Atheism Rules !

1. 67

   Mishaposted 17 years ago

   Never mind, there is nothing worse than explaining jokes. Thanks for trying though

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2. 64

   WeddingConsultantposted 17 years ago

   Jeromeo, did I miss you telling everyone on here that you're a jehovah's witness?  They were asking for one to step forward a while back.  I dunno, maybe I missed it...

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   1. 60

      Jeromeoposted 17 years agoin reply to this

      I was not participating in the thread, at that time, just recently joined.  But my religious Hubs have posted-articles-from-both the Awake and Watchtower magazines.

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      1. 0

         sandra rinckposted 17 years agoin reply to this

         I am wondering Jeromeo, how come so many christain groups say Jahovah is evil?  Personally, I think Baptist are worse.  LOL.  They love to talk sh** about Jahovah.  Honestly,  I don't know what you do that is so bad or what you say that is sooo different.  Can you enlighten us/me on this?

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         1. 60

            Jeromeoposted 17 years agoin reply to this

            Thanks for the oppertunity to explain. 
            
            The Baptist religion like many others believes in, Pagen holidays, doesn't pay taxes, believes in the trinity, and is one of Satans tools to keep people form the truth.
            
            By deceiving people into thinking they are serving God, not just Baptist but all of Christondom, has, blessed people in the armed forces as they go to fight and kill their brothers.  They have mixed in politics for their own gain. [Presidentual Candidate Obamas' Pastor the Rev. Wright.] And they continually lie to perserve their strangle hold on their followers; all while claiming to represent God.
            
            John the Baptist was be-headed, at a Birthday celebration for king Herod, as a birthday present for his stepdaughter, whom he had desires for.
            
            The Christmas  Holiday is a combination of Pagen Holidays, relating back to the time of Noah's grandson, Nimrod. 
            
            During these Pagen celebrations, Christondom makes money.
            
            Religous Groups have allways allowed them selves to be fore-runners for someone's political agenda.  First the missionaries then the merchants, then the army.
            
            Most people resent Jahovah's Witnesses because they don't celebrate holidays, and people believe it's crule to not share Christmas with your children.  But take note, when we teach our children that Santa Clause, is real we are telling them a lie.  The Bible says thou shalt not lie.
            
            I remember staying up to see Santa when I was 5 years old,  it was about 2:00am when I herd one of the more challenged adults whisper,  "we need to beat his tail, and make him go  to bed."  They needed to put the toys under the true, but their lies were keeping, me up and they were very upset about it.
            
            Then too, I do taxes, or did and I have seen people go into debt, buying for Christmas, they refinance their homes or wait for a tax refund to pay of credit card debt form Christmas, and then do it all again the next year.
            
            Wouldn't it be better to show our affections for loved ones all year long, rather than to force ourselves into bankruptcy; trying to be part of a holiday that is based on un-truths and commercialism.
            
            Jehovah's Witnesses believe in studing the Bible and working hard to maintain it's teachings.  Make no mistake Witnesses are human and make mistakes just like all other humans but they do hold congregation members to Bible standards.  The organiztion pays it's taxes[ give to [Ceaser, what is Ceaser's] and is politically nutural.
            
            They recoginze form the writings of the Bible, that Jesus has already returned to earth, and that he is represented by the people who are commited to spreading the truth, about His death and resurrection.
            
            Jehovah's Witnesses also know that their is no hell fire and that each of us is free to make the decision to accept Christ withour fear of burnnig in hell.
            
            This is a small attempt at explaining what witnesses are all about,  If you have specific questions post them and I will try to answer.  If you grow tired of waiting for my responses, try www.watchtower.org... but like I said I will make every effort to enlighten you as far as your curiosity takes you.
            
            This is the part where we usually offer a private home Bible study, because their are so many differences.  But since you're just asking routine questions, I will be the voice for the organization.   If you ever decide that you want a study; or want to test the organization in the privacy of your home, answer the door when the Witnesses, stop by.
            
