I just read a comment in the forum about meeting God. The exact statement was If you believe you've met God (and this is a generic statement) and that God has shown you the true way it's very very difficult to even get most people to show flexibility .
This attitude appears to permeate the theistic side of most any discussion held within the religious forum. It has heavy overtones of Islam, as I understand it. One guy claiming an experience in the dark cave of their mind; the whole world expected to not only believe it, but follow it if they want to avoid damnation. I don't experience difficulty accepting that someone thinks there is a higher consciousness; but....the right way? The only way?
I suppose my primary problem is that I, too, have had experiences which lead me to believe there is a higher consciousness. However, these experiences were fleeting and it is difficult to extrapolate a great deal of information from the passing moments; beyond the fact that something very odd happened. The simple truth is that I was made aware of something more.
If I accept that I have experienced these moments I have to accept the probability that others, too, have had them. Any conclusions I have come to are based solely on personal experience and must be alluded to when judging the words of others who claim experience. I find it increasingly difficult to resolve what I know to what others insist to be true. It is as if I am expected to believe that said higher power is giving personal tutorial sessions in theology.
All of this being said, why is it that we are expected to show flexibility and accept either side of the debate; (in fairness to the points presented in the discussions throughout the forum, be it that there is no God or that there is a God who has enlightened a select few as to an exceptionally narrow understanding) while those who claim some 'personal epiphany' on cosmic issues are unable, or unwilling, to return the favor?
What makes anyone think the conclusions they have arrived at from the things they've read and the things they've seen trump all experiences of all other people throughout history? Why must you seek not only consensus but validation? What does it matter to anyone on either side what anyone else thinks? I realize the theist claims they are attempting to save souls, the atheist claims a higher purpose also; but I view it all as insecurity. Belief that shared belief equates to truth. A need to drive the ego. Belief that knowledge is power over others and this belief drives the need to make broad claims which cannot be supported.
If I have overstepped the bounds here. If anyone truly has proof to back their claims; please, chime in. Enlighten me. But words in books are simply words to be read and thought upon. We all come to different conclusions based on life experience. If a higher power had the desire to push one truth upon the world, if it mattered in the final analysis; that higher power would have the means and wherewithal to push it. It wouldn't sneak around and whisper contradictory information into everyone's minds, creating confusion. If it did, could we really label it a higher power?
You are merely recreating the situation where the ignorance of god continues and perpetuates itself.
God is not seen by sifting doubts, accepting this and rejecting that. This is what the demand for proof require.
God is seen when all doubt it's eliminated....this happens when you realize that you are the only necessary and possible proof.
Everything else will leave you on the cycles of perpetual debate.
So What is this "proof" that it's going to satisfy you?
Don't respond we do not need another debate.
I'm not questioning God. I'm questioning these claims. Do you understand the difference?
How can you be ignorant of something that doesn't exist? Odd you need to keep coming to the debate. I have always been of the opinion that anyone who had genuinely experienced this god thing would not feel the need to debate it.
What have you been made aware? How do you know your experiences regards a higher consciousness?
On a dark desert highway, cool wind in my hair
Warm smell of colitas, rising up through the air
Up ahead in the distance, I saw a shimmering light
My head grew heavy and my sight grew dim
I had to stop for the night.
There he stood in the doorway;
I heard the mission bell
And I was thinking to myself
'This could be heaven or this could be Hell'
So, then it occurred to me the whole thing was odd. I honestly felt like I was stuck in song. I knew
I had to find the passage back to the place I was before
'Relax' said the man,
'We are programmed to receive.
You can check out any time you like,
But you can never leave!'
Weird. Huh?
So, Don Henley and Glenn Fry made you aware of a higher consciousness?
Wow! So you wrote "Hotel California" huh? Great song!
But, still, how is this a perception of a higher consciousness?
Humor. A difficult concept for some. Yes? You don't have to see something as humorous to understand it as an attempt at humor.
Either way, I didn't just stumble across the forums. Why would I take you seriously? Why waste time answering a question you simply ask in hopes of an opportunity to ridicule? I honestly don't care what you think of my conclusions. Heck, they aren't important enough to get into a protracted and pointless debate. This thread was started because of people such as yourself. The ego driven souls who think their conclusions are important enough to push on others.
Great track, but written to describe Anton LeVeys headquarters in California, the center of Satanic worship.... just saying!
"You can check out any time you like,
But you can never leave!'"
How true!
Read 2 Corinthians 4:3, preferably in the Living Bible translation which mostly answers your question.
"If the Good News we preach is hidden to anyone, it is hidden from the one who is on the road to eternal death.
Satan, who is the god of this evil world, has made him blind, unable to see the glorious light of the Gospel that is shining upon him or to understand the amazing message we preach about the glory of Christ, who is God.
We don’t go around preaching about ourselves but about Christ Jesus as Lord. All we say of ourselves is that we are your slaves because of what Jesus has done for us.
For God, who said, “Let there be light in the darkness,” has made us understand that it is the brightness of his glory that is seen in the face of Jesus Christ.
What a song might mean to the writer is not necessarily what it means to the listener. Just saying.
Agreed, I love the song to bits, one of the greats... but I was viewing the Eagles differently once <i knew the inspiration!
This (and stairway to heaven) are DJ´s 'smoke break' songs, when they can steal out of the studio for a quick smoke!
Dear me. I guess once you think the Dark Angel is out to get you, He gets everywhere huh? Thanks for taking time out from your Battle with Evil to spread the misinformation.
You understand they were talking about California right?
Hotel California is many things to many people. Don Hendley (sp?) has denied that the song is actually about California specifically and is more about America in general.
I watched the special a while back where he directly says he's talking about California and how people flock to it and it becomes a love hate relationship.
I believe you. I haven't seen that, I just read an interview once where he denied it was specifically about Cali. Maybe he changed his mind, maybe he got sick of talking about it.
I think this is what I watched.
http://www.sho.com/sho/reality-docs/tit … les#/index
It's Don Henley and here are his words about the song...
"a journey from innocence to experience...that's all"
Got to say, you've taken me waaaaayyyy out of context there.
