If God DIRECTLY told you to kill your first child and you knew it was Him, would

1. 67

   Lady Guinevereposted 9 years ago

   If God DIRECTLY told you to kill your first child and you knew it was Him, would you do it?
   
   Re-phrasing a question that I asked previously that HP deemed substandard.  Most of the answers were judging the pastor, but that is not what I asked.  I asked HOW would you do it?

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   FatFreddysCatposted 9 years ago

   Mmmm, nope. Any "God" that would tell me to kill my child is not a "God" I would listen to or take orders from.

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      Phil Perezposted 9 years agoin reply to this

      You cannot say who God is when it's God. Just like you cannot dehumanize someone just because they're of a minority race. It's just an example, but if God is omniscient, then He knows better than you and thus, you MUST follow what HE says. He knows.

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   2. 93

      FatFreddysCatposted 9 years agoin reply to this

      Last time I checked I still had free will, which means I would be free to tell the Big Voice From the Sky "Kill my kid? Get outta here. Not gonna happen."

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   3. 67

      Lady Guinevereposted 9 years agoin reply to this

      Is Free Will killing someone possibly painlessly or you going to hell because you didn't do as you were told?  Abraham wouldhave thought about why he was told to kill his son too.

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   adagio4639posted 9 years ago

   No God that I would accept as a God would ask such a thing.

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      Phil Perezposted 9 years agoin reply to this

      How do you know? You're subjectively categorizing God. That's illogical. God is an objective concept. Hypothetically IF God asked you, would you?You don't have to run away from the question just 'cause it's scary thinking about it. It's not happening

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      Lady Guinevereposted 9 years agoin reply to this

      I am positive that Abraham asked those same questions as he was told to kil his son, Isaak.

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4. 71

   getitriteposted 9 years ago

   I guess if I actually did believe in the God of the bible, and if I believed that Abraham was the iconic and sacred figure that he was held to be, then, of course, I would do it. If I didn't, then, I would be some kind of hypocrite, pretending to have faith in something that I really don't.
   As to how?  Well I could think of much better ways than to put the child on an altar, and stab him to death. That's just inhumane and extremely evil.
              This question is sure to cause cognitive dissonance.

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   1. 67

      Lady Guinevereposted 9 years agoin reply to this

      It does make people think.  There are many people that obey their clergy with no doubts...today.  That is what got me to ask this question.  It doesn't take much to get people to do what you want them to do in the church. Scary!

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5. 62

   LoisRyan13903posted 9 years ago

   I don't think I have the faith Abraham did and even though God stopped him at the last minute he was still willing to offer his son as a sacrifice.  Personally I don't think I would be able to do it because I already lost my youngest child who is in heaven with Jesus.  I just don't think I can handle another loss.

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   1. 67

      Lady Guinevereposted 9 years agoin reply to this

      I am sorry for your lose, but when one dies and it is in the eyes of God, then they should be in a better place with God....correct?  If God gave them to you then he must have wanted them back for a reason, true?

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   2. 62

      LoisRyan13903posted 9 years agoin reply to this

      Yes and I did  use that loss to help other mothers who lost their children.

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      Lady Guinevereposted 9 years agoin reply to this

      As you have helped others with their loss it might have been God's reason for Abraham to put his son on the alter.  We don't know why sonme thigs re as they are.  That is why I think it is not right to judge others lives, loves and actions.

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      LoisRyan13903posted 9 years agoin reply to this

      Agree. And God already knew Abraham's heart he knew that he would offer his son.

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   Michael Milecposted 9 years ago

   My God speaks wisely. He will never tell me directly to kill my son. In a friendly conversation He might be testing my trust in him and then having good reason for " sacrificial offering "  similar  as he told to Abraham; so what ?! - it would then become a historical event an the rest of the world would be advised of the Creators dealings.