            Like I said, ask them questions and compare the responses with the scriptures.  You don;t have to accept a study to do this and if you ever start a study you can cancel it when ever you get ready.
            
            Also like, I told you a lot of the things you write are word for word what is taught on Sunday mornings in the Kingdome Hall,  It surprised me to read your hubs and know that you are not a Witness.  Many of the feelings you expressed are taken form the truth.
            
            Hoped this helped.

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               sandra rinckposted 17 years agoin reply to this

               Radically, I did not know that you didn't celebrate holidays.  Believe it or not, which I know you will, the Spirit told me to be careful of how I celebrate the holidays, so this last year I was not so thrilled and even frightened to celebrate any holiday.  Go figure. 
               
               
               Looks like the Lord is a little closer than you imagined.  Funny, or eerie rather,  most of all the stuff I wrote came from what the Spirit told me.  I wonder who is right???
               
               Also, you nailed the Baptist and what I witnessed as their teachings and practices on the head. 
               
               This is amazingly interesting.  My mind a whirl at the moment. 
               
               I am going to go and take this in a bit.  Hope to hear from you soon.  but I am off to a punk rock show.  woo hooo!!!

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3. 64

   WeddingConsultantposted 17 years ago

   Two milestones reached on this thread
   
   I think it's safe to say that we have reached two milestones in this thread:
   1. This is the longest thread on hubpages' forum
   2. Mark has over 2,000 forum posts! (Is that a record?  Not sure, but it's a milestone for Mark!)
   
   Congratulations everyone!

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   1. 61

      Thom Carnesposted 17 years agoin reply to this

      Yes - quite an achievement. This is obviously a subject that touches some deep-seated emotional and psychological triggers in all of us, I guess.
      
      WC - How much of what Jeromeo is saying do you actually *agree* with?
      
      And what about his *method* of saying it?
      
      Hope you don't mind my asking - just curious, that's all.

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      1. 64

         WeddingConsultantposted 17 years agoin reply to this

         Thom, there are some differences between Jehovah's Witnesses and the more mainline Christian denominations such as Baptist, Methodist, etc.  To get into those differences, though, would probably add 10+ pages to this post!
         
         Suffice it to say I don't agree with JW's.

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4. 0

   RFoxposted 17 years ago

   Sandra:
   I believe if you embrace death it frees you to enjoy life. Truly grasping the impermanence of this world changes your perspective and causes you to not want to waste any time being angry or frustrated etc. It sounds morbid but studying death instills a passion for life and for all the beautiful moments that would not be so special if they lasted forever. In my humble opinion
   
   And I have to find the time to go back and read all these great things you guys have been talking about. This is an incredible forum thread. Kudos! Been too busy of late with work to catch up. Lol
   
   Congrats Mark on reaching your goal.....longest thread on HP!

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5. 59

   Mark Knowlesposted 17 years ago

   lol
   
   It wasn't a goal until I realized I had pushed every one's buttons.

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6. 0

   Graceful Guardianposted 17 years ago

   Atheisim is just another word.It is bound by its limitaions,and is just another conspiracy theory given to create doubt about what people believe.If you are a true believer such a word has no meaning in your dictionary,the filing compartment of what we call our brains.

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7. 52

   Tom Hposted 17 years ago

   I would like to know if I can post a link to a debate called 'Does God Exist?' between two very well known men on different sides of their respective fields.
   These two men are named Gordon Stein representing atheism and Dr. Greg L Bahnsen representing Christianity.
   
   Here is some information about these two gentlemen.
   
