of images of diversity in pop culture these days and it's disappointing that such big companies would respond to a pathetically small group that nobody has ever heard of and be cowed into reacting that way," said Merryn Johns, editor of Lesbians On The Loose magazine. Mike Wilson of media buyers Mediaedge:CIA said the companies involved should have been forewarned about the content of The L Word by their own media agencies. "I don't know about political or religious lobby groups," he said. "A lot of clients already have their own policies as to the type of content with which they'll be associated. "I'm a bit mystified by what has happened with The L Word because it was well publicised by the network. The fact is the agencies responsible for each of those clients should have been informed enough to warn them about the content." Seven confirmed it had received written and telephone complaints about The L Word, but one insider said "it was nothing out of the ordinary". However, Saltshakers' successful campaign marked a significant change in tactics, with its email and letter writers targeting advertisers instead of the networks, which the organisation viewed as non-responsive. "I hope Channel Seven is taking notice of its advertisers," Mr Stokes said. But he admitted that his power was a long way short of his Christian colleagues in America. "I know the religious right in the US has a million people on its email system. Well, I've got 600." // I expect we must be thankful for small mercies but for the second time in a week this particular television channel has found itsself under fire from Christians. Perhaps Christians have finally decided that they have had enough of the counter culture, what will happen when the purveyors of filth on TV come under attack, for this channel might have been considered the more mild of the offerings. It appears the ad agencies are a little mystified as to what happen, could it be that God had a hand in this? revdauphinee answered on 04/25/04: if people dont speakup about the smut comming into our homes disqguised as entertainment soon thats all we will have ! when I grew up in the UK we had acess to 3 chanels and only during a few hours of the day ,Now I live in the USA and hve 24 hr access to over 100 chanels and you know hat I often can find nothing worth watching on any of them! ATON2 rated this answer paraclete rated this answer

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Liz22 asked on 04/24/04 - QUESTIONS ABOUT THE CHURCH This is a very interesting Site and thought I would share this with you, for at one time I did belong to a Cult but because of Sites as this one, I found our Savior Jesus Christ. http://www.carm.org/questions_church.htm RELIGIOUS MOVEMENTS About Cult Groups Religious Movements List ------------------- Christadelphianism Christian Science How to have perfect faith Intern. Church of Christ Islam Roman Catholicism Seventh Day Adventism Shepherd's Chapel Universalism CHRISTIANITY Bible, The Bible Online, The Christian Doctrine Christian Issues Christian Resources Creeds and Confessions Devotions Dictionary of Theology Evangelism Misc. Information Parables Prayer Ministry Sermons Testimonies To the Christian Church Its great and a lot of good reading plus all Scriptures backing them up. revdauphinee answered on 04/25/04: I liked this site and book marked it for future use thanks Liz22 rated this answer

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HANK1 asked on 04/24/04 - TO SIMPLIFY INTERPRETATION OF BIBLE VERSES ... The Maranatha Church offers you: www.versebyverse.org "The 66 Books of the Old and New Testament were written to be understood and appreciated by everyone. The best way to do that without losing the context or spiritual content is by understanding the time and the language in which the text was written. Men with the gift of Pastor-Teacher (Eph. 4:11) who have been properly trained are best qualified to study and teach the whole content of scripture without introducing their own ideas into the text." HANK revdauphinee answered on 04/25/04: Just looked at it briefly but it seemed to be an ok site I will go back for a better look in time HANK1 rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 04/23/04 - There are a few more shop rules the President needs to know April 24, 2004 Simple analogies help George Bush, it seems, writes Richard Glover. In the new book by Bob Woodward about the White House and the invasion of Iraq, Plan of Attack, there are many bizarre revelations, but chief among them must be the existence of the Pottery Barn rule. Woodward says that the US Secretary of State, Colin Powell, was keen to impress upon President George Bush the long-term dangers of invading Iraq. To make his point clear, he invoked what he and his deputy, Richard Armitage, describe as the rule in the Pottery Barn chain of stores: "If you break it, you own it." "You are going to be the proud owner of 25 million people. You will own all their hopes, aspirations and problems. You'll own it all," Woodward quotes Powell as telling Bush. Some of us might be concerned that American foreign policy is now debated using the language of shop warning signs. But that's not the only thing causing headlines in America. There's also deep disquiet that the Pottery Barn rules have been so seriously misrepresented. Leigh Oshirak, public relations director for the 170-store chain, has been widely quoted: "This is very, very far from a policy of ours. In the rare instance that something is broken in the store, it's written off as a loss. It's upsetting and absurd that that analogy has been put out there. You'd think that somewhere along the line they would have checked." We're with him on this. And outraged on his behalf. He's right, the Administration staff should have checked its "upsetting" facts about Pottery Barn. While they were at it, they could also have checked their "upsetting" facts on Iraq's weapons of mass destruction, the connection between Iraq and al-Qaeda, and the enthusiasm of the Iraq's Shiite majority for an invasion. But my biggest worry remains President Bush: does he really need to have things explained to him in metaphors drawn from store warning signs? Was this the FBI's mistake when it was begging for more resources to protect America before September 11, amid warnings of an attack? Should it have invoked the parking station rule ("Do not leave valuables unattended")? And was this Australia's mistake in selling Bush the free trade deal with its immediate benefits for America, and 20-year delay for our beef farmers? Maybe we should have made it easy for him. "It's simply the Harvey Norman rule, Mr President: 'Buy now, pay later."' Certainly many were mystified when Bush outlined the Axis of Evil, including Iran, Iraq and Korea, but leaving out Libya. We didn't understand he was working within the restrictions of the Kmart fitting room rule: "Limit of three items." And suddenly it's clear why there are so many Chalabi relatives involved in the US's puppet government in Iraq. The whole family comes under the bag-a-bargain discount rule: "Buy one, get the rest free." Of course, the Iraqis don't have to stick to Chalabi and the other American favourites. They can choose whichever puppet regime they want, as long as they don't expect their country back. The details of the policy are detailed under dress shop rules: "We will cheerfully exchange, but not refund." The Woodward book also reveals that Australia's foreign policy towards the US has also been operating under a shop sign rule. In this case: "Your wish is our command." The book details the lengthy list of demands made by our Prime Minister before Australia's involvement was announced. Well, when I say lengthy list, there was one main requirement. That the President make not one phone call, but two - just to emphasise Australia's importance. Here's how Woodward tells the story: On March 16 last year, just before the declaration of war, Bush phoned John Howard from Air Force One as he flew from the Azores summit with the British Prime Minister, Tony Blair, and Spain's then prime minister, Jose Maria Aznar. Bush explained he would deliver a speech the next day in which he would issue a 48-hour ultimatum to Saddam Hussein. Howard asked Bush whether this was going to be the declaration of war speech. "No," Bush assured him. "It's an ultimatum speech." Howard then told Bush he needed "one last official word" before the war started. Otherwise, it would look to the Australian people like Bush just started the war without even telling his biggest allies. Bush promised the additional call - "No, no. This isn't the last call you're going to get from me." And, indeed, the second call came, confirming an involvement which had been effectively promised months before. It was simply the Ikea dispatch dock rule at work: "Even direct orders must be confirmed." What a shame it's worked out so badly. All that effort, and the Iraqis won't even thank us for saving their country. Maybe Bush missed out on just one of those shop sign rules. The one from the corner store: "Never ask for credit as refusal may offend." Might I paraphase one other famous saying from this part of the world. Well might you say God bless America because noone will save George W Bush. revdauphinee answered on 04/24/04: Geo is in a fix because he went into this with one thing in mind get sadam for threatening daddy he never thought past that so the thing he doesnt know is what do I do now! ATON2 rated this answer paraclete rated this answer

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ROLCAM asked on 04/23/04 - A Special Letter. Dear Mommy, I am in Heaven now, sitting on Jesus' lap. He loves me and cries with me; for my heart has been broken. I so wanted to be your little girl. I don't quite understand what has happened. I was so excited when I began realizing my existance. I was in a dark, yet comfortable place. I saw I had fingers and toes. I was pretty far along in my developing, yet not near ready to leave my surroundings. I spent most of my time thinking or sleeping. Even from my earliest days, I felt a special bonding between you and me. Sometimes I heard you crying and I cried with you. Sometimes you would yell or scream, then cry. I heard Daddy yelling back. I was sad, and hoped you would be better soon. I wondered why you cried so much. One day you cried almost all of the day. I hurt for you. I couldn't imagine why you were so unhappy. That same day, the most horrible thing happened. A very mean monster came into that warm, comfortable place I was in. I was so scared, I began screaming, but you never once tried to help me. Maybe you never heard me. The monster got closer and closer as I was screaming and screaming, "Mommy, Mommy, help me please; Mommy, help me." Complete terror is all I felt. I screamed and screamed until I thought I couldn't anymore. Then the monster started ripping my arms off. It hurt so bad; the pain I can never explain. It didn't stop. Oh, how I begged it to stop. I screamed in horror as it ripped my leg off. Though I was in such complete pain, I was dying. I knew I would never see your face or hear you say how much you love me. I wanted to make all your tears go away. I had so many plans to make you happy. Now I couldn't; all my dreams were shattered. Though I was in utter pain and horror, I felt the pain of my heart breaking, above all. I wanted more than anything to be your daughter. No use now, for I was dying a painful death. I could only imagine the terrible things that they had done to you. I wanted to tell you that I love you before I was gone, but I didn't know the words you could understand. And soon, I no longer had the breath to say them; I was dead.I felt myself rising. I was being carried by a huge angel into a big beautiful place. I was still crying, but the physical pain was gone. The angel took me to God and set me on His lap. He said He loved me, and He was my Father. Then I was happy. I asked Him what the thing was that killed me. He answered, "Abortion. I am sorry, my child; for I know how it feels." I don't know what abortion is; I guess that's the name of the monster. I'm writing to say that I love you and to tell you how much I wanted to be your little girl. I tried very hard to live. I wanted to live. I had the will, but I couldn't; the monster was too powerful. It sucked my arms and legs off and finally got all of me. It was impossible to live. I just wanted you to know I tried to stay with you. I didn't want to die. Also, Mommy, please watch out for that abortion monster. Mommy, I love you and I would hate for you to go through the kind of pain I did. Please be careful. Love, Your Baby Girl revdauphinee answered on 04/24/04: the saddest part is that this is a man made monster! Laura rated this answer ROLCAM rated this answer

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arcura asked on 04/23/04 - The Christian thing to do....... Marvelous Chocolate Chocolate is a vegetable. Chocolate is derived from cacao beans. Bean = vegetable. Sugar is derived from either sugar CANE or sugar BEETS. Both are plants, which places them in the vegetable category. Thus, chocolate is a vegetable. To go one step further, chocolate candy bars also contain milk, which is dairy. Chocolate also is laced with anti-oxidants that help fight cancer, has caffeine for a quick pick-me-up while at the same time providing a soothing, mellow feeling. So chocolate candy bars are a health food. Chocolate-covered raisins, cherries, orange slices and strawberries all count as fruit, so eat as many as you want. If you've got melted chocolate all over your hands, you're eating it too slowly. The problem: How to get 2 pounds of chocolate home from the store in a hot car. The solution: Eat it in the parking lot. Diet tip: Eat a chocolate bar before each meal. It'll take the edge off your appetite, and you'll eat less. If I eat equal amounts of dark chocolate and white chocolate, is that a balanced diet? Don't they actually counteract each other? Put "eat chocolate" at the top of your list of things to do today. That way, at least you'll get one thing done. A nice box of chocolates can provide your total daily intake of calories in one place. Now, isn't that handy? If you can't eat all your chocolate, it will keep in the freezer. But if you can't eat all your chocolate, what's wrong with you? One last note: If you can part with it - Giving chocolate to someone says I love you to him or her so do it often. And if you donate chocolates to your Church you are saying I love you to Jesus and his disciples, so chocolate becomes a religious treat and offering. AND if you�re lucky they�ll share that tasty love with you. A blessing returned. After all doing good and sharing good things is the Christian thing to do. revdauphinee answered on 04/23/04: being a diabetic just reading this almost sent me ino a coma ! LOL arcura rated this answer Uni-Agdistis rated this answer

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kindj asked on 04/23/04 - Shaved A church in a rural community was so small that the pastor also doubled as the local barber to make ends meet. There happened to be a man in this small community who had invested wisely and was enjoying his newfound comfort. This man got out of bed one day to go through his daily routine. He looked into the mirror as he was about to shave and decided, "I make enough money now, I don't have to shave myself. I'll go down to the barber and let him shave me from now on." So he walked into the barber shop and found the preacher/barber was out calling on shut-ins. His wife, Grace, said "I usually do the shaves anyway ... sit down and I'll shave you." So he did. After she shaved him, he asked, "How much do I owe you?" "$25," Grace replied. The man thought that was a bit expensive, especially if he got a shave every day. Nonetheless, he paid Grace and went on his way. The next day, he woke up and found his face to be just as smooth as the day before. No need for a shave today, he thought, well, it was a $25 shave. The next day he awoke to find his face as smooth as a baby's bottom. Wow! he thought. That's amazing, as he normally would need to shave daily to keep his clean-shaven look. Day 3, he woke up and his face was still as smooth as the minute Grace had finished. Now, somewhat perplexed, the man went down to the barber shop to ask some questions. This time the pastor was in. The man asked him why his face was as smooth as it was the first day it was shaven. The kind old pastor gently retorted, "Friend, you were shaved by Grace...and once shaved, always shaved." revdauphinee answered on 04/23/04: that was great thanks! kindj rated this answer

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sapphire630 asked on 04/22/04 - Boudreaux and the Snake The Cajun and the Snake Boudreaux been fish'n down by de bayou all day an he done run outa nightcrawlers. He be bout reddy to leave when he seen a snake wit a big frog in his mout. He knowed dat dem big bass fish like frogs so he decided to steal dat froggie. Dat snake, he be a cotton moufed water moccasin so he had to be real careful or he'd get bit. He snuk up behine de snake and grabbed him roun de haid. Dat ole snake din't lak dat one bit. He squirmed and wrapped hisself roun Boudreaux's arm try'n to get hisself free. But Boudreaux, him, had a real good grip on his haid, yeh. Well, Boudreaux pried his mout open and got de frog and puts it in his baitcan. Now, Boudreaux knows dat he cain't let go dat snake or his gonna bite him good, but he had a plan. He reach into de back pocket of his bib overhauls and pulls out a pint a moonshine likker. He pour some draps into de snakes mout. Well, dat snake's eyeballs roll back in his haid and his body go limp. Wit dat Boudreaux toss's dat snake into de bayou. den he goes back to fishin. A while later Boudreaux dun feel sumpin tappin on his barefoot toe. He slowly look down and dare dat water mocassin was with two frogs in his mout. revdauphinee answered on 04/22/04: rofl that was a great one paraclete rated this answer sapphire630 rated this answer

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sapphire630 asked on 04/22/04 - I do not really understand stem cell enough to say if I believe it is ethical, moral, etc. I had it explained to me that it is just some unfertilized nuclei no different than skin grafts. Then I read it is from aborted babies. As far as extending life, some of your comments are refering to questioning the quality of life if life were extended to 100 or 110. Consider back in the early 1900's life expectancy was 40 (they thought it impossible to live to 100), by the 60's life expectancy was 70, now more and more people are living to 100. More and more old people live a better life quality at 85 than people 60 years old in the 60's. A lot has to do with our knowledge of pollution, disease, health and other things. If stem cell does eliminate diseases I doubt there will be a question of quality of life because the purpose of stem cell is a better quality of life but not understanding stem cell I can't say whether it is or isn't at the expense of an unborn baby. On the other hand with all our knowledge on how to live longer as society as a whole we choose to find other ways of choosing a slow death such as obesity, playing video games as opposed to excersize etc. See youin'z in 2055 when I turn 100!---(without stem cell) revdauphinee answered on 04/22/04: when you turn 100 even if they do stem cell research dont you know the average person will not be able to afford any help they come up with !American medicine may be the best in the world but if( as many are )you cant afford it what good is that to you??? sapphire630 rated this answer

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sapphire630 asked on 04/22/04 - could 9/11 be a conspiracy I have been reading a lot of things written before and after 9/11 about the government conspiring to make America feel secure so they can take away more and more of our freedoms under the guise of "for our safety. The general idea sounds maybe far fetched, but many of the things I heard as far back as the 60's are coming to pass as just as I had heard. These are just a few main points out of thousands of exerpts from things I have read and heard. The government feels if they create disaster the average American will welcome �Homeland security� then the government can ruthlessly use the F.E.M.A. act. http://www.geocities.com/Athens/Agora/7197/concetration1.html The purpose is make Americans feel they need the Patriots Act so that they can use the right to 'search and seizure' without a warrant due to terrorism is already being used on innocent, unsuspecting Americans. By Scott Shane and Tom Bowman Sun Staff Originally published April 24, 2001 WASHINGTON - U.S. military leaders proposed in 1962 a secret plan to commit terrorist acts against Americans and blame Cuba to create a pretext for invasion and the ouster of Communist leader Fidel Castro, according to a new book about the National Security Agency. "We could develop a Communist Cuban terror campaign in the Miami area, in other Florida cities and even in Washington," said one document reportedly prepared by the Joint Chiefs of Staff. "We could blow up a U.S. ship in Guantanamo Bay and blame Cuba," the document says. "Casualty lists in U.S. newspapers would cause a helpful wave of indignation." The plan is laid out in documents signed by the five Joint Chiefs but never carried out, according to writer James Bamford in "Body of Secrets." The new history of the Fort Meade-based eavesdropping agency is being released today by Doubleday. A statement recorded in documents from Nuremberg, Germany trials,"All you have to do is tell them they are being attacked [by some evil person or country] and they will do it. They will denounce the pacifists {who oppose the war], for lack of patriotism and say they are exposing the country to danger." On Oct. 20, 1942, the U.S. government ordered the seizure of Nazi German banking operations in New York City which were being conducted by Prescott Bush, on behalf of Thyssen. Dealing with Nazi Germany, and even financing Hitler weren't illegal until Hitler declared war on the US. Six days after Pearl Harbor, President Roosevelt signed the Trading With the Enemy Act. By then, many companies that had been doing business with Hitler's war machine had stopped. But not Prescott Bush and the Union Banking Corporation. Writes Toby Rogers, "Prescott Bush continued with business as usual, aiding the Nazi invasion of Europe and supplying resources for weaponry that would eventually be turned on American solders in combat against Germany." On Connecting the dots, President Bush cannot and willnot connect the dots because HE IS the dots. If you live in the U.S. and think you know what your government is doing to other countries and why, just because you watch cable or read a daily newspaper � think again. Israeli workers were warned not to go to work at the World Trade Center and that key government officials were warned not to fly on aircraft heading through New York and Washington airspace. No evidence has ever been offered in support of these theories, although John Ashcroft was earlier in 2001 warned off commerical flight "for the rest of his term" by the FBI; Willie Brown, mayor of San Francisco, was warned the day before against flying; and several "top Pentagon officials" cancelled 9/11 travel plans the day before. Michael Meacher, a British MP, writes in The Guardian, that "US authorities did little or nothing to pre-empt the events of 9/11. It is known that at least 11 countries provided advance warning to the US of the 9/11 attacks. Two senior Mossad experts were sent to Washington in August 2001 to alert the CIA and FBI to a cell of 200 terrorists said to be preparing a big operation (Daily Telegraph, September 16 2001). The list they provided included the names of four of the 9/11 hijackers, none of whom was arrested. It is also said that many of the terrorists were trained by the U.S. government. The former US federal crimes prosecutor, John Loftus, has said: "The information provided by European intelligence services prior to 9/11 was so extensive that it is no longer possible for either the CIA or FBI to assert a defence of incompetence." The rest is from Alex Jones http://www.infowars.com/ Marvin Bush - brother of George Jr. Marvin is a substantial shareholder and was on the Board of Directors until 2000 of a security company aptly named Securacom. This is not an ordinary security force with canvas badges and walkie-talkies; it�s an electronic security company, which was �coincidentally� involved with Dulles Airport until 1998. Handling electronic security at Dulles seems like an excellent way to gain access to Air Traffic Control communication codes with NORAD, which is in charge of intercept missions. According to CEO Barry McDaniel, the company �handled some of the security at the World Trade Center up to the day the buildings fell down.� How convenient, huh? Bombs were in those towers� Bush�s presidency was saved by these attacks � The planes did not bring those towers down; bombs did. So why use planes? It seems they were a diversionary tactic- a grand spectacle. Who would want to divert our attention from the real cause of the collapse of those towers? It must be those who benefited most from these attacks. Before beginning this article, I met Auxiliary Lieutenant Fireman and former Auxiliary Police Officer, Paul Isaac Jr. at the World Trade Center Memorial. Paul, along with many other firemen, is very upset about the obvious cover-up and he is on a crusade for answers and justice. He was stationed at Engine 10, across the street from the World Trade Center in 1998 and 99; Engine 10 was entirely wiped out in the destruction of the towers. He explained to me that, �many other firemen know there were bombs in the buildings, but they�re afraid for their jobs to admit it because the �higher-ups� forbid discussion of this fact.� Paul further elaborated that former CIA director Robert Woolsey, as the Fire Department�s Anti-terrorism Consultant, is sending a gag order down the ranks. �There were definitely bombs in those buildings,� he told me. He explained to me that, if the building had �pancaked� as it�s been called, the falling floors would have met great resistance from the steel support columns, which would have sent debris flying outward into the surrounding blocks. I asked him about the trusses, and quoted the history channel�s �don�t trust a truss� explanation for the collapses. He responded in disbelief, and told me, �You could never build a truss building that high. A slight wind would knock it over! Those buildings were supported by reinforced steel. Building don�t just implode like that; this was a demolition.� Just after the disaster, Firefighter Louie Cacchioli said, �We think there were bombs set in the building.� Notice he said �we�. At 9:04, just after flight 175 collided with the South Tower, a huge explosion shot 550 feet into the air from the U.S. Customs House known as WTC 6. A huge crater scars the ground where this building once stood. Something blew up WTC 6 - it wasn�t a plane; it must have been a bomb of some sort. revdauphinee answered on 04/22/04: "the government conspiring to make America feel secure so they can take away more and more of our freedoms under the guise of "for our safety. The general idea sounds maybe far fetched," Doest sound all that far fetched to me!! paraclete rated this answer sapphire630 rated this answer

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HANK1 asked on 04/22/04 - EUTHENICS - GOOD OR BAD? The study of the improvement of human functioning and well-being by improvement of living conditions. Comments? revdauphinee answered on 04/22/04: there are many ways to improve humanity, genetic managing should not be one of them! HANK1 rated this answer

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HANK1 asked on 04/22/04 - EUGENICS - GOOD OR BAD? "Great Britain, the United States and Germany were the countries most involved with eugenic science in the first half of this century, but interest was always present in Europe and other parts of the world. Argentina, Austria, Brazil, Canada, China, Finland, France, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Norway and Sweden had eugenics movements of their own. With the rise of new genetic technologies, and the technical ability to change an individual's genetic heritage, eugenics is once again a topic both discussed and written about throughout the world. Since World War II, interest in the type of eugenics popular in the early half of the century has changed. Utilizing gene therapy, genetic testing and screening, and genetic counseling, scientists and clinicians use knowledge of inherited disease or other genetic problems to change (for the better) those persons who can be assisted. Still, questions are raised about the morality of changing human genes, the wisdom of acting when no cure is available, or the legality of breaching a patient's genetic confidentiality. Most geneticists and other health professionals think that to proscribe any genetic intervention would be wrong since people "need and deserve to have whatever information may be available concerning genetic risks, genetic disorders, and modes of treatment" even if problems may be inherent in genetic screening, counseling or therapy (I, Kevles 1985, p. 291). Concepts central to the old eugenics have not completely disappeared: recent Chinese law, the Law on Maternal and Infant Health Care, which took effect June 1, 1995, requires premarital checkups to determine whether either partner carries "genetic diseases of a serious nature", infectious diseases (AIDS, gonorrhea, syphilis and leprosy), or a "relevant mental disease." The law stipulates that marriages will be permitted only after the couple has been sterilized (IV, Tomlinson 1994, p. 1319). In speaking of the then draft legislation in 1993, a health minister cited statistics showing that China "now has more than ten million disabled persons who could have been prevented through better controls" (V, Tyler 1993, p. A9)." Source: http://bioethics.georgetown.edu Comments? HANK revdauphinee answered on 04/22/04: And did we not condem Hitler for this?? do these folks act any different from wanting his master race? HANK1 rated this answer

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Uni-Agdistis asked on 04/22/04 - Extension of life span Fruits of science worry Bush's bioethicist By Morton Kondracke Kass, the controversial chairman of President Bush's Commission on Bioethics, was disputing the claim made by advocates of cloning for medical research that the product really isn't an embryo, a "life." Kass wants Congress to enact a moratorium on the research. Fortunately, it's unlikely that will happen any time soon, but cloning is the subject of a furious debate, President Bush is against it, Sen. John Kerry, D-Mass., is for it. Advocates of therapeutic cloning, including scientific researchers, biotech companies and disease groups, claim that so-called "somatic cell nuclear transfer" (SCNT) does not produce a human embryo. Its slogan is "no sperm, no life," an attempt to remove any moral onus from destroying the "entity" to harvest stem cells for potentially life-saving research. Advocates contend that the SCNT process -- involving removal of the nucleus from a female egg and replacing it with the nucleus from a donor's cell -- produces "something that has never existed before," which will never be implanted in a woman and therefore should not be considered "human life." But Kass contended that the product is identical to the one which -- in experiments with sheep, cats, mice, rabbits and goats -- has resulted in a birth. Dolly, the sheep cloned in England in 1996, is the first and most famous case. Challenging is what Leon Kass does. As a professor at the University of Chicago and author of five books and numerous articles, he challenges the notion that science should be free to produce anything it can in the name of "progress." Kass leads a movement -- branded "neo-conservative" by its foes -- which sees a danger of unbridled science producing a society resembling that in Aldous Huxley's famed 1932 novel "Brave New World." Kass' opposition to cloning and his role as adviser leading Bush to restrict federal funding for embryonic stem-cell research has led adversaries to brand him "anti-science" and declare he has "a 16th century sensibility." Kass declared, "I am not a Luddite. I am not a hater of science. I esteem modern science and regard it as one of the great monuments to the human intellect even as I wonder about some of the uses of the technology." Kass is specifically worried about the consequences of scientific advances that will move beyond conquering the diseases of aging -- Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, stroke and arthritis -- to conquering the aging process itself and extending the maximum human lifespan from 100 years to 130 or 150. Public health and medical discoveries increased average life expectancy in the United States from 47 years in 1900 to 79 today, and scientists estimate that if the diseases of aging were cured, life expectancy could go to 90 or so. He thinks that increased life expectancy and an aging society already have had negative effects on children and have lengthened adolescence and that lifespan extension might make vigorous "old" people reluctant to make way for the young, or innovative ideas. Moreover, he worries that, "if people can look forward to living indefinitely, they will be less inclined to build cathedrals, write the B-minor Mass or write Shakespeare's sonnets. "Time is a gift," he said, "but the prospect of endless time has the possibility of undermining our taking time seriously and making it count." In Greek mythology, he notes, the immortal gods were bored and busied themselves watching the purposeful activities of mortals. Kass said that his presidential council has no power to set policy and that he would not advise curbs on aging research, but hopes that scientific self-regulation might "somehow get control so that we can reap the benefits of research without paying the worst costs." Having interviewed many aging researchers, I'd say that their ability to extend the human lifespan is not imminent -- particularly given current funding priorities -- and that Kass' concerns are largely speculative. (Morton Kondracke is executive editor of Roll Call, the newspaper of Capitol Hill.) Source: The complete report can be found at: http://reviewappeal.midsouthnews.com/news.ez?viewStory=21123 Question: Is it morally wrong to extend the life span? revdauphinee answered on 04/22/04: " removal of the nucleus from a female egg and replacing it with the nucleus from a donor's cell -- produces "something that has never existed before," which will never be implanted in a woman and therefore should not be considered "human life." If something grows like a rose ,looks like a rose and smells like a rose,and has the genetic make up of a rose what is it??? we need to stop playing God! Uni-Agdistis rated this answer

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ROLCAM asked on 04/22/04 - Two Brothers. Once upon a time, two brothers who lived on adjoining farms fell into conflict. It was the first serious rift in 40 years of farming side-by-side, sharing machinery, and trading labour and goods as needed, without a hitch. Then the long collaboration fell apart. It began with a small misunderstanding, and it grew into a major difference, and finally, it exploded into an exchange of bitter words, followed by weeks of silence. One morning, there was a knock on John's door. He opened it to find a man with a carpenter's toolbox. "I'm looking for a few days' work," he said. "Perhaps you would have a few small jobs here and there I could help with? Could I help you?" "Yes," said the older brother. "I do have a job for you. Look across the creek at that farm. That's my neighbor. In fact, it's my younger brother! Last week, there was a meadow between us. He recently took his bulldozer to the river levee, and now there is a creek between us. Well, he may have done this to spite me, but I'll do him one better. See that pile of lumber by the barn? I want you to build me a fence - an 8-foot fence -so I won't need to see his place, or his face, anymore." The carpenter said, "I think I understand the situation. Show me the nails, and the post-hole digger, and I'll be able to do a job that pleases you." The older brother had to go to town, so he helped the carpenter get the materials ready and then he was off for the day. The carpenter worked hard all that day -- measuring, sawing, and nailing. About sunset, when the farmer returned, the carpenter had just finished his job. The farmer's eyes opened wide, his jaw dropped. There was no fence there at all. It was a bridge... a bridge that stretched from one side of the creek to the other! A fine piece of work, with handrails, and all! The neighbour, his younger brother, was coming toward them, his hand outstretched... "You are quite a fellow to build this bridge, after all I've said and done." The two brothers stood at each end of the bridge, and then they met in the middle, taking each other's hand. They turned to see the carpenter hoist his toolbox onto his shoulder. "No, wait! Stay a few days. I've a lot of other projects for you," said the older brother. "I'd love to stay on," the carpenter said, but I have many more bridges to build. Just remember this... 1.) God won't ask what kind of car you drove, but He'll ask how many people you helped get where they needed to go. 2.) God won't ask the square footage of your house, but He'll ask how many people you welcomed into your home. 3.) God won't ask about the clothes you had in your closet, but He'll ask how many you helped to clothe. 4.) God won't ask how many friends you had, but He'll ask how many people to whom you were a friend. 5.) God won't ask in what neighbourhood you lived, but He'll ask how you treated your neighbours. 6.) God won't ask about the colour of your skin, but He'll ask about the content of your character. 7.) God won't ask how many people you sent this to, but He'll ask IF you sent it... ROLCAM. revdauphinee answered on 04/22/04: great I saved it for future reference ROLCAM rated this answer

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Liz22 asked on 04/22/04 - Word Was God. Is not this scripture talking about our Lord Jesus? This scripture seems hard for some to understand it, why is it so hard when it comes right from the Bible? The Word Became Flesh 1In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. 3Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. 4 In him was life, and that life was the light of men. 5 The light shines in the darkness, but the darkness has not understood it. Thank you. Liz. revdauphinee answered on 04/22/04: yes I feel it is talking about Jesus, q)"This scripture seems hard for some to understand " A)Ecclesiastes 2: 14. The wise man has eyes in his head, while the fool walks in the darkness; Liz22 rated this answer Toms777 rated this answer

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XCHOUX asked on 04/21/04 - Japanese Scientists Just released on the newswire. Japanese scientists have created a mouse out of the DNA of two female mice. Interesting? revdauphinee answered on 04/21/04: just what the world needs!More mice! paraclete rated this answer XCHOUX rated this answer

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ROLCAM asked on 04/21/04 - Noah's Ark. I thought I would share this knowledge with my friends. Everything I need to know, I learned from Noah's Ark... ONE: Don't miss the boat. TWO: Remember that we are all in the same boat. THREE: Plan ahead. It wasn't raining when Noah built the Ark. FOUR: Stay fit. When you're 60 years old, someone may ask you to do something really big. FIVE: Don't listen to critics; just get on with the job that needs to be done. SIX: Build your future on high ground. SEVEN: For safety's sake, travel in pairs. EIGHT: Speed isn't always an advantage. The snails were on board with the cheetahs. NINE: When you're stressed, float awhile. TEN: Remember, the Ark was built by amateurs; the Titanic by professionals. ELEVEN: No matter the storm, when you are with God, there's always a rainbow waiting. GOD BLESS. ROLCAM. revdauphinee answered on 04/21/04: good one, and we must give due credit to the designer of it all GOD! Liz22 rated this answer ROLCAM rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 04/20/04 - When your vilification laws bite back Recently the Sate of Victoria in Australia passed laws which were directed at reigning in Christian activities and preaching, but they forgot that Christians are people too! Channel Seven 'took the Lord's name in vain' April 21, 2004 - 2:24PM A pensioner is taking legal action against Channel Seven over the use of the name "Jesus Christ" as a swear word, saying it is time for Christians to be awarded the same respect as other religions. Andre van der Linden has claimed the use of the name in the British-made series Prime Suspect was insulting and disrespectful to Christians. He has lodged a complaint with the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT), alleging Channel Seven had breached new racial and religious vilification laws. He said he wanted to do something to ensure Christians were afforded the same respect in the media as Muslims and Aborigines. "We don't like to see people vilified in this country. Aboriginal people have taken a lot of time to be regarded on a basis where vilification is a no-no. Muslim people are never vilified in terms of media," Mr van der Linden told ABC radio. "But I have seen them pour scorn on Christianity more than any other religion. "I am not just against Channel Seven, they are not the worst by any means. I would appeal to them to basically ... come to an arrangement so they bleep out every illicit reference in the name of Jesus Christ. "Christians are fair cop for all type(s) of vilification, but when it touches the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords as we refer to him, then it is absolutely unacceptable." Channel Seven intends to defend the action, which is scheduled to be heard by the tribunal in two weeks. If no agreement is reached then the case will go on to a magistrates hearing in Shepparton in August. A spokesman for the network said it did not believe it had breached its code of conduct, but Mr van der Linden, from Waranga in northern Victoria, said he hoped the case would set a precedent. "I personally feel very vilified by such usage, and I have been writing for the past five years to TV stations trying to get them to include this in their codes, but nothing really has happened," Mr van der Linden said. "I am not after any money, or anything for me personally, I just want to draw attention to the fact that this (is) actually unacceptable." AAP If this case is successful the ramifications are huge for TV Channels, film distributors and many others. not being able to use the Lord's name in vain, have the legislators gone too far? We might actually get those foul mouthed Yankee films removed from our theatres and film makers pulled into line. revdauphinee answered on 04/21/04: cudos to Mr Andre van der Linden only wish we had more folks like him!We could sure use some here in the US where there is open war on christianity.the Us probably has more people who claim to be Christian than most other countries ,but no one speaks out as Christ is slowly being purged from our society paraclete rated this answer

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Bradd asked on 04/20/04 - Absolute or Relative Morality? Does morality change? Does it reflect the society rather than a God - Christian or otherwise? If morality changes according to the times, and has its source in God, is God therefore changeable? Not absolute? Some examples of a changing morality: 1 - Until the 19th century, most societes accepted slavery (including Paul apparently). Today we are horrified by the notion - rightfully so. 2 - Bigamy and concubinage were accepted (and encouraged) in the OT, but Jesus "changed" that in the NT. 3 - "Coveting" in the Ten Commandments was so seriously wrong that God (Moses) made it one of the keystones of morality. Today, it seems to be the driving force of capitalism as practiced in the West. 4 - Belief in a different God (heresy) was once seen as a threat to society, today we welcome diversity and abhor the notion of heresy. I'm sure you can come up with many other examples. What is the relation of God to morality? revdauphinee answered on 04/21/04: Mankind certaily changes, however morality to me is my concept of right and wrong actions, and it never changes! only our faulty perseption of it does! Bradd rated this answer

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XCHOUX asked on 04/20/04 - The Time Is It is now about 2:30 EDT 11:30AM on the West Coast. What sins have you committed so far today. Seriously, I was not the least bit satisfied by the comments some of you made to my statement that you don't do anything even close to a sin in your lives. You are not sinning all the time anymore than you are required to be perfect(which is totally impossible). Anyone want to answer? revdauphinee answered on 04/20/04: what I wrote maybee nothing much however lying is breaking a commandment so is false witness so if we were still under law and not grace I confess I am a sinner> XCHOUX rated this answer

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XCHOUX asked on 04/20/04 - The Time Is It is now about 2:30 EDT 11:30AM on the West Coast. What sins have you committed so far today. Seriously, I was not the least bit satisfied by the comments some of you made to my statement that you don't do anything even close to a sin in your lives. You are not sinning all the time anymore than you are required to be perfect(which is totally impossible). Anyone want to answer? revdauphinee answered on 04/20/04: lets see the Lord said to do all things in moderation ,I overate so thats one!I exagerated about something thats bearing false witness !I told someone I felt fine when I dont Thats a lie!need I go on? XCHOUX rated this answer

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koinegreek asked on 04/20/04 - The definition of a cult is very thought provoking. The church of Christ is a cult. Yes? No? The Church of Christ is a cult. Yes? No? Please state your reasons for your answer? revdauphinee answered on 04/20/04: In its time Christianity itself was thought to be a cult as are all denominations to some ! paraclete rated this answer MaggieB rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 04/20/04 - Jesus is Alive! "ON Easter Sunday night I was amazed and also shocked when the news switched to a Protestant minister speaking to the congregation in his church and he said: ``Buddha is dead, Mohammed is dead, Karl Marx is dead, but Jesus is alive!"" Why should this person be amazed, we have been telling the world this for twenty centuries, are they now starting to listen? or does it beeing said on Television make it more noticeable? revdauphinee answered on 04/20/04: maybee the person was shocked ad amazed to hear the truth coming from his television!! paraclete rated this answer

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MaggieB asked on 04/19/04 - To Doc05: More on Islam & Christianty MOHAMMED VS. JESUS =========================== Since Islam claims that Mohammed is a greater prophet than Jesus, let us compare them side by side regarding various aspects of their character, claims, and proofs. I. CLAIMS ========= A. Islam ******** Mohammed claimed he was the last and greatest of the prophets, even greater than Jesus. Islam claims the Koran was verbally inspired, that the exact words were given from God to Mohammed by the angel Gabriel. [CRI-46-50,33; WR-99] Regarding Jesus, Islam claims Jesus was a great prophet, but not Divine, not the unique Son of God. It admits Jesus did miracles, but denies He died as a substitutionary sacrifice to save people from their sins or that He arose from the dead. [WR-100f; CRI-49,77] B. The Gospel ************* The gospel claims Jesus was the Divine Son of God, and that He did die to save all men from their sins. It also claims He arose from the dead. Regarding these claims it offers eyewitness testimony of proof. It is interesting that, in general, Mohammed made the claim he was greater than Jesus. But when one examines these specifics, he finds that the actual specific claims of Jesus were greater than any Mohammed ever made. If Jesus really made these claims, then Mohammed is not greater than Jesus, in which case Mohammed is an impostor for he claimed to be greater than Jesus. Islam, however, denies Jesus ever made these claims. The question we must decide then is this: What evidence is there that these claims are valid? Anyone can make claims. What proof is there? II. CHARACTER ============= A. Jesus ******** The New Testament repeatedly claims Jesus lived a sinless life (Heb. 4:15; I Pet. 2:22; etc.). Moslems generally admit Jesus lived a sinless life. The Koran nowhere claims to have found sin in His life, but it says He was only a man and not Divine [CRI-47ff]. Hence, it is agreed that Jesus was a person of pure morals, wisdom, courage, love, and every other quality of goodness. B. Mohammed *********** Many Moslems claim that Mohammed also lived a sinless live. But when we compare his life to Jesus, consider: * While ruling in Medina, Mohammed made a treaty he would not attack Mecca for ten years. He then attacked them the very next year. [CRI-33f] * He used violence to defeat and convert men to Islam, including using assassination [WR-98; EB, XV-648]. Jesus converted people by teaching, persuasion, and example. He never used force, and refused to allow His disciples to use force, even to defend Jesus Himself from His enemies. * Mohammed practiced polygamy. He had 12 wives and 2 concubines at the time of his death. [CRI-32] * Mohammed received "revelations" for obvious personal convenience and benefit [WR-98]. For example: 1) He revealed that men were allowed to have plural wives, but no man could have more than four wives at a time. However, Mohammed specifically revealed that he could have more than 4 wives, and he had 12 when he died. [Koran 33:50,51; CRI-64] 2) He revealed that a man was forbidden to marry his own daughter-in-law, even if she was divorced. However, he then received a special revelation that he could take the wife of his adopted son, then he took her. [Koran 33:37; CRI-32] 3) At one point the Arabs were starving him because they opposed his teaching against idolatry. He then received a "revelation" retracting his opposition and condoning idolatry. As soon as he was released, he reversed the revelation and said idolatry was wrong again. [EB, XV-647] * Mohammed never claimed sinlessness, but in fact admitted he was guilty of sin. He also admitted sin in the lives of other prophets, but never in the life of Jesus. [CRI-26,50; WR-99] Based on their character then, who was greater: Mohammed or Jesus? III. FULFILLED PROPHECY ======================= We have demonstrated that Jesus fulfilled many Old Testament prophecies, and we have demonstrated that Jesus did accurately predict future events and those predictions came true (see lesson on Judaism). There can be no doubt that He did do so. What about Mohammed? A. Islam Claims that the Bible Did Contain Prophecies of Mohammed. ****************************************************************** Some prophecies that the Moslems claim refer to Mohammed, were actually fulfilled in Jesus. It is claimed that were other Bible prophecies fulfilled by Mohammed, but Jews and Christians destroyed the evidence by changing their own Scriptures to remove these prophecies. [CRI-27,49f,70f,78; WR-101] An example: John 16:7 predicts the coming of the Comforter. Moslems argue that originally it had a word meaning "praised." Since Mohammed means "praised," they say this was fulfilled by Mohammed. But then to cover it up, the Scriptures were changed to a word that means "comforter" instead of "praised." [CRI-78; WR-101] B. Where Is the Proof of Changes in the Bible? ********************************************** Anyone can make claims. The same claim has been made regarding Jesus' Deity, and anytime the Bible contradicts Islam, it is simply charged that the Bible has been changed. What proof is there? None. It is an unfounded, unproved charge. However, there is much proof for the accuracy of the Bible. The claims of Islam would require wholesale changes in the Scriptures. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ These are not minor points. Many Scriptures claim Jesus was Deity, was worshipped, was the Son of God, died to save men from their sins, and other things Moslems deny. If Islam agrees with the original teaching of Scripture, wholesale changes must have been made. For example, in the context of John 16:7, it is plainly stated in John 14:16f, 26; and 15:26 that the "comforter" is the Holy Spirit. To find its fulfillment in Mohammed would have required major changes in the text. The same is true for many other teachings on which the Scriptures contradict Islam. The Bible promises that God would preserve His word forever. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Isa. 40:8; I Pet. 1:23-25 -- God's word would live and abide forever. It would not be like grass and flowers that grows and then fades. 2 John 2 -- The truth ... abides in us and will be with us forever. God says He would never allow His word to be destroyed. Yet Moslems say He failed to keep this promise, and allowed it to be so completely destroyed that no one can find the original message. [Psa. 12:6,7; Matt. 24:35] Interestingly, the Koran contains a similar promise regarding itself, that God would preserve it from corruption (15:9). If God could, according to the Moslems, preserve the Koran without corruption, why deny that He kept His promise to do the same for the Bible, which they agree is also Scripture? The Bible repeatedly rebukes those who change its message in any way. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Deut. 4:2; Prov. 3:5,6; Gal. 1:8,9; Rev. 22:18,19; etc., are some of the many passages condemning changing the Scriptures. All Jews and Christians were aware of these passages. To knowingly do what Islam says was done, would involve Jews and Christians in clear violation of their own Scriptures. Because of these warnings, both Jews and Christians have shown great care in making copies of their Scriptures through the centuries. Work was checked repeatedly, counting numbers of words and letters on each page, and proofreading each page. The result is that historically the ancient manuscripts verify the accuracy of the Bible as we have it today. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ * We have several copies of the New Testament that date before the time of Mohammed. * We have translations of the Scriptures made long before the time of Mohammed. * We have quotations from the Scriptures in the writings of ancient uninspired men who lived before the time of Mohammed. According to the claims of Moslems, all these should contain the alleged prophecies of Mohammed and other teachings they say have been changed. But all these ancient sources read the same as modern copies of the Scriptures do. There is no evidence that the alleged changes were made after Mohammed lived. There is no evidence they have been tampered with (erased, etc.) in any way. Obviously in the 600's there existed many copies of the Scriptures, including many that have since passed out of existence. These must have been spread throughout the world. How could it be that all these copies were found and changed, all at the same time and all in the same way? Why can't the Moslems produce some of the ones that have the alleged passages which they say were changed? Why didn't they find some of them then and save them, since they say they believe they confirm their prophet? If the Jews changed their Scriptures to eliminate the prophecies of Mohammed and so justify their rejection of Mohammed, why did they not do the same with the prophecies of Jesus? ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ One of the strongest proofs of Jesus' claims is the Old Testament prophecies of Him. But to make this argument, Christians do not have to claim that the prophecies once existed but were removed. We just go to the Old Testament passages and there the prophecies are! Jesus and His apostles respected and used the Old Testament Scriptures just as the Jews accepted them. They claimed the Scriptures were from God and they used and quoted them just as they were. To prove their case, they never had to argue that parts of the Scriptures were changed. Why can't Moslems do the same? Why must they resort to claims that the Scriptures were changed? What motive would people have for removing the prophecies of Mohammed but not the ones of Jesus? The fact remains that Christians have PROOF for our claims and Moslems do not. It is just as reasonable to expect Moslems to find prophecies for Mohammed as it is for Christians to find prophecies of Jesus. We can find hundreds of prophecies fulfilled by Jesus and Moslems can find none fulfilled by Mohammed. Yet they claim Mohammed is greater than Jesus! B. There Is No Evidence Mohammed Could Predict the Future. ********************************************************* We have seen that Jesus accurately predicted the future. This ability is one of the Scriptural proofs of a prophet. Yet Mohammed rarely even attempted to predict the future. In at least one attempt to predict the future, Mohammed failed. He predicted there would be 73 sects of Islam, of which only one would survive. But by the counts of Moslems themselves, there have been far more than 73. And today there are still many sects, not just one, which have survived. [EB, XII-711] Deut. 18:21f -- When a man predicts the future but the prediction fails, he is not from God, so do not be afraid of him. Compare Mohammed to Jesus. Jesus made a number of prophecies, all of which came true. Not one of His prophecies ever fail. Mohammed made few prophecies yet even so at least one of them fail. Yet it is claimed the Mohammed is a greater prophet than Jesus! IV. MIRACLES ============ A. Many Eyewitnesses Testify that Jesus Did Miracles. ***************************************************** Many eyewitness testimonies are recorded in the Bible by people who saw His miracles (see study on Judaism). Even Jesus' enemies and opponents during His lifetime admitted He did miracles. Moslems agree that Jesus did miracles. The Koran confirms that He did. [CRI-48ff; EB, XV-648] Hence, there can be no doubt. Jesus did do miracles and remember miracles confirm that all His claims are true. B. What Evidence Is There that Mohammed Worked Miracles? ******************************************************** There is no eyewitness evidence of miracles done by Mohammed. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Generally there are no serious claims that Mohammed did miracles for the purpose of confirming his message to be from God. Some claim that he did do miracles, but there is no evidence for them. The only basis for believing them is tradition or fables written years after the alleged events. An example: it is alleged that one night Mohammed was carried to Jerusalem from where he ascended into heaven and saw wonderful visions. However, no one saw it happen. His wife says he never left the bed. [CRI-24] There is absolutely no eyewitness testimony to confirm any miracle Mohammed ever did. [CRI-25; WR-97] Moslems commonly claim that writing the Koran is a miracle; no one could write such a book by human wisdom. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ We will see later that it is entirely possible for someone to write such a book by human wisdom. But regardless, this is not a valid use of miracles as evidence. True miracles are events done IN ADDITION TO the delivery of a revelation for the purpose of CONFIRMING the revelation to be from God (see references under Judaism). We can examine the revelation itself for evidence (see below), but that is a separate argument than miracles. To even claim that the revelation itself is a miracle that confirms the revelation, is to prove that one does not understand the purpose of miracles and is perverting their purpose. [WR-97] Others claim the growth of the Moslem movement is a miracle. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Islam did grow very rapidly, but consider HOW it has grown. It grew by force -- military conquest. If that is a miracle proving Islam is from God, then the same must be true of all other great military conquerors. What about Hitler, Napoleon, Alexander the Great, Nebuchadnezzar? Were all these men of God? Do their military conquests confirm that their religious beliefs were revealed from God. [You may argue God was using the men for His purposes, but you cannot argue their victories proved God approved of their religion.] Miraculous confirmation requires doing events such as Jesus and Old Testament prophets did to confirm their message. There is overwhelming evidence Jesus did miracles -- evidence so clear even Moslems and Jesus' enemies admit it. There is absolutely no such evidence for Mohammed. Yet Moslems claim Mohammed is a greater prophet than Jesus. V. RESURRECTION FROM THE DEAD ============================= A. Jesus' Resurrection Is the Greatest Miracle of All. ***************************************************** There is strong and clear eyewitness testimony that Jesus arose from the dead (see sermon on Judaism). Moslems admit Jesus did other miracles, but deny He arose. Yet the evidence for the resurrection is far more abundant and convincing than the evidence for any other miracle He did. This evidence is contained in many ancient copies of the Scriptures written before the Mohammed or the Koran. There is no evidence at all that these records were ever corrupted in later years. Yet the Moslems, who came along some 600 years after Jesus, say they know better than the people who lived in Jesus' lifetime. They know He was not raised despite the evidence. B. Moslems Do Not Even Claim Mohammed Arose from the Dead. ********************************************************** They believe all men will someday be raised, but they admit Mohammed has not yet been raised. The Moslem hope of resurrection is based on the teaching of a man who is still in His grave. The Christian hope is based on the example of one who arose to prove that we will all be raised. Yet Mohammed is supposed to be a greater prophet than Jesus. VI. UNITY OF SCRIPTURE ====================== One of the strong proofs of the Bible is the unity of its teaching. Though some 40 different men penned various of its writings, yet these writings are completely harmonious. There are no contradictions. Gospel writers often referred to Old Testament events, yet never was there conflict in history or geography. Gospel writers often refer to Old Testament prophecy and teaching to confirm that the New Testament is the fulfillment of the Old (understanding that the New Testament laws replace the Old, in harmony with what the Old predicted would happen). A. Mohammed's Teaching Often Contradicts with the Bible. ******************************************************** We might expect some difference in doctrine, since Moslems claim the Koran replaced the gospel. But there should be no conflict of history and eternal principles. [CRI-48; WR-95; EB, XIII-483] Note: * Mohammed said Jesus' death was not by crucifixion, He did not die as a sacrifice for the sins of others, and He did not rise from the dead (4:157-159). The Bible teaches all these as fact (see above). * Mohammed said Jesus was not Divine and not the Son of God (9:130; 19:135; 6:100; 4:171), but the Bible teaches that He was (see above). * Mohammed thought Christians believe that the Godhead consists of the Father, Son, and Mary, whereas actually it is the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. [CRI-73; WR-101] * The Koran says one of Noah's sons drowned in the flood (11:42), but the Bible says all his sons were spared (Gen. 7:1-7). * The Koran says Lot's wife stayed behind and perished among the people of Sodom (26:171), whereas the Bible says she fled but looked back and was turned to a pillar of salt (Gen. 19:15f,26). * The Koran says John the Baptist's father was speechless for 3 days as a sign from the angel (3:41), but the Bible says he was speechless from before the time his wife conceived till the baby was born (Luke 1:13,20,24,57-64). * Mohammed referred to Haman as the minister of Pharaoh, whereas the Bible says he was minister of Ahasuerus, king of Persia [WR-95; EB, XIII-483] * Mohammed confused Miriam the sister of Moses with Mary the mother of Jesus. [EB, XIII-483] * The Koran teaches men today may practice polygamy and divorce for any cause (4:3,20; 2:229-232). Jesus said this was allowed under the Old Testament only because of the hardness of men's hearts, but would not be allowed under the New Testament (Matt. 19:3-9). Hence, Islam would have us return to an inferior standard, yet it claims Mohammed's revelation is greater than Jesus. * The Koran teaches there will be marriage in heaven (52:5; 44:54), but Jesus said there is not (Matt. 22:30). [WR-117,95] The reply of Islam to every such contradiction is that the Koran has been preserved accurately but the Bible has been perverted. Hence, whenever there is conflict the Bible is wrong and the Koran is right. Yet consider how much of the Bible this means has been corrupted. And we have shown that God promised He would not let His word be destroyed, and there is no historical evidence that the Bible has been corrupted and much evidence that it has not been. If God can preserve the Koran without allowing it to be corrupted, why can he not preserve the Bible in the same way? (See above). Also consider the fact that we prove the New Testament harmonizes with the Old Testament without arguing that the Old Testament has been perverted. We need not make excuses, since the New Testament does not conflict with the Old. B. Mohammed's Teaching Contradicts with Itself. *********************************************** Note that it is amazing that the Bible does not contradict with itself since it was written by 40 different men from widely different times, places, and circumstances. The Koran was written by just one man so, if it had no self-contradictions, it would prove little. However, it turns out that even the teachings of this one man contradict themselves. * Mohammed commanded his disciples to use violence and fight against those who reject Islam, yet he said violence should not be practiced in the name of religion [Koran 9:5,29 cf. 2:256; CRI-27ff,4f] * He forbade the use of images, then under threat of starvation he excused it, then later he again condemned it (see above). * He first taught men to pray facing Jerusalem, then later said they must pray facing Mecca. [CRI-27f; WR-95; EB, XV-647] * In fact Mohammed admitted having changed his doctrine at times. Moslem commentators themselves admit some 5-50 examples of such. [EB, XIII-483] There is harmony between Jesus' teachings and all revelation that was previously given by God, but Mohammed's teaching conflicts with previous revelation that he admits was from God. Jesus never changed His teaching and never contradicted Himself (I Cor. 1:13), but Mohammed contradicted himself and changed his teachings several times. Yet it is claimed that Mohammed was a greater prophet than Jesus! Conclusion ********** The evidence confirms the gospel of Jesus, not Islam. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Moslems accept the claims of Mohammed and the Koran without a shred of evidence. There are many claims but no real proof of any kind that Islam is true. Anyone can make claims. Proving them is another matter. Christians reject Mohammed and the Koran, but accept Jesus and His gospel, because there is PROOF for Jesus and the gospel. The evidence is that: * Jesus was sinless but Mohammed committed sin. * Jesus fulfilled many Old Testament prophecies, but Moslems cannot prove Mohammed ever fulfilled any. * Jesus made predictions of the future that came true, but Mohammed made none that were fulfilled and at least one that failed. * Jesus performed miracles as attested by eyewitnesses, but there is no eyewitness proof that Mohammed ever did any miracle. * Jesus arose from the dead as attested by witnesses, but Moslems do not even claim that Mohammed arose. * Jesus' teaching agrees with itself and all previous inspired teaching, but the teachings of Mohammed contradict themselves and many previous inspired teachings. The evidence proves, not only that Mohammed was not a greater prophet than Jesus, but that Mohammed was not a true prophet of God at all. His teachings bear all the earmarks for being the work of a false prophet but none of the proofs of true prophetic teachings from God. (Matthew 7:15-23; 15:14; 2 Corinthians 11:13-15; I Timothy 4:1-3; Acts 20:28-30; I John 4:1; 2 Timothy 4:2-4; Titus 1:9-14; 2 John 9-11; Romans 16:17,18; Galatians 1:6-9; 2 Peter chap. 2) Why are not more Moslems converted to Christianity? ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ There are all the normal reasons why people do not accept truth: preconceived ideas, prejudices, family teaching, ignorance of the evidence, etc. In addition, Islam is a family and national religion which is generally enforced by the government. To convert from Islam in a Moslem country is to be an outcast by family, country, and society. One is likely to lose his job and even be prosecuted by the government. Finally, Moslems are turned away by the immorality they see in "Christian" countries. They will never be converted by people whom they see as practicing fornication and adultery, immodest clothing, immoral entertainment, drug abuse, abortion, etc. We may view their religion as false, and it is. But they view our society as immoral, and it is. To be true Christians and work effectively for God in saving others, we must not only teach pure doctrine, we must be sure we live pure lives. revdauphinee answered on 04/20/04: I personaly have a problem with the following ". Islam claims the Koran was verbally inspired, that the exact words were given from God to Mohammed by the angel Gabriel." since Mohamed was iliterate and could not write how could he have coppied it as it was given? he couldnt!and when he related it to those who could,have you ever (be truthfull)remembered every word verbatem of any story ever told to you??we are humans and even in remembering we are falable! MaggieB rated this answer Uni-Agdistis rated this answer

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Doc05 asked on 04/19/04 - Does anyone know how Islam perceives Jesus? Since Jesus is mentioned as one of the Phrophets in the Qu'ran, what are the Islamic views on Jesus and Christianity? revdauphinee answered on 04/19/04: that he was a prophet nothing more!what truly astounds me is that they can accept the concept of a virgin birth but deny his diety saying Alah needs no sons! Alah may not have! however Jehova(Yaweh) saw that we humans did ! Doc05 rated this answer

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arcura asked on 04/19/04 - Traveling to France then and now.... The elderly American gentleman arrived in Paris by plane. At French Customs he fumbled for his passport. "You 'ave been to France before, monsieur?" the customs officer asked sarcastically. The old gent admitted that he had been to France previously. "Zen, you should know enough to 'ave your passport ready for inspection." The American said, "The last time I was here I didn't have to show it." "Mais ce pas possible. You Americans alwayz 'ave to show your passports on arrival in France!" The American senior gave the Frenchman a long hard look. Then quietly explained: "Well, when I came ashore at Omaha Beach on D-Day in ཨ, I couldn't find any Frenchmen to show it to." revdauphinee answered on 04/19/04: the french need to remember this one!! arcura rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 04/18/04 - What other pecular practices are part of penance? A US priest jailed for indecency claims he ordered men to strip naked, then gagged and blindfolded them, hung them upside down from the ceiling and manipulated their gentials to induce pain for spiritual reasons and not sexual gratification, his lawyer said today. Anthony Jablonowski, 69, was sentenced to between 15 months and seven years in prison for one count of taking indecent, immodest or immoral liberties with a minor, his lawyer Dallas Laird said. The amount of time he serves will depend on his behaviour in prison. The victim, now in his late 30s, stepped forward recently with allegations that Jablonowski had molested him at least once in the early 1980s at St Anthony Catholic Church in Guernsey, about 160 kilometres north of Cheyenne. He was 17 at the time. During an investigation, authorities learned that Jablonowski regularly took men to the church basement, asking them to strip naked before they were gagged, blindfolded and hung upside down from the ceiling, Platte County prosecutor Eric Alden told The Denver Post in today's editions. According to Alden, the men's genitals were manipulated to induce pain while they prayed. He could not be reached for comment today. Laird said his client could not talk about the rituals, citing an oath of confidentiality concerning prayer and confession. The activities were not sexual, and were tied to a legitimate practice of penance and redemptive suffering, Laird said. Several people testified they found the prayers spiritual - not sexual - in nature. "There are certain things that happen which are not sexual but could be interpreted that way," Laird said. According to the Catholic Diocese of Cheyenne, Jablonowski was a priest in Wyoming for about 10 years. He was serving at a monastery in Ohio when the molestation charges surfaced, Laird said. Jablonowski, whose priestly faculties were revoked after the allegations surfaced, remained at the Platte County jail today. It was unclear whether he would be transferred to a state corrections facility because of safety concerns, Laird said. AP revdauphinee answered on 04/19/04: Priests are men! and men sin!!God will adress this for sure on the day of judgemt paraclete rated this answer

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HANK1 asked on 04/18/04 - WHO AM I? I belong to my own generation. Therefore, I have the right to govern myself, thanks to the free-will that God gave a goose. I have this right because I know the difference between right and wrong and obey all laws. I am my own person. Noone has the right to make me otherwise! My personal history makes me one of a kind ... and I'm damn proud of it! I do not overly concern myself with anything derogatory, routine or ordinary. This is my natural course of progression. I'm living life forwards and leaving all else behind. WHO AM I? COULD 'I' BE YOU? HANK revdauphinee answered on 04/18/04: dont feel it can be me since I belong to Jesus and apart from him I have no rights ! HANK1 rated this answer paraclete rated this answer

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PraiseJah asked on 04/18/04 - XCHOUX Comments state that I think everything is a sin. ???? How many others think that Christians cant enjoy life because we dont get drunk, do drugs and engage in sexual promiscuity? revdauphinee answered on 04/18/04: Christians can do anything they want to!Its just that there wants change! paraclete rated this answer PraiseJah rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 04/17/04 - and if you cant get them any other way? And now, the good word by email - and that's gospel By Sarah Price April 18, 2004 The Sun-Herald On the seventh day He rested, and His followers prayed at their computers as they received daily religious meditations courtesy of cyberspace. And they are signing up in the hundreds to get their holy message online. The faithful are going to Daily Prayer Online to fill a spiritual need. The website, at http://www.pray.com.au, is the latest method to get people more engaged in the Christian church. From Church Resources, it was launched in March and features daily reflection on the gospel, thoughts for the day, classroom prayer and a "quiet space". Church Resources says the site has more than 1000 visitors a day and about 100 a day are signing up for the free email service. It's heartening for the church, given that the National Church Life Survey reported in February that attendance at Catholic Mass had declined by an estimated 13 per cent between the 1996 census and the 2001 census. Mel Gibson's film The Passion Of The Christ has given attendance numbers in congregations a boost in recent weeks. Church Resources chief executive Father Michael Kelly said the site was about "reconnecting people to the story". "It meets them halfway, it meets them in their space," Father Kelly said. But it was by no means the latest way for Catholics to attend Mass. Rather, it was something that went hand in hand with going to church. "It can't be a substitute for going to church. They're different things. "It's like reading a book is no substitute to listening to a radio broadcast, they're different media." With more than 1000 subscribers already, Church Resources should reach its target of 2000 by the end of June. "I think there's a very great hunger in society for some real spirituality," Father Kelly said. And this was another way for the church to connect with the faithful. "It has always been understood that public worship has to be complemented by a private relationship with God," he said. "This is just a resource for that." Subscriber Kate Nesbitt said it was not strange receiving daily spiritual messages via cyberspace. "I keep going back every day so I can't feel too weird," Ms Nesbitt said. She logs on to her computer after her morning walk, opens up her daily email from http://www.pray.com.au, contemplates the message and prays. "It's linking in the oldest tradition of the church, the scriptures, on the net," Ms Nesbitt, a pastoral leader with St Mary's parish in Bowen, Queensland, said. "It's a fantastic melding of the new with the old." So Is this any different to what we are doing, do you think? revdauphinee answered on 04/18/04: the internet is often accused of being evil and yes it can be used as evil! but we who come here also know how much good can be done also !as a disabled person on a fixed income I praise God daily for what this site has done for me, its gives me a purpose .something to look forward to each day if I didnt have access to my computer and cyber space my life would be most boring .Instead I get to praise my Lord and use my limited knowledge to help others daily (at least I think i do) paraclete rated this answer

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CeeBee asked on 04/17/04 - Sacraments I don't remember anyone ever asking this question here. Does your church name specific sacraments, i.e., outward signs/holy rites/sacred actions whereby faith is strengthened and increased? revdauphinee answered on 04/17/04: Not all do. But I feel they should !Lots dont even have the comunion often and it was this that Jesus specificaly told us to do in order to remember him CeeBee rated this answer

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XCHOUX asked on 04/17/04 - Giving Thanks To *God* I want to offer up thanks to *God* in the form of wonderful people and civic organzations who in the county where I live, give aid to low-income Senior citizens such as myself! Each month since February I have received a once a month gift of food supplies such as fresh fruit and vegetables and canned goods and misc items. I thank *God* for the devoted individuals who have made this program possible, whether Mature Christians, Hindus or Secular Humanists. In addition as part of the program, I have a "Secret Friend"! Today, my secret friend sent some cat food for Nick along with other fun stuff to open such as slippers, a crosswordpuzzle book and a stuffed animal. NIck has already "killed" the new arrival! and is resting comfortable next to the bunny! Hah! I bow to the spirit of god in each and every devoted volunteer associated with the program. Namaste. revdauphinee answered on 04/17/04: sounds like you have some good friends!It is often hard for those of us who are alone and on fixed incomes ,I battle with loneliness myself and if it wernt for comming here and my computer my life would be quite unpleasant but thanks be to God he has provided me with a way (the internet)where I truly am never alone Krewton rated this answer XCHOUX rated this answer

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Laura asked on 04/17/04 - The scripture! K-loves scripture for the day: For if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. Romans 10:9, NLT Faith that what the Lord said and did is true. Could it be any more simple? revdauphinee answered on 04/17/04: God made salvation simple it is man who wishes to complicate it! Laura rated this answer MaggieB rated this answer

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akenaten asked on 04/17/04 - I asked this on the hair care board... I asked this on the hair care board about a week or two ago and have yet to get a response maybe someone here will answer..... Of course everyone knows about beer being good for hair, but is wine also okay? revdauphinee answered on 04/17/04: Idont thnk so however if one drinks enough I guess one wouldnt care! akenaten rated this answer paraclete rated this answer

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XCHOUX asked on 04/16/04 - I Wonder. What is/are the horrible things you have done in your adult life with your adult relationships that is so horrible so despicable that after having gone to the person "wronged" and talking things out and asking forgiveness, well, god is present and god's grace is washing away the guilt (self-imposed?)so compassion and happiness and joy can re-exist on one's spirit. Just what are all these horrible and despicable things? Or are these things just normal stuff of life? NO one is perfect nor should one be expected to be perfect, would you agree? revdauphinee answered on 04/17/04: I have to disagree with one comment made here " GUILT IS ALWAYS A WRONG RESPONSE!!" for if we do not experience guilt we have no reason to request forgiveness! In order to know we need help we first must acknowledge that we have done wrong (and we all have ) XCHOUX rated this answer

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STONY asked on 04/16/04 - ON THE ADVICE OF MY FRIEND PARACLETE I WISH TO SHARE THIS WITH YOU ALL. >There was a little boy visiting his grandparents on their farm. He was given >a slingshot to play without in the woods. He practiced in the woods, but he >could never hit the target. Getting a little discouraged, he headed back for >dinner. > >As he was walking back he saw Grandma's pet duck. Just out of impulse, he >let the slingshot fly, hit the duck square in the head, and killed it. He was >shocked and grieved. In a panic, he hid >the dead duck in the wood pile, only to see his sister watching! Sally had >seen it all, but she said nothing. > >After lunch the next day Grandma said, "Sally, let's wash the dishes." > >But Sally said, "Grandma, Johnny told me he wanted to help in the >kitchen." Then she whispered to him, "Remember the duck?" So Johnny did the >dishes. > >Later that day, Grandpa asked if the children wanted to go fishing and >Grandma said, "I'm sorry but I need Sally to help make supper." > >Sally just smiled and said," Well that's all right because Johnny told me he >wanted to help." She whispered again, "Remember the duck?" > >So Sally went fishing and Johnny stayed to help. After several days of >Johnny doing both his chores and Sally's he finally couldn't stand it any longer. >He came to Grandma and confessed the he had killed the duck. > >Grandma knelt down, gave him a hug, and said, "Sweetheart, I know. You see, >I was standing at the window and I saw the whole thing. But because I love >you, I forgave you. I was just wondering how long you would let Sally make a >slave of you." > >Thought for the day and every day thereafter: >Whatever is in your past, whatever you have done- and the devil keeps >throwing it up in your face (lying, debt, fear, hatred, anger, >unforgiveness, bitterness, etc.) whatever it is, you need to know that God >was standing at the window and He saw the whole thing, He has seen your whole >life. He wants you to know that He loves you and that you are forgiven. He's >just wondering how long you will let the devil make a slave of you. > >The great thing about God is that when you ask for forgiveness, He not only >forgives you, but He forgets - It is by God's Grace and Mercy that we are >saved. THANK YOU BOBBYE!! revdauphinee answered on 04/16/04: the sacrifice of jesus on the cross was enough to forgive "ALL" sins ,past present and yes even future ones !However as with any gift before we can recieve it we first must reach out and take it! If someone gave you a car and you never took the trouble to go pick it up what use would it be to you?? MaggieB rated this answer STONY rated this answer

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koinegreek asked on 04/16/04 - Jesus asked? Can you today answer his question? Here is the question from Jesus. Can you answer Jesus? Mt 22:41 While the Pharisees were gathered together, Jesus asked them, Mt 22:42 Saying, What think ye of Christ? whose son is he? They say unto him, [The Son] of David. Mt 22:43 He saith unto them, How then doth David in spirit call him Lord, saying, Mt 22:44 The LORD said unto my Lord, Sit thou on my right hand, till I make thine enemies thy footstool? Mt 22:45 If David then call him Lord, how is he his son? Mt 22:46 And no man was able to answer him a word, neither durst any [man] from that day forth ask him any more [questions]. revdauphinee answered on 04/16/04: My answer is he is my saviour and the appearance of God here on the earth as his son! MaggieB rated this answer

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madima asked on 04/16/04 - Prayer Request May I once more humbly request prayers from you all? I�m taking the liberty to petition your prayers for Darlene, a former expert on this board known to many of you. She will be going under the knife at 3:20 PM today. I think of her as a very brave woman but I believe your prayers for her successful surgery, complete recovery and healing will help a lot. And please send all your healing energies to her at this hour. Thank you so much. revdauphinee answered on 04/16/04: consider it done Please keep us posted ! darkstar rated this answer madima rated this answer

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ROLCAM asked on 04/15/04 - Sharing with all including Aton2. The Jesus Sand Sculptures - Absolutely Amazing! http://www.allthefun.com/view.php?go=1/sand.htm&mid=804421 revdauphinee answered on 04/16/04: Great site,however I tend to ignore Aton since no matter what you say or do if it is spiritual he/she will find some unconstructive comment to make on it ATON2 rated this answer ROLCAM rated this answer

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ROLCAM asked on 04/15/04 - Sharing with all including Aton2. The Jesus Sand Sculptures - Absolutely Amazing! http://www.allthefun.com/view.php?go=1/sand.htm&mid=804421 revdauphinee answered on 04/16/04: Great site,however I tend to ignore Aton since no matter what you say or do if it is spiritual he/she will find some unc ATON2 rated this answer Uni-Agdistis rated this answer arcura rated this answer ROLCAM rated this answer

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Krewton asked on 04/15/04 - Did I miss something along the way? I received Jesus Christ as my Savior in May of 2000. I was literally on fire for the first two years after my conversion. I taught Sunday School, I played Bluegrass Gospel Music, I even preached on occasion. I had lot's of zeal, but little knowledge. Now I have to say that almost 4 years later, I have alot more head knowledge, but alot less zeal. I still do most of what I always did, but sometimes it seems I'm just going through the motions. I know I am saved by Grace, and I have been told to now always rely on feelings. But right now just seems to be a dry place in my Spiritual walk. Really not a question here, I suppose I am just pondering. If I had to ask a question, I suppose it would be, has anybody else been where I'm at now? Thanx and God Bless. revdauphinee answered on 04/16/04: i think we have all been there however we have to remember that we will not always be up on the mountain some times we have to dwell in the valey but we who have Christ can take comfort in the fact that wherever we are he is there! may he continue to bless you and keep up the great work ! Krewton rated this answer

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kindj asked on 04/15/04 - What do you think about this? "Our desire to please God does in itself please God." What do you think about that? DK revdauphinee answered on 04/15/04: our desire to please God pleases him when we put that desire into action!mere desire accomplishes little, it is hen it is turned into acts that it becomes valuable kindj rated this answer

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Itsdb asked on 04/15/04 - Any serpent handlers here? The Associated Press "JONESVILLE, Va. - The Rev. Dwayne Long died a day after refusing medical treatment after being bitten on a finger by a rattlesnake during an Easter service at his rural church, where members believe ritual serpent-handling is a form of obedience to God, Sheriff Gary Parsons said. "We don't anticipate any charges," he said. "That's their belief." No one attending the service at the Pentecostal church sought medical help, Parsons said. Members believe when people die from a snakebite during a service, it is a sign that it was their time to go." Seriously, is this just stupid and senseless or what? Steve revdauphinee answered on 04/15/04: not only stupid but also against Gods will for it is written Matthew 4: 7 Jesus answered him, "It is also written: `Do not put the Lord your God to the test.' " proverbs6: 27. Can a man scoop fire into his lap without his clothes being burned? 28. Can a man walk on hot coals without his feet being scorched? Itsdb rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 04/14/04 - an interesting comment on the Passion movie? But, as Rabbi Aryeh Spero wrote this month in The Wall Street Journal, it wasn't anti-Semitism the critics feared but anti-secularism. They feared "the movie would spark renewed interest in serious Christianity and strengthen the commitment of those already faithful". "And lo and behold, it seems their worst nightmares have come true." And so we have it and it took a non-Christian to say it, what the critics feared most was that Christianity should be taken seriously. That's is what the critics of Christianity have always feared, that the message of Christ should be taken seriously, because once it is you can cast aside their secular humanism and get real about your relationship with others. Have their worst nightmares come true as the Rabbi suggests? revdauphinee answered on 04/15/04: I agree with the rabbi isnt it interesting that for the first time I can remember we have even had many programs about Christ and his life on TV !Maybee we need a film of this intensity every once in a while to wake us Christians up! ATON2 rated this answer paraclete rated this answer

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arcura asked on 04/14/04 - Should members of congress follow this faith urging? Here�s a rather interesting NEWS clip. The cleric, though Catholic, is essentially urging all to abide by their faith and vote reflecting that. By questions are below the clip. �DENVER, Colorado (AP) -- A Roman Catholic priest caused a stir on the House floor Tuesday when he urged lawmakers to let religious faith guide their votes and "be the antithesis of John Kennedy." While delivering the chamber's Morning Prayer, the Rev. Bill Carmody said too many politicians have followed the example of the nation's first Catholic president by pledging to separate their faith from politics. "Almighty God, please change and convert the hearts of all the representatives in this House. May they be the antithesis of John Kennedy, may they be women and men of God, and may their faith influence and guide every vote they make," he said.�� Considering the foreign and domestic challenges the United States is engaged in, and the fact that the estimate of 30 to 35 percent of the public is proclaimed either secularist or leaning heavily that way�(i.e. I want to do my own thing without some moralist telling or encouraging me to do otherwise)... 1. What you do think would happen if all in congress did as he urged? 2. How many, or what percentage, of the members of Congress do you thin will be inclined to do as the priest urged? Peace and kindness, arcura revdauphinee answered on 04/15/04: suprizingly I have a problem with this since I am nonedenominational and I feel this priest was encouraging denominationalism more than just christian values here.Also there are many citizens here who are not even Christian they also must be represented so in this case while I encourage all to practice faith we must follow the words of Jesus 25. . He said to them, "Then give to Caesar what is Caesar's, and to God what is God's." Ido not think this applies only to taxes! ATON2 rated this answer Uni-Agdistis rated this answer arcura rated this answer

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arcura asked on 04/14/04 - Should members of congress follow this faith urging? Here�s a rather interesting NEWS clip. The cleric, though Catholic, is essentially urging all to abide by their faith and vote reflecting that. By questions are below the clip. �DENVER, Colorado (AP) -- A Roman Catholic priest caused a stir on the House floor Tuesday when he urged lawmakers to let religious faith guide their votes and "be the antithesis of John Kennedy." While delivering the chamber's Morning Prayer, the Rev. Bill Carmody said too many politicians have followed the example of the nation's first Catholic president by pledging to separate their faith from politics. "Almighty God, please change and convert the hearts of all the representatives in this House. May they be the antithesis of John Kennedy, may they be women and men of God, and may their faith influence and guide every vote they make," he said.�� Considering the foreign and domestic challenges the United States is engaged in, and the fact that the estimate of 30 to 35 percent of the public is proclaimed either secularist or leaning heavily that way�(i.e. I want to do my own thing without some moralist telling or encouraging me to do otherwise)... 1. What you do think would happen if all in congress did as he urged? 2. How many, or what percentage, of the members of Congress do you thin will be inclined to do as the priest urged? Peace and kindness, arcura revdauphinee answered on 04/15/04: suprizingly I have a problem with this since I am nonedenominational and I feel this priest was encouraging denominationalism more than just christian values here.Also there are many citizens here who are not even Christian they also must be represented so in this case while I encourage all to practice faith we must follow the words of Jesus 25. . He said to them, "Then give to Caesar what is Caesar's, and to God what is God's." Ido not think this applies only to taxes! ATON2 rated this answer Uni-Agdistis rated this answer arcura rated this answer

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Laura asked on 04/14/04 - Finally!!! Too much thinking has kept me up many a night. But it has also resulted in clearing my son's good name. I have been very agressive during times when my son felt so defeated. Things are turning around for him and his children. His pleas for someone to listen to him and to hear his side have finally been heard. Those who slandered him and put his daughter through hell are being investigated by both the police and DHS. But not until he was definately cleared as a suspect and the truth finally heard. Now we will deal with the trauma of having to tell teachers and councelors that daddy was accused of something terrible and a little 4 year old was coached into believing daddy did something bad to her. The accusers were caught in lie after lie. I hope the police send them all up the river. Not for vengence sake, but for the terrible trauma they have put her through and the slander of my son's good name. DHS was sorely negligent. They wouldn't listen. They ignored our pleas that they were putting our son's kids in a place where they would continue to be coached for over 4 months. For all that time, he was allowed only one day a month visitation and for only 1 hour each visit. He had been denied the love and presence of his children because of the actions of vindictive heartless people who intentionally lied and concocted stories and fed them to our granddaughter like candy to a baby. She is so innocent. It is not her fault. I feel the most sorry for her.. There is a special place in hell for people who would put a little girl through what they have put her through. Investigators and experts interviewed our granddaughter and knew by her answers and the rehearsed tone of them what they were dealing with.. As well as the lies that the accusers told time after time.. They got caught in there own trap. They have no one to blame but themselves. It just took time and alot of sleepless nights until everything got sorted out. But it will take years of counceling for both an innocent little girl and an innocent father to come to terms with it all. I know I have been absent from the board for some time.. But I feel reason to celebrate now. I can thank God for giving me the will to fight on. And I thank him for giving my son the peace of mind in knowing he did nothing wrong the that sooner or later he would be vindicated. Thank you to all who kept us in your thoughts and prayers. Laura revdauphinee answered on 04/14/04: dear Laura many on here have held you in thier prayers this only prooves to me that God is still on the throne, and he still answers prayers!may he continue to bless you all Dorothy Laura rated this answer

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ROLCAM asked on 04/14/04 - Without Your Love . Without Your Love . Lord, dear Lord, I give thanks for your love, for I don't deserve all these blessings you give (I don't deserve it), without your love, I would be lost dear Lord, without your love, your mercy and grace see me through. Thank you Jesus. What do you think of this short prayer? ROLCAM revdauphinee answered on 04/14/04: i like it for it is so true without Gods love where would we be? ROLCAM rated this answer

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arcura asked on 04/13/04 - The Bar Kochma revolt. What was it about and when? I ran across a mention of the Bar Kochma revolt in early Christian times that took place in what was then Palestine. I�m unfamiliar with it. What was it about? Was the battle for Masada part of it? Thanks for the help. Peace and kindness, arcura revdauphinee answered on 04/13/04: do you mean the Bar Kosh-ba revolt If so The Jewish revolt led by Bar Kochba in 132 AD was not the work of a single if a single radical revolutionary. It was the inevitable result of years of promises not kept to the Jews, and laws which suppressed the basis of Jews as a nation. To understand the reason for Bar Kochba�s Revolt one must go back many years even before the war. Prior to Hadrian, an emperor by the name of Trajan was the ruler of the Roman empire. Due to the rebellion of the Jews in the Diaspora to the east and the west of them, Trajan, in order to keep the Jews in Palestine from rebelling he had to send a great general to be governor of the Jews in Palestine, a general who was well with the harshness in which he treated people. This general�s name was Tineius Rufus, he was the general that put down the uprising of the Jews in Parthia. Because of Rufus� reputation of his severity to the Jews, he uprooted any thought of the Jews in Palestine to rebel against Rome at that time. The Jews did not want to rebel anyway. Trajan had promised the Jews that he would rebuild the asenv ,hc, the Jews assumed this also meant to rebuild Jerusalem. The Pagans in Palestine did not want the asenv ,hc to be rebuilt, they thought that if it was rebuilt it would be the rebirth of the Jewish nation. Also, in addition, Trajan, the Emperor who made this promise died and was succeeded by Hadrian. The Jews were unsure if Hadrian would keep the promise that Trajan once made. Hadrian wanted to go to Jerusalem to see what he was rebuilding before he started the construction. When Hadrian got there he was awed by the sight of a once desolate and fruitful city in ruins. He immediately wanted to start the reconstruction. However later the Jews were surprised and disappointed to discover that Hadrian wanted to rebuild Jerusalem not as a city for the Jews to restart in, but as a Pagan city sanctified to the Pagan G-d Jupiter. He was going to put an alter where the Jews asenv ,hc once stood. Hadrian was to be the high priest. What once was called Jerusalem would now be called Aelia Capitolina. This was a mockery to the Jews. The Jews waited sixty years from the destruction of the Second asenv ,hc for Rome to restore it to them. The Jews held themselves back from Rebelling with their neighboring Jews in Diaspora because they held onto, and believed that Trajan�s promise would be kept. Furthermore, Hadrian later made a prohibition of circumcision. "Consequently the Jews saw in Hadrian another Antiochus Epiphanes. And where there was an Antiochus, a Maccabee was bound to arise." THE JEWS HAD TO REVOLT. The Romans had by now either banned or mocked some of the most important beliefs in Judaism. If they did not revolt against the Romans they would have died, in a spiritual sense. Even if the Romans didn�t kill them, they would not really be Jewish anymore. Circumcision, which was the physical difference between them as Jews and, as well as a basic premise of their Jewish beliefs. Their only choice was to gain their independence. Rabbi Akiva, a great scholar of his day, also once believed in Tarsus� promise. He had also been led astray. Therefore, the great Rabbi helped organize thousands of soldiers to fight for the independence and welfare of the Jewish people. Rabbi Akiva also picked a man named Shimon Bar Kochba to lead his army. Rabbi Akiva was sure that Bar Kochba would turn out to be "A second Judah the Maccabee." Rabbi Akiva was so sure of this that he called Bar Kochba the jhan. His name alone was a reference to him being the jhan, his name Bar Kochba means "Son of a Star" from the word Kochab which means star. There was also a sentence in the Torah which stated, "A star has come forth from David." Both times a star is mentioned. This is a direct referral to him being the jhan. Bar Kochba had to make sure his army was ferocious and unstoppable. To make sure that his army only consisted of the strongest warriors, he said that only men who would bite a finger off his right hand would merit to be in his army, 200,000 people passed this test. The Rabbi�s objected to this manner of testing Jews. They said to Bar Kochba, "How long are you going to turn Jews into ohnun hkgc?" This means, how long will you turn Jews into Warriors with imperfection (a missing finger). Nonetheless, Bar Kochba could think of no other way to test the Jews. So the Rabbi�s suggested that anybody who can uproot a Cedar of Lebanon while riding past it on a horse would be deserving to enter Bar Kochba�s army, 200,000 more people passed this test. After recruiting several others Bar Kochba had an enormous and ferocious army of about 580,000 people. Bar Kochba was so confident of his army that before each battle he would say to G-d, "Ribbono Shel Olam! Do not help us do not hinder us!" What Bar Kochba basically meant was, let nature run it�s course, we do not need your help. With his army, Bar Kochba started his attack. Instead of Having an attack of Bar Kochba�s army to all of Palestine at once, he captured Palestine a little at a time. He would take over fortress after fortress, city after city. Pretty soon Bar Kochba had overthrown all of Palestine for the Jews. The Jews were once again independent. In Jerusalem an alter to the Jewish G-d was placed on the place where the magnificent asenv ,hc once stood. Also the building of a wall around Jerusalem had begun. Despite this new joy brought to the Jews, Bar Kochba knew that the Romans were planning a counter attack so he kept training his army. In fact Bar Kochba was right. Hadrian had brought a world renowned general all the way from Britain to lead his army against the Jews. The Roman army along with aiding pagan armies went to launch their counterattack against Bar Kochba. The Roman army, much like Bar Kochba�s army didn�t attack them with one big battle. They reconquered Palestine one town at a time. They defeated little bands of rebels independently defending their cities. The Romans took back the Galil, Yehuda and eventually the Roman army forced Bar Kochba into a small fortified city in Jerusalem called Betar. It was said that Betar was impenetrable. Every day of the Roman siege around Betar a man named Rabbi Elazar Hamoda�i prayed to G-d that they should live another day. Rabbi Elazar prayed to G-d everyday, "Do not sit in judgment today." One day a Kussi snuck into the city. He pretended to whisper into Rabbi Elazar�s ear. When Bar Kochba heard of this, he questioned Rabbi Elazar. Bar Kochba asked Rabbi Elazar what was said to him by the Kussi on that day. When Rabbi Elazar replied that nothing was said to him Bar Kochba kicked Rabbi Elazar and he immediately died. On the Ninth of Av, shortly after Rabbi Elazar�s death Betar fell. The Ninth of Av was a very mournful day for the Jews, it was the day of the destruction of the first and second asenv ,hc. The fall of Betar was due to a three main events. The first is that the siege of Betar left the Jews inside the city starving and exhausted. The second is that a spy from Betar told the Romans a secret way to get into the city. The third is that perhaps Bar Kochba was not the real protection of the Jews, Rabbi Elazar was. He was a righteous man and prayed for the welfare of the Jews and of himself every single day. On the battlefield about a half a million Jews were found dead. The rest of the Jews were either sold as slaves, hid in caves, or fled to other countries. Bar Kochba was found dead on the front. However he was not found to be killed by a Roman, he was found strangled by a huge serpent. After they saw that Bar Kochba lost the war and died, they realized that Bar Kochba was no jhan. They renamed hi m from Bar Kochba which symbolized him being the jhan, "Son of a Star" to Bar Koziva "Son of deceit." Hadrian realized that the Jews would never see Rome as a mother country. A Country that control them. He realized that the Jews would always see the Romans as Tyrants. Hadrian finished the construction of the city made by Hadrian for Jupiter called Aelia Capitolina where Jerusalem once stood. The Jews exiled from Jerusalem were forbidden to go near the city. The Jews thus every year on the Ninth of Av would bribe their way into the city and Mourn over the city that was once the center of their religion. Hadrian issued a bunch of prohibitions against Judaism. He forbade Circumcision, keeping the Sabbath, and the making and keeping of a Jewish Calendar. Though not making a calendar may not seam like such a harsh punishment but it is. Without a Jewish Calendar you cannot fixate the Jewish Holidays which meant you couldn�t keep them. He also prohibited studying and teaching. So in short, Hadrian prohibited Judaism. The Jews had to fight, the Jews had to revolt against the Romans. Even though the revolt yielded disastrous results, the Jews had no other alternative. Bar Kochba just tried to help. He happened to have been a great general with a magnificent army. If anyone of lesser talent was to have been general over the Jewish army and led the revolt, it probably would have been even worse. Bar Kochba therefore was good for the Jews he gave hope to the Jews and gave them a taste of independence and what it feels like to fight for all you believe in. He was the inevitable result of years of suppression. The Jews had no choice but to revolt. Even if Bar Kochba did not exist a revolt would have still occurred maybe with a different date and a different leader, but a revolt was inescapable. arcura rated this answer paraclete rated this answer

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Doc05 asked on 04/13/04 - DAILY INSPIRATION FROM WWW.POSITIVE CHRISTIANITY.ORG I thought that this was very poignant so wanted to share it with you all. Socrates taught for 40 years, Plato for 50, Aristotle for 40, and Jesus Christ for only three. Yet the influence of Christ's three-year Ministry infinitely transcends the impact left by the combined 130 years of teaching by the greatest philosophers of all time. Jesus painted no pictures. Yet some of the finest masterpieces painted by Raphael, Michelangelo, and Leonardo Da Vinci were inspired by Him. Jesus wrote no poetry. But Dante, Milton, and scores of the world's great poets received inspiration from Him. Jesus composed no music. Still Haydn, Handel, Beethoven, Bach, and Mendelssohn reach their highest perfection of melody in the hymns, symphonies, and oratorios composed in His praise. Countless others have based their entire lives upon following Him. Every sphere of human greatness has been enriched by this humble Carpenter of Nazareth. There are four parts to the resurrection story: the trial, the crucifixion, the tomb, and the resurrection. This is not just a story of Jesus Christ from 2000 years ago. It is a story about us and for us, today. There are many of you who have gone through a trial in the last year. Sometimes that trial has been so painful that you feel as if you have been through a crucifixion. When you experience a crucifixion, it is a human's tendency to want to hide. You feel as if something in your life has died, and you want to put it away-- you want to put it into a tomb. Maybe it is ill health in your body. Or, perhaps, you do not know how to remove the mountain of debt in your life. Or, possibly, it is disharmony in your home. Remember that if you put anything into the tomb because you think that part of your life is dead, and roll a stone in front of the tomb to seal it in, it is for self-protection. You think if you bury it, it cannot hurt you anymore. Remember, this Easter Sunday, that if you let the light of God into the area which seems dead in your life, there WILL BE a resurrection. God is the God of resurrection -- not just 2000 years ago, but inside of your life now. You are a child of God. If you want to roll away the stone in your life, if you are tired of living in the stone age of believing in doubt and human limitation, if you are ready to witness a resurrection, just ask God. You follow Jesus by believing in things that are past appearances. You are a child of the third day--not the first. As children of the third day, we believe in eternal life, past the temporal problem that has bogged us down. Human greatness is achieved when we follow Jesus in this way. We do not relive in our minds the pain of yesterday, we believe in glorious tomorrows. History is written through a rearview mirror, yet it unfolds through a foggy windshield. God can show you the way, guiding you through the maze of life, to a more successful and better tomorrow. revdauphinee answered on 04/13/04: AMEN!!! Doc05 rated this answer

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HANK1 asked on 04/13/04 - RELIGION IN IRAQ! "Religious divisions" "Muslims make up 96 percent of Iraq's population, but sharp divisions exist between adherents to the Sunni and Shia branches of Islam. The divisions stem from the 7th century, when Muslims split over the issue of who should rightly lead the Islamic community. Those who accepted the rule of the Umayyad family became known as Sunnis. Those who opposed the Umayyads in favor of the descendants of Ali, Muhammad's cousin and son-in-law, were known as Shias. The two sides eventually became different Islamic sects. About 35 to 40 percent of the Muslims in Iraq adhere to the Sunni* branch of Islam. Sunni Muslims live principally in the regions north and west of Baghdād. Baghdād itself contains sizable populations of both Sunni and Shia Muslims. The majority of Iraqis--about 60 to 65 percent of the nation's Muslims--adhere to the Shia* branch of Islam. Shia Muslims live mostly in central and southern Iraq. The area encompasses the country's most productive agricultural region, and also includes strategically important southern cities such as Al Başrah* (Basra), an important oil-refining center, and Umm Qaşr, Iraq's main port city. Iraq's Baath Party, the ruling party under Saddam Hussein, was dominated by Sunni Muslims. Despite the Baathist movement's original intention to unite Arabs of all religious denominations against foreign domination, in practice Iraq's Baath Party suppressed Shia Muslims. As a result, poverty is particularly widespread among the Shias, including those who live in Baghdād. Few Shias are found in the middle and upper ranks of society. Troubled relations between Sunni and Shia Muslims were intensified by the 1979 revolution in Iran, which overthrew the country's secular government and established a Shia-controlled government there. Iraq's rulers feared that the success of Iran's Shia revolution would incite Iraqi Shias against the Baathist government. Sunni-Shia religious animosities exacerbated the subsequent Iran-Iraq War (1980-1988), which resulted in over 1 million casualties. In 1994 Iraq conducted a military campaign against Shia rebels in the southern marshlands. The Shias were quickly crushed." Source: Encarta Conclusions? HANK revdauphinee answered on 04/13/04: If we continue in Iraq we will accomplish what sadam did not unifying these two sects of Islaam against a common enemy of the faith US! ATON2 rated this answer paraclete rated this answer HANK1 rated this answer

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PraiseJah asked on 04/13/04 - Parable In the parable of the wise and foolish virgins awaiting the arrival of the bridegroom, what is being represented by the lamps and the oil in their lamps? Matthew 25: 1--- revdauphinee answered on 04/13/04: they represent the preparedness of them for the arival !Just as we are to be prepared for Christs arival once more! PraiseJah rated this answer

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Liz22 asked on 04/12/04 - Hello To All. Hello. My name is Liz and I'm new on here. Would like to say hi, and will do my very best in answering questions with kindness and pleasantness and hope to know each of you. Thank you and Blessings. Liz. revdauphinee answered on 04/12/04: welcome Liz hope you enjoy your time here as much as I do! Dorothy Liz22 rated this answer

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hOPE12 asked on 04/12/04 - Please read this all the way trough! Hello Everyone, With all the mention of the film �P(assion of Christ,� and the questions some have about the film and the comments, I wanted to get your opinion on this. After reading this account below and picturing it in your mind, which gives Jesus more dignity? Please now take the time and truly read this and look up the scriptures and then give you opinion please. To the best of my understanding this is the account of Jesus� last day of human life and the sufferinng he underwent during that last day. As you read this place yourself there with Jesus and his Apostles. See if you can feel what they felt. This is what reaches my heart not any movie. How much closer one feels knowing the events comes from the Bible directly and not some man�s imagination! Taking the time to read this and look up the scriptures in you personal copy of the Bible. See if it will deepen your appreciation for what our loving God and his dear Son did on the last day of Jesus� human life. This reading and reading the account from the Bible can do more for us then any movie or violent account will ever do. Why? Because the Bible is inspired of God as brought out in 2 Timothy 3:16-17 and has God�s spirit on its writings. I would rather have God�s spirit working in me then Mel Gibsons. What is your opinion? A bright full moon is rising slowly over Jerusalem. The crowded city is settling down after a busy day. This evening the air is filled with the aroma of roasting lamb. Yes, thousands of people are preparing for a special event�the annual celebration of the Passover. In a large guest room, we find Jesus Christ and his 12 apostles at a prepared table. Listen! Jesus is speaking. �I have greatly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer,� he says. This can be read at Luke 22:15. Jesus knows that his religious enemies are intent on having him killed. But before that happens, something very significant will take place this evening. After the Passover has been observed, Jesus announces: �One of you will betray me.� Matthew 26:21 This distresses the apostles. Who could it possibly be? After some discussion, Jesus tells Judas Iscariot: �What you are doing get done more quickly.� John 13:27 Jesus in so many words was telling Judas Iscariot that he knew it was him. Although the others do not realize it, Judas is a traitor. He leaves to carry out his dastardly role in the plot against Jesus. Jesus now institutes an entirely new observance�one that will commemorate his death. Taking a loaf of bread, Jesus says a prayer of thanks over it and divides it up. �Take, eat,� he directs. �This means my body which is to be given in your behalf.� When each of them has eaten some of the bread, he takes a cup of red wine and says a blessing over it. �Drink out of it, all of you,� Jesus tells them, explaining: �This cup means the new covenant by virtue of my blood, which is to be poured out in your behalf.� He instructs the remaining 11 faithful apostles: �Keep doing this in remembrance of me.� Matthew 26:26-28; Luke 22:19, 20; 1�Corinthians 11:24, 25. That evening Jesus kindly prepares his loyal apostles for what lies ahead and confirms his deep love for them. �No one has love greater than this,� he explains, �that someone should surrender his soul in behalf of his friends. You are my friends if you do what I am commanding you.� John 15:13-15 The 11 apostles have proved that they are true friends by sticking with Jesus during his trials. Late in the evening, perhaps past midnight, Jesus says a memorable prayer, after which they sing songs of praise to his Father/. Then, by the light of a full moon, they make their way out of the city and across the Kidron Valley. John 17:1�18:1. A short while later, Jesus and the apostles arrive at the garden of Gethsemane. Leaving eight of the apostles at the entrance of the garden, Jesus takes Peter, James, and John farther in among the olive trees. �My soul is deeply grieved, even to death,� he tells the three. �Stay here and keep on the watch.��Mark 14:33, 34. The three apostles wait while Jesus goes deeper into the garden to pray. With strong outcries and tears, he pleads: �Father, if you wish, remove this cup from me.� Immense responsibility rests on Jesus� shoulders. How distressing it is for him to think of what God�s enemies will say when His only-begotten Son is impaled as though he were a criminal! Even more agonizing to Jesus is the thought of the reproach that would be heaped on his dear heavenly Father if he failed this excruciating test. Jesus prays so earnestly and gets into such an agony that his sweat becomes as drops of blood falling to the ground. Luke 22:42, 44. Jesus has just finished praying a third time. Men carrying torches and lamps now approach. The one walking in front is none other than Judas Iscariot, who comes straight to Jesus. �Good day, Rabbi!� he says, kissing Jesus very tenderly. �Judas,� Jesus responds, �do you betray the Son of man with a kiss?� Matthew 26:49; Luke 22:47, 48; John 18:3. Suddenly, the apostles realize what is happening. Their Lord and dear friend is about to be arrested! So Peter grabs a sword and cuts off the ear of the high priest�s slave. �Let it go as far as this,� Jesus quickly calls out. Reaching forward, he heals the slave and commands Peter: �Return your sword to its place, for all those who take the sword will perish by the sword.� Luke 22:50, 51; Matthew 26:52 The officers and soldiers grab hold of Jesus and bind him. Seized by fear and confusion, the apostles abandon Jesus and flee into the night. Matthew 26:56; John 18:12. It is well past midnight in the early hours of Friday. Jesus is first led to the home of the former High Priest Annas, who still wields great influence and power. Annas questions him and then has him taken to the home of High Priest Caiaphas where the Sanhedrin has assembled. The religious leaders now try to find witnesses to fabricate a case against Jesus. However, even the false witnesses cannot agree in their testimony. All the while, Jesus remains silent. Changing tactics, Caiaphas demands: �By the living God I put you under oath to tell us whether you are the Christ the Son of God!� This is a fact that cannot be denied, so Jesus courageously replies: �I am; and you persons will see the Son of man sitting at the right hand of power and coming with the clouds of heaven.� Matthew 26:63; Mark 14:60-62. �He has blasphemed!� cries Caiaphas. �What further need do we have of witnesses?� Some now slap Jesus in the face and spit on him. Others hit him with their fists and heap abuse on him. Matthew 26:65-68; Mark 14:63-65 Soon after dawn on Friday, the Sanhedrin reconvenes, possibly to give some semblance of legality to the illegal nighttime trial. Again Jesus courageously indicates that he is the Christ, the Son of God. Luke 22:66-71. Next, the chief priests and older men haul Jesus off to be tried by Pontius Pilate, the Roman governor of Judea. They accuse Jesus of subverting the nation, forbidding the paying of taxes to Caesar, and �saying he himself is Christ a king.� Luke 23:2; Mark 12:17. After questioning Jesus, Pilate announces: �I find no crime in this man.� Luke 23:4 When Pilate hears that Jesus is a Galilean, he has him sent to Herod Antipas, the ruler of Galilee, who is in Jerusalem for the Passover. Herod is not intent on seeing justice done. He merely wants to see Jesus perform a miracle. Since Jesus does not satisfy his curiosity and remains silent, Herod and his soldiers make fun of him and send him back to Pilate. �What bad thing did this man do?� asks Pilate again. �I found nothing deserving of death in him; I will therefore chastise and release him.� Luke 23:22 So he has Jesus scourged with a multithonged whip that rips painfully into Jesus� back. Then the troops press a crown of thorns onto his head. They mock him and hit him with a sturdy reed, pushing the crown of thorns deeper into his scalp. Through all the indescribable pain and abuse, Jesus maintains outstanding dignity and strength. Pilate, maybe in hopes that Jesus� battered condition will elicit some sympathy, again presents him to the crowd. �See!� Pilate exclaims, �I bring him outside to you in order for you to know I find no fault in him.� But the chief priests shout: �Impale him! Impale him!� John 19:4-6 As the crowd gets more and more insistent, Pilate capitulates and hands Jesus over to be impaled. By now it is midmorning, possibly approaching noon. Jesus is taken outside Jerusalem to a place called Golgotha. Large nails are hammered through Jesus� hands and feet.. Words cannot describe the agony as the weight of his body tears at the nail wounds as his body hung. A crowd gathers to observe Jesus and two criminals being impaled. Many speak abusively of Jesus. �Others he saved,� the chief priests and others mock, �himself he cannot save!� Even the soldiers and the two impaled criminals ridicule Jesus. Matthew 27:41-44. Suddenly at midday, after Jesus has been hanging for a while, an eerie darkness of divine origin settles over the land for three hours. Perhaps it is this that moves the one evildoer to rebuke the other. Then, turning to Jesus, he begs: �Remember me when you get into your kingdom.� What amazing faith in the face of imminent death! �Truly I tell you today,� Jesus responds, �You will be with me in Paradise.� Luke 23:39-43. At about three o�clock in the afternoon, Jesus feels that his end is near. �I am thirsty,� he says. Then with a loud voice, he cries out: �My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?� Jesus can sense that his Father has, as it were, withdrawn protection from him to allow his integrity to be tested to the limit, and he quotes David�s words. Someone puts a sponge soaked in sour wine to Jesus� lips. Having had some of the wine, Jesus gasps: �It has been accomplished!� Then he cries out, �Father, into your hands I entrust my spirit,� bows his head, and expires.John 19:28-30; Matthew 27:46; Luke 23:46; Psalm 22:1. Since it is late in the afternoon, hurried arrangements are made to bury Jesus before the Sabbath Nisan 15 begins at sunset. Joseph of Arimathea, a well-known member of the Sanhedrin who has been a secret disciple of Jesus, gets permission to bury him. Nicodemus, also a member of the Sanhedrin who has secretly confessed faith in Jesus, assists with a hundred pounds of myrrh and aloes. Carefully, they lay Jesus� body in a new memorial tomb nearby. It is still dark early Sunday morning when Mary Magdalene and some other women approach Jesus� tomb. But look! The stone in front of the tomb has been rolled away. Why, the tomb is empty! Mary Magdalene rushes off to tell Peter and John. John 20:1,�2 No sooner has she left than an angel appears to the other women. He says: �Do not you be fearful.� He also urges: �Go quikly and tell his disciples that he was raised up from the dead.� Matthew 28:2-7. As they hurry along, whom do they meet but Jesus himself! �Go, report to my brothers,� he tells them. Matthew 28:8-10 Later, Mary Magdalene is at the tomb weeping when Jesus appears to her. She can barely contain her joy and rushes off to tell the other disciples the wonderful news. John 20:11-18 In fact, five times on that unforgettable Sunday, the resurrected Jesus appears to various disciples, leaving no doubt that he is, indeed, alive again! How can thid events that happened years ago affect you now? An eyewitness of those events explains: �By this the love of God was made manifest in our case, because God sent forth his only-begotten Son into the world that we might gain life through him. The love is in this respect, not that we have loved God, but that he loved us and sent forth his Son as a propitiatory sacrifice for our sins.�1�John 4:9, 10. In what way is Christ�s death �a propitiatory sacrifice�? It is propitiatory because it makes a favorable relationship with God possible. The first man, Adam, rebelled against God and therefore passed on to his offspring a legacy of sin and death. Jesus, on the other hand, gave his life as a ransom to pay the price for mankind�s sin and death, thus providing a basis for God to extend mercy and favor. 1�Timothy 2:5,�6 By exercising faith in Jesus� sin-atoning sacrifice, you can be released from the condemnation that you have inherited from sinner Adam. Romans 5:12; 6:23 In turn, this opens up the wonderful opportunity of having a personal relationship with your loving heavenly Father, and Jesus� Father. Jesus� supreme sacrifice can mean never-ending life for you and me. John 3:16;�17:3. Take Care, Hope12 revdauphinee answered on 04/12/04: for me the redeeming value of the movie is the fact that many folks who would never ever crack open a bible will go to see a movie many who go out of nothing more than curiosity may get something they didnt expect and because of this it was worth the making! ATON2 rated this answer Krewton rated this answer hOPE12 rated this answer

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Fulmens asked on 04/11/04 - how do you explain this? . with holy week almost over, and the movie of the passion of christ (by mel gobson), many people have begun questioning the whole point of jesus' life, death, and resurrection. so, question for you: how do you explain to a nonchristian the reason why the Father had his son arrested, tortured, massacred, humiliated, and assasinated? why would God need to sacrifice his Son and then resurrected in order for us to be saved? this non christian told me that the whole story of Jesus is great until his arrest, that he sees no no need for God to torture His son that way. he said that it wouldve made much more sence to have Jesus be, after his ministry, the leader and founder of the new chrstian church, and then have him die of old age like a normal human being. i must admit that i had nothing to say, i had no idea how to answer his question, because it really made me think. how would you answer him? revdauphinee answered on 04/11/04: To explain it one needs to go back to the Jewish custom of sacrifice they layed hands on a lamb born without blemish besowing on it the sins they had commited it was then sacrificed to forgive those sins this is where we get the term lamb of God (refering to christ) Lev.5:6 and, as a penalty for the sin he has committed, he must bring to the LORD a female lamb or goat from the flock as a sin offering; and the priest shall make atonement for him for his sin. (Jn.1:29 The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, "Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world! Jesus was sacrificed as a sin offering for all the sins of all the world! Krewton rated this answer paraclete rated this answer Toms777 rated this answer Uni-Agdistis rated this answer

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ROLCAM asked on 04/11/04 - What can you tell me about ? Branhamism ? revdauphinee answered on 04/11/04: A self-proclaimed prophet, Branham became a major influence in the Latter Rain Movement. In his teachings on Joel 2:23, he defined the "latter rain" as the Pentecostal Movement of his day. Branham proclaimed himself the angel of Revelation 3:14 and 10:7 and prophesied that by 1977 all denominations would be consumed by the World Council of Churches under the control of the Roman Catholics, that the Rapture would take place, and that the world would be destroyed. He died in 1965, but many of his followers expected him to be resurrected, some believing him to be God, others believing him to be virgin-born. Branham's influence has continued in many churches where his prophecies are considered to be divinely inspired. His teaching on the power of the spoken word has been a characteristic of later revivalists. Kenneth Hagin identifies Branham as a prophet. ROLCAM rated this answer

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Doc05 asked on 04/11/04 - How well do we know Jesus and his family? Can any Expert tell me how many siblings Jesus had and what were their names? Thank you. revdauphinee answered on 04/11/04: while catholics do not believe that he had other siblings due to the fact they believe in Marys eternal virginity the New Testament does not give conclusive evidence either for or against the doctrine of Mary's perpetual virginity." It does however sugest this was not a fact and that he very well may have had brothers and sisters.If Joseph indeed never took Mary truly as his wife than why the following passage? Matthew 1: 24. When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife. 25. ((But he had no union with her until she gave birth to a son.)) And he gave him the name Jesus. NOTE it says untill! personaly I believe if he had or had not does not take a thing away from the gospel! Doc05 rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 04/09/04 - From gentle Jesus to macho Messiah? Predictions of the Second Coming of Jesus as a vengeful warrior are gaining momentum in a post-September 11, evangelical America, writes David D. Kirkpatrick. Writers and artists have been imagining the Second Coming of Jesus for almost 2000 years, but few have portrayed him wreaking more carnage on the unbelieving world than Tim LaHaye and Jerry B.Jenkins. In their new apocalyptic novel, Glorious Appearing, based on LaHaye's interpretation of biblical prophecies about the Second Coming, their Jesus appears from the clouds on a white horse with a "conviction like a flame of fire" in his eyes. With all the gruesome detail of a Hollywood horror movie, Jesus eviscerates the flesh of millions of unbelievers merely by speaking. "Men and women, soldiers and horses seemed to explode where they stood," LaHaye and Jenkins write. "It was as if the very words of the Lord had superheated their blood, causing it to burst through their veins and skin." The authors add: "Even as they struggled, their own flesh dissolved, their eyes melted and their tongues disintegrated." LaHaye and Jenkins did not invent fire and brimstone. But some scholars who study religion say that the phenomenal popularity of their Left Behind series of apocalyptic thrillers - now the best-selling adult novels in the United States - are part of a shift in American culture's image of Jesus. The gentle, pacifist Jesus of the Crucifixion is sharing the spotlight with a more muscular, warrior-like Jesus of the Second Coming, the Lamb making way for the Lion. Scholars who study religion in American culture say the trend partly reflects the growing clout of evangelical Christians and the relative decline of the liberal mainline Protestant denominations over the past 30 years. The image of a fearsome Jesus who will turn the tables on the unbelieving earthly authorities corresponds to a widespread sense among many conservative Christians that their values are under assault in a culture war with the secular society around them. The shift coincides with a surging interest in biblical prophecies of the Apocalypse around the turn of the millennium, the terrorist attacks of September11 and the two wars with Iraq. And the warlike image of Jesus also fits with President George Bush's discussions of a godly purpose behind US military actions in Afghanistan and Iraq. There are signs of the same shift in Mel Gibson's movie, The Passion of the Christ, which dealt almost exclusively with the submissive Jesus of the Crucifixion. "When you see him stand up at the end of the movie, he reminds you of Schwarzenegger," says Stephen Prothero, a religion professor at Boston University and author of American Jesus: how the Son of God became a national icon. , "I think that movie shows more of a macho Jesus, who, in this case, is brutalised instead of brutalising." He adds: "I definitely think the pendulum is swinging towards a darker, more martial, macho concept of the Messiah." Some worry that the turn towards a more warlike Jesus reflects a dangerous tendency to see earthly conflicts in cosmic terms. "I think a lot of people are looking at contemporary conflict around the world and seeing it as a kind of religious war," says Elaine Pagels, a professor of religion at Princeton. "And there is no kind of conflict that becomes more intractable than when people are convinced that they alone have access to God's truth and the other side are the people of Satan." But Ted Haggard, president of the National Association of Evangelicals, calls the warrior Jesus of the Left Behind novels a healthy corrective, reminding people that Jesus is judgemental as well as merciful. "The fear of God is a worthy emotion," he says. He argues that the wrathful Jesus in the book series is an antidote to what he calls "the effeminate Jesus" that has sometimes prevailed in the culture. "In our stained-glass windows and our popular culture, Jesus is a kind of marshmallowy, Santa Claus Jesus, which is not at all in keeping with the Gospels," he says. The fight for a manly Jesus has been long-running. At the beginning of the 20th century, some Christian critics railed against what they called "bearded lady" portraits of Jesus in the Victorian era. But the battle over the manliness of Jesus had settled down by the middle of the 20th century, when the relatively liberal, mainline Protestant denominations were at their height. Few liberal Protestants believed in a literal Hell or talked much about the Second Coming. Their masculine but soft-spoken image of Jesus was exemplified by the once-ubiquitous portrait Head of Christ, made by Warner Sallman in 1941, which depicted a handsome man looking serenely upward. "It is the classic MrRogers Jesus picture," Prothero says. But a less visible subculture of more evangelical Protestants held on to a far sterner, more bellicose image of Jesus that centred on the Apocalypse. Like LaHaye, they maintained a darker "pre-millennialist" view that the Bible predicts a period of turmoil before Jesus returns in a final apocalyptic battle to overthrow the Antichrist. Bible scholars holding this view have often sought to apply biblical prophecy to current events, frequently taking the creation of the state of Israel as a welcome sign that history is nearing a close. LaHaye's Left Behind series starts when all the born-again are summoned to heaven in the Rapture. Then the Antichrist uses the United Nations to create a single world government, world currency and world religion - all signposts on the road to Armageddon, in LaHaye's view. The Antichrist establishes his global capital at the biblical Babylon, in today's Iraq. The overarching themes in such biblical interpretation also bear a strong resemblance to contemporary talk of a culture war pitting secular liberals against conservative Christians, says Timothy Weber, president of Memphis Theological Seminary. "The culture war fits into the pre-millennialists' expectation of the end of history - the decline of civilisation, the breakdown of morality, a general breakdown of order," he said. "The warrior Jesus returns to set everything right again." Until about 30 years ago, evangelical Christians who leaned towards such views tended to shun engagement with politics or the larger culture as a little bit dirty and a little bit pointless, says John Green, a political scientist at the University of Akron who studies religion. But that changed around the 1970s, when many conservative Christians began to feel that their traditional values had come under attack from the secular culture around them. When conservative Christians began to join the culture war, LaHaye was on the frontlines, joining Jerry Falwell in founding the Moral Majority. Not all evangelical Protestants agree with LaHaye, but they are much more likely than other groups to sympathise with him. "The groups that had those views are much more visible than they used to be," Green says. "They are more politically active than they were in the past." Even in the Roman Catholic Church, which does not share LaHaye's interpretation of the Second Coming, a growing number of conservatives, including Mel Gibson, identify with conservative Protestants, Green says. They have also helped put allies in the White House. Ronald Reagan occasionally alluded to biblical prophecies of a final battle at Armageddon, stirring fears among liberal Christians that he envisioned a nuclear showdown with the Soviet Union. Bush, a born-again Methodist, has not talked publicly about Armageddon, but he has been unusually outspoken about the role of his faith in his life and his foreign policy, suggesting the United States is doing God's work by spreading freedom in Afghanistan and Iraq. For his part, Jenkins, co-author of Glorious Appearing, acknowledges that the "tough love" Jesus might not please everyone. "Some people might say, 'We like thinking that Jesus is the man who spoke in paradoxes and beatitudes', and they might not want to find out that he is also the one who is going to judge at the end of the world," he says, adding: "But, of course, that is the way it is in the Bible." - New York Times So what do you Think has the Lamb of God changed again to the lion of Judah or was it that the Lamb had to come before the Lion, so that then the Lion could lie with teh Lamb, that is they have common purpose.? revdauphinee answered on 04/11/04: the authores of this book said it is a work of fiction if we the readers see more in it than this is it from our perspective and we cannot blame them paraclete rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 04/09/04 - From gentle Jesus to macho Messiah? Predictions of the Second Coming of Jesus as a vengeful warrior are gaining momentum in a post-September 11, evangelical America, writes David D. Kirkpatrick. Writers and artists have been imagining the Second Coming of Jesus for almost 2000 years, but few have portrayed him wreaking more carnage on the unbelieving world than Tim LaHaye and Jerry B.Jenkins. In their new apocalyptic novel, Glorious Appearing, based on LaHaye's interpretation of biblical prophecies about the Second Coming, their Jesus appears from the clouds on a white horse with a "conviction like a flame of fire" in his eyes. With all the gruesome detail of a Hollywood horror movie, Jesus eviscerates the flesh of millions of unbelievers merely by speaking. "Men and women, soldiers and horses seemed to explode where they stood," LaHaye and Jenkins write. "It was as if the very words of the Lord had superheated their blood, causing it to burst through their veins and skin." The authors add: "Even as they struggled, their own flesh dissolved, their eyes melted and their tongues disintegrated." LaHaye and Jenkins did not invent fire and brimstone. But some scholars who study religion say that the phenomenal popularity of their Left Behind series of apocalyptic thrillers - now the best-selling adult novels in the United States - are part of a shift in American culture's image of Jesus. The gentle, pacifist Jesus of the Crucifixion is sharing the spotlight with a more muscular, warrior-like Jesus of the Second Coming, the Lamb making way for the Lion. Scholars who study religion in American culture say the trend partly reflects the growing clout of evangelical Christians and the relative decline of the liberal mainline Protestant denominations over the past 30 years. The image of a fearsome Jesus who will turn the tables on the unbelieving earthly authorities corresponds to a widespread sense among many conservative Christians that their values are under assault in a culture war with the secular society around them. The shift coincides with a surging interest in biblical prophecies of the Apocalypse around the turn of the millennium, the terrorist attacks of September11 and the two wars with Iraq. And the warlike image of Jesus also fits with President George Bush's discussions of a godly purpose behind US military actions in Afghanistan and Iraq. There are signs of the same shift in Mel Gibson's movie, The Passion of the Christ, which dealt almost exclusively with the submissive Jesus of the Crucifixion. "When you see him stand up at the end of the movie, he reminds you of Schwarzenegger," says Stephen Prothero, a religion professor at Boston University and author of American Jesus: how the Son of God became a national icon. , "I think that movie shows more of a macho Jesus, who, in this case, is brutalised instead of brutalising." He adds: "I definitely think the pendulum is swinging towards a darker, more martial, macho concept of the Messiah." Some worry that the turn towards a more warlike Jesus reflects a dangerous tendency to see earthly conflicts in cosmic terms. "I think a lot of people are looking at contemporary conflict around the world and seeing it as a kind of religious war," says Elaine Pagels, a professor of religion at Princeton. "And there is no kind of conflict that becomes more intractable than when people are convinced that they alone have access to God's truth and the other side are the people of Satan." But Ted Haggard, president of the National Association of Evangelicals, calls the warrior Jesus of the Left Behind novels a healthy corrective, reminding people that Jesus is judgemental as well as merciful. "The fear of God is a worthy emotion," he says. He argues that the wrathful Jesus in the book series is an antidote to what he calls "the effeminate Jesus" that has sometimes prevailed in the culture. "In our stained-glass windows and our popular culture, Jesus is a kind of marshmallowy, Santa Claus Jesus, which is not at all in keeping with the Gospels," he says. The fight for a manly Jesus has been long-running. At the beginning of the 20th century, some Christian critics railed against what they called "bearded lady" portraits of Jesus in the Victorian era. But the battle over the manliness of Jesus had settled down by the middle of the 20th century, when the relatively liberal, mainline Protestant denominations were at their height. Few liberal Protestants believed in a literal Hell or talked much about the Second Coming. Their masculine but soft-spoken image of Jesus was exemplified by the once-ubiquitous portrait Head of Christ, made by Warner Sallman in 1941, which depicted a handsome man looking serenely upward. "It is the classic MrRogers Jesus picture," Prothero says. But a less visible subculture of more evangelical Protestants held on to a far sterner, more bellicose image of Jesus that centred on the Apocalypse. Like LaHaye, they maintained a darker "pre-millennialist" view that the Bible predicts a period of turmoil before Jesus returns in a final apocalyptic battle to overthrow the Antichrist. Bible scholars holding this view have often sought to apply biblical prophecy to current events, frequently taking the creation of the state of Israel as a welcome sign that history is nearing a close. LaHaye's Left Behind series starts when all the born-again are summoned to heaven in the Rapture. Then the Antichrist uses the United Nations to create a single world government, world currency and world religion - all signposts on the road to Armageddon, in LaHaye's view. The Antichrist establishes his global capital at the biblical Babylon, in today's Iraq. The overarching themes in such biblical interpretation also bear a strong resemblance to contemporary talk of a culture war pitting secular liberals against conservative Christians, says Timothy Weber, president of Memphis Theological Seminary. "The culture war fits into the pre-millennialists' expectation of the end of history - the decline of civilisation, the breakdown of morality, a general breakdown of order," he said. "The warrior Jesus returns to set everything right again." Until about 30 years ago, evangelical Christians who leaned towards such views tended to shun engagement with politics or the larger culture as a little bit dirty and a little bit pointless, says John Green, a political scientist at the University of Akron who studies religion. But that changed around the 1970s, when many conservative Christians began to feel that their traditional values had come under attack from the secular culture around them. When conservative Christians began to join the culture war, LaHaye was on the frontlines, joining Jerry Falwell in founding the Moral Majority. Not all evangelical Protestants agree with LaHaye, but they are much more likely than other groups to sympathise with him. "The groups that had those views are much more visible than they used to be," Green says. "They are more politically active than they were in the past." Even in the Roman Catholic Church, which does not share LaHaye's interpretation of the Second Coming, a growing number of conservatives, including Mel Gibson, identify with conservative Protestants, Green says. They have also helped put allies in the White House. Ronald Reagan occasionally alluded to biblical prophecies of a final battle at Armageddon, stirring fears among liberal Christians that he envisioned a nuclear showdown with the Soviet Union. Bush, a born-again Methodist, has not talked publicly about Armageddon, but he has been unusually outspoken about the role of his faith in his life and his foreign policy, suggesting the United States is doing God's work by spreading freedom in Afghanistan and Iraq. For his part, Jenkins, co-author of Glorious Appearing, acknowledges that the "tough love" Jesus might not please everyone. "Some people might say, 'We like thinking that Jesus is the man who spoke in paradoxes and beatitudes', and they might not want to find out that he is also the one who is going to judge at the end of the world," he says, adding: "But, of course, that is the way it is in the Bible." - New York Times So what do you Think has the Lamb of God changed again to the lion of Judah or was it that the Lamb had to come before the Lion, so that then the Lion could lie with teh Lamb, that is they have common purpose.? revdauphinee answered on 04/10/04: I think that while this book is clearly a work of fiction it is based on prophetic fact first read the book then the following Ezekiel 38:14. "Therefore, son of man, prophesy and say to Gog: `This is what the Sovereign LORD says: In that day, when my people Israel are living in safety, will you not take notice of it? 15. You will come from your place in the far north, you and many nations with you, all of them riding on horses, a great horde, a mighty army. 16. You will advance against my people Israel like a cloud that covers the land. In days to come, O Gog, I will bring you against my land, so that the nations may know me when I show myself holy through you before their eyes. 17. "`This is what the Sovereign LORD says: Are you not the one I spoke of in former days by my servants the prophets of Israel? At that time they prophesied for years that I would bring you against them. 18. This is what will happen in that day: When Gog attacks the land of Israel, my hot anger will be aroused, declares the Sovereign LORD. 19. In my zeal and fiery wrath I declare that at that time there shall be a great earthquake in the land of Israel. 20. The fish of the sea, the birds of the air, the beasts of the field, every creature that moves along the ground, and all the people on the face of the earth will tremble at my presence. The mountains will be overturned, the cliffs will crumble and every wall will fall to the ground. 21. I will summon a sword against Gog on all my mountains, declares the Sovereign LORD. Every man's sword will be against his brother. 22. I will execute judgment upon him with plague and bloodshed; I will pour down torrents of rain, hailstones and burning sulfur on him and on his troops and on the many nations with him. 23. And so I will show my greatness and my holiness, and I will make myself known in the sight of many nations. Then they will know that I am the LORD.' there is nothing incompatable here ! paraclete rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 04/08/04 - They may be in denial but God will find a way? Some odd bedfellows are getting together to watch bootleg copies of Mel Gibson's film, writes Ed O'Loughlin in Jerusalem. Easter week in Jerusalem and about 20 people, most of them strangers drawn by word of mouth, have assembled in a dark vaulted room in the Arab east of the city. Their host is anxious that his name and the name of his premises should not appear in print. He is afraid that if they did his clandestine nightly gatherings would be shut down by the Israeli Government. Or perhaps by Mel Gibson. "We're showing the film for free," explained the host, trying to justify his nightly acts of piracy. "We don't want to make any money on it. It's because nobody else is showing it. We got it for the churches." Gibson's controversial film The Passion of the Christ may be playing to packed houses in Lebanon, Syria, Egypt and Jordan but the Israeli distributors who have the sole legal right to import the movie to the Holy Land have so far declined to do so. The company will only say that it regards the film about the last 12 hours of Jesus's life as "sensitive" - an allusion to allegations of anti-Semitism prompted by the film's portrayal of corrupt and brutal Jewish priests who, according to the gospels, had the Messiah put to death. Stopped from seeing the film legally, the Holy Land's Christians - foreign pilgrims and minority Palestinian Christians - are finding other ways to satisfy their curiosity. The Old City of Jerusalem is now awash with bootleg DVDs of the movie, and at least one Christian-owned hotel is hosting nightly screenings. "People are usually quite subdued after the movie," said the hotel manager. "We are getting all types of audiences. Mostly Christians, some foreigners, some locals, some Muslim as well. Americans, Swedish, Bible study groups, students, teachers." On the night of Palm Sunday many of those who turned up for the screening - you have to book in advance, and they ring you back later to check who you are - were still carrying green palm fronds to commemorate the fronds which Christ's followers laid before him when he entered the city. Most in the audience were women and non-Palestinian. There were several Catholic nuns. A few of the women wept quietly throughthe graphic scenes of slow-motion torture, beating and mutilation. As elsewhere in the world, the movie met a mixed reception. "It was a very violent film, very tough and hard," said Sister Carmenza, a Dominican nun from Colombia who attended with two of her Sisters from a nearby convent. "All the way through all you see is beating and suffering, and in the faces of the people there is so much hatred. Where is the message of love?" Alice Bulos, a 67-year-old native of the Old City, said: "He might have overdone it with the torture from head to toe - it could have been less bloody with as much impact." Still, she added, "It goes into the heart". None of these Christians thought the film was anti-Semitic. Many Jewish characters - including Simon of Cyrene, who helped carry the cross, some dissenting Temple priests and, of course, Christ himself and his supporters - were portrayed sympathetically, they said. As for the complaint that the film shows Jews killing Jesus, Sister Carmenza said: "You have to know the situation of the Pharisees in the Temple at the time of Christ. That's how it was." However, the anti-Semitic tag has firmly attached itself to the movie. And for many in the Middle East this is proving no turn-off. Cinemas across the region report that many of those attending are not Christian but Muslim, attracted at least in part by the worldwide publicity which advertises the fact that Jews do not like the movie. And some of the strongest messages of support for the film are from Muslims angered by its gory depiction of the death of a man whom Mohammed instructed Muslims to revere as a great prophet. The fact that most of the violence is inflicted by Roman characters rather than Jewish ones is usually overlooked by Arabs embittered by the long conflict with Israel. Having seen the film, the Palestinian Authority chairman, Yasser Arafat, reportedly compared Christ's suffering with that of the Palestinian people. Tellingly, in many Arab countries the film can only be shown because Islamic authorities have not enforced their usual ban on the physical depiction of a prophet. Conversely, in 1998 Egypt banned the animated film Prince of Egypt because of its portrayal of the Jewish leader Moses, whom Muslims also revere. If the controversy over the film proves anything, it is that religion, politics, art and suspicion are still as intimately entwined in the Middle East as they were 2000 years ago. The Jerusalem hotel manager claims that his bootleg copy shows the entire movie, while the version on sale in the Old City omits the final scene portraying the resurrection. "People say that an Israeli is distributing this other copy," he said darkly. "The Jews don't want to show that Christ rose from the dead again." revdauphinee answered on 04/09/04: I am agaist breaking the Law in general however if the bootleg coppies saves but one soul I feel God will forgive!since this is the only way most of these folks will get the good news about Jesus paraclete rated this answer Uni-Agdistis rated this answer

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arcura asked on 04/08/04 - A diverted moment for amusement.... Little David, who was Jewish, was failing math. His parents tried everything. Tutors, mentors, flash cards, special learning centers, and nothing helped. As a last resort, someone told them to try a Catholic school. "Those nuns are tough" they said. David was soon enrolled at St. Mary's. After school on the very first day David ran through the door and straight to his room, without even kissing his mother hello. He started studying furiously, books and papers spread out all over his room. Right after dinner he ran upstairs without mentioning TV, and hit the books harder than before. His parents were amazed. This behavior continued for weeks, until report card day arrived. David quietly laid the envelope on the table, and went to his room. With great trepidation, his mother opened the report. David had gotten an A in math! She ran up to his room, threw her arms around him and asked, "David honey, how did this happen? Was it the nuns? "No!", said David. "On the first day of school when I saw that guy nailed to the plus sign, I knew they weren't fooling around!" revdauphinee answered on 04/08/04: rofl arcura rated this answer ATON2 rated this answer paraclete rated this answer

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arcura asked on 04/08/04 - Did you know??? DID YOU KNOW...?? As you walk up the steps to the building which houses the U.S. Supreme Court you can see near the top of the building a row of the world's law givers and each one is facing one in the middle who is facing forward with a full frontal view - it is Moses and he is holding the Ten Commandments! DID YOU KNOW? As you enter the Supreme Court courtroom, the two huge oak doors have the Ten Commandments engraved on each lower portion of each door. DID YOU KNOW? As you sit inside the courtroom, you can see the wall, right above where the Supreme Court judges sit, a display of the Ten Commandments! DID YOU KNOW? There are Bible verses etched in stone all over the Federal Buildings and Monuments in Washington, D.C. DID YOU KNOW? James Madison, the fourth president, known as "The Father of Our Constitution" made the following statement "We have staked the whole of all our political institutions upon the capacity of mankind for self-government, upon the capacity of each and all of us to govern ourselves, to control ourselves, to sustain ourselves according to the Ten Commandments of God." DID YOU KNOW? Patrick Henry, that patriot and Founding Father of our country said, "It cannot be emphasized too strongly or too often that this great nation was founded not by religionists but by Christians, not on religions but on the Gospel of Jesus Christ." DID YOU KNOW? Every session of Congress begins with a prayer by a paid preacher, whose salary has been paid by the taxpayer since 1777. DID YOU KNOW? Fifty-two of the 55 founders of the Constitution were members of the established orthodox churches in the colonies. DID YOU KNOW? The very first Supreme Court Justice, John Jay, said, "Americans should select and prefer Christians as their rulers." How, then, have we gotten to the point that everything we have done for 220 years in this country is now suddenly wrong and unconstitutional? revdauphinee answered on 04/08/04: How indeed! arcura rated this answer

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crutchead asked on 04/08/04 - SLAYER's Reign In Blood album cover right on that album cover, an oil painting of a scenery in the abyss where we see sacrificed naked bodies, decapitated heads, and tortured souls of scholars and other people, right at the center we have Astoreth sitting on the throne being carried by a horned Jesus with a serpent's tongue, along with the catholic pope with horns - then right beside on the lower right corner just right above the album title "Reign In Blood" we have a picture of some unknown figure. I wonder if anybody happen to know who is that figure shown in that portion who carries Astoreth's throne along with the demonic Jesus and the Pope. ---Chris revdauphinee answered on 04/08/04: sounds like a creation of Satan ad one wich i wouldnt even have in my home! paraclete rated this answer Uni-Agdistis rated this answer

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arcura asked on 04/08/04 - Is it all really pointless? The atheist�s atheist says,�It is almost irresistible for humans to believe that we have some special relation to the universe, that human life is not a more-or-less farcical outcome of a chain of accidents reaching back to the first three minutes, but that we were somehow built in from the beginning� It is hard to realize that this all (i.e., life on Earth) is just a tiny part of an overwhelming hostile universe. It is even harder to realize that this present universe has evolved from an unspeakably unfamiliar early condition, and faces a future extinction of endless cold or intolerable heat. The more the universe seem comprehensible, the more it also seems pointless.� Steven Weinberg, physicist, author of �The First Three Minutes�. +++ According to Weinberg the more we comprehend and learn about the universe and all that it is, does and that is in it, the more pointless and therfore meaningless it is. +++ Now isn't that interesting. Serveral sages have said that that is what an atheists life is, pointless and meaningless. However, according to Michael Gallet, if an atheist insists that his life is not meaningless and pointless then that person is not a true atheist for it takes faith of a sort to know that life has meaning and worth. +++ You comments please.... Peace and kindness, arucra revdauphinee answered on 04/08/04: go outside and take alook at your house ,your car,your kids bike did any of them just come into being by accident without any intelegence involved in the creating of them?? Now what makes you even consider the world with all its complex parts did!!compare an artificial flower with a rose Get real !! arcura rated this answer

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koinegreek asked on 04/07/04 - Peter Jennings co-wrote, Jesus and Paul Were the three hours of Jesus and Paul by Peter Jennings fact or fiction? Dear Peter Jennings: I see that you co-wrote, Jesus and Paul. Did you mean Jesus and Paul with a singular verb or plural verb? Jesus and Paul IS...? Jesus and Paul ARE...? Your three hours special contained too much "fairy tale." You should consider a remake? Or have started the program with "Once upon a time..." I was truly amazed how this story transformed you from an experienced anchor to a mere person lacking in knowledge. revdauphinee answered on 04/07/04: I agree this program to say the least was dissapointing so why not do as I just did and coppy and paste thr above to him at peterjennings@ABCNEWS.COM koinegreek rated this answer

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tomder55 asked on 04/07/04 - Kerry and Vatican II John Kerry became combative when told that some were criticizing him for being a Roman Catholic who supported policies, like abortion rights and same-sex unions, that are at odds with Catholic teaching. "Who are they?" he demanded of his questioner. "Name them. My oath privately between me and God was defined in the Catholic church by Pius XXIII and Pope Paul VI in the Vatican II, which allows for freedom of conscience for Catholics with respect to these choices, and that is exactly where I am. " (Kerry meant John XXIII, as there is no Pius XXIII.) I am confused . What provisions of Vatican II allows Catholics the freedom of conscience to support abortion rights and same sex unions ? revdauphinee answered on 04/07/04: What provisions of Vatican II allows Catholics the freedom of conscience to support abortion rights and same sex unions ? I personaly feel one can not be a Christian and support these things.As I always say I myself am pro-choice as long as that choice is made before the act that causes conception! arcura rated this answer tomder55 rated this answer

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akenaten asked on 04/06/04 - my personal interpretation on life I started reading the many different versions of the Bible, the Qu'ran, the Torah, the Nag Hammadi, Native American beliefs, and many books on occult and mystical philosophy both "fact and fiction" dealing with the likes of wizardry, witchcraft, egyptology, voodoo, satanism, and many other beliefs and religious practices in general. In all these beliefs I find one similar characteristic, one similarity..... they all seem to focus on a "greater power", something unseen. They call this power God, Jehova, Yeshua, Ra, Great Spirit, MANY different names, yet they all seem to be referencing the same being or force. So this led me to ask myself "Who is right?" or even if ANY are right, for are they not in actuality ALL the same force? The more I read, the more I desired to know. I asked myself "Is there a god? Or when we die, is that truly the end?" The very energy of creation and composition! The "godsource" if you choose. Our very beginning in its most basic and purest form! This led to more realization, that in fact that which people call god is in fact the very energy of all things. ALL things are composed of this energy, and all are one, connected through this very energy. Through this common bond, all things also are a part of one another, sharing this common energy between us. Further, all things are a part of this energy, "god, if you so choose", and "god" (this energy) is in all things! ALL ARE ONE, just as one is a part of the ALL! The rocks, the trees, the animals, the people, in fact.. the very earth and sky itself are all intertwined through this energy, and part of each other. While in different shape and form, they are all STILL the same energy! "God and heaven is around us and within us..." in fact, this is true. We are all "god and heaven", as much a part, and within us and surrounding us as the very energy that is all things! "Believe and you shall have everlasting life...." true too. Life is as eternal as the very energy that we are composed of. This energy takes physical shape at conception, and grows and gathers more energy from around us throughout life by the very magnetic attraction that is the property of this energy, forming and changing with every passing day. I have also realized that death is NOT the end. While we may lose this physical shape, the energy that composes us is still present. This energy may decompose from its physical form, and dissipate back into the whole of the energy that surrounds us, but it IS STILL PRESENT! It may not be in the form we saw and knew, but it is still there and lives on beyond our death, and therefore, so too do we live on. Eternal life indeed! This brings forth yet a further understanding, that through this energy, all are one. Therefore, with every action we make, we directly and indirectly effect all things and all others who surround us and co-inhabit this world we live in. What does this mean? Well, to put it simple, when you harm another, you in effect harm yourself and all the other beings in this universe, since they are all a part of the whole. This means when we steal from another, we also take from all as well as ourselves, with all feeling the effects of this action. You may think not, but it is true. Look around us, look at the state of the world today as compared to long ago. We live in a world of crime and hatred now, with laws and rules guiding our every step. This is the result of our own actions. Those that steal, kill, and commit other crimes have in fact effected us all, as well as themselves. When you take the time to really read the message behind the words in the bible as well as MANY other texts, both religious and philosophical, you find this common message appearing in virtually all of them. This message: "Live and let live, treat others as you too wish to be treated". Think before you act, because whether you realize it or not, it DOES effect you too! Try showing some compassion towards others for a change. Help those who desire help, and in turn help yourself and all things to create a better life and existence for the all collectively. Can you imagine the result? What a beautiful and harmonious world this would be! So now, you have seen within my thoughts. While you may or may not agree, these thoughts are truth for me. They are as individual to myself as the individual that I am. I hope in some way my thoughts may encourage you to seek and think about your own personal truth, and help you to also become enlightened to the real meaning of life that exists behind the obvious and within and between the written and spoken words you are so accustomed to seeing and hearing as you journey through the eternity of life as a part of the ALL! In closing, I wish you one and all- "Peace, love and light!" Be well! revdauphinee answered on 04/07/04: your posting would be acceptable to someone who prescribed new age philosophy however never to a true Christian for we know there is only one way Exodus 20 1. And God spake all these words, saying, 2. I am the Lord thy God, 3 Thou shalt have no other gods before me. 5 Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: for I the Lord thy God am a jealous God, (Jn.14:6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.) so you see while we must love those who do not believe as we do we cannot accept and practice their ways ! The ones who wish to follow CXhrist (Christians)must tell all about him for he said Matthew 28: 18. And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. 19. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: 20. Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen. akenaten rated this answer darkstar rated this answer

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Bobbye asked on 04/06/04 - AFTERLIFE? SUPERNATURAL? (1) What is your belief concerning the supernatural existence of God and The Son of God, Jesus? (2) What is your belief concerning "afterlife?" There are two of us on this "Christianity" Board who dare to defend such beliefs. What about the other "Christians" on this Board? (3) Is there a life after death or is the grave the finale? (4) Is God in the natural or supernatural? Heads "appear" to turn the other way when this constant barrage of "I don't respect those who believe in the supernatural; there is no afterlife; there is no supernatural." (5) DARE YOU STAND FOR THE TEACHINGS OF CHRIST as found in YOUR Bible? Thanks. Bobbye revdauphinee answered on 04/06/04: (1) What is your belief concerning the supernatural existence of God and The Son of God, Jesus? A)I believe! (2) What is your belief concerning "afterlife?" A)I believe in this also! (3) Is there a life after death or is the grave the finale? A)Most definatly there is (4) Is God in the natural or supernatural? A)Both! God is in all nature and is also supernatural (5) DARE YOU STAND FOR THE TEACHINGS OF CHRIST as found in YOUR Bible? I am but a human but with his help I try! Bobbye rated this answer MaggieB rated this answer

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hOPE12 asked on 04/06/04 - To all those wanting to know! Hello Chou, You are correct! Notice: This is for those who may not see it. Hi Chou, The name and title of the Son of God from the time of his anointing while on earth. The name Jesus (Gr., I�e�sous�) corresponds to the Hebrew name Jeshua (or, in fuller form, Jehoshua), meaning �Jehovah Is Salvation.� The name itself was not unusual, many men being so named in that period. For this reason persons often added further identification, saying, �Jesus the Nazarene.� (Mr 10:47; Ac 2:22) Christ is from the Greek Khri�stos�, the equivalent of the Hebrew Ma�shi�ach (Messiah), and means �Anointed One.� Whereas the expression �anointed one� was properly applied to others before Jesus, such as Moses, Aaron, and David (Heb 11:24-26; Le 4:3; 8:12; 2Sa 22:51), the position, office, or service to which these were anointed only prefigured the superior position, office, and service of Jesus Christ. Jesus is therefore preeminently and uniquely �the Christ, the Son of the living God.��Mt 16:16; Jesus = 1;ησούς Iisous Take Care, Hope12 revdauphinee answered on 04/06/04: Yeshua Hammesiach hOPE12 rated this answer

