It looks like you're using an Ad Blocker.
Please white-list or disable AboveTopSecret.com in your ad-blocking tool.
Thank you.
Some features of ATS will be disabled while you continue to use an ad-blocker.
Originally posted by Charlie Murphy
Originally posted by thamm1984
I suppose the question is " Why does it bother anyone to post the Ten Commandments, when they are merely guidelines that a certain group of people believe to be important rules to follow. However, looking at the topic in that aspect, it isnt as simple or as easy as it sounds.
The United States has become a country of many cultures, races, ethnic groups all rolled into one gigantic soup of diversity. It is no longer the country of white, male, low-to-middle income class. [I mean no offense by this]. I merely try to put into perpective the fact that there is no "average American" now. We are a mix of so many different immigrated bloodlines, from so many different parts of the world, that there is no way we can possibly have 1 single set of rules or norms for everyone. If we allow one group to advertise [for lack of a better word] their beliefs, then we must allow all who reside in our borders, and are citizens to do the same. Somehow I find that thought somewhat disturbing. What if the KKK wanted to promote and advertise their beliefs on Main Street corner, in downtown Birmingham, Alabama. That would cause immedite conflict with the beliefs of the Afican American majority that reside there. Just because we are entitles to Free Speech, does not neccessarily mean we "should".
If we allow one religious sect to post their beliefs in such a manner, we will offend many other religious sects.
It is my opinion that an individuals religious beliefs are a private matter, not to be advertised on the corner. In fact, if I am not mistaken, is there not a quote/scripture in the Bible that states you should not do the exact thing.
If a person wishes to learn of a certain religions rules or laws, then they are encouraged to visit the establishment where the laws are taught. To be confronted by these rules in an establishment that is paid for by all citizens, then said establishment needs to remain as neutral as possible.
Good post, I agree. A person should be allowed to practice religion in their own homes, or places of worhsip like churches. Why would any religion feel the need to display their "guidelines" publicly? I believe that might be seen as trying to force your beliefes on someone.
Originally posted by Amuk
Still how does this show that she ate it because Adam lied to her?
Originally posted by saint4God
Originally posted by riley
I was referring to the Catholic church.. it's meant to follow 'his' word [which is was doing with those vows] and has had a huge influence on western culture and attitudes.
*shrugs* I don't have the background to talk about Catholic doctrine. I don't care about past influences, attitudes and culture. What matters is here and now.
Ok. That explains it there.
Thank you.
As for Eve being decieved by satan. That is correct.
Theory has it that this was the exact action of satans fall as well.
In getting Eve and Adam to follow his words, he gained the worship he wanted from those two new creatures ...the humans...that were made to worship God. The rebellion was full.
If you read the bible you will find that satan often uses women to bring down men.
Remember Balaam and his donkey?
He couldnt curse Israel,
so they sent some hotty women to lead the men astray.
Guys are fools for women the Israelites even worshiped the idols of those women.
I haven't read this entire thread, or even the entire first page. However, I would like to chime in on one thing regarding christianity. The true power of the message will NEVER be felt by the entire world if we continue to bicker between each other about who practices the right tenets.
A Christian is a Christian is a Christian; now lets go save the world, and ourselves. Otherwise, we are just gonna watch the world meet its demise!
Our founding fathers displayed the ten commandments publicly.
Christianity was widely practiced back then and no one imagined that it would ever be considered offensive.
Originally posted by Shonet1430
I have studied. Not only was I raised in a devout Southern Baptist home where we had to read the Bible cover to cover over and over again, but I also went to a Methodist college and seminary.
Originally posted by Shonet1430
Our founding fathers displayed the ten commandments publicly.
Proof please.
Christianity was widely practiced back then and no one imagined that it would ever be considered offensive.
The founding fathers were deists.
Thomas Jefferson:
I have examined all the known superstitions of the world, and I do not find in our particular superstition of Christianity one redeeming feature. They are all alike founded on fables and mythology. Millions of innocent men, women and children, since the introduction of Christianity, have been burnt, tortured, fined and imprisoned. What has been the effect of this coercion? To make one half the world fools and the other half hypocrites; to support roguery and error all over the earth.
Christianity...(has become) the most perverted system that ever shone on man. ...Rogueries, absurdities and untruths were perpetrated upon the teachings of Jesus by a large band of dupes and importers led by Paul, the first great corrupter of the teaching of Jesus.
The clergy converted the simple teachings of Jesus into an engine for enslaving mankind and adulterated by artificial constructions into a contrivance to filch wealth and power to themselves...these clergy, in fact, constitute the real Anti-Christ.
John Adams:
Where do we find a precept in the Bible for Creeds, Confessions, Doctrines and Oaths, and whole carloads of other trumpery that we find religion encumbered with in these days?
The doctrine of the divinity of Jesus is made a convenient cover for absurdity.
Thomas Paine:
I would not dare to so dishonor my Creator God by attaching His name to that book (the Bible).
It is the duty of every true Deist to vindicate the moral justice of God against the evils of the Bible.
Accustom a people to believe that priests and clergy can forgive sins...and you will have sins in abundance.
The Christian church has set up a religion of pomp and revenue in pretended imitation of a person (Jesus) who lived a life of poverty.
James Madison:
What influence in fact have Christian ecclesiastical establishments had on civil society? In many instances they have been upholding the thrones of political tyranny. In no instance have they been seen as the guardians of the liberties of the people. Rulers who wished to subvert the public liberty have found in the clergy convenient auxiliaries. A just government, instituted to secure and perpetuate liberty, does not need the clergy.