   Atheists are represented by Gordon Stein.
   Senior Editor of Free Inquiry Gordon Stein died August 27, at Buffalo General Hospital after a brief illness. He was 55.
   Gordon received a Ph.D. in physiology from Ohio State University in 1974. He later obtained a second master's degree in library science at University of California at Los Angeles. He taught at the University of Rhode Island. At the time of his death he was Director of Libraries at the Center for Inquiry. He was making excellent progress in amassing the largest collection of freethought and skeptical literature in the world.
   In addition to his work for Free Inquiry, he edited the magazine American Rationalist. His books included Robert G. Ingersoll (1969), An Anthology of Atheism and Rationalism (1980), and The Encyclopedia of Unbelief (1985).
   Gordon was also a well-known authority on hoaxes and deceptions. For several years prior to his death he was a Technical Consultant to the Committee for the Scientific Investigation of Claims of the Paranormal, headquartered at The Center for Inquiry.
   He was editor of the Encyclopedia of Hoaxes (1993) and, most recently, The Encyclopedia of the Paranormal (1996), published by Prometheus Books.
   His two areas of specialty, humanism and hoaxes, combined to make him an authority on Spiritualism (the supposed communication with spirits of the dead) as well. He wrote and lectured extensively on that subject, and he penned a biography of the notorious spiritualist medium D. D. Home, called The Sorcerer of Kings (1993).
   Just over two weeks before his death, although he was very ill (his cancer having progressed further than any of us knew), he insisted on accompanying a group who were attending the Center for Inquiry Institute on a trip to the Spiritualist colony at Lily Dale, New York. While his chemotherapy treatment caused him to tire quickly, he shared with everyone his vast knowledge of Spiritualism and helped make the outing especially educational.
   Survivors include a former wife, Barbara (Laiks) Stein, and their daughter Karen. He is also survived by another former wife, Eve Triffo, and his only sister, Irna S. Jay.
   In keeping with his wishes, his remains were cremated. Gifts to the Library Fund in memory of Gordon Stein will be gratefully received.
   —    Joe Nickell
   George Stein’s other credentials include:
   * President, American Rationalist Federation   
   * President, Free Thought Association
   * Board Member, North American Committee for Humanism
   * Vice President (Pacific), Freedom from Religion Foundation
   * Vice President, Atheists United
   * Author of 5 leading books
   * Author of 2 pamphlets including "How to Argue with a Theist and Win"
   * Editor, American Rationalist Journal
   * Associate Editor, Free Inquiry Magazine
   
   Christians are represented by Dr. Greg L. Bahnsen, (1948-1995), was an ordained minister in the Orthodox Presbyterian Church and a full time Scholar in Residence for the Southern California Center for Christian Studies. He received his Ph.D. in philosophy from the University of Southern California, specializing in the theory of knowledge. He previously received the B.A. (magna cum laude, philosophy) from Westmont College, and then simultaneously earned the M.Div. and Th.M. degrees from Westminster Theological Seminary. Dr. Bahnsen lectured to a broad range of evangelical Christian groups at many colleges and conferences. He was an experienced apologist and debater, a clear and cogent teacher of the Christian worldview who was devoted to training believers in understanding and applying the Christian faith to every area of life. He published numerous scholarly articles, a number of well-known books, and has over 1,500 recorded lectures and sermons. Dr. Bahnsen died on December 11th, 1995.

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8. 59

   Mark Knowlesposted 17 years ago

   Tom - As far as I am aware, you can post away. There are lots of links in this thread already. Not up to me of course, but I doubt it will be deleted by the powers-that-be.

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9. 52

   Tom Hposted 17 years ago

   For any who are interested in a debate called “Does God Exist?” between two very well known men among their followers, you can find it
   here or if you prefer you can read it
   here
   