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arcura asked on 04/06/04 - Are ALL the 50 states of the USA wrong? HOW COULD 50 STATES BE WRONG? Somewhere along the way, the Federal Courts and the Supreme Court have misinterpreted the U. S. Constitution. How could fifty States be wrong? THIS IS VERY INTERESTING! Be sure to read the last two paragraphs. America's founders did not intend for there to be a separation of God and state, as shown by the fact that all 50 states acknowledge God in their state constitutions: Alabama 1901, Preamble. We the people of the State of Alabama, invoking the favor and guidance of Almighty God, do ordain and establish the following Constitution . Alaska 1956, Preamble. We, the people of Alaska, grateful to God and to those who founded our nation and pioneered this great land . Arizona 1911, Preamble. We, the people of the State of Arizona, grateful to Almighty God for our liberties, do ordain this Constitution... Arkansas 1874, Preamble. We, the people of the State of Arkansas, grateful to Almighty God for the privilege of choosing our own form of government... California 1879, Preamble. We, the People of the State of California, grateful to Almighty God for our freedom ... Colorado 1876, Preamble. We, the people of Colorado, with profound reverence for the Supreme Ruler of Universe. Connecticut 1818, Preamble. The People of Connecticut, acknowledging with gratitude the good Providence of God in permitting them to enjoy .. Delaware 1897, Preamble. Through Divine Goodness all men have, by nature, the rights of worshipping and serving their Creator according to the dictates of their consciences.. Florida 1885, Preamble. We, the people of the State of Florida, grateful to Almighty God for our constitutional liberty. establish this Constitution... Georgia 1777, Preamble. We, the people of Georgia, relying upon protection and guidance of Almighty God, do ordain and establish this Constitution... Hawaii 1959, Preamble. We, the people of Hawaii, Grateful for Divine Guidance ... establish this Constitution. Idaho 1889, Preamble. We, the people of the State of Idaho, grateful to Almighty God for our freedom, to secure its blessings ... Illinois 1870, Preamble. We, the people of the State of Illinois, grateful to Almighty God for the civil, political and religious liberty which He hath so long permitted us to enjoy and looking to Him for a blessing on our endeavors. Indiana 1851, Preamble. We, the People of the State of Indiana, grateful to Almighty God for the free exercise of the right to chose our form of government. Iowa 1857, Preamble. We, the People of the State of Iowa, grateful to the Supreme Being for the blessings hitherto enjoyed, and feeling our dependence on Him for a continuation of these blessings. establish this Constitution Kansas 1859, Preamble. We, the people of Kansas, grateful to Almighty God for our civil and religious privileges, establish this Constitution. Kentucky 1891, Preamble. We, the people of the Commonwealth of grateful to Almighty God for the civil, political and religious liberties... Louisiana 1921, Preamble. We, the people of the State of Louisiana, grateful to Almighty God for the civil, political and religious liberties we enjoy. Maine 1820, Preamble. We the People of Maine. acknowledging with grateful hearts the goodness of_the Sovereign Ruler of the Universe in affording us an opportunity ... and imploring His aid and direction. Maryland 1776, Preamble. We, the people of the state of Maryland, grateful to Almighty God for our civil and religious liberty.. Massachusetts 1780, Preamble. We...the people of Massachusetts, acknowledging with grateful hearts, the goodness of the Great Legislator of the Universe ... in the course of His Providence, an opportunity ..and devoutly imploring His direction .. Michigan 1908, Preamble. We, the people of the State of Michigan, grateful to Almighty God for the blessings of freedom ... establish this Constitution Minnesota, 1857, Preamble. We, the people of the State of Minnesota, grateful to God for our civil and religious liberty, and desiring to perpetuate its blessings Mississippi 1890, Preamble. We, the people of Mississippi in convention assembled, grateful to Almighty God, and invoking His blessing on our > work. Missouri 1845, Preamble. We, the people of Missouri, with profound reverence for the Supreme Ruler of the Universe, and grateful for His goodness ... establish this Constitution ... Montana 1889, Preamble. We, the people of Montana, grateful to Almighty God for the blessings of liberty. establish this Constitution... Nebraska 1875, Preamble. We, the people, grateful to Almighty God for our freedom .. establish this Constitution . Nevada 1864, Preamble. We the people of the State of Nevada, grateful to Almighty God for our freedom establish this Constitution ... New Hampshire 1792, Part I. Art. I. Sec. V. Every individual has a natural and unalienable right to worship God according to the dictates of his own conscience. New Jersey 1844, Preamble. We, the people of the State of New Jersey, grateful to Almighty God for civil and religious liberty which He hath so long permitted us to enjoy, and looking to Him for a blessing on our endeavors .. New Mexico 1911, Preamble. We, the People of New Mexico, grateful to Almighty God for the blessings of liberty .. New York 1846, Preamble. We, the people of the State of New York, grateful to Almighty God for our freedom, in order to secure its blessings. North Carolina 1868, Preamble. We the people of the State of North Carolina, grateful to Almighty God, the Sovereign Ruler of Nations, for our civil, political, and religious liberties, and acknowledging our dependence upon Him for the continuance of those .. North Dakota 1889, Preamble. We, the people of North Dakota, grateful to Almighty God for the blessings of civil and religious liberty, do ordain... Ohio 1852, Preamble. We the people of the state of Ohio, grateful to Almighty God for our freedom, to secure its blessings and to promote our common . Oklahoma 1907, Preamble. Invoking the guidance of Almighty God, in order to secure and perpetuate the blessings of liberty ... establish this.... Oregon 1857, Bill of Rights, Article I. Section 2. All men shall be secure in the Natural right, to worship Almighty God according to the dictates of their consciences.. Pennsylvania 1776, Preamble. We, the people of Pennsylvania, grateful to Almighty God for the blessings of civil and religious liberty, and humbly invoking His guidance Rhode Island 1842, Preamble. We the People of the State of Rhode Island grateful to Almighty God for the civil and religious liberty which He hath so long permitted us to enjoy, and looking to Him for a blessing South Carolina, 1778, Preamble. We, the people of he State of South Carolina. grateful to God for our liberties, do ordain and establish this Constitution. South Dakota 1889, Preamble. We, the people of South Dakota, grateful to Almighty God for our civil and religious liberties ... establish this Tennessee 1796, Art. XI.III. That all men have a natural and > indefeasible right to worship Almighty God according to the dictates of their conscience... Texas 1845, Preamble. We the People of the Republic of Texas, acknowledging, with gratitude, the grace and beneficence of God. Utah 1896, Preamble. Grateful to Almighty God for life and liberty, we establish this Constitution .. Vermont 1777, Preamble. Whereas all government ought to enable the individuals who compose it to enjoy their natural rights, and other blessings which the Author of Existence has bestowed on man ... Virginia 1776, Bill of Rights, XVI ... Religion, or the Duty which we owe our Creator ... can be directed only by Reason ... and that it is the mutual duty of all to practice Christian Forbearance, Love and Charity towards each other . Washington 1889, Preamble. We the People of the State of Washington, grateful to the Supreme Ruler of the Universe for our liberties, do ordain this Constitution ... West Virginia 1872, Preamble. Since through Divine Providence we enjoy the blessings of civil, political and religious liberty, we, the people of West Virginia . reaffirm our faith in and constant reliance upon God ... Wisconsin 1848, Preamble. We, the people of Wisconsin, grateful To Almighty God for our freedom, domestic tranquility ... Wyoming 1890, Preamble. We, the people of the State of Wyoming, grateful to God for our civil, political, and religious liberties establish this Constitution ... After reviewing acknowledgments of God from all 50 state constitutions, one is faced with the prospect that maybe, just maybe, the ACLU and the out-of-control federal courts are wrong! "Those people who will not be governed by God will be governed by tyrants.� revdauphinee answered on 04/06/04: the ACLU and the out-of-control federal courts are wrong! No maybee about it! arcura rated this answer ATON2 rated this answer paraclete rated this answer MaggieB rated this answer

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arcura asked on 04/05/04 - Th "sent" of a woman....... Questions follow...... After 17 years of marriage, a man dumped his wife for a younger woman. He wanted to continue living in their downtown luxury apartment with his new lover, so he asked his wife to move out and get another place. His wife agreed to this, provided that he would give her three days alone at the apartment to pack up her things. She spent the first day packing her belongings into boxes, crates, and suitcases. On the second day, she had the movers come and collect her things. On the third day, she sat down for the last time at their beautiful dining table by candlelight, put on some soft background music, and feasted on a pound of shrimp and a bottle of Chardonnay. When she had finished, she went into each room and deposited a few of the half-eaten shrimp shells into the hollow of the curtain rods. She then cleaned up the kitchen and left. What message was this injured woman leaving behind? In what way was it a Christian like thing to do? Do you think that the man would bring his new gal into the apartment later if she was not with him at first entry" If she was. how do you suppose the new gal would "react"? revdauphinee answered on 04/06/04: if this woman was a Christian she would have put up more of a fight to keep her marriage! and not agreed to enable him to sin so easily Uni-Agdistis rated this answer arcura rated this answer

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ROLCAM asked on 04/05/04 - EASTER 2004. I would very much like to share this site with everyone at ANSWERWAY. http://www.alighthouse.com/trilogy.htm Happy Easter 2004. ROLCAM. revdauphinee answered on 04/06/04: thaqnk you! its a great web page ROLCAM rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 04/05/04 - interesting resource site? Please peruse this site and tell me what you think. http://www.christianityfreebies.com/ revdauphinee answered on 04/05/04: went there and book marked it for later looked like a good site thanks! paraclete rated this answer

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PraiseJah asked on 04/05/04 - Dumb and dumber - me! I apologize to koinegreek for my dumb answer to his question about "barbarians" speaking in tongues. I looked up 1 Cor 13 instead of 1 Cor 14 where Paul says that those with the miraculous gifts speak as babes or children, and that those gifts would cease. So I could not figure where koinegreek got the "barbarians" from. Now I know and I feel silly. Apologies again. revdauphinee answered on 04/05/04: the "Gift" of tongues is a gift of God !Does God give gifts and then take them back?I think not 1 Corinthians 14 1. Follow the way of love and eagerly desire spiritual ((gifts,))) especially the gift of prophecy. 2. For anyone who speaks in a tongue does not speak to men but to God. Indeed, no one understands him; he utters mysteries with his spirit. 3. But everyone who prophesies speaks to men for their strengthening, encouragement and comfort. 4. He who speaks in a tongue edifies himself, but he who prophesies edifies the church. 5. I would like every one of you to speak in tongues, but I would rather have you prophesy. He who prophesies is greater than one who speaks in tongues, unless he interprets, so that the church may be edified. MaggieB rated this answer PraiseJah rated this answer Bobbye rated this answer

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PraiseJah asked on 04/04/04 - The last days or end times Do you think we are living in the time of Christ's second coming or the last days? If so what do you believe will happen according to scripture? revdauphinee answered on 04/05/04: yes I do feel we are in the last Days and even though I realise many do not I personaly believe in the rapture !and after it the seven years of tribulation before Christ returnes to the earth to rule it! I allow that there are many Christian people who do not share my views however these are my beliefs! PraiseJah rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 04/04/04 - an interesting perspective on the times and the meaning of 666 by Hadyn Olsen. Recently, after reading the account of this historic meeting between David and Goliath, I was struck by the significance of it's message concerning the end time period that we are entering into. this account speaks of the collision of two kingdoms. The kingdom of God and the kingdom of Satan. There are a number of times in the Scriptures that we witness such a dramatic encounter between these two kingdoms. We may think of the time of Moses and the exodus from Egypt, the plagues and the Red Sea. We may think of Joshua and Jericho - or Elijah on Mt. Carmel. Then of course there is the Lord Jesus Himself and the many occasions of His demonstrating the kingdom. In all these events we see something of the nature of these two opposite kingdoms, and of the superiority of God's kingdom over Satan's. We may also learn something concerning our own lives and of the conflict we face from day to day. Each of these historic events may teach us of the things God wants us to know and the victory He wants us to share. We are coming to a time when we shall witness another great collison between God's kingdom and Satan's. No doubt it shall be as great, if not greater than all the others that have preceded it. And it shall be a time when once again, God displays His all-surpassing greatness and dominion over Satan. To this end our spirit's cry, 'Come Lord Jesus'. As we read in 1 Sam. 17 of the battle between David and Goliath we can first of all see that there are three principal characters which may represent three different peoples. Firstly there is Goliath and the Philistines. They represent the world, or more specifically unredeemed, rebellious man. There is something about them which may be encompassed by the term, 'The spirit of this age'. There they stand, full of defiance and mockery. Wilfully and arrogantly railing accusations upon God and His people. They represent man, in the fullness of self power and self glory. This is the fruit of the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil come to maturity. The Pride of Life that looks down upon God from it's own lofty height. The fullness of man which seeks to be 'as God' and even to destroy all that is of God in his quest to have dominion of the earth. We may notice in the description of Goliath that there is reference to the number six. The number of man. He was six cubits in height, he had six pieces of armour, and his spearhead weighed six hundred shekels. We could say that he represents everything that the term 'anti-christ' may speak of, as he stands there mocking all that is of God and calling God's people into battle. As we look out out upon the world today we can see Goliath readying himself again. We can hear the challenges ringing out saying, 'Where is your God' and the accusations pouring forth to belittle the church and call her to war. This has always been the very essence of that antichrist spirit. The second character in this story is King Saul and his army. This group represent the people of God, but they are the people of God under the dominion of the flesh. They are a defeated company. They stand there facing Goliath, fearful, intimidated and without anointing or strength from God. We may ask, 'Why is this?.. How can it be?' How can the people of God find themselves in this kind of a situation and such a condition? The answer is, that although they are the people of God they are still ruled and controlled by the spirit of this world. They are under the dominion of King Saul - the flesh. Let us take a look at them. They stand there in all their wordly armour. They are fitted out with everything that the world counts for something. They have their horses and chariots and weapons of flesh - and of course they have their king who stands so tall above the rest. They look just like all the other nations in so many ways. I cannot help wondering how many of our denominations and church organisations are just like the armies of Saul. They are full of the ways of the world and their strength comes from money, organisation, and the power of the flesh. We see in them the same spirit of this world that promotes itself with gimmicks, sales techniques and all manner of human ability. There is also another characteristic that is common to the Saul church. That is, disobedience to the word of the Lord. King Saul cared more for the outward appearances of success and power than for obedience to God's word. He would obey God as long as it suited him and as long as it didn't threaten his own ambitions and desires to be successful in the eyes of the people. It is the same today in the denominations. Success power and outward appearances are the most important considerations. God's will and His purposes are often compromised for the sake of human interest and human traditions. For that reason they will stand alone on that day that Goliath confronts them. They will discover that Goliath is far stronger in terms of this world than they are themselves, and they will realise that they are no match for him. How frightening it will be on that day... although today they are so full of their own strength and hypnotised by their own praises and positive confessions. Thank God there is a third group in this story. It is the group that is characterised by David. Yes, David was one of the people of God. But he wasn't a part of Saul's army. In the same way today there is a third group. Tbey are scattered around. They have no special organisation or place to call their own. Yet they have two distinguishing characteristics that set them apart; They have a heart after God and... they are not of King Saul. This David company, like David of old, is small, insignificant, unimpressive and unimportant. Yet God's hand is upon them. David was out in the wilderness tending his sheep when the call came to enter into the battle lines. He was doing that which God has placed in his care - even though it was insignificant and outwardly of little importance. In the same way today there are those that ask, 'What are you doing for God? What has come of your leaving the system?' They measure everything by outward considerations and spend their lives racing around, organising great things for God, yet in the end accomplishing little. David knew nothing of Saul's ways. He hadn't been in any of Saul's training schools. He didn't know how to even polish his armour let alone wear it into battle. All David knew, he had learned out there amongst the ordinary circumstances of daily life. He had learned the simple things of truth, love and faithfulness. He had learned how to walk with God each day. But this is God's way. He always takes the lowly things, the foolish things, and the things that are not,to bring to nothing the things that are. Likewise God is preparing a people today. They are nothing now. Some have left denominations, some are still amongst them wondering why it is that they no longer feel a part of it all any more. They can no longer get excited by the latest seminar or out-reach. Instead they sigh and groan at the lack of God's presence in the church, and they are grieved by the way human power has filled the gap. When David arrived on the scene, he had no organisation backing him. There were no credentials or any such thing. There was only the anointing. God knew where He wanted David to be. God brought things together as He always does.... in the fullness of time. David could stand before Goliath because God was with him. Nothing more and nothing less. His spirit was stirred against this monster David was not afraid. He knew that there was one far greater who was standing with him. When David spoke to Goliath to challenge him, it was not so much David speaking as God Himself speaking. When David took the stone and placed it in his sling, again it was God choosing and preparing. When David sent his stone flying toward it's mark.. it was God guiding it to just the right place. Such is the way with all true ministry. It is God in man doing the work and bringing forth the fruit. There are many today who are trying to achieve great things for God. They are using all of this world's resources to try and do it. Yet God is not doing it. They imagine that human effort is the key to divine fruitfulness. They have missed God's way completely. God desires a people who are dead to man's ways and man's methods as far as kingdom work is concerned. He is preparing a people who will wait for Him, and move as He moves them, and who will work according to His power that works in them mightily. It may take Him a long time to get a man or woman to that place... yet God has time. That day is coming when that great conflict will arrive. Which company will we be a part of? Will it be Goliath's? or King Saul's?... or will it be David's? It may be hard to say right now, but the day will declare it. Nothing is surer... That day will declare it... For then we shall find ourselves in the place that our hearts have chosen. Let us call upon the Lord today, while it is still today... asking Him to change our hearts and take us into that David company. May we seek to learn to walk with God and be faithful unto all that He may call us to do. May we learn the ways of humility and be satisfied with simply living before Him each day. May we also be careful to remain free from the ways of King Saul. Praise God for His all-surpassing greatness and glory. revdauphinee answered on 04/05/04: thanks so much for contributing this here when I read ". Some have left denominations, some are still amongst them wondering why it is that they no longer feel a part of it all any more. They can no longer get excited by the latest seminar or out-reach. Instead they sigh and groan at the lack of God's presence in the church, and they are grieved by the way human power has filled the gap. It fully describes the way I feel! God bless you ! paraclete rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 04/02/04 - there ought to be limits to freedom do you agree with this statement? please reply with Biblical proof. revdauphinee answered on 04/02/04: there have always been limits 1 peter 2:13. Submit yourselves for the Lord's sake to every authority instituted among men: whether to the king, as the supreme authority, 14. or to governors, who are sent by him to punish those who do wrong and to commend those who do right. 15. For it is God's will that by doing good you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish men. 16. Live as free men, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as servants of God. 17. Show proper respect to everyone: Love the brotherhood of believers, fear God, honor the king. paraclete rated this answer

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arcura asked on 04/02/04 - Big headlines from Washington DC. What does it mean? "WASHINGTON (CNN) -- The Unborn Victims of Violence Act that President Bush signed into law this week means different things to different people." Is this new law one of morals, politics (Kerry voted against it), a threat to abortion supporters, religion, or does it give rights to the soon to be born that they did not leaglly have, or all of the above? Peace and kindness, arcura revdauphinee answered on 04/02/04: its time we did this a life is a life from the moment of conception and for those who want a choice why not make that choice before the act that causes conception.Just say no!! arcura rated this answer

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koinegreek asked on 04/02/04 - You do not understand the verse you said NO. Why? Your profile indicates limited knowledge of the bible? revdauphinee answered on 04/02/04: and you do??? Itsdb rated this answer MaggieB rated this answer

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arcura asked on 04/02/04 - A bit of history you might find informative.... In January 1936, a meeting took place between Mohandas Gandhi and Margaret Sanger. The subject of their conversation on that auspicious occasion was contraception. Mrs. Sanger was, at that time, the high priestess of the birth control movement. For her, as well as for her legion of llowers, "birth control" meant contraception. Gandhi had a different understanding of birth control. For him it meant temperance, or self-control. During their meeting, Sanger tried to convince Gandhi of the moral legitimacy of contraception. She wanted people to rely on contraceptive technology. Gandhi, who regarded the use of contraception as sinful, wanted people to rely on human virtue. He offered, therefore, a more human and less technological remedy for avoiding unwanted pregnancies. The great Hindu leader proposed a method in which the married couple would abstain from sexual union during the wife's fertile period (The Works of Gandhi, vol. iv, pp. 45-48). It may be that no two more utterly disparate world figures of the 20th century ever met to discuss a moral issue of such critical and global significance. Sanger was a libertine whose religion was pleasure. Gandhi, known as Mahatma or "Great Soul," was an ascetic who dedicated his life completely to truth and peace. He led his people in India to their political independence, and both his example and his philosophy have continued to inspire others who labor for the same goals, including Rev. Martin Luther King and his fight for civil rights. It is not an exaggeration to compare this meeting between the voluptuary and the ascetic with that between Satan and Christ after the latter had fasted for 40 days in the desert. Margaret Sanger founded Planned Parenthood in 1939 and later became honorary president of International Planned Parenthood. Drawing from her second husband's wealth, she established the Margaret Sanger Research Bureau that financed the development of the pill. Gandhi, a man of God, was entirely self-effacing. He advocated natural family planning and preached that virtuous temperance should be rooted in love. "If love is not the law of our being," he declared, "the whole fabric of my argument falls to pieces." He called the particular form of temperance he practiced and preached brahmacharya, a Sanskrit word referring to perfect control over the appetites and bodily organs. In 1924, Gandhi stated that fully and properly understood, temperance, or rahmacharya, "signifies control of all the senses at all times and places in thought, word, and deed." It includes, yet transcends, sexual restraint. It rules out violence, untruth, hate, and anger. It creates a state of even-mindedness that allows for self-transformation in God. Gandhi saw in the use of contraception the potential for man's undoing. The virtue of temperance, or brahmacharya, is needed, he felt, for man to be truly himself and to allow God to work through him. Therefore,contraception, which divorces the sexual act from its natural consequence,divides man, separating him from the meaning of his own actions. For Gandhi, contraception "simply unmans man": "I suggest that it is cowardly to refuse to face the consequences of one's acts. Persons who use contraception will never learn the value of self-restraint. They will not need it. Self-indulgence with contraceptives may prevent the coming of children, but will sap the vitality of both men and women, perhaps more of men than of women. It is unmanly to refuse battle with the devil." Pope Paul VI's Humanae Vitae (1968) echoes many of the thoughts that Gandhi expounded concerning the evils of contraception. Gandhi stated: "As it is, man has sufficiently degraded woman for his lust, and artificial methods,no matter how well-meaning the advocates may be, will still further degrade her." In Humanae Vitae, Paul VI wrote: It is also to be feared that the man, growing used to the employment of anti-conception practices, may finally lose respect for the woman, and no longer caring for her physical and psychological equilibrium, may come to the point of considering her as a mere instrument of selfish enjoyment, and no longer as his respected and beloved companion (no. 17). Gandhi advised people to use that particular part of temperance called "self-restraint" to achieve "self-transformation." Pope Paul VI underscored the importance of "self-mastery" in matters of sexuality. They both spoke of the importance of education and the cooperation of external agencies. Neither was hesitant in identifying the use of contraception as an evil and a disorder. Both saw contraception as an enemy to marriage. The distinguished British journalist, Malcolm Muggeridge, long before he became a Roman Catholic, offered a comment in praise of Humanae Vitae that may be taken as an apt comment on the 1936 discussion between Gandhi and Sanger: "One of the things I admired the Church for so much was Humanae Vitae. I think it's absolutely right that when a society doesn't want children, when it's prepared to accept eroticism unrelated in any way to its purpose, then it's on the downward path." The paths of temperance, or brahmacharya, and eroticism most assuredly do not move in the same direction. As current history has indicated, the former leads to a culture of life, while the latter leads to a culture of death. <><><><> Dr. DeMarco is a professor of philosophy at St. Jerome's College in Waterloo, Ontario. He is the author of The Many Faces of Virtue and The Heart of Virtue revdauphinee answered on 04/02/04: God does not believe in birth controll Genesis 38:8. Then Judah said to Onan, "Lie with your brother's wife and fulfill your duty to her as a brother-in-law to produce offspring for your brother." 9. But Onan knew that the offspring would not be his; so whenever he lay with his brother's wife, he spilled his semen on the ground to keep from producing offspring for his brother. 10. What he did was wicked in the LORD's sight; so he put him to death also. arcura rated this answer ATON2 rated this answer paraclete rated this answer

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darkstar asked on 04/02/04 - family problems Expert statistics Member since: 19/10/2002 i found this over at wetell you and it is about the subject matter of a recent post on the christianity board here, i moved it here because it is not appropriate on the christanity board. the girl and her husband had their pics posted on a web site, i will cut and paste also but have since removed them i guess because they are afraid? to have otheres see what the 'mother' here is concerned about. i have one more thing about this to cut and paste from answerway...in case anyone wants interesting reading or should i say tragic reading. Subject: Comments on Akenaten's recent posts Harmonyhill's question in Christianity has been answered by Ronnie_bray . This is an answer to a Question Board question. Harmonyhill has asked on 1/4/2004 : Akenaten, if you know my daughter, tell her for me, I love her. Hi all, Some of you remember my daughter "SexyRain". She started out online as GodSweetPrincess. . She was all my heart's desire growing up. She was MY princess. In fact, that is what I called her most of the time. Others called her Beth. . Neither her father or I are perfect people but we both lover her, and always will. . Because of some things that have happened in my family, I assumed the recent repeated postings (or should I say rantings) have been posted by my daughter's husband. I asked him about it and he cussed me out saying (WTF!!)that neither of them know anything about it and he in fact assumed I am just trying to start problems with them and should just probably block my email from his account, (though it is already blocked from my daughter's account as well as all others in the family). . The reality of the situation is that I stopped trying to get my daughter out of that situation over 7 months ago. I ACCEPT IT. Of course, when I first found out that my daughter was with a man just a couple years younger than myself, that she met on the internet when in fact I thought she was with her father, yes, I had a hard time with it. . She and her older brother went to see their father in Texas, or so that is what me and her father (and brother)thought....... She was 17 when she left my house with her brother, a few days before her 18th birthday. The next thing we (her father and I) know, we get phone calls. Beth called her father from a cell phone in a car on the way out of town saying good-bye to her dad. I got a call shortly after that from Beth telling me that she had run off with the man she met online, but now she is 18 and we can't do anything about it. . Not long after that, she sends me an email with a picture of herself that looked to me like she has a black eye. I shared the picture with a few different people to see if they could see she has a black eye or not. It looked like a black eye, not to mention her vampire fangs. Was I worried? Was her father worried? Oh my God, you believe it. YES. We feared for our daughter. . She had showed very poor judgment in the time since her older brother was killed. Though she was an honor student and in advanced programs, earning college credits and holding a paid position with the school district as a kindergarten teacher, she plotted with an older man online for her to run away to New York to be with him. This is during the months preceding her running off with and marrying the man she is with now. . She convinced her father and I that she needed to drop out of school to be with me, she needed me now more than ever and had a problem that she could only let me help her with. Not really understanding, and having exhausted ourselves trying to figure out the nature of her distress, we decided to let her drop out and continue her studies with a distance learning program at home with me giving her the support she said she needed. . That was all a lie. All the while, she was plotting online with an adult pedophile to met him. I busted them finally, I caught them. I was beginning to get suspicious. She was acting different and wanted to go to the mall, alone and from there she said she wanted to go spend the night at a friend's house, and possibly might decide to just spend the weekend there. . I did not know yet what she was up to, but I sensed it was something. So, I suggested we go shopping together, then afterward, since I am a friend of the girl's mother, I could go over there too and she and her little friend could have their fun while I sat and visited with her mom. Beth freaked. Absolutely not she said. So I said okay, um, hm. I'll just do the Mall part with you, then when we are done shopping, I'll go home and you can go on to your friend's house. NOOOO!!!! Oh she was getting pissed. She really wasn't even going to go to the mall. She was going down to the corner to catch a cab to the air port. . Shorten the story a little--- that was in January of this year. When she got back from New York, I had a hard time not turning this man in to the authorities but I didn't. I had my hands full dealing with my daughter and trying to take care of her and meeting her medical needs and making sure she was okay. Besides the constant daily struggle to get her to finish her studies, and medical appointments to check for STD's and pregnancy, I began to teach her other responsibilities too like having a job and knowing how to clean the bathroom, kitchen and laundry. Though I did not call her any of the names suggested in the recent posts, I did have talks with her describing behaviors and she labeled them with names. She wanted to be an adult, so I wanted to teach her the responsibilities of an adult. She put her money in a savings account, saving to buy a car. She was the baby of the family and her responsibilities during her growing up mainly involved just getting to her lessons and church club activities. She had been very active at church and in fact went on a couple missions to Belize two years in a row in addition to many many other church group activities. She earned a letter in swimming and was in the top ten CA swimmers in the whole state of TX. . She was a pleasure, she was my princess. I did not slap her around as the post suggests. I do not have uncontrolled mental illness. Her father was devastated by what happened with her, as well, so are her brothers. Not that long ago, my oldest son was killed (her brother) we have all had a hard time getting past that. Her father has struggled with Manic Depression, though he is a wonderful man and a good father, stress at times has triggered an episode of mental illness with him. He remained stable through the death and mourning of James' death. He did not hold up quite so well at the news of his daughters situation--> yes even knowing it is her choice, it is difficult for us. He did visit them at their abode but alas, was extremely uncomfortable and remains concerned, rightly so or not..... . THIS IS REALLY NOBODYS BUSINESS BUT IN CASE MY DAUGHTER SEES IT, I want her to know I LOVE YOU. YOUR FATHER LOVES YOU. . If you say you are happy, I believe you. If you are having the life you want, I am HAPPY FOR YOU. I wish you would call or write, there are some things I think you would want to know. I WILL ALWAYS LOVE YOU. . Harmonyhill/Sharlene revdauphinee answered on 04/02/04: I have included this whole family in my prayers and would ask others do do likewise Dorothy bal317 rated this answer darkstar rated this answer MaggieB rated this answer

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koinegreek asked on 04/02/04 - Is it barbarian to speak in tongues? 1Cor 14:11 Therefore if I know not the meaning of the voice, I shall be unto him that speaketh a barbarian, and he that speaketh [shall be] a barbarian unto me. revdauphinee answered on 04/02/04: do you read anything barbaric into the following? Acts19:6 the Holy Spirit came on them, and they spoke in tongues and prophesied. however I personaly feel that tonues should be reserved for talkin to God who understands!for we are admonished that it will not help to speak to nonbelievers in tongues. 1 corinthians 14: 16. If you are praising God with your spirit, how can one who finds himself among those who do not understand say "Amen" to your thanksgiving, since he does not know what you are saying? 17. You may be giving thanks well enough, but the other man is not edified. 18. I thank God that I speak in tongues more than all of you. 19. But in the church I would rather speak five intelligible words to instruct others than ten thousand words in a tongue. Bobbye rated this answer koinegreek rated this answer

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HANK1 asked on 04/02/04 - SOMETHING TO CONSIDER! "People ask, "How can you be friends with someone you've never met?" I tell them, " You've never been online I bet!" "It's something people offline will never understand. You open up your heart to friendship with your typing hands. "It's a world full friendship at your finger tips, there is so much online, it only takes a heart to reach people with your touch. "First you start out online, surfing all around. Next thing you know a great friend will be found. "You will chat a lot and surf cyber space. Soon it will be your second home, a comforting, special place. "A Friend to share your dreams and your tears and to help each other wipe away life's fears. "You will share life together and help each other along You will make it thru bad weather because friendship is so strong. "No matter how far apart you go, your keyboards will keep you together, and in your heart you will know you don't need a face to be a true friend forever. "So, How do you explain this to people who've never been online? I guess it takes a gesture of friendship & a little bit of time. "So let's start by posting on the board and passing our special touch. A smile, a gesture starts it all becoming friends doesn't take much." �Cherokee & Kallie from Beliefnet.com Any comments? HANK revdauphinee answered on 04/02/04: I have a best friend I have yet to meet in person Christ! where would we be if we could only care for those wed met?? 1 Peter : 8. Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, HANK1 rated this answer

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akenaten asked on 04/02/04 - how do you stop a mother from lying about her daughter? Hi. My question is this... How do you stop a mother from lying about and degrading her child simply because SHE doesn't like the child's choice? Why do parents feel the need to lie to others about their children just to gain self-worth? What kind of parent would openly bash and condemn their child? Before I start, let me point out that my friend is 18, and of legal age to make her own decisions, and has chosen FREELY to follow her actions, and is VERY happy with the results, and VERY much in love. My friends mother who claims to be a devout religious person, yet openly criticizes christianity and all other religions as cults and lunacy has been telling people that her marriage to her husband was a satanic ritual, and making a point to openly lie to other people who she both does and does not know, in order to gain their favor and try to gain sympathy for herself. The truth is in fact, she (my friends mother) is the one that has the problem and should be seeking mental help for her condition. She professes to be an expert on virtually every subject, when in reality she knows nothing at all about what she is saying nor about whom she is standing in judgment against. She is someone that has her own life in such a shambles, that she shouldn't be giving advice to anyone, because she can't even apply her own advice to her own life and family. She has acted most horribly against both my friend and her husband in spite of the fact that they both have been MORE than kind to her. She has condemned them, lied about them, spread rumors in an effort to cause them legal problems, and all for the simple fact that she herself has serious emotional and mental problems that she will not face nor seek help for. She has blamed them for things that have happened in my friends fathers life that he himself has told them and me that they were of his own making, and were in fact the results of his own bad choices, and had nothing at all to do with my friend nor her husband. My friends mother tells people that he had a nervous breakdown because of my friends actions, when in fact, the truth is that his relationship with his ex-girlfriend were the cause of his downfall, as well as drinking and drug usage, as he himself has openly told me and them both. My friends mom has even gone so far as to take texts of emails and conversations that she and my friend had and edited her words, changing them to HER OWN words to make it look like my friend is unhappy and in fear, in an attempt to deceive her (the mom) friends (who know nothing about my friend and her husband nor know either of them personally) to call and make false police reports against her husband in order to create problems for him. When my friend lived with her mother, her mother often called her names like b**ch, wh*re, sl*t, and many other things. Her mother would often strike my friend for no reason, other than the fact that she (the mother) was either high, drunk, or in a bad mood. She would tell my friend that she was a bad child, and disrespectful, and all kinds of things. My friend is none of these things. She has NEVER been sexually promiscuous, NEVER stayed out all night, run the streets, or anything like that. My friend would go to work, come home at night, cook, clean house, and basically be a model child. My friend does not use drugs or alcohol. (in spite of the fact that her mother was using her child support to do so) Basically, my friend has done nothing to deserve this treatment from her mother. How can this lady even claim to be a mother? Can she not see how much it hurts and damages a child for a parent who is supposed to love their child unconditionally to treat their child like this? Her mother has a long history of mental disorders and has been diagnosed with severe depression, bipolar disorder, and anxiety disorders before, and should be taking prescribed medication for the same, yet she refuses to do so and claims she is ok, when obviously this is not the case. I have seen a number of posts on many answer websites that she has written about my friend and her husband, openly condemning them, and ALL have been total BS on her part. My friend and her husband have repeatedly asked her to stop talking about them, stop spreading lies and rumors, and have even considered going to an attorney and the police themselves to file charges on her for slander and deprivation of character. They have proof of all the things her mom has said, as well as proof of her editing emails, and have it printed out for the local authorities to examine if needed. As far as their marriage being a satanic ritual, this too is one of her insane ravings. Their marriage was done at the Renaissance Festival, and was in fact a druidic ceremony, as is done in England and Scotland, and has NOTHING to do with satanism or anything else. It was in fact a simple handfasting ceremony, but my friends mom, being a self proclaimed expert doesn't even have the sense to look it up or maybe she would realize how ridiculous and phony her claims are, and how ignorant she makes herself appear to the ones who know the truth. Most people know and understand that there are many other faiths besides just christianity, and many ways to perform marriage ceremonies, and simply because they chose a different way does NOT mean it was a satanic ritual nor that it is because they are in a "cult" as she puts it. My friend told me many times that they had honestly hoped to have a good relationship with her mother, like the one they have with her father, who comes and visits them at times and has even stayed in their home and been supported by them for over a month and seen for himself that they are truly happy together. Her father has even told her mother this, yet she still tells people lies about them, and will NOT stop. My friend has told me that both her and her husband truly wish the best for her mom, but if she does not stop her lies and get some help, their only option is to totally alienate her from their life, and possibly seek legal action against her because her negativity is becoming more than they deserve and should have to deal with. As I am sure she too will see this post, I ask you to leave it up so the other members of this site can see the TRUTH about this, and not be biased by my friends mothers views, stories, and comments, since she has been lying to you all about it. If she is going to continue to condemn and harass them with this kind of mess, I would at least like the other people here to know the truth, so they can be objective in their reaction and not taken in by the BS that my friends mom is feeding them. Thank you! Best wishes to all, and thanks for your help in answering my question about how to stop this mess, and understanding the hell my friends mother is trying to create in their life because of her own selfish feelings, mental illnesses, and self-condemnation. A very concerned friend. revdauphinee answered on 04/02/04: first since I know neither of these folks let me tell you that 18 is while legal still far to young to marry,most folks believe it or not dont reach true maturity till they are 30. second whil it may have been a legal ceremony a druidic ceremony (and I myself am of English birth is not common in England)) and while it may not be satanic it certainly is far from Christian!So myself if this were my child I also would be terribly upset with her .However the damage being done, the thing to try and do is make the best of a bad situation and if you truly are her friend then I recomend you not down her mom to her for time changes all things and in time this young lady may need her family !believe me the old addage blood is thicker than water is true if you step in betweenthis mother and her daughter you may end up on he loosing side eventualy! akenaten rated this answer darkstar rated this answer

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ATON2 asked on 04/01/04 - What can be done??? He's Baaaaaaakkkk! And my first question was actually raised by an Episcopalian priest. What can be done "to liberate Christianity from legalism, literalism and lethergy" and make it a viable belief system for 21st Century man????? My own computer is crippled, and I may have to shoot it....so my postings will be sporadic for a while. Try not to get suicidal over it :) :) :) Missed most of you!! ATON revdauphinee answered on 04/02/04: . What can be done "to liberate Christianity from legalism, literalism and lethergy" Go Back to the true teachings of Jesus and let go of all the denominationalism! ATON2 rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 04/01/04 - Barbaric behaviour? In one place in Scripture there is refereence to the barbarian. Could it be that the people referred to are those who today inhabit central Iraq. How could any group claiming to follow a righteous God behave in the manner of these Iraqi's. Killing an enemy is understandable, even if these killings are a little incomprehensible to us at such a distance, but to dismember the corpes and parade them through the town, brings such thoughts of disgust and a feeling that such people are beyond redemption. The Scripture speaks of judgement on many detestable practices, particularly in regard to these lands, and I wonder; will God again curse this land and make it even more of a wasteland than it already is because of such detestable practices. revdauphinee answered on 04/01/04: all these horrible things are leading up to thr time of Christs return. wich I fell and pray will not be long ATON2 rated this answer paraclete rated this answer

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hOPE12 asked on 03/31/04 - Please give your opinion: Hello again, In our families, each member has certain responsibilties towards the family. 1- The husband works and is head of the houssehold and he supports the family. 2- The wife either works and the husband and wife take care of household chores and the children together or the wife is a stay home mom thereby providing for her household and spoken of in proverbs chapter 31. 3- Children go to school and learn and obey their parents. (hopefully) We all live here on this earth and it is our joint home. God has placed us here and he also must have responsibilties that he requires each of us to care for. What do you feel your responsibilties that God requires of you, perosnally? How does he want you to care for our earthly home and those who are part of our human family? Take care, Hope12 revdauphinee answered on 03/31/04: he wants us to tell others how much he loves them! hOPE12 rated this answer

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hOPE12 asked on 03/31/04 - Draw Close to God? Hello my Fellow experts, How is everyone this fine day? I have been thinking of things that I can do to draw close to God. We never can be too close to God. What are some of the ways that you personally draw close to God? Thanks Hope12 revdauphinee answered on 03/31/04: spend time in prayer, the best way to get to know anyone is to spend time talking to them! hOPE12 rated this answer

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HANK1 asked on 03/30/04 - SPAMMING! Not again! Something's got to give ... else we're going to lose more Experts and Users! Take my word for it! Shades of AskMe! I suggest that this person 'knock it off' PDQ! HANK revdauphinee answered on 03/31/04: I for one agree with you i would hate to see this site end up like ask me did !but some folks just enjoy doing thisI guess it makes them feel powerfull to destroy good helpfull sites! HANK1 rated this answer

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kindj asked on 03/30/04 - So how come... Earlier today, I posted the following: >>"Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming -- WOW-- What a Ride!" -Author Unknown Do you think that this may actually be what God meant for us, to totally enjoy life? Is it possible to so completely and fully live life within the boundaries He has set for us?<< Here are some of the responses I've received (sorry if I missed a couple, the ol' noggin isn't up to 100 percent today): "HI k, OF COURSE!!! YES, A THOUSAND TIMES YES!!" "Of course God wants us to enjoy the life he gives us did he not say "I came that they may have life, and may have it abundantly."" "Hello: YES. We only get one chance to walk on this earth as is.This body we have is temporary, it turns when we die, dust to dust and ashes to ashes." "GOD SAID IN HIS WORD, "TODAY I HAVE SET BEFORE YOU LIFE AND DEATH, THEREFORE CHOSE LIFE."" So now I wonder, why do so many Christians live their lives angry, judgmental, uncaring, somber, and having absolutely zero fun whatsoever? How can we make these people see? DK revdauphinee answered on 03/31/04: It never ceases to amaze me how some folks think if your a Christian you have to be dour and misserable they say we as christians cant do anything that is fun!what they dont realize is that a Christian can do anything they want to! Its just hat there want to's Change! kindj rated this answer

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sapphire630 asked on 03/30/04 - A break from all dem Englus lessin's You know you are from Louisiana if... * The crawdad mounds in your front yard have overtaken the grass. * You greet people with "Howzyamomma'an'dem?" and hear back "Dey fine!" * Every so often, you have waterfront property. * When giving directions you use words like "uptown", "downtown", "backatown", "riverside", "lakeside", "other side of the bayou" or "other side of the levee. * When you refer to a geographical location "way up North", you are referring to places like Shreveport, Little Rock or Memphis, "where it gets real cold"! * You can pronounce Tchoupitoulas but can't spell it. (also, Thibideaux, Opelousas, Ponchartrain, Ouachita, Atchafalaya,) * You judge a po-boy by the number of napkins used. * The waitress at your local sandwich shop tells you a fried oyster po-boy "dressed" is healthier than a Caesar salad. * You know the definition of "dressed". * You can eat Popeye's, Haydel's and Zapp's for lunch and wash it down with Barq's and several Abitas, without losing it all on your stoop. * The four seasons in your year are: crawfish, shrimp, crab and King Cake. * You "wrench" your hands in the sink with an onion bar to get the crawfish smell off. * You go by "ya-mom-en-`dems" on Good Friday for family supper. * You don't learn until high school that Mardi Gras is not a national holiday. * You don't realize until high school what a "county" is. * You push little old ladies out of the way to catch Mardi Gras beads. * You believe that purple, green and gold look good together (and you will even eat things those colors) * You go to buy a new winter coat (what most people refer to as windbreakers) and throw your arms up in the air to make sure it allows enough room to catch Mardi Gras beads. * Your last name isn't pronounced the way it's spelled. * You have spent a summer afternoon on the Lake Pontchartrain seawall catching blue crabs. * You like your rice and politics dirty. * You pronounce the largest city in the state as "Nawlins". * A friend gets in trouble for roaches in his car and you wonder if it was palmettos or those little ones that go after the French Fries that fell under the seat. * You know those big roaches can fly, but you're able to sleep at night anyway. * You prefer skiing on the bayou. * You assume everyone has mosquito swarms in their backyard. * You realize the rainforest is less humid than Louisiana. Cajun 12 days of Christmas........ Day 1 Dear Emile, Thanks for da bird in the Pear tree. I fixed it las night with dirty rice an it was delicious. I doan tink the Pear tree would grow in de swamp, so I swapped it for a Satsuma. Day 2 Dear Emile, Your letter said you sent 2 turtle dove, but all I got was 2 scrawny pigeon. Anyway, I mixed them with andouille and made some gumbo out of dem. Day 3 Dear Emile, Why doan you sen me some crawfish? I'm tired of eating dem darned bird. I gave two of those prissy French chicken to Mrs.Fontenot over at Grand Chenier, and fed the tird one to my dog, Phideaux. Mrs. Fontenot needed some sparring partners for her fighting rooster. Day 4 Dear Emile, Mon Dieux! I tole you no more of dem bird. Deez four, what you call "calling bird" wuz so noisy you could hear dem all da' way to Lafayette. I used they necks for my crab traps, and fed the rest of dem to the gators. Day 5 Dear Emile, You finally sent something useful. I liked dem golden rings, me. I hocked dem at da' pawn shop in Sulphur and got enough money to fix the shaft on my shrimp boat, and to buy a round for da boys at the Raisin' Cane Lounge. Merci Beaucoup! Day 6 Dear Emile, Couchon! Back to da birds, you coonass turkey! Poor egg sucking Phideaux is scared to death ah dem six goose. He try to eat they eggs and they pecked the heck out ah his snout. Dem goose are damm good at eating cockroach around da' house, though. I may stuff one ah dem goose with erster dressing to serve him on Christmas Day. Day 7 Dear Emile, I'm gonna wring your fool neck next time I see you. Ole Boudreaux, da mailman, is ready to kill you, too. The crap from all dem bird is stinkin up his mailboat. He afraid someone will slip on dat stuff and gonna sue him. I let dem seven swan loose to swim on da bayou and some stupid duck hunter from Mississippi done blasted dem out da water. Talk to you tomorrow. Day 8 Dear Emile, Poor ole Boudreaux had to make 3 trips on his mailboat to deliver dem 8 maids-a-milking & a! ! mp; der cows. One of dem cows got spooked by da alligators and almost tipped over da boat. I doan like dem shiftless maids, me. I told dem to get to work gutting fish and sweeping my shack--but dey say it wasn't in their contract. They probably tink they too good to skin all dem nutria I caught las night. Day 9 Dear Emile, What you trying to do? Boudreaux had to borrow da Cameron Ferry to carry these jumping twits you call lords-a-leaping across da bayou. As soon as dey got here dey wanted a tea break and crumpets. I doan know what dat means but I says, "Well la di da. You get Chicory coffee or nuthin." Mon Dieux, Emile, what I'm gonna feed all these bozos? They too snooty for fried nutria, and da cow ate up all my turnip green. Day 10 Dear Emile, You got to be out of you mind. If da mailman don't kill you, I will. Today he deliver 10 half nekkid floozies from Bourbon Street. Dey said they be ladies dancing" but they doan act like ladies in front of dem Limey sailing boys. Dey almost left after one of them got bit by a water moccasin over by my out- house. I had to butcher 2 cows to feed toute le monde (everybody) and get toilet paper rolls. The Sears catalog wasn't good enough for dem hoity toity lords. Talk at you tomorrow. Day 11 Dear Emile, Where Y'at? Cherio and pip pip. You 11 Pipers Piping arrived today from the House of Blues, second lining as dey got off da boat. We fixed stuffed goose and beef jumbalaya, finished da whiskey, and we're having a fais-do-do. Da' new mailman drank a bottle of Jack Daniel, and he's having a good old time dancing with the floozies. Da' old mailman done jump off the Moss Bluff Bridge yesterday, screaming you name. If you happen to get a mysterious-looking, ticking package in da mail, don't open it. Day 12 Dear Emile, Me I'm sorry to tell you--but I am not your true love anymore. After the fais-do-do, I spent da night with Jacque, the head piper. We decide to open a restaurant and gentlemen's club on the bayou. The floozies--pardon me--ladies dancing can make $20 for a table dance, and the lords can be the waiters and valet park da boats. Since da' maids have no more cows to milk, I trained dem to set my crab traps, watch my trotlines, and run my shrimping business. We'll probably gross a million dollars next year. revdauphinee answered on 03/31/04: living in southern Mississippi and having a name like Dauphinee I understood every word of it! sapphire630 rated this answer

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hOPE12 asked on 03/30/04 - To my Fello Experts: Hello Experts: Do some people have Artificial intelligence? To reason, to understand, to discover meaning, to deal with unfamiliar circumstances, and to make decisions�these are things usually associated with the human mind. The ability to do these and many other tasks is what intelligence is all about. Ever since the 17th century, scientists have been dreaming of a �thinking machine� that could solve mathematical and logical problems. However, it was not until the advent of the electronic computer in the mid-1950�s that the dream began to take on substance. Most of us are familiar with the computer�s ability to store, retrieve, and process large amounts of information at great speed. Because of this, computers are used in accounting and bookkeeping; handling files, catalogs, indexes, and so forth. In all these operations, raw data is fed into the computer�s memory, and the computer is given a set of instructions, or program, on what to do with the data. In a computer used for accounting, for example, the machine may be programmed to process all the information at the end of the month to produce bills and statements for all the accounts. Of course, it takes a certain kind of intelligence to do the kind of work described. Essentially, however, such systems merely follow a predetermined set of steps, specified by humans, until the job is accomplished. If something is missing or has gone wrong during the course of operation, the machine stops and waits for further instructions from the human operator. Such machines can be said to be efficient but hardly intelligent. Computers with artificial intelligence, Today, expert systems are being used in various aspects of medicine, computer design, mineral prospecting, accounting, investment management, space flight, and so on. Computer scientists are working on expert systems that can process not just one if-then situation at a time but many such operations simultaneously, as does the human mind. Also under development are systems that can �see,� �hear,� and �speak,� albeit in a limited way. All of this has caused concern in some circles. Will computers become as smart as, or even smarter than, man? Is this possible? Also can man become as a computer, full of book knowledge but not able to use it wisely or in certain circumstances without turning back to the instruction manual? Can a person be over knowledgeable to the point of not being able to communicate in a logical and coherent manner? Is it possible for a person to have an abundance of book knowledge but yet lack the intelligence on how to use it to benefit themselves and others? Would this not be Artificial intelligence also? What do you think? Take care, Hope12 revdauphinee answered on 03/30/04: i am beging to know the meaning of the following Ecclesiastes 1:18 b he that increaseth knowledge increaseth sorrow. it gives me sorrow to see what is happening here! hOPE12 rated this answer

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koinegreek asked on 03/30/04 - Uni_ has brought forth an English question? Is Uni_ right or wrong in his English usage? I even gave the English RULES..... Uni_ wrong again! Source English rules: 1. A verb must at all times agree with its subject in both person and number. 2. Most indefinite pronouns require singular verbs. 3. Prepositional phrases following indefinite pronouns usually do not influence verb number. 4. Additionally, singular subjects joined by AND require a singular verb...Where did you learn your English? In MY question WAS Adam AND Eve common law partners? A married couple. A couple ARE married? HEHE, wrong. A couple is married? hehe, English is your poor taeee. Sorry. revdauphinee answered on 03/30/04: dear Lord what must one do to cause this to end?? kindj rated this answer paraclete rated this answer Uni-Agdistis rated this answer VisionsInBlue rated this answer

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hOPE12 asked on 03/30/04 - Please can you answer this for me? To all our very intellegent Experts: Why is it that certain ones need to be on stage at all times? Who cares what another persons abilities are and are not. Don't we prove who we are by our actions? Why would someone feel that they need to put others below themselves? Does God think of one above another? What do you think? Does God feel that we are better because we speak a language and the other person does not? Take Care, Hope12 revdauphinee answered on 03/30/04: My feelings exactly!!I appreciate that God gives us all talents and this is great but we are to use them to benefit others an not to Lord it over them and cause anyone to feel inferior! hOPE12 rated this answer

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kindj asked on 03/30/04 - This is kinda cool-- "Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming -- WOW-- What a Ride!" -Author Unknown Do you think that this may actually be what God meant for us, to totally enjoy life? Is it possible to so completely and fully live life within the boundaries He has set for us? Just curious what your thoughts are. DK revdauphinee answered on 03/30/04: Of course God wants us to enjoy the life he gives us did he not say "I came that they may have life, and may have it abundantly." kindj rated this answer

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koinegreek asked on 03/29/04 - Who understands English & an English question on this site? I was invited to spend over a half-day with kindergardener's, today. They asked ME questions and I answered them. I did not give them MY opinion or hard luck story. I asked THEM questions and THEY answered them. They did not give me their opinion or hard luck story. They know a question and an answer! Remember this is English in kindergarden! The teacher asked them questions and they answered. They asked the teacher questions and she answered. SYNONYMS: ask, question, inquire, query, interrogate, examine, quiz These verbs mean to seek information. Ask is the most neutral term. "Question implies careful and continuous asking. Inquire refers to a simple request for information." Query usually suggests settling a doubt. Interrogate applies especially to official questioning. Examine refers particularly to close and detailed questioning to ascertain a person's knowledge or qualifications. Quiz denotes the informal examination of students. I signed-on to answerway.com and found NO ANSWERS, but I had posted questions as defined by English. English DEFINES �question� as careful and continuous asking. As an expert on answerway.com, do you agree or disagree with the English definition of �question?� How many questions did Jesus ask Simon in John 21:14 to end of chapter? Please no partial answers. SYNONYMS: answer, fill, fulfill, meet1. These verbs mean to supply fully or completely. revdauphinee answered on 03/30/04: for you information I need no English lessons from you having recieved them in My school in England !I fully understand the usage so do not thank you for your clarifications or definitions!if you need to know what jesus said here is the chapter ,try reading it! John 21 14. This was now the third time Jesus appeared to his disciples after he was raised from the dead. 15. When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, "Simon son of John, do you truly love me more than these?" "Yes, Lord," he said, "you know that I love you." Jesus said, "Feed my lambs." 16. Again Jesus said, "Simon son of John, do you truly love me?" He answered, "Yes, Lord, you know that I love you." Jesus said, "Take care of my sheep." 17. The third time he said to him, "Simon son of John, do you love me?" Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, "Do you love me?" He said, "Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you." Jesus said, "Feed my sheep. 18. I tell you the truth, when you were younger you dressed yourself and went where you wanted; but when you are old you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will dress you and lead you where you do not want to go." 19. Jesus said this to indicate the kind of death by which Peter would glorify God. Then he said to him, "Follow me!" 20. Peter turned and saw that the disciple whom Jesus loved was following them. (This was the one who had leaned back against Jesus at the supper and had said, "Lord, who is going to betray you?") 21. When Peter saw him, he asked, "Lord, what about him?" 22. Jesus answered, "If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you? You must follow me." 23. Because of this, the rumor spread among the brothers that this disciple would not die. But Jesus did not say that he would not die; he only said, "If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you?" 24. This is the disciple who testifies to these things and who wrote them down. We know that his testimony is true. 25. Jesus did many other things as well. If every one of them were written down, I suppose that even the whole world would not have room for the books that would be written. MaggieB rated this answer paraclete rated this answer

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XCHOUX asked on 03/29/04 - Religions by Number of Adherents Worldwide Intresting? 1. Christianity: 2 Billion 2. Islam: 1.3 Billion 3. Hinduism: 900 Million 4. Secular/Atheist/Agnostic: 850 Million 5. Buddhism: 360 Million 6. Chinese Traditional: 225 Million 12.Judaism: 14 Million 15.Shinto: 4 Million A new religion is Jedi, in Australia has 70,000 followers. revdauphinee answered on 03/29/04: A new religion is Jedi, in Australia has 70,000 followers. I havent heard of this one what are their beliefs?? XCHOUX rated this answer paraclete rated this answer

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kindj asked on 03/29/04 - Here's another guy's take-- Here's what another guy thinks about the Israel/Yassin situation. He may be kind of famous, but his opinion is that of just an ordinary guy. Makes a lot of sense to me, though. >>Defending Ourselves A couple of days ago Israeli forces sought out and killed a Palestinian named Yassim. He was a pathetic figure, small, emaciated and confined to a wheelchair. Yet under those innocent looking white robes he wore beat the heart of a wanton terrorist. He was the founder of Hamas and responsible for the murder of hundreds of innocent Jewish women and children, masterminding an untold number of suicide raids against the Israelis. Yet when the Jews finally take him out world opinion runs from caustic criticism to outrage. How dare the Israelis retaliate, how dare they take out a terrorist who was dedicated body and soul to their destruction. Well I don�t care what the rest of the world says, I say, way to go Israel, we could take a lesson from you in this country. What it comes down to is do we destroy our enemies or do we sit back and let our enemies destroy us? And believe me folks, it�s going to be one way or the other, there is no middle ground. Too long the U.S.A. has yielded to world opinion and political correctness and the inane and feeble edicts of the United Nations. Too long we have ignored our enemies until we find them on our doorstep. There are parts of the world that are not going to like America no matter what we do. We could consign fifty percent of our gross national product to them and they would still criticize and hate us. One of the things which appalls me most is that there are so many people in this country who just don�t get it. They think that if we leave the terrorists alone they�ll leave us alone, that if we placate them they will go away. Well nothing could be farther from the truth. They�re never going to leave us alone no matter what we do and every little acquiescence is interpreted by them as weakness and in reality, it really is. There are those who say that America has brought this on herself, that we are a mean and malevolent nation who rides roughshod over the rest of the world. There are even those who would side with the Palestinians who say that we were complicit in the assasination of Yassim. The Palestinians say that they are going to hold the U.S.A. accountable and start terrorist attacks on American soil and interests. Well I for one think that at the very first sign of Palestinian terrorism that a few well placed bombs in the Bekah valley might be in order along with the immediate cutting of all aid to them. But the best thing we could do is to encourage the Israelis to take the gloves off. They know how to deal with terrorism and are ready and willing to do it if their only ally would just get out of the way and let them have at it. Pray for our troops. God Bless America. Charlie Daniels<< DK revdauphinee answered on 03/29/04: I am in total agreement with you who says that if you are in a wheelchair you cannot be evil?? kindj rated this answer STONY rated this answer

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HANK1 asked on 03/28/04 - LUKE 22:1-6 The most striking thing about this text is the fact that both Judas and the Jewish leaders were afraid of the people. Why? Those seeking to do away with Jesus were afraid of others in the community. Would you agree or disagree that today just the opposite seems to be true -- that there are Christians who are fearful because of those who hate Christ? In spite of religious persecution, what, or who, is our anchor? (See Matt. 5:11-12 and John 16:33) HANK revdauphinee answered on 03/29/04: for the ones who are fearfull it is good to remember Isaiah 54 17. no weapon forged against you will prevail, and you will refute every tongue that accuses you. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and this is their vindication from me," declares the LORD. HANK1 rated this answer

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HANK1 asked on 03/28/04 - I KNOW THE ANSWER! Out of the last ten questions posted on this Board, seven have been posted by one Expert! I don't need this! Do you? HANK revdauphinee answered on 03/29/04: so true but when they re (or think they are )so much smarter than the rest of us what can one do?? HANK1 rated this answer Toms777 rated this answer

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koinegreek asked on 03/28/04 - Digging the roots of love: agamai, philos. Get your shovels? agamia, admire a person; to be delighted with a person; wonder at one's doing; agamia, root of agapaO. How shallow were your roots? Please explain? philos, love; root of phileO. Are you ready to break your silence? revdauphinee answered on 03/29/04: here we go again!gee your such a well educated person unfortuatly we are not impressed

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koinegreek asked on 03/28/04 - Fr_chuck on becoming a "child of God"? Fr_chuck, a priest, said the following is how he teaches/instructs to become a "child of God." "By presenting the way of the cross, the story of Jesus crucified for thier sins. only by faith in him are you saved. No speical knowledge of teachings. The early church had no bibles, no written text and they converted people when it could mean death," end of quote. Is this what the N.T. teaches to become a "child of God?" revdauphinee answered on 03/29/04: basicaly yess to become a child of God one must place god above everything else even oneself image! Fr_Chuck rated this answer

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koinegreek asked on 03/28/04 - I adore London but Paris makes me sad. And Berlin was left out! Hummm....I have faith that NO ONE on this site gets anything that is REAL. Do you give and get REAL things? REAL meaning? revdauphinee answered on 03/29/04: Are we allowed an oppinion?if it does not conform to yours???

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koinegreek asked on 03/28/04 - Ah, adore? What is the meaning of adore? Since all of you "respond" in the English language, I ask now, what is the meaning of adore? revdauphinee answered on 03/29/04: ! I thought this was a slam dunk? Middle English adouren, from Old French adourer, from Latin adrre, to pray to : ad-, ad- + rre, to pray. Geeeessss! I asked how we use "adore" in English? I see y'all's problem now. this is just another example of your arogance and self agrandizement!to wich it is hard to respond with "adoration" the defination of adore seems to be the love you have for your own intelect!

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koinegreek asked on 03/28/04 - Ah, Charity? We are lovingly getting closer? A. II. The first two times that Christ used the word "agapao", signifying a love of commitment, a love of the will, Peter responded with the word "phileo," indicating his strong emotion for the Lord. The word suggest warmth, fondness and friendship. AGAPAO: Love that transcends to the point of total commitment. PHILEO: A FRIEND THAT WILL "LAY DOWN HIS LIFE" -- AND THAT PETER DID! B. Agape love is best thought of as sacrificial love. That is why it is translated at times in the KJV as "charity". Philos love has more to do with feelings of affinity, kinship, admiration, or strong liking. Thus the "city of brotherly love" is Phil..adelphia(brother). C. Philea literally refers to brotherly love whereas agape is the word Jesus used when he said we must love our ENEMIES. D. Agape; self sacrificing love No! Philo; the Love of a friend No! Eros: sensual love No! E. 1Pet 1:22 Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love[philadelphia] of the brethren, [see that ye] love[agapaO] one another with a pure heart fervently: State the difference between: "love of the brethren" vs. "love one another" 2Pet 1:7 And to godliness brotherly kindness[philadelphia]; and to brotherly kindness[philadelphia] charity[agapE]. State the difference between: "brotherly kindness" vs. "charity" Charity [Christianity] The theological virtue defined as love directed first toward God but also toward oneself and one's neighbors as objects of God's love. Charity is goodwill and benevolence in judging others: Heb 13:1 Let brotherly love[philadelphia] continue. 1Th 4:9 But as touching brotherly love[philadelphia] ye need not that I write unto you: for ye yourselves are taught of God to love[agapaO] one another. Hummm? Any comments on 1Th 4:9? And silence is not loveable. Rom 12:10 [Be] kindly affectioned[philostorgos] one to another with brotherly love[philadelphia]; in honour preferring one another; WOW? A whole new Greek Word: "kindly affectioned?" Any comments? And silence is not loveable. revdauphinee answered on 03/29/04: I would love to discus christ or even the bible(In English) with you but in evry question you must go of to let everyone know you are into greek.the rest of us for the most are not~!!! Your questions often as they say ""are Greek to me""

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willbe asked on 03/27/04 - More Cyber Madness This message is doing the rounds again, so if it lands in your INBOX, just delete it. Hello, everyone. It will be interesting to see who responds! I told this guy that I could find 300 people who believe in God before he could find 300 people who do not believe in God. If you believe in God, please copy and paste this onto a blank e-mail form (leaving off the headers). Add your name, and send it to your friends and family. If you happen to be the 300th person signing this, please send it back to: Dorothy Wiser. Her email address is: dwiser@serv.net This leg-pull goes back at least as far as August 2001, which was when we first saw it. Since then, it has continued to circulate, primarily as two word-for-word versions that differ only in the proffered identity of whom to forward the completed petitions to: either dwiser@serv.net (also dwiser@iserv.net) or kountrygirl11@hotmail.com. (As of 2004, e-mail to all three of these addresses bounces.) Usually these exhortations conclude, "This isn't a hoax or a chain letter, just wanted to prove a point," but sometimes that ending is omitted. Cynicism leads us to suspect the point being proved is that it's possible to get any number of decent, good-hearted folks to mailbomb someone set up as a prankster's goat, provided you convince them they're doing it for the greater good. In this instance, the innocent were likely being conned into assisting with a practical joke through their sense of pride in their beliefs and their desire to make a public affirmation of their being played to. A moment's thought ought to be all it takes to convince anyone to not forward this nonsense any further. First, the purpose of this "petition" is never stated, so suppose whoever started this thing gets 300 e-signatures from believers before the other fellow collects his 300 from unbelievers. What then? They compare notes along the lines of "Yep, you were right about that, Clem," then go back to arguing about which operating system is better? If the point is to prove that there are more people who believe in God than those who don't, easily gathered statistics already demonstrate that quite handily � in the U.S., for instance, four out of five adult Americans identify themselves as Christians. Those laboring under the misconception that the numbers of believers and non-believers are running approximately neck and neck are sadly out of touch, as it's not even a race. Second, anyone considering that maybe the 300 signatures would be used to convince the other fellow that he should believe in God and thus that the signer is taking part in bringing a troubled soul to religion should quickly be struck with the realization that belief in a supreme being is not triggered by the presentation of a certain number of e-signatures. While it is true folks have come to an awareness of God in any manner of unusual ways, we've yet to hear of anyone who was e-petitioned into it. Finally, this exercise in getting folks to chase their own tails bears a striking resemblance to another such inbox uprising from 2000, an effort to convince a pregnant gal deviled by a controlling boyfriend to refrain from seeking an abortion: Hey everyone.....one of my friends is pregnant and her boyfriend won't let her have the baby, I already told him and her it is wrong to have an abortion because you should not kill a live human being. Then I said if I get 500 people to sign a paper that says it's wrong to have an abortion then would you let her have the baby and he said yes. So I'm asking you please sign this that says an abortion is wrong and to let her have the baby. If you are the 500th person please send this back to Cutiegirl152@hotmail.com Thanx. Be a smartie - stop the party! :) will revdauphinee answered on 03/28/04: I had a good answer for you but have decided not to send it due to the fact that every time you are given an answer you dissagree with you have some sarcastic and hurtfull comment ! (Matt.7:6. "Do not give dogs what is sacred; do not throw your pearls to pigs. If you do, they may trample them under their feet, and then turn and tear you to pieces. )

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koinegreek asked on 03/27/04 - At one time God "winked" at ignorance? moroni willbe, moroni moroni, willbe willbe said, "If you are signing your name, you have a redundant terminal vowel. If you cannot deal with the linguistic content of my post, please say so, and I will not further embarrass you. Your games are becoming irritating and unbecoming of the conduct of an expert, especially one who makes such extravagant claims but then shows no sign of his boasted expertise". End of quote of willbe. The question is: Look! can you see the ignorance of willbe? I will show it forth, forthwith. revdauphinee answered on 03/27/04: the answer is yes! willbe rated this answer koinegreek rated this answer Fr_Chuck rated this answer

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mr_internet asked on 03/27/04 - Who do you believe? Why? Two conservative Bible loving people but two different views when it comes to economy: "Because of tax relief, Americans have more to save, spend and invest � and that means millions of American families have moved into their first homes," Bush said http://news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&u=/ap/20040327/ap_on_go_pr_wh/bush_home_ownership_1 "PHOENIX � President Bush traveled to two swing states with sizable Hispanic populations Friday and talked up his proposals to increase home ownership opportunities for minorities." "Not enough minorities own their own homes," he said at a stop in Phoenix, which followed a talk about home ownership in Albuquerque. "And it seems to me it makes sense to encourage all to own homes." http://www.twincities.com/mld/twincities/news/nation/8289324.htm Compare that optimistic view with this: 02.04.04, 9:00 AM ET "...That, at least, is the view of Sir John Templeton, the 91-year-old founder of the Templeton Funds who made a killing four years ago shorting technology stocks. Now the legendary investor is predicting it will take 'several years' before a sustained rise in U.S. stocks because he believes they are way overvalued." "His big concern today: the U.S. consumer. He says Americans have taken on too much credit card and mortgage debt. Household borrowings hit a record $9 trillion last year, or 110% of personal disposable income. Meanwhile, personal bankruptcies rose to 1.6 million, another record. Templeton predicts home prices will fall and defaults rise." http://forbes.com/2004/02/04/cz_bc_0204templeton.html revdauphinee answered on 03/27/04: I have to agree with too much debt being aquired .To many folks are into the get now pay later thing credit cards get lots of folks in trouble! ETWolverine rated this answer

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willbe asked on 03/27/04 - Movie question The Christian Film and Television Commission held its annual Movieguide Awards honoring the movies and television shows that best uphold Christian morals and values. Wednesday's ceremony in Beverly Hills was the centerpiece event of the 12th Annual Faith & Values Gala. The event was videotaped and will be telecast on PAX TV. Here are the winners for the best family films of 2003: "Finding Nemo" "Visual Bible: The Gospel of John" "Piglet's Big Movie" "Spellbound" "Peter Pan" "Cheaper by the Dozen" "Secondhand Lions" "Spy Kids 3D: Game Over" "Sinbad: Legend of the Seven Seas" "Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl" The top 10 films for mature audiences were: "The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King" "Gods and Generals" "Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World" "Luther" "Tears of the Sun" "In America" "Seabiscuit" "X2: X-Men United" "Matchstick Men" "The Matrix Revolutions" "The Gospel of John" was honored as the most inspiring movie of 2003, receiving a $25,000 Epiphany Prize. Also receiving the prize was the Hallmark Channel's "Love Comes Softly," honored as the most inspiring TV program of the year. Actor Stephen Lang of "Gods and Generals" received the Grace Award for the most inspiring movie acting, while Dale Midkiff received the same for the most inspiring acting on television for his work in "Love Comes Softly." "Gods and Generals" was honored as the best historical epic, "Ghosts of the Abyss" for the best Imax movie, and NBC's "Zenith" for best documentary. The commission bestowed the Father of the Year Award to writer and director Andrew Stanton for his uplifting portrayal of fatherhood in "Finding Nemo." A special Lifetime Faith & Values Crystal Teddy Bear Award for Dedication to Redeeming the Values of the Entertainment Media went to Ken Curtis and Bob Yerkes "for their selfless Christian work in the mass media of entertainment," a statement from the commission said. Dr. Ted Baehr founded the Christian Film and Television Commission in 1978 and established its purpose as "redeeming the values of the entertainment industry according to biblical principals." Baehr's publication, Movieguide: A Family Guide to Movies and Entertainment, reviews Hollywood films from a Christian perspective, providing ratings for families with children while supplying information for discerning adult viewer. http://www.shopnetdaily.com/store/item.asp?ITEM_ID=301 Do you and your family watch anything that hits the movie theaters, or do you seek quality, family-safe high standard entertainment that upholds Christian values? :) will revdauphinee answered on 03/27/04: I personaly have been to the cinema once in the last 14 yrs and this was to see Mel Gibsons Passion movie ,It may be as many years before i go again! (unless Mel makes more!) willbe rated this answer

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willbe asked on 03/27/04 - Are you an honest tax payer? Statistics show that a growing number of Americans feel like they pay more than their fair share of taxes, enough to warrant perhaps cheating a bit, adding that "extra" business expense or fudging on some numbers. An Internal Revenue Service survey last year of individual taxpayers showed that 12 percent of surveyed taxpayers felt it was all right to cheat "a little" on their taxes. That was up from 8 percent from a similar survey in 1999. The survey also showed that as many as 5 percent of taxpayers felt that cheating as much as possible on their taxes was acceptable. When asked if they thought paying taxes was part of their civic duty, 68 percent of Americans thought that it was; that was down from 81 percent in 1999. But while many Americans rationalize why they should hold back on paying taxes, tax officials and ethics experts say cheating on your taxes ends up doing more harm than good. "If people paid their fair share, then we probably wouldn't have a budget deficit," said IRS spokeswoman Jean Carl. Should Christians be honest in their tax paying? Should they be honest in everything else? :) will revdauphinee answered on 03/27/04: the answer to both of these questions is yes Christians shoud be honst in all they do!If Jesus paid his taxes then so should we!(Matt.17:24-27. 24 After Jesus and his disciples arrived in Capernaum, the collectors of the two-drachma tax came to Peter and asked, "Doesn't your teacher pay the temple tax ?" 25 "Yes, he does," he replied. He also tells us in LUKE 20 21. So the spies questioned him: "Teacher, we know that you speak and teach what is right, and that you do not show partiality but teach the way of God in accordance with the truth. 22. Is it right for us to pay taxes to Caesar or not?" 23. He saw through their duplicity and said to them, 24. "Show me a denarius. Whose portrait and inscription are on it?" 25. "Caesar's," they replied. He said to them, "Then give to Caesar what is Caesar's, and to God what is God's. willbe rated this answer

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willbe asked on 03/26/04 - Bigotry or Plain Good Sense? Religion to be banned Written by: DaBeast Created: 23 January 2003 The United Nations have today announced their intentions to ban all religions. A spokesperson for the UN said that they wanted to outlaw religion because 'it caused a lot of hatred and had no factual evidence to back up any of it's claims.' A few people turned up to protest the annoucement, including Pope John Paul Ringo the Third, leader of the Catholic Church. The Catholics were at one point the largest cult on the planet, but had seen their members dwindle over the last 20 years due to shock revelations and boring services. The Pope declared that it was a sad day for mankind and also mentioned that the Catholic God was a vengeful God. On the whole, the demonstrators were peaceful, mainly singing songs and drinking tea. There were no arrests. Religion has never quite recovered from the 2011 discovery of alien life, which proved most religions wrong when they claimed God had made us in his image. The management of this newsgroup would like to point out that God may or may not exist, and if he does take an interest in religion, he would have told us which was the right one to follow by now. You might have guessed (I hope!) that this is an imaginary news item from a website, but do you think that all religions could or should be banned? ============== But now for something that is NOT imaginary! ============== The Subversive Manifesto Bootleg copies of the Passion hit Middle East 25/3/04 Marriage banned in Oregon 25/3/04 Franciscans Condemn Apartheid Wall at UN Commission 25/3/04 Allegiance to God row reaches US Supreme Court 25/3/04 Tutu visits death row inmate 24/3/04 Popes autobiography tipped as bestseller 24/3/04 CRE to promote new ways of being church 24/3/04 Pro-Jesus ads published by Muslim group 24/3/04 Hear Ekklesia's politics report every Friday morning on UCB Talk, Sky Channel 891 Bible and other religious books banned in Malaysia -16/3/03 The Malaysian Home Ministry (KDN) has banned 35 books, several of them by Christian authors, and one of them a translation of the Bible. Considered detrimental to public peace twelve of these are popularly viewed as Christian books, eleven of them in the national language, Bahasa Malaysia. The twelfth is a translation of the Bible in Iban, the language of the Iban people of Sarawak, which has been freely available in the country for over five years. The statement issued by the KDN stated that the �printing, import, production, reproduction, sale, circulation, distribution and possession of books listed under the schedule are banned in the country�. The Iban Christians of Sarawak could now face a three year jail sentance or a maximum fine of 20,000 Malaysian ringgits (approx. �3,340) simply for possessing an Iban Bible. Those books banned include translated works by John R W Stott which are not banned in their original English form. A press statement issued by the opposition Democratic Action Party (DAP) stated that the ban �infringes on the rights of Ibans to practise their religion� and it calls on the government �to immediately lift the ban�. Ibans comprise 30% of the population of Sarawak (the largest ethnic group in the state) and the majority of Ibans are Christian. The Federal Constitution of Malaysia guarantees the right to practise one�s own religion. =============== Is this bigotry by Muslims? Is it any better or worse than Christian bigotry? :) will revdauphinee answered on 03/27/04: In recent posting you complained against personal attacks then you post the following "including Pope John Paul Ringo the Third, leader of the Catholic Church." If this is not a personal attack on both the pope and every practicing Catholic then I dont know what is!!! Toms777 rated this answer Uni-Agdistis rated this answer willbe rated this answer

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HANK1 asked on 03/26/04 - INTERESTING! "A number of clergy argue there are religious grounds for striking 'under God' from the Pledge of Allegiance." By Rebecca Phillips, a Beliefnet editor "When Michael Newdow, the nation's most famous atheist, argued in the Supreme Court March 24 that the court should strike the words "under God" from the Pledge of Allegiance, he didn't have the support of his school-age daughter on whose behalf he brought, and won, his original case. But he did have the support of Rev. Bruce Prescott. "The Southern Baptist pastor from Ogden, Utah says siding with Newdow is not as strange as it seems. "I'm not siding with the atheist," said Prescott, Executive Director of Mainstream Oklahoma Baptists. "I'm siding with the Ten Commandments." Prescott is one of a number of American clergy and religious leaders who have come out in favor of Newdow, claiming that including "under God" in the pledge actually detracts from the nation's piety. Thirty-two individual Christian and Jewish clergy members, along with the Unitarian Universalist Association, have jointly filed an amicus brief agreeing that the words are unnecessary. "Many other religious groups, from the Christian Legal Society to the American Jewish Congress to the Catholic League for Civil and Religious Rights, want to see "under God" stay, and have submitted their own amicus briefs. But the clergy who support Newdow say they are waging a religious battle for God--in whom Newdow doesn't believe. "These amici are concerned both about the religious liberty of persons who adhere to faith traditions other than their own, and about government undermining true religious faith by using religion for political purposes," their brief states. "The brief argues, among other things, that repeating "under God" in the Pledge of Allegiance each morning in school runs the risk of rendering the words meaningless. "If the religious portion of the Pledge is not intended as a serious affirmation of faith," the brief states, "then every day, government asks millions of school children to take the name of the Lord in vain." "To have kids expressing a theological principle at 7 A.M. over the loudspeaker is not a serious way to do it," said Rabbi Dan Fink, one of the amici and leader of Congregation Ahavath Beth Israel in Boise, Idaho. "It is not that we don't want God in our lives. We just don't want [him] trivialized." "If the name of God is truly significant," explains Rev. Prescott, "then Newdow has got a case." "The original Pledge of Allegiance, written in 1892 by Francis Bellamy, did not include "under God." The words were added in 1954 by a congressional act, following a campaign by the Knights of Columbus, a Catholic organization, and a sermon by Rev. George M. Docherty, pastor of the church that President Dwight D. Eisenhower attended in Washington D.C. Both Congress and the president thought adding "under God" would distinguish the U.S. from the Soviet Union. The congressional act declared the words would "deny the atheistic and materialistic concept of communism." "Elk Grove Unified School District v. Newdow, which the high court is hearing on appeal after the Ninth Circuit's decision to strike the words, isn't the first case in which the devout have contested the constitutionality of the pledge. In 1943, Jehovah's Witnesses sued, saying their children should not be forced to salute the flag. The Supreme Court, in West Virginia State Bd. of Educ. v. Barnette, found in their favor. "The petitioner in the current case, the Elk Grove Unified School District in California, where Newdow's nine-year-old daughter attends school, argues that Newdow, a Sacramento physician and lawyer who holds only partial custody of his child, did not have legal standing to bring the case to court. (His daughter never refused to say the pledge and has said she doesn't mind it.) The school district, supported by the Bush administration, also argues that "under God" does not violate the Constitution's establishment clause, the basis for the separation of church and state. Religion has been so significant to the history of the United States, the petitioners say, that officially acknowledging this in the Pledge of Allegiance is lawful. "The Pledge is simply a patriotic expression that includes a reference to God," the petitioners' brief states. "The phrase 'under God' is nothing like the clearly religious act of prayer," it continues. "In no way can the Pledge be construed to be a supplication for blessings from God nor can it be reasonably argued that it is a communication with God. The Pledge is, quite simply, a patriotic act--not a religious act." "The White House has filed its own briefs, arguing that "under God" is not a religious sentiment. "This Court�s Establishment Clause cases have stated time and again that such official acknowledgments of the Nation's religious history and enduring religious character pass constitutional muster," the solicitor general argues. "It's this assertion--that the pledge has relegated the use of God's name to a nonreligious realm--that riles Newdow's religious backers. "The government says [the phrase] isn't religious at all, that it's about history and demographics," said Douglas Laycock, the University of Texas law professor who represents the 32 clergy in favor of Newdow. "That's a transparent lie." "In addition to the 32 clergy members backing Newdow, the court has received a joint brief arguing for the removal of "under God" by 19 leading scholars, including Boston University's religion department chair Stephen Prothero, Columbia University Buddhist scholar Robert Thurman, and Vanderbilt University New Testament scholar Amy-Jill Levine. "Some supporting the phrase argue that it is simply an 'acknowledgment' of America's religious heritage," Levine wrote in an email to Beliefnet. "If the phrase is merely ceremonial, then it becomes a trivialization of the Deity. If the pledge is recited in a rote manner--and since it is recited most often by children in school settings this is always a possibility--then we risk taking the name of the Lord in vain." "The Anti-Defamation League and a group of Buddhist centers across the United States also take Newdow's side--along with secular groups like American Atheists, Freedom from Religion Foundation, and Americans United for Separation of Church and State. "But most religious groups who have gotten involved in the Pledge case support the government's position. The American Jewish Congress argues that including "under God" in the pledge is an example of "ceremonial deism." The Pledge's motives are secular, the group says, and the controversial phrase is not equivalent to school prayer. "A brief submitted jointly by Focus on the Family, the Family Research Council, and the Alliance Defense Fund, agrees. "The Pledge is not a prayer or any other type of religious exercise," it states. "Recitation of the pledge does not have the purpose of endorsing or disapproving of religion." "Rabbi Avi Shafran, director of Public Affairs for Agudath Israel of America, suggests that "under God" doesn't trivialize religion--because the pledge of allegiance is not God's primary venue. "We don't want God to be just a motto," said Shafran, whose organization filed a brief under the auspices of the National Jewish Commission on Law & Public Affairs. "But God doesn't have a full impact in that context. "People should not [be satisfied] with looking at their dollar bills or saying the pledge," he added. "They should relate to God in a more comprehensive way." "For clergymen like Pastor Kevin James, though, taking God in or out of the Pledge won't solve the country's spiritual ills. "Including the phrase hasn't made us more religious and hasn't made us better," said James, pastor of Ogden Seventh-Day Adventist Church in Utah and director of legislative affairs for the Nevada/Utah Conference of Seventh-Day Adventists. "We're a materialistic society," he continued. "There's a problem spiritually with people in America. God's already out." Source: Beliefnet.com (A great resource!) HANK revdauphinee answered on 03/27/04: to read that religious people support this amazes me we as a nation need to acknowledge God more in our dauly lives not remove him.I truly believe if we keep taking God out of our lives he may take his hand off us !and we think we got trouble now! HANK1 rated this answer tomder55 rated this answer

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Toms777 asked on 03/26/04 - JWs banned in Moscow The BBC is reporting that a court in Russia has banned the JW from carrying on it's activities in Moscow for the following reasons: "The court ruled that group's practices broke up families, encouraged suicide and threatened its members' health by not allowing blood transfusions." Is this action justified? revdauphinee answered on 03/26/04: go figure the Russians or the French for that matter! Toms777 rated this answer

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hOPE12 asked on 03/26/04 - A gift for all mankind! Hello Experts, We all have a great gift, some appreciate it, others take it for granted. What is that gift? It is our very life! Please can you tell me please each one of you experts out there, what are some of the ways we can show we appreciate our gift of life? How is each one of you "PERSONALLY", useing your life to benefit other? What are some ways in which we all no matter what faith or belief, use our life in benefiting others? Can you name at least 20 ways? I look forward to hearing from each one of you. Take care, Hope12 revdauphinee answered on 03/26/04: Not nececary 20 ways but important ones nevertheless! 43 "You have heard that it was said, `Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' 44 But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45 that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. 46 If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? hOPE12 rated this answer Matthew rated this answer

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HANK1 asked on 03/26/04 - THANKS FOR YOUR PRAYERS, GUYS! Carol had both a Catscan and a Petscan at Barnes in St. Louis yesterday. Nothing was found on either scan. So, she is definitely in remission ... thanks to a phone call early this a.m. from Barnes with the results. Now I have something to say to all of you: I have witnessed a miracle that began some 33 months ago. (Carol was in Stage 3 ... lung cancer) Bottom-line: Cancer can be beaten! Your prayers have helped pull her through and we sincerely and gratefully thank you from our hearts. Never give up ... no matter what ... if you come down with an illness! Miracles begin everyday and terminate in happiness! Just have a great relationship with our Father and take care of your business down here where the buds are popping. IT'S SPRING! I LOVE YOU ALL! (I've written better letters but ... I'm still in shock. We found out about the results just 10 minutes ago) HANK (& Carol) revdauphinee answered on 03/26/04: praise God!! He is still in the miracle buisiness! HANK1 rated this answer

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excon asked on 03/26/04 - Christians --- Not Quite --- Hello experts: Yesterday, I told you that when I go to a NASCAR event, I get offended by the prayer. Of the 11 responses I got, only one of you understood my pain. The rest of you told me to plug my ears if I didn�t like it, or don�t go, or stop trying to change things. Not one of you thought that NASCAR ought to try something different. It makes me glad I�m a Jew. We don�t behave that way. excon revdauphinee answered on 03/26/04: Christ was a Jew also! he understands! excon rated this answer

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PraiseJah asked on 03/26/04 - On the lighter side GW and Rumsfeld were walking down the steps of thw whitehouse when they saw in the distance a bearded old man in a long robe. "It's not Bin Laden" said GWB - "I think that's Moses" As they got closer GW tried to speak to the man in the long robe. He asked him : "Aren't you Moses?" but the old man would not speak a word. Eventually after failing to get him to speak, Bush walked away. Rumsfeld then said to the old man: "Are you Moses?" The old man replied "Yes" "Why wouldn't you speak to the President?" asked Rumsfeld. "The last time I spoke to a bush" said Moses "I ended up wandering in a wilderness for 40 years!" revdauphinee answered on 03/26/04: good one best ive heard in a while! PraiseJah rated this answer

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willbe asked on 03/25/04 - A Question for Bible Experts Zechariah 9:9 9 � Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion; shout, O daughter of Jerusalem: behold, thy King cometh unto thee: he [is] just, and having salvation; lowly, and riding upon an ass, and upon a colt the foal of an ass. Did Jesus ride into Jerusalem on two donkeys as one artists portrayed in his painting? If not, did this prophecy fail? :) will revdauphinee answered on 03/26/04: the prophecy was fulfilled Do we throw it out due to poetic language?? willbe rated this answer

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willbe asked on 03/25/04 - Women in Judaism & in Christianity It is recorded in some of the encyclopedias that Paul based his thinking upon certain Jewish traditions and customs that had accumulated through the years. It was an ordinance that women were not permitted to teach, even to ask questions in any of their assemblies. According to Clarke's Commentary, the rabbins taught that "a woman should do nothing but the use of her staff," and Rabbi Eliezer is credited with the statement that it would be better, "to let the words [records] of the law be burned, rather than that they should be delivered to women." Therefore Jewish women were not permitted to hold any public office, to speak in any gatherings, or even to ask questions in any public assembly. Paul was strictly conforming to this law. Is it time to get rid of this ancient tradition or does it still reflect God's thinking in the 21st century? :) will revdauphinee answered on 03/26/04: 1 Corinthians 14:34 34 � Let your women keep silence in the churches: for it is not permitted unto them to speak; but [they are commanded] to be under obedience, as also saith the law. If they were gosiping during service I would ask them to be silent also! But irregardless of all the male teaching to the contrary including Paul (a male who grew up in a tradition where women were second class )let me quote the following! Galatians 3:27. for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. 28. There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, ((((MALE NOR FEMALE,))) for you are all one in Christ Jesus. 29. If you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise. willbe rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 03/25/04 - a little lite humor Recently a Ft. Lauderdale advertising agency launched a billboard campaign (including the inside and outside of buses) that included 17 different messages "from God". This non-denominational campaign, was sponsored by an anonymous client. How cool to drive by one of these billboards! 1. Let's Meet At My House Sunday Before the Game - God 2. C'mon Over And Bring The Kids - God 3. What Part of "Thou Shalt Not..." Didn't You understand? - God 4. We Need To Talk - God 5. Keep Using My Name in Vain And I'll Make Rush Hour Longer - God 6. Loved The Wedding, Invite Me To The Marriage - God 7. That "Love Thy Neighbor" Thing, I Meant It. - God 8. I Love You ... I Love You ... I Love You ... - God 9. Will The Road You're On Get You To My Place? - God 10. Follow Me. - God 11. Big Bang Theory, You've Got To Be Kidding. - God 12. My Way Is The Highway. - God 13. Need Directions? - God 14. You Think It's Hot Here? - God 15. Tell The Kids I Love Them. - God 16. Need a Marriage Counselor? I'm Available. - God 17. Have You Read My #1 Best Seller? There Will Be A Test. - God revdauphinee answered on 03/26/04: seen some of them on posters around here I thnk they are great! paraclete rated this answer

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STONY asked on 03/25/04 - ANOTHER ECXERPT.....A PLEA FOR YOUR SALVATION!! ---------------------------- 5. "Why would a loving God send anyone to hell?" Read Billy Graham's answer If someone deliberately commits a crime and is caught, who is to blame if he's found guilty and sentenced to jail? Is the judge to blame -- or is he? If you think about it, the lawbreaker is to blame for what has happened to him, not the judge. Yes, the judge sentenced him -- but he alone broke the law, and he alone is to blame for the penalty he received. To put it another way, the judge didn't send him to jail; the judge was only following the law. Instead, the man sent himself to jail because of his crime. He can't blame the judge -- he can only blame himself. And this is what happens to us when we break God's law. Yes, God is "the Lord, the righteous Judge" (2 Timothy 4:8) -- and when we deliberately turn our backs on Him and break His law, we stand condemned. But we are to blame for what happens to us, not God. We are the ones who have broken the law, and we can only blame ourselves for the consequences. But listen: God has provided another way! We don't have to pay the penalty for our sins and face hell -- and the reason is because Christ has already paid it for us. By His death on the cross, Jesus took the punishment you and I deserve. We deserve judgment and hell -- but He suffered them for us. Now all we have to do is trust Him for our salvation. Why not give yourself to Him today? revdauphinee answered on 03/26/04: God sends no one to Hell they send themselves and Jesus weeps for every one! STONY rated this answer

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sapphire630 asked on 03/25/04 - defining lines Religious conviction, over-zealousness, self-righteousness, arrogance, offensive, Simply because someone is caught up in their faith, love for God, convictions does it mean they are trying to be offensive, arrogant or self-righteous or should we admire them for believing what they believe so strongly? Do public displays of ones beliefs really mean a person is trying to push "their religion" on others or is it just stating who they are? The average person has to tolerate hearing the vilest languge and descriptive stories when in public but just don't say God bless you. Gays can display their affection for the same sex in public to some degree and claim that if people object they are 'homophobic' and sex preference is not contagious and it is becoming more acceptable. But don't express your love for God or you are in contempt of offending others and shoving 'your religion' down their throat. Could we say they are religiphobic? The way I interpret the constitution is the government can not make laws prohibiting religion---ANYBODY'S! Christian, Jew, JW, Mormon, atheist, etc. ALL should have the right to freedom of their faith. By Separtion of church and state, I believe, our Founding Fathers never meant for Separation of Church and state to mean freedom FROM religion. They meant for the freedom TO religion. Judge Moore is not allowed to display his 10 commandments in his courtroom and nativity scenes are prohibited from government property; yet money says, �In God we trust,� government buildings have religious inscriptions on them as well as religious statues in them. If the Founding Fathers meant for a separation why are these things there? Our Founding Fathers all prayed to God. Two examples: Dwight Eisenhower said that our country�s most powerful resource in peace and war is to constantly strengthen our spiritual weapons. Abraham Lincoln said, �It is fit and becoming in all people and all times to acknowledge and revere the supreme government of God; to bow in humble submission to his chastisements; to confess and deplore their sins and transgressions, in the full conviction that �the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom�; to pray with all fervency and contrition for pardon of their past offenses and for a blessing upon present and prospective action.� I say maybe if politicians ran their affairs, personal and professional, according to this maybe our government would be in a lot better shape! Statistics now say that 80% of Americans believe in God; yet it seems like you hear the 20% the loudest. revdauphinee answered on 03/26/04: pushing Jesus on anyone is an unchristian thing to do, However sharing one of the greatest treasures I have ever found with someone not as fortunate as I is not! God himself will not force anyone to love or follow him we must make this choice ourselves ,but how can a choice be made when one doesnt know the facts??this is what we are trying to do as Christians give the facts so folks can make a choice sapphire630 rated this answer

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excon asked on 03/25/04 - NASCAR & Jesus Hello experts: Underneath my sophisticated Jewish exterior lies a good �ol boy. Ever since I saw Fireball Roberts win the 1962 Daytona 500, I have been an ardent fan. I love the pageantry. I love when they sing the Star Spangled Banner and the jets fly overhead. I�m a proud American. But when they do the invocation, NASCAR stabs me in the back. I listen to the prayer and, of course, agree wholeheartedly with it, until the very end when they say �in the name of Jesus��. It�s like, wait a minute. Don�t I count? I don�t pray to him. This is America. I�m a fan. I spend my money. I�m outraged. And hurt. Is there something wrong with me? excon revdauphinee answered on 03/26/04: guess what excon as a messianic Jew myself may I tell you that Yeshua died for us also and he loves you even if you find him irritating! excon rated this answer

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VisionsInBlue asked on 03/25/04 - Isn't this too funny? From yesterday's Page Six: "ISRAELI terror experts label dogs the new weapon in their war. They claim Islamic radicals believe dogs are dirty and if Fido's blood mixes with that of a "martyr," the martyr won't ascend to paradise. These experts want dogs placed at sites most threatened by suicide bombers." Some collective hospitalization is needed. In the islamic fundamentalist world, of course. As if we didn't know that even before this... Do they really believe this? revdauphinee answered on 03/25/04: personaly I say whatever works!when they use children as in the recent TV report to carry their bombs then I say use anything that works to stop em!!! MaggieB rated this answer Uni-Agdistis rated this answer VisionsInBlue rated this answer

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JeffreyBryson asked on 03/25/04 - For your information This may be interesting to you, though I'm not going to take up a bunch of space to paste as others do. If you're not registered with the NY Times, then you'll need to do that, I think, before reading this. It's quite a fast and painless thing to do, though. http://www.nytimes.com/2004/03/25/politics/25SCOT.html?hp revdauphinee answered on 03/25/04: went there and signed up! They wont give up untill God is out of American life(they think!)Those of us who love his word will never give it up!!! JeffreyBryson rated this answer paraclete rated this answer

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tomder55 asked on 03/25/04 - A small step for women ,a giant leap for the Vatican The Roman Catholic Church has taken a step forward for women's equality, naming the first female theologians as Vatican consultants. Pope John Paul , named the two theologians to the International Theological Commission, an influential advisory board for the Vatican. The Vatican daily L'Osservatore Romano published without comment the list of new members :Sister Sara Butler of Chicago's University of Saint Mary of the Lake and Barbara Hallensleben of Fribourg University in Switzerland. "They were not chosen because they're women. They were chosen for their competence," said Cardinal Georges Cottier, Papal Household theologian and former head of the commission. "It's very positive and I'm very happy." "Women can bring their own sensitivity to certain problems where men might have a different point of view," he said. A senior Vatican source remarked that "a barrier has fallen" but said the timing had no link to International Women's Day (March 8)since gender was not an issue. That also explained the lack of publicity, he said. revdauphinee answered on 03/25/04: since Christ himself entrused word of his resurection to women its about time the church began to follow suit! tomder55 rated this answer

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tomder55 asked on 03/25/04 - Speaking of Mel Mel Gibson, says he is now intrigued by the revolt of the Maccabees and the story behind the Jewish holiday of Hanukkah. The Maccabees led a three-year war, some 200 years before the birth of Jesus, against Antiochus, a king who forced the Jews to worship false gods. The war led to the liberation of Jerusalem and rededication of the Temple that is celebrated in the Hanukkah holiday. I wonder if he is interested in making a film about it. revdauphinee answered on 03/25/04: one can but hope !I finaly got to see the pasion and felt it stisfactoraly portraid the evens in scripture with but a few exeptions. tomder55 rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 03/25/04 - An alternative view of the passion. After seeing the runaway success of The Passion of the Christ, film-makers behind the Life of Brian have decided to re-release the satirical Monty Python flick, it emerged today. The 1979 movie about Brian of Nazareth, who is mistaken for the Messiah, will make a return to the big screen in America at the end of April in Los Angeles and New York. It comes as Mel Gibson's movie about the crucifixion continues to make hundreds of millions of dollars at the box office. Life of Brian producer John Goldstone told Variety magazine: "A lot of people in America have said that they couldn't figure out a way to deal with the public reaction to Mel's movie. "This is a kind of antidote to Mel." What do you think, should a parody of the Passion be permitted? Is it anti-semetic? revdauphinee answered on 03/25/04: there is no alternatve to Christ no matter what holywood may say! paraclete rated this answer

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willbe asked on 03/24/04 - Is it only a question of "compromise"? I have been thinking about the Palestinian situation, where Palestinians feel aggrieved that their lands, homes, and businesses were taken from the to provide a Jewish homeland. I ask, "If you had been a Palestinian when the Jewish homeland was being established and you were required to leave behind your fanmily home and lands, perhaps your garm or your manufactory, would you be comforted by being told that God had given the Jews the land almost four thousand years ago, so that your family's forcible removal was the Will of God and should not be resisted"? How would you take that bit of news? :) will revdauphinee answered on 03/25/04: Irregardless of anyones differing ideas I still maintain that this land was given to israel by God to hold forever !! Isa 11:12 He will raise a banner for the nations and gather the exiles of Israel; he will assemble the scattered people of Judah from the four quarters of the earth. 9this prophecy was completed In May of 1948! Isa1:26 I will restore your judges as in days of old, your counselors as at the beginning. Afterward you will be called the City of Righteousness, the Faithful City." 27 Zion will be redeemed with justice, her penitent ones with righteousness. ) Isa2: 2 In the last days the mountain of the LORD's temple will be established as chief among the mountains; it will be raised above the hills, and all nations will stream to it. (Isa.8: 16 So this is what the Sovereign LORD says: "See, I lay a stone in Zion, a tested stone, a precious cornerstone for a sure foundation; the one who trusts will never be dismayed. willbe rated this answer

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willbe asked on 03/24/04 - Crystal gazers and other occultics If crystal gazing really works, why do crystal gazers make so many mistakes? Do you agree with the following statement about Crystal Gaxers? "Crystal gazing may be likened to a voluntarily induced schizophrenia. The gazer, through physical and psychic stimuli induced by concentrating his gaze upon the crystal or any bright object, produces a 'split' in his personality. The normal personality is lulled temporarily to sleep. In its stead, one or several personalities, all different from the normal personality and different from each other, may emerge. Automatic writers, operators of Ouija boards, and spritualistic mediums induce themselves into analogous states. Their faculties are seized through the medium. Psychical research has progressed too far, and its accumulated evidences are too overwhelming to admit of doubt about them; and too many names honored in the scientific and philosophical world stand sponsors for the fact to allow of them being laughed out of the arena of human experiences, or dismissed from consideration by asserting that they are born of ignorance, and are real only to the superstitious. Crystal gazers are subject to occult fascinations" What have these practices to do with Christianity, and why do their practitioners fly into rages at the merest hint of opposiiton? :) will revdauphinee answered on 03/25/04: since crystal gazing is a form of divination here from scriptures is what Gods word has to say about such things as this Mal.3:5. "So I will come near to you for judgment. I will be quick to testify against sorcerers, Lev.19:31 "`Do not turn to mediums or seek out spiritists, for you will be defiled by them. I am the LORD your God. Deuteronomy 13 1. If a prophet, or one who foretells by dreams, appears among you and announces to you a miraculous sign or wonder, 2. and if the sign or wonder of which he has spoken takes place, and he says, "Let us follow other gods" (gods you have not known) "and let us worship them," 3. {you must not listen to the words of that prophet or dreamer.} The LORD your God is testing you to find out whether you love him with all your heart and with all your soul. 4. It is the LORD your God you must follow, deuteronomy 18:10. Let no one be found among you who sacrifices his son or daughter in the fire, who practices divination or sorcery, interprets omens, engages in witchcraft, 11. or casts spells, or who is a medium or spiritist or who consults the dead. 12. Anyone who does these things is detestable to the LORD, these are the same that apply to psychics who if they were truly psychic wouldnt thy call you instead of you paying to call them?? willbe rated this answer

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XCHOUX asked on 03/24/04 - Christianity, a Religion for Men Only? I think that Christianity is a religion very well-suited for men. It really has nothing for women's salvation FROM all the historical abuses by men. Comments? revdauphinee answered on 03/24/04: Im glad to se you atributed this to abuses by Men! Christ himself did not mean it to be this way for instance who was it he sent to tell the good news of his resurection!women! who did he tell? the women hurried away from the tomb, afraid yet filled with joy, and ran to tell his disciples. 9. Suddenly Jesus met them. "Greetings," he said. They came to him, clasped his feet and worshiped him. 10. Then Jesus said to them, "Do not be afraid. Go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee; there they will see me Men and the church took and denied women the right to tell his message Jesus never did! XCHOUX rated this answer

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MaggieB asked on 03/24/04 - To arcura and those who are interested! Arcura, you posted recently concerning the high price of drugs and buying them from Canada and I have some info that may be of interest to those who qualify. This info was not given to me by an MD or pharmacist (these people should really be the ones to tell those who need help with paying)but by a young lady who worked in a pharmacy. My mother's meds were a scant few dollars under $600 per month and with NO insurance for meds for her, I was spending every spare cent to pay for them. The young lady asked me one day when we were discussing her bill if any MD or pharmacist had ever told me about the "FREE" drug cards I could get that could be used for name brand drugs from certain companies and of course I replied no. She gave me the name and toll free numbers of The Phizer Company and The Eli Lily Company and I called them and was sent info and forms to fill out to see if she qualified and she did. I then paid only "$15" for several meds and "$12" for some and he last drug bill in January before she passed away was $103, so you see there was a way and very large savings. You must me 65 years of age or older, on Medicare, have no insurance for meds and draw/make less than $16,000 per year (single person or $32,000 per married couple). I don't know if any of you quailfy but it is a God send for those who do and have expensive drug bills. God bless, MaggieB revdauphinee answered on 03/24/04: Maggie I am 64 and disabled and I also tried these drug co cards they saved me nearly a whole $5.00 hardly worth the cost of sending for them!My meds are a large problem for me since I am on a fixed income ! arcura rated this answer MaggieB rated this answer

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MaggieB asked on 03/24/04 - Pledge Of Allegiance As many of you have heard, in a 2-1 decision, the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals of the United States said the phrase "one nation under God" in the Pledge of Allegiance amounts to a government endorsement of religion and is in violation of the separation of church and state as set forth by the U.S. Constitution. There has been wide spread public outcry to this ruling. Today, the United States Supreme Court is hearing this case. Therefore, I thought I would resend this piece by Red Skelton. In 1969, Red Skelton gave his personal view of the Pledge of Allegiance. The statement he made at the end, I think, tells it all. From THE RED SKELTON HOUR, CBS TV, January 14, 1969 COPYRIGHT 1969 RICHARD RED SKELTON Red Skelton, one of America's best loved Comedians and star of Motion Pictures, Radio and Television, was also a true Patriot. A man who loved his Country, its Flag and the Freedom America stood for. On January 14, 1969, Red touched the hearts of millions of Americans with his "Pledge Of Allegiance," in which he explained the meaning of each and every word. Red's "Pledge" was twice read into the Congressional Record of the United States and received numerous awards. RED SKELTON: "I remember this one teacher. To me, he was the greatest teacher, a real sage of my time. He had such wisdom. We were all reciting the Pledge Of Allegiance and he walked over. Mr. Lasswell was his name...He said, 'I've been listening to you boys and girls recite the Pledge Of Allegiance all semester and it seems as though it is becoming monotonous to you. If I may, may I recite it and try to explain to you the meaning of each word: I - me, an individual, a committee of one. Pledge - dedicate all my worldly goods to give without self-pity. Allegiance - My love and my devotion. To the Flag - our standard, Old Glory, a symbol of freedom. Wherever she waves, there is respect because your loyalty has given her a dignity that shouts freedom is everybody's job. Of the United - that means that we have all come together. States - individual communities that have united into 48 great states. 48 individual communities with pride and dignity and purpose, all divided with imaginary boundaries, yet united to a common purpose, and that's love for country. Of America. And to the Republic - a state in which sovereign power is invested in representatives chosen by the people to govern. And government is the people and it's from the people to the leaders, not from the leaders to the people. For which is stands. One nation - meaning, so blessed by God. Indivisible - incapable of being divided. With Liberty - which is freedom and the right of power to live one's own life without threats or fear or some sort of retaliation. And Justice - The principle or quality of dealing fairly with others. For all - which means it's as much your country as it is mine.' "Since I was a small boy, two states have been added to our country and two words have been added to the Pledge Of Allegiance - 'under God.' Wouldn't it be a pity if someone said, 'That's a prayer' and that would be eliminated from schools too?" -- Red Skelton This information was garnered from a Christian Internet Newsletter, thought you may be interested in reading it. MaggieB revdauphinee answered on 03/24/04: "One nation - meaning, so blessed by God" my fear is if continue to remove God from our lives he may decide to remove his blessing!!! MaggieB rated this answer

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ROLCAM asked on 03/24/04 - GOD knows what He is doing !! Woman was at work when she received a phone call that her daughter was very sick with a fever. She left her work and stopped by the pharmacy to get some medication. She got back to her car and found that she had locked her keys in the car. She didn't know what to do, so she called home and told the baby sitter what had happened. The baby sitter told her that the fever was getting worse. She said, "You might find a coat hanger and use that to open the door." The woman looked around and found an old rusty coat hanger that had been thrown down on the ground, possibly by someone else who at some time or other had locked their keys in their car. Then she looked at the hanger and said, "I don't know how to use this." So she bowed her head and asked God to send her some help. Within five minutes an old rusty car pulled up, with a dirty, greasy, bearded man who was wearing an old biker skull rag on his head. The woman thought, "This is what you sent to help me?" But, she was desperate, so she was also very thankful. The man got out of his car and asked her if he could help. She said, "Yes, my daughter is very sick. I stopped to get her some medication and I locked my keys in my car. I must get home to her. Please, can you use this hanger to unlock my car?" He said, "Sure." He walked over to the car, and in less than a minute the car was opened. She hugged the man and through her tears she said, "Thank You So Much! You are a very nice man." The man replied, "Lady, I am not a nice man. I just got out of prison today. I was in prison for car theft and have only been out for about an hour." The woman hugged the man again and with sobbing tears cried out loud, "Oh, Thank you God! You even sent me a Professional!" Have faith in HIM!! ROLCAM. revdauphinee answered on 03/24/04: God works in mysterious ways his wonders to perform!! ROLCAM rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 03/24/04 - Bizzaire solution to the question of Gay marriage? In a new twist in the battle over same-sex marriage roiling the United States, a county in Oregon has banned all marriages - gay and heterosexual - until the state decides who can and who cannot wed. The last marriage licences were handed out in Benton County at 4pm local time today, with officials in the county of 79,000 people expected from tomorrow to tell couples applying for licences to go elsewhere until the gay marriage debate is settled. "It may seem odd," Benton County Commissioner Linda Modrell told Reuters in a telephone interview, but "we need to treat everyone in our county equally." State Attorney General Hardy Myers said in a statement that he was "very pleased" with Benton County's decision. "It is my sincere hope that legal process will provide clarity for each of Oregon's counties." The three County commissioners had originally decided to start handing out gay marriage licences this week but yesterday reversed that decision amid a growing firestorm of lawsuits across the country, and decided instead to put a temporary halt to all marriages. Rebekah Kassell, a spokeswoman for Basic Rights Oregon, a pro-gay marriage group, told Reuters; "It is certainly a different way for county commissioners to respect their constitutional obligation to apply the law equally to everyone. "We appreciate that they are willing to say they are not going to participate in discrimination." Tim Nashif, the spokesman for the Defence of Marriage Coalition, said; "Oregon not only has the only county in the nation issuing illegal (same-sex) marriage licences, we probably have the only county in the nation refusing to issue marriage licences at all." "We are happy Benton County is not going to violate the law by issuing illegal marriage licences, but we are perplexed as to why they would not issue legal licences," he added. Benton County, whose county seat is Corvallis, is home to Oregon State University and is seen as a bastion of liberalism. Meanwhile, the American Civil Liberties Union said it would tomorrow file a lawsuit against Oregon or an unnamed state entity over the state's failure to register the more than 2,550 marriage licences issued by Portland's Multnomah County to gay couples since March 3. Multnomah County, the state's most populous, is the only jurisdiction in the United States that continues to issue same-sex marriage licences. Local governments from San Francisco to New Paltz, New York, have halted the practice amid lawsuits and protests. In New Mexico, a judge today issued a temporary restraining order to stop a Sandoval County clerk from issuing more marriage certificates to gay and lesbian couples. The temporary injunction will be in effect until a state district judge can hear the case on the subject. The case is scheduled to be heard on April 2nd. Reuters revdauphinee answered on 03/24/04: could this be likened to solomons wisdom.! paraclete rated this answer willbe rated this answer

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XCHOUX asked on 03/23/04 - Can Other Religions, Paths... have a better moral/ethical system of beliefs than Christians? I say yes. revdauphinee answered on 03/23/04: not if the Christians are truly following the path of Christ and not there own agendas and calling it Christian! Toms777 rated this answer XCHOUX rated this answer

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PraiseJah asked on 03/23/04 - Breach of the Balfour Declaration has produced terrorism Stony raised the issue of Israel's entitlement to the land of Palestine. The original Balfour Declaration and other agreements made through the UN involved SHARING the land with Palestians. A few decades ago Israel began incursions into Palestinian territories in response to attacks by Jordan and Syria. Is that fair - to blame people living in your own land for the actions of other nations? How would you white Americans feel if native Americans decided to drive you out of your homes and off your land? Both Bin Laden and other terrorist group leaders are saying is that are doing this to defend their land, their homes. Two wrongs dont make a right for sure, but neither do three wrongs make a right. We will never have peace in Israel, and we will see terrorism increase until we see as John Lennon said in his song "Imagine all the people sharing all the world" That will come one day, but only when God's kingdom with Christ as King rules. Psalm 37: 10,11,29 revdauphinee answered on 03/23/04: the ownership of the land in question Joshua 1 1. After the death of Moses the servant of the LORD, the LORD said to Joshua son of Nun, Moses' aide: 2. "Moses my servant is dead. Now then, you and all these people, get ready to cross the Jordan River into the land I am about to give to them--to the ((((Israelites.)))) 3. I will give you every place where you set your foot, as I promised Moses. 4. Your territory will extend from the desert to Lebanon, and from the great river, the Euphrates--all the Hittite country--to the Great Sea on the west. ETWolverine rated this answer paraclete rated this answer PraiseJah rated this answer

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AliMcJ asked on 03/23/04 - There is a forum here that has not been used for months I think that the board should be opened up for people to come and ask questions and get short informative and unbiased answers on, while the forum here is a place where experts can debate the various merits of different points of view without being saddled with the rating system. This is not a question -- just a suggestion that would improve the mess that's been going on lately on AW. http://www.answerway.com/forumview.php?pgtitle=Christianity&category=633&msection=&parent=2633 revdauphinee answered on 03/23/04: opened up for people to come and ask questions and get """short informative""" and unbiased answers on, I agree with emphasis on the short! some folks feel the answer (Or posting with no answer should be volumes!) AliMcJ rated this answer Uni-Agdistis rated this answer willbe rated this answer

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arcura asked on 03/23/04 - Is this a Christian thing to do? Is this a Christian thing to do? There's been a lot of discussion about getting prescription drugs from Canada thus saving as must as 35 to 50 percent off the cost of the same medication in the good ol' USA. Some say the medications from Canada may not be safe. I got news for you, the medications from the USA may not be safe so what's the big deal....OH YES the higher prices we pay here go to helping the companies that manufacture drugs continue to do so and have something left over for the development of new. Isn�t that nice? Well then, let me ask this I'm going to provide you with a web site a friend gave me from where he orders his prescriptions from Canada....so...Is this a Christian thing to do or am I being sinful in doing so? Here is the ULR... http://www.canadadrugmart.com/optiona.htm Peace and kindness, arcura revdauphinee answered on 03/23/04: Im a Christian and I order my prescriptions from Canada! arcura rated this answer paraclete rated this answer

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koinegreek asked on 03/22/04 - What does it mean when two words are connected by AND in the same parts of speech? Mark 1:15 repent and believe = metanoeO & pisteuO = verb/2p.pl.pres.act.imp. Why have Greek scholars omitted the �obvious� in English? Please add your comments on this topic. Adjust your mind and accede trust in the good message [of God]. All of you [2p.pl.] must [imp.] adjust your mind [pres.act.] and All of you [2p.pl.] must [imp.] accede trust [pres.act.] in the good message [of God] = en tO euaggelion = dat.sg.neut. adjust TRANSITIVE VERB: 1. To change so as to match or fit; cause to correspond. 2. To bring into proper relationship. 3. To adapt or conform, as to new conditions. See synonyms at adapt. INTRANSITIVE VERB: 1. To adapt oneself; conform. 2. To achieve a psychological balance with regard to one's external environment, one's needs, and the demands of others. SYNONYMS: adapt, accommodate, adjust, conform, fit1, reconcile These verbs mean to make suitable to or consistent with a particular situation or use: adapted themselves to city life; can't accommodate myself to the new requirements; adjusting their behavior to the rules; conforming her life to accord with her moral principles; fitting the punishment to the crime; couldn't reconcile his reassuring words with his hostile actions. ANTONYM: unfit trust INTRANSITIVE VERB: 1. To have or place reliance; TRANSITIVE VERB: 1. To have or place confidence in; accede INTRANSITIVE VERB: Inflected forms: ac�ced�ed, ac�ced�ing, ac�cedes 1. To give one's consent, often at the insistence of another; concede. See synonyms at assent. SYNONYMS: assent, agree, accede, acquiesce, consent, concur, subscribe These verbs denote acceptance of and often belief in another's views, proposals, or actions. Assent implies agreement, especially as a result of deliberation: They readily assented to our suggestion. Agree and accede are related in the sense that assent has been reached after discussion or persuasion, but accede implies that one person or group has yielded to the other: Acquiesce suggests passive assent because of inability or unwillingness to oppose: I acquiesced in their decision despite my misgivings. Consent implies voluntary agreement: Her parents consented to her marriage. Concur suggests that one has independently reached the same conclusion as another: Subscribe indicates hearty approval: revdauphinee answered on 03/23/04: appart from the grammar leason if you cant understand what repent and believe mean then you education is sadly lacking contrary to your belief! paraclete rated this answer

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PraiseJah asked on 03/22/04 - Assassination The assassination of the Hamaas' spiritual leader is a grave mistake according to Kophi Anan and others. Apart from it leading to an upsurge in terrorism the Hamaas cleric was never involved in organizing, arranging or executing any terrorist attacks. Sure he called for violent jihad, but that is "inciting to violence" and does not deserve the death penalty. In any case even in the OT the LORD, Jehovah says: "Vengeance IS MINE" It is not the right of Israel or anyone else to presume take on God's work. How do you feel about his murder? revdauphinee answered on 03/23/04: withour reading the oters comments on thisI will say Israel has very right to retaliate against the perpetrators of violence !why does no one cry when Israeli teens are murdered in piza places or on busses on thier way to school,or inocent shoppers are bombed I hear so much outcrying for palestinians if they truly desire it to stop then why dont thye stop it it would be so simple ,stop honoring the terrorist bombing of israelis then there would be no need for reltaliation ETWolverine rated this answer PraiseJah rated this answer tomder55 rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 03/22/04 - It feels a little like this around here? ? And kindji, this doesn't make sense either. A man-eating tiger, which has already been blamed for eight deaths, has killed five picnickers south of Kathmandu, a government official said today. Another picnicker managed to save himself by climbing a tree and staying there for several hours, the home ministry official said. "Five picnickers were killed yesterday after being attacked by a man-eating tiger believed to have been on the prowl for humans in the Chitwan district for the past couple of months," the official said. "The tiger suddenly sprang from nearby Someswar forest and attacked the picnickers, killing five of them on the spot," he said. "Even while I was up in the tree, the tiger waited for a couple of hours lying beneath the tree," a police report quoted the surviving picnicker, Rajendra Nyeupane, as saying. The dead ranged in ages from 22 to 40. The same tiger, a Royal Bengal, is believed to have killed eight other people in the area over the past 10 weeks. Forestry wardens are searching for the tiger in the area but no sightings have been reported. revdauphinee answered on 03/23/04: all I can say about this posting is why???? paraclete rated this answer

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tomder55 asked on 03/22/04 - euthanasia by omission VATICAN CITY -- Pope John Paul II said Saturday the removal of feeding tubes from people in vegetative states was immoral, and that no judgment on their quality of life could justify such "euthanasia by omission." John Paul made the comments to participants of a Vatican conference on the ethical dilemmas of dealing with incapacitated patients, entering into a debate that has sparked court battles in the United States and elsewhere. The pope said even the medical terminology used to describe people in so-called "persistent vegetative states" was degrading to them. He said no matter how sick a person was, "he is and will always be a man, never becoming a 'vegetable' or 'animal.'" In a vegetative state, patients are awake but not aware of themselves or their environment. The condition is different from a coma, in which the patient is neither awake nor aware. Both, however, are states in which the patient is devoid of consciousness. If the vegetative state continues for a month, the patient is said to be in a persistent vegetative state; after a year without improvement, the patient is said to be in a permanent vegetative state. Providing food and water to such patients should be considered natural, ordinary and proportional care -- not artificial medical intervention, the pope told members of the conference, which was organized by the World Federation of Catholic Medical Associations and the Pontifical Academy for Life, a Vatican advisory body. "As such, it is morally obligatory," to continue such care, he said. Since no one knows when a patient in a vegetative state might awaken, "the evaluation of the probability, founded on scarce hope of recovery after the vegetative state has lasted for more than a year, cannot ethically justify the abandonment or the interruption of minimal care for the patient, including food and water," he said. Similarly, he said that someone else's evaluation of the patient's quality of life in such a state couldn't justify letting them die of hunger or thirst. "If this is knowingly and deliberately carried out, this would result in a true euthanasia by omission," he said. John Paul has consistently voiced opposition to euthanasia, which the Vatican defines as "an action or omission that by its nature and intention" causes death to end pain. It says euthanasia always is a violation of God's law. The issue over removing feeding tubes has prompted several court cases and legislation in the United States, Australia and elsewhere. In a highly publicized case in Tampa, Fla., the husband of a severely brain-damaged woman, Terri Schiavo, has battled her parents for years to have his wife's feeding tube removed so she can die. He says she wouldn't have wanted to be kept alive with it. The issue has involved the state legislature as well as the governor, who was given the authority to have the feeding tube reinserted after the woman's husband had it removed. In his comments, John Paul said families of such ill people needed more emotional and economic support, so that they can better care for their loved ones. In addition, he said, society should commit more money to find cures for them. Copyright � 2004, The Associated Press What do you think ? revdauphinee answered on 03/22/04: I agree with the Pope on this !God is the giver of Life and it is he and he alone who should take it!with research and all the knowledge we are gaining daily how can one know that maybee a week after letting someone die this way new hope may become availabe??? tomder55 rated this answer

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XCHOUX asked on 03/22/04 - The Gifts of the Holy Spirit According to the Baltimore Catechism(Catholic), the following are gifts of the Holy Spirit: Wisdom, Understanding, Counsel, Fortitude, Knowledge, Piety and Fear of the Lord. These sound like wonderful gifts. Well, except fear, I would use the word wonder and awe. Comments about gifts of the spirit welcome... revdauphinee answered on 03/22/04: 1st Corinthians: 4. There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit. 5. There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. 6. There are different kinds of working, but the same God works all of them in all men. 7. Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good. 8. To one there is given through the Spirit the message of wisdom, to another the message of knowledge by means of the same Spirit, 9. to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by that one Spirit, 10. to another miraculous powers, to another prophecy, to another distinguishing between spirits, to another speaking in different kinds of tongues, and to still another the interpretation of tongues. 11. All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and he gives them to each one, just as he determines. XCHOUX rated this answer

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XCHOUX asked on 03/22/04 - Variety is the Spice of Life I was wondering if we could discuss points of interest in other religions other than Mormonism or JW. I would like to see some posts regarding Catholicism and would make them, but I don't have a Baltimore Catachism. Also, well, other religions like Methodism, Presbyterianism, etc. I guess I could quit being lazy and look stuff on the internet and make posts! Anyone else interested? Chou revdauphinee answered on 03/22/04: Most definatly!! I think we have done the mormonism thing and no matter what they say I dont agree with thier beliefs and never will!(when I first converted to Christianity I looked deeply into the Mormon faith even to the point of attending services for almost 2 yrs and found it not to be connected to the scripture I had been studying ) It would be intersting to have a change Personaly as many of yopu here know I am nondenominational myself my feelings are that all denominations are more interested in promoting thier own agendas than they are in promoting Christ himself! paraclete rated this answer XCHOUX rated this answer

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powderpuff asked on 03/22/04 - Where does God live? Does God live inside of you? Someone said that when you are baptized, the Holy Ghost comes to indwell inside of you. Trinity says Holy Ghost is God. If Holy Ghost is God, does God live inside those who have been baptized? revdauphinee answered on 03/22/04: lets look at baptism ! baptism will not save anyone!! nor will it cause the indwelling of the holy spirit or God .I f one first and formost dos not have a true relationship with Jesus and is repentant for sin in his/her life all they will get from being baptised is wet! Baptisn is necesary as an act of obediance and an outward sign that one has first accepted Jesus as saviour without first having this baptism is nothing! powderpuff rated this answer Toms777 rated this answer

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kindj asked on 03/22/04 - Does this make any sense to you? Let's say I build a sweet car, like maybe a mid-30's Ford T Bucket from scratch. From the wheels up, I put this car together with all the love and care that I can. Finally, after working on it non-stop for the better part of a year, it's done. I take it out, drive it around the town a couple of times, then take it to a field and wire a 2lb block of C-4 to it and blow it to pieces. Does that make any sense? No? Then what the hell possesses God to create a beautiful little girl, have her born with a brain tumor, but have doctors be able to get rid of the tumor, only to have it come back and kill her when she's only three years old? What purpose does that serve? This happened to my neighbor across the road this weekend. Thank God he didn't come to me looking for answers. Oh, sure, we can mouth all the cliches about "reasons" and the "mysteries of God's will," but you know what? That just doesn't cut it. That doesn't cut it when you have sweet, innocent little kids dying of diseases borne straight out of the pits of hell, when you also have some of the sorriest rat bastards just walking around, doing as they please. How does God expect us to deal with this kind of BS? Furthermore, how does God expect us to NOT get sorely pissed off at Him because of crap like this? For crying out loud, He's GOD, and can surely find better ways to "teach us lessons" or whatever without causing innocent little kids to die. Yeah, I'm a bit hacked at God this morning. I feel guilty about being mad at Him, but mad I am. DK revdauphinee answered on 03/22/04: dont blame God blame Mankind who invented and uses chemicals and pesticides that are in everthing we eat and even in the air we breath these things cause cancer and tumors ,it is we who are to blame .I myself am suffering from several incurable diseases due to my 22 yrs of work in the field of chemistry for wich I ask his fogiveness daily! the God you are angry with is also angry and he will not allow it to continue forever bnefore he comes and takes over and renews our earth .take heart from this Revelation 2:Revelation 21 1. Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, kindj rated this answer sxhtzofsunshine rated this answer tomder55 rated this answer Uni-Agdistis rated this answer paraclete rated this answer

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koinegreek asked on 03/22/04 - WHO? Rom 1:18 Who hold the truth in unrighteousness; For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness; Rom 1:25 Who changed the truth of God into a lie Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen. As an expert: Can you explain the "who" in these two verses? revdauphinee answered on 03/22/04: worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, sounds like the ancient druids or todays nature worshipers!

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Uni-Agdistis asked on 03/21/04 - The Passion ...... Couple arrested after 'Passion' fight from: CNN- A couple who got into a dispute over a theological point after watching "The Passion of the Christ" were arrested after the argument turned violent. The two left the movie theater debating whether God the Father in the Holy Trinity was human or symbolic, and the argument heated up when they got home, Melissa Davidson said. "It was the dumbest thing we've ever done," she said. Davidson, 34, and her husband, Sean Davidson, 33, were charged with simple battery on March 11 after the two called police on each other. They were released on $1,000 bail. According to a police report, Melissa Davidson suffered injuries on her arm and face, while her husband had a scissors stab wound on his hand and his shirt was ripped off. He also allegedly punched a hole in a wall. "Really, it was kind of a pitiful thing, to go to a movie like that and fight about it. I think they missed the point," said Gene McDaniel, chief sheriff's deputy. revdauphinee answered on 03/22/04: "It was the dumbest thing we've ever done," she said." How true!!! Uni-Agdistis rated this answer

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willbe asked on 03/21/04 - KOLOB - a stumbling block to the blind Reading back questions on the religion boards at A/way shows many question, each surprisingly similar on the subject of KOLOB. To anyone who is obsessed with this admittedly fascinating subject and who might be seeking to find KOLOB in documents other than those generated by unsinkable Christian-Mormons, of whose number I am pleased to be one, what I post under this necessary explanation will point them in a direction which, if followed assiduously, with scholarly intent, and with Christian honesty and integrity - ancient but necessary virtues for followers of the Nazarene - will reveal to them not only the probable origin of the word KOLOB, but also reveal to them the types of documents they should search to find KOLOB in a non Mormon-Christian setting. Joseph Smith said that "Kolob [signified] the first creation, nearest to the celestial, or the residence of God." To the ancient Egyptians, this was symbolic of God, endowed with the primeval creative force, seated at the center of the universe. The name Kolob is right at home in this context. The word most likely derives from the common Semitic root *QLB, which has the basic meaning of "heart, center, or middle," which is precisely the way the Prophet Joseph Smith used and explained it. The Arabic form of this word, qalb, forms part of the Arabic names of several of the brightest stars in the sky including Antares, Regulus, and Canopus. That should satisfy the most severe critic who believes KOLOB to be an MORMON invention without support in Semitic or Egyptian languages. That is, unless facts do nothing to enlighten those who are resistant to enlightenment. +++++++++++++ Do you think they will be satisfied? revdauphinee answered on 03/22/04: Just wondering !where did Joseph smith recieve his doctorate in either ancient egyptology or Arabic??? ""Joseph Smith said that "Kolob [signified] the first creation, nearest to the celestial, or the residence of God.""" willbe rated this answer Toms777 rated this answer arcura rated this answer

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willbe asked on 03/21/04 - Christian Child Sexual Abuse ... Child sexual abuse is not confined to the RCC or to Watchtower. No one should be engaged in diminishing the extent and severity of sexual child abuse by pastors, priests, and other Christian leaders, and no Christian whether in leadership or not, should undertake any course of action to shield those accused of child sexual abuse, but must facilitate honest, speedy, and thorough investigation by law enforcement officers. Those who fail to report, or involve law enforcement agencies, are as guilty of child sexual abuse as the perpetrators, and should be subject to the same penalties. Over 230 Examples From the Book Christian Child Abuse: The Reality 1979, Newfoundland, Canada. Fr. Kelly convicted of 10 sexual offences against 5 boys aged 13 to 17. After receiving a suspended sentence, Kelly was appointed vice-chancellor of Temporal Affairs for Toronto Archdiocese. 1984, Louisiana USA. Fr. Gauthe sentenced to 20 yrs. for molestation of more than 100 boys, 1971-83, aged 7 to 9. His paedophilia had been known since his first year as priest, yet his superiors transferred him whenever scandal threatened to become public. 1986, Washington. Fr. Fontenot convicted of raping boy. He had shared 4 boys with Gauthe in mid-1970's. 1988, Newfoundland's best-known priest, Fr. Hickey, convicted of 32 sex crimes involving boys. The local vicar had known about Hickey since 1975, but had done nothing. 1988, Newfoundland. Fr. Corrigan jailed for 7 offences against boys aged 10 to 13. 1988, Lancashire, England. Congregational Church Minister Garvock convicted of raping 4 yr. old girl. 1988, Winchester, England. 2 Anglican vicars, a choir master, a solicitor, and an already convicted molester jailed on 21 charges of sexually abusing boys at church outings, YMCA and churchyard. 1989, Newfoundland. Fr. Bennet pleads guilty to 36 charges of paedophilia. His Archbishop had known about him since 1979. 1990, Taupo, New Zealand. Fr. Brown jailed for indecent assault on 2 altar boys, 1980 to 1986. The Hamilton Diocese Archbishop states that Brown could be assigned other duties when released, and describes him as "a very compassionate man". 1990, Minneapolis USA. Rev. Adamson admits paedophilia since 1961, in a lawsuit brought by a young man who had been abused by the priest 1979-87. Adamson was joined in the abuse in 1984 by a nun. The Archdiocese had known of Adamson's paedophilia. 1990, Solihull, England. Pentecostal Minister D. Stenhouse jailed on 5 charges of indecent assault on boys aged 12 to 15. 1991, Newfoundland. 9 Christian Brothers charged with sexual and physical abuse of boys in their care at Mt. Cashel orphanage. 1991, Minneapolis USA. Rev Thurner admits sexual abuse of a boy. The Archdiocese had known of his paedophilia since 1982. 1991, Ontario, Canada. Rev. Pappi convicted of 2 charges of 'sexual interference' of two 13 year old boys. 1991, England. Baptist Minister Ashby Breneman jailed for molesting 6 boys at his Christian Youth camp. 1991, Arlington USA. Fr. Chleboski charged with 6 counts of molesting a 13 yr. old boy, student of Our Lady of Victory School. 1991, Hamilton, New Zealand. Lay Minister Whalley jailed for indecent assault on a 10 yr. old boy. Had 5 previous convictions. His Church had sought to keep him out of court. 1988-1991, New Orleans USA. Fr. Cinel is discovered to posses huge collection of child pornography, including 160 hrs. of homemade videotapes depicting himself - and his dog - in homosexual acts with boys. After a public outcry, the Catholic DA reluctantly charges Cinel with 60 separate counts of possessing child porn, in 1991. 1991. Civil suit brought against Ferrario, Bishop of Honolulu for sexual abuse, 1972-1982, by David Figueroa, who states he had been abused by priests since 1964, when he was 5. In all, this represents over 230 examples. revdauphinee answered on 03/22/04: we are all of us charged with protecting the children who are our gift from God! Matthew 18: 6 But if anyone causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him to have a large millstone hung around his neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea. ) willbe rated this answer

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PraiseJah asked on 03/21/04 - Who wants to be a millionaire? The silent lambs site owner has offered $1,000,000 to anyone who can produce WT literature that says child abuse should be reported to police. Jah's girl Sunday, March 21, 2004 @ 1:00 AM To M.A.N The BOE letters are posted on this site, as are numerous other WT publications dealing with child abuse. My father has never shown me any BOE letters but I have been assured the contents are no different to what is in WT and Awake articles on dealing with child abuse. eg the WT and Awake articles advise parents to report abuse to the police. -------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------------------------- silentlambs reply-inaccurate information; no article are book requires parents to report abuse to police, perhaps we should offer a $1,000,000 reward to anyone that can find one place in JW literature where reporting child abuse is required. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The Awake! article I posted even said that a spouse should take decisive action even if it is father who is the offender and he may lose his job. How could he lose his job if he is not reported to the police and goes to jail. So go for it. My guess is they wont even print the copy paste articles I posted here, never mind give you the promised reward. revdauphinee answered on 03/22/04: why should anyone Jw or otherwise need instructions of any form to report Child abuse???All one needs is a little common sence,whoever would not report such a horror is not worthy of the name christian! PraiseJah rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 03/21/04 - How come we arn't cheering? Thousands of Pakistani army reinforcements joined a major offensive yesterday in tribal border villages where al-Qaeda's No. 2, Ayman al-Zawahiri and hundreds of other militants are believed to be surrounded, while Afghan authorities reported the arrests of mid-level terrorist leaders on their side of the border. Army spokesman General Shaukat Sultan said the army believed several hundred militants - a mix of foreigners and local Pakistani tribesmen - were holed up in heavily armed fortresses in several villages in lawless south Waziristan, where Pakistani paramilitary forces began an operation against al-Qaeda and the Taliban four days ago. "From the type of resistance we are getting the militants could be anything from 300 to 400 strong," he said. General Sultan said the intelligence assessment was that a high-level fugitive was among the fighters, although this man had not been seen and it was unclear whether it was al-Zawahiri. Villagers in Wana, the main town in south Waziristan, said heavy guns fired through the night and jet fighters were visible in the area, as fighting spread to two more tribal villages. Pakistani President General Pervez Musharraf said yesterday that a "high value" target was believed trapped, and four senior Pakistani officials said on condition of anonymity that intelligence indicated it was Osama bin Laden's deputy, al-Zawahiri. US national security adviser Condoleezza Rice said a "fierce battle was raging" but the US did not have any independent confirmation that al-Zawahiri was surrounded in Pakistan. Meanwhile, a spokesman for Afghan President Hamid Karzai said US and Afghan troops had captured "semi-senior" terrorist leaders along the border with Pakistan, as they tightened security along the rugged frontier. A Taliban spokesman, Abdul Samad, told AP in a phone interview that both al-Zawahiri and bin Laden were alive and hiding inside Afghanistan. "Muslims of the world, don't worry about them, these two guests, they are fine," he said. The semi-autonomous Tribal Areas, which has resisted outside control for centuries, has long been considered a likely hiding place for the top two al-Qaeda leaders - but there was no indication bin Laden was with the Egyptian-born al-Zawahiri. The US has offered a $US25 million ($33.4 million) reward for information leading to al-Zawahiri's capture. The reward for bin Laden's capture has just been doubled to $US50 million. "We have been receiving intelligence and information from our agents who are working in the Tribal Areas that al-Zawahiri could be hiding there," a Pakistani military official said. Al-ZawahIri, 52, a former surgeon, is believed to be the brains behind the terror network, with bin Laden more a spiritual leader and financial backer. He is also thought to have been the al-Qaeda leader's physician. For days there have been reports of an Al Quaeda leader cornered and resisting and yet there is not a single comment. Have we become so blaise that these things no longer have any importance. Let's have some prayer here that this mess will be quickly over and the murders caught and brought to justice. revdauphinee answered on 03/22/04: no cheering this mess is not over and sory to say I feel this is just more smoke being blown at us ! paraclete rated this answer

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PraiseJah asked on 03/21/04 - gnostic beliefs - religioustolerance.org/ GNOSTICISM: ANCIENT AND MODERN BELIEFS & PRACTICES Gnostic beliefs: The Nag Hummadi find revealed that there was a broad range of beliefs among the various independent Gnostic systems or schools. However, the following points are believed to be generally accurate throughout the movement: Their Role: They believed that they alone truly understood Christ's message, and that other streams of thought within Christianity had misinterpreted Jesus' mission and sayings. Gnosis: Knowledge to them was not an intellectual exercise; it was not a passive understanding of some aspect of spirituality. Rather, knowledge had a redeeming and liberating function that helped the individual break free of bondage to the world. Deity: The Supreme Father God or Supreme God of Truth is remote from human affairs; he is unknowable and undetectable by human senses. She/he created a series of supernatural but finite beings called Aeons. One of these was Sophia, a virgin, who in turn gave birth to an defective, inferior Creator-God, also known as the Demiurge. (Demiurge means "public craftsman" in Greek.) This lower God created the earth and its life forms. This is Jehovah, the God of the Hebrew Scriptures (Old Testament). He is viewed by Gnostics as fundamentally evil, jealous, rigid, lacking in compassion and prone to genocide. The Demiurge "thinks that he is supreme. His pride and incompetence have resulted in the sorry state of the world as we know it, and in the blind and ignorant condition of most of mankind." Duality of spirit and body: Spirit is of divine origin and good; the body is inherently earthly and evil. Gnostics were hostile to the physical world, to matter and the human body. But they believed that trapped within some people's bodies were the sparks of divinity or seeds of light that were supplied to humanity by Sophia. Salvation: A person attains salvation by learning secret knowledge of their spiritual essence: a divine spark of light or spirit. They then have the opportunity to escape from the prison of their bodies at death. Their soul can ascend to be reunited with the Supreme God at the time of their death. Gnostics divided humanity into three groups: The spiritual, who would be saved irrespective of their behavior while on earth. The Soulish, who could be saved if they followed the Gnostic path. The carnal who are hopelessly lost. Evil: They did not look upon the world as having been created perfectly and then having degenerated as a result of the sin of Adam and Eve. Rather the world was seen as being evil at the time of its origin, because it had been created by an inferior God. Snake Symbol: Some Gnostic sects honored the snake. They did not view the snake as a seducer who led the first couple into sinful behavior. Rather, they saw him/it as a liberator who brought knowledge to Adam and Eve by convincing them to eat of the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil and thus to become fully human. Christ: The role of the redeemer in Gnostic belief is heavily debated at this time. Gnostics seem to have looked upon Christ as a revealer or liberator, rather than a savior or judge. His purpose was to spread knowledge which would free individuals from the Demiurge's control and allow them to return to their spiritual home with the Supreme God at death. Some Gnostic groups promoted Docetism, the belief that Christ was pure spirit and only had a phantom body; Jesus just appeared to be human to his followers. They reasoned that a true emissary from the Supreme God could not have been overcome by the evil of the world, and to have suffered and died. These beliefs were considered heresy by mainline Christians. Some Gnostics believed that Christ's resurrection occurred at or before Jesus' death on the cross. They defined his resurrection as occurring when his spirit was liberated from his body. Many Gnostics believed that Jesus had both male and female disciples. The Universe: This is divided into three kingdoms: The "Earthly Cosmos": The earth is the center of the universe, and is composed of the world that we know of and an underworld. It is surrounded by air and by 7 concentric heavenly spheres: one for each of the Moon, Venus, Mercury, Sun, Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn. (Although the planet Uranus is visible to the naked eye, it was not recognized as a planet in ancient times.) Beyond Saturn resides Leviathan, a snake coiled in a single circle, devouring its own tail. Within these spheres live demonic, tyrannical entities called Archons. Beyond them lies Paradise which contains the "Tree of Life", the "Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil", and the flaming, turning sword of Genesis 3:24. Beyond Paradise was the sphere of the fixed stars, divided into the 12 signs of the zodiac. The "Intermediate Kingdom is composed of an inner blue circle of darkness and an outer yellow ring of light. Within these rings is a sphere which is the realm of Sophia. The "Kingdom of God" consists of two spheres: an outer one of the unknowable Supreme God, and inner ring of the Son. NB: Their writings include the gospel of Thomas, Barnabas, Peter and Mary. Now you can see why they were not included when Irenaus complied the NT Bible canon in the 2nd century AD. revdauphinee answered on 03/22/04: qote from your posting "They believed that they alone truly understood Christ's message, and that other streams of thought within Christianity had misinterpreted Jesus' mission and sayings." to me this sounds so like most of todays Christian denominations!! PraiseJah rated this answer

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willbe asked on 03/21/04 - A Bible question What was the significance of the red heifer for ancient Israel? :) will revdauphinee answered on 03/21/04: According to the Book of Numbers (XIX: 2-7), the animal is needed for an ancient Jewish purification ritual. "Speak unto the children of Israel that they bring thee a red heifer without spot, wherein is no blemish, and upon which never came yoke," says the fourth book of the Old Testament, also part of Jewish holy scripture, the Torah. The heifer will be slaughtered and burned, and its ashes made into a liquid paste and used in a ceremony which religious Jews believe they must undergo before they can enter the old Temple site in Jerusalem to start building a new structure. Since Herod's Temple was destroyed by the Roman emperor Titus in AD 70, no flawless red heifer has been born within the biblical land of Israel, according to rabbinical teaching. for this genration not that of anciient Israel Tradition records that a red heifer in our generation is a herald of the Messianic era. It is certainly an important development towards the rebuilding of the Holy Temple. In these days of difficulty for the Land of Israel, there is encouraging news as well... It can now be revealed that a red heifer was born in Israel. After the heifer's owner contacted the Temple Institute, on Friday, April 5th, 2002, Rabbi Menachem Makover and Rabbi Chaim Richman traveled to the farm where the heifer is located, to inspect and validate her status.News of the red heifer's appearance, however, will not be well received by Muslims. The site of the old Jewish temples in the Holy City is now occupied by one of Islam's holiest shrines, the Dome of the Rock. Jewish extremists want to destroy the Dome and the adjoining Al-Aqsa mosque to make way for a new temple. In 1985 a group of Jewish terrorists were jailed in Israel for planning to destroy the Dome with high explosives. But Jewish activists say they regard it as their divine mission to build a new Temple. "We have been waiting 2,000 years for a sign from God, and now he has provided us with a red heifer," said Yehudah Etzion, the ringleader of the Eighties' plot to blow up the Dome, who was present at the inspection of the red heifer at Kfar Hassidim. "There were a couple of little white hairs which worried us, but the rabbis are satisfied that it is the red heifer referred to in the Bible," said Etzion MaggieB rated this answer willbe rated this answer

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powderpuff asked on 03/21/04 - a couple questions, can you help I've read that there is one spiritual universal Church--and that "we were all baptized into one body." And I've read about Christian baptism "by" and "with" the Holy Spirit (or is that ghost?). I'm confused about a couple of things here. One has to do with this "oneness" and the other has to do with the "with" and "by" kinds of baptism. Does that "with" and "by" happen during the same baptismal event or are they separate events? And about the oneness thing, does that somehow tie in with the trinity belief? revdauphinee answered on 03/21/04: the one universal church could refer to the body of believers in Christ and his salvation This is accepted by all followers of Christ from all denominations while they may have iffering doctrines most believe in this! powderpuff rated this answer sxhtzofsunshine rated this answer

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willbe asked on 03/21/04 - Being saved - according to the Jehovah's Witnesses I probably know as little as everyone else about what Jehovah's Witnesses really really believe (instead of much of the nonsense posted about them from time to time), so I ask these questions. Is being baptized as a JW the same as being saved, or is salvation dependant on something else. I have read that the JWs believe that only 144,000 people will be saved in heaven and that everyone else will have to settle for something less and will not get into heaven. If that is correct, who decides who is numbered with the 144,000 and why has Jehovah limited space in heaven to such a small number, and how do you know if you are in that number and saved, or not saved and out of it, and if you are out of that number, what is the point of being a JW? Does the death of Jesus on a tree have anything to do with JWs being saved? If so, how? :) Peace and blessings will revdauphinee answered on 03/21/04: in answer to the following ," who decides who is numbered with the 144,000 " In spite of Jehovas witness beliefs this is clearly answered in scripture !God decided and they are all Jews! Revelation 7: 4. Then I heard the number of those who were sealed: 144,000 from all the tribes of Israel. 5. From the tribe of Judah 12,000 were sealed, from the tribe of Reuben 12,000, from the tribe of Gad 12,000, 6. from the tribe of Asher 12,000, from the tribe of Naphtali 12,000, from the tribe of Manasseh 12,000, 7. from the tribe of Simeon 12,000, from the tribe of Levi 12,000, from the tribe of Issachar 12,000, 8. from the tribe of Zebulun 12,000, from the tribe of Joseph 12,000, from the tribe of Benjamin 12,000. willbe rated this answer

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PraiseJah asked on 03/21/04 - Do Mormons believe in astroloy? Like the heretical gnostics, the Mormons believe that we benefit from Adam's sin. Do Mormons also believe in astrology, like the gnostics? revdauphinee answered on 03/21/04: "In contrast to most readers of the Bible, we believe that Adam and Eve both should be commended for what they did to bring about the Fall. The above is utter nonesence! PraiseJah rated this answer Toms777 rated this answer willbe rated this answer

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Matthew asked on 03/20/04 - Being Saved? How does one feel when being saved for the first time? And, how can one tell if they have been saved? Thank you. Matthew. revdauphinee answered on 03/21/04: Q) How does one feel when being saved for the first time A) releived (and one time is enough if you need a second then you wernt saved the first time!) Q), how can one tell if they have been saved? A)God said if we believe on Jesus and his gift of salvation! then we are saved and God does not lie! Matthew rated this answer

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willbe asked on 03/20/04 - A Bible question What was the significance of the Scapegoat in ancient Israel? :) will revdauphinee answered on 03/21/04: the following explains it well ,Jesus became the scapegoat for all mankind! Lev.16:10 But the goat chosen by lot as the scapegoat shall be presented alive before the LORD to be used for making atonement by sending it into the desert as a scapegoat. Lev.16:20-34. 20 "When Aaron has finished making atonement for the Most Holy Place, the Tent of Meeting and the altar, he shall bring forward the live goat. 21 He is to lay both hands on the head of the live goat and confess over it all the wickedness and rebellion of the Israelites--all their sins--and put them on the goat's head. He shall send the goat away into the desert in the care of a man appointed for the task. 22 The goat will carry on itself all their sins to a solitary place; and the man shall release it in the desert. willbe rated this answer

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XCHOUX asked on 03/20/04 - Christianity and Science I have been terribly troubled by the apparently recent schism between Christianity and Science. I wonder why this is happening? Is it that Fundamentalists speak against science for a hidden agenda? Do other Christian fear science. Yet, Christians use the benefits of science such as medicine, civil engineering, architecture, water treatment, technology(huge catagory)...on and on. There was no such schism when I was young. I'd apperciate any honest answers. revdauphinee answered on 03/20/04: since all Knowledge comes from God I see no problems with science or my faith!the biggest problem between scientists and God Is that God doesent think he is a scientist! XCHOUX rated this answer

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koinegreek asked on 03/20/04 - WOW MOM Gen 2:22 And the rib, which the LORD God had taken from man, built he a woman, and brought her unto the man. One Spirit--Thus the word and God is ONE. One Flesh--Thus the man and woman was ONE. Image and likness of God, he created them. Expert Opinion? Woman--in Hebrew, "man-ess." one flesh--The human pair differed from all other pairs, that by peculiar formation of Eve, they were one. And this passage is appealed to by our Lord as the divine institution of marriage (Matthew 19:4,5, Ephesians 5:28). Thus Adam appears as a creature formed after the image of God --showing his knowledge by giving names to the animals, his righteousness by his approval of the marriage relation, and his holiness by his principles and feelings, and finding gratification in the service and enjoyment of God. Hebrew word, hnb, strong number 01129 God built the woman, WOW, hand crafted! This is the FIRST use of God as builder. What is your expert opinion? revdauphinee answered on 03/20/04: Q What is your expert opinion? A that you my friend are iritating and also are in violation of site policy The purpose of this guide is to help everyone who participates as an Expert at Answerway to develop and improve excellence in responding to questions, and to help make sure that users will not only come back again but will tell their friends and acquaintances about Answerway.

