In that case it was HER idea of what "healed" means... which may not be God's idea or my idea.

Both make mistakes, experience sorrow, and suffer failure. The enlightened person learns something from these experiences, the unenlightened person does not.

It's a survival mechanism. Since humans as a species are no longer dominated by the need to procure food and procreate, like our animal cousins, we have a great deal of free time in which to observe our world, and this enriches our spirit. As I said earlier, to stop learning is to die- and the spirit has a survival instinct, as well. Thus, as we avoid death physically, so too do we avoid it spiritually.

It's interesting how such a holy book could be translated to mean so many different things. If it were truly infallible. wouldn't it make sense if it was unquestionable?

It's interesting how such a holy book could be translated to mean so many different things. If it were truly infallible. wouldn't it make sense if it was unquestionable?

Anyone who is using religion to justify racism is reading their Bible upside down.

Statuman: Wasn't Jesus saying here that the Jews KNEW who He was? They were blinded by their greed and unwillingness to concede power - no?

For me, it is the main reason Jesus came. He showed that sin(error) was not always declared by law. He showed that forgiveness of sin(error) was the path to happiness and love. He gave us tools, and was unfortunately vague in his explanation, or time has disrupted the understanding. I think my first attempt was better, but understanding will depend more on the reader, than on the writer. I already understand what I am trying to say.

So when someone tells me that Jesus died for me, that is treating me as un-equal, less then, etc... because i don't even believe that jesus lived much less died for me

But if I claim to believe what the Bible says, yet fail to live up to it, even though I try, does that make me a hypocrite? I am curious to hear what people would define as a hypocrite.

Having ears, they do not hear, nor do they understand.

How they are able to live in the world is by self-deception but the problem with this is that to deny the truth takes constant work so that anyone who presents the truth becomes a personal enemy. You will see this clearly in how they behave towards someone who has presented a truth that they cannot face or admit.

They will attack and become very defensive, and their hostility will seemingly have no basis.

I do find your philosophy interesting, but I don't think I fully understand your belief system at this time nor do I understand how you have come to your conclusions regarding your philosophy through the few words you have used to sum it up.

Did you miss placing a giant smiley at the end to show you were being witty? Or are you off your meds and believe that drivel to be truth?

OK OK so there was this White Preacher and this black Peacher and their both heading down the road argueing back and forth about what race God is. The White Preacher is saying, "you know brother, God loves everybody the same and does'nt look at the color of a mans skin but he judges the heart, but i tell you Gods White!" And the Black Preacher is saying "You know I agree with you but I just happen to have confirmed it in the scriptures that God i s Black."

So they drive happily down the road keeping their good natured arguement alive with scriptural references and pleasant platitudes when this big semi-truck comes along and creams their car sending them both instantly to heaven.

So as the Black Preacher and the White Preacher walk arm and arm to the pearly gates still debating back and forth...Gods White Gods Black thie big booming voice comes out of heaven and say..

"HOLA AMIGOS, WELCOME TO HEAVEN SENOR'S!" (WHAT? YOU DIDN'T KNOW GOD WAS MEXICAN?)

Statueman, your answer is good and pleasing in a philosophical sense - there is no Why, there just Is - is that what you're saying? But what is God's role in this? Are we not allowed to ask questions, must all be blind faith? Is there nothing to discuss?

Luke 13
1There were present at that season some that told him of the Galilaeans, whose blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices. 2And Jesus answering said unto them, Suppose ye that these Galilaeans were sinners above all the Galilaeans, because they suffered such things? 3I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish. 4Or those eighteen, upon whom the tower in Siloam fell, and slew them, think ye that they were sinners above all men that dwelt in Jerusalem? 5I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.