And you've shown one of the problems that I've talked about so often, which is that in a soundbite culture there is little room for longer thoughts. I tried to be clear but I still don't think you got what I was saying in my (much longer) statement.
What an odd choice of venues to complain about "soundbite culture." I would have thought you could find a better venue for expressing such thought processes than the hubpages discussion forum, which is pretty much only any good for soundbites. As you "talk about such problems so often," - I am somewhat surprised to see you not bothering to learn how to express yourself in a sound bite. How come?
An odd choice this may be but nevertheless my analysis of the shortcomings of soundbite culture are a recurring theme in my posts. Even to you, if I remember correctly.
I disagree that the forums are "only good" for soundbites although that is most certainly the primary form of communication within them. Nevertheless, there have been some pretty good longer posts that give good analysis and/or exposition. Some of these I only know about second-hand (the travails of a certain non-Christian member of the forums I've never read for myself because she never addressed them to me, so I didn't see them. But I did hear about them from others.) And the fact is that soundbites rarely afford the opportunity for better analysis.
Before you say it, I'm well aware that there are many people who post long posts and talk a lot but say nothing. Nonetheless...
And conversely, there are many people who read long posts, take the specific point they want to deal with and make that the entire discussion, even if they end up missing that the original post actually dealt with what they are 'arguing against.'
But longer posts are still necessary for those of us who can see both sides of the argument, even if we don't agree with one of the sides (and sometimes we don't agree with either side.)
I most certainly can express myself in soundbites. But when I see that more often than not, soundbite expresssions aimed at me show that the person not only didn't get what I was saying but seemed to be pulling things out on purpose for argument's sake, I get frustrated and decide not to follow that. If I am misquoted, then I want the longer explanation there so that if I'm accused of lying I can point to what I said and rebut the statement. And my history with someone who shall remain nameless, where they level accusations against me that they understand one way and I understand another, and they don't ever bother to explain themselves (for whatever reason) while I do, has also convinced me that soundbite reduction breeds contempt more than it illuminates.
It would seem the 2 claims are at odds. 1, you can express your self properly and 2, the person didn't get what you were saying. If you have properly expressed yourself in this sound bite environment, the person will get what you are saying. But - as you "often complain," about not being understood.........
Well - you draw your own conclusions.
Personally, I strive to make myself as clear as possible - even with few words. Hemingway once claimed and made a bet that he could make someone cry with a 6 word story.
For sale.
Baby shoes.
Never worn.
He won the bet.
That's a good story, I'd never heard that one.
I'm not opposed to making oneself clear in the fewest possible words but history has shown that even when the poster thinks they have achieved clarity with brevity and the postee thinks the same thing, the point they take away can be vastly different. Brevity for its own sake seems to lend itself even more to the poster making what they want out of the post. Not always, and not with everyone, but the ones who are most determined that they are gonna stick to their point no matter what the person actually said tend to be the noisiest in 'making their points.'
So yeah, I can see how it could be viewed as overkill but if the point I'm making has room for nuance, I discuss it. The other person is, of course, free to disregard that (as I've been reminded oh so bluntly recently) but that's all the more reason for explanation.
And not to belabor the point, but just to make sure I'm clear and to answer your first paragraph more directly, 1) I can express myself as clearly as anyone and it makes little difference if 2) the filter that the other person uses means that no matter what I say they will turn it into something else. Hence, less brevity makes for better defense.
Well - as we have already discovered in our previous conversations, your grasp of history is tenuous at best.
But - I get what you are saying. You expressed yourself perfectly on this point.
It is always the other guys fault because you express yourself perfectly clearly - they just choose not to understand or twist what you said. You must be a Christian.
On the contrary, as your response so brilliantly indicates, my grasp of history is crystal clear.
And although I still get no pleasure out of saying it, thanks (I guess) for making my point for me.
Hi Chris. I missed this and as you know, you were the driving force behind the thread. I didn't miss your intent, I was simply flabbergasted that you, considering your philosophy, could complain about others not being flexible enough to consider your claims. It isn't only you, as you can surmise by reading through this thread. It isn't only Calvinists either. I suppose it is simply anyone who is here to preach in hopes of convincing others that they have a better bead on reality than the rest of the world. There are some levels which cannot be known with certainty. So, in my mind, there must be a reason. If there is a reason, the theist has completely ignored anything supporting it, in favor of their ego. If there is no reason, then both sides are simply creating hostility for personal gratification. But, going with the assumption that there is a reason the theist bears the brunt of the responsibility to attempt to understand the why. To appreciate the why and react positively.
I see no evidence which leads me to believe either theists or atheists have an inkling of information to back the claims they make. And yet they both continue on. Common ground is never recognized. The lack of humility behind the assumptions is staggering.
How humble of your to claim to be superior to all of us. Staggered huh?
Yes. Sure. An admission of ignorance is incredibly egotistical. How silly of me not to recognize that. Ignorant always, I guess.
Your humility is staggering. The fact that you choose to lie about what atheists claims is what makes it though. Didn't bother buying that dictionary I recommended huh?
Wow. You just love proving points I've made. Thanks.
Sorry you didn't understand. Why not go buy that dictionary I suggested - then you will know what the words you use mean.
This is why I say your belief system causes so much conflict. But, you appear to enjoy it, so all is not lost.
Sorry you didn't understand. Really - how can learning the meaning of English words be a "belief system?" Oh wait - trolling - sorry.
You don't have to apologize for being a troll Mr. Knowles. Just stop and we'll forget about it.
Not really. I am actually trying to have a conversation. Your attitude makes that some what difficult. You are acting like a 12 year old. You know you have to be over 18 to open an account here - right?
Dear me.
Look. It has never been my observation that you are open minded, nor has it been my experience that you actually participate in a conversation. You only appear to engage in order to have an opportunity to attempt to insult or belittle. Rarely do these attempts on your part appear to be warranted by anything other than by your desire to continue. Flippant and juvenile is simply a reflection of your own behavior.