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HANK1 asked on 03/20/04 - SEE YA! After reading the thread at the Expert Forum and viewing the spamming on this Board this a.m., it's time for me to take a hiatus from said Board until the negative issues we have discussed diminish in their entirety! Take care, guys, and have a great Spring and Summer! I know God is with all of you. So, perhaps He'll lead me back to Answerway at a later date! Pray for Carol! She has her six-month Catscan at Barnes this coming Thursday (3/25). She's been doing great. So, I hope she's in remission. I thank you for your past prayers and considerations. I love you all! HANK revdauphinee answered on 03/20/04: Hank please dont let these folks win we need you here.If all the good folks leave then they have no one to irritate and lose interest then the whole site will fall Just as it did at ask me! Toms777 rated this answer willbe rated this answer HANK1 rated this answer

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koinegreek asked on 03/20/04 - WOW! Heb 11:10, What A Story!!! Heb 11:10 For he looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker [is] God. Need of Expert Opinion: Who is builder and maker? Since I have been informed "expert does not answer questions." Heb 11:10 for he was looking for the city having the foundations, whose artificer and constructor is God. Need of Expert Opinion: Who is artificer and constructor? Since I have been informed "expert do not answer questions." Heb 11:10 For he waited for the city having foundations, whose Artificer and Architect is God. Need of Expert Opinion: Who is Artificer and Architect? Since I have been informed "expert does not answer questions." revdauphinee answered on 03/20/04: "I have been informed "expert does not answer questions." no you were informed they dont HAVE to answer them! You appear to me to just want to cause cxontovercy here please dont there are those of us who do come here for other things why d you do this does it make you feel good??? MaggieB rated this answer

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MaggieB asked on 03/19/04 - The 23rd Psalm The Lord is my Shepherd That's Relationship! I shall not want That's Supply! He maketh me to lie down in green pastures That's Rest! He leadeth me beside the still waters That's Refreshment! He restoreth my soul That's Healing! He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness That's Guidance! For His name sake That's Purpose! Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death That's Testing! I will fear no evil That's Protection! For Thou art with me That's Faithfulness! Thy rod and Thy staff they comfort me That's Discipline! Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies That's Hope! Thou annointest my head with oil That's Consecration! My cup runneth over That's Abundance! Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life That's Blessing! And I will dwell in the house of the Lord That's Security! Forever That's Eternity! Not a question, just a meaningful explanation. MaggieB revdauphinee answered on 03/20/04: great posting I saved that for future reference hope you dont object! MaggieB rated this answer

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koinegreek asked on 03/19/04 - PraiseJah, Can't answer YES or NO? Why? "I always compare it to architect and builder." said PraiseJah. Question for PraiseJah: Can the architect and builder be one and the SAME? YES or NO? 2. Does the architect and builder automatically mean two separate and distinct entities? YES or NO? Clarification/Follow-up by koinegreek on 03/19/04 6:18 pm:Praisejah: I asked two "YES or NO" questions. These two questions are based upon your own words. Please answer? Clarification/Follow-up by koinegreek on 03/19/04 6:24 pm: PraiseJah: If you will not answer, please tell me why? Clarification/Follow-up by PraiseJah on 03/19/04 6:30 pm: Why do you keep accusing me of not answering questions before I get a chance to?? And even after I have answered? Board: Please tell me what there is to mis-understand in "yes or no" questions? revdauphinee answered on 03/20/04: ""I am not the board, but you are putting yourself in danger of the board's detective who will report you for harrassing an expert."" NOW WHO IS THREATENING????

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sxhtzofsunshine asked on 03/19/04 - Jesus wept. ...john 11:35 what do you make of this passage and do you think Jesus was goaded into raising Lazarus because everyone was questioning him as to why he let this happen if he really did have powers? revdauphinee answered on 03/20/04: if anyone thinks that Jesus even could be goaded into anything then they dont know Jesus! sxhtzofsunshine rated this answer

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tomder55 asked on 03/19/04 - Diciannovesimo Marzo : La Festa di San Giuseppe Two days after the feast of the great Irish patron saint comes the day of the carpenter of Nazareth, St.Joseph . Saint Joseph, "the just man," of whom the Gospels say little ;but who is beloved by generations of Italians and Italian-Americans, celebrated on March 19. Though often pictured as an aged man, bearded and bent with years, Joseph has more recently been seen as younger, more fitted to his role as protector of the young Mary and her Child. Though St. Joseph was descended from royalty, it was not a title to rank or riches. Everything known about Joseph suggests he was poor,for example, the offering of only two turtle doves at the Temple. J oseph's family belonged to Bethlehem of Judea, but he had moved to Nazareth in Galilee to take up the occupation of a builder. There is no reason to suggest he was older than a normal age of 20-24 when he wed Mary, who would have been 15-20. Matthew mentions the annunciation to Joseph of Mary's conception, the visit of the Magi, the flight to Egypt and the return to Nazareth. Luke fills in the details of the birth of Christ, the Presentation and the temporary loss of Jesus in Jerusalem at the age of twelve. After that, Joseph disappears from the pages of the Gospel. Since he is not mentioned during the ministry of Jesus or at the Passion, it is assumed that he had already died by that point. Saint Joseph is patron of many places and many trades. He is the guardian of the spiritual home of Christians, the Church, and of the material home, too. The tradition of a St. Joseph's Day began when there was a severe drought in Sicily in the middle ages. In desperation, people asked St. Joseph, their patron, to intervene. They promised, if rain came, they would prepare a big feast in his honor. The tradition says these prayers were answered with rainy weather. In gratitude, huge banquet tables were set-up in public and poor people were invited to come and eat as much as they wanted. Today, special foods, linens, flowers, adorn the St. Joseph's Altar which is built with three steps representing the Holy Trinity. Generosity marks this day, as it did the character of Joseph himself. In many nations it's a day of sharing with the poor and needy, and nowhere is this better carried out than in the nation that perhaps loves San Giuseppe the most: Italy. In many Italian villages, especially in Sicily, everyone of any means contributes to a table spread in the public square as an offering for favors received from prayers to this kindly saint. The bread made for this day is often shaped like a scepter or a beard; villagers representing Jesus, Mary, and Joseph are guests of honor at the feast, and other guests are the orphans, widows, or beggars. After Mass, all go in procession to this festive table. After the priest blesses the feast, everyone shouts, "Viva la tavola di San Giuse!" then eats. Since the feast falls during Lent, no meat is served. The meal begins with "minestrone St. Joseph-style." , a unique minestrone is made; people add any vegetarian ingredients that happen to be handy to the soup. [This is the origin of a Sicilian expression minestra di San Giuse, i.e., confusion or chaos.] A "dry" spaghetti, dressed with bread crumbs, raisins and walnuts, is typical. Several fish courses served include favorites such as: baccala; smelts deep fried in egg batter and flour; fried eels; and spaghetti with anchovies. A real treat ;cavazune [pronounced "gava-June"], shaped like huge raviolis (three times the size of regular ones), about 3 inches long, and stuffed with a filling of chick peas sweetened with sugar and molasses), then deep fried in olive oil. I'll have a big, fat, creamy zeppoli for each of you. revdauphinee answered on 03/19/04: the zeppoli sounds delicious but being a diabetic im afraid ill have to pass !LOL tomder55 rated this answer

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XCHOUX asked on 03/18/04 - Abraham Linoln "The worst thing you can do for those you love is the things they could and should do for themselves." James Bovard-"Democracy must be something more than two wolves and a sheep voting on what to have for dinner." Albert Einstein-"If you are out to describe the truth, leave elegance to the tailor." Anais Nin-"Life shrinks or expands in proportion to one's courage". Oscar Wilde-"One's real life so often the life that one does not lead." Thought you would enjoy reading some quotable quotes. Comments welcome... revdauphinee answered on 03/18/04: i LIKE THIS ONE BEST Albert Einstein-"If you are out to describe the truth, leave elegance to the tailor." i HAVE BEEN SAYING THIS FOR YEARS XCHOUX rated this answer

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ethical_reason asked on 03/18/04 - White house uses tax payer money to create a fake news report The white house paid a company to get an actor to portray a fake news reporter and do a fake report on medicare using all actors. Then they submitted it to news stations as a REAL news report. Essentially, Bush used tax payer money to do it to get reelected. Apparently aware that people (for some reason) still trust news reports more than they trust campaign advertising. It's an amazing abuse of power. It's as bad as the kind of stuff Nixon did. Here's just one article on it, there are more: http://arizona.indymedia.org/news/2004/03/16466.php revdauphinee answered on 03/18/04: when history looks back on this administration it will make Nixon look like a saint! ethical_reason rated this answer Uni-Agdistis rated this answer

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STONY asked on 03/18/04 - I'M NOT TO PROUD, THIS IS THE MESSAGE!! 5. "I'm not a good person, and I'm not worthy of going to heaven." Read Billy Graham's answer Would it surprise you if I told you that no one -- not a single person -- is worthy of going to heaven? Yes, it might surprise you -- but it's true, because we're all sinners, and even one sin is enough to keep you out of heaven. You see, sin is like a toxic chemical. If you put only one teaspoon of poison in a barrel of pure water, it will no longer be pure. And if you commit even one sin (which we do every day), it will pollute your soul and make you unfit for heaven. God is holy and pure, and we cannot come into His presence as long as we are polluted by sin. The Bible says of God, "Your eyes are too pure to look on evil; you cannot tolerate wrong" (Habakkuk 1:13). That is why we need Christ, for only He can bring us the forgiveness and cleansing we need. He came from heaven to become the final and complete sacrifice for our sins, through His death on the cross. We deserve to die, but Christ died in our place. Now God offers you salvation as a free gift, if you will only turn to Christ in repentance and faith. Make your peace with God by asking Christ to come into your life today -- and He will. No, you can't undo the past. But you can walk with Christ in the future -- and then you can urge your children to do so as well. NOW, I ASK YOU IS THERE ANY MORE TRUTH THAN THIS? revdauphinee answered on 03/18/04: so true! STONY rated this answer

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Fr_Chuck asked on 03/18/04 - wine or grape juice Ok, lets get those denominations divided alittle today. There are some churches that would never use anything for communion except wine ( since that is what ever bible text actually says) But there are those that will use only grape juice. ** and one or two that use water. I personally normally always use wine, but when doing any prison ministry in the past, or nursing home ministry currently, always use grape juice since it would not offend any that may wish to take it. OK, I have tried to get to the bottom of the reason why a difference. The groups that tell me grape juice, do so not from any wording I find anywhere in the bible, even the KJ version that many consider the best. But they say it comes from the tradition and practice of the people of that time. But then these same people will refuse to honor any other tradition or practice because it can not be found in the KJ verson of the bible. ** of course everyone almost uses those silly little waffers which is for sure not what Jesus or the early church used. So if the use of the real proper bread is not a problem, why all the excitement over wine or juice. Since the bible only speaks out about excess of drinking, not that one should not drink, why not use wine. And if it was not suppose to be wine, but juice, why did the bible not translate it that way. By the way, personally I could use water and be ok, since I beleive it is all offered properly to God as a offering and that God is powerful enough to change water to wine, or grape juice to wine. Hope I have not rambled too much, but the entire issue appears to divide us so much, and really should not be much of an issue no matter what you wanted to use. *** no coke and moom pie for communion for you southern churches revdauphinee answered on 03/18/04: Jesus was a Jew and he did drink wine so we should follow the example he set it should be wine! CeeBee2 rated this answer Fr_Chuck rated this answer

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willbe asked on 03/18/04 - The end of European dominance may be in sight The United States' Hispanic and Asian populations are expected to triple in the next 50 years, and minorities could make up half the population by 2050, according to a new projection by the U.S. Census Bureau. What is the appropriate Christian view of the shift in ethnic dominance? Is it about time European dominance was ended? Answer from the Bible, please. will revdauphinee answered on 03/18/04: personaly Id like Christ to be dominant but then thats just my view! willbe rated this answer

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willbe asked on 03/18/04 - What would you like to hear at your funeral? Three buddies die in a car crash, they go to heaven to an orientation. They are all asked, "When you are in your casket and friends and family are mourning upon you, what would you like to hear them say about you?" The first guy says, "I would like to hear them say that I was a great doctor of my time, and a great family man." The second guy says, "I would like to hear that I was a wonderful husband and school teacher who made a huge difference in our children of tomorrow." The last guy replies, "I would like to hear them say 'LOOK, HE'S MOVING!!'" This email was cleaned, of those irritating > > > > > s, by emailStripper, available for free from http://www.papercut.biz/emailStripper.htm revdauphinee answered on 03/18/04: im with kindj on this one I truly dont care what the world has to say But cant wait to hear Jesus! willbe rated this answer

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willbe asked on 03/18/04 - Threats and Imprecations Please do not be offended, but am I the only one who has have noticed a recent unfortunate trend where people are threatened with either legal action or threats to have them removed from the board for a variety of what I consider to be very childish reasons. Can we behave like adults and not become enraged when out pet notions are questioned, or when someone is a little robust in their opinions of what has been said? Are we unable to take the push and pull that is always present when people engage to share their religious views and not behave as if one's personal view is the only possible valid one, and that those who point out faults in thinking, or expose false information, or offer alternate explanations of scripture, religious phenomena, interpretation, or translation, might well be right, or, at least, have a valid opinion that deserves more than a curmudgeonly display of ill temper? Will you sign the pledge? will revdauphinee answered on 03/18/04: I have recently been in dissagreement with many on this board yet I have never been or even felt that I was threatened in any way!! not would I do so to others !I definatly do not agree with all posted here and probably never will, however it is not my perogative to threaten anyone in any way.My Lord tells me to love even my enemies (even when I do not love what they do or say.)I feel free to state my objection but it ends with that! Dorothy sxhtzofsunshine rated this answer willbe rated this answer

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PraiseJah asked on 03/17/04 - will's posts about JW child abuse policy I have already posted two articles from our publications as to what our policy is. Yet will keeps posting what are only statements of claims put before two courts. They are not court judgements as these two cases have not been to trial yet. Last year three such cases went to court and in all three WT policy on child abuse was exhonerated while the MEMORY of the claimants ( involving events occurring many year before) was proven to be faulty. eg one - Sarah Poisson claims to have taken her abused daughter to a hospital in 1984, but the hospital had no record of that admission. I read the court judgements online. About 18 months ago the Governor General of Australia was accused of raping a girl at a youth camp 30 years ago. It turns out to have been a case of mistaken identity as the GG at the time ( an Anglican bishop) was bishop of a different diocese many miles away and he was not assigned to the camp, according to church records. So to will and others - please be fair and wait for the court judgements. INNOCENT UNTIL PROVEN GUILTY. revdauphinee answered on 03/17/04: Child abuse is a social crime it is not reserved to any religion or denomination it happens in all walks of life I dont think anyone should single out any one place this happens unfortunatly it happens every where!! we would be better occupied realising we as a society have a problem rather then trying to place the blame in one place! PraiseJah rated this answer sxhtzofsunshine rated this answer willbe rated this answer

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HANK1 asked on 03/17/04 - HAPPY ST. PATRICK'S DAY! Saint Patrick (385 - 461) was a Christian missionary who was called the Apostle of Ireland. His life is shrouded in legend, and even the dates of his birth and death are obscure. In 441, Saint Patrick went to Rome and received the pallium from the pope. Later he was archbishop of Armagh. When he retired in 457, Ireland was Christian! Some scholars compare him with Moses! St. Patrick's Day is TODAY (Wednesday, March 17th) Have a good one! HANK revdauphinee answered on 03/17/04: how many know that parick rather than being Irish was born in Scotland?? St. Patrick Apostle of Ireland, born at Kilpatrick, near Dumbarton, in Scotland, in the year 387; died at Saul, Downpatrick, Ireland, 17 March, 493. He had for his parents Calphurnius and Conchessa. The former belonged to a Roman family of high rank and held the office of decurio in Gaul or Britain. HANK1 rated this answer

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ethical_reason asked on 03/17/04 - Jews killing Christ again... I wrote this is response to something posed on another board. I want to post it here due to it's applicability, to ask what people think and especially to find out if someone disagrees. If you disagree I will NOT bash you as a jew-hater or in any way disparage you as a person. I'm just interested in differing views. Matthew 27:25 can not be a curse. By definition a curse is something transitive. The Jews yelled it themselves. Therefore, no curse. Jewish guilt for the death of Jesus applies only to Judas, the religious leaders of Jerusalem, and the mob of Jerusalem before the judgment Pilate, and Pilate. It is the Jews of Jerusalem and Israel who did not believe, not all Jews in general, whom Matthew indicate for blame for not believing in the Lord Jesus Christ and some part in his death. Children (in Matthew 27:25) could also be referring to the children (who were probably also in the crowd) of the crowd. Not all the descendants. But even if there was some culpability on the descendants it would only apply to that crowd. Which would be a minority in this population and totally indistinguishable. Heck, maybe God WOULD enact punishment; I don't know I don't have a belief about God. If he did, he would enact it only on the descendants of that mob alone. But there is no way you can interpret the bible as meaning that by the way it is written. And no one else can either. So, what do you think? revdauphinee answered on 03/17/04: The Jews arwe not guilty The Romans are not guilty how can one be accused of killing someone who still lives??? ethical_reason rated this answer

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HANK1 asked on 03/17/04 - SURRENDER! Why don't we just let the Greeks and the Mormons take over this Board for a week? Or name this board "Anything you want to talk about." Greek and Mormon posts are welcome NOW AND THEN but this spamming just doesn't get it. Their questions belong on the Mormon and Greek boards. I realize that these posts are 'stirring up business' but posts about Christianity are more appropriate ... obviously! This, my friends, is my opinion. Twenty black stars won't keep me from playing golf this Spring! I would appreciate your thoughts! Thanks. HANK revdauphinee answered on 03/17/04: I agree with Hank 100% there are places for them to go where they can boast of their knowledge to thier hearts content this is not that forum.the few are spoiling this site for the many powderpuff rated this answer HANK1 rated this answer ethical_reason rated this answer Toms777 rated this answer willbe rated this answer

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koinegreek asked on 03/17/04 - Is this "why? Koine Greek is so important? There has been over 400 versions of the English Bible since the King James Bible was published in 1611. They come in every flavor, fashion and fad imaginable. Starting with the Revised Version (1881); to the American Standard Version (1901); to the Amplified Bible (1958); to the Living Bible (1967); to the New International Version (1973); to the New King James Bible (1979); on and on they go. . . Have we as English speaking, English writers been reduced to arguing over which "version" we need to quote? I quote koine greek. How about you? revdauphinee answered on 03/17/04: "I quote koine greek. How about you?" This is just more self agrandisment ?? because you know Greek does not make you better than others!Jesus himself spoke Aramaic why should we not all have to learn that to follow him??why?because it is not necesary he brought his message to ordinary people not to the scribes and pharisees ,much as modern english versions of scripture do and they do it as I believe he would have intended .! As I said previously Jesus held no Doctorate nor a PHD he was however wiser that all who do! Psalms 94:4. yabiy`uu ydabruu `aataaq yit'amruu kaal-po`aleey 'aawen. koinegreek rated this answer

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willbe asked on 03/16/04 - A Sad state of affairs Abstract from a California JW child sexual abuse case. One of mnay. Despite knowledge of a problem with sexual abuse of minors by leaders in the WATCHTOWER DEFENDANTS� organization, the WATCHTOWER DEFENDANTS acted with wilful indifference and/or reckless and/or intentional disregard for the interest and safety of the children entrusted to their care. Rather than implement measures to redress and prevent the sexual molestation of these children, the WATCHTOWER DEFENDANTS engaged in a systematic pattern and practice of suppression of information to cover-up and hide incidents of child molestation from law enforcement and their membership in order to protect those within the WATCHTOWER DEFENDANTS� organization who committed acts of sexual molestation against children. The WATCHTOWER DEFENDANTS have likewise engaged in the routine practice of maintaining secret archival files regarding sexual abuse by Elders, Ministerial Servants, Pioneers, Male Publishers and other leaders in the organization. The existence of these files and the contents thereof were not disclosed to or made available to law enforcement authorities or others in order to investigate the crimes of these leaders in the WATCHTOWER DEFENDANTS� organization. The WATCHTOWER DEFENDANTS furthered this conspiracy of concealment, by among other things, failing to properly report complaints of sexual misconduct to law enforcement authorities and failing to remove molesting leaders or prevent their access to children. Molesting leaders were allowed to remain as leaders in good standing in the organization and were allowed continued frequent and unsupervised access to children in the organization. At all material times, the WATCHTOWER DEFENDANTS prohibited the victim and/or accuser from warning others or speaking about the matter to anyone under penalty of discipline. Victim/accusers were not permitted to report suspected abuse to outside authorities or to other Publishers within the organization, despite secular laws and duties regarding the reporting of sexual abuse. Violation of this policy would lead to severe sanctions. The WATCHTOWER DEFENDANTS also failed to provide Plaintiff and his family with any notice or warning regarding the past misconduct of, and abuse by, leaders in the organization, including James Henderson. The WATCHTOWER DEFENDANTS represented to Plaintiff, members and the public that these leaders were fit to lead, when in fact they were predator pedophiles. The WATCHTOWER DEFENDANTS knew or had reason to know that these leader molesters would continue to sexually molest children, using their leadership positions to gain access and control over their victims. 24. At all material times, Defendant JAMES HENDERSON was also an appointed leader in good standing with the WATCHTOWER DEFENDANTS� organization. The WATCHTOWER DEFENDANTS affirmatively appointed and placed Defendant JAMES HENDERSON in leadership positions with authority over women and children in the congregation as an Elder. 25. By 1980, if not before, the WATCHTOWER DEFENDANTS had received non-confidential notice that their appointed agent, Defendant JAMES HENDERSON, had used his appointed leadership position of authority to gain access to and sexually molest children entrusted to the care of the WATCHTOWER DEFENDANTS� organization. Despite this information, the WATCHTOWER DEFENDANTS took no action to report the abuse to authorities, discipline their agent, Defendant JAMES HENDERSON or warn members of the organization of the abuse by Defendant JAMES HENDERSON. Instead, with knowledge of Defendant JAMES HENDERSON�S propensity to use his position of authority to abuse children in the organization, the WATCHTOWER DEFENDANTS continued to appoint Defendant JAMES HENDERSON to the position of Elder in good standing with authority over women and children in the organizations. The WATCHTOWER DEFENDANTS further granted Defendant JAMES HENDERSON the authority to determine how reports of child abuse were to be handled in the local congregation in which he served. This sexual predator used his position of authority within the WATCHTOWER DEFENDANTS� organization to gain access to and abuse children in the WATCHTOWER DEFENDANTS� organization. 26. In approximately 1994, Defendant JAMES HENDERSON sexually abused Plaintiff TIM W., who was fifteen (15) years old at that time. 27. On November 24, 1994, after the abuse of Plaintiff, TIM W., JAMES HENDERSON was reported to the police by another victim. 28. For well over a decade, the WATCHTOWER DEFENDANTS knew or should have known that their appointed agent, Defendant JAMES HENDERSON was using his position of authority in the organization to gain access to and sexually molest and physically abuse adolescents under the care of the organization. Nevertheless, the WATCHTOWER DEFENDANTS continued to appoint Defendant JAMES HENDERSON to leadership positions in their local congregations, entrusting him with the welfare of numerous adolescents in the WATCHTOWER DEFENDANTS� local congregations. The WATCHTOWER DEFENDANTS� agent then used his position of authority in the organization to sexually molest Plaintiff and others. The WATCHTOWER DEFENDANTS failed to notify anyone that Defendant JAMES HENDERSON was molesting or had sexually molested adolescents. They further failed to take any steps to protect these young victims from his abuse. Instead, they knowingly concealed this information from Plaintiff and others. The WATCHTOWER DEFENDANTS also aided, abetted and ratified the abuse by disciplining the victims who reported the abuse to the WATCHTOWER DEFENDANTS, allowing Defendant JAMES HENDERSON to exercise increased power over them and to further exacerbate the injuries they had suffered. < cropped > Isn't this a sad state of affairs? Does it show the institutionalisation of protection of child abusers by Watchtower to the continued detriment of and danger to JW children? Who would minimise their conduct? Isn't it better to expose it and deal with it properly through Law Enforcement agencies and the courts? revdauphinee answered on 03/17/04: while I am by no means defending this act the fact remains that this abuse is not reserved to one denomination! it has been happening in all,It leaves one wondering why anyone who claims to follow Christ would ever want to associate themselves with any of them ?Just another one of the many reasons I will not affiliate myself with any denomination Brings to mind the popular saying wwJd I feel he would dissassociate himself from them also! willbe rated this answer

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powderpuff asked on 03/16/04 - Mormon custom or a personal thing? I know a Mormon doctor who works at a local hospital. I've known this man for several years and he seems like a very dedicated, intelligent, kind, caring, attentive doctor. In fact, he also has a better camaraderie with the nurses than do most other doctors. He seems like a Christian to me but he does have one very 'odd'(?) thing about him. (I mean no offense to anyone including mormons by asking this question) He has six sons whose names are Robert II-VII. Is that a common Mormon custom? or is it a personal family thing? revdauphinee answered on 03/16/04: You folks ever heard of George Forman ?he has several; sons all named George and he is not a Mormon so its not just a Mormon thing~ Bobbye rated this answer willbe rated this answer powderpuff rated this answer

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PraiseJah asked on 03/16/04 - Will has again said "What are you on" - suggesting Im on drugs! Check out his comments to my answer to his question about praying for peace on earth. You had better cool it will, or you'll be outa here! Im not going to report you but if you cont apologize.... Will asked the question about peace on earth and will is a Mormon. Hence I mentioned that unlike Mormons Jehovah's witnesses dont go to war and kill in the name of politics. So I was not specifically picking on Mormons. It is clear that if all the world was united under Jesus as King and refused to fight we would have no wars, and that is exactly how we will get peace on earth one day. Is.2:2-4. In the meantime will, please stop the lies about JW elders harboring pedophiles. There are only a few cases before the courts and the claims have yet to be proven and with 6,000,000 Jehovah's witnesses world wide it's not proportionately many at all. It is not our policy to harbor pedophiles. We disfellowship adulterers so why on earth would we think perverted pedophiles deserve protection? - see the Awake! article below: *** g93 10/8 9 If Your Child Is Abused *** disturbing symptoms, gently broach the subject, perhaps with such a statement as: "If anyone ever touches you in a way that makes you feel uncomfortable, I want you to know that you can always tell me, and I'll do all I can to protect you. Has anything like that ever happened to you?"�Proverbs 20:5. If your child discloses sexual abuse, you will no doubt feel shattered. But remember: Your reaction will play a major role in the child's recovery. Your child has been carrying an unbearable burden and needs you, with all your adult strength, to lift it from her or his shoulders. Praise the child for being so brave as to tell you what happened. Repeatedly reassure the child that you will do your best to provide protection; that the abuse was the abuser's fault, not the child's; that the child is not "bad" that you love the child. Some legal experts advise reporting the abuse to the authorities as soon as possible. In some lands the legal system may require this. But in other places the legal system may offer little hope of successful prosecution. What, though, when the abuser is one's own beloved mate? Sad to say, many women fail to take decisive action. To be sure, it is never easy to face the ugly reality of a mate who is a child abuser. Emotional ties, and even financial dependency, can be overwhelmingly strong. The wronged wife may also realize that taking action could cost her husband his family, his job, his reputation. The hard truth is, though, that he may just be reaping what he has sown. (Galatians 6:7) Innocent children, on the other hand, stand to lose much more if they are not believed and protected. Their whole future is at stake. They do not have the resources that adults have. Trauma can scar and shape them adversely for life. They are the ones who need and deserve tender treatment.�Compare Genesis 33:13, 14. Parents must therefore make every reasonable effort to protect their children! Many responsible parents choose to seek out professional help for an abused child. Just as you would with a medical doctor, make sure that any such professional will respect your religious views. Help your child rebuild his or her shattered self-esteem through a steady outpouring of parental love. [Footnotes] In reality, the molester is already in trouble and badly needs help. Even if the perpetrator claims to be sorry, the wronged mate may consider: Why didn't he confess before being exposed by his victim? Also a letter sent to all congregations 2 years ago: August 28, 2002 TO ALL CONGREGATIONS IN AUSTRALIA Dear Brothers: At Psalm 144:15 we read: "Happy is the people whose God is Jehovah!" We see the truthfulness of this inspired statement when we associate with our brothers and sisters at conventions, assemblies, and congregation meetings. We enjoy a warm atmosphere of peace while we benefit from fine spiritual encouragement from Jehovah and his organization. (Psalm 29:11) What a contrast to those of the world who lack true spiritual guidance and a solid hope for the future! --Isaiah 65:13. What enables us to maintain our happy spirit? For one thing, we fear Jehovah and we deeply respect the admonition in His Word, including what the Bible says on sexual matters. (1 Corinthians 6:9,10; Hebrews 13:4) At first, it was not easy for some of us to bring our lives into harmony with Jehovah's elevated standards. We had to make significant changes in our lifestyle before we could qualify for membership in Jehovah's clean, spirit-directed organization. Was it worth the effort? Absolutely! How happy we are to be living in harmony with God's righteous requirements! In recent weeks, the media in this country has focused attention on the way accusations of child abuse are handled by various religious organizations. Such reports may cause some sincere individuals to ask about the procedures followed by Jehovah's Witnesses, Therefore, we believe that it will be beneficial to review with you our Bible-based position, so that you will "know how you ought to give an answer" to any who may inquire.-Colossians 4:6. Simply stated, we abhor the sexual abuse of children and will not protect any perpetrator of such repugnant acts from the consequences of his gross sin. (Romans 12:9) We expect the elders to investigate every allegation of child abuse. Even one abused child is one too many. However, in evaluating the evidence, they must bear in mind the Bible's clear direction: "No single witness should rise up against a man respecting any error or any sin .... At the mouth of two witnesses or at the mouth of three witnesses the matter should stand good." (Deuteronomy 19:15) Later, this requirement to consider testimony of two or three witnesses was confirmed by Jesus. (Matthew 18:16) Thus, although they investigate every allegation, the elders in not authorized by the Scriptures to take congregational action unless there is a confession or there are two credible witnesses, However, if two persons are witnesses to separate incidents of the same kind of wrongdoing, their testimony can be deemed sufficient to take action.--l Timothy 5:19, 24, 25. What if someone is a proven child molester? The article "Let Us Abhor What is Wicked!" published in the January 1, 1997 , issue of The Watchtower had this to say on page 29: "For the protection of our children, a man known to have been a child molester does not qualify for a responsible position in the congregation. Moreover, he cannot be a pioneer or serve in any other special, full-time service." We take such decisive action because we are concerned with maintaining Bible standards and protecting our children. (1 Timothy 3:2, 9, 10) Everyone in the organization is ex- To All Congregations in Australia August 28, 2002 Page 2 pected to meet the same requirements, namely, to be clean physically, mentally, morally, and spiritually.-- l Corinthians 7: 1; Ephesians 4:17-19; 1 Thessalonians 2:4. We have long instructed elders to report allegations of child abuse to the authorities where required by Law to do so, even where there is only one witness. (Romans 13:1) In any case, the elders know that if the victim wishes to make a report, it is his or her absolute right to do so.----Galatians 6:5. At least since 1981, articles have been published in our journals, The Watchtower and Awake! , with a view to educating Jehovah's people and the public on the need to protect children from child abuse. Besides the above-quoted article, there was the article. "Help For the Victims of Incest," which appeared in the October 1, 1983 , Watchtower. Awake! has featured such articles as "Your Child is in Danger!" "How Can We Protect Our Children?," and "Prevention in the Home" (October 8, 1993) as well as "Child Molesting-Every Mother's Nightmare," in its January 22, 1985 issue. We believe that we have a strong, Bible-based policy on child abuse. Over the years, as we have noted areas where our policy could be strengthened, we have not hesitated to follow through. At Kingdom Ministry Schools the elders receive ongoing reminders regarding this policy and related matters. And we continue to urge the elders to follow closely the procedures that we have established. The moral cleanness of the congregation continues to be of vital concern to the "faithful and discreet slave." (Matthew 24:45) As we keep applying Scriptural principles in our lives, our happiness will increase. We trust that these reminders will be helpful to you as you share the Kingdom hope with right-hearted ones. We have much to look forward to in the way of spiritual refreshment as we attend the "Zealous Kingdom Proclaimers" District Conventions. What a happy prospect! Yes, there is no doubt about it: "Happy is the people whose God is Jehovah!"-Psalm 144:15. Your brothers, Watchtower B. T. Societyof Australia revdauphinee answered on 03/16/04: It is clear that if all the world was united under Jesus as King and refused to fight we would have no wars, and that is exactly how we will get peace on earth one day. Is.2:2-4. With this I must agree ,I am not a Jehovas witness but I know a few and cannot even imagine them taking drugs ,the person you refered to has been exesively rude to folks who disagree with him/her and if the present cource on this board keeps going the way it does I predict it will go the way of ask me ,I sincerly hope not but it definatly has lost its focus (Christianity)they tell me I complain too mutch and should keep my oppinions to myself but Jesus did not keep his oppinions about what was wrong in the temple ,and I wont keep quiet when I see this great site being destroyed darkstar rated this answer PraiseJah rated this answer Toms777 rated this answer willbe rated this answer

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STONY asked on 03/15/04 - WILLBE..... YOU HAVE MADE IT NECCESSARY TO GO OVER YOUR RESPONSES IN THE PAST SEVERAL WEEKS. YOU ARE RUDE, NOT VERY WELL INFORMED ON WHAT IS CONTAINED IN THE BIBLE AND IF SOMEONE THINKS AND BELIEVES DIFFERENTLY THAN YOU THEY ARE OSTRACIZED FOR IT. YOU ARE A MORMON, IF YOU CHOOOSE TO BELIEVE IN SOME COPPER SCROLL AS OPPOSED TO THE KJV OR ITS SUBSEQUENT TRANSLATIONS, THAT IS ENTIRELY YOUR CHOICE!! BUT, THIS IS A BOARD TO SHARE THE WORD WITH EACH OTHER. I'D BETTTER QUIT NOW BEFORE I START BALANCING ON THAT "USERS GUIDELINES." IF YOU WANT TO MAKE CONVERTS TO MORMONISM, START A BOARD FOR THAT SPECIFIC PURPOSE. revdauphinee answered on 03/15/04: Stony I have to agree with you these boards seem to have been taken over by those with thier own agendas!there is a Mormon board and im sure there is some board somewhere for psudo intelectualism this one is supposed to be a forum for discusion of main line christianity what happened?are you and I the only ones who can see this??If this keeps up it will die a death not unlike the one at ask me!and I for one do not wish to see this happen here! paraclete rated this answer STONY rated this answer Toms777 rated this answer willbe rated this answer

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Uni-Agdistis asked on 03/15/04 - Stirring the pot ...a bit. Common sense test ...... 1. Which one of the five choices makes the best comparison? LIVED is to DEVIL as 6323 is to: 2336 6232 3236 3326 6332 2. Which one of these five is least like the other four? Horse Kangaroo Cow Deer Donkey 3. Which number should come next? 144 121 100 81 64 ? 17 19 36 49 50 4. Even the most ___________ rose has thorns. Ugly Weathered Elusive Noxious Tempting 5. HAND is to Glove as HEAD is to Hair Hat Neck Earring Hairpin 6. is to as is to = no graphics - sowwy! 7. John likes 400 but not 300; he likes 100 but not 99; he likes 3600 but not 3700. Which does he like? 900 1000 1100 1200 8. A fallacious argument is: Disturbing Valid False Necessary 9. If you rearrange the letters "ANLDEGN," you would have the name of a(n): Ocean Country State City Animal 10. NASA received three messages in a strange language from a distant planet. The scientists studied the messages and found that "Necor Buldon Slock" means "Danger Rocket Explosion" and "Edwan Mynor Necor" means "Danger Spaceship Fire" and "Buldon Gimilzor Gondor" means "Bad Gas Explosion". What does "Slock" mean? Danger Explosion Nothing Rocket Gas 11. If some Wicks are Slicks, and some Slicks are Snicks, then some Wicks are definitely Snicks. The statement is: True False Neither 12. Ann is taller than Jill, and Kelly is shorter than Ann. Which of the following statements would be most accurate? Kelly is taller than Jill Kelly is shorter than Jill Kelly is as tall as Jill It's impossible to tell 13. A boy is 4 years old and his sister is three times as old as he is. When the boy is 12 years old, how old will his sister be? 16 20 24 28 32 14. Assume that these two statements are true: All brown-haired men have bad tempers. Larry is a brown-haired man. The statement Larry has a bad temper is: True False Unable to determine 15. Two girls caught 25 frogs. Lisa caught four times as many as Jen did. How many frogs did Jen catch? 4 5 8 10 15 16. Inept is the opposite of: Healthy Deep Skillful Sad Happy 17. A car traveled 28 miles in 30 minutes. How many miles per hour was it traveling? 28 36 56 58 62 18. If all Zips are Zoodles, and all Zoodles are Zonkers, then all Zips are definitely Zonkers. The above sentence is logically: True False Neither 19. Sue is both the 50th best and the 50th worst student at her school. How many students attend her school? 50 75 99 100 101 20. In a race from point X to point Y and back, Jack averages 30 miles per hour to point Y and 10 miles per hour back to point X. Sandy averages 20 miles per hour in both directions. Between Jack and Sandy, who finished first? Jack Sandy They tie Neither Impossible to tell revdauphinee answered on 03/15/04: what! are we down to giving Iq tests now??? this board will be sugesting Christ is not educated enought to be here next! paraclete rated this answer Uni-Agdistis rated this answer willbe rated this answer

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jewels asked on 03/15/04 - Christian Creeds The Three Ecumenical or Universal Creeds These three creeds are accepted by Christians worldwide as correct expressions of what God's Word teaches. The Apostles' Creed I believe in God the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth. And in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord; who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary; suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead, and buried; He descended into hell; the third day He rose again from the dead; He ascended into heaven, and sitteth on the right hand of God the Father Almighty; from thence He shall come to judge the quick and the dead. I believe in the Holy Ghost; the holy catholic* Church, the communion of saints; the forgiveness of sins; the resurrection of the body; and the life everlasting. Amen. * catholic means "universal" and is not a reference to the Roman Catholic Church. The Nicene Creed I believe in one God, the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth, and of all things visible and invisible. And in one Lord Jesus Christ, the only-begotten Son of God, begotten of the Father before all worlds, God of God, Light of Light, very God of very God, begotten, not made, being of one substance with the Father; by whom all things were made; who for us men, and for our salvation, came down from heaven, and was incarnate by the Holy Ghost of the Virgin Mary, and was made man, and was crucified also for us under Pontius Pilate; He suffered and was buried; and the third day He rose again according to the Scriptures; and ascended into heaven, and sitteth on the right hand of the Father; and He shall come again with glory to judge the quick and the dead; whose kingdom shall have no end. And I believe in the Holy Ghost, the Lord and Giver of life, who proceedeth from the Father and the Son; who with the Father and the Son together is worshiped and glorified; who spake by the Prophets. And I believe in one holy catholic and apostolic Church.I acknowledge one Baptism for the remission of sins; and I look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the world to come. Amen. The Athanasian Creed Written against the Arians. Whosoever will be saved, before all things it is necessary that he hold the catholic faith. Which faith except every one do keep whole and undefiled, without doubt he shall perish everlastingly. And the catholic faith is this, that we worship one God in Trinity, and Trinity in Unity; Neither confounding the Persons, nor dividing the Substance. For there is one Person of the Father, another of the Son, and another of the Holy Ghost. But the Godhead of the Father, of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost is all one: the glory equal, the majesty coeternal. Such as the Father is, such is the Son, and such is the Holy Ghost. The Father uncreate, the Son uncreate, and the Holy Ghost uncreate. The Father incomprehensible, the Son incomprehensible, and the Holy Ghost incomprehensible. The Father eternal, the Son eternal, and the Holy Ghost eternal. And yet they are not three Eternals, but one Eternal. As there are not three Uncreated nor three Incomprehensibles, but one Uncreated and one Incomprehensible. So likewise the Father is almighty, the Son almighty, and the Holy Ghost almighty. And yet they are not three Almighties, but one Almighty. So the Father is God, the Son is God, and the Holy Ghost is God. And yet they are not three Gods, but one God. So likewise the Father is Lord, the Son Lord, and the Holy Ghost Lord. And yet not three Lords, but one Lord. For like as we are compelled by the Christian verity to acknowledge every Person by Himself to be God and Lord, So are we forbidden by the catholic religion to say, There be three Gods, or three Lords. The Father is made of none: neither created nor begotten. The Son is of the Father alone; not made, nor created, but begotten. The Holy Ghost is of the Father and of the Son: neither made, nor created, nor begotten, but proceeding. So there is one Father, not three Fathers; one Son, not three Sons; one Holy Ghost, not three Holy Ghosts. And in this Trinity none is before or after other; none is greater or less than another; But the whole three Persons are coeternal together, and coequal: so that in all things, as is aforesaid, the Unity in Trinity and the Trinity in Unity is to be worshiped. He, therefore, that will be saved must thus think of the Trinity. Furthermore, it is necessary to everlasting salvation that he also believe faithfully the incarnation of our Lord Jesus Christ. For the right faith is, that we believe and confess that our Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of God, is God and Man; God of the Substance of the Father, begotten before the worlds; and Man of the substance of His mother, born in the world; Perfect God and perfect Man, of a reasonable soul and human flesh subsisting. Equal to the Father as touching His Godhead, and inferior to the Father as touching His manhood; Who, although He be God and Man, yet He is not two, but one Christ: One, not by conversion of the Godhead into flesh, but by taking the manhood into God; One altogether; not by confusion of Substance, but by unity of Person. For as the reasonable soul and flesh is one man, so God and Man is one Christ; Who suffered for our salvation; descended into hell, rose again the third day from the dead; He ascended into heaven; He sitteth on the right hand of the Father, God Almighty; from whence He shall come to judge the quick and the dead. At whose coming all men shall rise again with their bodies, and shall give an account of their own works. And they that have done good shall go into life everlasting; and they that have done evil, into everlasting fire. This is the catholic faith; which except a man believe faithfully and firmly, he cannot be saved. Must someone accept one or all of these in order to be considered a Christian? What creed do you use as the correct expression? Do you consider these creeds to be extra biblical? Do you consider these creeds to be the word of God? I would welcome answers from all of you including JW and mormons. revdauphinee answered on 03/15/04: Maybee not all of it but this at least I believe in God the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth. And in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord; who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary; suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead, and buried; He descended into hell; the third day He rose again from the dead; He ascended into heaven, and sitteth on the right hand of God the Father Almighty; from thence He shall come to judge the quick and the dead. darkstar rated this answer jewels rated this answer

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Bobbye asked on 03/15/04 - TO THOSE WHO ARE BORED: (1) Why don't you post something that interest you and those with whom you have established a rapport? (2) No one hindered you from posting; no one "controlled the Board." All you had to do was post or ask your friends to post and you would have encountered qustions to your liking. (3) Please keep in mind that anyone who abides by the rules is welcomed to post. (4) THE SPACE IS NOT LIMITED TO A CERTAIN NUMBER OF QUESTIONS, SO WHY DON'T YOU POST RATHER THAN COMPLAIN? revdauphinee answered on 03/15/04: My puter has gone crazy I answered you on this bobbye But my answer seems to have dissapeared may I quote "that anyone who abides by the rules is welcomed to post.' Well those of us who find these psudo intelectuals boring have a right to our views lso and my view i that such posting is not for answering nor helping anyone but is rather to impress eachother !I for one am unimpressed and wish we could keep this site where those who may stumble on it looking for help or answers will not be scared away by having to read such stuff .You and I often see eye to eye on things but on this we are far appart. Dorothy Bobbye rated this answer Uni-Agdistis rated this answer

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willbe asked on 03/15/04 - An Interesting Post 6 congregations protest gay bishops By Joe Milicia Associated Press FAIRLAWN, Ohio � Launching a new front in the Episcopal Church conflict over the appointment of an openly gay bishop, six defiant congregations joined Sunday in a confirmation service led by bishops acting without permission from the Diocese of Ohio. Under Episcopal law and liturgy, confirmations are performed only by local bishops or visiting bishops approved by the head of the host diocese � in this case Bishop J. Clark Grew II of Cleveland. "This business against the diocesan bishop is simply defiant and that's why it's troubling," said Daniel England, a church spokesman. "It violates our constitution and canons." The six congregations are part of a protest movement nationwide of conservative Episcopalians who oppose homosexual activity on biblical grounds. The issue exploded last year when the church's national convention approved the elevation of the denomination's first openly gay bishop, V. Gene Robinson of New Hampshire. Grew joined a majority of Episcopal bishops in voting for Robinson and Sunday's service was a personal snub of his authority. A message left Sunday seeking comment was not immediately returned. As the rift over gay clergy has deepened in the Episcopal Church a key issue has been what to do about conservative parishes within dioceses whose bishops supported Robinson. Conservatives are demanding substitute leadership from outside their dioceses, bypassing their regular resident bishops. The issue of oversight will top the agenda when the nation's Episcopal bishops meet behind closed doors at Navasota, Texas, starting Friday. Sunday's confirmations, performed in an Eastern Orthodox church 25 miles south of Cleveland, represented a warning that if the bishops don't give conservatives what they want, further protests and disruptions are inevitable. The confirmations of people of varying ages were conducted by five retired Episcopal bishops and one bishop from the international diocese. "We want to emphasize that the heart of the matter is not sexuality or sexual orientation, but rather holy scripture and the life of the church," said the Rev. Maurice Benitez, the retired bishop of Texas. Joining Benitez were C. FitzSimmons Allison, retired bishop of South Carolina; William Cox, retired assistant bishop of Oklahoma; Alex Dickson, retired bishop of west Tennessee; William Wantland, retired bishop of Eau Claire, Wis.; and the Rev. Robinson Cavalcanti, bishop of northern Brazil. The presence of Cavalcanti underscored that in the international Anglican Communion, in which the Episcopal Church is the U.S. branch, most bishops strongly oppose gay activity. Many foreign Anglican churches have broken ties with the Episcopal Church. Last October, an emergency meeting of heads of the Anglican Communion's 38 branches jointly stated that bishops must respect the autonomy of each other's dioceses, warning in advance against events like Sunday's confirmations. But that meeting also called upon the Episcopal Church to "make adequate provision for episcopal oversight of dissenting minorities." In response, the head of the Episcopal Church, Presiding Bishop Frank Griswold, and his advisers proposed what they called "supplemental episcopal pastoral care." The American Anglican Council, a conservative group that played a role in organizing Sunday's confirmations, found that plan unacceptable because the local bishop would retain power to approve visiting bishops. If the local bishop refused, a parish could appeal to other bishops, but conservatives say the process would remain in hostile hands and there's no guarantee parishes would get what they want. The Network of Anglican Communion Dioceses and Parishes, a new nationwide organization for conservatives, is laying plans to provide outside conservative bishops for conservative parishes. The network is allied with the American Anglican Council but did not sponsor the service. --------- Do you have any comments? will revdauphinee answered on 03/15/04: I quote your post ""This business against the diocesan bishop is simply defiant and that's why it's troubling," said Daniel England, a church spokesman. "It violates our constitution and canons." do they not know that homosexuality is a direct violation to the will of God ! Leviticus18: 22. "`Do not lie with a man as one lies with a woman; that is detestable. to appoint a man a priest (much less a bishop)whos own actions are found detestable by God is absurd .we can do as God does and love the homosexual person whilst condeming the act but we do not need to take them as representing the God we worship! willbe rated this answer

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XCHOUX asked on 03/15/04 - Why Is It? Why has the Christianity Board become the Mormon Board and the Greek Board in the last several days? BORING! Just my opinion, Chou revdauphinee answered on 03/15/04: I totaly agree also as I have said if some poor soul should stumble on this site truly looking for help they would not even recognise that it can be found here.I find it not just boring but totaly uninspiring and even uninviting o the average Christian! Uni-Agdistis rated this answer Bobbye rated this answer XCHOUX rated this answer

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willbe asked on 03/15/04 - If angels sang Peace on Earth, could you join in the chorus and mean it? Daniel C. Peterson and William J. Hamblin write: Years ago, while a graduate student in Egypt, one of us was introduced by a friend to a chemistry professor at the University of Cairo. After a pleasant conversation, the professor asked what an American was doing in Egypt, studying Islam. �Are you a Muslim?� he inquired. When he was told no, he asked, �Why not?� Such a question is, of course, a bit sensitive and difficult for anyone to answer who hopes to avoid offense or argument. So the answer was, simply, �I�m a Christian.� �Really?� replied the professor. �You believe that God has a son (which, of course, everybody knows is completely impossible), and that he sent his son to earth and arranged to have him killed in order to buy himself off?� The graduate student said that, while that was not exactly how he would have phrased it, he did in fact believe something along those lines. �Amazing!� exclaimed the Muslim professor. �How can any intelligent person possibly believe anything so obviously crazy?� The graduate student, now a professor himself, has reflected on that experience many times since. The fact is, that however strange it may appear to a Muslim scientist (or to any other outsider), many people of extraordinary intelligence have been and continue to be believing Christians. Augustine, Thomas Aquinas, Pascal, Kierkegaard, and C. S. Lewis are just a few who come to mind. And this is true of other faiths, as well. Brilliant men and women can be counted among the writers and thinkers of Islam, Judaism, Buddhism, Hinduism, and all the great religions of human history. Undoubtedly, of course, there are also uninformed people in every movement who believe on the basis of bad reasons or no reasons at all. But, while insignificant and transient religious movements might draw their ranks largely from the unbalanced or the ignorant, every religious or ideological group that has appealed to large numbers over extended periods of time has contained elements that satisfied and seemed plausible to sensitive, intelligent, sane men and women. Otherwise, it is simply inconceivable that such religions could have survived for any lengthy period. An Insight This leads to an insight: If you encounter a religious group or an ideology that has attracted many people of diverse backgrounds for a considerable length of time, and you cannot see �how any intelligent person can possibly believe anything so manifestly crazy,� the problem is probably in you�at least as much as it is in the other person. You don�t know or understand enough to make a judgment, for intelligent people undoubtedly do believe it. So long as you imagine that no �intelligent� person could honestly fall for such nonsense, you dehumanize those you disagree with. Or, if they are manifestly knowledgeable, you assume (and this is very common) that they are all, somehow, dishonest. It isn�t necessary, in considering another system of beliefs, to accept it. But it is necessary, if you truly want to understand it, to try to imagine how someone else could believe it, could find it emotionally appealing and intellectually satisfying. Because of the nature of the claims of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, members of that Church should be especially aware of this principle. However gently we may affirm our beliefs, they do unavoidably put us into something of an adversarial relationship with the religious positions held by the majority of those around us�something that those hostile to the Church have certainly noticed and seldom fail to emphasize. Critics often publicly wonder how any honest, intelligent person can believe in the Book of Mormon, the visitation of God and angels to Joseph Smith, or the divine potential of humankind. Yet, although their honesty and intelligence are frequently questioned by anti-Mormon crusaders, many such people do exist, some of them quite well-informed. On the other side, not a few Latter-day Saints vocally marvel that anybody who knows anything could be (for example) a Catholic, and cannot see how sane, intelligent people can possibly swallow doctrines like the Trinity. But the fact is indisputable: Many of the most brilliant thinkers in the history of Western civilization have been devout Roman Catholics, and, of these, many have written on precisely the issue of the Trinity. In the interreligious discussions and, yes, arguments that ensue from time to time from the sheer fact that we are Latter-day Saints and that the vast majority of the world is not, it would help if each side could grant the other to be, on the whole, sincere, honest, intelligent, and sane. + + + + + + + Is that you I hear singing the refrain? will (singing lustily) revdauphinee answered on 03/15/04: not only do we find this problem with those of other faiths we can also find it within the confines of Christianity itself since we have so many diverse denominations all claiming to have a special claim to the truth This is the main reason I myself while I acknowledge my belief in Christ and think of myself as a Christian will not attatch myself to any denomination! for I in my 64 yrs have found much truth in all of them while I also have questioned the validity of some the beliefs of all since each have differing ideas on the scriptures,Many denominations come accross to me as being a lot more interested in furthering thier own causes than the ideas of Christ that I find in the scriptures. I truly feel where Christ to return today he would not even begin to recognise some of these , darkstar rated this answer willbe rated this answer

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PhilDebenham asked on 03/15/04 - What is a christian? You state in your profile that you were born a christian, raised a christian, and are still a christian. What is a christian? revdauphinee answered on 03/15/04: a person who is a Christian is one who follows the teaching of Jesus and believes in the messiah ship of him ,that he lived and died for the forgiveness of the sins of all mankind! Bobbye rated this answer PhilDebenham rated this answer

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koinegreek asked on 03/13/04 - Willbe, Answered Cases Greek has lost the free use of three cases: 1. Instrumental, 2. Locative, 3. Ablative. The syntactical functions of the instrumental and locative were taken over by the dative; Those of the ablative by the genitive. Therefore, Greek has composite or mixed cases. Cases: 1. Nominative & Vocative, Subject. 2. Accusative & dative, Predicate. 3. Genitive, Subject with nouns; Predicate with verbs. revdauphinee answered on 03/14/04: to answer your question "Are you anti-academic?"the answer is in this case Yes!the Jesus of my faith was a plain spoken man who preached in words that could be understood he did not approve of the saducees and Pharicees who talked over the heads of the people to make them selves look important he taught a simple plan of salvation that even the lowest pesant could understand and this is what i believe in not mere words that are used to let everyone know how well educated they are .Jesus held no doctorate he didnt need one! koinegreek rated this answer

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Bobbye asked on 03/13/04 - TOMS777 and WILLBE: We enjoy the commentary from both of you scholars. The purpose of my post is to remind you that "tampering with the font size" will encounter problems for you -- or at least I believe this has happened in the past. Thus I adjure both of you to adhere to the rules. We need both of you on these Boards. (Please accept this in the Spirit in which it is given.) Be blessed, bobbye. revdauphinee answered on 03/14/04: Love ya Bobbie however if we (and I am one with bad eyes)need to enlarge te print we can do so ourselves I think the posting of the large fonts as was done recently is a little childish Bobbye rated this answer Toms777 rated this answer Uni-Agdistis rated this answer willbe rated this answer

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koinegreek asked on 03/13/04 - Willbe, Answered Cases Greek has lost the free use of three cases: 1. Instrumental, 2. Locative, 3. Ablative. The syntactical functions of the instrumental and locative were taken over by the dative; Those of the ablative by the genitive. Therefore, Greek has composite or mixed cases. Cases: 1. Nominative & Vocative, Subject. 2. Accusative & dative, Predicate. 3. Genitive, Subject with nouns; Predicate with verbs. revdauphinee answered on 03/14/04: are you folks here to discuss Christianity or to agradize yourselves withyour knowledge?anyone new comming here for simple answers would surley be put off by all this.Lets keep it simple folks! Bobbye rated this answer koinegreek rated this answer willbe rated this answer

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willbe asked on 03/13/04 - A little puzzle for you I have posted this on the Mormonism board, but want to post it here to get your interpretations of what Mormon meant when he said what he said in Mormon 6:6. Cumorah - a final explanation It is increasingly apparent that some experts are mistaken in what they believe Mormon 6:6 actually says. Although I have explained what Mormon 6:6 says three times already in another post, I will try one last time to explain it with even more clarity (if that is possible) so that no one is forced by their own misunderstanding, ingrained prejudice, or simple folly to continue to believe in their mistake. Mormon writes "having been commanded of the Lord that I should not suffer the records which had been handed down by our fathers, which were sacred, to fall into the hands of the Lamanites (for the Lamanites would destroy them), therefore I made this record [the Book of Mormon] out of the plates of Nephi, and, save it were these few plates [the Book of Mormon] which I gave unto my son Moroni" (Mormon 6:6). In this verse, Mormon identifies to his readers, two parcels or lots of plates. 1. all the records which had been entrusted to me, and, 2. these few plates His disposal of set 1,. and set 2., is entirely different, and that means that the two sets were entirely different and discrete. What does he say he does with set 1, the set of records from which he had made an abridgement to give to his son Moroni. Read his words: I [...] hid up in the hill Cumorah all the records which had been entrusted to me by the hand of the Lord [...] What does he say he did with the other set of plates? Read his words: I made this record [meaning the Book of Mormon] out of the plates of Nephi, and, save it were these few plates [meaning the Book of Mormon] which I gave unto my son Moroni" When he writes of "all the records" he means you to understand the many piles of records from which he made his abridgement, and that he hid in the Hill Cumorah. When he writes of "these few plates" he means his abridgement that he did not hide in Cumorah, but delivered to his son Moroni. Thus you will see that Mormons speaks of plates that he hid in Cumorah, and plates that he did not hide in Cumorah, but which, instead of hiding them in Cumorah, he gave to his son Moroni, and which Moroni later hid in an unnamed hill in what is now western New York state. The whole library of Plates put in the Hill Cumorah. The abridgement made by Mormon from the Library of Plates that were NOT put in the Hill by Mormon, but given into the hands of his son Moroni for safe keeping, preserved to come forth in the due time of the Lord, which Moroni after a long walk hid in a hill that he did not name, but to which he led the boy Prophet Joseph Smith and from which hill, that Joseph Smith NEVER EVER EVER called Cumorah, Joseph eventually received the plates, and by the gift and power of God, he translated them into the Book of Mormon. It is called the Book of Mormon because it was Mormon who made an abridgement - a shorter version - of the many records that he then hid in the Hill Cumorah and then gave his abridgement, the Book of Mormon plates, into the hands of Moroni. And thus it is plain and evident, that the Book of Mormon is an abridgement of more extensive records kept by the ancient-inhabitants of the Western Hemisphere. The more extensive records being hidden in the Hill Cumorah by Mormon after he had made his abridgement, and the abridgement being placed by Mormon into the hands of Moroni for safe keeping and for securing against incursions of the Lamanites. This abridgement, from which the Book of Mormon was translated, was not hid in the Hill Cumorah, and Mormon tells us that piece of information expressly. Instead of hiding them in the Hill Cumorah, with the extensive set or records made over a period exceeding a thousand years, he gave them to Moroni, who, at a later date and in another place hid them in a hill in what is now western New York state. The unnamed hill in which he placed the plates from which the Book of Mormon was produced, was not designated Cumorah either by Moroni or by Joseph Smith, neither of whom gave the hill any kind of name. Therefore, those who say that Smith or Moroni said that the hill in which the abridgement was hidden was the Hill Cumorah are making a mistake of the simplest kind � that which comes from not reading and understanding what Mormon said, and by putting in to the mouth of Joseph Smith words written by other men, but which never fell from his lips, nor dripped from his pen. If any cannot now make the distinction between the extensive sets of records that Mormon hid in Cumorah, and the �few plates� that he gave to Moroni instead of burying them in the Hill Cumorah, and which Moroni later hid in another hill in another place, a hill that he did not name, that the Book of Mormon does not name, and that Smith did not name, but which later earned the popular name of the Hill Cumorah, but which is not the Hill Cumorah mentioned in the Book of Mormon and into which Mormon placed the extensive records, then I am unable to put light into such a dark place that seems doomed to remain in darkness because that is what it most desires. I certify that I have done my best to have it otherwise. �Whoso reads, let him understand� Do you agree with my deconstruction, or do you have another, different, deconstruction that you care to share? will revdauphinee answered on 03/14/04: you have stated that you have posted this on the Mormon board !great this is where it belongs the rest of us Many of us do not accept nor read the book of Mormon (altough I have in the past)and certainly dont feel it requires a shouting match! Toms777 rated this answer willbe rated this answer

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STONY asked on 03/13/04 - A {?} ON THE TRINITY..... IN THE BOOK OF GENESIS, WHERE THE CREATION OF MAN ID DISCUSSED, WHO DO YOU SUPPOSE THE "US" AND "OUR" ARE IF NOT THE TRINITY? revdauphinee answered on 03/14/04: Personaly to me it is the trinity! however may say that God was using what is called the royal we such as is often used by royalty when refering to themselves Toms777 rated this answer STONY rated this answer

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STONY asked on 03/13/04 - THE POINT OF VIEW FROM ANOTHER CHRISTIAN...IN ALL FAIRNESS!! I recently saw the movie, the Passion. A friend of mine asked me what I thought about it. So here are some of thoughts about it. "You may have hit a hot button with the Passion movie. I personally think that he took too many liberties with the story. Too many Hollywood type embellishments. I guess that I am a fundamentalist and word man when it comes to things scriptural. I keep hearing from many Christian TV ministries that this was the most authentic account of the last hours of the Life of Christ. In some ways I agree with that. But only if you take out some of the extrabilical nonsense that I saw. Examples like the Satan figure, who at one point was carrying a strange looking child. Or the wolf spirit snarling at Judas. And the children like demons tormenting Judas and the dead goat when he hanged himself. The huge teardrop falling from heaven was not biblical. I know that people think you need this sort of stuff in order to sell the movie. And that is why I think that the Christian leaders got behind it. Another motive of theirs would be to promote Christian fare in movies in order to get more. Doesn't that border on compromise a little. What about the uninformed viewer who doesn't know the Bible. What untruths, distortions and pure fantasies are they going to swallow for the sake of something being 'Christian.' Or be left thinking that it was all in the Bible. Stick to the Word of God and tell the story without any of this nonsense and yes you have the best and truest story. It doesn't need someone's interpretations for us. It stands on it's own. In other words, if you took all of that kind of stuff out, I believe that this movie would only then be the truest and most authentic account of the last hours of the Life of Christ." Steve THESE ARE THE COMMENTS FROM MY BROTHER IN PHOENIX. revdauphinee answered on 03/13/04: I have as yet not seen this movie (My town does not have a theater and Ill have to travel 50 miles to see it)However recently watched the tv movie JUDAS and found i also had objections to the stuff they added to that ,seems hollywood does not think the "Word" is descriptive enough and needs their embelishment! Toms777 rated this answer STONY rated this answer

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willbe asked on 03/12/04 - Could this be why some scientists who are also religious can't understand theology? Great minds don't think alike Mark Lythgoe Working with artists and scientists has demonstrated that great art constitutes an open investigation into the human condition - into experience, memory and love. These subjects are also common to scientific study. Yet despite these universal interests, I�m convinced that artists are cast from a different mould to scientists and our recent study looking into "brain types" suggests that this is indeed the case. This year, two Scottish art galleries have been shortlisted for the Gulbenkian Prize for the Museum of the Year, which awards originality and innovation in galleries and exhibition spaces across the UK. This is proof, if any was needed, of a thriving Scottish arts scene that is well prepared to take on its southern neighbour. But beyond any geographical divisions, the award highlights for me, as a scientist, a deeper cultural divide - only one science exhibition out of 13 has been nominated for the prize. Science consistently fails to engage the public imagination on the same scale as the arts. Although progress is certainly being made, largely thanks to the enthusiasm and ardour of a few scientists committed to its public communication, this failure may have a deeper cause. It has become increasingly evident to me that there is a limited number of scientists who can genuinely engage with the public imagination. This certainly reflects a lack of support given to scientists by funding bodies, universities and heads of departments who believe that communicating science diminishes one�s scientific merit. Yet even if the right channels were available, is the lack of good communicators also due to the relative inability of scientists to engage with other minds and imaginations per se? And if so, why is that the case? If I were to take you to the faculty of engineering at the University of Strathclyde, then to the Mackintosh building, home of Glasgow School of Art, I wouldn�t have to tell you whether you where in an arts or science institution. Scientists dress differently to artists. Sartorial innovation and even, sometimes, awareness is a rare thing in our science departments. But not only that - the feel of these places is different, the way people talk, they way they walk, the sensual temper of the place. I have worked with artists and scientists for ten years and there is no doubt in my mind they are different species - and thankfully, you might think. If, as I believe as a neuroscientist, all our thoughts, emotions and imagination are constructs of our brains, then it would appear that the mind of the artist must work very differently to that of the scientist. Of course, some of my colleagues would say this is all cultural and no more - but I�m not too sure. Maybe we were born to be artists or scientists. Part of an ongoing study into science and art, which will be discussed at a talk at the Glasgow Science Centre next week, suggests that when taken as a group, scientists are systemisers while artists are empathisers. Perhaps this is not surprising. The nature of the scientific endeavour calls for an unwavering objectivity and focus on the systematic classification of knowledge through repeatable measurement, without the presence of the subjectivity of the researcher. �There is no doubt in my mind that artists and scientists are different species� By contrast, artists� work requires a constant awareness of the existence of other subjectivities, of their own and others� personal, social and historical context. In other words, they must have a strong degree of empathy, a trait which scientists, at least as most science is practised today, do not need in abundance. The survey, using a questionnaire devised by Professor Simon Baron-Cohen, of Cambridge University, investigated levels of systemising and empathising in 1,500 scientists and artists. Scientists scored 22 per cent higher than artists on systemising, and artist scored 8 per cent higher than scientists on empathising. So if the ability to imagine the minds of others really is somewhat lesser for scientists, then maybe that helps to explain why there are fewer scientists able to reach out and grab the public�s attention. In my mind, it�s certainly not because science is any less interesting. Now, systemising and empathising may seem like so much psychobabble, but these concepts have been placed on a firm scientific footing by Prof Baron-Cohen, who argues forcefully that these two "brain types" actually reflect heritable biological differences. Moreover, one cause of these differences may be down to levels of sex hormones, particularly testosterone. This is central to Prof Baron-Cohen�s argument, since he claims that the "essential difference" between men and women is that men are systemisers and women empathisers. Of course, he is talking about population averages here, and for individuals things are not so black and white. The results of our study may then go some way towards explaining the perceived sex differences in the arts and the sciences. Finally, perhaps most tantalisingly, Prof Baron-Cohen has used a similar test to demonstrate that people who suffer from Asperger�s syndrome (a high-functioning form of autism) score very high on systemising and very low on empathising. And Asperger individuals - usually men - are far more likely to be found in the sciences, particularly the "hard" sciences like maths and engineering. The Glasgow Science Centre lecture will look more closely at just how scientists� and artists� brains might differ, and whether these differences are environmentally or culturally mediated, or innate. On the way, I will look at the recent discovery of a brain area that is thought to be the basis for mathematical ability, and what happens when it goes wrong. I�ll also look at artistic creativity, through the remarkable story of a 56-year-old builder who developed a profound sense of creativity following a stroke, and how we might all tap into our creativity. � Dr Mark Lythgoe is a neurophysiologist at University College, London. His lecture is at the Glasgow Science Centre at 7 pm next Thursday. He was assisted in data analysis by Tom Pollak, a visiting research psychologist. revdauphinee answered on 03/12/04: which just goes to show what a master of diversity our creator is! willbe rated this answer

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jewels asked on 03/10/04 - transmigration Intelligent human beings must always remember that the soul obtains a human form after an evolution of many millions of years in the cycle of transmigration. Human life is distinguished from animal life due to its heavy responsibilities. Those who are cognizant of these responsibilites and who work in that spirit are called suras (godly persons), and those who are neglectful of these responsibilites or who have no information of them are called asuras (demons). Throughout the universe there are only these two types of human being. The killer of the soul, whoever he may be, must enter into the planets known as the worlds of the faithless, full of darkness and ignorance. We are given this human form of life to attain the highest perfection of life. If a man fails to discharge his duties as a human being, he is forced to transmigrate to the asurya planets and take birth in degraded species of life to work hard in ignorance and darknes. I read this in a book a friend gave me. What religion is this? revdauphinee answered on 03/10/04: sounds like budhism to me ! I do know however Christians do not believe this Bradd rated this answer jewels rated this answer paraclete rated this answer willbe rated this answer

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willbe asked on 03/09/04 - Mormons and the Comforters The Comforter The Holy Ghost is the Comforter. (John 14:26-27; Teachings of JS, pp. 149-150.) This name-title is given to the third member of the Godhead to signify his mission of bringing solace, love, peace, quiet enjoyment, and comfort to the saints. Scriptures setting forth the consolation and encouragement which spring up in the hearts of the righteous by the power of the Holy Ghost frequently speak of him as the Comforter. Moroni, writing of "the visitation of the Holy Ghost," says that this "Comforter filleth with hope and perfect love." (Moro. 8:26.) By gaining the testimony of Jesus men find peace, rest, and comfort. This testimony comes by the power of the Holy Ghost. Thus it is the Comforter who testifies of Christ (John 15:26); it is the Comforter, which manifesteth that Jesus was crucified by sinful men for the sins of the world" (D. & C. 21:9); it is "the Comforter" which is "shed forth upon" men "for the revelation of Jesus Christ" (D. & C. 90:11); it is "the Comforter" who "knoweth all things, and beareth record of the Father and of the Son." (D. & C. 42:17.) By gaining light and knowledge from heaven, men attain a prelude of that peace and quiet enjoyment which is found in a future heaven. Thus it is "the Comforter, which showeth all things, and teacheth the peaceable things of the kingdom" (D & C. 39:6; 36:2); it is the Comforter who gives revelation and guidance to the disciples (D. & C. 24:5; 31:11; 52:9; 79:2; 90:14); it is by the power of the Comforter that the Lord's agents teach the gospel, even being given in the very hour the words they shall speak (D. & C. 28:1; 50:14, 17; 75:10; 124:97); and it is by the Comforter that inspired men write (D. & C. 47:4) and speak and prophesy. (D. & C. 42:16.) Our Lord's promise to his ancient disciples was that the Comforter would "bring all things" to their "remembrance" (John 14:26), and it was by this power that the scriptures were written. The Second Comforter Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, Section Three 1838�39, p.150 The other Comforter spoken of is a subject of great interest, and perhaps understood by few of this generation. After a person has faith in Christ, repents of his sins, and is baptized for the remission of his sins and receives the Holy Ghost, (by the laying on of hands), which is the first Comforter, then let him continue to humble himself before God, hungering and thirsting after righteousness, and living by every word of God, and the Lord will soon say unto him, Son, thou shalt be exalted. When the Lord has thoroughly proved him, and finds that the man is determined to serve Him at all hazards, then the man will find his calling and his election made sure, then it will be his privilege to receive the other Comforter, which the Lord hath promised the Saints, as is recorded in the testimony of St. John, in the 14th chapter, from the 12th to the 27th verses. Note the 16, 17, 18, 21, 23 verses: ൘. And I will pray the Father, and He shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you forever; ൙. Even the Spirit of Truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him; but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you. ൚. I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you.* * ൝. He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him. ൟ. �If a man love me, he will keep my word: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him." Now what is this other Comforter? It is no more nor less than the Lord Jesus Christ Himself; and this is the sum and substance of the whole matter; that when any man obtains this last Comforter, he will have the personage of Jesus Christ to attend him, or appear unto him from time to time, and even He will manifest the Father unto him, and they will take up their abode with him, and the visions of the heavens will be opened unto him, and the Lord will teach him face to face, and he may have a perfect knowledge of the mysteries of the Kingdom of God; and this is the state and place the ancient Saints arrived at when they had such glorious visions�Isaiah, Ezekiel, John upon the Isle of Patmos, St. Paul in the three heavens, and all the Saints who held communion with the general assembly and Church of the Firstborn. Joseph Smith asked rhetorically how the Lord's restatement (D&C 84:98) of Jeremiah's great prophecy on the last days (Jer. 31:31-34) was to be fulfilled. He answered that it will be fulfilled when the Saints' callings and elections are made sure and when they receive the Second Comforter. It is confusing to speak of Christ's dwelling within those sealed up unto eternal life, yet the Savior says that after we enjoy the blessings of the Second Comforter, "then shall [you] know that�I am the true light that is in you, and that you are in me" (D&C 88:50). The same is said in John chapter 14: "At that day [when you receive the Second Comforter] ye shall know that I am in my Father, and ye in me, and I in you" (see also JST Luke 10:23). In John 14:17 Christ is also speaking of himself as the source of truth. Similarly, he declared to Joseph Smith, "I am the Spirit of Truth" (D&C 93:26). However, the Savior and the Holy Ghost work in perfect oneness when bestowing these, the highest spiritual blessings of mortality, for the Savior said of the Holy Ghost, "He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall shew it unto you" (John 15:14). The emphasis in John 14:16-17 is the concept that the Savior has been appointed by the Father to be our ultimate source of comfort and truth. In his 27 June 1839 discourse (Richards's Pocket Companion account), Joseph Smith said that when the ancients obtained the blessings of the Second Comforter�"Isaiah, Ezekiel, John upon the Isle of Patmos, St. Paul in the three heavens, and all the Saints who held communion with the general assembly and Church of the Firstborn"�the Lord taught them face to face and gave them a perfect knowledge of the mysteries of the Kingdom of God. While the Prophet stated there were things they received that were unlawful to utter (2 Corinthians 12:4 [1-4]; 3 Nephi 17:17; 19:34 [32-34]; 28:12-14; D&C 76:115), yet there was a general theme revealed to all. that theme pertained to the future destiny of man before and during the earth's millennial state. Nowhere does Smith or any other Mormon identify the Comforter as being the person of Joseph Smith or any other of God's latter-day Prophets. Taken together, Ezekiel 1:1, Matthew 3:16; Mark 1:10; Acts 7:56; 1 Nephi 1:8; 11:14, 27, 30; 12:6; Helaman 5:48; 3 Nephi 17:24; 28:13; Ether 4:9; D&C 76:12, 19; 93:15; 107:19; 110:1, 11; 137:1, 138:11, 29; Moses 7:3 (cf. Moses 1:2-11, 24-41) Joseph Smith-History 1:16-20, 43 (27-43), 68; and Teachings, pp. 9, 51, 151, 312, 328, 338, 339, 345, 350, and 371 show that the phrase "heavens opened" usually refers to a direct heavenly vision on the order of the blessings attending the visitation of the Second Comforter (see 27 June 1839, note 15 15). Compare the two visions of Newel Knight recorded in History of the Church, 1:83 and 85. Joseph Smith speaks of two Comforters: the first is the Holy Ghost, the second is the Son of God himself. He uses the 14th chapter of John as the basis for his discourse. Verses 16, 17, and 26 definitely refer to the Holy Ghost. They speak of the Spirit of Truth which "dwelleth with you, and shall be in you." Verses 18, 21, and 23 clearly refer to the Lord himself and his coming to man. This is what Mormons believe and what Mormonism teaches and has always taught. revdauphinee answered on 03/10/04: as for ""the prophet""Joseph smith did you know That Joseph Smith once "prophesied" that the United Stated Government would be overthrown in the 1980s?? that he also said that the New Jerusalem would be built in Missouri in his generation?? that he said the Civil War would fail to end black slavery that he told that both the Moon and sun were inhabited?? Deuteronomy 13 1. If a prophet, or one who foretells by dreams, appears among you and announces to you a miraculous sign or wonder, 2. and if the sign or wonder of which he has spoken takes place, and he says, "Let us follow other gods" (gods you have not known) "and let us worship them," 3. you must not listen to the words of that prophet or dreamer. The LORD your God is testing you to find out whether you love him with all your heart and with all your soul. 4. It is the LORD your God you must follow, and him you must revere. Keep his commands and obey him; serve him and hold fast to him. willbe rated this answer

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drgade asked on 03/09/04 - Spirit Filled In answer to your question on a word about the benefits of being spirit filled: Many years ago, I became a privat pilot and related this wonderful suspension of being alone in the heavens with being spirit filled. I had instruments to fly to places I wanted to go. There was a navcom radio which would pinpoint my position and destination (by radials)even though I was flying by "visual" flight rules. There were other instruments which pointed to plain old radio stations which could give me guidance. And then there was a part of these which by which I coud communicate with various airports if I got lost. What if I lost my power in these things? I would be on my own. I would still be able to look at a map and pick out what seemed to be reference points like a river, a town, a road... and probably do well. So it is with people who are not spiritually connected with God. They can probably get to a destination, as long as the clouds aren't to thick, or night doesn't set in...etc. revdauphinee answered on 03/10/04: the question left is where will their final destination be ?? drgade rated this answer

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PraiseJah asked on 03/09/04 - Muslims and Mormons willbe has claimed I was "spiteful" for pointing out an obvious fact: Both religions claim the Bible contradicts itself and both make a public effort to denigrate the Bible. He posted their claims himself in his question. (Also check out ronnie_brae, the Mormon, on We Tell You.) Yet at the same time both religions claim the Bible foretells another prophet after Jesus - specifically Jesus' promise of the "comforter", which we know is the holy spirit and not a human prophet. They claim this indicates their respective prophets were also from God. So dont you think conterproductive to use the Bible to support a belief and in the next breath try to prove the Bible is wrong? And what is spiteful about pointing out an obvious fact? revdauphinee answered on 03/09/04: regarding the statement you made on the comforter "time both religions claim the Bible foretells another prophet after Jesus - specifically Jesus' promise of the "comforter", which we know is the holy spirit and not a human prophet. They claim this indicates their respective prophets were also from God." You are so correct niether Mohammed nor Joseph Smith were the promised one, but it was the holy spirit that God sent to be a comforter to the Christians. Muslims do not even accept Jesus for who he was the son of God. Also there are so many inconsistances in the Morman faith also! They have an unalienable right to believe what they wish to , however we who know the truth do not have to follow them! Toms777 rated this answer willbe rated this answer PraiseJah rated this answer

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powderpuff asked on 03/09/04 - different categories for different denominations I notice there are several different Christian denominations listed under the category of religion here at Answerway.com. Is the Christianity board limited to users and experts who don't belong to one of the listed denominations or are any of them welcome on this board? revdauphinee answered on 03/09/04: all denomainations are welcome even those like myself who are more inclined to just be known as just a Christian !as I feel denominationalism is detremental to the Message and is ultimatly more interested in promoting themself that Christ many times! darkstar rated this answer powderpuff rated this answer sxhtzofsunshine rated this answer Toms777 rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 03/08/04 - Proof too much time with your PC will kill you? A computer game addict in western China has reportedly collapsed and died at his screen after playing the popular online game Saga non-stop for 20 hours. The 31-year-old began playing the game regularly at an internet cafe in Chengdu, Sichuan province, three months before his death, according to the South China Morning Post. An employee at the cafe said he would play for more than 10 hours a day and was found dead on Saturday morning after a marathon 20-hour session, the newspaper said. DPA revdauphinee answered on 03/09/04: that just goes to say when we are told in all things to be moderate it is good advice Philippians 4:5. Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand. darkstar rated this answer paraclete rated this answer sxhtzofsunshine rated this answer

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willbe asked on 03/08/04 - More about Muslims (especially for Christians) Unlike animals, humans know that they must die. And they are frequently fascinated if not terrified by that fact. Every culture around the world features customs, legends, doctrines, and suppositions regarding this greatest of human mysteries. Among Muslims, a wealth of popular traditions supplements the fairly sparse data supplied by the Qur�an. Izra�il (not Iz-rael) is the angel of death in Islamic folklore. (A similar character appears in Jewish accounts.) He keeps a roll on which the names of all humankind are inscribed. The names of the blessed are surrounded by bright light, while darkness encircles those of the damned. Izra�il does not know individual death dates in advance. When a person�s death approaches, a leaf falls from the tree below God�s throne. Every individual has a leaf, with his or her name written on it. Izra�il reads the name from the leaf, and, within forty days, separates that person�s immortal soul from his or her body. Righteous souls leave their bodies easily. Those of the wicked are torn out, painfully. Two angels named Munkar and Nakir question the dead in their tombs, who are made to sit upright and testify concerning Muhammad. The faithful acknowledge him as God�s prophet, and are consequently left alone until the day of resurrection. The unrighteous, by contrast, have no satisfactory answer. So the two angels beat them harshly for a certain period -- perhaps until resurrection day. (They take Fridays off!) The wicked beg to return to earth to accomplish the good that they had left undone during their lives. But they cannot, for, says the Qur�an, a barrier blocks their way. Many commentators take this as a literal physical barrier between hell and paradise, or between this life and the next. Resurrection and judgment are central themes in the Qur�an. Both occur at �the Hour� on �the Day of Reckoning.� Muslim scripture and tradition contain many passages describing the signs of the last days, which include various natural disorders such as earthquakes, dramatic heavenly phenomena, and the coming of the Antichrist. Jesus or the Mahdi, �the Rightly Guided One,� will descend - in some accounts Jesus is the Mahdi - and kill the Antichrist. At the first blast of a great trumpet, all things will die. Then, after an interval, a second blast will recall them to life and bring them to the place of gathering. Two events are prominently mentioned in connection with this place�first, lengthy �standing� in the presence of God, and, second (and not surprisingly), �the sweat.� The lord of the trumpet, the archangel Israfil (whose name probably derives from the Hebrew �seraphim�), is one of four archangels in Islamic lists, with Jibril (Gabriel), Mikha�il (Michael), and Izra�il. He is of vast size. His feet are said to be under the �seventh earth,� while his head reaches to the pillars of the divine throne. He has four wings�one in the east, one in the west, one with which he covers his body, and a fourth with which he protects himself against the fearsome glory of God. Israfil always holds the trumpet near his mouth, so as to be ready, when God gives the order, to sound the blast that will arouse humankind from the grave. Three times each day and three times every night he looks down into hell and is convulsed by grief. His tears of sadness for the future fate of the damned nearly flood the earth. Some traditions say, on the other hand, that he himself will be roused from slumber at the resurrection, the first to rise on that day. He will stand on the Temple Mount in Jerusalem and give the signal that will resurrect the dead. God will next interrogate each soul directly, examining the heavenly books. In doubtful cases, deeds will be weighed. Israfil will read out God�s decrees. Finally, each soul must attempt to enter paradise via a bridge over hell. For the righteous, that bridge will be broad. For the unrighteous, however, it will be as narrow as the edge of a sword, and they will plummet into the abyss below. (A similar idea may lie behind Matthew 7:13-14, and Helaman 3:29-30.) The final destination of each human soul is either �the fire� or �the garden� of Paradise. Interesting? revdauphinee answered on 03/08/04: I guess im in for a beating then cause i dont believe Mohamed! sxhtzofsunshine rated this answer willbe rated this answer

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jewels asked on 03/08/04 - New World? This morning, I got a visit from a couple of Jahova Witnesses. They gave me a pretty pamphlet containing information about a "Peaceful New World". "The righteous themselves will possess the earth, and they will reside forever upon it", they tell me..... That isn't what I thought was going to happen. Is that the way its going to be? What about all those people who put their faith in Jesus and accept him as God's only begotten with the promise of eternal life in heaven? "No" they tell me.... they say that the "New World" will have everything good that God originally intended for his people to enjoy and that everyone on earth wil be a true friend of everyone else. They tell me the proof is in the Bible: Isaiah 11:6-9 and Hosea 2:18 The "New World" will restore the peaceful realtions between animals and humans. "The wolf will actually reside for a while with the male lamb, and the kid the leopard itself will lie down, and the calf and the maned young lion all together with a little boy being leader over them." and 1 John 2?17 "This world is passing away and so is its desire, but he that does the will of God remains forever" Are these the prophecies of God? Are they right? revdauphinee answered on 03/08/04: since the Jw have a different version of scripture that main line Christians some of there beliefs run somewhat contrary to common beliefs jewels rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 03/08/04 - Vanishing experts I see Aton appears to have done it again but does anyone know what has prompted his suspension this time? revdauphinee answered on 03/08/04: probably his attitude to others for to dissagree with this person brings about instant vitrol from him sxhtzofsunshine rated this answer paraclete rated this answer Toms777 rated this answer darkstar rated this answer Uni-Agdistis rated this answer

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willbe asked on 03/08/04 - Judaism versus Zionism - a perspective I found this when searching. They guy's email address is *@kahane_klux_klan.ill so I don't know if he is kosher or not, but he does make some good points that I post and invite your comments on the contents. There is a vile lie, which stalks the Jewish people across the globe. It is a lie so heinous, so far from the truth, that it can only gain popularity due to the complicity of powerful forces in the "mainstream" media and educational establishment. It is a lie which has brought many innocent people untold suffering and if unchecked has the potential to create extraordinary tragedy in the future. It is the lie that declares that Judaism and Zionism are identical. Nothing could be further from the truth. Judaism is the belief in revelation at Sinai. It is the belief that exile is a punishment for Jewish sins. Zionism has for over a century denied Sinaitic revelation. It believes that Jewish exile can be ended by military aggression. Zionism has spent the past century strategically dispossessing the Palestinian people. It has ignored their just claims and subjected them to persecution, torture and death. Torah Jews the world over are shocked and pained at this short-lived dogma of irreligiosity and cruelty. Thousands of Torah scholars and saints have condemned this movement from its inception. They knew that the pre-existing good relationship between Jews and Muslims in the Holy Land was bound to suffer as Zionism advanced. The so-called "State of Israel" stands rejected on religious grounds by the Torah. Its monstrous insensitivity to the laws of basic decency and fairness appall all men be they Jewish or not. We of Neturei Karta have been in the forefront of the battle against Zionism for over a century. Our presence here is to refute the base lie that the evil, which is Zionism, in some way represents the Jewish people. The reverse is true. We are saddened day in and day at the terrible toll of death emanating from the Holy Land. Not one of then would have occurred if Zionism had unleashed its evil energies upon the world. As Jews we are called upon to live in peace and harmony with all men. We are exhorted to be law abiding and patriotic citizens in all lands. We condemn the current Zionist atrocities in the Holy Land. We yearn for peace based upon mutual respect. We are convinced that this proposed mutual respect is doomed to fail as long as the Israeli state exists. We welcome its abolition in a peaceful manner. May we be worthy of true redemption when all men will join in brotherhood in His worship. http://www.nkusa.org/aboutus/whatzionism.cfm ============ Comments on topic, please! revdauphinee answered on 03/08/04: while this posting may have some validity the mere address puts up a red flag to me! any one associated in any way with the Klan I find not to be trusted since this is definatly an organization that is antisematic and not to be trusted willbe rated this answer

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willbe asked on 03/07/04 - Muslims and the Bible An expert said that Muslims accept the Bible - old and new Testaments. I got this from a web serach. It is a long article and will probably truncate automatically before the end, but you will taste the flavor. Read it and make up your minds about what Muslims believe about the Bible. ================================ IS THE BIBLE GOD'S WORD? By Sheikh Ahmed Deedat http://www.sharif.org.uk/bb.htm Chapter 1/9 - What They Say Chapter 2/9 - The Muslims' Standpoint Chapter 3/9 - The Multiple Bible Versions Chapter 4/9 - Fifty Thousand Errors (?) Chapter 5/9 - Damning Confessions Chapter 6/9 - The Book Christened "The New Testament" Chapter 7/9 - The Acid Test Chapter 8/9 - Most Objective Testimony Chapter 9/9 - The Genealogy Of Jesus ------------------------------------------------------- WHAT THEY SAY Chapter 1/9 CHRISTIANS CONFESS Dr. W. Graham Scroggie of the MOODY BIBLE INSTITUTE, Chicago, one of the most prestigious Christian Evangelical Mission in the world, answering the question - "Is the Bible the Word of God?" (also the title of his book), under the heading: IT IS HUMAN, YET DIVINE. He says on page 17: "Yes, the Bible is human, though some, out of zeal which is not according to knowledge,1 have denied this. Those books2 have passed through the minds of men, are written in the language of men, were penned by the hands of men, and bear in their style the characteristics of men." (Emphasis added). Another erudite Christian scholar, Kenneth Cragg, the Anglican Bishop of Jerusalem, says on page 277 of his book, "The Call of the Minaret": "Not so the New Testament3 ... There is condensation and editing;4 there is choice, reproduction and witness. The Gospels have come through the mind of the Church behind the authors. They represent experience and history.ř If words have any meaning, do we need to add another word of comment to prove our case? No! But the professional propagandists, after letting the cat out of the bag, still have the face to try to make their readers believe that they have proved beyond the shadow of any doubt that the Bible is the "irrefragable6 Word of God." Their semantic gymnastics - equivocating, and playing with words - is amazing! Both these Doctors of Religion are telling us in the clearest language humanly possible that the Bible is the handiwork of man, all the while pretending that they are proving to the contrary. An old Arab saying goes: "IF SUCH ARE THE PRIESTS, GOD BLESS THE CONGREGATION." With this sort of drivel, the hot-gospeller and the Bible-thumper is "inspired" to hurry the "heathen.ś A theological student - a not-yet-qualified young evangelist - from the University of Witwatersrand, became a frequent visitor to the Newtown Mosque in Johannesburg, with the "noble" thought of "witnessingŜ to the members of its congregation. When I was introduced to him, (and having learnt his purpose), I invited him to lunch at my brother's residence - a stone's-throw from the Mosque. While discussing the authenticity of the Bible over the dinner table and sensing his stubborn dogmatism, I put out a feeler: "Your Professor Geyser, (The Head of the Department of Theology) does not believe the Bible to be the Word of God." Without the slightest surprise he answered, "I know." Now I personally had no knowledge of the Professor's conviction about the Bible. I had only assumed so from a controversy which raged around him about the "Divinity of Christ." He had taken issue with the orthodox believers on this point some years ago. I continued further, saying, "Your lecturer does not believe the Bible as being God's Word." The young evangelist responded again, "I know" but he continued this time-with the words, "but I believe that it is the Word of God!" There is no real remedy for such people. Even Jesus bewailed this sickness: "... seeing they see not; and hearing they hear not, neither do they understand." Matthew 13:13 Al-Qur'an, the Holy Book of God, also condemns this mulish mentality: They are deaf, dumb and blind, so they return not (to the right path). Qur'an 2:18 These pages are now addressed to those sincerely humble souls, who are genuinely interested in seeking the Light of God, and who wish to be guided by it. As for the other, with a sickness in their souls, the facts presented herein can only increase the disease of their hearts. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1 Out of ignorance. 2 The Bible is not Just a Book. It is a selection and compilation of many books. 3 As opposed to the Qur'an. 4 Another word for Interpolating. 5 Emphasis are mine. 6 Indisputable. 7 See "How Lost are the Heathen?" by the same MOODY PRESS of Dr. Scroggie. 8 When the Christian talks of "witnessing" he means propagating, proselytizng, converting. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- THE MUSLIMS' STANDPOINT Chapter 2/9 PRESUMPTUOUS CHRISTIANS Whether Catholic, Protestant or a "Cultist," of the thousand -and - one - sects - and - denominations-of-Christianity, never will you find a missionary who will not, prima facie, presuppose that his potential convert accepts his "Holy Bible" as the book of final authority on every religious opinion? The only answer the prospective proselyte has is to quote verses from the Bible which are contradictory to the missionary's or debate their interpretations. THE DOGGED QUESTION When the Muslim proves his point from the Christian's own Holy Scripture, and when the professional priest, or parson cannot refute the arguments - the inevitable Christian evasion is - "DO YOU ACCEPT THE BIBLE AS GOD'S WORD? On the face of it, the question seems to be an easy one, but a simple "Yes" or "No" cannot be given as an answer. You see, one has first to explain one's position. But the Christian will not give one the opportunity. He gets impatient. "Answer - 'Yes or No!' " he insists. The Jews did the same to Jesus two thousand years ago, except that surprisingly he was not strait-jacketed, as is the fashion today! The reader will readily agree that things are not always either BLACK or WHITE. Between these two extremes there are various shades of GREY. If you say "Yes" to his question, then it would mean that you are prepared to swallow everything HOOK, LINE and SINKER, from Genesis to Revelation from his Bible. If you respond with a "No" he quickly unhooks himself from the facts you have presented, and rallies support from his co-religionists in the audience with; "You see, this man does not believe in the Bible! What right has he to expound his case from our Book?" With this hydra-like somersault he rests content that he has safely evaded the issue. What is the Muballigh1to do? He has to explain his position vis-a-vis the Bible, as he ought to do. THREE GRADES OF EVIDENCE We Muslims have no hesitation in acknowledging that in the Bible, there are three different kinds of witnessing recognizable without any need of specialized training. These are: You will be able to recognize in the Bible what may be described as "The Word of God." You will also be able to discern what can be described as the "Words of a Prophet of God." And you will most readily observe that the bulk of the Bible is the records of eye witnesses or ear witnesses, or people writing from hearsay. As such they are the "Words of a Historian" You do not have to hunt for examples of these different types of evidences in the Bible. The following quotations will make the position crystal clear: The FIRST Type: I will raise them up a prophet . . . and I will put my words in ... and he shall speak unto them all that I shall command him." (Deuteronomy 18:18) I even, I am the Lord, and beside me there is no saviour." (Isaiah 43:11) "Look unto me, and be ye saved, all the end of the earth: for I am God, and there is non else." (Isaiah 45:22) Note the first person pronoun singular (highlighted in green) in the above references, and without any difficulty you will agree that the statements seem to have the sound of being GOD'S WORD. The SECOND Type: "Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, Eli, Eli, lama sabachtani . . ." (Matthew 27:46) "And Jesus answered him, The first of all the commandments is, Hear, O Israel; the Lord our God is one Lord:" (Mark 12:29) "And Jesus said unto him, Why callest thou me good? There is none good but one, that is God." (Mark 10:18). Even a child will be able to affirm that: Jesus "cried" Jesus "answered" and Jesus "said" are the words of the one to whom they are attributed, i.e. the WORDS OF A PROPHET OF GOD. The THIRD Type: "And seeing a fig tree afar off having leaves, he, (JESUS) came, if haply he (JESUS) might find anything thereon: and when he (JESUS) came to it, (Jesus) found nothing but leaves . . ." (Mark 11:13) The bulk of the Bible is a witnessing of this THIRD kind. These are the words of a third person. Note the underlined pronouns. They are not the Words of God or of His prophet, but the WORDS OF A HISTORIAN. For the Muslim it is quite easy to distinguish the above types of evidence, because he also has them in his own faith. But of the followers of the different religions, he is the most fortunate in this that his various records are contained in separate Books! ONE: The first kind - THE WORD OF GOD - is found in a Book called The Holy Qur�an. TWO: The second kind - THE WORDS OF THE PROPHET OF GOD, (Muhummed, may the peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) are recorded in the Books of Tradition called The Hadith. THREE: Evidence of the third kind abounds in different volume of Islamic history, written by some of high integrity and learning, and others of lesser trustworthiness, but the Muslim advisedly keeps his Books in separate volumes! The Muslim keeps the above three types of evidence Jealously apart, in their proper gradations of authority. He never equates them. On the other hand, the "Holy Bible" contains a motley type of literature, which composes the embarrassing kind, the sordid, and the obscene - all under the same cover - A Christian is forced to concede equal spiritual import and authority to all, and is thus unfortunate in this regard. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1 MUBALLIGH: The Propagator of Islam -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- THE MULTIPLE BIBLE VERSIONS Chapter 3/9 It will now be easy for us to analyse a Christian's claim about his Holy Book. SEPARATING THE WHEAT FROM THE CHAFF Before we scrutinize the various versions, let us clarify our own belief regarding the Books of God. When we say that we believe in the Tauraat, the Zaboor, the Injeel and the Qur'an, what do we really mean? We already know that the Holy Qur'an is the infallible Word of God, revealed to our Holy Prophet Hazrat Muhummed Mustapha (Peace be upon him) word for word, through the agency of the Archangel Jibraeel, (known as Gabriel in English), and perfectly preserved and protected from human tampering for the past fourteen hundred years! 1 Even hostile critics of Islam have grudgingly vouched for the purity of the Holy Qur'an: "THERE IS PROBABLY IN THE WORLD NO OTHER BOOK WHICH HAS REMAINED TWELVE CENTURIES (now fourteen) WITH SO PURE A TEXT." - (Sir William Muir) The Tauraat we Muslims believe in is not the "Torah" of the Jews and the Christians, though the words - one Arabic, the other Hebrew - are the same. We believe that whatever the Holy Prophet Moses (Peace be upon him) preached to his people, was the revelation from God Almighty, but that Moses was not the author of those "books" attributed to him by the Jews and the Christians.2 Likewise, we believe that the Zaboor was the revelation of God granted to Hazrat Dawood (David) (Peace be upon him), but that the present Psalms associated with his name are not that revelation. The Christians themselves do not insist that David is the sole author of "his" Psalms.3 What about the Injeel? INJEEL means the "Gospel" or "good news" which Jesus Christ preached during his short ministry. The "Gospel" writers often mention that Jesus going about and preaching the Gospel (the Injeel): "And Jesus went . . . preaching the gospel . . . and healing every disease among the people." Matthew 9:35 "... but whosoever shall lose his fife for my sake and the gospel's, the same shall save it." Mark 8:35 "... preached the gospel. . ." Luke 20:1 The "gospel" is a frequently used word, but what Gospel did Jesus preach? Of the 27 books of the New Testament, only a small fraction can be accepted as the words of Jesus. The Christians boast about the Gospels according to St. Matthew, according to St. Mark, according to St. Luke and according to St. John, but there is not a single Gospel "according" to (St.) Jesus himself! We sincerely believe that everything Christ (May the peace and blessings of God be upon him) preached was from God. That was the Injeel, the good news and the guidance of God for the Children of Israel. In his lifetime Jesus never wrote a single word, nor did he instruct anyone to do so. What passes off as the "GOSPELS" today are the works of anonymous hands! The question before us is: "Do you accept that the Bible is God's Word?" The question is really in the form of a challenge. The questioner is not simply seeking enlightenment. The question is posed in the spirit of a debate. We have every right to demand in a similar vein - "Which Bible are you talking about?", we may ask. "Why, there is only ONE Bible!" he mutters. THE CATHOLIC BIBLE Holding the "Douay" Roman Catholic Version of the Bible aloft in my hand, I ask, "Do YOU accept THIS Bible as the Word of God?" For reasons best known to themselves, the Catholic Truth Society have published their Version of the Bible in a very short, stumpy form. This Version is a very odd proportion of the numerous Versions in the market today. The Christian questioner is taken aback. "What Bible is that?" he asks. "Why, I thought you said that there was only ONE Bible!" I remind him. "Y-e-s," he murmurs hesitantly, "but what Version is that?" "Why, would that make any difference?" I enquire. Of course it does, and the professional preacher knows that it does. He is only bluffing with his "ONE Bible" claim. The Roman Catholic Bible was published at Rheims in 1582, from Jerome's Latin Vulgate and reproduced at Douay in 1609. As such the RCV (Roman Catholic Version) is the oldest Version that one can still buy today. Despite its antiquity, the whole of the Protestant world, including the "cultsŘ condemn the RCV because it contains seven extra "books" which they contemptuously refer to as the "apocrypha" i.e. of DOUBTFUL AUTHORITY. Notwithstanding the dire warning contained in the Apocalypse, which is the last book in the RCV (renamed as "Revelation" by the Protestants), it is "revealed": ". . . If any man shall add to these things (or delete) God shall add unto him the plagues written in this Book." Revelation 22:18-19 But who cares! They do not really believe! The Protestants have bravely expunged seven whole books from their Book of God! The outcasts are: The Book of Judith The Book of Tobias The Book of Baruch The Buck of Esther, etc. THE PROTESTANT BIBLE Sir Winston Churchill has some pertinent things to say about the Authorised Version (AV) of the Protestant Bible, which is also widely known as the "King James Version (KJV)". "THE AUTHORISED VERSION OF THE BIBLE WAS PUBLISHED IN 1611 BY THE WILL AND COMMAND OF HIS MAJESTY KING JAMES THE 1ST WHOSE NAME IT BEARS TILL TODAY." The Roman Catholics, believing as they do that the Protestants have mutilated the Book of God, are yet aiding and abetting the Protestant "crime" by forcing their native converts to purchase the Authorised Version (AV) of the Bible, which is the only Bible available in some 1500 languages of the lesser developed nations of the world. The Roman Catholics milk their cows, but the feeding is left to the Protestants! The overwhelming majority of Christians - both Catholics and Protestant - use the Authorised (AV) or the King James Version (KJV) as it is alternatively called. GLOWING TRIBUTES First published, as Sir Winston says, in 1611, and then revised in 1881 (RV), and now re-revised and brought up to date as the Revised Standard Version (RSV) 1952, and now again re-re-revised in 1971 (still RSV for short). Let us see what opinion Christendom has of this most revised Bible, the RSV:- "THE FINEST VERSION WHICH HAS BEEN PRODUCED IN THE PRESENT CENTURY." Church of England Newspaper "A COMPLETELY FRESH TRANSLATION BY SCHOLARS OF THE HIGHEST EMINENCE." Times literary Supplement "THE WELL-LOVED CHARACTERISTICS OF THE AUTHORISED VERSION COMBINED WITH A NEW ACCURACY OF TRANSLATION. Life and Work "THE MOST ACCURATE AND CLOSE RENDERING OF THE ORIGINAL" The Times The publishers (Collins) themselves, in their notes on the Bible at the end of their production, say on page 10: "THIS BIBLE (RSV), IS THE PRODUCT OF THIRTY-TWO SCHOLARS, ASSISTED BY AN ADVISORY COMMITTEE REPRESENTING FIFTY CO-OPERATING DENOMINATIONS." Why all this boasting? To make the gullible public buy their product? All these testimonies convince the purchaser that he is backing the right horse, with the purchaser little suspecting that he is being taken for a ride. "THE WORLD'S BEST SELLER" But what about the Authorised Version of the Bible (AV), the "World's Best Seller?" These Revisers, all good salesmen, have some very pretty things to say about it. However, their page iii, paragraph six of the PREFACE of the RSV reads; "THE KING JAMES VERSION (alternative description of AV) HAS WITH GOOD REASON BEEN TERMED 'THE NOBLEST MONUMENT OF ENGLISH PROSE.� ITS REVISERS IN 1881 EXPRESSED ADMIRATION FOR 'ITS SIMPLICITY, ITS DIGNITY, ITS POWER, ITS HAPPY TURNS OF EXPRESSION ... THE MUSIC OF ITS CADENCES, AND THE FELICITIES OF ITS RHYTHM.� IT ENTERED, AS NO OTHER BOOK HAS, INTO THE MAKING OF THE PERSONAL CHARACTER AND THE PUBLIC INSTITUTIONS OF THE ENGLISH-SPEAKING PEOPLES. WE OWE TO IT AN INCALCULABLE DEBT." Can you, dear reader, imagine a more magnificent tribute being paid to the "Book of Books" than the above? I, for one, cannot. Let the believing Christian, now steel himself for the un-kindest blow of all from his own beloved Lawyers of Religion; for in the very same breath they say: "YET THE KING JAMES VERSION HAS GRAVE DEFECTS." And, "THAT THESE DEFECTS ARE SO MANY AND SO SERIOUS AS TO CALL FOR REVISION ..." This is straight from the horse's mouth, i.e. the orthodox Christian scholars of "the highest eminence." Another galaxy of Doctors of Divinity are now required to produce an encyclopaedia explaining the cause of those GRAVE AND SERIOUS DEFECTS in their Holy Writ and their reasons for eliminating them. This is a photographic reproduction from the R.S.V. 1971. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1 Whether Muslim or non-Muslim, you do not have lo accept this claim on faith alone. You can verify the fact that Al-Qur'an is the Word of God. See "AL-QURAN- The Miracle of Miracles" 2 More evidence later on - "Moses not the author of the Biblical "Torah." 3 Later on you�ll read how Christian "Brains Trust" confess - "Author; Principally David, though there are other writers." 4 This disparaging title is given by the orthodox to Jehovah's Witnesses, the Seventh Day Adventists and a thousand other sects and denominations with whom they do not see eye to eye. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- FIFTY THOUSAND ERRORS (?) Chapter 4/9 The Jehovah's Witnesses in their "AWAKE!" Magazine dated 8 September, 1957, carried this startling headline - ? ERRORS IN THE BIBLE?" (See below for the reproduction). While I was still formulating the theme of this booklet, I heard a knock at my door one Sunday morning. I opened the door. A European gentleman stood there, grinning broadly. "Good morning'" he said. "Good morning" I replied. He was offering me his "Awake" and "Watchtower" magazines. Yes, a Jehovah's Witness! If a few had knocked at your door previously, you will recognize them immediately. The most supercilious lot of people who ever knocked at people's doors! I invited him in. As soon as he settled down, I produced the full reproduction of what you see below. Pointing to the monograph at the top of the page, I asked, "Is this yours?" He readily recognised his own. I said, "It says: 50 000 Errors in the Bible, is it true?" "What's that!" he exclaimed. I repeated, "I said, that it says, that there are 50 000 errors in your Bible." "Where did you get that?" He asked. (This was published 23 years ago, when he was perhaps a little nipper) I said, "Leave the fancy talk aside - is this yours?" pointing again to the monograph - "Awake!" He said, "Can I have a look?" "Of course," I said. I handed him the page. He started perusing. They (the Jehovah's Witnesses) are trained. They attend classes five times a week in their "Kingdom Halls." Naturally, they are the fittest missionaries among the thousand -and - one - sects - and - denominations of Christendom. They are taught that when cornered, do not commit yourself to anything, and do not open your mouths. Wait for the Holy Ghost to inspire you with what to say. I silently kept watching him, while he browsed the page. Suddenly he looked up. He had found it. The "Holy Ghost" had tickled him. He began, "The article says that "most of those errors have been eliminated." I asked, "If MOST are eliminated, how many remain out of 50000? 5000? 500? 50? Even if 50 remain, do you attribute those errors to God?" He was speechless. He excused himself by suggesting that he will come again with some senior member of his Church. That will be the day! If I had this booklet ready, I would have offered him, saying - "I would like to do you a favour, give me your name and address, and your telephone number. I will lend you this booklet - IS THE BIBLE GOD'S WORD?" for 90 days. I want a written reply!" If you do this, And a few other Muslims do the same. They and the other missionaries will never darken your doors again. I believe that this publication will prove the most effective talisman to date. Insha-Allah! This "cult" of Jehovah's Witnesses, which is so strong in its condemnation of the orthodox Trinitarians, for playing with the "Word of God," is itself playing the same game of semantic gymnastics. In the article under review - ? ERRORS IN THE BIBLE?" - they say: "there are probably 50 000 errors . . . errors that have crept into the Bible text . . . 50000 such serious (?) errors� most of those so-called errors... as a whole the Bible is accurate." (?) We do not have the time and space to go into the tens of thousands of - grave or minor - defects that the authors of the Revised Standard Version (RSV) have attempted to revise. We leave that privilege to the Christian scholars of the Bible. Here I will endeavour to cast just a cursory glance at a "half-a-dozen" or so of those "minor" changes. "Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign: Behold, a VIRGIN shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel." Isaiah 7:14 - AV The indispensable "VIRGIN" in the above verse has now been replaced in the RSV with the phrase "a young woman," which is the correct translation of the Hebrew word almah. Almah is the word, which has occurred all along in the Hebrew text and NOT bethulah which means VIRGIN. This correction is only to be found in the English language translation, as the RSV is only published in this tongue. For the African and the Afrikaner, the Arab and the Zulu, in fact, in the 1 500 other languages of the world, Christians are made to continue to swallow the misnomer "VIRGIN." BEGOTTEN, NOT MADE "Jesus is the only begotten son of God, begotten not made," is an adjunct of the orthodox catechism, leaning for support on the following: For God so loved the world, that he gave his only BEGOTTEN son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." John 3:16 - AV No priest worth his cloth would fail to quote "the only BEGOTTEN of the Father!" when preaching to a prospective convert. But this fabrication - "BEGOTTEN" - has now been unceremoniously excised by the Bible Revisers, without a word of excuse. They are as silent as church-mice and would not draw the reader's attention to their furtive excision. This blasphemous word "BEGOTTEN" was another of the many such interpolations in the "Holy Bible." God Almighty condemned this blasphemy in the strongest terms soon after its innovation. He did not wait for 2000 years for Bible scholars to reveal the fraud. And they say: "The Most Gracious (Allah) has begotten a son" Indeed you have brought forth (said) a terrible evil thing. Where by the heavens are almost torn, and the earth is split asunder, and the mountains fall in ruins, That they ascribe a son to the Most Gracious (Allah). But it is not suitable for the Most Gracious (Allah) that he should beget a son. Qur'an 19:88-92 The Muslim World should congratulate the "Fifty cooperating denominations" of Christendom and their Brains Trust the "Thirty-two scholars of the highest eminence" for bringing their Holy Bible a degree nearer to the Qur-anic truth. He begets not, nor was he begotten Qur'an 112:3 "CHRISTIAN MES-A-MATHICS" "For there are three that bear record in heaven, the FATHER, the WORD, and the HOLY GHOST: and these three are one." 1st Epistle of John 5:7 - AV This verse is the closest approximation to what the Christians call their Holy Trinity in the encyclopaedia called the BIBLE. This key-stone of the Christian faith has also been scrapped from the RSV without even a semblance of explanation. It has been a pious fraud all along and well-deservedly has it been expunged in the RSV for the English-speaking people. But for the 1499 remaining language groups of the world who read the Christian concoctions in their mother tongues, the fraud remains. These people will never know the truth until the Day of Judgement. However, we Muslims must again congratulate the galaxy of D.D.�s who have been honest enough to eliminate another lie from the English (RSV) Bible, thus bringing their Holy Book yet another step closer to the teachings of Islam. For the Holy Qur'an says: ... Say not: "Three (Trinity)!" Cease! (it is) better for you. For Allah is (the only) One God, ... Qur'an 4:171 THE ASCENSION One of the most serious of those "grave defects" which the authors of the RSV had tried to rectify concerned the Ascension of Christ. There have been only two references in the Canonical Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke and of John to the most stupendous event in Christianity - OF JESUS BEING TAKEN UP INTO HEAVEN. These two references were obtained in every Bible in every language, prior to 1952, when the RSV first appeared. These were: "So then the Lord Jesus, after he had spoken to them, was TAKEN UP INTO HEAVEN, and sat down at the right hand of God." Mark 16:19 "While he blessed them, he parted from them, and was CARRIED UP INTO HEAVEN." Luke 24:51 Now please look at the image below, which is a photo copy where the quotation "Mark 16:19" above ought to appear. You will be shocked to note that Mark 16 ends at verse 8, and after an embarrassing expanse of blank space the missing verses appear in "small print" as a footnote at the bottom of the page. If you can lay your hands on a RSV 1952, you will find the last six words of Luke 24:51, above, i.e. "AND WAS CARRIED UP INTO HEAVEN" replaced by a tiny "a" to tell you to see the footnote if you please, where you will find these missing words. Every honest Christian has to admit that he does not consider any footnote in any Bible as the word of God. Why should the paid servants of Christianity consign the mightiest miracle of their religion to a mere footnote? From the Chart - "The Origin and Growth of the English Bible" - appearing below, you will note that all the Biblical "Versions" prior to the Revised Version of 1881 were dependent upon the ANCIENT COPIES - those dating only five or six hundred years after Jesus. The Revisers of the RSV 1952, were the first Bible scholars who were able to tap the "MOST Ancient Copies" fully, dating three and four centuries after Christ. We agree that the closer to the source the more authentic is the document. Naturally "MOST" Ancient deserves credence more than mere "ANCIENT." But not finding a word about Jesus being "taken up" or "carried up" into heaven in the MOST ANCIENT manuscripts, the Christian fathers expurgated those references from the RSV 1952. THE DONKEY CIRCUS The above facts are a staggering confession by Christendom that the "inspired" authors of the Canonical Gospels did not record a single word about the ASCENSION of Jesus- Yet these "inspired" authors were unanimous in recording that their Lord and Saviour rode a donkey into Jerusalem as his mission drew to a close. "... and they sat him thereon." (The Donkey) Matt. 21:7 ". . . and he sat upon him." (The Donkey) (Mark 11:7) "... and they set Jesus thereon." (The Donkey) Luke 19:35 ". . . Jesus ... sat thereon:" (The Donkey) John 12:14 Could God Almighty have been the author of this incongruous situation - going out of His Way to see that all the Gospel writers did not miss their footing recording of His "son's" donkey-ride into the Holy City - and yet "inspiring" them to blackout the news about His "son's" heavenly flight on the wings of angels? NOT FOR LONG! The hot-gospellers and the Bible-thumpers were too slow in catching the Joke. By the time they realised that the corner-stone of their preaching - THE ASCENSION OF JESUS - had been undermined as a result of Christian Biblical erudition, the publishers of the RSV had already raked in a net profit of 15,000,000 dollars! (Fifteen Million). The propagandists made a big hue and cry, and with the backing of two denominational committees out of the fifty, forced the Publishers to re-incorporate the interpolations into the "INSPIRED" Word of God in every new publication of the RSV after 1952, the expunged portion was "RESTORED TO THE TEXT." It is an old, old game. The Jews and the Christians have been editing their "Book of God" from its very inception. The difference between them and the ancient forgerers is that the ancient forgers did not know the art of writing "prefaces" and "footnotes", otherwise they too would have told us as clearly as our modern heroes have about their tampering, and their glib excuses for transmuting forged currency into glittering gold. "MANY PROPOSALS FOR MODIFICATION WERE SUBMITTED TO THE COMMITTEE BY INDIVIDUALS AND BY TWO DENOMINATIONAL COMMITTEES ALL OF THESE WERE GIVEN CAREFUL ATTENTION BY THE COMMITTEE. "TWO PASSAGES, THE I LONGER ENDING OF MARK (16:9-20) . . . AND LUKE 24:51 ARE RESTORED TO THE TEXT." Preface - Collins' pages vi and vii "Why 'restored'"? Because they had been previously expunged! Why had the references to the Ascension expunged in the first place? The MOST Ancient manuscripts had no references to the Ascension at all. They were interpolations similar to 1 John 5:7 about the Trinity. (Refer to the earlier example 3). Why eliminate one and re-instate the other? Do not be surprised! By the time you lay your hands on a RSV, the "Committee" might also have decided to expunge the whole of their invaluable Preface. The Jehovah's Witnesses have already eliminated 27 revealing pages of their FOREWORD to their "New World Translation of the CHRISTIAN GREEK SCRIPTURES," (this is their way of saying - New Testament). ALLAH IN THE CHRISTIAN BIBLE The Rev. C. I. Scofield, D. D. with a team of 8 Consulting Editors, also all D.D.�s in the "Scofield Reference Bible" thought it appropriate to spell the Hebrew word "Elah" (meaning God) alternatively as "Alah" The Christians had thus swallowed the camel - they seemed to have accepted at last that the name of God is Allah - but were still straining at the gnat by spelling Allah with one "L"! (Photographic reproduction of the Bible page showing the word "ALAH" is preserved here for posterity below). References were made in public lectures to this fact by the author of this booklet. Believe me, the subsequent "Scofield Reference Bible" has retained word for word the whole commentary of Genesis 1:1, but has, by a clever sleight-of-hand, blotted out the word "Alah" altogether. There is not even a gap where the word "Alah" once used to be. This is in the Bible of the orthodox! One is hard pressed to keep up with their Jugglery. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- DAMNING CONFESSIONS Chapter 5/9 Mrs. Ellen G. White, a "prophetess" of the Seventh Day Adventist Church, in her Bible Commentary Vol. 1, page 14, has this confession to make about the fallibility of the "Holy Bible." "THE BIBLE WE READ TODAY IS THE WORK OF MANY COPYISTS WHO HAVE IN MOST INSTANCES DONE THEIR WORK WITH MARVELLOUS ACCURACY. BUT COPYISTS HAVE NOT BEEN INFALLIBLE, AND GOD MOST EVIDENTLY HAS NOT SEEN FIT TO PRESERVE THEM ALTOGETHER FROM ERROR IN TRANSCRIBING." In the following pages of her commentary, Mrs. White testifies further: "I SAW THAT GOD HAD ESPECIALLY GUARDED THE BIBLE" (from what?) "YET WHEN COPIES OF IT WERE FEW, LEARNED MEN HAD IN SOME INSTANCES CHANGED THE WORDS, THINKING THAT THEY WERE MAKING IT PLAIN, WHEN IN REALITY THEY WERE MYSTIFYING THAT WHICH WAS PLAIN, BY CAUSING IT TO LEAN TO THEIR ESTABLISHED VIEWS, WHICH WERE GOVERNED BY TRADITION." DEVELOPED SICKNESS In their hearts is a disease (of doubt and hypocrisy) and Allah has increased their disease. A painful torment is theirs because they used to tell lies. Qur'an 2:10 The mental malady is a cultivated one. This authoress and her followers can still trumpet from roof tops that "Truly, the Bible is the infallible Word of God." "Yes, it is adulterated, but pure" "It is human, yet divine." Do words have any meaning in their language? Yes, they have in their courts of law, but not in their theology. They carry a "poetic licence" in their preaching. THE WITNESSES The most vociferous of all the Bible-thumpers are the Jehovah's Witnesses. On page 5 of their "FOREWORD" mentioned earlier, they confess: "IN COPYING THE INSPIRED ORIGINALS BY HAND THE ELEMENT OF HUMAN FRAILTY ENTERED IN, AND SO NONE OF THE THOUSANDS OF COPIES EXTANT TODAY IN THE ORIGINAL LANGUAGE ARE PERFECT DUPLICATES. THE RESULT IS THAT NO TWO COPIES ARE EXACTLY ALIKE" Now you see, why the whole "foreword" of 27 pages is eliminated from their Bibles. Allah was making them to hang themselves with their own erudition. POT-LUCK Out of over four thousand differing manuscripts the Christians boast about, the Church fathers just selected four which tallied with their prejudices and called them Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. We will deal with each of them in their proper place. Here/ let us go over the conclusion of the Jehovah's Witnesses' research as recorded in the now expunged Foreword: "THE EVIDENCE IS, THEREFORE, THAT THE ORIGINAL TEXT Of THE CHRISTIAN GREEK SCRIPTURES 1 HAS BEEN TAMPERED WITH, THE SAME AS THE TEXT OF THE LXX THE SAME AS THE TEXT OF THE LXX2 HAS BEEN," Yet this incorrigible Cult has the effrontery to publish 9,000,000 (Nine Million) copies as a First Edition of a 192-page book entitled - "Is the Bible REALLY the Word of God?" We are dealing here with a sick mentality, for no amount of tampering, as they say, will "APPRECIABLY AFFECT THE AUTHENTICITY OF THE BIBLE" (?). This is Christian logic. A PATIENT HEARING Dr. Graham Scroggie in his aforementioned book, pleads, on page 29. for the Bible: "AND LET US BE PERFECTLY FAIR AS WE PURSUE THE SUBJECT (Is the Bible the Word of God?). BEARING IN MIND THAT WE ARE TO HEAR WHAT THE BIBLE HAS TO SAY ABOUT ITSELF. IN A COURT OF LAW WE ASSUME THAT A WITNESS WILL SPEAK THE TRUTH, AND MUST ACCEPT WHAT HE SAYS UNLESS WE HAVE GOOD GROUNDS FOR SUSPECTING HIM, OR CAN PROVE HIM A LIAR. SURELY THE BIBLE SHOULD BE GIVEN THE SAME OPPORTUNITY TO BE HEARD, AND SHOULD RECEIVE A LIKE PATIENT HEARING." The plea is fair and reasonable. We will do exactly as he asks and let the Bible speak for itself. In the first five books of the Bible - Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers and Deuteronomy - there are more than 700 statements, which prove not only that God is NOT the Author of these books, but that EVEN Moses himself had no hand in them. Open these books at random and you will see: "And the Lord said unto him. Away, get thee down . . ." "And Moses said unto the Lord, the people cannot come. . ." "And the Lord said unto Moses, Go on before the people . . ." "And the Lord spake unto Moses, saying . . ." "And the Lord said unto Moses, Get down, charge the . . ." It is manifest and apparent that these are NEITHER the Words of God NOR of Moses. They indicate the voice of a third person writing from hearsay. MOSES WRITES HIS OWN OBITUARY? Could Moses have been a contributor to his own obituary before his demise? Did the Jews write their own obituaries? "So Moses . . . DIED . . . And he (God Almighty) BURIED HIM (Moses) ... he was 120 years old when he DIED ... And there arose not a prophet SINCE in Israel like unto Moses �" (Deut. 34:5-10). We will analyse the rest of the Old Testament presently from other angles. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1 New Testament. 2 "LXX" meaning Seventy, is the JWs alternative title of the Old Testament Do not be mystified; they have a habit of calling a simple four letter word, a "tetragrammaton." meaning Seventy, is the JWs alternative title of the Old Testament Do not be mystified; they have a habit of calling a simple four letter word, a "tetragrammaton." -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- THE BOOK CHRISTENED "THE NEW TESTAMENT" Chapter 6/9 WHY "ACCORDING TO?" What about the so-called New Testament? 1 Why does every Gospel begin with the introduction - ACCORDING TO ... ACCORDING TO ... (See below). Why "according to?" Because not a single one of the vaunted four thousand copies extant carries its author's autograph! Hence the supposition "according to!" Even the internal evidence proves that Matthew was not the author of the first Gospel, which bears his name. "And as Jesus passed forth thence, HE (JESUS) saw a man, named Matthew, sitting at the receipt of custom: and HE (JESUS) saith unto HIM (MATTHEW), follow ME (JESUS) And HE (MATTHEW) arose, and followed HIM (JESUS)." Matthew 9:9 Without any stretch of the imagination, one can see that the "He's" and the "Him's" of the above narration do not refer to Jesus or Matthew as its author, but some third person writing what he saw and heard - a hearsay account. If we cannot even attribute this "book of dreams" (as the first Gospel is also described) to the disciple Matthew, how can we accept it as the Word of God? CHAPTER 9 Mathew Called 9. And as Jesus passes forth from thence, he saw a man named Mathew, sitting at the receipt of custom: and he saith unto him, follow me. And he arose, and followed him. "HE" and "HIM" - not Mathew! "HE" AND "HIM" NOT JOHN! ST. JOHN 19 35. And he that saw it bare record, and his record is true: and he knoweth that he saith true, that ye might believe. ST. JOHN 21 24. This is the disciple which testifieth of these things, and wrote these things: and we know that his testimony is true. 25. And there are also many other things which Jesus did, the which, if they should be written every one, I suppose that even the world itself could not contain the books that should be written. Amen. We are not alone in this discovery that Matthew did not write the "Gospel according to St. Matthew" and that it was written by some anonymous hand. J. B. Phillips concurs with us in our findings. He is the paid servant of the Anglican Church, a prebendary of the Chichester Cathedral, England. He would have no reason to lie or betray to the detriment of the official view of his Church! Refer to his introduction to the "Gospel of St. Matthew" (reproduced here below). Phillips has this to say about its authorship. "EARLY TRADITION ASCRIBED THIS GOSPEL TO THE APOSTLE MATTHEW, BUT SCHOLARS NOWADAYS ALMOST ALL REJECT THIS VIEW." In other words, St. Matthew did not write the Gospel, which bears his name. This is the finding of Christian scholars of the highest eminence - not of Hindus, Muslims and Jews who may be accused of bias. Let our Anglican friend continue: "THE AUTHOR, WHOM WE STILL CAN CONVENIENTLY CALL MATTHEW" "Conveniently" because otherwise everytime we made a reference to "Matthew" we would have to say - "THE FIRST BOOK OF THE NEW TESTAMENT" Chapter so and so, verse so and so. And again and again "The first book . . ." etc. Therefore, according to J. B. Phillips it is convenient that we give the book some name. So why not "Matthew?" Suppose it's as good a name as any other! Phillips continues: "THE AUTHOR HAS PLAINLY DRAWN ON THE MYSTERIOUS 'Q' WHICH MAY HAVE BEEN A COLLECTION OF ORAL TRADITIONS." What is this "mysterious 'Q'?" "Q" is short for the German word "quella" which means "sources." There is supposed to be another document - a common source - to which our present Matthew, Mark and Luke had access. All these three authors, whoever they were, had a common eye on the material at hand. They were writing as if looking through "one" eye. And because they saw eye to eye, the first three "Gospels" came to be known as the Synoptic Gospels. WHOLESALE CRIBBING But what about that "inspiration" business? The Anglican prebendary has hit the nail on the head. He is, more than anyone else, entitled to do so. A paid servant of the Church, an orthodox evangelical Christian, a Bible scholar of repute, having direct access to the "original" Greek manuscripts, let HIM spell it out for us. (Notice how gently he lets the cat out of the bag): "HE (Matthew) HAS USED MARK'S GOSPEL FREELY" which in the language of the school-teacher -"has been copying WHOLESALE from Mark!" Yet the Christians call this wholesale plagiarism the Word of God? Does it not make you wonder that an eye-witness and an ear-witness to the ministry of Jesus, which the disciple Matthew was supposed to be, instead of writing his own first hand impressions of the ministry of "his Lord" would go and steal from the writings of a youth (Mark), who was a ten year old lad when Jesus upbraided his nation? Why would an eye-witness and ear-witness copy from a fellow who himself was writing from hearsay? The disciple Matthew would not do any such silly thing. For an anonymous document has been imposed on the fair name of Matthew. PLAGIARISM OR LITERARY KIDNAPPING Plagiarism means literary theft. Someone copies ad verbatim (word for word) from another's writing and palms it off as his own, is known as plagiarism. This is a common trait amongst the 40 or so anonymous authors of the books of the Bible. The Christians boast about a supposedly common cord amongst the writers of the 66 Protestant booklets and the writers of the 73 Roman Catholic booklets called the "Holy Bible." Some common cord there is, for Matthew and Luke, or whoever they were, had plagiarised 85% word for word from Mark! God Almighty did not dictate the same wordings to the synoptists (one-eyed). The Christians themselves admit this, because they do not believe in a verbal inspiration, as the Muslims do about the Holy Qur'an. This 85% plagiarism of Matthew and Luke pales into insignificance compared to the literary kidnapping of the authors of the Old Testament where a hundred percent stealing occurs in the so-called Book of God. Christian scholars of the calibre of Bishop Kenneth Cragg euphemistically calls this stealing, "reproductionŖ and take pride in it. PERVERTED STANDARDS Dr. Scroggie (referred to earlier on) most enthusiastically quotes in his book Scroggie (referred to earlier on) most enthusiastically quotes in his book3 a Dr. Joseph Parker for his unique eulogy of the Bible: "WHAT A BOOK IS THE BIBLE IN THE MATTER OF VARIETY OF CONTENTS! . . . WHOLE PAGES ARE TAKEN UP WITH OBSCURE NAMES, AND MORE IS TOLD OF A GENEALOGY THAN OF THE DAY OF JUDGMENT. STORIES ARE HALF TOLD, AND THE NIGHT FALLS BEFORE WE CAN TELL WHERE VICTORY LAY. WHERE IS THERE ANYTHING" (in the Religious Literature of the world) "TO CORRESPOND WITH THIS?" A beautiful necklace of words and phrases undoubtedly! It is much ado about nothing, and rank blasphemy against God Almighty for authorising such an embarrassing hotch potch. Yet the Christians gloat over the very defects of their book, like Romeo over the "mole" on Juliet's lip! NOTHING LESS THAN 100% To demonstrate the degree of plagiarism practised by the "inspired" Bible writers, I asked my audience during a symposium at the University of Cape Town conducted between myself and Professor Cumpsty the Head of the Department of Theology on the subject "Is the Bible God's Word?" to open their Bibles. Some Christians are very fond of carrying their Bibles under their arms when religious discussions or debates take place. They seem to be utterly helpless without this book. At my suggestion a number of the audience began ruffling the pages. I asked them to open chapter 37 in the "Book of Isaiah." When the audience was ready, I asked them to compare my "Isaiah 37" with their "Isaiah 37" while I read, to see whether they were identical. I began, reading slowly. Verses 1, 2, 4,10, 15, and so on, until the end of the chapter. I kept on asking after every verse if what I had been reading was identical with the verses in their Bibles. Again and again they chorused - "Yeh!", "Yeh!". At the end of the chapter with the Bible still open in my hands at the place from which I had been reading, I made the Chairman to reveal to the audience that I was not reading from Isaiah 37 at all but from 2 KINGS 19! There was a terrible consternation in the audience! I had thus established 100% plagiarism in the "Holy Bible." (See below) In other words, Isaiah 37 and 2 Kings 19 are identical word for word. Yet they have been attributed to two different authors, centuries apart, whom the Christians claim have been inspired by God. Who is copying whom? Who is stealing from whom? The 32 renowned Bible scholars of the RSV say that the author of the Book of Kings is "UNKNOWN!" See later on for a reproduction from the RSV by "Collins'". These notes on the Bible were prepared and edited by the Right Rev. David J. Fant, Litt. D., General Secretary of the New York Bible Society. Naturally, if the Most Reverend gentlemen of Christendom had an iota of belief about the Bible being the Word of God, they would have said so, but they honestly (shamefacedly?) confess: "Author - UNKNOWN!" They are prepared to pay lip service to Scriptures which could have been penned by any Tom, Dick or Harry and expect everyone to regard these as the Word of God - Heaven forbid! 100% PLAGARISM II KINGS 19 ISAIAH 37 AND it came to pass. when king Hez-e-ki'-ah heard it, that he rent his clothes, and covered himself with sackcloth, and went into the house of the lord. 2 And he sent E-li'-a-kim. which was over the household, and Shebna the scribe, and the 'elders of the priests, covered with sackcloth, to Isaiah the prophet the son of Amoz. 3 And they said unto him. Thus saith Hez-e-ki'-ah, This day is a day of trouble, and of rebuke, and blasphemy : for the children are come to the birth, and there is not strength to bring forth. 5 So the servants of king Hez-e-ki'-ah came to Isaiah. 10 Thus shall ye speak to Hez-e-ki'-ah king of Judah, saying. Let not thy God in whom thou trustest deceive thee, saying. Jerusalem shall not be delivered into the hand of the king of Assyria. 11 Behold, thou hast heard what the kings of Assyria have done to all lands, by destroying them utterly: and shalt thou be delivered? 12 Have the gods of the nations delivered them which my fathers have destroyed; as Gozan, and Ha-ran. and Rezeph. and the children of Eden which were in Thel'-a-sar? 14 And Hez-e-ki'-ah received the letter of the hand of the messengers. and read it: and Hezekiah went up into the house of the lord, and spread it before the lord; 15 And Hez-e-ki'-ah prayed before the lord, and said. O lord God of Israel, which dwellest between the cher'-u-bims. thou art the God. even thou alone, of all the kingdoms of the earth, thou hast made heaven and earth. 36 So Sen-nach'-er-ib king of Assyria departed, and went and returned, and dwelt at Nin'-e-veh. 37 And it came to pass. as he was worshipping in the house of Nis'-roch his god, that A-dram'-me-lech and Sha-re'-zer his sons smote him with the sword: and they escaped into (he land of Armenia. And E-sar-had'-don his son reigned in his stead. AND it came to pass. when king Hez-e-ki'-ah heard it, that he rent his clothes, and covered himself with sackcloth, and went into the house of the lord. 2 And he sent E-li'-a-kim. who was over the household, and Shebna the scribe, and the elders of the priests covered with sackcloth, unto Isaiah the prophet the son of Amoz. 3 And they said unto him. Thus saith Hez-e-ki'-ah, This day is a day of trouble, and of rebuke, and of blasphemy: for the children are come to the birth, and there is not strength to bring forth. 5 So the servants of king Hez-e-ki'-ah came to Isaiah. 10 Thus shall ye speak to Hez-e-ki'-ah king of Judah. saying. Let not thy God. in whom thou trustest, deceive thee, saving, Jerusalem shall not be given into the hand of the king of Assyria. 11 Behold, thou hast heard what the kings of Assyria have done to all lands by destroying them utterly; and shall thou be delivered? 12 Have the gods of the nations delivered them which my fathers have destroyed, as Gozan, and Har-an. and Rezeph. and the children of Eden which were in Te-las'-sar? 14 And Hez-e-ki'-ah received the letter from the hand of the messengers, and read it: and Hezekiah went up unto the house of the lord, and spread it before the lord. 15 And Hez-e-ki'-ah prayed unto the lord, saying, 16 O lord of hosts. God of Israel. that dwellest between the cher'-u-bims, thou art the God, even thou alone, of all the kingdoms of the earth: thou hast made heaven and earth. 37 So Sen-nach'-er-ib king of Assyria departed, and went and returned. and dwelt at Nin'-e-veh. 38 And it came to pass. as he was worshipping in thc_house of Nis'-roch his god, that A-dram'-me-lecb and Sha-rc'-zcr his sons smote him with the sword; and they escaped into the land of Armenia: and E'-sar-had'-don his son reigned in his stead. These verses are culled from the Authorised Version, but you will find the same in every Version. NO VERBAL INSPIRATION (For a complete list of all the books of the Bible and their authors, avail yourself of the "Collins'" R.S.V. 'with' its annotations). What have Christian scholars to say about the "Book of Isaiah?" They say: "MAINLY CREDITED TO ISAIAH. PARTS MAY HAVE BEEN WRITTEN BY OTHERS" In view of the confessions of Bible scholars, we will not take poor Isaiah to task. Can we then nail this plagiarism on the door of God? What blasphemy! Professor Cumptsy confirmed at question time, at the end of the aforementioned symposium that the "Christians do not believe in a verbal inspiration of the Bible" So God Almighty had not absent-mindedly dictated the same tale twice! Human hands, all too human, had played havoc with this so-called Word of God - the Bible. Yet, Bible-thumpers will insist that "every word, comma and full stop of the Bible is God's Word!" -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1 The "so-called," because nowhere does the "New Testament" calls itself the New Testament, and nowhere the Old Testament calls itself the Old Testament. And also the word "Bible" is unknown within the pages of the Bible. God forgot to give a title to "HIS" books! 2 See beginning of chapter one for the full quotation. 3 "Is the Bible the Word of God?" by the Moody Press. by the Moody Press. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- THE ACID TEST Chapter 7/9 How do we know that a book claimed to be from God is really the Book of God? One of the tests, out of many such tests, is - that a Message emanating from an Omniscient Being MUST be consistent with itself. It ought to be free from all discrepancies and contradictions. This is exactly what the LAST TESTAMENT, the Book of God says: Do they not consider the Qur'an carefully? Had it been from other than Allah, they would surely have found therein many a contradiction. Qur'an 4:82 GOD OR THE DEVIL? If God Almighty wants us to verify the authenticity of His Book (The Holy Qur'an) with this acid test, why should we not apply the very same test to any other Book claiming to be from Him? We do not want to bamboozle anybody with words as the Christians have been doing. It would be readily agreed from the references, I have given from Christian scholars, that they have been proving to us that the Bible is NOT the Word of God, yet making us believe that they have actually convinced us to the contrary. A classic example of this sickness was in evidence again only "yesterday" The Anglican synod was in session in Grahams town. The Most. Rev. Bill Burnett, the Archbishop was preaching to his flock. He created confusion in his Anglican community. An erudite Englishman, addressing a group of learned English priests and bishops, in their own mother-tongue - English, which his learned colleagues drastically misunderstood: to such an extent that Mr. McMillan, perhaps also an Anglican, the Editor of an English daily - "The Natal Mercury" dated December 11, 1979, had this to say about the confusion the Archbishop had created among his own learned clergy: "ARCHBISHOP BURNETTS REMARKS AT THE SYNOD WERE HARDLY A MODEL OF CLARITY AND WERE WIDELY AND DRAMATICALLY MISINTERPRETED BY MANY OF THOSE PRESENT." There is nothing wrong with English as a language, but can't you see that the Christian is trained in muddled thinking in all matters religious. The "bread" in his Holy Communion is not "bread" but "flesh?" The "wine" is "blood?" "Three is one?" and "Human is Divine?" But don't make a mistake; he is not that simple when dealing with the earthly kingdom, he is then most precise. You will have to be doubly careful when entering into a contract with him! He can have you sold out, without you realising it. The examples that I shall furnish in substantiating the points I have raised about the contradictions in the so-called Book of God, would be found so easy even for a child to follow and understand. See below. And again the anger of the Lord was kindled against Israel, and he moved David against them to say, Go, Number Israel and Judah. 2 Samuel 24And Satan stood against up against Israel, and provoked David to number Israel. 1 Chronicles 21 While the author of Samuel 24 above, makes God the boss of the situation, the author of Chronicles gives credit to the Devil. Apart from showing allegiance to God as is noted elsewhere, the Devil (Satan) is also given his due. This dichotomy on the part of the author of Chronicles reminds one of the story of the old woman who lit one candle to St. Michael and another to the devil. St. Michael was trampling underfoot, so that whether she went to Heaven or Hell, she would have a friend. This Chronicles fellow, made sure that he had a friend at court Above, as well as a friend at court Below. He wanted to have it both ways, or wanted to have his cake and eat it too. You will observe that the authors of the books of "Chronicles" and of "Samuel" are telling us the same story about David taking a census of the Jews. Where did David get his "inspiration" to do this novel deed? The author of 2 Samuel 24:1 says that it was the "LORD" God who MOVED (RSV: "incited") David, but the author of 1 Chronicles 21:1 says that it was "SATAN" who PROVOKED (RSV: "incited") David to do such a dastardly thing! How could the Almighty God have been the source of these contradictory "INSPIRATIONS?" Is it God or is it Satan! In which religion is the DEVIL synonymous with GOD? I am not talking about "Satanism" a recent fungus growth of Christianity, in which ex-Christians worship the Devil. Christianity has been most prolific of spawning isms. Atheism, Communism, Fascism, Totalitarianism, Nazism, Mormonism, Monism, Christian Scientism and now Satanism. What else will Christianity give birth to? The "Holy Bible" lends itself to all kinds of contradictory interpretations. This is the Christian boast! "SOME CLAIM AND RIGHTLY SO, THAT BIBLICAL PASSAGES HAVE BEEN CONTINUOUSLY MISUSED AND MISAPPROPRIATED TO JUSTIFY ALMOST EVERY EVIL KNOWN TO MAN" (From: "The Plain Truth" an American-based Christian Journal under the heading: "THE BIBLE - World's Most Controversial Book." (July 1975). WHO ARE THE REAL AUTHORS? As further evidence will be adduced from "Samuel" and "Chronicles" I deem it advisable first to determine their authors instead of suspecting God of those books' incongruities. The Revisers of the RSV say: (a) SAMUEL: Author "Unknown" (Just one word) (b) CHRONICLES: Author "Unknown, probably collected and edited by Ezra." We must admire the humility of these Bible scholars, but their "possiblys" "probablys" and "likelys" are always construed as ACTUALLY'S by their fleeced sheep. Why make poor Ezra or Isaiah the scapegoats for these anonymous writers? WHAT DID THE LORD DECREE 3 YEARS FAMINE OR 7 YEARS FAMINE? So Gad came to David, and told him, and said unto him, Shall seven years of famine come unto thee in thy land? Or wilt thou flee three months before thine enemies, while they pursue, thee? 2 Samuel 24:13 So Gad came to David, and said unto him, Thus saith the LORD, Choose thee. Either three years' famine; or three months to be destroyed before thy foes, while that the sword of thine enemies overtaketh thee; 1 Chronicles 21:11-12 If God is the Author of every single word, comma and full stop in the Bible, as the Christians claim, then is He the Author of the above arithmetical discrepancy as well? THREE OR SEVEN? Note the reproduction of above. Compare both the quotations. 2 Samuel 24:13 tells us - "So Gad came to David, AND TOLD HIM, and said unto him . . ." These words are repeated word for word in 1 Chronicles 21:11, except the redundant "AND TOLD HIM" is removed! But while trimming the useless phrase, the author also pruned the time factor from "SEVEN" years to "THREE" years. What did God say to Gad - Three or Seven years plague - "on both your houses?" EIGHT OR EIGHTEEN? See below. Compare the two quotations. 2 Chronicles 36:9 tells us that JEHOIACHIN was "eight" years old when he began to reign, while 2 Kings 24:8 says that he was "eighteen" when he began to reign. The "unknown" author of KINGS must have reasoned that what possible "evil" could a child of eight do to deserve his abdication, so he generously added ten years to make JEHOIACHIN mature enough to become liable to God's wrath. However, he had to balance his tampering, so he cut short his reign by 10 days! Add TEN years to age and deduct TEN days from rule? Could God Almighty say two widely differing things on the same subject? HOW OLD WAS JEHOIACHIN? 8 OR 18? Between Eight and Eighteen years, there is a gap or difference at a full 10 years. Can we say (God forbid!) that the all-knowing Almighty could not count, and thus did not know the difference between 8 and 18? If we are to believe in the Bible as the Word of God, then the Dignity and Status of the Lord Almighty will hit an all-time low! Jehoiachin was eight years old when he began to reign, and he reigned three months and ten days in Jerusalem: and he did that which was evil in the sight of the LORD. 2 Chronicles 36:9 Jehoiachin was eighteen years old when he began to reign, and he reigned in Jerusalem three months. And his mothers name was Nehushta, the daughter of Elnathan of Jerusalem. 2 Kings 24:8 CAVALRY OR INFANTRY? Compare the two quotations on page 40. How many chariot riders did David slay? Seven hundred or seven thousand? And further, did he slay 40,000 "HORSEMEN" or 40,000 "FOOTMEN?" The implication in the conflicting records between 2 Samuel 10:18 and 1 Chronicles 19:18 is not only that God could not discern the difference between hundreds and thousands, but that He could not even distinguish "CAVALRY" from "INFANTRY revdauphinee answered on 03/08/04: Since I found this posting to be exesively long ,I will admit I did not read the whole thing, but I can reply to your begining statement .Muslims while they do acknowledge that Jesus (as a prophet )did live they by no means accept the new testament, for they deny the fact that Jesus is the son of God (or God in the flesh )they state that "God needs no son!" and thus since the new testament is a history of Jesus taught from the perspective that he as the son of God came to earth and died for the sin of mankind they may accept the torah but the new testament no way! willbe rated this answer

