What does a "relationship with God" mean?
I think that part of the answer to this question is how we view what is called "sin" in some religions. For example, consider the commandment not to steal. What is the approach? "Well, I want to steal to but because it's against the law, I'll try to...
I certainly don't want to give the impression that I ignore the profound teachings that can be seen in the Christian Scriptures. Some of the teachings clearly have no angle. E.g. teachings about God as one and consideration for others.
Some of the ones I keep in mind:
Do unto others as you...
Yes sir! It's not disrespect to Christians whose morality I often admire. It's respect for the truth, which we are taught to respect.
I would have given your post 100 likes and trophies, if I could.
Hi,
Thank you for conversation.
I believe:
Yes, but see the environment in which he spoke. Paul was subtle because he wanted to appear to present the required message but also give the actual message.
"...that they may be saved." ==> "that they may be spared what the Romans are going to do if...
That is from a book that was written in the context of a highly religion-based Roman empire.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Religion_in_ancient_Rome#:~:text=The%20Romans%20looked%20for%20common,art%2C%20as%20the%20Etruscans%20had.
"The augurs read the ...will of the gods..., thus sanctioning...
Hi, as mentioned, I agree to some extent with regards to details and the resulting religion. However I believe that the impetus was Roman. I simply say to consider that if one had the task of "designing" a religion that suited polytheists but also accommodated Jewish monotheists, then one might...
Hi @Brickjectivity , I see very little information regarding Windows 12. It's in a very preliminary phase and not presented in any way as one might expect if it were to be released in two months. Perhaps check this further?
Important topic I think.
I seek information that may help determine whether Paul changed the course of Christianity or helped propagate Christianity as a Roman invention.
"The Romans looked for common ground between their major gods and those of the Greeks..."
...their policy in general was to...
Hi, what he is saying is that some Bible literalists consider Bible non-literalists as invalid Christians and/or invalid believers in God.
The reason for this is because atheists are also Bible non-literalists and some Bible literalists don't discern the difference between Bible non-literalists...
Thank you for that info! I posted several links to fossils. E.g. Homo Erectus and Home Naledi. Clear evidence IMHO, especially if we add genetic evidence, not much to doubt at that point. The only point I like to make is that as a professional in my field, I know that anthropology and genetics...
Yes.
Yes of course, it's biased thinking. :)
In general, we have to bit careful though, because bias can work both ways. However, with regards to evolution, I see nothing to cause doubt. I think it's fascinating actually, to ponder pre-human creatures. Perhaps this is God's gift to us to see...
As you seem to know, this thread is about why people believe in God.
So, I answered that. It entails a hope beyond what we know and that God is in charge and has the answer and that we are not just a clump of temporary matter. You arrived on planet earth beyond your control. You have no clue...
I think that I see the problem. When I say it is better that we must believe, that is because what we see in the physical world that we can know, we also know has not satisfied our needs, otherwise we would cease searching.
Typographical. Sorry.
It is better that we must believe in God. I don't think that the scientifically knowable world is the answer, it's simply more "stuff".
Thank you for the link. Then your decisions about what is worthy of worship is a personal preference and not a claim of reality? That's not what I mean when speaking of God. Believers in God, don't generally view belief as a personal determination that is not also a reality that we all share...