In fairness, I think I should add that I am not here for idle conversation. Venues such as Facebook might be a better outlet for that. Nor am I particularly fond of debate, although I do find myself drawn into them here. Perhaps you could look up the definition of discussion since this forum was presented by the Hub Pages staff as a discussion forum. Once you understand the definition you might do further study into the suggested rules of civil discourse. And practice them. It could easily be pointed out that, when encountered by you, I don't stick to them either, but any attempt I've ever made was countered with ridiculous remarks which were neither warranted or pertinent. It appears you have some canned responses you prefer to use in lieu of actually reading and responding intelligently.
And yes, I am over eighteen so I am authorized to maintain an account. I think Hub Pages should go one step further. No one under eighteen isn't far enough. Crotchety old men with too much time on their hands should be nudged to seek entertainment elsewhere. I wonder if you'd be burning up the keypad so fiercely if all crotchety old men were otherwise engaged.
Open minded? You mean like thinking agnostic is a half way house between believing in god or not?
Civil discourse? Like calling some one a crotchety old man?
Thanks for proving my point once again. Seriously - go get yourself a decent dictionary so we can actually have a conversation instead of you acting the troll.
I have tried to have a conversation with you, but all teh time you insist on misusing English words and acting like a 12 year old - it is difficult to do so.
That's so odd. You think I prove your points.,I think you prove mine. You makeit clear you have no idea what I think. So I have to accept the same holds true for my thoughts on your thoughts.
Oddly, the only people I encounter this type of problem with here are people such as yourself. When I consider your definition of troll to match any definition available, you might garner enough respect from me to warrant my second guessing my command of the English language. Until such time as that, continue trolling. Continue in your attempt to claim the high ground through lies and innuendo. If it works for you, who am I to rock your boat?
Well, what I was doing was providing an answer to a question. The little insertion about it being a generic statement was meant to imply that it's sort of across the board.
I don't remember the full statement at this time (because it was part of a much, much longer post) but it was meant to be one explanation out of several. The OP for that forum implied that religious people were basically all belligerent idiots (if I remember correctly) and I simply was attempting to point out different reasons for the behavior they were inquiring about other than simply 'because Christians need to believe in spite of the truth.'
And yes, I have pointed out in the past and will continue to do so in the future, that the type of behavior can be found on both sides.
At this late date I don't remember enough to comment further, but I didn't want you to think that I was ignoring your post.
God is DIFFERENT things and experiences to DIFFERENT people. Also there is a religious and societal consensus as to what God SHOULD be. If the majority decides what the perception and/or conception of what God should be, then God IS according to the majority's particular construct.
I'd have to strongly disagree on this one. We can't create reality. That would fall into the category of moving mountains. What is, is. Whether we like it, understand it or recognize it. You are basically saying I AM exists and it is what humans want it to be. That's the main problem. We can't combine our egos in an effort to form the cosmos into a palatable form which assuages our fears.
Interesting.... God SPEAKS it happens... add that to the authority given believers in Christ, the authority to loose or bind things on earth according to the status of how things are in ´heaven´and you have a situation where what we speak (or write, and even think) does have the power to influence our world constructively or destructively.
I have frequently stated that every word we state (and are held accountable for) is either empowering Gods Kingdom on earth, or the enemies kingdom which, by default, we are all subjected to until we elect to join Gods Kingdom.
I agree that the majority of people, believers or secular folk, speak without consideration of the cause and effect they create, which in turn creates the dire things we witness in this world.
The believers task is to explain why this happens, and why Christ brought such a revolutionary change to things, a change we can progress or diminish by our words, thoughts and actions.
Interesting. So - are you now accepting responsibility for the ill will and hatred you cause when you - as an example - call some one a "Satan Whisperer."? Because I thought you were just passing on the message and it was the Invisible Super Being speaking through you. N'est pas?
Is this your goal? To create as much ill will and hatred as possible. Which team are you playing for again?
Mark, glad you remember one of my most popular articles.
The Satan Whisperers is an expose of what the enemy does, the fact that it made such an impression on you is heartwarming, and gives some grounds for hope.
It of course is a 'if the cap fits wear it´ sort of article, and you seem to still be trying it on for size.
There are some articles I have written that I maybe would change with hindsight, however that is not one of them.
No - I was referring to you directly calling me a Satan Whisperer - amongst other things. Not a positive impression actually - but I gather that is what you are after. The more ill will and hatred the better huh?
Does that mean you do not accept any responsibility for your actions again? I know you usually blame an Invisible Super Being - I am confused - are you responsible or it is the Invisible Super Being? Because I was getting the *almost* impression you were going to man up and accept responsibility for your own actions. As you avoided my question in favor of patting yourself on the back.
Again you misread or perhaps just misquote by mistake?
Not only do I accept total responsibility for all the words I speak (in fact we all have no option but to be judged by our words) I point out that we are ALL equally responsible for our words, thoughts and actions.
"The more ill will and hatred the better huh?"
No not at all, I have no ill will towards those who are held in deception and darkness, but do understand why they would find the words of Christ offensive.
I would be concerned if the world agreed with what I stated, for that would mean that I was in danger of having spoken the scripture in a ´tingling ears' fashion.
No avoiding the question, the Satan Whisperers article and my direct references to yourself have made many people ponder the words they speak, and what the origin of those words are.
If I have offended your sensibilities, I accept full responsibility for doing so, but sometimes we all need to be made to consider our stances and that may cause us offence, however if eventually that offence leads to a better result for the offended party, then it is a small price to pay for salvation.
None of us are lost until the final breath leaves our bodies, so we can never be sure of our final outcomes in eternity.
Odd that you speak in such a fashion guaranteed to generate ill will and hatred in that case. You have certainly reinforced my belief that people who claim to be speaking for god are self righteous, condescending so and sos. That is why I rejected this irrational belief system in the first place - people such as yourself.
Save me a seat by the fire.
I don't believe in fairy tales. I don't believe you possess powers granted by a God. I'm sorry, but it comes off as unbridled ego dancing naked in the light of the day. Everyone knows you're naked, but you. Nothing you say mirrors the words and intent of the one you claim gave you authority.