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PraiseJah asked on 03/07/04 - PNAC plans to force democracy on all nations: NOTE THAT MANY SIGNATORS TO THIS ARE NOW MEMBERS OF THE BUSH ADMINISTRATION ( signed in June 1997) "American foreign and defense policy is adrift. Conservatives have criticized the incoherent policies of the Clinton Administration. They have also resisted isolationist impulses from within their own ranks. But conservatives have not confidently advanced a strategic vision of America's role in the world. They have not set forth guiding principles for American foreign policy. They have allowed differences over tactics to obscure potential agreement on strategic objectives. And they have not fought for a defense budget that would maintain American security and advance American interests in the new century. We aim to change this. We aim to make the case and rally support for American global leadership. As the 20th century draws to a close, the United States stands as the world's preeminent power. Having led the West to victory in the Cold War, America faces an opportunity and a challenge: Does the United States have the vision to build upon the achievements of past decades? Does the United States have the resolve to shape a new century favorable to American principles and interests? We are in danger of squandering the opportunity and failing the challenge. We are living off the capital -- both the military investments and the foreign policy achievements -- built up by past administrations. Cuts in foreign affairs and defense spending, inattention to the tools of statecraft, and inconstant leadership are making it increasingly difficult to sustain American influence around the world. And the promise of short-term commercial benefits threatens to override strategic considerations. As a consequence, we are jeopardizing the nation's ability to meet present threats and to deal with potentially greater challenges that lie ahead. We seem to have forgotten the essential elements of the Reagan Administration's success: a military that is strong and ready to meet both present and future challenges; a foreign policy that boldly and purposefully promotes American principles abroad; and national leadership that accepts the United States' global responsibilities. Of course, the United States must be prudent in how it exercises its power. But we cannot safely avoid the responsibilities of global leadership or the costs that are associated with its exercise. America has a vital role in maintaining peace and security in Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. If we shirk our responsibilities, we invite challenges to our fundamental interests. The history of the 20th century should have taught us that it is important to shape circumstances before crises emerge, and to meet threats before they become dire. The history of this century should have taught us to embrace the cause of American leadership. Our aim is to remind Americans of these lessons and to draw their consequences for today. Here are four consequences: � we need to increase defense spending significantly if we are to carry out our global responsibilities today and modernize our armed forces for the future; � we need to strengthen our ties to democratic allies and to challenge regimes hostile to our interests and values; � we need to promote the cause of political and economic freedom abroad; � we need to accept responsibility for America's unique role in preserving and extending an international order friendly to our security, our prosperity, and our principles. Such a Reaganite policy of military strength and moral clarity may not be fashionable today. But it is necessary if the United States is to build on the successes of this past century and to ensure our security and our greatness in the next. Elliott Abrams Gary Bauer William J. Bennett Jeb Bush Dick Cheney Eliot A. Cohen Midge Decter Paula Dobriansky Steve Forbes Aaron Friedberg Francis Fukuyama Frank Gaffney Fred C. Ikle Donald Kagan Zalmay Khalilzad I. Lewis Libby Norman Podhoretz Dan Quayle Peter W. Rodman Stephen P. Rosen Henry S. Rowen Donald Rumsfeld Vin Weber George Weigel Paul Wolfowitz revdauphinee answered on 03/07/04: who appointed us policeman to the world??many other countries have gone allong for centuries without our interupting ourselves into thier affais why do we feel now that we have that right??Democracy may work (although we have many problems )for us other ways work for others to impose our will on them just because we can cannot be right!I realise many will dissagree wth me but these are my views none the less PraiseJah rated this answer

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CeeBee asked on 03/07/04 - What does this say to you? When the guru sat down to worship each evening, the ashram cat would get in the way and distract the worshipers. So he ordered that the cat be tied during evening worship. After the guru died, the cat continued to be tied during evening worship. And when the cat expired, another cat was brought to the ashram so that it could be duly tied during evening worship. Centuries later learned treatises were written by the guru's scholarly disciples on the liturgical significance of tying up a cat while worship is performed. from The Song of the Bird by Anthony de Mello revdauphinee answered on 03/07/04: isnt it amazing how repetition morphs itself into tradition with no posible reason! CeeBee rated this answer paraclete rated this answer

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Toms777 asked on 03/07/04 - The Gospel of John There is so much publicity over the Passion of the Christ movie, but I see very little about the movie of The Gospel of John. Here is the website: http://www.gospelofjohnthefilm.com/ Has anyone seen it and if so what are your comments? Personally, I like the thought of hhaving the full gospel protrayed rather than just the violent bits, but as of yet have not had the opportunity to see either movie, though I plan to see both in the near future. revdauphinee answered on 03/07/04: visited the site would consider ordering this movie Toms777 rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 03/07/04 - Would you like a reasoned review of the Passion Anyone planning to see Mel Gibson's new film should know what they're in for by now: an unrelentingly brutal depiction of the events leading up to Christ's death. In fact, had it been about the torture and execution of anyone but Jesus Christ, it's unlikely the censors would have permitted its release. Gibson's version follows a traditional line, beginning with Christ's anguished foreboding of the agony that awaits him and moving through the Stations of the Cross to his resurrection. But it's also very much a tale of its times, filled with the kind of violence that was anathema to the cinema in the days of bloated epics such as King of Kings (1961) and The Greatest Story Ever Told (1965). Even as recently as 15 years ago, had Martin Scorsese coupled the kind of bloodletting Gibson puts on screen here with the sexual yearnings that defined Christ as human in The Last Temptation of Christ, I doubt it would ever have seen the light of a projector. The Passion of the Christ is effectively a sadistic horror movie whose hero (played with admirable tenacity by Jim Caviezel) is also its victim. It begins with the camera prowling through the darkness, stalking a man praying in a garden, then, in the hours after Christ has been seized, it turns very gruesome. The scourging at the pillar, which leaves his bloodied body literally criss-crossed with gashes cut deep into his flesh, is an unsettling, in-your-face sequence designed to put the audience through it, to make us witnesses like Christ's mother, Mary (Maia Morgenstern), and Mary Magdalene (Monica Bellucci). The film's monsters are several: an androgynous, hooded Satan (Rosalinda Celentano) forever lurking in the wings, the Pharisee elders who demand that he should be killed, the mindless lynch mob that supports them, the barbaric soldiers who beat and torture him, even perhaps the Roman authorities who, however reluctantly, allow the crucifixion to proceed. However, the charge that the film is anti-Semitic is curious. The elders are presented as representatives of a Jewish splinter group, knowingly contravening their own rules of conduct even in having Christ arrested, let alone sentenced to death. And most of those who show sympathy for Christ, or express disapproval at the way he is treated, are Jewish (and mostly women). Without ever defining it precisely, the film points to political unease as at least partly responsible for the unfolding events. Pontius Pilate (Hristo Shopov) is shown to be going along with the high priests to maintain an already uneasy peace. And the contemptuous "Jew!" hissed by a Roman soldier as crowds cross his path en route to Calvary indicate that tensions are running high. Had Gibson spent time detailing these more precisely the film might have worked much better as a drama. Visually, The Passion is extremely powerful, shot by veteran US cinematographer Caleb Deschanel and filled with a Renaissance- inspired painterliness. It certainly makes you sit up and pay attention. It's adventurous and uncompromising in various ways, including having the characters speak in generally sub-titled Aramaic and Latin, with snatches of Hebrew. But it's also content to ride along on the intensity of the violence and the audience's knowledge of what's to come without ever doing any more than sketching in a human context for Christ's sacrifice. At the end, Satan gets his/her comeuppance and Christ rises from the dead. But both sequences are presented so perfunctorily, with so little imagination, that there's no sense of release. It's as if Gibson has put so much effort into his depiction of the murder of the noble Christ's body that he's got nothing left for his spirit. revdauphinee answered on 03/07/04: Not having as yet seen this movie (my small town does not have a theater )however I am planning to.I am begining to think the comments and criticism has been done to death, and wish we could move on to discuss other things ,this however is just my own oppinion (I could be wrong) paraclete rated this answer

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drgade asked on 03/06/04 - Payback Time? It seems that there have been too many good reviews on "The Passion" movie. I just turned on the TV and the "Bravo" station, which sponsers homosexual shows, is showing "The Last Temptation of Christ". Does this sound like a negative reaction to a historicaly and well done film about Christ to you? revdauphinee answered on 03/07/04: God works in mysterious ways remember! drgade rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 03/06/04 - Is man trying to challenge God again? We all know God has allotted us three score and ten or eighty with strength? Forget the Botox and the knife, science is daring to think the unthinkable. Humans could be forever young, Danielle Teutsch reports. a small group of maverick scientists on the cutting edge of anti-ageing research are daring to do the impossible: dream of a time when our bodies can be forever young. In what amounts to scientific heresy, this group is convinced that ageing can not only be slowed down, it can be stopped - or even reversed. While they stop short at claiming they can defeat death, they believe there is no fixed upper limit to longevity either. Dr Michael Fossel, the editor of the Journal Of Anti-Ageing Medicine and clinical professor of medicine at Michigan State University, considers that anti-ageing science is at the same point we were at 130 years ago, before the discovery of microbial disease. Until now, the scientific community has accepted ageing as an unstoppable, complex process with multiple causes, and concentrated on treating related diseases, such as osteoarthritis. This, says Fossel, is like treating polio by using an iron lung. "What we're doing is akin to concentrating on a vaccine," he said. His evangelical zeal is shared by Dr Leonid Gavrilov, from the Centre on Ageing at the University of Chicago, who scoffs at such a notion as a finite life span. "There's no biological time bomb inside us," he said. "Ageing is due to progressive accumulation of random damage, that can be modulated by simple intervention." He points to the massive increase in the survival rates of Japanese women in the last 50 years. Only 1 per cent used to live to 100, whereas now 10 per cent live to be centenarians. "That's just from general improvements in health care. So imagine what could happen if we work with specific interventions." These "specific interventions" are where anti-ageing science really takes off on some interesting tangents. Fossel believes the root cause of ageing is actually cell ageing, or more specifically, the shortening of telomere, the extra DNA we all have at the end of each chromosome. The enzyme telomerase can replace this telomere, thereby rendering the cell immortal. Practical application to humans is still a long way off, for financial and regulatory reasons. But Fossel believes it could get us closer to our goal of living long, healthy lives without the decrepitness of old age, before we finally "drop like rocks". Another scientist, Dr George Roth from the National Institute of Ageing in Baltimore, is looking at a way of mimicking the effect of starvation on the human body - one of the only proven ways to prolong life - without the unfortunate side effects such as infertility. The Danish Centre for Molecular Gerontology's Dr Suresh Rattan believes the way forward is hormesis, exposing cells to low doses of temperature shock and stress to make them stronger and improve their functional ability. Other anti-ageing gurus say the answer lies with injections of the hormones DHEA and testosterone, nutritional supplements, anti-oxidants, replacing worn out organs with new ones using our own stem cells, or genetic engineering. But there are plenty of sceptics at the conference ready to cut down these theories. University of South Australia professor of ageing Dr Gary Andrews says getting a positive result in a laboratory, at a molecular or cellular level, does not amount to a longevity breakthrough. "They are all just little snippets of a complex picture," he said. Australian biologist Dr Robin Holliday is even more blunt about the prospect of stopping the juggernaut of old age. "Pigs might fly," he said. "Ageing is multi-causal. It's built into our bodies. Things eventually go wrong. The brain has very limited capacity for repair. So has the heart. There's damage to DNA, proteins, membranes . . . it's a tall order to stop all that [being damaged]." Ironically, the very reason humans have long lives compared to rats is the same reason why we age. Rats breed fast and die young. We, like whales, breed slowly and die more slowly, thus experiencing the phenomenon of old age. In crude evolutionary terms, we only need to live until about 50, which gives us enough time to mate, breed, and raise offspring. Any extra years we get are a bonus. "In the whole evolutionary picture, the fact that we live as long as we do is pretty remarkable," Holliday said. And then there's the question of whether we do actually want to live longer. Even Fossel concedes that a sudden increase in life expectancy would cause "catastrophic" social problems. Aside from the population explosions, there would be the prospect of centenarian despots still wielding power, and baby boomers staying in their jobs for another 50 years, refusing to step aside for younger generations to come through. There's also the danger that science could succeed in keeping our bodies alive well beyond 100 years, without ensuring that degenerative brain diseases like Alzheimer's are halted as well. Who wants to have the heart of a 30-year-old, but no mental capacity? "We should probably focus on how to get the maximum out of the years of life that are there for us," revdauphinee answered on 03/07/04: when we read the following what makes living to a great age a challenge to God It seems to me this was his orriginal ideal fr man but man himself (pollution ect)made his life expectation shorter Gen.5: 21 When Enoch had lived 65 years, he became the father of Methuselah. 22 And after he became the father of Methuselah, Enoch walked with God 300 years and had other sons and daughters. 23 Altogether, Enoch lived 365 years. 25 When Methuselah had lived 187 years, he became the father of Lamech. 26 And after he became the father of Lamech, Methuselah lived 782 years and had other sons and daughters. 27 Altogether, Methuselah lived 969 years, and then he died. paraclete rated this answer

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willbe asked on 03/06/04 - Sweet are the uses of adversity (Wm Shakespeare) During a church service a while back, one of my teenage children got up in the middle of the meeting to leave the chapel. "Where are you going?" I whispered. "Home!" came the emphatic and not-so-quiet response. "Why?" I probed. "Are you sick?" "No," came the response. "I just want to go home. I'm bored!" Well, that wasn't good enough for me. Boredom is not justification for skipping meetings or leaving church early. If it were, I could have had far more time on my hands through the years. I tried as delicately yet firmly as I could, as a father, to get that message across to my daughter, recognizing that I had to do this well since all of the other children were watching closely to see how I would handle the situation. "Just sit down, the meeting won't last much longer," I said, trying to "buy time" and avoid a scene in the chapel. "You can't go home now. We will go home together as a family." I thought that would let her know that I wasn't about to let her go home on grounds of boredom. When she ignored what I said and continued trying to leave the meeting, I became a little more firm. "Sit down," I said, taking her by the arm and guiding her back to her seat. "You are not going home now!" I thought that would solve the problem once and for all, but I was wrong. As she pulled away she said something that left me speechless~ stunned and saddened. "I'm going home!" she insisted. "I don't believe any of this stuff, anyway!" When we got home that day there really wasn't much said. I think everyone felt a little uncomfortable and at a loss what to say and do. In the days and weeks that followed, however, our daughter would make comments or ask questions that opened the door for discussion concerning her unbelief. It soon became apparent that most of her doubts were the result of ideas and questions that some of her friends had put in her head. Some of these friends didn't have an understanding of gospel principles, nor did they share in our values and standards of behavior. As a result their "philosophies" were often nothing more than rationalizations for unacceptable behavior. Whenever my daughter asked what she thought was a "hard question" about the Church or a gospel principle, I gave her an answer from the scriptures and from gospel teachings. "You have been taught this all of your life," I would remind her. "You know the answers to these questions." The longer we talked, the more I realized that this matter was not about my expounding doctrine, exposing the fallacy of her notions, or knocking down her "straw man" theories and ideas. It was not about my giving her answers. It was all about her finding her own answers. I could provide information and guide her in the right direction, but only she could find the answers. I couldn't do it for her, nor should I try. When the immediate "parental panic" of this experience subsided a little, I was able to think more clearly and see how my daughter's doubts and questions were part of a spiritual metamorphosis that most of us go through in some way and at some time or another. I was reminded of experiences in my own life, as well as in the lives of others I knew and loved, who came to find the answers that now provide a sure foundation for life. While we were living out of the country for a while, my children were enrolled in a private English-speaking school with students of many nationalities, races, and religious beliefs. Unbeknown to my wife and me, our teenage son's belief system was being challenged by some of his classmates, and one class and teacher in particular. It may have been the first time in his young life that he had ever faced any serious questioning of his beliefs. Some of the young people in the school were children of clergy or missionaries of other faiths. As a result they often challenged my son, as one of the handful of Mormons in the school, with many of the typical anti-Mormon questions and arguments. My other children more or less ignored these challenges, but my son was bothered by them and could not ignore or totally dismiss the questions. In the school library there was a rather impressive section of anti-Mormon books and pamphlets. The more my son was challenged, the more he read the anti-Mormon propaganda, which resulted in even more questions. The more he questioned, the more he desired to know the answers. If I had known at the time what he was being exposed to I probably would have been stricken with "parental panic" and feared for his spiritual safety. Fortunately, however, I was somewhat in the dark and could only offer help rather than get in the way of his quest. In time, he was assigned in his religion class to make a presentation on Mormonism (since he was the only LDS student in the class). This became the vehicle to take him on his quest for answers to the questions and issues that hounded him. Without telling me that he had struggled with his own doubts and questions, he asked me to help with his presentation by referring him to good LDS sources that would be able to answer the traditional anti-Mormon attacks. From his preparation for the presentation he not only found answers to the challenging questions his non-believing friends would throw at him, but he also found answers to his own questions. From his questions came not only answers but also, more important, faith and testimony. As I reflected on his experience and the growth that came to him as a result of this "crisis of faith" I was able relax a little concerning my daughter's doubts. It didn't mean she was on the "high road to apostasy" or that she was repudiating her parents' teachings. It did mean, however, that she was at a crossroads in her life--reaching beyond the spiritual comforts of her home to find answers to her questions and to build on her own foundation. With that in mind I assured her that there is nothing inherently wrong with having doubts or asking tough questions. Often it is part of the process of growth. There is, however, a difference between faithless cynicism and faithful questioning. The one is stagnant and yields no answers and spiritual growth, whereas the other is dynamic and leads one to find the right answers--leads one to the very Source of Truth Himself. (C) Brent L Top Do you agree that Shakespeare was right in the headline quote? Do challenges to our faith help us to become stronger in our faith? What is your experience? revdauphinee answered on 03/06/04: quite often church services can be boring even to adults ,however it is not the church who must train your children it is you the family who is charged to train them up in the way they should go .And after you do this they themselves have to make the desision for themselves! for we cannot no matter how we love our children control their soul (nor should we try )God makes his own relationships with each human and he gives all his children free choise to accept or deny him> willbe rated this answer

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XCHOUX asked on 03/06/04 - "Many Are Called... ....Few are Chosen". Do you thnk you are chosen? Comments..... revdauphinee answered on 03/06/04: that should read all are called but oh so few answer! ATON2 rated this answer Krewton rated this answer stillwaiting rated this answer XCHOUX rated this answer

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HANK1 asked on 03/06/04 - KNEES! Who is on their knees more than a Moslem? Does he/she consider this ritual as being exercise ... three times daily? HANK revdauphinee answered on 03/06/04: Oh that Christians could be as dedicated to the one true God as Moslems are to Allah!! HANK1 rated this answer

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willbe asked on 03/06/04 - Where is God? Where is God? Where is he located? Where is heaven? I mean God's heaven, the place where he lives and where Jesus will come from when he travels to earth. Eric von Daniken says God is an alien and so does one expert, but does anyone else believe God is an alien? If God made us in his image, does that mean we are also aliens? When Yuri Gargarin went up in a space thing he said he didn't see God. Where should he have looked so that he could see God? revdauphinee answered on 03/06/04: My defination of Alien is someone or some thing that is very different the dictionary states "A person from another and very different family, people, or place. A person who is not included in a group; would this not aply to God??he is certainly different ALSO IS NOT INCLUDED IN ANY GROUP willbe rated this answer

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willbe asked on 03/06/04 - How do you react to this story? By Miranda Leitsinger Associated Press ANLONG VENG, Cambodia � During his three decades with Cambodia's infamous Khmer Rouge, Ung Khorn planted land mines, set booby traps and led 200 soldiers into battle � killing an untold number of people. Today, he and thousands of other ex-Khmer Rouge who once fought for the movement's Brother No. 1, Pol Pot, are seeking forgiveness and following a new leader: Jesus Christ. "I had a bitter life when I lived with the Khmer Rouge. . . . I caused hardships, committed very vicious and cruel acts," said Ung Khorn, now a missionary who recently helped baptize several dozen former comrades. "But when I started believing in Jesus, I became a gentler person." The 1975-79 Khmer Rouge regime, implicated in the deaths of at least 1.7 million Cambodians from disease, starvation and executions, also preached atheism and sought to eradicate all traces of religion. The ultra-communists converted Buddhist pagodas into prisons, pig sties and armories, tore down Phnom Penh's imposing Roman Catholic cathedral and killed Muslim leaders. Now, they're flocking to Christianity, with supporters saying the ex-Khmer Rouge are acting out of religious conviction and critics claiming that they only want the material help � foodstuffs and other goods � that missionaries can provide. "They're looking, searching for forgiveness because they're full of guilt," said the Rev. Setan Lee, who heads the evangelical organization Kampuchea for Christ. "And they found forgiveness in the gospel message of Christ, where other religions have no forgiveness." The group has converted at least a few thousand ex-soldiers, including several generals, according to the Rev. Lee, a Cambodian-American who survived the genocide and later settled in Aurora, Colo. About 20 of the organization's pastors were once part of the Khmer Rouge. In Anlong Veng � the movement's last stronghold, where Pol Pot died in 1998 � Kampuchea for Christ is building the town's only Christian church for its 400 members. On a recent day, Ung Khorn and a pastor baptized dozens of women and men, some with shrapnel and bullet wounds, in a muddy brown lake dotted with dead trees. The former Khmer Rouge fighter said of fellow converts: "In the past, they did a lot of bad things like me. But when they were baptized in the water they had their bad acts washed away today, so they can get on with a new life, new happiness and well-being to serve other people." Although explosive experts were searching for stray mines nearby, the scene was almost idyllic � some converts-to-be closed their eyes and prayed, while some onlookers sang hymns. But in impoverished areas like Anlong Veng, some converts may be lured by the food and other aid that evangelical groups supply, said Josephine Barbour, director of Church World Service in Cambodia, which doesn't do missionary work. "That's a bit problematic � to go into an area where people's basic needs haven't been met," she said. "For me, God's not for sale." Pain Rim, who maintained he did nothing wrong as a Khmer Rouge radio operator, said he converted to improve his life. "I want to change my car to a new one, hoping it'll give a smoother ride," said Pain Rim, who lost part of his right arm to a land mine and lives near the town of Pailin. He added, "My mind is clearer and not entangled in misery, fear of death." In Pailin, a former Khmer Rouge stronghold in northwest Cambodia where some of the movement's top surviving leaders live, there are four Christian churches � one claiming nearly 200 ex-Khmer Rouge members. Christianity had already started to grow in Cambodia in the early 1990s, with the arrival of United Nations' peacekeepers there to implement a peace accord to end two decades of war. The Khmer Rouge were toppled by a Vietnamese invasion in 1979, but continued a guerrilla war from the jungles. The number of Christian believers in Cambodia � where more than 90 percent of the country's 13 million people practice Buddhism � has grown from about 30,400 adherents in 1998 to some 50,000 today, according to the nation's religious affairs ministry. Among the converts was Kaing Khek Iev, the notorious director of the Tuol Sleng prison under the old regime. Up to 16,000 Cambodians were tortured and killed at Tuol Sleng. No senior Khmer Rouge member has ever been convicted for their atrocities, but the Cambodian government and United Nations agreed last June to create a tribunal to try the nation's former leaders. Youk Chhang, born a Buddhist but now adhering to no particular faith, said he thought the rank-and-file Khmer Rouge soldiers were using Christianity "as a process to share what is inside of them � which they felt no one would listen to." But he said turning to Christianity could not provide instant absolution for the former Khmer Rouge. "There is a price to pay for it and even God cannot take it away from them," he said. "God has a very clear distinction between sin and responsibility." ??? revdauphinee answered on 03/06/04: if the death of the son of God can be forgiven then who are we to say he could not be forgiven (Lk.23:34. Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. If it were not for forgiveness none of us would make it for all have sinned! willbe rated this answer

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STONY asked on 03/06/04 - AND FINALLY..... America Has Forgotten Modern America often reminds me of ancient Israel. The Hebrew nation would come under an attack and begin to cry out to God. The Almighty would deliver them from the hands of their enemy. Time passed and they would forget God, return to a lifestyle of sin, and be brought into captivity again. They would begin to repent and call out to God and the Lord would hear their prayer. Eventually, they returned back to their carnal ways. This pattern was repeated over and over again! America has a short memory. When the towers fell on September 11th, the multitudes cried out, "We will never forget." I told Pam, "They will forget within two years!" We forget because life goes on. We forget because we think it won�t happen again, or because our hearts become calloused. There is still a major plan to hit America within our borders. Many people have been arrested, deported, and about eight attacks that I personally know of have been stopped. In fact, two arrests have been made over the past several months not far from where I live. They caught one man coming from New York to Florida, with over $200,000 cash in a secret compartment in his vehicle. He is now in prison. Another group of men were scoping out a chemical plant and were arrest with false identifications and false car registrations. Our government is keeping many of these arrests and possible terrorist attacks they have stopped under wraps. They do not want to frighten the public and draw attention to how they exposed the people. This is good for national security, but bad for those who feel as though nothing is happening. Everyone I have spoken with has said the sleeper cells are waiting for the right time and are carefully planning another attack. We must remain vigilant and in prayer. I believe those possible attacks that have been exposed have been so because of prayer! We believers must not fall into the same trap of many other Americans. We must pray that our leadership will have wisdom and follow the leading of the Lord in all decisions. revdauphinee answered on 03/06/04: (2Chr.7:14 If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.) willbe rated this answer paraclete rated this answer STONY rated this answer

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STONY asked on 03/06/04 - THE WMD THAT WE DID NOT FIND. The Syrian Connection Other news has begun to replace some of the news on weapons of mass destruction that were allegedly in Iraq. However, in the Middle East there is a great concern, especially within Israel, that there is serious danger right in Israel�s back yard. For centuries, one of Israel�s strongest opponents has been the nation of Syria. This strong Islamic country joined in several wars against Israel since 1948. During the 1967 war, Israel seized the Upper Golan Heights, which prior to the war was controlled by Syria. Since that time Syria has considered Israel a competent and powerful foe, and has considered various ways to have the land returned back to Syria. The Syrians know they cannot beat Israel in a conventional war. Several years ago, a Syrian Air Force fighter pilot defected to Israel. During his interrogation, the Jerusalem Post reported that he confessed, "No fighter pilot in Syria believes the Syrian air force can ever defeat Israel." Not only the Syrian air force believes this, but also most of the nations surrounding Israel privately acknowledge this. While having lunch with a high raking United States military person very familiar with the Arabic speaking leaders in the Persian Gulf, I was surprised when he told me, "Publicly, these Islamic leaders boast about their hatred for the Jews and Israel and how they will one day defeat them. However, when you speak to them one on one, they tell a different story. They admit that God gave the land to the Jews and there is no way the surrounding Islamic nations could defeat Israel in a conventional war. This is where the weapons of mass destruction come into play." According to intelligence sources, Syria already has 100 missiles filled with VX nerve gas, a deadly nerve agent. According to every Israeli I have spoken with, they all agree that Saddam was secretly working on a weapons program and that the component parts were brought to Syria and hid in mountainous caves in the center of the country. Remember that moving trucks through a country like Syria is not like traveling on a U.S. Interstate, where hundreds of vehicles and state troopers can observe your movement. I am told there are actual satellite pictures of the movement of the Iraqi trucks, months before the war actually broke out. Israel also has spies on the ground who have verified this. So why doesn�t the United States show the pictures? If we released the pictures, in less than 48 hours under the cover of darkness and clouds, the materials would be moved again. We cannot invade another Islamic country under the speculation that they have these components. However, this does not mean that the war in Iraq was not necessary. Saddam and his sons had a major vendetta against the United States. With his money and his scientists and another 48 months, he would have had nuclear abilities and chemical and biological capabilities. He would have sold this material or handed it over to any group that would have used it against America. I have heard there are secret negotiations going on in Syria for this evidence to be released. This same form of secret negotiations brought Libya out of the closet and exposed their weapons of mass destruction planning! For the sake of the Middle East and Israel, we hope all the information and revdauphinee answered on 03/06/04: fortunatly we Christians should have by now read the bokk and know how it ends Israel will be victorious!for God said Hos.1:7 Yet I will show love to the house of Judah; and I will save them--not by bow, sword or battle, or by horses and horsemen, but by the LORD their God." Eze.37: 21 and say to them, `This is what the Sovereign LORD says: I will take the Israelites out of the nations where they have gone. I will gather them from all around and bring them back into their own land. 22 I will make them one nation in the land, ATON2 rated this answer paraclete rated this answer STONY rated this answer willbe rated this answer

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STONY asked on 03/06/04 - ONE MORE REPORT ON THE "PASSION." The Passion - It Is Long Overdue Recently, I attended the National Religious Broadcasters Convention in Charlotte, North Carolina. On Monday night, those attending (about 5,000) were granted the honor of a special screening of Mel Gibson�s new movie, The Passion of the Christ. I must confess I was unprepared for the effect it would have on me. It is not just another movie about the suffering of Christ. This movie carries a very unique anointing, almost like a special conviction. From the first minute, I was captivated by what I was viewing and what I was about to see. There were several surprise scenes. However, the beating at the whipping post was so real that almost every person in the huge auditorium was in tears. It made the Bible narrative come alive! The other interesting feature was that Mary, the mother of Christ, was there throughout the movie. For the first time I realized that this precious woman was seeing the baby she carried, cared for, fed and loved, being tortured by a ruthless group of Roman soldiers. Throughout the scene I wondered, "What would I feel like if I had to watch my son Jonathan take the beating and abuse that Jesus took?" Two hours later, the movie concluded, but it seemed like it had been only thirty minutes! When the lights came on, nobody in the large group said a single word. It was so quiet you could have heard a pin drop. People were in silent shock. For the first time, someone did a movie and didn�t polish it up or hide behind a Hollywood script that was so watered down it couldn�t be recognized. I left the auditorium thinking, "This is long overdue." The church of Jesus Christ has slowly been seduced away from the main message of the Christian faith, which is the power of the cross of Christ! Every aspect of redemption is summed up in the 48 hours of Christ�s arrest, beating, and crucifixion. Yet, so many have preached on money and finance, or how to be successful, and they have moved away from the message of Christ crucified! I have several Jewish friends who expressed concern that the movie will provoke a surge in anti-Semitic feelings. I am certain this will never happen, especially among the true Christians who watch the movie. The central theme is not the Romans, or the Jews; the central theme is Christ and his sufferings. In fact, I believe we will all have a new appreciation for the redemptive work of Christ. Was it bloody? Yes. Was it sad? Yes. Was it realistic? Yes. Was it necessary? Yes. It is time to get back to the cross! I WISH YA'LL COULD HAVE HEARD PERRY STONE LAST NIGHT ON TBN BETWEEN 10-11P.M. EASTERN TIME, AS THIS IS ONLY A SMALL SAMPLE OF WHAT HE SPOKE ON. revdauphinee answered on 03/06/04: Great posting ,Thank you STONY rated this answer

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Zarahemla asked on 03/06/04 - what do you think? It seems evident that the Mormonism "expert" Toms777 has negative feelings and ideas about Mormonism. It may be true that he actually believes what he does about Mormons. But, he has misunderstood and misinterpreted the things he has read about Mormonism and no matter how many Mormons correct his misunderstandings and misrepresentations, he sticks firmly in his belief that he knows better than Mormons do about what they believe. He denies that what he believes about Mormonism is false and is quick and happy to tell us and everyone else who might listen what we actually do believe. I have strong reservations about how helpful and useful it is to a site like this to have experts who are so against and so very wrong about a category like Mormonism to be signed up as an expert and answering questions -often arguing about what Mormons actually believe. What good is that? Mormon belief and doctrine can stand on its own. What point is it in arguing about what Mormonism isn't? Toms777 uses quotes out of context to give 'proof' of his understandings and refuses to ever consider what any of it actually means to a Mormon. Instead he gives his emotional interpretation which is a twisted version of the beliefs and doctrines of what Mormons do believe. Yet he denies this could be a problem. At the same time, he suggests that Mormons be excluded from participating on the Christianity board. It could be that he suggests that because most Mormons are offended by his expertise in Mormonism on the Mormonism board. Is there a difference in welcoming his expertise about Mormonism on the Mormonism board and wanting to exclude Mormons from the Christianity board? This is kind of confusing to me, but something doesn't seem right here. revdauphinee answered on 03/06/04: Our creator gave us a gift called free will It means we are free to chose what we believe, I can understand this, but we are also free to disagree with fellow Christians on there doctrine,I breifly in my youth took a time to be involved with Mormonism however the more I learned the less I accepted ,I do not agree with Mormon teachings at all but do feel that those who do have an unalianable right to, if they do find it acceptable! Zarahemla rated this answer

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Krewton asked on 03/06/04 - 1 week later Took my kids to see "The Passion" last week. We thouroughly enjoyed the movie and quite frankly received quite a blessing from it. I notice the feared "Jew Bashing" fears are still not evident here. Actually, best as I can tell, the Romans did most of the beating. Haven't saw any "swastika" emblems on my kids clothing, and haven't heard the first German phrase come out of their mouths. Actually on Wednesday night, my oldest went to the altar to profess Jesus as his Lord and Savior. So maybe I'm not such a bad Dad after all. I like to think I'm not anyway. I have been Saved now for four years. Not until I was 37, did I give my life to Jesus. Hopefully by showing my kids the way of the Lord at a young age, they wont have to stumble along lost for 37 years as I did. So give God the glory that I took my kids to this "R" rated flick. Personally I hope there are a few more "Bad" parents out there that will also take their kids. No question here, none needed. peace and God Bless. Krew. revdauphinee answered on 03/06/04: Krewton I am in total agreement with you Aton we all know lives in a different world that that of the rest of us! Krewton rated this answer

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willbe asked on 03/05/04 - Does it matter who writes a hymn? stillwaiting has been whiplashed for saying mormans are Christians when talking about a beautiful hymn about Jesus. The guy that wrote that hymn was a Baptist. Does that mean it is a Baptist hymn only sung by baptists or is it okay for Episcopals and Lutherans ect to sing hymns to the glory of God and Jesus? Christian hymns have universal appeal for all Christians and to pigeonhole them into narrow sectariand confines its the same as writing Jesus on your personal bullets before killing religious enemies. Does it matter who write a hymn and does it matter who sings them as long as their hearts are right? This tastes like the cpital of Colombia and that is not right. Let ALL THE WORLD in every corner sing, My God and King! You can't shovel God and Jesus into your personal duffel bag and keep everybody away from your personal possesssions. How should Christians behave over these shared things? Curmudgeonly or Christianly? What do you say in Jesus' name? revdauphinee answered on 03/05/04: Amen to that !!He loves all his children even non believers and sinners no one is beyond that love ! willbe rated this answer stillwaiting rated this answer MaggieB rated this answer darkstar rated this answer

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bal317 asked on 03/05/04 - Using the Lord's name in vain? What does this mean to us. When without the natural cursing word Godd**it,are we using the Lord's name in vain. Because I have heard people say, God dog it, is that using the Lord's name in vain? What are the ways we should not use the Lord's name in vain, is it in cursing or otherwise and if otherwise what is it? revdauphinee answered on 03/05/04: all use of the name God other than in a respectfull way is wrong MaggieB rated this answer bal317 rated this answer

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MaggieB asked on 03/04/04 - Another beautiful hymn: I KNOW THAT MY REDEEMER LIVES (Wesley) I know that my Redeemer lives.� Job 19:25 Words: Charles Wesley, Hymns and Sacred Poems, 1741. Music: �Bradford,� arranged from George F. Handel, 1741 I KNOW THAT MY REDEEMER LIVES (Wesley) I know that my Redeemer lives, And ever prays for me; A token of His love He gives, A pledge of liberty. I find him lifting up my head, He brings salvation near, His presence makes me free indeed, And He will soon appear. He wills that I should holy be, What can withstand His will? The counsel of His grace in me He surely shall fulfill. Jesus, I hang upon Thy Word; I steadfastly believe Thou wilt return and claim me, Lord And to Thyself receive, Joyful in hope, my spirit soars To meet Thee from above, Thy goodness thankfully adores; And sure I taste Thy love. Thy love I soon expect to find, In all its depth and height; To comprehend the eternal mind, And grasp the Infinite. When God is Mine and I am His, Of paradise possessed, I taste unutterable bliss, And everlasting rest. The bliss of those that fully dwell, Fully in Thee believe, �Tis more than angel tongues can tell, Or angel minds conceive. Thou only knowst, Who didst obtain, And die to make it known; The great salvation now explain, And perfect us in one! revdauphinee answered on 03/05/04: anyone who follows the teachings of Jesus is a Christian just because one denomination is different does not make them pagan ,I personaly find much in the Mormon faith to my liking but never can they be called unchristian did not Jesus say many sheep have I that are not of this pasture??we are all his sheep (and many of us are as bullheaded as a herd of sheep MaggieB rated this answer

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stillwaiting asked on 03/04/04 - the innocent i have a grand daughter with thrombosytopenia absent radius syndrom...she was born with this and started needing blood transfusions with in hours of her birth to survuve, she had to have a total of over 200 of these transfusions and many operations...she is now a sweet 9 year old who still remains innocent...some would believe that because she has had these transfusions she will no longer be excepted into heaven. how can anyone believe such a barbaric thought to think that an all knowing, all loving father in heaven would allow an innocent infant to be ruined for eternity due to some one else using their God given knowledge to save her life?,stillwaiting revdauphinee answered on 03/04/04: Jesus said Matt.19:14-15 14 Jesus said, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these." if the kingdom belongsto them who dare forbid them? stillwaiting rated this answer

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PraiseJah asked on 03/04/04 - Aton again attacked JW policy on child abuse In his reply to Tomder, Aton attacked the WTS poilicy on child abuse, claiming abuse is not reported to the police because there are not two witnesses. This is completely false and here is an extract from a WT publication of 1993: *** g93 10/8 9 If Your Child Is Abused *** Gently broach the subject, perhaps with such a statement as: "If anyone ever touches you in a way that makes you feel uncomfortable, I want you to know that you can always tell me, and I'll do all I can to protect you. Has anything like that ever happened to you?"�Proverbs 20:5. If your child discloses sexual abuse, you will no doubt feel shattered. But remember: Your reaction will play a major role in the child's recovery. Your child has been carrying an unbearable burden and needs you, with all your adult strength, to lift it from her or his shoulders. Praise the child for being so brave as to tell you what happened. Repeatedly reassure the child that you will do your best to provide protection; that the abuse was the abuser's fault, not the child's; that the child is not "bad" that you love the child. Some legal experts advise reporting the abuse to the authorities as soon as possible. In some lands the legal system may require this. But in other places the legal system may offer little hope of successful prosecution. What, though, when the abuser is one's own beloved mate? Sad to say, many women fail to take decisive action. To be sure, it is never easy to face the ugly reality of a mate who is a child abuser. Emotional ties, and even financial dependency, can be overwhelmingly strong. The wronged wife may also realize that taking action could cost her husband his family, his job, his reputation. The hard truth is, though, that he may just be reaping what he has sown. (Galatians 6:7) Innocent children, on the other hand, stand to lose much more if they are not believed and protected. Their whole future is at stake. They do not have the resources that adults have. Trauma can scar and shape them adversely for life. They are the ones who need and deserve tender treatment.�Compare Genesis 33:13, 14. Parents must therefore make every reasonable effort to protect their children! Many responsible parents choose to seek out professional help for an abused child. Just as you would with a medical doctor, make sure that any such professional will respect your religious views. Help your child rebuild his or her shattered self-esteem through a steady outpouring of parental love. [Footnotes] In reality, the molester is already in trouble and badly needs help. Even if the perpetrator claims to be sorry, the wronged mate may consider: Why didn't he confess before being exposed by his victim? revdauphinee answered on 03/04/04: Aton is so argumentative and is determined he is always right and the rest of the world wronG I personaly have decided to ignore his rampages he is oviously just coming in here to argue and will do so with anyone who puts forth a Christian view the best thing to do with a pest is ignore it! ATON2 rated this answer Uni-Agdistis rated this answer PraiseJah rated this answer willbe rated this answer

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sapphire630 asked on 03/04/04 - Equality? Women want all the equal rights gender neutral Bible etc..... Why is it when you hear of an all male club it is women demanding equal access or it's discrimination; but when you hear of women having their own club (Curves, Tupperware, etc.) it is some wonderful freedom where women can express themselves freely, etc, etc...???? revdauphinee answered on 03/04/04: last I heard men were not banned from tupperware parties?did I miss something? Personaly as a modern woman I do not wish for equality with Men, I refuse to step down! darkstar rated this answer sapphire630 rated this answer

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darkstar asked on 03/04/04 - the pre exisitence i was wondering where anyone here thinks were came from before we were here on earth, i have heard interesting theroies on how it all started, with all the spirits in heaven, even satan,...so what do you think about this? revdauphinee answered on 03/04/04: I think we existed prior to the present life in the mind of God our creator ! darkstar rated this answer stillwaiting rated this answer

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hOPE12 asked on 03/04/04 - Follow-up on my previous post on the Movie "Passion." Hello Everyone, Please read this and think about it before replying. Remember to that this is just my opinion based on my understanding of the scriptures. I would like to look at this situation in a different sense. Some will not see this film and others will. Those who do and those who do not, need not go far to see God�s point of view on the matter of R- rated films. Remember an R-rated film is one with nudity, sex, violence and curse words and things that most �Christians� would not want to subject their minds to. Knowing this here is what the Scriptures state about these types movies. Remember too that the scriptures give God�s point of view, not mine and not yours, but God�s. Notice what Jesus Christ himself said about what we watch. Movies amount to a powerful assault on the senses. Jesus said that �the lamp of the body is the eye.� Matthew 6:22 And what you see can have a profound effect upon you. As one encyclopedia put it, �the mind follows the eyes.� Normally, your mind controls what your eyes choose to focus on and see. But when you focus on the larger-than-life images that move across the big screen, you can virtually surrender your mind to the will of the moviemaker. Some become so engrossed in a film that they may need a firm nudge in the side to break the spell cast by a movie. �The hearing ear� also strongly influences your thoughts and deeds. Proverbs 20:12 The mesmerizing visual images and spoken words are reinforced by music that can stir the emotions, generating fear, excitement, anger, passion. As a result, films can convey such a�sense of realism that some viewers have difficulty separating the real from the make-believe. Yes, some out there need to see things to believe them, yet when we see these things are we not subjecting ourselves to another mans point of view? Would it not be so much better to get God�s reasoning on the matter? How Jesus died and was tortured is explained in great detail in the scriptures. If we read it and meditate on the scriptures we do not need mere man�s version of the matter to have faith or appreciate what Jesus did for us, do we? Even for those who see this film, their emotions will be touched and they will feel something, but will it be lasting and from the heart? Most likely not. Yet when we read the account from the scriptures we have the power of God to help it to reach the heart. Is that not fare superior then some movie that most likely has Mel �Gibson�s ideas and thoughts on Jesus Christ�s death. If one see this film is what they feel from it from �God or Mel Gibson? Something to think about, wouldn�t you say? How contrary this is to the Bible�s admonition not to rejoice over another�s disaster! Proverbs 17:5 It is a direct contradiction of Jesus� Golden Rule�to �do to others as you want them to do to you.� Matthew 7:12 Furthermore, can cheering on murder be compatible with the Bible�s urgings to be �tenderly compassionate�? Ephesians 4:32 Does it not amount to aligning oneself with �the congregation of evildoers�?�Psalm 26:4,�5. More often, though, films exert a far more subtle influence. For example, do not many of your peers endeavor to talk, dress, and groom themselves like certain screen idols? Is this not evidence of strong movie influence? In other cases, watching the wrong movies appears to have an eroding effect upon a persons values. Prolonged exposure to violent movies �leads to an increased desensitization toward violence.� The Bible says: �Jehovah himself examines the righteous one as well as the wicked one, and anyone loving violence His soul certainly hates.� Psalm 11:5 Could a steady diet of violent films affect your attitude toward violence? Could you begin to find violence entertaining, even amusing? And is it even possible that you could find yourself more prone than before to settle problems and differences with force? Well did Proverbs 10:23 say: �Crime is the entertainment of the fool.�New American Bible There is �growing evidence linking violent films and videos with violent behaviour by some of those who watch them�. How many more violent people will be made through violent R-rated films? Would a �Christian� sit and watch a violent act? If so, do you personally feel that God approves of watching such films according to the scriptures above? May we all make a wise choice when it come to what we feed our minds and hearts! Take care, Hope12 revdauphinee answered on 03/04/04: true we can get the story of Christ from the scriptures but how many Bibles lie on the shelf gathering dust if this film has an effect for the good on just one soul then it has been worthwhile I know many many folks who would never open the bible or any other book for that matter but who will if out of nothing more than curiosity go to see this so then all the hooplah over it is maybee a good thing after all! ATON2 rated this answer hOPE12 rated this answer MaggieB rated this answer

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darkstar asked on 03/04/04 - the human body i was wondering why some christians feel it is necessary to keep the human body covered....this is a serious question, we are all born naked, why is it that some feel it is necessary to cove this with ornate clothing and thus making some appear more important or richer than others when in the eyes of the Lord all are equal...don't you think we are all a little more equal uncovered then we are covered? revdauphinee answered on 03/04/04: first read Genesis 3 also God finds it shamefull Isaiah 47:3. Your nakedness will be exposed and your shame uncovered. Revelation16: 15. "Behold, I come like a thief! Blessed is he who stays awake and keeps his clothes with him, so that he may not go naked and be shamefully exposed." darkstar rated this answer stillwaiting rated this answer

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ROLCAM asked on 03/04/04 - I Know My Father Lives. I Know My Father Lives. I know my Father lives and loves me too. The Spirit whispers this to me and tells me it is true, And tells me it is true. He sent me here to earth, by faith to live his plan. The Spirit whispers this to me and tells me that I can, And tells me that I can. Please comment on this short poem. revdauphinee answered on 03/04/04: he sent us to earth to live his plan ,sure but he also gives us free will so we must make that choise for ourselves God holds no one hostage! darkstar rated this answer ROLCAM rated this answer MaggieB rated this answer

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ROLCAM asked on 03/04/04 - Keep the Commandments. Keep the Commandments. Keep the commandments; keep the commandments! In this there is safety; in this there is peace. He will send blessings; He will send blessings. Words of a prophet: Keep the commandments. In this there is safety and peace. Please comment on this short poem!! ROLCAM revdauphinee answered on 03/04/04: we as Humans cannot keep all the commandments this is why Christ died to forgive us ,for instance 7 "You shall not misuse the name of the LORD your God, for the LORD will not hold anyone guiltless who misuses his name. how many of us fail at this one? 8 "Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy. since the Jewish sabath is saturday not sunday and nowhere in Gods word is this changed most of us dont keep this one and modern life makes the next part almost impossible for most of us 9 Six days you shall labor and do all your work, 10 but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the LORD your God. On it you shall not do any work, neither you, nor your son or daughter, nor your manservant or maidservant, nor your animals, nor the alien within your gates. 14 "You shall not commit adultery. 15 "You shall not steal. 16 "You shall not give false testimony against your neighbor. no comment on these 17 "You shall not covet your neighbor's house. You shall not covet your neighbor's wife, or his manservant or maidservant, his ox or donkey, or anything that belongs to your neighbor." ) how about our trying to keep up with the Joneses? If you can keep and obey all these then you are indeed a super human cause i cant I admit it I NEED Jesus forgiveness! ATON2 rated this answer darkstar rated this answer MaggieB rated this answer ROLCAM rated this answer

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Uni-Agdistis asked on 03/03/04 - Charles Schultz Philosophy A good friend sent me the following philosphical treatsie ......good enough to share. ================================================== The following is the philosophy of Charles Schultz, the creator of the "Peanuts" comic strip. You don't have to actually answer the questions. Just read straight through, and you'll get the point. 1. Name the five wealthiest people in the world. 2. Name the last five Heisman trophy winners. 3. Name the last five winners of the Miss America contest. 4. Name ten people who have won the Nobel or Pulitzer Prize. 5. Name the last half dozen Academy Award winner for best actor and actress. 6. Name the last decade's worth of World Series winners. How did you do? The point is, none of us remember the headliners of yesterday. These are no second-rate achievers. They are the best in their fields, but the applause dies and awards tarnish. Achievements are forgotten. Accolades and certificates are buried with their owners. Here's another quiz. See how you do on this one: 1. List a few teachers who aided your journey through school. 2. Name three friends who have helped you through a difficult time. 3. Name five people who have taught you something worthwhile. 4. Think of a few people who have made you feel appreciated and special. 5. Think of five people you enjoy spending time with. 6. Name half a dozen heroes whose stories have inspired you. Easier? The lesson: The people who make a difference in your life are not the ones with the most credentials, the most money, or the most awards. They are the ones that care. "Don't worry about the world coming to an end today. It's already tomorrow in Australia." (Charles Schultz) revdauphinee answered on 03/04/04: while this is true in our personal lives the world is so much bigger that our small parts in it and people who work for peace or to alieviate suffering are in fact so very important and it is not to our human credit that we fail to recognise them! ATON2 rated this answer Uni-Agdistis rated this answer

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XCHOUX asked on 03/03/04 - "Sinful Thought" What is an example of a "sinful thought" that many of you are so worried about? What is a regular thought vs. a sinful thought. I would like to see some specfic examples specific to America in 2004. Thanks. revdauphinee answered on 03/04/04: A sinfull thought or idea is one that is contrary to the will of God! ATON2 rated this answer XCHOUX rated this answer MaggieB rated this answer

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XCHOUX asked on 03/03/04 - Should Men Over Sixty... be permitted by law to have more than one wife? I think that an arrangement like this would be ideal for many seniors. Division of labor, etc. What do you think? Comments.... revdauphinee answered on 03/03/04: No way god created one woman for man he did not creat many for him stillwaiting rated this answer XCHOUX rated this answer

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Zarahemla asked on 03/03/04 - demons Is it true that demons are the source of 'bad' thoughts? Do demons possess people? If demons are the source of bad thoughts or bad thinking (sinful thoughts), why would the thoughts be a sin for the 'victim'? When someone is demon possessed, do they need an exorcisim? revdauphinee answered on 03/03/04: of cource demons exist Christ was well known to cast out demons on many occasions .if we say they do not exist we are calling God a liar and God does not lie .Demons often leave on thier own account if they find a better place to dwell however if one needs exorcism then this is a very dangerous thing to do one must be carefull and prayerfull. 1Tim.4:1 The Spirit clearly says that in later times some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons. arcura rated this answer Zarahemla rated this answer MaggieB rated this answer

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CeeBee asked on 03/03/04 - What do you think about Mary's observation? No need to swap principles on gay marriage Chicago Tribune Mary Schmich Published February 29, 2004 A few months back, before the issue of same-sex marriage had escalated to a full boil, I found myself uncomfortably unsure of what to think. I didn't want to conclude that same-sex marriage was good simply because I deeply love some gay people and loathe the ways they've been disrespected and diminished. I didn't want to "jump" to that conclusion merely because I appreciate the partnerships of several gay couples I know well. I didn't want to advocate a major shift in public policy just for the personal reason that one of my sisters-in-law is lesbian and is doing a great job with my brother of raising their three kids. I also didn't want to think same-sex marriage was a good idea just because a lot of people I know think so, though on that count I didn't have to worry. A lot of people I know are as waffly as I was. So I read and listened--on the one hand this, on the other hand that--and kept thinking there was something I just didn't get, some elusive principle that if only I could grasp it would drag me off the teeter-totter and onto solid ground. And then one day when I wasn't even trying, I finally got it. The simple thing that had eluded me was this: Marriage is a legal act. Marriage is a religious act. The two are not the same. Religions should be free to define and sanction marriage as they deem proper for their practitioners. But, as even Britney Spears knows, marrying legally in the United States doesn't require a religious marriage. And in a nation built on the principles of equal rights and separation of church and state, it only makes sense that the legal right to marry be available to all citizens. [CeeBee's emphasis] Why was that so hard? Probably because change is usually hard. But once the distinction between legal marriage and religious marriage sinks in--really sinks in--it's clear that though same-sex marriage would be a drastic change, that change would be built on bedrock American principles. Once you get that far, the other objections crumble too. So marriage has traditionally been the union of a man and a woman? Right. It was also once traditional for a man to consider his wife his property. Slavery and the dehumanizing, racist laws it spawned--say, the ban on interracial marriages--were once tradition too. Tradition is just custom, and customs change as ideas do. So marriage exists for propagation and child-rearing? If that were its sole goal, we'd have to rule out infertile men, postmenopausal women, couples who don't want children, as well as such admirable married couples as Elizabeth and Bob Dole. So same-sex marriage would assault the sanctity of marriage? Sanctity is a religious term, best used within the context of religious marriage. Legally, it makes more sense to talk about "responsibility" than "sanctity," and marriage can be one way of making partners more responsible to each other and society. A couple of Sundays ago, I ran into two friends who've been together for 14 years. They're gay. They're also one of the most affectionate, engaged, engaging couples I know. We sat and talked for two hours about politics, friends, family. As I watched them walk home side by side up Halsted Street, it seemed absurd to consider their relationship anything but marriage. "God forbid anything should happen to either one of us," one of them e-mailed the other day, "but when that day does come, they will have to have a team of nurses with AK-47 rifles to keep me away from the hospital room. And if there are any decisions that have to be made, you can be SURE that I'm gonna make them. And it sure ain't fair that gays can't inherit our partner's social security." We're in the midst of the kind of moral evolution that occurred with the stunningly recent revolutions that acknowledged blacks and women as full humans. Social revolutions are always evolutions. We change a little at a time, one at a time. On the subject of same-sex marriage, an undisputed majority will eventually realize that sharing opportunity doesn't mean losing it. Until then, we'll have to fight. revdauphinee answered on 03/03/04: As a believing Christian I love all homosexuals (the people not the act)and would wish no harm come to them but marriage was created for a man and a woman read the following . Genesis 2:22. Then the LORD God made a woman from the rib he had taken out of the man, and he brought her to the man. 23. The man said, "This is now bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh; she shall be called `woman, ' for she was taken out of man." 24. For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and they will become one flesh. he created woman for this purpose he did not create another man ! also Leviticus 18: 22. "`Do not lie with a man as one lies with a woman; that is detestable. 1 Corinthians 6:9. Do you not know that the wicked will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers nor male prostitutes nor homosexual offenders Romans 1:27. In the same way the men also abandoned natural relations with women and were inflamed with lust for one another. Men committed indecent acts with other men, and received in themselves the due penalty for their perversion. 28. Furthermore, since they did not think it worthwhile to retain the knowledge of God, he gave them over to a depraved mind, to do what ought not to be done. this does not mean in any way that God (or any of us) hates the sinner he hates the sin while still loving the sinner however those who sin must repent 1st John 3:5. But you know that he appeared so that he might take away our sins. And in him is no sin. 6. No one who lives in him keeps on sinning. No one who continues to sin has either seen him or known him. and for Aton I know how you feel so I need no comments today MaggieB rated this answer ATON2 rated this answer CeeBee rated this answer

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arcura asked on 03/03/04 - Does God Exist? Read this. Here�s a real treat for you. That is, for those who are always wondering if there is a God. The Title is: �The Case For God�. It�s by, Mark Shea, a guy who knows more than just a little about God. The article is well written If interested. Got to the following ULR, read it, and answer my question. My question is : �Does the article provide any help for you in understanding the existence of God?� http://www.crisismagazine.com/december2003/shea.htm revdauphinee answered on 03/03/04: Interesting but we do not ned a game to let us prove Gods existence ,all we need to do is go out into the world !Look at a rose ,Did it happen by accident?,could a none existant God make such a beutiful place as the globe we live on? As for Aton he is amused??at what!! I personaly find him a dissagreable person ,God is real he is not for Atons amusement he exists in spite of him ! arcura rated this answer ATON2 rated this answer

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stillwaiting asked on 03/02/04 - thoughts vs. actions i was taught that if you think something it is the same in Gods eyes that if you have done this...what do you think and if this is so, how do i control what pops into my head?,stillwaiting revdauphinee answered on 03/02/04: we are also taught that we as Christians are forgiven! since we are human we will have sinfull thoughts but we can remember that we are forgiven and not dwell on those thoughts. If we pray and talk to God he understands our humainty it is only when we give up and dwell in sin that he is displeased with us stillwaiting rated this answer

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Moonlight2danceby asked on 03/02/04 - To All Experts I would like to thank you for the hospitality you have shown me on my visit to this board. I apologize for bringing dirty laundry to your board and airing it here, but I needed to contact Fr_Chuck directly and this was my only way of doing so. It was his choice to make the question public rather than leaving it private. I will not attempt to continue this discussion here. If anyone wants to continue this discussion please feel free to contact me directly. I will make sure that any discussions on this issue remain private. Thanks Again, Blessings to All Queenofwands62 revdauphinee answered on 03/02/04: because we (I) have objections to your beliefs is no reason to feel unwelcome! the thing we need to do is to feel free to discuss here what we do or do not believe I personaly try to base my beliefs on scripture but I would be the first to say that we Christians are not perfect (we do however believe that through Christ we are forgiven )there are many here who do not share my views on the Bible that is their right as are your beliefs yours I will not share in them but I will defend your right to have them Dorothy Moonlight2danceby rated this answer ATON2 rated this answer Uni-Agdistis rated this answer

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Zarahemla asked on 03/02/04 - do onto others and turn the other cheek These are confusing suggestions. If what you do onto others isn't really nice but should indicate the way you would want others to do onto you, would it be a mistake to get upset when those you are doing onto don't turn the other cheek? revdauphinee answered on 03/02/04: If what you are doning to others is not realy nice,could you truthfully say this is the way you would want them to do unto you?can you truthfully say you could turn the other cheek at such treatment?I see no reason to get upset if someone else does not either! Dorothy Zarahemla rated this answer

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XCHOUX asked on 03/01/04 - Two Sides of the Same Coin? I wonder if belief in a supernatural god and belief in supernatural occult practices are just two sides of the same coin? I think that they go together naturally and eare equally, how shoul I say, no real. I remember when I studied Christian Science(my husband was a Christian Scientist)they had a lot of trouble with their belief that God was Love and the sprirtual power of love healed all. Not all people think "good" thoughts about others or themselves.... Belief in a supernatural God or the power of fortune tellers---isn't that really self-hyponosis as the Christian Scientists liked to talk about in a different context? revdauphinee answered on 03/02/04: 1Cor.10: 21 You cannot drink the cup of the Lord and the cup of demons too; you cannot have a part in both the Lord's table and the table of demons. 1Tim.4:1 The Spirit clearly says that in later times some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons. XCHOUX rated this answer

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Zarahemla asked on 03/02/04 - basis of faith? What is the basis of faith? I am not asking what is the basis of Christianity. I am asking what is the basis of faith? According to Merriam-Webster OnLine dictionary, faith is: #2 a (1) : belief and trust in and loyalty to God (2) : belief in the traditional doctrines of a religion b (1) : firm belief in something for which there is no proof (2) : complete trust Taking this definiton into consideration, what is the basis for the development or cultivation of faith? revdauphinee answered on 03/02/04: faith is total belief!for the Christian it is faith (belief) in Christ even though we have not seen him 1 Peter 1: 8. Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, so in effect faith means belief,others who may believe in other s such as a moslem having faith in Allah Zarahemla rated this answer

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IQGuru asked on 03/01/04 - Friendly and supportive suggestion. I think you might ought to take notice of what is going on atop the Expert Forum. I Corin 14:37-39 and I Tim 6:20-21 are germane. My warmest regards, "IQ" revdauphinee answered on 03/02/04: the question needed to be asked is are the experts comming here to help others or are they just comming to find arguments or to put down others??? IQGuru rated this answer stillwaiting rated this answer

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mr_internet asked on 03/01/04 - A website Would you please visit the following link and answer the questions? Thank you all for taking your time to help me out. http://www.research.umbc.edu/~harries/ Questionnaire I thought this website was easy to use Strongly disagree Disagree Neutral Agree Strongly agree I could do everything I wanted to at this website Strongly disagree Disagree Neutral Agree Strongly agree I found everything I wanted to easily Strongly disagree Disagree Neutral Agree Strongly agree I found this site attractive and appealing Strongly disagree Disagree Neutral Agree Strongly agree I would recommend this website to others Strongly disagree Disagree Neutral Agree Strongly agree Overall, I liked this website Strongly disagree Disagree Neutral Agree Strongly agree What do you like best about this site? What do you dislike the most about the site? Are there any features/functions that would make this site more useful to you? revdauphinee answered on 03/01/04: I personaly would find no use for this site sory mr_internet rated this answer paraclete rated this answer

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PraiseJah asked on 03/01/04 - A plain statement of fact - is that abuse? I stated that QueenofWands62's user name more than suggests she is into the occult. I made no comment about occult activities nor did I say she was unethical personally. Yet she has overreacted and has threatened to report me for "abuse". What do you all think of someone who would do that for something so trivial? revdauphinee answered on 03/01/04: from your previous postings I am aware you are a follower of Christ and if you did not condem such things you would be going against that faith I for one commend you for it! PraiseJah rated this answer

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PraiseJah asked on 03/01/04 - Fortunetellers Are tarot card readers and other fortunetellers unethical, rip-off merchants? Princess Diana's psychic who charged big bucks obviously got it wrong. What do you all think of them? revdauphinee answered on 03/01/04: that it is sin to consort with them since scripture clearly tells us Lev.19:31 "`Do not turn to mediums or seek out spiritists, for you will be defiled by them. I am the LORD your God. Lev.20:6 "`I will set my face against the person who turns to mediums and spiritists to prostitute himself by following them, and I will cut him off from his people. (Isa.8:19 When men tell you to consult mediums and spiritists, who whisper and mutter, should not a people inquire of their God? Why consult the dead on behalf of the living? ATON2 rated this answer MaggieB rated this answer Moonlight2danceby rated this answer paraclete rated this answer PraiseJah rated this answer

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tomder55 asked on 03/01/04 - The Report is in More than 10,000 children were abused by priests over the past half-century because the church failed to weed out candidates unfit for the priesthood while too many bishops put other priorities, such as "fear of scandal," ahead of protecting minors. The complete reports prepared by the U.S. bishops' National Review Board can be found online: John Jay College of Criminal Justice Research Study Website The US Conference of Catholic Bishops Research Study Website The Catholic Review Board Research Study Website Note: The documents are large and in PDF format. You may need to install Acrobat Reader on your machine. Those are some of the central findings of the 145-page report on the causes of the sexual abuse crisis released Feb. 27 by the independent review board established by the bishops in June 2002 to investigate the crisis. The report did not spare the church hierarchy -- casting considerable blame for the crisis at the feet of bishops who were all-too-ready to excuse the abusive behavior of priests in their dioceses. Bishops failed to act against abusive priests, said the report, because they "treated allegations as sporadic and isolated," while the "fear of scandal caused them to practice secrecy and concealment." Fear of litigation Fear of litigation also "caused some bishops to disregard their pastoral role and adopt an adversarial stance not worthy of the church," and bishops relied "too heavily" on psychiatrists and psychologists and lawyers, and they often "placed the interests of the accused priests above those of the victims." Further, the "Bennett Report" (named after the Washington attorney, Robert Bennett, who chaired the subcommittee that drafted the study) found that "many sexually dysfunctional and immature men were � ordained into the priesthood" and that the seminaries that trained them did not adequately prepare them "for the challenges of the priesthood, particularly the challenge of living a chaste, celibate life." While offering no definitive view of the role of gay priests in the crisis, the report states that "there are � many outstanding priests of a homosexual orientation who live chaste, celibate lives" but "any evaluation of the causes and context of the current crisis must be cognizant of the fact that more than 80 percent of all the abuse at issue was of a homosexual nature." Celibate or not? The board said it was beyond their mandate to "opine on the relative merits of a celibate or non-celibate priesthood." Still, said the study, "�it is clear that bishops must remain watchful to ensure that priests embrace chaste celibacy as part of their priestly identity and not as a burden imposed upon them or as a means of escape or denial." The report also charged that "Bishops and other church leaders did not do enough in the way of 'fraternal correction' to ensure that their [fellow bishops] dealt with the problem in an effective manner." The report was one of two released by the review board. A study conducted for the board by the John Jay College of Criminal Justice found that more than 4,000 priests abused more than 10,000 young people between 1950 and 2002, with the greatest number of cases occurring between 1960 and 1985. Roughly 4 percent of priests in this period had a "credible" accusation of abuse made against them, according to the John Jay report. 700 removed Responding to the reports, Bishop Wilton Gregory, president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, told a news conference that "the picture that emerges sadly is one of those who broke faith with their people, with their priesthood, and their religious vows to use their sacred position to prey on the young and the vulnerable instead of safeguarding them with the tender love of Christ himself." More than 700 priests have been removed from ministry since the bishops adopted their "zero tolerance" policy in June 2002, said Gregory. Gregory said it was up to individual bishops and to the Vatican to determine if a bishop who knowingly transferred abusive priests should resign. Meanwhile, victim advocates largely dismissed the reports. The John Jay study, said Barbara Blain, president of the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests, is "not a sign of greater openness" by the bishops. Rather, she said, the report was "forced on the bishops by years of seemingly endless revelations, removal, prosecutions, admissions, exposes, verdicts, lawsuits, and excuses." Joe Feuerherd is NCR's Washington correspondent. << Gregory said it was up to individual bishops and to the Vatican to determine if a bishop who knowingly transferred abusive priests should resign. >> it is past time for them to take needed action .It is up to the laity of the church to demand reform . The answer is YES bishops who knowingly transfered abusive priests should not only resigned ,but they should be investigated by civil authorities for possible prosecution . VOTF (Voice of the Faithful ) has a petition on line asking the Vatican and the Catholic Church in America to take action .You can find the petition here : http://www.votf.org/. [Voice of the Faithful: Voice of the Faithful (VOTF) is a worldwide movement of concerned mainstream Catholics formed in response to the clergy sexual abuse crisis. The group's mission is to provide a prayerful voice, attentive to the Spirit, through which the Faithful can actively participate in the governance and guidance of the Catholic Church. Its goals are to support victim/survivors of abuse, support priests of integrity, and shape structural change within the Catholic Church in full accordance and harmony with Church teaching. ] I encourage everyone to sign it . revdauphinee answered on 03/01/04: personaly I feel God has a special punnishment for any one priests included who harm children,did Jesus not say Matthew 18:6 But if anyone causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him to have a large millstone hung around his neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea. paraclete rated this answer tomder55 rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 02/28/04 - More evidence of a fifth column For those who think that Muslims hold a peaceful view and mean us no harm, think on the implications, because if the leadership thinks this way, so also ultimately do the faithful. This isn't a local attitude but the underlying objective of Islam. The powerful leader of Australia's 300,000 Muslims, Sheik Taj el-Din Al Hilaly, has praised the September 11 terrorist attacks as "God's work". The controversial Mufti also appears to have lent support to Arab suicide bombers in an inflammatory sermon during a Middle East lecture tour. Sheik Al Hilaly, who is based at the Lakemba mosque, last week vehemently denied that he called for a jihad against Israel in one of his sermons. But a translation of a sermon, delivered at the Sidon mosque in Lebanon is littered with references to Arab martyrs and Americans being punished by God. Sheik Al Hilaly spoke of an "Islamic revolution", and told his audience not to be surprised if one day a muezzin called out "Allah is Great!" from the "top of the White House". "September 11 is God's work against oppressors," he said. "Some of the things that happen in the world cannot be explained; a civilian airplane whose secrets cannot be explained, if we ask its pilot who reached his objective without error: 'Who led your steps?' "Or if we ask the giant that fell: 'Who humiliated you?' Or if we ask the president: 'Who made you cry?' God is the answer." Declaring there was a "war on infidels" around the world, the Mufti praised the boy who, "despite his mother's objections", went to war to become a martyr. Bemoaning the lack of "real men" in the Arab world, he said the "true boy" was one who told his mother not to cry for him if he died. The boy who cried: "Oh mother, jihad has been imposed on me and I want to become a martyr [was a son of Islam]." The boy would cry to his mother: "Oh mother, I'm going with a stone in my hand to become a martyr." After seeking clarification from Sheik Al Hilaly in Egypt, his spokesman, Keysar Trad, said the Mufti had taken bits from poems, which he often incorporated into his sermons. The September 11 reference meant that "evil can reach everywhere and everything", and the power of terrorism should not be belittled. Stating that September 11 was God's work against oppressors meant "people only do these things when they feel oppressed". He denied the Mufti had supported suicide bombers, saying the "boy with a stone" could not possibly mean that. What do you think? revdauphinee answered on 02/28/04: I have always maintained Islaam not a peacefull faith ,and have been accused of bigotry by some on this board for my views ,however my view remains the same the very teaching of this faith is toward violence to Christians and Jews,and Yes Aton its how I feel and none of your rhetoric will change me! ATON2 rated this answer MaggieB rated this answer paraclete rated this answer XCHOUX rated this answer

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ROLCAM asked on 02/27/04 - PRIESTS'JOKE. >Two priests decided to go to Hawaii on vacation. They were >determined to make this a real vacation by not wearing >anything that would identify them as clergy. As soon as the >plane landed, they headed for a store and bought some really >outrageous shorts, shirts, sandals, sunglasses, etc. > >The next morning, they went to the beach, dressed in their >"tourist" garb. They were sitting on beach chairs, enjoying a >drink, the sunshine and the scenery when a "drop dead gorgeous" >topless blonde in a thong bikini came walking straight towards >them. > >They couldn't help but stare. As the blonde passed them, >she smiled and said "good morning, Father, good morning, >Father", nodding and addressing each of them individually, >then passed on by. They were both stunned. How in the world >did she know they were priests? > >So the next day, they went back to the store and bought >even more outrageous outfits. These were so loud you could >hear them before you even saw them. > >Once again the two priests in mufti settled on the beach in >their chairs to enjoy the sunshine. After a while, the same >gorgeous topless blonde, wearing a string, taking her sweet >time, came walking toward them. Again she nodded at each of >them, said "good morning, Father" and started to walk away. > >One of the priests couldn't stand it any longer and said. >"Just a minute young lady." > >Yes?" she replied. > >"We are priests, and proud of it, but I have to know, how in >the world did you know we are priests dressed as we are?" > >"Father, it's me, Sister Angela," she replied. best wishes,always. ROLCAM. revdauphinee answered on 02/27/04: lol DOROTHY ROLCAM rated this answer Bradd rated this answer

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XCHOUX asked on 02/27/04 - Trivia from the Radio Just on my radio call-in show. "No matter where you are in the world, you are only three feet from a spider". Insect Specialist. Comments? Chou PS I love spiders, they are our friends against the war with insects! revdauphinee answered on 02/27/04: I wish I could share your love but since being bitten many years ago by a black widdow ,and remembering just how awfull it made me feel i am today deathly afrAID OF SPIDERS MaggieB rated this answer XCHOUX rated this answer

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Laura asked on 02/27/04 - Prayer request I just found out last night that my uncle had a terrible experience. He choked on some food and somehow it tore his asophagus. They did emergency surgery but found that he had a devestating cancer that had spread through out his body. If he knew about the cancer, he never told anyone about it. According to what I know, he was very active and appeared in good health up until the choking accident. He asked that they discontinue the breathing tube and just keep him comfortable. He passed away this morning. This was very sudden and unexpected and my family out in California is devistated. Please keep them in your prayers. His sister lived with him and she is almost 90 years old and will now be alone. I know that my cousins and other relatives out there will take good care of her but she will be so lonely. From what I understand she is very upset and confused. Thank you and God bless. Laura revdauphinee answered on 02/27/04: Laura you and this family will be in my prayers Dorothy Laura rated this answer

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IQGuru asked on 02/27/04 - Request for prayer Hello Dear Friends: I have (by marriage) a 31 year old daughter-in-law (Jennifer) who has undergone a most difficult first-time pregnancy. Her first child (a boy, to be named Wyatt) is due March 7th, plus or minus 10 days. [Minus 10 is today!] Hopefully, Wyatt will become my 3rd grandchild and 2nd grandson. Until then, I ask for your continued prayers that this birth can be without complications. I shall attempt to thank you individually, in a timely manner, should you also care to make any comments here. However, please be advised that I shall be away from my computer most of Sunday, because (in my capacity as District VFW Chaplain) I must Sunday perform the funeral service for a deceased veteran, as well as his subseguent graveside service. Thank you all, in advance, for your prayers. "IQ" revdauphinee answered on 02/27/04: I most certainly will join you in praying for a safe birth and a healthy grandchild for you Dorothy IQGuru rated this answer

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arcura asked on 02/26/04 - Your expert opinions on NO to gay marriages.. A friend has asked me about the various reasons (if any) so many people (including Christians, Jews and Muslims are strongly opposed to legal marriages between members of the same sex. While I am firmly opposed to such unions and have my reasons why, I felt that (to be thorough I should gather opinions from the experts here. Please provide same. Thanks. Peace and kindness, arcura revdauphinee answered on 02/26/04: on this one I share your oppinion my basis is in scripture Leviticus 18:22. "`Do not lie with a man as one lies with a woman; that is detestable. If it is detestable to God who is man to find it acceptable?? arcura rated this answer ATON2 rated this answer

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XCHOUX asked on 02/26/04 - Christ Risen It occures to me that in the uniquely American Christian Fundamentalist movement, the ministers preach Christ Risen instead of Christ's corpse hanging on a cross. I can't complete my thoughts here, but fundamentalist churches are so much more positive than Catholicism and main-line Protestant churches, in my opinion. Comments? revdauphinee answered on 02/26/04: I have to agree with you on this one tomder55 rated this answer XCHOUX rated this answer

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MaggieB asked on 02/26/04 - Re: The Passion is out and the reviews are in A different take on the "Passion of the Christ." This is an article from our local newspaper re the movie: I am omitting the name of the town and paper. Thursday, Feb 26, 2004 - 01:06:49 pm EST 'Powerful' By Susan Shinn, xxxxxxxxx Post Some 400 pastors saw "The Passion of the Christ" Wednesday morning at the Gem Theatre xxxxxxxxxx. At least one of them rewrote his Ash Wednesday sermon. All will likely recommend the film to parishioners. By 8:45, when the doors of the Gem opened, there were already dozens of people waiting outside. The theater sent more than 400 churches in Cabarrus and Rowan counties invitations to the first showing at 9:30 Wednesday, Manager Steve Morris said. People sipped coffee and munched cinnamon raisin biscuits in the lobby as they talked about what they were about to experience. "This is a movie," said Dr. Kenneth Lane, senior pastor of First Baptist Church, xxxxxxxxxx. "This is not scripture verbatim. This is a piece of art. People are going to have to stretch their imaginations. They cannot come to this thinking they're gonna get a Vacation Bible School story. "I am glad I mustered up the courage to be able to get through this," said Lane, who called it a "profound spiritual experience." The Rev. Don Shuman, senior pastor of Trinity United Methodist in xxxxxxxxx, saw the movie at a private screening earlier this week. "It is a powerful film," he said. "It will certainly touch the lives of a lot of people." But, he added, "I was overwhelmed by the violence of the scourging and the beating before the crucifixion. I kinda struggled to get involved in the film as much as I could have." Shuman said that other viewers have called it one of the most spiritual moments of their lives. "I never got to that point," he said, "because I was just so taken aback by the violence." "You could hear people sobbing," said the Rev. Jarrod Lanning, pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church, xxxxxx. "You could see people squirming in their seats, but I didn't see anybody leave." Chris Fowler, area director of Young Life in Rowan County, saw an unedited version of the film in January. "I just want people to go see it," he said. "I don't want anything to deter anybody from going to see it." Especially an R rating. "How can you show a cat-o'-nine-tails and a whipping and a crown of thorns? How can you do all that and do it accurately without an R rating?" Fowler asked. Chicago Sun-Times film critic Roger Ebert called the film, "The most violent film I have ever seen." Local pastors disagree. "I was far more shaken up in the first 30 minutes of 'Saving Private Ryan,'" Lane said. "For us as preachers of the story, we know the story very well." "Braveheart was worse," Lanning said. Mel Gibson directed and starred in that film. "What appealed to me was the relationship between Mary and Jesus," said the Rev. Rod Kerr, First Baptist's youth minister. "That was the point that grabbed me." Lane agreed. "My tears came in places that no one's talked about," he said. The Rev. Louis Fawcett, pastor of Salem Lutheran Church, xxxxxxxx, described the movie in one word: "Perfect." "It's a work of art the way Gibson portrayed the whole Passion. He gets at the heart of what it's all about. It is bloody, but it is accurate to the gospel account. I found it to be disturbing, but not gratuitous." Lanning did not speak to anyone as he left the theater. "I just simply wanted to go somewhere and pray and be alone," he said. The visuals in the movie, he said, "put a face on the suffering of Christ. I will never hear the text of the Bible the same way again after what I have seen. "I came out thinking two things: I cannot believe he did that for me, and what can I do for him?" He immediately rewrote his Ash Wednesday sermon. "It was just a run-of-the-mill Ash Wednesday sermon," he said. The movie "refashioned what I was going to preach on -- it's rekindled my desire to preach the word." Hunter Fuller, youth and children's minister at First Reformed Church, xxxxxx, had a similar reaction. "It left me challenged to be more of who I'm supposed to be in Christ," he said. Fuller and his wife saw the movie together. He thinks it's definitely a movie that children who are old enough should watch with their parents. If parents have let their children watch violent movies, he said, they should let them watch this one. "Kids need to have their parents there for support." The Rev. Nilous Avery of xxxxxxxx Mount Zion Baptist Church had a hard time finding words to describe his emotions. "It's overwhelming," he said. "It really brings it to life. It will certainly deepen my faith, and I think it will cause us to look at each other and life with more appreciation." "It was powerful, thought-provoking, heart-wrenching," said the Rev. Alexis Anthony, pastor of Great Vision United Methodist Church, xxxxxxxxxx. "This has the power to actually change a person. "You couldn't help but feel the blows. Surely every Christian ought to see this and ask friends who may not have embraced Christ to come and see the film with them." Anthony came to the movie with the Rev. Morris Graves of Christ Discipleship Ministries, xxxxxxxxxxx. "It broke my heart," Graves said. "I pray this movie really does great. Nothing sends a message to Hollywood like dollars." While it is violent, the movie offers an overriding message of love, Graves said. Young Life's Fowler said he hopes all high school students see the movie. "They have seen violence," he said. "It is very, very violent, though. You want the beatings to stop." He added, "Young Life is outreach focused. We will use it as a tool." First Baptist pastors have said they want the movie to be a springboard for discussion. "Christ the man demands a decision," Kerr said. "It's not about the movie -- What do you do with this man?" "We hope folks will ask questions and will want to find out more, to read the rest of the story," Lane said. "It will be interesting to see if this time next month, the conversation is still going on, or whether it was just a movie," Kerr said. "After the movie leaves Tinseltown, the story will still be playing here," Lane said. Staff writer Katie Scarvey contributed to this story. revdauphinee answered on 02/26/04: will be interesting to see Atons post on this one Dorothy ATON2 rated this answer MaggieB rated this answer

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ATON2 asked on 02/25/04 - Response to Father Chuck This is in response to Father Chuck, who claimed that all the reviewers lied about the "Passion" because they had an anti-Christian agenda..and that only the REAL reviewers, the people, tell the truth. Here's some real people for you, Chuck. Baltimore Sun PASSION GETS THUMBS DOWN. Screening: An intefaith Baltimore audience previews the film and mostly finds any message overwhelmed by the gore. By Frank Langfitt Sun Staff February 25,2004 An advance screening of Mel Gibson's "The Passion of the Christ" drew scathing reviews yesterday from an interfaith group of 600 Baltimore-area Christains and Jews, who called the film gratuitously violent, historically inaccurate and just plain bad. The criticism transcended faith as rabbis and priests alike trashed most aspects of the movie, from its inclusion of scenes NOT found in the Bible to its portrayal of the Jewish High Priest Caiaphas and the Jewish mob as the prime culprits in the crucifixion of Jesus. "As a scripture person, I offer sympathy for my Jewish brothers and sisters here" said the Rev. John Donahue, a Jesuit and professor of New Testament studies at St. Mary's Seminary & University in Roland Park, who served on a panel after the screening at the Senator Theatre. "Historically, the portrayal of the Jewish leaders here is a parody. The movie has many things that are attested in NO gospels whatsoever. M. Sigmund Shapiro, a member of Baltimore's Insitute for Christian & Jewish studies, which organized the screening, walked out before the end of the film because, he said, he could stand no more gore. "It was like a Frankenstein movie," Shapiro said of 'The Passion', which graphically depicts the seeingly endless beating of Christ by Roman soldiers with cats-of-nine-tails, and by an angry mob as he carries the cross to the mountaintop. Shapiro also said that, dramatically, the film is so poor that he's optimistic it will not inflame anti-Semitic feeling, as some Jewish organizations have warned. "By and large, I think it's a non-issue", says Shapiro, 76, who oversees a freight forwarding and customs brokerage company. "I have the feeling that Jesus would think it's a lot of crap. It it had been a better film, I would have been more concerned." The Passion opens today in 2,800 theatres across the country on a crest of publicity unheard of for a religious film. For almost a year, some Jewish organizations have express concern that the movie's sheer violence and protrayal of the Jews could resurect the age-old charge that Jews killed Christ. Since medieval times, passion plays -which - like Gibson's movie, depict the last 12 hours of Christ's life- often have been openly Anti-Semitic and used to justify persecution of Jews. The Institute for Christian and Jewish Studies held yesterday's screening and discussion to promote an informed conversation on the film and to defuse tension in advance of the its opening. While most of those who spoke criticized the film yesterday, some called it spiritually stirring. The Rev. Frederick Russell, senior pastor of Miracle Temple Church, a Seventh Day Adventist congregation in Baltimore, said he looked past the violence and the question of Jewish culpability to what he called the film's deeper message of Christ's sacrifice and mankind's responsibility for his death. "This is a deeply moving, violent situation, but when I pull back from the violence, it becomes very personal," Russell said. "It was not the Jews who put him on the cross - my sins put him on the cross." Russell's comments drew one of the few rounds of applause in the hourlong discussion, suggesting that others agreed with him but might have been reluctant to speak up in an emotionally charged environment. In a sign of conflicting reactions the film should elicit from Christians, Rosann M. Catalano, the Institue's Roman Catholic staff scholar, seemed perplexed by Russell's response. "Maybe we were watching two different movies," said Catalano, "but there was nothing in that film that taught me Christ died for my sins." Although yesterday's audeince was highly critical, it was not demographically representative of Baltimore's religious community. Institue officials estimated that 4o percent of attendees were Jewish, with the other 60 percent Christian. During the discussion, one participant suggested that evangelicals, who not seem to number many in the audience, might have a far more favorable reaction to the movie. Nationally, evangelical leaders and ministers have hailed the Passion as an unprecedented opportunity to bring Christ's story to the masses and have purchased large blocks of tickets. Their enthusiasm and the controversy over the potential for Anti-Semitism have created unusual interest in a film on a subject that often fares poorly at the box office. Industry analysts expect the Passion to gross as much as $40 million in its firs five days. After the screening, Judy Meltzer stood in line waiting for the restroom, shaking her head. Meltzer, who runs a center for adult learning at Chizuk Amuno Congragaton, was still trying to absord the movie's gore. "I don't think it's anti-Semitic," she said of the film. "I hope not. But I don't think you have to show all that blood." "I hope churches don't insist that young people see this. I can't believe it would be a good thing." cprwrt 2004 The Baltimore Sun Don't know about you guys...but I think $40 million is an aweful lot of 'blood' money. revdauphinee answered on 02/26/04: there is so much that you and I see so differently that I feel the best we can do on these occasions is just to agree to disagree !I do not come here to argue with you or anyone else! like yourself I have my own oppinions I cannot change you nor can you influence me so lets just let it go!There are some (not many) times when we do agree so I would rather dwell on them Dorothy ATON2 rated this answer

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STONY asked on 02/26/04 - THE WAGES OF SIN IS DEATH... WHEN ADAM AND EVE WERE IN THE GARDEN THERE WAS PERFECTION UNTIL THEY ATE FROM THE TREE OF KNOWLEDGE OF GOOD AND EVIL. WHEN SIN ENTERED THE GARDEN THE SHEKINNAH GLORY OF GOD WAS REMOVED FROM A/E. GOD CREATED A/E IN HIS OWN IMAGE THAT MEANS THEY WERE CREATED TO LIVE FOR EVER. ONCE SIN ENTERED THEIR LIFE THEY HAD TO BE EXPELLED FROM THE GARDEN BECAUSE TO EAT FROM THE TREE OF LIFE WOULD MEAN THAT THEY WOULD LIVE IN SIN FOREVER, AND THAT WAS NEVER GOD'S PLAN FOR ANY OF US. NOW, I THINK 14 GENERATIONS LATER JESUS COMES ALONG AND HE PAYS WITH HIS LIFE THE DEBT FOR THE SINS OF MANKIND. NOW WHERE SOME FOLKS GET CONFUSED IS THIS, GOD FORGIVES ALL SIN WHEN YOU PRAY TO HIM AND ASK; BUT HE DOES NOT REMOVE THE CONSEQUENCES OF THAT SIN THAT IS FORGIVEN. TAKE FOR INSTANCE A MURDERER ON DEATH ROW WHO TRUELY REPENTS BEFORE GOD AND IS FORGIVEN. THE SIN IS WASHED AWAY BY THE BLOOD OF JESUS BUT THE MURDERER STILL GOES TO THE ELECTRIC CHAIR FOR MAN'S PUNISHMENT. I HOPE THIS HAS HELPED YOU GAIN A BETTER UNDERSTANDING AND IF I CAN BE OF ANY ASSISTANCE IN THE FUTURE DON'T HESITATE TO ASK.......STONY revdauphinee answered on 02/26/04: thanks for this posting STONY rated this answer

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ROLCAM asked on 02/26/04 - WHIPPING STORY - READ AND ENJOY !! There was a school with a class of students that no teacher had been able to handle. Two or three teachers had been run off from this school in one year by the unruly students. A young man, just out of college, heard about the class and applied to the school. The principal asked the young man, "Do you know what you are asking for No one else has been able to handle these students. You are just asking for a terrible beating. After a few moments of silent prayer, the young man looked at the principal and said, "Sir, with your consent I accept the challenge. Just give me a trial basis." The next morning the young man stood before the class. He said to the class, "Young people, I came here today to conduct school. But I realize I can't do it by myself. I must have your help. "One big boy, they called Big Tom, in the back of the room whispered to his buddies, "I won't need any help. I can lick that little bird all by myself." The young teacher told the class that if they were to have school, there would have to be some rules to go by. But he also added that he would allow the students to make up the rules and that he would list them on the blackboard. This was certainly different, the students thought! One young man suggested "NO STEALING." Another one shouted "BE ON TIME FOR CLASS." Pretty soon they had 10 rules listed on the board. The teacher then asked the class what the punishment should be for breaking these rules. "Rules are no good unless they are enforced", he said. Someone in the class suggested that if the rules were broken, they should receive 10 licks with a rod across their back with their coat off. The teacher thought that this was pretty harsh, so he asked the class if they would stand by this punishment. The class agreed. Everything went along pretty good for two or three days. Then Big Tom came in one day very upset. He declared that someone had stole his lunch. After talking with the students, they came to the conclusion that little Timmy had stolen Big Tom's lunch. Someone had seen little Timmy with Big Tom's lunch! The teacher called little Timmy up to the front of the room. Little Timmy admitted he had taken Big Tom's lunch. So the teacher asked him, "Do you know the punishment? Little Timmy nodded that he did. "You must remove your coat," the teacher instructed. The little fellow had come with a great big coat on. Little Timmy said to the teacher, I am guilty and I am willing to take my punishment, but please don't make me take off my coat. The teacher reminded little Timmy of the rules and punishments and again told him he must remove his coat and take his punishment like a man. The little fellow started to unbutton that old coat. As he did so, the teacher saw he did not have a shirt on under the coat. And even worse, he saw a frail and bony frame hidden beneath that coat. The teacher asked little Timmy why he had come to school without a shirt on. Little Timmy replied, "My daddy's dead and my mother is very poor. I don't have but one shirt, and my mother is washing it today. I wore my big brother's coat so that I could keep warm." That young teacher stood and looked at the frail back with the spine protruding against the skin, and his ribs sticking out. He wondered how he could lay a rod on that little back and without even a shirt on. Still, he knew he must enforce the punishment or the children would not obey the rules. So he drew back to strike little Timmy. Just then Big Tom stood up and came down the aisle. He asked, "Is there anything that says that I can't take little Timmy's whipping for him?" The teacher thought about it and agreed. With that Big Tom ripped his coat off and stooped and stood over little Timmy at the desk. Hesitatingly the teacher began to lay the rod on that big back. But for some strange reason after only five licks that old rod just broke in half. The young teacher buried his face in his hands and began to sob. He heard a commotion and looked up to find not even one dry eye in the room. Little Timmy had turned and grabbed Big Tom around the neck apologizing to him for stealing his lunch. Little Timmy begged Big Tom to forgive him. He told Big Tom that he would love him till the day he died for taking his whipping for him. Aren't you glad that Jesus took our whipping for us. That He shed His precious blood on Calvary so that you and I can have eternal life in Glory with Him? We are unworthy of the price He paid for us, but aren't you glad He loves us that much? This is a story everyone needs to know. So if you know anyone else who may be blessed by this story, please pass it on. God bless you, and keep you safe. Most people's troubles come from too much time on their hands and not enough on their knees. For the Christian Prayer is not an option but an opportunity. "In prayer; expect setbacks, but refuse retreat." Don't tell the Lord how big the problem is, tell the problem how Great the Lord is! Best wishes to all,always. ROLCAM. revdauphinee answered on 02/26/04: thank you for this it was great and i am keeping it for future refrence ROLCAM rated this answer MaggieB rated this answer

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ATON2 asked on 02/25/04 - Response to Father Chuck This is in response to Father Chuck, who claimed that all the reviewers lied about the "Passion" because they had an anti-Christian agenda..and that only the REAL reviewers, the people, tell the truth. Here's some real people for you, Chuck. Baltimore Sun PASSION GETS THUMBS DOWN. Screening: An intefaith Baltimore audience previews the film and mostly finds any message overwhelmed by the gore. By Frank Langfitt Sun Staff February 25,2004 An advance screening of Mel Gibson's "The Passion of the Christ" drew scathing reviews yesterday from an interfaith group of 600 Baltimore-area Christains and Jews, who called the film gratuitously violent, historically inaccurate and just plain bad. The criticism transcended faith as rabbis and priests alike trashed most aspects of the movie, from its inclusion of scenes NOT found in the Bible to its portrayal of the Jewish High Priest Caiaphas and the Jewish mob as the prime culprits in the crucifixion of Jesus. "As a scripture person, I offer sympathy for my Jewish brothers and sisters here" said the Rev. John Donahue, a Jesuit and professor of New Testament studies at St. Mary's Seminary & University in Roland Park, who served on a panel after the screening at the Senator Theatre. "Historically, the portrayal of the Jewish leaders here is a parody. The movie has many things that are attested in NO gospels whatsoever. M. Sigmund Shapiro, a member of Baltimore's Insitute for Christian & Jewish studies, which organized the screening, walked out before the end of the film because, he said, he could stand no more gore. "It was like a Frankenstein movie," Shapiro said of 'The Passion', which graphically depicts the seeingly endless beating of Christ by Roman soldiers with cats-of-nine-tails, and by an angry mob as he carries the cross to the mountaintop. Shapiro also said that, dramatically, the film is so poor that he's optimistic it will not inflame anti-Semitic feeling, as some Jewish organizations have warned. "By and large, I think it's a non-issue", says Shapiro, 76, who oversees a freight forwarding and customs brokerage company. "I have the feeling that Jesus would think it's a lot of crap. It it had been a better film, I would have been more concerned." The Passion opens today in 2,800 theatres across the country on a crest of publicity unheard of for a religious film. For almost a year, some Jewish organizations have express concern that the movie's sheer violence and protrayal of the Jews could resurect the age-old charge that Jews killed Christ. Since medieval times, passion plays -which - like Gibson's movie, depict the last 12 hours of Christ's life- often have been openly Anti-Semitic and used to justify persecution of Jews. The Institute for Christian and Jewish Studies held yesterday's screening and discussion to promote an informed conversation on the film and to defuse tension in advance of the its opening. While most of those who spoke criticized the film yesterday, some called it spiritually stirring. The Rev. Frederick Russell, senior pastor of Miracle Temple Church, a Seventh Day Adventist congregation in Baltimore, said he looked past the violence and the question of Jewish culpability to what he called the film's deeper message of Christ's sacrifice and mankind's responsibility for his death. "This is a deeply moving, violent situation, but when I pull back from the violence, it becomes very personal," Russell said. "It was not the Jews who put him on the cross - my sins put him on the cross." Russell's comments drew one of the few rounds of applause in the hourlong discussion, suggesting that others agreed with him but might have been reluctant to speak up in an emotionally charged environment. In a sign of conflicting reactions the film should elicit from Christians, Rosann M. Catalano, the Institue's Roman Catholic staff scholar, seemed perplexed by Russell's response. "Maybe we were watching two different movies," said Catalano, "but there was nothing in that film that taught me Christ died for my sins." Although yesterday's audeince was highly critical, it was not demographically representative of Baltimore's religious community. Institue officials estimated that 4o percent of attendees were Jewish, with the other 60 percent Christian. During the discussion, one participant suggested that evangelicals, who not seem to number many in the audience, might have a far more favorable reaction to the movie. Nationally, evangelical leaders and ministers have hailed the Passion as an unprecedented opportunity to bring Christ's story to the masses and have purchased large blocks of tickets. Their enthusiasm and the controversy over the potential for Anti-Semitism have created unusual interest in a film on a subject that often fares poorly at the box office. Industry analysts expect the Passion to gross as much as $40 million in its firs five days. After the screening, Judy Meltzer stood in line waiting for the restroom, shaking her head. Meltzer, who runs a center for adult learning at Chizuk Amuno Congragaton, was still trying to absord the movie's gore. "I don't think it's anti-Semitic," she said of the film. "I hope not. But I don't think you have to show all that blood." "I hope churches don't insist that young people see this. I can't believe it would be a good thing." cprwrt 2004 The Baltimore Sun Don't know about you guys...but I think $40 million is an aweful lot of 'blood' money. revdauphinee answered on 02/25/04: Aton we know by now your against this movie but the rest of us may not be so please let us go see it and form our own oppinions we can all read these bad reviews for ourselves we dont need your putdowns of anything the rest of us Fr Chuck included care for ATON2 rated this answer paraclete rated this answer

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ATON2 asked on 02/25/04 - The "Passion" is out, and the reviews are in. And the concensus seems to be that the violence, blood, and gore, over-ride any message they film may have: Newsweek: "More likely to inspire nightmares than devotion". New Yorker: "A sickening death trip". New York Post: (the conservatives bible) "The goriest story ever told." Leonard Maltin: "It's made with passion, but it didn't translate to me". New York Assemblyman, Dov Hikind: "This is a stereotype of the worst kind.. Mel Gibson should be ashamed of himself. It takes us back to the Dark Ages...in can incite violence against Jews!!" Comments????? revdauphinee answered on 02/25/04: first question Have you yopurself seen it?? I havent so I cant comment myself I did hower listen to others whos oppinion differs greatly from you and also those who agreed that it was very graphic .we must realise that the suffering of the one we follow was indeed horrible and to suger coat that fact would not serve any purpose!I will reserve my personal comment on this film untill such time as I can get tickets not something as i said too easy where I live .Believe it or not the small town I live in does not even have a theater and the clossest one to me is sold out for a while Dorothy ATON2 rated this answer

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HANK1 asked on 02/25/04 - BUSH & UNEMPLOYMENT! People 'all over the place' are blaming our fine President for the unemployment stats in the United States. Corporations are setting up shop overseas! Bush sure as hell isn't telling them to 'pack their bags!' Said corporations do this because of economics, per low wages etc. The real culprit is a 'need' to increase their profit margins ... which translates into GREED and SELFISHNESS! They could care less about the working poor and their families, the Yuppies who are probably in debt up to their ears, and the average working man who is trying to provide for his family. Corporate ethics went out the window years ago. Do you agree? HANK revdauphinee answered on 02/25/04: In a word Yes!However I do feel that the republican party is a great enabler of this corporate greed> ATON2 rated this answer Bobbye rated this answer HANK1 rated this answer tomder55 rated this answer

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sapphire630 asked on 02/25/04 - re: my last question I wanted to repost more specifically, I tend to often generalize words ending up with my point coming across somewhat vague or unclear sometimes. I asked about Christians that give the "as a Christian it is your duty to vote speech" and they push for people to vote for the Republican party.--Namely Pat Robinson, Jerry Falwell, etc...give this same speech every election time. They say that people vote for the democratic party for economic reasons as well as wanting a more liberal country. As Christians we should vote Republican because Republican presidents are pro life. My question: We seem not only to still have abortion rights still in place with the Republican presidents, but it seems to me we seem to have more wars with soldiers getting killed as well with a Republican President so where is the justification with their "vote for the Republican party because they are pro life and that is more important than your economically satisfication". Until I see a Republican running for Presidency that promises to actually do away with abortions I can not see how Pat Robinson and clan can use Republican presidents being pro life as a reason for voting Republican. revdauphinee answered on 02/25/04: I am sure that all Christians are not republicns ,personaly I am not! I feel we should vote for a person and not for a party,I have generaly been a democrat in the past however had Dean become the democratic frontrunner rest assured I would have voted republican ANd I assure you I am a Christian MaggieB rated this answer sapphire630 rated this answer

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MaggieB asked on 02/25/04 - Ash Wednesday Today is Ash Wednesday the beginning of the Lenten Season. What are you giving up for Lent if anything? Do you fast and pray? MaggieB revdauphinee answered on 02/25/04: personaly I dont feel that lent is just a Catholic thing as some have sugested it is a time when ,rather than giving up something we should add,we should add the time to contemplate (seeing the passion should help in this )what a tremendous thing God did for us in allowing Jesus great sacrifice and he did it for humanity who deserved nothing! MaggieB rated this answer

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Fr_Chuck asked on 02/25/04 - Fat Tuesday, Shrove Tuesday History OK, I don't know I have ever answered a question in a question, but I wanted everyone to know alittle more about the history of Shrove Tuesday, now called Mardi Gras or Fat Tuesday. The day before the beginning of Lent is called Shrove Tuesday a name that comes from the old custom of confessing all ones sins ( being shriven) prior to the season of fasting and prayer. The day is ofen marked with gala celebration called a Mardi Gras, a french term meaning fat Tuesday. The term reflects the custom of parading a fat OX through the streets of Paris on Shrove Tuesday. The Mardi Gras is not a Church celebration in the strictes sense of the word. It was an outgrouth of an ancient Roman custom of extensive merrymaking before any period of fasting. ONe might conclude that the Christian uses this celebration as an opportunity to have one final party before the solemn 40 day period prior to Easter. Thanks, Fr Chuck revdauphinee answered on 02/25/04: I live between Mobile Ala and New Orleans the biggest Mardi gras party place in the Us and while I know you are correct in stating it as one last fling before Lent ,let me assure you that the revelers who participate here in the midddle of what I dub as Mardi Gras madness have absolutly no concept of it as a religious thing it is herre just annother excuse for getting drunk and dissorderly Dorothy ATON2 rated this answer Fr_Chuck rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 02/24/04 - More Humor..Just because its an election year. "An Elementary Look at Campaigns and Elections" (Every year, teacher Mike Wilson of Ballwin, Missouri has his elementary-school students study the presidential election process in America. From the resulting essays and exam papers, Wilson has culled some gems of youthful insight and wisdom, not to mention skepticism worth of a politics-weary adult. As the 2004 presidential election grows near, we offer some of Wilson's treasures.) Did you ever think what I used to think about candidates running neck-and-neck? Well it is not true. Universal suffrage means that even the illegible get to vote. Calling a person a runner-up is the polite way of saying you lost. The difference between a king and a president is that a king is the son of his father but a president is not. What I learned about elections is that we aren't really getting to elect the president. It is some people in a college who get to. I have not decided what to do about it yet but I am not going to just sit around. It is possible to get the majority of electoral votes without getting the majority of popular votes. Anyone who can ever understand how this works gets to be president. Some of our presidents never did much else and are famous only because they became president. The more I think about trying to run for president the less I think of it. The president has the power to appoint and disappoint the members of his cabinet. Much has been said about balancing the budget. It has been found that the budget is more talkable than balanceable. The campaign is when the candidate tells what he stand for and the election is when the votes tell if they can stand for his being elected. Actually, elections are different from politics. Elections come and go while politics are with us all the time. The winning candidate is elected and inoculated. In January, the president makes his Inaugural Address after he has been sworn at. Once he is elected, sometimes the president has to work 24 hours a day until he finds out what he is supposed to do. The nominees are usually called candidates or campaigners although I have heard them called other things. One of the strictest rules is all dark horses running for president must be people. Popular votes tell who is the most popular. Electoral votes tell who is the most elected. Heredity is a bad thing in politics because it gets us kings instead of presidents. A caucus is something people vote in. Sort of a small booth. An overwhelming favorite is a candidate that often comes over to the convention and whelms the delegates. The jobs of delegates is to resent their states. Noncommittal is to be able to talk and talk without saying anything. When the radio mentions a landslide, cross your fingers and hope it is talking about an election. A dark horse is a candidate that the delegates don't know enough about to dislike yet. Political science is to try to figure out what makes candidates act that way. A split ticket is when you don't like any of them on the ticket so you tear it up. When they talk about the most promising presidential candidate, they mean the one who can think of the most things to promise. Elephants and donkeys never fought until politics came along. Political strategy is when you don't let people know you have run out of ideas and keep shouting anyway. A candidate should always renounce his words carefully. We are learning how to make our election results known quicker and quicker. It is our campaigns we are having trouble getting any shorter. One of the mainest rules of campaigning is you are not allowed to go on a whistle-stop tour without a train. Politician is the bawling out name for a candidate you don't like. Speaking of defeat, candidates are told never to. Campaigns give us a great deal of happiness by their finally ending. revdauphinee answered on 02/24/04: the following one realy sums up polititians doesnt it "Noncommittal is to be able to talk and talk without saying anything." paraclete rated this answer

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kindj asked on 02/23/04 - Is a "men's movement" needed? The following article is interesting to me, if a bit lengthy, considering that Friday I was at a conference that deals basically with this same issue. Although the conference was from a secular POV, many of the sentiments, problems, and solutions were identical to what the article says. Overall, without really dwelling on any one point, what do you folks think? ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Albert Mohler Author, Speaker, President of the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary Monday, February 23, 2004 Barbarians and Wimps: America's Boy Problem Writing in the very first year of the twentieth century, William Byron Forbush warned America that it faced a crisis he called "the boy problem." Forbush warned that a generation of young males, then still in boyhood, would soon enter the life of the nation without the necessary civilizing influences, discipline, and character. He called for immediate action and directed national attention to the problem. In his influential book, The Boy Problem, Forbush offered a plan for recovering America's adolescent boys. He called for fathers to play a more direct role in the raising of their sons, for schools to give attention to the particular needs of boys, and for the formation and support of organizations that would take boys off the streets and offer moral and spiritual formation. The "boy problem" as observed by William Forbush looks almost quaint by today's standards. In the year 2004, America faces a far greater crisis in a generation of boys and young men who have been unfathered, untutored, undisciplined, and ultimately unleashed on society. From the ancient Greeks onward, civilization has existed only where boys are raised and socialized to be men and to assume the responsibilities of manhood. In the Bible, Solomon's moral instruction to his own son is found in the book of Proverbs, offering timeless insight into the reality of manhood and its challenges. A fascinating view into the world of contemporary boyhood is offered by Terrence O. Moore in the winter 2003 issue of the Claremont Review of Books. In "Wimps and Barbarians: The Sons of Murphy Brown," Moore offers a trenchant diagnosis of contemporary boyhood and the challenge our new "boy problem" presents to the nation. Moore begins and ends his essay by remembering "Avery," the fictional son of the fictional Murphy Brown, the news commentator played by Candice Bergen on prime time television. Murphy Brown's son--infamously born out of wedlock--become a major issue of nation-wide controversy when vice president Dan Quayle made the child a focus of national concern when he charged that Murphy Brown and her son represented a breakdown of family values and stability. The cultural elite went after Quayle like dogs chasing a stray cat, and Quayle was derided for his backward views and traditional morality. Taking his cue from the television program, Terrence Moore realized that Avery would now be a teenager, and, though Avery was a fictional boy, Moore sees Avery's generation on a daily basis. "As a Marine, college professor, and now principal of a K-12 charter school," Moore relates, "I have deliberately tried to figure out whether the nation through its most important institutions of moral instruction--its families and schools--is turning boys into responsible young men." Moore answers the question in the negative, and argues that adolescent boys and young men are now divided between "barbarians" who represent crude, antisocial, and uncivilized character; and "wimps," who are described as "whiny, incapable of making decisions, and in general of 'acting like men.'" Manhood, Moore explains, "is not simply a matter of being male and reaching a certain age. These are acts of nature; manhood is a sustained act of character." Moore sees today's young males divided between those who show a crude excess of manliness and those who seem to lack any manliness at all. "So prevalent are these two errant types," Moore asserts, "that the prescription for what ails our young males might be reduced to two simple instructions: Don't be a barbarian, Don't be a wimp. What is left...will be a man." Where are today's barbarians? Moore locates them at the local shopping mall, wandering about in packs, recognizable by their sloppy dress, their lack of linguistic ability, their crudeness of manners, and their treatment of women. Barbarians do not need words nor use them, they communicate to each other through guttural grunts, shrugs, and various noises. When barbarians actually use words, their speech is most likely to be laced with profanity. At the other extreme, the wimps lack all manly conviction and character. Robbed of ambition, moral formation, and courage, wimps "make worthless watchdogs." The wimp is incapable of living up to his responsibilities as a man, and shows no valor in his public or private life. "Many of today's young men seem to have no fight in them at all. Not for them to rescue damsels in distress from the barbarians," Moore sadly reflects. The wimp is always looking for the easiest way out of a problem. With respect to women, barbarians demonstrate a crudeness, profanity, and violence that treats women merely as sex objects for male pleasure. Barbarians show women no respect, and are completely lacking in the manly virtues of protection and respect for the well being of women. Wimps, on the other hand, look to women for emotional support, consider girlfriends to be conversation partners, and look to women for pity. They are shameless. The existence of barbarians and wimps in the population of young men is not a new development, Moore acknowledges. Nevertheless, "What needs explaining is why these two obviously defective character types have become so common, at times seeming like the norm." Moore, who deals with adolescent boys everyday as a school principal, argues that these boys and young men are not encouraged to become responsible men. Furthermore, it seems that "every factor effecting their development is profoundly hostile to the ideal and practices of traditional manhood and the painstaking steps necessary to attain it." Adolescent boys have easy access to sex, are unsupervised for large blocks of time, are not encouraged to prepare for marriage, and are not held accountable by older males--especially their fathers. Moore recounts that half of American boys do not even live with their natural fathers. Generally, sons raised by single mothers "lack strong men to usher them into the world of responsible, adult manhood." Even when the father is in the home, all too many fathers recede into the background and fail to take up the true responsibilities of fatherhood. Moore remembers when the traditional father "was the sole bread winner, the chief disciplinarian, and the figure who sat at the head of the table and spoke with authority on matters of politics, economics, and religion." That father is a disappearing social type. Moore goes right to the heart of the problem in raising boys. A regime of permissive parenting has led to soft discipline that produces soft boys who grow to become soft men. Parents are now afraid to discipline, and seem to be more concerned with the development of an artificial "self-esteem" in their boys. "The boy is never wrong, is never spanked, and is never made to feel ashamed. Postmodern parents believe, at least until it is too late, that raising children must be easy since the nature of children is basically good," Moore reflects. The word 'punishment' has been replaced by 'consequences' which means that discipline no longer addresses the boy's true character. As Moore traces the problem, boys "are not made feel ashamed for their bad behavior; they must reconsider their 'poor choices.' Least of all will parents spank their sons; if you suggest that they should, they look at you in horror, for after all, 'violence only breads violence.'" Moore dismisses this new softer form of discipline, pointing out that it does not work and only leads to mutual frustration. When all else fails, the medical specialist will show up to prescribe Ritalin. Terrence Moore recognizes that the process of making a man out of a boy is not easy. Discipline stands at the center of a boy's moral formation, and is best handled by his father who, after all, should remember what was necessary for his own successful emergence into manhood. "The old form of discipline was quick, direct, clear-cut, and effective. The new non-punitive discipline is time-consuming, indirect, muddled, and ineffective." A boy who never feels shame for his wrongdoing and never fears punishment learns that bad behavior brings no consequences and that his own failure of character is someone else's fault. Moore's essay is a refreshing change of pace from the pablum routinely handed out to parents by the cultural elite, the educators, and the so-called "experts." We should rightly fear a future in which young men grow into physical maturity only to show themselves as either barbarians or wimps. Unless this pattern is reversed, we face a future dominated by males who never grow up to be men. revdauphinee answered on 02/24/04: Myself being a border line feminist wouldnt touch this one LOL Dorothy kindj rated this answer

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Zarahemla asked on 02/24/04 - fat Tuesday What is "fat Tuesday" and how does it fit into a liturgical year? revdauphinee answered on 02/24/04: Can not add mutch to the previous replies ,however since I live in the middle of Mardi gras maddness I sure will be glad when its all over Zarahemla rated this answer

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PraiseJah asked on 02/22/04 - Urim and Thummin What are they? revdauphinee answered on 02/22/04: The following is from the web site recomended by fr Chuck breastplates made of electrum or higher frequency metals created by elements we are adding to the periodic table. These metals, combined with 12 stones becoming a communication device enabling them to communicate with those who create and maintain this reality. PraiseJah rated this answer

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XCHOUX asked on 02/21/04 - Religion as Law "Christians thought Jewish tradition was too legalistic and tried to cut out the rules from religion. In the 7th Century Muhammad reinstated them at center stage. He constructed a religion that was as rigoruously monotheistic as Judaism, as universal as Christianity, as traditional as paganism, and more practical than any of them. For his followers, he was both prophet and ruler". "Ideas that Changed the World" by Felipe Fernandez-Armesto. Do you think that the Religious Right, etc. are trying to impose Religion as Law in America? Comments.... revdauphinee answered on 02/22/04: some may be !,but just how bad would that be ??we surly need some moral help in our society!Personaly I feel if we would just listen to the word that says Do unto others!!!!!it couldnt hurt. ATON2 rated this answer Uni-Agdistis rated this answer XCHOUX rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 02/21/04 - A move of the Holy Spirit . Kenneth Copeland I dont know if this is happening in your back yard but Church groups here have siezed the opportunity to make Mel Gibson's film The Passion of the Christ something that doesn't pass without sweeping many souls into the kingdom. Church groups are planning to use the kind of blockbuster marketing techniques usually associated with multi-nationals such as McDonald's to take advantage of Mel Gibson's controversial new movie about Jesus which will open on Wednesday. Already, an interactive website has been launched, with chat rooms, downloadable flyers, images from the movie, posters and a computer presentation for use by church leaders. The film, has been given a strict MA 15+ rating, with a warning of "graphic violence", meaning children must be accompanied by an adult. In the promotional blitz, selected church leaders have been given free showbags of CD-ROMs, souvenir programs, bookmarks, pocket Gospels and advice on hosting discussion groups and theatre parties. The movie also has two book tie-ins and a soundtrack CD. Public relations expert Luis Garcia, of corporate communications firm Cannings, said the campaign was quite unusual considering the religious subject matter of the movie. "By having advance screenings, they have in a very clever way created a buzz about the movie," he said. "That type of hype can be worth millions." Cinemas already have taken at least 60,000 pre-bookings for the film, said Mark Gooder, head of the distributor in Australia, Icon Film Distribution. "Our people are run off their feet," he said. "We have 145 prints, which is an all-time record for a sub-titled movie. It's a huge response." Dr Bronwyn Hughes, the Bible Society's director of mission research and development, said the movie presented a wonderful opportunity to "make the Bible heard". "I've not seen anything like this before, the level of energy and excitement about this is amazing." "Check out a New Testament - read the story for yourself, it's changed my life Dr Hughes said it was felt that people needed guidance on where to go after viewing the movie. "This is a true story and has quite an impact. We wanted to invite people to read the story behind the film." In an interview with Reader's Digest, Gibson said he was surprised by the reaction to the film. "It kind of put me back on my heels a little bit. I expected some level of turbulence because whenever one delves into religion and politics - people's deeply held beliefs - you're going to stir things up." Most surprising for Gibson was the amount of attention the film received prior to its release. "It was a surprise, to have shots being fired over the bow while I was still filming, and then to have various loud voices in the press - people who hadn't seen the work - really slinging mud." Following concerns from lobby groups, Gibson cut a controversial scene about Jews from the film. The scene had been a focus of allegations that the graphically violent movie would fuel anti-Jewish bigotry by portraying Jews as the instigators of Christ's death. The actor says he re-discovered God through prayer, and was inspired to spend $US25 million of his own money creating the movie, which opens on Ash Wednesday in the religious calendar. "I'd reached a horrible place where I was thinking about jumping out of a window," Gibson, 48, says, of his experience 13-odd years ago. "At that moment I was horrified. I was looking down from 12 floors and seriously thinking I didn't want to stay, but I was too much of a chicken to go splat. So I was stuck in this suspended agony and it was like I just had to give up. I cried out in prayer, 'Help! I need some help here'." He described the experience as a 'trial by fire'. In an interview on US television he also says he was suffering an alcohol addiction at that stage of his life and had 'checked into a few places and sorted myself out'. "I thought, OK, I just have to let what happens happen and suffer and hand it all over," Gibson said. "And I watched very slowly over the course of six months this thing that had been the most hideous knot drop out into a straight line." He began researching the story of Jesus, culminating in directing, co-writing and co-producing the movie based on the final 12 hours of Christ's life. So what do you think was this inspiried by the Holy Spirit? revdauphinee answered on 02/22/04: Churches in my aria are buying out all the tickets to this movie ,hardly a thing that will help non believers since they cant get one,it will be great for the believers to see however I do thnk this a bit outragious does anyine else?? ATON2 rated this answer MaggieB rated this answer paraclete rated this answer Uni-Agdistis rated this answer

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Zarahemla asked on 02/21/04 - Birth control and world peace In a previous answer, someone suggested that to achieve world peace, first we should address the issue of BIRTH CONTROL--then, hunger and disease---real education, rationality and science, and compasion for all humanity. On the issue of Birth Control, what steps should the United States take to get world population growth under control? revdauphinee answered on 02/21/04: I feel you may have these in the wrong order first comes hunger and need then we can talk about choices ,the only choice for a Christian is to care first then preach!I personaly do not believe in abortion however birth controllis something different I am pro chice but the choice must be made before the act that causes conception not after if one cannot make wise choices prior to conception then they have given up the right to choose after the act. Zarahemla rated this answer

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stillwaiting asked on 02/20/04 - prayers why does it always seem my prayers only bounce off the cieling?...how do you tell if God has heard your question...when they just bounce off the cieling fall into the corner and just collect dust and dispair.stillwaiting revdauphinee answered on 02/21/04: (Matt.21:22 If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer." ) the key word here is believe ,if as you say you believe your prayer falls from the ceiling then you are defeated before you pray stillwaiting rated this answer

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XCHOUX asked on 02/18/04 - What do you think of this? "If the hand has no wound, one may even carry poison in it. Poison does not affect those free from wounds. Evil does not affect those who carry no evil". revdauphinee answered on 02/21/04: But why the need to even carry it? for is not its intended use clear!! XCHOUX rated this answer

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XCHOUX asked on 02/18/04 - Las Vegas Oddsmakers Have put the odds on the coming baseball season. In the National League, the Chicago Cubs are favored to win the pennant! In the American League, the Yankees. I am asking all Cubs fans to utter a prayer now and occasionally throughot the baseball season which starts in April. This is the year! Cordially, Chicago Chou revdauphinee answered on 02/21/04: sory I cant do that i only support the Braves in baseball LOL XCHOUX rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 02/18/04 - Just in case you dont think He is listening. Supplicants to God now have a new method of reaching the Almighty - via email. Israel's Bezeq telecommunications company announced today that it is opening an email service for those who have a special request from God, and is thus expanding its existing service of faxing notes to the Western Wall in Jerusalem. By tradition, Jews seeking special favours from God write these requests on slips of paper which they place in between the huge stones which make up the wall, part of Judaism's holiest site. The tradition says God will grant these pleas. Bezeq started its fax service to the Western Wall several years ago and says it now receives about 200 faxes per week from around the world, although the number can double or triple as holidays or special events approach. Company employees put the requests in a special envelope and take them to the Wall twice a week. Bezeq said it was starting the new service because more people now have access to email than to faxes. The address of the service is kotel@onemail.bezeq.com or faxed to +972 2 561 2222. DPA Christians have been making prayer requests of their Churches for years and many of these prayers are answered, but just in case the answer was not now, you could try this route to the ear of the Almighty revdauphinee answered on 02/21/04: I have access to a personal line to God that is always in service and always answered !Its called Prayer! Dorothy paraclete rated this answer

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STONY asked on 02/17/04 - I RECEIVED THIS TODAY FROM A DEAR FRIEND....... Subject: The Passion Of The Christ Original Message----- There've been a ton of emails and forwards floating around recently from those who've had the privilege of seeing Mel Gibson's "The Passion Of The Christ" prior to its actual release. I thought I'd give you my reaction after seeing it last night. The screening was on the first night of "Elevate!", a weekend-long seminar for young people at Prestonwood Baptist Church in Plano. There were about 2,000 people there, and the movie was shown after several speakers had taken the podium. It started around 9 and finished around 11...so I reckon the film is about two hours in length. Frankly, I lost complete track of time so I can't be sure. I want you to know that I started in broadcasting when I was 13-years-old. I've been in the business of writing, performing, production, and broadcasting for a long time. I've been a part of movies, radio, television, stage and other productions - so I know how things are done. I know about soundtracks and special effects and make-up and screenplays. I think I've seen just about every kind of movie or TV show ever made - from extremely inspirational to extremely gory. I read a lot, too - and have covered stories and scenes that still make me wince. I also have a vivid imagination, and have the ability to picture things as they must have happened - or to anticipate things as they will be portrayed. I've also seen an enormous amount of footage from Gibson's film, so I thought I knew what was coming. But there is nothing in my existence - nothing I could have read, seen, heard, thought, or known - that could have prepared me for what I saw on screen last night. This is not a movie that anyone will "like". I don't think it's a movie anyone will "love". It certainly doesn't "entertain". There isn't even the sense that one has just watched a movie. What it is, is an experience - on a level of primary emotion that is scarcely comprehensible. Every shred of human preconception or predisposition is utterly stripped away. No one will eat popcorn during this film. Some may not eat for days after they've seen it. Quite honestly, I wanted to vomit. It hits that hard. I can see why some people are worried about how the film portrays the Jews. They should be worried. No, it's not anti-Semitic. What it is, is entirely shattering. There are no "winners". No one comes off looking "good" - except Jesus. Even His own mother hesitates. As depicted, the Jewish leaders of Jesus' day merely do what any of us would have done - and still do. They protected their perceived "place" - their sense of safety and security, and the satisfaction of their own "rightness". But everyone falters. Caiphus judges. Peter denies. Judas betrays. Simon the Cyrene balks. Mark runs away. Pilate equivocates. The crowd mocks. The soldiers laugh. Longinus still stabs with his pilus. The centurion still carries out his orders. And as Jesus fixes them all with a glance, they still turn away. The Jews, the Romans, Jesus' friends - they all fall. Everyone, except the Principal Figure. Heaven sheds a single, mighty tear - and as blood and water spew from His side, the complacency of all creation is eternally shattered. The film grabs you in the first five seconds, and never lets go. The brutality, humiliation, and gore is almost inconceivable - and still probably doesn't go far enough. The scourging alone seems to never end, and you cringe at the sound and splatter of every blow - no matter how steely your nerves. Even those who have known combat or prison will have trouble, no matter their experience - because this Man was not conscripted. He went willingly, laying down His entirety for all. It is one thing for a soldier to die for his countrymen. It's something else entirely to think of even a common man dying for those who hate and wish to kill him. But this is no common man. This is the King of the Universe. The idea that anyone could or would have gone through such punishment is unthinkable - but this Man was completely innocent, completely holy - and paying the price for others. He screams as He is laid upon the cross, "Father, they don't know. They don't know..." What Gibson has done is to use all of his considerable skill to portray the most dramatic moment of the most dramatic events since the dawn of time. There is no escape. It's a punch to the gut that puts you on the canvas, and you don't get up. You are simply confronted by the horror of what was done - what had to be done - and why. Throughout the entire film, I found myself apologizing. What you've heard about how audiences have reacted is true. There was no sound after the film's conclusion. No noise at all. No one got up. No one moved. The only sound one could hear was sobbing. In all my years of public life, I have never heard anything like that. I told many of you that Gibson had reportedly re-shot the ending to include more "hope" through the Resurrection? That's not true. The Resurrection scene is perhaps the shortest in the entire movie - and yet it packs a punch that can't be quantified. It is perfect. There is no way to negotiate the meaning out of it. It simply asks, "Now, what will you do?" I'll leave the details to you, in the hope that you will see the film - but one thing above all stands out, and I have to tell you about it. It comes from the end of Jesus' temptations in the wilderness - where the Bible says Satan left him "until a more opportune time". I imagine Satan never quit tempting Christ, but this film captures beyond words the most opportune time. At every step of the way, Satan is there at Jesus' side - imploring Him to quit, reasoning with Him to give up, and seducing Him to surrender. For the first time, one gets an heart-stopping idea of the sense of madness that must have enveloped Jesus - a sense of the evil that was at His very elbow. The physical punishment is relentless - but it's the sense of psychological torture that is most overwhelming. He should have quit. He should have opened His mouth. He should have called 10,000 angels. No one would have blamed Him. What we deserve is obvious. But He couldn't do that. He wouldn't do that. He didn't do that. He doesn't do that. It was not and is not His character. He was obedient, all the way to the cross - and you feel the real meaning of that phrase in a place the human heart usually doesn't dare to go. You understand that we are called to that same level of obedience. With Jesus' humanity so irresistibly on display, you understand that we have no excuse. There is no place to hide. The truth is this: Is it just a "movie"? In a way, yes. But it goes far beyond that, in a fashion I've never felt - in any forum. We may think we "know". We know nothing. We've gone 2,000 years - used to the idea of a pleasant story, and a sanitized Christ. We expect the ending, because we've heard it so many times. God forgive us. This film tears that all away. It's as close as any of us will ever get to knowing, until we fully know. Paul understood. "Be urgent, in and out of season." Luke wrote that Jesus reveals Himself in the breaking of the bread. Exactly. "The Passion Of The Christ" shows that Bread being broken. Go see this movie. His, and His alone. Received from Jody Dean, one of Dallas' CBS news anchors. --- THIS IS IN NO WAY AN ADVERTISEMENT BUT RATHER AN OBSERVATION. revdauphinee answered on 02/21/04: I dont know why all the concern about anti semitism ,Jesus himsself was the one who was responsible for his death he did it for us John 10: 17. The reason my Father loves me is that I lay down my life--only to take it up again. 18. (((No one takes it from me,))) but I lay it down of my own accord. I have authority to lay it down and authority to take it up again. This command I received from my Father." His own words tell us no one takes it from him !! cant wait to see the movie!!! STONY rated this answer

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HANK1 asked on 02/16/04 - ANTIOCH! A Christian is someone who adheres to the faith of Christianity. It is also someone who believes that Jesus Christ is the son of God. The term comes from the Bible, Acts 11:26. "...and it was in Antioch that the disciples were first called 'Christians'." Source: Wikipedia Dictionary Just a F.Y.I. post! HANK revdauphinee answered on 02/21/04: actualy belief in God or in Jesus does not make one a christian ,Satan believes in both he has personal knowledge they exist however he is by no means a Christian it is by acnowledging his death and resurection and the fact that through him we are free from our sin it is a personal relationship with Christ that makes us Christian! HANK1 rated this answer

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Uni-Agdistis asked on 02/16/04 - Peace is a rare commodity today .... we all pray for it but do not give it lightly... The Twelve Peace Prayers The Prayer of St Francis Lord, make me an instrument of your peace. Where there is hatred ..... let me sow love Where there is injury ..... pardon Where there is doubt ..... faith Where there is despair ..... hope Where there is darkness ..... light Where there is sadness ..... joy Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek To be consoled .......... as to console To be understood.......... as to understand, To be loved .......... as to love For it is in giving, that we receive, It is in pardoning, that we are pardoned, It is in dying that we are born to eternal life Baha'i Prayer for Peace Be generous in prosperity, and thankful in adversity. Be fair in judgment, and guarded in thy speech, Be a lamp unto those who walk in darkness, and a home to the stranger. Be eyes to the blind, and a guiding light unto the feet of the erring Be a breath of life to the body of humankind, a dew to the soil of the human heart, and a fruit upon the tree of humility. Buddhist Prayer for Peace May all beings everywhere plagued with sufferings of body and mind quickly be freed from their illnesses. May those frightened cease to be afraid, and may those bound be free. May the powerless find power, and may people think of befriending one another. May those who find themselves in trackless, fearful wilderness--- the children, the age, the unprotected-- be guarded by beneficial celestials, and may they swiftly attain Buddhahood. Hindu Prayer for Peace Oh God, lead us from the unreal to the Real. Oh God, lead us from darkness to light. Oh God, lead us from death to immortality. Shanti, Shanti, Shanti unto all. Oh Lord God almighty, may there be peace in celestial regions. May there be peace on Earth. May the waters be appeasing. May herbs be wholesome, and may trees and plants bring peace to all. May all beneficent beings bring peace to us. May thy Vedic Law propagate peace all through the world. May all things be a source of peace to us. And may thy peace itself, bestow peace on all and may that peace come to me also. Jainist Prayer for Peace Peace and Universal Love is the essence of the Gospel preached by all Enlightened Ones. The Lord has preached that equanimity is the Dharma Forgive do I creatures all, and let all creatures forgive me. Unto all have I amity, and unto none enmity. Know that violence is the root cause of all miseries in the world. Violence, in fact, is the knot of bondage. "Do not injure any living being." This is the eternal, perennial, and unalterable way of spiritual life. A weapon, howsoever powerful it may be, can always be superseded by a superior one; but no weapon can, however, can make Peace. Muslim Prayer for Peace In the name of Allah, the beneficent, the merciful. Praise be to the Lord of the Universe who has created us and made us into tribes and nations That we may know each other, not that we may despise each other. If the enemy incline towards peace, do thou also incline towards peace, and trust God, for the Lord is the one that heareth and knoweth all things. And the servants of God, Most gracious are those who walk on the Earth in humility, and when we address them, we say "PEACE." Native American Prayer for Peace Oh Great Spirit of our Ancestors, I raise my pipe to you. To your messengers the four winds, and to Mother Earth who provides for your children. Give us the wisdom to teach our children to love, to respect, and to be kind to each other so that they may grow with peace of mind Let us learn to share all good things that you provide for us on this Earth. You are the one who does not hesitate to respond to our call. You are the cornerstone of peace. Shinto Prayer for Peace Although the people living across the ocean surrounding us, I believe are all our brothers and sisters, why are there constant troubles in this world? Why do winds and waves rise in the oceans surrounding us? I only earnestly wish that the wind will soon puff away all the clouds which are hanging over the tops of mountains. Zoroastrian Prayer for Peace We pray to God to eradicate all the misery in the world: that understanding triumph over ignorance, that generosity triumph over indifference, that trust triumph over contempt, and that truth triumph over falsehood. Sikh Prayer for Peace God adjudges us according to our deeds, not the coat that we wear: that Truth is above everything, but higher still is truthful living. Know that we attaineth God when we loveth, and only victory endures in consequences of which no one is defeated. Christian Prayer for Peace Blessed are the PEACEMAKERS, for they shall be known as the Children of God. But I say to you that hear, love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you pray for those who abuse you. To those that strike you on the cheek, offer the other one also, and from those who take away your cloak, do not withhold your coat as well. Give to everyone who begs from you, and of those who take away your goods, do not ask for them again. And as you wish that others would do to you, do so to them. Jewish Prayer of Peace Lord of the World, I stand before you and before my neighbors Pardoning, forgiving, struggling To be open to all those who have hurt and angered me. Be this hurt of body or soul, of honor or property, Whether they were forced to hurt me or did so willingly, Whether by accident or intent, Whether by work or deed I forgive them because we are human. I am ready to take upon myself the commandment, Love your neighbor as yourself. revdauphinee answered on 02/21/04: I once read somewhere that true peace is not the absence of war but rather the presence of GOD! Uni-Agdistis rated this answer

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HANK1 asked on 02/16/04 - AUTHORSHIP! Could we have written the Ten Commandments and the Golden Rule? revdauphinee answered on 02/21/04: The scripture tells that God wrote them and thats good enough for me! HANK1 rated this answer

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Fr_Chuck asked on 02/15/04 - Request for prayers Dear brothers and sisters in Christ. For the last few weeks, I have felt this strong pull away from the local congegation where I help as an Ast Pastor. I have had some strong personality conflicts with the Senior pastors wife, as to rules on children that appears that they just made up without any discussion. Since I had the stupidity to verbally disagree with her, she had the senior pastor call me. And since I would not just roll over and agree with him, I had to go see the Bishop. Well to made the short of it, the rule was made because of one childs behavior, no because of anyone elses, and to me, it still was never a problem. I have just not been able to agree with them, or really get over the pator setting the rules and by passing the vestery and the congegation on the issue. I have always hated the idea and churches where the few run things because they have always been there and will not accept change. This normally and does chase away new members and then they wonder why they stay a small church. Well anyway, I find it hard now to enjoy the service anymore, the spirit if there is not finding me right now. The service I do at the nursng home and ast living are fine but I can't get this feeling out of my being that I am not in the right place and need to find something else. So I don't know if it is a good felling, that I need to move on, and this was given to me to show me. Or if I am having had feelings that I need to get over. Or perhaps both. So I ask that you also pray that God will show me the proper path, that his will be done. revdauphinee answered on 02/15/04: consider it done my brother however pray hard that it is Gods will and not just your human feelings that are present in your decision.Satan rejoyces when we allow thigs such as this cause discord in the kingdom ,It could be that God has better things in his will for if so let us both pray that he will reveal this to you Shalom Dorothy Fr_Chuck rated this answer

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drgade asked on 02/14/04 - Illocal Motion of Christ Illocal Motion of Christ. I kid you not, at the Lutheran, Concordia Theological Seminary (LCMS) now at Ft. Wayne IN, we studied Peiper's Dogmatics which covered the ability of Jesus to sidestep angry mobs bent on doing harm before the appointed time of His suffering and death. This attribut was called His illocal motion.... in the same way that He could suddenly appear among His disciples. He was not confined to a locale according to His divine powers. revdauphinee answered on 02/15/04: Jesus never did anything Illogical in the eyes of the father and this what counts . Human Logic has no place in the acts of God Isaiah 55: 8. "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways," declares the LORD. 9. "As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts. drgade rated this answer paraclete rated this answer

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VisionsInBlue asked on 02/14/04 - What is bigotry? I'm just curious... As to how you define the term. :) revdauphinee answered on 02/14/04: bigotry is hating and hurting ,Everyone has predudices this is not the same thing! I as a human have many predudices I am not proud of them however I am truthfull there are things I like and things I do not like! As do all of us if we are honest.However I do not feel I am a bigot as has been the oppinion of many on here mainly due to my predudice against Islaam wich I admit .I would never knowingly do harm to a member of any faith, I would not share in it, but I have my own oppinions as to the truth of Islaam My own faith tells me I must love even my enemies it does not tell me I must agree with them! so while I am against the belief they as persons will only get respect from me! ATON2 rated this answer paraclete rated this answer VisionsInBlue rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 02/13/04 - another tale from the other side? HUMAN SPONTANEOUS INVOLUNTARY INVISIBILITY http://users1.ee.net/pmason/invisibility.html could this explain how Jeus was able to slip through a beligerant crowd who sought to harm Him revdauphinee answered on 02/13/04: I read this tongue in cheek for I myself have often felt invisible on occasion .like when one desperatly needs attention from any burocrat or in most government offices paraclete rated this answer

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arcura asked on 02/13/04 - The rest of the story....Very interesting. The rest of the story. �Years ago a hardworking man took his family from New York State to Australia to take advantage of a work opportunity there. Part of this man's family was a handsome young son who had aspirations of joining the circus as a trapeze artist or an actor. This young fellow, biding his time until a circus job or even one as a stagehand came along, worked at the local shipyards which bordered on the worse section of town. Walking home from work one evening this young man was attacked by five thugs who wanted to rob him. Instead of just giving up his money, the young fellow resisted. However, they bested him easily and proceeded to beat him to a pulp. They mashed his face with their boots, and kicked and beat his body brutally with clubs, leaving him for dead. When the police happened to find him lying in the road, they assumed he was dead and called for the Morgue Wagon. On the way to the morgue a policeman heard him gasp for air, and they immediately took him to the emergency unit at the hospital. When he was placed on a gurney, a nurse remarked to her horror, that his young man no longer had a face. Each eye socket was smashed, his skull, legs, and arms fractured, his nose literally hanging from his face, all his teeth were gone, and his jaw was almost completely torn from his skull. Although his life was spared, he spent over a year in the hospital. When he finally left, his body may have healed but his face was disgusting to look at. He was no longer the handsome youth that everyone admired. When the young man started to look for work again, he was turned down by everyone just on account of the way he looked. One potential employer suggested to him that he join the freak show at the circus as The Man Who Had No Face. And he did this for a while. He was still rejected by everyone, and no one wanted to be seen in his company. He had thoughts of suicide. This went on for five years. One day he passed a church and sought some solace there. Entering the church, he encountered a priest who had seen him sobbing while kneeling in a pew. The priest took pity on him and took him to the rectory where they talked at length. The priest was impressed with him to such a degree that he said that he would do everything possible for him that could be done to restore his dignity and life, if the young man would promise to be the best Catholic he could be, and trust in God's mercy to free him from his tortuous life. The young man went to Mass and Communion every day, and after thanking God for saving his life, asked God to only give him peace of mind and the grace to be the best man he could ever be in His eyes. The priest, through his personal contacts, was able to secure the services of the best plastic surgeon in Australia. They would be no cost to the young man, as the doctor was the priest's best friend. The doctor too was so impressed by the young man, whose outlook now on life, even though he had experienced the worst, was filled with good humor and love. The surgery was a miraculous success. All the best dental work was also done for him. The young man became everything he promised God he would be. He was also blessed with a wonderful, beautiful wife, and many children, and success in an industry which would have been the furthest thing from his mind as a career if not for the goodness of God and the love of the people who cared for him. This he acknowledges publicly. The young man was and is Mel Gibson. His life was the inspiration for his production of the movie "The Man Without A Face." He is to be admired by all of us as a God fearing man, a political conservative, and an example to all as a true man of courage. And to think I admired him before I knew any of this! He is quite a man! That�s the rest of the story. Paul Harvey Good day! revdauphinee answered on 02/13/04: I was aware of this ,however it might be good if others now know Mel is and has been for a while an outstanding christian man arcura rated this answer ATON2 rated this answer

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kindj asked on 02/13/04 - I have a minute, so... It's lunchtime here, so I thought I would take a minute and let you all know that everything went just perfectly. Brody is sleeping comfortably now, and appears to feel just fine and dandy. Thank you all for your kind words, thoughts, and prayers. It's hard not to worry when you're daddy... DK revdauphinee answered on 02/13/04: Just as our heavenly father cares for us his children so should an earthly father care for his may Gods blessings be with you all kindj rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 02/13/04 - Fifth column Back around 9/11 in another place, I suggested that Muslims represented a potential fifth column. I recall being taken to task by some experts now here resident. I think recent events may have confirmed my thoughts at the time. A US National Guardsman has been arrested and charged by the army with trying to provide information to the al-Qaeda terrorist network, a US law enforcement official said today. The official, speaking on condition of anonymity, told The Associated Press that Specialist Ryan Anderson was charged with "aiding the enemy by wrongfully attempting to communicate and give intelligence to the al-Qaeda terrorist network". It was not immediately known what information Anderson, who was about to depart for service in Iraq, allegedly provided. He being held at Fort Lewis, an Army base south of Seattle. A message left with the Lieutenant-Colonel Stephen Barger at Fort Lewis was not immediately returned today. Base spokesman Joe Hitt said he was not aware of the report, and messages left with army officials at the US Defence Department were not immediately returned. Anderson, 26, is a tank crew member from the National Guard's 81st Armour Brigade, a 4000-member unit set to depart in coming months for Iraq for a one-year deployment. Washington State University spokeswoman Charleen Taylor said Anderson was a 2002 graduate with a degree in military history with an emphasis on the Middle East. Anderson converted to Islam five years ago, the Everett Herald reported last week. He graduated from Everett's Cascade High School in 1995. The brigade has been training at Fort Lewis since November. Eighty per cent of the soldiers - 3200 - are from Washington state, and 1000 are from guard units in California and Minnesota. It includes two tank battalions, a mechanised infantry battalion, engineers, support troops, artillery and an intelligence company. The brigade's Iraqi mission is the biggest deployment for the Washington Army National Guard since World War II. AP I think its time we should not swallow too easily the line that the Muslims are our friends, its time for caution. revdauphinee answered on 02/13/04: Aton at least I was truthfull as to my feelings I never claimed to be perfect only Jesus can claim that however since the muslims reject him as Gods son here are a few words of his concerning their unbelief "John:48. There is a judge for the one who rejects me and does not accept my words; that very word which I spoke will condemn him at the last day. Christians are not perfect and cannot ever claim to be they can however claim they are forgiven! ATON2 rated this answer MaggieB rated this answer paraclete rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 02/13/04 - Fifth column Back around 9/11 in another place, I suggested that Muslims represented a potential fifth column. I recall being taken to task by some experts now here resident. I think recent events may have confirmed my thoughts at the time. A US National Guardsman has been arrested and charged by the army with trying to provide information to the al-Qaeda terrorist network, a US law enforcement official said today. The official, speaking on condition of anonymity, told The Associated Press that Specialist Ryan Anderson was charged with "aiding the enemy by wrongfully attempting to communicate and give intelligence to the al-Qaeda terrorist network". It was not immediately known what information Anderson, who was about to depart for service in Iraq, allegedly provided. He being held at Fort Lewis, an Army base south of Seattle. A message left with the Lieutenant-Colonel Stephen Barger at Fort Lewis was not immediately returned today. Base spokesman Joe Hitt said he was not aware of the report, and messages left with army officials at the US Defence Department were not immediately returned. Anderson, 26, is a tank crew member from the National Guard's 81st Armour Brigade, a 4000-member unit set to depart in coming months for Iraq for a one-year deployment. Washington State University spokeswoman Charleen Taylor said Anderson was a 2002 graduate with a degree in military history with an emphasis on the Middle East. Anderson converted to Islam five years ago, the Everett Herald reported last week. He graduated from Everett's Cascade High School in 1995. The brigade has been training at Fort Lewis since November. Eighty per cent of the soldiers - 3200 - are from Washington state, and 1000 are from guard units in California and Minnesota. It includes two tank battalions, a mechanised infantry battalion, engineers, support troops, artillery and an intelligence company. The brigade's Iraqi mission is the biggest deployment for the Washington Army National Guard since World War II. AP I think its time we should not swallow too easily the line that the Muslims are our friends, its time for caution. revdauphinee answered on 02/13/04: i myself am often accused of being anti muslim! I AM!! I fully admit it I do net feel islam to be a faith of peace .so Aton you are right about me! DOROTHY ATON2 rated this answer Bobbye rated this answer MaggieB rated this answer paraclete rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 02/12/04 - For those who would like to know alittel more about Jesus' youth. http://themerryheart.tripod.com/html/r-t/report.htm revdauphinee answered on 02/12/04: quite humerous! paraclete rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 02/12/04 - A tale from the other side? Spontaneous combustion February 13, 2004 A Sicilian town is struggling to work out why dozens of household items from fridge-freezers to furniture keep mysteriously bursting into flame, terrifying locals and sparking theories of demonic intervention. Since mid-January dozens of electrical goods and pieces of furniture have spontaneously gone up in flames, causing huge damage in Canneto di Caronia, a small town perched on the Mediterranean island's rocky coast. "I've seen unplugged electrical cables burst into flames with my own eyes, but I just can't explain it," said a local policeman who did not want to be named. "I've never seen anything like it." Some fires have spread to engulf homes and police temporarily evacuated about 40 residents. "There has been a sense of panic and people have been evacuated from their homes," said Salvatore Mezzopane, who works at the town hall. "We're trying to find the cause of the fires but there are no answers yet." Reuters What do you think? could this be demonic or some smart mafiosia moving the locals on? If it is demonic would someone like to suggest the cure for the locals? revdauphinee answered on 02/12/04: somethings just dont seem to be able to be explained .I found this interesting paraclete rated this answer

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kindj asked on 02/12/04 - If you get a chance... I and my wife would appreciate any prayers you may be able to offer. My 21 month old is going into surgery tomorrow morning to have some tubes put into his ears. I know it's a minor and simple procedure, at least until it's done on MY kid. But with anasthesia and all, and him being so small looking to me... Well, I wouldn't be a very good daddy if I didn't worry some. Anyway, I'll let you know next week that everything went fine. DK revdauphinee answered on 02/12/04: I will certainly pray for you all .consider it done God bless you Dorothy kindj rated this answer