   Atheists are represented by Gordon Stein.
   Senior Editor of Free Inquiry Gordon Stein died August 27, at Buffalo General Hospital after a brief illness. He was 55.
   Gordon received a Ph.D. in physiology from Ohio State University in 1974. He later obtained a second master's degree in library science at University of California at Los Angeles. He taught at the University of Rhode Island. At the time of his death he was Director of Libraries at the Center for Inquiry. He was making excellent progress in amassing the largest collection of freethought and skeptical literature in the world.
   In addition to his work for Free Inquiry, he edited the magazine American Rationalist. His books included Robert G. Ingersoll (1969), An Anthology of Atheism and Rationalism (1980), and The Encyclopedia of Unbelief (1985).
   Gordon was also a well-known authority on hoaxes and deceptions. For several years prior to his death he was a Technical Consultant to the Committee for the Scientific Investigation of Claims of the Paranormal, headquartered at The Center for Inquiry.
   He was editor of the Encyclopedia of Hoaxes (1993) and, most recently, The Encyclopedia of the Paranormal (1996), published by Prometheus Books.
   His two areas of specialty, humanism and hoaxes, combined to make him an authority on Spiritualism (the supposed communication with spirits of the dead) as well. He wrote and lectured extensively on that subject, and he penned a biography of the notorious spiritualist medium D. D. Home, called The Sorcerer of Kings (1993).
   Just over two weeks before his death, although he was very ill (his cancer having progressed further than any of us knew), he insisted on accompanying a group who were attending the Center for Inquiry Institute on a trip to the Spiritualist colony at Lily Dale, New York. While his chemotherapy treatment caused him to tire quickly, he shared with everyone his vast knowledge of Spiritualism and helped make the outing especially educational.
   Survivors include a former wife, Barbara (Laiks) Stein, and their daughter Karen. He is also survived by another former wife, Eve Triffo, and his only sister, Irna S. Jay.
   In keeping with his wishes, his remains were cremated. Gifts to the Library Fund in memory of Gordon Stein will be gratefully received.
   —    Joe Nickell
   George Stein’s other credentials include:
   * President, American Rationalist Federation   
   * President, Free Thought Association
   * Board Member, North American Committee for Humanism
   * Vice President (Pacific), Freedom from Religion Foundation
   * Vice President, Atheists United
   * Author of 5 leading books
   * Author of 2 pamphlets including "How to Argue with a Theist and Win"
   * Editor, American Rationalist Journal
   * Associate Editor, Free Inquiry Magazine
   
   Christians are represented by Dr. Greg L. Bahnsen, (1948-1995), was an ordained minister in the Orthodox Presbyterian Church and a full time Scholar in Residence for the Southern California Center for Christian Studies. He received his Ph.D. in philosophy from the University of Southern California, specializing in the theory of knowledge. He previously received the B.A. (magna cum laude, philosophy) from Westmont College, and then simultaneously earned the M.Div. and Th.M. degrees from Westminster Theological Seminary. Dr. Bahnsen lectured to a broad range of evangelical Christian groups at many colleges and conferences. He was an experienced apologist and debater, a clear and cogent teacher of the Christian worldview who was devoted to training believers in understanding and applying the Christian faith to every area of life. He published numerous scholarly articles, a number of well-known books, and has over 1,500 recorded lectures and sermons. Dr. Bahnsen died on December 11th, 1995.

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10. 73

    Inspirepubposted 17 years ago

    It seems to me, Tom, that you think it is possible to "interpret" something without being "subjective".
    
    In the language I speak, as I understand the meanings of those two words, interpretations ARE subjective.
    
    If you speak a language which has in it the concept of an "interpretation" which is somehow "objective" rather than "subjective", then you and I are speaking different languages, because such a thing is non-sensical in the language I speak.
    
    I am a little unclear whether this is your position, because of your use of language, but I agree with you if you are saying that the Bible should always be interpreted, rather than taken literally.
    
    To be clear, I will explain how I see the Bible.
    
    Myself, personally, I believe that the Bible is like any work of art - it uses metaphors and allegories to speak of things which we recognise at a subconscious level. No two individuals will have the same experience of the Bible.
    
    I do not consider this a bad thing, or a problem.
    
    I believe that true guidance comes from within, not from any book anyway.

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11. 61

    Thom Carnesposted 17 years ago

    Tom - if, as you say, "Scripture should always interpret Scripture", doesn't this simply produce a self-perpetuating tautology?
    
    This may indeed be extremely convenient - but doesn't exactly lead to any form of meaningful discussion in most people's understanding of the term.