You don´t believe, fair enough, then obviously you cannot hold the authority given by Christ, and by default, you are obeying the authority of a master whose authority you are content to stay under, though you probably do not realize that fact..
'The one you claim gave you authority' stated:
John 14:12-13
“In solemn truth I tell you, anyone believing in me shall do the same miracles I have done, and even greater ones, because I am going to be with the Father. You can ask him for anything, using my name, and I will do it, for this will bring praise to the Father because of what I, the Son, will do for you.
The key word is believing in HIM, i's not believers that wield the power, it's Christ, but EVERY believer is empowered to do as He did, provided they actually believe in Him and His authority over this world kingdom.
As previously stated, I accept that MOST people have been deceived by Churchianity and the enemy into making excuses for why they do not have access to the authority God gave in Christ.
Question: Why, when someone tells you they don't believe in a specific myth, do you reply with quotations from that myth? Do you hope that pure repetition will convince them? Are you actually speaking to someone else, preaching to the public rather than replying to someone?
Someone not believing in what they consider a myth is irrelevant to me, as I do believe in what I state, and yes, I use these forums on occasion to reach the general public.
No i do not believe repetition will break through the barriers folk erect to the truth, if it did then surely we would have reached all humanity by now, with the good news, however repetition does seem to have worked in lowering the moral standards of our society, which broadcast media has managed to achieve in such a short time by repetitive brainwashing that there are no absolutes and anything that feels good is OK.
Have a nice day
Interesting. Is the internal response of the listener to your quotations also irrelevant? If not, what do you think the response is likely to be? If so, why waste the effort to respond at all?
The 'internal response of the listener' is up to them, they either confirm their belief position or change it, how they decide is not my responsibility if they stay intransigent, nor any accolade if they change their opinion and examine things from a spiritual perspective differently.
No 'seed sowing' is a waste of effort, scripture states one sows, another reaps, and sometimes a soul needs stark revelation before they respond to a softer approach, neither are my sole attributes or method.
I respond because it is polite to answer detractors and supporters alike, and to bear in mind that we have a lot of people who are observers, not participants, who may also be reached and find things to consider in their spiritual walk.
But the response to "detractors" (non-believers) is in words they do not understand. You speak a language unknown to them and one they cannot fathom.
Either they are as irrelevant to you as your quotations are to them or you are being intentionally rude and impolite in your responses. Or both?
Hey - the main thing is John gets to exercise his god given authority. (said that in my head in Cartman's voice lol)
Well, yes. It is always interesting (and amusing) when the pious and humble, existing without self in order to do god's will, explain that they and only they have the word of god. When the super ego of self declares they have the power of a god and all others must worship either them or their god.
If they do not understand, then the option is open for them to ask for clarification, though the forums are not the best places for lengthy explanation, it is always possible to communicate outside of the forums if one is truly seeking understanding.
If I speak a language unknown to them, then I cannot be blamed for their lack of comprehension, I speak plain English, perhaps not American English but sufficient for most English speaking people to understand, if it's scripture they find difficulty with, well that's why I have started using the Living Bible for posts, as it is written in pretty plain English, whilst keeping the context of what is written.
I suspect that the lack of comprehension is either deliberate or caused by the recipient having been 'blinded' by the enemy in most instances.
In my experience anyone seriously seeking to know about God and specifically Christ, who approaches the scriptures with a pure intent to find truth, will be given the understanding they require, but which is hidden to those who are detractors or seeking to confuse the issues.
Ephesians 4:17-18
Living Bible (TLB)
Let me say this, then, speaking for the Lord: Live no longer as the unsaved do, for they are blinded and confused. Their closed hearts are full of darkness; they are far away from the life of God because they have shut their minds against him, and they cannot understand his ways.
How difficult is that to understand?
No one is having difficulty understand the words - they are just nonsense. Self righteous nonsense. No good blaming churchiainity when you are doing the self same thing.
Come, come. You know better than that.
The comprehension lack is not in the words, whether old or "new" English. It is in what the interpretation is, and in whether the words have any meaning at all in reality. Certainly they do inside the myth, but in reality? Not likely, to the point that they are unlikely to be read at all.
*edit* Mark makes the point as well - the words are nonsense, without meaning as a gestalt. Individually the words all have meaning, but not when put together.
When I come to the "Ephesians 4:17-18 part of your post, for instance, it does not reference a paragraph in the Christian bible; it means "skip the next paragraph as it is without meaning". Words strung together in a pretense that they mean something, but do not.
Which you know. So, again, you are using a foreign language whether it uses the same spelling and words as the English language does. A language quite, quote foreign to the listener and a language that imparts no information or communication to the non-believer. Once more, why use it at all if it possesses no communication effects to the listener? You might as well whistle a bird call - at least that sounds pleasant!
The verse your mind was conditioned to say "skip the next paragraph as it is without meaning" describes exactly why some folk cannot comprehend.
"Their closed hearts are full of darkness; they are far away from the life of God because they have shut their minds against him, and they cannot understand his ways."
What more needs to be said?
Conditioned, yes. By reading countless other quotations, none of which had anything to do with reality.
So there is a great deal more that needs said, but you are unwilling or unable to say it in a language recognizable by the non-believer. With 150 hubs published, I'd have to say you could say them, but refuse to do so. Is it that important to retain the illusion of the myth, even to the point of speaking unintelligibly?
That is what the whole soul school experience is about, determining what the truth is... the evidence is there for all to find IF they will seek it.
Once we find what we perceive to be the truth, then we should stand on that truth as if our very life depended upon being correct.... because it does.
Odd then that truth varies according to the ego finding it...
That means what one consider truth? Isn't there a possibility of being wrong then? People believe one thing, defend it, only to find later that they were wrong. What if you are wrong?
If I were wrong, then the error would be replaced by the new truth, and I agree that my understanding of Christ and His message now is different from when I first came to faith, and has capacity to change as new revelation is presented.
I have looked for error in what I believe for 20 years, not found it yet, and can still refute any other counterclaim against Christ from scripture alone if required.
I guess Christian understanding is like web coding, we start of with WYIWYG and move through html coding to JavaScript and Ruby...and onward..... i.e. there is a logical progression of knowledge and achievement as the need to advance is satisfied.