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STONY asked on 02/12/04 - THIS ONE I JUST COULD NOT RESIST!! THIS IS ONLY ONE SEGMENT FROM MY FRIEND BILL CLOUD WHO SENT ME HIS ELECTRONIC NEWSLETTER. MAYBE WE CAN ALL LEARN SOMETHING FROM THIS EXPERIENCE..... IN THE BEGINNING....REDEMPTION UNTEMPERED ZEAL Like many of you, I have encountered a few zealots in my day. Growing up in a strict Pentecostal church, the ones I call zealots were those men and women who castigated anyone who attended a movie or who looked down their noses at any female who wore makeup, jewelry or, God forbid, pants. Any one of these transgressions were sure to send a person straight to Hell! But then there was the sin of all sins - that's right - DANCING! Thankfully, I realized that justification before God was not based on this outward holiness. Though perhaps inspired by Scripture, this was simply man's code of Law, guilty of shackling countless thousands. I'll admit that it took years for me to work through all that. Then.... Just over a decade ago, I rediscovered the Scriptures and began to realize what the Bible really had to say. That discovery led me into re-identify with my spiritually Hebraic heritage. One thing led to another and before you know it, my family was observing Shabbat, Feast Days, and learning the Hebrew language. We were thrilled. Our spiritual life was renewed, refreshed and then...it was them again, the zealots. "You're not observing the correct Sabbath." "You're not Jewish." "You're not using the Sacred Name." "You're not pronouncing the name right. It is not Y'shua, its Yahshua." "No, it's Yehoshua." "I can't believe you said 'Jesus.'" "It is not Yahweh, it is Yahveh." TIME OUT! There are many different issues that need to be discussed during this time of restoration, many of them controversial perhaps. Nevertheless, it seems to me that, those with the level of zeal I have alluded to above have chased many away from the Truth, rather than drawing them closer to it. When people are just beginning to open up to the idea that Torah is still valid, and are then sideswiped with all these endless arguments over details, many are overwhelmed and run right back to where they came from, or worse, they give up all together. If that trend continues, then what have we accomplished? Nothing! If that prospect doesn't bother you, then as far as I'm concerned, you are a true zealot; one who says, "I'm right. They are wrong. Let the bloodletting commence." Don't get me wrong. Zeal is a necessary component of our faith, but so is wisdom, understanding and patience. There must be balance in all we do. The Messiah said, "They who worship Him must worship Him in Spirit AND in truth" (Jn 4:24). Personally, I believe this passage addresses the issue of balance in our approach to the Holy things of God. Unbridled spirit and a lack of truth almost always leads to lawlessness and bizarre extremes. Truth devoid of the Holy Spirit results in rigid religion, sectarianism, and in some cases that very truth is subjected to a cult leader's fanciful interpretation. Needless to say, we must lead a balanced lifestyle, governed by the Holy Spirit, in order to produce the fruit of the Spirit - love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness and temperance (Gal 5:22-23). If our zeal for the things of God is not balanced with such virtues, then I'm afraid this restoration process is in for some ugly days. So, to those who take greater pleasure in cleaning the fish than in catching them, I have some questions. Is the dogged determination to prove a point an attempt to promote righteousness or an attempt at becoming self-righteous? Is it that you really want to lead others into what is right or is it that you want to be right? Is it possible that your anger at those who disappointed you in the past has merely transformed itself into another form? While you're mulling that over, consider this. The Hebrew word for "zeal" - kinah - actually has negative connotations. It means "jealous anger" or "envy." Let's face it. Untempered zeal lends itself to pride, and in some cases, armed conflict. So, before it comes to that, shouldn't we remember that, we are all learning regardless of where we worship or who our favorite teacher is. We are all striving to hear what the Spirit is saying and how to walk it out. Not one of us has it all figured out There Are Absolutes So, are we to ignore principles contained in the Torah? Heavens no. At the same time, we do not base a religion on every point of the Torah we come to understand, especially when some of those points are open to interpretation? That being said, there are absolutes. There is earth, sea and sky. There is a sun, moon and stars. Yet, mankind, with all of his accumulated knowledge, still does not understand all the delicate intricacies of the planet we inhabit, much less the vast cosmos and all the myriad of galaxies yet undiscovered. We can be sure that for everything we are certain of, there is much more that we will be uncertain of. We can be certain that the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob IS God. I am confident that Jesus (and yes, I'm well aware that His name is Y'shua) is God in the flesh and King Messiah. The cornerstone of our faith is that it is His blood ALONE that atones for our sins and reconciles us to the Father. I am also confident that the Torah is still valid and applicable to us as believers. These absolutes as well as others must be upheld and defended without question. But just what are some of these other absolutes? One of the most important is found in the Torah at the very beginning. From the Beginning The story begins in Genesis where the Scripture says that, "Adam knew Chavah (Eve) his wife, and she conceived and bore Kayin (Cain) and said, "I have acquired a man from the LORD" Then she bore again, this time his brother Havel (Abel). Now, Havel was a keeper of sheep, but Kayin was a tiller of the ground" (Gen 4:1-2). First of all, let us establish what these two names, Kayin and Havel, mean. Kayin means "to get." Chavah "got" a man because the LORD "gave" her one. But Kayin attempted to "get" by taking his brother's life. Havel means "nothingness" but not in the sense of having no value. Its meaning is similar to reaching into the air with your fist and closing it around nothingness. Thus, Havel has also been interpreted as "vapor" or "breath," the essence of life. "And in the process of time it came to pass that Kayin brought an offering of the fruit of the ground to the LORD." - Gen 4:3 Kayin was a tiller of the ground and it was of the fruit of that ground that Kayin offered to the LORD an offering, or in Hebrew, a minchah. The minchah offering is often interpreted as the "meat offering." However, the "meat" referred to is not flesh. The minchah is a bloodless offering - the fruit of the ground. So, when Kayin presented the fruit of the ground as an offering (minchah), he was offering something that had a curse upon it. How do we know that? Because the LORD told Adam, "Cursed is the ground for your sake" (Gen 3:17). It stands to reason that if the ground was cursed then the fruit of the ground was cursed as well. "Havel also brought of the firstborn of his flock and of their fat. and the LORD respected Havel and his offering, but He did not respect Kayin and his offering. And Kayin was very angry, and his countenance fell." - Gen 4:4-5 Why did the LORD respect Havel's offering? It seems clear that, if Kayin's offering was cursed fruit, then the reason for accepting Havel's offering was because he brought of the firstlings of his flock, Well, that is true, but there is a very important detail that escapes the reader's eye. First of all, notice that the text says that "HAVEL ALSO brought" not, "HAVEL INSTEAD brought." That is a very important word in the text. Now, you should know that the Hebrew text says that the LORD "did not respect Kayin and his minchah" but He did "respect Havel and his MINCHAH!" Remember what the minchah offering is? It is the bloodless offering. Obviously, Havel's offering of a lamb would produce blood, so why does it say that the LORD had respect for Havel's minchah? It is because Havel brought more than one offering. He brought a minchah - the fruit of the cursed ground - and ALSO brought a firstling of the flock! "By faith Havel offered to God a greater sacrifice than Kayin, through which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his GIFTS; and through it he being dead still speaks." - Heb 11:4 Please notice first of all, that Havel offered a "greater sacrifice." Actually the word used here simply means that he offered "more" - more than one perhaps. Then notice that the text plainly says that God testified of his "gifts," not "gift." It seems clear that Havel brought the minchah offering, but in addition to that he ALSO brought from the flock to be sacrificed. Why? I believe it is because Havel understood that to approach God meant that one did so in humility and with a pure heart. Havel understood that the fruit of the ground was cursed because, through his father, the curse of sin had entered the world. Consequently, Havel understood that he was in need of a Redeemer. Yes, he too offered from the fruit of the earth, but he brought a blood sacrifice so that the curse upon that fruit could be covered. By his actions, he was acknowledging that, without the shedding of blood, there is no remission for sin (Heb 9:22). This is how Havel "being dead, yet speaks." The basis of his righteousness is, not that he DID Torah, but that it was in his HEART to do Torah the right way. He understood that, at best, all we have to offer in our flesh - our deeds, our words, etc. - is under the curse of sin and death. Yet, because of his faith in REDEMPTION and a REDEEMER, Havel knew that blood was required to cover that which was cursed. Because of this, God respected the temporal, earthly offering, the minchah. Where did Havel learn of this need for redemption, seeing there was no Torah to read? I believe he learned it from his father, who learned it directly from the Heavenly Father. When Adam and Chavah hid from the presence of the LORD, they attempted to conceal their nakedness with fig leaves. That would not do. The Scriptures says that God clothed them with coats of skin (Gen 3:21). This is incredible when you consider that their actions warranted death. True, they were expelled from the garden and, yes, they bore consequences for their actions. Nevertheless, one cannot ignore the fact that God displayed compassion on them and "clothed them". The Hebrew phrase is vayalbishem. The root of this phrase l'vush is connected to lo bushah, which is "without shame." The purpose of clothing them was to hide their shame. Obviously, this was an act of compassion and a promise of redemption. This also means that an animal had to die in order for there to be skins with which to clothe them. Interestingly enough, the burnt offering or olah was for the atonement of sin (Lev 1:4) and is the only offering where the entire carcass is consumed with the exception of the skins (7:8). In short, Adam and Chavah and presumably their sons understood that blood was required in order for the curse of sin to be covered. It is then obvious why the LORD did not respect Kayin's minchah offering - he failed to acknowledge the need for a redeemer. Even after the LORD intervened to arrest his evil thoughts, warning him of the sin which was ready to pounce upon him, he failed to do that which is right. His failure turned him into a murderer. He was cursed, doomed to wander all the rest of his days. So, what does all this mean? It means, first of all, that the Scripture should not be reduced to a collection of dos and don'ts. This applies both to those in traditional Christianity and to those in the Messianic movement. If we had complete understanding of Torah and walked it out to the letter, we have not attained righteousness, but self-righteousness. We need a redeemer! If one can not comprehend that fundamental truth of Torah and hold onto it for dear life then, at best, our efforts to observe the statutes of Torah remain under the curse of sin and death. We are simply repeating Kayin's error and sin crouches at the door ready to pounce. On the other hand, when we attempt to follow the ordinances of the LORD with the full acknowledgment that we aren't able to redeem ourselves; when we consider ourselves as "nothingness" like Havel; when our faith is in the Lamb whose blood has redeemed us from the curse, then God has respect unto our obedience. That is why, I believe, the Messiah said, "Do not think that I came to destroy the Torah or the Prophets. I did not come to destroy but to fulfill - make perfect" (Mt 5:17). In other words, the ONLY way we can relate to Torah in the way our Father intended is to accept the fact that Messiah is our Redeemer and His blood ALONE atones for sins. Therefore, it is not the contents of my mind that matters most, but that which is in my heart. This is the altar that God looks upon. So, our zeal must be tempered with the knowledge that it was not knowledge or zeal or even faith that saved us - it was love. THIS IS GOING TO MAKE THE SILT SETTLE IN YOUR SHOES!! revdauphinee answered on 02/12/04: I also believe that we could benefit by going back and looking at Gods original inentions for man!what has often bothered me and still does is the fact that we were told to keep the sabth (GODS Sabath) and nowhere in scripture can I see where this has been recided to any other day? ATON2 rated this answer paraclete rated this answer STONY rated this answer

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XCHOUX asked on 02/12/04 - The Christian Way of Surrender? Realizations come naturally through the practice of surrendering? Is this a Christian Way of growing spiritually? Comments.... That's all for now, I'm having trouble staying connected to Answerway, so I may not get back to read your answers til, who knows! revdauphinee answered on 02/12/04: by surrendering to the will of God is the only way for a Christian to grow in faith XCHOUX rated this answer

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tomder55 asked on 02/12/04 - Walid Shoebat Walid Shoebat, born in Bethlehem, began attacking Israelis when he was 8 years old, throwing stones and Molotov cocktails. "I never actually met any Jews," he said. "But in school we were taught from the Quran that they were pigs and monkeys.'' "My purpose is to tell the West that they aren't getting the real picture, that what they're seeing is propaganda. I know the truth because I was there, I was part of it. And the truth is, we wanted to kill Jews long before the occupation. I wanted to kill Jews."Walid Shoebat used to be a Fatah terrorist. Now he's on the lecture circuit and his message isn't quite what you would expect. Now he is a Christian. Shoebat feels very strongly that the ongoing war against Israel has nothing to do with an Arab desire for a Palestinian state. "Never in history was there a Palestinian state," said Shoebat, "we never wanted a Palestinian state "even today the Palestinians do not want a Palestinian state.." Then what do they want? "They want the destruction of the Jews, period," Shoebat said. "It's a religious holy war. It's in the culture, the tradition. Arafat is a chip off the same block as Saddam Hussein, Osama bin Laden, Ahmed Yassin - they are all birds of a feather, they have small differences but are birds of a feather." Talk of tolerance and non-violence is often cultivated by radical Muslims as part of a larger tactical strategy. In the Palestinian Authority, this strategy involved the co-opting of the embattled Palestinian Christian minority into the larger jihadist agenda. With Christians, Shoebat explains "we saw a need for unity." Palestinian Christians were happy to oblige. Most Palestinian Christians, says Shoebat, were "educated on Replacement Theology, in which God was done with Israel and Jews. They were in turn supportive of the Palestinian cause to liberate all Palestine." Their attachment to the jihadist cause was cemented by Muslim talk of tolerance. Says Dr. Bernard Sabella of Bethlehem University: "My Muslim students at Bethlehem University always describe Islam as being tolerant and accepting of others." However, Shoebat continues, "the Christians were betrayed. Even though they were promised equality, the PLO and Arafat established footholds in the Christian towns of Bethlehem and Beit Jala. In them, he used and abused holy places and homes to the point that most of the Christians left the country." The Christian population in Jerusalem, the West Bank and the Gaza Strip has been declining rapidly. Estimated at nearly 50,000 in the mid-1990s, it has been declining by as many as 1,000 each year. On the other hand, Sabella says that it's a "mistake" to think that "Palestinian Christians leave because of the rise of Islamic fundamentalism. . . . This is not our experience. We have lived with Muslims as neighbors for centuries . . . The mutual tolerance of Islam and Christianity shows itself in practical activities of daily life: this is the real dialogue of life." But Shoebat says that when he and his fellow Muslims were engaging in this "dialogue for life," they never really saw Christians as equals: "As Muslims . . . it was a good idea to make peace with Christians and work hand-in-hand in order to gain our goal: to liberate the land from the Jews. Yet it was sacrilege to sell land to Christians when Muslim customers were available. It was also a death sentence for a Christian male to fall in love with a Muslim girl. It would have meant nothing to me to kill my sister or cousin if it was found out they had run off with a Christian." Even more ominously, the Muslims wanted ultimately to restore dhimmitude: the institutionalized second-class status that Islamic law, Sharia, mandates for Christians as well as Jews. "In religious study in school or mosque," he recounts, it was normal for Muslim teachers to refer to Christians as "ahlu-dhimma -- protected people -- who would be subjects under an Islamic Khilafa [caliphate] which can demand taxation from Christians -- jizya." He says that Islamic leaders envisioned the Christians as subject people from whom this "protection sum" would be collected yearly; "but without the Khilafa the time for this injunction is not yet." The restoration of the caliphate is a primary item on the agenda of Osama bin Laden and other radical Muslims worldwide. "Khilafa," says Shoebat, "was an aspiration most Muslims were waiting for, but with no such government in place the need for Christians to help Muslims to throw out the Jews still remained. It was better for us to simply get along -- for now." Not that "getting along" is too taxing for Muslims. Shoebat declares: "The treatment today of Christians is deplorable. . . . Christians have no one to stand for them. Leaders like Michael Sabbah [the Roman Catholic Patriarch of Jerusalem] work with the PLO, making it hard for Holy Land Christians to remain there." "Today," concludes Shoebat, "with the almost total eradication of the Christian presence, one can see that in our mind it all goes to one thing: the end justifies the means. In jihad one can lie and use others to promote the cause, since jihad is in stages." As Muhammad himself said, "War is deceit." revdauphinee answered on 02/12/04: I have Aton and here is a quote "[5.51] O you who believe! do not take the Jews and the Christians for friends; they are friends of each other; and whoever amongst you takes them for a friend, then surely he is one of them" and since Christians and Jews are among the unbelievers in Islaam then the following would apply 2.191] And kill them wherever you find them, and drive them out from whence they drove you out, and persecution is severer than slaughter, and do not fight with them at the Sacred Mosque until they fight with you in it, but if they do fight you, then slay them; such is the recompense of the unbelievers. [2.193] And fight with them until there is no persecution, and religion should be only for Allah, does this realy sound like a religeon of peace??? ATON2 rated this answer PraiseJah rated this answer tomder55 rated this answer XCHOUX rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 02/12/04 - Just for fun and for those who are concerned it doesn't have anything to do with Christianity Isn't it a bit unnerving that doctors call what they do "practice"? Why do your feet smell, and your nose run? If all the world is a stage, where is the audience sitting? If work is so terrific, how come they have to pay you to do it? Is bad breathe worse if you sleep with your mouth closed or with your mouth open? If a mute swears, does his mother wash his hands with soap? Instead of talking to your plants, if you yelled at them would they still grow? Only to become troubled and insecure? Is there another word for synonym? When sign makers go on strike, is anything written on their picket signs? When you open a bag of cotton balls, is the top one meant to be thrown away? Where do forest rangers go to "get away from it all"? Why isn't there mouse-flavored cat food? Why do they report power outages on TV? What's another word for thesaurus? If a parsley farmer is sued, can they garnish his wages? Would a fly without wings be called a walk? Isn't Disney World a people trap operated by a mouse? revdauphinee answered on 02/12/04: whats the difference between God and a doctor? God does not think he is a doctor! paraclete rated this answer

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Bobbye asked on 02/11/04 - EARTHQUAKE IN ISRAEL: You may read more detail at: www.jnewswire.com/news_archive/04/02/040211_quake.asp =============================. Earthquake cracks Knesset By Jerusalem Newswire Editorial Staff February 11, 2004 Jerusalem (jnewswire.com) - An earthquake measuring 5.0 on the Richter scale rocked Israel and surrounding states Wednesday morning, sending frightened people streaming into streets throughout the country, but causing only one indirect injury and little damage. Israel Radio reported the quake left a crack in the ceiling of the Knesset plenum, Israel's parliament, just minutes before lawmakers were scheduled to take their seats for the day's debates. Channel 2 TV reported that Israeli geologists believe a major earthquake could strike Israel without notice, and based on research predict the arrival of "the big one" in the next 50 years. And Channel 1, screening a map highlighting areas of the capital believed to be especially susceptible to damage in the event of a major quake, pointed out that the Al Aqsa Mosque and the Dome of the Rock - both straddling Israel's Temple Mount - were most at risk. ===============. FYI. Bobbye revdauphinee answered on 02/12/04: "the Al Aqsa Mosque and the Dome of the Rock - both straddling Israel's Temple Mount - were most at risk" Would this not clear the way for the rebuilding of the Jewish Temple as is predicted in scripture to happen in the last days??God works in mysterious ways! Bobbye rated this answer MaggieB rated this answer paraclete rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 02/11/04 - Is the French ban what it seems? France's great paradox is to pursue secularism with religious zeal. Years of church-state conflict can help explain why the veil has been banned from schools, writes Sophie Masson. It's on. The lower house of the French Parliament has overwhelmingly voted to make into law the proposal to ban wearing "ostensible religious symbols" such as veils, yarmulkes and large crucifixes in public schools. The idea seems to be catching on elsewhere - Belgium and Germany have indicated they would consider a similar law. It seems bizarre. What are the French on about? What has caused the country which trumpets itself as "the home of the rights of man" to indulge in such clumsy, unjust attempts at anti-religious repression? Well, it's the latest instalment in a 200-year-old French battle. To understand the situation, it's useful to know that background, which shows a long-standing tension between religion and the republic. It began in 1792, with the extremist Jacobins seizing power in France. Jacobinism is a paradox: a mix of revolutionary atheism and authoritarian republican statism. This resulted in a concerted attack on religion, leading to a hideous civil war which claimed hundreds of thousands of victims in the west of France. The coming to power of Napoleon meant the repeal of much Jacobin anti-clericalism and for a time, there was peace between politicians and the church. However, in 1880 the militantly atheistic Jules Ferry (an ancestor of the present Education Minister, philosopher Luc Ferry) started the war with religion again, expelling all religious staff from public schools, and nuns from hospitals. France seemed set for turmoil again, but fortunately moderate elements intervened. In 1902, under another militant atheist, Emile Combes, it flared up again. Not content with closing down more than 2500 religious schools, Combes's government forbade all people from religious orders to teach. It went too far when one minister attempted a secret purge to rid the bureaucracy of anyone with religious convictions. It was too much for Parliament, and the government fell. The separation of church and state law of 1905 was an attempt at balancing the different forces, going some way to reaffirming freedom of worship. But it caused strife by forbidding any religious instruction at all in public schools, nationalised much church property, and forbade the erection of new religious symbols in any public space (including graveyards). And it was not until after World War I that diplomatic relations were resumed between the Vatican and France. In 1941, the collaborationist Vichy government repealed the 1905 laws. When Charles de Gaulle came to power after the liberation, he restored some but not most of the 1905 laws, for instance, allowing the church to keep its property. Today, France faces resurgent religion, and resurgent Jacobinism. The difference is that it's not Christianity, but Islam, that's the challenge to the unitary state and republican secularism these days. The state has been pussyfooting for a long time over Islamist militancy in the "zones" as they're called in France (outer suburbs of big cities), rising anti-Semitism, and a rise in what is euphemised as "incivility", which includes violent misogyny among some Muslim boys. The new law is an attempt to show that they can still control the situation. By banning symbols and depriving people of the right to religious expression, they are stirring up trouble but are not targeting the real problem - the failure of French society to integrate its Muslim youth, and the consequent rise in the influence of radicals. It's not necessarily about prejudice, incidentally, but rather a problem of mixed messages: French politicians and intellectuals denigrating their heritage, particularly that of non or pre-Jacobin France, yet at the same time they are most punitive if young people do not show respect for the "saints" of the Revolution, and for "republican values". Young people end up not respecting anything at all about their country. Who can be surprised? Luc Ferry said recently that his ideal is a system of religious-style ethics: a secular system that goes deep but keeps religion well out, calling it "sacred secularism". He was not challenged on the contradiction. Perhaps that was because it perfectly illustrated the French paradox. Have you asked yourself how can this happen in a "Christian" nation. Is it because, unlike an Islamist state, a "Christian" nation is an illusion in the twenty-first century? revdauphinee answered on 02/12/04: what are the french guilty of that many in this country (((USA )) would not desire to happen ?abilty to worship as one sees fit I feel should be as much a human right as breating air is and any state should allow it paraclete rated this answer

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HANK1 asked on 02/11/04 - CREMATION! I'm a Christian. What does the Bible say about cremation after a Christian dies? HANK revdauphinee answered on 02/11/04: It appears it was not unknown in biblical times for we read in Amos 6:10. And if a relative who is to burn the bodies comes to carry them out of the house and asks anyone still hiding there, "Is anyone with you?" and he says, "No," then he will say, "Hush! We must not mention the name of the LORD." My personl belief is that at death the soul of man returnes to whense it came Genesis 2:7 God formed the man from the dust of the ground and ((breathed into his nostrils the breath of life,)) and the man became a living being. since the breath of life came from God! At death it returns to him and thus the body is no more than a coat that we have no longer use of ,and thus I see nothing wrong in creamation HANK1 rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 02/11/04 - a costly blow? An archaeologist was digging in the Negev Desert in Israel and came upon a casket containing a mummy. After examining it, he called the curator of a prestigious natural-history museum. "I've just discovered a 3,000 year-old mummy of a man who died of heart failure!" the excited scientist exclaimed. To which the curator replied, "Bring him in. We'll check it out." A week later, the amazed curator called the archaeologist. "You were right about the mummy's age and cause of death. How in the world did you know?" "Easy. There was a piece of paper in his hand that said, ཆ,000 Shekels on Goliath'." revdauphinee answered on 02/11/04: funy but I believe it was the Egyptians who made the mummies! paraclete rated this answer

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ROLCAM asked on 02/11/04 - BE ORDAINED MINISTER !! WHAT DO YOU THINK OF THIS?? Minister Charles Simpson has the power to make you a LEGALLY ORDAINED MINISTER within 48 hours!!! BE ORDAINED NOW! As a minister, you will be authorized to perform the rites and ceremonies of the church!! WEDDINGS � MARRY your BROTHER, SISTER, or your BEST FRIEND!! � Don't settle for being the BEST MAN OR BRIDES' MAID � Most states require that you register your certificate (THAT WE SEND YOU) with the state prior to conducting the ceremony. FUNERALS � A very hard time for you and your family � Don't settle for a minister you don't know!! � Most states require that you register your certificate (THAT WE SEND YOU) with the state prior to conducting the ceremony. BAPTISMS � You can say "WELCOME TO THE WORLD!!!! I AM YOUR MINISTER AND YOUR UNCLE!!" � What a special way to welcome a child of God. FORGIVENESS OF SINS � The Catholic Church has practiced the forgiveness of sins for centuries **Forgiveness of Sins is granted to all who ask in sincerity and willingness to change for the better!! VISIT CORRECTIONAL FACILITIES � Since you will be a Certified Minister, you can visit others in need!! � Preach the Word of God to those who have strayed from the flock WANT TO START YOUR OWN CHURCH?? � After your LEGAL ORDINATION, you may start your own congregation!! My first impression is that it is another CON!! It sounds like another money making story!! Comments,please. ROLCAM. revdauphinee answered on 02/11/04: VISIT CORRECTIONAL FACILITIES � Since you will be a Certified Minister, you can visit others in need!! � Preach the Word of God to those who have strayed from the flock Any Christian can tell you it takes no credentials to do this!Wish more of us would ! ROLCAM rated this answer

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kindj asked on 02/10/04 - Which would you choose? Here's a question I hear a lot from college seniors who are about to start looking for their first "real" job. Obviously, there's no right or wrong answers, I'd just like to hear your thoughts. As a Christian, would you rather work in an environment that is predominantly Christian and outgoing about it, or one that is not? Why? revdauphinee answered on 02/10/04: while it would be much more comfortable to work with people as like minded Just think of the opportunities for being an example of Christ yourself ,awarded by diversity kindj rated this answer MaggieB rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 02/10/04 - For Hank.. How to kiss a crocodile Having observed your fascination with the beasts I thought you might enjoy this How to kiss a crocodile February 7, 2004 Leigh Henningham investigates our fascination with one of nature's most successful predators. Long before Crocodile Dundee or Steve Irwin were heard of, there was Charlie. In 1935, Charlie, a 1.5-metre saltwater crocodile, was put on display at a small tea-house at Hartley's Creek, north Queensland. For the next 65 years, Charlie did his schtick for the thousands of tourists who came to see him. He snapped at pieces of meat dangled in front of him, performed the occasional death roll, but mainly he just basked in the sun and the attention. For his efforts, Charlie was awarded the title of Queenslander of the Year in 1991. (Only in Queensland, hopefully.) Today, sadly, Charlie and the tea-house are gone, but Charlie is unlikely to be forgotten as long as the Hartley's Creek Crocodile Adventures stands. Charlie's memorial may not have the profile of Steve Irwin's zoo further south, but each year 90,000 tourists come to the Cairns property to look, learn and gasp at Crocodylus porosus, the estuarine crocodile, of which the dearly departed Charlie was a prime example. The people at Hartley's pride themselves on being conservationists. "Here at Hartley's we don't kill crocodiles, we harvest them," is the message from our farm guide, who constantly stresses the importance of conserving these creatures in the wild. "Waste not, want not" could be another motto. We learn that every skerrick of these massive beasts is used when they are "farmed", with my favorite titbit being that even their feet end up as backscratchers. From the farm, it's a short walk to board our cruise boat for a 20-minute lagoon trip. On this hot tropical day, the clear, emerald water, shaded by melaleuca trees, is tempting. But the warnings are stern: arms dangling over the side are likely to be ripped off by one of the "leather undertakers". It's here 23 crocodiles live, gliding through the water or sunning themselves on the bank as they wait for their next feed. As the boat cruises slowly along, the group has cameras and videos at the ready. The guide dangles a piece of chicken over the side, trying to tease some reaction from a croc and, slowly but surely, without creating the slightest ripple, three crocs start to swim towards the boat. Barely visible from the surface, just eyes and nostrils, they circle, waiting for the right moment. A few more slaps of chicken flesh and bones on the water and, bingo, the first croc springs into action, leaping three metres into the air and grabbing the bait. From the boat, the next stop is a landlocked crocodile feeding session. It seems to me that on each step of the tour the crocs are getting meaner and bigger. We stand a respectful distance from a number of murky ponds. Chicken is once again on the menu. The crocs rise to the bait, again. The crowd gasps at the power and speed of the reptiles as they lunge and snap at the pieces, and at one another. Their huge jaws chomp shut as they scramble for any morsel. The last stop before lunch is the photo op where, for a few dollars, you can have your picture taken holding a baby croc that, thankfully, has its jaws strapped shut. People queue to hold it and be photographed. One woman, a mother of two, puckers up and kisses the small, leathery reptile. After a good three hours being shown and told everything there is to know about these beasts, I still don't have much affection for them. Finally, at the restaurant, we return to our rightful place at the top of the food chain. Ha! It feels good to be king of the jungle again, sitting on decking overlooking the croc-infested lagoon, munching into the crocodile caesar salad. revdauphinee answered on 02/10/04: good ineteresting article but as I said in an earlier post is this not supposed to be a Christian site?why are we talking about anything and averything but CHrist??? Bobbye rated this answer paraclete rated this answer ATON2 rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 02/09/04 - Watering down the Word? It seems some people just cannot help themselves, whereever the Word is silent on gender, they feel they are open to provide a new intrepetation Wise men may have been women February 10, 2004 - 1:48PM The three wise men who brought gifts to the baby Jesus could have been women, according to the Church of England's General Synod. The scriptures describe the people who followed a star to Bethlehem as Magi, which in translation could mean either sex. The General Synod had discussed substituting the word "Magi" for the more widely known, but less exact, "wise men" in a new set of collects, or prayers. However, it decided against the reference to "wise men" in a prayer for the Epiphany, one of 69 of the collects approved yesterday, on the basis that they may not necessarily have been men - or even wise. It has been suggested that Matthew deliberately referred to Magos/magoi, meaning an official in the Persian court, to emphasise the visitors' exotic nature. In a report, the General Synod revision committee states that "it believes that to translate the term into something more universally understood (as the Authorised Version did) is to miss the point being made". "Further, while it seems very unlikely that these Persian court officials were female, the possibility that one or more of the magoi were female cannot be excluded completely. The committee has retained 'Magi' on the grounds that the visitors were not necessarily wise and not necessarily men." The additional collect for Epiphany states: Creator of the heavens who led the Magi by a star to worship the Christ-child: guide and sustain us, that we may find our journey's end in Jesus Christ our Lord. Church of England spokesman Arun Kataria said: "The word in the scriptures is Magi. It is completely silent about whether they are men or women. The gender of the Magi is completely unimportant. "The word Magi was included in the prayer for the Epiphany and there was debate at an earlier stage whether the word Magi should be rendered as Magi or wise men. They left it as Magi." The set of 69 additional collects can be used alongside the existing collects, which are short prayers, in the Church of England liturgy. They were more informal and could be used by clergy in family or youth services from Sunday although they were not a substitution or a change in policy, Mr Kataria said. PA If, as the spokesman, and note he was a man, said the gender of the maji is completely unimportant, why mention it at all? revdauphinee answered on 02/10/04: from a Church who ordains a man a bishop who should not even be a priest what would you expect! Bobbye rated this answer paraclete rated this answer MaggieB rated this answer

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ROLCAM asked on 02/09/04 - FROM A to Z. A lthough things are not perfect B ecause of trial or pain C ontinue in thanksgiving. D o not begin to blame E ven when the times are hard. F ierce winds are bound to blow G od is forever able H old on to what you know I magine life without His love J oy would cease to be K eep thanking Him for all the things L ove imparts to thee M ove out of "Camp Complaining" N o weapon that is known O n earth can yield the power P raise can do alone Q uit looking at the future R edeem the time at hand S tart every day with worship T o "thank" is a command U ntil we see Him coming V ictorious in the sky W e'll run the race with gratitude X alting God most high Y es, there'll be good times and yes some will be bad, but... Z ion waits in glory...where none are ever sad! "I am too blessed to be stressed!" The shortest distance between a problem and a solution is the distance between your knees and the floor. The one who kneels to the Lord can stand up to anything. Love and peace be with you forever, Amen. revdauphinee answered on 02/09/04: Just had to save that one it is great ROLCAM rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 02/09/04 - The winds of change? Have you observed that some of our regular crop of contributors appear to have vanished. Even our wouldbe sage Aton appears to be silent revdauphinee answered on 02/09/04: Maybee it is because this forum seems to be changing and not for the good I came here due to the fact it was supposed to be on Christianity we seem to be getting away from that recently ATON2 rated this answer Bobbye rated this answer HANK1 rated this answer paraclete rated this answer

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XCHOUX asked on 02/08/04 - "Let Go! Learn to flow with all the changes that come up. Loosen up and relax". revdauphinee answered on 02/09/04: what if some of the changes are wrong?? XCHOUX rated this answer

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jeffsmithies asked on 02/06/04 - my selections how much work would have be done to make ***my selections*** into a religious book-like the Bible? revdauphinee answered on 02/06/04: to make your **selections** into a book like the Bible, You would have to be GOD! You are not! jeffsmithies rated this answer

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CeeBee asked on 02/06/04 - I posted this on another board, but thought you might find it interesting and thought-provoking: Where is your sacred space? February 6, 2004 The Chicago Sun-Times by Cathleen Falsani, Religion Writer For two days now, since I read about a new Chicago travel book set to hit the market later this year, I've had a Grateful Dead song stuck in my head. No, not "Truckin'." It's "Scarlet Begonias." Specifically, the line where Jerry sings, "Once in a while you get shown the light in the strangest of places if you look at it right." The book that inspired my consciousness to play the darn song on a loop is called The Spiritual Traveler: Chicago and Illinois. It's for travelers searching for God as well as local color. Written by Marilyn Chiat, a religious art and architecture specialist from Minnesota, the guide promises to introduce readers to "hundreds of churches, synagogues, mosques, meetinghouses, Buddhist meditation centers and Hindu temples" in Chicago and vicinity, as well as "retreat centers of various traditions ... gardens, parks, cemeteries and other peaceful places." The book, according to the publisher's promotional blurb, sums up the locations listed above as "extraordinary sites and places of spiritual power." An easier way to describe them is "sacred space." We have a lot of that here in Chicago. But not all of it is found in the kind of locations Chiat explored. I'm talking about sacred space in a Joseph Campbell (the American mythologist) kind of way. He said, "Your sacred space is where you can find yourself again and again." Using that definition, I can think of many spaces that are sacred to me, places where I have been inspired and awed, where I've wrestled with what I believe are life's most important questions. Some of those places are houses of worship, like St. Patrick's Cathedral in New York City and Sacre Coeur in Paris. Some are natural wonders, like the cliffs at Malin Head at the northern tip of County Donegal, the White Place near Abiquiu, N.M., and a certain large rock on the northeast banks of the Fox River in downtown Geneva. But in Chicago, one of my sacred spaces, the place where I find myself time and again, is a ramshackle joint at the corner of Glenwood and Lunt in Rogers Park with the best corn bread in Chicago. The Heartland Cafe is part restaurant, part headquarters of the revolution. Its denizens are an eclectic mix of artists and engineers, blue-collar workers and college students, socialists and soccer moms. The food ranges from vegan fare to buffalo chili. And the decor is decidedly hippy-trippy-meets-Che Guevara, with the head of a bison named Omar mounted over the bar. For the last 15 years or so, ever since I made that first 74-mile round-trip trek from my college out in the suburbs, it's been a dependable source of sustenance -- physical and spiritual -- for this particular pilgrim. Over the years, between the gray-and-mint tiled floor and the dark green (or is it black?) tin ceiling, I've laughed a lot, cried a few times, prayed frequently, danced, sung, read scripture, argued about it, talked politics, argued about it, fallen in love and out of it. The Heartland's got a vibe that seems to draw out my spirit. And I'm not the only one. For a while, the cafe was a regular apres-church stop for a group of us. Kind of like a coffee social, but with more soy products. We'd slide right into one of the old church pews from St. Gertrude's parish and the United Church of Rogers Park that the Heartland uses as seating in the dining room, before digging into our lunch and heady discussions about faith, love and the meaning of life. Our group retired some time ago. But that sense of the sacred remains for me in the Heartland. "There's always been a church-like quality here," Michael James, one of the Heartland's co-owners and founders, was telling me the other day as I drizzled more honey over the block of corn bread still steaming from the oven. When he was a young teenager back in Connecticut, James thought about becoming a minister, and his business partner, Katie Hogan, he says, "wanted to become a nun, I think." Instead, they became radicals and in 1976 opened the Heartland as a place where people could get "wholesome food for mind and body." The Rev. Wendy Hardin, pastor of the United Church of Rogers Park, is a Heartland regular. She first visited the cafe as a seminary student in Evanston 10 years ago. "I tell Michael it's my second office," Hogan said. "People feel safer there than coming and hanging out in the pastor's office." When James, who abandoned his clerical aspirations before he headed off to Lake Forest College, explains why he and Hogan started the Heartland a generation ago, he could just as well be describing a more traditional ministry. "I set it up because I wanted to give people what they should get," he said. "There are a lot of people who show up here who are just really grateful that we're here. It's a place where a lot of people can come to be nourished." Once in a while, you get shown the light in the strangest of places if you look at it right. revdauphinee answered on 02/06/04: you quoted ""Your sacred space is where you can find yourself again and again."" My sacred place is where I can be alone with God CeeBee rated this answer MaggieB rated this answer

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VisionsInBlue asked on 02/06/04 - A serious question for all of you: (it is SOMEWHAT related to ER's question below) Why is it that so many Americans are FAT? I have been here and there around the world, but nowhere have I seen SO many SO fat people. (ooops, "overweight", "big and beautiful", "obese", to be politically correct) Now please give me your best shots as to what the reasons may be. Thanks. revdauphinee answered on 02/06/04: simple we eat too much! VisionsInBlue rated this answer

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HANK1 asked on 02/06/04 - WHAT NEXT? SARASOTA, Fla. (AP) - The body of an 11-year-old girl whose abduction was captured by a surveillance camera was found in a church parking lot, and a mechanic has been charged with her murder, officials said Friday. Sarasota County sheriff's officials said Carlie Brucia's body was found about 1 a.m. outside a church a few miles from the car wash where she was abducted. Authorities did not say how she died or whether she had been raped. Sheriff Bill Balkwill said Joseph P. Smith, 37, has been charged with the girl's murder. Smith is believed to be the tattooed man in a mechanic's shirt who was seen in the surveillance video leading Carlie away by the arm Sunday evening, authorities said." ******** I dedicate the following to Carlie and her family: I had a hard time getting started this morning after hearing about Carlie on the radio. You wonder why all ages violate our rules of Society while spitting on duty and propriety. Sociopaths disregard the wants and safety of others by caring for their own interests and tolerate nothing less. Rational beings, to the extent that they act rationally, will always be guided by ethical principles which can be adopted by everyone without generating any contradiction. Some people are commanded to control because of a lack of moral worth. To them, love and truth are mysterious! We have a new star in the Universe ... an angel by the name of Carlie Brucia, a new messenger of God who is living in Heaven but able to visit Earth at anytime ... through clouds, thunder storms, and all else that can be found above. She'll find out that clouds offer us riddles of sorts. Some just lay there and sleep. Others dance to the sounds of trouble while outstripping the wind. All are true pictures of reality. What, one wonders, can be done to change their destinies. We do not hate them. Nor do we condone their perplexity, even though their personalities can effect the presence of tomorrow's rainbow. I'm quite sure Carlie will have alot to say about that. Most clouds exist for themselves by offering us a complex picture of actuality. Clouds are like air -- they're always up there -- somewhere. It's up to us to deal directly with the results of their functions. Now we're having help ... thanks to our new star. Carlie has now attained PERFECTION! HANK revdauphinee answered on 02/06/04: such a sad ending to a beautifull young life this unfortunatly is happening to often these days lets pray for and end to it we loos to many of our precious children this way! HANK1 rated this answer MaggieB rated this answer

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MaggieB asked on 02/05/04 - Another relief from "serious notes"..Laughter is good for the soul! Mrs. Davidson's dishwasher quit working so she calls a repairman. Since she has to go to work the next day, she tells him, "I'll leave the key under the mat. Fix the dishwasher, leave the bill on the counter, and I'll mail you the check. Oh, by the way, don't worry about my Bull Dog, he won't bother you. But, whatever you do, do NOT, under ANY circumstances, talk to my parrot!" When the repair man arrives at Mrs. Davidson's apartment the next day, he discovers the biggest and meanest Bull Dog he has ever seen. But just as she said, the dog just lay there on the carpet watching the repairman go about his business. The Parrot, however, drove him nuts the whole time with his incessant yelling, cursing, and name calling. Finally the repairman couldn't contain himself any longer and yelled, "Shut up, you stupid ugly bird !" To which the parrot replied, "Get him, Spike!" revdauphinee answered on 02/06/04: Good one maggie I loved it jeffsmithies rated this answer MaggieB rated this answer VisionsInBlue rated this answer

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PraiseJah asked on 02/05/04 - Adam and Eve and Mormon beliefs I just had the Mormons in my home and I questioned a statement in the book of 2 Nephi that had Adam and Eve not sinned, "they would know no joy since they knew no sorrow..they would have had no children" I asked why would they not have had children since God when He created them, BLESSED them and said: "Be fruitful and multiply." The reply was that it was because they were "innocent" and did not know what sin was. ???? God gave them the gift of sex and procreation, and He BLESSED them. Why would having children be a sin? I really thought that the idea that sex is sinful went out with whalebone corsets, but what do you all think? revdauphinee answered on 02/06/04: on this I have to say I agree with you ATON2 rated this answer PraiseJah rated this answer

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jeffsmithies asked on 02/05/04 - selectios-not for review When Elseon had entered the fort, he found that Lamock with the survivors of his little band of warriors had made prisoners, of the Sciotans whom Sambal had left to guard the imperial Ladies-& that these Sciotans had done them no injury nor even insulted them with words.-Says Elseon for this honourable treatment of my friends I will show these enemies compassion.-Go says he to them, return in peace to your own land-& tell your friends that Elseon will not hurt an enimy, who had done him a favour. The time of elseon was precious.-He spent but a few moments with Lamesa, in which they exchanged mutual congratulations-& expressions of the most tender & sincere affection.-She conjured him to spare the life of her father & brother & not to expose his own life any farther than his honour & the interest of his country required. I shall cheerfully say he comply with every request, which will promote your happiness. He embraced her & bid her adue.- As the situation of Hamboon's army might require his immediate return, he lost no time to regulate the matters in the fort-but leaving five thousand men to bury the dead, & defend the citizens, he marched with the remainder, which consisted of about twenty thousand, towards Hamboons encampment.- When Sambal marched his division against the fort it was Rambock's intention to have attacked Hancock the next morning-but perceiving that Hamboon had been apprised of his movement, & was then within a small distance ready to co-operate with Hancocks division, Rambock altered his plan & determined to wait for the return of Sambal. As for Hamboon he concluded to wait until Elseon's return.-These determinations of the hostile Emperors, prevented in this intervail of time, any engagement between the two grand armies.-But when the fate of Sambal's division was decided-& Elseon had returned for an immediate battle. CHAPT. II. AN ACCOUNT OF THE SETTLEMENT OF THE SHIP'S COMPANY & MANY PARTICULARS RESPECTING THE NATIVES. As no alternative now remained but either to make the desperate attempt to return across the wide boisterous Ocean, or to take up our residence in a country in a land of savages inhabited by savages & wild ferocious beasts, we did not long hesitate. We held a solemn treaty with the King & all the chiefs of his nation. They agreed to cede to us a tract of excellent land on the north part of the town on which was six wigwams & engaged perpetual amity & hospitality & the protection of our lives & property. In consideration of this grant we gave them fifty yards of scarlet cloth & fifty knives With this present they were highly pleased. Arrangements must now be made for - - - - settlement. Vessel & cargo had received no material damage & by striping the vessel of its plank we could erect a house in which we could deposit the whole cargo in safety. All hands were immediately employed, some in procuring timber which was hewed on two sides & then locked together, some in procuring shingles & some in striping the vessel of its plank; & having a large quantity of nails on board, in ten days we finished a very convenient store-house, sufficiently spacious to receive the whole cargo. We also built a small house adjoining which was to be the habitation of the Captain & myself. Having secured all our property, we then found it necessary to establish some regulations for the government of our little society. The Captain whose name was Lucian & myself were appointed judges in all matters of controversy & managers of the public property to make bargains with the natives & barter such articles as we did not need for necessaries. As we all professed The next thing to be done was to to believe in the religion of Jesus Christ we unanimously chose Trojanus, the mate of the ship, a pious good man to be our minister, to lead our devotions every morning & evening & on the Lord's day. But now a most singular & delicate subject presented itself for consideration. Seven young women we had on board, as passenjers to viset certain friends in Britain. Three of them were ladies of rank & the rest were healthy bucksom lasses. Whilst deliberating on this subject a mariner arose whom we called Droll Tom Hark, ye shipmates says he. Whilst tossed on the foaming billows what brave son of Neptune had any more regard for a woman than a Sturgeon but now we are all safely anchored on Terra firma, our sails furled & ship keeled up, I have a huge longing for some of those rosy dames. But willing to take my chance with my shipmates, I propose that they should make their choice of husbands. The plan was instantly adopted. As the choice fell on the young women they held a consultation on the subject & in a short time made known the result. Droll Tom was rewarded for his benevolent proposal with one of the most sprightly, rosy dames in the company. Three other of the most cheerful resolute mariners were chosen by the other three bucksom Lassies. The three young Ladies of rank fixed their choice on the Captain the Mate & myself. Happy indeed in my partner, I had formed an high esteem for the excellent qualities of her mind. The young Lady who chose me for a partner was possessed of every attractive charm both of body & mind. We united heart & hand with the fairest prospect of enjoying every delight & gratification which are attendant on the connubial state. Thus ended the affair. You may well conceive our singular situation. The six poor fellows who were doomed to live in a state celibacy or accept of savage dames, discovered a little chagrin & anxiety. However they consoled themselves with the idea of living in families where they could enjoy the company of the fair sex, and be relieved from the work which belongs to the department of women. Our community might be said to be one family, tho' we lived in seperate houses situate near each other. The property was common stock. what was produced by our labor was likewise to be common. All subject to the distribution of the judges, who were to attend to each family & see that propper industry & economy were practised by all. The Captain & myself, attended with our fair partners & two mariners, repaired to our new habitation, which consisted of two convenient apartments. After having partook of an elligant dinner & drank a bottle of excellent wine our Spirits were exhilerated & the deep gloom which beclouded our minds evaporated. The Captain assuming his wonted cheerfulness, made the following address. "My sweet good soul'd fellows, we have now commenced a new voyage. Not such as bro't us over mountain billows to this butt end of the world. No, no, our voiage is on dry land, & now we must take care that we have sufficient ballast for the rigging. Every hand on board this ship clasp hands & condescend to each other's humour. This will promote good cheer & smooth the raging billows of life. Surrounded by innumerable hordes of human beings, who resemble in manners the Orang outang, let us keep aloof from from them & not embark in the same matrimonial ship with them. At the same time, we will treat them with good cheer & inlighten their dark souls with good instruction. By continuing a different people & prefering our customs, manners, religion & arts & sciences & other things another Italy will grow up in this wilderness, & we shall be celebrated as the fathers of a great & happy nation." May God bless your soul, says one of the mariners, what would you have us do who have had the woful luck not to get mates to cheer our poor souls and warm our bodies. Methinks I could pick out a healthy plum lass from the copper colored tribe that by washing & scrubing her fore & aft & upon the labbord & stabbord sides she would become a wholesome bedfellow. I think, may it please your honour, that I could gradually pump my notions into her head & make her a good shipmate for the cupboard & as good hearted a Christian as any of your white damsels & upon my Soul I warrant you if we have children, by feeding them with good fare, & keeping them clean, they will be as plump & as fair & nearly as white as your honour's children. Upon this I filled the bottle with wine & observing to honest Crito that he was at liberty to make the experiment if he could find a fair - - - - to his liking. I then expressed the great pleasure I received from the addresses of the speakers & wished drank success to the new voige. All drank plentifully, & the exhileration produced the greatest cheerfulness & hilarity. By this time the Sun had hid his head below the horizon & darkness invited all the animal creation to sleep & rest. We retired two & two, hand in hand. Ladies' heads a little awri, blushing like the morn & - - - - But I forgot to mention that our society passed a resolution to build a church in the in the midst of our vilage. CHAPT. III. MANY PARTICULARS RESPECTING THE NATIVES. Interest as well as curiosity invited an acquaintance with our new neighbors. They were called in their Language Deliwanucks. They were Tall, bodies weel proportioned, strait limbs, complections of a brownish hue broad cheek bones, black wild roling eyes, & hair black & course. To strangers they were both - - - - true to their engagements, ardent in their friendship, but to enimies implacable, cruel & barbarous in the extreme. Innumerable hordes of this description of people were scattered over an extensive country, who gained their living by hunting the elk, the deer & a great variety of other wild animals by fishing & fowling & by raising corn, beans & squashes Shooting the arrow, flinging stones, wrestling, jumping, hoping, and running were their principal amusements, & prizes would often be staked as a reward to the conqueror. Their clothing consisted of skins dressed with the hair on, but in warm weather only the middle part of their bodies were incumbered with any covering. The one half of the head of the men was shaved & painted with red & the one half of the face was painted with black. The head was adorned with feathers of various kinds, & their ears & noses were adorned ornamented with rings formed formed from the sinues of certain animals, on which were suspended smooth stones of different coulors. Thus cloathed, thus painted, thus ornimented a Deliwannuck made a most terrif - - - - They held festivals at stated times which varied in the manner of conducting them, according to the object they had in view. At one of their annual festivals their ceremonies were particularly singular & different from any that were ever practised by any nation. Here a description would give us some idea of their religion, & would gratify the curiosity of an injenious mind. When the time arrives, which is in September, the who whole tribe assemble. They are dressed & ornimented in the highest fashion. The women in particular have their garments & heads so adorned with feathers, shells, & wampum, that they make a very brilliant & grotesque appearance. The form a circle: their countenances are solemn. A Speaker mounts a stage in the midst. At this moment two Black Dogs led by two Boys & two white Dogs led by two young damsels enter the circle & are tied together. The Speaker then extended his hands & spoke. Hail, ye favorite children of the great and good Spirit, who resides in the Sun who is the father of all living creatures & whose arms encircle us all around, who defends us from the malicious designs of that great malignant Spirit that pours upon us all the evils we endure. He gives us all our meat & our life & causes the corn & the fruits to spring up & makes us to rejoice in his goodness. He hath prepared a delightful Country to receive us, if we are valiant in battle or are benevolent & good. There we can pick all kinds of delicious fruit, & have game & fish in abundance & our women being improved in beauty & sprightliness will cause our hearts to dance with delight. But wo unto you wicked, malicious, mischievous mortals. Your lot will be cast in a dark dreary, mirey swamp, where the malignant Spirit will torment you with musquetoes & serpents & will give you nothing to eat but toads, frogs & snails. But my dear friends, all hail, here is a custom which is sanctioned by time immemorial. Look steadfastly on the black dogs & let not your eyes be turned away, when they are thrown on the sacred pile & the flames are furiously consuming their bodies, then let your earnest prayer assend for pardon & your transgressions will flee away like shadows & your sins will be carried by the smoke into the shades of oblivion. When this solemn expiatory sacrifice is ended then prepare your souls to partake of the holy festival. Each one will receive a precious morsel from these immaculate snow colored dogs, in token that your offenses have all evaporated in the smoke of the holy sacrifice. & that you are thankful to him the Benevolent Spirit, for the abundance of good things that you enjoy, & that you humbly anticipate the continuance of his blessing that he will defend you against the evil designs of that malignant Spirit, who gives us gawl & wormwood, & fills our bosom with pain & our eyes with tears. He then proclaimed, let the sacred pile be erected & the solemn sacrifice performed. Instantly about one hundred men came forward with small dry wood & bundles of dry sticks & having thrown them in one pile within the circle, they sat the pile on fire. The black dogs were knocked on the middle head, & thrown on the top, in a moment all was in a blaze & the flame assended in curls to heaven. The whole company assumed the most devout attitude & muttered in sounds almost inarticulate their humble confessions & earnest requests. When the dogs were consumed & the fire nearly extinguished, the ceremonies of their sacred festival began. The white dogs which were very plump & fat were knocked on the head & their throats cut. Their hair was then singed off, having first their entrails taken out, & being suspended by the nose before a hot fire, they were soon roasted, thrown upon a long table & desected into as many pieces as there were persons to swallow them. The company immediately formed a procession, one rank of men the other of women, the men marching to the left & the women to the right of the table, each one took a piece & devoured it with as good a - - - - if it had been the most delicious morsel. Having completed these sacred ceremonies with great solemnity, the whole company formed themselves into a compact circle round the stage ten musicians immediately mounted, & facing the multitude on every side sang a song. The tune & the musical voices of the singers pleased the ear, whilst the imagination was delighted with the poetic inginuity of the composition. The multitude all joined in the chorus with voice so loud & multifarious that the atmosphere quaked with terror, & the woods & neighbouring hills sent back by way of mockery, sent back the sound of their voices, their vociferation improved by ten-fold confusion. Perhaps, reader, you have the curiosity to hear the song. I can give you only the last stanzy & the chorus. "For us the sun emits his rais �The moon shines forth for our delight. "The stars shine forth extol our heroes prais "And warriors flee before our sight. CHORUS. "Delawan to chakee poloo "Manegango forwah toloo "Chanepant, lawango chapah "Quinebogan hamboo gowah. The solemnities are ended & in their opinion their poor souls are completely whitewashed & every stain entirely effaced. A little - - - - will now dissipate the solemnity & inspire them with cheerfulness & meriment. The whole tribe repair to the top of an hill, at one place their is a gradual slope a small distance & then it desends about twenty-five feet in an almost perpendicular direction, at the bottom of which is a quagmire which is about ten feet in length. & the soft mud is about three feet deep. At each end the ground is soft, but not miry. Down this declivity twenty pair of very supple & sprightly young men & women are to desend. If by their dexterity & agility they escape the quagmire, a piece of wampum will be the reward of each fortunate champion; but if they plunge in their recompense will be the ridicule and laughter of the multitude. In making this desent, six young women & five young men by a surprising dexterity in whirling their bodies as they descended, cleared themselves from the quagmire. The rest as their turns came plunged in & came out most wofully muded to the great diversion of the Spectators. The incident which excited the most meriment hapned when the last pair desended. by an unlucky spring to clear himself from the quagmire he bro't his body along side of the declivity & roled his whole length into the midst of the quagmire, where he lay his whole length in an horizontal position on his back neither heels up or head up, but horizontally, soft & easy. But alas, when one unlucky event happens another follows close on its heals. The fair plump corpulent damsel his affectionate sweetheart came instantly sliding with great velocity. She saw the woful position of her beloved. She wished him no harm, she raised her feet, this bro't the center of gravity directly over the center of his head, here she rested a moment, his head sunk, she sunk after him, his heels kicked against the wind like Jeshuran waxed fat, but not a word from his lips, but his ideas came in quick succession, tho't he, what a disgrace to die here in the mud under the pressure of my sweetheart, however his time for such reflections were short, the tender hearted maid collecting all her agility in one effort, dismounted & found herself on dry land in an instant, not a moment to be lost. She seized her lover by one leg, & draged him from the mud, a curious figure extending about six feet six inches on the ground, all besmeared from head to foot, spitting, puffing, panting & struggling for breath. Poor man, the whole multitude laughing at thy calamity, shouting, ridiculing, none to give thee consolation but thy loving and sympathetic partner in misfortune. Upon my soul, exclaims Droll Tom, Stern foremost, That bouncing Lass ought to have the highest prize for draging her ship from the mud. She was cleaning the filth from his face. CHAPT. IV. A JOURNEY TO THE N. W. & REMOVALL Gracious God! How deplorable our situation. Are we doomed to dwell among hoards of savages & be deprived of all social intercourse with friends & the civilized world? & what will be the situation of our offspring? Will they preserve our customs & manners, cultivate the arts & sciences, & maintain our holy religion; or rather will they not degenerate into savages, & by mingling with them become the most - - - race of beings in existence. Who can indure such reflections, such heart-rending anticipation? They pour upon my soul like a flood & bear me down with the weight of a milstone. O that my head were waters & my eyes a fountain of tears, Then my intolerable burthen should should be poured forth in a torrent & my soul set at liberty. But behold, the light springs up & beams upon my soul. She brings in her train Hope that celestial Godes, that sure & strong anchor that dispenser of comfort & pleasing anticipation, & that dispeller of corroding grief & blank despair. She bids me review the exploded reasoning of a great philosopher & compare it with my own observations, perhaps the result will point out a safe road to the land of our nativity. Thus I reasoned respecting the solar system of which the earth is a part. Provided the earth is stationary according to the present system of philosophy, then the sun the moon & the plannets, being at an immense distance from the earth, must perform their revolutions round her with inconceivable velocity; Whereas, if according to the platonic system, the earth is a globe & the sun is stationary, then the earth by a moderate velocity - - - perform her revolutions. This scheme will represent the solar system as displaying the transcendant wisdom of its Almighty architect, for in this we behold the Sun suspended by Omnipotence & all the plannets moving round him as their common center in exact order & harmony. In this we can easily account for days & nights & the different seasons of the year. When the earth presents one part of her face to the sun it is day, & when that part is turned from his beams it is night. When she varies to the South the sun shines upon us in a more perpendicular direction, the sun beams become more dense & the heat increases, as she turns back the heat decreases in proportion as this part of earth loses its perpendicular direction, & to the sun & the cold becomes more intense in the same proportion. This account for the various seasons of the year appears correct & consistent & highly honourable to the divine perfection. But behold the other system. The earth firmly fixed on a firm foundation; perhaps as some say, on a giants back who stands on a - - - back. Its surface widely extends nearly horizontal, & its cut down & its sides cut down strait or perpendicular to the very bottom, below which is a fathomless abiss. Pray, Mr. Philosopher, what man was ever there & looked down & what prevents the Ocean, unless it is damd with earth & rocks, from pouring down & loosing itself in this horrible abis? But how extensive is this teraqueous surface? Indeed I am of opinion if this system is true, I am nearly at one end of it. But the hypothises is too absurd & inconsistent. The earth must be of a spherical form & a westerly course will lead us to the land of our nativity. Perhaps this is a part of the eastern continent, or perhaps only a narrow strip of the Ocean intervenes? On no other principle can we account for the emigration of the ancestors of those innumerable hords of human beings that possess this continent. Their tradition is that their ancestors came from the west, & they agree in their information that at the distance of fifteen days journey in a westerly direction there are nations vastly more numerous, powerful & civilized than themselves. The earth therefore must be of a spherical form a Globe & a westerly course will lead us to the land of our nativity. On what principle can we account for the emigration of the ancestors of those innumerable hords of human beings that possess this Continent? Their tradition tells them that they emigrated from the westward. From this I draw the conclusion that the sea, if any, which intervenes between the two Continents at the westward is not so extensive but that it may be safely navigated. I have also learned from some of the natives We are also informed by some of the natives that at the distance of about fifteen days journey in a north westerly course there is a great river which runs in a south westerly direction, they cannot tell how far & that along the banks of this river there are great towns & mighty kings & a people who live in a state of civilization. revdauphinee answered on 02/06/04: I will not reply to any more of this since it is contrary to the purpose of this venue the site is to be used for questions on Christianity not for the publication of essays I do feel that these postings viol;ate that purpose drgade rated this answer jeffsmithies rated this answer

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jeffsmithies asked on 02/05/04 - another slections from my book ....The Sciotans beheld the heage body of their King pale & lifeless.-Consternation & terror seized their minds. They fled in dismay and confusion-Elseon pursued them with his warriors & overthrew & killed thousands in the pursuit.-About two thousand made good their excape-& carried the doleful tidings of Sambals death & the emence slaughter of his army to their own land. And indeed their escape was owing to the great anxiety of Elseon & his warriors to visit their friends in the fort & to ascertain the extent of the massacre that Sambal & his army had made.-After pursuing the Sciotans about six miles Elseon & his army returned in great haste & entered the fort.-Great, inexpressably great was the joy of the Citizens when they beheld them returning with the laurels of victory and when they were informed of the destruction of so many thousand of their enimies.-But as great was their grief and lamentations when they beheld & reflected on the vast number of citizens & of Elseon's warriors, who had fallen by the sword of the Sciotans. No death produced such universal regret & sorrow as tyose of Helicon and Heliza. The one was the intimate friend of Elseon & the other of Lamesa.-They both possessed which were formed for the most ardent friendship & love.-Their acquaintance produced the most sincere attachment.-& only waited for the termination of the war to unite their hands in wedlock.-But this pleasant anticipation of conjugal felicity was destroyed by the cruel sword of Sambel.-Naught availed the innocense & the amiable accomplishments of the fair Heliza? She must fall a victim to saciate the revenge of a barbarous Tyrant.-Had Helicon known when he attacked the savage monster that he had assassinated his beloved Heliza, it would have inspired him with the most ardent desire for revenge & added vigor to his arm & keenes to his sword.-(Ah said.) A Kentucky Bard represented the erial form of Heliza as ariving on the celestial plain-& being told that she must wait a short time-& Helicon would ascend to conduct her as his partner to a delightful Bower which was surrounded by the most beautiful flowers & delicious fruits-& where the singing of birds would charm them with their melody. do you like it? revdauphinee answered on 02/05/04: I am afraid I must agree with Aton again this is a site for questions on Christianity not a book review site jeffsmithies rated this answer

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sapphire630 asked on 02/05/04 - I have to agree with Kindj's post everything everybody replied is so true. What I would like to understand and I don't think any child experts have an answer. They can't even agree that too much violence kids see electronically has any affect on the kids. What I have been trying to figure out ever since my kids were little and two of them were diagnosed ADHD (They didn't have the video games other than Sonic and Mario or watch violence)what is making such a high percentage of kids hyperactive nowadays? When my kids were little I'd watch talk shows and they would have upper class two parent families on, (one a stay home parent) and they would be saying things like their 2 year old is hyperactive and they are afraid to go to sleep at night because she will do violent things. They had to hide their kitchen knives. I knew a three year old kid that lived down the street whose mother said he would sneak out of the house in the middle of the night. She had to get the double locks on her door. These kids are too young to have learned all these behaviors. They are out of control before they turn 2. When my kids were young they said it is a reflection on the parents. Now people are starting to see it has to be something more because it is happening to the parents that DO raise their kids well, values, morals etc. It's like they are born this way nowadays. revdauphinee answered on 02/05/04: Just a thought but maybee all the presevatives and chemical addatives in todays food have something to do with it?? ATON2 rated this answer ethical_reason rated this answer sapphire630 rated this answer Zarahemla rated this answer

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kindj asked on 02/05/04 - Tired of this serious stuff On the outskirts of town, there was a big old pecan tree by the cemetery fence. One day two boys filled up a bucket with pecans and sat down by the tree, out of sight, and began dividing the nuts. "One for you, and one for me. One for you, one for me," said one boy. Several were dropped and rolled down toward the fence. Another boy came riding along the road on his bicycle. As he passed, he thought he heard voices from inside the cemetery. He slowed down to investigate. Sure enough, he heard, "One for you, one for me. One for you, one for me." He just knew what it was. "Oh my," he shuddered, "It's Satan and the Lord dividing the souls at the cemetery." He jumped back on his bike and rode off. Just around the bend he met an old man with a cane, hobbling along. "Come here quick," said the boy, "You won't believe what I just heard. Satan and the Lord are down at the cemetery dividing up souls." The man said. "Beat it, kid, can't you see it's hard for me to walk?" When the boy insisted, the man hobbled to the cemetery. Standing by the fence they heard, "One for you, one for me. One for you, one for me. " The old man whispered, "Boy, you've been tellin' the truth! Let's see the devil himself." Shaking with fear, they peered through the fence, yet were still unable to see anything. The old man and the boy gripped the wrought iron bars of the fence tighter and tighter as they tried to get a glimpse of Satan. At last they heard, "One for you, one for me. And one last one for you. That's all. Now let's go get those nuts by the fence, and we'll be done." They say the old guy made it back to town 5 minutes before the boy! revdauphinee answered on 02/05/04: funy ! A great one kindj rated this answer

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HANK1 asked on 02/05/04 - THE OTHER SIDE OF THE COIN! The following is ONLY a definition of FORMULISM: "Formulism is a rejection of artificial divisions, such as those based on religion, ethnicity, nationality and political affiliation. Formulists recognize just one world (without borders) and just one race (the human race). People are viewed as equal and divided only by their actions toward others (as defined by a simple equation). Formulists may hold religious beliefs, but those who do also realise that beliefs are not the same as facts; indeed, that religion in general has had nothing but a detrimental effect upon humanity. It's for these reasons that Formulists neither profess nor practise their beliefs - an example that we hope all will one day choose to follow." Source: A Formulism Website. Any comments? HANK revdauphinee answered on 02/05/04: maybee this was the view point held by those who attempted to build the Tower of Babbel? and you know what Gods oppinion of them was! tomder55 rated this answer HANK1 rated this answer ATON2 rated this answer

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kindj asked on 02/05/04 - Parenting Since we seem to be on the topic of societal ills and the role parents play in those ills, I thought I'd post this article that I just finished reading. Some good points, some I'm not sure about. No response is necessary, just thought I'd put it out here: The Epidemic of Permissive Parenting: The Brats are Coming Dr. Albert Mohler Dr. Robert Shaw is convinced that American society has become toxic to children. In his new book, The Epidemic, Shaw argues that a pattern of absentee and permissive parenting has led to children that are anti-social, emotionally fragile, and even dangerous. Shaw is a child and family psychiatrist practicing in Berkley, California. He also serves as director of the Family Institute of Berkeley, and has directed the Family and Children's Mental Health Services for the city of Berkeley. Even the slightest evidence of common sense coming out of the city of Berkeley is worthy of note--and this book deserves the attention of every American parent. "Far too many children today are sullen, unfriendly, distant, preoccupied, and even unpleasant," Shaw argues. "They whine, nag, throw tantrums, and demand constant attention from their parents, who are spread too thin to spend enough time with them. Feeling guilty and anxious, the parents in turn sooth their kids with unhealthy snacks, faddish clothing, toys, and media." Something has gone desperately wrong with America's kids. Evidence seems to flow daily from news reports and personal observation. Far too many kids are rude, belligerent, and hopelessly self-centered. Tendencies toward violence and abusive behavior have been filtering down from teenagers to younger children. A loss of shared morality and parental discipline has produced a generation of tiny dictators with endless demands. In order to deal with this phenomenon, our society has sought to medicalize the problem. Millions of American children are diagnosed with newly-discovered "diseases" and "syndromes." As Shaw notes, "A host of new 'clinical diagnoses' have been invented to explain why children seem totally spoiled, untrained, and unsocialized, and an incredibly large number of children have been diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and bombarded with psychoactive drugs." In some school systems, nearly half of all boys in ages four through eight are reported to be on psychotropic drugs such as Ritalin. What kind of society would turn to chemicals in order to deal with what is at base a moral and cultural pathology? Refreshingly, Shaw refuses to shift the blame to culture at large. Instead, he focuses his attention on parental neglect and the failure of parents to fulfill their responsibility. He blames this on a weakening of what society expects of parents and a confusion about how parents are to fulfill their role. "We used to be clearer about the importance of parenting, but somehow we've forgotten what children actually require in order to grow into happy, responsible adults. We've lost our sense of what matters most in our children's lives--and when we do know, we're not spending the time and energy to make it happen." Beyond this, Shaw describes a "great conspiracy of silence." This conspiracy is one product of political correctness. But, as Shaw insists, "some of our lifestyle choices are not in the best interest of our children, despite our loving intentions, and...they compromise their opportunity for the connections and rituals and nurturing that are so necessary to children's healthy development." Imagine that--a psychiatrist in Berkeley, California warning parents that some lifestyle choices are harmful to children. Something is going on here. Piece by piece, Shaw takes apart the massive edifice of permissive parenting that has been built over the last half-century of the American experience. He goes after such ideas as the "family bed," arguing that this kind of commune on a mattress is not healthy for either children or their parents. "Children develop resources sleeping alone that are essential for adaptation in our complicated culture. Sure, they're going to be happy about being equal participants in what is essentially the core of the marital relationship. But in allowing them to maintain that delusion, we only postpone the day when they learn that they are not the center of the universe, and not on a par with their parents in power and presence." Put most simply, Shaw wants parents to act like the grown-ups in the family relationship. Parents must set the rules, apply discipline, establish expectations, and inculcate a sense of right and wrong in their children. Shaw provides a checklist for ruining a child's life. His list includes failure of parents to make adequate provision for their personal responsibility in child-rearing, leaving children to be raised by inadequate caretakers, keeping themselves stressed and busy, giving in to a child's desires on all matters, facilitating the child's bent toward materialism, and letting the child believe that he is "the boss of the universe." Furthermore, Shaw adds to his list such issues as lack of parental supervision, failure to force children toward maturity, allowing children to spend too much time in front of the television (and with video games), giving children too much privacy, and failing to give children responsibilities in the household. As Shaw describes, "our stricken children spend much of their time pursuing entertainment rather than accomplishment: TV, video games, mall roaming, computer hacking, substance abuse, [and] promiscuous sex." Furthermore, "Prematurely on their own, they put their asocial, disaffected peers before their parents far too soon. Taking a page out of our own playbooks, they derive their self-worth from possessions, demanding special sneakers or the latest high-tech toy. It is as though they live on a bed of quicksand that will swallow them if they are not cool or fashionably correct." America's schoolyards and playgrounds--not to mention its classrooms and homes--are filled with children who demonstrate all of these effects of permissive parenting. The regime of liberal child-rearing philosophies instructed America's parents that they were to see their children as equal participants in the family process, little innocents ready to emerge into a healthy adulthood--if only their parents would get out of the way. Bravely, Shaw takes on some of the most controversial issues in child-rearing. He warns parents against "excessive" use of alternative child-minders. While he does not insist that parents never use daycare or similar services, he does suggest that parents take on significant risk when their children are raised or tended by others. As Shaw explains, "I spend much of my professional time treating anguished parents and their children, and I can tell you this much is true: at least one of the parents has to make raising the children the top priority. If you do not, you and your child will live with the consequences the rest of your lives." Shaw also warns against parents allowing children too much access to the media. He is no fan of most children's programming, and suggests that parents should not allow their children to watch any program that the parents do not themselves find helpful or interesting. Television must not be allowed to become a pacifier or entertainment box for children who could otherwise be learning valuable lessons in life and developing both intelligence and moral capacity through active play and engagement with parents. Children are living busy lives, and as they grow older, their lives grow even busier. Many children play on multiple sports teams, with frequent practices and very little time for anything else. Shaw sites a study conducted by the University of Michigan's Institute for Social Research that revealed that children's free time "has decreased by one-third since 1981." As a result, children have very little time to themselves and very little "down time" for thinking, playing, and just being a kid. Too much of the time kids do have on their hands is given to television, which--at best--is mostly a way of killing time. The Epidemic presents a powerful argument, but it is essentially a secular argument. Shaw writes as a medical specialist with an obvious concern for the health and well being of children. The Christian worldview demands that we also give attention to the reason why children need parental love and discipline and the expectations of parents as the molders of the future generation. Christians understand that children are not little innocents whose only bad habits are likely to come from outside themselves as the result of societal failure. Instead, we know that children are miniature sinners, who need parental nurture and discipline in order to emerge in adulthood as anything else other than self-centered, anti-social brats. God designed the family with consummate care, and assigns moms and dads the responsibility to teach the next generation to obey, respect, and honor their parents--and to obey, respect, and honor God. A breakdown in parental responsibility is a recipe for national disaster. Robert Shaw's proposals are a potent antidote to the culture of permissive parenting that still holds sway in much of our society. Nevertheless, the problem is even worse than Dr. Shaw thinks--and the epidemic is spreading. See Dr. Shaw's web site at: www.theepidemic.com Albert Mohler is an author, speaker and President of the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. This article first appeared on Crosswalk.com's Weblog page. revdauphinee answered on 02/05/04: the blame for the following "issues as lack of parental supervision, failure to force children toward maturity, allowing children to spend too much time in front of the television (and with video games), giving children too much privacy, and failing to give children responsibilities in the household." is the idea all Americans seem to have today that they cannot make it as a one paycheck family ,sure things today cost much more but do we truly need so many things? I have said many times if we could just seperate our WANTS from our NEEDs we would see it can be done and children need parental supervision much more than we need a tv in every room and three phone dvd players vcr's more than one car ect whenwe realise that things are just things but our children are souls on loan to us from God maybee this will change (but I doubt it) Also the rising rate of divorce if our parents had a argument they made up tody the answer is the courts Im not saying that anyone should stay in an abusive or sick relationship but most divorces are realy for trivial things that with talking out could be solved ATON2 rated this answer kindj rated this answer

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HANK1 asked on 02/05/04 - PERFECTION: Is it possible for a person to reach perfection down here on Earth? Perfect implies "the soundness, the proportionate, and excellence of every part, every element or every quality ... a complete person." - Webster. This pertains to moral character ... the ideal nature that allows a person to be free from sin. (Definitions in any Webster's Dictionary are universally accepted) HANK revdauphinee answered on 02/05/04: No! only Christ was perfect ,but we should endeaver to!Scripture tells us our goal is to become Christlike .However in my life I have encoutered a few who have come amazingly close HANK1 rated this answer

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hOPE12 asked on 02/04/04 - When babies kill babies! Hello Experts, How sad when 14 year olds kill 14 year olds. Yesterday, here in South Florida, in a middle school, one 14 year old boy killed another 14 year old boy. What is this world coming to? As a parent when I heard this, it made me sick. Babies killing babies. :"Why dosen't these schools do something to protect our children? Is this what we as parents should send our children too each day? As a Christian parent I personally feel we need to insist on more security in the schools. As a parent if we keep our children home from school, we can be arrested for not sending them to school and yet when we send them to school they are in danger. What can we do as parents? Can this type of problem come from the way a child is raised in the home? Too much television, too much computer gaames? "What do you feel will be the solution. The only solution I can see is the hope I have that God will soon come and clean up this world. What is your solution to these kinds of problems? Take care, Hope12 revdauphinee answered on 02/05/04: I do believe TV has a lot to answer to in this problem ,Kids watch cartoons (more violent than any movie )and their idea of reality is gone!! If a cartoon character is shot and then in the next scene is ok what does this tell an imature mind ??run over by a steam roller then scrapes itself of the road and is ok again ! Children (and some adults)many of them have not yet become able to differentiate between cartoon life and real life and for this I do blame too much TV watching! So indirectly I guess the parents must take a lot of the blame ,they need to interveen and at least monitor and talk about what they watch hOPE12 rated this answer

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MaggieB asked on 02/04/04 - IT REALLY DIDN'T MATTER This is copied from a newsleter I receive from E-Mail Ministry so it is not my words but it has avery good point!! IT REALLY DIDN'T MATTER The young people at Shively Christian Church, led at the time by Youth Pastor Dave Stone, were fiercely competitive with their neighbor Church, Shively Baptist, in all things, especially softball. They were also serious about their Christianity, faithfully attending the summer Bible camp lead by the youth pastor. One week, the Bible lesson was about Jesus washing His disciples feet, from John 13. To make the servanthood lesson stick, Pastor Stone divided the kids into groups and told them to go out and find a practical way to be servants. "I want you to be Jesus in the city for the next two hours," he said. "If Jesus were here, what would He do? Figure out how He would help people." Two hours later the kids reconvened in Pastor Stones' living room to report what they had done. One group had done two hours of yard work for an elderly man. Another group bought ice-cream treats and delivered them to several widows in the church. A third group visited a church member in the hospital and gave him a card. Another group went to a nursing home and sang Christmas carols, yes, carols in the middle of August. One elderly resident remarked that it was the warmest Christmas she could remember. But when the fifth group stood up and reported what they had done, everyone groaned. This group had made its way to none other than their archrival, Shively Baptist, where they had asked the pastor if he knew someone who needed help. The pastor sent them to the home of an Elderly woman who needed yard work done. There, for two hours, they mowed grass, raked the yard and trimmed hedges. When they were getting ready to leave, the woman called the group together and thanked them for their hard work. "I don't know how I could get along without you," she told them. You kids at Shively Baptist are always coming to my rescue." "Shively Baptist!" interrupted Pastor Stone. "I sure hope you set her straight and told her you were from Shively Christian church." Why no, we didn't," the kids said. "We didn't think it mattered." By: Charles W. Colson I wish more people had the same attitude as the kids in this story. We should not look for credit when we do something good for someone else, but we should do that good deed as if we were doing it for the Lord. There are many Christians in the world today that waste so much time arguing over their denomination, instead of investing that time and energy glorifying the Lord through their life. I encourage you to not look for a reward when you do a good deed for someone else, but rather look to the Lord and know that He sees every sacrifice that you make on behalf of someone else and He will reward you in like manner, so never allow anyone to tell you that helping someone else is a waste of your time. God bless, MaggieB revdauphinee answered on 02/04/04: great story we all need to give God the glory and not ourselves.It is human to look for recognition for our own work but it is Christian to let the glory go wher it truly belongs TO HIM! MaggieB rated this answer

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hOPE12 asked on 02/04/04 - Matthew 6:11 Give us today our bread for this day; Hi Everyone, What if we are now suffering privation or poverty? Do you have faith in the message God's Word gives? Do you have the assured expectation that God will care for our daily needs and will eventually make abundant provision for all who love him. Psalm 72:16; Luke 11:2-3) Why does a person have such faith? How can a person keep such faith alive even though you may be suffering from poverty? Take care, Hope12 revdauphinee answered on 02/04/04: I myself have led a life that for 64 years have proven to me that the Lord will provide all my needs(not my wants but my needs) I have survived wars poverty riches and many troubles in my life but through it all he has loved and provided for me even at times when I was most unloveable hOPE12 rated this answer JeffreyBryson rated this answer MaggieB rated this answer Uni-Agdistis rated this answer

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hOPE12 asked on 02/04/04 - What Is the Truth About the Dead Sea Scrolls? Hello Everyone, Over 50 years ago, a stone thrown by a Bedouin shepherd into a cave led to what some have called the greatest archaeological discovery of the 20th century. The Bedouin heard the stone crack open an earthenware jar. Upon investigating, he found the first of what came to be known as the Dead Sea Scrolls. These scrolls have been the focus of attention and controversy both in scholarly circles and in the general media. Among the public, confusion and misinformation abound. Rumors have circulated about a massive cover-up, prompted by fear that the scrolls reveal facts that would undermine the faith of Christians and Jews alike. Here are a few questions to think about: 1) What is the true significance of these scrolls? 2) After more than 50 years, can the true facts be known? 4) What do you understand about the dead sea scrolls? Take care, Hope12 revdauphinee answered on 02/04/04: While the group producing the sectarian scrolls is believed by many to be the Essenes, there are other scholars who state that there is too little evidence to support the view that one sect produced all of the sectarian material.Much research is still being done hOPE12 rated this answer

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STONY asked on 02/02/04 - THINK IT CANNOT HAPPEN TO YOU? I LEFT A FRIENDS HOUSE THIS MORNING VERY HEAVY IN HEART. THE HUSBAND OF ONE OF HIS STEPDAUGHTERS COMMITTED SUICIDE LAST NIGHT. I AM RELAYING THIS TO YA'LL BECAUSE I WOULD ASK YOU TO PRAY FOR THE FAMILIES INVOLVED. PRAYING FOR THE DEAD GUY AT THIS POINT WOULD BE AN EXERCISE IN FUTILITY. LONG STORY TO SHORT, THEIR YOUNGEST BABY GOT INTO SOME CHEMICALS BELOW THE SINK A YEAR OR SO AGO AND WITH ALL THE WORK THEY DID AT SHAND'S AND CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL THEY MANAGED TO SAVE THE CHILD'S LIFE. THE BILL WAS 2.5 MILLION DOLLARS OF WHICH THE FAMILY WAS LEFT OWING ANOTHER $800,000 AFTER ALL INSURANCE WAS DELETED. TIME AND TIME AND TIME AGAIN I HAVE TRIED TO EXPLAIN TO YA'LL THE VERSE , "SATAN COMES TO KILL, STEAL AND DESTROY." THIS IS A REALITY IN EVERY ASPECT OF YOUR LIFE!! BE ON YOUR GUARD AT ALL TIMES AND STAY AWARE OF THE ENEMY OF YOUR SOUL. TO MY KNOWLEDGE THE YOUNG MAN WAS NOT SAVED, AND NOW A MOTHER OF THREE CHILDREN AT 25 YEARS OLD IS EXPERIENCING THE DESTRUCTION OF HER FAMILY. TODAY IS ONLY THE TIP OF THE ICEBERG, HOWEVER BAD IT IS TODAY IN THE DAYS AND WEEKS AND MONTHS TO COME IT WILL GET WORSE. I HAVE LIVED THRU THIS SCENARIO BEFORE AND I ASK ALL OF YOU WHO HAVE BEEN THRU IT YOURSELVES TO FERVENTLY PRAY FOR THIS YOUNG MOTHER. YOU KNOW THAT AT SOME POINT IN THE FUTURE THAT SATAN WILL TRY TO PUT THE GUILT OF THIS ON HER HEART AND MAKE HER CARRY THE BLAME....AND THEN SHE'LL BLAME GOD FOR NOT BEING THERE AND THE ORIGINAL LIE FROM SATAN WILL ROLL DOWNHILL GAINING BOTH SPEED AND MASS UNTIL IT APPEARS TO OVERWHELMING TO CONTROL. YOU WHO HAVE BEEN THRU THIS KNOW EXACTLY WHAT I MEAN. IN ADVANCE, I WANT TO THANK YOU FOR YOUR PRAYERS AND INTERCESSION ON BEHALF OF THE FAMILIES AND MAY GOD BLESS YOU AND HAVE MERCY ON US ALL.......STONY revdauphinee answered on 02/03/04: Just last year my former son in law shot and killed himself his son my grandson was devastated ,my prayers are with this young woman and please folks no matter how bad things get remember this is never an answer ,Please think of the folks you leave behind .Also this is just one more case for medical reform in this country a sickness can devastate a family and cause terrible things like this to occur. A sick Child or loved one should not put any family in this position in what we call a civilized society Bobbye rated this answer STONY rated this answer

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HANK1 asked on 02/02/04 - HERE'S A TOUGH ONE! Can you be a REALIST and still be a Christian? HANK revdauphinee answered on 02/02/04: I think so I believe in Christ but I realize that I myself am human and have many faults .The Christian part of me tells me to try to be better and to accept that others are more like me than not HANK1 rated this answer

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Zarahemla asked on 02/02/04 - Love/Charity? What is Christian Love/Charity as referred to in Corinthians 13? To me, it is benevolence, mercy, generosity, helpfulness and love toward humanity. Jesus did come for all people didn't he? God loves us all doesn't He? Why do some Christians think this is an exclusive type of love and that it does not include all? Are Christians supposed to exclude non-Christians and the unlovable? Or are they to love and be charitable to all? What does it mean? Zarahemla revdauphinee answered on 02/02/04: for me it is to give the person a chance, I am a person who has a bad habbit of either liking or disliking someone at first sight I realise this is wrong but its me non the less so I have made it a point to tell myself to give the new person a chance and am trying realy hard to change myself Zarahemla rated this answer

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HANK1 asked on 02/01/04 - 1 Corinthians 12:27-13:13 NIV: "Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres." "Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away. For we know in part and we prophesy in part, but when perfection comes, the imperfect disappears. When I was a child, I talked like a child. I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put childish ways behind me. Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known." "AND NOW THREE REMAIN: FAITH, HOPE AND LOVE. BUT THE GREATEST OF THESE IS LOVE." That's what it's all about, folks. If you don't have love now, find it! It's now your main challenge! HANK revdauphinee answered on 02/01/04: trouble is folks today are lovers of self not others or of God! ATON2 rated this answer HANK1 rated this answer Uni-Agdistis rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 01/31/04 - Now is the time to act? N Korea gassing dissidents: BBC February 1, 2004 - 2:25PM A program made by Britain's BBC says North Korea is killing political prisoners in experimental gas chambers and testing new chemical weapons on women and children. Titled "Access to Evil" and being aired on Sunday, the program features an official North Korean document that says political prisoners are used to test new chemical weapons. In a statement, the BBC said the documentary included comments by Kwon Hyuk, a new name given to a former military attache at the North Korean embassy in Beijing and chief of management at Prison Camp 22. Using a drawing, he describes a gas chamber and the victims he says he saw at the prison in the northeast of the secretive communist state, near the Russian border. "I witnessed a whole family being tested on suffocating gas and dying in the gas chamber. The parents, son and a daughter. The parents were vomiting and dying, but till the very last moment they tried to save kids by doing mouth-to-mouth breathing," he said. "Normally, a family sticks together (in the gas chamber) ... and individual prisoners stand separately around the corners. Scientists observe the entire process from above, through the glass." Asked how he felt about the children, he said: "It would be a total lie for me to say I felt sympathetic about the children dying such a painful death. Under the society and the regime I was in at the time, I only felt that they were the enemies. So I felt no sympathy or pity for them at all." The documentary for the BBC's "This World" series was to be broadcast at 9pm (0800 AEDT). North Korean officials in London were unavailable to comment. BBC journalist Olenka Frenkiel told Reuters she had three independent confirmations that Kwon Hyuk was genuine. The human rights group Amnesty International said it had been unable to confirm previous reports of such testing. "We have heard of these allegations but we cannot confirm them," a spokeswoman said. North Korea - described by US President George W Bush as part of an "axis of evil" because of a nuclear weapons program and authoritarian system - has denied accusations of human rights abuses. A top-secret North Korean document also says political prisoners are used for "human biological experimentation and for production of biological weapons", the BBC said. It interviews a person said to be a former prisoner in North Korea who had been ordered to poison others. "An officer ordered me to select 50 healthy female prisoners. One of the guards handed me a basket full of soaked cabbage, told me not to eat it but to give it to the 50 women," Sun Ok Lee said, according to the BBC statement. "All who ate the cabbage leaves started violently vomiting blood and screaming with pain. It was hell. In less than 20 minutes, they were quite dead." Frenkiel said she had also seen other official North Korean documents, one of which referred to the transfer of a prisoner "for the purpose of human experimentation of liquid gas for chemical weapons" in February 2002. Meanwhile, North Korea claimed the US military conducted at least 190 spy flights against the communist state in January, accusing Washington of mapping out a sudden attack. North Korea's official news agency KCNA said yesterday that U-2, RC-135 and other reconnaissance planes of the US military were used for "round-the-clock" operations. "Such aerial espionage clear shows the US imperialists' black-hearted design to mount a sudden pre-emptive attack on the DPRK anytime as they did to seize Iraq and Afghanistan," KCNA said. DPRK stands for Democratic People's Republic or Korea, or North Korea. North Korea regularly makes such accusations. The US military does not comment on North Korean claims on spy flights, although it acknowledges monitoring North Korean military activity. The United States keeps 37,000 American troops in South Korea - a legacy of the 1950-53 Korean War. Efforts are under way to continue international talks on North Korea's nuclear weapons program. The six-nation negotiations comprise the United States, Russia, China, Japan and the two Koreas. A first round ended in August with little progress made. Reuters, AP revdauphinee answered on 02/01/04: after the events leading to the war in Iraque I dont consider the BBC a great source of info paraclete rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 01/31/04 - could this be a very bad joke? Bush, Blair nominated for peace prize February 1, 2004 - 1:31PM Nominations for this year's Nobel Peace Prize have flooded in ahead of today's deadline, with the European Union, US President George W Bush and British Prime Minister Tony Blair all known to be on the list. "The nominations are streaming in," said Geir Lundestad, the director of the Nobel Institute and influential secretary of the Nobel Committee tasked with selecting the Nobel laureate. "There are a lot of new names that have been proposed by presidents and heads of government, but also by people a little less eminent," he said, remaining tight-lipped on the names of the nominees. As tradition dictates, the Institute never reveals the identities of the candidates. However, those entitled to nominate for the prize -- including past laureates, members of parliament and cabinet ministers from around the world and some university professors -- are allowed to disclose the names they have submitted. Bush and Blair are thus known to be on the list, having been proposed by Jan Simonsen, a member of the Norwegian parliament. It defies the imagination that two men who led their nations to war could be nominated for a "peace" prize, what is the criteria, that they declared the war to be over? revdauphinee answered on 02/01/04: what a joke the two who are at war nominated for a peace prize! paraclete rated this answer Toms777 rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 01/30/04 - Perhaps conscience training could start with manners? IN 1922, the American etiquette expert Emily Post wrote that her peers were worried about the disappearance of manners - young people were ruder, shallower and wore more revealing clothes than their dignified parents. "It is a commonplace remark," she wrote, "that older people invariably feel that the younger generation is speeding swiftly on the road to perdition." Eighty years later, we hear the same refrain, often argued that a lack of civility had contributed to a more violent culture. "Part of the problem is that there has been a breakdown in manners and courtesy. If you overlook the ordinary courtesies, that leads to an indifference to people's wellbeing over time. If we were a more civil, polite country then we would have, in some cases, a little less violence." It's a simple thesis which at first glance appears rather quaint - a bit cardigan-and-slippers, but warm and fuzzy, nonetheless. Who could argue with being nice to each other? Standing up on buses, saying good morning, opening doors and waiting quietly in line? We all hate being jostled, cut in on, ignored and bored by booming mobile phone conversations. But people scoffed - Bombing people is, after all, a bit rude, as well as violent. After decades of being dismissed as the trivial concerns of the rich, in the 1990s manners came back into vogue, particularly in America after Rudolph Giuliani cited Plato when he swore to scrub clean and civilise the streets of New York by focusing on smaller offences. In 1996 The New York Times reported there were "rumblings of an etiquette renaissance". Giuliani's zero tolerance campaign had its roots in the "broken windows" school of thought which holds that erosion of small courtesies fosters disrespect and crime - the theory is, if a window in a building is left broken, others will follow. At the same time, American universities held a series of conferences on civility, where the theories of a virtually unknown Swiss sociologist, Norbert Elias, were debated. In 1939 Elias published a book called On the Civilizing Process, largely ignored until it was republished in America in 1978. His thesis was that the introduction of manners and conventions such as chamber pots, spittoons, nightgowns and forks had been critical in transforming Europe from being violent and medieval to more peaceful and industrialised as people internalised codes of behaviour and exercised self-control. Most historians believe that crudely, the data backs him up, though there were many other factors at play. The idea was picked up here by the conservative think tank, the Centre for Independent Studies, which produced a paper in 2002 - concluding that people were both concerned and confused about an apparent decline in civility. This is not surprising given that different generations have different codes of behaviour - and an expanding terrain to apply them to as our computers yawn into cyberspace, and we grow text- and email-reliant. The critical part of a discussion of manners is this: who is telling who how to behave? And why are they telling us this now? Even Emily Post raised an eyebrow at the ability of the older generation to judge the younger: "To be sure, manners seem to have grown lax, and many of the amenities apparently have vanished. But do these things merely seem so to us because young men of fashion do not pay party calls nowadays and the young woman of fashion is informal?" The problem is, civility is not just about manners, but class. According to the Oxford Dictionary, civility means acts of politeness. Polite is defined as "having refined manners, courteous; cultivated, cultured; well-bred, refined, elegant", and manners as "polite social behaviour, habits indicating good breeding". The British historian Keith Thomas has claimed that ideas about correct behaviour have been incredibly consistent for the past few centuries and boil down to "emotional and bodily self-control". But his research shows these rules have always been determined by an elite, and used to bestow or strip off status. Civility has a host of meanings, and generations often differ sharply in the way they interpret behaviour. No one would disagree that we should be kinder, and more considerate. perhaps this too is a matter of conscience, if you lack conscience you will lack civility towards others. revdauphinee answered on 01/31/04: when I was growing up in EuropeI was taught good manners (most of wich are now out of style) however now since I am living in the USA there is still one thing that drives me up the wall and its men who wear hats indoors,I see them in resturaunts and all over the place I was always taught this was very bed manners and while I never say nything its still one of my pet peeves. paraclete rated this answer ATON2 rated this answer VisionsInBlue rated this answer

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ATON2 asked on 01/30/04 - Technical glitch? Technical glitch? Is anyone else having this problem? Ansers that I post are showing up on my 'new response' page in bold type as answers to ME from other experts. Also clarifications from experts to other experts (re; my questions) are also showing up, in boldface, as answers directed to ME. Is this a technical glitch or is someone playing games????? revdauphinee answered on 01/30/04: same thing keeps happening to me it is bothersom ATON2 rated this answer

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denberg asked on 01/30/04 - I just need to check something... I just need to check something... How many sons had Adam and Eve and what were their names? I think they were Cain and Abel and someone else,but I can't remember who? Am I right? Many thanks. revdauphinee answered on 01/30/04: they had many children not all are named in scripture denberg rated this answer

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arcura asked on 01/29/04 - The DA Vinci Code by Dan Brown..... Has anyone read �The DA Vinci Code� by Dan Brown? It�s very well written. A fun and interesting read. At the beginning of the book the author mentions a few things that are fact. The rest is fiction. That includes the gross distortions regarding the Church, Mary Magdalene being married to Jesus, paganism regarding goddesses, marvelous insights regarding L. DA Vinci and his paintings and more. Brown puts it all together in a tale that proves he is a master storyteller. Warning. If you decide to read it, it�s hard to stop reading till the end. revdauphinee answered on 01/30/04: Have not read the book but have heard of it ,one thing bothers me ,the fact that so many Christians get so terribly upset if the fact of Christ being married is ever mentioned (I am not saying he was)what would be so bad about it if he were though! since when was marriage a sin? arcura rated this answer

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ATON2 asked on 01/29/04 - Conscience??? Let's play with Hope's question on 'conscience' for a bit: A poor man, out of work, wracking his brains to try and find a way to feed his family...finds a wallet with...oh,say...$25. dollars in it, along with identification. He sees the money as a way to put at least one more meal on the table. How culpable is he, if he uses the money to feed his starving family, rather than return it, considering it the anwer to his prayers????? Or a gift from God???? Is his conscience working??? If he actually believes this was God's way of answering his prayers???? revdauphinee answered on 01/30/04: did you ever think God may be putting the man to the test if God mery wanted to answer his prayers for money he would have found money and not a walet with identification !Ifsomeone returned my walet under such circumstances I would reward them so honest is always the best position to take,what if the person who lost it needed medicine to save thier life and this was the only way they could pay for it would the finder still be in the right?? ATON2 rated this answer

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sapphire630 asked on 01/29/04 - Duty to vote I hear people (especially Christians) say it is your duty to vote. I honestly can not vote with a good conscience because sort of like Hopes question about honesty (if you can relate) if say I voted for Bush I would feel like I had a bad conscience for all the things Bush turned around and did. And now after almost 4 years he wants to start talking about lowering taxes and creating more jobs why was that left to the wayside up til now? Maybe I am politically incorrect here but I can't with a good conscience vote for Bush to go another round and I am not sure yet if I could vote for anybody else either. revdauphinee answered on 01/29/04: I do think we have a duty to keep ourself informed and then vote I am not a supporter of George Bush however those who apparantly feel diferently we all must stay informed and the vote our concience we should never vote if we are not sure of whoom we are electing sapphire630 rated this answer

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hOPE12 asked on 01/29/04 - Do you have an honest conscience? If you found some money or a wallet or the like, what would you do? Would your honest conscience work? Or would you think "no one sees me, so I just keep this." Can you answer this honestly? :0) Take care, Hope12 revdauphinee answered on 01/29/04: GOD sees you!I would be afraid it could contain someones last few dollars and could never keep it It may be depriving someone of food or medicine needed for life hOPE12 rated this answer MaggieB rated this answer

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hOPE12 asked on 01/29/04 - God's Promises: Hello Everyone, How as experts would you say we can build confidence in God's promises as Micah and Joshua and others did? We live in a world where people have trouble trusting those they see, how can we trust a God we can not see? As experts, how would you reply to these questions? Take care, Hope12 revdauphinee answered on 01/29/04: we can see God(at least I do)by just looking at his creation study the beuty in a flower could a rose happen by accident?? hOPE12 rated this answer

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hOPE12 asked on 01/29/04 - Sleep deprivation, can it be helped? Hi Everyone, Sleep deprivation can cause serious accidents, such as car, machine and the like. Some sleep deprivation is due to a sleep disorders and need medical attention. What though of sleep deprivation not caused by a sleep disorders but by each persons own inability to balance their need for sleep? In order to answer this we need to ask ourselves some serious quesitions. 1) What does proper sleep have to do with God, religion, and the love for others? A persons life-style can deprive one of the proper sleep. If we do not get the right amount of sleep and we drive a car and kill another, are we not the blame? Suppose we stayed out late having a great time drinking and then on the way home the accident happens and someone is killed. Do you think God holds us responsible for that death? I had a 23 year old friend who was killed over the weekend due to a trunk driver half asleep and the fog. Could the proper sleep have prevented that accident? 2) How much sleep does one need? Enough to allow the person to be alert and responsible. All individuals require different amounts of sleep. 3) What can we do to help ourselves get the proper rest? Here are some suggestions: a) Avoid alcohol as well as well as stimulants. b) quit smoking c) Avoid extreme mental or physical stimulation just before bedtime. d)Allow enough time to take care of your body so as to function in an alert manner. e) Be cautious about taking sleep inducing medications. f) Be conscious of your spiritual responsibilties towards God and you nieghbor. This small post is just a few things I wanted to bring to everyones attention and to illustrate the dangers of sleep deprivations and our obligations as responsible adults and God fearing people. If we ignore these points and reminders we might be the next accident waiting to happen and instead of my 23 year old friend being dead,it could be you. Please be careful! Take Care, Hope12 revdauphinee answered on 01/29/04: and for truck drivers and others do not push the body beyond the capabilities God made for it!!The human body was divinly designed and in the design comes a need for refreshing by sleep ! hOPE12 rated this answer

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MaggieB asked on 01/28/04 - Request for prayer! Our two and a half year old grand-daughter has bacterial pneumonia and we covet your prayers for her healing. Thanking you in advance, God bless, MaggieB revdauphinee answered on 01/29/04: you and your precious grand daughter will be remembered in our prayers Never cease to believe in mirracles MaggieB rated this answer

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hOPE12 asked on 01/28/04 - Has anyone seen this one? Hello Everyone, Tell me does this make you sick? It sure shows we are in the last days. PRESS RELEASE (eMediaWire) Proposed UN Resolution Would Effectively Ban Religion All Press Releases for January 27, 2004 A draft resolution which aims to secure global peace and stability at the expense of organized religion is today being submitted to the United Nations in New York. NEW YORK, NY (PRWEB) January 27, 2004 -- A draft resolution which aims to secure global peace and stability at the expense of organized religion is today being submitted to the United Nations in New York. The resolution is being proposed by Antony Last, founder of formulism.org, a site which claims that freedom FROM religion would be of far greater benefit to mankind than freedom OF religion. Freedom from Religion | Proposed UN Resolution / Charter Amendment | Version 1.1 WE THE PEOPLES OF THE UNITED NATIONS HEREBY VOW * to save succeeding generations from the scourge of organized religion, a folly which has brought untold sorrow to mankind through the division, hatred and conflict it engenders, and * to reaffirm an individual's right to freedom of belief, freedom of conscience and freedom of prayer, and * to establish conditions under which these freedoms can be privately exercised. AND FOR THESE ENDS WE UNDERTAKE 1. To outlaw, with immediate effect, the public expression of religious beliefs, including the use of symbols, clothing or markings which are synonymous with any currently or previously existing religions. 2. To outlaw, with immediate effect, public acts of worship or religious declaration. 3. To outlaw, with immediate effect, private gatherings of three or more people for the purposes of engaging in acts of worship or religious services. 4. To outlaw, with immediate effect, the publication of books, literature or articles which seek to promote religious beliefs or encourage adherence to religious doctrine. 5. To outlaw, after a period of amnesty, the personal ownership of books or materials which seek to promote religious beliefs or encourage adherence to religious doctrine. (Books of academic or social interest will be made freely available to schools, universities and public libraries). 6. To outlaw, with immediate effect, the celebration of religiously significant dates. 7. To begin, with immediate effect, the destruction or reassignment of predominantly religious buildings, such as churches, mosques and temples. *************************************************** I read this and said to mysel, "yep, we are in the last days." How sick can people get? Take care, Hope12 revdauphinee answered on 01/28/04: more signs of the last days indeed hOPE12 rated this answer

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shakespear1 asked on 01/28/04 - Requirments What does our creator require of us ? revdauphinee answered on 01/28/04: that we love him with all our hearts and love each other as we love ourselves shakespear1 rated this answer

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HANK1 asked on 01/28/04 - DECLARATION: I do not have a Bible Dictionary. This is why I can't answer many posts and clarifications. Many times I have to rely on searching the Internet and then 'sending what I find' to you via the C and P procedure. On balance: I always try to denote citations and sources. Bottom-line: I do not deserve to be rated #2 in Christianity. Perhaps the above is a good argument for rating the activity of Experts in accordance to their ACTUAL knowledge of religion by using the 'star' procedure as we did at AskMe, e.g. one to five stars for each answer! Whoever gets the most stars from time to time can be rated accordingly by ANSWERWAY! If someone gives a lousy answer to a question, that person deserves a lousy rating. I know all of us have alot of respect for one another. We can set the pace while using THIS THOUGHT as FACT without giving someone a hard time for receiving a low rating. Besides, I feel that we are all too mature to argue, per say. It might also teach us how to accept an answer or clarification graciously without displaying temper. I didn't post the above on the Expert Forum because I'm not sure many of the Experts use it! Anyway, please give me your thoughts! Thanks. HANK revdauphinee answered on 01/28/04: May I recomend a very handy tool called the NIV bible disk ,go to Wall Mart and purchace the bible disk they have for $9 it is a great tool for this purpose and is so inexpensive they call it the NIV bible however it contains many versions of the bible even the greek and latin,it also has bible dictionaries and many other helps its the best value for under $10 I ever got anywhere Dorothy HANK1 rated this answer

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HANK1 asked on 01/28/04 - PARTING OF THE RED SEA! I came across an interesting article about the parting of the Red Sea, thanks to the Beliefnet site and a Moscow newspaper. Here is that article: � Mathematicians Dissect a Miracle" By Galina Stolyarova "Staff Writer ST. PETERSBURG -- It took a stormy night and a strategically placed reef to pull off the biblical miracle of the parting of the waters of the Red Sea when the Jews fled slavery in Egypt, according to a new study by two Russian mathematicians. A number of researchers around the world have tried to determine the probability of such an event taking place and to calculate the odds, but Naum Volzinger, a senior researcher at St. Petersburg's Institute of Oceanology, and a colleague based in Hamburg, Alexei Androsov, decided instead to study the conditions needed for the miracle to happen. "I am convinced that God rules the Earth through the laws of physics," Volzinger said in a telephone interview. "In purely professional terms, I can say that it [the study] was done through a system of differential equations." The six-month study, published in the Bulletin of the Russian Academy of Sciences, focuses on a reef that runs from the well-documented starting point of the Jews' escape to the north side of the sea. In biblical times, the reef was much closer to the surface, Volzinger said. The questions the researchers were interested in answering included what wind speed was needed to leave the reef high and dry at low tide, how long the reef could stay dry, and how quickly the waters would return. "If the wind blew all night at a speed of 30 meters per second, then the reef would be dry," said Volzinger, who specializes in various ocean phenomena, including flooding and tidal waves. "It would take the Jews -- there were 600,000 of them -- four hours to cross the seven-kilometer reef that runs from one coast to another. Then, in half an hour, the waters would come back," he said. To Jews and Christians alike, the parting of the Red Sea was nothing short of a miracle. "And Moses stretched out his hand over the sea; and the Lord caused the sea to go back by a strong east wind all that night, and made the sea dry land, and the waters were divided," reads the biblical book of Exodus. "And the children of Israel went into the midst of the sea upon dry ground: The waters were a wall unto them on their right hand, and on their left." The pursuing Egyptian army tried to follow but drowned in the sea. Mark Grubarg, the head of the Jewish community in St. Petersburg, said the spiritual value of this miracle is immense for Jews. It is mentioned in the Shema, a prayer said by religious Jews three times a day. "Jews were the first nation in history to accept monotheism, but they could hardly assert it while in slavery in Egypt," Grubarg said. "God told them to return to the Promised Land, and this is why it was so important. When the Jews reached the sea, they needed a miracle to complete their journey, and they were granted that miracle as a reward for their strong faith. The idea of monotheism is reflected in the Shema prayer." The event has long preoccupied people's minds. Medieval philosopher Thomas Aquinas, among others, argued that the parting of the Red Sea was possible. Volzinger said he and Androsov studied the issue "strictly from Isaac Newton's point of view." Yet he acknowledged the religious importance of the miracle. "To fulfill their historical mission, the Jews needed to return to a free land," he said. Volzinger said he and Androsov have not informed any religious organizations about their findings and have not received any reaction yet. But the parting of the Red Sea, he said, is not likely to happen again -- the reef has been severed to create a passage for ships and the water is now much deeper. Unless, that is, another miracle occurs." AMAZING! HANK revdauphinee answered on 01/28/04: I found this to be very interesting thanks for the posting HANK1 rated this answer kindj rated this answer

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PraiseJah asked on 01/27/04 - Slaughter of children Like many when I read the OT about how the Israelites were told to kill women and even children I feel repulsed. How could a God of justice order killing of children because of the sins of their parents? (Ezekiel 18:20) Then it occurred to me just yesterday that sparing the children would not be a viable alternative. As an invading army the Israelite soldiers would never have the means or resources to care for young children. Leaving children alone in the cities or on farms to starve and fend for themselves would have been cruel. All the children as well as their parents are among the "unrighteous" whom Jesus said would be resurrected on Judgement Day - John 5:28,29. So their deaths at that time was not the final judgement. revdauphinee answered on 01/28/04: when we consider a death (of anyone)we do so from an earthly position God does not, he has a different heavenly perspective to him the death we humans fear is merly a passing to a different place Isaiah 55: 8. "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways," declares the LORD. 9. "As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts. ATON2 rated this answer PraiseJah rated this answer

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ATON2 asked on 01/27/04 - Souls in jeopardy???? First questions of the New Year. Do Christians place their souls in jeopardy by responding seriously to the attentions of psychics, fortune tellers, spiritists, and those who claim to be in contact with the dead????? Are not all of these diametrically opposed to biblical teaching?? How would you advise a friend who is in the clutches of a failed psychic who is out to fleece the gullible??? revdauphinee answered on 01/28/04: My answer concerning on Psychics or consulting the dead must come from the scripture Lev.19:31 "`Do not turn to mediums or seek out spiritists, for you will be defiled by them. I am the LORD your God. (Isa.8:19 When men tell you to consult mediums and spiritists, who whisper and mutter, should not a people inquire of their God? Why consult the dead on behalf of the living? thewre are many more and as for the person who acused you by saying and I quote "STILL hold the beliefs of being against people who are anti-homosexual for biblical reasons." as a Christians we are admonished to believe the commands of God and did he not say Leviticus 18:22. "`Do not lie with a man as one lies with a woman; that is detestable. f God. If this act is detestable to God then it should also be detestable to his followers. God and Christians alike can hate a sin whilst still loving the sinner,it is the act that is condemednot the person .so I f this is your stand then I am with you! ATON2 rated this answer

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VisionsInBlue asked on 01/27/04 - Integrity Or lack thereof. I know this person... He belonged to a club and he got expelled for being rude, nasty and abusive to the other members... He then became a member of the rival club where he used every opportunity to bash the first club, its owners and... well, the majority of members by name. But see, the first club was MUCH better and the second not that interesting... After a while he managed to work his way back to the first club... What does that say of the person? Does he have any integrity? Why did he go back to the first club after speaking in such a bad way about anything that had to do with it? What would you do if you came across such a person? Personally, I think it is pretty spineless... How many second chances do people deserve, do you think? revdauphinee answered on 01/27/04: How many second chances do people deserve, do you think? Matthew 18: 22 Jesus answered, "I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times. ATON2 rated this answer Toms777 rated this answer VisionsInBlue rated this answer

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MaggieB asked on 01/27/04 - We should never doubt God's answering prayers! This is in response to some answers re rabbits eating marijuna which became the answer to a prayer. God's ways are so much bigger than ours. He knows what is really needed and what it will take to get the job done. We might not consider what's going on in any given circumstance to be the answers to our prayer, but He's hard at work behind the scenes. That's part of the reason we're reminded in Scripture: Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 NIV He's behind the scenes working in the bleakest seeming of situations. And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28 NIV We may never know when we perform a deed for someone, it might just be that God has put us at that particular place for to be able to minister to those in need (it is never a coincidence). An opportunity for you to minister to someone else, or for them to minister to you. It might be the answer to someone's prayer. Also, if God can use us why could he not use animals? There are Scriptures relating to help from an animal, read the Book of Numbers for one. Never doubt or be remiss about the way God answers prayer, just have 'faith' that He will! God bless, MaggieB revdauphinee answered on 01/27/04: So true however just as our earthly fathers do not give us everything we ask for (often for our own good)neither will our heavenly father and we must understand the answer sometimes may be NO.We need to understand his will for us is best even if we dont get all our "wants "He will suply our "needs " Sometimes we humans get our WANTS and NEEDS mixed up he always does what is best for us! MaggieB rated this answer XCHOUX rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 01/27/04 - A new pestilence? January 27, 2004 A look at the bird flu spreading through Asia. WHAT IS IT: A form of influenza believed to strike all birds, though domestic poultry are believed especially prone to it. It also has jumped to humans, though no human-to-human transmission has been reported. WHERE IS IT: Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, Cambodia, South Korea, Japan and Taiwan have reported outbreaks in birds in recent weeks. Thailand and Vietnam have reported human cases. Bird flu was first reported in humans in Hong Kong in 1997. Since then, it's popped up mostly in Asia, although the Netherlands reported an outbreak, including human cases, in 2003. HOW MANY PEOPLE AFFECTED: The disease has killed seven people. Vietnam has confirmed six human cases, all of whom have died. Thailand has confirmed three cases, including one death. HOW IT'S PASSED: Infected birds spread the virus through saliva, faeces, and nasal secretions. So far, only humans with direct contact with sick birds have caught the disease. But scientists are worried that bird flu could link with regular human influenza, mutate, and become a deadly new virus and trigger a pandemic. SYMPTOMS IN BIRDS: Loss of appetite, ruffled feathers, fever, weakness, diarrhoea, excessive thirst, swelling. If the strain is virulent, mortality rate can range between 50 per cent to 100 per cent. SYMPTOMS IN HUMANS: Fever, cough, sore throat, muscle aches, eye infections, pneumonia, acute respiratory distress, viral pneumonia. TREATMENT FOR HUMANS: World Health organisation says this year's strain is resistant to cheaper anti-viral drugs, amantadine and rimantadine. Scientists are exploring more expensive treatment. WHO also recommends quarantining sick people. FOOD SAFETY: There's no evidence that the virus is being passed through eating chicken products, health experts say. Heat kills viruses, and WHO says chicken products should be cooked thoroughly at temperatures of at least 70 degrees celsius (158 degrees Fahrenheit). WHO also says people should wash their hands after handling poultry and ensure that poultry carcasses do not contaminate other objects. Sources: World Health Organisation, US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, UN Food and Agricultural Organisation One more indication of the end times! revdauphinee answered on 01/27/04: we cant say we were not warned !The her in the following I believe to be refering to the world,these are truly a sign of the end times Rev.2:21-22. 21 I have given her time to repent of her immorality, but she is unwilling. 22 So I will cast her on a bed of suffering, and I will make those who commit adultery with her suffer intensely, unless they repent of her ways. ) paraclete rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 01/25/04 - When Bingo fails? Priest held for growing marijuana January 25, 2004 A Roman Catholic priest has been arrested for allegedly growing marijuana in his church living quarters in Barberton, US. The Rev Richard Arko, 40, was charged with illegal cultivation of marijuana. Police said they found a marijuana growing system in a spare bedroom and confiscated about 35 potted marijuana plants ranging from 15cm to 1.2 metres tall, along with grow lights, electric transformers, air purifiers and instruction books for growing marijuana. They also seized two small plastic bags of marijuana. Arrested with the priest was Jensen Powell, 24, who police said also lived in the Prince of Peace Church rectory. He was charged with trafficking in marijuana. Powell is unemployed and has no affiliation with the church, about 13km south-west of Akron. If convicted, each man faces six months to a year in jail and a $US2,500 ($3,221) fine. This is Bizarre, a man lives in the rectory but has no affiliation with the Church, yet is appearently able to make a living trafficing drugs grown by a Priest. Well, when bingo fails to provide funds, what's a priest to do? revdauphinee answered on 01/25/04: Priests are just humanbs and as such they make mistakes .I have often stated that Christians are not perfect they are just forgiven. We should not condem the word due to the failings of the speakers who bring it to us Bradd rated this answer paraclete rated this answer

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HANK1 asked on 01/24/04 - THE SECOND COMING! "Behold, He cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see Him, and they also which pierced Him: and all kindreds of the Earth shall wail because of Him. Even so, Amen." - Revelations 7 "Our LORD Jesus Christ is the One who "cometh with clouds". No other event in the history of creation will focus more attention on One Person than the Second Coming of the LORD Jesus Christ. "And then shall appear the Sign of the Son of Man in Heaven: and then shall all the tribes of the Earth mourn, and they shall see the Son of Man coming in the clouds of Heaven with power and great glory" (Matthew 24:30). If anyone is able to wonder or question if the LORD Jesus has appeared the Second Time, then it definitely did not happen-- because at His Second Coming "all... shall see Him" (24:30)." Citation: What Saith The Scripture? - Commentary On The Book Of Revelations. What are your true feelings about His Second Coming? HANK revdauphinee answered on 01/25/04: i believe it is iminent,that his hand is on the door so we should live to be prepared! John14: 3. And if I go and prepare a place for you, ((I will come back)) and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. HANK1 rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 01/23/04 - Seven wonders of the post modern world The enormous difference between the industrial and the post-industrial Ages of Man can be highlighted if we try to draw up a contemporary list What is obvious, immediately, is that it wouldn't be a list of objects. The age of monuments, like the age of dinosaurs, is over. The great achievements of our contemporary culture are transient, multifarious, virtually invisible. They are processes, or clusters, rather than single things, and they are the creation of teams or research traditions rather than of single individuals. The popularity of pluralist philosophy is linked to this; it is not just because of the disintegration of Lyotard's grand narratives in the face of 20th-century history and 21st-century scepticism but because a pluralist concept of the world corresponds so accurately to the fragmentation of contemporary culture - and, if you will, its characteristic (and uncharacteristic) icons. Such as, for instance, the internet. Or, if you wish, the computer and all its creations. It is the invisible world of communications which has had the most profound transformative effect upon contemporary life: its effects are so instantaneous, and its nature so ever-changing, it makes the Brooklyn Bridge look like a Lego block. The computer is part of the spectrum of inventions and discoveries that have produced seismic shifts in the culture of the Western world; eventually bushmen will have PlayStations. (It is ironic that so many kids now "play" at war; or, like World Cup rugby, is it a great substitute?) Next: space exploration. If you need a symbol, it could be Apollo 11, or the NASA launch complex at the John F. Kennedy Space Centre, or Mission Control at Houston. The motor car, or the aeroplane, might be equally valid choices; one of the great gifts of the 20th century to the human race has been the gift of mobility. Still, Mars probes and space stations seem to fascinate us all; a man on the moon may not have changed our everyday lives, but it has changed our imaginations. Or television. It has transformed the world's popular culture, East and West. In even the poorest nations it is ubiquitous and much desired. It has been the conduit for America's cultural hegemony of the world. It is also perpetually on the verge of being obsolete. Television dramatises another characteristic of our time: wonders don't last any more. They are part of the flux, as ephemeral as disposable art. A much scarier symbol of our civilisation is the nuclear bomb. It is a legacy of an earlier age, but the spread of nuclear weapons and nuclear power is a feature of our time. True, the bomb has forced an enormous mutation of the act of war, which has to be good. Even though the so-called balance of terror has been eroded in the past decade, the bomb can be credited with stopping the Cold War turning hot. Because only two have ever been used in warfare, it may even be an agent of peace. It may also destroy us. That's four wonders. The others are not so obviously self-selecting. Perhaps: No.5: DNA. Symbol: the double helix. James Watson and Francis Crick are thought of as its discoverers, but they drew upon years of research by others. Many other contemporary achievements, especially in science and medicine, are the result of analytic traditions that have their sources well back in the 20th century and earlier. In terms of wonders, however, it's hard to go past the discovery of what makes life. No.6: Antibiotics. Symbol: penicillin, the first of the drugs that have saved the lives of people everywhere. Latest scourge: AIDS. Next to come: unknown. As the planet's population zooms to more than 6 billion, mankind hopes to detour around the next Black Death. No.7: Sydney Opera House. Oh well, we might as well include one local monument. It is the first truly great artefact of postmodern culture: romantic, dedicated to entertainment and, now, a popular icon. Its roof forms are shamelessly referential in a way that would have made Mies van der Rohe shudder; they may even have helped inspire Frank Gehry's fantastical roofs for the Guggenheim Museum at Bilbao and the Walt Disney Concert Hall in Los Angeles, which are among the masterpieces of postmodern architecture. I also like the way they can double as a "NO WAR" billboard. Like all such lists, this is a specious one. Still, whether you agree with it or not, it indicates that the great wonders of the post-industrial age are utterly different from those of the industrial age or the ancient world. Like post-industrial culture itself, they are dynamic, transformative and populist. That last is important; they are not the creations of Great Men, but the stuff of everyday life. Which is where greatness should lie. Would you like to contibute to this list? You might like to contemplate that God didn't get a mention so I would like to add Redemption of a million souls in a day, Rhinehardt Bonke, West Aftica. revdauphinee answered on 01/24/04: you stated and I quote "What is obvious, immediately, is that it wouldn't be a list of objects" One might ask if not objects what are computers ,televisions,Bombs and the space center ??If not objects!And while man (Rhinehardt Bonke)may introduce us to the means of salvation no man can take credit for it . paraclete rated this answer

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hOPE12 asked on 01/23/04 - Do I Persevere When problems arise? Hello Experts: Is Perseverance something we need on a Christian board? If so why? Will it help us all to get along better? What is your opinion? What does it mean to persevere? To persevere means to �hold firmly and steadily to some purpose, state, or undertaking despite obstacles or setbacks.� It implies continuing resolutely in the face of adversity, being tenacious, not giving up. The Bible highlights the importance of this quality. For instance, God�s Word admonishes us: �Keep on, then, seeking first the kingdom,� �keep on knocking, and it will be opened to you,� �persevere in prayer,� and �hold fast to what is fine.� Matthew 6:33 Luke 11:9 Romans 12:12 1�Thessalonians 5:21. Take Care, Hope12 revdauphinee answered on 01/23/04: but should we persever if on ocasion we are wrong??I agree that scripture tells to do so when we are right but we must remember humans (none of us )are perfect we are just forgiven.And with age has come the wisdom to know I can be wrong this is why I always look for backing in scripture hOPE12 rated this answer

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hOPE12 asked on 01/23/04 - Just a few questions: Hello Experts: Please answer these questions from your heart. For if you are a Christian or not a Christian. all people welcome honesty. How many are on this site to answer questions and to add information that might help others? How many here have a different opinion then others? How can we state our opinion and not be hostile or rude towards the person we disagree with? If someone is rude or hostile towards us, what do you think we can and should do? As a human and a loving person are we "tattle tales" if we report abuse or are we just desiring peace among all on this board? Who do you feel is responsible for keeping Answerway clean and a good place for all to come to? Thank you for your time, Hope12 revdauphinee answered on 01/23/04: q)How many are on this site to answer questions and to add information that might help others? a)Icannot speak for others I only know that i do ! Q)How many here have a different opinion then others? a)I often do since I base my faith on study of scripture and do not rely on man made denominationalism Q)How can we state our opinion and not be hostile or rude towards the person we disagree with? a)By not being argumentative and backing up what we say with the word of God from scripture and not relying on other sources such as are written by man Q)If someone is rude or hostile towards us, what do you think we can and should do? A)My faith tells me to turn the other cheek however my humanity may tell me to fight back In wich case I am wrong But then I have never claimed perfection just forgiveness Q)As a human and a loving person are we "tattle tales" if we report abuse or are we just desiring peace among all on this board? A) my answer to the previous question also answers this one ,however this site provides a way to report abuse and therfore it desires us to use it in order to maintain order on here Q)Who do you feel is responsible for keeping Answerway clean and a good place for all to come to? A)we are all who use the site responsible HANK1 rated this answer paraclete rated this answer hOPE12 rated this answer

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Bobbye asked on 01/23/04 - THE DEITY OF CHRIST: (1) "WAS JESUS GOD AS HE WALKED THE EARTH?" (2) "AT THE RIGHT HAND OF THE FATHER IS HE GOD?" Please provide Scripture to buttress your response/opinion/teaching. Thanks. Bobbye revdauphinee answered on 01/23/04: let scripture answer this one (Rom.9:5; Theirs are the patriarchs, and from them is traced the human ancestry of Christ, who is God over all, forever praised! Amen. ) (Tit.2:13; while we wait for the blessed hope--the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, ) (Heb.1:8,10-12; 8 But about the Son he says, "Your throne, O God, will last for ever and ever, and righteousness will be the scepter of your kingdom. 10 He also says, "In the beginning, O Lord, you laid the foundations of the earth, and the heavens are the work of your hands. (Isa.9:6; For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. ((And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,)) Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. ) Bobbye rated this answer

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PraiseJah asked on 01/22/04 - I am a Christian - Jehovah's witness For some reason those less observant among you have thought I must be a Muslim because I have promoted tolerance for Muslims over 9/11. I am not Muslim - please read my profile. But unlike some on this Board I do not blame all Muslims for 9/11. There were no doubt many Muslims in the WTC at the time, just as there have been Muslims killed in other acts of terrorism by these religous fanatics. I have quoted not Muslim sources, but World Book Encyclopedia to prove that acts of agression against "infidels" - a literal "holy war" is not endorsed by the Quran. If you have a problem with that, then please take it up with the authors of WB Encyclopedia!! revdauphinee answered on 01/23/04: May I quote from the quoran wich I have read and studdied before comming to my present conclusion that Islaam is by no means a peacfull faith ' The Cow: 2.190] And fight in the way of Allah with those who fight with you, and do not exceed the limits, surely Allah does not love those who exceed the limits. [2.191] And kill them wherever you find them, 2.193] And fight with them until there is no persecution, and religion should be only for Allah [2.244] And fight in the way of Allah, and know that Allah is Hearing, Knowing. I could go on and on with quoted such as this however I will just ask you to compare them to the words Of Christ who told his followers (Matt.5:39-41 39 But I tell you, Do not resist an evil person. If someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also. 40 And if someone wants to sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well. 41 If someone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles. ) (Matt.5:43-48 43 "You have heard that it was said, `Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' 44 But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, paraclete rated this answer PraiseJah rated this answer

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STONY asked on 01/22/04 - THE PASSION/ MEL GIBSON II TONIGHT ON CBS EVENING NEWS WITH DAN RATHER A SEGMENT WILL BE ON THIS EXTRA ORDINARY MOVIE. LAST EVENING OVER 4,000 PASTORS WERE INVITED BY MEL GIBSON TO ATTEND A SCREENING OF THE FILM IN ORLANDO, FLORIDA AT CALVARY CHURCH. ACCORDING TO LAST NIGHTS LATE LOCAL NEWS REPORT THE NATIONWIDE DAY FOR RELEASE IS FEB. 25TH. NOW, WE ALL HAVE A SOON DATE TO LOOK FOR!! revdauphinee answered on 01/22/04: I cant wait STONY rated this answer

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mr_internet asked on 01/22/04 - French people realized mother of Jesus was a Muslim. I think by now you all know that in France they are considering a law that forbids Muslim women from covering their hair and forbids Jews from wearing skullcap. This law also forbids Christians from having crosses. Basically this law is against any religious symbol in public places such as schools. They argue that headscarves worn by Muslim women are an Islamic symbol and therefore it must be banned. I think this is great that French Christians have come to realize that if you are a woman and you cover your hair, then it must be an Islamic symbol. This is great because I have seen movies made by Christians in which the mother of Jesus was dressing just like a Muslim woman and the people in the movie were dressing like Arab Muslims. In fact I had to think to myself "a film about Arabs"? Then after few seconds I would realize that this was a film about Jesus. French people are saying that Virgin Mary was a Muslim because she wore the Islamic symbol of headscarf. Great! So if Virgin Mary was to appear in France and visit a public school, then she must remove her head cover and Jesus has to shave before being allowed to enter a classroom! Now next time you visited France and saw everybody was naked don't be shocked because I am sure that Islamic laws require both Muslim women and women cover their private parts. revdauphinee answered on 01/22/04: deae Mr Internet since I am aware that you yourself are a muslim it stands to reason you would be against this law would you be so adamant if the gov was banning just crosses or yamulkers or stars of davis perhaps If one symbol of faith is to be banned then why not all!!

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Tammy21 asked on 01/21/04 - Ladies Week? How about a ladies only week on the Christianity board so that the girls can show how a question board should be run without inflated male egos jumping in and making a mess? Who is for it? revdauphinee answered on 01/22/04: once agin in Gods eyes we are equall 26. You are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus, 27. for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. 28. There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. 29. If you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise. Toms777 rated this answer

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Tammy21 asked on 01/21/04 - Male ego in Christian ministry Women have had a hard time in Christianity because men have blamed women for something they think Eve did in tempting Adam to sexual activity, even though there is no indication in Genesis that sex was the sin of Adam and Eve. Because of male theologians reading of a book they clearly don't understand, women were deemed untrustworthy tempters of weak men, little better than demons, and relegated to a subordinate position in the church. The dark age mentality still present in church life today with women relegated to arranging flowers and washing curtains while men get the authority and do the exciting preaching teaching and blessing. Last Sunday a junior pastor at a church I attended was moving on. The presiding pastor presented him with a big book on Biblical theology and gave his wife a measly bunch of flowers. What a slap on the side of the head for women. Why do these men think women are not as capable as they are to act in the ministry? Can't the Christian male ego stand competition from women just as able as they are and sometimes far better? What are they afraid of? Curious minds want to know. revdauphinee answered on 01/22/04: As for women in ministry (and I am one of them)it matters not what either man or denominations may think on this subject we must remember to wqhoom Jesus entrusted his first message of resurection to, A Woman! 5. The angel said to the women, "Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. 6. He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay. 7. Then go quickly and tell his disciples: `He has risen from the dead and is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him.' Now I have told you." 8. So the women hurried away from the tomb, afraid yet filled with joy, and ran to tell his disciples. 9. Suddenly Jesus met them. "Greetings," he said. They came to him, clasped his feet and worshiped him. 10. Then Jesus said to them, "Do not be afraid. Go and tell my brothers so it is clear to me that Jesus was no respecter of either persons or sex when it comes to passing the message Galatians 3:26. You are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus, 27. for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. 28. There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, ((male nor female,)) for you are all one in Christ Jesus. 29. If you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise. CeeBee rated this answer

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Tammy21 asked on 01/21/04 - For amusement only Tradiucianism or Creationism? Where do you put your money? Traducianism is the doctrine that the spirit and the body were created at the same moment. Creationism is that they were created separately and then were joined together at birth. St. Augustine accepted preexistence of the spirits of men and believed it up until the year 410 A.D., but after that he hesitates and continually flip flops between traducianism and creationism, though he preferred creationism because it helped him to explain the transmission of the original sin, yet he repeats (monotonously and endlessly) that he has not yet made up his mind. But it is time for you to make up your mind. Which do you accept and why? revdauphinee answered on 01/22/04: God made man but untill he installed the spirit into him by his own breath he was as nothing (Gen.2:7 the LORD God formed the man from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living being.