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7. 87

   aethelthrythposted 9 years ago

   Yep.  The One Who made me and my son and everything else has a right to ask or do anything He wants.  Besides, from everything I've seen and known in my life, He is good, and so even something that seems evil, if He is doing it, is good in spite of how it looks to me at the time.  I have seen many times in my life that what seemed bad at the time, God used for good.  I see God is wiser and better than my best (and very changeable) inclinations.
   Of course I would have to know EXTREMELY clearly that it was God saying so, but obviously Abraham did.  And Abraham trusted not only that God was good, but that God would keep His promise and therefore had some plan he couldn't see, because God had already told Abraham he would have uncountable descendants through Isaac.  Not going to happen through a dead son!
   And in fact God did NOT let Abraham go through with sacrificing his son.  However, God Himself did sacrifice His OWN Son, in what seemed the most evil thing in human history, to actually accomplish the best thing in human history, to bring a whole bunch of undeserving sons and daughters back to His family.

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      Lady Guinevereposted 9 years agoin reply to this

      I agree and others did not pick up on that either that Abraham trusted the God that he knew and did so witout hesitation.  It was evil to do so from God in the first place.  He has tested even the first 2 creation of his.  Make you think.

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   CreeVikingposted 9 years ago

   not a chance. why would an omnipotent being need me to do his killing for him?

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   1. 67

      Lady Guinevereposted 9 years agoin reply to this

      Oh that would be putting a human ideal on the God who knows everything..even your first thought and your last one and if you obey him with blind faith or not.

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9. 79

   dashingscorpioposted 9 years ago

   No! I would change my meds and go back to sleep.
   There is no way to "know" it was God. For all they know it could be the "Devil" pretending to be God.
   Interestingly there have been people who have committed crimes and blamed it on God or the Devil. Whole cities were destroyed.
   That defense doesn't work the way it use to.
   If someone saw you holding a knife to your child's throat today you'd be locked up and your child placed in child protective services.
   Anyone who claims "God told them to kill anyone" is considered crazy. Maybe they were back then as well.
   Isn't one of the 10 commandments "Thy shall not kill"?
   I don't recall seeing asterisks or exceptions listed.

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   1. 67

      Lady Guinevereposted 9 years agoin reply to this

      God made the devil to do his bidding and if Gos was the Devil then what?  There are wasys to kill someone that is painless.

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   2. 79

      dashingscorpioposted 9 years agoin reply to this

      God said: "Thy shall not kill."
      I guess I choose to believe he's not a "flip flopper" when it comes to (his) "word". One man's opinion!

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10. 71

    word55posted 9 years ago

    Yes, I would. Why not? God has His reasons for commanding us to do things that we don't understand why? God is the Boss.

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    1. 67

       Lady Guinevereposted 9 years agoin reply to this

       Good answer.

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       dashingscorpioposted 9 years agoin reply to this

       I imagine you'd be singing a different tune while sitting on death row for murder. No sane jury is going to accept the "God told me to do it defense".

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       Lady Guinevereposted 9 years agoin reply to this

       Where has all this judging others and the pastor and God come from.  I never said anything about that and yet ppl are doing that here.

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       fpherj48posted 9 years agoin reply to this

       Good Grief!....word55.  I cannot express strongly enough how delighted, relieved and blessed I feel that I am not your first born.  Debra...."good answer?"  I am sad that you have finally gone off the deep end.  Do YOU have children?

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       Aime Fposted 9 years agoin reply to this

       Yeah, seriously... who says "why not?" when talking about killing their child? Good grief is right.

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       Lady Guinevereposted 9 years agoin reply to this

       Paula, this wasn't about children, it was about how crazy ppl are that are so religious that they would do anything they were told. His answer proved it.

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    7. 79

       dashingscorpioposted 9 years agoin reply to this

       Debra I have not judged anyone. I simply pointed out if someone got arrested for killing their child and they told the court they were following God's order at the time they would go to prison. Do you disagree with that?

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       Austinstarposted 9 years agoin reply to this

       This is a "good answer" if you believe in the Abrahamic god. But the best answer should be that this "god" is mythological and no one should be killing people at all. This god says to kill, then says, don't kill. Well which is it??

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    9. 67

       Lady Guinevereposted 9 years agoin reply to this

       Dash, I do agree with that.  That was not in this question to be the judge.  U did judge though as in what would happen in today's society.  Lela is correct 2 in that the Bible God is confusing.

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    10. 92

        davidlivermoreposted 9 years agoin reply to this

        If your God would do that then he is no God of mine.

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    11. 67

        Lady Guinevereposted 9 years agoin reply to this

        I never said that he was my God or Your God.  He was Abraham's God.  If you go to church and you believe in God and they tell you these things, then that God that told Abraham to do that IS your God.