Religion and government will both exist in greater purity, the less they are mixed together.
Here is the info to go along with my last post about what happened between satan and man in the Garden of Eden
Isa 14:12 How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! how art thou cut down to the ground, which didst weaken the nations!
How are you fallen from heaven, O Shining One, son of Dawn! How are you felled to earth,O vanquisher of nations!
Isa 14:13 For thou hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north:
Once you thought in your heart, "I will climb to the sky; Higher than the stars of G-d I will set my throne. I will sit in the mount of assembly, On the summit of Zaphon:
Isa 14:14 I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the most High.
I will mount the back of a cloud -- I will match the Most High.
Isa 14:15 Yet thou shalt be brought down to hell, to the sides of the pit.
Instead you are brought down to Sheol, To the bottom of the Pit."
Here you see that Lucifer, his name before the fall, was perfect.
One thing we never see is his creation. So we have to assume he was created first and saw the creation of man.
It was after that , that pride overcame him. He was a great angel. He wanted to be worshiped like God.
Here is the rest of the backgrounded needed on satan
Eze 28:13 Thou hast been in Eden the garden of God; every precious stone was thy covering, the sardius, topaz, and the diamond, the beryl, the onyx, and the jasper, the sapphire, the emerald, and the carbuncle, and gold: the workmanship of thy tabrets and of thy pipes was prepared in thee in the day that thou wast created.
Eze 28:14 Thou art the anointed cherub that covereth; and I have set thee so: thou wast upon the holy mountain of God; thou hast walked up and down in the midst of the stones of fire.
Eze 28:15 Thou wast perfect in thy ways from the day that thou wast created, till iniquity was found in thee.
Eze 28:16 By the multitude of thy merchandise they have filled the midst of thee with violence, and thou hast sinned: therefore I will cast thee as profane out of the mountain of God: and I will destroy thee, O covering cherub, from the midst of the stones of fire.
Eze 28:17 Thine heart was lifted up because of thy beauty, thou hast corrupted thy wisdom by reason of thy brightness: I will cast thee to the ground, I will lay thee before kings, that they may behold thee.
I was raised in religion and I had to rely upon the Bible. But I was clearly taught: don't just read and study the Bible, but believe in it and don't ever question its credibility!
Unfortunately, I have always seen that today's Christianity is more like a law of the outside, to cover the inside soul of a person. Very few ppl are capable to clean their soul. Even if they do that, the peer-pressure is present in church and seminars. But these are among the unwritten laws: never talk about it!
I havenot been able to find any info on the statue itself.
Quoting dead men actually proves nothing, as they are not around to defend the context of their quotes.
Originally posted by Shonet1430
I know EXACTLY what you're talking about.
I remember one time when I was little...I was sitting at church and the preacher did the normal pick and choose a scripture to back up this one that backs up that one. My mom and I had just studied this one section and I whispered to her that he was wrong. She shushed me. That was pretty much the norm. It was almost like I wasn't allowed to think outside of this tiny little box that everything including G-d had been placed in. I was taught that every other religion in the world is wrong. Some denominations of Christianity were wrong. Questioning anything was wrong. I could live my life on blind faith but I didn't realize that for a very long time.
Also, the Christian denominations will continue to bicker until there can be some consistency on all parts about who is a Christian. There are many who do not see Catholics as Christians, Mormons as Christians, JWs as Christians, etc.
You can twist it any way you want.
It all lines of with the rest of the truth that is shown through Jesus Christ.
The bible says it somewhere, and I dont know how God does it, but this thread is proof...
The eyes of the nonbeliever are closed. They cannot see the truth. If you could see the 'king' of babylon, then you would also know who the 'king' of Jerusalem is.
God bless you in the name of His son, Jesus Christ.
Twist? You being a Christian are telling me, a Jew what my scriptures mean?
See, here is where you went wrong.
Jesus Christ came for you.
You rejected Him.
One day Israel will realize it....after the time of the gentiles is filled. On that day, your eyes will be opened...
Zec 12:10 And I will pour upon the house of David, and upon the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the spirit of grace and of supplications: and they shall look upon me whom they have pierced, and they shall mourn for him, as one mourneth for his only son, and shall be in bitterness for him, as one that is in bitterness for his firstborn.
Zec 12:11 In that day shall there be a great mourning in Jerusalem, as the mourning of Hadadrimmon in the valley of Megiddon.
If you make it to that point, then I look forward to seeing you in heaven and we can talk again. If you do not....
BUt until then... please understand that I cannot see you as anything but blind.
Im not sure what you thought you would accomplish.
I have read and understand Gods word.
Did you think by showing me your own version that I would change from accepting my bible?
You already have your answers. If you want me to teach you the truth of the scriptures, I will be at your service. But surely you see the vanity in throwing out your version to me.
If you dont, maybe this will help.
I have prayed to, and gotten answers from God in the name of Jesus Christ.
God is moving in my life, blessing, answering prayer in a most obvious manner. I have a Father son relationship with God.
He is my God, I am His son.
He has fed me
He has healed me
He has blessed me
He has chastened me
He has Loved me even when I rejected Him.
I am beyond your reach. I am beyond anyone elses reach. If your heart changes, you let me know and I will do what I cant to help.
Right now tho...you are like a teen. You think you know everything. When you get more mature you find out that you dont. Then God will be waiting.