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HANK1 asked on 01/21/04 - SIMPLE SOLUTION! Why do people all over the World need a religion if they abide by the Ten Commandments and the Golden Rule? Good is 'good' in any language! HANK revdauphinee answered on 01/22/04: being Good will redeem no one I am afraid there will be many ""Good""people in hell,only a true relationship with our saviour Jesus will make a difference HANK1 rated this answer

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Tammy21 asked on 01/21/04 - Genesis or Darwin? Did God make Adam out of the dust of the ground, or did God make low life forms from which man evolved? Which churches believe Genesis and which believe Darwin? Two questions. revdauphinee answered on 01/22/04: Genesis 1:20. And God said, "Let the water teem with living creatures either way you believe weather we evolved or were created from the dust we have to go back to God so what is the problem

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cliff_dweller asked on 01/21/04 - ***Praise Report*** God blesses, satan tries to steal that blessing Well folks, I have to say that with all the blessing that has been poured out over my life within the last 8 days, satan wasted no time whatsoever in trying to steal my joy. I had asked for a promotion at my night job (not really a promotion just to work more hours, 60, a week so I could drop my second job and be more focused on school), they denied the request. Then I went to my day job and was faced with someone who I do not get along with, he was called in as extra help for the day. He is very rude and insulting to everyone and today was no different. Then I go home and find out that through prayer (I know this may sound silly or foolish to some of you) my cat's stomach problems have subsided, the problems that have been troubling him for about a month. Evidence of God's healing hand, even upon his animals. Then I check my email and I have recieved an email from my wife. In it she tries to tear me down and insult me and basically makes up some stories and insinuates that #1 I don't love my family and the only reason I moved to Santa Cruz was to get away from them instead of what I really moved here for and that was to be with her and #2 basically insulted the relationship that I had with my grandfather. My grandfather passed away alomst two years ago and she said things to basically try to destroy me with regards to this man that I loved as though he were my own father because in all aspects of a father that's what he was to me. He was my father because I had no father in my life and she insulted that among other things. Now with all that said, I was tempted to retaliate on her at least and was tempted to just walk out on my night job and tell that guy at my day job off, but I was led of the Lord to take the high road for the first time in a long time I followed His lead. This morning (just minutes after typing out my experience at the revival to you all) I got the news about my night job. God said, have patience remember what I told you. He keeps reminding me of Galations 6:9 "Do not grow weary of doing what is good and you will reap a blessing at the appointed time." I saw Di (guy at day job) and knew I was in for it. restrained myself and actually tried to get along with him instead of snapping back with comments. It didn't work but at least I did what God wanted. Then I get home and find that my cat has at least begun healing from his stomach problems. Praise the Lord!!! I had just prayed over him two days beforem his stomach has been getting better ever since. Then I read that email. Boy was I in the flesh. I wanted to retaliate and shoot back at her with firy darts. God said (in a nutshell), "Choose NOW whom you will serve. I do not want you to retaliate." Whoa!!! That put me in my place. As I reread that email my flesh cried out harder for me to respond in kind. God said nom actuaklly it more like NNNOOOOO!!!!!!! So what did I do? I tured on some praise songs and began to praise Him for all that He has done. I guess that the Lord has led me to share this with you in order to say to you all that even though the enemy presses in on all sides God still gives us an escape. When we are attacked all we have to do is call upon His Holy Name and He will answer us and guide us to His answer to whatever happens to us. Praise the Lord!!!! please comment as you wish... revdauphinee answered on 01/22/04: as a person not given to patience I know how hard it is to wait on the Lord!I also know this does pay off and when someone wrongs you remember Gods words Rom.12:19. Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written: "It is mine to avenge; I will repay," says the Lord. ) cliff_dweller rated this answer

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Tammy21 asked on 01/20/04 - Do you believe in GHOSTS? Do you believe? Have you seen? What do you think they are? revdauphinee answered on 01/20/04: No I dont I do however believe in demons who can pose as such! Tammy21 rated this answer prl182 rated this answer

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STONY asked on 01/20/04 - THE PASSION / MEL GIBSON Subject: mel gibson "the passion of Jesus" > >Paul Harvey Comments on "The Passion" by Mel Gibson > > > >The majority of the media are complaining about this movie. Now Paul > >Harvey tells "The rest of the story" and David Limbaugh praises Gibson. > > > >Most people would wait and see a movie before giving the reviews that > >have been issued by the reporters trying to tell all of us what to > >believe. > > > >Paul Harvey's words: > >I really did not know what to expect. I was thrilled to have been > >invited to a private viewing of Mel Gibson's film "The Passion," but I > >had also read all the cautious articles and spin. I grew up in a Jewish > >town and owe much of my own faith journey to the influence. I have a > >life long, deeply held aversion to anything that might even indirectly > >encourage any form of anti-Semitic thought, language or actions. > > > >I arrived at the private viewing for "The Passion", held in Washington > >DC and greeted some familiar faces. The environment was typically > >Washingtonian, with people greeting you with a smile but seeming to look > >beyond you, having an agenda beyond the words. The film was very briefly > >introduced, without fanfare, and then the room darkened. From the > >gripping opening scene in the Garden of Gethsemane, to the very human > >and tender portrayal of the earthly ministry of Jesus, through the > >betrayal, the arrest, the scourging, the way of the cross, the encounter > >with the thieves, the surrender on the Cross, until the final scene in > >the empty tomb, this was not simply a movie; it was an encounter, unlike > >anything I have ever experienced. > > > >In addition to being a masterpiece of film-making and an artistic > >triumph, "The Passion" evoked more deep reflection, sorrow and emotional > >reaction within me than anything since my wedding, my ordination or the > >birth of my children. Frankly, I will never be the same. When the film > >concluded, this "invitation only" gathering of "movers and shakers" in > >Washington, DC were shaking indeed, but this time from sobbing. I am > >not sure there was a dry eye in the place. The crowd that had been > >glad-handing before the film was now eerily silent. No one could speak > >because words were woefully inadequate. We had experienced a kind of art > >that is a rarity in life, the kind that makes heaven touch earth. > > > >One scene in the film has now been forever etched in my mind. A > >brutalized, wounded Jesus was soon to fall again under the weight of the > >cross. His mother had made her way along the Via Della Rosa. As she ran > >to him, she flashed back to a memory of Jesus as a child, falling in the > >dirt road outside of their home. Just as she reached to protect him from > >the fall, she was now reaching to touch his wounded adult face. Jesus > >looked at her with intensely probing and passionately loving eyes (and > >at all of us through the screen) and said "Behold I make all things > >new." These are words taken from the last Book of the New Testament, the > >Book of Revelations. Suddenly, the purpose of the pain was so clear and > >the wounds, that earlier in the film had been so difficult to see in His > >face, His back, indeed all over His body, became intensely beautiful. > >They had been borne voluntarily for love. At the end of the film, after > >we had all had a chance to recover, a question and answer period ensued. > >The unanimous praise for the film, from a rather diverse crowd, was as > >astounding as the compliments were effusive. The questions included the > >one question that seems to follow this film, even though it has not yet > >even been released. "Why is this film considered by some to be > >"anti-Semitic?" Frankly, having now experienced (you do not "view" this > >film)" the Passion" it is a question that is impossible to answer. A law > >professor whom I admire sat in front of me. He raised his hand and > >responded "After watching this film, I do not understand how anyone can > >insinuate that it even remotely presents that the Jews killed Jesus. It > >doesn't." He continued "It made me realize that my sins killed Jesus" I > >agree. There is not a scintilla of anti-Semitism to be found anywhere in > >this powerful film. If there were, I would be among the first to decry > >it. It faithfully tells the Gospel story in a dramatically beautiful, > >sensitive and profoundly engaging way. Those who are alleging otherwise > >have either not seen the film or have another agenda behind their > >protestations. This is not a "Christian" film, in the sense that it will > >appeal only to those who identify themselves as followers of Jesus > >Christ. It is a deeply human, beautiful story that will deeply touch all > >men and women. It is a profound work of art. Yes, its producer is a > >Catholic Christian and thankfully has remained faithful to the Gospel > >text; if that is no longer acceptable behavior than we are all in > >trouble. History demands that we remain faithful to the story and > >Christians have a right to tell it. After all, we believe that it is the > >greatest story ever told and that its message is for all men and women. > >The greatest right is the right to hear the truth. > > > >We would all be well advised to remember that the Gospel narratives to > >which "The Passion" is so faithful were written by Jewish men who > >followed a Jewish Rabbi whose life and teaching have forever changed the > >history of the world. The problem is not the message but those who have > >distorted it and used it for hate rather than love. The solution is not > >to censor the message, but rather to promote the kind of gift of love > >that is Mel Gibson's filmmaking masterpiece, "The Passion." It should > >be seen by as many people as possible. I intend to do everything I can > >to make sure that is the case. I am passionate about "The Passion." You > >will be as well. Don't miss it! > > > > > >This is a commentary by DAVID LIMBAUGH about Mel Gibson's very > >controversial movie regarding Christ's crucifixion. It, too, is well > >worth reading. > > > >MEL GIBSON'S passion for "THE PASSION" How ironic that when a movie > >producer takes artistic license with historical events, he is lionized > >as artistic, creative and brilliant, but when another takes special > >care to be true to the real-life story, he is vilified. > > > >Actor-producer Mel Gibson is discovering thesetruths the hard way as he > >is having difficulty finding a United States studio or distributor for > >his upcoming film, "The Passion," which depicts the last 12 hours of the > >life of Jesus Christ. Gibson co-wrote the script and financed, directed > >and produced the movie. For the script, he and his co-author relied on > >the New Testament Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John, as well as > >the diaries of St. Anne Catherine Emmerich (1774-1824) and Mary of > >Agreda's "The City of God." Gibson doesn't want this to be like other > >sterilized religious epics. "I'm trying to access the story on a very > >personal level and trying to be very real about it." So committed to > >realistically portraying what many would consider the most important > >half-day in the history of the universe, Gibson even shot the film in > >the Aramaic language of the period. In response to objections that > >viewers will not be able to understand that language, Gibson said, > >"Hopefully, I'll be able to transcend the language barriers with my > >visual storytelling; if I fail, I fail, but at least it'll be a > >monumental failure." > > > >To further insure the accuracy of the work, Gibson has enlisted the > >counsel of pastors and theologians, and has received rave reviews. Don > >Hodel, president of Focus on the Family, said, "I was very impressed. > >The movie is historically and theologically accurate." Ted Haggard, > >pastor of New Life Church in Colorado Springs, Colo., and president of > >the National Evangelical Association, glowed: "It conveys, more > >accurately than any other film, who Jesus was." During the filming, > >Gibson, a devout Catholic, attended Mass every morning because "we had > >to be squeaky clean just working on this." From Gibson's perspective, > >this movie is not about Mel Gibson. It's bigger than he is. "I'm not a > >preacher, and I'm not a pastor," he said. "But I really feel my career > >was leading me to make this. The Holy Ghost was working through me on > >this film, and I was just directing traffic. I hope the film has the > >power to evangelize." Even before the release of the movie, scheduled > >for March 2004, Gibson is getting his wish. "Everyone who worked on this > >movie was changed. There were agnostics and Muslims on set converting to > >Christianity...[and] people being healed of diseases." Gibson wants > >people to understand through the movie, if they don't already, the > >incalculable influence Christ has had on the world. And he grasps that > >Christ is controversial precisely because of WHO HE IS - GOD incarnate. > >"And that's the point of my film really, to show all that turmoil around > >him politically and with religious leaders and the people, all because > >He is Who He is." > > > >Gibson is beginning to experience first hand just how controversial > >Christ is. Critics have not only speciously challenged the movie's > >authenticity, but have charged that it is disparaging to Jews, which > >Gibson vehemently denies. "This is not a Christian vs. Jewish thing. > >'[Jesus] came into the world, and it knew him not.' Looking at Christ's > >crucifixion, I look first at my own culpability in that." Jesuit Father > >William J. Fulco, who translated the script into Aramaic and Latin, said > >he saw no hint of anti-Semitism in the movie. Fulco added, "I would be > >aghast at any suggestion that Mel Gibson is anti-Semitic." > >Nevertheless, certain groups and some in the mainstream press have been > >very critical of Gibson's "Passion." The New York Post's Andrea Peyser > >chided him: "There is still time, Mel, to tell the truth." Boston Globe > >columnist James Carroll denounced Gibson's literal reading of the > >biblical accounts. "Even a faithful repetition of the Gospel stories of > >the death of Jesus can do damage exactly because those sacred texts > >themselves carry the virus of Jew hatred," wrote Carroll. A group of > >Jewish and Christian academics has issued an 18-page report slamming all > >aspects of the film, including its undue emphasis on Christ's passion > >rather than "a broader vision." The report disapproves of the movie's > >treatment of Christ's passion as historical fact. The moral is that if > >you want the popular culture to laud your work on Christ, make sure it > >either depicts Him as a homosexual or as an everyday sinner with no > >particular redeeming value (literally). In our anti-Christian culture, > >the blasphemous "The Last Temptation of Christ" is celebrated and "The > >Passion" is condemned. But if this movie continues to affect people the > >way it is now, no amount of cultural opposition will suppress its force > >and its positive impact on lives everywhere. Mel Gibson is a model of > >faith and courage. > > > > > >Please copy this and send it on to all your friends to let them know > >about this film so that we'll all go see it when it comes out. Jesus is Lord! "Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved." Acts 4:12 revdauphinee answered on 01/20/04: I am not much of a movie goer but this I will definatly go to see thanks for the post Dorothy STONY rated this answer

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Bobbye asked on 01/19/04 - PRAYER FOR MaggieB AND HER FAMILY: MaggieB's precious mother went to be with The Lord this week-end. I'm sure that when she returns to the Boards, she would be pleased to know that you have lifted her and her family before the Lord in prayer for the peace that only He can give. Thank you. Bobbye revdauphinee answered on 01/20/04: thanks so much for the info both Maggie and her precious mom will be in my prayers maggie has been active both here and on the former ask me board for a long time Dorothy Bobbye rated this answer MaggieB rated this answer

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Fr_Chuck asked on 01/19/04 - I found this very interesting. A pastor friend of mine, emailed this to me. I thought it was interesting and wanted to pass it along. Just in case you might think of Iraq as "only" an oil rich nation, ruled by an evil dictator for 30 years, there is much, much more. Here are a few important facts regarding the history and roles that this nation has played down through history* IRAQ -- VERY INTERESTING -- DID YOU KNOW?????? 1. The garden of Eden was in Iraq. (it sure doesn't look much like Paradise on earth today thanks to Saddam) 2. Mesopotamia which is now Iraq was the cradle of civilization! 3. Noah built the ark in Iraq. 4. The Tower of Babel was in Iraq. 5. Abraham was from Ur, which is in Southern Iraq! 6. Isaac's wife Rebekah is from Nahor which is in Iraq. 7. Jacob met Rachel in Iraq. 8. Jonah preached in Nineveh - which is in Iraq. 9. Assyria which is in Iraq conquered the ten tribes of Israel. 10. Amos cried out in Iraq! 11. Babylon which is in Iraq destroyed Jerusalem. 12. Daniel was in the lion's den in Iraq! 13. The 3 Hebrew children were in the fire in Iraq (that's good news to know that JESUS has been in Iraq too as the 4th person in the fiery furnace!) 14. Belshazzar, the King of Babylon saw the "writing on the wall" in Iraq. 15. Nebuchadnezzar, King of Babylon, carried the Jews captive into Iraq. 16. Ezekiel preached in Iraq. 17. The wise men were from Iraq. (where are the "wise" men today?) 18. Peter preached in Iraq. 19. The "Empire of Man" described in Revelation is called Babylon which was a city in Iraq! ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ And you have probably seen this one. Israel is the nation most often mentioned in the Bible. But do you know which nation is second? It is Iraq! However, that is not the name that is used in the Bible. The names used in the Bible are Babylon, Land of Shinar, and Mesopotamia. The word Mesopotamia means between the two rivers, more exactly between the Tigris and Euphrates Rivers. The name Iraq, means country with deep roots. Indeed Iraq is a country with deep roots and is a very significant country in the Bible. Here's why. * Eden was in Iraq--Genesis 2:10-14 * Adam & Eve were created in Iraq--Genesis 2:7-8 * Satan made his first recorded appearance in Iraq--Genesis 3:1-6 * Nimrod established Babylon & Tower of Babel was built in Iraq-- Genesis 10:8-97 & 11:1-4 * The confusion of the languages took place in Iraq-Genesis 11:5-11 * Abraham came from a city in Iraq--Genesis 11:31 & Acts 7:2-4 * Isaac's bride came from Iraq--Genesis 24:3-4 & 10 * Jacob spent 20 years in Iraq--Genesis 27:42-45 & 31:38 * The first world Empire was in Iraq--Daniel 1:1-2 &2:36-38 * The greatest revival in history was in a city in Iraq--Jonah 3 * The events of the book of Esther took place in Iraq--Esther * The book of Nahum was a prophecy against a city in Iraq--Nahum * The book or Revelation has prophecies against Babylon, which was the old name for the nation of Iraq--Revelation 17 & 18 revdauphinee answered on 01/19/04: and in order for Babylon to be rebuilt and be the city from wich the antichrist will rule It must first be destroyed wich it recently was !Prophecy does happen ! Fr_Chuck rated this answer

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Tammy21 asked on 01/18/04 - What day is the Christian Sabbath ??? My neighbor says that the Latter-day Saints are not true Christians because they desecrate the true Sabbath which is Saturday and has been from the beginning and that man has no right to change it. He maintains that it was on the seventh day that the Lord rested from his labors when he created this earth, and this was established to be perpetuated through the ages, and the pope of Rome changed it to Sunday, and the Protestants have followed this to their condemnation. Sabbath for Christians has always been Sunday, and like the Jewish Sabbath is a day of rest and worship. The Western Saturday or seventh day was the day of rest and religious observance among Jews. Ex. 20:8�11. Since New testament times, the first day of the week, or Lord's Day has been observed by Christians in commemoration of the Resurrection of Christ. Those who believe that the Sabbath should be on Saturday have made a fetish of the Sabbath day. They have, like the Pharisees and Sadducees of old, measured man to the length of their procrustean bed and condemn all others who may be just as devout as they. They have forgotten, it seems, the counsel of our Lord: And he said unto them, The sabbath was made for man, and not man for the sabbath: Therefore the Son of man is Lord also of the sabbath.1 Being the Lord of the Sabbath he had the divine right to change the day, and that is exactly what he has done. No one knows whether a "temporal" time was given to Adam immediately after he was driven from Eden or not, or if it came gradually. No one knows, and no one without revelation from the Lord would know which day is the first and which is the last in our present reckoning. Moreover, it matters not which was the first or which the last day of the week before the flood. In our Bible as it has come down to us, there is little evidence that there was a Sabbath observance before the Lord spoke to Moses on Mount Sinai. Even if we concede that the Hebrew week and the Hebrew Sabbath correspond to the present reckoning, it does not follow that the Sabbath day now has to correspond to the Hebrew practice at the time of our Savior's ministry. Because of faulty measuring of time, eleven days have been added to the calendar. Moreover, man has been under the necessity of arbitrarily setting the time for man's convenience in certain parts of the earth. Such an arbitrary dateline has been drawn through the Pacific at the 180th degree from pole to pole, so that we find islands relatively close together situated on each side of this line and therefore having their Sabbath on different days, while the same sunshine beams upon them. There is evidence that the members of the Church following the resurrection of Jesus changed their Sabbath from the last to the first day of the week and that Christians have followed it ever since. It is universally conceded that our Savior was in the tomb during the Jewish Sabbath, and that he came forth on the early morning of the first day of the week. All four of the evangelists have written that it was early on the morning of the first day when Jesus appeared to some of his disciples, and in the evening of that same day, when they were gathered with the doors shut for fear of the Jews, he appeared again and permitted them to handle, or feel, the marks of the wounds in his hands, side, and feet. On this occasion he instructed them. It was eight days later, or on the first day of the week when he appeared again and gave them further instruction and chided Thomas for his unbelief. This would indicate that the Lord himself had changed the date of the Sabbath, and from that time forth it should be the first day of the week. It is true that there is not much said in the New Testament about the change of the Sabbath, but common things seldom get frequent mention. There are references, however, which point definitely to the fact that the time of the Sabbath had been changed to the Lord's day. In the Book of Acts this is recorded: And upon the first day of the week when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul preached unto them, ready to depart on the morrow; and continued his speech until midnight. It should be conceded that they did not break bread, or, in other words, administer the sacrament, except on the Sabbath day. It also seems to be significant that it was on the first day of the week that Paul counseled the Corinthian members of the Church that each should "lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him, that there be no gatherings when I come." Likewise that the Lord would give to John the great revelation on the Lord's day, or the first day of the week, saying: "I am Alpha and Omega, the first and the last: and, What thou seest, write in a book." It is also recorded that Ignatius, a disciple of the Apostle John, said: Every lover of Christ celebrates the Lord's day, consecrated to the resurrection of Christ as the queen and chief of all days. Dr. Adam Clark, in his Commentary treating Revelation 1: 10, says: "The Lord's day" the first day of the week, observed as the Christian sabbath, because on it Jesus Christ rose from the dead: therefore it was called the Lords day; and has taken place of the Jewish sabbath, throughout the Christian world. Dr. Thomas Scott, in his Commentary dealing with this same verse, says: This was "on the Lord's day" which can be meant of no other, than the day on which the Lord Jesus arose from the dead, even "the first day of the week": and it is conclusive proof, that the first day was set apart, and kept holy, by the primitive Christians, in commemoration of the great event: for on what other account could it have been thus mentioned! In the Commentary of Jameson, Fausett, and Brown on this same passage this is recorded: "........ on the Lords day--Though forcibly detained from Church communion with the brethren in the sanctuary on the Lord's day, the weekly commemoration of the resurrection, John was holding spiritual communion with them. This is the earliest mention of the term "the Lord's day!" But the consecration of the day to worship, almsgiving, and the Lord's supper, is implied, Acts 20:7; One- Corinthians 16:2, cf. John 20:19-26. The name corresponds to "the Lord's supper," One- Corinthians 11:20. Ignatius seems to allude to "the Lord's day" (ad. Magnes, 9) and Irenaeus in the Quaest. ad Orthod. 115 (in Justin Martyr). Justin Martyr Apology 2:98 &c. "On Sunday we hold our joint meeting; for the first day is that on which God, having removed darkness and chaos, made the world, and Jesus Christ our Saviour rose from the dead. On the day before Saturday they crucified Him, and on the day after Saturday, which is Sunday, having appeared to His apostles and disciples, he taught these things." To the Lord's day Pliney doubtless refers (Ex 97, B 10), "The Christians on a fixed day before dawn meet and sing a hymn to Christ as God." Why all the fuss? Are we nuts? revdauphinee answered on 01/19/04: Christians believe in the God Jehova and he himself decided when the sabath should be not man be they Christ followers or not he also told us in the ten commandments that we should honnor his sabath! Jesus said he came to fullfill the law not to destroy it (Gen.2:2-3 2 By the seventh day God had finished the work he had been doing; so on the seventh day he rested from all his work. 3 And God blessed the seventh day and made it holy, because on it he rested from all the work of creating that he had done. (Exo.20:8-11 8 "Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy. 9 Six days you shall labor and do all your work, 10 but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the LORD your God. ((this is a commandment not a sugestion)) (Lev.19:30 "`Observe (my) Sabbaths and have reverence for my sanctuary. I am the LORD. ) paraclete rated this answer Tammy21 rated this answer

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Tammy21 asked on 01/18/04 - What day is the Christian Sabbath ??? My neighbor says that the Latter-day Saints are not true Christians because they desecrate the true Sabbath which is Saturday and has been from the beginning and that man has no right to change it. He maintains that it was on the seventh day that the Lord rested from his labors when he created this earth, and this was established to be perpetuated through the ages, and the pope of Rome changed it to Sunday, and the Protestants have followed this to their condemnation. Sabbath for Christians has always been Sunday, and like the Jewish Sabbath is a day of rest and worship. The Western Saturday or seventh day was the day of rest and religious observance among Jews. Ex. 20:8�11. Since New testament times, the first day of the week, or Lord's Day has been observed by Christians in commemoration of the Resurrection of Christ. Those who believe that the Sabbath should be on Saturday have made a fetish of the Sabbath day. They have, like the Pharisees and Sadducees of old, measured man to the length of their procrustean bed and condemn all others who may be just as devout as they. They have forgotten, it seems, the counsel of our Lord: And he said unto them, The sabbath was made for man, and not man for the sabbath: Therefore the Son of man is Lord also of the sabbath.1 Being the Lord of the Sabbath he had the divine right to change the day, and that is exactly what he has done. No one knows whether a "temporal" time was given to Adam immediately after he was driven from Eden or not, or if it came gradually. No one knows, and no one without revelation from the Lord would know which day is the first and which is the last in our present reckoning. Moreover, it matters not which was the first or which the last day of the week before the flood. In our Bible as it has come down to us, there is little evidence that there was a Sabbath observance before the Lord spoke to Moses on Mount Sinai. Even if we concede that the Hebrew week and the Hebrew Sabbath correspond to the present reckoning, it does not follow that the Sabbath day now has to correspond to the Hebrew practice at the time of our Savior's ministry. Because of faulty measuring of time, eleven days have been added to the calendar. Moreover, man has been under the necessity of arbitrarily setting the time for man's convenience in certain parts of the earth. Such an arbitrary dateline has been drawn through the Pacific at the 180th degree from pole to pole, so that we find islands relatively close together situated on each side of this line and therefore having their Sabbath on different days, while the same sunshine beams upon them. There is evidence that the members of the Church following the resurrection of Jesus changed their Sabbath from the last to the first day of the week and that Christians have followed it ever since. It is universally conceded that our Savior was in the tomb during the Jewish Sabbath, and that he came forth on the early morning of the first day of the week. All four of the evangelists have written that it was early on the morning of the first day when Jesus appeared to some of his disciples, and in the evening of that same day, when they were gathered with the doors shut for fear of the Jews, he appeared again and permitted them to handle, or feel, the marks of the wounds in his hands, side, and feet. On this occasion he instructed them. It was eight days later, or on the first day of the week when he appeared again and gave them further instruction and chided Thomas for his unbelief. This would indicate that the Lord himself had changed the date of the Sabbath, and from that time forth it should be the first day of the week. It is true that there is not much said in the New Testament about the change of the Sabbath, but common things seldom get frequent mention. There are references, however, which point definitely to the fact that the time of the Sabbath had been changed to the Lord's day. In the Book of Acts this is recorded: And upon the first day of the week when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul preached unto them, ready to depart on the morrow; and continued his speech until midnight. It should be conceded that they did not break bread, or, in other words, administer the sacrament, except on the Sabbath day. It also seems to be significant that it was on the first day of the week that Paul counseled the Corinthian members of the Church that each should "lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him, that there be no gatherings when I come." Likewise that the Lord would give to John the great revelation on the Lord's day, or the first day of the week, saying: "I am Alpha and Omega, the first and the last: and, What thou seest, write in a book." It is also recorded that Ignatius, a disciple of the Apostle John, said: Every lover of Christ celebrates the Lord's day, consecrated to the resurrection of Christ as the queen and chief of all days. Dr. Adam Clark, in his Commentary treating Revelation 1: 10, says: "The Lord's day" the first day of the week, observed as the Christian sabbath, because on it Jesus Christ rose from the dead: therefore it was called the Lords day; and has taken place of the Jewish sabbath, throughout the Christian world. Dr. Thomas Scott, in his Commentary dealing with this same verse, says: This was "on the Lord's day" which can be meant of no other, than the day on which the Lord Jesus arose from the dead, even "the first day of the week": and it is conclusive proof, that the first day was set apart, and kept holy, by the primitive Christians, in commemoration of the great event: for on what other account could it have been thus mentioned! In the Commentary of Jameson, Fausett, and Brown on this same passage this is recorded: "........ on the Lords day--Though forcibly detained from Church communion with the brethren in the sanctuary on the Lord's day, the weekly commemoration of the resurrection, John was holding spiritual communion with them. This is the earliest mention of the term "the Lord's day!" But the consecration of the day to worship, almsgiving, and the Lord's supper, is implied, Acts 20:7; One- Corinthians 16:2, cf. John 20:19-26. The name corresponds to "the Lord's supper," One- Corinthians 11:20. Ignatius seems to allude to "the Lord's day" (ad. Magnes, 9) and Irenaeus in the Quaest. ad Orthod. 115 (in Justin Martyr). Justin Martyr Apology 2:98 &c. "On Sunday we hold our joint meeting; for the first day is that on which God, having removed darkness and chaos, made the world, and Jesus Christ our Saviour rose from the dead. On the day before Saturday they crucified Him, and on the day after Saturday, which is Sunday, having appeared to His apostles and disciples, he taught these things." To the Lord's day Pliney doubtless refers (Ex 97, B 10), "The Christians on a fixed day before dawn meet and sing a hymn to Christ as God." Why all the fuss? Are we nuts? revdauphinee answered on 01/19/04: Christians believe in the God Jehova and he himself decided when the sabath should be not man be they Christ followers or not he also told us in the ten commandments that we should honnor his sabath! Jesus said he came to fullfill the law not to destroy it (Gen.2:2-3 2 By the seventh day God had finished the work he had been doing; so on the seventh day he rested from all his work. 3 And God blessed the seventh day and made it holy, because on it he rested from all the work of creating that he had done. (Exo.20:8-11 8 "Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy. 9 Six days you shall labor and do all your work, 10 but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the LORD your God. ((this is a commandment not a sugestion)) (Lev.19:30 "`Observe (my) Sabbaths and have reverence for my sanctuary. I am the LORD. ) Tammy21 rated this answer

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Tammy21 asked on 01/18/04 - What day is the Christian Sabbath ??? My neighbor says that the Latter-day Saints are not true Christians because they desecrate the true Sabbath which is Saturday and has been from the beginning and that man has no right to change it. He maintains that it was on the seventh day that the Lord rested from his labors when he created this earth, and this was established to be perpetuated through the ages, and the pope of Rome changed it to Sunday, and the Protestants have followed this to their condemnation. Sabbath for Christians has always been Sunday, and like the Jewish Sabbath is a day of rest and worship. The Western Saturday or seventh day was the day of rest and religious observance among Jews. Ex. 20:8�11. Since New testament times, the first day of the week, or Lord's Day has been observed by Christians in commemoration of the Resurrection of Christ. Those who believe that the Sabbath should be on Saturday have made a fetish of the Sabbath day. They have, like the Pharisees and Sadducees of old, measured man to the length of their procrustean bed and condemn all others who may be just as devout as they. They have forgotten, it seems, the counsel of our Lord: And he said unto them, The sabbath was made for man, and not man for the sabbath: Therefore the Son of man is Lord also of the sabbath.1 Being the Lord of the Sabbath he had the divine right to change the day, and that is exactly what he has done. No one knows whether a "temporal" time was given to Adam immediately after he was driven from Eden or not, or if it came gradually. No one knows, and no one without revelation from the Lord would know which day is the first and which is the last in our present reckoning. Moreover, it matters not which was the first or which the last day of the week before the flood. In our Bible as it has come down to us, there is little evidence that there was a Sabbath observance before the Lord spoke to Moses on Mount Sinai. Even if we concede that the Hebrew week and the Hebrew Sabbath correspond to the present reckoning, it does not follow that the Sabbath day now has to correspond to the Hebrew practice at the time of our Savior's ministry. Because of faulty measuring of time, eleven days have been added to the calendar. Moreover, man has been under the necessity of arbitrarily setting the time for man's convenience in certain parts of the earth. Such an arbitrary dateline has been drawn through the Pacific at the 180th degree from pole to pole, so that we find islands relatively close together situated on each side of this line and therefore having their Sabbath on different days, while the same sunshine beams upon them. There is evidence that the members of the Church following the resurrection of Jesus changed their Sabbath from the last to the first day of the week and that Christians have followed it ever since. It is universally conceded that our Savior was in the tomb during the Jewish Sabbath, and that he came forth on the early morning of the first day of the week. All four of the evangelists have written that it was early on the morning of the first day when Jesus appeared to some of his disciples, and in the evening of that same day, when they were gathered with the doors shut for fear of the Jews, he appeared again and permitted them to handle, or feel, the marks of the wounds in his hands, side, and feet. On this occasion he instructed them. It was eight days later, or on the first day of the week when he appeared again and gave them further instruction and chided Thomas for his unbelief. This would indicate that the Lord himself had changed the date of the Sabbath, and from that time forth it should be the first day of the week. It is true that there is not much said in the New Testament about the change of the Sabbath, but common things seldom get frequent mention. There are references, however, which point definitely to the fact that the time of the Sabbath had been changed to the Lord's day. In the Book of Acts this is recorded: And upon the first day of the week when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul preached unto them, ready to depart on the morrow; and continued his speech until midnight. It should be conceded that they did not break bread, or, in other words, administer the sacrament, except on the Sabbath day. It also seems to be significant that it was on the first day of the week that Paul counseled the Corinthian members of the Church that each should "lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him, that there be no gatherings when I come." Likewise that the Lord would give to John the great revelation on the Lord's day, or the first day of the week, saying: "I am Alpha and Omega, the first and the last: and, What thou seest, write in a book." It is also recorded that Ignatius, a disciple of the Apostle John, said: Every lover of Christ celebrates the Lord's day, consecrated to the resurrection of Christ as the queen and chief of all days. Dr. Adam Clark, in his Commentary treating Revelation 1: 10, says: "The Lord's day" the first day of the week, observed as the Christian sabbath, because on it Jesus Christ rose from the dead: therefore it was called the Lords day; and has taken place of the Jewish sabbath, throughout the Christian world. Dr. Thomas Scott, in his Commentary dealing with this same verse, says: This was "on the Lord's day" which can be meant of no other, than the day on which the Lord Jesus arose from the dead, even "the first day of the week": and it is conclusive proof, that the first day was set apart, and kept holy, by the primitive Christians, in commemoration of the great event: for on what other account could it have been thus mentioned! In the Commentary of Jameson, Fausett, and Brown on this same passage this is recorded: "........ on the Lords day--Though forcibly detained from Church communion with the brethren in the sanctuary on the Lord's day, the weekly commemoration of the resurrection, John was holding spiritual communion with them. This is the earliest mention of the term "the Lord's day!" But the consecration of the day to worship, almsgiving, and the Lord's supper, is implied, Acts 20:7; One- Corinthians 16:2, cf. John 20:19-26. The name corresponds to "the Lord's supper," One- Corinthians 11:20. Ignatius seems to allude to "the Lord's day" (ad. Magnes, 9) and Irenaeus in the Quaest. ad Orthod. 115 (in Justin Martyr). Justin Martyr Apology 2:98 &c. "On Sunday we hold our joint meeting; for the first day is that on which God, having removed darkness and chaos, made the world, and Jesus Christ our Saviour rose from the dead. On the day before Saturday they crucified Him, and on the day after Saturday, which is Sunday, having appeared to His apostles and disciples, he taught these things." To the Lord's day Pliney doubtless refers (Ex 97, B 10), "The Christians on a fixed day before dawn meet and sing a hymn to Christ as God." Why all the fuss? Are we nuts? revdauphinee answered on 01/19/04: Christians believe in the God Jehova and he himself decided when the sabath should be not man be they Christ followers or not he also told us in the ten commandments that we should honnor his sabath! Jesus said he came to fullfill the law not to destroy it (Gen.2:2-3 2 By the seventh day God had finished the work he had been doing; so on the seventh day he rested from all his work. 3 And God blessed the seventh day and made it holy, because on it he rested from all the work of creating that he had done. (Exo.20:8-11 8 "Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy. 9 Six days you shall labor and do all your work, 10 but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the LORD your God. ((this is a commandment not a sugestion)) (Lev.19:30 "`Observe (my) Sabbaths and have reverence for my sanctuary. I am the LORD. ) I would be ever so greatfull if anyone could show me in scripture where either God himself or Jesus his son recinded this commandment!Or whoom made sunday the sabbath it may be that early christians used sunday to remember the resurection however no one ever said not to observe the Lords sabath sunday may be a Christian tradition but did not Jesus himself tell us in Matthew 15: 3 Jesus replied, "And why do you break the command of God for the sake of your tradition? Tammy21 rated this answer

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CeeBee asked on 01/18/04 - The Elephant and the Rat An elephant was enjoying a leisurely dip in a jungle pool when a rat came up to the pool and insisted that the elephant get out. "I won't," said the elephant. "I insist you get out this minute," said the rat. "Why?" "I shall tell you that only after you are out of the pool." "Then I won't get out." But the elephant finally lumbered out of the pool, stood in front of the rat, and said, "Now, then, why did you want me to get out of the pool?" "To check if you were wearing my swimming trunks," said the rat. An elephant will sooner fit into the trunks of a rat than God will fit into our notions of him. ~ from The Song of the Bird by Anthony De Mello revdauphinee answered on 01/19/04: amen! CeeBee rated this answer

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PraiseJah asked on 01/18/04 - Correction & to promote more tolerance of Musilm beliefs: I stated in a previous post that Muhammad had been driven out from Medina. Actually it was from Mecca wher he had been born as a future ruler of that city: WB ENC. 1999- Muhammad (570?-632) was a great religious leader of Arabia, and the founder of Islam. He is called the Prophet of Islam. His followers are called Muslims. The name Muhammad means "praiseworthy" or "praised one" in Arabic. There are several common spellings of the name, including Mohammad, Muhammed, and Mahomet, but Muhammad is the most widely accepted spelling among scholars. Muslims believe that Muhammad was the last messenger of God. They believe that he completed the sacred teachings of such earlier prophets as Abraham, Moses, and Jesus Christ. Muslims love, honour, and respect Muhammad, but they do not worship him. As he himself emphasized, even when he was on his deathbed, he was only a human being with no divine powers. Muhammad lived and worked in Arabia, the vast region of southwest Asia lying between the Red Sea and the Persian Gulf (see ARABIAN PENINSULA). He was one of the most influential men of all time. His belief in his divine mission gave him the strength to bring about many changes in Arabia. When Muhammad started his preaching in the A.D. 600's, Arabia was a wild and lawless land. Its people lived in tribes, most of whom were nomadic, moving from one camp to another in the desert. These tribes were fierce and lived by harsh, unwritten tribal laws. They fought continually against each other in a savage struggle for survival. Yet they also possessed a lively and exciting culture. In Mecca, a city in southwestern Arabia (now Saudi Arabia), there was much suffering among the poor and much selfishness among the rich. Most people worshipped many gods and prayed to idols and spirits. The Kaaba, the most important shrine in Arabia and the main centre of pilgrimage, contained about 360 idols. Drunkenness and gambling were common and widespread, and the status of women was so low that baby girls were sometimes buried alive at birth. Into this atmosphere Muhammad brought a new message from God to His people. He taught that there is only one God, named Allah, and that this God requires people to submit to Him. The Arabic word for submission, Islam, became the name of the new faith that Muhammad preached. He replaced the old loyalty to tribes with a new tie of equality and allegiance among all Muslims. He also preached against the injustices of the wealthy classes in Mecca and tried to help the poor. During his lifetime, Muhammad united the whole of Arabia in a great religious movement. Within a hundred years after his death, Muslims carried the teachings of Muhammad into other parts of the Middle East and into northern Africa, Europe, and Asia. Today, there are Muslim communities throughout the world. Early Life. Muhammad was born in Mecca in 570 or 571. Mecca was an important commercial centre situated on the caravan route from Yemen in the south to Syria in the north. Muhammad was a member of the tribe of Quraysh, the most powerful and important tribe in Mecca. His father died before his birth, and his mother died when he was only six years old. His grandfather, and later his uncle, Abu Talib, were his guardians. As a young child, Muhammad was sent to live with a desert tribe to build up his strength and character. With the tribe he learned to tend sheep and camels. Later, he travelled with his uncle on at least one caravan journey through Arabia to Syria. He probably also visited Mecca quite often and heard people of different faiths express their ideas. At the age of 25, Muhammad entered the service of Khadija, a wealthy widow 15 years his senior. She employed him as a merchant trading on her behalf. Khadija proposed marriage to Muhammad through his uncle, and he accepted her. She was his closest companion and the first of his disciples. She lived with him for 25 years until her death. She bore him two sons and four daughters. The sons died young. One of the daughters, Fatima, married Muhammad's cousin, Ali, a son of Abu Talib (see FATIMA). Fatima was the only child of Muhammad to have surviving children. Therefore all of Muhammad's descendants came from the line of Fatima and Ali. In these early years Muhammad was much respected in Mecca for his honesty. He was known as al-Amin, "the trustworthy one." Muhammad was deeply upset by the low moral standards and social injustices around him. He once formed a pact with three other young men to help anyone who was oppressed or wronged obtain justice. When he was 35 years old a flood damaged the Kaaba and it had to be rebuilt. A black stone that was considered especially sacred had lain in one corner. Because of his honesty and generally agreed moral excellence, Muhammad was chosen by the tribes to put the stone back in its rightful place. Muhammad's mission in Mecca. Toward his 40th year, Muhammad began meditating and praying alone in a cave on Mount Hira, a few kilometres outside Mecca. On one such occasion, he had a vision. He became aware of a powerful presence and heard a voice say the word "Recite!" In his confusion he said that he did not know how to recite. The same command was repeated to him three times, and then Muhammad felt his whole body being squeezed so hard that he could hardly breathe. After this, he heard the words of the first of many revelations, or divine messages, that he was to receive during his life. These revelations, together with Muhammad's teachings, were memorized by his followers and later written down in the Quran, the holy book of Islam. Muslims believe that the angel Gabriel, under God's command, made these revelations to Muhammad, calling him to serve as a prophet and proclaim God's message to his people. The experience of his first vision overwhelmed Muhammad and he wondered whether it had truly come from God or not. If it had, could he bear the heavy burden that was being placed on him? His wife Khadija reassured him and became the first person to believe in his mission. Together they consulted her cousin, a knowledgeable Christian named Waraqa, who confirmed the truth of Muhammad's mission and foretold that Muhammad would encounter much opposition. For a while, Muhammad received no more revelations and began to lose heart. But Gabriel came to him again and told him: "Arise and warn, magnify thy Lord ... wait patiently for Him." At first, Muhammad may have spoken of the revelations only to his family and friends, but soon he began to preach publicly in Mecca. Initially, those who heard him ridiculed him, especially the wealthy and influential citizens of Mecca. But his message gained a small following among such deprived social groups as slaves, women, and the poor. At this time, Muhammad's most influential early convert to Islam was a rich merchant named Abu Bakr. Muhammad's followers became known as Muslims, a word meaning "those who submit to God." When it became clear that Muhammad was renouncing the idols contained in the Kaaba and was calling upon people to worship only one God, Allah, those who had previously ridiculed the Muslims began to persecute them. The Kaaba boosted Mecca's importance as a centre for trade and pilgrimage, and wealthy Meccans saw Muhammad's new message as a threat to their prosperity and prestige. Muhammad was protected by his uncle Abu Talib, an important tribal chief who stood by his nephew but never became a Muslim. But some of Muhammad's followers among the poor suffered torture, and even Muhammad himself endured petty insults and minor personal injuries. The Hegira. By about 620, ten years after he had received the first revelation from Allah, life in Mecca was becoming intolerable for Muhammad and his fellow Muslims. For three years they had been excluded from all commercial and social contact with the other Meccans, and some were in great hardship and near to starvation. One result of this was that Abu Talib, Muhammad's uncle, and Khadija, his wife, both died. This was a great personal tragedy for Muhammad but also a danger for him. The death of Abu Talib removed Muhammad's protector. After secret meetings with some people from the town of Medina (at that time known as Yathrib), about 400 kilometres north of Mecca, Muhammad was accepted by them as God's messenger and was invited to their city to act as a leader of the Arabs. The Muslims undertook the Hegira (migration or flight) to Medina in the year 622. They travelled secretly and in small numbers to escape detection by the Meccans. The furious Meccans offered a reward for the capture of Muhammad, but he evaded his pursuers and reached Medina safely, where he and his followers were welcomed. The Hegira was so important for the Muslim community that the Muslim calendar begins in the year in which it took place. Both the Arab and Jewish communities in Medina welcomed Muhammad as their leader when he first arrived. Most Arabs accepted him as a prophet of God and embraced the religion of Islam. But the Jews found it difficult to follow a prophet who was not of their own people. In the end, they conspired against Muhammad's leadership, and he angrily drove them from the city, making Medina a Muslim society. In Medina, Muhammad and his followers were at last in charge of their own affairs and were able to put into practice the laws of Islam. Muhammad's teachings, as preserved in the Quran, included laws to help orphans and the poor and to encourage the freeing of slaves. There were also many regulations on inheritance, marriage, and divorce that improved the status of women. Many barbaric war customs were swept away, and Muhammad limited the just causes of war to such reasons as self-defence and the protection of Islam. This was designed to put an end to the constant inter-tribal warfare among the Arabs. Muhammad also laid down rules for worshipping Allah. These included the five daily prayers and fasting during the month of Ramadan. Congregational prayers were to take place on a Friday and all praying was to be done facing the city of Jerusalem. After the break with the Jews, Muhammad changed the direction of prayer to Mecca, which was at the heart of the Muslims' hopes and aims. The Muslims believed that the Kaaba had originally been set up by the prophet Abraham for worship of the one true God, but had later become corrupted when people brought in idols. Soon after the Hegira, it became clear that Muhammad's enemies in Mecca were not content to allow him to become a powerful leader in Medina. They feared he would one day return to Mecca in triumph, and so they urged the tribes of Arabia to oppose him. The Muslims clashed in battle with the Meccans on two occasions. First, at the Battle of Badr (624), despite being vastly outnumbered, the Muslims won a resounding victory. But then at the Battle of Uhud in the following year the Meccans, again outnumbering the Muslims, gained the upper hand. In 627, the Meccan forces laid siege to Medina for several weeks but could not take the city and eventually had to withdraw. Meanwhile, Muhammad's following was growing throughout Arabia. In 628, the Meccans agreed to a ten-year peace treaty with the Muslims. By this treaty, the Meccans were forced to acknowledge the Muslims as equals. Muhammad and his followers could preach in peace and win yet more converts to Islam. However, the Meccans broke the treaty by taking part in an attack on a tribe allied to the Muslims. In January 630, Muhammad and 10,000 followers marched into Mecca and captured it for the Muslims. The conquest of Mecca was a peaceful one, however, and Muhammad's former enemies were forgiven. Many of them were converted to Islam. Muhammad's first act on entering Mecca was to smash all 360 pagan idols in the Kaaba. As he did so, he recited a phrase from the Quran: "Truth has come, and falsehood has vanished away." In this way, the Muslims believed that the Kaaba was restored to its original intention--the worship of the one true God alone. Between 630 and 632 the Muslims subdued their remaining opponents in Arabia, so that Arabia became a unified Islamic state under Muhammad's leadership. In 632, Muhammad began to feel that his life was coming to an end. He led the Muslims on the pilgrimage to Mecca for the last time. During this event, which is known as the Farewell Pilgrimage, Muhammad delivered a famous sermon, in which he repeated some of the most important principles of Islam. He said that life, property, and honour were all sacrosanct (too sacred to be destroyed or harmed). He also said that women were to be given due consideration and regard and that prisoners of war were not to be ill-treated. Above all, he emphasized that all humans were equal, with no superiority of one race or tribe over any other. Then came the words of Allah in one of the last revelations preserved in the Quran: "On this day I have perfected your religion for you and completed My favour unto you, and chosen as your religion Islam." Muhammad died on June 8, 632, at Medina. On hearing of his death, some of his followers were overwhelmed with grief, but his close friend Abu Bakr rallied the believers with these words: "Whoever worshipped Muhammad, know that Muhammad is dead; but whoever worships God, know that God is living and shall never die." Muhammad was buried at Medina, and his tomb is located in the Prophet's Mosque there. Muslims often visit the tomb, after completing their pilgrimage to Mecca, as a token of extreme reverence and affection for the Prophet of Islam. Muhammad's character. Unlike the prophets of old, Muhammad lived his life in the full light of history, and many of his sayings and actions were painstakingly preserved by early Muslim scholars as an act of devotion. Through these reports we can learn much about Muhammad's character. Even non-Muslim scholars do not doubt his sincerity in his mission. During the Meccan period before the Hegira, Muhammad bore ridicule and hardship rather than forsake his task. At one point the Meccan chiefs offered him rank, power, and wealth to stop preaching, but he refused their offer and continued his ministry. Muhammad was able to command a large and devoted following. He spoke well, and many of his sayings are memorable for their short but striking style. He had dignity and commanded respect without being distant. Although he possessed a natural authority, he always sought the advice of his companions in important decisions. He combined the heavy duties of leadership of the Muslim community with an intense spiritual life. He generally spent two thirds of the night in prayer, and only one third in sleep. In spite of being the head of a large and growing community, Muhammad always lived a life of extreme simplicity, living on a diet of water, dates, and barley, sleeping on a sack filled with twigs, and possessing only one change of clothes. Although he was an important statesman, he still found time to help with household tasks and was known to patch his own clothes and mend his own shoes. He always had a kind word even for the most humble members of society, as when on one occasion he caressed the rough and calloused hands of a poor labourer, repeating the words "These hands are very dear to God." After the death of his first wife Khadija, Muhammad married several wives. This was an accepted custom in Arabia at that time. Several of the women he married had been widowed in the battles fought by the Muslims, and by marrying them Muhammad was able to support them and provide them with a new life. Two of them were daughters of hostile tribal chiefs, and Muhammad married them to seal alliance with the chiefs. His wives were all devoted to him, and on one occasion, when some of them were complaining about their simple and frugal life style, they were given the choice to stay with Muhammad or to seek greater prosperity elsewhere. All chose to stay. A natural part of Muhammad's duties as a prophet was the task of military leadership. If the Muslims were not allowed to follow their religion in peace, then it became a duty to defend it by arms if necessary. But there was never any question of converting anyone to Islam by force of arms. The Prophet himself stated that religion was a matter of conscience, and the Quran says "There is no compulsion in religion." Muslims' attitude to Muhammad. Muslims feel a great reverence and affection for Muhammad. They are fortunate in having a record of his deeds that portrays a vivid picture of him as a human being. Although he is not infallible, he was chosen by God because of his exceptional moral qualities, and therefore he is regarded as an example to be followed by other people. When Muslims perform their daily prayers, they call down God's blessings on the Prophet, and when they mention his name, it is customary for them to add the words: "May the peace and blessings of God be upon him." revdauphinee answered on 01/19/04: Muhammad had been driven out from Medina. Actually it was from Mecca wher he had been born as a ""future ruler of that city:"" WB ENC. 1999- actualy Mohamed was a mere salesman who promoted himself by marrying his Boss PraiseJah rated this answer

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Tammy21 asked on 01/17/04 - 'It's morally repugnant for anyone to clone a human being' - Do Christ YAKUB QURESHI HUMAN cloning in one form or another has been on the horizon for 25 years, but yesterday�s announcement that a cloned embryo had been implanted in a woman�s womb for the first time still came as a shock to the medical world, politicians and ethicists. And it has reignited a fierce debate about controls on scientific research and the ethics of artificially creating human life. Those in favour of duplicating the human genetic code say it could bring about huge benefits including helping infertile couples have children, treating genetic disorders and replacing diseased organs. But opponents believe not nearly enough is known about the procedure, and present experiments do nothing more than devalue human life. The secrets of genetic patterns began to unravel 50 years ago when Cambridge scientists Francis Crick and James Watson discovered the structure of DNA in 1953, showing the building blocks of the human genetic code. A decade after this, English biologist John Haldane coined the term "clone" in a speech entitled Biological Possibilities for the Human Species of the Next Ten-Thousand Years. In 1977, mice with only a single parent were created, and a year later the first child conceived through in vitro fertilisation (IVF) was born, creating a new treatment for couples unable to have children. Scottish scientists were responsible for one of the first major breakthroughs in the field of cloning. In 1996, Edinburgh firm PPL Therapeutics stunned the world when it produced Dolly the Sheep, the first mammal cloned from an adult cell. �This is reprehensible and places the mother at an unacceptable risk� But Dolly�s birth raised as many concerns about cloning as it did hopes. The animal grew old before its time and developed severe arthritis, thought to be the result of a genetic flaw. She was eventually put down last year. The impending possibility of human clones provoked political action. The year after Dolly was born, US President Clinton proposed legislation to ban the cloning of humans for at least five years and similar measures were adopted in many European countries. Many scientists vowed to enforce an international moratorium on research into the area. But private research, driven by the unspoken but obvious �race� to produce the first human clone, highlighted the lack of international controls on developments. From 1997 to 2000, scientists cloned various species of animal - as other scientists claimed to be working towards the first human clone. Panos Zavos, the American doctor who made yesterday�s claims about the first human clone, had previously worked with controversial Italian embryologist Dr Severino Antinori, who has been promising for several years that a human clone is imminent. Five years ago, Antinori, who had in the past used IVF treatment to enable women in their 50s and 60s to give birth, announced plans to use cloning technology to help infertile couples, defying the medical establishment�s promises to control future experiments. In 1998, American Dr Richard Seed said he was ready to begin experiments on cloning a human being within the next three months, but was unsuccessful. Authorities in Seoul would later investigate a company�s claim that it had implanted a cloned human embryo in a South Korean woman. By December 2002, the cloning saga took a strange turn when an American cult known as the Raelians claimed that one of their members had given birth to the world�s first cloned baby. The group, led by French-Canadian Claude Vorilhon, views cloning as central to its beliefs and had set up a charity called CloneAid shortly after Dolly�s birth was announced. Followers believe the only way to eternal life is through the replication of DNA. There is no such thing as the soul, but man can live on through cloning, according to the sect. But the scientific community has still to be convinced of the veracity of the cloning claim and the group has failed to publicly produce the child. In July last year, the first UK research licence of its kind permitting a technique that creates embryonic stem cells from human eggs was granted to the scientists that helped clone Dolly. Professor Ian Wilmut, of the Roslin Institute in Edinburgh, and his team received a licence from the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority for research towards creating human embryos from unfertilised eggs, but for medical research rather than reproductive purposes. The research could also produce perfect-match tissue, meaning transplant tissues could be created that would not be rejected by a patient, because the new cells would be derived from the patient so his or her immune system would not react. Legal experts said that under current rules, anyone convicted of attempting to clone a baby in the UK would face up to 10 years in jail and an unlimited fine. The Human Reproductive Cloning Act 2001 banned any attempts at cloning for the purposes of reproduction. No research is allowed for embryos over 14 days old. The Act did not cover therapeutic cloning research being carried out by scientists such as Wilmut, which the government believes could lead to breakthroughs in the treatment of illnesses such as Parkinson�s and Alzheimer�s, and the repair of spinal injury. Yesterday�s claims were met with outrage and considerable scepticism by many observers. A spokesman for the Royal Society, one of the most respected bodies in British science, said it remained to be convinced by the claim. "If and when he provides the evidence, I am sure scientists and doctors will look with interest," he said of Zavos. "What is more worrying is, without being sure of any substance to the claims, some infertile couples may have their hopes falsely raised, which is regrettable." The spokesman also accused Zavos of seeking publicity, adding: "Scientific journals and conferences are the place to present your work - not at hugely theatrical press conferences." During a packed press conference in London, the American refused to give details of the woman�s origin or the date of the implantation but said it did not take place in the UK, US or Europe. Wolff Reik, cloning expert at the Babraham Institute, Cambridge, said: "My dim view is this man is exploiting the emotional pressures of parents desperate to have children. "While it is possible the woman may fall pregnant, the odds are still stacked against the baby developing. It could die at any time." He added: "Absolutely nothing has changed in relation to the difficulties associated with reproductive cloning. "In every single experiment, 99% of clones die in the womb and the remaining 1% have problems. Therefore it remains as irresponsible as before to do it in a human." Peter Kearney, a spokesman for the Catholic Church in Scotland, also doubted the claims made at the London press conference, arguing that the scientists involved were well known for "showmanship" rather than results. "Even if it were taking place, or near taking place, it would be wrong. It is making children to order and no one knows what the physical, emotional or mental effects of cloning would be," he said. "We have only got a few examples of animals that have been cloned and these seem to have gone wrong." Dr Donald Bruce, the director of the Church of Scotland�s Society, Religion, and Technology Project, added that he believed the experiment was morally irresponsible. "I would join with many others in being sceptical about this. This kind of experiment is totally irresponsible. To carry this out, based on what we know about cloning in animals, is completely reprehensible and places the mother at an unacceptable risk. "I can only hope that this spurs our government to move towards a worldwide ban on cloning because of the risks that someone like this scientist will attempt to misuse the technology." This article: http://scotlandonsunday.scotsman.com/index.cfm?id=63752004 Cloning & stem cell research: http://news.scotsman.com/topics.cfm?tid=10 Websites: Roslin Institute http://www.roslin.ac.uk/ Chief Medical Officer - stem cell research report http://www.doh.gov.uk/cegc/stemcellreport.htm Human Fertilisation & Embryology Authority http://www.hfea.gov.uk/ revdauphinee answered on 01/18/04: Just because you disagree with me makes it ridiculous???? Tammy21 rated this answer

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HANK1 asked on 01/18/04 - CONFORMITY! The true character of our futures in terms of poverty, peril and all apprehension can't be overlooked when our thoughts turn toward faith, security and survival. Since health, nature, people, and $$$ determine most outcomes, duty and obligation are only dimensions we use to measure our failure at a particular time. This is why each day becomes a challenge: "Serenely full, the epicure would say, Fate cannot harm me, I have dined today." - Sydney Smith Circumstances can change a person's thoughts about dependability and instability momentarily. Since rarity compliments the unusual, any idea that pertains to veracity and accuracy can play tag with subjugation. The winner, then, compliments commonness and CONFORMITY when a new condition presents itself. If one or more contradictions confront a third party, it would be a rarity or even a miracle if all of these wise men would shed tears at the same time. Source: From my book manuscript, "Never A Toadstool" (Copyrighted) These are my thoughts for today ... the Sabbath! HANK revdauphinee answered on 01/18/04: Love ya Hank! but saturday is was and always will be the sabath!No where in scripture or elswhere did God declare a change That was mans doing Dorothy HANK1 rated this answer Tammy21 rated this answer

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Tammy21 asked on 01/17/04 - 'It's morally repugnant for anyone to clone a human being' - Do Christ YAKUB QURESHI HUMAN cloning in one form or another has been on the horizon for 25 years, but yesterday�s announcement that a cloned embryo had been implanted in a woman�s womb for the first time still came as a shock to the medical world, politicians and ethicists. And it has reignited a fierce debate about controls on scientific research and the ethics of artificially creating human life. Those in favour of duplicating the human genetic code say it could bring about huge benefits including helping infertile couples have children, treating genetic disorders and replacing diseased organs. But opponents believe not nearly enough is known about the procedure, and present experiments do nothing more than devalue human life. The secrets of genetic patterns began to unravel 50 years ago when Cambridge scientists Francis Crick and James Watson discovered the structure of DNA in 1953, showing the building blocks of the human genetic code. A decade after this, English biologist John Haldane coined the term "clone" in a speech entitled Biological Possibilities for the Human Species of the Next Ten-Thousand Years. In 1977, mice with only a single parent were created, and a year later the first child conceived through in vitro fertilisation (IVF) was born, creating a new treatment for couples unable to have children. Scottish scientists were responsible for one of the first major breakthroughs in the field of cloning. In 1996, Edinburgh firm PPL Therapeutics stunned the world when it produced Dolly the Sheep, the first mammal cloned from an adult cell. �This is reprehensible and places the mother at an unacceptable risk� But Dolly�s birth raised as many concerns about cloning as it did hopes. The animal grew old before its time and developed severe arthritis, thought to be the result of a genetic flaw. She was eventually put down last year. The impending possibility of human clones provoked political action. The year after Dolly was born, US President Clinton proposed legislation to ban the cloning of humans for at least five years and similar measures were adopted in many European countries. Many scientists vowed to enforce an international moratorium on research into the area. But private research, driven by the unspoken but obvious �race� to produce the first human clone, highlighted the lack of international controls on developments. From 1997 to 2000, scientists cloned various species of animal - as other scientists claimed to be working towards the first human clone. Panos Zavos, the American doctor who made yesterday�s claims about the first human clone, had previously worked with controversial Italian embryologist Dr Severino Antinori, who has been promising for several years that a human clone is imminent. Five years ago, Antinori, who had in the past used IVF treatment to enable women in their 50s and 60s to give birth, announced plans to use cloning technology to help infertile couples, defying the medical establishment�s promises to control future experiments. In 1998, American Dr Richard Seed said he was ready to begin experiments on cloning a human being within the next three months, but was unsuccessful. Authorities in Seoul would later investigate a company�s claim that it had implanted a cloned human embryo in a South Korean woman. By December 2002, the cloning saga took a strange turn when an American cult known as the Raelians claimed that one of their members had given birth to the world�s first cloned baby. The group, led by French-Canadian Claude Vorilhon, views cloning as central to its beliefs and had set up a charity called CloneAid shortly after Dolly�s birth was announced. Followers believe the only way to eternal life is through the replication of DNA. There is no such thing as the soul, but man can live on through cloning, according to the sect. But the scientific community has still to be convinced of the veracity of the cloning claim and the group has failed to publicly produce the child. In July last year, the first UK research licence of its kind permitting a technique that creates embryonic stem cells from human eggs was granted to the scientists that helped clone Dolly. Professor Ian Wilmut, of the Roslin Institute in Edinburgh, and his team received a licence from the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority for research towards creating human embryos from unfertilised eggs, but for medical research rather than reproductive purposes. The research could also produce perfect-match tissue, meaning transplant tissues could be created that would not be rejected by a patient, because the new cells would be derived from the patient so his or her immune system would not react. Legal experts said that under current rules, anyone convicted of attempting to clone a baby in the UK would face up to 10 years in jail and an unlimited fine. The Human Reproductive Cloning Act 2001 banned any attempts at cloning for the purposes of reproduction. No research is allowed for embryos over 14 days old. The Act did not cover therapeutic cloning research being carried out by scientists such as Wilmut, which the government believes could lead to breakthroughs in the treatment of illnesses such as Parkinson�s and Alzheimer�s, and the repair of spinal injury. Yesterday�s claims were met with outrage and considerable scepticism by many observers. A spokesman for the Royal Society, one of the most respected bodies in British science, said it remained to be convinced by the claim. "If and when he provides the evidence, I am sure scientists and doctors will look with interest," he said of Zavos. "What is more worrying is, without being sure of any substance to the claims, some infertile couples may have their hopes falsely raised, which is regrettable." The spokesman also accused Zavos of seeking publicity, adding: "Scientific journals and conferences are the place to present your work - not at hugely theatrical press conferences." During a packed press conference in London, the American refused to give details of the woman�s origin or the date of the implantation but said it did not take place in the UK, US or Europe. Wolff Reik, cloning expert at the Babraham Institute, Cambridge, said: "My dim view is this man is exploiting the emotional pressures of parents desperate to have children. "While it is possible the woman may fall pregnant, the odds are still stacked against the baby developing. It could die at any time." He added: "Absolutely nothing has changed in relation to the difficulties associated with reproductive cloning. "In every single experiment, 99% of clones die in the womb and the remaining 1% have problems. Therefore it remains as irresponsible as before to do it in a human." Peter Kearney, a spokesman for the Catholic Church in Scotland, also doubted the claims made at the London press conference, arguing that the scientists involved were well known for "showmanship" rather than results. "Even if it were taking place, or near taking place, it would be wrong. It is making children to order and no one knows what the physical, emotional or mental effects of cloning would be," he said. "We have only got a few examples of animals that have been cloned and these seem to have gone wrong." Dr Donald Bruce, the director of the Church of Scotland�s Society, Religion, and Technology Project, added that he believed the experiment was morally irresponsible. "I would join with many others in being sceptical about this. This kind of experiment is totally irresponsible. To carry this out, based on what we know about cloning in animals, is completely reprehensible and places the mother at an unacceptable risk. "I can only hope that this spurs our government to move towards a worldwide ban on cloning because of the risks that someone like this scientist will attempt to misuse the technology." This article: http://scotlandonsunday.scotsman.com/index.cfm?id=63752004 Cloning & stem cell research: http://news.scotsman.com/topics.cfm?tid=10 Websites: Roslin Institute http://www.roslin.ac.uk/ Chief Medical Officer - stem cell research report http://www.doh.gov.uk/cegc/stemcellreport.htm Human Fertilisation & Embryology Authority http://www.hfea.gov.uk/ revdauphinee answered on 01/18/04: one more instance of ability over brains just because we "can do it" does not mean we ""should do it""I am in a minority who believe in Christs iminent return ,because I for one do not believe our God will allow this to continue ethical_reason rated this answer Tammy21 rated this answer

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PraiseJah asked on 01/17/04 - The Quran and killing in the name of God Some users, like the 9/11 hijackers, wrongly believe that the Quran endorses agressive acts of violence against unbelievers. Check out the following verse from the Quran: (Al Baqara) 2:191: "....And fight not with them at Al Masjid-al- Haram (the sanctuary at Mekkah) unless they first fight you there. But if they attack you, kill them" Now you can see why those who believe the jihad is a literal war rather than an ideological war have as GW Buch stated after 9/11 - "defamed a noble religion" revdauphinee answered on 01/18/04: this is but one verse from the quoran and speaks only to the killing done in a specific sanctuary ,the quoran however speaks voumes as to the righteousness of killing both Christians and Jews and even promices paradice for those who do read the who;le thing it may change your mind as it did mine HANK1 rated this answer PraiseJah rated this answer tomder55 rated this answer

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Tammy21 asked on 01/17/04 - What do psychics have to offer Christians? "There is no built-in scheme of meaning in the world" said Irvin D. Yalom, of Stanford University, "Exploring Psychic Interiors," in U.S. News & World Report, October 30, 1989, p. 67. "No deity will save us; we must save ourselves" so announces the Humanist Manifesto II, in "Liberal Family," The Encyclopedia of American Religions: Religious Creeds, J. Gordon Melton, ed. [Detroit: Gale Research Company, 1988], p. 641 Are psychics and atheists right when they say these things, and what can their philosophies and 'sciences' offer to Christians? revdauphinee answered on 01/18/04: Asa fr what a Christian should believe in why not the scripture where we are clearly admonished Lev.19:31 "`Do not turn to mediums or seek out spiritists, for you will be defiled by them. I am the LORD your God. Lev.20:6 "`I will set my face against the person who turns to mediums and spiritists to prostitute himself by following them, and I will cut him off Deut.18:9-14. 9 When you enter the land the LORD your God is giving you, do not learn to imitate the detestable ways of the nations there. 10 Let no one be found among you who sacrifices his son or daughter in the fire, who practices divination or sorcery, interprets omens, engages in witchcraft, 11 or casts spells, or who is a medium or spiritist or who consults the dead. 12 Anyone who does these things is detestable to the LORD, 14 The nations you will dispossess listen to those who practice sorcery or divination. But as for you, the LORD your God has not permitted you to do so. ) -Denounced, (Isa.8:19 When men tell you to consult mediums and spiritists, who whisper and mutter, should not a people inquire of their God? Why consult the dead on behalf of the living? Tammy21 rated this answer

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Tammy21 asked on 01/17/04 - Is CRAP the kind of language that should be used on a Christianity board? What do you think? revdauphinee answered on 01/18/04: crap, like beauty could be in the eyes of the beholder! Tammy21 rated this answer

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bluevision asked on 01/17/04 - Are there men in other solar systems? Why did God want to create men? In the Milky Way, the galaxy to which the sun belongs, there are hundreds of billions of stars, let alone other galaxies, & each star is a solar system like the sun. Do you think that God created men in other solar systems too? If He didn't, will He want to do it again on other planets? Please use your imagination in answering these questions.;D;D revdauphinee answered on 01/17/04: I do think maybee God "may" have created life on other planets and my biblical reason for my belief is the following John 10: 16. I have other sheep that are not of this sheep pen. I must bring them also. They too will listen to my voice, and there shall be one flock and one shepherd. I do emphasise the "may" since as yet we truly have no evidence bluevision rated this answer

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HANK1 asked on 01/17/04 - EXPERT AND USER GUIDELINES: "Civility and Courtesy" "An answer to a question should be courteous, civil, and respectful. If the Expert is tempted to post something nasty, better to post nothing at all." * I shall report anyone who isn't "courteous, civil, and respectful." Believe it! HANK revdauphinee answered on 01/17/04: I agree Dorothy HANK1 rated this answer Tammy21 rated this answer Toms777 rated this answer

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Tammy21 asked on 01/16/04 - An example of anti Mormon-ism [I don't know where this originated but I just got it via e-mail and felt moved by the Spirit to share it here] Without the Walls of Temple Square by Sister Tiffany Wilde [Editor's Note: This is a first-hand account, written by a young woman who served as a missionary on Temple Square during the April 2003 General Conference.] To be a missionary on Temple Square during General Conference is absolute heaven! Members of the Church travel hundreds of miles to Salt Lake City to see a prophet of God. The feeling within the walls is of peace, sacrifice, love, and testimony. Some members of the Church who don�t have a ticket to get into a conference session will wait in lines inside the square for hours in hopes of crossing the street to the beautiful Conference Center. No one is impatient or grumpy as they wait. Even as it hailed and snowed, smiles are seen and laughs are heard as members try to squeeze under umbrellas of those in line with them. What a happy, joyous thrill it is to be a part of this event. Outside the walls of Temple Square, however, the scene is quite different. Several very vocal protesters have been attending General Conferences for many years. Each conference their following grows and becomes louder and even more disturbing than the last. Their main purpose? To yell and scream terrible things about the leaders, the doctrine and the members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and in this way convince us we are wrong. The last time I checked, yelling profane assumptions at families who are minding their own business wasn't the most effective teaching method. Yet, their posters and billboards get bigger, their voices louder and the result is the same--families scramble, covering the ears of their little ones as they hurry across the street between the Conference Center and Temple Square, where within the walls they can again feel the peace of the Spirit. The Church got smart last year and came up with a plan. Anti-Mormons can buy a permit from the city to stand in a specific spot and conduct their protest. The Church decided to purchase their own permits, as well. They purchased one permit on the Conference Center side of the street and one on the Temple Square side of the street, just outside the gates. The Church called a special meeting with those sisters in mission leadership positions and asked us to be brave and place ourselves smack dab in the middle of all the drama. Can you imagine two sets of young sisters standing at their designated posts in the midst of mobs of angry men holding posters, yelling, and blowing their noses in sacred garments and waving them in the air? We were a small force, but a mighty one. We had shifts, so we'd stand for two hours and then recharge back inside the Square before going back out to the lions. One funny thing about these men is that they are paid to do this, and so when each Conference session started and everyone was inside, there was no one to yell at, so they'd put their signs and megaphones down and relax. This was an opportune time to chat. We called one anti-Mormon over who seemed to be our age and asked why he was here. He didn�t really know. He was cold and "kind of wanted to get back home.� He came all the way from the East Coast. (I hope he got a big paycheck.) We noticed one more man who seemed mentally slower than the others. As everyone was entering the Conference Center, he was holding an arrow that said "False Prophet," but it was pointed at the man next to him who was also an anti-Mormon. When his partner noticed, he re-directed his arrow so it was pointing at the Conference Center. We chuckled. Now that it had died down we made eye contact with this man and smiled. He smiled back and waved as if he wasn't aware of what he was being asked to do. My companion and I had a break, so we went across the street, back to Temple Square, to warm up. Before our next shift, we really prayed that our presence would have some kind of impact. Conference let out and as we positioned ourselves on the post outside of the gates of Temple Square, we watched as 21,000 people came streaming out of the Conference Center, spiritually fed and strengthened. I said one more prayer just as the anti-Mormons picked up all of their megaphones and signs. As we watched the peace destroyed and the faces of the members saddened and afraid of the mobs of yelling men, we were moved to action. My companion who has an incredibly powerful voice turned to me and said, "Let's sing hymns and try to out sing these guys." We began singing hymns as loud as we could. A few missionary sisters joined in and as the members crossed the street, they started to hear the singing behind all of the yelling. As they looked past the mobs they saw us, and some joined in. We became very powerful, which angered the men, causing them to yell louder. It didn't matter--the members' faces turned from fear to happiness as they saw a small army of Saints standing for truth. Some mouthed the words "thank you," many waved and everyone smiled! More and more Saints joined in and we found more and more courage as we bore our testimony through song. As the mobs chanted "false prophet, false prophet," we sang with power "We Thank Thee Oh God for a Prophet." As they chanted "the Book of Mormon is false," we sang with fervor, "We are as the Armies of Helaman," and as they yelled with their megaphones that we were going to "burn in hell,� we sang with full hearts, "The Spirit of God Like a Fire is Burning.� The feeling was unmistakable. The presence of the Spirit was powerful and we were all brought to tears. Never had the contrast between good and evil been so clear to those standing there that day. In the midst of it all, my eyes were drawn to one man who had stopped yelling. I watched for a moment as the spirit of the music utterly stopped him from yelling. He lowered his sign and looked back to see a small army of Saints with faith in their eyes as they lifted their voices in song. He looked back down at his sign with the expression on his face as if to say, "what am I doing here?� There he stood with his head down, touched by the Spirit. At that moment, I began to cry, knowing that the gospel of Jesus Christ will go forth boldly, nobly and independent and that no unhallowed hand will stop it. No amount of yelling men will change what is true and cause me to doubt the confirmation I received that day. How grateful I am for the spirit of truth and for the hearts that were touched through this wonderful experience. The Spirit of God like a fire is burning, and will continue to burn brightly forever. revdauphinee answered on 01/17/04: sound like awaste of everyones time to me! but then while never shouting at anyone I do not believe in Mormon doctrine (whilst acceding your right to do so ) Tammy21 rated this answer

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arcura asked on 01/16/04 - Religious sorts of bras... A man walked into the ladies department of a Macy's, and walked up to the woman behind the counter and said, "I'd like to buy a bra for my wife" What type of bra?" asked the clerk. "Type?" inquires the man. "There is more than one type?" "Look around," said the saleslady, as she showed a sea of bras in every shape, size, colour and material. "Actually, even with all of this variety, there are really only four types of bras," replied the sales clerk. Confused, the man asked what the types were. The sales lady replied "The Catholic type, the, Salvation Army type, the Fundamentalist type, and the Baptist type. Which one do you need?" Still confused the man asked, "What is the difference between them?" The lady responded, "It is all really quite simple. The Catholic type supports the masses, the Salvation Army type lifts up the fallen, the Fundamentalist type is strapless; it�s held up by belief only, and the Baptist type makes mountains out of mole hills." The man then said, �If that�s the way the types are identified, I�m surprised there is not an atheist type.� The sales clerk said, "Well, I suppose there could be, but it would be for those who have an ample chest, but believe there is nothing there." revdauphinee answered on 01/17/04: as for the Christian ones, denomination is of no concern as long as they give you the support you need! arcura rated this answer

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CeeBee asked on 01/16/04 - There's no solving mystery of Christ January 16, 2004 editorial, Chicago Sun-Times Much of the history of Christianity has been devoted to domesticating Jesus -- to reducing that elusive, enigmatic, paradoxical person to dimensions we can comprehend, understand and convert to our own purposes. So far it hasn't worked. Consider the so-called Jesus seminar that tends to think of Jesus as a peasant sage. Or the well-spun hokum of The Da Vinci Code, which portrays him as a married man and father who founded a fertility cult. Or the propensity of political candidates to claim that he is on their side. President Bush tells us that Jesus is his most important political philosopher, and Howard Dean assures us of his daily prayer to Jesus. The kings of France were 'His Christian Majesty.' The kings of Spain, not to be outdone, became 'His Catholic Majesty.' All the imperialism of both countries was done in the name of God and Jesus. British colonists in America and Australia killed the natives in the name of Jesus. Many of the fundamentalists and evangelicals in this country seem to think that he has signed on to their political agenda, just as the Emperor Constantine seems to have believed -- and the Crusaders, too. Stephen Prothero in his new book, An American Jesus, shows how this country has tried to claim Jesus for its own -- from Thomas Jefferson cutting up the Bible so that Jesus would appear a good deist, to the American media trying to portray him as a cozy, comfortable person with no denominational affiliation. Some cardinals think that he whispers in their ears at papal conclaves, and some evangelicals that he whispers authoritative interpretations of his parables. None of it works because once you domesticate Jesus he isn't there any more. The domestic Jesus may be an interesting fellow, a good friend, a loyal companion, a helpful business associate, a guarantor of the justice of your wars. But one thing he is certainly not: the Jesus of the New Testament. Once Jesus comforts your agenda, he's not Jesus anymore. Consider Bush's 'political philosopher.' His principal statement on that subject is, 'Render to Caesar things that are Caesar's and to God the things that are God's' -- a phrase that preachers for a couple of millennia have delivered with tones of triumph in their voice. Jesus had neatly dispatched his adversaries. The preachers don't explain what that ingenious phrase means in politics. Is it the Magna Carta for separation of church and state? Is it a mandate for French Muslims not to wear scarves in state schools? Is it the basis for the Catholic Church to order politicians to vote against civil unions for homosexuals? Where does one find the boundary between Caesar and God? Jesus didn't say, and he still doesn't. He won the argument, indeed deftly, but he leaves to his followers the challenge of how his dictum should be applied in practice. No easy task. Or his challenge, 'Let the one without sin throw the first stone.' Does that mean we don't denounce any sins? Or that we should take a good long look at our conscience before we take up the stones? Or that if we are confident of our own sinlessness, we can start throwing the stones? Jesus did not issue any detailed instructions, save perhaps 'by this all shall know that you are my disciples, that you have love for one another.' And that really isn't detailed at all. Nor is the instruction that you should love your neighbor as yourself. All of these sayings seem vague, slippery, disturbing, dangerous. Jesus is as obscure now as he was in his own time: as troublesome, as much a threat to the public order. What's the point of having a religious leader unless he lays down specific rules and regulations, someone who issues challenges instead of answers? One is tempted to demand of Jesus: 'Who do you think you are to challenge us with your paradoxes, to trouble us with your weird stories, to warn us that you are not a reassuring traveling companion, but a messenger from a God who is even more paradoxical, even more difficult to figure out, even more challenging.' If Jesus makes you feel comfortable with your agenda, then he's not Jesus. revdauphinee answered on 01/17/04: we are not called to understand Jesus or God 8. "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways," declares the LORD. 9. "As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts. 10. As the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return to it without watering the earth and making it bud and flourish, so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater, 11. so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it. However we are called to accept his love CeeBee rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 01/16/04 - This is what comes of being politically correct! White socks have been declared indecent by the Dutch Finance Ministry. A ministry official today confirmed a recent internal publication that proclaimed white sports socks "transgress the limits of decent dress behaviour" for ministry employees. The officials were also expected to wear dark blue or grey suits in order to convey "reliability and professionalism". "People are expected to dress in accordance with their function," said a spokeswoman, stressing there were no strict controls. So I suppose I'll have to stop wearing white socks with my white joggers, EH? Otherwise there might be a dutch fanatic somewhere I'll offend. Zeig Heil revdauphinee answered on 01/16/04: another instance of humans ridiculous insistance of conformaty.I have often stated that should Christ present himself at many modern day denominational churches he would be turned away because he did not meet the dress code. paraclete rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 01/16/04 - And this is the religion which the Catholic Church suggests is compatiable with Christianity? A prominent Muslim preacher was sentenced to 15 months in Spanish prison for writing a book advising men on how best to beat their wives without leaving tell-tale marks on their bodies. A jury in Barcelona found Mohamed Kamal Mustafa, the imam of a mosque in the southern tourist resort town of Fuengirola, guilty of inciting violence against women and also fined him �1500 ($3500). The judgement came after a three-year legal battle by human rights activists to bring the preacher to justice after he claimed that the message of his book had been misrepresented by the Spanish media. In his book Women in Islam, published three years ago, Mustafa wrote that verbal warnings followed by a period of sexual inactivity can be used to discipline a disobedient wife. If that failed he said that according to Islamic law, beatings could be then judiciously administered. "The blows should be concentrated on the hands and feet using a rod that is thin and light so that it does not leave scars or bruises on the body," wrote Kamal. The court ruled that the book was "guided by an obsolete machismo that in places is very accentuated. That is against the principles of equality laid out in the constitution resulting in intolerable discrimination". The judge added that the prospective readers of the book "do not live in the Arabian desert of the 14th century". In his defence, Mustafa argued that he had interpreted passages of the Koran and that he opposed violence against women. The cleric will not actually have to go to jail as under Spanish law people with no previous convictions have sentences that are less than two years suspended. The Telegraph, London Pope calling for Reconciliation and Dialogue In view of the dramatic events of 11 September (Message for the World Day of Peace 2002) and in face of the war in Afghanistan, Pope John Paul II calls for reconciliation and peace. He urgently warns against using the events as an opportunity to fan the flames of new hate between religions and cultures. He expresses his great respect for Islam and invites people to seek dialogue with one another. mh. Pope John Paul II has castigated organised terrorism as �crimes against humanity�. �Terrorism is built on contempt for human life�, and is �a true crime against humanity�. The Pope demands �a courageous and resolute political, diplomatic and economic commitment to relieving situations of oppression and marginalization� because they �facilitate the designs of terrorists�. However, he firmly states that injustices �can never be used to excuse acts of terrorism�. The consequences of terrorism affect most of all those people who already suffer most from injustices, �namely the people of the developing world, who already live on a thin margin of survival and who would be most grievously affected by global economic and political chaos.� Thus �the terrorist claim to be acting on behalf of the poor is a patent falsehood.� Defence against terrorism only by respecting the law The Pope acknowledges �a right to defend oneself against terrorism�. This right, though, �must be exercised with respect for moral and legal limits.� �The guilty must be correctly identified, since criminal culpability is always personal and cannot be extended to the nation, ethnic group or religion to which the terrorists may belong.� (Message for the World Day of Peace 2002) The US has flagrantly and substantially contravened these principles of law and order in its attacks against Afghanistan. The consequences for the people of Afghanistan have been horrifying, even though they had nothing to do with the terror attacks. In accordance with his demand the Pope has repeatedly made appeals not to resort to the use of violence after the 11September attacks. Alarmed by recent events he sees the dangers threatening world peace today, and is concerned that humanity will be drawn into new, serious conflicts. Before the war started, at a time when the world was barely aware of the plight of Afghanistan, the Pope appealed for help. He saw that civil war and drought were producing countless victims, that large numbers of people were fleeing, thousands were threatened by starvation and the cold, especially children, the sick and the aged. He requested the international community not to forget the people of Afghanistan, and urgently appealed to the warring parties to put down their arms so that relief aid could get through to the threatened areas. (Radio Vatican, 28 February, 2001) And now all the more determined, in the war of the US and England against Afghanistan, he appeals for protection of the civilian population. In an appeal to the international community he demands that the lives of innocent people be protected and at the same time aid for refugees be organised. Relief aid needs to be brought in before the beginning of the winter. It is above all those people who have lost everything that are now so in need of help. The Pope�s tireless calls for peace awaken hopes in those who are affected and threatened by war. This was nowhere more apparent than in Astana in Kazakhstan when the Pope paid a visit there in September 2001. The German newspaper �Berliner Morgenpost� wrote that people celebrated the Pope because he was a hope for peace. �Be ready to promote peace, so often threatened by the spectre of catastrophic wars�, he encouraged the predominantly Muslim population of Kazakhstan. The paper went on to say that for these people this leader of a billion Roman Catholics, so many of whom are inhabitants of wealthy Europe and the US, is not looked upon as an intruder, as a symbol of the Western world whose weapons the Muslims now so dread. His manifestations of deep respect for Islam, his vow that the Catholic church desires no conflict with other world religions impressed the Kazakh people. Even when he attacked a perverted form of Islam that sows terrorism and makes God the hostage of human ambitions, he was obviously expressing exactly what the Kazakh people felt. John Paul II came to Kazakhstan to stand by the side of a population alarmed at the US deployment of forces in the region, and although they believe in a God who goes by the name of Allah and not Jesus Christ. Archbishop Jean-Louis Tauran, the Vatican foreign minister, also explicitly dismissed any theory of a �war between the cultures� in connection with the Afghanistan conflict, as has been put forward by Huntington. He stated that terrorism in the name of Islam was a perversion of Islam. The Catholic church respects the authentic Islam of prayer and solidarity with the needy. A dialogue between the different cultures was necessary. Thus, the Vatican rejects the notion that the Koran incites its followers to take arms against other cultures and religions. John Paul II has untiringly solicited for a dialogue that transcends all religious and cultural boundaries. In exemplary fashion he has �invited representatives of the world�s religions to come to Assisi, the town of Saint Francis, on 24 January 2002, to pray for peace. In doing so we will show that genuine religious belief is an inexhaustible wellspring of mutual respect and harmony among peoples; indeed it is the chief antidote to violence and conflict.� (Message for the World Day of Peace 2002) In a joint declaration last September the Vatican and the Al Azhar University, the most respected theological institute of the Islamic world, condemned terrorism. High-ranking representatives of the Vatican and Islam did likewise by stating that as religious leaders they emphasised that justice and mutual respect were the real foundations for peace. The Pope clearly illustrated his deep respect for Islam on his arrival at Kazakhstan�s Astana airport on 22 September: �I greet the Islamic Leaders and faithful, who boast a long religious tradition in this region.� On his visit he also rejected any instrumentalisation of religion for political aims and power politics: He testified to the respect of the Roman Catholic church �for Islam, the authentic Islam that prays� and shows solidarity with the needy. With the words, �You shall not kill in God�s name�, he unmistakably condemned �fanatic fundamentalism�: �It is a profanation of religion to declare oneself a terrorist in the name of God, to do violence to others in his name. Terrorist violence is a contradiction of faith in God.� (Message for the World Day of Peace 2002) In Astana the Pope clearly denounced any instrumentalisation of religious conflicts for political ambitions: �Recalling the errors of the past, including the most recent past, all believers ought to unite their efforts to ensure that God is never made the hostage of human ambitions. Hatred, fanaticism and terrorism profane the name of God and disfigure the true image of man.� This was a clear rejection of all intimations that Islam in its very being was the cause of terror and violence. He urgently warned against using this argument to fan the flames of new hate between the peoples and cultures of the world. He made clear that religious conflicts are possibly engendered in the name of interests completely foreign to that religious conflict. Extract from Current Concerns 16 January 2004 When will Christians stop the self deception and realise that there is nothing in Islam which is compatiable with true Christianity? revdauphinee answered on 01/16/04: I personaly as many of you know am deeply opposed to Islaam However one must also remember Just as God loves sinners while hating the sin they commit we are all also called to as is written in Matthew 5: 43 "You have heard that it was said, `Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' 44 But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45 that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. 46 If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? could it be that the Pope and his church are just following this teaching?? (PS>fyi) I am not a Catholic myself however if we truly follow Christ then we must also follow his teachings! paraclete rated this answer Tammy21 rated this answer tomder55 rated this answer

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Tammy21 asked on 01/15/04 - Reporting of experts by experts Do experts get reported for personal reasons because someone takes a dislike to them and pretends that they have been insulted????? I have a reason for asking. revdauphinee answered on 01/16/04: I for one would not report anyone for personal reasons but I do feel this is a nececary option for insulting or demeaning statements, and also I feel this is no place for open profanity .This page is named Christianity and as such we should (even if we dont believe)have a somewhat restrained attitude on it> How can a person dislike anyone on here? just from a posting we dont know each other no matter how much we may communicate via the site To make a judgement based on a posting would be ridiculous I may dissagree with you in wich case I will tell you so but it would not make me dislike you ,a Christian is told by Christ to love even our enemies Dorothy Tammy21 rated this answer

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Tammy21 asked on 01/15/04 - Reporting of experts by experts Do experts get reported for personal reasons because someone takes a dislike to them and pretends that they have been insulted????? I have a reason for asking. revdauphinee answered on 01/16/04: I for one would not report anyonme for personal reasons but I do feel this is a nececary option for insulting or demeaning a personand also I feel this is no place for open profanity .This page is named Christianity and as such we should (even if we dont believe)have a somewhat restrained attitude on it How can a person dislike anyone on here? just from a posting we dont know each other no matter how much we may communicate via the site To make a judgement based on a posting would be ridiculous I may dissagree with you in wich case I will tell you so but it would not make me dislike you ,a Christian is told by Christ to love even our enemies Dorothy Tammy21 rated this answer

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PraiseJah asked on 01/14/04 - If you shorten my user name..... please do not call me Jah! That is an abbreviation for the holy name of Almighty God, Jehovah. I cant possibly live up to that - He is a hard act to follow!! So call me Praise instead, or perhaps PJ. Thanks . PJ revdauphinee answered on 01/15/04: not just a hard act to follow an impossible one, however we are admonished to try!But by acknowledging this your awarness is noted shalom Dorothy PraiseJah rated this answer

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Laura asked on 01/14/04 - Disturbing to me I was asked by a social worker who was coming to our home the other day if we would be home on Saturday. I said yes and she said that she thought we went to church on Saturday. I said no, why would she think that. She said she had heard that we were Catholic. I said I was raised Catholic but had converted long ago. I was reading an article about false allegations, ((long story, but if you can think with the mind of a demented person for a minute, then you can think up the worst thing a vindictive person could accuse a parent of in a custody dispute in an attempt to prevent that person from getting custody)) and in the article it said that it would be better to be anything except Christian and especially Catholic when facing false allegations of abuse. Do you think this is inferring that because the church is having so much trouble with it's priests that even regular parisheners become suspect? I think this is bias and sad. What do you think!! And why would Christians in general be more suspect? revdauphinee answered on 01/15/04: I am interested in your comment stating you had converted ,(to What) If you meant christianity , Catholics are christians are they not?And as for condeming anyone because of the problems that Church has had lately one must remember all humans are sinners the only difference is that once we accept Christ as saviour is that we are forgiven we are not perfect (Just forgiven) Laura rated this answer

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Bradd asked on 01/14/04 - Predestination vs. Free Will Can these two apparently opposed ideas be reconciled rationally? God is omnipotent (all-powerful) and omniscient (all-knowing) and (what's the word for all-loving?). God, from 'eternity', knows X will sin and reject God. God loves X with a perfect love. Yet God creates X, knowing X will sin and go to hell. Why does God create X? Perfectly knowing that X will wind up in hell? X's sin and destination to hell is known by God before X is even created. Why create X? X's 'free will' would seem to be irrelevant, considering he is destined to hell before he's even created. revdauphinee answered on 01/15/04: I dont accept the concept of pre destination for if it were so then why give a person a will of their own ?I do believe God can "see" our future but he has given each of us full controll of our destiny and mostly has a hands off policy towards us since if we choose the right path then it must be our own choice not his. He wants us to love him but he would never force it on us..Hitler was a great orator in his lifetime he could have used that gift for good and imagine what he could have accomplished ,He himself chose his evil path God did not do it ! Bradd rated this answer

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PraiseJah asked on 01/13/04 - Free will Graeylin in Religion claims we do not have free will because God knows and predicts the outcome - eg that Pharoah would not let the Israelites go free but kept hardening his heart. What do you think? Was it all predestined or did God simply know what a stubborn mule Pharoah was? revdauphinee answered on 01/14/04: yes we have free will but that doesnt mean God cant help us as he did with the changing of the mind of Pharaoh,He will always be ready to help if we will but submit to his will as Im sure did Moses PraiseJah rated this answer

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arcura asked on 01/13/04 - Just some levity. God is watching! The children were lined up in the cafeteria of a Catholic elementary school for lunch. At the head of the table was a large pile of apples. The nun made a note, and posted on the apple tray: "Take only ONE. God is watching." Moving further along the lunch line, at the other end of the table was a large pile of chocolate chip cookies. A child had written a note, "Take all you want. God is watching the apples." revdauphinee answered on 01/13/04: cute !however we must remember he watches the cookies also!! arcura rated this answer

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HANK1 asked on 01/13/04 - A POEM: "I Should Have Known" Or, "Hell is Real" by Anonymous "To him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin" (James 4:17). "I went into my classroom Ready for another year at school. I didn't want the work, Just wanted to hang and be cool. I had on new clothes, New sneakers on my feet. I was there for class on time Went to the back and took my seat. Yeah, I'm moving up. I'm already grown. Soon I'll be graduating And out on my own. I talked to some of my friends. We were all having fun. Said some things I shouldn't have said, Did stuff I shouldn't have done. I knew I was different. I felt God TOUCH my heart. I knew I should set a standard, But then I'd be set apart. Walking to the bus, I was not looking for strength. I heard the car tires screeching, But now-- it's too late. I'm standing in this room And I can see the heavenly gate. Oh no! I never prayed. I thought I had time to get it straight. An angel walked to me. He had a Book in his hand. I knew it was the Book of Life. When would this dream end? I told him my name And he began to look. Then he looked at me sadly and said, "Your name is not in this Book." "Angel, this is a dream. No, I can't be dead!" He closed the Book and turned away. He whispered - "You cannot proceed ahead." "No, no, this can't be real! Angel, you can't turn me away. Let me talk to God. Maybe He'll let me stay." He led me to the gate. Jesus came to me. He did not let me in, but said, "Beloved, what is your need?" "Jesus," I cried, "please! Don't cast me away from you." Tears ran down His face as He said, "You KNEW what you needed to do." "Lord, please, I'm young. I never thought I would die. I thought I'd have plenty of time. Death caught me by surprise." "Lord, I went to church. Please, Jesus, I believe!" He said, "You would not accept Me. My love you would not receive." "Lord, there were too many hypocrites! THEY weren't being true." He took a step back and asked, "What does that have to do with you?" "Lord, my family claimed to be saved. They weren't real-- You know." He said, "I died for YOU. Now, I have to go." I fell to my knees, crying to Him. "Lord, I planned to be real-- tomorrow." I couldn't make Him understand. I had never felt such sorrow. Then it hit me hard. I said, "Lord, where will I go?" He looked into my eyes and said, "My child, you ALREADY know." "Please, Jesus," I begged, "The place is so hot!" It seemed to trouble and grieve Him. He whispered, "DEPART FROM ME, I KNOW YOU NOT." "Lord, You're supposed to be love. How can You send me to damnation?" He replied, "With your mouth you SAID you loved Me, But each day you rejected My salvation." With that, in an instant, Day turned into night. I never knew such torture could be. Now, it's too late. I always knew the Bible was right. If I can tell you anything, Hell has no age. It is a place of torture, Separated from God and full of rage. You know, I thought it was a funny joke. But this one thing is true-- If you never accept Jesus Christ, HELL IS WAITING FOR YOU!" HANK revdauphinee answered on 01/13/04: we often forget we are not promiced a tomorrow! HANK1 rated this answer

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HANK1 asked on 01/13/04 - EVER HEARD OF GILGAMESH? "GILGAMESH IS FROM ANCIENT SUMER" "Gilgamesh is one of the oldest recorded stories in the world. It tells the story of an ancient King of Uruk, Gilgamesh, who may have actually existed, and whose name is on the Sumerian King List. The story of Gilgamesh, in various Sumerian versions, was originally widely known in the third millennium B.C. After a long history of retellings, this story was recorded, in a standardized Akkadian version, in the seventh century B.C., and stored in the famous library of King Assurbanipal. Later, the story of Gilgamesh was lost to human memory, except for occasional fragments. The story was rediscovered in the mid-nineteenth century A.D., and made available in translation to German by the beginning of the twentieth century. People were especially amazed when they read this most ancient of stories, and realized that the flood story in Gilgamesh was a close analogue of the flood story in the Hebrew Bible." Citation: "World Literature" - Gilgamesh Study Guide - Diane Thompson What a guy ... ? (: HANK revdauphinee answered on 01/13/04: Gilgamesh was an historical king of Uruk in Babylonia, on the River Euphrates in modern Iraq; he lived about 2700 B.C. Although historians tend to emphasize Hammurabi and his code of law, the civilizations of the Tigris-Euphrates area, among the first civilizations, focus rather on Gilgamesh and the legends accruing around him to explain, as it were, themselves. Many stories and myths were written about Gilgamesh, some of which were written down about 2000 B.C. in the Sumerian language on clay tablets which still survive; HANK1 rated this answer

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Bobbye asked on 01/12/04 - GOLDEN NUGGET! "It is the mark of an educated mind to be able to entertain a thought without accepting it." - Aristotle (Greek Philosopher: 384-322 BC). revdauphinee answered on 01/13/04: there are many things we must adress however we are not compelled to accept them Bobbye rated this answer

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HANK1 asked on 01/12/04 - BASIC CHRISTIAN DOCTRINE: 1. "There is only one God - Isaiah 43:10; 44:6,8; John 17:3; 1 Cor. 8:5-6; Gal. 4:8-9 2. God is a Trinity - 2 Cor. 13:14; 1 Pet. 1:2 3. There are no Gods before or after God - Isaiah 43:10 4. God knows all things - 1 John 3:20 5. God is all powerful - Psalm 115:3 6. God is everywhere - Jer. 23:23,24 7. God is sovereign - Zech. 9:14; 1 Tim. 6:15-16 8. God is spirit - John 4:24 9. God created all that exists - Gen. 1:1; Isaiah 44:24 10. Spirit does not have a body of flesh and bones - Luke 24:39 11. God has always been God - Psalm 90:2 12. Jesus is God - John 1:1,14; 10:30-33; 20:28; Col. 2:9; Phil. 2:5-8; Heb. 1:8 13. Jesus became a man - Phil. 2:5-8 14. Jesus has two natures: divine and human - Col. 2:9; 1 Tim. 2:5 15. Jesus was sinless - 1 Pet. 2:22 16. Jesus is the only way to God the Father - John 14:6; Matt. 11:27; Luke 10:22 17. The Holy Spirit is God - Acts 5:3-4 18. The Holy Spirit is not a force. He is alive - Acts 13:2 19. The Bible is inspired by God - 2 Tim. 3:16 20. All people have sinned - Rom. 3:23, 5:12 21. Man did not evolve, he was created - Gen. 1:26 22. Adam and Eve were real people - Gen. 3:20; 5:1; 1 Tim. 2:13 23. Death entered the world because of Adam's sin - Rom. 5:12-15 24. Sin separates us from God - Isaiah 59:2 25. Jesus died for all our sins - 1 John 2:2; 2 Cor. 5:14; 1 Pet. 2:24 26. Jesus' sacrifice was a substitution, for us - 1 Pet. 2:24 27. Jesus rose from the dead in His physical body - John 2:19-21 28. Those who reject Jesus will go to Hell - Rev. 20:11-15 29. Hell is a place of fiery punishment - Matt. 25:41; Rev. 19:20 30. Hell is eternal - Matt. 25:46 31. The unsaved go to hell forever - Rev. 21:8 32. Salvation is a free gift of God - Rom. 4:5; 6:23; Eph. 2:8-9 33. The Bible is the Word of God - 2 Tim. 3:16 34. Jesus will return visibly to earth - Acts 1:11 35. Christians will be raised from the dead when Jesus returns - 1 Thess. 4:14-17 36. There will be a rapture (being caught up into the clouds with Jesus) - 1 Thess. 4:14-17 37. There will be a final judgment - 2 Pet. 3:7 38. The damned will be thrown into a lake of fire - Rev. 20:15 39. Satan will be cast into the lake of fire - Rev. 20:10 40. There will be a new heaven and a new earth - 2 Pet. 3:13; Rev. 21:1" Source: "CHRISTIAN APOLOGETICS & RESEARCH MINISTRY" Anything you don't agree with? (You might want to make a copy of this post!) HANK revdauphinee answered on 01/13/04: GREAT INFO THANKS FOR POSTING IT HANK1 rated this answer

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kindj asked on 01/12/04 - Can you believe these people? There's a group in town from Topeka, KS. I think they are from Westboro Baptist Church, or something like that. Anyway, they're picketing and protesting outside several churches that they deem gay or gay friendly. They're also demonstrating outside some schools and the school district central office to protest the gay lesbian student alliance or whatever it's called exactly. They're even protesting the donation of a pair of Elton John's old glasses in the Buddy Holly museum! Now, at first glance and hearing, I think "OK, so they are against homosexuality. Well, that's fine. I'm not too keen on it either." But then I read their signs and saw their faces. These folks are not driven by the Holy Spirit and love of God. They're driven by pure hatred and possibly evil. I knew the name of the church was familiar, but when I went to their website I remembered hearing about them a couple of years ago. As I read some of their positions, my stomach literally turned. It is some of the most vile venom that has ever spewed forth from men's mouths, and all supposedly in the name of Jesus. It made me stop and think about if Jesus ever weeps at what's done in his name sometimes. After church on Sunday morning, I drove over to one of the "gay" churches. I wanted to see if any of these people were still lingering around, as I wanted to speak with them, and if possible, publically reveal their true motives. The group was not, but many of the congregants were still there. I pulled into the parking lot, got out and asked if there were still people hanging around giving them trouble. A lady, presumably a leader of some fashion, said no, they were long gone. I said, "good." She asked me, "Are you one of our supporters?" I asked her to clarify the word "supporter." She said, "Well, are you, uh, open to homosexual relationships and such?" I said, "No, I am most certainly not. But neither am I open to blind hatred, intimidation, and harassment. If you would like to calmly discuss the Scriptural perspective on homosexuality, I will be glad to do so. However, I most certainly do NOT believe that the way to preach truth and God is by outright hatred. Hatred has never made anyone love them." The website is almost too vulgar to put here, but I will anyway. It's www.godhatesfags.com Today, they're doing their school protest, and the Rainbow Coalition is doing a counter-protest. I tell you, it's almost like watching an enemy's army split in two and begin fighting amongst themselves. If that's all it was, I would just watch or ignore. But I gotta tell you, it seems to me that for all their shortcomings, this gay church has a closer idea of what the love of God is than the wacko organization does. At least they understand the concept of love. I'm not saying they're right, not by a long shot, but at least they're not filled with hatred. What is the publicity from all this going to do to "real" mainstream Christianity? To those churches who earnestly desire to hear the true Word of God and live by it as best they can? We're getting lost in the mayhem. How many souls will go unsaved because people will see this and say, "Man, them Christians are a bunch of nuts. I'm not going anywhere near them." If I read the Book right, God never INSTRUCTED us to fight His battles for Him. The only job that Jesus gave us was to "Go, and make disciples." Nowhere did Jesus tell us to hate someone for their sin. If that were the case, where would Mary Magdelene be? Is it just me, or is there a feeling that dark days are coming? Or is just that I'm coming into a new level of spiritual sensitivity that allows me to see more of the evil that's always been there? How does one combat this kind of hatred? They're almost like the Klukkers, the KKK, who said that God hates black people. Again, I'm no supporter of the homosexual agenda, but I feel sorry for them, because this just ain't the way we're supposed to show the love of God. revdauphinee answered on 01/12/04: God does not hate gays or anyone else for that matter he does hate the act ! Leviticus18: 22. "`Do not lie with a man as one lies with a woman; that is detestable. God may hate the sin while he loves the sinner STONY rated this answer kindj rated this answer

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kindj asked on 01/12/04 - Satanic beatitudes This came from a friend of mine, and speaks for itself. DK DEVIL'S BEATITUDES Whew...talk about the hot seat!!!! This one will make you stop and shudder! If the devil were to write his beatitudes, they would probably go something like this: 1. Blessed are those who are too tired, too busy, too distracted to spend an hour once a week with their fellow Christians -- they are my best workers. 2. Blessed are those Christians who wait to be asked and expected to be thanked -- I can use them. 3. Blessed are the touchy who stop going to church -- they are my missionaries. 4. Blessed are the trouble makers -- they shall be called my children. 5. Blessed are the complainers -- I'm all ears to them. 6. Blessed are those who are bored with the minister's mannerisms and mistakes -- for they get nothing out of his sermons. 7. Blessed is the church member who expects to be invited to his own church -- for he is a part of the problem instead of the solution. 8. Blessed are those who gossip -- for they shall cause strife and divisions that please me. 9. Blessed are those who are easily offended -- for they will soon get angry and quit. 10. Blessed are those who do not give their offering to carry on God's work -- for they are my helpers. 11. Blessed is he who professes to love God but hates his brother and sister -- for he shall be with me forever. 12. Blessed are you who, when you read this think it is about other people and not yourself -- I've got you too! revdauphinee answered on 01/12/04: also might one add blessed be those who critisise there fellow believers because they think a little differently from me! kindj rated this answer

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kindj asked on 01/12/04 - To start the week off right... I had a most interesting weekend. Of course, some of you may know that "May you have an interesting life" is an ancient Chinese curse. I am happy to say that, for the most part, this definition does not fit my weekend. Yesterday, our outgoing youth minister delivered the service, and had some very interesting thoughts to keep life in perspective. When Moses asked who he should say was sending him, what was God's reply? "I AM that I AM." I AM. How very interesting. It implies complete being, complete authority, complete everything. Complete. I feel like no one's in control of anything. I AM. No one's listening to me. I AM. I need to provide security for my family. I AM. I have questions no one is answering. I AM. I'm so alone. I AM. Why doesn't anyone seem to love me? I AM. I absolutely despise bumper-sticker sloganeering and T-shirt advertising, but his idea actually made some sense: "I am not, but I know I AM." I AM is God, I am not. Things got a bit more interesting later that day, but I'll save it for a subsequent post. Maybe now, maybe later. Until then and from now on, let I AM be who He is. DK revdauphinee answered on 01/12/04: also interesting that he is ""I AM"" and not ""I WAS"" nor "I WILL BE"" I AM is "now" at this very moment !when he is most needed! kindj rated this answer HANK1 rated this answer

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PraiseJah asked on 01/11/04 - CIA already had Saddam's soldiers on side The latest about Iraq is that the CIA had already bought off Saddam's army and airforce - hence the minimal resistance when Baghdad was invaded. This being the case why did the US forces bomb the place to pieces, killing thousands of innocent civilians? Just to get one man - Saddam? And we know the bombs didnt get him ! What a tragedy. Please read Proverbs 6:17. The Bush admin have a lot to answer for. revdauphinee answered on 01/12/04: why did the US forces bomb the place to pieces? In answer to your question Might I ask one more ? why did the moslems(mostly from our so called friend Saudi Arabia)bomb and kill over 3,000 Americans and others in the world trade cente on 9-11?war has no answers it only has pain,for all involved I agree that Bush is not the best we ever had however something had to be done I do however think he aimed t the wrong target maybee due to oil revenues??? STONY rated this answer PraiseJah rated this answer

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HANK1 asked on 01/10/04 - WAS JESUS OMNIPOTENT? "My Omnipotent Jesus" by Jennifer Ryan "Several men took MY JESUS and beat Him with a stick and smacked Him with glass. But No, MY JESUS is omnipotent, and it did not stop Him. Then they took MY JESUS and hung Him up on a cross. They drove nails through His hands and feet. They humiliated MY JESUS in front of hundreds of people. But No, MY JESUS is omnipotent, and it did not stop Him. Several men beat the living daylights out of MY JESUS But No, MY JESUS is omnipotent and it did not stop Him. They took MY JESUS and wrapped Him with cloths. They put Him in a big cave with a big rock in the way. Guards guarded MY JESUS. But No, MY JESUS is omnipotent, and it did not stop Him." Omnipotent means all-powerful, almighty and supreme. I doubt very much if Jesus made a sound while on the cross! What do you think? HANK revdauphinee answered on 01/11/04: he did make a sound he asked forgiveness for the ones who tortured him ! (Lk.23:34. Jesus said, "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing." HANK1 rated this answer

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HANK1 asked on 12/28/03 - PRAYER! How does a person pray? HANK revdauphinee answered on 12/28/03: prayer is nothing more than a conversation with God why does one need someone elses words the Lord wants to hear from you so use your own words He will hear you ! HANK1 rated this answer PLUTUS1947 rated this answer

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cliff_dweller asked on 12/28/03 - Pastoring Hello all, I trust that you all had a wonderful and very Merry Christmas!!! May the Lord have blessed you all in abundance this holiday season!!! I just had a question, recently, well agian I should say, God has put it on my heart to become a pastor and/or serve Him in some way in a leadership role. So I was wondering what your input would be. I had this buren put on my heart three years ago and was all set to go into ministry at my church at the time but I decided to move up to Santa Cruz to be closer to my then fiance. Well since then I haven't really felt the burden until recently again. I have become friends with one of the pastors at my church and have been involved with two ministy outreaches that he was in charge of and God has placed this burnen upon me stronger than ever. Even though my marriage, or lack thereof, is in disarray I fel this strongly. On top of that I am scared that the pastors may say something like not right now, not until you get things worked out with Julie (my wife) or something like that. But at the same time I feel the Lord leading me to ask Pastor Patrick (friend) about getting involved in it and how to do it and all that. Please let me know what you all think and please offer any advise that you can. Thanks.... revdauphinee answered on 12/28/03: when God calls who are we to resist ,just think how much was against me as a woman ,but remember with God all things are possible and if you are truly called then he will make a way for you ! cliff_dweller rated this answer

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ROLCAM asked on 12/28/03 - Interpretation of signs ?? Recently a member signed his name followed by a +. Another member translated this + as being a kiss. The second member reciprocated with a kiss back. What is the real interpretation of + ? Best wishes,always. ROLCAM. revdauphinee answered on 12/28/03: lookes like a cross or symbol of Christ to me! Fr_Chuck rated this answer paraclete rated this answer ROLCAM rated this answer

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Bobbye asked on 12/27/03 - (1)ETERNAL LIFE: WHEN DO YOU RECEIVE IT? AT THE MOMENT OF "THE NEW BIRTH;" "WHEN YOU DIE;" OR "WHEN JESUS RETURNS?" John 3:16: "...and should not perish but have EVERLASTING (eternal) life." (2)IS THE EFFICACY OF THE BLOOD OF JESUS RE SALVATION ALTERED IN ANY MANNER WHEN MAN FAILS IN HIS CHRISTIAN WALK? If so, how do you "put it all together AGAIN?" If the efficacy of The Blood of Jesus is not altered when man fails, please explain man's failure vs. God's omnipotent forgiveness re the work of Redemption/Salvation. (3)UPON WHOM IS OUR SALVATION BASED -- THE FINISHED WORK AT CALVARY OR MAN'S ATTEMPT TO "STAY SAVED?" (4) AND WHERE DOES "SINNING AWAY OUR DAY OF GRACE" ENTER THE EQUATION -- does it go into "automatic erasure" the moment we stub our toe through a weakness of the flesh -- or when we willing continue in sin? Thanks. bobbye revdauphinee answered on 12/27/03: at the moment you accept Christ as saviour John 3:16 16. "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, ((( that whoever believes in him)))) shall not perish but have eternal life. Bobbye rated this answer

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Krewton asked on 12/27/03 - Eternal Security What are some of the opinions of the experts here? Do you think your Salvation is eternally secure once you are saved? or is your salvation conditional ie, if you backslide (In one mans opinion) you lose your salvation? All responses garner 5 stars. Peace and God Bless revdauphinee answered on 12/27/03: If you are truly saved then I dont think you would backslide enough to lose salvation however those who only think they may be saved could in fact lose there conviction ,but then again we have a forgiving God do we not! Krewton rated this answer

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HANK1 asked on 12/27/03 - NOT MY IDEA! Mary Magdalene was a woman cured of madness by Jesus and was one of those who waited at the Cross and among the first to see the risen Jesus. Traditionally identified with the reformed prostitute who anointed Jesus' feet (Luke 2:36-50), she has become the symbol of the penitent, hence the word Magdalen. On last night's presentation of "The Unknown Jesus" on A & E, a guest said Mary Magdalene could have been the wife of Jesus since Jesus was "just like us" and a Jew who had to fulfill five rules of Judaism. One was to get married! Any comment? * "The Birth Of Christianity" and "A History Of God" -- two reference books you might want to use for research! HANK revdauphinee answered on 12/27/03: I dont know why it would matter if he were married or not ,this upsets many Christians! However since when was marriage a sin? Also the idea that mary was a reformed prostitute is nonesence probably put forth to discredit her as a disiple (follower)by those who want no part for woman in the church.Rather she was probably a well known resident of Magdella otherwise would they allow her name to be used in conjunction with the towns name ? HANK1 rated this answer

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HANK1 asked on 12/26/03 - OUCH! Under old Germanic law, the The Judgment of the Glowing Iron: "After the accusation has been lawfully made, and three days have been passed in fasting and prayer, the priest, clad in his sacred vestments with the exception of his outside garment, shall take with a tongs the iron placed before the altar; and, singing the hymn of the three youths, namely, "Bless him all his works," he shall bear it to the fire, and shall say this prayer over the place where the fire is to carry out the judgment: "Bless, 0 Lord God, this place, that there may be for us in it sanctity, chastity, virtue and victory, and sanctimony, humility, goodness, gentleness and plentitude of law, and obedience to God the Father and the Son and the Holy Ghost."-After this, the iron shall be placed in the fire and shall be sprinkled with holy water; and while it is heating, he shall celebrate mass. But when the priest shall have taken the Eucharist, he shall adjure the man who is to be tried ... and shall cause him to take the communion. Then the priest shall sprinkle holy water above the iron and shall say: "The blessing of God the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost descend upon this iron for the discerning of the right judgment of God." And straightway the accused shall carry the iron to a distance of nine feet. Finally his hand shall be covered under seal for three days, and if festering blood be found in the track of the iron, he shall be judged guilty. But if, however, he shall go forth uninjured, praise shall be rendered to God." Citation: Medieval Sourcebook See how lucky we are today? HANK revdauphinee answered on 12/26/03: leaving one to ask the question what would Jesus have had to say about this practice?? Bobbye rated this answer HANK1 rated this answer paraclete rated this answer

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HANK1 asked on 12/26/03 - JESUS AND GOD! Tonight (Friday, 12/26/03) on the A & E channel, Biography is presenting two segments re: Jesus and God. At 7 CST ... "The Unknown Jesus" is on for two hours. At 9 CST ... the "History Of God." Both should be very interesting and fascinating. I plan to take notes for three hours. Enjoy! HANK revdauphinee answered on 12/26/03: these two programs are interesting to say the least howevre one must remember often the persons who contribute to these programs are not themself believers so watch with caution! HANK1 rated this answer

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AhmadBalkhi asked on 12/25/03 - who was Adab? Who were the sons of Adab mentioned in the Bible? revdauphinee answered on 12/25/03: I find no menation of this as a name in either the bible or the quoran howevewr I did find this on further researching it . The concept of adab In classical Arabic usage, under 'Abbasid time, adab, (which in modern Arabic simply is the term for literature), is a concept with many applications and shades of meaning. It has two interrelated sides, a literary side and a socio-ethical side. The socio-ethical side is primary and 'active', where adab designates a wide range of social and ethical virtues, like good manners, tact, grace, indulgence towards friends, refined taste, courage, erudition and literary skill. The literary side is a secondary one and 'passive', where adab signifies literary production and scholarship that deal with or have a connection to these socio-ethical subjects. [17] AhmadBalkhi rated this answer Bobbye rated this answer

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Bobbye asked on 12/25/03 - LUKE 2:11(NKJV): "FOR THERE IS BORN TO YOU THIS DAY IN THE CITY OF DAVID, A SAVIOUR, WHO IS CHRIST THE LORD!" And we worship you; we bow before you -- we bow before you TO YOUR NAME! Bobbye revdauphinee answered on 12/25/03: Amen!! Bobbye rated this answer

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hOPE12 asked on 12/25/03 - Hello Everyone! This being the holiday of "Christmas" for many out there, I have a sincere question to ask. Please do not tell me about the holiday, I do not celebrate it. My question is this, "What does the birth of Jesus Christ mean to each one of you personally?" "When was Jesus Christ born?" These two questions need to be answered by all Christians to really understand the value of the birth of Christ. Know these answers shows that we understand the past and our future. Take care, Hope12 revdauphinee answered on 12/25/03: What does the birth of Jesus Christ mean to each one of you personally?" Ican answer that in one word "Hope" He gives me hope me whoom he loves (even when I am not loveable)He gives me hope that as sick as I am (wont go into my disabilities)ther eis hope that even death will not be the end!so he gives me the one word answer hope! "When was Jesus Christ born?" the actual date of his birth we do not know ,many will and do speculate however the important thing is not the date or time but the fact !he WAS born and we who follow him can celebrate that at any time and on any day paraclete rated this answer hOPE12 rated this answer

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STONY asked on 12/24/03 - BIG "Z" I ALREADY AM BLESSED!! revdauphinee answered on 12/24/03: Stony whether we admit it or not we all are !! STONY rated this answer

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VisionsInBlue asked on 12/24/03 - And so... I see no other way but to respond... This bickering, name calling and whatnot has really got to stop. This is a wonderful site with wonderful people helping each other. And it should stay that way. People should be free to come here looking for answers, think out loud (so to speak), talk to other people and hopefully make friends... I am guilty of giving in to my own weakness and at all engaging in discussions with people who obviously don't want to listen to reason... What's more it just never stops. Enough is enough... I tried to explain certain things, to no avail... Why it all happened, I have NO idea. Why is it that people don't want to listen to other people...? I don't know. Why is there a constant need for drama, fights...? I don't know. Yep, I was very, very nasty mostly to ATON. People who know me also know that I'm nasty ONLY in response to nastiness... Therefore... Like I said: if it takes for me to admit that I lied in order for this to stop: I LIED. OK? I LIED and that's the end of it. I will therefore like to ask the Answerway authorities to please suspend me, because I don't want to a) interfere with other people enjoying this site, b) spoil what is being built here c) listen to anymore insults -- to me or anyone else. And when all this comes to pass, I can come back, like other suspended experts and we can perhaps start again NICELY and hopefully with a lesson learned. revdauphinee answered on 12/24/03: you admited your guilt I assume this to be an appology (for what I fear I missed however the Christlike thing for all to do is forgive and lets go on from here at least for this Christmass season lets try sopreading goodwill to all instead of hate and name calling VisionsInBlue rated this answer *Karrisa* rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 12/23/03 - Dead weight at Christmas ? Gift giving is irrational - unless, perhaps, you are hedging your bets, says Ross Gittins. It's a little-known fact that the first economic rationalist was Ebenezer Scrooge. That's because economists simply can't understand why people would do something as stupid as giving presents at Christmas. Conventional economics teaches that gift giving is irrational. The satisfaction or "utility" a person derives from consumption is determined by their personal preferences. But no one understands your preferences as well as you do. So when I give up $50 worth of utility to buy a present for you, the chances are high that you'll value it at less than $50. If so, there's been a mutual loss of utility. The transaction has been inefficient and "welfare reducing", thus making it irrational. As an economist would put it, "unless a gift that costs the giver p dollars exactly matches the way in which the recipient would have spent the p dollars, the gift is suboptimal". This astonishing intellectual breakthrough was first formulated in 1993 by Joel Waldfogel, an economics professor now at the University of Pennsylvania, in his seminal paper, The Deadweight Loss of Christmas. The difference between what givers pay for presents and the value the recipients put on those presents is the loss being referred to and, since it's equivalent to tearing up banknotes, economists call it a "deadweight" loss. It follows from this insight that, if people must persist with gift giving, they should at least minimise the loss by giving money rather than items in kind. Trouble is, were families to assemble on Christmas morning for an equal exchange of $50 cheques, the pointlessness of the exercise would quickly become apparent. But I must tell you that, since I first wrote about The Problem of Presents, research has continued apace - just in case there's some factor the economists have overlooked. Typically, their main approach has been to search for some hidden consideration that makes the seeming irrational rational after all. One possibility is that gifts may procure a source of insurance for the giver. Parents, for instance, may give gifts to their children in the hope the children will care for them in their old age. Adult children may give gifts to their elderly parents in the hope of being remembered at that last great gift giving with lawyers present. Then, money will do fine. Another line of inquiry is that gifts, particularly inefficient ones, serve as costly signals of the giver's intention to invest in a future relationship. Or maybe gifts are exchanged to break down mistrust, permit co-operation and build relationships. But such a model doesn't explain why people continue to give gifts in well-established relationships where there is little mistrust and dumb signalling isn't necessary. The guru Waldfogel has recently refined his calculations on Christmas's deadweight cost, using a new survey to estimate that, per dollar spent, people value their own purchases 18 per cent more than they value items they receive as gifts. (Being a rigorous scientist, the prof has carefully excluded any allowance for the "sentimental value" of gifts.) Waldfogel's case is bolstered by the news that, according to a US survey conducted by American Express, 28 per cent of respondents admitted to engaging in "gift recycling". In the course of their inquiries, researchers have discovered that women are much more involved in gift giving than men. Their surveys suggest that women give Christmas gifts to more people than men (on average, 12.5 versus eight), start shopping for gifts earlier than men, devote more time to selecting the appropriate gift (2.4 hours per recipient versus 2.1 hours) and are more successful in finding a desirable gift (10 per cent of women's gifts were returned to the shop versus 16 per cent of men's). Researchers have also stumbled on the revelation that the practice of shouting rounds of drinks arises from the pursuit of scale economies. It saves time and effort for one person to buy five drinks rather than for five people to buy their own. Most of this enlightenment comes from a paper by Bradley Ruffle and Todd Kaplan, Here's something you never asked for, didn't know existed and can't easily obtain: A search model of gift giving. That snappy title is a plug for their theory, which says gift giving makes sense in cases where the giver's knowledge of where to find something the recipient wants is greater than the recipient's own knowledge. Or if the giver is in a position to get it cheaper. So the rule is that the giver gives a gift only when her "search costs" for the gift are lower than those of the recipient. This emphasis on the hassle involved in finding suitable presents helps explain why, even though it's regarded as poor form to give money, parents are more likely to resort to money as their children get older. The parents' search costs rise as they become less certain what their kids would like, whereas the kids' search costs fall as they become more independent. This theory also helps explain why people who go on trips return with presents. Their gifts tend to be things that are dearer or harder to find at home. Even so, it's hard to believe the theory accounts for more than a fraction of gifts. No, I prefer the theory that, because of the discipline many people impose on themselves to ensure they stay within their budgets and make ends meet, many of us have trouble allowing ourselves to indulge in the odd luxury purchase. So we're pleased when friends and rellos brighten our lives by giving us little luxuries - from chocolates to perfume to jewellery - and when Christmas and birthdays give us a licence to spoil the kids. I should tell you Ruffle has opined that the utility from gifts consists of not only the monetary cost and value of the gift, but also the emotions associated with it. He contended that "gift giving improves welfare if the giver's pride and the receiver's surprise from the gift plus the receiver's monetary valuation of the gift exceed the giver's monetary cost". Predictably, however, the economics profession has shown little enthusiasm for this airy-fairy speculation and Ruffle himself seems to have abandoned it. Really, it makes you wonder how someone so foolish manages to hold down his job. revdauphinee answered on 12/24/03: I can only say that the pleasure "I" get from giving say a $50 gift far outdoes the price of the gift! the pleasure I get from making a loved one happy is to say the least priceless! paraclete rated this answer

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GAPeach asked on 12/22/03 - Requim for ATON2 Do you agree that it is a cause for sadness when an expert abandons his or her side of a debate and resorts to filing an abuse report? Do you agree that such action shows a lack of moral fiber, and weakness to defend his or her position against a challenge? Arriverderci ATON2 passim, requiescat in pax, hasta le escribir einmal. Cess mal on all tyrants. revdauphinee answered on 12/23/03: while i enjoyed sparing with Aton he was by no means an agreable fellow ,all he could see was his own often misguided side of any situation and he seemed to take great pleasure in belitleing others so in my oppinion he brought it upon himself! One should not be castigated for reporting something to the powers that be if he or she felt wronged *Karrisa* rated this answer GAPeach rated this answer

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CASEY asked on 12/22/03 - Is a floozy, who takes THE LORD's name in vain, offers nude pictures of herself and and evidently swills a lot of booze , an example of what AW is looking for in its experts? The truth is she never has anything but foolishness to talk about, "I'LL mix the drinks", and junk like that is about the extent of her expertise. I am not nor claim to be an expert, and neither is that trash. revdauphinee answered on 12/23/03: acusing someone is not the Christian way loving them no matter what is our commandment we can hate a sin while loving the sinner.even Christ was accused of being a drunk did you know that ? (Matt.11:19 The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, `Here is a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and "sinners." ' But wisdom is proved right by her actions." Lk.7:34. The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and you say, `Here is a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and "sinners." ' ) *Karrisa* rated this answer

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PraiseJah asked on 12/22/03 - Armageddon What is the war of Armageddon described in the Revelation? Will it mean the end of the world? revdauphinee answered on 12/23/03: the world is not going to end however it will be renewed and freed from all the polution mankind has done! Armagedon will be the final war however! Revelation 21 1. Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea. 2. I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. 3. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, "Now the dwelling of God is with men, and he will live with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. PraiseJah rated this answer

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ROLCAM asked on 12/22/03 - Ecumenism !! "Freedom of religion is not just to practice the religion of your own, but the freedom and decency to respect someone else's desire". Please let me have your views on this statement. Are you for it or against it? revdauphinee answered on 12/22/03: freedom "OF"religion is a great thing allowing everyone to believe as they will!However it is freedom ""FROM""religion I am afraid is taking the fore front and with that none of us are truly free CASEY rated this answer ROLCAM rated this answer

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ROLCAM asked on 12/21/03 - Where is the best place to look ? How can we find out more about Jesus today ? revdauphinee answered on 12/22/03: read the bible paraclete rated this answer ROLCAM rated this answer

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mr_internet asked on 12/21/03 - Wisdom of God (part two) New International Version Mark 13:32 No one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. So why do all-knowing Son and Holy Ghost don't know about the hour but "ONLY" Father knows about the hour? The answer is simple. It is only the Father who is All-Knowing and wise. I have simple slogan that I hope you too accept. "If you are not All-Knowing, then you are not my God." revdauphinee answered on 12/22/03: mr Internet having run into you before on a prior site I know that you are a muslim and would naturaly say only the Father because this is your pesonal belief wich I do not share

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arcura asked on 12/21/03 - Translation of traditional New Year's song. OK, the time is fast approaching. A new year. What is the tranlastion of the phrase "Auld Lang Syne" and what language is it? Merry Christmas and Happy Propersous new year! arcura revdauphinee answered on 12/22/03: it means for old times sake and in I believe in old scottish arcura rated this answer paraclete rated this answer

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VisionsInBlue asked on 12/21/03 - Episode MCMLXXXIV: ATON Strikes Back! The following program does not depict any actual characters dead or alive. It contains incoherent sentences, unsubstianted statements and general nonsense. Readers' discretion advised! ATON: I believe this question was broached before, by another expert, but no answer was forthcoming. Is there something intrinsically un-Christian about giving a 'black star' rating without supplying a comment??? Does this not indicate a perversion of the rating system, by rating the expert rather than the answer. I mean, if someone is disturbed enough to give a 'black star' rating, they should be able to back up that rating with a cogent reason. Ya think?? ATON2: Only in your head!!!! You do seem to have a problem reading plain English. Saying that you should be able to back up a rating with a cogent reason is not at all the same as saying you DO NOT HAVE a cogent reason. How could you possible get that wrong??????? Unless you are even dimmer than you appear to be. Duh!!!! ATON: BUT....I don't believe, for one moment, that you are thru....You are HOOKED! You love the smell of blood, even when it is always yours :):) ATON3: Believe me understanding your postings was not a challange....But what I am having trouble with now is understanding whether you really are female.... Are you sure you are a female????? ATON4: Gee, maybe the three of you will be able to start your own church.... ATON: Having done the New York gym scene for more than ten years I can assure you there is no problem in getting into the "girly" locker room. ATON2: Unless you have something singular to show, a third breast, perhaps.....been there, seen more of that than you have years. Stay tuned for the next episode... Where, just when we thought he was gone... ATON1 comes back to spread his word of wisdom around the world! revdauphinee answered on 12/22/03: this is not an answer to anything but come on folks this name calling is so juvenile it belongs in grade school! VisionsInBlue rated this answer

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Bradd asked on 12/20/03 - VisionsInBlue vs. Aton Since I just spent a good part of the afternoon clicking and finding and clicking again (on a dial-up modem so you know I was dedicated), reading the exchanges of these two passionate adversaries, I claim the right to jump in and, referee-like, adjudicate between the parties. The flames are hot, but here's what this tempest boils down to. VisionsInBlue (hereinafter VB), in a post about George Bush refers to herself living in Belgrade under Milosevic, and compares Milosevic to Saddam, and, by implication, supports the war in Iraq taking down the dictator. Aton challenges that she lived in Belgrade, and reads into her comment that she lived both in Belgrade and Iraq. But that is clearly a mis-reading of VB's comment (living in both places - "bi-location" was the word used). Aton also calls VB a "liar" re living in Belgrade, and population figures (!), among other things, are tossed back and forth. Aton claims her use of Serbia instead of Yugoslavia shows VB's fakery. However, as VB stated, the usage of Serbia is correct. Yugoslavia is long gone. There's more, but that's the crux of the matter. An accusation, unfounded based on reading the posts, that VB lied about where she lived - probably based on the differing views of the war in Iraq and George Bush. I rule for VisionsInBlue, and thank you both for an often hilarious exchange (and CeeBee too). Now, let the flames begin from the Aton team against the judge. revdauphinee answered on 12/20/03: couldnt have put it better myself but unfortunalyAton is one of those people who feels he has to disagree with everyone and anyone on any point other than his own.How dare we dissagree with him he is omnipotent!LOL ATON2 rated this answer Bradd rated this answer VisionsInBlue rated this answer

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ATON2 asked on 12/20/03 - Greetings!! From the bottom of my heart...or at least somewhere in that vicinity: To my friends, old and new...may the holidays bring you joy, peace, comfort and love. You have enriched my life. To my sensible sparring partners....it has been great fun, and hope we can continue through the new year. To my self-styled enemies and detracters...Better luck next time :) :) :) ATON revdauphinee answered on 12/20/03: whilst we never agree on anything never the lest I wish you only the best! ATON2 rated this answer

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STONY asked on 12/20/03 - HOOKED ON THE SMELL OF BLOOD!! NOW THAT'S A NEW APPROACH. MAYBE BECAUSE WHEN MY SINS WERE FORGIVEN I WAS WASHED IN THE BLOOD OF JESUS. I CAN LIVE WITH THAT............. revdauphinee answered on 12/20/03: ""Clarification/Follow-up by ATON2 on 12/20/03 10:48 am: Hmmmm!! Not quite what I had in mind....more like the bloody mindedness that caused you to brag that you could shoot my ears off at 600 yards. But if the other thing gets you thru the night..go with it."" What a terrible waste of a good bulet !! STONY rated this answer

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~Cernd_Wmn~ asked on 12/20/03 - That time of year again! So please accept with no obligation, implied or implicit my best wishes for an environmentally conscious, socially responsible, low stress, non-addictive, gender neutral celebration of the winter solstice holiday, practised within the most enjoyable traditions of the religious persuasion or secular practices of your choice, with respect for the religious/secular persuasions and/or traditions of others, or their choice not to practise religious or secular traditions at all; PLUS A fiscally successful, personally fulfilling, and medically uncomplicated recognition of the onset of the generally accepted calendar year, but not without due respect for the calendars of choice of other cultures whose contributions to society have helped make Britain great, (not to imply that Britain is necessarily greater than any other country), and without regard to the race, creed, colour, age, physical ability, religious faith, choice of computer platform, or sexual orientation of the wisher. (Disclaimer: By accepting this greeting, you are accepting these terms. This greeting is subject to clarification or withdrawal. It is freely transferable with no alteration to the original greeting. It implies no promise by the wisher to actually implement any of the wishes for her/himself or others, and is void where prohibited by law, and is revocable at the sole discretion of the wisher. This wish is warranted to perform as expected within the usual application of good tidings for a period of one year, or until the issuance of a subsequent holiday greeting, whichever comes first, and warranty is limited to replacement of this wish or issuance of a new wish at the sole discretion of the wisher who assumes no responsibility for any unintended emotional stress these greetings may bring to those not caught up in the holiday spirit.) Pete revdauphinee answered on 12/20/03: I intend to celebrate Christ not the winter soltice but thanks anyway ~Cernd_Wmn~ rated this answer

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PraiseJah asked on 12/20/03 - Religious clothing What do you think of the French goverment's bad on Muslim headscarves, Jewish caps and large crosses in public schools and workplaces? revdauphinee answered on 12/20/03: never a fan of the French however they are baning on an equal basis all religious symbols not as here in the Us where anything goes as long as its not Christian PraiseJah rated this answer

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bal317 asked on 12/20/03 - Anyone believe John Edwards? On tv, John Edwards has a show, where he says, he is communicating with peoples deceased relatives/friends. Does anyone think this is possible? Have any of you had this or have this talent? revdauphinee answered on 12/20/03: we who are Christian are told in scripture not to associate our selves with such as this for instance (Isa.8:19 When men tell you to consult mediums and spiritists, who whisper and mutter, should not a people inquire of their God? Why consult the dead on behalf of the living? Lev.20:6 "`I will set my face against the person who turns to mediums and spiritists to prostitute himself by following them, and I will cut him off from his people. bal317 rated this answer

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arcura asked on 12/19/03 - The Holiday season and the ACLU I see in the news that some people who were offended by being wished an Merry Christmas have got the ACLU to go to court and presumably punish the well wishers for pushing religion on those who don�t have any or who are of a different faith. The last time I was in Japan during this time of year, many of the nightclubs, bars, and restaurants displayed Christmas decorations and Merry Christmas greetings. Most of the patrons were not Christian. The couple we dined with were Buddhist and they wished us a Merry Christmas. I wish you all a Merry Christmas. If that offends any of you, it�s the holiday season and I�m just trying to be nice. So please don�t report me to the ACLU. arcura revdauphinee answered on 12/19/03: thank you and may God bless you arcura rated this answer

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VisionsInBlue asked on 12/19/03 - For some reason... I can't post under clarification, so: Why would I be a liar? Why would I claim to be born in Belgrade if I'm not? Beats the hell outta me... Why would anyone just immediately assume that another person, whom he doesn't know at all, is lying? Call me naive, but that doesn't make any sense to me. I don't HAVE to prove anything to anybody. Even if I wanted, how could I? I'll press my passport against my screen and you read carefully...? LOL I mean, really. And do some of you here EVER get tired of fighting? Believe me, it's a waste of time. Being nice and kind and tolerant and understanding (aahhh, all those silly words) feels much better. Makes you smile... Makes you happy. But hey. Don't try it at home alone unless you are a trained professional. SHEESH. revdauphinee answered on 12/19/03: when ones hears from a bitter oppinionated person who does not know how to be kind the best thing to do is ignore it VisionsInBlue rated this answer ATON2 rated this answer *Karrisa* rated this answer

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Laura asked on 12/19/03 - Update Our son got in late Sunday. Went to the lawyer on Monday. After speaking to his wife (taped of course. We tape everything now), picked up the kids on Tuesday. They have talked (taped of course)and she seems to be willing to let him have custody of the children depending on how it is written up. He has made it clear that certain stipulations must apply because of the history of her and her new husband. If she doesn't agree to that he'll have to take the long route but she knows the score, and with all the statements from teachers, doctors,DHS, the police etc, she would only be putting off the inevitable. The only reason she would resist is to make him pay more money for the trouble. We are hoping for the best and anticipating the worst. I will let you know what happens in the next few days. She is supposed to make her decision today, but she has never been all that reliable. We'll just have to see. Say a prayer! Laura revdauphinee answered on 12/19/03: you will all be in my prayers Laura? Laura rated this answer

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CeeBee asked on 12/19/03 - Do you find any purpose to or value in ritual? I know ritual has gotten a bad rap because it can become mundane and mindless. I really want to know if there are important rituals in your life, what are they, and how do you observe them? On of our family rituals is putting up the Christmas tree together (four of us) the Sunday before Christmas while seasonal music plays in the background, and then anchoring the finished tree so the cats can't knock it down (they succeeded in doing so in past years until we learned anchoring secrets). Another is unwrapping gifts on Christmas Eve (we each unwrap a gift and then stop for a moment to show and talk about what each received), then having a food fest with all sorts of snacky food and beverages, and afterwards play Scrabble and other board games. These have been rituals like this in our families for at least two generations; they give us all something to look forward to and plan around. revdauphinee answered on 12/19/03: wish I did however I live alone so its a little hard however this year I will be visiting my daughter for the hollidays so we may start some new ones ATON2 rated this answer CeeBee rated this answer

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CASEY asked on 12/19/03 - ALl the Host of Heaven Were the Angels created by God before mankind, were they always with God before the beginning, or after man was created? In other words were they always in being with GOd or were they created beings? revdauphinee answered on 12/19/03: i believe they are created beings created before man Bobbye rated this answer CASEY rated this answer

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STONY asked on 12/18/03 - BLUVISION, LET ME TRY IT THIS WAY. TRIED SEVERAL TIMES TO GET CLARIFICATION TO ACTIVATE BUT IT WOULDN'T. SO, WE'LL TRY THIS...DON'T KNOW WHY THIS DIDN'T COME THRU BEFORE BUT I'LL TRY AGAIN...I'M SORRY BLUEVISION WHAT WAS THAT WORD YOU USED, "WAR?" AS EXACTING AND PRECISION AS WE WOULD LIKE TO MAKE THINGS ONE RULE OF EVERY WAR IS SELF EVIDENT, PEOPLE GET KILLED. I DON'T KNOW WHERE YOU LIVE, BUT RIGHT HERE IN FLORIDA A FEW WEEKS AGO AN INNOCENT WOMAN WAS SHOT WHILE SITTING AT A RED LIGHT IN A DRIVE BY SHOOTING. AND THAT WASN'T WAR, IT WAS MAN'S INHUMANITY TO MAN. YA KNOW, GOD ISN'T STUPID AND HE'S GOT IT ALL FIGURED OUT IN THE JUDGMENT. UNTIL THE SECOND COMING OF JESUS, MANKIND WILL KILL MANKIND DECISIVELY OR INDISCRIMINATELY. THERE'S NO RHYME OR REASON TO IT, BUT ONE THING IS CERTAIN, JESUS WILL RESTORE ORDER AND RIGHTEOUSNESS. I DON'T REJECT YOUR COMMENT BUT INNOCENT PEOPLE GET KILLED IN EVERY WAR, NOT JUST THIS ONE. revdauphinee answered on 12/19/03: we humans are naturaly upset when one of our loved ones dies however we look a5t death through human eyes we need to remember that for those who believe death is not the end just a move to a nother plane of life. Go ahead Aton make some snide remark on this comment! but I thank my God that my death will not be the end but a new begining STONY rated this answer

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STONY asked on 12/18/03 - THIS CAME IN TO ME FROM A BROTHER WHO WORKS FOR A ELL KNOWN SATELLITE COMMUNICATIONS COMPANY. THE LITTLE-PUBLISHED TRUTH ABOUT IRAQ'S RECOVERY Subject: Iraq (December 2003) Interesting points to remember when we read and hear all the negatives that are printed or broadcast daily, in our "unbiased" news services. Since President Bush declared an end to major combat on May first, these events have taken place: 1. The first battalion of the new Iraqi Army has graduated and is on active duty. 2. Over 60,000 Iraqis now provide security to their fellow citizens. 3. Nearly all of Iraq's 400 courts are functioning. 4. The Iraqi judiciary is fully independent. 5. On Monday, October 6th, power generation hit 4,518 megawatts exceeding the prewar average. 6. All 22 universities and 43 technical institutes and colleges are open, as are nearly all primary and secondary schools. 7. By October 1st, Coalition forces had rehabbed over 1,500 schools - 500 more than scheduled. 8. Teachers earn from 12 to 25 times their former salaries. 9. All 240 hospitals and more than 1200 clinics are open. 10. Doctors salaries are at least eight times what they were under Saddam. 11. Pharmaceutical distribution has gone from essentially nothing to 700 tons in May to a current total of 12,000 tons. 12. The Coalition has helped administer over 22 million vaccination doses to Iraq's children. 13. A Coalition program has cleared over 14,000 kilometers of Iraq's 27,000 kilometers of weed-choked canals which now irrigate tens of thousands of farms. This project has created jobs for more than 100,000 Iraqi men and women. 14. We have restored over three-quarters of prewar telephone services and over two-thirds of the potable water production. 15. There are 4,900 full-service telephone connections. We expect 50,000 by year-end. 16. The wheels of commerce are turning. From bicycles to satellite dishes to cars and trucks, businesses are coming to life in all major cities and towns. 17. 95 percent of all prewar bank customers have service and first-time customers are opening accounts daily. 18. The central bank is fully independent. 19. Iraqi banks are making loans to finance businesses. 20. Iraq has one of the world's most growth-oriented investment and banking laws. 21. Iraq has a single, unified currency for the first time in 15 years. 22. Satellite TV dishes are legal for the first time. 23. Foreign journalists aren't on 10-day visas paying mandatory and extortionate fees to the Ministry of Information for minders and other government spies. 24. There is no Ministry of Information. 25. There are more than 170 newspapers. 26. You can buy satellite dishes on what seems like every street corner. 27. Foreign journalists (and everyone else) are free to come and go. 28. A nation that had not one single element - legislative, judicial or executive - of a representative government now does. 29. In Baghdad alone, residents have selected 88 advisory councils. Baghdad's first democratic transfer of power in 35 years happened when the city council elected its new chairman. 30. Today in Iraq chambers of commerce, business, school and professional organizations are electing their leaders all over the country. 31. 25 ministers, selected by the most representative governing body in Iraq's history, run the day-to-day business of government. 32. The Iraqi government regularly participates in international events. Since July the Iraqi government has been represented in over two dozen international meetings, including those of the UN General Assembly, the Arab League, the World Bank and IMF and, today, the Islamic Conference Summit. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs today announced that it is reopening over 30 Iraqi embassies around the world. 33. Shiva religious festivals that were all but banned aren't. 34. For the first time in 35 years, in Kabala thousands of Shiites celebrate the pilgrimage of the 12th Imam. 35. The Coalition has completed over 13,000 reconstruction projects, large and small, as part of a strategic plan for the reconstruction of Iraq. 36. Uday and Queasy are dead - and no longer feeding innocent Iraqis to the zoo lions, raping the young daughters of local leaders to force cooperation, torturing Iraq's soccer players for losing games, or murdering critics. 37. Children aren't imprisoned or murdered when their parents disagree with the government. 38. Political opponents aren't imprisoned, tortured, executed, maimed, or are forced to watch their families die for disagreeing with Saddam. 39. Millions of long suffering Iraqis no longer live in perpetual terror. 40. Saudis will hold municipal elections. 41. Qatar is reforming education to give more choices to parents. 42. Jordan is accelerating market economic reforms. 43. The Nobel Peace Prize was awarded for the first time to an Iranian -- a Muslim woman who speaks out with courage for human rights, for democracy and for peace. 44. Saddam has been captured. 45. Iraq is free. President Bush has not faltered or failed. Yet, little or none of this information has been published by the Press corps that prides itself on bringing you all the news that's important. Iraq, under US lead control has come further in six months than Germany did in seven years or Japan did in nine years following WWII! Military deaths from fanatic Nazi's, and Japanese numbered in the thousands and continued for over three years after WWII victory was declared. It took the US over four months to clear away the twin tower debris, let alone attempt to build something else in its place. Now, take into account that almost every Democrat leader in the House and Senate has fought President Bush on every aspect of his handling of this country's war and the post-war reconstruction; and that they continue to claim on a daily basis on national TV that this conflict has been a failure. Taking everything into consideration, even the unfortunate loss of our sons and daughters in this conflict, do you think anyone else in the world could have accomplished as much as the United States and the Bush administration in so short a period? THIS IS WHAT YOU NEVER HEAR FROM ABC, NBC, CBS, FOX, CNN, MSNBC, OR ANY OTHER LIBERAL MINDED NEWS ORGANIZATION.....THE TRUTH!! revdauphinee answered on 12/19/03: unfortunatly most mainline media feel that only bad news is worthy of thier time! STONY rated this answer

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willbe asked on 12/17/03 - kids don't tolerate if their parents don't teach them My friend told me about a little girl who wore a cross necklace to school and got some unkind comments from her classmates about it. She said the little girl loved the cross her grandmother had given her and that she wore it proudly to symbolize her belief in Jesus, and she thought it was pretty, and was happy to show it to her classmates. But at school, several of the kids made comments about the necklace like: "the cross is stupid", "it is bad to wear a cross," and one of her classmates told her she should take it off. The little girl went home with her feelings hurt and told her parents about what her classmates had to say about her necklace. The parents settled the matter with the principal. A statement from the little girl's father in the next school news letter read: "As an Evangelical Christian family, it is appropriate in our tradition of faith to wear the symbol of a cross as jewelry as a reminder of the wonderful gift we received because of the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Children of all faiths should have the freedom to live out their beliefs without facing challenges or insults." Parents were encouraged to teach their children that their classmates in public school would have a wide range of spiritual beliefs and that they should be respected. Can we count on the parents of public school children to take care of the matter of tolerance? Don't children automatically assume that what their parents believe, and do must be correct? Don't most young children believe there is really only one correct way to do something and that must be the way their parents do it? Don't you think this also includes how the parents worship and practice their faiths? revdauphinee answered on 12/19/03: what is sad today is that the star of david is ok! the cresent of the muslims is ok !it is the cross that is being discriminated against!Not that im saying the former shouldnt be accepted but give us Christians the same acceptance ,you dont have to believe as we do but you should respect our rights to do so! willbe rated this answer

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Fr_Chuck asked on 12/16/03 - Where does preaching cross the line This is a AP news story, I know nothing more about it, than is found here. Where does preaching become illegal. If the government tells us not to preach, should we anyway. The early church was illegal, but they preached and went to jail, and died for preaching. AP NEWS Preacher Found Guilty of Preaching Loud Tue Dec 16,11:41 AM ET CLINTON, Iowa - A man who calls himself a street preacher has been found guilty of disorderly conduct for repeatedly yelling at a crowd of people watching a Halloween parade. A jury took less than an hour on Monday to convict Mike Anderson, of Clinton. He was fined $100 plus court costs for refusing to follow police orders to lower his voice Oct. 27 during the city's annual downtown Mardi Gras parade. He had been yelling "you're damned to hell" to paradegoers. "I refuse to pay," Anderson said after his trial. "I'm not going to pay a dime to a city that arrests a preacher for preaching the Gospel. I'll sit in jail. I'll rot." The judge said Anderson could be charged with contempt of court and jailed for up to 30 days if he fails to pay the fine within 60 days. Anderson was arrested after a police officer saw him standing on a decorative fountain and shouting into a crowd at the Halloween parade. Anderson refused to stop yelling at people, telling them they must repent or go to hell, the officer said. The crowd applauded when officers took Anderson into custody. Police said Anderson crossed the line from free speech to disorderly conduct with his volume, language and the location of his message. Anderson often stands in front of the Clinton County Courthouse holding signs with religious messages. revdauphinee answered on 12/18/03: it depends where your authority lies did not Jesus say in Matthew 28: 18. Then Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20. and (((teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.)))) And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." also to this man he would say Matt.5:10-12 10 Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 11 "Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. 12 Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you. ) ATON2 rated this answer Fr_Chuck rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 12/16/03 - Iraki Joke? Ash-Sharq al-Awsat says the following is making the rounds in Baghdad: 'Muhammad Said al-Sahhaf, the former Information Ministry spokesman [known in the West as Baghdad Bob], was reached for comment about the arrest of Saddam. Al-Sahhaf denied that the US had captured the former Iraqi leader. "The man they arrested is Santa Claus," he said.' Well there'll be no Christmas in Baghdad this year. revdauphinee answered on 12/18/03: I think his capture was Christmass to many paraclete rated this answer

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ATON2 asked on 12/16/03 - Un-Christian?? I believe this question was broached before, by another expert, but no answer was forthcoming. Is there something intrinsically un-Christian about giving a 'black star' rating without supplying a comment??? Does this not indicate a perversion of the rating system, by rating the expert rather than the answer. I mean, if someone is disturbed enough to give a 'black star' rating, they should be able to back up that rating with a cogent reason. Ya think?? Perhaps we should suggest that every rating carry a comment...how else can we fulfill our obligation to insure that only the best expertise is exhibted on these forums??? The other side of the coin, of course, is those overly kind experts who comment that a response is wrong, but still rate the responder 5 stars!! What can we do to make the rating system more meaningfull....or do we need to bother with it at all???? Lest you think this is sour grapism...the overwhelming majority of my responses garner 5-stars. So you can forget that attack :) :):) Serious responses get serious ratings. The rest of you take your chances. LOL revdauphinee answered on 12/16/03: only give a one star when I am in total disagreement with the answer should e lie and say we agree when we dont?? ATON2 rated this answer paraclete rated this answer

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kindj asked on 12/16/03 - Here's something we can all do... Here's 2 easy ways to help those less fortunate this holiday season (and any other season). Two legitimate "click-to-donate" sites, don't even have to leave your computer. Click every day, and tell all your friends, as well. http://www.chunky.com/click_for_cans.asp http://www.thehungersite.com DK revdauphinee answered on 12/16/03: thanks for th good info,And surprize Aton has a heart LOL kindj rated this answer

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queenybee asked on 12/16/03 - WHERE WAS GOD ATON--"IN THE RIGHT PLACE AT THE RIGHT TIME. BUT WHERE WAS GOD?" I presume you mean, why doesn�t God stop accidents etc. happening, well I'll tell you breifly, the day our first parents turned away from God and chose to direct themselves was the day God said "on you go, your on your own" so at this point in time God is having no part in man's affairs as that is what they wanted. revdauphinee answered on 12/16/03: might I ask Aton where did lucy come from?? ATON2 rated this answer queenybee rated this answer

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queenybee asked on 12/16/03 - WHERE WAS GOD ATON--"IN THE RIGHT PLACE AT THE RIGHT TIME. BUT WHERE WAS GOD?" I presume you mean, why doesn�t God stop accidents etc. happening, well I'll tell you breifly, the day our first parents turned away from God and chose to direct themselves was the day God said "on you go, your on your own" so at this point in time God is having no part in man's affairs as that is what they wanted. revdauphinee answered on 12/16/03: might I ask Aton where did lucy come from?? ATON2 rated this answer queenybee rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 12/15/03 - Don't they have anything better to do in California? Mutant worms may hold the key to why some drinkers can booze all night without a slur or stumble - yet others disgrace themselves after just a few. Hundreds of worms got wasted when US researchers set out to find out why people behave differently when they get drunk. Most of the inebriated worms wiggled less, moved more slowly and laid fewer eggs before falling into "a state of profound sedation". However, the University of California team found some of them remained sober, even after soaking up the equivalent of the human drink-driving blood alcohol limit. The researchers discovered the more tolerant worms carried a mutated gene that rendered them immune to the intoxicating effects of alcohol. In their findings, published in this month's Cell journal, the team claimed the discovery could be used to develop a new treatment for alcoholism. Humans with a high tolerance for alcohol were more likely to be addicted, said researcher Dr Steven McIntire. The study suggests the gene slo-1 is responsible for the behavioural response to alcohol - if the gene is defective, alcohol may have no effect. Dr McIntire said drugs that affect the slo-1 system could alter the body's response to alcohol. However National Drug Research Institute director Professor Tim Stockwell warned against the notion of developing drugs to combat alcohol addiction. "There's so much research that claims it's going to help with the treatment of alcohol, but the evidence is that it's a far more complex problem than that," Prof Stockwell said. "Some chemical agents seem to help but it's an enormous leap to go from sober earthworms to a cure for alcoholism." While a degree of alcohol tolerance could undoubtedly be attributed to genetics, Prof Stockwell said many other factors came into play. "There's a difference between the sexes, age, the time of day, and there's acquired tolerance," he said. "Body size and mass also has a big impact - the larger you are the longer it takes for alcohol to diffuse through the system." The research team now hopes to find the exact site on the gene where alcohol exerts its effects, then start studying mammals in an attempt to alter the actions of alcohol, Dr McIntire said. AAP I expect this one costs a little more than snowflake research? Perhaps we have discovered the reason for the california budget defecit? revdauphinee answered on 12/16/03: If they came up with a pill to lessen the effect of alchol no one would take it because folks drink to get the effect dont they? paraclete rated this answer

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CASEY asked on 12/15/03 - Solomon turned to idolatry after God gave him more wisdom than any other human. What will be Solomon's fate on judgement day? Will he go to hell? revdauphinee answered on 12/16/03: Humans do not have authority to say who will go where !that is Gods domain not ours! ATON2 rated this answer

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mr_internet asked on 12/15/03 - A question about wisdom of God God is all-knowing. Right? So if I ask him any question he should be able either give me the answer or refuse to answer my question. If he does not know the answer to my question, then he is not God. Agree? If so, wait for part two of my question. revdauphinee answered on 12/15/03: I cant wait ATON2 rated this answer Bradd rated this answer CASEY rated this answer mr_internet rated this answer paraclete rated this answer

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arcura asked on 12/14/03 - Saddam caught. Now what? So coalition forces caught Saddam like a rat hiding in a small hole. One could say that it was the ultimate Iraqi rat hole. Jolly good. Now, what to do with the mamzer? Personally I think that execution is far to lenient, to merciful a punishment for a person with such a heinously evil history. Do we take the chance that Saddam would repent and beg to The Almighty for mercy and forgiveness and that such might be granted? Or should we give him, as humanely as possible, hell on earth for his remaining natural years and then The Almighty would deal with Saddam�s soul? revdauphinee answered on 12/14/03: we should turn him over to the Iraqui families who lost loved ones during his reign arcura rated this answer ATON2 rated this answer

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GAPeach asked on 12/14/03 - What does 'worship'mean? I will quiote some examples of 'worship' from the Bible and ask if the word is always to be understood the same way in each of the occasions it appears, or if we can read too much or too little into the word to suit our own theology. Example One: Daniel 2:46 46 � Then the king Nebuchadnezzar fell upon his face, and WORSHIPPED Daniel, and commanded that they should offer an oblation and sweet odours unto him. Example Two: Matthew 2:11 11 And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and WORSHIPPED him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh. Example Three: Matthew 18:26 26 The servant therefore fell down, and WORSHIPPED him, saying, Lord, have patience with me, and I will pay thee all. Example Four: Matthew 28:9 9 And as they went to tell his disciples, behold, Jesus met them, saying, All hail. And they came and held him by the feet, and WORSHIPPED him. Example Five: Mark 15:19 19 And they smote him on the head with a reed, and did spit upon him, and bowing their knees WORSHIPPED him. Example Six: Acts 10:25 25 And as Peter was coming in, Cornelius met him, and fell down at his feet, and WORSHIPPED him. Example Seven: Revelation 5:14 14 And the four beasts said, Amen. And the four and twenty elders fell down and WORSHIPPED him that liveth for ever and ever. Example Eight: Revelation 13:4 4 And they WORSHIPPED the dragon which gave power unto the beast: and they WORSHIPPED the beast, saying, Who is like unto the beast? who is able to make war with him? ------------ What can we learn about the nature of WORSHIP from the languages of the Bible? revdauphinee answered on 12/14/03: in the following quote they were mocking him Mark 15:19 19 And they smote him on the head with a reed, and did spit upon him, and bowing their knees WORSHIPPED him. however falling at his feet as a sign of respect such as lowering ones head before a king!Is letting him know they consider him higher than they.In England we can see evidence of lowering oneself in the act of curtseying or bowing before royalty Basicly it is an act of respect GAPeach rated this answer