Gotta love it when the guy who thinks he is at war with Satan speaks of logic, knowledge and achievement. If it wasn't so sad, it would be funny.
Don't know the verse, but it's something about people calling in his name and he swears he never knew you. If the shoe doesn't fit you, prove it by showing what miracles you have done.
The verse you are thinking about is:
Matthew 7:22-24
Living Bible (TLB)
At the Judgment many will tell me, ‘Lord, Lord, we told others about you and used your name to cast out demons and to do many other great miracles.’ But I will reply, ‘You have never been mine.Go away, for your deeds are evil.’
“All who listen to my instructions and follow them are wise, like a man who builds his house on solid rock.
I have seen some miraculous events happen in the 20 years I have been in faith, but openly admit that for most of that time, like most of Churchianity, I was making excuses for why we do not see more of Gods authority being used on earth.
During my time in Asia ( we are now back in Europe) we were blessed to meet strong believers who do take Kingdom Authority seriously, and see the power of God at work in His Kingdom and over the kingdom of the Prince of this world.
Putting that authority into action, like all new skill sets, requires belief and time to practice the power and authority God gave us through Christ.
We are seeing small breakthroughs, we will see major changes as we move closer to the end days and more believers start exercising their authority in Christ.
If you genuinely want to hear more about it, contact me off forum and I will send you a link where you can hear what some of these people have seen and witnessed.
As to what Christ will tell many (as stated above) I suspect that those who do know Him will use His authority to help others, and those who do not (and hear those words) will use His name for personal gain in this temporal existence.
Christ alone will decide which camp we all belong in.
Honestly, that is simply silly. You have no authority. I have no authority and neither does anyone else. You don't have a magic wand. If you want one, then (imo) you've missed the whole point of searching for the spiritual. Which is fine. As long as you accept that your wants don't supersede my needs.
You have to be able to see the abrasiveness here...I mean come on. You claim that you have an authority over others that is granted to you by something no one can see and no one can prove even exists and that you contribute to learning from a book. I'm not trying to offend anyone here but I have to say, Wow, it is really amazing the claims that some make and expect it to be swallowed by all. I mean, think about it. If I were to say that I was given authority over you or anyone else by an invisible deity to do his/her/their workings here on earth, to spread the word of his/her/their will and teachings, not only would you scoff at that claim, you would think I was completely crazy! You would likely think that I was not only crazy but delusional, off my rocker, and very egotistical to try to push my "knowledge" on others without proof, especially if what I was convinced of to be "correct" spreads the, it's this way or the hellfire way. Do you see how this type of thinking sometimes looks to people who do not share your beliefs? I'm not saying or implying that you care how abrasive your beliefs may seem, but then I would have to say too that you can surely understand why some people are sometimes completely confused by some of the claims of some Christians and that which they say they represent.
I think that you think you are doing what you are "supposed" to do, far be it from me to tell someone not to do what they feel is right, but in saying that, I also have to say do not be surprised or offended if not everyone buys into your seemingly strong personal ideas of greatness and claims of superiority or privilege. Good luck convincing EVERYONE, if that is your goal, that your authority over them given to you by something, like it or not, is unproven takes precedent over them or their lives in any way!
As stated in an earlier reply:
John 14:12-13
“In solemn truth I tell you, anyone believing in me shall do the same miracles I have done, and even greater ones, because I am going to be with the Father. You can ask him for anything, using my name, and I will do it, for this will bring praise to the Father because of what I, the Son, will do for you.
I appreciate that you find this unusual and even impossible, however it is NOT.
This authority is available to ANY believer in Christ, the fact that the majority do not exercise that authority is sad, but not indicative that it does not exist.
The fact that a non believer may be stunned into further disbelief is also understandable.
200 years ago anyone trying to explain radio or television waves would have been equally decried, but they existed and were all around humanity, folks just could not see or understand them, until someone built a receiver.
Just because one is incapable of accessing a power, is no indicator that it does not exist and could be available.
The very medium we are using to communicate was impossible to think of existing just 50 years ago, the computer I write this on is vastly more powerful than the one that ran the WW2 offensive for the Allies, and men flew to the Moon using less computing power than we all have in our cell phones to store addresses.
Seeing may be believing, but equally believing normally comes before seeing the end result.
I'm not seeking to have authority or to get authority, for authority to be placed upon me, within me, around me. Why would I need it? Want it? To pat my ego? To feel superior? To feel special? I for one have no use for such needs and wants in my life because I see EVERYONE as being equal. No one, regardless of ANY religion or the lack there of is better than anyone else. I would never expect anyone to see me as being privileged or on a pedestal over anyone else due to my choice of belief system. How arrogant and how pompous would I be? Good grief. I will never understand why some believe that their way is the only way simply because they are told they should or because they read it in a book. Forgive those who do not see that as being a legitimate excuse to give you special exceptions, credit, or treatment, please. Isn't that YOUR problem if YOUR beliefs suggests that you must tell others that disagree with your beliefs that they are wrong every chance you get and that it is your duty to do that to your fellow man? I would feel so callous were it me. I would feel so arrogant if I were instructed to do that. I would feel so unworthy to even do that to people. But your religion is the only right one or way, am I correct? Please excuse me if I cannot see why.
You have the right to believe that, but unfortunately it´s not true.
There are two sources of authority operating on our temporal world, the authority of the Prince of the world (mankinds enemy) and the authority of God.
All human beings are under one or the others authority.
Anybody who seeks authority from God rarely receives it, in other words folk that want to use Gods authority for their own use normally fail spiritually, though they may appear to win bigtime with the world, however they are normally then operating under the enemies authority with or without that knowledge.
There is nothing special about having the authority of God in the name of Christ, after all it's available to EVERY believer, which rather negates your argument.
Authority ALWAYS comes with responsibility, so having more authority = being held in higher account for the responsibility you are also carrying, like scripture states; to whom much is given much is required.
Good, you would be foolish if you did, and probably unworthy of holding any authority given to you.
Because I speak with authority, there seems to be a general consensus that I consider myself superior for holding that authority, which is totally wrong.