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11. 78

    junksellerposted 9 years ago

    I wouldn't step on an ant if he asked me to. He didn't build me to live on my knees.

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12. 70

    Aime Fposted 9 years ago

    Not a friggin' chance. Even if I believed in God, I wouldn't kill my child on the chance that I was wrong and was mentally ill rather than God talking to me himself. There is nothing in this world (or out of it) that could convince me to hurt my kid and I'm honestly appalled by those who would.
    
    I can't imagine anything more painful than harming your own child, why would I want to spend eternity with a God that decided to put me through that? No thanks, I'll enjoy my life on Earth knowing that I did everything to protect my children and give them the best life possible. This life is something that we know we have, without any doubt, and to take it away from someone who loves and trusts you unconditionally is the absolute most criminal and evil thing I can imagine.
    
    I'm seriously disturbed.

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    1. 67

       Lady Guinevereposted 9 years agoin reply to this

       Wow, so personal.  So you do not believe in God's command then, I am assuming and that your way is better?

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    2. 70

       Aime Fposted 9 years agoin reply to this

       Yes. Not killing my child (or anyone else's child, for that matter) IS better than listening to something in your head that may or may not be real. I kind of fear for other people's kids after reading this.

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       Lady Guinevereposted 9 years agoin reply to this

       Who said that God was in your head?  Where is God and do you know better than he?  Just asking and not being personal.  This was hypothetical.

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       Aime Fposted 9 years agoin reply to this

       I suppose I don't see how anyone could be 100% certain that God was talking to them rather than having a hallucination. Mentally ill people hear "God" talking to them all the time.

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       fpherj48posted 9 years agoin reply to this

       I'm seriously having a very hard time accepting that I'm REALLY reading this hogwash & not having an outrageous nightmare.This is the single most ludicrous HYPOTHETICAL question I have ever seen.Oh Debra, so sorry You have lost me as a follower.

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    6. 67

       Lady Guinevereposted 9 years agoin reply to this

       OMG Paula.  You fell into the trap of not looking at things from all sides and being judgemental too.  I never would have thought!  U know what they say, If u lose a friend, then you never really had them to begin with.

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    7. 59

       fpherj48posted 9 years agoin reply to this

       The Q&A is NOT FOR SETTING "TRAPS" FOR FELLOW HUBBERS!! It's not for playing games.How dare you attempt to insult the intelligence of your readers or set people up w/ a stupid game! Now the cover-up? I'm not buying it.  Go play with others!

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    8. 67

       Lady Guinevereposted 9 years agoin reply to this

       It wasn't intended to be a trap or play game.  It was to get people to THINK, of which you didn't either.  So be it.  If u don't like it leave.  It doesn't bother me 1 bit.

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    9. 71

       getitriteposted 9 years agoin reply to this

       Yep...the cognitive dissonance is setting in, and its causing mental stress. Its hard for a mind to hold two opposing views at the same time without this mental stress. New information must be neutralized to assuage the dissonance.

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13. 82

    parrsterposted 9 years ago

    It depends. If we look at a biblical example:
    
    Abraham's willingness to sacrifice Isaac stemmed from an unflinching conviction that God was faithful to keep his promises. A faith that believed in Gods power over death, even to the raising up of the son of promise (Hebrews 11:19).
    It is a test he likely would have failed if there was no promise, or if he failed to believe the promise. But Abraham had faith, and it was attributed to him as righteousness. No other man but Abraham can claim such a promise in defence of his actions, therefore no comparison exists to justify such actions since.
    
    By way of analogy: Imagine you had a son in whose body tissue chemistry existed a cure for a virus that was killing millions of people. However, to synthesis such a cure required the body of your son be sacrificed. Of course, no one expects you to willingly offer up your son under such a condition. However, a highly respected doctor tells you that he has developed a process by which your son can be brought back to life shortly after the procedure. You trust him, your son is sacrificed, and then brought back to life. Has any crime been committed?

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    1. 67

       Lady Guinevereposted 9 years agoin reply to this

       Good analogy.  Let's see if anyone else picks it up.

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       Link10103posted 9 years agoin reply to this

       Your analogy provides a greater good for the whole of humanity to be achieved with no real loss. Provided it was painless, no no real crime was committed.
       