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CeeBee asked on 12/14/03 - Two snowflakes just about match (Don't we live in an amazing world???) from an article in today's Chicago Sun-Times: A cloud physicist, Kenneth G. Libbrecht, at the California Institute of Technology, studies snowflakes in his own snowflake research lab (most advanced one in the world save for one on the Japanese island of Hakkaido). It is estimated that 1,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000 snowflakes fall on our planet each year. It is estimated that 11,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000 tons of these snowflakes have fallen on our planet since snow started falling on our planet. The initial crystals form around pieces of dust or other foreign material way up in the sky. They quickly sprout six arms, for reasons best known to them, and grow, grabbing molecules as they fall, in symmetrical designs, depending on temperature and wind and many other things. Each molecule is bounced around in its own way, which is why each one tends to form different patterns. Libbrecht has managed to create in his laboratory snow chamber two hexagonal snow crystals, .0001 inch in diameter, that "look alike -- or pretty close, maybe." The entire article can be read at http://www.suntimes.com/output/lifestyles/cst-nws-zay14.html revdauphinee answered on 12/14/03: (Don't we live in an amazing world???) created by an awsome GOD! ATON2 rated this answer CeeBee rated this answer MaggieB rated this answer

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willbe asked on 12/14/03 - early forms of discipline If Jesus was a 'normal' child, what forms of discipline would his parents have used to help guide him in the way he should go? Was Jesus a perfect child? Did Jesus ever need to be disciplined by his parents? Did Jesus get spanked? or grounded? or have restrictions placed on his privileges when he misbehaved? Since Jesus was born of the Virgin Mary, did he escape the nature of sin and develop and grow as a 'perfect' child? Or was he more 'normal' as a child and only became 'perfect' as he entered his ministry? revdauphinee answered on 12/14/03: since jesus was a perfect human free from sin why not a perfect child! what would be so hard to accept about that? ATON2 rated this answer willbe rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 12/14/03 - Should we believe it? There are reports that Saddam has been captured. With all the reports we have been fed over the last year of the success, or the lack of it, in Iraq, should we believe this one? If it is so then it is an answer to prayer and the beginning of a new era for the Iraki people. revdauphinee answered on 12/14/03: as a muslim I guess Allah did not answer his prayer!another explanation as to why our different God is the powerfull one! ATON2 rated this answer paraclete rated this answer

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ATON2 asked on 12/14/03 - Where did they get the horses???? Exodus: 9:3ff.."I warn you the Lord will afflict all your livestock in the field, your horses, asses, camels, herds and flocks......And on the next day, the Lord did so. All the livestock of the Egyptians died.." So where did the Egyptians get the horses or asses to pull the chariots when they went racing off, to the Sea of Reeds, after Moses and the departing Israelites????? Just curious. revdauphinee answered on 12/14/03: ever hear of imports??? ethical_reason rated this answer ATON2 rated this answer

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Bradd asked on 12/13/03 - Merry Christmas ??? Merry Christmas ??? I don't know whether to laugh or cry. Even something as innocuous as the birthdate of Christ (completely, and utterly, and forever unknowable) brings out latent (and sometimes not so latent) hostilities between this one and that one. I should have thought CeeBee answered it once and for all, but apparently not. This board is never dull! Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night. revdauphinee answered on 12/13/03: If some one who was a Christian wrote that the sky is up Aton would argue the point ATON2 rated this answer Bradd rated this answer CeeBee rated this answer MaggieB rated this answer paraclete rated this answer

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GAPeach asked on 12/13/03 - What was the date? Several correspondents have argued, justifiably in my opinion, that Dec 25 is not the true birthdate of Jesus. Do you agree? if so, why, and what date do you opt for as being his birth date? All answers qualify you for the raffle. revdauphinee answered on 12/13/03: no one truly knows the correct date of his birth many have speculated it to be more likely to have been ion the spring for shepherds were in the fields wich they would not have been in Dec.one may be able to get a close time by researching the time of the census taking at the time since they were traveling for this purpose.Whilst it is interesting to speculate on the time of his bith the more important to us is the reason for it!To forgive the sins of men! ATON2 rated this answer GAPeach rated this answer

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Laura asked on 12/13/03 - DHS sucks! The judge must have been drunk! Hi all. Just thought you'd appreciate the laugh of the day. Went to the show cause hearing for our grandchildren.. Now the words "show cause" are upon the burden of the Department of Human services to show enough evidence to the judge to compell him to believe that the health/safety/well-being of the children are in "imminent danger". The alegations our grandson made against his step-father were addressed in court. Yet, the child was not there, which is probably the norm in a beginning process like this, but.. Neither were the teachers that he made these alagations to at the school where he attends. Neither was the doctor who he told these things to. Simply an allagation.. No collaberating evidence at all. The parents claim that the child jumped from one piece of furniture to his bed and hit his eye on the rail of his bed, causing the brusing.. They claim that a couple of hours later the kids were having a fight over some toys and that the step-father stepped in to control the situation and started throwing some stuffed animals back onto a bed. In the process he accidently hit our grandson with one of the toys near his sore eye. He said that he told the child he was sorry and that was the end of it. The issue was addressed that the children have said that the mother is abused by the step-father. Both of the older children (my grandchildren)have told school officials as well as the grandparents and DHS officials that the step-father hits their mommy. That they have witnessed this. The mother denies that, and of course the step-father denies that. The mother was asked about her continuing mental problems ie bi-polar and scitsofrania (I know that is entirely spelled wrong!) and what kind of professional help she was obtaining for these conditions. She said that she was not in treatment at this time with a mental health professional but that she gets medication (prozac and xanax) from her regular doctor. Apperantly the judge does not realize that these are not the typical meds used for the treatment of these conditions. Xanax can actually increase the symptoms from these, yet DHS did not address that issue nor did they cross examine her about it. When the step-father was asked if the mother took her medications, he could not verify that. He was asked when the last time he could recall that she had delusions.. He would not commit to that question and sidestepped it.. No one.. Not the judge or DHS forced him to give a definite answer. They addressed the issue of the mother's and step-fathers recent arrests for shoplifting, but DHS forgot to mention that the children were present when this occured. They brought up the issue of the step-father having been incarcerated for ten days due to this shoplifting issue and the fact that it had caused him to be in direct violation of his terms of parole for a prior drug conviction. But they did not question how the mother took care of these children while he was not present, as both mother and step-father acknowledge that the mother is unable to care for the children by herself. The mother admitted that she has cancer of the uterus and cervix, raynauds, lupus, and several other ailments and admitted that she is not currently under a doctors care for any of them except for a regular family physician.. No specialists of any kind. The step-father admitted to being gone for several hour daily when the mother is left to care for a 9 month old, a four year old and a 6 year old, whom the mother has admitted that she has a difficult time especially dealing with the 6 year old. She is unable to run around after him when he is outside and the police have numerous time chastized the parents for allowing him to play near the street given his hearing imparement. I have to say that I felt very sorry for my former daughter in law. She litterally looked like death warmed over. She could barely walk from her chair to the witness stand.. The judge even tried to get her to testify from her chair but she insisted on going to the stand. They addressed the issue of the current financial situation of the couple. The step-father works under the table for his father part time and said that he makes about $200 a month.. The rest comes from food stamps, our son's $400 a month in child support and Calebs disability check. Anyway, after all was said and done, the judge did not feel that DHS has proven imminent danger to the children at this time. He asked that the allegations continue to be investigated and gave custody back to the parents. By the way, we were not allowed to speak at this hearing as we are third parties.. We were told that if we interupted the hearing in any way, we would have to leave. So what do you think of them apples!! revdauphinee answered on 12/13/03: please consult a competant attourney on this problem do this for the children they need your help!!I wil continue to hold you all in my prayers Laura rated this answer

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Bobbye asked on 12/12/03 - THE TWELVE APOSTLES How many of The Twelve can you name -- right off the top of your head? I'm doing a survey in conjunction with a teaching re The Twelve. I've done several to this point and should like to include you folks. PLEASE DO NOT LOOK THEM UP. That is not what I'm seeking. I'd like you to just name those you know! The fewer, the truer -- I've discovered. However, some of you may know all Twelve (including the surnames of two -- unrelated; the brothers; name of father of one set of brothers; the two by the same first name, etc.). Do you also know the four who headed the three groups of four -- as they were often grouped? THANKS FOR YOUR PARTICIPATION. Bobbye revdauphinee answered on 12/12/03: Simon Peter , Andrew, James,John, Philip, Bartholomew, Thomas,Matthew, James,Thaddaeus.Simon & Judas Bobbye rated this answer ATON2 rated this answer

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arcura asked on 12/12/03 - With must thankfulness.... Dear Friends, I�m back. And with much thanks to you for your prayers and well wishes and the Lord our God, plus the skill and dedication of good nurses and doctors. I nor have 4 stints (mesh cage like devices) that hold open my two iliac arteries. Once again I have a good blood flow to my legs. I was told that there was a 15 percent possibility that complications could occur. No did, even though one of my arteries was completely block and they had to open it with a thin wire and then go from there. This is the first step in unclogging my circulatory plumbing. The heart is next, a few weeks or so down the road of time. And so life here in the temporal realm goes on for me and you have my deep thanks for your help in keeping me around so that I can continue to pester you and, hopefully, be of some aid to you. Peace and kindness, arcura revdauphinee answered on 12/12/03: glad your back and my prayers for you in the future arcura rated this answer

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CeeBee asked on 12/12/03 - More on forgiveness -- "...one must be clear about what forgiveness means. It does not mean that one must forget what was done. Nor does it mean one gives up rights to justice, or [must reconcile] with the one who has offended. Finally, it does not mean trust of the person who harmed you. Forgiveness, therefore, requires a delicate emotional balance. You must balance realism with a willingness to display compassion and mercy. However, only forgiveness can free a person from hatred and rage. It is a tragic mistake to think that revenge does. The relatives of a murder victim think they will find closure when the killer is executed, but they quickly discover that it does not. One can free oneself from fury only by forgiveness. Forgiveness is hard work. 'Father, forgive them for they know not what they do' and 'forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us' are solid mental health advice, based on deep insight into human nature." from the Chicago Sun-Times, 12/12/03, a column by Andrew Greeley, who recently read Forgiveness Is a Choice by Dr. Robert D. Enright revdauphinee answered on 12/12/03: fogiveness is not for the person being forgiven as much as it is for the forgiver! CeeBee rated this answer

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willbe asked on 12/12/03 - Are we praying hard enough, is prayer the answer? http://www.csmonitor.com/2003/1211/p01s04-wosc.html WHERE TALIBAN GO TO FIND WARM BEDS AND RECRUITS World > Asia: South & Central from the December 11, 2003 edition KAMALZAI, PAKISTAN � With a bitter winter chill and the largest US ground offensive in nearly two years afoot in Afghanistan, Taliban commander Maulvi Pardes Akhund and his fighters are cheered by the warm reception and accommodations in a refugee camp for Afghans here. Mr. Akhund's band, and others like them, have come to Pakistan's sprawling Balochistan Province for a bit of R&R and to recruit new blood for the Islamic militia's fight in Afghanistan. Recruitment is going well, Akhund says, with 10 new fighters joining the ranks this week, and donations from local people pouring in. "We fought bravely against the Americans during the summer," says Akhund. "We lived in caves, planned our attacks against infidel forces [Americans], and hardly slept. So all of us need some rest in the winter." While Islamabad says it is doing everything it can to rein in the Taliban movement, a coalition of extremist religious parties controls the provincial government and around 300,000 Afghan refugees still live here. That makes it simple for the resurgent militia to blend in and difficult for the Army to crack down. "Balochistan has always been, and is still, a second home to the Taliban," says a Pakistan-based Western diplomat. "It has served as second headquarters after Kandahar during the Taliban's rule and now it is providing a new lease on life to its guerrilla warfare against the US and its western allies." "The more they gain ground in Balochistan, the more their movement will get strengthened," the diplomat adds. "They can easily channel their financial support and regain their ideological support." No small haven Encompassing 43 percent of Pakistan's territory, Balochistan's expanse and location make it an ideal place for the Taliban to regroup. The province is a gateway to southern Afghanistan provinces like Kandahar and the opium-producing province of Helmand. The Al Qaeda and Taliban Sanctions Committee (ATSC) of the UN, which is currently on a visit to Pakistan, says it believes that Taliban have entered Pakistan in significant numbers, posing as refugees in camps along the border. The seven-member ATSC team reportedly told Pakistani officials of a growing need to share information about those arrested in Pakistan for their links with Al Qaeda and the Taliban. The committee members also suggested that bank accounts of all pro-Taliban and Al Qaeda organizations should be frozen to halt their activities. Sources in religious circles here say the Taliban fighters are still getting financial support from the banned Al-Rasheed and Al-Akhtar Trust, which worked in Afghanistan during the Taliban regime, and other welfare organizations, besides collecting huge amount of donations from rich and influential traders in Karachi. Many of these traders donate to the Taliban on a monthly basis. Afghanistan's mirror image In Balochistan itself, Taliban fighters enjoy vocal support from the ruling alliance of religious extremist parties, and they can easily mingle with Afghan refugees, mostly ethnic Pashtuns, settled here during the last two decades of turmoil in Afghanistan. Many, but not all, take shelter in madrassahs, or religious seminaries. In refugee camps like Gidri Jungle, the scene is virtually indistinguishable from Afghanistan just a few hours drive to the north. Men wear Taliban-style salwar kameez and turbans, while women remain hidden in their homes or under all- covering veils. Pro-Taliban graffiti, written in Pashto, can be easily seen and refugees say some hard-liners hoist the Taliban white flags on rooftops in neighborhoods in rural areas. But on a more tangible level, the Taliban influence feels like a defense of Islamic and Pashtun cultural values. "From our village only, people donated 1.7 million rupees [around $30,000], and two truckloads of blankets, warm clothes, and medicines were dispatched for the Taliban," says Abdus Salam, a local villager in Killi Karbala. "People support the Taliban not only because they are Muslims, but when they were in power people here could travel across the border easily, as there was peace and security." The local supporters of the Taliban operate in teams with specific tasks. One such sympathizer, Mir Waiz, receives the injured and sick fighters and takes them to "supportive" doctors. He also raises funds for their medicines. Others are dispatched to find shelters and homes, collect donations, and arrange transport. Militants as media moguls Taliban sources say their influence is increasing so much in Balochistan that they clandestinely publish a magazine and a newspaper in Pashto from Balochistan. Former Taliban leader, Mullah Muttaqi, is said to be its editor-in-chief. According to these sources, the top 10 Taliban commanders visit Balochistan and its capital city of Quetta. The one-legged military head of the Taliban forces, Mullah Dadullah, sources say, has visited the province several times for the reorganization and regrouping of the Taliban, and has stayed at a madrassah run by a prominent pro-Taliban extremist leader. For lower-level commanders like Akhund, life revolves around the battlefield. "I am with Mullah Omar since his eye was martyred against the Russians and I will remain with him till my death," says Akhund. "I carry his message to wage jihad in the name of Allah against the Americans." President Hamid Karzai recently said Mullah Omar was seen at a mosque in Quetta, a claim denied by Pakistani officials. Akhund says that his own meetings with Mullah Omar took place near the border on Afghanistan soil. "The last time I met him was two or three month ago," says Akhund. "He looked changed. He has slightly trimmed his beard and was surrounded by around 15 armed motorbike riders. He himself rides an Iranian motorcycle and doesn't stay in one place for more than a day." No satellite phones Mullah Omar usually maintains contact with Taliban commanders through written orders. "We obey the orders of Mullah Omar and the commands of Mullah Dadullah," says Akhund. "Every commander visits Mullah Dadullah after every two weeks. He has disguised himself as a cleric at a mosque in Afghanistan, where he delivers lectures and discusses military actions with commanders." The fighters on the ground have learned to be extra cautious of the possible US attacks. "We don't use satellite phones or wireless sets," says Akhund. "We convey our messages through trusted men. Usually we use only two code words - for help and when to run away from enemies." A claim of Afghan support Fortunately, he adds, the Afghan people themselves are giving increasing support to the Taliban. "From every 10 families, seven to nine families support us," says Akhund. "They provide food to us, give shelter and inform as in advance of any danger. So we don't become target." A former Taliban leader, who is now hiding in Balochistan, says, "Things are changing. Karzai is losing his control in Afghanistan. Initially we used to hide from our own shadows in Afghanistan and Pakistan, but now we can easily mingle with the locals who extend us all sorts of support." Indeed, this Taliban leader felt comfortable enough to arrange his own flight schedule at the Quetta branch of Pakistan International Airlines. Mohammad Jalil (not his real name) is an example of the sort of local support that Taliban now enjoy. Now on a visit to his family in Balochistan, Mr. Jalil regularly works as a cook for a high-ranking Afghan military commander in Kandahar. He passes whatever information he can to his Taliban comrades. "I work with the government, but I pass secrets to the Mujahideen, sometimes verbally and sometimes by writing it," he says proudly. "Our job is to save Jihadis from the attacks of infidels," He usually passes the information to cohorts at a local hotel in Kandahar. "We help Taliban because they are fighting for Islam," Jalil says. "It is a dangerous job but our lives belong to Allah and his cause. We don't work for Taliban for any reward or money but they help us and our family whenever we are in need." The Taliban say they don't purchase weapons from Balochistan as there are plenty in Afghanistan itself. "Weapons are everywhere since the Soviet days in Afghanistan," says Akhund. "We can fight for another 15 years. We have Kalashnikovs, grenades, rocket-propelled grenades, and explosives. We have all kind of weapons. The only thing we don't have is something to counter B-52s." Needed: warriors, not guns As an experienced commander, he says he needs more warriors in Afghanistan. Soon he is going back to Helmand province with new guerrillas to fight against the US forces. But the chilly winds of Afghanistan worry Akhund and other guerrilla fighters. "Winter restricts our movement so we might have to scale down our military attacks, so we try to intensify political efforts against the infidels and defeat the loya jirga," says on former Taliban leader in Quetta. "But we are also working hard to reorganize and regroup through winter because we want our cause to blossom in spring." Why can't these terrorists be stopped? I read in another article that the women of Afghanistan complain that the new post-Taliban's Kabul regime surpasses those of the Taliban in violating human and women's rights. You can read that story here: http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&cid=1534&ncid=1534&e=17&u=/afp/20031210/wl_sthasia_afp/afghanistan_pakistan_031210130410 Is this all part of God's plan? Are we doing the right thing? Is God going solve this? How do you think it will end? revdauphinee answered on 12/12/03: at the risk of stepping on toes one can only wish we christians would take our faith as serious as do the muslims!How many bibles in Christian homes are gathering dust??Not so for the quoran in a muslim home! ATON2 rated this answer willbe rated this answer

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GAPeach asked on 12/11/03 - Christ-mass cometh - wilt thou greet it with rejoicing? Will you be agoing acarolling or awassailing among the leaves of greeno and the deep crisp snow to spread joy and peace this Christmastide? If not, why not? revdauphinee answered on 12/11/03: first I cant sing so the carroling is out,second a wassail bowl is alcoholic so thats out! and also since I now reside in Mississippi I doubt there will be much snow !Spreading Joy and peace I will give a try but nevertheless I wish all a happy holliday season whereever you may be Dorothy GAPeach rated this answer

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willbe asked on 12/11/03 - Children are the future What happens when the surviving children in war torn countries become adults? Are there any things that could be done to temper the trauma and resulting attitudes of those who grew up in the utter terror they must have experienced with bombs falling out of the sky and suicide bombers blowing themselves up without warning day in and day out.... never knowing when gun fire might erupt or when bombs might fall on them? When children grow up with constant violence and bloodshed and bombings and killings, it could affect the possibility of future world peace couldn't it? revdauphinee answered on 12/11/03: whilst they may not hate us they will never trust us >I can only speak from experience I was in the blitz in England in the ww2 and whilst I can and do forgive the Germans I never truly feel comfortable in their company this is just a feeling I have that I even though I have tried(my oldest daughter is married to a german man)I find it is in myself and I cant eradicate it from my mind I do often pray obout this and wish it were not so ATON2 rated this answer willbe rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 12/11/03 - Death of the innocents Once again, the pursuit of justice at any cost has produced the death of more children in Afganistan. Even though weapons were found at the scene its difficult to see how the children could be considered combatants. Where is the outrage which accompanied the first report this week of children killed in US Raids. How long will America fuel the hatred of their enemies in the muslim world by continuing this abortive search for the taliban and Al Qaeda. revdauphinee answered on 12/11/03: I agree How long will America fuel the hatred of their enemies in the muslim world by continuing this abortive search for the taliban and Al Qaeda. wish someone would inform me as to why a nation as technologicaly advanced as ours has failed to find a man(osamma) who is over six ft tall (amongs many who are not known for being tall) sick and on kidney dialasis in a backward society I for one dont believe they are even trying, since as long as they can blame these folks for their actions they wont! ATON2 rated this answer paraclete rated this answer IamDyan rated this answer GAPeach rated this answer

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HANK1 asked on 12/10/03 - DAY OF JUDGMENT! "On the Day of Judgment God will judge all people for their sins against Him. He will judge all who have lied, stolen, cheated, lusted, dishonored their parents, etc. He will do this because He is holy and righteous. God must punish the sinner. God cannot and will not ignore the person who has broken His righteous law. The Law is a reflection of the character of God. Therefore, to break God's law is to offend God and deny the holiness of His character. He will be vindicated. He will judge. The Bible says that all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God (Rom. 3:23). That means that your sins have caused a separation between you and God (Isaiah 59:2) and the result is death (Rom. 6:23) and wrath (Eph. 2:3). The only way to be saved from the wrath of God, is to be saved from it by faith in Christ (Eph. 2:8-9; Rom. 5:1). You must trust in what Jesus did on the cross to forgive you of your sins and not trust anything else, not even your own sincerity or works. It is Jesus and only Jesus who can turn away the righteous judgment of God upon the sinner." Citation: Christian Apologetics & Research Ministry HANK revdauphinee answered on 12/11/03: "On the Day of Judgment God will judge all people for their sins wrong Jesus died to forgive and forget our sins will he then renig on his promice?no if we accept his gift of forgiveness we are not guilty by means of his payment in full at the cross This is one more examle of denominational teachings scare tactics to keep us in line! When God forgives it is done payed in full no future bills forthcomming HANK1 rated this answer ATON2 rated this answer

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ROLCAM asked on 12/10/03 - THE SON !!! What do you think of this story? Take my Son A wealthy man and his son loved to collect rare works of art. They had everything in their collection, from Picasso to Raphael. They would often sit together and admire the great works of art. When the Vietnam conflict broke out, the son went to war. He was very courageous and died in battle while rescuing another soldier. The father was notified and grieved deeply for his only son. About a month later, just before Christmas, there was a knock at the door. A young man stood at the door with a large package in his hands. He said, "Sir, you don't know me, but I am the soldier for whom your son gave his life. He saved many lives that day, and he was carrying me to safety when a bullet struck him in the heart and he died instantly. He often talked about you, and your love for art." The young man held out this package. "I know this isn't much. I'm not really a great artist, but I think your son would have wanted you to have this." The father opened the package. It was a portrait of his son, painted by the young man. He stared in awe at the way the soldier had captured the personality of his son in the painting. The father was so drawn to the eyes that his own eyes welled up with tears. He thanked the young man and offered to pay him for the picture. "Oh, no sir, I could never repay what your son did for me. It's a gift." The father hung the portrait over his mantle. Every time visitors came to his home he took them to see the portrait of his son before he showed them any of the other great works he had collected. The man died a few months later. There was to be a great auction of his paintings. Many influential people gathered, excited over seeing the great paintings and having an opportunity to purchase one for their collection. On the platform sat the painting of the son. The auctioneer pounded his gavel. "We will start the bidding with this picture of the son. Who will bid for this picture?" There was silence. Then a voice in the back of the room shouted, "We want to see the famous paintings. Skip this one." But the auctioneer persisted. "Will somebody bid for this painting. Who will start the bidding? $100, $200?" Another voice angrily. "We didn't come to see this painting. We came to see the Van Goghs, the Rembrandts. Get on with the real bids!" But still the auctioneer continued. "The son! The son! Who'll take the son?" Finally, a voice came from the very back of the room. It was the longtime gardener of the man and his son. "I'll give $10 for the painting." Being a poor man, it was all he could afford. "We have $10, who will bid $20?" "Give it to him for $10. Let's see the masters." "$10 is the bid, won't someone bid $20?" The crowd was becoming angry. They didn't want the picture of the son. They wanted the more worthy investments for their collections. The auctioneer pounded the gavel. "Going once, twice, SOLD for 10!" A man sitting on the second row shouted, "Now let's get on with the collection!" The auctioneer laid down his gavel. "I'm sorry, the auction is over." "What about the paintings?" BR! >"I am sorry. When I was called to conduct this auction, I was told of a secret stipulation in the will. I was not allowed to reveal that stipulation until this time. Only the painting of the son would be auctioned. Whoever bought that painting would inherit the entire estate, including the paintings. The man who took the son gets everything!" God gave His son 2,000 years ago to die on the cross. Much like the auctioneer, His message today is: "The son, the son, who'll take the son?" Because, you see, whoever takes the Son gets everything. FOR GOD SO LOVED THE WORLD HE GAVE HIS ONLY BEGOTTEN SON, WHO SO EVER BELIEVETH, SHALL HAVE ETERNAL LIFE...THAT'S LOVE. Best wishes,always. ROLCAM. revdauphinee answered on 12/11/03: great story and oh how true!by choosing the son we can have it all! ATON2 rated this answer ROLCAM rated this answer

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HANK1 asked on 12/10/03 - THE OTHER SIDE OF THE COIN! Christian Apologetics & Research Ministry "The Failure of the Christian Church" "Christianity is supposed to be the representative of Jesus who taught love, forgiveness, sacrifice, unity, and humility. Though that may be true to a large extent, Christianity has demonstrated an ability to overlook many of its professed virtues and allow denominational fragmentation to weaken it. Unfortunately, because of doctrinal "refining" on the non-essentials, a desire to be comfortable, and apathy, the American church has, in many respects, become castrated. It spends too much time splitting doctrinal hairs, separating, and then hiding in churches designed to keep its members comfortable and safe. On the outside, the world is going to hell while on the inside, we are playing the "religion game." I am not saying that doctrinal purity is unimportant. It most certainly is. Without proper understanding of who God is, what He has done, and what we must do, we would all be surely damned. Our salvation depends on who Jesus is and what He did. We need to know its truth. Therefore, as Christians, we should separate ourselves from the false doctrines that make powerless the saving truth of Christ's sacrifice. But the motive to divide should be reserved for our dealings with heretics. We should separate ourselves from false teachers and false doctrines, not from each other. In the non-essentials we need to remain united as much as possible. I recognize that denominations, to a small degree, are necessary and will never go away. But comfort and "doctrinal purity" have robbed the Church of much of its power. Where the early Christians had to rely on God for their every need, today creature-comforts and drive-through churches have made us complacent and sluggish to the call of God to make disciples of every nation. We are comfortable in America where we have the best of everything and only need to put on credit what our whims demand and thereby avoid the dependence upon God for our needs; this makes faith in God less of a pressing need. We have become distracted and the church is showing signs of spiritual apathy. We have our VCR�s, air-conditioning, remote controls, and fast food. We have churches with central air, great sound systems, well educated preachers, plush pews, and fine-tuned choirs, pianos, and organs. We are blessed with committees, plans, and money. In fact, we have so many churches we are guaranteed we can find one to suit any whim or preference. And all too often, the messages are pleasant and don�t make our hearts ache for the lost or our Lord. Doctrinal purity is a plague when it unnecessarily divides that which has been made Holy by Christ�s blood. It may already be that doctrinal idols have invaded our churches after all, we too often sacrifice people on the altar of doctrinal purity. Then we politely and lovingly expel fellow believers from our churches and bless them on the way out because they baptize by immersion or don't, or speak in tongues or don't, or believe in pretrib or don't, etc. Hurt and confused, some wander the spiritual landscape looking for a safe haven only to fall prey to false teachers or the seductive call of the world. Yes, we need doctrinal purity and we may even need to die for it one day, but doctrinal purity is not our God. Confessions and creeds are not our bread and wine. We should not sacrifice the blessing of unity for the minutia of purity. But some will say, "These doctrines are important and our church has the truth." Perhaps. But Jesus said the world would know we were His disciples by the love we have for one another, not the purity of our doctrine. And what does the world see in all this? Does it see a visible church full of sacrifice, full of love, or full of people who consider others more important than themselves? No. It sees polished televangelists with perfect hair and smiles pulling the wool over the eyes of countless thousands of gullible people as they ask for money. It sees the hypocrisy of moral uprightness proclaimed proudly in word and contradicted in deed. It sees a denominationally fragmented church that can�t even clean its own house. And what�s more, the church has all but stopped its public proclamation against sin. It has begun to believe the lie that the church is weak and powerless to stop the momentum of social decay. It flounders when faced with immorality and balks at standing strong against sin!" HANK revdauphinee answered on 12/11/03: religions have failed mankind Christ never will! HANK1 rated this answer

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HANK1 asked on 12/10/03 - ONE SIDE OF THE COIN! Is Christianity the One True Religion? * Christian Apologetics & Research Ministry "Yes, Christianity is the one true religion. That may sound awfully dogmatic and narrow-minded, but the simple truth is that Christianity is the only true religion. Jesus said that He alone was the way to the Father (John 14:6), that He alone revealed the Father (Matt. 11:27; Luke 10:22). Christians do not go around saying Christianity is the only way because they are arrogant, narrow-minded, stupid, and judgmental. They do so because they believe what Jesus said. They believe in Jesus, who claimed to be God (John 8:58; Exodus 3:14), who forgave sins (Mark 2:5; Luke 5:20; 7:48), and who rose from the dead (Luke 24:24-29; John 2:19f). Jesus said that He was the only way. Jesus is unique. He was either telling the truth, He was crazy, or He was a liar. But since everyone agrees that Jesus was a good man, how then could He be both good and crazy, or good and a liar? He had to be telling the truth. He is the only way. Christianity is not just a religion; it is a relationship with God. It is a trusting in Jesus and what He did on the cross (1 Cor. 15:1-4), not on what you can do for yourself (Ephesians 2:8-9). Buddha didn't rise from the dead, nor did Confucius or Zoroaster. Muhammad didn't fulfill detailed prophecy. Alexander the Great didn't raise the dead or heal the sick. And though there is far less reliable information written about them, they are believed in. The scripture is right when it says in 1 Pet. 2:7-8, "This precious value, then, is for you who believe. But for those who disbelieve, 'The stone which the builders rejected, this became the very corner stone,' and, 'A stone of stumbling and a rock of offense' for they stumble because they are disobedient to the word, and to this doom they were also appointed." (NASB)." HANK revdauphinee answered on 12/11/03: I agree that Christ is the only saviour however he gave all his children a gift this is the gift of free will we can choose the right path (To follow Christ )or the wrong one it has to be our decision God never forces us to choose him! but the rewards for those who do are beyond belief HANK1 rated this answer

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HANK1 asked on 12/10/03 - WHAT'S A TOADSTOOL? A toadstool is a fungus or thallophyte that grows on plants without true roots, stems or leaves. It's a parasite that lives on dead organic matter. Informally, it's a poisonous mushroom. But don't parasites live on other organisms at the expense of the donor who offers nourishment and shelter? Since toads are amphibians that lack tails and are cold-blooded, egg laying vertebrates who live on land and in the water don't need to rest on stools from time to time for a number of reasons. Aren't toadstools ... the bad ones ... proficient in attaining popular resentment while dealing with this type of conformity? Don't they harm and destroy? The 'good ones,' of course, remain in seclusion until they're found. What's left die off and decorate the landscape. Some people remind me of toadstools. Many aren't handy or helpful when one considers community involvement because they lack the initiative to originate affirmative popularity among the masses. They take from Society and give nothing in return. They lack substance -- the essential parts of a personality that produce such attributes as good character, morality, ethical behavior and self-improvement. Their pica appetites deny the consumption of intellect, sentimentality and compassion while craving for the putrid necessities of the unforgiven. As Robert Burton relates, "They do not live but linger." They hesitate to act on behalf of themselves and endure this necessity because they can find it without reservation! Does the study of Christianity include TOADSTOOLS? HANK revdauphinee answered on 12/11/03: whilst many do appear to be parrasites and do nothing only God knows the truth! We do not know what is in a persons heart other than God himself so it is not for us to judge them this is Gods domain not ours HANK1 rated this answer

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Laura asked on 12/10/03 - Urgent request Our grandson went to school today with a black eye. This is our granson, the child of our son who is overseas. He lives with his mother and sister and the mothers boyfriend/husband, I get conflicting info on that. Anyway. This child through an interpretor because he is deaf informed school officials and DHS that he was punched in the face by the man. The mother and the man said that he had fallen. Apperently our son's daughter as well is coming forward with allegations of abuse too. We have been after DHS forever to get those children away from that situation to no avail, and I think the only way it will be done is if our son is back in the states so that he can take care of business and get custody of those kids. Whenever anything has ever happened, DHS has never seen fit to allow us to have custody of the children (they always went to the other grandparents when they were temporarely removed)because I was caring for my mother and they felt I was overburdened.. Well I am no longer overburdened and I will be a tick on their butts until this is settled. They don't have that excuse anymore. But I do know that Seminole county is very territorial with the DHS cases and will resist our attempts to get those kids. They will insist that since they have had more contact with the other grandparents, they should be with them. We don't live in that county. We live an hour or so away in Oklahoma county. If ANYBODY has info on how our son can get back to the states, possibly even get out of the service altogether to deal with this situation, please let me know. I dread DREAD telling him about this.. Actually, I have told DHS that they need to contact him through the Red Cross about it because when he finds out he will hit the roof. He will most likely find out the info I am searching for but being overseas, he can't just pick up the phone and call whenever he pleases. I also want to know so that I can give him any advice that he may not recieve over there. Please keep this family in you thoughts and prayers, and please pray that finally the kids will actually be a priority and not the mother. Why do children have to be physically injured before something is done about their welfare? What is wrong with the world! Laura revdauphinee answered on 12/10/03: Pray!and consult a good lawyer! Laura rated this answer

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cliff_dweller asked on 12/10/03 - Denominations What denomination are you? Do you believe that ANY other denomination is incocrect in their belief and why? revdauphinee answered on 12/10/03: I myself prefere to be nonedenominational since in my oppinion denominations have hurt the cause of Christ more than helped it ,I find them judgemental and as Christ once said in Matthew 15:3 Jesus replied, "And why do you break the command of God for the sake of your tradition? and in Mark 7"`These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. 7 They worship me in vain; their teachings are but rules taught by men.' 8 You have let go of the commands of God and are holding on to the traditions of men." I feel that most denominations are honnoring rules made by men and forget the true teachings of Jesus,If jesus were to appear today at almost any mainstream church they would turn him away because of their dress code or some other ridiculous rule they had concocted ATON2 rated this answer cliff_dweller rated this answer

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cliff_dweller asked on 12/10/03 - Biblical guidelines Now for all of us Christians on the board... You are all called according to Gods purpose for your life so I want to know that you are all following that and what your purpose is. I don;t want you to answer that part, just meditate on it since I have gotten a different calling on my life than I thought originally. Now for the question... Do you Love God???? revdauphinee answered on 12/10/03: Yes! and the second commandment was for us to love our neighbour do we all do that?? ATON2 rated this answer cliff_dweller rated this answer

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cliff_dweller asked on 12/10/03 - Aton You know if you think of yourself as so high and mighty, I wonder how long it is before God brings you back down to earth. It's as if you think that you are some sort of God or something. It's the most disgusting thing I've ever seen in my life and I rebuke you of your ways and pray that one day someone will help you to take the blinders from your eyes and turn your life around. revdauphinee answered on 12/10/03: remember God tells us not to judge !None of us are perfect if we were there would be no need of a savior! ATON2 rated this answer cliff_dweller rated this answer MaggieB rated this answer paraclete rated this answer

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cliff_dweller asked on 12/10/03 - Forgiveness What does the Bible say about it and how we should go about it? I always thought that we were to be as God and forgive and forget. Am I incorrect about this belief and if so what is the correct way to forgive? revdauphinee answered on 12/10/03: while one often cannot controll the act of forgetting, we can and should choose to forgive! ATON2 rated this answer cliff_dweller rated this answer

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hOPE12 asked on 12/09/03 - Childrens responsibility toward their parents: Hello, What if any is a childs responsibilty toward their parents? Does that responsibility still lay on a child that is not treated with respect or is abused by the parent? What is God's laws on this matter? Take Care, Hope12 revdauphinee answered on 12/10/03: i only pray this chilf has been placed in a better home and will not be returned to such a horror !God tells us to honor our parents and this child understands this according to the dictionmary translates as --" token, or gesture of respect " it does not say we have to love the person hOPE12 rated this answer

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Bradd asked on 12/09/03 - Terrorism When the US incinerated approx 300,000 Japanese women, children and elderly in deliberate air attacks against non-combatants in WW2, was this terrorism? When the US and Great Britain did the same to approx 600,000 German civilians in the same war, was this terrorism? Does a "good" motive excuse terrorism? revdauphinee answered on 12/09/03: I also was in Europe during ww2 there is No good war! Bradd rated this answer

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willbe asked on 12/09/03 - Law governing religious communication btwn parent and child? Should there be laws directly addressing parent-child religious speech or should religious discussions in the home between a parent and a child be the viewed as a sacred freedom-of-speech issue? What about cases in divorce where one parent has an opposing religious view from the other? What if the difference is big? Should one parent be legally forbidden to discuss his/her religious beliefs with the child? Should they both be forbidden? Should they both have the freedom to express their religious belief to their child without interference from the law? Right or wrong, the courts may decide for us all. http://kdka.com/national/PolygamyAppeal-aa/resources_news_html revdauphinee answered on 12/09/03: big brother raises his ugly head once more !a discusion of this between a child and his or her parents should be a sacred trust and everyone else should stay out of it I am so sick of government intervention that is nothing but interfering and does no possible good I can only pray to the God I believe in to deliver me from this willbe rated this answer

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hOPE12 asked on 12/09/03 - Has Life Squashed you Flat? Hello Experts, Many in today's world suffer due to situations beyond their control. Some feel that life has dealt them a unfair or horrible hand. What would you tell someone who come's to you with the feelings of being squashed by these problems. What comfort or advice as a Christian would you give to them to help them feel better about their lot in life? Take Care, Hope12 revdauphinee answered on 12/09/03: I used to think that life (or God) had dealt me a raw deal untill I came to the realisation that most all of my (our) problems are caused by our own wrong choices and cannot be put on God!we often act before thinking and then when things turn out badly dont want to take resposibility, prefering to blame God or life or whatever but if we are realy honest much of our troubles can be directly attributed to our own bad desisions ATON2 rated this answer hOPE12 rated this answer

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hOPE12 asked on 12/09/03 - Childrens responsibility toward their parents: Hello, What if any is a childs responsibilty toward their parents? Does that responsibility still lay on a child that is not treated with respect or is abused by the parent? What is God's laws on this matter? Take Care, Hope12 revdauphinee answered on 12/09/03: we are told to Honor our parents however it is hard to honor AN ABUSER TRY IT SOMETIME! hOPE12 rated this answer

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hOPE12 asked on 12/09/03 - Children and Their Spiritual needs. Hello Experts, As many experts are parents I need to ask this very heart felt question. All children need the love of their parents. Babies are in need of love and care for their needs because they can not care for themselves. When it come to spiritual matters and training of our children what in your opinion is the spiritual needs that a parent is responsible to give to their children? And why do you feel this way? Can and how do you feel this will protect your child for the future? Take Care, Hope12 revdauphinee answered on 12/09/03: Give them of yourself! So many people have children then fail to spend the time to get to know them, we have millions of what I call throw away children in our society! If you dont have time to love them "dont have them" future society will pay for this "me first" society and the way we raise(or fail to raise) our children.Children are a gift from God treat them as such! Bradd rated this answer hOPE12 rated this answer

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arcura asked on 12/08/03 - Prayer request. Dear friends, I�ll be going in for surgery on my iliac artery Wednesday morning. I humbly ask for your prayers that the procedure goes well and that I heal quickly. Thank you and may God bless you. Fred Brown (arcura) revdauphinee answered on 12/09/03: consider it done! arcura rated this answer

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STONY asked on 12/08/03 - HI DOROTHY, I COULDN'T HELP BUT NOTICE YOUR SPAT WITH ATON2. THIS ONE IS BEYOND TEACHING ANYTHING. IT IS NOT YOUR JOB OR MINE TO DAILY CONFLICT WITH THIS PERSON TRYING TO LET GOD'S LIGHT SHINE IN. THEY HAVE OBVIOUSLY CHOSEN DARKNESS AS THE PATH OF CHOICE. IF THEN, SO BE IT!! EVEN GOD ALLOWED PHAROAH'S HEART TO BECOME HARDENED. I'VE JUST GOT THROUGH READING A BOOK BY JESSE DUPLANTIS THAT EXPLAINS WHEN THE "TEARS ARE WIPED AWAY IN HEAVEN." DO YOU KNOW HOW MUCH JESUS LOVES US...AND THEN HOW MUCH IT IS GOING TO BREAK HIS HEART TO SAY, "I NEVER KNEW YOU." I HAVE A BAD HABIT OF PICKING UP BOOKS AND READING WITHOUT EVEN TAKING NOTICE OF THE TITLE. WHEN I WRITE NEXT TIME, I'LL GIVE YOU THE TITLE AS IT IS A VERY GOOD BOOK. I BLEW THRU IT IN A WEEK AND I'M NOT A FAST READER. MY PASTOR GAVE IT TO ME THANKSGIVING EVENING ABOUT 12:30 IN THE MORNING AS WE WERE TALKING AROUND THE FIRE. revdauphinee answered on 12/08/03: I realy appreaciate your writing me however Aton and I dont realy have a spat going whilst we may dissagree on many points ,Aton does many of us a favour by causing us to study and think about what he says I dissagree with many of his points would have to defend his right to state them for after all did our creator grant us the gift of free will therefor he has the right to choose his own path even if it may be the wrong one ATON2 rated this answer Itsdb rated this answer MaggieB rated this answer STONY rated this answer

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ATON2 asked on 12/07/03 - If we cannot trust the prophets of the Old Testament who have failed again and again, how can we acc Ezekiel incorrectly (supposedly inspired by God) predicts that Egypt will be conquered by Babylon and remain devestated for 40 years. He was wrong!! Ezekiel incorrectly predits that destruction of Tyre by Nebuchadnezzar. He was wrong!! Jeremiah predicts the wrong number of years for the Babylonian exile. He was wrong!! Daniel incorrectly states an incorrect year for the conquering of Judah. He was wrong!! Micah incorrectly predicts the destruction of Jerusalem. If they Bible is the inerrent Word of God, and these prophets claim to have been speaking under the direct inspiration of God...how could they ALL have been so wrong??????? How can Matthew quote prophecies that did not exist...How can Christ quote Scripture that did not exist???? How can any of this prophetic nonsense be taken seriously?????? revdauphinee answered on 12/07/03: prophecy predicts future happening s!Are you saying that our future is over and that theese things cannot yet happen??? ATON2 rated this answer

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ATON2 asked on 12/07/03 - Who made the mistake, Jesus or John????? In John 7:37-38, Jesus is made to say: "Let anyone who thirsts come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, AS SCRIPTURE says: 'Rivers of living water will flow from within him'." NOWHERE does this 'saying' appear in any SCRIPTURE!!! Did Jesus not know this??? Did John make it up out of whole cloth????? Either way we have a problem. If Jesus quotes non-existant Scripture how can he be trusted??? If John invents Scripture how can HE be trusted????? Just curious!! ATON revdauphinee answered on 12/07/03: much of our scripture is history, someone has to "make" history! ATON2 rated this answer

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ATON2 asked on 12/07/03 - Is this an equal opportunity outrage????? While most of us are 'up in arms' over the failure in charity of a few Christians who rejected a naked man, why is there no MAJOR outcry over the fact that our poor Sevicemen, trapped in Iraq have been involved in YET ANOTER massacre of Children!! Yesterday, a news report from Reuters recounts the deaths of 9 more children, killed while playing in a playground adjacent to a house attacked by American planes....that is at least the 4th incident in 6 months where innocent civilians, mostly women and children (in one attack 49 were killed) were killed by OUR CHILDREN!!!!! When are we going to march on that Asylum in Washington and demand an end to it???????????? How many innocent children have to die before the Pentagon blood lust is sated???????? revdauphinee answered on 12/07/03: how great would the outrage be if it had been 9 of our children??are our kids to be taken as more valuable than others? funny how easy it is for the powers that be to shrug off the killing of others? ATON2 rated this answer paraclete rated this answer

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GAPeach asked on 12/06/03 - Where is Christianity headed? Is there any likelihood that Christianity will get itself together and form a united front to deal with the world's ills? revdauphinee answered on 12/06/03: Not as long as organised religion is more concerned with its "proper" actions and political correctness than it is for humanities true needs ATON2 rated this answer CeeBee rated this answer GAPeach rated this answer

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GAPeach asked on 12/06/03 - Failure of Practical Christianity is Far More Important than Failed Prophecies ........ I listen to BBC News online, because I get to know what is going on in the world. US News services are too preoccupied with their own lint pots. I was astonished and saddened by this report: Inquiry over naked man's death A coroner has criticised a Dudley [Midlands UK] church for failing to take in a man who died outside their church from hypothermia. An inquest heard the naked man died in the churchyard after the congregation refused to let him inside because of his erratic behaviour. Dudley Coroner's Court heard 62-year-old Kenneth Clarke, of Salop [Shropshire] Street, Dudley, died outside the Central Methodist Church in the town on 8 March this year. Mr Clarke, who had a history of mental health problems, was refused entry to the church, despite banging on the door and roaming outside naked for several hours, the inquest heard. Threatening manner Church leaders said the 60 parishioners inside the building were frightened and did not let Mr Clarke in because he was naked and behaving in a threatening manner. The hearing was told that Rev Ivor Sperring called the police to come to the aid of the distressed man but they did not attend for three hours. We were unwilling to allow him into the building, being fearful that his erratic behaviour may turn violent. Rev Ivor Sperring Mr Clarke was also given a sandwich, a blanket, and a hot drink by parishioners. But Acting Dudley Coroner Robin Balmain said: "I found it astonishing that nobody saw fit to take this man indoors. "To sit him down in the warm and give him basic care and attention. "What I'm unable to understand is why this man did not get the help he needed earlier." 'Erratic behaviour' Mr Balmain recorded a verdict of death by natural causes but said neglect had contributed to Mr Clarke's death. In a statement Mr Sperring said: "We would like to express our sorrow and regret at the death of Kenneth Clarke in March. "Members of Central Methodist Church in Dudley, including myself, became aware of Mr Clarke outside the church building on the early evening of 8 March. "We were unwilling to allow him into the building, being fearful that his erratic behaviour may turn violent. "This was especially the case given the large number of elderly people at the meeting. "Rather we felt it appropriate to offer him food, hot drink and a blanket outside and to phone the police to ask them to attend the scene and deal with the situation. Independent inquiry "We phoned the police on three occasions, before they arrived more than three hours after our initial call." West Midlands Police declined to comment on the case but confirmed that an independent investigation by the Police Complaints Authority was underway. A spokeswoman for the mental health charity Mind said it was sad that people assumed those suffering from mental health problems would automatically be a threat. She said: "Unfortunately that is what sticks in people's minds, the horror stories. "It's a shame because it is by far the minority. "The statistics show that one in four people will be affected by some form of mental health problem in their life. "There needs to a lot more understanding." ----------------- What, in your opinion, would the Christian response have been? revdauphinee answered on 12/06/03: this is organised religion at its worst Jesus would have given this man warmth and love not a sandwich we are known by our works not our religious doctrines or our dress codes ATON2 rated this answer GAPeach rated this answer

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ATON2 asked on 12/06/03 - More failed prophecy???? More failed prophecy???? Sorry, folks. It's that pesky ATON back again, with more of those annoying questions..... In John 10:16 Jesus prophecies: "I have other sheep that are not of this fold. These also I must lead, AND THEY WILL HEAR MY VOICE, AND THERE WILL BE ONE FLOCK AND ONE SHEPHERD." Why has this not come to pass???? What we have are approximately 2,000 flocks all following different shepherds. Did Jesus not foresee this. Or is this another of those pesky prophecies that He never uttered, but which JOHN felt he should have uttered? ATON Don't shoot me, I'm just the piano player!! revdauphinee answered on 12/06/03: maybee it hasent happened yet but i am sure someday it will while I do feel we are close to the end of times we are not quite there yet so there is still time for prophecy to come about ATON2 rated this answer

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willbe asked on 12/06/03 - Do you love sinners but hate sins How do you demonstrate your love for sinners? revdauphinee answered on 12/06/03: By being kind and compasionate when ever possible,It has always been my oppinion that people will pay more attention to what a professed Christian does than to what we say! Actions speak much louder than words and preaching at someone never accomplishes the desired affect! ATON2 rated this answer IamDyan rated this answer MaggieB rated this answer willbe rated this answer

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GAPeach asked on 12/05/03 - Let's hear it for St Nicholas ... Saturday 6 December is St Nicholas' day. Born in Turkey, Nicholas is partly the inspiration behind the legend of Father Christmas/Santa Claus. Saturday marks the anniversary of his death. revdauphinee answered on 12/06/03: Yes Virginia there was a santa clause! GAPeach rated this answer paraclete rated this answer

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IamDyan asked on 12/05/03 - Elevator Trip An email from a friend had a good message: This morning I heard a story on the radio of a woman who was out Christmas shopping with her two children. After many hours of looking at row after row of toys and everything else imaginable. And after hours of hearing both her children asking for everything they saw on those many shelves, she finally made it to the elevator with her two kids. She was feeling what so many of us feel during the holiday season time of the year. Overwhelming pressure to go to every party, every housewarming, taste all the holiday food and treats, getting that perfect gift for every single person on our shopping list, making sure we don't forget anyone on our card list, and the pressure of making sure we respond to everyone who sent us a card. Finally the elevator doors opened and there was already a crowd in the car. She pushed her way into the car and dragged her two kids in with her and all the bags of stuff. When the doors closed she couldn't take it anymore and stated, "Whoever started this whole Christmas thing should be found, strung up and shot." From the back of the car everyone heard a quiet calm voice respond, "Don't worry we already crucified him." For the rest of the trip down the elevator it was so quiet you could have heard a pin drop. This year let's try to keep the One who started this whole Christmas thing in your every thought, deed, purchase, and word. If we all did it, just think of how different this whole world would be. revdauphinee answered on 12/06/03: Amen (for as long as our judges will allow it) IamDyan rated this answer

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willbe asked on 12/05/03 - Tolerance Should all Christian faiths be tolerated? Should the member's fundamental human right to freedom of religion be accepted, granted, and respected? What about other religions? Should they be tolerated? Should the member's fundamental human right to freedom of religion be accepted, granted, and respected? What about Atheism? What about Wicca? What about Satanism? .....or other cults? ......or dangerous religious movements or groups like David Koresh or Jim Jones and the likes? Should they be tolerated? Should the member's fundamental human right to freedom of religion be accepted, granted, and respected? Do you draw a line somewhere? If so where? revdauphinee answered on 12/06/03: I can only speak for myself and I do not tollerate false teaching!not do I believe would Christ!people however are another thing entirely we are commanded to love them !One can love a sinner while hating the sin! ATON2 rated this answer willbe rated this answer

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CeeBee asked on 12/05/03 - 'None' becoming religion of choice for many in U.S. By Mark O'Keefe Religion News Service Chicago Tribune December 5, 2003 Their numbers have more than doubled in a decade, to nearly 30 million. Organized as a religious denomination, they would trail only Catholics and Baptists in members. They are the "nones," named for their response to a question in public opinion polls: "What is your religion, if any?" Some nones are atheists, others agnostics, still others self-styled dabblers in a variety of faiths and philosophies. Despite their discomfort with organized religion, many consider themselves quite spiritual. Take, for example, Matt Blevins, 30, a Portland, Ore., environmentalist who, like many nones, is relatively young, liberal and religiously uncommitted. Sunday morning service? Blevins defines that as an attentive waiter at brunch. "I think I was baptized Episcopalian, but I'm not quite sure," Blevins said. "I try to put those things out of my mind. I just don't buy most of the stuff from organized religion. For the most part, it provides more problems than solutions." Blevins' cathedral is the great outdoors. While camping, biking and skiing he has had experiences that can only be described as transcendent. "For me, those moments are just as moving as what people may experience when they go to revivals. I'm taken to a different place where I have a bigger perspective on life and the universe and everything. If that's a spiritual connection, I'll take it." Nones are especially prevalent in the Pacific Northwest. In Oregon and Washington, where 21 percent and 25 percent, respectively, claim no particular faith, nones outnumber any single religious category. "If people are interested in hiking on Sunday morning rather than going to church, that's fine. The culture won't say that's unacceptable. In fact, the culture will say that's perfectly acceptable," said Mark Shibley, a sociologist at Southern Oregon University who has written about nones. But the religionless might find some parts of the country less tolerant. Lauren Windle of Indianapolis grew up as an atheist in New York City, where most of her friends were Catholic or Jewish. She was exposed to religious ideas when her mother would take her to the library to check out books on Judaism, Christianity and Islam. "I've been asked my whole life, `What are you?'" said Windle, 48. "As a child, I would have to say, `Nothing.' And who wants to say you are nothing? This answer was never, ever accepted." "If anyone in the Bible Belt learns you're a none," said Betsy Lampe, 46, a none from Lakeland, Fla., "they immediately and mistakenly believe that you're either a Satan worshiper or a communist and treat you as such. "To them, you must be labeled. This may be why the none category is growing. They're running off any potential new converts with their offensive labeling." Whatever the reason, nones grew from 8 percent of the U.S. population in 1990 to more than 14 percent in 2001. That's the conclusion of religion experts who compared results of the National Survey of Religious Identification, conducted in 1990, and the American Religious Identification Survey, which in 2001 sought to update the earlier poll. "That makes nones the fastest-growing religious group in the United States, if you think about them as a religious group," said Patricia O'Connell Killen, a professor of religious history at Pacific Lutheran University in Tacoma, Wash. Nones could form a powerful constituency for marketing or political causes. But few see them that way, and even fewer try to communicate with them. "Because of their indifference, they're not in one place," said John Green, a professor of religion and politics at the University of Akron in Ohio. "It's hard to put together a mailing list. It's difficult to get them on the phone. You can't call them together for a meeting." Yet thanks to the American Religious Identification Survey, much now is known about them. Young people are more likely to profess no religion. One in three nones is less than 30 years old compared with one in five of all survey respondents. More are single (29 percent) than the adult population as a whole (20 percent). Fifty-nine percent are male. Their education level (23 percent college graduates) is virtually the same as the national average for adults. Seventeen percent are Republicans, 30 percent are Democrats, and 43 percent are independents. Copyright � 2003, Chicago Tribune revdauphinee answered on 12/06/03: I myself always state that I am a Christian! However I do understand the nones, since I am non denominational, I truly think organised religion has done more to hurt the cause of Christ than it has done to help.So many are turned off by their man made laws and doctrines than will ever be won by them ATON2 rated this answer CeeBee rated this answer

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Itsdb asked on 12/05/03 - Christmas suggestion... Prompted by GAPeach (thank you), and then the adorable hand drawn picture we received from Aline, the young Lebanese girl we've sponsored for the last couple of years, I wanted to encourage everyone to consider doing something a little different and far more rewarding for Christmas this year. Between the wife and I we have 7 brothers and sisters that don't really need a gift from us, so this year we've decided to choose from World Vision's gift catalog and donate toward some worthy causes in their honor in lieu of a gift to them. This is a huge part of what Christmas is all about isn't it? Please, if you haven't already...and maybe even if you have, I encourage you to give something where there is a real need this Christmas. For example, make a long term commitment to sponsoring a needy child. Sponsor an Angel Tree child of those who have a parent in prison, in children's homes, or whatever your community need is. Find out what you can do to help a crisis pregnancy center, home for battered women or a homeless shelter, etc. For a mere $80, World Vision can multiply your gift through government grants 16 times and provide enough food to feed a village of 300 people for a week. There are an almost endless number of ways we can show our Christian love this season where a real need is, and the reward is so much better than a thank you for a box of chocolates. World Vision's gift catalog can be seen at: http://donate.wvus.org/OA_HTML/xxwvibeCCtpSctDspRte.jsp?section=10024 Thanks and have a blessed Christmas season. Steve revdauphinee answered on 12/06/03: good sugestion we spend so much time choosing gifts for those who need them the least, to do something for the less fortunate is far more in the spirit of Christ Itsdb rated this answer

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cliff_dweller asked on 12/05/03 - God in motion How does God move in your life? revdauphinee answered on 12/06/03: he moves in ways we never expect him to It never ceases to surprise me where I find him working in my life cliff_dweller rated this answer

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cliff_dweller asked on 12/05/03 - God's Will What do you find God's will to be? How do you find it? Does He speak to you or is it in you already and when you sin is that your form of rebellion towards His will revdauphinee answered on 12/06/03: I believe it is in us because we surely know when we are not in his will even when we choose not to do it! cliff_dweller rated this answer

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ATON2 asked on 12/04/03 - Was Jesus misinformed? When Jesus quoted the 'prophet' Daniel in Matthew 24:15-16, regarding the "abomination of desolation" as a precurser of the 'great tribulation', why did he not know that that had already occured 2 centuries earlier. And why did he not know that Daniel was a fraudulent prophetic document, written after the facts?? revdauphinee answered on 12/06/03: I must agree with Stony this time! what could be more desolate than a landscape after atomic war??this has only happened once in Hiroshima what would it be if it were world wide (an abnination of desolation)? ATON2 rated this answer

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ethical_reason asked on 12/04/03 - to everyone (this time) I don't know what's going on with the site. But that last post was to Aton only. He, as usual, is bating me; It's kind of fun I guess. But I didn't mean to send it to everyone, just him. I clicked on his name and told it to send it just to him. But it went out to the board. So, no, I have't gone crazy and there ya have it. revdauphinee answered on 12/04/03: aton has a tendancy to bring out the crazy in one i suffer from the same malady !However I do fell he (or she) is doing a good thin at least it makes us think Dorothy ATON2 rated this answer ethical_reason rated this answer paraclete rated this answer

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bluevision asked on 12/03/03 - Like to live longer? Would you prefer to live in the olden times when man's life span was close to a thousand years, or in the modern times when man can only live to about a hundred years? Please give your reasons. revdauphinee answered on 12/03/03: since I am a christian I plan to live forever (maybee in a different body) but alive none the less (Jn.3:15 that everyone who believes in him may have eternal life. GAPeach rated this answer bluevision rated this answer

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hOPE12 asked on 12/03/03 - Justice for all! Hello, Yesterday I was watching the Oprah show. The show was about three women and Oprah who traveled to Africa to see the place in a book they had read from Oprah�s book club. While they were there they showed the devastation of the people due to the Aids epidemic in Africa. Many celebrities have spent long hard hours trying to get money to help the many women, children and men, in Africa alone, dying of Aids. Yet when we see the overwhelming people with Aids, these celebrities who put on concerts and work towards helping them, is just a drop in the bucket. The problem is that the medicines these ones need are not being given to them. Why? That is my question to you Experts. How and when will there be justice for all mankind and not just the rich? I cried to see the many babies suffering from such illness that we do not even think about over here unless we are touched by it in our families. You know, out of sight out of mind! Has the greed of man reached such heights that they can even watch such horrendous things happen to little babies and not do a thing to help them? Take care, Hope12 revdauphinee answered on 12/03/03: unfortunatly not untill Christs return and the goverments of the world are taken out of the hands of mankind will such things be changed >i for one do not think we will be allowed to go on the way we are going much longer! ATON2 rated this answer hOPE12 rated this answer

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hOPE12 asked on 12/03/03 - Once saved, always saved???? Hello Experts: I have a question that I need to ask you all. Those who are Christians, is a person once saved always saved? Can he/she loose their saved condition before God? Many Criminals in prison have claimed to be saved and yet they have killed, stolen and have done many horrible things. Yet they claimed to be saved. Some have even said of these criminals will be okay because they were saved before they did the crime. How can that be? Many claim that once they are saved they are always saved. Is this true? How does this saved position work? Thanks, take care, Hope12 revdauphinee answered on 12/03/03: many who claim salvation lack it if one is truly saved then you will not lose it for it becomes your very life you cannot truly love God and harm a neighbour! Remember the scripture in Matthew 7:21 21. "Not everyone who says to me, `Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. 22. Many will say to me on that day, `Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?' 23. Then I will tell them plainly, `I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!' hOPE12 rated this answer

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CeeBee asked on 12/02/03 - A question asked in the article about women in the Bible (Newsweek, 12/08/03) -- Did male leaders cover up the true role of women in the early church? revdauphinee answered on 12/03/03: yes might I recomend a book called why not a woman??it covers this subject to whoom did christ first reveal himself at the tomb?? women! therefore he himself had no problem with them going to spread the word ATON2 rated this answer CeeBee rated this answer

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tomder55 asked on 12/01/03 - let's have some consistancy if the monument to the Ten Commandments needed to be removed form the Alabama Supreme Court ,then why is the statue of Artemis, the Greek goddess of justice allowed to remain erect on the grounds ? Is it not also a violation of the first amendment ? revdauphinee answered on 12/01/03: you can errect a buddah a crescent moon or any other statue even one of the many hindu dieties but you cannot erect a christian nativity scene something s wrong here I think ATON2 rated this answer tomder55 rated this answer

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willbe asked on 11/29/03 - Should politicians toe their church line? Catholic bishops may punish those who vote contrarily The intersection of conscience, religion and politics is "an interesting dilemma, not just for the Catholic Church and the Mormon Church but for all religious leaders." And for politicians who are religious http://www.deseretnews.com/dn/view/0,1249,565035170,00.html Should a church expect its members to vote a certain way on moral issues? Should a politician who votes against the moral teachings of his religion be allowed to call himself a Catholic or Mormon or Muslim? On the question of punishment for politicians who vote contrary to church teachings, ...... --> Punishments discussed at the national bishops conference included refusing to allow errant politicians to speak at Catholic institutions, not allowing them to receive the Holy Eucharist, and excommunication. What do you think? Do you think religious politicians (politicians who are religious) have a duty or right to tell others what they can and cannot do and to force society into conforming to their own personal beliefs? revdauphinee answered on 11/29/03: Jesus had an answer for this one Luke 20:25 He said to them, "Then give to Caesar what is Caesar's, and to God what is God's." paraclete rated this answer willbe rated this answer

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tomder55 asked on 11/29/03 - Married In Heaven On their way to get married, a young couple are involved in a fatal car accident. The couple find themselves sitting outside the Pearly Gates waiting for St. Peter to process them into Heaven. While waiting, they begin to wonder: Could they possibly get married in Heaven? When St. Peter shows up, they asked him. St. Peter says, "I don't know. This is the first time anyone has asked. Let me go find out," and he leaves. The couple sat and waited for an answer. . . . . .for a couple of months. While they waited, they discussed that IF they were allowed to get married in Heaven, SHOULD they get married, what with the eternal aspect of it all. "What if it doesn't work?" they wondered, "Are ! we stuck together FOREVER?" After yet another month, St. Peter finally returns, looking somewhat bedraggled. "Yes," he informs the couple, "you CAN get married in Heaven." "Great!" said the couple, "But we were just wondering, what if things don't work out? Could we also get a divorce in Heaven?" St. Peter, red-faced with anger, slams his clipboard onto the ground. "What's wrong?" asked the frightened couple. "OH, COME ON!!" St. Peter shouts, "It took me three months to find a priest up here! Do you have ANY idea how long it'll take me to find a lawyer ? revdauphinee answered on 11/29/03: funy but the scripture tells us ln Mark 12: 24. Jesus replied, "Are you not in error because you do not know the Scriptures or the power of God? 25. When the dead rise, they will neither marry nor be given in marriage; tomder55 rated this answer

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bluevision asked on 11/28/03 - Cain's wife Did God make men & women other than Adam & Eve? If not, where did Cain's wife come from? In Gen 4:14, Cain said to God:"....and it shall come to pass, that everyone that findeth me shall slay me." In Gen 4:15, God said to Cain:" Therefore whosoever slayeth Cain, vengeance shall be taken on him sevenfold." So it seems that there were other people at that time besides Adam, Eve & their son, Cain. Where did all these people come from? revdauphinee answered on 11/29/03: anyone ever hear of Lilith? could help answer this one if she had offspring?

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ROLCAM asked on 11/27/03 - Feelings? Words from above? Can one imagine how the disciples and the apostles of Jesus must have felt when they saw Him uplift Himself from the ground and disappear among the clouds in the sky. What were the words they heard shortly after? revdauphinee answered on 11/27/03: wonder and astonishment!and then Ac.1:10 They were looking intently up into the sky as he was going, when suddenly two men dressed in white stood beside them. 11 "Men of Galilee," they said, "why do you stand here looking into the sky? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven." ROLCAM rated this answer

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ROLCAM asked on 11/27/03 - Presents? Against the wishes of Herod,the Magi offered presents to Jesus. What presents are you offering Jesus as part of your life? revdauphinee answered on 11/27/03: My life!At least the rest of it( I have not been a Christian all of my life) to use in his service as he alows me opportunities ROLCAM rated this answer

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ROLCAM asked on 11/26/03 - Prizes, donations and qualities ? What prizes, donations and qualities has GOD given you? Are you using them for your own benefit only or are you using them for the benefit of others as well? revdauphinee answered on 11/27/03: he has given me the wisdom to realize just how blessed I truly am I live in a free country(one of my choice not my birth) I have what I need to live comfortably and pray for those who dont.I have a family who love me, and most important to me he has given me my Christian faith to get through the times in my life here on erth that are not so comfortable Dorothy ATON2 rated this answer ROLCAM rated this answer

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ROLCAM asked on 11/26/03 - Life Style?? Are you living your life in such a style that one can say that one can see Jesus in you? revdauphinee answered on 11/27/03: Im human I make mistakes (lots of them)But he knows I am trying!I hope others can see that in me Dorothy ROLCAM rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 11/26/03 - Klueless about the Klan? The Klu Klux Klan, the white supremacy group notorious for its lynchings of black people and those favouring desegregation, has scored a spectacular own goal. One of its members has been critically injured after being hit by a bullet fired into the air during an initiation ceremony. While the organisation is more a subject of ridicule than fear these days, it still holds initiation ceremonies. The latest took place in Johnson City, Tennessee (the state where the Klan was formed in 1866) with about 10 people present. The new member was blindfolded, tied to a tree and shot with paint pellets. In order to make the event more dramatic, Gregory Freeman, 45, fired a real pistol with live ammunition up into the air. It would appear that the Klan, always dismissive of the laws that entitled all citizens to vote and be educated, also has little respect for the law of gravity. The bullet, having gone straight up in the air, came straight down and hit Jeffrey Murr, 24, in his skull, leaving him in critical condition. Mr Freeman left but was arrested at home, and has been charged with reckless endangerment and aggravated assault. - Guardian Seems a shame they waited so long to use live ammunition in their initiations? But seriously, in this time of a war on terriorism, how can an organisation which has terrorised so many be allowed to continue with their activities. Is there a double standard here? we oppose other peoples terrorists with deadly force but the home grown variety can be allowed to conduct business as usual. revdauphinee answered on 11/26/03: Even as I do, living in the midst of this abomination (I live in the deep south )I agree with you it seems we can see faults in others whilst ignoring our ow! members of this organization are dangerous to the liberty we claim to promote And are a poor example to those we wish to impress in other countries paraclete rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 11/26/03 - A very long fast? An Indian man who says he has survived for 68 years without eating, drinking or relieving himself has baffled doctors who have been unable to disprove his claim. Prahlad Jani, a 76-year-old whose extraordinary tale has won him a small band of devotees, took a dare and underwent round-the-clock surveillance at a hospital in Ahmedabad, the commercial capital of the western state of Gujarat. Clad in his trademark red sari, bangles and earrings meant to fashion Hindu goddesses, Jani managed to puzzle the Sterling Hospital's 400 doctors. Neurologist Sudhir Shah said Jani was under watch for 10 days, with a closed-circuit camera running, and that doctors were convinced he did not break any of his vows, although there was no way of verifying whether Jani has pulled it off for 68 years. "He has evidence of the formation of urine, which was reabsorbed on his bladder wall. The medical committee does not have any scientific explanation," Shah said. Jani offered an explanation. He said he has been blessed and heard his calling when he was eight years old. "I get the elixir of life from the hole in my palate, which enables me to go without food and water," Jani explained to AFP. A vindicated Jani left the hospital Saturday and said he was retreating to a cave at Mount Abu in the neighbouring desert state of Rajasthan. Another doctor, Dinesh Desai, said the hospital hoped to test Jani again to verify his claim of a hole in the palate between his mouth and nose. "We may get some answers then," Desai said. Shah said it took the hospital more than a year to persuade Jani to undergo surveillance. He said he wanted the ascetic to undergo experiments at NASA, as Jani's supposed feat could come in handy for astronauts. AFP This gives a new meaning to fasting doesn't it revdauphinee answered on 11/26/03: I for one do not believe this paraclete rated this answer

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IamDyan asked on 11/25/03 - A prayer request please My mother in law was admitted to the hospital yesterday with pneumonia. She seems in good spirits and surrounded by family, and I ask for your good thoughts and prayers that she recovers quickly. She is 76 and she has a condition that complicates the situation by allowing fluid to form in her lungs. Thanks, Dyan revdauphinee answered on 11/26/03: you and your family will surely be in my prayer please let us know how she does I realy do care Dorothy IamDyan rated this answer

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willbe asked on 11/24/03 - celebrating differences and becoming one human family? Thirteen different religious organizations gathered together in peace to give thanks: Ute spiritual leader led the gathering in prayer, using an eagle's wing to waft blessings, symbolized by the fragrance from a burning strand of sweet grass. Rev. Niederauer of the Catholic Diocese read from St. Paul, asking that people forgive one another. Nadeem Ahmed, board member of the Islamic Society, noted that the Quran places strong emphasis on giving thanks. Thankful hearts and thankful deeds are necessary for the blessings of Thanksgiving to be fulfilled, he said. Lama Thupten of the Urgyen Samten Ling Gonpa Meditation Center said, "Giving thanks, we know, is part of all religious traditions." Rev. France A. Davis of Calvary Baptist Church read a short section from Second Corinthians, thanking God for life's gifts. Elder Ronald A. Rasband, a member of the First Quorum of the Seventy of the LDS Church, read a passage from the Book of Mormon about the importance of charitable giving. Those who do not help people in need will have cause to repent, he read. Rev. Silvia Behrend, First Unitarian Church, spoke of the essential factor of faith in religious callings, citing many religions. Charu Das, vice president of the Krishna Temple of Spanish Fork. "As a vegetarian, I always approach this time of year with a little hitch of apprehension," and read prayers, including one enjoying people to not only give thanks, "but thank God by giving." Pat Gamble-Hovey, minister for the Holladay United Church of Christ said, "The divine in me honors the divine in you". Rev. Cheryl Moore of the Episcopal Diocese read from the Book of Mark. Shahab Saeed of the Baha'i faith, said religious and racial barriers are coming down. He criticized so-called street preachers "who showed disrespect to our LDS friends." The benediction was by Rabbi Tracee Rosen of the Congregation Kol Ami. Tonja Meadows, a member of Our Saviour's Lutheran Church, talked about the harsh winter that killed many of the Pilgrims in the 1600s. But they established Thanksgiving because "they saw God's hand and guidance" in their lives, she said. To read an article about it, visit: http://www.deseretnews.com/dn/view/0,1249,540034937,00.html Do you think lasting peace between religions will ever be? revdauphinee answered on 11/26/03: I do wish that we christians could forget our denominationalism and just come together to love and celebrate Jesus however putting this aside we cannot worship with those who do not believe in him for this to us (should) be unaceptable we can love those people who practice other faiths however we must not share in thier worship of there Gods who are not of our faith for are we not taught in our very basic beliefs (the commandments) (Exo.20:3-17 3 "You shall have no other gods before me. 4 "You shall not make for yourself an idol in the form of anything in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the waters below. 5 You shall not bow down to them or worship them; for I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God, I am sory if my view offends anyone but if we claim to worship as Christian then we must adhere to the practices commanded by our God! willbe rated this answer

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monkeysee2001 asked on 11/23/03 - plants hi ,my christmas catus dont look like it going to live what are some things that i can do to liven it up revdauphinee answered on 11/24/03: Im not much of a green thumb however if it is a cactus avoid the tendancy to overwater it Dorothy

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cliff_dweller asked on 11/23/03 - Please bear with me Please bear with me a put up with me one more time and you will never hear this again from me. I just need to share this with you all since you are my cyber church family. I need to get this out because it is killing me inside, no one around me seems to understand and today the realization of what is happening finally hit me. Back when I moved up to Santa Cruz I never imagined it like this. My fiance at the time, we were happy. We had normal little squabbles over the course of the last 2 years which I am sure that all couples do but for the most part we were happy together. I will never forget how supportive she was when my grandfather died, then refused to attend his funeral (but thats another story). I have so many fond memories of her but lately it seems that something has changed. Like we've become the bitterest of enemies. Anyways to make a long story short, in an attempt to have me arrested she called the cops and lied to them, they saw right through it (thank you Jesus) and kept threatening to arrest both her and her mom. The officer that was with me was assuring me that there was no way I would be arrested. This all happened yesterday when she came back from Los Angeles with her mother. Cops told her that since she wanted to and did move back in with her mother that she needed to get her stuff and go. Thats making a really long story short. The cops told me not to go back there while she was there and that if I did she could injure herself (something like even a small scratch) blame it on me and I would have to be arrested. They said that they have seen it time and time again and that their hands are tied so just aviod it happening. Today while I was at my day job the rality of everything hit me like a ton of bricks. My boss asked me if I was okay and I told her that I was but she could tell that there was something wrong and asked if I wanted to go home early. I took her up on it because I needed the time to myself. So anyways I thought about going back and trying to work things out with her but I also knew that if I did that then I would be opening myself up to #1 being destroyed the way that she has done to me in the past and #2 going to jail. So anyways here I sit, 5 days before thanksgiving and in my life I have nothing to be thankful about. I guess that I am still alive and the Lord is still in my life and God is still God so I do have plenty to be thankful for I guess but I am so destroyed right now that I have no more will to go on. Thanks to you all for listening to my rambling and personal problems, I really appreciate it more than you will ever know. revdauphinee answered on 11/23/03: whilst God never promised us a rose garden he did promice to be with us in times of trouble ,and looking back on my life those times wich seemed the worst usualy end up leading me on to a better place keep that in your mind trust in God he is the only one who will Never Ever let you down! ANSWERS TO PRAYERS COME IN VARIOUS WAYS, SOMETIMES IN MINUTES, SOMETIMES IN DAYS. AND SOME TAKE YEARS TO FULLY UNFOLD THE HARVEST OF LOVE AND BLESSINGS THEY HOLD. STONY rated this answer cliff_dweller rated this answer

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cliff_dweller asked on 11/22/03 - Wisest man In the scripture it says that Solomon was the wisest man that ever lived. Now where does that leave Jesus? It was said before Jesus came so does that make the statement of Solomon null and void OR was Solomon wiser than Jesus? Your comments please revdauphinee answered on 11/22/03: since he was alive before Christ arived on earth then at the time is could have been true couldnt it? cliff_dweller rated this answer paraclete rated this answer

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cliff_dweller asked on 11/22/03 - Is it the season I don't know I just read Laura's post and I feel the same way that she does. I guess it's because my life is/has falling apart. Definately getting a divorce now, it's the holidays and all that is happening. My grandfather passed on almost two years ago but the holidays don't seem to hold that special magic that they once did in years past wihtout him, the 1 year anniversary of my uncles death is Dec 26. Working 80+ hours per week at least for the next four weeks. I guess it must be the time of year when emotions run high for whatever reason but I must say that I am hoping for the best and with God's grace it will be!!! revdauphinee answered on 11/22/03: we must hope! for God tells us he wants us to have life more abundantly, a poen someone once posted might help ANSWERS TO PRAYERS COME IN VARIOUS FORMS, SOMETIMES IN SUNLIGHT, ((((SOMETIMES THROUGH STORMS.))) AND SOME BLOSSOM LATE, BUT EACH ONE WILL FLOWER HAVE FAITH AND WAIT. cliff_dweller rated this answer

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arcura asked on 11/21/03 - Are you really interested in the truth about the Spanish Inquisition? If so please go to this web site, read the article and then offer your comments, if you so desire. If you're not interested, please read the article and then let me know id you are still not interested or have changed you mind? http://www.crisismagazine.com/october2003/madden.htm revdauphinee answered on 11/22/03: Hard as I try not to I have to agree with Aton (unbelievable)) *Karrisa* rated this answer arcura rated this answer ATON2 rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 11/21/03 - is the prophetic movement failing God? This is the question posted on this web site. http://www.prophetic-apostolic.com/ after you have considered the proposition please lets have a reasoned discussion revdauphinee answered on 11/22/03: I think the main problem is the laity do not wish to hear the truth, and yoday too many preachers are playing to the desires of their people instead of teaching what God has to say ! Dorothy paraclete rated this answer ATON2 rated this answer

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hOPE12 asked on 11/19/03 - Holiday Blues Hello Experts, This is the time of year when the holiday blues come into play. The media has without hesitation given reports of the holiday blues that cause suicides. As experts in Christianity, what signs would you look for in helping someone who might have these holiday blues? What do you personally think cause these blues or suicides? What encouragement can you give for any that may be going through these kinds of feelings who read the messages on our board? Take Care, Hope12 revdauphinee answered on 11/19/03: I always find the best cure for the blues anytime holiday or not is to do something for someone else ,always makes me feel better JeffreyBryson rated this answer *Karrisa* rated this answer MaggieB rated this answer hOPE12 rated this answer

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Laura asked on 11/19/03 - Have you ever felt out of sinc, losing direction? I felt that I needed to say this. It seems lately that I have no desire to answer questions. I have nothing to say. No desire to interact, and this feeling of a kind of dread. I just can't seem to shake it, and so I'll take a break I guess. Maybe it's because of the holidays and mom isn't here to share the joy.. I feel no joy right now. I hate this grieving stuff. It comes and goes like terrible waves. Sometimes I'm fine and other times I could just crawl into a hole somewhere and die or just maybe sleep for days. I'm in a dark place right now. I want to feel something other than grief. I can't. I thought that maybe if I express it, I can overcome it. Thanks for listening. Bless you all. Laura revdauphinee answered on 11/19/03: Hon my mom dies a few years ago and I was devastated till someone sent me the following and it helped hope it does the same for you Miss Me, But Let Me Go When I come to the end of the road And the sun has set for me, I want no rites in a gloom-filled room. Why cry for a soul set free? Miss me a little, but not too long, And not with your head bowed low. Remember the love that we once shared. MISS ME, BUT LET ME GO. This is a journey that we all must take, And each must go alone. It�s all part of the Master�s Plan. It�s a step on the road to home. MISS ME, BUT LET ME GO. When you are lonely and sick of heart, Go to the friends we know, And bury your sorrows in doing deeds. MISS ME, BUT LET ME GO. JeffreyBryson rated this answer *Karrisa* rated this answer MaggieB rated this answer ATON2 rated this answer Laura rated this answer CASEY rated this answer

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CASEY asked on 11/17/03 - Hell fire and damnation Id like to know your concept of hell. Is it like a big bonfire the hell goers are in and cant die ,a hot planet with no escape? ALso how much will you enjoy heaven if you know other people are roasting like chestnuts on open fire? revdauphinee answered on 11/17/03: we will know we are in heaven what I meant was we may not at that time be aware of those in hell *Karrisa* rated this answer ATON2 rated this answer CASEY rated this answer

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JeffreyBryson asked on 11/17/03 - This board I just thought I'd point out that it suddenly occurred to me that there really hasn't been any flaming on this board throughout this whole month so far. Given that people have left this and other Christianity boards because of inflammatory words and abusive behavior and because of not finding the attitudes and responses that they'd expected and/or hoped for here, I'd like to say that it's truly nice to see the change (however long that lasts). The peace here at the moment, now that I think about it, is a welcomed change. So, to all of you- "well done". revdauphinee answered on 11/17/03: thank you we do have an occasion to be thnkfull even if we do get the occasional barb we seem to be able to overcome it here HANK1 rated this answer JeffreyBryson rated this answer

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CASEY asked on 11/17/03 - Hell fire and damnation Id like to know your concept of hell. Is it like a big bonfire the hell goers are in and cant die ,a hot planet with no escape? ALso how much will you enjoy heaven if you know other people are roasting like chestnuts on open fire? revdauphinee answered on 11/17/03: for one thing i dont believe we will know once we are in heaven also think of how a soul will suffer when it realizes that there was truth in the word and that it rejected it suffering for eternity knowing there is no hope is akin to burning in my eyes,whether it will be i literal burning this I do not know however i would not wish to chance it would you?? CASEY rated this answer paraclete rated this answer

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shakespear1 asked on 11/17/03 - Trinity , How??? For those of you who hold to the trinity doctrine I was wondering,where can i find a good explaination. revdauphinee answered on 11/17/03: here is my beat explanation of trinity to my husband ---------------I am a wife to my parents ---------------I am daughter to my child -----------------I am a parent but just as GOD is father ,son and spirit I am in truth only one person three personalities but in reality one person paraclete rated this answer ATON2 rated this answer *Karrisa* rated this answer shakespear1 rated this answer

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SaturdaysWarrior asked on 11/17/03 - The Trinity Concept, can you explain it to me Is this right? For the Trinitarian Christian, salvation of sinners is completely by grace from the sacrifice of the Son of God (who is God), by the appointment of the Father God (who is God), having been conceived by the Holy Spirit (who is God) and born of the virgin Mary. He honored His divine law by His personal obedience (to his own laws) and by His death made a full atonement for our sins. Am I missing something here? Why doesn't this make any sense to me? Jesus (God) was born, God's only begotten son (himself). Conceived by the Holy Spirit (God) and born of the virgin Mary. God was born, His only begotten self. Conceived of and by himself to the virgin Mary????? I am trying to figure out the concept of trinity, can you help? SaturdaysWarrior revdauphinee answered on 11/17/03: here is my beat explanation of trinity to my husband ---------------I am a wife to my parents ---------------I am daughter to my child -----------------I am a parent but just as GOD is father ,son and spirit I am in truth only one person three personalities but in reality one person ATON2 rated this answer SaturdaysWarrior rated this answer

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SaturdaysWarrior asked on 11/17/03 - the wide road to hell Matt 7:13-14 13 "Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. 14 But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it. Some people use this scripture to prove that most Christians will be going to hell when they die. If all anyone has to do is accept and believe in Jesus to be saved from hell, why are MOST going to end up in hell? SaturdaysWarrior revdauphinee answered on 11/17/03: god will not send anyone to Hell going there is a choice we make just as following Christ is a choice ignoring the word is also a choice we send our selves to our final destination Heaven or hell Dorothy SaturdaysWarrior rated this answer JeffreyBryson rated this answer ATON2 rated this answer

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SaturdaysWarrior asked on 11/16/03 - going to heaven or hell? Is it true that most Christian fundamentalists think the vast majority of humanity is literally hell bent for destruction? Do they believe most of 'us' are going to hell? How to avoid eternal hell? revdauphinee answered on 11/17/03: who goes to hell is not for us to decide !! SaturdaysWarrior rated this answer

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arcura asked on 11/16/03 - Reward 'cause you've all been so nice. Because you've been so nice answering my questions in several ways that make me happy, or make me think, or make me update, or more, I'm going to reward you with one of my favorite deserts. I know the recipe from the WorldWide Chefs says that it serves 12 to 16. But if you like it as well as I, then it'll be luck to serve 6 or 8. Peace, kindness, and please your taste buds with this: Chocolate Cherry Pudding Cake This is one of those desserts that magically separates into a cake-like sponge on top on top and a delicious pudding-like sauce underneath. For the cake: 1 3/4 cups (440 ml) all-purpose flour 1 1/4 cups (310 ml) sugar 1/3 cup (80 ml) unsweetened cocoa, Dutch process if possible 3 Tbs (45 ml) baking powder 3/4 cup (180 ml) milk 1/2 cup (125 ml) applesauce 1 cup (250 ml) pitted fresh or canned sweet cherries 1/4 cup (60 ml) chopped pecans or walnuts For the sauce: 3 cups (750 ml) hot water 1 1/4 cups (310 ml) packed brown sugar 1/4 cup (60 ml) unsweetened cocoa, Dutch process if possible Combine the flour, sugar, cocoa, and baking powder in a mixing bowl. Stir in the milk and applesauce just enough to moisten the dry ingredients. Fold in the cherries and pecans and spread the batter into a greased and floured 13 x 9 inch (33 x 23 cm) baking pan. Combine the sauce ingredients in a bowl and stir to combine and dissolve the sugar. Gently pour the liquid over the batter and bake in a preheated 350F (180C) oven until set (it will have a pudding-like texture), 35 to 40 minutes. Serve warm or at room temperature. Serves12 to 16. Bon appetit from the Chef at World Wide Recipes revdauphinee answered on 11/17/03: if a shot of Rum will put Aton to sleep I will contribute to the purchase of same!! arcura rated this answer ATON2 rated this answer paraclete rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 11/16/03 - Study tells us what Christians already know? By Miranda Devine November 16, 2003 We seem to shrug helplessly at the soaring rates of children's mental illness, emotional distress, attention and conduct disorders, substance abuse and suicide. The response of the babyboomer Left to this epidemic of youth misery has been to blame government and economic rationalism. You will hear them moaning about the boring 1950s, when they grew up in a war-weary society that valued order, civility, domesticity and tranquillity. You will hear them fondly reminisce about the 1960s sexual revolution, their Kombi vans, their often-still-active ponytails. Never will you hear them accept responsibility for trashing precious social institutions, destroying taboos, devaluing motherhood or squandering the moral capital built up by their forebears. Now, when their children and grandchildren are suffering the consequences, they see higher taxes as the cure. They seem not to listen even when scientific evidence emerges like a slap in the face to say childhood suffering is caused by a lack of spiritual meaning, an absence of expectations and limits and a breakdown in authority structures. This is the message from an extraordinary American study recently released by 33 psychiatrists, neurologists and social scientists, Hardwired To Connect: The New Scientific Case For Authoritative Communities. The Dartmouth Medical School study says the human brain is "biologically hardwired for enduring attachments to other people and for moral and spiritual meaning". Animal research, for instance, shows that "high levels of maternal stimulation can change brain functioning and reduce genetic risks for anxiety, aggression, depression and substance abuse in infant animals". When a binge-drinking monkey, who has a gene for aggression and poor impulse control, is raised in a supportive environment, "the harmfully aggressive behaviour disappears, as does the binge drinking". These monkeys flourish because their inherited vulnerability has been transformed "into a positive behavioural asset" by intensive nurturing. The study says we needn't be a captive of our genes any more than we are a blank slate for social engineers to mould. Most unpalatable for moral relativists is the study's emphasis on religion and spirituality, finding that the human brain is physically designed, or hardwired, to seek answers to life's purpose and meaning. For adolescents, religion has a protective effect against depression and loneliness. "Personal devotion" or a "direct personal relationship with the Divine" is associated with reduced risk-taking and better mental health. Finally, the report stresses the importance of "authoritative communities" that set moral frameworks for children, the most important being the family. The "decline in social connectedness", the loss of civic and community groups and falling church attendance is thought to contribute "significantly" to childhood problems. As church-going slumped, so did children's emotional wellbeing. It is estimated that a staggering 20 per cent of children have mental health problems and 15 per cent behavioural problems, a situation that has developed since World War II. Suicide by males aged 15 to 19 has quadrupled in the past 30 years. It is a problem we will have to confront, but not with the fantasy that Scandinavian-type big government schemes can substitute for morality and family. Parents know how inherently conservative small children are, how they crave routine, discipline, defined limits and a distinction between good and evil. But if their parents and the society rearing them are locked in a perpetual state of adolescence, no wonder so many are anxious and vulnerable. We need a relationship with God? revdauphinee answered on 11/17/03: the problem today seems to be the Me first!Generation ,these folks have children but then fail to consider the needs of those children always placing thier own needs and desires first .Children today are growing up with no base, parents are more concerned with self gratification than raising children in a healthy envirenment with aquiring more material goods than raising healthy children ATON2 rated this answer paraclete rated this answer

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dognap asked on 11/15/03 - POW!!! Where will it end? Alarmed by the unhealthy choices they make every day, more and more Americans are calling on the government to enact legislation that will protect them from their own behavior. "The government is finally starting to take some responsibility for the effect my behavior has on others," said New York City resident Alec Haverchuk, 44, who is prohibited by law from smoking in restaurants and bars. "But we have a long way to go. I can still light up on city streets and in the privacy of my own home. I mean, legislators acknowledge that my cigarette smoke could give others cancer, but don't they care about me, too?" "It's not just about Americans eating too many fries or cracking their skulls open when they fall off their bicycles," said Los Angeles resident Rebecca Burnie, 26. "It's a financial issue, too. I spend all my money on trendy clothes and a nightlife that I can't afford. I'm $23,000 in debt, but the credit-card companies keep letting me spend. It's obscene that the government allows those companies to allow me to do this to myself. Why do I pay my taxes?" Beginning with seatbelt legislation in the 1970s, concern over dangerous behavior has resulted in increased governmental oversight of private activities. Burnie and Haverchuk are only two of a growing number of citizens who argue that legislation should be enacted to protect them from their own bad habits and poor decisions. Anita Andelman of the American Citizen Protection Group is at the forefront of the fight for "greater guardianship for all Americans." "Legislation targeting harmful substances like drugs and alcohol is a good start, but that's all it is�a start," Andelman said. "My car automatically puts my seatbelt on me whenever I get into it. There's no chance that I'll make the risky decision to leave it off. So why am I still legally allowed to drink too much caffeine, watch television for seven hours a day, and, in some states, even ride in the back of a pick-up truck? It just isn't right." The ACPG has also come out in favor of California's proposed "soda tax," which addresses unhealthy eating habits. "The legislation, if approved, would establish a tax on sodas and other beverages with minimal nutritional value, and the money would be used to fund programs that address the growing epidemic of childhood obesity," Andelman said. "If our own government doesn't do something to make us get in better shape�or, for that matter, dress a little nicer�who will?" Rev. Ted Hinson, founder of the Christian activist group Please God Stop Me, said he believes that the government will listen. "For years, legislators have done an admirable job of listening to constituents who want the dangerous, undesirable behavior of their neighbors regulated," Hinson said. "That is a good sign for those of us who wish for greater protection from ourselves. But you should see the filth I still have access to, just by walking into a store or flipping on my computer. There is still much work to be done if we are going to achieve the ideal nanny-state." Bernard Nathansen, an attorney for the Personal Rights Deferred Center in Oakes, VA, is one of many individuals working to promote "governmental accountability." His organization arranges class-action lawsuits on behalf of Americans who have been hurt by the government's negligence, including individuals who suffer health problems related to overexposure to sunlight. "We can all agree that many choices are too important to be left up to a highly flawed individual," Nathansen said. "Decisions that directly affect our health, or allow us to expose ourselves to potential risks, should be left to the wiser, cooler heads of the government." "But things like food and drug labels are half-measures," Nathansen said. "The regulations, however well-intentioned, often allow citizens the choice of ignoring the instructions. Many current laws were written primarily to protect others from our dangerous actions, with no concern for the deleterious effect our actions can have on ourselves. The government must do more." To this end, Personal Rights Deferred has compiled an action list of more than 700 behaviors it wants regulated by state or federal authorities. The list includes such risky behaviors as swimming in cold weather and staying up all night playing video games. "The fact is, personal responsibility doesn't work," Nathansen said. "Take a good look at the way others around you are living, and I'm sure you'll agree. It's time for the American people to demand that someone force them to do something about it." Where will it end? revdauphinee answered on 11/15/03: God gives us freedom of choice (to serve him or not )Is this the next freedom the government will take away?? Just wondering! ATON2 rated this answer dognap rated this answer

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arcura asked on 11/15/03 - MIXING RELIGION AND "POLOTICS". Seating... Bill Clinton, Hillary Clinton, and Al Gore were in an airplane that crashed. They're up in heaven, and God's sitting on the great white throne. God addresses Al first, "Al, what do you believe in?" Al replies, "Well, I believe I won that election, but that it was your will that I did not serve. And I've come to understand that now." God thinks for a second and says, "Okay, very good. Come and sit at my left." God then addresses Bill. "Bill, what do you believe in?" Bill replies, "I believe in forgiveness. I've sinned, but I've never held a grudge against my fellow man, and I hope no grudges are held against me." God thinks for a second and says, "You are forgiven, my son. Come and sit at my right." God then addresses Hillary. "Hillary, what do you believe in?" She says, �I believe you're in my chair.� revdauphinee answered on 11/15/03: would it be as funny if hillary were a male???Just wondering! arcura rated this answer

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ATON2 asked on 11/15/03 - How do Christains KNOW what God wants???? Sterling Christian, Chris Danze, organizer of the Austin, Texas boycott against the Planned Parenthood clinic being built there states; "This is going to be a battle. God does not want this clinic built." Now, since Austin already HAS four planned parenthood clinics, and there are also many more clinics in Houston, Corpus Christi, Waco, and throughout Texas... Are we to believe that God wanted THOSE clinics built????????? Or is this a good publicity sound bite from the redoubtable Mr. Danze??? Could this be sour grapes because the construction mogul didn't get the contract??? Only opinions..no bible quotes please, since the Bible has nothing to say about abortion clinics :) Nastiness will earn a black star. revdauphinee answered on 11/15/03: the bible does say thou shalt not kill what else is an abortion???? ATON2 rated this answer

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arcura asked on 11/15/03 - Wow! What do you think of this new item? Boycott stops abortion clinic project AUSTIN, Texas (AP) --Weeks into the project, the contractor hired to build an abortion clinic hit a brick wall: Plumbers and carpenters would not work for him. Drywall installers and heating subcontractors would not do business with him. Cement suppliers for miles around would not touch the job. He had been hit with a boycott organized by abortion foe and construction-industry executive Chris Danze. The builder finally quit the job this month, stopping the clinic project in its tracks, in what national Planned Parenthood officials said was the first such boycott they have ever seen. Danze, a 48-year-old who has protested outside clinics, compares the building of an abortion clinic to construction of a concentration camp during the Holocaust. "We can't just look the other way," he said. "We can't just take the blood money and run." The decision by Browning Construction Co., one of the state's largest contractors, to pull out of the project stunned Planned Parenthood, which denounced the boycott and said it will press on with construction to discourage similar tactics elsewhere. The privately funded $6.2 million clinic was set to open next fall. It would be Planned Parenthood's first Austin clinic to offer abortions, and the fourth licensed abortion provider in Texas' capital city. The clinic also would provide health care for women and men, including gynecological services, AIDS testing, vasectomies, cancer screening and contraceptives, Planned Parenthood spokeswoman Danielle Tierney said. Danze, an owner of Maldonado & Danze Inc., a concrete-foundation contractor, oversaw a telephone and letter-writing campaign urging more than 750 Austin- and San Antonio-area businesses not to provide supplies or services for the project. He recruited contractors to join what he called the Texas Contractors and Suppliers for Life Association. Soon, contractors were flooded with phone calls from the public warning them to stay away from the clinic project or face losing business. Texas Right to Life, which claims 75,000 members, called contractors to thank them for not working on the project and to offer to share the companies' names with the anti-abortion group's members, spokeswoman Elizabeth Graham said. Churches got involved, too. "When churches started asking me for lists of people who were working on the project, that's when we turned the corner," Danze said. Danze said hundreds of subcontractors agreed to boycott the project, though not all of them said whether they were anti-abortion. Some simply did not want to get involved in a controversial project, he said. Planned Parenthood said the boycott was waged through "intimidation and harassment." Tierney said one subcontractor, whom she would not identify, received more than 1,200 calls from around the country -- many to his home -- warning him not to participate. "This is not a simple demonstration of free speech rights," she said. James Browning, who runs San Antonio-based Browning Construction, said he got a polite call from Danze warning him about the boycott. Groundbreaking on the clinic was held in September, and over the next six weeks, the project ground to a halt. "I never thought so many different trades would join in," Browning said. Among those boycotting were contractors in lumber, cement supply, foundation building, plumbers, heating and air-conditioning, windows, hardwood floors, roofing, insulation, landscaping and fencing, Danze said. By the time Browning pulled out, clearing and excavation and some of the underground plumbing had been done, but the foundation had not been put in. Planned Parenthood expects resistance whenever it builds an abortion clinic, but most of the hurdles come during the permit-issuing process. The organization said it would act as its own general contractor and complete the project. Tierney said it is too soon to say whether the setback will increase costs or delay the clinic's opening. Tierney said Planned Parenthood has received calls from other contractors who want to help. She would not name them. Danze said he will track down any new contractors on the project and have scouts check the construction site three or four times a day. "This is going to be a battle," Danze said. "God does not want this thing built." Copyright 2003 The Associated Press revdauphinee answered on 11/15/03: praise Go for this boycot it is time we as Christians had a say in what we will support !Or as Aton feels do Christs followers not have the right to an oppinion?? He never seems to have a problem voicing his! arcura rated this answer MaggieB rated this answer

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hOPE12 asked on 11/13/03 - I Wonder what it is all about? Hello Experts, Many people today feel we are living in the last days of this wicked world. Do you personally feel that way? If so, what evidence do we have today that proves that we are living in the last days of this ungodly world? Many others feel that the society as we know it will just continue on and on? Is that possible? Can the situation in the world and the physical condition of this world as we know it continue forever, as some feel it will? On the other hand there are those who believe that if they are obedient to God they will join him in heaven. Has anyone come back from heaven to tell us what it is like? What will those who go to heaven do there once they arrive? Others believe that once they live in this life, that is the end of it. They exist for 70-90 years die and that is it. If that is the case, what is the purpose of living at all? Does life have any meaning? As you can see there are many beliefs in this world. Some people do have the right idea about life and some don�t. Which one of theses ideas do you believe is correct or close to being correct? What is the purpose and the fulfillment of your life? Take care, Hope12 revdauphinee answered on 11/14/03: just wondering if Aton realizes he is as much a pain as a toothache? hOPE12 rated this answer

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arcura asked on 11/12/03 - Do you believe in the rapture? If so why are you still here? According to many historical theologians the tribulations have already started. Some say it stared with World War I. Others say it started with the WTC September 11, in New York City. The reason you are still here is that Holy Scripture has told us several different ways that Christ�s coming will be when the world least expects his arrival. Right now there are millions more of people expecting his arrival than ever before in history. When people no longer expect His arrival, then He might show up. But as Jesus said, only The Father knows when. Peace and kindness, arcura revdauphinee answered on 11/13/03: yes I believe int the rapture I am still here because it has not happened as yet !No one not Aton not any other will shake nmy faith no matter what they say 1 st Thessalonians 4: 14. We believe that Jesus died and rose again and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him. 15. According to the Lord's own word, we tell you that we who are still alive, who are left till the coming of the Lord, will certainly not precede those who have fallen asleep. 16. For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. 17. After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever. arcura rated this answer ATON2 rated this answer

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ATON2 asked on 11/12/03 - Back to Christianity????? Before we become engulfed in a rash of 'Watchtower' God questions, and funny T-shirt contests...we might want to get back to "Christianity"...ya think?? Start with this; Albert Schweitzer, Doctor of Philosophy, Doctor of Theology, Doctor of Medicine, who devoted much of his life to the medical mission he established in Lambarene, Gabon, wrote, in "The Quest of the Historical Jesus"..... "The Jesus of Nazareth who came forward publicly as the Messiah, who preached the ethic of the Kingdom of God, who founded the Kingdom of Heaven upon earth, and died to give His work its final consecration, never had any existance. He is a figure designed by rationalism, endowed with life by liberalism, and clothed by modern theology in an historical garb...... the historical Jesus will be to our time, a stranger and an enigma." What is the Christian take on this man who lived as Jesus instructed, ministering to the poor, the sick, the outcaste...yet cast doubt on the historicity of Jesus???? I will not enter into lengthy dialogue on this nor will the ratings reflect any subjective response from me. All those who take the time to respond will be given 5-stars and a thank you..except those responses that are deliberatly abusive :) :) I simply want your opinions...not proofs or lengthy cut and pastes. ATON2 revdauphinee answered on 11/12/03: If you doubt the historical accounts of Jesus in the scripture try reading Josephus! ATON2 rated this answer paraclete rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 11/12/03 - Christian T Shirt contest? I am looking for the best picture and caption on a T Shirt. Here are three I find innovative and impressive A large green apple with a bite out of it and wearing a silly grin Caption: In the beginning there was green apple madness! A picture of David holding up the head of Goliath Caption: Get a head in life! A picture of Jesus fallen under the weight of the cross attempting to rise. Caption: Bench press this! Best Cap caption: Attitude So lets have your entries? revdauphinee answered on 11/12/03: How about JESUS "dont leave earth without him! paraclete rated this answer

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kindj asked on 11/11/03 - Does this seem quite right to you? This may or may not have anything to do with Christianity. I guess it depends on your point of view. Anyway, Sunday night the "Saving Jessica Lynch" movie was on NBC. I did not watch it. I have a few problems with that whole situation. 1. Pvt. Lynch, by her own testimony, did not do anything heroic. She followed her Lt. (first mistake is listening to an LT when he says, "I know where we are.) down the incorrect route and ran into an ambush. She says she did not fire so much as a single round. At this point, please understand that I am not criticizing her. None of us ever knew what we would do upon our "baptism of fire." She was captured and brutalized at the hands of the enemy. 2. The courageous gentleman who enabled her rescue has gotten very little air time by comparison. If not for the actions of this brave Iraqi man, Pvt. Lynch might have very well been lost forever. 3. There were other POW's, as well. What are their names? The men got returned to active duty, the other female is virtually unknown, and all we hear about is our little blonde haired hometown girl. What about the others? 4. During the rescue, one member of the team was shot in the back of the leg. While he is still standing and firing over a wall, a medic is sewing up his wound. What was either of their names? 5. Another member of the rescue team was shot, and had to be carried out on a stretcher. While 4 of his comrades carried the stretcher, he was laying on it, firing his weapon all the while, still taking part in the fight, though he was severely injured. What was his name? My point is this: What is our definition of the word "hero" in America today? DK revdauphinee answered on 11/11/03: I have to agree with you on this while I have no problems with Jessica the true heros are the ones who risked all to rescue her she was a prisoner they were the heros and the Iraqui lawyer I feel was the true hero in this whole afair He risked his life and that of his family to help this girl Dorothy kindj rated this answer dognap rated this answer tomder55 rated this answer MaggieB rated this answer

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hOPE12 asked on 11/11/03 - Have a Question? Hello, Do you have any question at all that if you could you would ask God? If so what is that question? Take care, Hope12 revdauphinee answered on 11/11/03: WHY??? Why does he love us humans so much we certainly are often not very loveable! ATON2 rated this answer hOPE12 rated this answer

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hOPE12 asked on 11/11/03 - How should a person who Loves God speak? Hello Experts, 1 Timothy 6:20-21 20�O Timothy, guard what is laid up in trust with you, turning away from the empty speeches that violate what is holy and from the contradictions of the falsely called �knowledge.� 21�For making a show of such [knowledge] some have deviated from the faith. Proverbs 13:10 10�By presumptuousness one only causes a struggle, but with those consulting together there is wisdom. The persons who loves what is righteous thinks before they speak. Can we benefit from thinking before we speak? Can we word what we say so as not to offend but to help others? We are entitled to our say, yet can we say it with a little more tact? Can it help others if we meditate on what we say, and how to say things before we speak? What do you experts think? Take care, Hope12 revdauphinee answered on 11/11/03: if we speak with love we cant go far wrong hOPE12 rated this answer

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hOPE12 asked on 11/11/03 - Promises, Promises, Promises! Hello Experts: History books are full of broken promises. A good friend makes a promise they do not keep. How do you feel when an individual breaks their promise to you? They may not be able to fulfill the promise due to difficulty beyond their control. Yet there are those who make promises and just don't want to fulfill them. What is the difference between promises made by humans and promises made by our Creator? Do you believe what God the Almighty Creator promises us he will do in the Bible? If so, Why? If not, Why? Take Care, Hope12 revdauphinee answered on 11/11/03: over the thousands of years God has proven to be trustworthy ,this is why I believe in his word Humans have let me down many times God never has Dorothy hOPE12 rated this answer

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CASEY asked on 11/10/03 - If you knew that you would be raised from death, given power and glory (whatever glory is), and all the perks Jesus got, would you give your life in the same manner Jesus did to save all mankind? revdauphinee answered on 11/11/03: as a human One does not know how one would react to such an offer ,he is divine so it is his nature to do as his father asked how often do we human children choose to obey?? CASEY rated this answer

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Fulmens asked on 11/10/03 - do you think this is fair? i was reading on the newspaper about some man that kidnapped a 10 year old girl and raped her and then killed her. he then left her corpse by the river, and it was later discovered by the town's people who had gone out looking for her. they caught the man who did this, and it was discovered that it was the same man who had raped other little girls in the past but was not caught until now. i started thinking about how the family must feel, how extremelly hurt and frustrated because they cant do anything now to save her. truthfully, i tell you now, if it was my daughter, i would cry out for his blood. now here is my question: do you think this man deserves punishment? what can we do to him? whipp him until we see his blood and bones, have everyone in the town beat him together, castrate him with no anesthetic, maybe even kill him?? well, none of these are christian things to do. we must forgive what this man did, if we are trully christians. even if we are devastated and want to die now of grief, we must forgive what he did. but you now say, well, God will deal with him... well, what if he trully repents tomorrow?? God will forgive him, right? if he repents trully, God will allow him in his kingdom right now if he dies, right? meanwhile, we would be left here in the world still crying until we can no more, tearring our hair off form dispair... what do you thik of this? do you think it is fair? or better yet, can we, as chirstians, ask if it is fair? what can you say to this girl's family? revdauphinee answered on 11/11/03: we can rest assured that this man will pay for his crimes no matter what earthly Judges say for remember Rom.12:19. Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written: "It is mine to avenge; I will repay," says the Lord. ) Fulmens rated this answer

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STONY asked on 11/10/03 - THIS CAME FROM A LEARNED TEACHER OF MINE IN THIS A.M.'S EMAIL... THOUGHT YA'LL MIGHT FIND IT INTERESTING. 11/9/03 Religion Who knows what religion is? Let me name some. Hindu religion; based on an ancient sacred text called The Bhaga vad gita, meaning �Song of the Blessed One�, written in Sanskrit, the language of India. Buddhist religion; based on the teachings of Gautama Siddhartha, an Indian philosopher, known as Gautama Buddha, 500BC. When a man has �awakened�, IE �become aware� or �has achieved a state of perfect illumination� he is called �Buddha�. Islam, also known as Moslem religion; based on the teachings of a man named Mohammed, 600AD, as written in Arabic language in their sacred text called The Koran. Judaism religion; based on The Talmud, written by master teachers called Rabbi. The first part is called The Mishna, written in 200AD from ancient oral teachings. The 2nd part is called The Gemara, which is always being updated to consist of the latest and best commentary on the Mishna. They accept only The Old Testament part of our Christian Bible. The Pentateuch, The first 5 books are called The Law, also called The Torah. The 2nd part is called The Prophets. The 3rd part is called The Hagiographa, which is all the O.T. books not in the first two parts. Christian religion, based on a sacred book known as The Bible, meaning a collection of books. The first part is called The Old Testament, the 2nd part is called the New Testament, also called The Gospel or Good News of Jesus Christ, written in the first first century. The OT Prophets foretold the coming of a Messiah, meaning a King who would liberate us, also called The anointed one, or The Christ. Christians believe that a man named Jesus, from the town of Nazareth, in Israel who lived in the first century, is the long awaited Christ, as recorded in the New Testament. Christians follow the teachings of Jesus, and believe that he is the incarnate, IE in flesh, in us, part of God. All religions believe in a God or many Gods. Monotheists or polytheists. Theists believe that God created and rules the world. Pantheists believe that God is a force in everything in nature. Deists believe according to the evidence they see and reason comes to them that God exists and he created the universe, but after setting it in motion, he abandoned it, and assumes no control over it. Jews believe in one God according to a prayer they say twice a day, The Shema IE hear, taken from the Torah, Dt 6.4-5. Christians believe that God is three persons, Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, in one unity. Think of three matches combined as one flame. Three spirits in one God. In the same way that the Bible teaches that we are also made in God�s image in 3 parts, body, soul, and spirit. Jews think Christians believe in 3 Gods. In the Shema which they pray, it says God is (united) one Lord (Echad), not (single solitary) one Lord (yachid). In Ge1.5 evening and morning are (united one) first day, and Ge2.24 a man and wife are (united) one flesh. Certainly they are united one in their children. There can be no such thing as divorce. Separation yes, but no such thing as divorce. By now you can see that Religion is quite confusing. Every religion is divided into many different sects or divisions, which also causes much confusion. Most Christians believe in God by faith. Gnostics do not. They believe if you study enough, and hear enough teachings, and receive knowledge by inspiration, you can come to The Truth of spiritual things. Why waste your life seeking what is near? The Beatles took three years in India studying under a famous Guru. It cost them $3 million, and they came back discouraged, because all that they learned for all that effort was 3 words, �Let It Be�. They made a song out of it later on. I have had folks call me religious. That could be a slap or a compliment. I was said to be �so heavenly minded, that I was no earthly good�. That is better than being �so worldly minded as to be no heavenly good�. Let�s be like Jesus. What was he like? He was called a Glutton and a wine drinker, Mt11.19, because he enjoyed eating and drinking. He was called Rabboni meaning beloved master teacher, because he enjoyed teaching the truth that will set men free from doctrines that divide and kill the spirit. Ep4.14 It does not say false doctrines does it? Every sect or denomination will specialize in a truth or they do not survive very long. Jn7.17, Jesus promised that the spiritual man will know by discernment of the spirit whether a doctrine is of God or not. God hates a sectarian spirit, Ga5.20, called here sedition. Why argue about baptism? Whether to sprinkle (aspersion), or pour (affusion), or dunk (immersion). Do what Jesus did and you won�t go wrong. Was Jesus a religious man? It means to live what you teach, or believe. Be pious and Godly. Yes indeed he was! He went on a 40 day fast, Mt4.2, so he did not let his flesh or his stomach boss him around. He was King of his castle of flesh. Be like Jesus, so he can be The King of kings, and Lord of lords. What religion do you hold to? Early Christians put their beliefs in a writing called The Apostles Creed. Here is what it says: I believe in God the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth. And in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord; Who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, Born of the Virgin Mary; Suffered under Pontius Pilate, Was crucified, dead, and buried; He descended into hell; The third day He rose again from the dead; He ascended into heaven And sitteth on the right hand of God the Father Almighty; From thence He shall come to judge the quick and the dead. I believe in the Holy Ghost; The holy Christian Church, the communion of saints; The forgiveness of sins; The resurrection of the body; And the life everlasting. Amen. This is a thoughtful and inspired creed. Yes, it has confusing parts, but God has not given us to know what is impossible to conceive of in our day. AMEN revdauphinee answered on 11/10/03: those who place thier faith in religions are lost It is faith in Christ alone that saves being a christian is not a religion but a lifestyle STONY rated this answer ~Cernd_Wmn~ rated this answer

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ROLCAM asked on 11/10/03 - I want to hear your views on this statement. Jesus was not born in December, but in April, Springtime. ROLCAM revdauphinee answered on 11/10/03: it is commonly accepted that Dec was not the month of his birth !The springtime does make more sence since the scripture tells us shepherds were in the fields something they would not be doing in winter The miracle is not the time of his birth but the fact that he was indeed born to live here among men then die for our sins paraclete rated this answer ROLCAM rated this answer

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HANK1 asked on 11/09/03 - PROOF! How much 'history' in the Bible can ACTUALLY be proven? HANK revdauphinee answered on 11/10/03: much of the historical value of the bible is being proven today by archeaology (I never claimed to be a good speller)some have been proven acurate by other sourcess such as the writings of historians,But for a Christian believer we need no proof for he said it I believe it is all we need we walk by faith not proof' Dorothy HANK1 rated this answer

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dognap asked on 11/07/03 - Is this Gratuitously offensive to Taoists? Christian writer, Edmund Davidson Soper, writing is cited in Paul Hutchinson's book, HOW MANKIND WORSHIPS page 12, as stating: "Taoism today [...] is a mass of puerile superstitions. It is the worst side of Chinese religion. [...]theoretically, the business of the ignorant priests is to help the people live in accord with Tao, i.e., the Way, but practically it is magic run mad. Soothsaying in every imaginable form [...] is carried on by a priesthood which has become skillful in working on the superstitious of the people." 1. Is this highly offensive to Taoists? 2. Should Christian speak this way about other faiths? revdauphinee answered on 11/10/03: it is the duty of all Christians to spred his word even if to do so may be politicaly incorrect at present Matthew 28:18. Then Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20. and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." Dorothy dognap rated this answer

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*Karrisa* asked on 11/07/03 - In response to Hope .... Hope, Don't worry about the block; if it clears fine, if not then, no problem, we will connect this way. I am well, thanks, trust that you are the same. Sometimes I wish that humanity had the aptitude, the ability, control and the facility to understand each other better, and understand clearly all things about religion and GO, but such is not the case, so all that we can do is study, question, discuss, share and maybe just maybe one day all will be able to truly understand all that we struggle with now. I could also be wrong in stating the following, but this is what I believe; the main problem in understanding different religious points of view, is the basis of the theology of each person. Those who base their theological and spiritual beliefs on the Bible will differ [often without a possible meeting of the minds] from those who do not, as in your case and mine. I cannot base my beliefs and theology on Scriptures given what I feel about the Bible, and saying that I agree with you or anyone whose theology is based in the Scriptures would be unfair to both, to you because I do not share your basis and to me because I would go against my beliefs, however, one thing that we can do is to try and understand each other�s point of view with an open mind. I know that complete understanding will not be easy, and will most probably evade us, but, at least we can try amicably and patiently. I believe there are many roads, not just two, and each of us has a choice as to what road we are going to follow. Choosing that road is not enough, one has to make a conscious choice to walk that road in all honesty with principled living, knowing and following the Golden Rule, which is a fundamental part of all those roads, then those paths will ultimately lead to God the Creator. Be well, and hope that tooth is not causing undue stress, Karissa revdauphinee answered on 11/10/03: one may walk different roads but we need to remember not all roads lead to the same place (Matt.7:13-14 13 "Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. 14 But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it. ) Dorothy *Karrisa* rated this answer

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*Karrisa* asked on 11/06/03 - Hope's ? Hope, your question, unfortuantely has no possible answer, if it did there would be less conflict/bloodshed/antagonism/ in this world. Granted, it would be a peaceful world and an easier world to live in if we all lived under one God, and one religion, however, such is not the case. My question is: Why did God give us free will if He/She did not mean for us to use it? revdauphinee answered on 11/10/03: God gives us free choice because he wants us to worship and love him oput of choice not from compulsion.Love cannot be demanded it must be a free thing decided upon by us he has already decided he loves us, he sent his son! *Karrisa* rated this answer

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CeeBee asked on 11/06/03 - Old Age -- Tonight was the night I was to train a new volunteer. I was dreading it since she is only 14 and sounded a bit hyper when I had interviewed her by phone. My boss told me to give her a chance. (Most of our volunteers are older teens and seniors.) Promptly at 3:30 Emily, eager for her first training session, rounded the corner to my desk and exclaimed, "Wow! You sound a lot YOUNGER on the phone!" I suppose, when you are 14, everyone over 25 looks old :-D. But she got me thinking, and here's my question of the week: What do you think about old people? If you belong to a church or synagogue, where and how do older, especially homebound or nursing-home resident members, fit into your religious community? revdauphinee answered on 11/10/03: with age often comes wisdom (though not always I must admit ) we should honor our old people and listen! often when we do this we learn something I feel we in the west do not show a great value for the folks who have given thier lives to society we should! age is a thing we all wish to attain ( think of the alternative) would it not be nice if we could look forward to having some value as we come to the end part of our journey here? Dorothy CeeBee rated this answer

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Sally-Anne asked on 10/21/03 - Excommunication of husband My President has told me that my husband is nolonger head of the family is this correct? Being my husband doesnt that make him the head automatically in God's eyes. I have not been a member very long and this is very confusing as I have had various opions on it,can you please clarify or direct my question to someone who knows? Sally revdauphinee answered on 10/22/03: (1Cor.11:3 Now I want you to realize that the head of every man is Christ, and the head of the woman is man, and the head of Christ is God. ) tgbrowning rated this answer dognap rated this answer Sally-Anne rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 10/20/03 - In reply to Aton There is only one reply to someone who thinks they have it all together, its contained, as I'm sure you already know, in The Bible in Job 40 6 Then the LORD spoke to Job out of the storm: 7 "Brace yourself like a man; I will question you, and you shall answer me. 8 "Would you discredit my justice? Would you condemn me to justify yourself? 9 Do you have an arm like God's, and can your voice thunder like his? 10 Then adorn yourself with glory and splendor, and clothe yourself in honor and majesty. 11 Unleash the fury of your wrath, look at every proud man and bring him low, 12 look at every proud man and humble him, crush the wicked where they stand. 13 Bury them all in the dust together; shroud their faces in the grave. 14 Then I myself will admit to you that your own right hand can save you. 15 "Look at the behemoth, which I made along with you and which feeds on grass like an ox. 16 What strength he has in his loins, what power in the muscles of his belly! 17 His tail sways like a cedar; the sinews of his thighs are close-knit. 18 His bones are tubes of bronze, his limbs like rods of iron. 19 He ranks first among the works of God, yet his Maker can approach him with his sword. 20 The hills bring him their produce, and all the wild animals play nearby. 21 Under the lotus plants he lies, hidden among the reeds in the marsh. 22 The lotuses conceal him in their shadow; the poplars by the stream surround him. 23 When the river rages, he is not alarmed; he is secure, though the Jordan should surge against his mouth. 24 Can anyone capture him by the eyes, or trap him and pierce his nose? 41:1 "Can you pull in the leviathan with a fishhook or tie down his tongue with a rope? 2 Can you put a cord through his nose or pierce his jaw with a hook? 3 Will he keep begging you for mercy? Will he speak to you with gentle words? 4 Will he make an agreement with you for you to take him as your slave for life? 5 Can you make a pet of him like a bird or put him on a leash for your girls? 6 Will traders barter for him? Will they divide him up among the merchants? 7 Can you fill his hide with harpoons or his head with fishing spears? 8 If you lay a hand on him, you will remember the struggle and never do it again! 9 Any hope of subduing him is false; the mere sight of him is overpowering. 10 No one is fierce enough to rouse him. Who then is able to stand against me? 11 Who has a claim against me that I must pay? Everything under heaven belongs to me. 12 "I will not fail to speak of his limbs, his strength and his graceful form. 13 Who can strip off his outer coat? Who would approach him with a bridle? 14 Who dares open the doors of his mouth, ringed about with his fearsome teeth? 15 His back has rows of shields tightly sealed together; 16 each is so close to the next that no air can pass between. 17 They are joined fast to one another; they cling together and cannot be parted. 18 His snorting throws out flashes of light; his eyes are like the rays of dawn. 19 Firebrands stream from his mouth; sparks of fire shoot out. 20 Smoke pours from his nostrils as from a boiling pot over a fire of reeds. 21 His breath sets coals ablaze, and flames dart from his mouth. 22 Strength resides in his neck; dismay goes before him. 23 The folds of his flesh are tightly joined; they are firm and immovable. 24 His chest is hard as rock, hard as a lower millstone. 25 When he rises up, the mighty are terrified; they retreat before his thrashing. 26 The sword that reaches him has no effect, nor does the spear or the dart or the javelin. 27 Iron he treats like straw and bronze like rotten wood. 28 Arrows do not make him flee; slingstones are like chaff to him. 29 A club seems to him but a piece of straw; he laughs at the rattling of the lance. 30 His undersides are jagged potsherds, leaving a trail in the mud like a threshing sledge. 31 He makes the depths churn like a boiling caldron and stirs up the sea like a pot of ointment. 32 Behind him he leaves a glistening wake; one would think the deep had white hair. 33 Nothing on earth is his equal-- a creature without fear. 34 He looks down on all that are haughty; he is king over all that are proud." So Aton let's see your victory over the behemoth and the leviathan? revdauphinee answered on 10/22/03: The only thing I can say to ATON IS I WILL KEEP YOU IN MY PRAYERS FRIEND DOROTHY paraclete rated this answer

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Laura asked on 10/20/03 - Free Will God destroyed what he had created the first time around because of the evil of man. And if he had not promised to never destroy man in such a way again, He probably would have continued to purge man from time to time so that man would not utterly destroy himself permanately. We know from history that we have a really good way of purging ourselves without God's help.. though God allows it because of our free will. Human beings can do so many wonderous the glorius things. We can also be so horific and evil. It's a wonder we still exist. God has something better in store for us. God gave all men free will and he cannot take that away. Did he make a mistake in that? After all, that is what it boils down to.. Before free will, there was perfection.. Even before God created the angels, or anything else that exists there was perfection, for there was only God. The angels had free will as well, and look what happened! If we had not been given free will, and we had been created with only the ability to do God's will and nothing else, we would not have any of the problems that we wrestle and struggle with.. We wouldn't have to worry about any sin (or whatever you choose to call it)at all. *******I believe that free will is the most perfect thing that God could have ever endowed a human being with, besides a mind to reason with, and God's Word to guide us. Let man berate the Word and demean it. I don't care. I know what God's purpose in it is. Not that I understand every word or every story, though each one contains at the least, a lesson. And whether that lesson is negative or positive, is for us to discern with spirit eyes. Without it, (free will...and the Word for that matter) we would not know good from evil, nor would we learn how to overcome evil with good. We would not grow through trial and triumph, and we would not learn the lessons we so desperately need to learn for eternity. Does anyone really think that this short life on earth is all there is?? I sure don't!******* There is a much higher purpose behind what God does and what he allows, even when we might see things as evil or unneccesary (why did "God allow this or that?). God knows exactly what he is doing. I seek for the answers just as many others are seeking for the answers.. We have fumbled since the beginning of time, and we will continue to do so. And God, realizing this made a way, not of our own doing, to attain redemption,, a place in eternity. I believe that God makes no mistakes. Everything He has ever done or allowed has been for a specific deliberate purpose. Man is no better today than he was the first time around when God did destroy him. Man will continue to rebel and deny God. There is nothing we can do about it. But those who can see past now and who have a vision of eternity know that God is in control. Those who want a better way, have been given one through the words of Jesus Christ and His sacrafice.. Free will folks. We can learn the hard way all by ourselves, or we can learn the hard way with God by our side. And I don't know of anyone who can honestly say that the narrow road isn't hard, but it can be extremily rewarding, in the least from a spiritual sence. We don't always understand the why's or the what if's. Maybe we are not meant to right now.. Maybe it isn't time. One day we will. He promised. I believe Him. Come, let us reason (and learn) together!! Laura revdauphinee answered on 10/20/03: (Jer.32:27 "I am the LORD, the God of all mankind. Is anything too hard for me? ) (Matt.19:26 Jesus looked at them and said, "With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible." ) (Mk.10:27 Jesus looked at them and said, "With man this is impossible, but not with God; all things are possible with God." ) (Lk.18:27 Jesus replied, "What is impossible with men is possible with God." ) Laura rated this answer

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dognap asked on 10/18/03 - "Worse next time!" threat to Mormons Baptists split on role of fire and brimstone By Elaine Jarvik Deseret Morning News Last Sunday, a week after street preachers and LDS faithful clashed outside the Conference Center of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, pastor Thomas Corkish stood in front of his congregation at Anchor Baptist Church in Holladay and voiced his distress over what had happened. The Rev. Corkish's concern was not over free speech issues or who should or should not have been arrested, but over the tone of the preaching practiced that weekend by people who, for the most part, are also Baptist. "We don't need to be negative," he told his congregation. "We need to have a spirit of gentleness." His views, and those of other mainstream Baptist ministers, underscore that the Baptist church, aside from being a monolith, is a collection of hundreds of separate denominations with sometimes radically different beliefs and approaches. For ministers, at the heart of the division is the question of what preaching is all about. Is it about spreading the "good news" or telling sinners that they're going to hell? Is there a line that shouldn't be crossed? Is there a place where meaning becomes just plain mean? Another Baptist street preacher, the Rev. Fred Phelps of Topeka, Kan., made national headlines this week for his plan to erect a 6-foot-tall granite monument in a city park in Casper, Wyo. The monument includes an engraved picture of Matthew Shepard, the University of Wyoming freshman who was tied to a fence and beaten into a coma five years ago by attackers who did not approve of his homosexuality. Under the picture is Phelps' message: "Matthew Shepard Entered Hell Oct. 12, 1998, at Age 21, In Defiance of God's Warning: 'Thou shalt not lie with mankind as with womankind; it is abomination.' Leviticus 18:22." The Rev. Phelps, who preached against gays in Salt Lake City two years ago, says he is planning to picket today's BYU-University of Wyoming football game. "We've heard through e-mails that there's a hotbed of homosexuality at BYU," the Rev. Phelps said in a phone interview earlier this week. He runs a Web site called godhatesfags.com. The Rev. Phelps defends the right of street preachers to use LDS garments to "make a point that holds the religion of Mormons in utmost contempt." Is there a line that shouldn't be crossed? "Yes, I suppose so," he says. "We have laws, called 'disturbing the peace' or 'public obscenity.' If you're out there buck naked, they'll probably arrest you." Otherwise, he says, he has a right to say what he wants � and he's disappointed that more preachers don't preach in the old "wrath of God" style. "They used to all preach like that. I get lonesome." "Please don't put us in the same category," says the Rev. Corkish in an effort to distance himself from both the Rev. Phelps and from the Baptist street preachers who denounced the LDS Church as members walked to and from meetings of the LDS General Conference two weeks ago. Some of these protesters also wore LDS sacred garments around their necks and some reportedly spit on them. "These folks, they're not us," says a Holladay Baptist Church pastor, the Rev. Rodger Russell. "You don't hold the LDS Church responsible for the things Ervil LeBaron said, even though they came from the same root and both trace back to Joseph Smith. They're separate and don't agree with one another anymore." In the Salt Lake Valley, Baptist churches are classified as Baptist, ABA Baptist, American Baptist, Baptist Bible Fellowship, Conservative Baptist, Free Will Baptist, Baptist National Convention USA, Southern Baptists and Independent Baptists. Many of the street preachers are Independent Baptists, but not all Independent Baptists think alike either, says the Rev. Pat Edwards of Grace Baptist, an Independent Baptist church in Bountiful. The street preachers who picketed at the LDS Conference Center "are focused on what I call the bad news. . . . These guys are just out there trying to make (Mormons) realize that they're all going to hell." "It has to do with what the essence of preaching is," said the Rev. Kurt Van Gorden, director of missions for the Utah Gospel Mission, headquartered in Victorville, Calif. The Rev. Van Gorden travels to Utah about 20 times a year to pass out tracts on Salt Lake streets. "Preaching is supposed to be about the gospel, and the gospel means the good news about Jesus Christ and his grace. Anything less is not preaching the gospel but is merely a man's opinion. Mean-spiritedness has no place in street preaching." Baptist street preacher Lonnie Pursifull, who preached and picketed outside the Conference Center, defends his preaching style. "Southern Baptists have sold out," he said. "They go around with their sugar-coated method." "Sometimes our message is a little harsh. But if anything, we'll heat it up next time," said Pursifull, Utah director of the World Wide Street Preachers Fellowship. At next April's LDS General Conference, he says, "We'll be dressed in full (LDS) temple get-up." ```````````````` Do you agree with their methods? If you are a Christian please justify your answer from Bible scriptures that maie it right to harass and persecute and belittle and blaspheme. revdauphinee answered on 10/20/03: whilst I as a Christian do denounce homosexuality as sin I also denoundece hatred of anyone! as also and maybee even a greater sin. No one has ever been won to Christ through hate His commandment to us was to love how can we ever expect to win any sinner through hate it just cant be done! like God himself we are to hate the sin but never the sinner ,since all of us are sinners in one way or another we should love and welcome the one who is sinning into our midst ,My only comment on this is that since God finds this a sin we are not to allow one in sin (any sin ) to be a teacher of other Christians unless he has repented of his sin dognap rated this answer

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Bobbye asked on 10/18/03 - Genesis 2:21, NKJV: "And the Lord God caused a deep sleep to fall on Adam, and he slept; and He (1) WAS PAIN PRESENT IN THE GARDEN BEFORE "THE FALL?" If "so": If "no," then why did God put Adam to sleep? (2) In Henry M. Morris' "The Genesis Record," page 101, he discusses "rib" as opposed to "side" in relation to Adam's statement:" ...this is now bone of my bones, and flesh of my flesh...." Genesis 2:23. HAS ANYONE HERE DONE A STUDY RE "RIB" AS OPPOSED TO "SIDE?" Your comments are welcomed. Thanks. Bobbye revdauphinee answered on 10/19/03: He may have put him to sleep since he knew as a man he would have told him he had a better way to do this , Bobbye rated this answer paraclete rated this answer

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ROLCAM asked on 10/18/03 - Where can one find the answers?? Unlike some religious and philosophical systems, the Bible takes a very positive view on human sexuality. ROLCAM. revdauphinee answered on 10/19/03: I am in tital agreement with this ROLCAM rated this answer

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dapromise asked on 10/17/03 - American Revolution - against Scripture? Hi! I'm studying about the American Revolution and the Boston rebellions against the British and I need to write an essay about it. Do you think speaking out against British rule was disobeying scripture? Were the Bostonians in particular and Americans disobeying God when they spoke out agsinst British rule over the colonies? Was the American Revolution itself wrong in the eyes of God? More generally, is it ever right to rebel against authority? If so, when? If not, why not? I need to hear the opinion of Christians since I am one as well. I think the American Revolution was wrong, but I'm not entirely sure. If i'm correct, you're allowed to rebel against authority if they are doing/telling you to do something directly against the law of God but I'm not sure. Please help me! Thanks a bunch and God bless! revdauphinee answered on 10/19/03: Ecclesiastes 3 1. There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven: 2. a time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to uproot, 3. (( a time to kill and a time to heal, a time to tear down and a time to build, )) 4. a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance, 5. a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them, a time to embrace and a time to refrain, 6. a time to search and a time to give up, a time to keep and a time to throw away, 7. a time to tear and a time to mend, a time to be silent and a time to speak, 8. (( a time to love and a time to hate, a time for war and a time for peace.)) It seems this was the time for war! Is it wrong for abused people to fight for freedom from that oppression?? Dorothy dapromise rated this answer

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tomder55 asked on 10/17/03 - what do you think ? Is God a Yankee fan ? revdauphinee answered on 10/17/03: God dosent watch sports he has his hand full watching us ! tomder55 rated this answer Toms777 rated this answer

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cliff_dweller asked on 10/17/03 - How has He shown you How has God shown you that he truly cares for you? What type of experience have you had that demonstrates this? revdauphinee answered on 10/17/03: I wake up every morning!!! ATON2 rated this answer cliff_dweller rated this answer

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CASEY asked on 10/16/03 - GOD is gender neutral? TOMADER55 , God is always referred to as HE, not she not IT but HE. MAN OF WAR, HEAVENLY fATHER, NOT HEAVENLY MOTHER, Adam in God's image first not Eve. Jesus was a man. Why do u think God has no gender? revdauphinee answered on 10/17/03: Mark 12:25. When the dead rise, they will neither marry nor be given in marriage; they will be like the angels in heaven. to me this passage impies absence of Gender CASEY rated this answer

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CASEY asked on 10/16/03 - Amnon and Tamar Tamar tells her brother Amnon "do not force me" etc., speak unto the king, he wil not withhold me from thee." So would King David allow his son to marry his daughter or do whatever it was he wanted to do, since it was prohibited ,"do not uncover nakedness of thy sister,the daughter of thy father or mother". Why did David do nothing to punish amnon except get mad at him? Prehaps it would have prevented all the trouble with Absalom. revdauphinee answered on 10/17/03: David was a human and humans fail to do right often CASEY rated this answer

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CASEY asked on 10/16/03 - HOPE'S question to Casey Hope you asked me if "GOD disapproves of homosexuality, would HE allow man to be born with these desires." It seems GOD allows man to be born with all sorts of infirmities. If indeed,HE directs each trait man is born with . I know an older man who told me he has loved to steal since a small child. His parents were good and tried to teach him,but he told me, "I have just always loved to steal." AS for me i have always loved to read and have relatives who say they dont like to read much at all. One of my brothers likes browneyed women, another likes blue eyed women. Where am I going with this, I don't know,except different preferences. However I do agree with you,homosexuality is much more harmful than these things,it would seem to the mind,spirit and body. revdauphinee answered on 10/17/03: quote"would HE allow man to be born with these desires." the answer to this is NO!a new born has no sexual desires whatsoever!!! sexual preference is a learned (and contrary to popular belief chosen act)If we as humans choose wrong over right then one day we will answer to our maker to whoom this act is an abomination see Leviticus 18:22 Dorothy CASEY rated this answer

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hOPE12 asked on 10/16/03 - We all have a story! Hello Experts: I being a Christian remain a Christian because of the way I have seen God's direction in my life. I have seen him pick me up from problems that seemed that there was not way out. These experiences have built my faith and have given me confidence in my Creator. Most of all these experiences have instilled in me a closness to God that is closer then a mother and her child. I know he is real and I know he loves me. I above all have grown to love him with all my heart and mind and soul. What is one experience you have had in your life that you can share that makes you know that God exists? What is one experience that you can share that will upbuild and encourage others? Thank you, Hope12 revdauphinee answered on 10/17/03: I remember daily that God loves me even when I am not being loveable (often) Dorothy hOPE12 rated this answer

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bal317 asked on 10/15/03 - How do I come to terms? Hello Experts: I love God, and because of the daily talks I have with God, I can't get over this and need a good(something). My problem: I dated this man for 1 yr. . He was very misleading. He ended up, having 4 split personalities, when I tried to break up with him, we had numerous police involvements, and him going to jail. Among those things he physically hurt me, breaking into my home to do so. Then final jail time, he called a bomb threat into my school I was attending and they sent him to jail for 5yrs, but served 1/2 time, well when he got out, he started dating a cousin of mine, then he moved in, so she brings him to all of our family and friends everything right down to funerals, where I can't grieve or go to repass and break bread around someone who has threaten'd my life in such manner. Plus this cousin in the past, had a child by one of my brother's, and has tried to get every man(except my new husband of 4 yrs. now) that I have been with, which has been 3. My first ex, she tried before we got married-he denied her, my 2nd husband I caught them in bed together, and now this man who was my boyfriend. Now by bringing him to all the things, she knows I won't stay around, so she is literly taking my family and friends. How, and I know I can't forgive these people in the form of what I should, how can anyone go around and live when every avenue is being blocked in an uncivilized manner? I feel if I am touched by sermons at funerals, that is what he wants to see, me cry, and just today at the Bishops funeral, I was there early to open the Church, let the mortician in and helped set up flowers, organize the repass area, and assist fully, then they waltz in just before we were ready to speak to the family and he was in the kitchen more than he should, and she stayed in the kitchen visiting not speaking to me, which was fine, but they did it out of spite just to be there around me and knowing I had to hear and see them, and knowing how much this must distract any emotions I had in sympathy for which I was there to give support, so before all the food was served I left, and he stood by the door to see what type of vehicle I was in as he opened the door for someone to come in. My family says, get court orders and my police dept says, we know he is bad news and a huge problem, but I fall between the cracks and can't get any protective orders, but watch my back, but if he gets hurt by me, it's all premeditated. What would any of you do? How can I do something so when I am in God's house, I am not getting these mean and over anxious thoughts which is definately not good in God's house? Plus, he now is a truck driver, is a preditor, stalker, violent person who goes 48 states even Canada, been in prison, has a police file that could wall paper 3 houses completely. What do I do for me, and in something that will really work. Thank you P.S. I never know where he is or when he will start stalking me and being around him, just spirts his mind. revdauphinee answered on 10/17/03: as a be;iever we are called to extra ordinary measures ,we Have to forgive !there is no choice for if we dont forgive we cannot be forgiven and remember vengeance is the Lords read this and think on it it should help (Prov.25:21-22 21 If your enemy is hungry, give him food to eat; if he is thirsty, give him water to drink. 22 In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head, and the LORD will reward you. ) bal317 rated this answer

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grayeagle_50 asked on 10/15/03 - Hello to all my friends and new members! I hope this reaches everyone that is in our Fathers word. My question is this....I was told that there was a "curse" on me and my family by a so-called "preacher"...Now the question is this.Can a christian be cursed? I will give my view on this in my rating...Thanks and please everyone reply as I do not give anything but great ratings....Jeff revdauphinee answered on 10/17/03: if you are a chiristian then you must know as said in Isaiah 54:17 17. no weapon forged against you will prevail, and you will refute every tongue that accuses you. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and this is their vindication from me," declares the LORD. so forget curses they wont work! Dorothy grayeagle_50 rated this answer

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CASEY asked on 10/15/03 - What would be the answer for gay people? HI , i have a question about gay people. As christians,what would you say would be the solution to being gay. Sshould one just refrain from any sexual acts at all, try to be "straight", or other? I am not gay but wonder what Christians think homosexuals should do concerning their sexuality? revdauphinee answered on 10/17/03: contrary to popular belief being Gay is not something we are born with ( a baby has no sexual preferance it is a chosen behaviour wich since chosen can be changed the Bible clearly tells us in Leviticus 18: 22. "`Do not lie with a man as one lies with a woman; that is detestable. and in 20:13. "`If a man lies with a man as one lies with a woman, both of them have done what is detestable. They must be put to death; their blood will be on their own heads. 1 Corinthians 6: 9. Do you not know that the wicked will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers nor male prostitutes nor homosexual offenders yes we as Christians should love them but we also must point them the error of the way they are living It is a choice !a very wrong one Dorothy CASEY rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 10/15/03 - The contest for the soul of the west Once again we have confirmation that the crisis in the Anglican Church is a contest for souls. British Archbishop Sleigh said that this is a contest for the soul of the church. Why is this issue such a problem for Anglicans. Is it because they streadfastly hold that they are inclusive and so they exclude noone. But they arn't being asked to exclude anyone, just ensure that the clergy uphold moral imperatives contained in the Word of God. Well they have come to a point where they are being asked to exclude those provences which have appointed bishops in openly gay relationships. One African Bishop has already stated that he views these clergy as satanic. revdauphinee answered on 10/17/03: I am apauled this Church can continue to call itself Chgristian !Are not Christians supposed to follow the teaching of scriptures?? What part of Leviticus 18:22 do they not understand . Gays do need to be in Church they need to be there to learn the error of thier ways, they do not belong in the clergy in any form Dorothy ATON2 rated this answer MaggieB rated this answer paraclete rated this answer

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hOPE12 asked on 10/15/03 - Disabled but not helpless. Hello Experts: Do you personally feel that one's religion plays an important part in how a Christian or a religious person would treat others who are different from themselves? This difference of course is speaking about the disabled population in the world today. Does your religion teach you to be kind to these one's and to allow them to express themselves and do what they can do? Or maybe do you find yourself feeling sorry for them? Do you feel they also have something to offer others? Do you every laugh at them? My question was prompted by something that took place when my family and I went out to eat dinner last night at Red Lobster. There was this lady at one table with her family and she was disabled. She seemed to have a condition that made her have involuntary movement of her head and body limbs. She had jerky movements that made her shake. She smiled and seemed pleasant and she seemed to be enjoying her dinner with her family. She had trouble eating her food and drinking her drink. But that did not stop her from smiling and talking with her family and enjoying herself. Her family seemed to be used to her for her disability didn�t seem to bother them. The table next to her was two couples that kept staring at this lady and laughing every time she would drop her food from her fork due to her shaking. I watched and became disturbed at how another human being could treat someone else just because they were different. As the evening went on, the couples would point and laugh at this lady. How disrespectful they were. They didn�t stop to think that this could have been them with the disability and people could be laughing at them. How would they have felt? I wanted to go over and give these couples a good hit in the head, but I could not because I was with my family trying to ignore them, it was hard to ignore them though, because this lady was ME. I was born with a disease that effects the muscles of every part of my body. It is a challenge but not a sentence of doom. I have a beautiful family with 2 daughters and a son. God gives us what we need and what we want for we work just like every one else. I own my own business and am happy in my life. I am very active in my Religion and help others every day. I tell you this not because I want your pity, no that can do nothing for me, nor will it make my condition any less debilitating. I do though ask that you give respect for any who you might come in contact with who might be a little different then yourself. They do not want your pity nor do they wish to be laughed at. They are human also; with feelings and with desires and most all with love in their heart for all. I realize that many of you experts never would behave as these two couples did towards any who are disabled, yet I had to do something to rid myself of such angry feelings towards the two couples who behaved in such a bad manner. I wanted to do something constructive and so I ask these personal questions because if I could keep one person who is disabled from being laughed at then this post has accomplished what it was purposed to accomplish. Thank you for reading this post and allowing me to vent my feelings. Hope12 revdauphinee answered on 10/17/03: Unfortunatly good maners are not a posesion of all one would wish they were ,These folks will someday realise how cruel they were (hopefully)for the Lord was watching them and he was not laughing Dorothy hOPE12 rated this answer

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hOPE12 asked on 10/13/03 - Hope12's Statement: TO ALL MY FELLOW EXPERTS: This is a statement to all that some of the information that is given by me is taken from different watchtower magazines or other Jehovah's Witness literature. "I AT NO TIME USE INFORMATION FROM OTHER WEBSITES!" In many cases the information I give may look as if from other websites because many web site quote from Jehovah's Witnesses literature or www.watchtower.org. This can make it seem as if I or someone else copied from other website, when in reality it orginated with literature written by Jehovah's Witnesses to start with. I am giving this statement and that same statement is found in my profile. If any still wish to accuse me of plagiariasm that is their opinion and they are intitled to their opinion. I though take comfort in that God Almighty sees all and when we are accused of something, we know in our heart if we are innocent or guilty. God is my judge, my only judge. If the same time and efforts and energy would be used in helping others and showing concern and love for others in this world, it would be a finer place to live. I respect all laws, even the laws on plagiarism. Again I state and you can quote me. "I being a Jehovah's Witness do many times use information found in the watchtower and awake magazines as well as other literature the Watchtower society prints and rightly so, I am one of Jehovah's Witnesses." Will my accuser also counsel those who copy the Watchtower Societies literature and without consent to do so? Or do they only counasel those they disagree with? Good question wouldn't you say? Hope12 revdauphinee answered on 10/13/03: with the following I do agree "this whole issue is the typical picayune stuff found here " quoted from a posting by tomder55 without permission! tomder55 rated this answer hOPE12 rated this answer *Karrisa* rated this answer paraclete rated this answer