Having and being committed to work in Christs authority entails no greater rank of privilege, in fact the first requirement is to become a servant, not just to Christ, but to all who need assistance.
Pride, ego and self esteem needs leave as normally one is required to do mostly mundane tasks that others choose to avoid, tasks which carry no 'glory'.
Yes there are occasions when one would be required to intercede or intervene in spiritual aspects, but entering the enemies territory with pride and ego riding your shoulders would be dangerous indeed, rather like trying to sneak into the enemies camp playing a loud fanfare.
The worldview of most folk equate any claim to authority with success and ego, which is understandable as most ´leaders´are prideful and egotistic, because in the enemies kingdom those attributes gain power and strength.
Not so in Gods Kingdom, in fact just the reverse, as are most things in Gods Kingdom.
In my case coming to faith in Christ happened when I was middle aged, after a life of alpha male living in a totally selfish manner. I state that ONLY to show that I was a perfectly normal male sinner, no different from most other folk, thinking I was a 'nice guy' and a success (which in world terms I was) and having pretty much everything I could desire.
So no, my coming to faith was not 'simply because they are told they should or because they read it in a book.' - I was a defector from the enemies camp rather than a convert, I was aware of what happened in the spiritual world that surrounds us, because I was on the enemies team, all I did was switch teams.
Christ is the only way, yes I believe that, and yes I attempt to show people why when possible.
I do not stand shouting in malls or street corners, I will not knock on your door, I do not ask 'Do you know Jesus as your personal Savior?' or tell anyone that they will burn for eternity for not agreeing with me.
I am nothing, have nothing except what God gives me, when I see that folk are in confusion or being used as the enemies mouthpiece to deceive folk, I will enter a comment or offer advice or assistance if possible.
After three years of living in a Muslim state where evangelizing is forbidden, I am well versed in not starting a discussion about Christ and the enemy and where we stand in respect to those two authorities, but even in Islamic countries I am permitted to share my faith WHEN someone approaches me first.
Nobody here is required to answer my posts, it matters not one jot to me if they do or do not, I write to reach those who ARE seeking to understand the spiritual aspects of the great divide between the kingdom of the world and the Kingdom of God.
I am no expert, but due to the odd life God has given me, I have been 'in country' more than a lot of other folk, so I can offer some practical advice to those who are about to engage the enemy by starting to practice using the authority of Christ given to them.
You guys all seem to take offence that I mention that EVERY believer has the ability to call on the authority of Christ, who ALONE does have all authority over the enemy.
Like all packs you try to turn that into a personal attack on the individual who does not conform to your mindset and understanding.
Sorry, I don´t buy that concept, I know who I am, and who I am not, and if that offends, or you view it as callous that I have the temerity to state it, it's not my problem.
If you are standing watching folk walking across a minefield and shout at them to stay still until you can guide them back to safety, you cannot be concerned that they thin k your manner is unseemly or callous for shouting at them.
Tread carefully!
John - I know it makes you feel big to make these sort of threats and claims of esoteric understanding, disguised as they are in a fake "concern," that we don't get burned in hell by the Invisible Super Daddy that you are speaking for - but it is nonsense. Does it make you hard when you tell some one they need to "tread carefully"?
Man up. Admit you don't know anything and have no authority. Sadly - I don't think you are able to accept reality - are you?
Do you tell children this garbage and threaten them in the same way?
Produce one example of this enemy you claim exists and someone might take you seriously. Otherwise, accept the fact that no one does. That isn't true, entirely. I think everyone can see the ego which drives your argument.
Oh Emile, if you cannot see the enemy at work worldwide then your spiritual eyes are truly blinded.
To a degree I envy you, for there is much truth in the statement 'ignorance (of an event or effect) is bliss'.
How many times do I have to say, I care not one jot whether you or anyone else accepts what I state, it´s irrelevant, what I am doing will not affect you by my endeavours, it may affect you when other believers more local to wherever you are start exercising their God give authority in Christ, and I guess i's possible that those believers may be activated by reading writings on Kingdom Authority.
What will affect all humanity is when Christ declares time up and returns to judge us all, if my words now or in the future lead one person to stand on the right side of that judgement, then I will be delighted, which is why the worlds approval or not is irrelevant.
The closing scene of Schindlers List shows Oscar lamenting that his escape car could have bought another 10 Jewish lives, his Nazi Party lapel badge one more soul saved from extermination.
In the end result, what we say or do with our lives does have that sort or relevance, all else is vanity, and if you wish to intimate that I am acting from ego or fear or whatever else you want to accuse me of, it's meaningless in the scheme of things at this point in time.
As a matter of interest - exactly how does " exercising one's God given authority in Christ," manifest itself in the real world? What do you actually do other than this? Then I can look out for the local believers and recognize them.
Quite honestly - my only concern is that you fill a child's head with this nonsense. You wouldn't do that - would you? Tread carefully.
Yes, that is why your religion is so dangerous to mankind, it teaches you to see enemies everywhere where there are none. That's why Christianity is a hate cult.
Sorry, but you have no authority, no one does when it comes to your religion.
Sorry, but your boogeyman is just a myth, there will be no return of the boogeyman.
Sorry, but you are not Schindler nor will you save anyone from your boogeyman.
You are free to live an irrelevant life and pretend you have authority. Yes, that is meaningless.
Yes. Please conveniently blame the actions of humans on some invisible entity. They won't have to take responsibility, you won't work toward a solution, and we can all keep going on as we are. Make believe is always easier than facing life head on.