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12. 60

    knolyourselfposted 17 years ago

    Thought Mark might like to know that Richard Dawkins was on the Bill Maher show last night, subject atheism. Maher asked him specifically how could intelligent people believe in a talking snake. For those who may not know, Maher is a political comedian with a weekly show on HBO. And in my opinion the best and funniest 'left wing' comic in US, and the only show where people can say what ever they want.

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       sandra rinckposted 17 years agoin reply to this

       I know Maher is my favorite secular thinker.  Cracks me up.  Wish I could watch but I aint got no hbo.  boooooooo!.

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13. 52

    Tom Hposted 17 years ago

    It seems that for what ever reason what I am saying on this forum is not being understood. At this point I have no idea if it is just the way I am communicating, or it something else entirely.
    Therefore, I am going to ask some friends if they might look at what I am saying and tell me what the problem might be.
    I have thick skin, so I am not afraid of others disagreeing with me. In fact I expect it especially with a thread the title of this one. However, it is a little frustrating when my words are not being understood.
    At this point I suspect that I am having trouble putting into words what is in mind, but I truly don't know for sure.
    Until then, there isn't much point in me posting.
    
    However I would like to say something to inspirepub about something she said.
    It seems to me, Tom, that you think it  … ive".
    
    Perhaps this is the heart of the matter.
    Although I believe that the Bible is objective truth. As long as fallible man is involved there is always a chance that they are wrong in their interpretation of the Scriptures. I know this because on certain issues, as I have studied Scripture deeper, I have had to change my former understanding of certain doctrines.
    But that does not change the fact that the Scriptures as originally written are inspired by God and with out error. The problem comes when man translates the Scriptures into other languages. Sometimes it is impossible to translate certain Hebrew or Koin Greek words into English, because there are no words that portray the actual meaning. For instance the English word "love" is often used and can give the impression that in every case it means the same thing, however that is not the case in Koin Greek or Hebrew. This is one of the reasons context is important and it sure doesn’t hurt to know the original languages.
    
    Speaking of context, every time someone writes something, or even speaks. In order to understand correctly what is being communicated context is important. It isn’t any different with the Bible.
    
    I don't want to get too much more into that aspect, because I don't want to bore anyone, especially with my limited communication skills.

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14. 0

    sandra rinckposted 17 years ago

    I haven't figured out how to quote portions of post yet.  help me out.  every time I try, I get...the white box...LOL...

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    1. 60

       Jeromeoposted 17 years agoin reply to this

       When you get back to the thread you can read this.  Freaked me out that you replyed so quickly.
       
       The way to isolate the answers is to cut out the part that's not what you want to reply to, in the white box, You press and hold the left finger button on the mouse, make sure you start where you want ot delete the text.  Drag the mouse down till you have got every thing out that you want, it will turn blue,  then release the left button go to the edit heading and after the window of opptions drops down click on cut.
       
       What you don't want will disappear and you can reply to whatever is left.  Read you tommorrow.
       
       Jeromeo

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15. 0

    sandra rinckposted 17 years ago

    ps Jeromeo,  Now it makes sense that when I was telling the Pastor at the Baptist church about all the stuff that the Spirit said, He asked me if I had spoken to a Jahovahas Witness. LOL.
    
    No wonder I scared the dickens out of him.  No wonder the next Bible study class included a lecture on why Jahovah was not right, and no wonder he felt he had no choice but to blow me off. 
    It all makes more sense now. LOL. 
    
    At the moment I can't get over it.  The Spirit is real alright, just don't ask me to call him Jahovah and we are good. 
    
    though I did get a name that I couldn't quite make out, it was something like,  Birahan, something like that, if it rings a bell, let me know. 
    
    
    Much love,
    
    sandra

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       Inspirepubposted 17 years agoin reply to this

       Brahma?
       
       Jenny

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       1. 0

          sandra rinckposted 17 years agoin reply to this

          no definatly not brahma,  it was almost impronouncable, but the closest I can get is more like Baharin, something like that.

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          1. 68

             SparklingJewelposted 17 years agoin reply to this

             Sandy I have sent you a response to this in your private e-mail.