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ROLCAM asked on 10/13/03 - SINCERITY !! One should be kindhearted and generous, and one should also forgive, I know it is difficult, but with God's help you shall succeed. Any comments ?? ROLCAM. revdauphinee answered on 10/13/03: sometimes being a Christian is not easy (Matt.18:21-35 21 Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, "Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother when he sins against me? Up to seven times?" 22 Jesus answered, "I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times. ROLCAM rated this answer

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Fr_Chuck asked on 10/12/03 - Seperation of Church and State This is perhaps the most misused phase, to the glee of the heathens in America. I challenge those Christians who beleive this is a rule or law, to actually read our constitution. It scares me to no end, to find Christians who really beleive this is how our government was formed. That could be the farthest thing from the truth. The only protection is that the government could not restrict our worship. ( and guess what they are doing all the time across american now?) Christians who do not know thier real rights and have listened to and been educated by a heathen public school system, now beleive as a Christian, they have to seperate that from the government. This could be further from the truth. One of the first postions that the Congress had was a Chaplian, which they still have. The Armies all have Chaplian positions. A prayer to God is said at the opening of Congress. The real protection was supose to be that Chrsitians could worship God as they felt was right. And we see that was not allowed by the treatment of the Mormons both historically and in the 1960's. But how the government can and will force churches to change thier teachings if they do not fit into the beleif of that government. Amendment I Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances. So yes we have the right to teach religion, to pray in our schools, to have public prayer at football games and more. but guess what, Christians have sat on thier duff and let the governemnt take that right away from you, because they over time, taught you a false meaning without you questioning the truth. revdauphinee answered on 10/13/03: couldnt agree with you more ,and as for listening to others explain thier different faiths I am always ready to listen as long as i get the same responce from them(they will be willing to listen to me ) Fr_Chuck rated this answer MaggieB rated this answer

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HANK1 asked on 10/12/03 - TOLERANCE! The virtue of TOLERANCE has always characterized America! This tradition, of course, includes religious freedom. Faith in the future of mankind is also included in the trinity of American virtues. If NO religion was practiced in America, please describe your own immediate environment! revdauphinee answered on 10/12/03: the question is how much do you tollerate even God does not tollerate everything we cannot tollerate sin or false teachings and still follow him! HANK1 rated this answer

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MaggieB asked on 10/11/03 - Post re Pat Robertson from Reuter's News State Department Protests Televangelist's Remark Fri Oct 10,10:51 AM ET WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The State Department has protested to televangelist Pat Robertson about his "despicable" suggestion that someone blow up the department with a nuclear bomb, an official said on Thursday. Robertson, a former presidential candidate, made the remark in an interview with Joel Mowbray, author of a new book entitled "Dangerous Diplomacy: How the State Department Endangers America's Security." State Department spokesman Richard Boucher, asked to comment, said on Thursday: "I lack sufficient capabilities to express my disdain. ... I think the very idea is despicable." The department has made its views clear to Robertson, added a State Department official, who asked not to be named. Introducing Mowbray on his Christian Broadcasting Network, Robertson said that a person who read Mowbray's book would reach the conclusion that a nuclear explosion at the State Department was the best solution. "I read your book. When you get through, you say (to yourself): 'If I could just get a nuclear device inside Foggy Bottom (the State Department's main building), I think that's the answer' and you say: 'We've got to blow that thing up.' I mean, is it as bad as you say?" he said. "It is," Mowbray replied. Mowbray himself did not make the suggestion, either in his book or in the interview. According to the network's Web site, Mowbray's book "exposes the mixed allegiances, hidden agendas, and outright anti-Americanism found in the State Department." A group of conservatives, including former Speaker of the House of Representatives Newt Gingrich, accuses the State Department of undermining U.S. interests by protecting dictatorial governments abroad. I have posted this article so that you may see just what was said. MaggieB � revdauphinee answered on 10/12/03: Pat should render unto CAESAR ''''''' MaggieB rated this answer paraclete rated this answer

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MaggieB asked on 10/11/03 - Post re Pat Robertson from Reuter's News State Department Protests Televangelist's Remark Fri Oct 10,10:51 AM ET WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The State Department has protested to televangelist Pat Robertson about his "despicable" suggestion that someone blow up the department with a nuclear bomb, an official said on Thursday. Robertson, a former presidential candidate, made the remark in an interview with Joel Mowbray, author of a new book entitled "Dangerous Diplomacy: How the State Department Endangers America's Security." State Department spokesman Richard Boucher, asked to comment, said on Thursday: "I lack sufficient capabilities to express my disdain. ... I think the very idea is despicable." The department has made its views clear to Robertson, added a State Department official, who asked not to be named. Introducing Mowbray on his Christian Broadcasting Network, Robertson said that a person who read Mowbray's book would reach the conclusion that a nuclear explosion at the State Department was the best solution. "I read your book. When you get through, you say (to yourself): 'If I could just get a nuclear device inside Foggy Bottom (the State Department's main building), I think that's the answer' and you say: 'We've got to blow that thing up.' I mean, is it as bad as you say?" he said. "It is," Mowbray replied. Mowbray himself did not make the suggestion, either in his book or in the interview. According to the network's Web site, Mowbray's book "exposes the mixed allegiances, hidden agendas, and outright anti-Americanism found in the State Department." A group of conservatives, including former Speaker of the House of Representatives Newt Gingrich, accuses the State Department of undermining U.S. interests by protecting dictatorial governments abroad. I have posted this article so that you may see just what was said. MaggieB � revdauphinee answered on 10/12/03: Pat should render unto CAESAR ''''''' MaggieB rated this answer

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MaggieB asked on 10/11/03 - Post re Pat Robertson from Reuter's News State Department Protests Televangelist's Remark Fri Oct 10,10:51 AM ET WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The State Department has protested to televangelist Pat Robertson about his "despicable" suggestion that someone blow up the department with a nuclear bomb, an official said on Thursday. Robertson, a former presidential candidate, made the remark in an interview with Joel Mowbray, author of a new book entitled "Dangerous Diplomacy: How the State Department Endangers America's Security." State Department spokesman Richard Boucher, asked to comment, said on Thursday: "I lack sufficient capabilities to express my disdain. ... I think the very idea is despicable." The department has made its views clear to Robertson, added a State Department official, who asked not to be named. Introducing Mowbray on his Christian Broadcasting Network, Robertson said that a person who read Mowbray's book would reach the conclusion that a nuclear explosion at the State Department was the best solution. "I read your book. When you get through, you say (to yourself): 'If I could just get a nuclear device inside Foggy Bottom (the State Department's main building), I think that's the answer' and you say: 'We've got to blow that thing up.' I mean, is it as bad as you say?" he said. "It is," Mowbray replied. Mowbray himself did not make the suggestion, either in his book or in the interview. According to the network's Web site, Mowbray's book "exposes the mixed allegiances, hidden agendas, and outright anti-Americanism found in the State Department." A group of conservatives, including former Speaker of the House of Representatives Newt Gingrich, accuses the State Department of undermining U.S. interests by protecting dictatorial governments abroad. I have posted this article so that you may see just what was said. MaggieB � revdauphinee answered on 10/12/03: Pat should render unto CAESAR ''''''' MaggieB rated this answer

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dognap asked on 10/11/03 - Solidarity When the Polish (I think, but don't hold me to it) communist government ordered one of its best athletes to sweep the streets as a humiliating punishment for some political 'crime,' hundreds of his fellow citizens turned out also with their broom,s and swept the streets with him. I was thinking what a good thing it would be if all the pupils at the school that barred the little girld for wearing the hijab turned up for school - boys as well as girls - wearing them. When the population shows what they thionk of interference with religious and civil liberties, then someone will take notice. When we lie down and suffer in silence, they think it's OK to continue the oppression. revdauphinee answered on 10/12/03: what if we all wore the cross?? while I have personal questions as to the validity of islaam what does the state have to do with this childs following of her faith dognap rated this answer

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dognap asked on 10/11/03 - Thanks Dell! I just saw a TV ad for Dell computers where they put them through all kinds of tests including dropping one on the floor. I decided that I'd test my computer and it smashed into pieces, so I can't get through to the board. I am tapping this out on high voltage electrical cables. I hope it gets through. Is there a case for truth in advertising or should not believe everything the TV tells me? revdauphinee answered on 10/12/03: if advertizing told the truth then we would only have to use the right soap drink the right beer and smoke the correct cigarette to be the most popular person in town! Maybee that is the reason I get so lonely at times i dont !!! dognap rated this answer

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dognap asked on 10/11/03 - Terrorism? Evangelist Pat Robertson called on Christians to blow up the State Department. Will you be helping him to do it? revdauphinee answered on 10/11/03: there are many places wherre Pat Robertson and I part company here is just one more ! ATON2 rated this answer dognap rated this answer

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CeeBee asked on 10/11/03 - Free Pancake breakfast Next Saturday morning from 8-11 (your time zone) there will be a first-ever pancake breakfast here -- pancakes (of course), plump pork sausages, crisp and lean bacon strips, a variety of syrups, mounds of butter, several kinds of juices, pots of fresh hot coffee, hot water for tea, and tons of napkins. Wait staff will be eager to serve all comers. Round tables will be set up to stimulate pleasant and happy conversation. Invite your friends from other boards. I hope to see you all in attendance!! revdauphinee answered on 10/11/03: sounds delicious hower it would but me in a diabetic coma so I am afraid I must pass Dorothy CeeBee rated this answer dognap rated this answer

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STONY asked on 10/11/03 - ARE YOU OKAY? I ASK BECAUSE THERE ARE SOME ANSWERS THAT HAVE NO RESPONSES. IF YOU ARE UNDER THE WEATHER WE CAN PRAY THAT AWAY BY THE AUTHORITY GIVEN TO US BY JESUS. revdauphinee answered on 10/11/03: 2Cor.12:7. To keep me from becoming conceited because of these surpassingly great revelations, there was given me a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me. 8. Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. 9. But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. 10. That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong. My thorns come in the form of Lupus and diabetes but were I not sick I could not be home and able to come here and try to help others and when I think of the suffering Christ had for me I count my ilnesses as nothing drgade rated this answer hOPE12 rated this answer STONY rated this answer

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Answerway asked on 10/10/03 - Plagiarism and solution Since plagiarism seems to be used as an excuse here to start arguments rather than deal with them professionally, this is what we suggest all you experts who use certain major sources all the time do. In your expert profile, state all the sources you have that you will use on this site, and list them, this will be your bibliography that will apply to every one of your responses here in that category. That way it will be good enough to give credit where credit is due, and you will not have to be burdened for remembering or getting badgered here. Agreed? we already told a few experts before to list in their profile that whatever they respond here, it is with the proviso that whatever said is opinion or speculation, so they dont have have state in EVERY answer what is fact or opinion. Seems like people here still have trouble differentiating opinion, fact, and inference from written material. Remember we do read every feedback and abuse report sent, so send us anything that is wrong, and be patient when it comes to the enforcement. However, the personal comments and insults will not be tolerated, and from now, no warning will be necessary for the perpetrators. If you cannot control your negative emotions in your answers for the public, then you do not belong here. revdauphinee answered on 10/11/03: does this truly matter?if someone in a time of trouble needs an answer why does it matter where they get comfort from or must we be like those of Jesus time more interested in Laws than in truth??? *Karrisa* rated this answer Answerway rated this answer hOPE12 rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 10/10/03 - Healing in His Wings. But for you who revere my name, the sun of righteousness will rise with healing in its wings. And you will go out and leap like calves released from the stall. Malachi Chapter 4 verse 2 NIV Many people go through life putting up with chronic ailments, However, I live in health. This is not to say that, from time to time, I am not attacked by the illnesses which seem to be constantly amongst us. However, I do not succumb to them. This is because I have come to know what the Lord has provided for me. It is not His intention that I should go through life suffering chronic incurable conditions, or even that I should have to put up with the less severe ailments. I have come to know that these ailments will be with me for so long as I am prepared to put up with them. But when I really get serious about living in divine health, they must go. Now, I know that what I�ve just said could be very offensive to someone who has suffered a chronic ailment for a long time, because it could be construed that I�ve said that they are not serious about being well. I believe that when you follow the world system, which in these matters, is medicine, then you are not following God�s system, and you may very well have a chronic ailment for a long time. Sometimes the illnesses we have are a matter of mechanics, or plumbing. In such situations, the medical practitioner makes the appropriate adjustment and we are well again. However in some cases, the condition does not respond. In such instances, it is more that mechanics. We require an adjustment by God. It's like this, you buy a new appliance at the local store, and it breaks down. You refer it to the local technician, however the technician can�t fix it. So you send it back to the manufacturer, because not only does the manufacturer know exactly how it was made, the manufacturer also has a full range of parts, and the designers to solve the problem. It's the same with us, sometimes we need to be sent back to the manufacturer. Actually I�ve reached the point where I�d rather go straight to the manufacturer, and avoid all the hassles, and disappointments. Why have I developed this attitude? Because I have experienced so much healing in my life, and I�ve seen the blessing fall so often on others, that I know it�s the best way. Lets look at the Scripture above. Do you see the condition for healing? That you give heaps of money to the Church! That you pray for days, weeks and years! That you fast! That you get a dozen intercessors to pray for you! That you wander the countryside seeking after this ministry, or that ministry. That you put up with the condition for years first! That you call on all the Saints of heaven to intercede for you! That you have dispaired of all else! That you are destitute, having spent all your money on doctors! That you accept your condition as a judgement of God! So Jesus went with him. A large crowd followed and pressed around him. And a woman was there who had been subject to bleeding for twelve years. She had suffered a great deal under the care of many doctors and had spent all she had, yet instead of getting better she grew worse. When she heard about Jesus, she came up behind him in the crowd and touched his cloak, because she thought, "If I just touch his clothes, I will be healed." Immediately her bleeding stopped and she felt in her body that she was freed from her suffering. At once Jesus realized that power had gone out from him. He turned around in the crowd and asked, "Who touched my clothes?" "You see the people crowding against you," his disciples answered, "and yet you can ask, 'Who touched me?'" But Jesus kept looking around to see who had done it. Then the woman, knowing what had happened to her, came and fell at his feet and, trembling with fear, told him the whole truth. He said to her, "Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace and be freed from your suffering." Mark Chapter 2 verse 24 -34 NIV NO! NO! NO! Those might be the circumstances, but it isn�t what God wants. There is only one condition really necessary. If you will revere His Name! Could it be that simple? YES! Can you see that what the woman had is the essentials. She revered His name, and she believed. Just as salvation is a simple response to what Jesus has done for you, healing is a simple response to the Lord. You see that�s all the Lord required of Israel to heal them. The simple response, repent! and believe! The Lord hasn�t changed, He has provided us with a better covenant, but He hasn�t changed. It is a finished work. Jesus completed the work at Calvary. All the conditions have been met, and what is required is your acceptance. Jesus body was broken so that we could have health. He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; by his wounds you have been healed. 1 Peter Chapter 2 verse 24 NIV What does this mean? Revere His Name. Firstly; that you believe in Him. That you believe that He will do what He says He will do. You believe what is written, and you apply it in faith. In other words; have faith in Him. This is where you start. If the condition doesn�t respond to your prayer, then have others pray for you, and agree with them in prayer. There is power at the point of agreement! Secondly; that you will tell others what He has done for you. Now before you take me to task. I know there are many other Scriptures regarding healing, and these include anointing with oil, and laying on of hands, but it begins here! With the heart attitude! Do you believe? If you do, you will receive your healing quickly. Frankly, I�m fed up with Christians who�s first response to a sniffle is to run to a doctor. Such people are of the world. There is a place for knowing what is wrong with you. There is also a place for seeking your Father first. "But no-one has explained it to me". Why not? Doesn�t your Church believe the Scriptures? excerpt from my book "have you met any raving ratbags lately?" (copyright) revdauphinee answered on 10/11/03: I also take offence since to imply this is so implies I do not have strong enough faith or I would be cured, However sometimes like Paul we must say 2Cor.12:7. To keep me from becoming conceited because of these surpassingly great revelations, there was given me a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me. 8. Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. 9. But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. 10. That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong. paraclete rated this answer

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dognap asked on 10/10/03 - Full steam ahead and damn the torpedoes? Pope offers hand to conservative Anglicans Seen as rebuke of denomination leaders who approved 'gay' bishop Posted: October 10, 2003 1:00 a.m. Eastern � 2003 WorldNetDaily.com Amid increasing moves toward schism, a conference of conservative Episcopalians opposing their church hierarchy for approving a homosexual bishop received a letter of encouragement from Pope John Paul II. The unprecedented move by the Catholic pontiff, bypassing the Episcopal Church hierarchy, is regarded by some as a rebuke of Presiding Bishop Frank Griswold and 70 other bishops who voted earlier this summer to make Rev. Gene Robinson bishop of New Hampshire. The letter was read at a national gathering of conservative Episcopalians who voted yesterday, overwhelmingly, to back a declaration repudiating the denomination's acceptance of homosexual behavior. The statement also called on Anglican leaders worldwide "to intervene in the Episcopal Church" at their emergency meeting next week. A longtime observer of the church who attended the conference says, "The Episcopal Church as we have known it, is now officially dead." The 2,700 bishops, priests and clergy gathered in Plano, Texas, says David Virtue, who runs an online newssite, "are feeling liberated and free, undaunted by threats and future fears. It's full steam ahead and damn the torpedoes." The Episcopal Church is one of several mainline U.S. denominations torn for decades by deep theological divisions between members who uphold traditional teachings and those who do not. Others are the Presbyterian Church U.S.A., the United Methodist Church and the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America. "Never have I seen such euphoria," Virtue said of his Episcopalian colleagues. "The pain of years of betrayal is slowly disappearing. The orthodox mainstream is galvanized as never before, and almost everybody is on board." The pope's letter, sent through Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, was read aloud to the conference, sponsored by a church renewal group, the American Anglican Council. Ratzinger, Prefect of the Vatican's Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, wrote on behalf of the pope, "I hasten to assure you of my heartfelt prayers for all those taking part in this convocation. The significance of your meeting is sensed far beyond Plano, and even in this city from which Saint Augustine of Canterbury was sent to confirm and strengthen the preaching of Christ's Gospel in England." The letter said, "The lives of these saints show us how in the Church of Christ there is a unity in truth and a communion of grace which transcend the borders of any nation. With this in mind, I pray in particular that God's will may be done by all those who seek that unity in the truth, the gift of Christ himself." Virtue commented: "The fact that the Vatican bypassed normal protocols which would have called for a communication to any Episcopalians to be delivered to the presiding bishop, is a message that cannot be missed." He said the rebuke is further compounded by the fact Griswold is the Anglican Communion representative in the official Roman Catholic-Anglican dialogue meetings. The letter's references to "unity in truth," is a counter to Griswold's frequent reference to "pluriform truths," Virtue said. The Anglican Communions primates � archbishops and presiding bishops � will gather in England next week, and Griswold is expected to be on the hot seat for supporting Robinson's election. In 1998, at the church's once-per-decade Lambeth Conference, bishops voted 526 to 70 to accept a resolution stating homosexual practice is "incompatible with Scripture." Yesterday's statement by the conservatives said the church's General Convention, which met in Minneapolis this summer, has "broken fellowship with the larger body of Christ" by electing an openly homosexual bishop and acknowledging some bishops are allowing priests to bless same-sex unions. The conservatives want the Anglican leaders to discipline Episcopal bishops who "have departed from biblical faith and order." They also are calling for a "realignment of Anglicanism in North America," allowing conservative congregations to cross diocesan boundaries and be placed under the care of likeminded bishops who uphold the church's traditional teaching. At a session Wednesday, church leaders vented their frustrations. "We are a church under judgment," said the Rev. Kendall S. Harmon, a church theologian from South Carolina. "The Episcopal Church is now a church where people are officially led away from Christ. This is why we need a realignment." ------------------------- Where do you think the Episcopal/Anglican Church goes now? revdauphinee answered on 10/11/03: on this one I am with the Pope ,this man should not ever have even been a priest let alone a bishop ,either we honor the words of God or we do not and if not how then ccan we call ourselves Christians?? Leviticus 18: 22. "`Do not lie with a man as one lies with a woman; that is detestable. If it is detestable unto God then why would he want a priest to do it???? dognap rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 10/09/03 - The One Eyed Idol For Hank who expressed an interest in my book. In this age, we no longer bow down to idols, for we consider ourselves too sophisticated to do such things. However the enemy is very subtle, for he has spent centuries learning how to manipulate the heart of man. The enemy has taken our pride in our achievements, and used it against us, so that we have become blind to the fact that we now spend more time with worthless pieces of metal and glass than we do with God, or our families. First, television brought images of the world into our homes, but slowly, and insidiously, this medium has been corrupted until the programs are full of sex, perversion and violence. Those that are not, continuously depict the athletic achievements of individuals, and teams, so that those who don�t want to watch such things must settle for the continuous news programs, or turn it off. Nor are children�s� programs any better, for our children are held in thrall by the images, being fed a steady diet of rubbish, truly a doctrine of demons. Now the computer, a tool of business and mathematicians, have been turned into a similar instrument, as people all over the world "surf" the Internet, spending hours, and days, in a relentless pursuit of knowledge, or bury themselves in games, where they communicate only with a silicon chip. Has a nation ever changed its gods? (Yet they are not gods at all.) But my people have exchanged their Glory for worthless idols. Jeremiah Chapter 2 Verse 11 NIV Yet, we are too sophisticated to bow down to idols. We believe that we no longer worship Gods. We spend more time with these worthless pieces of metal, and glass, than any pagan spent in his temple worshiping his gods. We are observers of more pagan ritual than was played out in the ancient temples. Who do we think we are fooling? We have fallen into the fowler�s snare! You might say, ah well, this happens to people with a predisposition to addictions, but not me. However, some people are drawn into these things out of loneliness, for they have little else to do, particularly since they don�t know God. There are few programs on television which exalt God, and those that do are relegated to the small hours when few are watching. The twentieth century has seen the most momentous struggle for the hearts, and minds of men. The obstacles we must overcome to reach God are enormous, particularly in western society. In such an age, the Lord presents Himself to us in the power of His Spirit, so that it will be unmistakable that it is truly Him. It's not for nothing that the Jesus of Revelation has His name written on His clothes. He wants us to be absolutely sure of who He is. The twentieth century has spawned a number of cults, mostly associated with eastern religion, but television has its own particular cult following in programs like Star Trek, and the X-Files. The computer has spawned similar cults in games like dungeons and dragons. You may think that it�s all entertainment. Stop to realise that we are continually presented with programs which portray man overcoming overwhelming odds without any mention of God�s help. By this medium, we are being indoctrinated to rely on our own resources, to believe that we can overcome any odds in our own strength, until that day when "the arm of flesh will fail". There are few who are exempt from the struggle, even the men and women of God fall victim at times. As the move intensified in our Church, our pastor declared one Sunday morning that He intended a fast for two weeks. This was no protracted abstinence from food, but a spiritual fast. The television set would be turned off for two weeks. This is a very useful method of finding more time to spend with God. If you have difficulty finding time to pray, or for reading the Bible, or just to spend time with God. It is remarkable how much time is freed up, even if your television viewing is confined to news programmes. In this century, we have substituted knowing for doing. We have become spectators to all that is happening in the world. But if you don�t do this for a few days, you find you haven�t missed anything, because those around you will quickly tell you if anything important happens. You get some very surprised looks when they realise that you weren�t tuned into that special event they thought was so important. Not only will you spend time with God, but you will become more spiritually aware as your spirit is no longer competing with all the background noise of the twentieth century. I have done this fast at times, and I find it much more spiritually stimulating that missing a few meals, although it's good to combine both, if you can. God wants us to avoid idolatry in all its forms. He does not want us to be ignorant of the devil�s devices He who has clean hands and a pure heart, who does not lift up his soul to an idol or swear by what is false. Psalms Chapter 24 Verse 4 NIV Excepts from my book "have you met any raving ratbags lately? (copyright) revdauphinee answered on 10/10/03: while the points you made are indeed valid these tools (TV and the computer) can also be used for the Lord.we can spred the word through them as well as spread evil I watch many good Christian programs i also endeaver to spread the truth on line we cannot just tar tthem with the brush of evil for it may be that by these instruments the world may also be reached for Christ! Dorothy MaggieB rated this answer paraclete rated this answer

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dognap asked on 10/09/03 - HOW ABOUT TOLERANCE FOR ALL? - by Bob Lonsberry BTW - I have also posted this on the Mormonism Board, but because most of you do not tread in those shark infested waters, I have duplicated th epost here. I hope you are not offended by my double post. dognap ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Some Muslims wear sacred clothing. So do some Jews. The same for Native Americans and some Hindus and others. Bits of cloth or string that are physical reminders of God and his bond with man. Sacred things, really. Prayer shawls or beads, head coverings or aprons, medicine bags. Things that are special to people, honorable and good things. Things that should be respected. One would not, for example, rip the yarmulke from a Jewish man's head and mockingly fling it like a Frisbee. Nor would you wear a yarmulke as a spoof or joke. Certainly not as an attack on Judaism. Not as a mockery of Jews and their faith. Yet something like that happened this weekend. In front of thousands of people in one of America's great cities. An act of religious desecration, bigotry and discrimination. And the perpetrators boast of it to the press. It was in Salt Lake City. And it was against Mormons. And somehow that makes it acceptable. Here's what happened. Over the weekend, Mormons gathered for what they call "general conference." It is a twice-a-year meeting that draws tens of thousands to Salt Lake City and is broadcast around the world to an audience in the low millions. It is a worship service. It is sacred and special to them. And each year it is protested. So-called Christian evangelists stand on the sidewalk outside the Mormon meetings and shout rude condemnations of the religion to the thousands who pass in and out. It is an odd spectacle, unmatched in American society. To think that crude protesters would stand outside a mosque or synagogue, or a cathedral or church, and harass worshippers and denounce a religion is just beyond the pale. It is an act of indefensible religious bigotry. And yet it happens, and is often applauded and boasted of. This column started with a mention of sacred clothing. Well, Mormons have sacred clothing, too. Like a variety of religious garments, it is worn against the skin. It is a type of underclothing. They don't talk about it. They don't show it to people. They keep it sacred. Like virtually all religious clothing, it is a specific reminder of promises made to God. Like virtually all religious clothing, it is precious and significant to the people who wear it. Well, Sunday the evangelists had some. Maybe six guys, Baptist ministers, mocking the Mormons as they came out of a meeting. Shouting rude things to people coming out of church. And they had these sacred garments. And one supposed minister of the gospel was wiping his backside with them, laughingly treating them like toilet paper as thousands who held them sacred walked by. Can you see that being done to a prayer shawl in front of a synagogue, or a prayer rug in front of a mosque? Wouldn't that sacrilege be publicly denounced by all decent people? He also draped them around his neck, and pretended over and over to sneeze into them. And loudly blow his nose into them. While families and children walked past. Stop for a moment. Lay aside what you do or don't think about Mormons. But was that right?  More to the point, was that Christian?  Is that what Jesus would do?  Is that what any decent person of any faith would do? Absolutely not. It is wrong, bigoted and un-American. No matter who it's against. It was an affront. It smelled like the bigotry of the Klan and the Third Reich. And yet the ministers boasted of it to reporters and posed for pictures and no one in the Utah or American religious, media or civil rights communities has condemned it. And, oddly, two worshippers were taken away in handcuffs. One man, dressed in his church clothes, walked past in the crowd, saw the insults and desecrations, and grabbed the piece of clothing to protect it. He was charged with robbery and taken to jail. Half an hour later another worshipper similarly grabbed a molested garment and attempted to take it away. He was unsuccessful and waiting police stepped in to take him into custody. And that's the world we live in. You are harangued for your beliefs and arrested for defending them. And the bigotry of our society is illustrated by how selectively we practice tolerance. Bob Lansberry +++++++++++++++++++++++ I will add that the same kind of things oin a much larger scale happens every Easter in Mesa Arizona where the Mormons hold the Easter pageant, and many antiMormons protest is such grotesque ways that foreigners seeing them wonder why the protesters are not hauled off to jail or locked up in mental institutions. It has something to do with free speech. You can find pictures of the protesters on the Internet and see for yourself what gross and bizarre things are happening as the sacred events of the first Easter are being reenacted in the open air at the Mesa >ormon downtown temple before thousands of Mormons and non Mormons. These bigots would be the first to complain if the Mormons did the same thing to their worship services. Your comments, thoughts, etc., welcomed dognap revdauphinee answered on 10/10/03: it is indeed a sad situation and definatly not Christlike I personaly do not agree with the Mormon beliefs however you do not win souls with hate as this looks to be but as Christ himself did with love !what kind of an axaple did this set for the persons looking at the (so called christians )perpetrating such act?tHE LOST PAY MORE ATTENTION TO WHAT WE DO THAN THEY EVER WILL TO WHAT WE SAY Dorothy dognap rated this answer

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ROLCAM asked on 10/09/03 - GOD IS EVERYWHERE !!! Please have a look at this site:- http://www.allthefun.com/1/jesuscloud.htm Best wishes to all, ROLCAM. revdauphinee answered on 10/10/03: interesting picture I sent it to some friends Dorothy ROLCAM rated this answer

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Laura asked on 10/08/03 - Free Will. Society today is extremily "I" focused. Whatever pleases "me" is good. I am only concerned about "my" own wellbeing. God endowed every person with a free will. We have the freedom to choose right or to choose wrong. But in any and every instance, do we always have the right?? If not, please give examples. As always, I welcome all replies. Laura revdauphinee answered on 10/10/03: we have the ability and the right as Christians to choose what is right !in the eyes of our God not in our own eyes what I want and what pleases me is not always the right thing to do! Laura rated this answer

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HANK1 asked on 10/08/03 - ONE ASPECT OF CHRISTIANITY! "I expect to pass through this world but once. Any good, therefore, that I can do, or any kindness or abilities that I can show to any fellow creature, let me do it now. Let me not defer it or neglect it, for I shall not pass this way again." -- William Penn Do you agree that this is one aspect of Christianity? Helping others is the theme of my last two posts ... and will continue to be in the future! I'm surprised that someone didn't mention this aspect of my personality since many of you have read many of my answers over the months. So be it! HANK revdauphinee answered on 10/09/03: kindness is a part of obeying Jesus comandment that we love even our enemies !while I often find this very hard to do! as all Christians should, I strive for it daily HANK1 rated this answer

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HANK1 asked on 10/08/03 - EXISTENCE - "II" Noone can attain total perfection at work or play. We'll leave that to the Almighty. But trying should be the fun part! Don't rely upon moderate mental capacities and procedures to obtain your needs and extra-curicular desires. Remember, my friend, we're in the majority. Many of us are average because we feel subservient to those who are left: the crusty employers, the defiant politicians, the arrogant professionals ... the strong minority is in charge of our frustrations and lifestyles. And our own attitudes have been contagious because they've never been challenged. We're needed because we do the work! When something is not understood, it lacks meaning. Since any inkling of genius preys upon mediocrity, struggle and temperance cannot be tested and graded by the creator. But a complete knowledge of why all things happen should be our foundation when building our personalities. Shaping that new personality should start now! In accord, perhaps money will not be needed to support status if all of us start this trek at the same time. Governments have always regulated our lives by exploiting labor by turning its back on regulating corporate affairs. These managers have handcuffed and negated our desires for the personal freedoms and have disallowed any feeling of goodwill and trust to prevail between you and I or any neighbor totally. We have allowed this to happen because we cannot control most outcomes. This disability has fueled our actions toward those who commit transgressions within the majority. We fight and snarl amongst ourselves and the minority just watches, listens and laughs. And those invaders have laws to hold us temporarily while departing with our cash flow. The big bucks crawl toward the professional. We fumble with the residue! It's really as simple as that! Work means the performing of some service that any personality deems undesirable. At least that's my definition! The mental opposes the physical and becomes a phenomena. But, our survival obligations make work necessary. So, who benefits? Those in charge of your frustrations and 'sweat' kindled by this phenomena. As Tom Brown wrote in his "Laconics," "To treat a poor wretch with a bottle of Burgundy, and fill his snuffbox, is like giving a pair of laced ruffles to a man that never has a shirt on his back." * From my book manuscript "Never A Toadstool" (Copyrighted) Should I continue? (Christianity has saturated my two posts thus far. Have you been able to recognize it?) HANK revdauphinee answered on 10/08/03: personaly I take issue with the following " struggle and temperance cannot be tested and graded by the creator" For the creator "God" whoom I personaly worship nothing is imposible so should he have the desire even this is not beyond him! HANK1 rated this answer

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hOPE12 asked on 10/08/03 - Follow up on Surrogate Mothers. Hello Everyone, Here is my personal belief about artivicial insemination. Please read before replying and read the scriptures in your own copy of the Bible, then please feel free to comment; Is Artificial Insemination Acceptable to God? The first recorded case of human artificial insemination dates back to 1799. London physician John Hunter then used this means of making a woman pregnant with her own husband�s semen. But only in recent years has artificial insemination become relatively common, with thousands of babies born each year as a result of it. When married couples resort to artificial insemination, it is generally because of the husband�s sterility, and the donors of seed usually remain anonymous. For centuries, people have viewed as an adulteress any woman who became the mother of a child not fathered by her husband, and the offspring has been considered illegitimate. Certain courts have taken a similar position regarding artificial insemination by anonymous donors. But viewpoints vary. Whereas some religious organizations object to such a method of impregnation, other groups favor it. The Bible says �there exists a way that is upright before a man, but the ways of death are the end of it afterward.� Prov. 14:12 In view of this, and because human reasoning often is faulty, one does well to ask: Is artificial insemination acceptable to God? What does his Word, the Bible, indicate? What about human artificial insemination by anonymous donors? That is quite another matter. For one thing, it can foster numerous problems. To illustrate: The resulting child may serve as a constant, nagging reminder of a husband�s inability to father children. There may be some desirable elements lacking in the relationship of the man and the child, or even in that of the husband and wife. Some men have become �insanely jealous� of the unknown donors, and certain curious women have stolen hospital records to learn the identity of their child�s father. Uncertainty about parentage may pose emotional problems for the child. Furthermore, mothers and adopting fathers may be conscience-stricken as they �live a lie� by representing the offspring as entirely their own.�Ps. 40:4. Though admittedly remote, another serious possibility exists. The anonymous donor might be closely related to the woman, and their offspring may suffer detrimental physical or mental effects because of the consanguineous relationship. Along similar lines, note what happened some years ago. A doctor received quite a shock when he learned that two particular young persons were planning to enter wedlock. Why? Because he was the only individual living who knew that they were half brother and half sister. This physician had impregnated both of their mothers with the seed of the same donor. Leviticus 18:9. The people of ancient Israel did not have to face the question of human artificial insemination by an anonymous donor because it was not then being done. But the faithful among them would have shunned it completely, for God had decreed: �You must not give your emission as semen to the wife of your associate to become unclean by it.� The penalty for disobedience was death. Lev. 18:20, 29 Artificial insemination of a married woman by a donor other than her husband makes her guilty of adultery, a sin against God. Deut. 5:18 Christians know that adulterers will not inherit God�s kingdom and are warned that �God will judge fornicators and adulterers� adversely.�1 Cor. 6:9, 10; Heb. 13:4. Inasmuch as artificial insemination by an anonymous donor is not acceptable to God, if a Christian married couple resorted to it, they would not have God's favor. Leviticus 20:10. After all, the consenting husband in effect gave his wife to another man, and the wife gave herself to that person in order to become the mother of a child by a man with whom she had not been yoked together by God in matrimony. Matt. 19:4-6 The absence of direct physical contact and the fact that the consenting husband adopts the child cannot set aside the adulterous conduct.�1 Cor. 5:1-13. Some Christian marriage mates who are unable to produce children have been told that this problem might be overcome if the husband provided sperm that could be administered to his wife artificially. If both husband and wife fully agree to have this done, that would be a personal matter, as God�s Word says nothing about it and a resulting offspring would be their own; it would not be a child of adultery. Nevertheless, they would have to resolve any personal questions of propriety as to the manner of acquiring the semen. Similarly, they would bear the responsibility if any medical or psychological difficulties resulted from the procedure. Whether married Christians will adopt a child or not is also something they must decide. True, they may be very disappointed that they cannot have children of their own. Nonetheless, even if they have no children, such individuals may be assured that their earnest prayers to Jehovah God for his holy spirit and aid in cultivating such qualities as peace and joy will not go unanswered.�Luke 11:13; Gal. 5:22, 23. Christian husbands who wish to father children but are unable to do so can draw comfort from God�s assurance at Isaiah 56:3-7. In such circumstances, both Christian mates can be certain that, if they remain faithful to God, the greatest joy in life can still be theirs�that of having the approval of God. Please feel free to comment, I would like to get you opinions. Thank you, Hope12 revdauphinee answered on 10/08/03: I share your comments on this practice and while one would prefer the child of their own with an anonamous donor it is still not totaly theirs! much better to choose the road of adoption, for these children are truly in need of homes and God would most certainly aprove of that I think Dorothy hOPE12 rated this answer

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cliff_dweller asked on 10/07/03 - Televangelists and music Who are your favorite televangelists and music groups? revdauphinee answered on 10/07/03: Joyce myers stands out to me also John Hagee most of the others I have issues with Dorothy paraclete rated this answer cliff_dweller rated this answer

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ROLCAM asked on 10/06/03 - FIVE WORDS !!! The thread running through all Christian testimonies can be summarized in five words: JESUS CHRIST CHANGED MY LIFE. Would you please profess your testimony? Best wishes,always. ROLCAM. revdauphinee answered on 10/06/03: I started out to prove these ("Christians") some of whoom prayed for me when I first arrived in the US (thank God!for those folks)were wrong and the things they believed in false and stupid ( how nieve I was) instead I studdied them and proved myself to be the wrong one he oppened my eyes and even when I was at my most unloveable he loved me ,this has most certainly changed me and my life. paraclete rated this answer ROLCAM rated this answer

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Laura asked on 10/05/03 - Why are men and women differant?? In the sight of God, spiritually speaking men and women are equal. But God obviously made women and men differant physically as well as emotionally. Don't you think he had a reason for this?? It seems obvious to me from reading the scriptures that God indeed did have differant roles in mind for men and women and that is why we are differant. Is there something wrong with that? Is that why so many rebel today and reject their God given talents and roles? Because they don't agree with God? I welcome any and all comments of course. Laura revdauphinee answered on 10/06/03: I believe God made us different to compliment each other !Men are supposed to be strong while women tender ( not always the case) but both attitudes are much needed Laura rated this answer paraclete rated this answer

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*Karrisa* asked on 10/04/03 - The Gospel of Thomas This is the last saying added to the original collection, at a later date, to the Gospel of Thomas by whom of for what reason I do not know, but this saying is a loaded statement demonstrating definite bias against women. What, if anything, do you think this means? 114 Simon Peter said to them, "Make Mary leave us, for females don't deserve life." Jesus said, "Look, I will guide her to make her male, so that she too may become a living spirit resembling you males. For every female who makes herself male will enter the kingdom of Heaven." revdauphinee answered on 10/06/03: quote:Clarification/Follow-up by *Karrisa* on 10/04/03 11:01 pm: No need to repeat myself as other do here.. ad nauseam! so! persons who disagree with you make you nauseous not a great attitude to take! paraclete rated this answer *Karrisa* rated this answer

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*Karrisa* asked on 10/04/03 - The Gospel of Thomas This is the last saying added to the original collection, at a later date, to the Gospel of Thomas by whom of for what reason I do not know, but this saying is a loaded statement demonstrating definite bias against women. What, if anything, do you think this means? 114 Simon Peter said to them, "Make Mary leave us, for females don't deserve life." Jesus said, "Look, I will guide her to make her male, so that she too may become a living spirit resembling you males. For every female who makes herself male will enter the kingdom of Heaven." revdauphinee answered on 10/05/03: quote"This is the last saying added to the original collection, at a later date therefore how do we know this is genuine?the whole gospel of thomas was rejected for entry into our know bible so even the whole is questionable to say the least *Karrisa* rated this answer MaggieB rated this answer Toms777 rated this answer paraclete rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 10/02/03 - The contest for the soul of the west! You cant be more explicit than that. Dr Peter Jansen the Anglican Archbishop of Sydney, Australia said that the failure to deal decisively with homosexuality threatened the moral authority of the Anglican church's spiritual head and was "a contest for the soul of the west ... not just the church",. So is this the watershed upon which stands the moral authority of the Church in the West? revdauphinee answered on 10/02/03: how can a man represent God who is an abomination unto him ,the one in question should never even have become a priest this is contrary to the will of God! God is the same now and forrever he will not change just to accomodate our human (missled society) (Lev.18:22 "`Do not lie with a man as one lies with a woman; that is detestable. Lev.20:13 "`If a man lies with a man as one lies with a woman, both of them have done what is detestable. They must be put to death; their blood will be on their own heads. paraclete rated this answer Laura rated this answer

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cliff_dweller asked on 10/02/03 - God's Laws Do you think that in breaking any of God's laws that one is worse than the other? If so please back it up with scripture. thanks revdauphinee answered on 10/02/03: Not in Gods sight! sin is sin there are no degrees but thank God we are forgiven ((( TGIF))) cliff_dweller rated this answer

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cliff_dweller asked on 10/02/03 - Suggestion #2 No more flaming and being disrespectful. God did not raise us to be like that. We are to act in His image. Won't mention any names but you know who you are revdauphinee answered on 10/02/03: are we not all neighbours? Jesus said (Matt.22:37 Jesus replied: "`Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' 38 This is the first and greatest commandment. 39 And the second is like it: `Love your neighbor as yourself.' 40 All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two cliff_dweller rated this answer

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cliff_dweller asked on 10/02/03 - Suggestion I was thinking that maybe we should make a post, I am more than willing to do this and ask one another for prayer requests that we can pray for one another about. What do you all think? revdauphinee answered on 10/02/03: good idea !thanks I pray for all who come here Dorothy cliff_dweller rated this answer Laura rated this answer

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JeffreyBryson asked on 10/01/03 - RE: Smug? No. Actually, the farthest from it (as all who know me would readily testify). It's good not to confuse surety with arrogance. I know that I was destined to speak with great surety to people in this world of great ambivalence, so I'll never apologize for simply stating what I know. Actually, we as Christians are called to nothing less than certainty about our God and His ways. How much that is yet the case with Christians is another matter. As for the rest of what you wrote, as you said, people share different views, and I do not at all necessarily share the same views as many other of my fellow Christians. Concerning your issue with God (or at least the One described by some) I do hope it will be helpful for you to know that prophecy and omniscience are entirely independent and different from free will. Destiny, so far as it relates to God, is really nothing more than His planning of things based on His foreknowledge of what *people* will choose for themselves- not what *He* will choose for them. So, thankfully, it's indeed false that God would ever punish someone for what He "made them" do (and, really, He's not even in the business of punishment- only of the fair distribution of consequences that people themselves will ultimately choose). Sincerely, Jeffrey PS Unless you choose to make yours a private answer (assuming that you will respond to this) it'll become posted on the question board as a public conversation. That's fine with me, but I wanted to tell you just to be sure that you know. revdauphinee answered on 10/02/03: I feel I have to be in agreement with you on this I also do not share the beliefs and tenents of many however God himself gives us free will to decide Dorothy JeffreyBryson rated this answer tgbrowning rated this answer

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hOPE12 asked on 10/01/03 - Surrogate Mothers Hello, Here is a good question for you all. A case of human artificial insemination was recorded as long ago as 1799. But in recent years this has come to be more widely practiced. According to The New York Times, a woman who is artificially inseminated and bears a child for another woman, as a substitute for her, is called a surrogate mother. The infertile wife and her husband agree to this arrangement, and when the surrogate mother gives birth the baby is adopted by the couple. The sperm in this case could be from the husband of the couple or from another donor. Although such an arrangement may be approved by many in the world, the Christian rightfully asks whether it is in harmony with God�s laws. � Artificial insemination of a woman by a donor other than her legal husband, do you think this makes her guilty of adultery, a sin against God? What is your opinion on this matter as a Christian? Please give scriptual reason for your answer. Thank you, Hope12 revdauphinee answered on 10/02/03: upon first thought it would seem to be adultery for the child conceived is not of the marrital union however i feel much prayer and thought must be given before we condem anyone for this since the desire for children is strong and I personaly believe we have an understanding God,we know we have a forgiving one! Dorothy hOPE12 rated this answer

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hOPE12 asked on 10/01/03 - ARE YOU A GENUINE CHRISTIAN? Hello Everyone, It is vital for each person who claims to be a Christian to answer this question positively. Why? Because God�s approval depends on it. Christianity is not merely a belief or a label, but a way of life. Does your way of life reflect Christ�s example? Does your religious practice match the Biblical quality of the early Christians. The apostle Paul invites us: �Put yourselves to the proof, to see whether you are holding the Faith. Test yourselves.� (2�Corinthians 13:5, The Twentieth Century New Testament) To this end, we invite you to check the following short list, while looking up the cited scriptures in your own Bible. 1. Do you participate in national or political loyalties that cause divisions among professed Christians?�1�Corinthians 1:10; John 18:36; James 1:27. 2. How do you define Christian love?�1�Corinthians 13:4-8. 3. Do you, in practice, endeavor to show true neighbor love? How?�Matthew 22:39; John 13:34, 35. 4. Are you kind, tenderly compassionate and forgiving toward others?�Ephesians 4:31; Romans 12:10. 5. In your daily life, do you avoid lying, stealing, cheating and the use of obscene and abusive language?�Ephesians 5:3-5; 4:25-31. 6. Are you inclined to think that sexual morality is of minor importance?�Mark 7:20-23. 7. Do you tend to excesses in eating and drinking?�Proverbs 23:20, 21; Ephesians 5:18. 8. Do you try to communicate true Christian faith to others by word and deed?�Romans 10:9, 10; 1�Corinthians 9:16. At what conclusion do you arrive? Do true Christians really exist today? Do you know of any who earnestly try to live like Christ and at the same time make a real effort to communicate their Christian belief and way of life to their neighbors? Does your own religion in fact teach and practice genuine Christianity? Or is this just an attractive label or impressive signature? We all need to ask ourself these searching question that will make us dig down into our hearts and examine the truth of what and who we really are. May we all when we say we are a Christian, understand the true meaning of what being a genuine Christian is all about. I pray I am a genine Christian deep down in my heart and not just words that come from my mouth. Only then will I receive His divine approval. Only then will I be true to others but most of all genuine and true to him who has created me. Regards, Hope12 revdauphinee answered on 10/02/03: in answer to all your questions listed I try!! we who profess to be christians are human and as such have human frailties and failures but the thing we must remember is christians are not perfect but they are forgiven! Dorothy hOPE12 rated this answer

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hOPE12 asked on 09/30/03 - Prison Reform by study of the Bible Hello Everyone, Please read this commentary and asnswer the qestion for me. For more than 20 years, volunteer ministers of God have carried out a successful Bible-based educational program in the federal penitentiary in Atlanta, Georgia, U.S.A. During that time, more than 40 inmates have been helped to become baptized servants of God, and more than 90 other inmates have also benefited from regular Bible studies. Recently a reporter from a popular magazine spoke with several Bible teachers who have unselfishly worked in that prison. These teachers were asked the below question and notice that answers they give. 1) Why is Bible education so effective in motivating certain inmates to change their lives? David: Many prisoners are people who haven�t been shown love, even in childhood. So when they come to know that God loves them and when they pour their hearts out to him in prayer and then he�answers their prayers, he becomes real to them. Their hearts are motivated to love him in return. Ray: One of the inmates I studied with was abused as a child. When I asked him what attracted him to God, he answered that when you learn Bible truth, you find out that God really understands you. This made him want to learn more about the personality of such a loving God. � 2)Some will say that prisoners cling�to religion because of ulterior motives�to�reduce their sentence or just to kill time. What has your experience shown you? Fred: When the inmates come to our studies, we don�t appeal to their sentimentality. We simply study the Bible with them. In short order, they learn that they�re going to be taught about the Bible and that this is all we do. I�ve had them come to me and ask for help in dealing with their court cases. I�ll not discuss this�with them. As a result, the ones who come into the study group and stay there over a period of time�really want to learn what the Bible says. Nick: One thing I notice is the changes that some inmates make while they are in the penitentiary. Some of them have become baptized ministers and have suffered a lot because of other inmates. That is very hard for them. If the Bible had not touched their hearts, they would not have been able to remain faithful under those circumstances. Israel: Generally, they are people with a deep desire to learn about God, and they express it in a beautiful way. You can see that it comes from their heart. Joe: The ones who become true Christians have come to understand why things went wrong in their lives. They also understand that there is hope for change�a window of hope opens up for them. Now they can sincerely anticipate the fulfillment of God�s promises for the future. 3) Why cannot the prison system alone change criminals? Joe: The purpose of the penal system is, not to rehabilitate, but to keep criminals away from the rest of society. That�s the core of the problem�the mind-set of the prison system toward these men. Henry: The prison system is unable to change the offenders� hearts. Most of these people are going to repeat their crimes when they get�out. In this study positive effects were seen. Now the question is; do you personally feel that Bible study classes can change a prisoner and reform them. What is your opinion on this? All comments are welcome. Thank you, Hope12 revdauphinee answered on 10/02/03: I have to believe this program gives many prisoners something they have not experienced much Hope and Love Dorothy hOPE12 rated this answer

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hOPE12 asked on 09/30/03 - A powerful God. Hello, If God is all powerful and mighty, why do you personally feel he does not just do away with our problem that we all face in this world? Why hasn't he used His power and might to make the wickedness in this world go away? I ask this question because I personally believe we can not have faith or love for God unless we have by means of our study of the Bible, answered these questions in our heart. Thank you, Hope12 revdauphinee answered on 10/01/03: Because God loves us so much that he wants us to learn for ourselves he could have placed us his creation in a completly controled situation where no one could ever make a mistake or nothing would go wrong but he wanted companions when he made humans he did not want a bunch of robots hOPE12 rated this answer

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hOPE12 asked on 09/30/03 - Why do you believe in God? Hello Everyone, Fulmen's question made me think of this one. Why do you personally believe in God? What made you put faith in a God we can not see? How and what convinced you that there is a God? If you had to prove God does exist, what would be your line of reasoning? Thank you, Hope12 revdauphinee answered on 10/01/03: Go to the woods look around you ,or study the form of a rose (or any other flower ) do you realy think they came about by accident?? hOPE12 rated this answer

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Fulmens asked on 09/29/03 - Stories experts, a question that has come out of a discussion some friends and I had. if i had some sort of time machine and went back 1000 years ago to any place in the world, and took my mobile phone and called my travel partner, and flew an airplane over the town, and took a bomb and exploded it in a place where everyone in could see its power and hear its terrible sound, would the people of those times understand and explin what they are seeing me do? or would they think and believe that a higher power was at work there, and actually believe I was God, or maybe some one sent from up there? the reason why i say this is because the discussion I had with my friends was about the OT stories such as noah's arc and sodoma and gomorrah. we were saying that maybe something happened in those ocassions and the people could not understand and explain what they were seeing, so maybe it was not God who did that, and was actually a natural event, or in the case of sodoma and gomorrah, some sort of war or surprise attack. since the stories were written so long ago, how do we know it was rally God who was there, or that maybe people imagined it was Him, since they had no explanation for the events? think back a 1000 years, if you hear some thunder in the sky, and suddenly some shinny object flying over your head, could you explain it? or would you say it was God? ps. i am not trying to say the things that happened n the OT are spaceships and aliens and time travel and etc. no, i am just setting examples so you can understand better my question. revdauphinee answered on 10/01/03: say a machine was created to allow you to do such a thing do you believe it could happen without GOD?? all our knowledge comes from him so this would have to also!!! Fulmens rated this answer

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ROLCAM asked on 09/29/03 - I URGE YOU TO DO THIS !!! Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving; Withal praying also for us, that God would open unto us a door of utterance, to speak the mystery of Christ. GOD LOVES US ALL. ROLCAM. revdauphinee answered on 10/01/03: AMEN to that ! ROLCAM rated this answer

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hOPE12 asked on 09/29/03 - What is the difference? Hello, What is the difference between punishment and corrective discipline? Which on the part of a Christian parent is most beneficial when dealing with their child? How does a parent giving discipline and punishment differ from God do so? As A Christian parent you teenager steals and lies about it, do you punish them out of anger or should you use corrective discipline? Which has the most lasting benefit for your child? What is your opinion in harmony with 2 Timothy 2:24, Ephesians 4:31 and Colossians 3:8? Thank you, Hope12 revdauphinee answered on 10/01/03: I dont think one should react out of anger! but disipline with love, knowing that by teaching our children to do what is right is a loving and right thing to do ! hOPE12 rated this answer

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hOPE12 asked on 09/29/03 - Your Own Vessel: Hello, In 1 Thessalonians chapter 4, verses 4,5, what does it mean to get possession of one's vessel? What does masculinity or femininity and pornography and our outlook on these have to do with getting contol of one's vessel? Thanks, Hope12 revdauphinee answered on 10/01/03: The body is the vessel (temple )or residence of the holy spirit and we are to keep it a clean and worthy place for him to reside in ( 1Cor.3:16-17 16 Don't you know that you yourselves are God's temple and that God's Spirit lives in you? 17 If anyone destroys God's temple, God will destroy him; for God's temple is sacred, and you are that temple. For sure if we fill our minds with things like pornography we are not maintaining it well! hOPE12 rated this answer

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hOPE12 asked on 09/29/03 - Are they equal in God's sight or does God view them in a different light? Hello Everyone, Why does a women deserve respect? What does the Bible say about the matter? Is she really equal to man or what? Thanks Hope12 revdauphinee answered on 10/01/03: God took woman from the side of man, he did not take her from his feet to be walked on, nor from his head to be higher than ,no he took her from the rib in his side, to walk alongside and help him, does this not make her his helpmeet never his slave? hOPE12 rated this answer

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hOPE12 asked on 09/26/03 - Why the difference? Hello Everyone, How many of you experts no that the King James version of the bible has God name as "Jehovah" but removes it from the actual verse of Psalm 83:18? Try researching this point. Look at Psalm 83:18 in that KJV and see what it says Gods name is. It says "Lord" Now look at the footnote where it gives the name of God. Those who interpreted this version of the Bible removed the true name of God, otherwise why would they put it in their footnote? How can one explain this footnote? Respectfully, Hope12 revdauphinee answered on 09/26/03: who knows the true name of God??he himself refers to himself as "I AM" when we speak to him we know just as he does to whoom we refer so it should matter not what matter is that we his creation recognise him as who he is ! hOPE12 rated this answer MaggieB rated this answer paraclete rated this answer

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HANK1 asked on 09/25/03 - GOD! Who gave God his name! revdauphinee answered on 09/26/03: God himself gave us the name he recognises "I AM" HANK1 rated this answer

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ROLCAM asked on 09/25/03 - I PRAYED FOR YOU TO-DAY. TO ALL ANSWERWAY MEMBERS. ---------------------------- I would like to invite you to look at this site:- http://www.alighthouse.com/today.htm Keep well and happy. My best wishes to all. ROLCAM. revdauphinee answered on 09/26/03: thanks went there great site I saved it to send to my daughter who lives far from me Dorothy ROLCAM rated this answer

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cliff_dweller asked on 09/25/03 - All dogs go to Heaven There was a popular movie by that title but my question is this, do you think that animals go to heaven? If you have a pet dog or cat or goldfish or goat, well you get my point, do you think that they go to heaven? Why or why not? revdauphinee answered on 09/26/03: i feel they do for heaven is a perfect place what perfection would not have animals in it?? cliff_dweller rated this answer

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cliff_dweller asked on 09/25/03 - What does God want I am sure that we have all asked this question at one point or another. Everyone has a different answer. What is it that you think that God wants? How do you know? revdauphinee answered on 09/26/03: he wants us his creation to love him how do I know this he said so in his word! cliff_dweller rated this answer

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HANK1 asked on 09/23/03 - MERGER! Can we better accomplish the mission of sharing the gospel of salvation by joining our two churches in my hometown of 40,000 people? Please comment on the pros and cons of said merger! revdauphinee answered on 09/26/03: This depends on the beliefs and tenents of both Churches! if possible this would be wonderfull however due to the things I mentioned very often it is not possible people do have diverce beliefs and it is often imposible to find a common ground (as Christians we wish it were not so however one must face reality Dorothy HANK1 rated this answer

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cliff_dweller asked on 09/24/03 - Good Grief When you all go through trying times isn't that when you can feel the Lord at His closest to you? Like He is right there next to you cradling you through the tough times. I just wanted to say that and comment as you wish. Praise the Lord for His love and power and mercy!!! revdauphinee answered on 09/24/03: Did you ever read the poem footprints?it applys to times of trial One night I dreamed I was walking Along the beach with the Lord. Many scenes from my life flashed across the sky. In each scene I noticed footprints in the sand. Sometimes there were two sets of footprints. Other times there were one set of footprints. This bothered me because I noticed that During the low periods of my life when I was Suffering from anguish, sorrow, or defeat, I could see only one set of footprints, So I said to the Lord, "You promised me, Lord, that if I followed You, You would walk with me always. But I noticed that during the most trying periods Of my life there have only been One set of prints in the sand. Why, When I have needed You most, You have not been there for me?" The Lord replied, "The times when you have seen only one set of footprints Is when I carried you." cliff_dweller rated this answer

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cliff_dweller asked on 09/24/03 - In Laws How many of us married people have problems with our in-laws? How do you cope with them? My major problem is that my wife's mother said she would give her a large sum of money to leave me... My wife is actually considering it since we have been arguing a lot lately... Anyways what do you all think about the inlaw problem? revdauphinee answered on 09/24/03: we are told in genesis 24. For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and they will become one flesh. we are to leave our parents and cleave to our partner this applies to women as well as men we are to honor our parents (show them respect )but we are to love and cleave to our spouse cliff_dweller rated this answer

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cliff_dweller asked on 09/24/03 - Been a while Sorry all I have been a little bit less active that I would have liked to have been lately. Stuff piling up... argh!!! Anyways just a question since I love to hear these stories. How long have you been a believer and how did you come to be a believer? revdauphinee answered on 09/24/03: for thirty eight years and I came to it by study trying to prove christianity false Instead I did the opposite for myself! God works in mysterious ways !! Not I tgif (Thank God Im Forgiven) cliff_dweller rated this answer

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bluevision asked on 09/23/03 - faith healing Has anyone here experienced or witnessed faith healing? Is is true that only certain people can do it? revdauphinee answered on 09/24/03: only God can do it howerver I do believe he uses some people as a conduit in healing but the healer is GOd not the person and anyone who claims to be a healer is false Dorothy bluevision rated this answer

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hOPE12 asked on 09/23/03 - What would you do? Hello, Two people get married. One is a virgin and one said they were but later finds out that the other person is not due to being raped as a teen. How would you handle such an event when you found out 3 months after marriage? Can this be supressed memories or is it lack of truthfullness? Please give your opinion. Thank you, Hope12 revdauphinee answered on 09/24/03: in this case we need to forgive for christ said unless we forgive we cannot be forgiven and all have sinned hOPE12 rated this answer

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hOPE12 asked on 09/23/03 - Soul Hello everyone, I am sorry but I have been tending to some family matters and have not been on the board, but I am back! :0) Here are some questions that I ask in all seriousness. After everyone has answered what they believe, I then will tell you what I beleive. Please also tell me why you believe what you do. 1) What do you personally believe the soul to be. 2) What do you believe happens to the soul at death? 3) Have you always believed this way? I look forward to you replies. Thank you! Hope12 revdauphinee answered on 09/24/03: Q)1) What do you personally believe the soul to be. A)Genesis 2:7. the LORD God formed the man from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living being. I believe the soul is that breath! Q)2) What do you believe happens to the soul at death? A) I believe it returnes to from where it came To GOD Q)3) Have you always believed this way? A)No not untill I began to study Christianity in full and read the scriptures Dorothy hOPE12 rated this answer

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CeeBee asked on 09/23/03 - Hymns Do you have a favorite hymn? (not him--or her lol) As i drive to and from work, wash dishes, fold laundry, scoop litter at the end of the day, work in my garden, etc., I sometimes find myself humming songs and hymns that I learned as a child. In fact, I have probably memorized the 1941 Lutheran Hymnal... Many of the newer hymns also are very appealing and catchy. What are some of your favorites? revdauphinee answered on 09/23/03: the one called "Love lifted me!" CeeBee rated this answer

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HANK1 asked on 09/23/03 - BIRTH CONTROL! Do Catholics still believe there SHOULDN'T be birth control? Is the rule enforced? revdauphinee answered on 09/23/03: controling population is a human trait did not God say to be fruitfull and multiply.I am not nor could I ever be a Catholic but on some points i do understand them.we must accept that what we as humans se as right is not neceseraly what God wants HANK1 rated this answer tgbrowning rated this answer

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tgbrowning asked on 09/21/03 - Comments on the subject of Flaming & Criticisim? Greetings all, (from RDD V3n10) One of the cottage industries in the US is criticism, be it of American Foreign Policy or Economics, or pretty much anything you like. There are entire segments of society who do nothing but take potshots at the ability of Americans to interject themselves into any argument or country in the world, excluding perhaps only the Vatican and Alabama. It�s fun. It pays well. It makes one feel better. Doesn�t do a damn bit of good but that�s hardly the point. So, in the interest of helping my readers join in the fun and games of critical thinking & critical criticism of critical matters, I've put together a short list of possible rant topics for such universal, good, clean fun. Greed, Anger, Boredom, Political Expedience, Ideology, Bigotry, Political Correctness, Unamericanism, Sloth, Drugs, Sin, Freemasonry, Suicidal Impulses, Homicidal Impulses, Genocidal Impulses, Fratricidal Impulses, Piscacidal Impulses, Vegetarianism, Junk Food, Religion Being Taught in Schools, Religion Not Being Taught in Schools, Global Warming, Fluoridation, Nuclear Winter, Insanity, and last but certainly not least, Stupidity. Next, you have to pick a culprit. Here�s a few possibilities: The John Birch Society, Freemasons, Right-Wingers, Left-Wingers, No-Wingers, Libertarians, Parliamentarians, Republicans, Democrats, Green Party, Ecologists, Climatologists, Muslims, Catholics, Baptists, Bible Thumpers, Bible Burners, Bible Printers, New Agers, Senators, Representatives,Judges, the President, the Speaker of the House, the Majority Whip, the Minority Leader, PAC�s, the Mafia, the Teamsters, the FBI, the CIA, the NSA, the ACLU, the BPOE, Sinners, Gamblers, Drug users, Druggists, Government Workers, the Private Sector, the Public Sector, Academicians, Professors, Teachers, Scout Leaders, the Clergy, Cult Leaders, Terrorists, the US Postal Service and last but not least, Michael Jackson. Go to town folks. The only requirements are that you blame someone for something (the more general the better, of course), that there be no discernable logic employed, and that it�s based on the obvious fact that you, the writer, are perfect. Exercise examples for study could be The Republican Party Platform, the 700 Hundred Club Prayer Requests, The New York Times Editorial Policy, most legislative bills that originate in the House of Representatives and Supreme Court rulings of the last thirty or so years. Editors of newspapers everywhere are waiting. Browning>>> revdauphinee answered on 09/21/03: The only requirements are that you blame someone for something (the more general the better, of course), that there be no discernable logic employed, and that it�s based on the obvious fact that you, the writer, are perfect did this not begin in eden when adam said she made me do it??? Toms777 rated this answer tgbrowning rated this answer paraclete rated this answer Itsdb rated this answer

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Billy asked on 09/21/03 - Contrition IMHO, many times those outside Catholicism really don't understand the terminology of the Church. Part 2, Section 2, Chapter 2, Article 4, SubSection 11 1492 Repentance (also called contrition) must be inspired by motives that arise from faith. If repentance arises from love of charity for God, it is called "perfect" contrition; if it is founded on other motives, it is called "imperfect." For example, perfect contrition is when one apologizes for identifying every member of another forum "liars", when in fact, that is not proven to be absolute. Perfect contriton is when one, because of their love for God, wants to see Christian doctrines and teachings presented on Christian forums without the personal insults that exist (flaming and toasting) That would be the motive that arises from faith. For example, perfect contrition is true sorrow for sins. (I really wish there was an edit function on this site) I apologize to those members of the other forum whom I labeled as "liars" simply because of their position on that forum. That would be perfect contrition, a statement made with faith, sincerity, charity towards God. WHEREAS, Those that can't COMPREHEND perfect contrition, EXTEND imperfect contrition. They say they are sorry for their acts with no remorse and no change in their heart or intention to change. Examples of imperfect contrition are labeled on this forum as "suspended from site". Specifically, they have been warned of their actions and show no remorse for their actions. That's today's lesson in Catholicism. Is there a comparable lesson in Protestanism that you want to present------ without flames or toasting. billy revdauphinee answered on 09/21/03: iM sory but not myself being a Catholic I(and I dont think God) cannot accept any Degrees of repentance (feeling and expressing sorrow for a wrongfull act)either one repents or one does not! just as sin has no degrees to sin is to sin and is against the will of God i cannot accept that God has levels of either sin or redemtion in his eyes it ia black or white you do or you dont Dorothy Billy rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 09/21/03 - What do you think? Here's an interesting twist on the Old Testament food laws, much of which I'm sure many Christains have heard in various ways but its interesting to put it in perspective. I heard the testimony of a Christian lady who in desperation to solve her weight problem resorted to eating kosha and avoiding all the highly processed foods offered by the world. The result, you guessed it, by following the diet recommended by the Lord her problems were solved. By eating foods as close to their natural state as possible she achieved the goals which had eluded her for so long, and gives all the Glory to God for His inspiration. to remind you of some of the features of this diet here is a quote from Lev 11:1 The LORD said to Moses and Aaron, 2 "Say to the Israelites: 'Of all the animals that live on land, these are the ones you may eat: 3 You may eat any animal that has a split hoof completely divided and that chews the cud. 4 "'There are some that only chew the cud or only have a split hoof, but you must not eat them. The camel, though it chews the cud, does not have a split hoof; it is ceremonially unclean for you. 5 The coney, though it chews the cud, does not have a split hoof; it is unclean for you. 6 The rabbit, though it chews the cud, does not have a split hoof; it is unclean for you. 7 And the pig, though it has a split hoof completely divided, does not chew the cud; it is unclean for you. 8 You must not eat their meat or touch their carcasses; they are unclean for you. 9 "'Of all the creatures living in the water of the seas and the streams, you may eat any that have fins and scales. 10 But all creatures in the seas or streams that do not have fins and scales--whether among all the swarming things or among all the other living creatures in the water--you are to detest. 11 And since you are to detest them, you must not eat their meat and you must detest their carcasses. 12 Anything living in the water that does not have fins and scales is to be detestable to you. 13 "'These are the birds you are to detest and not eat because they are detestable: the eagle, the vulture, the black vulture, 14 the red kite, any kind of black kite, 15 any kind of raven, 16 the horned owl, the screech owl, the gull, any kind of hawk, 17 the little owl, the cormorant, the great owl, 18 the white owl, the desert owl, the osprey, 19 the stork, any kind of heron, the hoopoe and the bat. 20 "'All flying insects that walk on all fours are to be detestable to you. 21 There are, however, some winged creatures that walk on all fours that you may eat: those that have jointed legs for hopping on the ground. 22 Of these you may eat any kind of locust, katydid, cricket or grasshopper. 23 But all other winged creatures that have four legs you are to detest. Gen 1:29 Then God said, "I give you every seed-bearing plant on the face of the whole earth and every tree that has fruit with seed in it. They will be yours for food. Now I haven't eaten any rabbit or camel in a long time and Birds of Prey are definately not on the menu but I will have to revise my sea food menu. This solves the problem of the Big Mac, EH? vaya con Dios revdauphinee answered on 09/21/03: following the food in structions given by God is the best way to insure healt,h also avoiding processed foods wich contain many chemical poisons can only help ,here in the US one is almost afraid to eat if one reads the ingredient labels no wonder there is such an abundance of cancer aND DISEASES paraclete rated this answer

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Harmonyhill asked on 09/18/03 - biblical literalism and some of the possible ramifications Some Christians get their belief systems directly from God, as it is found in His word the Holy Bible. Therefore, I have to wonder how they go about selecting which of God's laws are just and which are not, which to follow and which to ignore or forget. I wonder how many Christians who back up their beliefs with biblical literalism take a close look at the ramifications of such beliefs. If they feel they should follow God's laws as written in the Bible, what else must they be doing? Leviticus 1:2 If any man of you bring an offering unto the LORD, ye shall bring your offering of the cattle, even of the herd, and of the flock. Leviticus 3:17 It shall be a perpetual statute for your generations throughout all your dwellings, that ye eat neither fat nor blood. Leviticus 11:6-7 And the hare, because he cheweth the cud, but divideth not the hoof; he is unclean unto you. And the swine, though he divide the hoof, and be clovenfooted, yet he cheweth not the cud; he is unclean to you. Leviticus 11:12 Whatsoever hath no fins nor scales in the waters, that shall be an abomination unto you. Leviticus 19:27-28 Ye shall not round the corners of your heads, neither shalt thou mar the corners of thy beard. Ye shall not make any cuttings in your flesh for the dead, nor print any marks upon you: I am the LORD. Leviticus 25:3-4 Six years thou shalt sow thy field, and six years thou shalt prune thy vineyard, and gather in the fruit thereof; But in the seventh year shall be a sabbath of rest unto the land, a sabbath for the LORD: thou shalt neither sow thy field, nor prune thy vineyard. Leviticus 4:27-29 And if any one of the common people sin through ignorance, while he doeth somewhat against any of the commandments of the LORD concerning things which ought not to be done, and be guilty; Or if his sin, which he hath sinned, come to his knowledge: then he shall bring his offering, a kid of the goats, a female without blemish, for his sin which he hath sinned. And he shall lay his hand upon the head of the sin offering, and slay the sin offering in the place of the burnt offering. So let's get this straight... Things to do: Offer cattle to God, stop all agricultural efforts every seven years. Things not to do: Eat fat, drink blood, eat pigs, eat rabbits, eat seaweed or shrimp or crabs or lobster, cut the hair on the sides of your head, trim your beard, get a tattoo. Way to absolve sin: Kill a goat. Why aren't they spending at least some time condemning, say, Red Lobster? What about usury? According to the Bible is USURY is forbbiden. Probably well over half the American population either receives interest payments from others or makes interest payments to others. We are a society plagued by USURY! Isn't this something to worry about? Leviticus 25: 35-36 And if thy brother be waxen poor, and fallen in decay with thee; then thou shalt relieve him: yea, though he be a stranger, or a sojourner; that he may live with thee. Take thou no usury of him, or increase: but fear thy God; that thy brother may live with thee. Thou shalt not give him thy money upon usury, nor lend him thy victuals for increase. Ezekiel 18:5-8 But if a man be just, and do that which is lawful and right... And hath not oppressed any, but hath restored to the debtor his pledge, hath spoiled none by violence, hath given his bread to the hungry, and hath covered the naked with a garment; He that hath not given forth upon usury, neither hath taken any increase, that hath withdrawn his hand from iniquity, hath executed true judgment between man and man, hath walked in my statutes, and hath kept my judgments, to deal truly; he is just, he sh all surely live, saith the Lord GOD. Exodus 22: 25 If thou lend money to any of my people that is poor by thee, thou shalt not be to him as an usurer, neither shalt thou lay upon him usury. Deuteronomy 23:19 Thou shalt not lend upon usury to thy brother; usury of money, usury of victuals, usury of any thing that is lent upon usury. Matthew 21: 12-13 And Jesus went into the temple of God, and cast out all them that sold and bought in the temple, and overthrew the tables of the moneychangers, and the seats of them that sold doves, and said unto them, It is written, My house shall be called the house of prayer; but ye have made it a den of thieves. And what about the fraternization of men with menstruating women and eating on mountains !?? Ezekiel 18:3-9 As I live, saith the Lord GOD, ye shall not have occasion any more to use this proverb in Israel. Behold, all souls are mine; as the soul of the father, so also the soul of the son is mine: the soul that sinneth, it shall die. But if a man be just, and do that which is lawful and right, And hath not eaten upon the mountains�neither hath come near to a menstruous woman�he is just, he shall surely live, saith the Lord GOD. Where is the outcry about this common and widespread phenomenon? Imagine there are probably even women in church who are menstruating. And I know of several Christian churches who use retreats in the mountains for camp and fellowship, and......... yes, they eat food while they are there! Heaven forbid! Are they all going to hell? How will these sins be held against us on judgement day? What is going to happen to those of us who just can't seem to find a good reason to follow these laws? revdauphinee answered on 09/19/03: a Christian is not bound by the judaic law but by the commandments and teachings of Christ Matthew 7?:12 So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets. 35 One of them, an expert in the law, tested him with this question: 36 "Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?" 37 Jesus replied: "`Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' 38 This is the first and greatest commandment. 39 And the second is like it: `Love your neighbor as yourself.' 40 All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments." ) paraclete rated this answer Harmonyhill rated this answer

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cliff_dweller asked on 09/18/03 - Continuation of Marriage Questions Sorry, it's taken me a while to get back to this but with the whole "equality" vs. roles that are described in the bible discussion. Now, according to what you believe what are the roles of the husband? What are the roles of the wife? What about when, by choice, those roles are reversed by the couple? What about when they are forced to be reversed (such as the wife being the provider because the husband cannot because of circumstances beyond his control)? Just curious to see what you all thought revdauphinee answered on 09/19/03: the attitudes one to another are clearly specified in scripture (Eph.5:22-25,28 22 Wives, submit to your husbands as to the Lord. 23 For the husband is the head of the wife as Christ is the head of the church, his body, of which he is the Savior. 24 Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit to their husbands in everything. 25 Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her (Eph.5:22-25,28 22 Wives, submit to your husbands as to the Lord. 23 For the husband is the head of the wife as Christ is the head of the church, his body, of which he is the Savior. 24 Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit to their husbands in everything. 25 Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her 28 In this same way, husbands ought to love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. ) (Eph.5:31,33 31 "For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh." 28 In this same way, husbands ought to love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. ) (Eph.5:31,33 31 "For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh." many a man has read the first part of this and neglected to go further ( 25 Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her 28 In this same way, husbands ought to love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. ) It is not hard to submit to a man who loves you enough to give his life for you (as Christ did for his church) cliff_dweller rated this answer

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HANK1 asked on 09/18/03 - A MESSAGE FROM HANK! It's gratifying, indeed, to witness the expertise of the Experts on Answerway who are easing their ways toward different degrees of excellence and perhaps perfection by using values, positive thinking, the Golden Rule, the Ten Commandments ... and a great need to help others. Escapism will no longer be essential to oblige the sentiments of the useless or the rashness of lost souls. The oaken personality must treat all of creation as being essential rudiments of God's will. Our dispositions should beg for friendships, the good life, originality and success. You must believe in yourself and follow one path towards the benefits of an esthetic believer who ourdates triviality by excelling in those life-forces that offer you rational judgement, appreciation, charitable thoughts and a true understanding of survival. There's good in everyone. It's up to us to find it! I like to be kind to people ... all people! My behavior allows it. So does socialization. But is it easy being tender hearted? Sure it is ... if you have an oaken personality. I do because I have no enemies. In terms of indulgence, leniency prevails. I sniff at contemptible acts of misdemeanor but treat them as one would a cold. The contagion lasts no longer than ten seconds. Then my understanding of the performance cures the negative aspects of the athleticism that nudges the frontal lobe of my brain. But one must learn to be tolerant. It took half my age to wise up and reap the benefits of maturation. Now I'm a 'cool cat' that doesn't go lookin' for Jerry. And you know somethin'? I now have more $$$ to enjoy come Monday and my face looks much better. Being kind to people makes me feel good -- real good! "That best portion of a good man's life, His little, nameless, unremembered acts of kindness and of love." -- William Wordsworth HANK revdauphinee answered on 09/19/03: We are commanded by our saviour to love each other however even loving does not mean we have to agree with them always .I dearly love my children but this does not mean to put blinders on when I see them doing wrong! Hence from time to time i will disagree with the people posting here this does not mean I dont love them Dorothy HANK1 rated this answer

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Billy asked on 09/19/03 - Madonna's new books Well, the material girl is now the immaterial girl. Madonna was written five children's books which will be published in a series, the first to be available soon to the public. Can we see the materialistic Madonna donating the profits of the book sales to one of her favorite non-profit organizations? Of course, we may see this done in the near future. The not-for-profit organization is to develop spiritualism in childen--no religion, mind you, but spiritualism. The program is to teach children that they have two inner forces of good and evil and that good should prevail. How many people plan to purchase these books for their children/grandchildren/nieces/nephews knowing that the proceeds are not for Christian emphasis, but new age emphasis? "She'll certainly know about Catholicism," Madonna, 38, said of Lourdes, who was born Oct. 15. `"I want my daughter to read the Bible, but I will explain to her that these are stories that people made up to teach people -- it's not the rule." [Associated Press, 5 Jan 97] revdauphinee answered on 09/19/03: No way would I ever purchace anything of Madonnas she is not a role model i desire for any of my children or grandchildren to follow Dorothy Ma_Do_Na rated this answer Billy rated this answer MaggieB rated this answer Bobbye rated this answer

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Harmonyhill asked on 09/19/03 - WHO is a Christian and Some Christians believe the NT cancels out the OT. Some Christians believe in Bible literalism. Some only think the NT counts. Some of them think specific passages mean different things. Others believe all denominations are wrong. Some think there is only one True Church, others believe the specific way people worship is insignificant. Are all these people Christians? Or are the only real Christians the ones who think and believe what you do? If they are all Christians, why so much disagreement among them? If they aren't all Christians, why do they claim they are? HH revdauphinee answered on 09/19/03: Are all these people Christians? Or are the only real Christians the ones who think and believe what you do? n answer to this the only true christians are the ones who follow Christ! denominations will not save you works will not save you ideals will not save you not even tollerance of others beliefs will save you only the acceptance of Jesus Christ as lord of your life and following his teachngs alone can do that Dorothy matthew 7: 21. "Not everyone who says to me, `Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. 22. Many will say to me on that day, `Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?' 23. Then I will tell them plainly, `I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!' MaggieB rated this answer Harmonyhill rated this answer

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kindj asked on 09/15/03 - Ethical question-- Would it be ethical for a Christian to withhold information as a witness in a civil case, if it ensured that the greater good would prevail and avoid more harmful action? revdauphinee answered on 09/16/03: a Christian is to tell the truth (not bear false witness )If by maintaining silence you would creat a situation of untruthfullness then you must not withold truth for silence in and of itself sometimes speaks volumes Dorothy kindj rated this answer Aton2. rated this answer

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cliff_dweller asked on 09/16/03 - God's ultimate plan What do you think will happen after the milenial reign of Christ on earth? revdauphinee answered on 09/16/03: The curse of original sincaused by the fall of Adamwill be no more!God will have made everything new and he will reside among his people and all will be as was origianaly intended when he created us we will be in followship with Him Dorothy cliff_dweller rated this answer

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cliff_dweller asked on 09/16/03 - Dinosaurs In the bible there is no mention of them and yet we have the skeletial remains. Pardon me if this has been asked before but I want to know what you all make of this. revdauphinee answered on 09/16/03: I feel ther e is mention of these creatures but other names are used as in the following Ps.104:26. There the ships go to and fro, and the leviathan, which you formed to frolic there. ) -(Ps.74:14. It was you who crushed the heads of Leviathan and gave him as food to the creatures of the desert. ) paraclete rated this answer purplewings rated this answer Laura rated this answer Rowanda rated this answer cliff_dweller rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 09/15/03 - Rankings? Just a digression, but I happend to notice that a particular experts name has vanished from the top ratings in both Christianity and Religion. Do Any of you have any idea what such sudden changes might mean as this person remains a contributor? revdauphinee answered on 09/16/03: dont ever wory about ratings myself I just come here to try and help Dorothy paraclete rated this answer HANK1 rated this answer Rowanda rated this answer

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STONY asked on 09/15/03 - ANYBODY CATCH AN ABC EVENING NEWS STORY A FEW DAYS AGO? THE TRUTH HAS COME OUT, CHILDREN WHO ARE BROUGHT UP ON GOD'S TEACHINGS AND KNOW JESUS ARE LESS LIKELY TO BECOME ILL, CONTRACT DISEASES, SUFFER FROM STRESS THAN THOSE CHILDREN WHO DO NOT HAVE ANY RELIGIOUS UPBRINGING. revdauphinee answered on 09/16/03: Amen and not just children Science has also proven the value of prayer in ones life Rowanda rated this answer STONY rated this answer

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ethical_reason asked on 09/15/03 - Now hold on a second here. Hank pointed out a passage that said something pretty plain. Ephesians 5:21-31, it relates, " Wives, submit to your husbands as to the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife as Christ is the head of the church, his body, of which he is the Savior. Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit to their husbands in everything." Since there is a passage that says that then either all you wives are submissive and husbands expecting so, or you do not believe in all the words of the bible. Which is fine, but then I'm curious if you draw the line as to what to listen to from the bible using rationality or just what feels right? If rationality, are you basing it on the idea that part of the bible may have been designed to create a patriarchy? You know how Innanna was a goddess at one point and snakes were revered and there was a very female revered society pre-Christian bibliology (sp). I'm not saying I know a thing for sure about anything. But I can recognize a bias and I can spot a paradox. So how do you explain it then? revdauphinee answered on 09/16/03: please read my reply to the original question Dorothy ethical_reason rated this answer

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MaggieB asked on 09/15/03 - A trivial question! This past week, my husband and I were in Williamsburg, VA visiting "Colonial Williamsburg" and surrounding locations familiar with the Revolutionary War. We saw quite a number of re-enactments. One was in "Colonial Jamestown" and it was in the colonial govenor's manse where there was a court room. The trial was of a man accused of stealing horses of which there were witnesses and 12 jurors. My question is, did the number of 12 jurors in a courtroom come from the Bible, such as the 12 disciples, 12 tribes, etc? If so, could someone please give me the Scriptures? Thanks, MaggieB revdauphinee answered on 09/16/03: interesting question Maggie but one im afraid i have no clue as to the answer Dorothy MaggieB rated this answer

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Harmonyhill asked on 09/14/03 - Is it or isn't it a sin to commit suicide? The Bible contains several references to men seeking suicide, either by taking direct action or by begging God to kill them on the spot. There are many instances of individuals who either pleaded with God to end their life, or who killed themselves, or who sought the assistance of another to kill them. In the passages I listed, suicide does not seem to be portrayed to be a great moral sin. The acts of committing suicide or of asking that God kill them are simply reported in a factual manner. These acts do not seem to be interpreted as sinful. Neither do they seem ultimately or only selfish. They seem to be regarded simply as straightforward personal decisions. However, the Christian church has traditionally deviated from the biblical message and has considered suicide to be a great moral sin. Some denominations have even refused to bury people who have committed suicide. Why? "Thou shalt not kill." This obviously cannot be interpreted literally, because people continually kill plants and animals for food. Is suicide ever morally justifiable? Numbers 11:12-15 Moses asked God "If You treat me like this, please kill me here and now..." Judges 9:52-54 The warrior-king of Israel, Abimelech, was attacking a tower in Thebez, hoping to exterminate large numbers of unarmed civilians as he had just done in Shechem. As he attempted to burn the door to the tower, a woman dropped a piece of a millstone on Abimelech's head. He felt that he was morally wounded. The king's contempt for women was so great that he quickly asked his armor bearer to kill him with his sword, in order that people not say that he had been killed by a woman. Judges 16:29-30 Samson had been chained to the two middle pillars of a temple. He pushed them apart. thereby knowingly causing the collapse of the building, his own suicide and the death of a few thousand people inside. 1 Samuel 31:4-6 In a war against the Philistines, Saul asked his armor bearer to kill him, but his assistant refused. So he took a sword and fell on it. The armor bearer then also fell on his sword. Both committed suicide. (Described again here) 1 Chronicles 10:3-7 Saul's justification for committing suicide was that because of his injuries, if the Philistines arrived, he would be abused and killed by uncircumcised men. (and even another [different] account about Saul's death) 2 Samuel 1:2-17 The versions in 1 Samuel 31 and 1 Chronicles 10, describe how Saul committed suicide by himself, after his armor bearer refused to perform the task. In this version, Saul had the Amalekite, a stranger, kill him, in a form of assisted suicide. After hearing the story of how the Amalekike had carried out the wishes of Saul, David had him executed on the spot, because he had "slain the LORD's anointed." The implication is that one can assist in the suicide of a commoner, but not in the case of a king. There is no criticism of Saul asking for help in committing suicide. 2 Samuel 17:1-29 Ahithophel recommended that he be allowed to choose 12,000 men, to pursue King David immediately, and kill him. When his advice was not accepted, he became so depressed that he returned to his city, "put his household in order, and hanged himself, and died..." 1 King 16:15-20 Zimri, king of Tirzah "went into the citadel of the king's house and burned the king's house down upon himself with fire, and died..." I King 18:40 and 19:4 Elijah went into the wilderness, and "prayed that he might die." He said, "It is enough! Now, LORD, take my life, for I am no better than my fathers!" Jonah 4:1-11 God had threatened the destruction of the Nineveh, a city of 120,000 people. But the king and people of the city listened to Jonah, repented of their sins, and fasted. God changed his mind and did not destroy the city. Jonah was so angry at God's display of mercy that he asked God to kill him, "for it is better for me to die than to live!" He repeated the same request to God on the next day. Is it or isn't it a sin to commit suicide? HH revdauphinee answered on 09/16/03: lets just say this God brought us into creation,do you think he takes it lightly when we destroy his creation??? Dorothy Harmonyhill rated this answer

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Harmonyhill asked on 09/14/03 - Is it or isn't it a sin to commit suicide? The Bible contains several references to men seeking suicide, either by taking direct action or by begging God to kill them on the spot. There are many instances of individuals who either pleaded with God to end their life, or who killed themselves, or who sought the assistance of another to kill them. In the passages I listed, suicide does not seem to be portrayed to be a great moral sin. The acts of committing suicide or of asking that God kill them are simply reported in a factual manner. These acts do not seem to be interpreted as sinful. Neither do they seem ultimately or only selfish. They seem to be regarded simply as straightforward personal decisions. However, the Christian church has traditionally deviated from the biblical message and has considered suicide to be a great moral sin. Some denominations have even refused to bury people who have committed suicide. Why? "Thou shalt not kill." This obviously cannot be interpreted literally, because people continually kill plants and animals for food. Is suicide ever morally justifiable? Numbers 11:12-15 Moses asked God "If You treat me like this, please kill me here and now..." Judges 9:52-54 The warrior-king of Israel, Abimelech, was attacking a tower in Thebez, hoping to exterminate large numbers of unarmed civilians as he had just done in Shechem. As he attempted to burn the door to the tower, a woman dropped a piece of a millstone on Abimelech's head. He felt that he was morally wounded. The king's contempt for women was so great that he quickly asked his armor bearer to kill him with his sword, in order that people not say that he had been killed by a woman. Judges 16:29-30 Samson had been chained to the two middle pillars of a temple. He pushed them apart. thereby knowingly causing the collapse of the building, his own suicide and the death of a few thousand people inside. 1 Samuel 31:4-6 In a war against the Philistines, Saul asked his armor bearer to kill him, but his assistant refused. So he took a sword and fell on it. The armor bearer then also fell on his sword. Both committed suicide. (Described again here) 1 Chronicles 10:3-7 Saul's justification for committing suicide was that because of his injuries, if the Philistines arrived, he would be abused and killed by uncircumcised men. (and even another [different] account about Saul's death) 2 Samuel 1:2-17 The versions in 1 Samuel 31 and 1 Chronicles 10, describe how Saul committed suicide by himself, after his armor bearer refused to perform the task. In this version, Saul had the Amalekite, a stranger, kill him, in a form of assisted suicide. After hearing the story of how the Amalekike had carried out the wishes of Saul, David had him executed on the spot, because he had "slain the LORD's anointed." The implication is that one can assist in the suicide of a commoner, but not in the case of a king. There is no criticism of Saul asking for help in committing suicide. 2 Samuel 17:1-29 Ahithophel recommended that he be allowed to choose 12,000 men, to pursue King David immediately, and kill him. When his advice was not accepted, he became so depressed that he returned to his city, "put his household in order, and hanged himself, and died..." 1 King 16:15-20 Zimri, king of Tirzah "went into the citadel of the king's house and burned the king's house down upon himself with fire, and died..." I King 18:40 and 19:4 Elijah went into the wilderness, and "prayed that he might die." He said, "It is enough! Now, LORD, take my life, for I am no better than my fathers!" Jonah 4:1-11 God had threatened the destruction of the Nineveh, a city of 120,000 people. But the king and people of the city listened to Jonah, repented of their sins, and fasted. God changed his mind and did not destroy the city. Jonah was so angry at God's display of mercy that he asked God to kill him, "for it is better for me to die than to live!" He repeated the same request to God on the next day. Is it or isn't it a sin to commit suicide? HH revdauphinee answered on 09/16/03: lets just say this God brought us into creation,do you think he takes it lightly when we destroy his creation??? Dorothy Harmonyhill rated this answer

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HANK1 asked on 09/14/03 - OUR FUTURES! "For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him MIGHT be saved." - John 3:17 You'll notice that I capitalizaed MIGHT! Any comments? revdauphinee answered on 09/14/03: My bible says the following 17. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. the Ammerican standard says 17. For God sent not the Son into the world to judge the world; but that the world should be saved through him. only the King James says might and in olde english Might meant could so it depends on which translation you are reading but Jesus died for each of us individualy and his gift of salvation has to be recieved for if I send you a gift and you refuse to accept it it will never be yours Dorothy HANK1 rated this answer MaggieB rated this answer purplewings rated this answer

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HANK1 asked on 09/14/03 - WOW! DO I NEED GLASSES? In Ephesians 5:21-31, it relates, " Wives, submit to your husbands as to the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife as Christ is the head of the church, his body, of which he is the Savior. Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit to their husbands in everything." Personally, I believe in EQUALITY! What do you think? revdauphinee answered on 09/14/03: so am I but read the whole chapter it also says 25. Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her Christ gave his life for the church !I wouldnt have any trouble submitting to a man who loved me enough to die for me,for one who loved me so much would always have my best interest in mind. This passage does not tell us to become doormats it does tell each of the sexes how they should treat each other ,there is no hint of dominance here Dorothy CeeBee rated this answer HANK1 rated this answer MaggieB rated this answer

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Rowanda asked on 09/14/03 - Aloha Oe Are there people here from other religions besides christianity? What other religions? Why are you here? Are there problems between the christians and those of other religions? Are prejudice and bigotry present here? revdauphinee answered on 09/14/03: if we are truthfull all are predudiced n some respect we all have our preferenses even if we dont openly claim them,I am a christian therefore I prefer Christianity to all other faiths I admit to felling that they are false does this make me predudiced?then I guess i am Rowanda rated this answer

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Rowanda asked on 09/14/03 - Aloha Oe all Who is the best expert on christianity here? What qualifications make you an expert? Are you completely unbiased in your answers and how do you know? Would other experts agree with your self analysis? Row revdauphinee answered on 09/14/03: we are not here in a contest but rather to help others come to the truth which we can only relate as it applies to our own selves only God him self is the expert,when we come to the selfrealization that we do not have all the answers we are a little closer to truth Dorothy Rowanda rated this answer Toms777 rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 09/14/03 - Christians and Tobacco, etc. Now that you have dealt with the thornier question of Alcohol and generally come to the concensus that a little alcohol is permitted (for your stomach's sake?) Let's consider Tobacco. It can be said that no one wants to spend their life in a smoke filled house. revdauphinee answered on 09/14/03: wine is not a poison ,Tobacco and most drugs are there in lies the difference !we are admonished to do what is good for the body not that wich will harm it paraclete rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 09/14/03 - Christians and Gluttony? From the remarkes in my recent question it seems we are more interested in the excesses associated with too many Big Mac's than with Tobacco. So how should the Christian deal with a society which delights in doing everything to excess? revdauphinee answered on 09/14/03: by following the word as told in Philippians 4: 5. Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand. If we are to be known as Christians then we must follow his teachngs Dorothy paraclete rated this answer MaggieB rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 09/13/03 - Christians and alcohol? what do you feel about Christians and alcohol. Should Christians be totally free from alcohol or is some consumption acceptable or even recommended. revdauphinee answered on 09/13/03: let sripture itself answer this Why would he do this if it is totaly forbiden? Isa.25:6 On this mountain the LORD Almighty will prepare a feast of rich food for all peoples, a banquet of aged wine-- the best of meats and the finest of wines. -recommended by Paul to Timothy, (1Tim.5:23. Stop drinking only water, and use a little wine because of your stomach and your frequent illnesses. ) this is not an admonition to go get drunk for drunkenness is sin (losing controll)However Jesus himself drank wine (not grape juice )for if it were not true wine how could they have accused him thus (Matt.11:19 The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, `Here is a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and "sinners." ' But wisdom is proved right by her actions." In this as with all other things including glutony we are told to do all things in moderation paraclete rated this answer

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mr_internet asked on 09/11/03 - Your opinion please First let me thank all of you who did answer my previous question. I will rate them this afternoon. Now my question: I personally believe that it is not fair to learn about Christianity from atheist people (specially extremist atheists). Why not? Well, that is because they can't be fair and they may even have misunderstanding of Biblical teachings. I am sure no Christian wants me to learn about their faith from atheists. Right? So here is your question: Do you thing it is fair to learn from Christians about Islam or Hinduism or other non-Christian faiths? In other words can you trust the teachings of those Christians to be truthful and accurate? revdauphinee answered on 09/11/03: It is completely right that a christian would tend to be biased toward their beliefs but would this not apply also to other faiths??would not a muslim try to make you accept that Islaam is true ??why not pray to your God to guide you and then begin your study for it is written if you pray asking for guidance it will be given.for myself I have studied and read the Quran and cannot in the light of my Christian beliefs accept it! Dorothy

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cliff_dweller asked on 09/11/03 - Question about the end times In revelation and Daniel and various other places throughout the bible the end times are refered to and put out for display. In today's culture do you think that we are living in the end times or we are just getting closer? What do you base this on according to scripture? revdauphinee answered on 09/11/03: I most certainly believe we arew living in the end times for scripture tells us in Daniel 12 ! 11"From the time that the daily sacrifice is abolished and the abomination that causes desolation is set up, there will be 1,290 days. 12. Blessed is the one who waits for and reaches the end of the 1,335 days. and since in Gods time a day is as a thousand years that should put us right about on schedule even accounting for calendar changes cliff_dweller rated this answer

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graeylin asked on 09/09/03 - Divorce and annulment What is the difference, in Biblical terms, between a divorce and an annulment? Aren't they both the same thing? Don't they both take apart what God has joined? I know that one "claims" the marriage never existed, but isn't that just man's rationalization? Does that mean that God forgets about the union? Where in the Bible does it say an annulment is acceptable? revdauphinee answered on 09/09/03: an adulment is authorised if the marriage was n3ever consumated and hensforth did not truly exist since the couple had never united graeylin rated this answer

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hOPE12 asked on 09/09/03 - Love Hate & War: Good Morning, War is a state of hostility accompanied by actions designed to subjugate or to destroy those viewed as the enemy. The apostle Paul also spoke of a warfare that he and his associates were waging, in carrying out their commission as those appointed to care for the Christian congregation. 2Co 10:3 The congregation at Corinth had been wrongly influenced by presumptuous men called by Paul �false apostles� who, by giving undue attention to personalities, had caused divisions, sects, in the congregation. 2Co 11:13-15 They became, in effect, followers of men such as Apollos, Paul, and Cephas. 1Co 1:11,�12 The members of the congregation lost the spiritual viewpoint, that these men were merely representatives of Christ, unitedly serving the same purpose. They became fleshly. 1Co 3:1-9 They viewed men in the congregation �according to what they were in the flesh,� their appearance, natural abilities, personalities, and so forth, instead of regarding them as spiritual men. They failed to recognize that God�s spirit was operating in the congregation, and that men such as Paul, Peter, and Apollos were accomplishing what they did by God�s spirit, for His glory. Paul was impelled to write them: �Indeed I beg that, when present, I may not use boldness with that confidence with which I am counting on taking bold measures against some who appraise us as if we walked according to what we are in the flesh. For though we walk in the flesh, we do not wage warfare according to what we are in the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not fleshly, but powerful by God for overturning strongly entrenched things. For we are overturning reasonings and every lofty thing raised up against the knowledge of God; and we are bringing every thought into captivity to make it obedient to the Christ.� 2Co 10:2-5. Paul wrote to Timothy, whom he had left in Ephesus to care for the congregation there: �This mandate I commit to you, child, Timothy, in accord with the predictions that led directly on to you, that by these you may go on waging the fine warfare; holding faith and a good conscience.� 1Ti 1:18,�19 Not only did Timothy have before him conflicts because of sinful flesh and because of the opposition of the enemies of the truth but he also had to wage warfare against the infiltration of false doctrine and of those who would corrupt the congregation. 1Ti 1:3-7; 4:6, 11-16 His actions would fortify the congregation against the apostasy that Paul knew would occur after the apostles passed off the scene. (2Ti 4:3-5) So it was a real fight that Timothy had to wage. Paul was able to say to Timothy: �I have fought the fine fight, I have run the course to the finish, I have observed the faith.� 2Ti 4:7 Paul had maintained his faithfulness to God and Jesus Christ by right conduct and service in the face of opposition, suffering, and persecution. 2Co 11:23-28 He had additionally discharged the responsibility of his office as an apostle of the Lord Jesus Christ, fighting the war to keep the Christian congregation clean and spotless, as a chaste virgin, and as �a pillar and support of the truth.1Ti 3:15; 1Co 4:1,�2; 2Co 11:2,�29; 2Ti 2:3,�4. True Christians have always maintained strict neutrality as to fleshly warfare between nations, groups, or factions of any kind. Joh 18:36; 1Co 5:1,�13; Eph 6:12. In this discussion we are aware the scriptures speak of two kinds of warfare. 1The warfare against nations, where one nation of people kill another nation of people. 2) The spiritual warfare where the killing is in a figurative way, by killing false beliefs and those who work what is wicked towards others. My questions for discussion are: 1) The Bible speaks against killing other humans. Knowing this, how does one justify the two in their worship to God? How does one fight and kill for their country and still knowing they have killed another, count themselves as approved and in good standing with God? 2) How does one fight the spiritual warfare that Paul spoke about? 3) Because warfare is a serious matter, can a person kill another person and still be clean in God�s eyes, even if the government sends them as �part of their duty.� Does not duty to God come first? If so, how does one balance the government telling us it is okay to kill and God saying we should not kill? 4) Is anyone on this earth exempt from God�s laws? (kings, government officials, those in authority? 5) What is the difference in your opinion of the wars in the Bible and the wars of the nations? Please explain to me how -a person can set these matter right in their mind and heart. Thank you, Hope12 revdauphinee answered on 09/09/03: the correct interpretation of the commandment is thou shalt not (murder), God himself many times instructed people to rise up and slay the enemy Dorothy Ascah rated this answer hOPE12 rated this answer paraclete rated this answer Uni-Agdistis rated this answer

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Billy asked on 09/09/03 - Love Joh 15:12 (NJB) This is my commandment; love one another, as I have loved you. In reading this question board I have to wonder if anyone has read that particular commandment of our Lord? Sarcasm fails, ignornance fails, knowledge fails, but love never fails. "Because we have been gifted with God's peace in the risen Christ, we are called to our own peace and to the making of peace in our word. As disciples and as children of God it is our task to seek for ways in which to make the forgiveness, justice and mercy and love of God visible in a world where violence and enmity are too often the norm." Challenge of Peace Pastoral letter, US Catholic bishops revdauphinee answered on 09/09/03: amen as my former country men once said "all you need is love" Billy rated this answer

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Uni-Agdistis asked on 09/09/03 - Suggestion: I would suggest that all who spend their time here visit the Expert Forum and peruse the Writing Style comments. The question is .. any comments? revdauphinee answered on 09/09/03: what does the writing style have to do with if the message gets though or not ???one does not have to have a PHD to speak truth Dorothy Toms777 rated this answer Uni-Agdistis rated this answer

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Laura asked on 09/08/03 - A rose by any other name...... Why must we hold to any particular denomination and why do so many think that they are the only correct church?? The apostles and early believers were simply called "Christians"..and never taught a particular denomination. Why wasn't that good enough.. Faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior is the only requirement for salvation. And in seriously commiting one's life to Christ, we will show the fruits of the spirit and honor the two great commandments Jesus taught. It just seems to me that it would be so much easier. To follow the guidlines of the Bible and the Bible alone and throw out all the man made doctrine. What do you think? Laura revdauphinee answered on 09/09/03: being non denominational myself i sometimes think denominations turn many from following Christ rather than atract folks to him Dorothy Laura rated this answer

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hOPE12 asked on 09/08/03 - Just my observation: Hello Everyone, This is just my opinion but is the Jehovah's Witness forum dead or dying, It sure seems that way! I am fairly new here but can someone please tell me why it is so inactive? Was someone behaving rude or were they not able to answer question in a proper and respectful way? I am one of Jehovah's Witnesses and I feel really bad that there is no activity on that the JW board. If any wish to ask me anything about the Jehovah Witnesses or the organization, I would be more then happy to answer your questions. I will though not get into any arguements of organizational issues. I will give you facts and truths about the religion and answer you questions in a direct and truthful manner. If there are issues I personally am not familiar with I will research it and get back to you on it. Please why not visit the Jehovah's Witnes board and see that we too are human and make errors and also have feelings. Any Jehovah's Witnesses that read this post should also go to the JW board. "The truth will always prevail and last but not least, I am a very nice person! Come on and see for yourself, join me on the Jehovah Witness board. See you there, Hope12 revdauphinee answered on 09/09/03: probably because many folks myself included consider the watchtower society to be a cult and unscriptural!whith respect to your free will have you realy studied this group in the light of accepted scripture (not the watchtowes edition of the bibble but the one the rest of us use?? Dorothy hOPE12 rated this answer Uni-Agdistis rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 09/08/03 - How good is your fruit?? Matthew 7 17 Likewise every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. 18 A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit. 19 Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. 20 Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them. 21 "Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. 22 Many will say to me on that day, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?' 23 Then I will tell them plainly, 'I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!' 24 "Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. You can plainly see from these passages, and similar in Mark and Luke, that there are Christians, even those in Ministry, who at the day of Judgement will not measure up to the standard of righteousness to enter the Kingdom of Heaven. Now the average Christian doesn't usually go about doing the things described in these passages, so how much more will these need to be firm in their foundation and sure and assured of their salvation. Do you really think that's it's a case of easy Grace and whatever I think is the way it is? revdauphinee answered on 09/09/03: Just saying one is a christian does not make you one for did not Jesus say in Matthew 7: 21. "Not everyone who says to me, `Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. 22. Many will say to me on that day, `Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?' 23. Then I will tell them plainly, `I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!' Dorothy paraclete rated this answer

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Laura asked on 09/07/03 - Urgent prayer request.. When it rains it pours!! My husbands mother is in the hospital.. She had a very low hemoglobin count and they put her in to see why and to give her a blood transfusion.. A few years ago she had a stroke and today she is having all the syptoms that she had the first time.. disoriented, slurring speech, like she's drunk, but she has had no medication to make her act this way.. Please keep her in your prayers. Thank you. Laura revdauphinee answered on 09/09/03: consider it done! your family will be in my prayers Please let us know how this works out I do care,and remember there must be rain in out lives in order for us to grow!but after the rain comes the rainbow! Shalom Dorothy Laura rated this answer

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heisking asked on 09/07/03 - Grounds for divorce Ok I know that I asked you all a couple of weeks ago about my problems with my then fiance. I spoke with her about postponing the marriage and she said that it was now or never. I broke and said that I would marry her. Now I am regretting every minute of it. She yelled at my grandmother at the wedding (I yelled back at her which probably wasn;t the best thing to do). Then the next day after the wedding she came to stay at what was supposed to be our place. We got along fine for a couple of days then the arguing started again. She keeps telling me that she hates being married and that someday soon she is going to leave me, that was on the honeymoon. Then today, when I finally thought that things were getting better between us I tried calling her when I got out of work on her cell phone and she didn;t answer so I rushed home thinking that something might be wrong. Well let me make a long story short, she started in with the whole "I hate being married", and in my own anger I said then get a divorce. Wrong I know and I have to ask the Father for forgiveness as well as her. Then she said get out of my room so I went to sleep on the floor in the livingroom. She wanted to throw away a gift that my mother and grandmother bought for us and literally attacked me to get at it, in the process she stepped on my ankle/foot causing me to hurt it. Then tonight when I went to take a shower I got out and she comes out yelling that she isn;t my maid and to pick up my stuff. I was just going to feed the cat and was going to go back and get it. Then I said what's your problem she then pushed me and I fell over the bed, causing more injury to my ankle. I called her a name (God please forgive me) and she started slapping me and hitting me, knocking out a tooth in the process. It didn;t bleed or anything so I figured it was fine. Now for my question... We have been married for two weeks and one day now and I wanted to know what you thought the bible would say about a divorce in this case. I am really scared of what she might try to do next. I felt the attack was totally out of character for her and I don;t know what else is coming that I might find out of character. I know that it says only in the case of adultry (spelling?) is divorce okay but does God want a life like this for His people? I am really at my wits end with this right now and I need some solid input. Thanks for any help that you can provide... revdauphinee answered on 09/09/03: first sounds like this marriage should have never happened in the first place, but that being said you might try counselling if she will? Then whilst God does not care for divorse, neither does he want his children to live in misery,and I believe we have an understanding father who is compasionate and forgiving so if after you try every avenue first to save this mess ( sounds impossible)I would say you have to take the road you feel best for your futere! God may not love divorse but he does understand and is a forgiving father who even gave the life of his son to forgive us humans of our frailties Dorothy heisking rated this answer

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Laura asked on 09/06/03 - Sorry... I need help with a legal issue.. couldn't find one here that answers questions. Thought maybe one of my dear sweet experts in Christianity might know the answer to this. Just got the probate papers today for my mother.. They want the S.S. numbers for her brothers and sisters who are all dead. How in the world can I get these.. Mom didn't have them, and my cousins are so distant, I don't really even know how to contact them.. Should I just tell the lawyer this? Is it really necessary since they are all gone??.. Thanks, and sorry all for this not being a Specific Christianity question.. Laura revdauphinee answered on 09/09/03: you seem to have access to an atorney why not let him handle this? Dorothy Laura rated this answer

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ethical_reason asked on 09/05/03 - Do you think AIDS exists? I already posted this on the philosophy board. I know it doesn't belong here but you guys are so darn smart I thought you might give good answers. So, a friend of mine at work has AIDS (or maybe not =) He was diagnosed with AIDS like 9 years ago and for 2 years did nothing about it. And then for 5 years he took AZT. Then he did a bunch of research and decided it was all a hoax and stopped taking AZT for 2 years now. He has never felt better in his life and he's never been healthier and never looked better. That's not proof or anything. =) Anyhow, so he gave me a video which was as biased as pro-AZT videos are and any video that insists the existence of AIDS is true. So, it's hard to trust it. But if they are telling the truth it is hard to deny. Who knows if they are telling the truth? One of the biggest pieces of evidence by Peter Duesberg was that HIV is a retrovirus and a retrovirus has never and can never damage t-cells. In fact they would have the opposite effect. Another idea is that the proof of AIDS in the system is Pneumonia - HIV = pneumonia Pneumonia + HIV = AIDS If that's true it's bullshit scientific method. But who knows if it is true. This Dusberg fellow says that the normal association of AIDS making one sick is actually a lifestyle issue more often than not. The AIDS affect of one being sick actually often comes from people using drugs that lead to what would be seen as the sickness from the AIDS infection. So, giving people ready access to needles is therefore making things worse. And obviously the motivation is big business for the drug companies. Anyhow, there's a lot more info on these sites: http://www.virusmyth.net/aids/controversy.htm http://www.duesberg.com/ So, what do you guys think? Does AIDS exist or is it a huge hoax? revdauphinee answered on 09/09/03: whether or not aids truly exists is not the important thing here, the thing is if one had been diagnosed ,are they willing to bet their lives that it doesnt ??I personaly would rather take the safer route and seek treatement if ir were me !How about the rest of you folks?? Dorothy ethical_reason rated this answer

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MaggieB asked on 09/05/03 - To Sharlene, my friend! Very simply, we all have sinned, there is no way we could "humanly" keep the ten commandments that God gave to Moses for us to live by. BUT, through "faith" in Jesus Christ who shed His blood on the cross of Calvary, He paid "our debt" of sin. Acts 16 tells us of the Philippian jailer who was guarding Paul and Silas during their imprisonment. Paul and Silas sang praises and prayed unto the Lord and the other prisoners heard them. There was an earthquake during the night and immediately all the doors opened and all the prisoners bands were loosed. The jailer awoke and was frightened, he came trembling to Paul and Silas and asked, "Sirs, what must I do to be saved? And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house. Paul and Silas preached the gospel to the jailer and those in his house; they believed and were saved. Now, what is this gospel that saves when believed? First it is: "that Christ died for our sins." Second: "that He was buried." Third: "that He rose again the third day." Jesus Christ the God-man died for you, was buried for you, and rose for you; and is now at the right hand of the Father interceding for you. The gospel is the power of God unto salvation only when you believe. Your faith in Jesus Christ releases the power of God that saves your soul. Sharlene that is "awesome" and by "faith in Jesus Christ" I believed many years ago and I wouldn't trade my life with Jesus for anything. I am free from my sins, free indeed! When you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus, and believe in your heart that God hath raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. Just ask God to forgive you of your sins (we all have sinned, some worse than others, but God still loved us enough to send His own Son to the cross for us), and declare that by faith you accept Him for eternal salvation. He will do it, I promise. The Bible tells me so. Love you, MaggieB revdauphinee answered on 09/09/03: Amen Maggie couldnt have said it better myself .remember God loves us even when we are not very loveable, Dorothy MaggieB rated this answer

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Bobie asked on 09/05/03 - Prove it AMEN!! NO PIECE OF CUT STONE OR WOOD, GOLD OR SILVER IDOL, INCANTATION TO spirits, OR PRINTED CARD HAS EVER UNLEASHED THE POWER OF GOD OR MADE IT NULIFIED. Can you prove the power of God? If you could what God would you prove had some sort of power. People through out the ages have made up gods to suit there own needs, some became popular through fear! and I think only gullible people still believe in there one and only, just too many gods out there. Better to find ones own spirituality and follow that path, forget about the money-mad churches What do you think This is not a private question Bobie revdauphinee answered on 09/09/03: I personaly need no proof !I know that I know that he is !One has to find his or her own truth but for those who seek it can be found! Dorothy Bobie rated this answer

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Uni-Agdistis asked on 09/05/03 - Stony, in response to your endearing messages ..... Dear Stony, Since you saw fit to remove the first private message, [or if not you, who, but it really does not matter ] however, you sent me another private message, so let me make this crystal clear to you so that you will, hopefully, understand. Private questions to me will always be answered publicly, unless a good friend writes privately and wishes for me to keep our comments confidential. Since privacy is reserved for either legitimate questions or friendly banter, and these two missives of yours are neither, so as to avoid confusion and less than understood messages, I am making this whole conversation public�however, I am taking the precaution of making this �reparte� public MY way. Here was your original question which was removed by you or whoever, does not matter�.here it is again: ONLY THE IGNORANT AND UNLEARNED...ACCORDING TO THE BIBLE NO, THIS IS THE VOICE OF STUDY!! �.to which I answered�.. Really?!?!?! I am soooo impressed! Clarification/Follow-up by Uni-Agdistis on 09/03/03 10:27 pm: Stony, It is not that I don't appreciate your "studies" ..... whatever they may be... it is simply that your delivery of the product of your 'studies' is rather gruff, brusque and rather snippy at times�. It would be more advantageous to all [at least to me] if your harsh delivery was mitigated by some reflection on the effect your words have for those who read what you write. Forbearance is more productive than intransigence. �..To which you responded with the following private message so full of the message of Jesus and so over flowingly full of human kindness: YOUR WITTY COMMENTS!! PLEASE DON'T CONFUSE ME WITH THE CHRISTIAN WHO WILL WEEP AND MOURN FOR YOUR MORTAL SOUL BECAUSE IT WON'T HAPPEN. YOU HAVE BEEN GIVEN EXACTLY THE SAME OPPORTUNITY TO ACCEPT JESUS AS I HAVE; YOU HAVE CHOSEN TO REFUSE THE OFFER. SO, WHEN YOU GET TO THAT PART THAT SPEAKS OF "WAILING AND GNASHING OF TEETH" DON'T TRY TO B.S. GOD INTO BELIEVING THAT NO ONE EVER TOLD YOU ABOUT THE SAVING GRACE AND ETERNAL LOVE OF JESUS CHRIST. HAVE A GOOD LIFE, I DOUBT VERY SERIOUSLY IF I WILL SEE YOU ON THE OTHER SIDE... �.to which I respond to make the following perfectly clear �. 1 Worry not, Stony, my immortal soul is not your worry. 2 It is called freedom of choice, you accept Jesus I accept the Creator. 3 I plan to do neither �wailing nor gnashing� of teeth, my beliefs may not match yours but that is ok, that is why the Creator gave us FREE WILL �to choose our own paths our own ways. 4 I do not BS anyone, much less the Creator, only fools BS themselves. 5 I have had a wonderful life full of wonders, and I plan to continue living as long as the Creator allows it. 6 When that gift of life is gone and I meet my maker I also doubt I shall see you there �. On the other side, as it were, but I do wish you the best. One last thing �. Your lack of objectivity and impartiality where it concerns religion is quite sufficiently demonstrated, so I will ask you NOT to address me privately again. I do not use the abuse button, not my way, however, in your case I shall make an exception. Live long and prosper! ;-D revdauphinee answered on 09/09/03: Christ gave us the comandment to love one another if we follow him then we should at least make the attempt to do so ,sarcasm and chiding do not appear to be loving ways of promoting him and I feel sure he does not approve ! Dorothy Uni-Agdistis rated this answer

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Fulmens asked on 09/05/03 - Jews and Jesus a friend told me that somewhere in the new testament it says that the jews will eventually accept Jesus and be saved (because i told him that Iesus said that whoever denies him He will also deny, and the Jews deny Him, therefore He will deny them). can you tell me where this is in the new testament? revdauphinee answered on 09/09/03: adding to the comments from Romans 11 one might add this is already comming to pass there are many many messianic Jewish congregations today who while retaining much of the jewish heritage also proclaim Yeshua hamasia(Jesus is messiah Fulmens rated this answer

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Harmonyhill asked on 09/02/03 - what is the truth Would it matter if I said I am a Christian when someone else says I am not? Does being born again mean being baptized in a Christian Church by water in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost? If that is my experience and someone else says it isn't, what am I? Once someone is 'born again', can that ever be taken away? Would it ever be necessary to be born again more than once? HH revdauphinee answered on 09/06/03: If you have been born again you will know it and no matter what anyone sais to the contrary will not matter this is between you and your creator as for baptism it is an act of obedience and not a way to salvation Being baptised has never saved any one it is the conversion of the heart that leads to the desire for obedience and then baptism that saves,If baptisement was the only way of savation what about believers who die in war and trdgedies before they are able to be baptized are they then lost??I think not it is by the content of ones heart that salvation is granted not by getting wet. Harmonyhill rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 09/02/03 - BORN AGAIN? After reading many answers to questions on this board It occurs to me that some contributors may not be born again Christians. This is perhaps one of the most important teachings of Christianity yet it is poorly understood. So are you BORN AGAIN as Jesus told us? John 3:1 Now there was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a member of the Jewish ruling council. 2 He came to Jesus at night and said, "Rabbi, we know you are a teacher who has come from God. For no one could perform the miraculous signs you are doing if God were not with him." 3 In reply Jesus declared, "I tell you the truth, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again." 4 "How can a man be born when he is old?" Nicodemus asked. "Surely he cannot enter a second time into his mother's womb to be born!" 5 Jesus answered, "I tell you the truth, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless he is born of water and the Spirit. 6 Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit. 7 You should not be surprised at my saying, 'You must be born again.' 8 The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit." 9 "How can this be?" Nicodemus asked. 10 "You are Israel's teacher," said Jesus, "and do you not understand these things? 11 I tell you the truth, we speak of what we know, and we testify to what we have seen, but still you people do not accept our testimony. 12 I have spoken to you of earthly things and you do not believe; how then will you believe if I speak of heavenly things? revdauphinee answered on 09/06/03: Being baptised has never saved any one it is the conversion of the heart that leads to the desire for obedience and then baptism that saves,If baptisement was the only way of savation what about believers who die in war and trdgedies before they are able to be baptized are they then lost??I think not it is by the content of ones heart that salvation is granted not by getting wet.a Roman emperor once marched his army through the tiber river and declared he now had a christian army ,he ad a wet army that is all Dorothy paraclete rated this answer

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HANK1 asked on 09/01/03 - HUMILITY! CONFESSION: "Lord, we enter Your presence as sinners. We enter Your presence as people who often grumble because you do not give everything we want. Our lives are guided more by desires than they are by the Word. Like Bartholomew, we are at times skeptical of You, Your Word and how much You love us. Forgive us, renew us and lead us that we may be like You in true righteousness and holiness." * This followed our INVOCATION at Church this past Sunday! Would you feel humiliated if you read this Confession in Church if it doesn't apply to you? revdauphinee answered on 09/06/03: no i would not for this applies to all of us for is it not written Romans 3: 23. for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24. and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus. Dorothy HANK1 rated this answer

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HANK1 asked on 09/01/03 - IS IT TOO LATE? Is it too late for a God-fearing American to attain total happiness in the United States? revdauphinee answered on 09/06/03: Not to Tibetr my friend but to Jesus!complete faith in his wisdom gives us true peace and happiness ,depending on anything else is futile Dorothy HANK1 rated this answer

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ethical_reason asked on 09/01/03 - I just gotta know now. Ascah and JeffreyBryson both called my response Glib and Shallow. So, now, I just gotta know why. What makes it so shallow and how did I show such little concern or thought? I said that people suicide to get attention. Or because they are crazy. I said that it is a "snub." An "I'll show them", or a "please force me not to kill myself so that you are responsible for my life now." So, did you two just think I was wrong? What gives? Do you have, like, an opinion that differs? You may note I am always interested in having more conversation where as you both seem to make snide comments and then run. So, do either of you have anything to say except offhanded hackneyed comments that are trite to the point of bathos? revdauphinee answered on 09/06/03: suiside is the most selfish act I can tyhink of the person who does this does not concern themself with the feelings of the people who love temnor even for the will of God who gave them life and who alone should be the one to decide when it should end.It is often an act (not thought throught to its conclusion) in order to gain attention and always place self at the forefront! ATON2 rated this answer ethical_reason rated this answer

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Harmonyhill asked on 08/31/03 - Is it wrong to feel this way? I have an open enough mind to know that what ever I believe, I could be wrong. I am willing to explore the possibility that I might not be right about anything. Is it wrong to feel that way? Why do some people think that they need to convince me one way or the other instead of letting me decide for myself? HH revdauphinee answered on 08/31/03: God in his wisdom gives us free will however he does also give us a road map to help us in our journey it is caled "the Bible" Dorothy Harmonyhill rated this answer

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Harmonyhill asked on 08/31/03 - Someone said: God will not give you more than you can handle Who is right? Will God give you more than you can handle or not? If not, what is the purpose of suicide? I understand that sometimes suicide might be motivated by a desire to 'punish' the survivors but what about those who commit suicide because they can no longer cope? Did they get more than they could handle? or Did they suicide NOT because they were overwhelmed but because they had sinful desires? or something else? Ursula revdauphinee answered on 08/31/03: suicide is the ultimate act of sefishness it causes pain to others while giving the peron commiting the act freedom from resposibility for the pain Dorothy Harmonyhill rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 08/31/03 - Religion? I recently watched the television program Hollywood Religions and found that this was a promo for alternative religions using stars as a draw. The danger of this is that the young and impressionable follow these people because its fashionable. Where did we Christians loose relevance to these people? Are we not relevant because we dont accept their life style? revdauphinee answered on 08/31/03: maybee we are not relevant because we judge them and the lifestyles they lead ,we try to controll them,this was not the way Christ won converts he won them with Love and compasion For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. ) 37 All that the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never drive away. ) we who profess to follow him do not heed his advice we are judgemental to say the least ,He wants us to love each other and not to judge them (Lk.5:31-32 31 Jesus answered them, "It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. 32 I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance." ) paraclete rated this answer

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tgbrowning asked on 08/29/03 - Anybody ever heard of a group like this? A long time ago when I was in college, living in a quad, one of my roommates was a guy who was very religious. I got to talking to him one day and asked a bunch of questions and the answers he gave me were a little different from what I'd ever encountered before. Specifically, the church he attended, had no name. They only met in small groups, always less than a dozen and generally in groups of four to six. They claimed to be the sole legetimate church in existance, the one offically established by Peter. According to them, the Cathelic church had been taken over by Satan back in the Middle Ages (the date wasn't clear to me, but I gathered it was sometime around the 1000 CE). All other churches were willing or unwilling pawns of Satan. They had no formal clergy or structure and indeed--and I'm not making this up, I swear--never knew the names of other church members in other cities. They had phone numbers that they could call to get in touch with other members of the church, or possibly Post Office boxes. I liked the guy--very sincere in his faith. I'm positive he wasn't pulling my leg. Unfortunately, one night he picked up and moved out of the quad and I never saw or heard from him again. Anybody familiar with this group? Are they still in existance? What is their origin? Browning>>> revdauphinee answered on 08/31/03: I am not familiar with this group although I can understand why one becomes disenchanted with modern denominationalism.It seems many of them are turning faith into big business a trend im sure Christ would never endorce!I remember sitting in one such church and looking up a chrystal chandeliers worth thousands of dollars,listening to a paster who drove a cadilac,speak on an expensive sound system, while just down the road people were sleeping under the highway bridge ,One must therefore ask oneself is this what Jesus would realy aprove of?? Dorothy tgbrowning rated this answer

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~Seraph~ asked on 08/28/03 - Question ----------- Will there be a temple again in Jerusalem? If so, who will build it, when, and where? Be as specific as you can. Nota bene: This is NOT a homework question. ~Sephie~ revdauphinee answered on 08/29/03: it is commonly accepted the temple will be rebuilt during the time of tribulation read prophecy in Daniel chapter 9! Israel will become the storm center of the world Zechariah 12 and 14 reveal some of Gods judgements upon Israel and her enemies, We read that God will make Jerusalem a cup that will send all the Nations reeling!Remember anyone who harms Israel will actualy be harmiing themselves,because they will be setting themselves against God.This struggle over Jerusalem will triger the second comming and the battle of Armagedon.Israel is Gods weaponand he will use her to shatter the nations This strugle is already underway! The Palestine Liberation Organizationsays that Jerusalemwill be the capital of a new Palestinian state,while the Pope has asked that it be designated as an International city so that the church may move its headquarters there.All this is a thorn in the side of the United Nations.since there is a great desire to move against the Jews.However does this will bring great destruction upon themselves. The Jews want to rebuild the temple (the heart and soul of thier faith) they want to place it upon the Old testament sight.However the palestinians want to keep this same site as holy ground for the existing Mosque.They do not want it torn down or removed.For the Jews to rebuild the temple on this site would be pointing a gun to the Palestinians.It would be seen as a great insult to their religion and to their God (not the same God as the one of the Jews) The Middle east conflict is realy a struggle between jedaism and Islam.It raises the question,Whose God is God??Neither side dare give ground because the basis and reputation of both the God and the faith of both of them are at stake Dorothy ~Seraph~ rated this answer

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Uni-Agdistis asked on 08/27/03 - Should the mother also be held responsible? Minister Charged in Boy's Death at Church Email this Story Aug 26, 11:11 PM (ET) By JULIET WILLIAMS MILWAUKEE (AP) - A church minister was charged Tuesday in the death of an 8-year-old autistic boy who suffocated as church leaders tried to heal him at a storefront church. Ray Hemphill was charged with physical abuse of a child causing great bodily harm. If convicted, he faces up to 10 years in prison and $25,000 in fines. He remained in jail and it was not immediately clear Tuesday night if he had an attorney. The charges stem from a service at the Faith Temple Church of the Apostolic Faith on Friday. The boy's mother, Patricia Cooper, told investigators the minister held Terrance Cottrell Jr. on the ground with one hand on his head, another between his legs, and his knee pressed into the boy's chest. Cooper and another woman each held one of his legs, while a third woman laid across his torso. The mother "stated that while this was going on she could see Ray Hemphill talking to Terrance Cottrell and telling him that the 'Demon should leave him,'" for about two hours, the complaint said. When the service was over, Cooper said the boy was not breathing and his face appeared blue. She said several people tried to revive him before calling 911. The boy suffered extensive bruising on the back of his neck and died of suffocation, the complaint said. Cooper began taking her son to the church tucked in a run-down strip mall three weeks ago for special prayer services three times a week, said Bishop David Hemphill, the leader of the church and Ray Hemphill's brother. David Hemphill's voice mailbox was full when The Associated Press tried to contact him Tuesday. Cooper did not immediately return a phone message. Terrance's father, Terrance Cottrell Sr., told the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel on Monday that he wants everyone involved in his son's death to be held responsible. He said he had not seen his son for about two months and didn't see the boy often because he didn't get along with his mother. Autism is a developmental disability, typically diagnosed during the first three years of life, that affects the normal development of the brain in the areas of social interaction and communication skills. Should the mother also be held responsible? revdauphinee answered on 08/27/03: yes! all who participated share the blame! Dorothy Uni-Agdistis rated this answer

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~Seraph~ asked on 08/26/03 - Who is Right? The Mohammedans, the Jews, the Christians, the Indians, all have their spirits, all have a supernatural agency, and all contend that their spirits are of God and that their gods or god is the only proper object of veneration. How can an honest seeker after truth discover who is right or is there no way to know for sure? ~Sephie~ revdauphinee answered on 08/27/03: (Jer.29:13 You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. ) (Prov.2:3-5 3 and if you call out for insight and cry aloud for understanding, 4 and if you look for it as for silver and search for it as for hidden treasure, 5 then you will understand the fear of the LORD and find the knowledge of God. ) (1Cor.1:18,22,23 18 For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. 22 Jews demand miraculous signs and Greeks look for wisdom, 23 but we preach Christ crucified: a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles, ) (2Tim.4:3-4 3 For the time will come when men will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. 4 They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths. ) ~Seraph~ rated this answer

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~Seraph~ asked on 08/26/03 - Who's In Charge? The Roman Catholic Church has the Pope to be the worldwide spokesman for all Catholics (except a very few dissidents). Who is the worldwide spokesperson for Protestantism? Could the fact that there does not apear to be one account for all the infighting and factions within Protestantism (getting worse every month)? ~Sephie~ revdauphinee answered on 08/27/03: Jesus christ! whos oppinion can be found in the BIBLE ~Seraph~ rated this answer

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craigchamberlain asked on 08/26/03 - palestinian's & Israel Hi everyone, I would like to know if anyone knows of some good web sites that explain why the Palestinian's and Israel are always fighting and why they seem to hate each other,I know it have to do with more then who own's what land. thanks, Craig revdauphinee answered on 08/26/03: it has a lot to do with who owns the land and who gave it to them (Gen.13:14-17 14 The LORD said to Abram after Lot had parted from him, "Lift up your eyes from where you are and look north and south, east and west. 15 All the land that you see I will give to you and yours (Gen.13:14-17 14 The LORD said to Abram after Lot had parted from him, "Lift up your eyes from where you are and look north and south, east and west. 15 All the land that you see I will give to you and your Joshua1:11. "Go through the camp and tell the people, `Get your supplies ready. Three days from now you will cross the Jordan here to go in and take((( possession of the land the LORD your God is giving you for your own.'" ))) scripture clearly tells us in many places that the land was given to Israel (jews) No where in ancient history was it given to palestinians this is the basis for all the troubles craigchamberlain rated this answer

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ROLCAM asked on 08/26/03 - REQUESTING YOUR VIEWS !!! What are your views on this quotation ? "He looked upon Father Geoghan as a prize." JOHN J. CONTE, the district attorney in Worcester, Mass., on Joseph L. Druce, who is accused of killing John J. Geoghan. Best wishes, ROLCAM. revdauphinee answered on 08/26/03: while I can never condone the actions of this former priest ,i can niether condone his untimely death ,he was paying his debt to society, now he stand before his maker. What has been acomplished for good in his early death??those who feel this was a good thing should remember vengeance is not for us humans but as it is written Rom.12:19. Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written: "It is mine to avenge; I will repay," says the Lord. ) Dorothy arcura rated this answer MaggieB rated this answer ROLCAM rated this answer

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Laura asked on 08/26/03 - Mom went to heaven today Just to let you guys know that my mom went to be with the Lord at about 3PM central time today.. Thank you all so much for all your prayers for us.. I love you all.. God bless.. Laura revdauphinee answered on 08/26/03: remember your loss is heavens gain for her now there is no crying, no pain, she is at rest in his presence Dorothy Laura rated this answer

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HANK1 asked on 08/26/03 - LONGEVITY! Older adults who are actively religious (e.g. frequent church attendance, frequent praying) tend to have better physical health than older adults who are not involved in religious activity. Of particular interest to gerontologists is the positive effect of religious activity on psychological well-being. That is, older adults with higher levels of religious actvity have been found to have higher levels of satisfaction, self-esteem, and optimism than older adults with lower levels of religious activity. The reason for this association between degree of religious activity and degree of well-being has been poorly understood. However, Dr. Neil Krause, a prominent gerontologist at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, recently offered an intriguing hypothesis about the dimension of religion that underlies the association. The dimension is what he calls religious meaning. He defines it as a means of finding a sense of purpose in life and a sense of direction in life. * Excerpts from an article by Donald H. Kausler, Scripps Howard News Service, that appeared in our local newspaper (8/25/03). Interesting ... don't you think? HANK revdauphinee answered on 08/26/03: as one of the elder christian Believers i can relate to this He truly gives life meaning Dorothy HANK1 rated this answer

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paraclete asked on 08/25/03 - Are you Blessed? "Blessed are they who can laugh at themselves, for they shall never cease to be amused." I found this amusing thought. Perhaps we should add it to the many proverbs regarding blessings? revdauphinee answered on 08/26/03: amen!! to this I might add for anyone who fells God does not have a sence of Humour Have you looked in the mirror lately?? paraclete rated this answer

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Ursulagertrudis asked on 08/25/03 - miracles and exorcism In the instances of miracles recorded in the Bible the writers write as though the events actually happened as they are written down. In the New Testament even the Apostles perform miracles. For example, the Apostle Paul heals a cripple (Acts 14:8-10), and casts out a demon (Acts 16:16-18), and brings someone back to life (Acts 20:9-12) and does not die despite being bitten by a poisonous snake (Acts 28:5). Jesus had said that his followers would also be able to perform miracles. Today, Christian healers such as Benny Hinn (and those people who killed that poor little boy with autism) believe they are able to do this as a direct result of verses such as this: 'In my name they will drive out demons; they will speak in new tongues; they will pick up snakes with their hands; and when they drink deadly poison, it will not hurt them at all; they will place their hands on sick people and they will get well.' (Mark 16:17 see also Acts 2:43) Most Christians believe God can perform miracles of healing even if the way in which this is done is sometimes questioned (Does God heal through prayer alone,or through anointing people with oil, or through faith healers), anyway my question is: Do you think those people in WI were simply praying because they were hoping that God will answer their prayers and in some way perform a miracle for them? (healing the child of his autism) Or do you think something else happened? Ursula revdauphinee answered on 08/26/03: as I answered to a former question not all things done in the name of God are done in the service of God!we must be carefull to be sure when we claim his name on any action for it was written Matthew 7: 20. Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them. 21. "Not everyone who says to me, `Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. (((((22. Many will say to me on that day, `Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?')))) 23. Then I will tell them plainly, `I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!' Dorothy Ursulagertrudis rated this answer

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Ursulagertrudis asked on 08/24/03 - A generic post about a real problem This is not meant to offend anyone. I'm just trying to figure out what is going on here. When someone makes false claims about someone else's faith, is that being a false witness? Do any of these scriptues apply? Exodus 23:1 "Do not spread false reports. Do not help a wicked man by being a malicious witness. Deuteronomy 19: 17 -19 17 the two men involved in the dispute must stand in the presence of the LORD before the priests and the judges who are in office at the time. 18 The judges must make a thorough investigation, and if the witness proves to be a liar, giving false testimony against his brother, 19 then do to him as he intended to do to his brother. You must purge the evil from among you. What does Deuteronomy mean here? When someone makes false claims about someone else's faith, is that being a false witness? Who is to decide who is telling the truth and who is lying? Exodus 23:1 "Do not spread false reports. Do not help a wicked man by being a malicious witness. Proverbs 6:12-19 12 A scoundrel and villain, who goes about with a corrupt mouth, 13 who winks with his eye, signals with his feet and motions with his fingers, 14 who plots evil with deceit in his heart- he always stirs up dissension. 15 Therefore disaster will overtake him in an instant; he will suddenly be destroyed-without remedy. 16 There are six things the LORD hates, seven that are detestable to him: 17 haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, 18 a heart that devises wicked schemes, feet that are quick to rush into evil, 19 a false witness who pours out lies and a man who stirs up dissension among brothers. What is this proverb talking about? Proverbs 19:5 A false witness will not go unpunished, and he who pours out lies will not go free. Is it being a false witness similar to going about saying false teachings about specific religions? When faced with such opposing sides (as presented on the mormon board), how can I know which side is the truth or closer to the truth and which side is a false witness? Ursula revdauphinee answered on 08/25/03: one might state since as stated in Genesis 1 1. In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. Exodus 20 1. And God spoke all these words: 2. "I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery. 3. "You shall have no other gods before me. that if one does not believe in the one true God then they have a false religion(Sory) Dorothy Ursulagertrudis rated this answer

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~Seraph~ asked on 08/25/03 - What does this mean? The Lord said to Moses, "I have made thee a God to Pharaoh" (Ex. 7:1). ~Sephie~ revdauphinee answered on 08/25/03: It meant God had given him authority over Pharaoh Dorothy ~Seraph~ rated this answer

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~Seraph~ asked on 08/25/03 - Geographical question. (Cumorah) Where is the Hill Cumorah? Is there more than one? ~Sephie~ revdauphinee answered on 08/25/03: with all due respect have you read the BIBLe??in it it says 18. I warn everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: If anyone adds anything to them,*((The Book Of Mormon)) God will add to him the plagues described in this book. 19. And if anyone takes words away from this book of prophecy, God will take away from him his share in the tree of life and in the holy city, which are described in this book. *my addition (sure to get comments but as a Christian it is my belief) Dorothy ~Seraph~ rated this answer

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Laura asked on 08/25/03 - A silly little thing not related to the board at all. But thought some of you might want to try this.. While sitting, turn your right ankle clockwise and while doing so, draw the number 6 in the air with your right index finger..What happens? LOL revdauphinee answered on 08/25/03: nothing ! what is your point?? Dorothy Laura rated this answer

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Concernedwoman asked on 08/25/03 - Mission statement or joke? "Answerway's Mission is the free, voluntary and uncomplicated sharing of knowledge (publicly) on all subjects using the infrastructure supplied and developed on the Internet.� This forum has lately stagnated into an �upmanship� between two �experts� whose purpose here is not to answer questions but to become a nuisance to each other and the general public who comes here to seek answers to questions about religion. As it is, it�s VERY discouraging to come here with a question and find that there is no room for questions and answers as the declaration above states. My question now is how long is this going to continue before the administration steps in and does something to restore the original mission statement of this forum? revdauphinee answered on 08/25/03: this truly concerns me since for years I was an expert who delighted in answering and trying to help folks on "ask me.com" a service that went out of business for this very reason.when competition with others becomes the object and helping others is left behind no one wins Dorothy Toms777 rated this answer ethical_reason rated this answer Concernedwoman rated this answer

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hOPE12 asked on 08/25/03 - Psalm 141:2-3 Psalm 141:2-3 2�May my prayer be prepared as incense before you, The raising up of my palms as the evening grain offering. If our prayers are to be acceptable to God, we must pray to him in the name of Jesus Christ. John 16:23, 24 How can we improve the quality of our prayers? Hope12 revdauphinee answered on 08/25/03: God is not concerned by the quality of our prayers but he loves the prayers of his children!He himself states in his holy word (Ps.105:3-4 3 Glory in his holy name; let the hearts of those who seek the LORD rejoice. 4 Look to the LORD and his strength; seek his face always. ) (Ps.145:18 The LORD is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth. ) (Prov.15:8 The LORD detests the sacrifice of the wicked, but the prayer of the upright pleases him. ) hOPE12 rated this answer Toms777 rated this answer

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hOPE12 asked on 08/25/03 - James 4:6 Hello, James 4:6 �God opposes the haughty ones, but he gives undeserved kindness to the humble ones.� 1- How can humility be shown? 2- What virtue or advantage is there in being humble? Hope12 revdauphinee answered on 08/25/03: (Ps.25:9 He guides the humble in what is right and teaches them his way. ) to be humble is to be willing to learn! (Ps.147:6 The LORD sustains the humble but casts the wicked to the ground. ) hOPE12 rated this answer Toms777 rated this answer

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~Seraph~ asked on 08/25/03 - Crazy Stupid or Religious Murder? Another child has died at the hands of 'exorcists.' This time a 12 year old autistic boy in Wisconsin. Do these religious cretins really believe they can 'press' the devil out of someone? Do they really believe that autism is the result of demon possession? Is there no end to the crass stupidity of those who see demons behind every tree, under every rock, and in every human heart that is different? No wonder Jesus wept, and I am sure that God weeps also when he sees the antics of those who think they are Christians but who are nothing more than criminally insane. Help me make some sense of this. ~Sephie~ revdauphinee answered on 08/25/03: I will let scripture answer for me on this one Matthew 7: 20. Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them. 21. "Not everyone who says to me, `Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. 22. Many will say to me on that day, `Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?' 23. Then I will tell them plainly, `I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!' Dorothy ~Seraph~ rated this answer

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~Seraph~ asked on 08/25/03 - Will you be going up the mountain to wait for the end of the world tomorrow? Who is going to climb up a mountain to await the end of the world tommorow when Mars gets closer to earth than it has for 60,000 years? Is this the end of the world? Would the Christians In WI who murdered an autistic boy gave been better climbing the mountain instead of practising their witchcraft on the poor boy? It is a worse thing to make a mistake in predicting the end of the world than it is to cause death by unbiblical demon expulsion practices? ~Sephie~ revdauphinee answered on 08/25/03: I would never do anything to await the end of the world for the world will n ever end!It will however be renewed as is written in the book of Revelation Revelation 21 1. Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea. 2. I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. 3. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, "Now the dwelling of God is with men, and he will live with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. 4. He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away." 5. He who was seated on the throne said, "I am making everything new!" Then he said, "Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true." Dorothy ~Seraph~ rated this answer

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~Seraph~ asked on 08/25/03 - Will you be going up the mountain to wait for the end of the world tomorrow? Who is going to climb up a mountain to await the end of the world tommorow when Mars gets closer to earth than it has for 60,000 years? Is this the end of the world? Would the Christians In WI who murdered an autistic boy gave been better climbing the mountain instead of practising their witchcraft on the poor boy? It is a worse thing to make a mistake in predicting the end of the world than it is to cause death by unbiblical demon expulsion practices? ~Sephie~ revdauphinee answered on 08/25/03: I would never do anything to await the end of the world for the world will n ever end!It will however be renewed as is written in the book of Revelation Revelation 21 1. Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea. 2. I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. 3. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, "Now the dwelling of God is with men, and he will live with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. 4. He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away." 5. He who was seated on the throne said, "I am making everything new!" Then he said, "Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true." Dorothy ~Seraph~ rated this answer

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~Seraph~ asked on 08/25/03 - Is Gandhi right about women? "To call women the weaker sex is a libel: it is man's injustice to woman. If by strength is meant brute strength, then indeed, is woman less brute than man. "If by strength is meant moral power, then woman is immeasurably man's superior. "Has she not greater intuition, is she not more self-sacrificing, has she not greater powers of endurance, has she not greater courage? "Without her, man would not be. If non-violence is the law of our being, the future is with women." Mahatma Gandhi, in Young India, 10 April 1930 revdauphinee answered on 08/25/03: woman is not weaker in Gods eyes! did he not make her from the side of Man to be his equal partner?He did not make her from mans feet to be walked upon,Nor from mans head to be placed above but no he created her from mans side to walk beside him! ~Seraph~ rated this answer MaggieB rated this answer

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hOPE12 asked on 08/19/03 - Matthew 27:50-51 Hi, How can we know that the father felt pain and saddness when his Son, Jesus Christ was killed, according to Matthew 27:50-51? Thank you, Hope12 revdauphinee answered on 08/19/03: because when we read in scripture the following Mathew 3: 16. As soon as Jesus was baptized, he went up out of the water. At that moment heaven was opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and lighting on him. 17. And a voice from heaven said, "This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased." the fact that he was pleased at this time makes us aware he has feelings therefore why would a father not feel grief as well as pride?? also he demonstrated his greif by the following Luke 23:44. It was now about the sixth hour, and darkness came over the whole land until the ninth hour, 45. for the sun stopped shining. And the curtain of the temple was torn in two. hOPE12 rated this answer MaggieB rated this answer ~Seraph~ rated this answer

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HANK1 asked on 08/19/03 - MATURITY! What are the marks of spiritual maturity? revdauphinee answered on 08/19/03: this answer comes from Paul but applies to answer your question (Php.3:12-15 12 Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. 13 Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, 14 I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. (((( 15 All of us who are mature should take such a view of things. And if on some point you think differently, that too God will make clear to you.))) ) Dorothy HANK1 rated this answer Laura rated this answer Toms777 rated this answer