What do you get out of preaching to me? I will tell you again, I do not seek your advice, authority, or your religion therefore your preaching to me is in vain. I do not and will not see you as having any great knowledge that I wish to ever attain. I do not see you as being wise or as being someone worthy to preach to me, your ego clearly blinds me to any possible chance of that happening. If it makes you feel all warm inside to present yourself to the world as doing God's will and work disguised as and presenting yourself as an egotistical know it all to me, then by all means, knock yourself out. All I see you talk about on here is your "side" against the "enemy". You talk Christians against the enemy repeatedly...please take in consideration how that mindset is detrimental to your "cause". This type of thinking is exactly what is wrong with those that abuse Christianity. If you are trying to be an example of what a good Christian is, well it is completely lost on me. If this authority driven pompous ego talk is Christianity to you, I'm wise to avoid it then. You preach to the world that everyone that does not think the way you do is wrong and that we are just hypnotized by the "enemy", why in the world would I convert to a religion that thinks like that and then tells others they should as well? Do tell, please! If simply because I am not a Christian and you cannot convert me that makes me your enemy or under your enemy's trance, excuse me, I'll gladly stay right where I am. I am no ones enemy and no one is mine. This is the effect you wish to have on the non-believers? This is how you qualify yourself as being a good Christian or God's servant? Your Christian mission is to make those that are not Christian feel they are an enemy or under an enemy's authority? If that is helping anyone in your mind, that is sad, indeed. I don't want that kind of "help".
Sorry, but that fantasy does not exist outside of your head.
Then, we know how you are operating, by your own words.
Again, that fantasy doesn't exist outside of your head.
And yet, you have already shown you don't even take responsibility for your own actions. You shift them to others.
Let's get this sparkling, crystal clear, you have no authority whatsoever.
No one needs your assistance, thanks.
We are not in a minefield, we are in reality. Try thinking about joining it sometime and stop shouting.
It is hilarious to see how much believers believe they have such power and authority, it's just like a door man to a five star hotel who believes he is the owner.
ATM, the doorman has exactly the amount of power the owner gave him, and once again I quote Christ:
John 14:12-13
“In solemn truth I tell you, anyone believing in me shall do the same miracles I have done, and even greater ones, because I am going to be with the Father. You can ask him for anything, using my name, and I will do it, for this will bring praise to the Father because of what I, the Son, will do for you.
Actually the ONLY power we have as 'doormen' is to ask the owner to carry out that which we ask to be carried out, and provided we understand what falls withing our authority, it will be done.
You seem to be under the impression that the owner of the hotel has no authority, he does, the owner has the authority to decide who can stay and who must depart from the 'hotel', and to a degree and it´s a great degree, the owner empowers his doorman to invite or exclude those who seek entry.
Mark 4:11-12
He replied, “You are permitted to know some truths about the Kingdom of God that are hidden to those outside the Kingdom:
‘Though they see and hear, they will not understand or turn to God, or be forgiven for their sins.’
and...
John 20:22-23
Living Bible (TLB)
22 Then he breathed on them and told them, “Receive the Holy Spirit. 23 If you forgive anyone’s sins, they are forgiven. If you refuse to forgive them, they are unforgiven.”
Blaming the messenger when effect you object to the message is futile.
Yes, that is the same delusion you have with your religion, but of course, the door man is not the owner, he has no real power or authority over anything other than the door he stands and the delusion in his mind.
No, you are not a messenger, you are the one using those quotes for your agenda. You need to take responsibility for your own actions rather than trying to shift it elsewhere. It's called having honesty and integrity.
No point in wasting more time with folk who cannot read plain English and attempt to cherry pick a line so that they can write a reply out of context.
Apologies ATM, I will once again be ignoring your reactions.
Yes, I understand you realize you're completely incapable of wielding any power or authority over me and must ignore me. What you don't realize yet is that you're incapable of wielding any power or authority over anyone.
Intellectual dishonest is the problem that all believers will inevitably yield, as a result of supporting a false and illogical premise. And instead of admitting to dishonesty, they pretend that their comment was misinterpreted....taken out of context....or that the proponent is deficient in his understanding.
Anyway...God wins!
Yes, He does.
Your argument, on the other hand, has some flaws.
I am sorry, but could you point out the flaws.
Thanks
I thought it was funny because it described you too. If you changed the word God to atheism.
Your basic flaw is the assumption (since it is not provable) that all people of faith have difficulty with honesty and need to resort to dishonesty to adhere to their belief.
Not provable.
That's dishonest. There is no way one can hold a false premise to be true, unless resorting to dishonesty. And since all people of faith adhere to a false premise, they are inevitably going to have to resort to intellectual dishonesty when presented with real facts and direct logical questioning. You have had, and continue to have, trouble with honesty in many of your responses. Just like the Borg. Mindless assimilation. Sorry you can't see that, and insist that this absurdity you and others are spouting actually should be taken seriously.
And your response will be: "Thanks for proving my point"....right? That is the only argument you have had in the past year. But I see some people have a need for this drug(religion)which is the real explanation behind the desperation. Wait....I just proved your point...again! Wow! When God is for you, nobody can be against you. What a special bunch these magical Christians are....just so much better than us regular folk.
Well Chris, it looks like we found another who points out your dishonesty.
We'll wait for others to chime in and build that list, shall we?
A) I said name two.
B) If this is your example, I would suggest you take a good hard look at the difference between finding someone who is pointing out the truth and simply finding someone who merely reinforces your point of view, but I think you're too far into the second to realize it.
No worries, more folks will chime in, and there will be more than two.
I for one don't believe Chris to be dishonest. I think he honestly thinks he's right, unfortunately for him he's wrong. wink wink.
Yes, wink wink. But, most certainly Chris is dishonest when he rejects or denies facts, he has done that on countless occasions, facts that have been placed directly in front of him. How is that being honest?
I believe he honestly thinks he's right. There are those here who will lie for Jesus, but I don't think he is knowingly lying. Most of the religious refuse to see reality as it will upset the illusion. Crap, we've got someone in another forum going on about aliens changes our genetic code for Satan. Chris's delusions are no where near that. Sorry Chris, don't take that the wrong way.
I know, sorry. But you know I think your wrong, at least when it comes to faith. If i said you were truthful and right then I'd be wrong and we can't have that.
I don't deny any facts. If you accuse me of lying and I say I'm not, I'm not denying a fact, merely an accusation.
I don't deny science. I like science. I haven't denied the Big Bang.
And if you pull one sentence out of a longer post and try to make out like I said something I didn't (which is not uncommon) and I rebut that, that's not denial of fact.