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          2. 0

             sandra rinckposted 17 years agoin reply to this

             http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bahrain
             
             
             
             I was googling, and Bahrain is the Garden of Eden, or so it is said. 
             
             I wonder what significance this has considering it was a word given to me from God?

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16. 61

    LisaGposted 17 years ago

    I enjoy reading the Watchtower magazine. Sometimes when the Witnesses come calling I invite them and listen attentively to what they have to say. I once attended a Sabbath keeping church and it was through them that I learned how to read and understand the Bible.
    
    If someone is an atheist or unbeliever does not make them a bad person.  They've got their reasons for being that way, but there are certain laws to live by that once you live by them (even uknowingly) you can be successful in life. 
    
    I visit the Religion forum occasionally but do not always participate, not because I am afraid or anything, but everyone is doing such a great job. I learn and enjoy just reading what everyone contributes, but I will try to participate more often.

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       WeddingConsultantposted 17 years agoin reply to this

       LisaG, I'm glad you're getting a lot out of our discussions in here!  That's one of the biggest reasons I continued to post a few (dozen?) pages ago.  Hopefully we have collectively stimulated some thoughts in here...

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17. 0

    Graceful Guardianposted 17 years ago

    Did you know that the name of YHWH is the 3rd command,it is do not bring My Name To Naught,or in vain.The word Jehovah does this exact crime.The take his sacred name,YHWH, and add the name adonia to it to make the name Jehovah,and they change the Y to a J.Do you see any Vowels in His Sacred Name! I do Not! I tell them to take their covenant breaking religion away from me.And a Apology to all I may have hurt by this statement.It is not intended to hurt,Just to let the Truth be Known.

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18. 59

    Mark Knowlesposted 17 years ago

    Sparkling Jewel - I have pretty much avoided direct communication with you in this thread because you seem to have nearly got it. I have no wish to mess with your progress. But, like the christians, you are missing a key point.
    
    Also, you have completely failed to get me. I know this from your first response on this same thread. My "real-self" and "not-real self" are in (almost) harmony. This is my real/not-real self talking If you look at what has come out of this discussion, it was, I think enlightening, and knowledge sharing for all concerned. Please look at your first conclusion/judgment.
    
    Please be careful in the way you attempt to enlighten Sandra. Her first experience did not go well.
    
    These things you call elementals that give you joy are clearly something you do not fully understand. I hesitate to use the words "right," and "wrong," when discussing these "fairies," that you talk of. But, I can promise you that they are not all "good." I also hesitate to use the word malignant, but certainly passively malignant can be applied. They operate on completely different thought processes and care as much about us as you of I care about a grain of sand on the beach. And that is how important we are individually. Now you know why I think that
    
    I understand what you are trying to say when you say some of the things you say, but they are very easily misinterpreted - especially the way you say them. Almost as though you are preaching your gospel.
    
    Please do not take this as a criticism. It is not meant as such. It is just my view of how you come across to me.
    
    Sandra - you asked me to show you the way earlier and I said you need to find your own way. You do. I also suggested reading books. I still do. I will list a few resources that are worth exploring that may help. But be warned. It is very, very difficult to keep your feet on the ground in the "real," world when exploring here. You have a small child that needs your attention.
    
    There is a reason the shamans of the old tribes were absolved of all earthly responsibilities such as feeding themselves. The same reason was once upon a time appropriate for the clergy. That time has long since passed of course and most "christian," priests are far more concerned with the earthly pleasures than is proper. 
    
    This woman, Judith Anodea, has some interesting insights and I would heartily recommend her introductory books as a good starting point:
    
    http://www.sacredcenters.com/index.html
    
    Reading about the Tarot and the book of Thoth may also be beneficial.
    
    A degree of physical self control is also helpful and yoga is a good place to start with this.
    