       Having god tell you to randomly off your child serves...what purpose exactly?

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       Lady Guinevereposted 9 years agoin reply to this

       Link, why would it have to be random.  The purpose was to save the rest of the world.

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       Link10103posted 9 years agoin reply to this

       In the form of the analogy it would yes.
       
       In the form of your question though, its completely random.

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       Lady Guinevereposted 9 years agoin reply to this

       How's that, Link?

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       Link10103posted 9 years agoin reply to this

       The analogy provided a greater good for all to be achieved.
       Your question simply asks if one would do it or not, with no benefit and no guarantee you would be stopped/the child would be revived. Just an out of the blue request to kill your kid

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    7. 67

       Lady Guinevereposted 9 years agoin reply to this

       Link, I did not ask that we judge God or the Pastor, and I did ask How would you do it, something that you missed. I took it from the standpoint of what Abraham would have done and thought when he was told to make his son a burnt offering.

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       dashingscorpioposted 9 years agoin reply to this

       It's my understanding that God knows what is in your heart and he (knows) every choice you're going to make from the time you are born. That would mean it's impossible to surprise God. There's no reason to "test" anyone when you know them.

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       Link10103posted 9 years agoin reply to this

       I didn't miss anything, I'm responding to the topical question and this analogy. How one would kill their kid if asked by god is irrelevant compared to IF they would
       
       If I read it right, Abraham was ready to burn Isaac before god made him the promise

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    chuckandus6posted 9 years ago

    No, simply no way in...well you know where.

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    1. 67

       Lady Guinevereposted 9 years agoin reply to this

       So you choose to go against God's command?

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    tsadjatkoposted 9 years ago

    
    
    I have seen references to Abraham here but the one thing no one has mentioned here is that God told Abraham not just to murder Issac but to sacrifice him on the alter as a burnt offering. "Then God said, “Take your son, your only son, whom you love, Isaac, and go to the region of Moriah. Sacrifice him there as a burnt offering on a mountain I will show you.” Later Issac asks Abraham “The fire and wood are here,” Isaac said, “but where is the lamb for the burnt offering?” Abraham answered, “God himself will provide the lamb for the burnt offering, my son.” And the two of them went on together.
    
    Abraham knew in his heart God would not let him kill Isaac, because Abraham knew God, Abraham knew from experience he could trust God, and Abraham knew that God had promised him offspring through Isaac, so this gave him reason to believe that God did not intend for Isaac to die permanently. God's command to Abraham was not wrong, for God has the right to take human life and therefore had the right to command Isaac's death. Abraham had known God for many years prior to this, so he knew God's character and knew that God had the right to give this command. Had Abraham initiated the sacrifice or followed an order not authorized by God, then his act would have been wrong.
    
    So to answer the question "If God DIRECTLY told you to kill your first child and you knew it was Him, would you do it?" you really need to understand there is more to "you knew it was him". How you know it was him and knowing exactly who "Him" is is necessary, otherwise this question can mean different things to different people. If you are referencing the Biblical account of Abraham and Isaac in your answer it is clear God was not simply ordering a believer to kill his son for no reason and would never do that.
    
    Why then would God command this? The point was for Abraham to demonstrate that he trusted God completely and placed him above all else, even his own son. Though God of course already knew that Abraham had faith in him, it was necessary for Abraham to prove it through action. "His faith was made complete by what he did" (James 2:21-23). Because of his actions, not only God but Abraham, his family and future generations knew that Abraham trusted God.
    
    So, no one need ever wonder if God would tell them to kill their own child. Abraham and his account is history, it will not be replayed to satisfy a Hub Page Q&A, God's Son has come and was sacrificed for our sins, God's purpose has been fulfilled!

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    1. 59

       fpherj48posted 9 years agoin reply to this

       tsad..I certainly HOPE Debra appreciates your explicit explanation re: Abraham. If she doesn't she SHOULD! Other than those who have said "NO WAY!" can thank themselves for WHY Christians are considered looney tunes. I'm leaving. Debra plays games.

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    2. 67

       Lady Guinevereposted 9 years agoin reply to this

       Paul, read what I wrote on Word55 post and why I chose it to be the best answer.  Paula you surprise me.