Now if Rad or JM accuse of being a jerk, I take them seriously. I may not agree with them, but I seriously look at what they say. And if they're right, I say sorry and adjust.
When you accuse me of being a liar or a denier of facts (and this goes for getitrite as well) the overwhelming majority of the time you convict me without a trial of crimes I'm usually not even guilty of. The conviction that just because I have faith in Jesus means I deny reality is a conviction, to be sure, but it does not justify blanket accusations.
And that I spend so much time with someone who doesn't need a reason to dislike me so much is, in a word, a timesuck.
Yes, you do, and they have pointed out repeatedly, and will continue to be pointed out.
Delusion causes people to be blatantly disingenuous, while, at the same time, finding false inconsistencies with the facts you present. The dishonesty is staggering, and if we didn't know the root cause of this affliction, we would think that victims were suffering from a complete disconnect from reality.
Sad to see this behavior in otherwise reasonably intelligent people. Religion is a merciless disease.
I don't know. I find that delusions seem to cause a certain level of paranoia, coupled with an aggressive belligerence and bizarre belief that attempted character assassination is actually the best way be "honest."
At this point it's really just sad. You two are bonding in a mutual society of humorlessness, unable to see a way out of the situation other than propping each other up in your belief that somehow you're 'exposing' me.
You guys have sucked the fun right out of it.
It's about the beliefs and what they cause. That's not character assassination. These are statements aimed at the beliefs, but maybe you are so emotionally attached to your beliefs that you take it very personally. If so, Now I See.
Not you....we are exposing your beliefs. Your beliefs have been thoroughly exposed for the fairy tales that they are. I'm just sorry that you are so emotionally attached that you can't see that. You seem quite intelligent, otherwise.
Sorry about that.....
Funny, but somehow I believe that most reasonable people can see that it is not us putting on the performance. It's absolutely amazing what kinds of antics.......
To accuse me of being overly emotionally attached to my beliefs is funny coming from you. This is meant seriously, and not as a deflection, you might be right, but there is no question that you act and react emotionally.
To say they have been 'thoroughly exposed' is a bit of a stretch. In my experience, the people who tend to believe this are the same people who tend to at the very least have little use (and often a disdain) for religion. It's not unlike people on my side who tend to believe whatever their pastor says. This is a point that I've made often. I understand you believe it but, in all honesty and fairness, YOU have not demonstrated it. You have stated it, and yes 'character assassination' is not a horribly unfair characterization of some of the things you've said about believers, whether in general or about me specifically. But stating something, whether it is actually a well-proven fact or not, is not the same as demonstrating it. That's not debate. And if the 'fact' that I am supposed to be so die-hard in denying is that 'all religionists are either delusional (which is a diagnosis of a possibly serious mental disorder) or incapable of honesty since they need to cling to their religion,' then I'm not denying a fact. I am contradicting a judgement, and a rather arrogant one at that. Again, if that's a 'fact' then provide the proof, don't just make the accusation.
If there are any other facts that I'm supposed to have denied, then please present them
And I believe that you believe that 'most reasonable people' would do as you say. But I think this forum has shown in microcosm that is not true. I'm not saying that 'most reasonable people' would agree with me per se, but a truly reasonable person would not assume I am putting on a performance, or at least that I would not be the only one (meaning within this specific conversation.)
You're almost as funny as getitrite.
Don't ever change. You're beautiful just the way you are.
This is so you. I could write a book outlining every single contingency, go through possibilities, outline my entire thought process.
Then you would pull out one sentence you don't like, say something about it which would be flatly contradicted by everything else I said that you didn't quote.
Then you would accuse me of being dishonest.
Have a nice life.
You're telling me about dishonesty? Tried looking in the mirror?
I am not engaging in dishonesty. Your inability to grasp any reason other than dishonesty for why someone would hold a viewpoint like mine is not a deficiency on my part. And loudly and shrilly telling them that they must must must be dishonest is not an example of either correctness or rectitude on your part.
In your case no, I had no intention of saying you've proved my point. Nor has that been my only answer all year (but then, if you were really honest you would know better, wouldn't you?) What you are is a crashing example of the self-righteous irony of those who become guilty of pretty much everything they accuse the other side of.
Asserting things that are just NOT true is defined as dishonesty, whether you are aware of the dishonesty or not is a different subject.
I can find another reason, and that is where the tire hits the road.....delusion. But if a deluded psyche causes one to tell lies....it is still a lie. And to rigidly stand firmly by that lie after it has been thoroughly exposed is truly disturbing.
Of course the closed mind, festered with faith, never takes responsibility for its illogical assertions. It is everyone else's responsibility to make sense of his nonsense....lest they be deficient. In other words, the teacher is a terrible instructor, teaching superstition as reality, therefore, the students, who question this are stupid....Right???? Makes perfect sense.
What does my correctness or rectitude have to do with honesty? Sorry you are finding this to be so traumatizing. I'll say it softly. Very sorry.
OK. That was not meant as an absolute, but you have responded to ME with this comment most of the time that we have exchanged responses.....in forums....in the past year.
Yep. Again and again, I just prove your point every time. I'm the best player on your team. But most importantly....imaginary Jesus wins AGAIN! Christian logic is way too powerful for us simple folk. I try to stump you....and your God just ends up shaming me into aiding you in crushing my own position. Nothing left for me to do except....Praise Jesus!
Boy ain't that the truth? Are you planning to stop anytime soon?
Having read your entire post, I was reminded of just how funny humorless people can be.
I was also reminded that no one is more fanatical than someone who is driven to call others fanatics.
And I'm not one.
When all else fails, launch a sneaky personal attack to divert attention from the blatant dishonesty inherent in a false premise. There is no escape, however, but the truth. You should at least dip your foot in the truth pool, then maybe the trauma of honesty won't be so unbearable.
There is no evidence, whatsoever, for your beliefs, yet you seem to be prepared to die for them if the need arises(which, coincidentally, describes delusional). Can you, honestly, say that is not fanatical? And what's so fanatical about a person admitting that they don't know things that are beyond man's knowledge, at the moment? Honestly.....and straightforward please.
Thank you, I really needed the laugh.
You are funny!
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