    I cannot tell you how to do this. No one can - but be extremely wary of anyone who says they can - christian or otherwise. There are at least as many charlatans in this area as there are in the established churches. Also, like the churches there are an enormous number of people who have almost got it, but have only made part of the journey. These are the ones to be most avoided and the ones hardest to spot. Specifically any practitioner of reiki is absolutely to be kept away from. (Apologies to any reiki masters reading this - if you have a problem, feel free to +PM me and I will explain.)
    
    This was directed specifically at these two people rather than the general audience.
    
    Sorry to go on like this and I will once again bow out

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       WeddingConsultantposted 17 years agoin reply to this

       Mark maybe your #1 fan will continue where you left off???

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          Mark Knowlesposted 17 years agoin reply to this

          LOL - I forgot about her

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19. 0

    RFoxposted 17 years ago

    As always Mark you give good advice.

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20. 52

    Tom Hposted 17 years ago

    Thank you for your patience (especially Jenny and Thom.) I had friends look at this thread and told me basically that the main problem is my posts are a little too terse for a forum like this.
    I need to explain what I mean better when I say things like "Scripture must interpret Scripture"
    Unfortunately, my time is limitted and I probably spend too much time on the web anyway (just ask my wife) . So probably the best course of action would be to bow out of the discussion.
    That doesn't mean that I will not from time to time participtate, but I will ask myself before I post if I can afford the time first.

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21. 64

    WeddingConsultantposted 17 years ago

    I'm curious.  Is she an atheist too?

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22. 59

    Mark Knowlesposted 17 years ago

    I have no idea. Although, in true sock puppet style, she will either support me 100% and say nicey nicey things about me and my opinions - or alternatively be so aggressively obnoxious towards me that people come on to my side. I haven't decided yet

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       WeddingConsultantposted 17 years agoin reply to this

       

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    knolyourselfposted 17 years ago

    Seems me there was a way to view the number of posts on this thread, but I can't find it now. Thought maybe if number 1000 has not been reached, that Mark should make the number one thousand post.

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       Mark Knowlesposted 17 years agoin reply to this

       Actually, you were post number 1,000
       
       You are now officially an ordained atheist
       
       Bless you my child

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24. 0

    sandra rinckposted 17 years ago

    Atheism does not exist. LOL.

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25. 60

    knolyourselfposted 17 years ago

    Was afraid of that. I consider the ordinaltion an honor.

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       Mark Knowlesposted 17 years agoin reply to this

       Go out and spread the word my son.

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26. 60

    knolyourselfposted 17 years ago

    Let's not get carried away. I like the concept and consider it an essential. But I will
    consider my ordination honorary.

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27. 59

    Mark Knowlesposted 17 years ago

    LOL
    
    Honorary, or an honor ?
    
    You have obligations now my child.

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28. 60

    knolyourselfposted 17 years ago

    Well my first obligation should then be to tell you that this child is probably older than you are. And what is the record that you were or are trying to break, thread
    wise? Keep hearing about it but don't know what it is.

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29. 59

    Mark Knowlesposted 17 years ago

    I can't remember - but I think we broke it a while back.

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30. 73

    Inspirepubposted 17 years ago

    Like any good religious organisation, we have lost sight of our original purpose, and are now merely promoting the continuation of the organisation.

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       sandra rinckposted 17 years agoin reply to this

       yip.

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31. 67

    Mishaposted 17 years ago

    I guess you are right Jenny

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    Mishaposted 17 years ago

    On the other hand, I don't like letting good things die

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    Mark Knowlesposted 17 years ago

    All I want is  a small tithe and the perpetuation of the myth. You can change that myth to suit - it was something about not believing in anything unless it is proven - like the spaghetti monster is proven. As long as I get the tithe I am happy - Say 30% of all income. Reasonable to avoid the wrath of the spaghetti monster.
    
    

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    Inspirepubposted 17 years ago

    I'd suggest a sliding scale, Mark, so we can work in my Goddess of Love aspects.
    
    I am just not sure whether we say 10% for the celibate types, 20% if you want to get married or practice serial monogamy, 30% and you can shag anyone you fancy, OR whether that is unfairly penalising the people we want to encourage as members, in which case we would have to say it's a flat 30% but you can negotiate to pay some of it in sexual favors ...