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       fpherj48posted 9 years agoin reply to this

       Debra.Be surprised all you want I'm absolutely horrified. Readers are not required to read minds! You admit to playing with people's minds & motives.U chose word55 Best Answer w/"GOOD Answer!" Ur other comments are similar. NOW U try to back out?

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    4. 67

       Lady Guinevereposted 9 years agoin reply to this

       Where did I say that I play with peoples minds. Quote Me!

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       Link10103posted 9 years agoin reply to this

       You didn't seem to reprimand those that said they would kill their kids if asked by god until Paula said something about it, then suddenly its like you were trying to expose those people.
       
       Sorta leads one to think you are doing mind games.

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    6. 67

       Lady Guinevereposted 9 years agoin reply to this

       u r the one playing those games.  If GOD told u to do something then why refute it since he knows everything?  Hows that playing mind games with anyone?  I guess u don't believe God to be the higher being.  No games, just facts..

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       Link10103posted 9 years agoin reply to this

       No, I don't, whether it be your god or any others. Calm down with the assertions.
       
       The whole logic behind the question is insane. Aside from the fact that he already knows, why does god not only need to confirm it but require help to kill the child?

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    Austinstarposted 9 years ago

    The point is that if you believe in this god and choose to be his devotee, you MUST do what he says!
    Even if you god tells you to do unthinkable things, if you want to "please god", (and get your fantasy reward) you must obey!
    That is the relationship of a slave/master! The slave MUST obey!
    If you want to question your god, you are doubting him/her/it. Therefore, you MUST obey.
    If your god wants you to worship him for eternity, you MUST obey!
    So, quit questioning his existence and go ahead and blindly follow your master and be sure to keep us atheists informed about your psychotic master! After all, he has commanded you to "spread his word to the world".
    What size coffins will you be needing for all those children you will be killing? I should go into the funeral business!

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    1. 59

       fpherj48posted 9 years agoin reply to this

       Lela..I'm outta here. IMHO, this is not about believers or atheists. I see selfish motives on Debra's part. Asking this explosive question, fishing for HER OWN specific answer. I'm in utter shock & disgust. Someone let the patients out again!!

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    2. 67

       Lady Guinevereposted 9 years agoin reply to this

       u r right Lela, and this has gotten some to think about what they do and some to be shocked that I would even ask such a question.  Everyone Asks questions for answers.  Too funny!

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    3. 84

       Austinstarposted 9 years agoin reply to this

       Some people would rather stick their head in the sand (or bible) than to face up to unpleasant questions like you and I ask.

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    4. 67

       Lady Guinevereposted 9 years agoin reply to this

       u know Lela others have aksed similar questions but you and I always get the flack. This was right out of the Bible. Knee jerk reactions. u cn kill a persns spirit with simple words as the.try to do to us for asking Questions of their book.

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    5. 87

       aethelthrythposted 9 years agoin reply to this

       Arguing with the Creator is like arguing with gravity that falling off a cliff shouldn't hurt - you can argue, but you aren't going to win!  You don't invent the god you like; you follow the God Who invented you, or take the consequences.

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    word55posted 9 years ago

    Usually when someone asks me a conditional question that is irrelevant to the reality, it is hard to answer precisely if not actually in the situation therefore, my answer can be just as improbable... read more

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18. 0

    SirDentposted 9 years ago

    I know a best answer has already been chosen but I still have something to say.  To sacrifice something does not necessarily mean to kill it.  It means to give it up.  God told Abraham, "Sacrifice your only son and offer him up as a burnt offering to me."  It says nothing about killing the child. 
    
    Abraham also told Isaac, "God will provide Himself a lamb for a sacrifice."  That lamb was Jesus Christ, not the RAM that so many think it was.
    
    I also have to add, I see where many have been accused of judging.  I see it all the time it seems but those same people who accuse others, do the very same thing.  They judge others whom they say are judgmental.  I also saw that some were called crazy in the comments section here. 
    
    John 11:35  Jesus wept.
    
    @Paula.  I really don't know you but I commend you for your stance.  At least you have integrity.  Thank you.

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       Lady Guinevereposted 9 years agoin reply to this

       A burnt offering is to cook something until it is charred dead and unedible.  Who said anything about Jesus?  What does ur scripture have to do with my question..nothing!  You are barking up the wrong tree here.  Thx for speaking ur miind and others2

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