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Originally posted by ottobot
I haven't read through all of the posts in this thread yet, but I wanted to post my opinion anyway:
In the Bible, God and Lucifer chat as if they are old friends. They challenge one another, even in one instance basically wagering over how Job would react to various tragedies in his life.
I think that "God" and "Satan", if entities as they are commonly thought to be, are actually groups of beings... gods, spirits, aliens, whatever they are... and each group is collectively known by one name.
God and Lucifer of the Bible were originally from the same place. They had an argument, and they parted ways.
God could not be "good" if Lucifer were not cast as "bad".
Thus, the two have a symbiotic relationship.
I am of the opinion that they are adversaries only because certain religious texts written from the point of view of human writers trying to explain various concepts to laymen in the form of fictional stories and parables give "proof" that they are adversaries.
I agree with the OP, it is entirely possible that God and Satan are just sets of traits which are seen as "good"
and "bad" and ascribed to external entities as a way of explanation.
Interesting thread!edit on 4/1/2012 by ottobot because: (no reason given)
Originally posted by dayve
Thats a pretty bold statement..... Dont let your mind wander off too far now...
Originally posted by dayve
Thats a pretty bold statement..... Dont let your mind wander off too far now...
Once you know that, answering the question "What is the meaning of life" becomes almost child play compare to the bigger picture in life. After you figured this out in a positive means, giving to the poor, helping other friends, giving, etc. You are on the road!
I gave you milk to drink, not solid food; for you were not yet able to receive it. Indeed, even now you are not yet able, 3for you are still fleshly. For since there is jealousy and strife among you, are you not fleshly, and are you not walking like mere men? 4For when one says, “I am of Paul,” and another, “I am of Apollos,” are you not mere men?
Corinthians 3:2, King James version
Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love. This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us (1 Jn. 4:8-12, NIV).
Originally posted by Starchild23
Jesus's name, in the original language, means "YHVH is Salvation".
I believe the Bible to be a book of riddles, as Paul said:
I gave you milk to drink, not solid food; for you were not yet able to receive it. Indeed, even now you are not yet able, 3for you are still fleshly. For since there is jealousy and strife among you, are you not fleshly, and are you not walking like mere men? 4For when one says, “I am of Paul,” and another, “I am of Apollos,” are you not mere men?
Corinthians 3:2, King James version
From that, we see that we were given veiled messages, as we were not yet ready for the truth. Here is a quote from the Holy Bible itself:
Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love. This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us (1 Jn. 4:8-12, NIV).
From this, we can take that the whole matter is just a riddle. God is love, and Jesus points to that fact. In order to follow the "will of God" we must love each other.
It's perfectly obvious...you just have to accept that the Bible was never meant to be taken literally. Unfortunately, most don't see it that way. And that's where we have problems.
I'm not understanding your rebuttal at all, I suppose I was talking about something else. and you are trying to get me to believe that the bible should not be taken literal? Thats called a agenda! Your tranceded perspective still isn't viable enough for every day atsers to swallow. no I kid, but you are open to your opinion. No substance like a diet coke
Once you know that, answering the question "What is the meaning of life" becomes almost child play compare to the bigger picture in life. After you figured this out in a positive means, giving to the poor, helping other friends, giving, etc. You are on the road!
Psalm 78:2 I will open my mouth in parables, I will utter hidden things, things from of old
To understand a proverb, and a figure, The words of the wise, and their dark sayings.
- Proverbs 1:6
Originally posted by Starchild23
reply to post by Jordan River
I'm not understanding your rebuttal at all, I suppose I was talking about something else. and you are trying to get me to believe that the bible should not be taken literal? Thats called a agenda! Your tranceded perspective still isn't viable enough for every day atsers to swallow. no I kid, but you are open to your opinion. No substance like a diet coke
Once you know that, answering the question "What is the meaning of life" becomes almost child play compare to the bigger picture in life. After you figured this out in a positive means, giving to the poor, helping other friends, giving, etc. You are on the road!
edit on CTuesdaypm373727f27America/Chicago03 by Starchild23 because: (no reason given)
Originally posted by Jordan River
I'm just saying that anyone from their own perspective can adjust the bible to their own thoughts means and interpretation. Even the devil can speak from the bible
The devil tempted Jesus speaking words from the bible challenging Him. The devil is real (lucy), just in some other dimension. Also real is difficult to define, physics claim this is not reality. Star child just has a different opinion than others and some can relate. I was first theist then hardcore agnostic. then this
Originally posted by Starchild23
Yes, but there is only one truth.
I aim to find that truth. I am hoping it will mean the salvation of our race...if not, then there is no reason to contribute to a soon-to-be extinct species.
And by soon, I mean in the next thousand years or so.
I believe that truth is only a form of mathmatical problems... physics. which isn't my strong point. besides that salvation is already here. Obviously i am talking about JC his death for our sins. (if you believe in that) You or me are not the answer.