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    Mark Knowlesposted 17 years ago

    Awesome Jenny. I think you should be in charge of that aspect . Just send me the cheque at the end of the month. Sounds to me like you need to get out some anyway
    
    Dammit - which is the smilie with the sticky-out tongue?

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       Inspirepubposted 17 years agoin reply to this

       
       
       Text shortcuts rule.

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    WeddingConsultantposted 17 years ago

    What a great business idea!  I think Ron HUBbard (no relation to HUBpages) would agree!

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    Mark Knowlesposted 17 years ago

    WC - It' s the only way to make any real money - apparently

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    christalkalotposted 17 years ago

    If an athiest died hed be all dressed up and have nowere to go...
    at least if im dressed up at my funeral I know im heading off to party with Jesus

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       sandra rinckposted 17 years agoin reply to this

       your funny.  I like you.

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          compu-smartposted 17 years agoin reply to this

          I feel the urge to say..
          
          Atheism Rules OK !

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    Mark Knowlesposted 17 years ago

    Have a nice time then.
    
    Dressed up as in appropriate to the party right?

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       Inspirepubposted 17 years agoin reply to this

       That would have to be in your birthday suit, right?
       
       I mean, if God had meant for people to walk around naked, they would have been born that way ...

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    Mishaposted 17 years ago

    You feel the urge to start another chat thread
    
    I don't think it will work, though...

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       compu-smartposted 17 years agoin reply to this

       I think its working;)

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    Mark Knowlesposted 17 years ago

    It could work. Atheism does rule. We all agreed. Didn't we?

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    Inspirepubposted 17 years ago

    If everyone is agreeing, does that mean its not a REAL forum thread?

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    Mishaposted 17 years ago

    Yep, it misses the drama this way

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       Mark Knowlesposted 17 years agoin reply to this

       Misha - As usual you are 100% WRONG.
       
       That better?
       
       Like my new short-term avatar?

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    Mishaposted 17 years ago

    LOL Mark, you got me! I was sure I was talking to Maddie!

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    Mark Knowlesposted 17 years ago

    LOL - This was an attempt to close the stupid last one to post wins thread - didn't work
    
    For some reason people saw right through me

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    Mishaposted 17 years ago

    Actually I was surprised we did not have thread like that before. I think chat thread was on every forum I ever hanged out on, even when real chat was available...
    
    So, I think your fight to close it is doomed - there is a demand for this

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    Peter M. Lopezposted 17 years ago

    ...now this thread is no longer the longest...
    
    To reclaim the title you have to start it up again.

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    Mishaposted 17 years ago

    I guess that's what we are doing here Peter

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    WeddingConsultantposted 17 years ago

    Quick- someone bring up something controversial!
    
    Did anyone see Expelled yet?  I did...

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       Peter M. Lopezposted 17 years agoin reply to this

       Well...your review...

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          WeddingConsultantposted 17 years agoin reply to this

          It was entertaining!  Documentaries shown on big screens are typically pretty well done in many regards, and this one was no exception.  I have to say I laughed at the dumbfounded responses of some of the Atheists!
          
          Here are some of the laughable things mentioned:
          *Organic materials were created on the backs of crystals.  Huh?
          *This planet was pollinated by higher beings from other planets.  What...like aliens or something?
          
          One thing I found disgusting was the German tour guide's opinions concerning the Nazi concentration camps.  With a cold heart she seemed to defend the actions of the Nazi doctors when they would mutilate and kill people who were under the impression they were getting helped.  She didn't blink an EYE when entering the acid shower rooms and describing how many, many, many unsuspecting people were lead to their deaths there.

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             Mark Knowlesposted 17 years agoin reply to this

             That's the  Catholics for you.....

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    topstuffposted 17 years ago

    You all agreed but i want to know on which land atheism rules.

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       WeddingConsultantposted 17 years agoin reply to this

       Atheism rules on the planet Pluto.

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